Honey-Comb of the Psalms.
By Theodore L. Cuyler
MARTIN LUTHER styled the book of Psalms "an epitome of the word of God—a little Bible in themselves." They have been read, and sung, and studied, and prayed over, and wept over, for twenty-five centuries of time. The most ancient of them has been in existence for 3,000 years ; the latest written was composed at least 2,500 years ago. While the Iliad of Homer, and the Æneid of Virgil, have been enjoyed by the intellects of the learned few, yet the Praise-Songs of David and Moses have been the heart heritage and delight of the lowliest as well as the loftiest. Scholars, statesmen, and poets, have all united in extolling the incomparable beauty of these songs of Zion. Lamartine in his florid French, exclaims : "The Book of Psalms is a vase of perfume broken on the steps of the temple, and shedding abroad its odor to the heart of all humanity." The little shepherd has become master of the sacred choir of the universe. A chord of his harp is found in all choirs, resounding forever in unison with the echoes of Horeb and Engedi. David is the psalmist of eternity ; what a power hath poetry when inspired by the Almighty ! A thousand eulogies have been uttered over these hymns of the heart, these soul-songs of all God's children. Good old Dickson, of Scotland, speaks of them as "this sweet-smelling bundle of Psalms." Gerhard, the German, says : "The Psalter is a deep sea, in which are hid the most costly pearls ; it is a paradise, bearing the most delicious fruits and flowers." How many an one as he (or she) lays down this brief article will respond : "Yes ! blessed be God for the Psalms ! From childhood they have been my solace and my song on the life-journey. Sweeter are they to me than honey or the honey-comb."