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EXERCISES ON SCRIPTURE LESSONS.

MAY 31.-AFTERNOON LESSON.
THE SUPREMACY OF GOD.-Psalm lxviii.

For repetition, verses 19, 20.

SUMMARY.-This Psalm is a song of praise to celebrate either the victorious close of one of David's wars, or the removal of the ark of God from the house of ObedEdom to Jerusalem, 2 Sam. vi. 12-19. Some remarks in it are obscure, but many are plain and instructive, while others foretell the ascension and gracious gifts of our Saviour Christ.

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I. GOD SUPREME IN JUSTICE.-V. 1 -6. V. 1-3 may be read as a declaration, thus: "God ariseth," or, " shall arise; 29 66 His enemies are," or, "shall be," &c. Compare Num. x. 35. Moses prayed, so David asserts, and then gives the invitation in v. 4. V. 2. The allusions here are at once simple and forceful. V. 4. Rideth,-"through the deserts," as He did before the children of Israel. Jah,- contraction of Jehovah, the "I Am" of Moses. V. 5. Holy habitation, heaven itself, Ps. V. 6. Solitary, -- having none on earth to depend upon. Families, (Margin, houses,") giving them comfort and security. With chains,as captives often were. Rebellious,who fight against God's purposes and people. Dry," where no water is;" perhaps the greatest calamity which can befall people in the East.

xi. 4.

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II. GOD SUPREME IN DAYS OF OLD. -V.7-14. V. 7, 8 seem quoted from the song of Deborah, Judges v. 4, 5: both passages allude to the exodus from Egypt, Exod. xii. 51; xiii. 18; xix. 16-20. Dropped,-dissolved into thunder, lightning, and mist. Sinai itself,-quaked as though it would melt. V. 9. Didst send, (Margin, "shake out," "a shower of unmerited kindness Thou didst scatter,' as manna, quails, water out of the rock, &c. Whereby Thou didst confirm,-refresh and strengthen. Inheritance, people of Israel. V. 10. Congregation, VOL. III. NEW SERIES.-June, 1868.

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-host. Dwelt, &c.-" As to Thy food, they dwell amidst it."-Boothroyd. V. 11. Gave the word,-made "the announcement of a victory possible." Great, &c.-" Of the female messengers of victory there were great hosts." Compare Exod. xv. 20, 21; 1 Sam. xviii. 6, 7. V. 12, 13 contain the words of their song. Did flee,-Josh. x. 16. She, &c.-"Israel dwelling peacefully after the flight of the kings," and dividing the land among her tribes after the conquest of it. V. 13, 14. See Illustration.

III. GOD SUPREME IN GRACE.-V. 15-19. Hill of God.· Mount Zion. Bashan.-A high, craggy mountain in the north-east of Palestine. V. 16. Why leap ye?-as though indignant and jealous of Zion. God desireth.Compare Deut. xii. 5, 11, with Ps. lxxxvii. 1, 2; cxxxii. 13, 14. V. 17. See Margin: "to denote an infinite multitude." As in Sinai,-where God appeared in such glory and power. V. 18. Ascended, having first descended to dwell with men, Eph. iv. 8-10.

Captivity captive, conquered and bound to Thy triumphal chariot those who had led others in triumph. Received gifts, (Margin, "in the man,")-as Man to give to men. Rebellious," who had been so, but were now made captives, even these shared in the gifts of the glorious Conqueror, and were permitted to enjoy all the benefits of His Church." V. 19 is the Psalmist's devout thanksgiving for the wonderful goodness of God, which he both reviews and foretells.

IV. GOD SUPREME IN THE MAJESTY OF HIS GOINGS.-V. 20-28.

(1.) As a Conqueror.-V.20-23. Issues, -deliverances. V. 21. Hairy scalp,unshorn head and shaggy hair, showing the ferocity of the disposition. Trespasses, iniquities of heart and life.

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V. 22. I will bring, &c.-I will repeat
My former conquests over the enemies
of My people. V. 23. Dipped,-Mar-
gin, "red."
Tongue, &c. -1 Kings

xxi. 19.

(2.) As King in Zion.-V. 24-28. These verses allude to the procession"Thy goings," marches-at the time the ark was carried up into the sanctuary; and to the strength (v. 28) which God reveals to His people in His temple. V. 27. Compare 1 Sam. ix. 21; Matt. iv. 14-16.

V. GOD SUPREME IN DOMINION.V. 29-35. These verses are prophetical of the conquests and reign of Christ. V. 30. See Margin. Bulls, &c.,-denote the Egyptian power. Ethiopia,-now called Abyssinia, Acts viii. 27. 32-35 exhort all the earth to celebrate the Redeemer's triumph and universal dominion.

V.

