The Brinkley argus., 1917-10-05
LESSON FOR OCTOBER ' PSALMS OF DELIVERANCE.

the true patriot. IHe TsaiHist oooS his afflicted country suffering for the sins of the people, prays for their restoration to the Divine favor, and with the eagle eye of faith anticipates the joyful day of spiritual and tenn poral blessings because of restoration to the Divine favor. Doubtless such patriotism would be pleasing to the Lord on the part of us all.
 Psalm 85.
 |. Praises for Mercies Received (vv. 1-3).
 Praise is given for
 CD Deliverance from Captivity V' l D.
 He had in mind the specific mercles of a given time; perhaps it was one of the expressions of the Philistlnes 1 from which they had been delivered. (2) Forgiveness of Sin (vv. 2, 3.
 "Thou hast forgiven the iniquity- covered all their sin" Gods restora- | tion was the proof that he had par doned. Great indeed was the sin of 1 Jacob, but Gods forgiveness was great CT. He is peculiarly God of mercy. Having forgiven the sins his anger IS taken away He stayed his hand from the judgment which would have justly fallen, to show his mercy.
 II. Prayer for Restoration From BacksIiding (vv. AID.
 He knew how worthless the outward blessings of the Lord would be unless the people inwardly turned to the Lord. He, therefore, besought the Lord to give them the greater blessing, that of a change of heart. Without the change of heart forgiveness would be futile A change of heart can only be by Gods help.
 CD That God would turn the hearts of his people toward himself (v. 4).
 Knowing the peoples utter helpless ness to turn to God, he cried out to God to save them by turning them to himself. He knew that Gods anger could not turn from the people as long as they were impenitent.
 @ That God would take away the very remembrance of their sins (yv. 5-7).
 (a) The ending of his anger (v. ). The desire seems to be that he would wipe out the very marks of his dis pleasure by not longer allowing pun shment to be meted out to them.
 (b) The return to the peoples joy (v. 6).
 Their joy could only be realized through a revival from God. The Psalmist now becomes more bold in his requests.
 (c)Shall show them mercy (v. D.
 Make it visible" is his cry. Gods Judgment was most real. His desire is that his mercy would be just as real.
 III. ExuItant Anticipation (vv. 8-13)
 Having spoken the sentiment of the repentant people, the poet expresses confidence of the Lords response. So faithful is God that those who sin cerely pray to him can go forward with the assurance of petitions granted.
 0) He will speak peace" (v. S).
 He knew that a gentle answer would come, but its continuance would de- pend upon the fidelity of the people Turning to folly would provoke again his wrath.
 (2) Will bring his salvation near (v. 9.
 Only as his salvation was near could glory be in the land.
 (3) Devise a way by which "Mercy and truth, Righteousness and peace" may be united (vv. 10, 1D.
 He did not suggest way. He may not have known it. Faith now sees the way In Christ. In him such a union has been blessedly effected.
 (4) The land shall become fruitful (v. 1D.
 When sin is removed, temporal pros perity shall follow. Earth's barren ness is due to sin. When the curse is removed fruitfulness shall follow.
 (5) Righteousness shall Se the guide of his people (v. 12).
 In that golden, glad age Gods right eous ways will leave a track in which his own may walk with security.
 Psalm 126.
 I. The Fact of zion's Deliverance (vv. 1, p.
 CD By whom (y. 1). The Lord.
 CD Effect of (yy. 1,2).
 (a) The people were scarcely able to believe it. So sudden and unexpect- ed was their deliyerance that it seemed to them as a dream. They ex- pressed their feeling in joyful laughter
 (b) The heather noted their deliver ance as marvellous, and ascribed it to God (v. 9.
 Song and Prayer.
 II. The Song of the People (v. 3). They ascribed their deliverance to the Lord and expressed their gratitude in singing Gods praise.
 III. The Prayer (v. 4).
 The people cried to God to visit their restoration with fruitfulness, even ' the streams from the South spread out and make a country fruitful.
 ". The Promise (yy. ., @.
 Though the people were sttll obliged to suffer the consequences of their sins, they were encouraged to go on