Homilist Psalm 111:1-10 Praise you the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.… I. A NOBLE RESOLUTION FOR THIS HIGHEST WORK. 1. Thoroughness. "With my whole heart."(1) Without this thoroughness it would be unacceptable to God. "He abhors the sacrifice where not the heart is found."(2) Without this thoroughness it will yield no happiness to ourselves. (3) Without this thoroughness it will not be continuous, but broken, desultory, and worthless. 2. Publicity. Man has to do with society, he lives in society, and by it; and if he is thorough, worship will come out in every conversation, in every act, in the sublimity of the look, in the dignity of gait. II. A MIGHTY ARGUMENT FOR THIS HIGHEST WORK. Founded upon — 1. The works of God. (1) They are here spoken of generally. His works, whether of creation, government, or redemption, whether in connection with matter or mind, are in every sense great, infinitely great in number, variety, and perfection. It is here implied, however, that their greatness is only seen by those who search for them, "sought out." Their greatness is not in their bulk, their form, their colour, but in their essence, their plan, their uses, their relations, their bearings, etc. That those only search into them who have pleasure in them. A man must be interested in the works of God before he will study them. And to be interested in them he must love their Author. Hence piety is the spring of true philosophy. (2) They are spoken of specifically. His works are grand. Whatever He does in nature is worthy of Himself, who Himself is "clothed with honour and majesty" (Psalm 104:1). Wonderful. Can the greatest created intellect in the universe comprehend all concerning what appears to be the most insignificant work of God? Memorable. Can anything impress the human soul like the worlds of God? Beneficent (ver. 5). Truthful (ver. 7). 2. The character of God. (1) His rectitude (ver. 3). (2) His mercifulness (ver. 4). (3) His faithfulness (vers. 5, 7). III. AN ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATION FOR THIS HIGHEST WORK (ver. 10). 1. This "fear of the Lord," or piety, is the commencement of wisdom. He who has not a reverential love for God has not learnt the first lessons of true wisdom. True philosophy begins in piety. 2. The "fear of the Lord," or piety, secures a sound understanding. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. |
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