REFLECTIONS.-1. The justice of God which is a terror to the wicked, is a tower of strength to the good.-Ps. i. 6; v. 12; xi. 5, 7.

2. "When other helpers fail, O, Lord, abide with me!"-Such should be our

prayer, for He alone is our hope and help, v. 5, 6.

3. The memory of God's wondrous works should strengthen our faith in His providence and grace.-What God hath done for His people He can do again, v. 12, 22, 23.

4. The hill where God dwells is the most glorious of all hills.- Ps. xlviii. 1-3. We should seek and long to ascend into it.

5. All that Christ has received is for us, v. 18.-And He is more willing to give than to receive.

6. The supreme strength of God is the confidence of His people; His glory and grace are the subjects of their praise.

QUESTIONS.-What does this Psalm celebrate? How does God scatter His enemies? V. 2. What do you understand by His "riding upon the heavens?" What does "Jah" mean? What does God do to the "solitary?" What to those "bound?" What to "the rebellious?" To what event does v. 7 allude? What is said of Sinai? How did God refresh His people? How were victories celebrated? What is "the hill of God?" Why better than Bashan? What prophecy is there in v. 18? How does God show the majesty of His "goings?" What will be the dominion of Christ? Who should celebrate it?

Illustration.-ISRAEL IN REST AND GLORY.

See v. 13, 14. Instead of "Though ye have lien among the pots," &c., read, "When ye rest between the boundaries," &c. "At all events, the term denotes a state of peaceful rest. In this condition the Israelites, to whom the address is directed, are taken figuratively. Wings of the doves,' &c.; or they are like doves, whose wings glitter with silver and gold. The allusion is to the play of colours on the wings of the dove in sunshine.... Verse 14 points to the bright gleam of prosperity which covered the land on the prosperous termination of the war, in room of the darkness in which it was enveloped during the season of hostile oppression: when the Lord scatters Kings, the light of prosperity illuminates the darkness of the land, just as dark Salmon becomes white when covered with snow."-Hengstenberg.

JUNE 7.-MORNING LESSON.

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THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST. - Psalm xxii.
For repetition, verses 26-28.

SUMMARY.-The heading of the Les

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states the subject of the Psalm; for it speaks chiefly, though, perhaps, not solely, of Christ. The meaning and the reason of its title have caused much difference of opinion. See Margin and Illustration. In reading the Psalm, pay close attention to the marginal renderings, which are too numerous to quote.

I. THE SUFFERER FORSAKEN.-V. 1, 2. The Psalm begins with the very words of the Saviour's cry, Matt. xxvii. 46. Forsaken, so desperate is

his case, that the sufferer thinks his last hope gone. My roaring,—" the loudest cries of a heart laden with sorrow and grief." V. 2. My cries never cease because Thou answerest not.

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upon the remembrance of the previous doings of the unchanging God.

V. 13.

III. HE IS DESPISED AND PERSECUTED.-V. 6-8, 12-18. But I-am nothing in comparison with them: an expression of deepest humility. A reproach, &c.-Isai. liii. 3; John i. 10, 11. Shoot.. shake, &c., "expressions of exceeding contempt and disdain." V. 8. He trusted, &c.-The same contempt in words: a derisive echo of v. 4, 5. How literally fulfilled! Matt. xxvii. 39, 43. V. 12. Bulls,-strong, insolent, ferocious men. Of Bashan,remarkable for its excellent pasture, and its strong, swift beasts. Ravening, &c.-Hungry, and just ready to pounce on his prey. V. 14, 15 describe one at the point to die through terror, weakness, and despair. V. 16. Dogs,-in savage ferocity. The last phrase may be read, "As a lion they are on my hands and feet;" so that I have neither power to fight nor fly. V. 17. May tell,-count. Stare,—without the slightest touch of pity, nay, with hard-hearted satisfaction, John xix. 37. V. 18. Garments,-the word means a large, loose, outward cloak. Vesture, an inner tunic, or vest, worn next the body. The clothes of the crucified were the perquisites of the executioners, John xix. 23, 24.

IV. HIS APPEALS.-V. 9-11, 19— 21. V. 9, 10 express the tender care God had taken of the sufferer from the very time of his birth, and which is the ground of confidence in his present appeal. Not far, &c.,—i.e., be very nigh, or haste to my help, v. 19. This for three reasons: (1) Trouble is near, described v. 12-18: (2) "I am helpless," v. 11; Isai. lxiii. 3, 5: (3) "Thou art my strength," v. 19. V. 20, 21 are a very earnest prayer. Dog and lion are to be explained as in v. 13,

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REFLECTIONS.-1. Consider what this Psalm foretells about the sufferings of Christ: (1.) The meanness of His condition, and the scorn of men on account of it, v. 6. (2.) Their contempt for His claims, and His confidence in God, v. 7, 8. (3.) Their fierce and bitter persecution of Him, even unto death, v. 12, 13, 16-18. (4.) His extreme prostration, and keen sense of utter desolation, v. 14, 15. These sufferings were endured by Christ; showing that David was inspired by God when he wrote this Psalm. They were borne by Christ for us. With what devout thankfulness should we meditate upon them! Read Hymn 28.

