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T O T H E

RIGHT HONOURABLE

The E a r L of

EG LINGTON,

Mercy and Peace through tfefus Chrift.

tJMy right Noble Lord,

|H E reafon of my fending forth of this piece,under yourLordfhips name,is, that by this means I may pay home before I die, the old debt which I owe to your Lordfhip, and to the whole nohle family, for countenancing and encouraging me openly in my Miniftery, all the while I was in Irwin near your Lordfhip, full twenty yeares.

And the reafon why I do confefle my debt now, and go about todifcharge fome part of it, at this time of your Lordfhips reftraint in EngUnd , is, be-caufe when I call to minde the time of my reflraint about fome thirty yeares ago, (when the High Com-miffion Court of Prelates procured my confinement within a little village in the North beyond Aberdein^ in regard I could not give them fatisfaftion by receiving the yoak of fome Popifli ceremonies, impofed

A 2 then

The Efifite Dedicatory.

jhen upon the Miniftery, ) I cannot forget how comfortable your Lordfhtp wa9 to me then , and what paines and travel you endured fummerand winter without wearying, untill they who at that time had power to loofe me from my confinement, beingmadefenfible, fomeoftbem of the iniquity, and all of them of the inexpediencie of keeping me in bonds, I was reftored to the free and full ufe of my Miniftery. Wherefore I do efteem it a part of due gratitude , todowhatinmelieth, to be comfortable to your Lordfhip in this your prefent condition ; and do heartily pray to God that your ex-ercife and trouble, may prove a meanes of your happineffe. It is true indeed, that happinefle without this meanes were to be wi(hed , if fo it were Gods pleafure; but unto God onely (in whofe hands alone it is to make men bleffed , and iq whofe friendfhip and favour through Chrift only men are really blefled) it doth belong, as to choofe the m^n fo whom, fo alio tochoofe the meanes whereby , and the manner how he will communicate the right and pofTeftionof trueblef-fedneffe. If happinefle were at mens wifh and carving, no man would choofe God for his chief good, nor Gods way to bring his felicity about; for the multitude of men do fay, PfaL^.6. who yvi// fhew us any good t

1 he good which God doth (hew unto them, and the way how by reconciliation with himfelf, and walking humbly and uprightly before him, they may have God to be their rich reward. , is not the thing they love to have; but corn and wine and oi!e , and whatsoever may beft pleafe their flefhly fancie , is their defire. And of this the

Lord i

The Epiftle Dedicatory.

Lord doth complain, <P/i/.8i. n. Afypeop/e,hhh he , Would not- hearken to my voice , and Ifrael would none of me. And what was it which they did preferre unto God ? they loved to have their own will in this world, whatsoever (hould befall them after death; they loved rather to have their own earthly defires fatisfied , then to have the friendship of God : and their choice was givefj unto them to their owne deftrudion. So ( faith ' the Lord) / gave them over to their owne hearts /uff , and they talked in the counfell of their cftcne heart. Few , when they look upon the courfe which the world doth runne after, yea very few do preferre the fellowfhip of God reconciled to them in Chrift , before riches, honour, and fen-fual pleafure : For , who Will fhe-w m any good ? is that which many do fay, 7/al^ 4. 6. but, Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon tu , is the petition of the few oppofed to the multitude 5 and even thofe few godly would wifh to go to heaven with eafe , and to be free from trouble in their journey, if it were the Lords will, as we may fee in the prayer oijabez,, 1 Chron. 4. 10. Who called on the God of Ifrael faying , Oh that thou wotildcft blejfe me indeed , and enlarge my coaft , anh that thine hand might be with me y and that thou roouldefl keep me from cvill 9 that it mayn't grieve me. But our loving and wife God, who knoweth perfe&ly what is fitteft for every man 9 doth crofle and correft thofe? natural de-fires of his children. And howfoever he will now and then poffibly grant the prayer of Jabcz, to fome of his people , yec he hath appointed this to be the ordinary road-way to heaven, which A 3 the

The Epijile Dedicatory.

the ApoRle pointeth forth to us, ASs 14, 22.

We muft through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God*

And this courfe of carrying of Gods children through many afflictions, doth no wayes hinder their happinefle; for how many foevcr their crok fes be, yet this holdeth alwaycs fall, Pfaf. 65.4* . Ttleffed is the man -whom thou cboofeft, and canjeft to approach unto thee. If therefore by plurality of chaftifements , the Lord ftiall draw and drive them to feek remiffion of finnes and reconciliation with himfelf, and the renewed fenfe thereof through Chrift , and (hall by the rod hedge them within the way of walking with him in a friendly communion ; they !ofe nothing except their lufls, and do gain eternal blefledneiTe. And certainly there is fo much reliques of natural cor* ruption, fo ftrong inclinations unto finne, fo many a&uall outbreakings, and grofle tranfgref-fions to be found in the moft precious Saints, that there is no wonder the Lord fhould vifit their trefpaffes with the rod, and their iniquity with ftripes; but all the wonder is , that he will not take his loving kindnes utterly from them. There is alfo fo great need of loofing their affections from what feemeth love-worthy in this world j fo great need of railing the hearts of the heires of Salvation unto the feeking of a Kingdom, which cannot be lhaken, and of a crown uncorruptible; as all reafondoth call forthemix-f ture of troubles with earthly comforts, left the fweetnefle of temporary vanities fhould prove unto them poyionable. Moreover, the experience of the Saints fee down in Scripture, and efpeci-*

ally

ally in the Pfalmes, doth make it manifeft, that by the variety of outward and inward troubles the faith of Gods children hath been tried > and trained to farther ftrength. Tbeir love , hope, and patience, and all other fpiritual graces in them have been to foftered and augmented , as they have been made joyfully and thankfully to fubferibe this truth , Pfal. 94. 12. B/ejfed is the man whom thou chaftenefi^ O Lord , and teachefi him cut of thy Lato. This is the language of the Lords prefent difpenfation toward his people, and the leflbn which his Providence doth recommend to us all, that we may learn it to our good : where-unto if this piece (hall contribute any thing for the edifying of thofe who (hall be pleafed to read it ; and in fpeciall , if it fhall be acceptable to your Lordfhip, this (hall do much more then re-compencc the labour of

Tour Lord/hips obliged fervant in the Go/pe/J,

David Dickson.

THE

TheEpiftle to the Reader.

Thriflian Rei^c-,

I He acceptance which the former fifty PfalmeJ hue found, doth give me encouragement [uf-

1 cieitt to offer thefe other fifty to thy view alfo % and to give thee the laftfifty fofoonas the Lor d fall enable me: I am ft ill [paring of

1 thy time, and do fir he to point forth , not alt'

1 the Vottrincs which may be deduced from the words 5 but fo many oncly as being joy ned together and compared with the Text,may give unto tbee both tbefenfc and the life thereof. It is not poffible to expreffegravepurpofes fuf-ficiently without a volume, nor to open myfteries in few words unto thy fatis fact ion^wbo can ft not chufebut wiflno have more of the purpofCy whereof thou loveft to hear much) andfindeft but a little of it hinted at. No fort of writing, except that of the Scripture^ hath all perfections ; but this advantage thou Haft- by this mould , thou fait not read long till thou meet with muter worthy of thy meditation j and whensoever thou meeteft with a wordfpofyen in fafon,or fit for thy condition , thou may eft clofe thy reading for the time* without lofmg any long difcourfe , and feed upon what thou haft found till it be digefted , and then rcturne when thou wilt& fee^. fgr as much as may be another morfelL For the reading of many diver fc doctrines, without fome interlaced meditation jslilie eating cf ma-row witvom bread, and cannot but cloy tine forthetfrac, or give thee a furftit of whole fome food \ which evil if it befal thee, may be helped for after-time by fart ejaculations of a word of prayer while ft thou art reading , a cording as the purpofccallctb thee to fceli the Lords blejfing unto that which thoureadejt,wbofeprejencc that thoumay eft findc comfor tablets the prayer of

Thy fervant in the Gofpel, VAFID TUCSON.

, The mift kes in tKc printing which have cfcaped the Picffe m the former piece, and may paffiMy alio efcapc it hereafter^ I pray theeexaife ; becaufe I a<H at uich adiftance , as I can neither timoudv prevent them , nor mavkc them as Errata that thou' mi^hrUVcorrecVthcm; A v

(i)

$8*

A Brief

EXPOSITION

Upon the other fifty

PfalmeS'

PSAL. Lt.

To the chief tiiuficia*. A Pfdmeof £>a^ , when Nathan ibi Vrophct cxme unto hrm, after he Hdgonc in to Bathiheba.

H E PfaimiiUnthefadfenfe of hU giiil-tinefle : praycth for remiflion of finne,vvith an eye to trie Lords large rilercy, ver. .i, t. and followed his petition with a deep a'nd hcart^ confeflion of his finfulnfle^ ver. J 4j *>£• He praycth the fecond time tor remiflion of linHe, with an eye toward the blood of the Mefliah, ver. j. and followed it with another petition for comfort to his afflifted fpi-rit, ver. 8. He prayeth for remiflion of fins the third time^cr. 9. and folloWeth it With another petition for renewed comfort of. the holy Spirit 3 and for removal of felt wrath, with aprcmifc of making nfe thereof, to the edification of Gods people, ver. 10,• 11, 11, 1 3. He prayeth for remiflion of fihne the fourth time, an namely of that particular linnc , wherewith f6r the prefenc hisconfeiencewasrnoft troubled, ver. 14. and'he foUoweth it with another petition, for enabling of him for a morefpirituar 8c

& finccra

fincere manner of ferving God hereafter, renouncing all confidence in the external ceremonies of the Law', wr. 15,16, 17, And laft of all, he prayeth for mercy to the Church, ver. 18,19.

From the Infcription, Lcam, 1. How foone the moft mortified luft may be kindled and break forth like fire in the embers, when it meeteth with powder i how fraile the ftrongeft of the Saints are in themfelves, when rhcy are tempted to finnej and what need he who ftandeth hath to take heed left he fall; for the holy Prophet, the fweet finger of Ifrael is here foully defiled by bis going in to Batbjheba. 2. Howfaftafleep infinne,evea the moft watchful watchman may fall, and that he cannot at all awake, of himfelf, till God of his grace (who in love purfueth fugitives) by fome means 01 his own chufing, ftir up his confidence, as here is evidenced in the cafe of the Pfalmift, who did lie ftill in his fin fecure, till Httbin the Prophet came unto hint. 3. How faithful Minifters ought to be in their proper charges, reproving finnCj even in greateft perfonages^when God doth call them unto it: and how acceptable their reproof mould be to the honefj heart, as Natbxn the Prophet, 'Davids Seer , his coming unto David, and rebuking him after the open knowledge of his finne 5 and Davids acceptance of this office at his hands 5 and the honourable mention made of his fidelity here do teach us. 4* How little a true penitent doth ftand to fhame himfelf, when his fin hath difhonoured God, and he fceth that the confeflion of it may glorific God j and how far the Pen-men of holy Scripture do differ in this point from the writers of humane hifto* ries,, as J) Avid, in the Infcription of this Pfalme giveth proof.

Ver.j.TT Ave mercy upon me. 0 §od, according to XjJ thy loving kjndneffe : according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my tranfgref* pons.

2. Wafh me throughly from mine iniquity , and cleanfe me from my (in.

In this firfi affedionate prayer for remiffion of fins, Learn, 1. Asthecontcience, till it be awakened by God, cannot apprehend how difpleafant fin is to God J how it meriteth wrath, and tow unfupportable a burden it is to the (inner, when he is charged '

1>SAL. LI. $

gc<i with it:So after it is wakened, it can fee no refuge till it con* Edcr that mercy may be had in God, and then the more it \i prefled by the Law, or fear of wrath, the more it feeketh after Gods mercy, as here we fee ; Hdve mercy on me, 0 God. 2. The confidcration of the Lords loving kindncfle , and readineile to forgive the finner that comith unto him, ftiould keep the finner^ ( how grievous focver his offence hath been) from running away from him, yea mould give him hope to meet with mercy, whatsoever may bt his demerits: Have mercy, 0 God on me, according to thy loving \indneffei J. Sin is a debt obliging a mart to a penalty which he cannot pay, but mufl be forgiven, otherWaycs heperifheth,as blot out my tran[grejfions doth import. 4. All doubts arifing from the multitude of fins forgiven before , and from the abufe of many mercies already received, and from the deepdefervingsof melt hainous fins, arc folved, when Gods lo* vingkindnefle, and the multitude of the mercies of God are op-* pofed to thefe doubts 3nd fears, and are put in the balance over againftthem; according to thy loving fyidncjfe, according totht multitude of tky mercies, blot out my tranjgrejjions. 5. When a Saint now juftined doth any thing againft the Law of God, his fin is fo rarre from being extenuated or made leflc, as by the Contrary it is multiplied fo much the more, and found to have in it a plurality of fins, when it is rightly confidered; blot out (faith he) my tran[greJJions> in the plural number. 6.Sia,as it bindeth a man over to punifhment, till he be forgiven 5 fo it de-fileth a man, and puts an abominable deformity on Him, which his illuminate confcicnce cannot look upon, without loathing* till it be by pardon and purging wafhed away > wajh me and cleanfc me from mine iniquity ana my fin. 7. The pollution of fin goeth through the whole powers of the foul and body 3 which have been ferviceable to itj through minde, will, afteftions, fenfc* bodily, and all> and nothing can quiet the foul here, except k finde pardoning mercy, and fandifying mercy, going after all-hefoulefootftepsof fin, and doing away the:filthinefle thereof, wajb me throughly % and cleanfc me.

Ver. 3. For I acknowledge my tianfgrejjions^ and toy fin is ever hefor& me.

4. %AgainSl thee, thee ontly have I finned, and ione thii evil in thy fight, that thou might*ft be jufii-

fied -when thou fyeakeft , and be clear -when thou judge ft.

5. Beholdj J was fliapen in iniquity : and in Jlnne did my mother conceive me.

6. Behold, thou deft reft truth in the intyari pmi ; And in the hidden part then fhdt make me to know wfdome*

Here he maketh confeffion of his (in and GnfulneiTc, and aggravated his guildnefle, from the very root of original finncymct fubferibeth whatfoever God hath fpokenof mans finful nature, and deierved punilhmcnt in the Scripture, approving himfelf for the fincerity of his conic (Hon unto God. Whence learn> 1 . Whofcever would have mercy and pardon of his fin from God, mull acknowledge his fin and debt ; and muft take part with God, and with juftice a gain ft himfelf, becaufe the Pfalmift here givcth this for a reafon ot his hope of pardon, for 1 acknowledge my tranfgrejfon. . z. Albeit God hath pardoned fin to a penitent foul, and albeit his Minifters have made declaration of the pardon to him, yet the confeience will not pronounce the fen-tence of absolution, but ftillprefent the (m as unpardoned, till God make it quiet by his immediate intirr.ation ;for David after that l^athan had told him irom the Lord, that his iniquity was pardoned, itill flndeth the conference purfuing for the guilt, my Sprit is ever before me. 3. The dividing of the grant of pardon irom the tffe&unl intimation thereof unto the confcience,isdone in Gods wifdorae and mercy towards his childc for good :for here it ripeneih repentance, and bringcth forth this deep confeffion, J acknowledge mine iniquity, and my finne is ever before me. 4. Itismcft fuitable for true repentance, to pitch upon fome particular in, in the vileneffe whereof the e v il of other Its may be taken up and lamented again ft thee have 1 done this evitt > he meancth the particular whereof Nathan charged him in the matter of Uriah. <. The material injury and hurt of a fnful action may refolve upon a creature, but the formall obli • cjuity of the adion refolveth upon the law or command of God, and upon his fovereigne authority which gave the law; againft ibee, thee kai'e I finned. 6. If the injury done to the creature, could be fevered from the ofYcnce done to God, the conlcience would net be fo much troubled for the firft as for the laft 5 or

-it

if the injury done to G?d againft fo many obligations, be compared with the injury done to the creature; the injury done to God isfohigh as it comprchendethall the challenge which the creature couW make for its part, and leaveth nothing to the crearurc tofaybeWes: Thereto e faith he > againft tbee, thes incty have I finned, and done this cvill in thy fight, y . Albeit no man mould challenge for a wrong done by one man to another, and in particular for a wrong done to a fubject by a Prince or Ruler, yec will the Lord challenge for it, and bring the man to an accompt for it, agaiitft thee, thee oncly have I finned. 8 How clofely (bevcrthe circumflances of a /infill action be conveyed L that men mould not fee the vilcnefle th ::eof yc- before God all the muter is plaine : / have done this evill in thy fight, faith he. <*• Theconfcience rightly wakened in the feme or' -nycannot tut juftifie what God hath fpoken in his Word of mans -nful-nefle, and of the merit ofj n and o whatsoever God hath done, or mall do in the puniming of fin : for David makcth tluv.ieep confcfTion of \m againft himfelf, that God way he juftjfied rvhejt befpcalictb, and dare when he u judged, i o. Ahhou s h p-efumptu-9*man will not ihnd to examine, judge, and pailc feme nee up -o^fcod,andhis words, and his works,yec flail ito m.m be ab]e to blar a blot upon God > but every confcienc.e when awake,(lull be found to blame the man, and to juitine God infill his words and proceedings, zs f David is forced to blame himiVt here, ■that God may be juflificd wben be fpeaketb, avd clear when be is judged. 1 1. As original (mis common to al! men by natu-railprcpagation from their parents, fo is it not abolillied out of the moil holy in this life, and as it is found to utter it felf by actual tranfgrifTions, in the children of God, fomuft the evill thereor be acknowledged by them, and that not to extenuate, bat to aggravate their fin thereby,as David fheweth here, faying,Bc-hclij was fl^apcnin iniquity, and in fin did my mother conceive me. r. No confcfTion of f n, nor any other part of G ods wor-iliip givcth eafe totheminde, or is acceptable to God, except it be done in linccrity and truth, and when it is done in fpirit and truth . it is acceptable to God, and.giveth ealc to the confeience; lkhold/faith 7 avid after his deep confcttienjibou defircft truth in the inward partu i $, The bit operation of Gcd* gr ce in uk, is worthy to be oblcrvcJ, acknowledged, and made nfc of, as an evidence that God huh fomewo^k in us, wherein he takctli plca!iirc.2c/;0/<i(faithP^cr4toGo

inuh intbeinwurdpms. i* Whcnamanhaihicundi'oa.eiW>k B 2 of

$ PSAL. LI.

pfgraccinhimfelf,hemayexpe&tofindeyet more grace from God, as Ddvid afterthisobfervation of grace given unto him, 10 make^a fincere conkflion of his f?n , doth expect that God ftiall efte&u^lly teach him more wifdome, or wiic bthayiour in his light. In the bidden fart thou wilt ma\e mc to lyiow wifdom^ that is, thou wilt make rfly confeience judge yet more impartially of my native (infulnefle, and wilt teach me to walk more eircurnfpeftly before thee, in the fenfe of my (infulnefle.

