Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-24
Sunday School Lesson for October Is Discussed
by Rev. J. E. Gilbert, D. D., Secretary
American Society of Religious Education.
THE JOY OF FORGIVENESS Psalm XVII Ill

AUTHORITIES psalm is usually and
properly ascribed 70 David. 1t is one OF
seven designated 'pentential" intended
10 show the way by which sinners find
peace with God. and to teach the nature
and effects Of repentance. GrotiuS thinks
the psalm was designated 10 be sung on
the great day Of atonement. for which
time it was certainly appropriate. 1t is
supposed to have been composed after
Davids transeresson UI Sam. xi:2-n.
and subsequently TO his obtaining pardon
upon the preaching of Nathan. This is
the probable reason for its selection by
the International COMMITTEES at this time
lesson. 1t follows Immediately upon
tho lesson of last week. This fact de-
serves 10 be especially noted. The King
of Israel. victorious over enemies. hon
orcd and exalted. fell into sin. But he
r"pented and found favor. Here are warn
ing and encouragement for all.
BLESSED. The psalm opens with a
declaration Of the happiness of a restored
sinner. That happiness results from the
removal Of evils transgresSion. sin. In
Equity. eule-evils that had made a home
in the heart and corrupted the life Let
every sinner know that he is required TO
give up only what is troublesome. The
method of this removal is adapted to the
evil. TransgreSSion is forgiven. There Is
no other way of release for law broken
demands punishment unless the lawgiver
upon conditions which he may specify. is
pleased to cancel and pardon mark. i:4-')
The sin Is covered. concealed from the
sight Of God and man. so that neither
shall look upon 1t any more psalm.
ciii:12). The iniquity, that which is con-
trary TO equity. is not imputed or charged
against the person. He is released from
il as a debt. The guile. the deception.
which fills the heart of an ungodly man
departs with his repentance. Afterward
he is sincere. meaning what lie says.
knowing that God sees his heart John.
i:tO. Blessed is such a man. both be-
cause of the experiences and the condi-
ton into which he comes, and because
God has wrought in him and for him a
mighty deliverance.
DISTRESS.-When one rejoices in
any new-found good he naturally reverts
to his prior condition. His joy is in
creased by considering the former sorrow
The law of contrast operates in spiritual
things with great precision and force
psalm. Xi:0. Accordingly, after describ-
ing the bleSsednesS of the forgiven sin
her. the psalm sets forth the terrible state
Of one awakened. but unforgiven. con-
scious of sin. but seeking no release from
it. There are many such passing on day
after day. clingng to that which is the
cause of all their distress. The sinner is
here described roaring. grooming under
sense Of his trouble as If in pain. groan-
ing all the day long. continuous sorrow
not removed by pleasure or business. The
reluctance to humble oneself before God
increases the misery. The secret remorse
not only preyed upon the spirit. but i'm
paired the health of the sinner Gen. iii:
10) 1t seemed as If some deep-seated
malady. like the very hand Of God, had
laid hold on the bodily frame Dob. xix:2D.
The bones 0imbs) waXed old and the in
tirmities of age crept on. All this was
more keenly realized after 1t had been
succeeded by the blessedness mentioned.
RELIEF.-1ow can one escape from
such distress? This is the supreme ques-
ton of all lands and ages. Every man
has experienced this heavy burden. and
many have cried out in darkness, but