2. Christ, in His need, has taught us where to look for help and deliverance.None but God can save us from all evil; yet how prone we are to look elsewhere!

3. Every Christian should rejoice in the glorious prospects of Christ's kingdom? v. 27.

QUESTIONS.-Who wrote this Psalm? Who is the subject of it? What does it say about His sufferings? What else? Mention some of them. What did Christ feel most deeply? v. 1. Did God forsake Him altogether? v. 21. For whom did Christ suffer? Ought we not to love Him? What will follow from His sufferings?

Illustration.-"THE HIND OF THE MORNING."

See Margin of the title. "It cannot be denied that the hind is a very appropriate emblem of the suffering and persecuted righteous man who meets us in the Psalm. On the one hand, the stag, or the hind and the roe, are frequently employed as emblematical of one persecuted or put to death, Prov. vi. 5; Isai. xiii. 14. And, on the other hand, the hind and the roe are used as emblems of loveliness, Gen. xlix. 21; Prov. v. 19.. The reasons already adduced, show that it is, at least, exceedingly probable that the hind may be a figurative expression significant of suffering innocence. And it is put beyond doubt by the fact, that the wicked and the persecutors in this Psalm, to the peculiar physiognomy of which belong emblems drawn from the brute creation, are designated by the terms dogs, lions, bulls, and buffaloes."-Hengstenberg.

JUNE 7.-AFTERNOON LESSON.

66 THE SACRIFICES OF GOD."-Mark ix. 30-50.

SUMMARY.-Jesus, on the way to Capernaum, from the Mount of Transfiguration, tells the disciples of His own sacrifice. Arrived there, He teaches them what sacrifices they must learn to make if they would be great in the kingdom of heaven, and partake of its glory.

I. THE ONE SACRIFICE.-V. 30-32. Thence, see v. 2. Through Galilee,—

as far as Capernaum, v. 33. Should know,-whither He went, or the retired way He took to avoid the cities and towns. V. 31. For,-He was desirous to prepare the disciples for the surprise and sorrow of His betrayal and crucifixion. Son of Man is,-He speaks as though the time were very near. Delivered,in the purpose of God, by the treachery of Judas. Third day, according to the Jewish mode of reckoning. V. 32. Understood not,-they could not reconcile His death with their notions about a temporal kingdom. Afraid,-to know the whole truth, or fearing rebuke.

II. THINGS TO BE SACRIFICED BY US. -V. 33-50.

(1.) Jealous Ambition.-V. 33-37. Being in the house, a place more suitable for calm reasoning than by the way, where the disciples had disputed, discussed eagerly, with jealousy of each other. V. 34. Held their ashamed that Jesus should peace, detect them in such an unworthy strife. Greatest,-first in dignity and power in the temporal kingdom which they thought He was about to establish. V. 35. Called,-with set and solemn purpose. Shall be, ought to be last in his own thought and estimation. Servant, as the only sure and safe means of his own promotion. V. 36. A child,—the type of unassuming simplicity, Matt. xviii. 1-5; Luke ix. 47. In His arms, denoting the child's humble, trustful, teachable disposition, and His own love for him. V. 37. One such," either in years or in heart." That sent Me,-My Supreme Almighty Father.

(2.) Exclusive Pride or Bigotry.V. 38-42. Answered, on the question of receiving or recognising others than themselves. One, &c.,-who he was we are not told, but he must have been an honest and hearty believer in

Jesus. Because, &c.,-they so magnified this fault as to lose sight of the great work the man did. V. 39. Lightly speak evil of Me,-"If he has power to work miracles in My name, that is proof enough of his true reverence for My character." V. 40. Not against,— in works. On our part,-though he may not seem to be. V. 41. Give you a cup of water,-a much smaller act than casting out devils. Not lose, &c.I will acknowledge and bless such a one. V. 42. Shall offend,-by any rejection such as you have named. Little ones,-in reality, v. 37; or in your estimation, v. 38. A millstone, &c.,"This was one mode of capital punishment practised by the Greeks, Syrians, Romans," &c.