Ver. j. Targe me with hjfope and \ fball be clean: ypafb me and l fhall be whiter then [now.

§• Ma^e me to hear jo\ and gladnejfe: that the

( hones whicb thou haft broken may re Joyce,

Heprayethforremifficnof nnthe fecondtime, with an eye to the bloud ohheMefliah Chrift, and joynethwith it, a petition for comfort to his afflicted fpirit. Whence learn, i. No

iieflfeloathfomethenleproiieisthe hghtof /In, when it is looked upon as unpardoned $ and nothing leflc then the bleud of Chrift fignified by the bloud of the clean bird llainc to cleanfe the lcjtfr, car} purge a man of it, for David doth look unto the mannjgpf cleanfing the leper, as it is let down, Levit. t 4. Where two mfas were taken, and one of them fiaine,and the living bird icing dipped with hyfope in the bloud of the flaine bird, was let flie away, to (ignifie the leprous fmners deliverance from perdition |by the bloud of that cleanly bird Jcfus Chrift: purge me with by* (ope, faith he. z* Whatfoever application hath been made to a 'irianoif Chrifts blood in juftifiqation of hisperfon, it doth not hinder, but rather doth open a way unto the renewed afts of application thereof, according as new (ins do draw on new guilti-neflc : for here juftified David pvayeth to be yet again purged withhyfope. 3. Renewed acts of remiffion pf fin granted, by new application of the vertue of Chrifts blood, cleanfah the confeience of the guilt of fin, and cleareth the man before Gcds juftice, purge me with hy/opc, and I fhatl b: clean, faith he. 4. Howioever remifsion of the guilt for Chrifts fake, be infe-parable from the imputation of lighteoufhefife for Chrifts lake,yetm3ythefe^wobediftingui(hed, and diftin&ly looked upon for the beleevers comfort y for here Tiavid looking on the removing of the guiltinefle of (in by C hrifts death, faith, purge piewitb (>yfopc,4ndIJhaU be cleane: and looking upon the imputation of Chrifts righteoufneflc, 01* obedience even unto the death, he faith, Wa\h me and I flail be whiter then [now.

Now

Now thar thefe two branches of this mercy are diftin^uifhable*' may appear from this, that as to be freed from eternal torment is one benefit,put cafe a man were annihilated inhisloofing from it; andtobe % not onelyfreed from eternal torment , but alfo made blcffed by the gift of eternal life, is another and a greater benefit: So removing the guilt of fin, in relation to the removing of punimmentisone thing, and the affignation of Chrifts righteoufnefle in relation to eternal life is another thing , and thele two benefits both of them are pu/chafed by Chrifts perfect obedience unto the death, and are holden forth, Lcvh. 14. for after the delivery of the leper from death (figured and fymboli-2ed by the letting go of the living bird, dipped in the bloud of the flaine bird) the cloathing of the leper with righteoufnefle, is figured and fymbolixed by the warning of the man, and putting clean cloathsupon him. Now it is not the mans perfonal fan-ctification inherent, (which in every man is joyned with much pollution) that maketh him clean, but the imputation of Chrifts righteoufnefle 5 This maketh him whiter then [now* ?. As~ we muft not neglect the Ordinances of God, but muft ufe them cjefully for obedience unto God, and for ftrcngthening of our jB), fo we muft not reft upon them, but feek in unto the figni-fifc^pn, fubftance,andendof them, which is Chrift s as here David feekeih perfect pardon by Chrifts blood, perfect purging and clean : ng through him under the tetmes of purging with byfopc and waflnng* 6. The grief and torment which followcth finne,and is felt by a wounded fpirit, even in the children of God, in the time of their repentance , is greater then ever the pleafure of fin was to them, as David fheweth here, who fpeafc> eth of his vexation, and wounded fpirit, as of the painfulleft trouble which can fail upon the body: for by the bones-which thou hajlbro^en^ he meancththe chaftifement of his fpirit, inflicted.. ojfGod. 7. Nothing can heal this wound of the fpirit, fave the hand that made it > nothing but Gods lively application of his word of Grace and pardon to the guilty (inner can do it; for *Z)avid wxll not reft with what Nathan had fpoken, till God fpeak the fame effectually unto him; mi\\e me to hear )oy and gladncs. 3. Asthcreisnoforrow fb deep, as the fenfe or Godsdifplca-fure, fo there is no joyfo rcfrefhing as the inward confolation of Gods Spirit y for T>.ivids broken benes will rejeyce, if God , will fpeak peace to his foul: ma\e ire to hear J oy and ^ladncflc, tb:u y he bones which thou lujl brolien^may rejoyec.

B 4 Ver.ft

g PSAL. LL

Vcr. 9. ffldt thy face from my fns J and bio oh* all mine iniquities. .

Jo. Create in me a clean heart, Q God 3 andrenew^ a right jpirit within me. •

11. (faft me not aftv*} from thy f re fence ; and take* not tby holy Spirit from me*

12. Reft ore tint0 me the jo} of thj falvAtion^ and uphold me with thy free (ptrit.

13. Thtnmtt I teach tranfgre{fours thy w/tjes, and ftnners fhall be converted unto thee.

He prayeth for remiflfion of (in the third time, vcr. 9.. And joyneth therewith a petition for rectifying his fad condition; firfl: by renovation of that grncc which was decayed, and as it were loft in his fenfe vcr. • o Secondly ; by preventing his deferved and feared leparation from God, & from communion with his Spirit, V&h u. Thirdly, by repairing and reftoring of his fome-time gracious condition, and fctling him therein by the Spirit oi^L' dOption, vcr. u. And then he promifeth to makegoodjW thereof for the comfort and edification of other finners, v^pj. Wlwtccleant, 1. Sinisfoone committed, and guilrinefie and mileryfoone drawn on, but not foone and eafily removed; many a cry to God may be uttered in the fenfe of felt difpleafure of" Gotland fear of more and more evill following on it, before the foul finde frcedome from it; as this frequently repeated petition for pardon, and thefe expreffions here let down do make e-videntv ;z m EarneftnciTe of affection maketh often repetition not to be babling , and when that which moft prciTcth us, is moft prefled, and infifled upon by us in our prayer, it is no vaine repetition g 1 * idle multiplication of words, as here is to befeene. j. Sin feen in its own (hape, is a loathfome Tight to, God, and horrible to the finners which loathfome fight nothing can remove, lave the Lords voluntary forgiving qT it, and his not fetring u before his own face, to bepurfuedinfevcre jtiftice, Hide thy face from my fins. 4. As one fin doth waken up the conference of many other fins, fo nothing can quiet the conference about that one ' : n, except both it and all other fins be forgiven , theeforc faith he , Blot out M mine iniquities. ' $. A tmcere penitent is no lcfFe de rous of renovation and fan&ifica-tjon thenheisofforgivenefleof iTns for with blot out all mine

iniquities

iniquities , he joy net h create in me a clunc heart , and renew a hit within rnc. 6. Albeit fin againit the confoence dim- eft] th it throughly, and defoccth the work ofcho holy Spirit, openerh the flood-gate of natural corruption, to the pollution of the whole frame of a holy heartj openech the way unto, and iVengrhcns the work of an cvilland deluding fpiiitjyet no principle of grace in the renewed man is able to remove this evill ; but the removing and 'remedying of it muft be by the immediate work of Gods own omnipotent hand. This work is nolefle then creation, therefore f:ith ht>Creatc in me a tkanc hearty and renew a right fpirit within me ; that is, it u not in my power to dear my confcicncc, and my polluted heart, or to fee my perverted fpirit in a right frame again, but thy creating and renewing power, which borrovverh nothing fpm the creature, muifc do it: create iu witfimporrcth this. 7. Albeit a renewed foul cannot be utterly call off from God, nor be bereft utterly of Caving grace once beftowed on him; yet U he grieve the Lords Spirit byprefumptuous finning,his aifurance of ftand-ing in God$ favour may be mightily branded, and he put in fear of lolmgthepofleflionof what is behinde of the laving work of *Gock Spirit in him, especially when he confidercth that hi? pro votibtion dothdefervc no leife at Gods hands Therefore faith hcyCajl me not away from thy prefence •, and ta\c not away thy holy Spirit from me. 8. Nothing is fo terrible to a renewed foul which bath been fometime fenfible of Gods favour, arid lure of theprclenceof his Spirit, as to be (hut out from Gods favour, and fever'd from the communion of his Spirit, as .this prayer te-iiihz:h,CaftmenQtaway,&c. 9 As a bclecverm^ycome to ailurancc ot his own ialvation, and when he keepeth a good confidence, may fwecrly rejoyce therein 5 fo when lie feeth that the pleafurc of fin harh marred this joy unto him, he cannot relt nor be quiet till ho recover the aflu ranee he hid, and his wonted joy be joyned therewith, rcjloreunteme the joy of thy fal'j..tio/i^ 10. The ^odly by their fall, mould learn fenfibiyto acknowledge ihcir.own weaknc(le, and their need ot the fuppouiaj iircngthof Gods Spirit, and to account the bqnds of Gods Sprv-j rit, kcepingihem in orders and in Gods obedience, to l>: their only freed o me. Therefore David aft er payer to have the joy of Gods falvation rcftorcd unto him, fearing left he mould lofe it again if he were left to himfcif, doth adde another prayer, Uphold me with thy free Spirit. 11. As the end o;V^e.kin^mercy to our fclves, fi)Quldbcths,tlu: we maybe enabled to be in-

iV:uinc:ns

ftruments of glorifying God, and faving of others: fo the fallible feeling of mercy which is fought after, doth greatly encourage a man to the work: Then will J teach tranfgrcjj'ours thy Wayes. T/;en, that is, when the joy of Gods falvation isreftored to mc, and I confirmed fomewhat in the grace of God. 12, As the way which God keepeth in manifefting his juftice againft tranfgreflburs, and his mercy to felf-condemned finners. flying to hirninChrift,isnotknown by nature to finners, (o long as they go on in their evil courfe,or before thry be effectually taught to know both; fo none is fo fit to teach and perfwade them of this myftery,as thef who by frequent experience are acquainted with the wayes of God: Then will I teach trail fgeffo+rs iky wayes* x $. The communicating the knowledge, and experience of Gods juftice and mercy, according to every mans place and calling, is a good means 0: converting of others who know n) fuch thing: J will teach others thy wayes , ajid finners Jball be converted unto thee.

Ver. 14. Deliver me from Wood-guUtinefie^ 0 God^ thou God of my falvation : and mj tongue fhaUJing <a-loud of thy righteoufneffe.

He prayeth the fourth time for remiflion of fin, and namely of that fearful and bloody tranfgreflion in the matter of Urab y which now did moft trouble his confeience Whence learn, 1. As the confcicncedcKhpafle upon particulars inthe midft of con-«-fufed challenges for multitudes of fins: fo doth it preffc fome particulars more eagerly tL.n other fome, according as it is fet on work : as here the guiltincfiein the matter of '"Batbjbeba and Uriah preffethD avid'.deliver mcfiOta blood-guilt ineffe. 1.Though finfeeme plcafant at the beginning, yet at length it is found a devouring enemy, from which none can deliver a foul fave Gcd atone: 'Deliver mc from blood-guiltine(fc y 0 God. $ Upon the general grounds of the Covenant of Grace made with us for falvation through Chrilt,muft a foul fetkto have particular mercies; Deliver me y tboit Cjod of my falvation 4 . The righreQuk neffe of God, which ftandeth in the remiiTion of fin, and imputation of (Thrifts obedience unto us, through faith according to Godspromifc, is the matter of our joy and long of praife to God : which fong, a foul being in thraldome by felt guihincfie can hardly lings but after the intimation of pardon will fing it

chear fully*

chcarfully: Deliver me from blood-guiltfncjfci then fhMmy tovgtut fing xloud of thy rigbtcoufncjfe.

Ver. 15.O Lord open thou my lips, and mj month

Jhallfbev forth thy praife.

1 6. For thou defire ft not facrifce % elfe would I give it; thou delight eft not in burnt-offering,

17. The facrifees of God arc a broken (pint: 4 broken and contrite heart , O God, thoH Veitt not dfi-tfife.

Hepurfueth this fourth petition for remiffionof fin, with* rcqueft for enlarging of his hearty and furnifliing him with matter and ability for praifing of God , Wherein he fincerely renounced all confidence in external ceremonies of the Law, or in any thing elfe which he could performs fVhenceletrnj.Hovi-foever proud fpirjts think that they can do any thing they pleafe in Gods fervice,yet a humbled foul under exercife, knoweth that it is God that givcth both to will and to do of his good pleasure ; fuch a man knoweth that the habit of grace is a gift, and the bringing forth of the habit to exercife, is another gift, he knoweth that when one hath gotten grace, to will to praife God; he mud have grace to put this will to a& eftc&ually : This the Pfalmift doth acknowledge and Jprayeth, opett thou my lips; *and my tongue fbillfeto forth thy praife. j.Whatfcever holy ordinances and outward fervices God doth prefcribe to his Church , they are not required for fatisfaction of his juftice, nor are they the maine thing he is plcafed with, but they are meancs oncly to lpad men to himfelf in Chrift, in whom onely juftice findeth fatisfaclion,and man findeth ftrength to go about the worihip, thatfo God himfelf may have all the praife of our fervices: Therefore 'DrJdgivtih it for a reafon of his former petition, for thou dcfireft n;t, (or thou haft not pleafure in) facrifec. 4. That which God aimeth at, we fhould moft intend; and what he is well pleafcd with, we fhould moft endeavour; Thou defireftnot facrifee, elfe would I give it. 5. The main intent ot the facri fices under the Law was,that a man in the fenfe o r his fin and deferved judgement,and in bility to fatisfic for his faults, fliould come and empty himfelf before God, and betake him to that oncly one 'propitiatory facrifice , reprcfented in thole external lacrifices: The fzcrifcesef God arc 1 broken fpirit> that

,12 PSAL. LI.

is, the right wayof facrificing^is that a minsfpirit be emptied of its own felf-confidence when it comcth ro offer unto God the external facrifices, which othcrwayes God regareleth not. 6. The man who moil rcnounceth his own work$,worth, or .merits, and defpifeth all his own doings, as a broken earthen vtffdf*' is moft acceptable in his approaches to Gods free grace in the 'Mz&'wouv: a broken and a contrite hart, 0 God, thou wilt not defpife ; and that not for any worth in the matter of contrition, but becaufe by contrition is expelled all conceit of klf-worth, and fo the man is moft tit for receiving grace and Tee pardon from God.

Ver. 18. 'Do good in thj good flcafun unto Sion^ build thon the Walls of Jerufalem.

Xq.l'hen /halt thou be flea fed with the facri frees cfrighfeoufneffe, with burnt-offering, and whole burnt-offering : then /ball thej offer bullocks upon thine Zdltar.

In the laft verfe David prayeth for the Lords people; that what breach had been made in the walls of Gods protection about them, by his (ins and theirs, might be repaired, and God more holily and heartily worshipped, both by himielf and by them in rime coming. Whence learn, i. As every true mem* ber of the Church iliould bear in heart the condition of fhe bo* dy» and put it up to God, whatfocver be the mans own private condition^ fo in Ipecial he that hath by his fins provoked God to withdraw his protection frcMii the incorporation wherein he is,fliouldrnoitearneft!y intet cede for the good of the body, as David doth here: do good in thy good pleasure unto SionfbuiU tboutbe walls of rfcrufilem. 2. The rich grace of God, his free love and unchangeable good will tc* his people is ,the caufe of all the welfare of the Church: do good in thy good plcafure unto S ion. 3. Whofoever have been moft i nftnimental in the building of Gods Church, nniil lome way be emptied of the glory of this work, that it may be all afcribed unto God alone, who is the oncjy builder of his own Church; as2Xtt'/i here em-ptieth himfclf ot this honour,& afcribeth it toGod/aying.Sfli/^ thou up the walk ofrfcrujalcm. 4. When God pcureth out up-pn hit, people his Spirit of grace and implication, and other

proper

proper cfRft5 of his good will to them, then, and not till tffen, rfrethcy fit to do him fervice acceptably : do good in thy good. pla\ure to Sion; then fait ihoubcplcafcd with the fieri fas ,(^c. 5 No facrifice is acceptable to God, fave the facrificcs of righ-reoulneiTc; Now the facrificcs of righteoufneffe are firft, the propiti -tory facrifice of Chrift, whercunto every beleever muli have refpeft, as offered in his Name when he cometh to Gods and next the facrificcs of thankfulnefTe and new obedience offered up by venue of Chrifts facrifice, to be accepted : The firil fort of facrifice was reprefentcd moft fpecially by burnt-offering, and whole burnt-offering5 and the other fort by peace-offerings and other oblations: Then Jhalt thou be flcajed rvitb the Sacrifices of rigbtcoufncjfc, rvitb burnt-offering, and whole burnt-offering . then jhuli they offer bullet fci upon thine Altar.

