There are two very important points in a man's religion which he will do well continually to consider, for a profitable pondering of them in life is likely to yield comfort to his soul in death. Much of our experience may be such a labyrinth of trial and temptations, resulting in no particular spiritual gain, that it may seem to lack point, at least at the time, though afterwards one might have said, "The Lord was there, but I knew it not." He was there, lending an unseen hand, and secretly sustaining us, but, in reflecting upon it, we may not have felt it bore that definite stamp which we could desire, as giving an indubitable proof that it was the work of God. Now,…

This short Psalm comes to us from the pen of David. It is full of prayer. He seemed in too low a place to sing much, his harp being on the willows; for he was persecuted by some one. Whether it was Saul, who often hunted him as a partridge upon the mountains, or whether it was his son Absalom, who wished to inherit his father's throne, does not appear clear. But it is certain he was smitten before a foe, and this Psalm was evidently penned when he was passing through a sore trial. He begins by begging God to hear his prayer—to give ear to his supplications—and he asked God also in His faithfulness to answer him, and in His righteousness. David seemed…