(3.) Darling Sins.-V. 43-50. The Saviour passes from giving offence to others, to offending ourselves by indulging some lust of the soul, expressed by the act of the hand, the foot, or the V. 44 eye. Compare Matt. v. 21-30. &c. Worm, - remorse of conscience, which shall never cease to sting them. Fire, -symbol of the fierce wrath of God. Isai. lxvi. 24; Rev. xiv. 10, 11;. xx. 10. V. 49. See Illustration. V. 50. Good,-"highly beneficial," either in a literal or figurative sense. Lost, &c.,"become insipid." Wherewith, &c., once lost, its properties cannot be restored, Matt. v. 13. Have salt,-the correcting, purifying grace of the Spirit. Have,-and preserve peace, not

ambitious strife.

REFLECTIONS.-1. Where there is no sacrifice, there is no religion.-It springs out of sacrifice on the part of God, John iii. 16; Rom. viii. 32: all its blessings come to us through the Sacrifice of Christ, Rom. iii. 24-26; Eph. 1,7; Heb. ix. 22: we can neither embrace religion, nor continue to enjoy it, nor discharge its duties, nor spread its triumphs, without sacrifice, Matt. xvi. 24-26; Rom. xiii. 14; Heb. xii. 1, 2; Luke xxi. 12, 13.

2. Whatever the cost, all sin, both of heart and life, must be given up.-Secret sins, like pride and prejudice, are as ruinous as open ones.

3. Sometimes God places His people in circumstances which oblige them to

sacrifice comfort, pleasure, and other things dear to them.

QUESTIONS.-Whose is the One great sacrifice? Why was it offered? What had the disciples been disputing about? Was this right? How did Jesus reprove them? How did He say we may become the "greatest?"

Why did the disciples forbid the man who was working miracles? What did Jesus say? What did He say about "a cup of water?" about giving offence? What is meant by cutting off a hand or foot? What is the worm the fire? Why is salt good? What does Jesus mean by "Have salt in yourselves?"

Illustration.-" SALTED WITH FIRE."

See v. 49. "For every one shall be salted, by an entire integrity and sincerity, with the fire of that altar on which you devote yourselves, as every sacrifice in the temple shall be salted with salt, the emblem of the sincerity and integrity in which it is offered. . . . In this way the admonitory contrast is brought out and impressed upon us;

by opposing the false disciple, who refuses to cut off his right hand, or foot, or eye; that is, wholly and universally to mortify his corruptions, and is cast into hell, a victim to incensed and eternal justice; and the faithful disciple, he who enters into a 'covenant of salt' with Christ; that is, who engages himself to Him in purity and fidelity, and who is offered upon the altar a sacrifice of sweet-smelling savour, in all he thinks, and speaks, and does, 'acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. R. Watson.

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SUMMARY.-This chapter presents a striking contrast between the state and prospects of those who walk after the flesh and those who walk after the Spirit; chiefly dwelling on the privileges of the latter. Our Lesson presents the source of all privilege; viz., that "God is for us,' and shows the blessed and triumphant result of this.

I. GOD THE SPIRIT FOR US. V. 26, 27. Likewise,- -even as hope cheers, so the Spirit proves Himself the Comforter. Helpeth,-bears us up against things which would crush us out of hope and life. Infirmities,-weaknesses of hope and patience, resulting from ignorance, especially in prayer. What,-particular mercies. As we ought, in the spirit and manner most pleasing to God. For us,-in our hearts, knowing our wants better than we ourselves do. With groanings,-on our part for redemption, v. 23, in which we have the sustaining and consoling sympathy of the Spirit. Which cannot, &c.,-unspeakable or unspoken. He that, &c.,God as the Being we pray to. Knoweth the mind, the meaning and desires of the praying soul, though not spoken. According to,-the purpose or design of God.

II. GOD THE FATHER FOR US.-V. 28-31. We know this, though ignorant of what to pray for particularly. All things,-whether they seem against

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us or for us. Good,-in furtherance of our sanctification, and so making us meet for heaven, Heb. xii. 10, 11. The called,-persons invited to partake Gospel blessings, and showing their acceptance of the "call" in the way named in the previous sentence, that love God: to see how good evidence this is that it has been effectually accepted, refer to v. 7. His purpose, which is stated in verse 29 to be this, that they should be conformed to the image of His Son; i.e., in holiness and glory. Compare v. 11-17. Note carefully the order of the words in this verse, NOT, whom He did predestinate He foreknew, but, whom He did foreknow, He also, &c. God in His Omniscience foreknows who will accept Gospel offers, and predestinates them to enjoy all the blessings of salvation included in "His purpose;" and these. "predestinated ones He leads through all the successive stages of His plan, "calling," "justifying," "glorifying,' v. 30. So that grace enjoyed now becomes a pledge of glory hereafter.. How encouraging to our hope! Compare Ephes. i. 11-14.

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III. GOD THE SON FOR US-V. 32— 34. How shall He not, &c., having given the greatest proof He could of His loving purpose, He will not withhold anything necessary to its full accomplishment. V. 33. To the charge,

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