Psalm 142:4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I. HOW THE SOUL IS USUALLY REGARDED. 1. How many a child may say, "My parents cared not for my soul. They were attentive to my body, and to my bodily health and preservation. They sought my temporal comfort; they got me bread to eat and raiment to put on. They felt for me when I lay sick upon my bed; they spared no trouble to do me service and to get me well again: but they cared not for my soul." 2. How many a servant may say this? A servant is as capable of knowledge, of holiness, and of happiness as a master. "God is no respecter of persons." 3. How many a neighbour may say this. If a neighbour meet with some sad accident, or what we usually call a misfortune, what a concern do we all feel for him but who cares for his soul? who feels concerned for that? II. WHY ESPECIALLY IT SHOULD BE CARED FOR. 1. Because it is the noblest part of the creation. It is in what regards the soul that "man is but a little lower than the angels." It is the soul that reasons, hopes, fears, recollects, anticipates. It is the soul that is imperishable: the body returns to the dust again; the spirit to Him who gave it. 2. On account of its vast capabilities. 3. Because of the price paid for its redemption — the blood of Christ. 4. Because if lost it will remain lost and unredeemed for ever. (W. Mudge.) Parallel Verses KJV: I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. |
    |