Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from Mercy and Judgment: A Discourse, Containing Some Fragments of the History of the Baptist Church in Charleston, Delivered by Request of the Corporation of Said Church, September 23d and 30th, 1832
On this occasion, reflecting on the varied incidents of Israelitish history, recent and remote, with which this Ark was connected, the thoughts of mercy and judgment filled his mind. His own recent elevation to the throne of all Israel, and the necessity he felt of endeavoring to govern in the fear of God, made these thoughts peculiarly impressive at that time. Wherefore, in this Psalm, he expresses his purpose with regard to some very important principles of government, prefacing it with a song. "I will sing of mercy, and judgment: Unto thee, O Lord, will I sing."
We may observe,
1. The resolution of the Psalmist - "I will sing." - Music seems to be a natural language, adapted to the expression of what is joyous or mournful; and the first rude notions of it are probably coeval with the use of speech. As it is originally the fruit of emotion, so it is fitted to excite and sustain it; and on this account probably, more than any other, music has ever been employed in the worship of God. In the figurative use of the term, here as usual, to sing expresses the act of thanksgiving. Ps. 71. 22, 23. The Psalmist resolves to employ his highest powers in an act of grateful recollection and praise.
And this, at all times, will appear to be our duty, both from reason and from scripture: even judgments themselves calling for "Songs in the night."
2. The subject of his song. "Mercy and judgment." Mercy is his benevolence to sinners; - judgment relates to his character as a Sovereign or Judge, and is applied generally to those acts of God which are mysterious and afflictive.
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