DEPTHS OF SIN. 13 CHAPTER I. THE SOUL IN THE DEPTHS OF SIN. The state of the soul here represented,.as the basis on which this psalm is built, and which first claims our consideration, is described in the expression, OUT OF THE DEPTHS. Some of the ancients, as Chrysostom, suppose this expression to relate to the depths of the heart of the Psalmist; but the obvious sense of the place, and the constant use of the word in the Hebrew, will not admit of this interpretation : it is in the plural number, depths. It is commonly used for valleys, or any deep places whatever, but especially of waters. Valleys and deep places, because of their darkness and solitariness, are accounted places of horror, helplessness, and trouble. Psalm 23:4, " When I walk through the valley of the shadow of death ;" that is, in the extremity of danger and trouble. The moral use of the word, as expressing the state and condition of the souls of men, is metaphorical. These depths, then, are difficulties, or pressures, attend- ed with fear, horror, danger, and trouble. And they are of two sorts : Providential, in respect to outward distresses, cala- mities, and afflictions, " Save me, OGod, for the waters are corne in unto my soul." Psalm 69 : 1. In the He- brew, " I stick in the mire of the deep, and there is no standing; I am come into the depths of waters, and the flood overflows me." It is trouble, and the extremity of it, that the Psalmist thus expresses. He was brought by it into a condition like a man ready to be drowned: being cast into the bottom of deep and miry waters,
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