PSAL. LII.

To the chief Jdufuian 3 MafcbiL A Pfalme of David: whcnDc.e* the Edomite came and told Saul and [aid unto bim> David is come to the bou[c of Abimclecb.

THefcopeofthe Pfalmiftisj to mew that Docg his enemy had no reafon to glory in the favour oi the Court, purcha-fed by his falfeand ciuel cilumnicsagainft him and the Loids Priefts which he proveth by four reafons ; Firftj because Gods kindnefle could not be taken away by Doegs cruel calumnies. v.i. Secondly ,becau'~e God mould root oui'Doeg cut of the world for his wicked calumnies^cr. 2,3 } ; 4, 5 Thirdly, becaufe Doeg mould be made a laughing-ftock and matter of dcrifion to the godly,"jer. 6. 7. Fourthly, becaul'cma'igre his malice, David mould be blellcd as a believer in God, and- a true wormipper ot himyver. 8. Whereupon he condudeth with praifc to God, vcr. 9.

From the Inscription, Learn, 1. It is no new policy of wicked men, to leek to be great in Court, and in the favour of Princes, by maligning the godly, and foftcring the difpleafure of Princes ag; inlt them, for D, eg of old did climbe in Court this way. 2. Such practices are meft fuit~b|eto falk brethren ; for ihisDccg is an Edomite of the pc'tenry ofE/iw. $. When the wicked come to be in power and credit with Kings, for their

rcry

very enmity againft Gods people, it is a narrow trial, and a fore tentation to the godly, as here in Davids cafe with Doeg is to be fesn. 4. In this eafe there is nothing fo needful as to go to God for dire&ionand confolation 3 for fo David did, and came back with a Mafcbil, or Pfalme for inftru&ion to himfelf and others, f. It is no advantage to a claw back Calumniator j to pretend that he fold nothing but truth, and faid no more then what he faw : for it is true, that "David came to the houfe of Abimelecb, but the telling of this to Saul, imported much mifchief upon the matter, even all the evil which fell forth, and alt this is laid on Doeg, prefuppofing he had faid no more then is expreffed here, that is, that he told Saul, "David is come to the hoitfeof Abimelech.

Ver. !• Why boaftcft thou thjfelfe in mifchief, O mighty man f the good'icffe of Qoi endtireth continually.

David chargeth Doegmih the vanity of his gloriation, that he was n®w made fo mighty a man, for his ill fervice done a-gainft the Lords fervants, and refuteth his folly, becaule he would not take the kindnefle of God from the godly fo eafily as he might ileal their good eftimation from them among men. Whence learn, 1. Profperity and fucceile following upoit a wicked courfe, doth hide the fin and mifchief which is in it from the (inner, as we lee here, how the favour which foolifh Doeg found at Court for his calumniating David and the Lords Priefts, did puffe him up. 2. There is fmall reafon for a wicked man to glory in his wickednefle, whatfoever profit or preferment it doth bring unto him, for after examination he will not be able to give a reafon of his vain boafting 5 Why boajieft ibou thy fclf of thy mifchief, 0 thou mighty man? J. Albeit the wicked do think that God forgetteth his fimple and filly fer-Yants, yet it is not fo; and albeit the Lord doth alter the excrcife ©f the godly, and changeth their profperity into adverfity,yet he changethnot his afk&ion to them, this remaineth faft forever, whatfoever feem to the carnal fpe&ator,of the Lords dealing with his people $ Thegoodticffe of God enduretb continually. 1. So long as Gods unchangeable kindneile enduretb/ the wicked have nocaufetoinfukovcr the godly, nor have the godly caufeto faint or be difcouraged J- for this goodnefle of God Vavid doth oppofe, both to Doegs boafting, and to his own tentation $ The \indneffc of the Lord enduretb for c vcr.

for*

Ver. 2. Thy tongue devifeth mifchiefs: like a Jbarp

rafour forking deceitfully.

3 . Thou love ft evil more then good.and lying rather thentofpeakjighteoufneffe. Selah.

4. Thou love ft all devouring wordifi thou deceitful tongue.

The next Argument of refuting Vocgs folly, is, becaufe this cruel calumny mould bring Gods vengeance on 'Doeg, and root him out from all felicity* and here he firft fets down his ditty in thefe three yerfes, before he fets down his doom, ver. f. iVhence learn, 1. The tongue when ic is abufed, is a work! of wickedneile, fetting the world on fire, as it felf is fct on fire from hell by Sana: for whatfoever mifchief the devil can [ug-geft, or a wicked heart can devife, the tongue will ferve to vent it; therefore is the tongue charged with devifingof mifchief: Thy tongue devifeth mifchief. 1. The fmcoth convey of a wicked device doth not hide the mifchief of it from Gods fight, nor extenuate the mans fault, but rather doth help on the mifchief more cunningly and powerfully : Ufa a Jbarp rafour wording deceit fully. 3. When a man fpeaketh no more of a tale of his neighbour, but what may ferve to the mans hurt and prejudice, andkeepethup the relation of that part of the tale which might clear the mans innoceney, or might give a right con-ftruftion of his doing, albeit that part of the tale told be true, if all the reft of the tale had been told with it, yet being told alone as if it were the full hiftoiy, it is evil, is is falfe lying. It is a munhering and devouring fpeech, and full of deceit £ and doth argue the Speaker fuch a one as Vocg was, in the particular atleaft, 10 whom Vavid faiths Thou loveH evil more then good, and lying rather then tofpea\ right eoujncjfi ; Thou to-veji all devouring words , O thou deceitful tongue. 4. The more wit, deliberation and affection is in a fin : the heavier is the guilt, and challenge for it more juft. Vocgs devifing mif* chief, Doegs chufing evil, and not good; chufing lying, and nop rigbteoufnejfe; loving tbcjeevil and aU-devouringwords, ma-keen his ditty moil fearful.

5* God Jha.ll likewife deftroy thee for ever, he JhaU t^kfi the away, andpluck^thee out of thy dweI* ling plac*> And root thee out of tfo land of the living, Selah.

Hon

Now followeth his doomilVfiencc learn, i .As any wicked man is inftrutnental for bringing temporal deftruction on the godly, to is he initi umental in drawing everlafting^ deftru&ion upon himfelf from Gods hand, God fhall lHiert>ife dcflroy thee for ever. 2. He tha: feeketh to fettle himfelf, to inlarge himfelf, to root himfelf in the earth, and to prolong his ftanding in the World, by wrong means, and in fptcial, by hurting the godly, mi their good name and caufe. fhall finde the event quite contrary to his defire, defigneand expectation, asPocgdidj whofe doom was deftru&ion, for his evil offices done at Court aguinft David and the Lords Miniiters. God fhall ta^e tbee away andpluclz tbee out of thy dwelling place> an I root tbccoutoftbe land of tbcliving.

Ver. 6. The righteous a/fo fhall fee anh fcare, and

fhall laugh at him.

7. Lo y this is the man that made not God hii ftrength) but trufled in the abundance of his riches , and ftrengthened himfe'f in his wicked*

neffe.

The third Argument of refutation of Vocgs vain-boa fting* is, that his wifdome fhould be lcento be ridiculous folly > *rid his boafting to be the matter of his fiiame anddifgrace. Whence lcarn>iJT\\± notable enemies of Gods children and fervants may expert to be notably punifheiand that they who did fee their fin* fhall fee alio Gods vengeance on them : The righteous fhall fee it. 2.. As the godly are the only wife obfervers of Gods work, and d fpcnfationof his mercy and juftice: foalfo are they the only perfons that do make fpiritual advantage thereby: The rigbte-ow fhall jee itandfexr. $. As the good of godlinefleis \^txi and felt by the godly in their cwn experience of Gods blcfling upon themfelves, fo is it feen and obferved alfo in the contrary evils which btfal the ungodly \ Lo, ibi is the man that made not God bis ftrcngtb, (Lay they) but trufled in the abundance of biS rj\ bes 3 and ftrengthened himfelf in his tvicl{edne(fe.

Ver. 8. But I am like a green Olive-tree in the houfe of God, I truft in the mercy of God for ever and ever,

^ The fourth Argument for refutation oiDocgs foolifb boafling* is.becaufej, fairh Vavid,(hM RQm'iih in Gods favour, inde-ipireoiPflfg} IVhencc learn, 1. Whatfcever may befall th6

godly

godly by the malice of their enemies, it (hall not hinder t/ieir felicity, when their enemies are running to their cwn definition, it fhall be well with the godly, they may be perfwaded of it, for the Pfalmifls example doth encourage to it: But I ant lii{c a green Olive-tree. 1 As the Olive-tree* being planted in a fertile ground, drawcrh in moiftu, c> whereby it is neurifhed and growcth up: fo doth the belcever, being planted in the Church > draw fpirit and life trom God by the holy ordinances, whereby he growcth up: I am li^c a green Olive-tree in the houfc of God. 3. The wifdom of the gedly, and the ground cf their true blef-fednefleisthis, they make fail work of their evcrlafting felicity by faith in God, and this maketh them like green Olives all the dayes of their life; for I truft in the mercy of God for ever and ever y is given here for a reafon of his happy growing in the hoafeof God.

Ver. 9. / will prat ft thtc for ever^ becanfe thou haft dove it: 4nd 1 Willwait on thj Name* for it is good before thy Saints.

He ciofeth the P A alm comfortably, witn rcfolution to praife Gcd, and to depend upon him. Whence learv, 1 . Victory c ver tentations obtainedi by faith, is very glorious* for faith doth make a man as fure of what is to come, as if it were pcrfeftecf, and filleth him with praife for the certain hope of the performance of Promifes; I will praife thee for ever (Tafth J) avid J beK caufc thou haft done it. t. Faith being folidly fixed, bringeth forth hope and quiet expectation of what is promffed, 1 will wait on thy Name. $.AstheChriftian patience of one of the Saints, is a marter of good example, and great encouragement unto ail the reft that behold it: io the confideration of the good which may redound toothers, who ihall.be witneflcs of onr patient attending upon God, mould flu it e us up to this duty of patient hope in God, I wilt wait on tbee, for it is good bej ore thy Saimr.

PS At.

PSAL. LIIL

To the chief Mufidm upon M&aktb Mafcbil, A Pfalme of David.

AS in the fourteenth Pfalrri, fo here Tuvid comforteth him-felf, and the reft of the godly in their fad fufterings which they felt from godlefle men lying inthemiferable condition of nature, vet. i, 2, 3: The grounds of comfort are three; the firft, becaufe God was engaged in the fufferings of his own, and would plead their controverfie againft the wicked, ver.$> The next, becaufe Gods judgements were to come on all the perfecutors of the godly, vr*%. and the third, becaufe there is hope of full falvation of the gedly in Chrift, ver. 6. Comparing this Pfalme with 'Pjdme! 14. wherein, the enmity of the wicked againft the godly, and the comfort of the godly in that cafe, in this place are the fame which are fet down there) We learn. That as the godly may fall oftener then once, in one cafe, under one and the fame tentation, fome fort of hard exer-cife and grief: fo may they, and mould they make ufeof the fame comforts, and bring to memory the fame doctrines for that end, as the Church is taught to do, Pfdme 14. and here in this Pfalme.

Verj. T^Hi? foole hath faid in his heart /There JL is no God; corrupt are t bey t and have done abominable iniquity ; there is none that doth good.

Z 0 God looked down from Heaven upon the children of men f to fee if there were any that did under ft and ^ that did feek God.

3. Everyone of them is gone back^ they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doth good\ no not one m

From the defcription of the miferable condition, wherein the world and eyery unrenewed man within the Church vifible do

lie;

lie; Learn 3 i. All unrenewed perfons are fools before God, how wife ibever they may feem to men 2 All unrenewed men arc inwardly in their affections and rcfolutions Atheifts in eftect, and fuc has do not regard God in any things whatsoever they may feem to themfelves or others outwardly, They fay in their heart, There is no Cjod. 3, All unrenewed men arc altogether rotten in their principles and motives of their actions : They are corrupt. 4. The actions of the unrenewed will be found abomination before God, and will prove them to be corrupt: They have done abominable iniquity. 5. Among all unrenewed men, whether without or within the vifible Churchy not fomuch as one man ihall be found to hive done fo much as one good action , which can ftand for good in Gods accompt: There is none that doth good. 6. The truth of this doctrine is put to trial and prcot by God himfclf, and fentence is pronounced of all mens natural averfenefle from God, and impotericy to do good. God looked down from Heaven upon the children of men } to fee if there we e any that did good, and he found none. 7. As it is impoflible they can do any good, or be wife who feek not Godj fo the proof and tiialof this naughtinefle of all men, fo long as they lie in feature unrenewed, is found by their not undcrftand* ingi not leering of God ^ The Lord looked to fee if there were any that did underjiand y that did,fceliGod. 8. Everyman by nature is a Revolter from God, and from the {late wherein once God made man, 'Everyone of them isgon^bach^ 9. There is nothing clean or unpolluted in foul or body of the unrenewed man; but the longer he livcth in nature, the viler is he : They are altogcthct become filthy. 10. Seeing all men by nature are concluded under fin, wkhout exception, And there is none that doth good \ no not one ; It is no wonder, that the image of God appearing in his children, be ill entertained by natural men , and ih it Gods children expect no good fruits from fuch ill trees," as all men are by nature, tor this doctrine is delivered to quiet, the hearts of the godly, when they aremolcfted by the men of this world. 11 • It fhbuld yield corafoi t to the godly, to behold the mifcrable condition wherein all men are by nature, and themfclves called forth of this miferable eftatc, and converted}' for this doctrine offereth ground for the comparison and confo-lation.

Ver. 4. Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge ? Who eat up toy pcopkte they (rate bread j they have note died Upon God, C 2r - . The

The full di:cct Argument for the comforting of the godly under their perfccution by the wicked amonp whom they live,is., ■th.uGod anftdeieih their cale, and will plead their caufe. Whence kirn, i.The Lord obferveth every point of enmity which the world carrieth againfl his People; he taketh their cafe to heart, and will plead their caufe, and this is a foHd ground of comfort to his People in all their fufferings; Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? that eatc up } &c. 2. Grounds of drftlirences between the unrenewed, and the renewed or reconciled, offered in this oppofuionof the one fort to the other-are thefe:Firft,:he unrenewed, all of them are called workers of iniquity; but they that arc reconciled, howfoever they are not free of fin, yet they are not counted by God to be workers of iniquity. Again, the Lord doth own the regenerate and call them his own People, but doth difclaim the other, as in efteft not his people, but his enemies* And laftly, the unre-generate do notcallujonCjod, town, in earneft, or in truth, but the regenerate by the oppolition made arc prefuppofed here to call on God, and to depend upon him in truth. j< Nothing doth more evidence the blindneflc and beaftly befotting of the confeience of linners, then the periecuting of the Saints; it Will notfuffice the ungodly to live a sodlcflelife themfclves, except they maligne and moft unreafonably oppofe Piety in o-thers; Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? that'they eat up my People^ as they eat bread. 4« To vex, bear down, and de* ftroy the godly, is as great a pleafure to the wicked, as to eat t heir meat $ They eate up my People as they eat bread.

Ver. $. There Were they in great feare, where no feare Was ; fer Cod hath festered the bones of him that encamped againft thee : thou haft fHt them tofhame^ becaafe God hath defpfeh them*

The next ground of comfort to the godly againft perfecution, fs, becaufe Gods judgements mall overtake the troublers of Gods People, when they do leail fearc it. Wl)encc learn , i. As perfecution doth cauterifc the confeience, and maketh it fenfe-leife of fin; fa alfo doth it make the Perfecutors fearleficof judgement, when they do cat up the People of God as bread without feae; For there, faith he, no fearc was. 2. The more fecure a finner is, and in fpeeial a Perfccucor of Gods People,

the

jhe more terrible (hall his wakening be, when Gods judgement cometh on him j There were tbey in great jcare where no fcare was. 3. The enemies of Gods Church make it their ftudyanj main work, to overthrow thegodly, and to.compaflc them as it were by way of laying (lege about them, Miat they efcape not; Tbey encamp Again ft, thee, iaith the Pialmiit, fpeaking as it were to everyone of Gods People. 4. Wra h purfueth the Persecutor, both living and dead, and ccaicth not to follow him fo long as there is any thing of him capable of puniihment; for God not only rsifcth the (lege, and deftroycth the encmie 3 and confumethhisflelTi, butaifohc hath fcattcred the bones tf him that cnampeth again ft thec. 5. When there is nothing left of the Persecutors fubftancc unpuniflicd in the world, the wrath of God purfueth his name and memorial and the wrong done to the innocent, is the Perfecutors greateft difgrace: Thou haft puttbemto flmmc* 6 As true honour, and the conferring of refpeft from men upon any, is the gift of God, who honour-eth them that honour him; fo deferved iTiarr.c and difiJiacefor fin committed, when it is poured out, as the eflfcet of Gods j till ice maketh them who dilhonourhimto be lightly iflxeirtfd * Thou baft pit them to flume, becaufe Goi hath defpifed them.

