PSALM CXXVII.

ARGUMENT.

If this Psalm were written by Solomon, or by David for Solomon, as the title imports, it was probably used again at the time of rebuilding the city and temple, after the return from Babylon. But, indeed, it is a Psalm which can never be out of season, the design of its author being to teach us the necessity of a dependence upon God and his blessing, in every work to which we set our hands. What is said with regard to an earthly house, city, and family, extends also to the spiritual house, city, and family of Christ, which are now, what Jerusalem, the temple, and the people of Israel, were in old time:

1. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

In every undertaking, the blessing of God must accompany the labours of man, to render them effectual. No work can prosper without Him, nor can any design miscarry under his favour and protection. But they, above all men, ought to implore the divine grace and benediction, who are employed either in building or defending the spiritual house and city of God; especially as the same persons, like the Jews after the captivity, surrounded by enemies always ready to obstruct

the work, are often obliged to hold a sword in one hand, while they build with the other. Our own edification in faith and holiness must likewise be carried on by us in this attitude, by reason of the many temptations which are continually assailing us.. It may also be remarked, that both Solomon and Zerubbabel had vainly laboured to construct the first or the second material temple, unless Jehovah himself had built the true house for the reception of his glory, that is to say, the temple of Christ's body, and, after it was fallen down, had reared it again by a resurrection from the dead.

2. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so, or, surely, he giv eth his beloved sleep.

The Psalmist doth not, certainly, intend to say, that labour and diligence are vain, but that they are so, except the Lord be with the labourer; the business is not to be done by all the industry and pains, all the carking and caring in the world, without him; whereas, if his aid be called in, if part of our time be spent in prayer, not the whole of it in prayerless toiling and moiling, our work will become easier, and go on better; a solicitude and anxiety for its success and completion will no longer prey upon our minds by day, and break our rest at night; we shall cheerfully fulfil our daily tasks, and then, with confidence and resignation, lay our heads upon our pillows, and God will give to his beloved a sweet and undisturbed sleep, which shall fit them to return every morning, with

renewed vigour and alacrity, to their stated employ

ments.

3. Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

The labours of mankind, first in building houses and cities, and then in guarding and securing their possessions, are undergone, not with a view to themselves alone, but to their families, which they would establish and perpetuate. The Psalmist, therefore, in the preceding verses, having taught men to expect a happy settlement only from the favour of Jehovah, now directs them to look up to him for the farther blessing of a numerous and virtuous progeny. He can in a moment blast the most fruitful stock, or he can "make the barren woman to keep house, and to become a joyful mother of children.". Lo, children are an heritage of Jehovah; an heritage which he bestows on those who fear him; the fruit of the womb is a reward conferred by him, where he sees it will be a blessing indeed, upon faithful and pious parents. St. Paul calls the converts made by his ministry, his children; and all believers are the children of Christ, the heritage given him by his father, the reward of his righteous life, and meritorious death: as it is written, "I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance." "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied." Psal. ii. 8. Isa. liii. 11.

4. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

Children, when well educated, are like so many arrows in the hand of a strong man; ready winged with

duty and love, to fly to the mark; polished and keen, to grace and maintain the cause of their parents, to defend them from hostile invasions, and instantly to repel every assailant. The apostles and first Christians were arrows in the hand of Messiah, with which he encountered his enemies, and subdued the nations to the faith. When, by the splendour of their sanctity, the power of their miracles, and the efficacy of their preaching, they pierced the hearts of thousands and ten thousands, what were they but arrows in the hand of the Mighty One? And in this instance likewise it may truly be said, that no well-nurtured son of Christ and the church will hear his father dishonoured, or despise his mother when she is old.

5. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

In a house full of dutiful children consists the happiness of their parents, who then can never want friends; friends, that will at no time be ashamed, but will at all times rejoice to appear for them, to meet their enemies and accusers in the gate, or place of judgment; there to answer any charge against them, to vindicate them in their persons, their good name, or their property. It is a glorious sight to behold children thus standing forth in the defence of their parents. In the multitude of true believers consist the glory of Christ, and the riches of the church. How forward were the primitive Christians to meet the enemies of these their spiritual parents in the gate; how ready, in their cause, to speak openly, and, having

witnessed a good confession, to die by the hand of the executioner! Therefore shall they not be ashamed at the judgment of the last day, but shall then stand with great boldness before the face of such as have afflicted, persecuted, and tormented them. For their heavenly Father will then be their Judge, and will own, in his turn, the cause of his dutiful children, who for his sake endured tribulation, and loved not their lives unto death. Confusion shall overwhelm the accuser of the brethren, with all the instruments of his malice; but glory, honour, and immortality shall be given to the children of God.