Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all your works; I muse on the work of your hands. : — I. THE PAST ENABLES US TO KNOW OURSELVES. 1. We have embodied our character. 2. We have reacted on and moulded them. 3. Hence the past shows what we are. II. THE PAST IS FITTED TO SUGGEST RULES FOR THE GUIDANCE OF THE FUTURE CONDUCT. 1. It has brought to light our tendencies. 2. It has shown what is dangerous in our circumstances. 3. It has revealed the temptations before which we are in danger of falling. III. A CONSIDERATION OF THE PAST WILL PREPARE US FOR THE EXERCISE OF CONFESSION, AND WILL SHUT US UP TO CHRIST. 1. Confession should be minute — history portrayed. 2. This requires a knowledge of the past. 3. A sight of our sin drives to Christ. 4. For this sight we must turn to the past. IV. THE CONSIDERATION OF THE PAST WILL DISPOSE US TO THANKSGIVING, AND WILL FURNISH US WITH MATERIALS FOR PRAISE. 1. Thanksgiving is difficult, and is neglected. 2. It should be minute, ranging from, etc. 3. It should involve lively and strong feeling. 4. The knowledge and the deep feeling are dependent on, etc. — Individuals. V. THE CONSIDERATION OF THE PAST WILL STIMULATE US TO REDEEM THE TIME. 1. The whole life of man is short. 2. How much shorter has it become to us! 3. Had it been spent aright, its increased shortness would not be a matter of regret. 4. But only look back! VI. THE CONSIDERATION OF THE PAST WILL PRODUCE DEEP AND SOLEMN IMPRESSIONS OF THE FRAILTY OF MAN. 1. Look back to your childhood. 2. Where are the companions of your youth? Stages marked by grave-stones — mourner — stranger on earth. VII. THE CONSIDERATION OF THE PAST WILL SHOW THE UTTER FOLLY OF DEPENDING ON THE THINGS OF THE WORLD FOR SUPPORT AND ENJOYMENT. 1. Ungodliness is an attempt to dispense with God and still be happy. 2. Each man makes the experiment. 3. You have made it. 4. What is the result? A failure! VIII. A CONSIDERATION OF THE PAST WILL CONFIRM THE BELIEVER IN THE CHOICE HE HAS MADE. 1. The most important part of a believer's life is that which follows his conversion. 2. In reviewing it — (1) You see the temporal consequences of your act. (2) You see the spiritual consequences. IX. THE PAST WILL SHOW TO THE UNGODLY HIS ETERNITY. 1. Alas! the sinner is not qualified to see his eternity in his time. X. THE PAST SHOWS TO THE BELIEVER THE COMPARATIVE MEASURE IN WHICH HE SHALL REAP HEREAFTER. Between the believer's present conduct and future glory — 1. There is no connection of merit. 2. But there is a connection of congruity or fitness. (Jas. Stewart.) Parallel Verses KJV: I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.WEB: I remember the days of old. I meditate on all your doings. I contemplate the work of your hands. |
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