Psalm 35:14 I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourns for his mother. I. SOME GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE TEXT. 1. It displays a beautiful combination of apparently opposite virtues in the same character. Undaunted courage and yet loving tenderness. 2. A gradation in the claims of relative attachment. The mother has stronger claims than any friend, though he be one "who sticketh closer than a brother." 3. The loss of an excellent and pious mother is a most afflictive calamity, especially at some periods of her children's life — as infancy and youth. II. THE REGARD WHICH A BEREAVED FAMILY SHOULD SHOW TO THE MEMORY OF A GOOD MOTHER. 1. Retrace with gratitude her loving care. 2. Recall to remembrance the efforts she made to promote your best welfare. 3. Imitate her. 4. Cultivate all those principles, and that character, which were in her, and which shall prepare you to meet her in heaven. (John Clayton, A. M.) Parallel Verses KJV: I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother. |