---

I. A CASE OF DISTRESS SUPPOSED. The words lead our thoughts to a very common spectacle — that of a person suffering under pain and dangerous illness, and oppressed at the same time by much darkness and anxiety of mind. These things very frequently go together. "Without are fightings, within are fears."

II. IT WILL BE WELL TO CALL IN A COMPETENT ADVISER. Let him that is grieved with sickness send for his proper spiritual counsellor.

III. THE TEXT SUGGESTS WHAT, IN GENERAL, SUCH AN ADVISER WILL HAVE TO DO. He must show unto the afflicted person God's righteousness. In proportion as he shall be able to do this, through Divine grace, he will prove "one of a thousand" to him who is in want of guidance and consolation.

IV. THEY DECLARE THE CONSEQUENCES, THROUGH THE DIVINE MERCY, IF SOUND COUNSEL BE FAITHFULLY FOLLOWED. If the patient has a docile, sincere and childlike disposition of mind, the truth delivered will be blessed to him, and the fruits will show it.

(E. Bather, M. A.)

---

---

KJV: He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:

WEB: He is chastened also with pain on his bed, with continual strife in his bones;