SAMECH.
After the observations which have been proposed upon the foregoing portions of this most blessed Psalm, the Reader will not be surprised, neither, I hope, offended, if I go on to accept this portion also as having respect to the person of Jesus, first speaking himself, and then as the proper devout sentiments of all his people; for without considering our relation to him, sure I am, the sentiments can never suit the minds of a fallen race, like the sons and daughters of Adam. Hate vain thoughts we may, and a certain degree of love to God's law may also be within. But these sensations can only arise in our minds through our relationship to Jesus, How long shall thy vain thoughts edge within thee? is the inquiry of the prophet, Jeremiah 4:14. And Paul hath set it down as a truth perfectly incontrovertible, that the carnal mind is enmity against God; that it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be; and they that are in the flesh cannot please God, Romans 8:7-8. And though the mind be renewed by grace, still in the flesh dwelleth no good thing: The man that thinks otherwise, only manifests that he is a stranger to his own corruptions, and Paul's experience. None but Jesus could truly take up the language of this sweet portion. He whose nature was altogether holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens, and in the midst of whose bowels his Father's law was by nature formed, could say, I hate vain thoughts: thy law do I love.