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 the Creator, that he is dependent upon the divine goodness; and it is, at the same time, an humble supplication for the continuance of that goodness and mercy which has hitherto been bestowed. But it is not enough that man supplicates for the love which the Creator is ever willing to bestow upon him; he must also implore His divine aid, that wisdom and intelligence may be imparted unto him, that he may be thus instructed in the use of divine goodness, and be thus able to exercise it to his own, as well as to his fellow-creature's, advantage: hence the word consider, as it is an exercise of the reasoning faculty, belongs to the understanding, and is an humble supplication to the Lord, that he will be pleased so to endow his creature with reflection and knowledge, that the good which is given unto him may be rightly directed by truth; and that the truth with which he is endowed may always be rendered living, by the all-powerful aid of perfect love as its soul. On this account the prayer is addressed to the Lord in a twofold manner. "Give to my words. O ! consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my  and my ." For the same reason the Lord is implored, in the eighth verse, that he will be pleased to lead his creature in his righteousness, and make his way straight before his face; where divine aid is supplicated to enable man to lead a good, useful, and holy life, guided by the all-instructing power of divine truth. May we ever keep this distinction in view. "Give us understanding. O Lord, that we may keep thy law, yea, that we may observe it with our whole heart."