Psalm 88:18 Lover and friend have you put far from me, and my acquaintance into darkness. I. THE CONNECTIONS WHICH GIVE A CHARM TO LIFE. 1. "Lover." As this is distinguished from friend and acquaintance, it stands for the tender relative. The husband, the wife, the father, the mother, the child, the brother, the sister, and other dear ties of flesh and blood. 2. "Friend." This is a sacred name, which many usurp, and few deserve. It cannot be applied to the confederate in sin; or to the mercenary, selfish wretch, that loves you because he wants to make use of you, as a builder values a ladder, or a passenger a boat. Friendship is founded in a community of heart. It supposes some strong congeniality, yet admits of great diversity. 3. "Acquaintances" are distinguished from friends. The former may be numerous; the latter must be limited. The one is for the parlour, the other is for the closet. We give the hand to the one, we reserve the bosom for the other. II. TWO WAYS BY WHICH WE MAY BE DEPRIVED OF OUR CONNECTIONS. 1. By desertion. The highest degree of this crime is the want of natural affection. Perfidy is a vile thing, but not a very rare one. How many kiss in order to betray; and gain your confidence, to sting when you are lulled to sleep. 2. By bereavement. This is principally, if not exclusively here intended. Several things add poignancy to the loss. (1) In some cases the bereaved are deprived of worldly support. (2) We are deprived of their company. (3) We can have no intercourse or correspondence with them. (4) They cannot promote our welfare where they now are. III. THE AGENCY OF GOD IN THEIR REMOVAL. He has done it — 1. Who is almighty and irresistible (Job 9:12). 2. Who had a right to do it. If they were your friends, they were His creatures and servants; and was He obliged to ask your permission to do what He would with His own? 3. Who was too wise to err, and too kind to injure in doing it. IV. APPLICATION. Improve such dispensations in a way of — 1. Sympathy. 2. Gratitude. 3. Precaution. 4. Resignation. (W. Jay.) Parallel Verses KJV: Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness. |
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