Psalm 46:4-7 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.… Note the contrasted scenes. One, of wild commotion — the sea is roaring and troubled: the other of quiet peace. A placid river runs through its sheltered valley, undisturbed and undisturbable." The scene of tempest and change is the world: of quiet peace, the Church. I. THE SECURITY OF THE CHURCH. Trace its history from first to last and see how it has been preserved. II. ITS TRANQUILLITY. For therein are to be found men who are — 1. At peace with God. 2. Under the holy government of their Lord, which restrains all passion and temper. 3. In communion with God. 4. In the use of religious ordinances. III. THE SUPPLY OF THE CHURCH. "A river." Think of the source, the continuance, the fulness, of this stream of heavenly truth, bright and pure. IV. THE GLADNESS OF THE CHURCH. 1. It is noble and worthy of rational beings. 2. It is satisfying. 3. It is sanctifying. 4. It is benevolent. 5. It fits us for scenes where gladness is eternal. (R. Watson.) Parallel Verses KJV: There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. |
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