The Green Forest tribune., 1915-06-11
NIEpllHTl0NAI. SUNllXYSC[|()OI,
 LESSON
 tby E Q. SELLERS, Acting Director of sunday School Course of Moody Bible Institute, Chicago) ''i''o
LESSON FOR JUNE 13
BLEssEDNEss OF FORGIVENESS


 covered-Psaln 321
 ms psalm is believed to have grown out of David's experience with Nathan (see Rom. 4:6-S). It is the second of the seven so-called "peni- tential psalms" (6, 32, 3S, 51, 102. 13o. l43). While it is sad, it is at the same time one of the most joyful of all psalms. It is the record of bitter sor. row and also of heartfelt praise, and Is as vital in its message today as the day It was given to the world.
 l. The State or Condition of Happi- ness. CD What is happiness? w. 1,2 2. The blessed or happy man is the one whose sin is covered. God only can forgive sin and has plainly set before us his agency, viz, the shed blood David as king enjoyed the pleasures of life, but he also knew the result of hidden sin, of sins covered. The joy of forgiveness is offered to all who accept Gods gift of iustifica- tion (Acts 10:43). The psalmist seems to multiply words. "Transgression" means rebellion; "sin" to miss the mark (Rom. 923); "iniquity," to be crooked. When men try to cover sin we are expressly told the result (Prov. 2S:13), but God literally takes away when he forgiyes and "covers" sin (John 1:29; Ps. 103:12; S5:2). Nei- ther man or devil can uncover what he has covered. (2) Who is unhappy? w. 3, 4. Contrasted with the state or condition of happiness granted to the forgiven sinner is presented that of those unforgiven. David kept silence without only to have a raging tempest within-lips silent, bones roaring" During the days of David's silence fol lowing his sinful act he was guilty of increased acts of sin and cruelty e Sam. 12:3D. The origin of the word Selah is not known. It probably indi cated a musical interlude and in this psalm most appropriately and dramat- ically appears. (3) How we may be happy, w. 5, 6. All sin is uncovered to God. His all-seeing eye can pene- trate mans futile endeavors to hide his transgressions. The first step to forgiveness and to happiness is con- fession of guilt. Gods heavy hand wrought saving faith in David and such faith has as it's first condition confession, q acknowledged my sin" Such confession is full and frank. Nothing is held back nor has it any element of hypocrisy, and it always secures results q John 1:9; Luke 15: 20-23).
 The godly man, the man who is the recipient of Gods grace thus bestowed, prays in time when thou mayest be found," or (see margin) ''in the time of finding out sin" (v. 6 R. VI. The prophet tells us that there is a time when we may not find God Qsa. 55:6) and Paul tells us when he may be found (II Cor 6:2).
 II. How to Continue in the State of Being Happy. CD Our security (v. ?. When men forgive they do not cover" What God hides he forgets Gsa. 38:17; Micah 7:19). Our security, our hid
 
 is Jehovah CPS. 91:31; Isa. 32:1, 9. Jehovah preserves from trouble those whom he forgives CPS. 34:19). Such men have serenity, peace" even the "peace of God" which the sinner can never have Qsa. 26:3; Rom. 5:1; Phil. 4:O. CD Our instructor (vv. $, 9. (a) Positively-we have one who not only forgives and blots out the past but one who has promised to instruct" to teach and to guide" Nearly all believe that the introduc- ton of the personal pronouns in verse 8 indicate that God is speaking in response to David's appeal recorded in verse 6. Jehovah guides with his eye upon" us (v. 8 R. V) He instructs us by his spirit through his Word CPS. 119:1O5; John 16;13). (b) Neg atiyely-Some must needs be directed by "bit and bridle." Some have to learn through bitter experience. We have our choice. Those who will not listen to instruction are compared to the horse and the mule who have no understanding. Even so they are more useful than those who wildly run after sin. Only thus can some "come near" (v. g R. V.) though that is better than not to be brought near at all. (3) Our faith (v. 9. What kind of a life will Gods forgiven chil- dren live? What is one of the fore most characteristics of happy life? Here is the answer. "He that trusteth in the Lord" This is the conclusion of the whole matter.
 Our only joy is in the Lord "Wno hath done marvellous things whereof we are glad"
 Christ is the incarnate mercy ana grace of God. In him we have Gods forgiveness.
 He supplies our every need (Phli. 4:19). He pardons, heals. restores, al rects, gives power (Matt. 2S: 1S-2O).
 Joy and impurity are never compan- ions. Only the pure can purify. Only the healthy can heal. Only the rlght- eous and free can pardon.
 Rejoice in Jehovah! and leap Tor ioy. o righteous! and gladly shout all ve uDright in heart. .'-Maclaren