The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1891-09-17

We notice that psalm 10 has I76 verses, and
the above outline shows that there are in said
psalm o different words used in the original az
substitutes for the Holy Scriptures. and that
the said Scriptures are referred to in that one
psalm 1913 times. We thus see much of the
Bible was written rhetorically. In their origi-
nal senses tho words employed 20 point out the
Holy Scriptures are not exact synonyms, though
az referring 10 the Bible they become in the
psalm practically Synonymous.
We shall proceed in a catechetic form.
1. Why are the Holy Scriptures called COM
mqHdmeEt, or The commandments We SEQ the
word commandment" meaning the Bible, in
0G, 9S, lIj, l27, 13l, 143 l5l, 1866 l72, I76. IL
is therefore used - times. In all cases except
verse 9G the form Is plural. On commandment
notice also "th0u hast commanded" in verses
4 and 1873 Compare Ps., 1873. The Hebrew
word for commandment anglicized is Hilsrag.
Ii is derived from verb meaning TO set up,
place constitute, decree, institute etc The
word commandment as a substitute for the
Scriptures is used by the figure synecdoehe, a
part for the whole Gods Word consists of
more than mere commandments. Special ref
crence may be made to the 10 commandments.
We notice the decalOg is comprehensive preg-
nantly covering ali God requires Of Us. By
the word commandment, as equivalent TO the
Bible, we have our relations 10 God established.
lie II our n luNs LutCIs hutA nus - SuEEt5Lttl
10 Us the duty Of obedience. God is thus
presented 20 the world as one who commands,
and we arc led 10 think Of the relations of
general, schOOlmasteT, parent. We are not TO
consider God as n tyTant, but as a commander
governed by the grandest moral principles
wise in all He requires and worthy obedience
of all persons We sec God has authority to
order. and, as a consequence, right to enforce
conformity 90 His requirements. DR.. Adam
Clarke says tho Holy Scriptures fare called
| commandments because they show Us what we
/ should do and what we should leave undOne,
| and exact our obedience" The commentator
| Henry says Gods commandments are so
| called because given with authority, and Gas
| the word signiics) lodged with US as a trust
| In tho parenthesis reference is made to the
/ root meaning Of the Hebrew word (mitSraDl
| translated commandment. We are not indie
pendent. We are subjects of tho Higher Power.
/ We have n COmWauder-in- Chief. We must
heed orders. We must learn the duty, yea, the
power of self-subection. We must cultivate
| habits Of obedience.
2 Why are the Scriptures called the judg-
/ meHts Of GOd2 The words judgment and judg-
| ments are used % times in Psalm no. The
same Hebrew word is translated Ordinances
| in verse 81, SO that in fact the word rendered
| judgments occurs % times. We find "judg-
ments in verses Z, 10, 90, 30, 80 43, 81, g. 20,
lO2, 1O6 103, 100, 1877 Ij6, 100, I6i, 175; judg-
ment, verses 6G, 81, l2l, li9; ordinances, verse
| 81. The Bible is an expression Of Gods will
or judgments. 1t sets forth his judgments his
| torically. II shows he is our Judge. 1t gives
account Of how God had administered his judy
ments in the instances Of persons and nations.
| Compare Ps., 1879. We are taught our ae-
countability TO God. We learn there is to be a
Judgment Day. Est. Mt, To- So; Acts, II: 81
| i John, 4 ~ Gods Judgment is good. Ops,
| 1l9 co. lie judges. He does not act without
consideration. He uses judgment. We are
| told Christ is to be our Judge at last. ChaS,
| Wesley had this in mind when he wrote
Thou Judge of quick and dead
Before whose bar severe,
| With holy joy guilty dread
We all shall soon appear
| Our cautiOn'd souls prepare
| For that tremendous day,
| And Ill US now with watchful care,
And stir as up to prayI
To pray and walt the hour
That awful hour unknown,
| When, TObed In majesty and power,
Thou shalt from heaven come down,
4 The immortal Son OF man,
To Judge the human race,
With all thy Fathers dazzling train,
With all Thy glorious grace,