Ver. 6. O that the falvattonoj ffi&eii were come cut of Sior.! Vrhev God bringeth back the captivity of bis people, Jacob /hail rejoyce , and Jjh'el [hall be glad.

Thelaft ground of comfort to the perfecuted g-dJy, is tire hope of complcat falvation to the Church of God, and of every true member thereof inChrift. Whence leame, I, There is no folid confolation againft perfecuticn, or any ether grievance, lave in the falvnion which is to be I ad in CJrifl; Hcistbs Saviour and jalvation of Ifraci. 2. As Chrifts coming to accomplish falvation by part and part, in his own order and time., is mofl certainly to be belecvcd and hoped for: fo is it moft eat-neflly to be wiihed, longed after, and prayed for; as the example of the Lords People here(longing for his coming to fiffe in his incarnation and manifeftatien of his grace 5 and then in the fpreading forth of his grace and falvation out of Sion to Gentiles andjewesj doth teach us 3 0 that the falvatjonof Ifraci were come out o/Sion. 5. As the captivity of Gods People doth remain in any degree and meafurc, which may make Chrifts coming to b<; Co much the more dcfircable, and to be

$ 3 the

theobje&of wifhes, and matter of Prayer 5 fo fhall every fort and degree of captivity at laft be removed from Gods People, iill Redemption be compleatly fulfilled ; God (hall bring back the captivity of his People. 4. As of all People, whoever had the name of Gods People, the miferies and captivities of the IP? raelites. becaufe of their provocation againft God, have been themoftconfpicuousand fignal: So of all the People on the eartb> and of all the Nations which have been honoured with the title of CjodsTeoplc, the deliverance of Ifrael from captivity fliall bemofteminently and confpicuoufly comfortable; for when God fhall bring bacfi the captivity of bis People, then jfacobJ2?4// rejoyce, <ztf<f Ifrael fall be glad*

PSAL. LIV*

*fo the chief Mufician on Neginoth Mafckil. A Pfalme of David, when the Ziphims came and [aid to Saul, 'Dotbnot David hide himfelf with m ?

DAvid being betrayed by the Ziphims^ Fir{l,dqth make his Prayer to Qod for delivery, ver, 1, 2. Secondly, he ftrengtheneth his faith by fome reafons, ver. 3 Thirdly, he is confident of his own delivery, and of Gods judgement on the Ziphims, whereunto he fubferibes, ver. 4, ?. And laft of al!j he promifeth praife to God for his own allured deliverance, ver. 6 3 7-

From thelnfcriptionj learn, I. Particular ftraits and particular deliveries rtiould be particularly remarked, as David here remembereth the danger he was in by the treachery of the Ziphims. 2. Mighty men will finde readily more friends in an evil caufe, then the godly do fjnde in a good caufe: As Saul hath the Ziphims to ofter their fervice to his cruelty, when David was in ftraits. 3. The wicked are very hearty to do an ill turn, and' glad to finde occafion of it: Doth not Efevid^ (fay they) hide himfelfwith usl as if this had been good andblef-fed newes.

Ycr.

Vcr. I. QAve me,0 God, by thy Name, and

& judge mt by thy ftrength. 2. Heare my Prayer, 0 Cjod, give tare to the words of my mouth.

"From Davids Prayer; Learne, i. The godly can never be fo furprifed with trouble, but they fhould fiie to God forde* livery, as David doth here; and it is a rare vertue not to forget this relief in depth of diftreffe. i. When men beleeve that God isall-fufficientandanfwerable to what is fpoken of him, they hive great encouragement to go to him in difficulty. Save me by thy Name, faith David: Gods name gave him ground to Pray and hope for deliverance, g. Albeit no man fhould rafhly call God to give ,udgcment,y£t in a good caufe,igainft a ftrong Party^ an upright man may call for and expect affifiance from Cod; $ii'1gc me by thy jlrcngtb, faith he. 4. Tn fervent prayer, the very voice hath ufe,as with the fupplicant to expreffe his ear-ncftnelfe, and his faith in God, and to ftir him up, and hold him fixed to his fupplication $ fo with Godalfo hath ic ufe in regard it is an expreffe invocation of him, and a figne of depends ance upon him, and of expectation of a good anfwer from him; Heare my Prayer, 0 Cjoi, give eare unto the words of my mouth.

Ver. 3. For firangers are rifm up agamft me*, and opprejfours feek^aftermy foule^ they have notfet Cjod before them. Selah.

The reafons fupporting his faith in his Prayer,are taken from theunkindnefle,' unnaturalneffe and cruelty not only of his Countrey-men, but alio of his father in law, and of his old acquaintance, flippery Courtiers, who fometimc profefled friendship. Whence learn, 1. No ftrangers are more itrange then they who call: off the bands of civility and nature, wherein they were bound ; falfe Countrey-men, falfe brethren , falfe friends, falfe alliance, arethofe cf whom men may expect leaft in their need, forZ^j/^findethfuch men to be his g ; e ate ft enemies ; Strangers arc ri[en up againft me, faith he. 2. When they who fhould protect a man, do him moil wrong, God will hear the plaints put up againft fuch men: opprejfours fccfi afler my foul or Jifc. 3. When the fear of God is laid alidc^ there is nothing to be C 4. expected

pqpe&ed of thegodLefie man but the worft of evills which he is able to do, there is no aw band to reftra : n him, for they bive -not fet God before them. 4. The lefTe hepe there be of mans mercy, the more hope is of Gods help $ the more unkinde and crimen be, who mould be friends, the more may the Lords kindnefle and comfort be expected for fupply of inlacks 3 as here t he drift ol7)avids argument holdeth forth,

Ver* 4. r £ekold^God is mine helper : the Lor A is Vtitb them that uphold my foul.

5. He Jbatt reward evil VMo mine enemies : cut ffrem off in thy truth.

In the third place he is affurcd of help to himfelf, and to his friends, and of vengeance to his enemies. Whence learn , i • Few yem prayer hath readily a fwift anfwer, and fometimes wonderfully tjvifg, even bef®re a man have ended ipeech, as here Pavid Ipth in experience, 2?e/;oM f&ftfc he J God is my helper^, The fight of faith is v,ery clear, and piercing through all clouds, when God holds, fprtji the light of his Spirit unto it, it can demonstrate God prefect in an inftant, ready to help in greateft Straits: Behold, god is myhelpar. 5. There is more joy in <3ods felt prefencc, then grief, in felt trouble $ for, Behold, God is Thy helper, is more comfort then his friend $ unkindnefle , and grangers malice was grievous. 4. Such as do comfort and help a man in time of his tentation , are not onely helpers unto him in the matter of his temporal life, but alio inftruments to fave his foul, which by tentations is like to be drawn into fin, and fo to deftcuclion; for David faith of fuch men, they uphold my foul. 5. Such as take part with the persecuted Saints, God \yill talce part with them: The Lord is with them that uphold my foul. 6. As God is a friend to the friends of his difireffed children, fo is he a foe to their foes, and their foes {hall (mart for their enmity in due time: He Jhall reward evil to my enemies 7. The doome of the wicked enemies of Gods children, is let down in Gods word, his truth is the wicked mans terror , and the godly mans ftrength: Qui them off in thy mtf 6.8, Albeit we may not without clear warrant pray againft particular perfons, yet we may lubferibe to. Gods Word fet down in Scripture a-gainft his obftinate enemies, and our enemies for his. caufe: Cut tbemoffinthy in^th. "

Ver. 6. / will freely ftcifice un(o thee^ I tyi8 fraift thy N<\me (O LQJiD) for it is good. %

y. For he hath delivered me ont of all trouble ; and mine eye hath feen his defire upon mine enemies.

In the laft place Ije proinifeth praife to God for the Certainty he had of his deliverance, whereof he w;s no lefle aflurcd, then if he had feen it with his , eyes. Whence learn y i.PiOmi fed and hoped for deliverance is able to affect the heart, as a mercy prefent and already pa/l , as here it doth Vivid: I will facrtfice totbee> and praife tbce. 2. Readinefle of heart to glorifie God, and liberty of fpiric, with occafion granted to praife him for a benefit, is another new benefit fupcr-added,and greatly to be efteemed of,as 'David doth account of it: I will freely facrificc unto tbec and praife thy %ame,for it is good; that is, not only is thy name good, but to have a heart fincercly to ferve thee, and liberty to exprefl'e thy praife before others is good. j.Then is an actipn good, when it is done, becaufe it is a good aclion,ind is not gone about for by-ends ; I will praife bis namejorit Ugoodfahh he. 4. In one experience of bn£ delivery man m y have a forefight ofa ful del very out of every evil or trouble wherein he can fall, as here David fpeaketh of hopes for full delivery, be hath delivered me out of all troubles. 5. The fame light of Gods Wori 3 made lively by Gods Spirit, i$ able to mew a man, both the deft ruction of his wicked enemies, is own deliverance from them; and as a man may rejoyce in Gods mercy towards himfelf, fo alfo may he rejoyce in, Gods juftice againft his enemies, provided he be free of private revenge: mine eye bath fecne tby judgements upon mine enemies,

PSAL. LV.

To tl c chief Mufician on Ncginotb, MafchiL A Vhlme of David.

THis Pfalme containcth this doctrine, That albeit Chtift and his followers may be in great {traits by the treachery of their pretended friends,yet through Gxls favour they (hall be delivered, as David felt in experience. The ufe of w'hkh Doctrine is fubjoyncd in the end of the PfahnCj which well agree-cth with the P/almiftscondition in the time of Abf4ms and A-chitophcls con\pi\acic.

The parts of the Pfalme wc m.iy make thefe three. In the tuft is let down his forrcwtul Uipp!ica:jon.toi/cr.i6.Inthe ncxi. his comforting of himfelf in the Lord hi. deliverer, to vcr ti«

In

In the thirds the ufe of this experience, in the two Lift verfes,

In his fupplkation he prayeth id the fir ft-place for a gracious hearing, becaufe of the calumnies and cruelty of his enemies, ver. i >i,$ . In the next place he fetteth down his pitiful condition of minde , vcr 4,5. making him to wifh to be farre from the company of thefe confpirators, which were combined againft hirr 0 vcr.6,7, 8. In the third place, he praycthto God to con-* found their counfels,becaufe the whole City was in an uproare againft him, fceking how to execute their mifchievous plot, ver, 9, >o, 11. In the fourth place he condefcends upon a more particular reafon of his prayer for confounding their counfels, be-caufe the plotter of the confpiracy had been moft intimate in his familiarity, and deep upon his counfel, ver. 12, 13, 14, Whereupon in the laft place by way of prayer he prophefieth of the curfe of God 10 come upon them, vcr % I $ .

Inthefecond part of tne Pfalme he comfortcth hirnfelf in Godi Firft, by his refolution conihntly to depend upon God, and hopefully to pray, ver. 16, 7. Secondly, by his former experiences of deliverances granted to him before, vcr. 18. Thirdly, becaufe he was affured God ftiould take order with his enemies for their treacherous breach of Covenant, and plaifter-ing oi their malicious defignes with fair pretences, and deep difrimulation, vcr* 19, 20, 21.

In the third part of the Pfalme are the ufes of this experience, ver.1 i^i 1,

Ver, 1 ♦f^ Iveeare to my prayer | 0 God y and hide not VJ thy felf from my [application.

2. Attend unto me> and hear me : I mourne in my complaint , and make a noife.

3. Becaufe of the voice of the enemies> becaufe of the opprejpon oft he wicked: for thej cafl iniquity upon me } and in wrath they hate me.

From his addreflc unto God for relief in this, as in his other fad conditions; Learn, 1. Many grievances are the godly fubject unto, but in none of them all is there any eafe for them, till they go to God and lay oat their cafe before him: Give care to my prayer, 0 God. 2. As it is eafe of heart to fupplicants to have anyfignc of the acceptance of their fupplication 5 So not to

finic

UmWccefle in prayer doth adde much weight to their trouble. bide not (faith he) tby felf from my fupplication. 3. When a fad heart is fixed on God, anal findeth what to fay to him, it may expect that its words /hall not be rrwfregarded of God, but punctually taken knowledge of: attend unto me, and bear me. 4. Though a childe of God were never fo ftout-hearted mm* rally, yet when God exercifcth his fpiric with trouble, he mall be made to weep before God as a childe,and muft not be amamed to be thus humbled before him : I mouru in my compl.;iiu y f faith he) And makeanoifc. $, A mourning fupplicant rtiall neither lole his prayers nor his teares, for I mournc> is brought for a rea-fon of his hope, that God mall mend and bear bim. 6. When the godly fall into perfecution and trouble from men, their lives, their eftate, and their good name, readily come altogether to be in danger at once J as it befell David 5 when the con fpi raters made headagainft him, they traduced his former governmenr, as if he had been a wicked man, and fought to bear him down, and to have his life; becaufe of the voice of the enemy , there is their railing, becaufe of the oppreffwn of the wicked, there is their violent robbing him of his eftate; tbey cafi iniquity upon me 3 there are their Ilanderous traducings of him, and charging him with faults falfely 5 In math they hate me, there is their cruel! feekingtokillhim.

Ver. 4. My heart id fore pawed whhin me : and the terrours of heath are fallen upon me.

5. Fearfulneffe and trembling are come upon me,and honour hath overwhelmed me.

In this pitiful condition of nninde; Learn, j. It is not a thinginconfiftent withgodlineflfe to be much moved wi.h fear in time of danger 5 natural afte&iqns are not taken away in cpa "-veifion,butfandirledand moderated : My bean is (ore pained within me. 2. Natural wit, and courage are not fuificient to bear a man out in a great ftreffe, for they will fail him, and if a man have not ftronger fupporters then his natural parts , he is undone, for here tbeterrours of death are faUen upon me , aid honour bath overwhelmed me. J. The godly have an auvintage above all natural men:tor when natural itrength and courage doth fail them, they have nothing behinde, but the godly have faith in God, to cpen a fountain of frefh fupply of ui [dome, courage and ftrength to them, when parts natural do fail them; for Pi-vid being now emptied of natural furniture, hath wifdomc and

il-cn-th

j8 PSAL. LV.

ftrength to go to God, and hope of heart to be helped by him.

Ver. 6. And I faid, 0 that I hadwings like a Dove* for then would I fist a\\ay, and he at reft.

7. Lo y then would I wander fare off, and remain fa the Vcilderneffe. Selah.

8, 1 would haften my efcape from the windy forme and tempefl.

Whcreashewiftied to have been out of the reach and foci-ctyof inch wicked enemies; Learn 1, When a manmayefcape a prefent hazard of life, with a good confcience,he may lawfully flie and efchew the danger, as Vivid here wifhed he could have efcaped; 0 if I had wings, then would I flie away, z. A god* iy man may be in fuch peril as it fcems to him he cannot without a miracle be delivered, as David faw no waytoelcapc the confpiracie, fave fthis way; 0 that I had the wings of a T*ovC',zn& yet God may fo difpofe, as he may be delivered in an ordinary way, as here T>avid was. %. It is better to be in the Wilder-ncfle in fome cafes, then to be in the company cf the wicked: Lo, J would wander farre off, and rermine in the wildcrncjf'c. 4. The way to efchew the fury of a fudden inlurre&ion of a tumultuous multitude,is not to come forth and appeafc them with wotds, but to decline their prefent furie by going out of the way.if God offer occafion: I would haften my cf cape from the windy flormc* and tempeft.

Ver. f. <De(?roy, O LORD, and divide their tongues : for I have feen violence and flrife in the city.

10. Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof :mifchiefalfo anciforrove are in the mid ft of it.

11. Wickednefft is in the midfl thereof, deceit and guile depart not from hcrjlreets.

In the third place he prayeth to confound the counfcl of the enemies, becaufc they had put the whole City in a confufion? and let the citizens upon a courfe of cruelty and violence. Whence learn, 1. A vilible Church may at fome time be in fo finful a condition, as a godly man mall not know what to do, or to whom he may Inve iccouiic,or where to hide him S as here the condition of the holy City, the City of tfenifdem isdefcribecL x The prayers of the godly are movable to difappoint the

plots

plots of Cruel enemies, then all humane policy: T)cftroy,0 Lord y and divide their tongues. 3. The beleever fhould make ufc of fuch courfes as God hath taken before for difappointing wicked enterprises, for fupporting of his faith in his need, as here *David maketh ufc of Gods difTolving the conlpiracy of Coral), Dathan and Ahiram, and of the proud enterpiife of the wicked in building Babel ; 7)eflroy, 0 Lord, and divide their tongues. 4. A man iliould be very fine, that fuch as he doth prayagainft, and complaineth of unto God, are in a wicked condition^ and upon a mifchievous courfes for David givcth for a reafonof his imprecation, that he had feen violcn c andftrifc inthecity. The Rulers of the city diligently watching for his lifctodomifchief; day and vigln going about the walls, mif-cbief fo row , rviJiedncjfc, deceit, guile in the midji of it, and openly avowed in the fircets.

Ver, 12. For it W2S not an enemy that reproached me, then I could have borne it; neither was it he that bated me thai did magnifie himlelf againft me, then I would have hid mj [elf from him.

