ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST, having pity on us, may deliver us from the contempt of the proud. The Voice of CHRIST to the FATHER, or of the Church to CHRIST, which, like a good servant, seeks the mercy of her LORD. The first step then is Faith, the second Hope, the third Charity; and here now the fourth declares the perseverance of him that prayeth.

VEN. BEDE. He who previously lifted his eyes up unto the hills, now hath raised his heart’s eyes to the LORD Himself. The Prophet, fearing to lose what he held, and cautious in the very place where he had advanced, in the first part devoutly engages in persevering prayers, that he may retain the gifts he has acquired by Divine bounty. Unto Thee lift I up mine eyes. In the second place, he beseeches the LORD to give him mercy, because he has been suffering many troubles from those who insult him at the instigation of the devil, in order that as they have been unable to defile him by their fellowship, they may at any rate defile him with their haughty despisings.

SYRIAC PSALTER. Of David, one of the Psalms of going-up. And it is spoken in the person of Zerubbabel, Prince of the Captivity, and is a prayer of supplication.

EUSEBIUS OF CÆSAREA. Of prayer.

S. ATHANASIUS. A Psalm in solitary address.