Post by Lee on Jan 4, 2014 20:15:00 GMT
The Psalms Diversified — Psalm 6
"In nothing is there a greater contrast between the Bible and human
thought, than in the complexion in which the present life is seen, and
the meaning to be attached to its experiences. The Bible exhibits life as
evil, and man born to trouble: man conceives of it as good, and trouble
but an accident. Experience is on the side of the Bible; yet man goes on
clutching the shadows of his artificialized imagination. Man is "made
subject" to vanity for divine reasons; and he may as well try to change
the color of his blood as to emancipate himself from this fundamental
law of his being.
But from the evil, there will be deliverance, for such as come into
harmony with God. The deliverance is not now, but at a time "appointed."
Yet the process begins now. Those who are reconciled to
God are children now; and the evil is regulated in their case. For thus
David prays—that the evil may not prevail, to his destruction; that God's
hand will guide affairs—not in anger, but in love. He recognizes those
affairs as of a very bitter hue just now; chiefly because of unrighteous
antagonism. He prays for the promised change. He gladly contemplates
its approach. He gives us a model for our thoughts, truly godly, though
so unlike modern ideas." —R.R.
Ο Lord, in anger chide me not
I shall be else undone
In love, direct my chastened lot,
As father guides his son.
In mercy ease affliction's rod
For I am withered up.
Heal sore vexation, Ο my God,
For bitter is my cup.
If unrelieved, then I must die,
What profit then, Ο Lord?
In death there is no thought of thee—
In dust, no thanks are heard.
Return, O Lord, for my release,
How long wilt thou delay?
In loving kindness, send me peace
Despise not while I pray.
I weary with my sighs and groans,
I wet my couch with tears,
Mine eyes lack lustre, and my bones
Lose moisture through my tears.
Because of strong and wrongful foes
My days are tinged with grief:
Be pleased, Ο Lord, behold my woes,
And come to my relief.
Depart from me ill-workers all,
Who love not truth or peace,
My God will hear affliction's call,
And send forth sweet release.
The righteous then (their weeping stayed)
Set up on high will be,
And retribution long-delayed
Their gladdened eyes will see.
Their enemies in shame and fear,
Will turn their backs to flee:
When God's avenging voice they hear,
And His strong arm they see.
(R.R.—1886)
"In nothing is there a greater contrast between the Bible and human
thought, than in the complexion in which the present life is seen, and
the meaning to be attached to its experiences. The Bible exhibits life as
evil, and man born to trouble: man conceives of it as good, and trouble
but an accident. Experience is on the side of the Bible; yet man goes on
clutching the shadows of his artificialized imagination. Man is "made
subject" to vanity for divine reasons; and he may as well try to change
the color of his blood as to emancipate himself from this fundamental
law of his being.
But from the evil, there will be deliverance, for such as come into
harmony with God. The deliverance is not now, but at a time "appointed."
Yet the process begins now. Those who are reconciled to
God are children now; and the evil is regulated in their case. For thus
David prays—that the evil may not prevail, to his destruction; that God's
hand will guide affairs—not in anger, but in love. He recognizes those
affairs as of a very bitter hue just now; chiefly because of unrighteous
antagonism. He prays for the promised change. He gladly contemplates
its approach. He gives us a model for our thoughts, truly godly, though
so unlike modern ideas." —R.R.
Ο Lord, in anger chide me not
I shall be else undone
In love, direct my chastened lot,
As father guides his son.
In mercy ease affliction's rod
For I am withered up.
Heal sore vexation, Ο my God,
For bitter is my cup.
If unrelieved, then I must die,
What profit then, Ο Lord?
In death there is no thought of thee—
In dust, no thanks are heard.
Return, O Lord, for my release,
How long wilt thou delay?
In loving kindness, send me peace
Despise not while I pray.
I weary with my sighs and groans,
I wet my couch with tears,
Mine eyes lack lustre, and my bones
Lose moisture through my tears.
Because of strong and wrongful foes
My days are tinged with grief:
Be pleased, Ο Lord, behold my woes,
And come to my relief.
Depart from me ill-workers all,
Who love not truth or peace,
My God will hear affliction's call,
And send forth sweet release.
The righteous then (their weeping stayed)
Set up on high will be,
And retribution long-delayed
Their gladdened eyes will see.
Their enemies in shame and fear,
Will turn their backs to flee:
When God's avenging voice they hear,
And His strong arm they see.
(R.R.—1886)