13. Hut it was tboti y a man, mine equal, mj guide, and mine acquaintance.

14. We took^ftveet connfel together ,and Walked tint0 the houfe of God in company.

In the fourth place he condefcendeth upon a more fpecial reafon of his imprecation, becaufe Mhitofbel and other like Traitors, (fir types oi^udM) had treacheroufly abufed their trail and familiarity which they had with him, whofe ingratitude g-ieved him more then the injuries of others 5 Whence learn, 1. It is not a itrange thing for the godly to finde fuch as 1 fhould 6e their friends to become their grcatcft foes ,efpcci ally in I a good caufe 5 this doth Davids experience make cvidenr.i-Thc worft that a profelfcd enemy can do a'gainft the godly in a good caufe, is more tolerable then treachery againft us, or the forfa-king of us byaprofeffed friend; for that importcth a reproach in the Party forf.iken, as having an evil caufe, or being unworthy 'to be afli (led ; It was not an enemy that reproached me , then I could have borne it. $. The injuries of a fufpeded e-neruy, are not fo unavoidable before" they be done, no; fo piercing when they are done, as the injuries of one whom a man fafpeftcth not, or as the injuries aouefo us by a profelfcd and

truftci

trufted friend $ Neither was it be that hated me, then I could have hid my felf from him. .4. The di [appointing of us by a friend in a good caufe, much more the open oppofition, and moft of all the treachery of a trufted friend againft us in a good caufe, doth carry with it a vilifying and defpiling of our per-fon and caufe ; and imponcth our ill deferving at their hand, our ill carriage in the caufe, and our deferving to be forfaken, and faith in effect, that the falfe friend or traitor hath reafon to be avenged on us, and to oppofe us in that caufe > and what can be heavier to a godly persecuted perfon ? for this is a very exalting of the Traitor againft us : Neither was it he that hated me that did magnife himfelf againft me. 5. Amongft many friendly neighbours, it hath been the cuftom of godly and wife men to chufcoutfome to be their moft intimate friends, whom they would ufe meft familiarly and freely, whofe coun-fel they would take, and moft readily follow j It was thou, O man, mine equal, my guide, and my acquaintance. 6. To finde a godly and wife man, with whom we may be free in all cafes of minde or confcicnce, wherein we may fall, to whom wc may ireely cpen our minde, and be ftrengthened by him in the fer vice of God, it is a notable refremment, and part of happi-neffe and contentment: We tooli facet counfel together, and walked unto the houfe of God in company. 7. A godly and wife man may be deceived in his choice by the clofe carriage of an hypocrite, who becaufe he hath no found principles of ftedfaftnefle in a good caufe, may both difappoint his friend, and deceive himfelf alfo , and fo do that which he did not at firft intend to do. This difappointment to the godly is a very heavy affliction: But it was thou , a man, mine equal, my guide.

Ver. 15. Let death feife ufon them, and let them go down qmckjnto hell\ for mckedneffe is in their dwellings, and among them.

From his Prophetical imprecation againft his cnemies,fuch as Achitophel was to David, znAtfudat to Chrift, and fuch like, together with their followers and complices; Learn, 1. Swifc deftruftion is the reward of the enemies of Gods fervants, and fpecially of treacherous Apoftates from a good caufe, as A-chito^heVs and Judaass latter end gave example : Let death feife upon them', and let themgo down quicfi into bell. z. Such as give entertainment and lodging to wickedneffe, mall have hell for

their % I

PSAL.LV. $i

their lodging, where wickedneffe lodgethj for here it is given •for a rcalon why the wicked mall go down to hell, Becanje widicdneffeisin their dwellings, and among them. 3. What the Lord hath revealed to be his righteous decree, the godly may warraruably fubferibe unto it > Let death feife on them,

Vcr. 16. As forme, 1 will call upon (jod: and the Lordfia/l fave me.

17. Evening and morning, and at noon will 1 pray and cry aloud> and he fhall he are my voice.

Inthefecond parr of the Pfalme, he comforteth htmfelfin his refolution, conftantlyto depend on God, and his confidence tofinde accefle in worftiip. Whence learn, 1. The right life of Gods judgementson the wicked, for their wickeJnefle is to draw near to God, to worfhip him and depend upon him, as 7) avid here refclved; As forme, I will call upon God. 2. A man may be furc to be faved in drawing near to the Lord what-ioever mail befall the wicked, I mil call on God, and the Lord Jhallfave me. $. He who refolveth to live upon Gods good will and furniture, and hopeth to be faved at laft, muft reiblve alfo •to be conftant, fervent and importunate in his daily worihip and attendance on God y Evening and morning will £ pray and cry aloud. 4. As it is needful upon all occafions to watch unto Prayer, and to entertain a frame of Spirit fit for iimplication ; fo is it fit for giving of our felves more fpecially and fully to this work, to have (albeit not fixed canonick houres,) yet fee times everyday, at or about which we may follow religious worfhip, fuchasarcflZ0r»/wg, evening and noon, or any other time molt fitting for the work ', all circumftances being compared, as here Vtvias refolution and example doth teach us.

Ver. iS. He hath delivered my foule in peace from the battel that was againtt me: for then Vpcrc many with me.

His next encouragement is taken from the experiences of former deliveries given to him by God. Whence learn , l. Then 1 <lo we make good ufe of experiences, when we ftir up our felves, thereby to belecvc the more for them in God, and to call on him in all conditions, as David here givech this, He bath dclu vered my foul, asareafonof his former refolution. z- In the midft ot war the Lord can keep a man as iafe as in the time of

p*^Ci

peace, and in extreme perils preferve him from danger > Jie both deliver A my foul in peace from the battel that was again ft me.i He that depends upon God in the time of trouble., albeit he had an liofte againft him, yet hath he more with him when God is with him, then can be againft him : He bath delivered my foul, for there are many with me.

Vcr. 19. God /ball he are and affli&tkcm* even he that abideth of old- Selah : becaufe tbey have no .changes-, therefore theyfearenot God*

20. He hath put forth his hands againsl fttch as be at peace with him: he hath broken his Covenant*

21. The words of hit mouth were fmoother then buttery but war was in hii heart: his words were

fofter then oile, yet were they drawn fftords.

His third encouragement is taken from aiiurance, that God fliould punifh his enemies for their godlefle feCurity, breach of Covenant, and deep diflimulation* Whence learn, 1. Upon the complaint of thcoppreilea fervantsof God, not only are they delivered thcmfelves, but alfo theit enemies are punimed; God fall bear and afflict them* 2. Gods eternity and immutability is a fufficient ground of the manifestation of his mercy to his own people, and juftice againft their enemies from generation to generation; godjhall bear me, and afflici them, even be thai abidctb of eld. Selah. 3. The more gently the Lotxudeales with the wicked in not exercifing them With fo many erodes^ outward and inwayd, as he doth his own 5 the more godlefs are they , the more fecure are they; and the more godlefs and fe-curethcy are, the more certain is their vexation coming. He willaftlift them fore, becaufe they have no changes ; tbercfere they fearc not God. This is one reafon of the Lords purfu-ing the wicked. 4. Whoever he be that maketh a breach in the peace between himfelf and others, mail have God for his Party; who mall not faile to afflift the Peace-breaker, he fhall afflict them, and namely the chief Ring leaders > Wbobave put forth, their bands againft. fucb as be at peace with them: and this is another reafon of the Lords punifhing of the enemies of his People. 5* The Lord will make a quarrel, and purfue for the; breach of Covenant in fpecial, becaufe this is a moft folemn confirmation of peace> and wherein God hath ipecially intereft

to

to fee h performed, or the breach of it punifhed • He bfcb broken his Covenant ,• and this is the third rcafon of Gods pu-nifhing f/Jfe brethren , pretended friends to Gods people, but in effect moil pernicious foes. 6. The bofome-enemiesof the Churchy and undermineis of the Lords people, and of his work in their hands, do make faireil pretences j when their vileft plots arc in hand, then they are at Haile Mafter, and at offering of kifllsj when they are about to betray i The words of bis mouth were jmootber then butter, butwarrewas in bis heart: bis words were foftcr then oilc> yet were ibey drawn (words • and this vile diflimulation is the fourth reafonof the Lords a-venging the perfecution of falie brethren.

Ver. 22. Cafi thy burden upon the Lord> and he /ball fuftain thee: he (hall never ju^tr the righteous to be moved. y

23. But thou y O God, /halt bring them doftn into the pit of deftruftion • bloody and deceitful men Jhatl not live out half their dajes ; but I will trusl in thee.

The ufe of this experience he fetteth forthj firft, by giving counfel totheopprelled, to caft their burden upon the Lord; when they are over-burdened, and by making promifes for encouraging them thereto. Secondly, by giving afTuiarice of the perditionof the treacherous enemies of the Church. Thirdly, byfettingforthhisownrefolutionto keep confidence in God; Whence learn, 1. The ule of the expedience which godly persons have had, of comfow in, and adiverie out of trouble, is the encouragement of us to take the fame courfe, which the godly followed before us in feeking our relief in God only! {Jajl tbjf burden on the Lord, 1. Whofcever do roll over them-j.elvcs upon God in their weighty troubles^ fhall never fink under ihem i Caftthy burden on the Lor J, and be fall fit ft ain thee. |. Though the godly be troubled and tolled, yet bjcaufe they :ontinue to feek God, and to walk in the way of righteoufneffe, hey fhall never be driven from their anchor-hold, the v ihall riot jeloofedatthe root, their building (hall be found ftillin its; mn place, upon the rock s Hcjball never fuffcr the righteous to x moved, 4. As on the one hand the Lord mall hold up the be-.iever, how-low foever he (hall be broughtjthat he perifh not i fo ; '•hallthe Lordftill bringdown the wicked to pei'dition, hoW

B highi

high foever, how fixed foever his ftate appear, beleeve this who vvitl: God will not (uffcr the righteous to be moved, but thou, 0 Godyfiait bring them dovoninxo tbepit of definition. 5, Treacherous and and ad ver fades of the Lords people ftull be cut oft, before t hey accomplifli their bloody plot s, they (hall never die-full of dayes, but wrath fhali take them away, when they would leaft 5 BlooJy and deteitful men Jball not live half their dayes. 6. Whether fuch as do trouble the godly live longer or fliorter, they will breed exercifeto the godly, fo long as they live; and the only reft that godly hearts can have againft all the trouble they feel or fear from their enemies,or other waves, is toftaythemfelves on the Lord > for fo refolveth the Pfalmift } Tint I will trufi in thee, faith he, and fo dofeth.

PSAL. LVI.

^o the chief MuJIc'an upon fonath Elem, Rccbo^im, ZMichtm of David, when the Ibili{lines toofihim in Gath.

DAvid flymg from Saul to the countrey of the Philiftines ; fas we read, 1 &z#z. 21. 13.) is apprehended, heprayeth to God, and is delivered. There are two parts of the Pfalme; In the former part there are three conflicts of Davids faith with his trouble and tentation , and three victories. The firft con« flic! is in prayer, laying forth his enemies carriage againft him^ vcr.1,1. And his full victory by faith, ver. 3,4. The fe-cond conflict is in his complaint he maketh againft his enemies, ver. <$,6. And hisfecond victory byfaith^ ver. 7. His third conflict is by laying forth his mournful condition before God, with hope to be regarded, ver. 8. And his third and greateft victory by faith, ver. 9,10,11. In the latter part of the Pfalm is Davids obligation, thankfully to acknowledge his merciful delivery, with a petition for grace to perfevere in the Courfe of obedience, under Gods protection, ver. 12, ij.

Prom the Inscriptions Learn, i-Wheti once Gods children are entered on their trials, they meet with new and unexpected difficulties, asD«nwiheie flying from one enemy, falls in the hands of another enemy. 2. Thefe means of fafety which Gods children do devife themfelves, readily prove fnaresj David flying out of the holy land, doth fall in the hands of his adver -larks; The Ubilifiines tafa him in Garb. Ver.

Vcr. I. TD E merciful unto me> O God, for man fu) would jwallow me up> he fighting daily oppreffeth me.

2. Mine enemies would daily f^aUow me up; for they be many that fight againfi me , O thou mofl High.

His firft wraftling in prayer is with the check of his conference, whether tor his daily fins, or in particular for calling him-felt in fo apparent danger, as to have ventured without probable fecurity had, to feck fhelter among the enemies of the people of God, whofe blood he himfelf had flied abundantly 5 for this ra/hncflc or other /ins he beggcth mercy, and layeth out before God, the picflingtentationtrom.S\J«/ and his C6\intrey-mens cruelty, which di ave him to this poor /hift. Whence learn, 1. There is no fence for challenges of confeience for by-gone fins meeting with trouble drawn on by our folly, but flying to the mercy and rich grace and pity 01 God, as 'David doth here: Be merciful to mc 3 0 God. 2. When all men and means do fail us, and we fee none but wolves and lions ready to chveur us, there is hope of help in Gods mercy > 2c merciful to me, O God, for man would fi» allow ?, c up- 3. Continued tentations and renewed dangers, do over-fee theftrength of a fi ail man, till he go to God to have relief from the tentation, or new ftrength 5 He fighting daily oppreffeth me. 4. Whatfoever inconveniences the godly do fall into by flying from perfecution* they are all charged juftly upon the Perfecutor, and the chief Authors of their trouble : He fighting daily oppreffeth me 5 faith 'David of Saul, who drave him to thefe ftraits. ?. Bloody pcrfecutors follow hard after the chafe of Gods iervants, without intermiffion, as dogs or lions do their prey, with as great defirc to have their blood, as hungry beafts have after their foods Mine enemies would daily fw allow me up. 6. One ringleader in the perfection of thegodly^ willfindea multitude to runwithhim; ZMany arc they that fight againft me. 7. There is one above all, who can and will take order with a'l the enemies of his people, who only can eafe their hearts, when they do complain of their foes : Many arc they that fight againfi me % d tbon moft High*

ly x Ver.

Ver. 3. What time I am afraid, I will truft in thee.

4, In Cod I will praife hhVpord, in Qod I have put my truft y 1 m>l not feare what ftefb can do unto me.

Here faith gets the victory, by fetting Gods Word agafnfi all difficulties, within or without him, whereupon he defieth what man can do unto him. Whence learn, 1. Albeit the godly be not fo ftout in their trials, as not to feel their own infirmity, or not to be afraid, yet they are kept from fainting in their fear, by faith in God 5 What time I am afraid, I will truft ht thee. %. Albeit faith doth not alwnyes put forth it felf, yet when feare doth affault moft, then faith in God doth moft evidently m3nifeft its force; for then efpecially by directing of the mans eye towards God,it fetleth a troubled minde, ftrengtheneth weak courage,and relieveth the oppreffed hzwvJVhat time I am a~ fraidj will truft in the:. 3 .The experience of the fweet fruit of faith endeareth theLord to a foul,and ftrengtheneth a man to the employing of faith,come what can come, as Davids affectionate refolution here teacheth us: What time I am afraid, I will truft in thee. 4. Faith groweth valiant in fight; albeit it begin like a coward, and ftagger in the firft conflid, yet it groweth ftout : incontinent, and pulls its adverfaries under foot; In God 1 have put my truft, I will not fear what flejhcm do unto me, 5. When faith prevaileth, fear ceafeth, and all oppofition of enemies is-defpifedjf will not fear what flcjh can do unto me. 6.The beft hold that faith can have of God, is to take him by his Word, however his difpenfation feem to be, this will give fatisfa-ction at length j for. In Cjod I willfraifc his Word 3 \s as much asjalbeit he withhold comfort and deliverance from me, that I cannot finde what I would, yet let me have his Word 3 and I will give him the glory of all his attributes.

Ver. 5. Everyday they vpreft my VPords: all their thoughts are againfi me for evil.

6, They gather themfelves together: they hide them* felves, they mark^ my fieps when they watte for my foule.

His

His fecond conflict is with the maKce of his crafty and cruel enemies; of whom he complaincth that they mifconftrued his actions, words"and deeds, as fmclling only of treafon and rebellion, whether he ihyed in the countrey , or fled out of it, and whatfoever expreffions fell from him at any time for his own clearing, all was svrefted to another meaning. 2. They devifed each of them how to bring mifchicf upon him. $. What they could not make out feverally, they fought to ripen by confuting one with another. 4. They covered all their plots with

' faire pretences, and diflembled their intentions. 5. Theyob-ferved narrowly every one of his fteps, to make out fomething

I againft him by their obfervations, for which it might feem ju-ftice to kill him. 6. They thought to double out their courfe, by more and more iniquity againft him, for which he prayeth the Lord to execute juftice againft them. Whence learn, i.Let

I the godly fay or do whatfoever they can, how juftly, how innocently foever they carry themfelves, yet their adversaries will put another face upon their words and deeds, then what is rights Every day they wreft my words. 1. The Perfecutors of Gods people do fpend their wits in deviling fome harme or other a-gainftthem, dU their thoughts are againftme for evil. 5. What the wicked cannot make out againft the godly by themfelves feverally, they labour to make out by mutual counfel and concurrence } They gather themfelves together. 4. Tliotigh the wicked reveal themfelves one to another in their plots and defignes a-gainft the godly, yet before others they ufe to put a veile over their malice, and fome faire pretence what they minde todo> They hide themfelves. ?. The wicked take occafion of forging their Pre:ences from obfervation of fome paffage of the carriage oTthe godly, that they may make them odious, and cut them oft They mar\my fteps , they wait for my foul.

Ver. 7. Shall they e/cape by iniquity ? in thine anger caft down the people , O Cjod ?

