I Will Sing of Mercy

James Smith, 1860


"I will sing of mercy!" Psalm 101:1

Who has greater reason — for goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life. How can I do better — as it will please God and profit me. Complaining does no good — but singing does. Let me sing, for the angels do, my friends in heaven do, the saints on earth do, yes, many sinners do. None perhaps have greater cause to sing than I have.

"I will sing of mercy," this is a SWEET subject. It is God sympathizing with human misery, and manifesting that sympathy in the tenderest and most affecting manner. It is an OLD subject, for saints have ever sung of it, and it is from everlasting. Mercy always had a home in God's heart, and as early as possible, it manifested its interest in man's welfare. But it is also a NEW subject, for the Lord's mercies are new every morning. Every day, mercy shines forth afresh, like the sun. Every day, mercy drops down her blessings, like the dew. Every day, mercy revives and refreshes us, like the breath of morning. It is a VAST subject, for it is from everlasting to everlasting, and its communications are countless and endless. Blessed be God, it is an UNCHANGING subject, for mercy is built up forever, and is like its author and source — without variableness, or the shadow of a turning. It is a subject ADAPTED to all times, all places, and all circumstances; for there is mercy in every place, mercy in every circumstance, and mercy in every season.

Let me therefore glorify God for his mercy, and how can I do this better than by imitating the devout Psalmist, who said, "I will sing of mercy." But for divine mercy — where had I been now? But for divine mercy — what would I be now. Mercy has sweetened all my sorrows, sanctified all my troubles, and prevented innumerable sins! Mercy has held me up when falling — and has raised me up when down! Mercy has smoothed my rugged way — and planted a thousand flowers in my barren path! Mercy has spread a source of supply — when I was in need; and supported me — when I was in distress. Mercy has stood by me in every trial — and will accompany me every step of my future journey. Mercy will be a solace in my sick chamber — and a lamp in the dark valley of the shadow of death. Mercy will accompany me right home to my Father's house — and be my song and joy throughout eternity.

Therefore, "I will sing of mercy!" I will sing of it now — believing that I shall sing of it forever. Reader, will you join me? Do you feel that you are a debtor to mercy? Do you perceive that you are laid under infinite obligations to mercy? But for mercy — what would be your condition now? But for mercy — what would be your state forever? O my soul, with all your powers, in your sweetest notes, sing of mercy!

O my God, I rejoice in your mercy, and bless you that it is written, "According to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Friend, do you need mercy? God has plenty of mercy, and it is free. It may be obtained at the throne of grace, and to that throne you are invited that you may obtain it. Mercy — tender mercy; Mercy — forgiving mercy; Mercy — soul-saving mercy; may be had by applying to Jesus. If you have not received it, as I am sure you need it, I beseech you to promptly apply for it. If you have obtained mercy, apply for more, for God is abundant in mercy; and having obtained more, come and join with me, and let us "Sing of mercy!"