Psalms

[0:00] that the Lord should be pleased to help me I should call your attention to a subject you will find in Psalm 146 and the fifth verse happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help whose hope is in the Lord his God Psalm 146 and the fifth verse the subject I want to dwell on is one that I have tried to emphasize not a few times in addressing you dear young people and it needs to be referred to happiness happiness happiness is the subject happiness is that which you dear young people are very concerned to realize happiness but in your pursuit of it you do need to have a right standard set up in your heart as to what happiness really is much that is considered to be happiness is nothing more than pursuing a will or a wish and it is a chimera of the brain and if you seem to attain to it there is no permanence in it because you are seeking it in the sources where it can never be found happiness not happiness worth a name happiness worth a name must be lasting happiness to be happiness must be permanent in its nature and now this word before us shows us such happiness happiness that will avail all who are favored to realize it in their soul's experience for time and eternity too and now in approaching the subject dear young people do ponder in your hearts some of the things which you at the present time consider will produce happiness you are in earnest in seeking it but I want you to weigh up this so called happiness that you are seeking so diligently and go forward in life's journey to when you are about to step out of time into eternity and value it then then you will realize that it is not the happiness that our subject

[4:00] brings before us which God's dear people rejoice in and have many an earnest of it in time and enter into the fullness of it in eternity all earthly happiness and there is earthly happiness that is lawful real but it is limited to time alone and you cannot take that happiness into eternity I might just make a comment on that there is the happiness of home life and to be under your home roof with those near and dear to you making up your family circle you are in you are out as you grow up until you go forth into homes of your own you enjoy that happiness and it is to be enjoyed and say thank you to God for it but it is for this life only as you grow up dear young people you will go forth into life and as you older grow you will stand by grave after grave and you will find your home life in the ultimate issue will become to you a happy memory while your godly fathers and mothers are gone and have entered into the rest that remain it for the people of God enjoying happiness unalloyed and eternal in its nature earthly happiness even though it be lawful happiness is passing and perishing

[6:09] I have told you sometimes about a poster that I saw and I will remind you of it when I was journeying to fulfill an engagement to preach which said the key to happiness in very large letters and underneath it was to buy your furniture at Drages the big furniture firm and if you bought your furniture there then to do that would be to give you the key to happiness happiness but what a fallacy such an advertisement was happiness can never be found in having a well furnished home there are people who have got well furnished homes thousands of them in this land in which you and I live but do they know what happiness is worth the name no no they do not know it because they dwell in homes well furnished for that is not the source of happiness nor to have such a home oh that is not the key to it what is the key to it not a furnished home a furnished heart to have in your heart some good thing toward the Lord

[7:51] God of Israel to possess a hope in God that he has wrought in your soul's experience to be able sometimes to sing we are traveling home to God in the way our fathers trod they are happy now and we hope their happiness to see and so in approaching the subject I do want you to keep in your minds that happiness worth a name must always be permanent in its nature and much of the so called happiness that mankind is seeking earthly sources is no more than doing what you used to do when you were children little children bubble blowing and there you can see the pretty colors on the bubbles they burst and are no longer seen and so it is with the so called happiness happiness that mankind is seeking when he seeks after the flesh and the things of the flesh you have only to look at folks faces as you go about the world nowadays to see that with all their efforts to attain happiness they do not know what it is because their faces just express restlessness discontent disappointment and disillusionment everything hinges on the happiness the psalmist tells us about happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help whose hope is in the Lord is God there was a day at the dawning of time when Adam and Eve in Eden's garden were filled with happiness unspeakable happiness which they could enjoy being the creatures perfect from their creator's hands but that happiness was ruin alas sin entered into the world and death by sin and so death has passed upon all men for that all of sin and the result is that you come into this world and I came into it under this word of God a time to be born and a time to die and yet when you and I were born we were born for eternity oh if you could but believe that it would influence your life as you journey on therein it is a very tremendous thought born for eternity and remember how near you are to it only this frail and fleeting breath preserves me from the jaws of death soon as it fails at once