The fecond victory of faith, is in his forefight of the pu-nimment of his enemies approaching, how foever they feared no fuch thing. Whence learn, 1. Sinners fee no way to hide the mifchicf of their actions, fave by doing more mifchicf, and in fyecial by colouring their injuries with calumnies againft the ^rIons whom they injure, and by pretending law for what they • D 3 doi

do 5 They think to cjcape by iniquity, z. Howfoever the wicked may by their falfe pretences deceive their own eyes,& others like themfelves, and fo efcape mans punimmcnt, yet mall they not efchew the vengeance of God, but rather be fo much the more liable unto it, as they do multiply iniquity, to hide iniquity $ Shall they efcape by their iniquity 2 caft them down. 3. Neither high place, nor multitude of people following wicked men in an evil courfe againft Gods fervants, mail fave them from the wrath of God.* In thine anger caft duwn the people , 0 jgtf.

Vcr f 8. Thou telle ft my wanderings > put thou mj testes into thy bottle ; are they not in thy bookj

The third Conflict, wherein he layeth out his mournful condition before God, with hope to find pity. IVhenct learn, 1. When faith hath gotten victory,it will finde new aflaults: though faith pyercom a tentation, the Tempter will make head again* though faith overcame one tentation,another wil enter the lifts,& fet on, as conflict after conflict here maketh evident, z.Many a tear may the godly fhed before their trial be ended, when once it is begun, and many uncouth pathes may they tread, who are forced to iflie the cruelty of Perfecutors, before they finde reft ; multitude of wanderings had David, and large meafure of tcares fhed he, before he was delivered. 3. The looking back upon many and long continued troubles, being laid together in a heap, or put in order one after another, do mufter terribly, and make a greac afTault againft a mans faith and patience, as here the multitude of 7)avids wanderings andteares did mew themfelves together before him/ 4. God hath fo great companion on his fervants in trouble, that he doth reckon even the fteps of their wandering and pilgrimage, and doth number all their teares, and keep the count thereof, as it were in a regifter; and therefore every troubled fervant of God, when they look upon their fufferings, (hould look upon God alio, taking as particular notice of their troubles, as they themfelves can do : Thou tcllcft my wanderings^ put thou my teares into thy bottle , are.they not in thy book l

Vcr, 9. whwlcry unto thee, then [hall mine e~ nemies turn back*' this I l>non> 9 for God is for me. lodn

10. In God mil Ipraifehis word : in the Lord Kill ' I praifehis word.

ii. In God have I put my trufi: I will not be a-[raid what man can do unto me.

The third and compleat victory of faith. Now he is confix J dent to rout all his enemies by prayer, and to defie all mortals I by faith in Gods Word. JVljence learn, i. Laying forth our cares and fears before God in prayer, is a way to get a fatisfa-ctory delivery by faith, before the bodily delivery do come; When I cry unto thee , then fall mine enemies turn back- t. Faith goethuponfolid grounds, and is not a fallible conjecture : buc a fureknowledge y This I fyiow, faith he. 3 A reconciled man praying to God in a good caufe, for victory over his Perfecu:ors, may beaflured that God will own his quarrel, and give him. the victory; This I finow^bccaufc God is forme. 4. The ipe-cial attribute of God, wherewith faith doth meet 3 and whereby it attatneth unto reft and contentment in God, is his truth and fidelity in his promifes : In God I willpraife bis Word \ albeit there be no appearance of performance^ Gods Word is lure e-nough to fix upon. 5. The grounds of faith are the more fweet and fatisfactory, the more they be examined and looked upon, and compared with their effects} for David is not content once to fay, In Cjod I willpraife bis Word > but with com~ fort and confidence reneweth the commendation of Gods Word, and the benefit he hath by it 5 I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. 6. As it is neceflary for our juftitication to beleeve in God ; fo is it neceflary for our confolation to ob^-fcrve that we have beleevedjfor then may we promife to our felvs all the bleffednefle which belongs to the beleever: In god I have put my trufi, I will not be afraid; for when we thus refo-lutely do fet to our feal to Gods truth, beleeving, and affcrtiflg our bcleeving : then he fetteth hislealc to our faith, in comforting and relieving us.

Ver. F2 # Thy vowes are upon me, OGod; 1 will

render praife unto thee.

13. For thou hafl delivered my foul from death : Vvilt not thou deliver my fet from falling ? that I may walk^ before God in the tight of the living.

D 4 In

In the latter part of the Pfalme, having now obtained deli-yery in his fpirit by faith, he obliges himfelf to thankfulnefle, wifhing to be preferved and enabled of God for that end. Whence team, i. As God puts the duty of glorifying him upon the fupplicant, when he promifeth delivery to him: fo may the fupplicant put the obligation of glorifying G©d upon himfelf, when he is praying for delivery out of his trouble, as David gi-veth us to underftand he did, while he faith, Thy vowes are upon me. 2 t An honeft heart is no leffe defirous to perform the duty of praife to God after delivery, then he was ready to make his vow and promife before his delivery > yea the conference of the twofold obligation, is a burden upon his fpirit, till he go about the payment of his twice due debt; Thyvowes are upon me, 0 God, 1 will render praifes to thee, 3. As deep gangers do ferve to difcover our weaknefle , and our need of Gods help; fo a well-fecn danger maketh clear the greatnefle of the delivery $ and the greatneffe of the delivery deciphers the wifdom, power and goodneffe of God to us, and of our obligation unto him ; 1 will render praifes unto thee, for thou baft delivered my foul from death. 4. The right ufe of by-paft dangers and deliveries, is to prepare for new dangers and difficulties, (for when one danger is paft, all perils are net paft,) and to renounce our own wifdom and ftrcngth as inefficient to preferve us from mine either of foul or body, and to give up our felves to Gods guiding and prefervation, and to depend upon God, and ftedfaftly to hope to be directed and preferved by him, all this is imported in ZXfuiix words; Thou baft delivered my foul from death, wilt thou not pre ferve my feet from falling? 5. The end of our defiresto have deliveries and benefits from Gbd,fhould be, that we may fpend our life, and the gifts beftowed upon us fincerely in the fervice of God, for the e-dification'of his people; Wilt thou not prcferve my feet from, falling} that I may walk before God in the light of the living.

PSAL.

PSAL, LVII.

To the chief Mufici m M-ttfchitbJdhhtm ofVavid,n>b:n bzflcl fron Saul in the cave*

THis Pfalme of Z2*vii, as many other his Palmes, doth rc-prefent the condition of hisipirit, both in the time of his trouble, and after the delivery: what was hisexercife in the Cave, and what was his condition after he was delivered out of that danger, whereot we read, 1 Sam. 24. There are two parts of the Pfalme, the firft containeth his prayer for deliverance, which is prefled by fix arguments, all ferving to ftrength-en his faith \ the firft, becaufe hetrufted in God, ver. -1. The fecond, becaufe he refolved to infift in prayer till he were heard, ver. 2. The third, becaufe he hoped certainly to finde notable delivery from this extraordinary danger, vcr.$. The fourth, becaufe his enemies were beaftly cruel, ver. 4. The fifth, becaufe this mercy might contribute much to the glorifying of God>ver. 5. Thefixth is, from the low condition whereanto his fpirit is brought, by their crafty and cruel purfuit of him, ver. 6. In the reft of the Pfalme is his thankfgiving, confifting of five parts; The firft is the acknowlegement of the mercy and del i very granted, zer* 6. The next is his fixed resolution to praife God for it, ver. 7- The th'rd is the upftirring of tongue and hand, and the whole man to praife God, vcr.S. The fouth is a promife to tranfmit the knowledge of Gads mercy unto o-ther Nations, i;e/\ 9* The fifth is the acknowledgement of the glory of this mercy, with a wifh that it might be more and more ieen and acknowledged by giving new experience of it, ver. 10, if.

From the Infcription, Learn % The godly may be i nvolvcd in a deadly danger (as Pavid was when he fled horn Sard in ttu Cave; and yet notperifh. Now he was nsa man ready to be buried quick j for the Cave was as a grave, and the army of Saul at the mouth of the Cave, was as the gt*2ve-ftonc; let then the army of Saul know only that he is thee, and keep him in,ind he is gone ; yet God blinded them,brought David out,an<J Jo delivered him.

Yum.

Ver. I. \y E merciful unto me, 0 Cjod y be mer-iLJ-ciful unto me^ for my foul trufteth in thee : jea % in the Jhadow o^ thy wings trill I make my refuge, untill thefe calamities be overpafi.

"From his prayer for deliverance, and fir ft argument taken from his turning in God, Learn, i. The onely refuge of a man in trouble, is the mercy of the Lord; be it fin, be it mifery, be it peril or preffing evil > in mercy onely is the relief of one and all fad conditions : and in this cafe muft a foul double its petition in the Lords bofome; Be mcrctful to me> 0 God , be merciful tome. z. As it is not trouble fimply which maketh prayer to be fervent, but folid faith preffed with trouble, which cloubleth petitions unto God: fo where faith in trouble, flieth unto God, it cannot but fpeed $ Be merciful, O God, fori truftintbee. The force of the reafon is, the Lord cannot for-fake the foul which hath committed it felf to him. $. The Lord offereth relief and protection in Chrift to miferable finners, in as warme a manner as the fimilitudc of a hen gathering her chickens, or the type of the ftretching of the wings of the Che-rubims about the Mercy-feat could cxpreffe > and faith doth creep no leffe warmly in unto this offer in time of ftraits, then this (imilitude doth import; yea, in the Jlw.low of thy wings will I make my refuge. 4. The ufe of Gods protection and warme love, is beft known in time of trouble, and faith alfo is beft fet on work, to make ufe of Gods love and protection in time ot troubles: In the foxdow of thy wings will I mah t c my refuge, untill theft calamities be overpafi .

ver. 2. / will cry unto God mofi High : unto Qod that performeth all things for me.

From the fecond argument which he ufeth for ftrengthening his faith; Learn, 1. Faith in God and invocation of his name, are graces infeparable, and resolution to petfevere in beleeving is unfeparablefiomrefolution to perfevere in praying unto God : and he that findeth in his heart fuch refolutiohs, may alfo be confident to fpeed in his requefls made to God : for the Pialmiflo as he did refolve to beleeve in the former verfe ; fo here he addcth, I wiU cry unto God : and hereby expe&eth tint God (hall be merciful unto him. 2. It is needfull for the fup-plicant in his ftraits, to keep in his fight the Lords Supremacy

and

ani Onnipotency , for incouiaging himfelf in hope to fpeed ilmllcry to Godmoft Hig/;,fairh he. 3. The coniidcra-tionofthe Lords conftant going on in the perfe&ing of the work of grace, which once he beginneth gracioufly in us or for us 3 doth ferve much to ft lengthen our faith in prayer: I will cry to God whoperformetb all things for me.

Ver. 3. He flail jend from heaven, and [ave me from the re}roach of him that "toould frva/low me up. Selah. God/hall fend forth his mercy and his truth.

From the third argument and prop of his prayer, taken from his hope to be helped* Lcwa, *f. Albeit faith pe no help on earth 3 yet it looketh for help in heayen; and if ordinary means do fail, itaflureth itfelf of Gods working wonders, for perfecting of his promifes 5 He Jhall [aid from heaven, andfave me. z. The godly mans making God his refugees a matter of mccking to the wicked ; which mocking God will certa nly refute, by making the godly finde the fruit of their flying to him 5 be will five me from the reproach of him that would [wallow me up* 3.The mercy and truth of God, whereupon faith doth fix it felf, do remove all impediments, and fet on work all the means of the falvation of the beleever,and that erTed u ally :Godjl:ali fend forth his mercy and his truth*

Ver. 4. My foalis among lions , and / lie even among them that are fet on fire : even the fons of mem ypbofe teeth are fyeares and arrowes, and their tongue a fharp ftiord,

Frorr* the fourth reafon of his prayer taken from the bcaftly cruelty pi his enemies} Learn, 1. The condition of the people of the Lord in this world may be o\r-tines like fheep in peril of their lives, compaffed about with ravenous beafts; My foul is among Lions. 1. Yea,they may be fo defolate, as having no al-fiftance from without themfelycs to Hie or fight, they mall be forced like darned birds, chafed by the hawke s or like bound fheep, to dap clofe down to the ground: I lie, faith he, among them- 1. The defolate condition of the godly, doth not move their perfecutors topityrdeadly malice is moft ready thentobreak forth, and to devour; I lie even among them that arc fet on fir:. 4. G.-aceleflemcndeftituteof thefcaicof God, are fit enough inftiumcnts for the perfecution of Gods children, and his dear

kvvanrSj

fervants ; if they be no more, but yet in nature, even the children of men* 5. The flanders, mockings, lies, calumnies, reproaches and afperfions caft upon the godly by godlefle men, are no little part of their cruel perfecution, of cutting and piercing the Lords people very deeply: rvkofc tceib are (pears and arrowes^ and their tongue afiarp [word.

Ver. 5. Be thou exalted, O God> above the heavens : let thy g ! ory be above all the earth.

From the fifth reafon of his petition; Learn,i. When the god* ly are born down, and the wicked do carryall matters before them, the glory of the Lord is obfeured and eclipfed in fome fort among men, therefore faith he ; Be thou exalted, O Cjod. 2. In what meafure Gods children are helped by him , and his enemies are born down ; in that meafure is he glorioufly manifeft-ed to be the ruler of heaven and earth; Be thou exalted above the heavens, and thy glory above all the earth. 3. However the wicked do obfeure the glory of the Lord, and how little evidence fo-ever Gods children do fee of his appearing tor their relief, yet they ought to glorifie him in their hearr , and not onelybeleeve his iovcreignepower, able to fet all things in order ; but alfo to profefle their hope thathefhall maniftft himfelf from heaven, to be Lord over all his enemies and adversary powers of the world) "Be thou exalted above the heavens, and thy glory above all the earth.

Ver. 6. They have prepared a net for mj fieps y my foul is bowed down : they have digged a pit before me, into the midft whereof they are fallen themfelves. Selak

From the lafl rcafon of his ifupplication, Learn, 1. Great flight and fubtilty do the wicked ufe to overtake the godly in fome fnare,one or other; They have prepared a net for my ftcps. 2. The godly mansflrengih will foone tail him in time of ftrait$ if the Lord do not give Uipply 5 yea, the Lord for the clearer manifeftation of his glory, both before the godly and before the wicked alfo, doth fufrer his children to come to fo low a condition of fpirit,that they are ready to fuccumbe, if he do not help* My foul At bowed down. 3.When the enemies are at the higheft of their plots, and the. godly at the loweft ftep of their humiliation, then is the Lords time to turne the chafe, and to fall upon his cnemies 3 and that oft times by that fame very mems wherby they

were

were about to make all faft for their own power, and the oppreili -on of the godly; They have digged a fit before me , in the midjl whereof they arc fallen ihcmfclvcs. And this laft fentence is the firft part of his thankfgiving, in acknowledging the Lords wonderful mercy and juftice, in changing up-fide down the fcales c;f his low condition > and the enemies lofty perfection on a fudden.

Ver. 7. Afj heart is fixed, 0 God , mj heart is fixed) 1 Wi// png and give praife,

In the reft of the Pfalmehe profecntcth histhankfgiving, and thisisthefecondpartofit, wherein he profclleth his fixed purpose to praife the Lord for his delivery : Whence learn, \ . Renewed fenfe of Gods fivour, and ficfh experience of his mercy towards his children, and of his juftice againft his and their enemies, doth much rcfrelh, quiet,, and fettle the hearts of his people, and confirme their faith 3 My heart is fixed, 2. It is a part of our thankfgiving unto God, to acknowledge the fruit of his gracious working for us,, felt upon our fpirits,whenfoever our hearts are chcared up by him, after any fad exercife: My heart is fixed, O God> my heart is fixed. .3. As it is needful to labour on the heart, that it maybe fitted and prepared, fixed and bended for Gods worfhip : foin fpecial, for the work of praife, whereunto naturally we are mod dull and indifpofedj then (hall the work go on mo;e chearfully: My heart U fixed, I will fing and give praife.

Ver. 8. AWake up, my glory: awake^ pfaltery and harp; I my felf will awake early.

From the third part of this thankfgi ving, wherein he ftirs up himfelf by all means within and without himfclf, tofct forth his Tenfc of Gods mercy, and of Gods glory in beft owing of iXyLcarn, 1. A well-imployed tongue fot praifing or God, and edifying o-thers, is indeed a mans commendation, and glory above other creatures: Therefore David directing his ljpeech toward his tongue, alter the manner of Orators affectionate fpeaking, faith, Awahf) my glory. 1. Albeit the abolition of the Ceremonial Law hath taken 4 away the roome, which muficalinuruments once had in the {lately, publickjinftituted worfhip of God in the congregation, yet neither is the natural private ufc thereof taken away, nor the bonification of that typical ordinance to be forgotten; to wit, that we of our felvcs are dull and unapt to holy

things,

things, and that the Lords praifes are above ov power to reach unto them or exprefl'e them : and that we (hquld ftir up all the faculties of our ibul unto this holy fervice, as David hereinfi-nuateth to be the moral fignification thereof 5 for after he hath faid 3 AwJie^Tfaltery and Harp, he fubjoyneth, I my felf will a-wriic 3. As he, who in earned is wakened up to glorifie and praiie God, will finde himfelf fliort in abilities to difcharge this work of praife: fo will he finde the choiceft time of the day, when the body is beft refrefhed, molt defervedly beftowed upon this cxercife: I my [elf will awa^e early.

Ver. 9. 1 will praife thee, O LORD> among the 'People 5 1 will jing unto thee among the nations.

