Psalm 145:4 One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. In the old times kings forwarded their despatches by running footmen, of whom there were relays (see Job 9:25; Jeremiah 51:31; 2 Chronicles 30:6-10; Esther 3:13-15). The statutes, ordinances, etc., of the Bible are the despatches of the great King. The generations, as they succeed each other, are the running footmen. The despatches are words of love and mercy. The runners read and publish as they advance. I. THIS WORK OF PRESERVING AND HANDING DOWN THE TRUTH IS AMONGST THE VERY FIRST RELIGIOUS DUTIES THAT CONCERNED THE MIND AND HEART OF MAN. 1. Oral teaching. A patriarch's household (Genesis 18:19). It was a divinely enforced duty (Deuteronomy 6.; Isaiah 38:19). 2. Presently the pen of the historian, etc., employed. Moses, Samuel, etc. II. THIS WORK IS NO LESS IMPORTANT THAN ANCIENT. 1. Human happiness involved (Psalm 78:1-8). 2. Glory of God advanced. 3. Hence Providence has, at different times, raised up supplementary aid to ensure its performance. To the father of each family was added the prophet, scribe, etc.; and to these, in modern times, various organizations. III. THIS WORK, SO ANCIENT AND IMPORTANT, IS AN EVER-PRESENT DUTY. 1. It belongs to the present generation, no less than to those of the past. 2. The world's progress in morality is built up by the workers of all ages. We must lay a stone or two. We owe it to the past. IV. THIS WORK, BEING RELIGIOUS, HAS TO OVERCOME GREAT DIFFICULTIES. 1. Various phases of skepticism. 2. Folly in the heart of children. 3. Home influence often bad. V. THIS WORK REQUIRES SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS IN THE WORKER. Not so much mental as moral. 1. Love of God and Christ (John 21:15). 2. Love of the truth. 3. Love of souls. VI. THE WORK IS ACCOMPANIED BY SPECIAL ENCOURAGEMENTS. 1. The promises of God. 2. The help of God. 3. The improved moral tone of society. 4. The glorious future present to the eye of faith. (After Gray.) - R.T. Parallel Verses KJV: One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.WEB: One generation will commend your works to another, and will declare your mighty acts. |
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