ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST hath caused the conquerors to flourish as though with the gift of the heavenly palm. The Voice of the Church. The Voice of the Church to GOD concerning her enemies. The Doctrine of Confession, and concerning the glory of the righteous in the world to come.

VEN. BEDE. A Psalm denotes spiritual works, which tend upwards towards the LORD; in these all ought always to sing, that is, give thanks to the LORD our Helper. The Sabbath Day is interpreted Rest, whereby we are warned to cease from every evil deed, and likewise to hope with most sure devotion for the rest to come. Arnobius saith thus: On the Sabbath Day the LORD’S enemies perish, that on the Sunday the LORD’S friends may be glad; for on the Sabbath Day the LORD lieth dead in the grave, and on the Sunday is worshipped living among the Angels. In this matter His thoughts are very deep, which an unwise man doth not well consider. At the first outset, the Church speaks, declaring that it is a good thing to utter praises to the LORD; which it asserts to be a thing whereof the unwise and ungodly are ignorant. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord. In the second part she asserts that sinners will perish quickly like the grass. When the ungodly are green, &c. Thirdly; she saith that the righteous flourish like a palm-tree, and spread abroad like a cedar in Libanus; to the end that fear may correct the obstinate, and the blessed promise sustain the devout. The righteous shall flourish like a palm-tree.

SYRIAC PSALTER. Anonymous; Concerning the ministry of the Priests, and their Morning Sacrifices. It also foretells rest in the LORD.

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA. Concerning that rest which is according unto GOD.