Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1886-11-27

L.
you therefore brethren by the mer-
cies of God, that We present your
bodies a living sacrifice, holy accep-
table unto God, which is your reason
able service" The motive then, is
one of love and gratitude, which the
soul instinctively feels in looking out
upon the mercies of God. These
mercies are far too numerous and va
ried to be mentioned, ,or even imag-
ined by the finite mind, for they are
as infinite us God himself, so that it
is useless to attempt to enumerate
them. But Davidin the Psalm under
consideration, gives us a catalogue of
divine characteristics, which may
well guide us in our worship at this
time. He indicates and emphasizes
certain features in Gods character
and conduct which deserve especial
praise. The first of these is indicated
in the 4th verse, where he is set forth
as the God of grace. The relationship
God sustains to the church and the
part He performs in the work of
mans redemption, may well standat
the beginning Of the long catalogue
of mans mercies. This then, is the
first of the four great pictures which
the Psalmist has here presented for
our inspection. In tive see the great
God of the Universe looking out over
the wreck and ruin of self-destroyed
world, and giving His son to be its
redeemer, while gathered around in
shining circles, stand the angelic
hosts wrapped in mute establishment.
Again, wesee a beautiful babe clasped
in the arms of fond mother; then a
weary, wandering pilgrim; then a
lonely man, with hands outstretched
as If in the act of imploring bene-
diction upon the world, but pierced
with cruel nails; then pale faced
corpse quietly reclining in its tomb;
then bright blaze of resurrection
glory then the vanishing form of
man ascending into heaven.
Further on wesee palmsand harps,
and crowns, and an innumerable
company clothed in white, gathered
around q great white throne. The
second picture is sketched for us. in
the 9th verse, where we have God
presented as the God of nature. We
see him sitting upon His throne,
amid thesublime solitudes of a past
eternity. We look again, and see
Him surrounded by innumerable an
gels and myriads of glittering worlds.
We see Him, as in His right hand
He holds the stars, and with His left,
upheaves the mountains and scoops
out the seas, while wisdom and love
flash forth from all His works. l
The third picture given by the
Psalmist, is outlined in verses Z to IA,
where we have God presented as the
God of paoUidence. We see Him
guiding the courses of the stars, as
they marshal themselves in moving
majesty and glittering grandeur
around His throne. And again, we
see Him watching intently the life
history of the ephemeral insect, as it
basks in the summer sunshine. We
see Him swaying the sceptre of uni
versal government over all worlds,
and again, writing the names of His
people in great book. We see Him
watching with peculiar interest the
progress of the church, and melting
out to her the rich blessings of His
grace. 3 jus
The fourth and last picture in this
matches gallery, is portrayed in the
closing verses of the Psalm, where We
haye God revealed as the only liring
and true God. In this picture we see
large crowds of men gathered togeth-
er as if engaged in worship. Some
with reverential attitude and uncov-
cred heads, lift their eyes to the heav-
ems as if adOring the majestic sun,
and His attendant retinue of blazing
stars. Others on Bonded knee pour
out their hearts devotions before
; images carved out of wood or stone,
while far above these, seated upon a
throne of underived power, and en-
circled with an effulgence of uncrea-
ted glory, in mute majesty and silent
sublimity, sits the eternal, self-eXist-
ent God of the universe. In this
grouping of matchless paintings, the
Psalmist gives to divine grace the
place of honor, because it is not only
the first in point of importance so far
as man is concerned, but also first in
point of time, for it stands as the
fountain source of all mans blessings.
Were in not for grace there would be
no providence for man, nay, were it
not for grace there would be no man
: toenjoy the providenceo of God. Mans
existence would doubtless have ter
minated with his first violation of
the divine law, had it not been that
grace prompted the eternal Son to
offer himself as the sinners substi-
tute, and pledge his life for the pay
ment of the sinners debt, so that our
very existence today, as well as every
: blessing of providence and every gift
, of grace comes to us by way of the
cross, and is perfumed with the rich
fragrance of Savior's blood.
, 1t is right and proper that we
should observe with appropriate SER
vices this annual thanksgiving day,
and remember with grateful hearts
: Gods goodness to us, both as a nation
and as individuals; and SO as we are
f gathered here today, let us lift up our
: hearts and voices in songs of gratitude
, and praise, for the peace and pros
t perity which have characterized our
: national life, as well as for the unnum-
, horod hlocc;nps with which God hoe