[11:41] I am gone and plunged into a world unknown on several occasions in my long ministerial life I have been helped to preach the gospel and someone has been listening to it who has gone on his and her way and gone into eternity and that was the last sermon they listened to and now if an angel should proclaim this sabbath eve under union chapel roof that one of you dear young people is listening to the gospel for the last time what then oh what a concern you would be the subject of if so be you could hear something that would give you happiness worthwhile the happiness of a hope in God and that all that is mortal of you might be well laid in the grave in short and certain hope of a joyful resurrection to the life everlasting sinned do think of it dear young people born for eternity and now

[13:06] I said and this is a very solemn consideration a time to be born the time to die the word of God nowhere says there is mark the adjective a guaranteed time to live what do you sin sometimes our life is ever on the wings and death is ever nigh the moment when our life begins we all begin to die and now the word of God emphasizes that view of life and you must not think it is a gloomy theme to ponder on it but what you really need is that God should make you well aware of it and that you should pray like Moses the man of God so teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom when I was allowed at school a long time ago we often used to sing teach me to live that I may dread the grave as little as my bed and that is a good life to live live in the light of eternity and now have you ever noticed some of you have noticed it

[14:36] I am sure have you ever noticed what the word of God says concerning our life the illustrations the Holy Spirit condescends to use there is one psalm which says that our life is just a passing show surely every man walketh in a vain show and the meaning is in the original a passing show and you know you dear young people have sometimes on notable days stood on the pavement and watched a procession go along the streets it may be to celebrate some particular thing in the history of the town where it was or some special occasion to be remembered you stood on the pavement and you watched it go along and it kept passing on and you watched and it was in the ultimate issue a passing show when you went home you had got the memory of it and it would never go like that again through the streets and you would be there to watch it go by and now life is just like that every day as you live your life what you do where you go what you say there are scenes in it but the day dies night comes another day is born and still you're going on life is like that a passing show and then it says we all do fade as a leaf and then it also speaks about our life being as a flower fading and there is another scripture which says my life is just a hand bread and

[16:59] Moses the man of God says we spend our years as a tale that is told you think of your life as a tale and Moses puts it in the past tense a tale that is told there is a chapter for babyhood and for your childhood and when you are a teenager your school life and going farther on to grammar school it may be and then to go forth into life there is another chapter and then you have a home of your own maybe your children are gathered round you and in life's afternoon you see another chapter with many details in it but you still live on and you come to life's evening time and soon like some of us you are turning the pages over for the concluding chapter and we spend our life as a tale that is told

[18:10] Job says that his life was like a dream a shepherd's tent then the word of God speaks about it being like grass growing and withering and Hezekiah said his life was like a weaver's shuttle and Job says again that his life was like a swift ship and that went on its way to reach the port for which it was bound and then life is likened to a pilgrimage we are sojourners and pilgrims as all our fathers were and David says my life is like a shadow that declineth but godly James uses a very strange illustration and he says what is your life it is a vapour evanescent the present moments just appear then slide away in haste that we can never say they are here we can only say they are past and now life is like that according to the word of god the word of god declares it like that and so happiness must be sought in those sources the word of god proclaims where if we are favoured to be the subjects of it we should be able to journey on through life with the prospect that we shall arrive ultimately at the fountain head from whence it flows as the psalmist says in thy presence is fullness of joy and thy right hand who laid up pleasures forevermore some people have thought happiness is to be found in good health but there are many people who have good health who play the fool with it and they do not find happiness in the possession of it no present health can health ensure for yet an hour to come no medicine though it oft may cure can always bolt the doom some have thought if they could have so much wealth that they could find happiness in the possession of it but did you ever hear of anyone seeking to be wealthy who at any time when they became wealthy settled down and were happy in the possession of what they had attained are they not still pressing on with discontent if they can add yet more to the wealth they have already obtained and they cannot find happiness in living like that and especially if you keep this in mind we brought nothing into this world and certain it is that we should carry nothing out some some people think there is happiness in being found in the public eye oh they are on television as people of note or you hear of them on the radio it may be or they have headlines in the daily papers and they think happiness is to