From the fourth part of his thankfgiving, wherein he pro-mifeth to let all the world know the mercy beftowed upon him> Learne y 1. The Spirit of God, who indited this Scripture, made his Pen-man know, that the Gentiles fhculd have the ufe of his Pialmes > I will praife thee amongft the People, 2. David was a type of Chrift in fufferings , cxercifes fpiritual, and in receiving of deliveries,- fcr this promife is fulfilled in Chrift and this undertaking is applied unto Chrift, Rom 11.$. 3. Then do we ledouily minde the praiie of God, when according to our place we labour to make others alfo know God, as we know him; I will praife thee among the People.

Ver. 10. For thy mercy is great unto the Heavens^ and thy truth unto the clouds.

11. Be thou exalted, 0 God, above the Heavens : let thy glory be above all the earth.

"From the laft part of his thankfgiving, wherein he confefleth that the excellency of the glory of God doth tranfeend his reach and capacity, and that he can follow it no further then by wim-ing the Lord to gloririe himfelfi Learne, 1. The matter of the joy of the Saints, and of their fweettft Songs, is the goodneffe of God, which appointed and promifed fuch and fuch mercies unto them: and.thefaithfulnefle of God, which doth bring to paffe his gracious purpofe and promifes made unto them ; For thy mercy is great, and thy truth, faith he. 2. There is no poflibility of taking up the greatnefle of Gods mercy and truth, they reach fo fiirre as our fight cannot overtake them > Thy mercy is great unto the Heavens, where mortal eyes cannot come to fee what is there :' And thy truth unto the cloudsy through' which mans eye

cannot

cannot pierce. 3. Seeing the Lords glory is greater then heaven or earth can contain, and God himlclf only can manifeft his cwn'glory j it is our part when wc have faid all we can, for glorifying of God, to pray him toglorific himfelf, and to make ic appear,to all that his glory is greater then heaven or earth can comprehend; Be thou exalted above the Heavens, and let thy glory be above all the earth.

PSAL. LVIII.

To the chief Mufician AU tafchhh, Mich tarn of David.

TH e Pfalmift being opp: effed by the calumnies of the Cour-tieisof King Said, and by the Senators of the Courts of Juftice, who fhould have provided againft the oppreflion of ihefubjetts, chargechthem in the fir ft part of this Pfalm, as nv ft guilty of injuftice done tohim, ver* 1, 2,3,4, f. In the iecond part ; heprayeihagainft them, thatGdd would execute judgement upon them, ver. 6, 7, 8. And in the third part, he pronounceth the fentence of their deferved deftruction, ver. 9, io y 11, From this experience of the Prophet, we may fee what ftvong Parties, and hard oppohtion the godly may meet with in the defence of a good caufe, and how neceffary it is in fuch trials to exercifcour faith, and to exalt God above all oppofite powers, that we may be borne out, and get ccnfolation and victory in the Lord.

Ver. I, r^\° ) e indeed fpeal^righteoufneffe, O 1 J Qongregation ? do ye judge uprightly , j Oje fonnes of men*

2. Tes, in heartyottVvorl^txickedneffe: y oh weigh the violence of jour hands in the earth,

3. The wicked are eftranged from the wombe^ they go aft ray affoone as they be borne , [peaking lies.

. 4. Their poifon is like the poifon of 4 fetpent 9

they

they are Uk* the deaf Adder , that (toppeth her tare.

5. which will not hearkfn to the Voice of Qharmers^ charme never fo wifely.

In the firft part he cfnrgeth the Councel and Senste, or Congregation of the Judges > firft, foe not giving out righteous decrees or fentences, ver. 1. Secondly, for their refolved, violent, .oppreffing decrees, ver. z. Thirdly, for their inveterate wick-edneffe, and fal(hood from the wombe, ver. 3. Fourthly, for their incorrigible wickedneffc, which they will not for any admonition or" advert!fement amend, ver. 4, $. Whence learn %

1. There is a Congregation of Rulers,whofe office it is to admi-nifter juftice to the people ; who prefuppofe they be the fupreme Court in authority and place, above the body of the peoples yet are they fubject to Gods challenge, which he doth fend unto them by the hand of his meffengers, when they do wrong, as here we fee 5 Do ye indeed {peak riglHeoufncjfc, O Congregation?

2. When the juft caufe of the righteous cometh before the JaJge, whofoever bepurfuer, were he as great a Party as King Saul purfuing 'David , the Judge mould defend the righteous and abfclve him, without fearing mans face : and if he do not, he lliall be called to a reckoning for it before God : Do ye judge uprightly y O ye fons 0/#zetf?$.TheLordlooketh to the afTedions, purpofes and conclulions of a mans heatt,and what ill turn a man is refolved to do, for that is a done work before God:and the man is fo much the more guilty, as his fin is deliberate : T£i, in heart jouworfiwk['edncjfe* 4. A wicked JuJge doth not ftand to give out a decree for as much oppi effion as he is able to put in execution ; Ton weigh the violence of your hands in the earth ; and when he is thus opprefling men, he will labour to fcem to make his decree no lerTe agreeable to the law, then the equall fcales of the Merchants balance do in a juft weight anfwer one to another 3 You weigh the violence of your bands. $. An unrenewed man is a born ftranger to God, to good men, and all goodnefle s The wicked are estranged from the wombe. 6. Men* wkked actions do prove the wicked neffe of nature, or mens original tin doth augment the ditty and condemnation of unrenewed men for their adual ims.- They are eftrdnged from the wombc, is made here a part of their challenge. 7.Errour, falfhood and lies arc kindly iinncsto men, they break out early, and contimie

long*

long, anddodraw on guiltineiVe he longer, the more; rbcy go fftray ajfoon as they be borne> [peaking lies, 8 There is as great natural enmity in the wicked agar ft the godly, as thv.^ is in w penes againft mankinde, and they are as ready tc vent iheir deadly hatred againft them, as ferpents arc to fpue foi-h their: deadly venom :~ Their poifoil is iietbepoifon of afcrpsKt. y. That which fillcth upthemeafure ot the tins of thewuked is this, they are obdu.ed in their fins, they are incorrigible, and will not receive inftrudion, admonition or correction from the Word of God : They are lir^c the deaf Adder that ftoppetb her earc. 10. Albeit holy Scripture ufe r h to compare the beft things in fome poinrs unto the worft things, for clearing the purp'clc in hand by a,fimilitude, yet uoth it not therefore juftifie the wicked thing* by borrowing a limilitude f om ir, as here the admonition and reproof of linners is compared to charming of an Adder, and yet for that comparifon the damnable :nof charming is not the lefl'e damnable ; nor is the duty of reproof and admonition of fmne s theworfc.or lefle laud.ble for r he comparifon, for it is a challenge : They are ti^e the deaf Adder that ftoppeth her care y which will not hcarh v e?i ;<n-to the charmer , charming never fo wifely.

Vcr. 6. Breakjheir teeth, O God^ in their mouth I ireak^ out the qreat teeth of the young lions , 0

lord:

7. Let them melt away as "hater's which run continually: When he bendeih\\\$ bowe to (hoot his arrowes^ let them be as cut in pieces.

8. As a fnaile which metteth, let every one of

thempaffeaWay : like the untimely birth of a woman that they may not fee the Sun,

In the fecond part of the Pfalme he maketh imprecation a-gainft them, by fpecial warrant of the Spirit of God, who endited this Pfalme unto him, that judgement might be executed againft them unto deflation. Whence learn y 1. The Lord fhall in due time difable the wicke i from doing the harme hey intend to do againft G dispeople ; for this prayer is aprophecte and promile to the Churches comfort: Brcali their teeth. 6 God, intheir month, a. Were the wicked never fo potent and

E rcfoiutc

refolute to execute their cruelty, God (hall break their power in pieces: Bre^out the great teeth of the young Lions •, 0 Lord.

3. When once God entercth in judgement with theenemiesof his people, he fhall bring upon them a conftant daily confumpti-on and wafting of their power and abilities till they be abd-lirtied : Let them melt away lib^e water that runs continnjly.

4. The chief plots of the wicked (hall mifcarry in the very point of their putting them in execution : When be bendetbbU bom tofboot bis arrows, let tbem be as cut irtrpieces. 5. How ftrongfoever the foundation of theenterprifesof the wicked a-gainftthe gocfly feemtothemfetves to be, yet the event (hall prove them to be weak, feeble and effectlefle devices; As a fnailt which mcltetb let tbempafle away, as the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not jee the Sun.

Vcr. 9. Before your pots can feele the thornes y he fhall take them away as with a wbirln>inde } both living and i*his wrath.

10. The righteous fhall rejoyce When he feeth the vengeance : he fhall wajh his feet in the blood of the wicked.

ir. So that a man fhall fdy^ Verily there is a reward for the righteous \ Verilyheua God that judg-eth in the earth.

In the hft part of the Pialme he pronounceth thefentence of deferved definition upon the wicked and unrighteous Potentates, opprcflbrs of the godly, as an anlwer from God . to the former imprecation agaihft them, and that for the conlolation cfthe godly, and clearing of Gods juftice among men. Whence lcarn y i -Howfocvcr the ungodly do hope to make themielves good cheer by their works of iniquity, and do rejoyce a while in fheir hopes, yet before they finde any ripe fatisfa&ion by their ill deeds, fuddenly are they deftroyed, and as it were fwallow-cd up quick, and taken away by the fierce wrath of God againft them : Before your pots canfceltbc thorncs, be fhall take them away as with a wbirlewinde, both living and in his wrath. 2. It is lawful for the godiy to rejoyce in Gods juftice agajnft the obftinate enernies of his people: provided their py be indeed in Cods juftice, ncfcinthedeftmftionof the creacurej but in the

mani-

manifcftarion of Gods juft avenging fund : The righteous Jhall rejoycewbenbtfeeththevengeme. 3, Thepuniftunent ot the ' wicked ftiouLd teach the Lords people to be more holy in all their wayes, for this is one of the ends of Gods punching the wicked in their fight 5 The righicw Jhall wajk bis feet in tbc blood of the wicked- 4 When the Lord execuceth judgement ' againft the wicked, then men who knew not what to think of * Gods providence, when they faw the godly ^pprefled, and the 1 wicked high in power fliallcbmc to a right judging of matters:^ that a man Jhall fay,Ferity there is a reward for the r/gtw«».5.No J man fervetb God for nought, in following the courtc of friendship with God, and walking in obedience unto him, fruit certainly will be found: Verily there is a reward for the righteous* 6. Albeit the Lord doth not let down his Court for executing. I jufticefofoon as men would, yet hcfailesnot to fliew himfeff Huler of the arlairs of men, and a righteous Judge, a$ to relieve the opprcflcd, lb alfo to take order with oppreffors : Verily he is a Godthajudgethin the earth*

«—. j—_

PSAL. LIX.

To the chief Mufkian Al-tafcbhb, CMkhtam of 'David: when Saulfent, and they wjtch't the houfe to #11 him.

DAvid in prtfent danger of his life by Saul, (who having David inclofed within the Cky and within his own houfe, thought lurely to have killed him, as we read, 1 $am ; 19, x i.J he prayeth to God for deliverance, ver. 1,2, and for a reafon of his prayer, maketh a complaint againft his enemies, ver. 3, 4* In the next place, he prayeth the Second time for delivery to himfelf, and judgement againft his enemies, w. ?. andcom-plaineth of them the fecond time, ver. 6,7. In tfce third place, he dcclareth his confidence to be delivered, ver. 8,9, 1 o. In the fourth pbec, he maketh imprecation againft his enemies for their wickedneife, ver. 11,12, 1$, 14, tf. And in the hA place, he promifeththankf to God for his delivery, whereof he Was affured before it came, ver. 16,17.-

From the Infcriptton, Learn, 1. No common bands of nature or civil relations can lecure the godly from the pcrfecution* £ % of

of the wicked ; for Saul, Davids father in law fendetb to \M David. 2,. Gods children cannot be in fo great ftratits , nor the diligenceof the wicked be-fo great to ovei rake the godly in a ftrait, but God can deliver a. i'upplicant } They watched the boufete kiUhim, yet he efcapedand did write this P/alme : by whatmeanes he-efcaped he doth not tell here, for he a:tii-buteth the delivery to God, from whom he did leek it by prayer.

Ver. I. 1 "\ 2 liver me from mine enemies 0 my JL^fGod : defend me from them that rife up againft me.

2. "Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and fave mejrom bloody men.

From his prayer > Leame, i. Whatfoever means God mall offer foreleg ping out of a trouble, Prayer is our beft weapon againft our enemies, and the beft of all meanes, and fii ft of all to be ufed for a delivery ; Deliver me from mine enemies, x.Time of trouble and difficulty doth put beleevers to makcufe of the Covenant of grace, and: of Gods friendmip and power for their deliverance; 0 my God, defend me from them that rife up a-gaivflme. 3. When wicked, and powerful, and blood-rhirfty men do turn Perfecutors of the godly, no power but divine can be looked unto for a reliefs Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and'fave me from bloody men. • ■

Ver. 3. For lo, they lie in wait for my foul: the mighty are gathered againfl me, not for my tranfgrtf* fion> n^rfoxmy finne } 0 Lord*

4. They, runne and prepare themfelves without my fault: a^a\e to help me 3 and behold, '

From his complaint againft hisenemies, and reafon of his pvaycr } Learne^ i. Defperate-like dangers arifing from the power and crnftinefle of enemies, muft not diicourage the godly, but (harpen their prayer to God, with whom is power and wifdome to deliver them : For lo, they lie in wait for my fouL 2.1t is no new thing, to fee them who are in ereateft power, to be the Olefin the persecution ©£ Godschildren * The mighty are gathered

xhcrcd together dgainfltne* $. A good confeience, cfpecially in *he particular for which a man is purfued, giveth greateft comfort in the time of trouble^ Not for my tranjgreJfiou y nor my fiu^ OLord, 4. Albeit the Pcriecutors of the godly cannot finde a fault in them, for whith they may pnrfue them, yet will they de-vife fome cha\teii£e, and make a great bufmefle to accompli ill their defigne ; they run and prepare tbemfrtves, not for my fault. f. The Lord will let the plot go on, and the danger of the godly grow, as if he minded not to take notice of it, that he may firlt puc his children to prayer, and then appear in the fit time; /Iwafa to help me, and behold.

Ver. 5. Thou therefore, 0 LORD God of hofies f the God of Ifrael , awaks *o vifit all the heathen : be not merciful to any wicked tranfgrtflours. SeUh.

6. They return at evening, they make a notfelikf a dog, and go round about the City.

7. Behold ^ they belch out Vvhh their mouth y (words are ih their lips: fir who^ fay they, doth

he are?

. From his repeated piayer and complaint prefentedthc fecond time; Learne, 1. In time of ftraits we mould fet our eyes moft upon thofe ftilesof God, which moft ferve to flreagthen cul* faith, efpecially fuch as hold forth his power and good will to employ his power for us; Thou therefore, 0 Lord God ofboftes y the God 0/Ifrael, awa^e. 2» Counterfeit P/ofeifors, and pro* felled Pagans are all one before God ineffeer, and the counterfeit Profeflor will be as ready an tnftrument to perfecute the godly as a profefkd enemyj for fo is Saul and his followers na* medhere; Arva^e to vifit all the Heathen. $ Although the Lord beare with the wicked a while, he will at laft take order with hypocrites, and obftinately malicious tranfgreffors * A~ wake to vifit all the Heathen, he not merciful to ahy wicked irauf~ grejfor. 4. From the time that P.rfecutois have once refolved cruelty, they ccafe not to purfue their purpofe, but like bloody dogs they run to and fro till they catch their prey i they are buhe all the day, and fet warches in the night to-hurt the man they would haye 3 They return tt evening, they m^e a noife

like

lily a dog, and go round about the City. ?. Refolved obftinacy in finne taketh awayallremorfeofconfcience, allfeare of God, and (hame before men, and rnaketh men openly avow their wickednefTe 5 yea and their cniel hearts will vent their bloody

Jmrpofe, when they think they are fure to accomplish their der igne; heboid, they belch out with their mouth, (words are in their lips ; for who (fay they) doth hear* . ?

Ver. 8, BmthoH,0LORVtfbattUHghAttbem; fhonjbalt have all the heathen inderifion.

9. Becaufe of his Strength mil I wait upon thee: for God is m f defence.

I o. The god of my mercy Jhall prevent mt: God Jhalj let me fee my defire upon mine enc« wies.

In tjie third place,hedeclareth his confidence to be delivered % and doth make fwect ufe of his'faith for keeping up his heart under his trouble. Whence learn, 1.. The firft fruit of an humble Prayer, is a fpiritual delivery o f a mans oppreffed fpirit, grantr pd to him by faith and affurance of an outgate, as here, and many times eUevvhere appeareth. i. When faith feeth God to be i friend, it fcorneth all oppofition of whatfoever enemies, few or many, all is one to the clear-fighted beleever; But thou, 0 f.ord,flalt laugh at them, thou flalt have all the heathen inde<? rifion, 1 . How weak foever the btleever findehimfelf, and how powerful foever he perceive his enemie to be, it is all one to fiim,he hath no more to do, but to put faith on work,and to wait till God work ; becaufe of his (that is, the enemies,) ftrength^ I will wait upon thee, faith he to the Lord, for God is my defence. 4. When faith gets up the head, it feeth its own deliverance, and the overthrow of the enemy, both at once in the pror percaufe thereof to wit, the fountain of over-running mercy, engaged unto it by Covenant; The God of mynxeny. There is the fountain of evcrlafting inercy* whereof God is called God, becaufe he is the beleevers God for ever, and therefore the God of all mercy, confolation and falvation to the beleevcr 5 fie (faith ht) flail prevent me i that is. he (hall give manifeft deliverance before I fuccumbrit fhall come fooner then I could fet it a time, Then, for his enemies, he faith, God flail let tnefte upon mine

"" ' tne-

enemies; to wit, what I couid lawfully defire ; or wha:lhou!d fatisfie me.

