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I. In SOCIAL TALK. "Come and hear," etc.

1. The subject of a good man's talk. What is it? The kindness of God to him. "What He hath done for my soul." He hath enlightened me, renovated my nature, removed my guilt, brightened my prospects, etc.

2. The desire of a good man to communicate. Why does he wish to inform others of the blessings which God has conferred upon him? That he may do them good, inspire them with the desire to seek similar blessings.

3. The audience that a good man seeks. "All ye that fear God." All ye that are reverent and religious, and that are in sympathy with me. Godliness is not ascetic. It does not shun, but craves for society.

II. In EARNEST PRAYER. "I cried unto Him with my mouth." The expression "cried" indicates earnestness. Prayer is not words, but burning desires, "uttered or unexpressed."

1. This earnest prayer was unobstructed by iniquity. "If I regard (in purpose) iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." Where the heart is full of worldly thoughts, corrupt desires, and iniquitous purposes, there can be no true prayer. True prayer can no more spring from such a heart than vegetation from marble just polished by the sculptor's hand.

2. This earnest prayer was answered by God. "Verily God hath heard me," etc. True prayer is always answered — answered in the increased buoyancy, vigour, and joyousness of the soul. Every pure desire of the heart brings with it satisfying good. Virtue is its own reward.

III. In DEVOUT THANKSGIVING. "Blessed be God," etc. God has heard me, and therefore blessed be God. What we win by prayer we must wear with praise. Mercies in answer to prayer, do in a special manner oblige us to be thankful.

(Homilist.)

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KJV: Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

WEB: Come, and hear, all you who fear God. I will declare what he has done for my soul.