[22:10] be found in what is called popularity but that is what I have said popularity is just blowing bubbles and there is no more value in popularity than there is in bubble blowing all which is very specious is popularity and now there is just another thought here I said earlier on that we were born for eternity and I want you dear young people to remember something which I'm going to say which may sound to you a very simple thing to say you will not find it a very simple thing as you journey on through life and when at length you step out of time into eternity and now as you were born into this world that is a fact that can never be obviated but as you are born for eternity it means you will never lose your creatureship how shall

[23:27] I explain that I will explain it like this I shall always be Herbert Dawson in time and in eternity and I shall know who I am and you will know who you are whether you are in heaven or hell because you were born for eternity and you will never lose your creatureship you might think that over and it might set you going to seek happiness worth the name that you might be found at length at the fountain head from whence it flows and now I want to look at the subject from another viewpoint and that is the people of God alone are happy people you may think there are worldly people who seem to be happy but it is only seen to be if you got down to bedrock in the life they live and you could search into their hearts and examine their thoughts secret thoughts you would find whatever it looks like on the outside they have not got happiness inside no no hell that love

[24:52] Trek Room peace together ago so yeah well. You may not always be happy in your circumstances. You may have trouble upon trouble. Afflictions may be laid on you.

[25:15] You may know adverse circumstances. You may taste disappointment, pain or loss. But underneath it all, you will find though our cup seems filled with gall, there's something secret sweetens all. And that something secret gives you this wondrous happiness that these people know. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God. And now I will show you how it is the people of God are the happy people that they are.

[26:03] I know the world looks on the people of God with other eyes. And many in the world at large think the people of God are just a lot of killjoys. No. No. We refute it.

[26:19] We are not killjoys. There are many things that worldlings do that we no longer desire to do because God has given us an aching void which the world cannot fill.

[26:34] And he has given us a standard of what joy really is. And we would rather stand with the psalmist when he says, I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

[26:54] We would rather be with Moses, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Mark the wording, for a season. It is not for very long if you should live to be 70, 80, 90.

[27:15] Then when at length you step out of time into eternity, it will only be for a season you have lived the life of the world at large. And then you will learn oh how terrible will be the learning thereof. Be not deceived. God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. He that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.

[27:45] He that soweth to the spirit shall of the spirit reap life everlasting. A. He will reap happiness eternal.

[27:59] Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help whose hope is in the Lord is God. And now the people of God are happy people because they are happy in the principles which guide their lives.

[28:18] The word of God tells us the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And now when that fear is lodged in a sinner's breast, it gives him a standard of what is right before God. And that is what he is concerned to do as grace is given. And you can say this of all the people of God, wherever they may be, and he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord. And although they may suffer at times from the world at large and be opposed by earth and hell and light in doing that which is right, yet they can still be happy in the doing of it. Because you can be sure that Daniel in doing that which was right, although he was placed in the lion's den, he had quietness of mind.

[29:28] And he knew the happiness that the people of God alone are the subjects of. And he said, My God hath sent his angel, and he hath shut the lion's mouth. Oh, it was a good time to Daniel in the lion's den. And he remembered it as long as he lived. And he was happy as the outcome of the principle of godly fear which guided his life. Oh, cry we to heaven with one loud accord that to us be given the fear of the Lord. And dear young people, do keep alive in your memories our Union Chapel motto, perish policy or cunning, perish all that fears the light, whether losing, whether winning, trusting God, and do the right. And if you are helped to live like that, you will know the happiness of either at the God of

[30:35] Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord is God. And so the people of God are happy people because of the principles which guide their lives. Godly fear, an unctuous light to what is right, and a bar to what is wrong. Another thought is this, the people of God are happy people because of the privileges which they enjoy, and what privileges they are. There is the privilege whereby at any time, anywhere, they can draw near to God. Wonderful is that privilege conferred upon the people of God. Wherever they may be, God is approachable.

