THE FIRST PSALM.




The brief psalm is replete with instruction. 'Here is matter for the thoughtful and devout mind to profitably meditate upon, and its glorious truths are not above the comprehension of the young. From the first verse we learn that the ungodly person has his counsel; the sinner his way; and the scorner his seat. God would have the young shun all these. 

Hence we read: "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night."

The lesson here taught is that sin is progressive. The sinner does not find a level in his transgressions and there remain, but one sin indulged in leads to another. Bad counsel is very apt to lead to evil deeds; and he who indulges in deeds of wickedness, will sooner or later find himself enjoying the seat and practices of the scorner. "When lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.  "The young especially should heed the counsel of Solomon given in the following words, if they would have the favor of God: "Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go; keep her; for she is thy life. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it; turn from it, and pass away."  Proverbs 4:13-15.

The law of the Lord; how much it is like its Giver! It is "perfect," "holy," "just," and "good." The law may be said to occupy the same position with respect to its Author that the light of the sun does to the sun itself. 

How profitable it is to meditate in the law by day and by night!  The man who thus meditates is compared to a tree planted by the rivers of water, tenderly cared for, and growing where its roots draw moisture and nourishment from the water and the mellow banks of the river. Its leaf is green, and it bears its fruit in season. 

How noble and beautiful such a tree!  Now notice the contrast between the good man and the ungodly man. 

We have seen the man who meditates and delights in the law of the Lord represented by the living tree covered and beautified with its foliage and golden fruit; but when we come to the ungodly, mark the change.  The ungodly, "are like the chaff which the wind driveth away." And thus will be the hopes and expectations of the ungodly in the Day of Judgment. They will not stand; but the righteous will then be acknowledged. "Enter into the joy of thy Lord," will be his final welcome. May I ask, young reader, do you love the law of God?


"'Tis short, and sweet, 

and good, and plain; 

Easy to learn and to retain. 

May grace divine our souls renew, 

And 'twill be sweet to practice too."



A. S. HUTCHINS.