A Blessing in Praise

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Feb 18, 1886

A Blessing in Praise.

THERE is a blessing as well as a duty in the service of praise. Nor is there ever a time when a child of God has not reason to give praise to him, or when he will not find help to his own soul in sounding God's praises. Among the old poems of the Norseland, there is many a praise of the spirit of praise. Says Odin, in one of these poems: "I am possessed of songs, such as neither the spouse of a king nor any son of man can repeat: one of them is called the Helper; it will help thee at thy need, in sickness, grief, and all adversities;" and again: "I know a song which I need only to sing when men have loaded me with bonds; for the moment I sing it my chains fall in pieces, and I walk forth at liberty." Such a song as that it was which Paul and Silas sang at midnight, while in chains in the prison at Philippi. In the singing of a similar song every trustful believer in Jesus can find help and joy in the hour of his sorest earthly need. "In the day of my trouble He shall keep me," says David confidently; "and . . . I will sing; yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord." "It is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is comely."—S. S. Times.