[31:30] And they have the privilege to knock at mercy's door with a guarantee of a welcome when they do it. No sinner was ever yet empty sent back who came seeking mercy for Jesus' sake. This privilege is set forth in the word of God like this, in every thing by prayer and supplication.

[32:00] with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. It is a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. And if you are helped to use that privilege, you will know this happiness.

[32:21] Call upon me in the day of trouble. I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. Lord, teach us to pray.

[32:33] Lord, teach us to make a right use of such a privilege afforded to poor sinners, whereby they can draw near to God, and realize He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that they can ask or even think.

[32:50] Lord, teach us to pray. One of our hymn writers says this, and he says it well. Approach my soul, the mercy seat, where Jesus answers prayer, and humbly lie at His dear feet, for none can perish there.

[33:07] And now, a third viewpoint. You will notice these all begin with P. The people of God are happy people in the protection that God affords them.

[33:26] And what protection that is. God can use whatever He pleases to give His people at any time, anywhere, protection.

[33:39] If need be, He can send an angel to do it. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.

[33:55] Remember what I have just quoted, what Daniel said. My God hath sent His angel, and he hath shut the lions' mouths. Yes.

[34:06] And sometimes, the godly sing in the house of prayer. A sovereign protector I have, unseen, yet forever at hand.

[34:20] Oh, blessed protection. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. I like to think of godly Jacob, when he was on his way, knowing that Esau was coming to meet him with 400 men, all armed.

[34:42] And Jacob, with a guilty conscience, knowing how he had treated his brother Esau 20 years before. And then it says, and the angels of God met Jacob at Mahanahim.

[34:58] And they formed a convoy. Shall I say, a guard of honor. As he went on his way. And the outcome of it was, that Jacob was filled with happiness.

[35:13] And he lost whatever fears he had, regarding how Esau would come along. And it says, and Jacob did lift up his feet.

[35:26] And he went on his way with good courage, and good hope. And Esau did not meet him with a sword thrust, but with a kiss. And now, that is the happiness, which is known by the people of God alone.

[35:44] Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord, is God.

[35:55] And then, there is a beautiful picture of this protection, as it is to be known, where Elisha tells us that in the days when Elisha dwelt on earth, there was the city of Dothan, and it was assailed by Israel's foes.

[36:30] And it says that the king, who was the head of the enemies of Israel, sent thither horses and chariots, and a great host, and came by night, encompassed the city about.

[36:45] And when the servant of the man of God was risen early and gone forth, behold, a host, encompassed the city, both with horses and chariots.

[36:57] And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master, how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not, for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

[37:12] And Elisha prayed and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw.

[37:25] And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. There was that unseen protection.

[37:40] And I believe that has been made manifest thousands of times on behalf of the people of God. And they that seek the Lord shall not want any good things.

[37:55] And they will have protection. Whatever their enemies may purpose to do, the Lord will overturn it, overrule it.

[38:10] And they will know, happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord is God. Oh, they will be happy in the protection that God affords.

[38:25] And then the people of God are happy people inasmuch as they are happy in the provision that God has made for them.

[38:38] I have just quoted, They that seek the Lord shall not want any good things. And now there is provision made. Whene'er the Lord's people have need, his goodness will find out a way.

[38:57] He has guaranteed bread shall be given, water shall be sure. And if you look back, ask the grey heads, and those whose heads are not so grey, who fear God.

[39:14] Lack to eat anything by the way. And the answer will be, nothing. Day by day, the Lord makes his goodness to pass before these people of his.

[39:31] He has made provision for them. Not only for time, but eternity too. He guarantees bread shall be given, water shall be sure, and a contented mind to enjoy it.

[39:51] And he also makes them meet for the inheritance of the saints in light. And he has guaranteed that provision. In the word of his grace, he has recorded exceeding great and precious promises.

[40:08] And they are all guaranteed in the name of Jesus. So that whatever your need may be, you will find there is one of these exceeding great and precious promises that your need shall be supplied.

[40:26] My God shall supply all your need from his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Yes. Happy in the provision made for them.

