language is, "Depart from me, I desire not the knowledge of thy ways."

2ndly. This corruption further shows itself in men's works; "They are corrupt, (says the Psalmist) they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." And again he says, "The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men"-like a watchman from the top of some lofty tower-"to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are altogether become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one." The sinfulness of man is so wide spread, that God is here represented as looking down from heaven upon this fallen world, and pronouncing the whole mass to be diseased. "From the sole of the foot even unto the head, there is no soundness in it, but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores."

We see that unbelief in the heart produces evil actions. They are as a stream flowing from this poisoned source. Infidelity is the beginning of sin, and folly the foundation of infidelity. When God looks down from His holy habitation, what a sad sight does He behold! Sin is everywhere. This fair world of His is marred and stained with evil. All have gone astray. The path is marked out for them, but they have stepped aside from it. And if here and there a few are doing right, it is not in themselves; it is God, who by His grace

has found them, has led them into the good path, and has kept them there.

3rdly. Their corruption shows itself in their enmity against God and against His people. They are represented as devouring them, instead of helping them. They are described as enjoying no peace, but being in a constant state of alarm; and the more so since God plainly shows Himself to be on the side of the righteous. And again, they are accused of "shaming the counsel of the poor;" that is, of throwing contempt on their plans, because they sheltered themselves under the Lord as their refuge.

In the last verse an earnest desire is expressed for a better and happier state of things; "Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When the Lord bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice and Israel shall be glad."

We must remember that the captivity and distresses of God's people Israel were all in consequence of their sins, and their departure from God; and therefore the Psalmist expresses a longing desire that they should be restored, and be enabled once more to rejoice.

For us Christians God has now at length wrought a great salvation. Christ is come to deliver us from our captivity, and to set us free. May we accept His salvation; and may we find it to be the joy and rejoicing of our hearts!

PSALM XV.

Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

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DESCRIPTION is given in these verses of the person who is acceptable to God; who is a welcome worshipper in His earthly temple; and who shall be admitted into His everlasting dwelling-place above. The question is asked, "Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?" By the "holy hill," the Psalmist means Mount Zion, where the tabernacle was placed; and this tabernacle, or house of God, was an emblem of God's temple in heaven.

He proceeds to answer the question, by giving a description of one who may be considered as acceptable to God.

Ist. As to his conduct; "He walketh uprightly."

His life is pure and holy before God, and irreproachable before men.

2ndly. As to his deeds; "He worketh righteousness." He is fruitful in good works. He gives himself to God's service, and delights to do His will.

3rdly. As to his language; "He speaketh the truth in his heart. He backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour." He is a man of truth; one to be depended upon. And whilst many are tempted to speak unkindly of their neighbours, and to believe the slightest report that is damaging to their character, on his tongue is the law of kindness.

4thly. As to the distinction he makes between God's people and His enemies; "In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them. that fear the Lord." Though charity would lead the Christian to hope the best of all, it does not teach him to confound the wicked with the good. He sees and makes a clear distinction between them, condemning the one and honouring the other.

5thly. As regards his word, or oath; "He sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not." He pledges himself to do what is right, though it be to his disadvantage, and never goes back from his plighted word. Nothing tempts him to swerve from what he considers to be the right course.

6thly. As regards his view of what is just between man and man; "He putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent." He scorns to take advantage of his poorer brother; and no bribe can tempt him to condemn the innocent.

The putting out money to interest was positively forbidden by the Jewish Law. (Lev. xxv. 35-37.) And to take advantage of a neighbour's distress, and extort unlawful interest from him, is contrary to the spirit of the Gospel. A hard, grasping, grinding spirit, is condemned by Christ Himself.

Here then is the picture which the Psalmist draws of a truly godly man; of one who is fit for God's presence. And he adds in the last verse, "He that doeth these things shall never be moved;" he shall abide with God for ever.

Such an one is safe for time and for eternity. His foundation is sure. He will be secure in all the storms of life, and sheltered when the cold waves of death beat around him. In this world he may meet with affliction, like other men. He may be spoken against, as his Master was. He may be poor and friendless here. But he is trusting to One who will never deceive him. His house is built upon a rock, and therefore it will stand for ever.