and only left me to
witness the sun of their life go down in clouds and darkness. But
David says: "THIS is my comfort in my affliction." In saying this he
must have in mind some particular idea; some state of feeling
springing out of some previous preparation of heart, which he can
claim as his comfort in his affliction. The few verses preceding the
text give a clew to this very state of mind and heart. Let us look
over them and see what it was. In verse 44 he says: "I will keep thy
law continually for ever and ever." Verse 45: "I seek thy precepts."
Verse 46: "Of thy testimonies also, I will not be ashamed." Verse 47:
"I delight myself in thy commandments which I have loved." These
declarations make manifest David's love for the Lord; and the joy
springing out of this love is what he calls his comfort in his
affliction.

It was once my privilege, and I can say my happy privilege, to pass a
night beside the dying bed of a faithful minister of the Word. His
deathless and joyful spirit took its flight from earth about four
o'clock the following morning. He did not suffer much pain, and had
strength to express his feelings and thoughts to a limited degree. His
mind was clear. He was dying of a hemorrhage which no power on earth
could check. His comfort in his affliction was so great that from the
joy and peace in his soul he distinctly said to me, in these exact
words: "This is the happiest night of my life." He would sometimes
say: "I love God. I love all his dear people. I will soon join the
spirits of just men made perfect." About four o'clock in the morning
he asked to be turned in the bed, and he was gone. Ah, friends, this
brother had comfort in his affliction; nay, more, unspeakable comfort
in death. This is what all may enjoy in a greater or less degree, who
are laid on beds of affliction. A good life, a life lived in obedience
to the commandments of our Lord, is sure to bring peace to the soul
when we are in health, and this peace will not leave or forsake us
when affliction or misfortune overtakes us. Our Lord says: "Peace I
leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth,
give I unto you." Again he says: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of
me, and ye shall find rest unto your souls." We take his yoke upon us
when we repent of our sins, believe on his name, love to do his
commands, come over freely and fully on his side, and work for him.
Instead of working for what is perishable, we work for