[40:42] So that they can journey on through life. And give no anxious thought for the morrow. Knowing that he whom they desire to love and serve is Jesus Christ the same.

[40:57] Yesterday and today and forever. Forever. And one hymn writer says. He who has made my heaven secure.

[41:10] Will hear all good provide. While Christ is rich I can't be poor. What can I want beside? And now.

[41:21] There is just another. Word here. I want to dwell on a little. Coming toward the Amen. The people of God. The people of God. Are not only happy in the principles which guide and govern their lives.

[41:35] And in the privileges which they enjoy. And the protection God affords them. And in the provision he has made for them. Do remember.

[41:47] The people of God are happy in the prospect. That is before them. And what a prospect it is. That when time shall be no more.

[42:00] They will. Be found at the fountain head of bliss. Where happiness eternal. Will be. Enjoyed.

[42:11] Think of the. Apostle Paul. And the life that he lived. And what did he say about it. As he was about to step out of time.

[42:22] Into eternity. For I am now ready to be offered. And the time of my departure. Is at hand. I have fought a good fight.

[42:33] I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth. There is laid up for me. A crown of righteousness. Which the Lord. The righteous judge.

[42:44] Shall give me at that day. And not to me only. But unto all them also. That love. His. Appearing.

[42:56] Yes dear young people. The people of God alone. Are happy people. In the prospect that is. Before them.

[43:07] If you have ever seen. A worldling die. You would know. He had not a prospect. Of happiness. Before his. Glazing eyes.

[43:18] But that. He was. About to reap the consequences. Of the seed he had sown. In the life. He had lived. As I have already quoted.

[43:31] He that soweth to the flesh. Shall of the flesh. Reek corruption. In my. Ministerial life. I have been by the dying beds.

[43:43] Of the godly. And seen. The dawn. Of glory. Lighting up their. Countenance. Till they looked. Radiant.

[43:55] In the prospect. Before them. To dwell forever. With the Lord. And once in my life. I was by. The bedside.

[44:06] Of a man. Who was in despair. And knew. That hell. Was his destined. Dread. Abode.

[44:17] And he took a short. Cut. In taking his own life. To enter. Into it. Soon after. I left. His bedside. And it has left a picture.

[44:29] In my mind. Which I have never. Never forgotten. Never forgotten. To think of that man's. Countenance. And the prospect. Before. Him.

[44:40] Oh. How good it will be. If you dear young people. To weigh these things up. And if. You should be set going.

[44:51] To know the happiness of these people. In our text. Happy is he. That hath. The God of Jacob. For his health. Whose hope.

[45:03] Is in the Lord. Is God. Think too. Of Moses. The man of God. When he came to the end. Of his wonderful life. As Israel's leader. When he addressed.

[45:15] Israel. As a nation. Before he died. What was his last spoken word. To them. Happy art thou. O Israel. Who is like unto thee.

[45:27] All people. Saved by the Lord. Ae. O you see. Dear young people. This happiness. Is to do with our souls.

[45:38] Our souls. Eternal. Welfare. If you should. Know. The salvation of your soul.

[45:49] O how happy you will be. Beyond words to. Describe. But. This subject mentions also. The word.

[46:01] Help. Happy is he. That hath the God of Jacob. For his help. Whose hope. Is in the Lord. His God. There you see. Three.

[46:12] Characteristics. Happiness. Help. And hope. And now. What more do you need. Than to have God.

[46:23] To be your help. If God. Should make known. Should make known to you. That he is your God. And that he is ever at hand. To give you help.

[46:35] You will know what happiness is. Worth the name. To live your life. With such a helper. Going before you.

[46:46] In life's way. And what wonderful help it is. It is. It is not only. Promised help. When most. I need his help in hand.

[46:58] This friend. Is always near. With heaven and earth. At his command. He waits to answer prayer. And remember. It is powerful help. It is the help.

[47:10] That almighty God. Can afford you. And there is no limitation. To it. Remember. That word. He is able to do. Exceeding abundantly.

