Among the Works consulted by the Author, the following ought

to be mentioned :

Matthew Henry's Commentary.

The Treasury of the House of David.

Bishop Mant's Prayer Book.

Perowne on the Psalms.

Delilzsch on the Psalms.

Hengstenberg on the Psalms.

Bishop of Derry's Bampton Lectures.

Lange on the Psalms.

Homilitical Commentary on the Book of Psalms.

The Class and Desk.

Murphy's Commentary on the Psalms.

Cassell's Bible Educator.

Smith's Dictionary of the Bible.

A COMMENTARY

ON THR

PROPER PSALMS ON CERTAIN DAYS.

PSALM XIX.

Although the particular time to which this Psalm belongs is not stated, it was written by David, and composed for the "chief musician." It was used in the service of the sanctuary by the assembled worshippers.

It is one of the Psalms appointed by the Church for Christmas Day, and the first of the three for morning service. But the great truth the Church teaches on Christmas Day is

1. That the Son of God took upon Him our nature.
2. That He was born of a pure Virgin.

Christmas Day.)

3. The end and office of His Incarnation.
4. The dignity and greatness of His person.
5. His exalted state.

6. His eternity and power.
7. God manifest in the flesh.

This Psalm speaks of

1. A Revelation in Nature.

(See Epistle.)

(See Gospel.)

2. A Revelation in the written Word.

(See Collect for

It is therefore used on Christmas Day when we commemorate Jesus Incarnate, in whom we have

3. A perfect Revelation of God.

Why appropriate.-St. Paul has quoted this Psalm (Rom. x., 18), and its nature and teaching lead our thoughts from things natural to things spiritual. Here we see foreshadowed the publication of the Gospel, the dawning of the Light of Life, the Sun of Righteousness, and the universal diffusion of "glad tidings of salvation to all mankind. This is the view the Church in every age has taken of this Psalm, and for this reason she has appointed it to be used on Christmas Day.

Division.-It consists of three parts :

PART I.-The creatures show God's glory. He has revealed
Himself in the heavens. (1-6.)

PART II.-The Word showeth His grace. He taught men
more fully in His Law. (7-10.)
PART III.-David prays for Grace.
by meditating on God's Law.

His prayer is suggested (11-14.)

I.-1. The Heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork.

In their vastness, splendour, and order they preach His riches, wisdom, power, providence and majesty.

They declare it

1. Silently.

2. Continually.

3. Variously.
4. Effectively.

Heavens-i.e., the sky, the great starry vault, the sun and moon, orbs and planets which stud the æthereal expanse in which they move. The "heavens" comprise

1. The watery heavens.
2. The ærial heavens.
3. The solar heavens.

4. The starry heavens.

5. The heaven of heavens. Ps. cxlv., 10, 11, 12.

The sun, the centre of the solar system, sheds his beams over the whole world.

Christ is the central Sun of Holy Scripture. Mal. iv., 2.

He is the true light.

His handiwork is of three kinds, viz. :—

1. Creation, which declares His glory.

2. His "terrible acts" of vengeance on His enemies.
3. The performance of His promises.

2. One day telleth another: and one night certifieth another.
Day bids us work for God, and look for endless day.
Night bids us rest in God, and escape eternal night.
Nature of the Revelation :-

1. Its constancy, "Day by day," always declaring.
2. Its variety, "Day and night."

3. Its fulness "uttereth speech."

The Old Testament foreshadowing Christ is the Night.
The New Testament showing Christ is the Day.