[47:22] Above all that we can ask. Or even think. And then. If God is your help. You will find that help. Will always be timely help.

[47:34] It will never be too early. And it will never be. Too late. Too late. Just when you need it. The help will be forthcoming.

[47:45] You may not always realize. The help it is. But in. The days. To come. When you look back. Over the way you have come along. You will see.

[47:56] How God. Was your help. Even when you did not realize it. To help you to understand. That viewpoint of truth. Think of Joseph. Long ago. When.

[48:07] He was sold. As a slave. When he was first of all. In the pit. And then. The Midianites. Passed by. And he was taken off.

[48:18] Out of the pit. And sold as a slave. And carried down to Egypt. And as he went on his way. How sore his heart must have been. For he was only a young man.

[48:29] Quite a young man. And he pondered in his heart. The things which had happened. And he did not realize. That God. Was working out a purpose. And in all that was happening.

[48:41] God was behind it. To afford. Joseph. Help. That he might ultimately see. The fulfillment. Of the dreams. On which he based.

[48:52] A prospect. In his life. As the future. Unfolded. And. Although. He was. Guiltless. When lodged in the prison.

[49:03] There. The Lord was with Joseph. And afforded him help. And out of prison. He came. To see. What God had been doing.

[49:14] All the while. Working out his purposes. Bringing to pass. Those things. That Joseph. Desired. Which he had. Felt in his own.

[49:26] Soul. In the dreams. That he had been. The subject of. Out of prison. He came to reign. Happy is he.

[49:37] That hath. The God of Jacob. For his. Help. He may be helpless. All. The people of God.

[49:48] Are made to feel helpless. Very often. In the dealings. Of God. With them. And to learn. That none. But Jesus. Can do.

[49:59] Helpful sinners. Good. But they are never hopeless. No. No. Happy is he. That hath. The God of Jacob. For his help.

[50:10] Whose hope. Is in the Lord. Is God. And if you look at the subject. From that viewpoint. Although I will not. Keep you longer. To open it up. You can just think of Jonah.

[50:21] In the whale's belly. And now you might have. Considered Jonah. Would be hopeless. In such a case. But.

[50:32] God. Kept hope alive. In. Jonah's breast. And he says. Out of the belly of hell. Cried I. Though I am cast out of thy sight.

[50:44] I will look again. Toward. Toward. Thy holy temple. And the Lord delivered Jonah. And he was useful in the service of God. Afterwards.

[50:57] Happy is he. That hath. The God of Jacob. For his help. Whose hope. Is in the Lord. Is God. And now. Regarding this help.

[51:09] There is one of our hymn writers. Who says this. Should poverty or loss. Of all created good. Conspire to make our weighty cross.

[51:20] Our helper still. Is God. And. As I come to the Amen. I want to read you. A verse here. Here.

[51:31] And Moses. And Moses. Said unto. Hobab. The son of Raguel. The Midianite. Moses. Father in law. We are journeying. Unto the place.

[51:43] Of which the Lord said. I will give it you. Come thou with us. And we will do thee good. For the Lord hath spoken good. Concerning.

[51:54] In. Israel. And that is our concern. As. We preach the gospel. All the year round. To you.

[52:05] And those who love you. And teach you. Dear scholars in the Sabbath school. Also. That. You shall ultimately. Come with us.

[52:17] And if you should be helped to do that. Then we would do thee good. For the Lord hath spoken good. Concerning. Israel.

[52:28] The good. That you will enjoy. Will be the happiness of he. That hath the God of Jacob. For his health. Whose hope.

[52:39] Is in the Lord. His God. The Lord help you. To think on these things. Amen. Are your work.

[52:51] What are you doing? The Lord is very personal God. For you. The Lord. In a special way. For you soulless. You friends. Many that be called.

[53:02] You are easy. Get yournis. You can put it in the hand. Your friends. So ... Does presentation are true. The Sundays are purchases inłyanas. Your friends are oldu.

[53:13] You are Valentine's life. A particular��. And you are supposed to also