Ven 11- Slay them not, left mj people forget: Scatter them by thy power, and bring them down, O Lord, ourfbield*

12. For the finne of their month, and the words of their lips, let them even be taken tn their pride: and for curftng and lying which they

fpeakc

13. Confume them In wrath, confume them, that they may not be : and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth, Selah.

14. And at evening let them retume % and let them makeanoife lil>eadog, and go round about the City.

15. Let them wander up and dotyn for meat : and grudge if they be not fatisfied.

In the fourth place, he prayeth to God to glorifie himfelf in. the manner and meafiue of his juft judgement on hisobftinate enemies; which in effect is a Prophecy of the punifhment of Perfecutors of the righteous , and of the wrath to come upon the enemies of Chriu, ofwhom David in his trouble and unjuft fufterings was a type. Whence learn, 1. Sometime the Lord will delay the cutting oftof wicked enemies of his people, for a curfe to them,and a benefit to his people: Shy them not, left; my people forget, 2. The Lords people are fubject to forget the Lords doing for them, and puniftiing of their enemies, except the Lord did renew the evidence of his care he hath of them, by often renewed, or long continued judgement on their enemies, whole mifery is made more to them, by lingwng judgements in the light of men, then if they were cut oft* more fuddcnly ; Slay them not, left my people forget ; 5. Tn praying againft our wicked enemies that pcrfecute us, we mull take heed that we be found pleading, not our own particular revenge, but the common caule of the Church, and the Lords quarrel 5 Slay them not, left my people forget > y fcattcr and bring them down, 0 Lord, our wield-E 4 It

It is the good of ihe Lords pe: pie, and the glorifying of God which is in his eyes. 4 Albeit the Lord do not at firft cut (ft the troub'ers of his Church, but do fuf&r them to live for the exercife of his peoples yet it is mercy worthy to be prayed for, if God di fable them, and beak their power, that they prevaile nor over the righteous; Scatter them by thy power, and bring them down, 0 Lord, our Jhield 5. Albeit the Periecutos do not accompiiih their purpo.e agai.ift the righteous; yet rheir pride, their brags their lies, the-ir flinders, their'cur.es againft the godly, are a Efficient ditty to; .iamn^tion, and wrath to cme upon th in ; For the fin of their mouth, and the words of their lips > Let them even betaken in their pride, and for cwfing ani lying ^bicbthey jpe k 6 After the keeping alive of the wicked tor a time, to the enc effing of their mifery, at length litre- -MVu&ion come h upon them. Con fume them in wrath, con fume them, that they may not be 7. By the judgements of God upon the adveriaries of his people, the knowledge o* c his Coy. rejgnty over, and Kingly care for his Church is made more known to the wo^ld, the encreafe of which glory or the Lord fhouldbethe fcopeof the prayers of the Saints agai ft their foes'; And let them- know that God ruleth in rfacob unto the ends of the earth* 8»" It is luitable to Gods juft ce, and no ftrange thing to fee fuci as have b en meflcngers, fervants, officers of perfecting powers, or fearchers ou: of the godly,, as beagles or felood hounds, to be ma ebeggars, vagabonds, and miferable fpe&acles of Gods wrath before hey die, roving to and fro like hungry and mafterlefle dogs; At evening let them return, and let them mx\e a noije li^e a dog, and go round about the City ; let them wander upand down for meat,and grudge if they be not fatis-fed.

Ver, 16. "But 1 Will fing of tby poVver-> yea, I wil Jing aloud of thy mercy in the mornings for thou haft been my defence and refuge in the day of my treuble.

£7. Vnto thee 9 O my ffrength, Will I Jing; for, God is my ciefence y and the God of my mercy.

Inthelaft place, he promifeth thankfgiving for the mercy which he felt in the clay of his trouble, and'fixeth his faith on God, as his merciful Protector, and only ftrength, whereon he

was

jfasto lean in every condition wherein he could tall. IVhenct learn, i. Wha focver mif, hief fall upon the wicked ,the Lord* children whom they maligne, mall have rea(on to rejoyce and to p:ai'e God or fuppor r ingthem in their trials, and delivering of them out of toubles; But J will fing of thy power, i. When the gedly do compare the Lords putting difference between hem and the reft of the wicked world , pitying them and pardoning their fins, when ho juftlypurfueththc fins of others, they cannot but itjovce and proclaim Gods mercy with earneft affections Tea, I willfmg aloud of thy mercy in the morning. 3. The (hi-* ning light of cne late experience of Gods care of a man, ferveth to bring to remembrance, and to illuminate the whole courfe ©ft Gods by paftcare, and kindncfTe to him, andtoraife a fong of jcy and praife to God for altogether; For thou hi(i been my refuge mi defence in the day of trouble 4. What God hath been unto us /'being looked on rightly) may ierve to certifie us what God is unto us, and what he ftiall be to us, and what we map expect of him/Fo; f; om,*/;o« haft been my defence and my refuge, he inferre.h hope of joyful experience of the fame mercy for time to come; Unto thee, 0 my flrength y will I fing. f When a man is lure of God engaged to him by good will and Covenant, and proof given for letting out to him protection and mercy, as his tou needeth, he cannot choole but have a heart full of joy, and a mouth full of joyful prai es unto God ; Unto thee, 0 my ftrcngth, will I fing, for Cjod is my defence, and the God of my mercy.

PSAL. IX

To the chief Mufician upon fbufian-Edutb Michtam ofDavid, to teach When heftrove with Aram Haharaim, and with AramZobab, when Joi^ returned and (mote of Edom in thcvallcy of (alt, twelve thoufani.

THis Pfalme is a prayer for the victory of ifrael over their enemies in iited unto the Prophet when Israel was fighting with the Syrians ana Edomites. It may be divided into three }>arts ; in the firft whereof the PlVmift praycth for help more argely,v. 1,1,3,4. 5 In the fecond parr David is -^ade confident of the victory, w.6,7,8,0,10.In the third part he repeated his

prayer

gi^er more briefly, and bis confidence of having the victory, ver. it, i*.

From the Inscription; Lcarne, I. The children of God muft not think it ftrange 3 to be put to wraftling, ftrivine and fighting for a promifed~Kingdome, before they befetledinpoflefli-on, as David was \ yea, the Church of Chrift muft refolvefor fuch like exercifes j lor this Pfalm is given to the publike Minifies of theChurch for ufe in all ages. i.The Church muft make ufcof her prayers, as well when (he is furnimed with aregular army, as wnen fhe wanteth bodily armes, asP^/itcacheth the Church here. Ji There is hope of victory, when God by prayer is more relied upon, then the army in the fields; for with the Pfalme the mention of the victory of the Lords hofte is fet down, and the daughter of the enemy tecorded > That $oab fmote of Edom twelve thou find.

Ver.r. /^\ God, thou haft caft us of, thou haft K_Jfeatured us, thou haft been difpleajecl, O turne thjfelfto us again.

Of the larger prayer there are three branches $ the firftisfor reconciliation with God, ver. i. The fecond for reparation of the decayed ftate of the Kingdom^ ver, i, $. The third for delivery and victory in the conflict with rhc enemy 3 ver. 4'$-

In the fir ft branch of his prayer he acknowledgeth by-gone judgements, as the fruit of Gods dif pleafure, and of the peoples provocation of God to wrath, and fo he prayeth that God would turn again and be reconciled to his-people. Whence karn, 1.Terrible evils may befall the Lords people, or the vifible Church, when they by their finne do provoke him to wrath, as was feen in the time of the Judges, and in Saulsiime; 0 Cjod thou buji taft m off, thou baft featured us. 2. When God doth plague a whole Ktngdome, or the body of the vifible Church, it is no: a matter of hmple exercife or trial (as when he bringeth trouble on fome of his dear fcrvants, in the time of their upright carriage,) but it is for their (ins, and provocation of the eyes of his glory ; Thou baft, been difrleafed. 3. Such as would have plagues removed, muft acknowledge their (in, and feck to be reconciled with God; and in this way may they expect to finde favour j O

turn

turn thy fclf to us again. 4.Whatfoeverfins the viable Church and incorporation of Profeflbrs have done againft God , c^ whatfoever injuries they have done againft the godly, inafllft-it\° of perfecuting powers againft them j yet the godly muft not only not feparate from them, but alio be ready to receiver hern into favour, be reconciled with them, forgive their former injuries, joyne in Church and Camp-fellcwfhip with them being reconciled , (hare With them by companion in calamities , in* terccde with God for them, as for themfclves, as being all of one incorporation, as VavU, the type of Chiifts moderate and merciful governing, and a paternto all the godly, did forgive thofe that perfecuted him, fought againft him under King $atd 9 and flood longeft out againft him when Saul was dead, for2>*-vid here doth fay with,and for the people $ 0 God, thou baft {cat-tercd us: 0 turn thy felf again to us.

Ver.2. Thou haft made the earth to tremble, thou haft broken it: heale the breaches thereof, for it Jhaketh.

3. Thou haft /hewed thy people hard things* thou haft made m to drinl^ the wine of aftonijh-ment.

Wfyen Saul did reigne, all things went wrong, the wicked a* bounded, and vile men were exalted, and God plagued the land; therefore in the fecond branch of his prayer, he pray cb for reftauration of the dejected ftateof the Kingdome; the calamities whereof he layeth forth, both before and after the petition. Whenceleam, i.VVhen people will not ftand in awe of God, and fear him, he will ftrike them with the fear of his wrath, and fenfe of fore judgements; Tbouhaft male the earth to tremble. 2. Warre, and in fpeciall civil and inteftine war,is moft able to ruine a Kingdom, and like an earthquake to make ruptures and breaches in it, to the renting of it in pieces: Thou haft made the earth to tremble, thou haft broken it. 5. It is a Chriftian and royal venue, to feek the union of the fubje&s a-mon? themfelves, and to remove divifions. of the Kingdom, without the removing whereof the Stare can nevei be fetled : But it is a divine power to work this union effectually : therefore doth he pray to God for it: Heal the breaches thereof, for it Jhaketh. 4. When people will not fee nor take, knowledge of

their

their fins againflGod, and their obliged duties to him, he will let them fee fad fpectacles of bloody warres, forreign and inteft -ine: Tkoubaft fare, d thy people bard things. .$. When people have befotted them!elves in their fin, and have not beleeved what God hath threatened againfl: them, no wonder they know not what hand to turn them unto, and be ftticken with aftonifh-ment in the execution of his judgements, which when they fall upon a people, cither fuddenly or more heavily then they could have expected, they put mens mindes in a confufion, as if they were drunk 5 for fudden, fore and lafting judgements confound the thoughts of fecure finners, fo as they can make little ufe of the Word of God, or of their wit, or any other means of relief, more then a drunken man overcharged with wine i Thou baft made v& to drink the wine of aftonijhment.

Ver. 4, Thou haft given a burner to them that fear thee : that it may be d»[played, becaufe of the truth. Selah.

<.That thy behved may be delivered, fave with thy right hand, and heare me.

In the third branch of his prayer, he feeketh delivery and victory over the enemy, and that becaufe God had begun to' give fome hope of changing the face of affairs* by railing a banner in ^Davids hand for the Lords caufe and people 5 \V\Knce lcarn y 1. When the godly are opprefied, the truth of Religion, and of Gods promifes do lie at under, like a fallen Standard > and when God raifeth up inftruments of their protection and comfort, as here he did in bringing David to the Kingdome, it is like the lifting up of an Entign in the hand of a valiant flandard- bearer* Thou haft given a banner to them that fear thee. 1. It is for the godlies caufe that mercy is ihewn to a whole land, Thou baft given a banner to tb em that fear thee. $. When the godly get up their heid, all their endeavour, according to the u:moft of their power, fhould be to advance true Religion and the practice of it; 'Thou bdft given a banner, that it may be displayed, becaufe of the truth. 4. As nothing is refpeded by God in a land fomuch as his Hied that fear him: fo nothing can encourage us to feek and hope for mccy to a land, fo much as the Lords love to them thai fear him in it: that thy beloved may be delivered, [ave. ?. When pod hath begun to appear for his Church, then in ipecial fhould

we

wc follow a begun blefling with prayer, that God would work out rfri benefit y Thou hat given a banner to them that fear thee, that thy beloved maybe delivered , fave. 6. Whatfoevcr difficulties appear in the way of the churches deliveiy, we mu(l oppofe the omniporency of God to them all, and fuftaine our faith in prayer by looking to his love towatd his Church, and power to do for her > That thy beloved may be delivered , fave rvhb thy right hand, and bear me.

Ver. 6. God hath ffpokeninhis holineffe y I will re-joyce: I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Snccoth.

7. GilcaA, is mine, and Manaffeh is mine : EphrA* im alfo is the ftrength of mine head; fudab is my L, are—giver.

Inthefccondpart of the Pfalme is fet Aovm'Daviis confidence to have the vidory over his enemks,and to have his King-dome both feded at home, ver. 6, 7. and enlarged abroad, ver< 3,9,10.

By Davids prayer, the word of promife that he fhould be efta-* blidled King, is made lively unto him y whereupon he is comforted, and made confident of the accomplishment thereof in all poinsj Whencelcarn y 1. As faith helpeth up prayer , fo by prayer raith is fctled and (lengthened , as here is evidenced. 2. Tlic word of promife is a more fure evidence then begun pof-feflion, for David was not fo fure of the Kingdome now, becaufe he had begun to reigne, as becaufe Qod had frozen. 3. Then is the Word of Qod refted on, and rejoyced in, when it is received as his Word, when his holineffe is taken as a pawn for performance ; God hath fpofen in his holineffe, I will rejoyce. 4. What-foevee 1 dteth unperfeded, of what is promifed to us by God r fhall bcfulLy put in our poffeillon,as 'David here afiureth him-fclt, to exdcife the fuprcme government in thofe parts of his Kingdome, on the one, or other fide of Jordan , which yet were not brought unto fubjedion, or fetled under him J I vpM divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Snccoth ; &c. ?. Whatsoever ilrength or encreafe of number the Kingdome of Ifrael was to have from the plurality of Tribes, and their ftrength, yet the union cf the fonnesof 4brabam, and liability of the Kingdome or rfraely con):(led in their joynt fubjedion to the Law-giver, and government otjudab, ou: of which Tube Chad came, who

is

is the true Law-giver and King of J fuel > towards whoni the Church cf old wr*s o direct their eye,, through their typical ga-vetfnours, 'fudah is my Lxw giver.

Vcr. 'd. Moab is my Voajhfot^ov^r Edom mil I caft ent my fhoe: PhiUftia triumph thou bccxnfe of me.

9. Who mil bring jftttntO the lirong city ? who mil lead me into Edom?

1 o. Wilt not thou, 0 God, which had ft cafi to off? and thou , O God, Which didft not go out with our armies?

Here he is allured by the Lords Word, not bnely of the efta-WifhmentofhisKingdomeat home, butalfo of the enlarging of it abroad; by the lubduing of fuch as had been enemies to J/wZbefore. Whence learn, 1. When the Lord doth unite his people under the government of fndab, and giveth them grace to take the true Ruler of the Tribe of Judab for their Law • giver, then fliall the enemies of Ifrael be brought low, and either ufed contemptibly, as they did fometimesufe the Lords people, or clfc fh ill profeffe themfetves happy in their fubjedion to the King of Ifraety for after that David* as the type of Chrift, had endited a Song to the Church, wherein they ihould acknowledge zfudah their Lawgiver, then he as the type of Chrift, doth give them tofing this alfo ; Moab is my mjhpoi, that is, Odoab mall fervc me in the bafeft fervice I mall put them unto > Over Edoni will I caft out my Jhoe 3 that is, I ftiall fubdue them, and trample them under my feet as I paffe through them 5 Pbilifth triumph tbou, beexufe of me 5 that is, inftead of thy triumphing over my people; thou /halt be made to profeffe thy joy, to be under my government. 2. The beleever when he promifeth to himfelf great things, muft neither be fenfeleffe of the difficulties of opposition which he is to meet with, nor of his own inability to overcome difficulties, but being fenfibie of both muft look to God for afliftance, and furniture to overcome; for When David con' fidered the ftrength of the fenced royal Cities of the enemy, he faith, Who will bring me into tbeftrong city ? Who will led. meinco Edom I Wilt notthou 0 God ? 3. It is Gods abfence from, or gracious pre fence with a people,which maketh the uk>" cefle of the warres of his people againft their enemies worfe or better, and their bad fucceffe in former time, or by-paft judgements on thcm> for iinne muft be fo farre from- marring the

con-

confidence of a ffcople turning home to God 3 and feeking to findc **clp from him, that on the contrary, the judgements infli&ed upon them in their impenitency , ieiving for confirmation or the thrcatnings of Gods Word, and evidence of his ju-ftice, muft be made arguments of confirmation of faith in Gods promifes, of merciful afliftance, when they are turned towards God* for fo reafoncth <David, Wliowill Iring mezntoEdcm? Wilt not thou, 0 God, -which hadfi caft us off, And, thou, 0 Gad, which didft not go out with our armies f

Ver. 11. Give m help from trouble :for vain is the •help of mam.

12. T hreugh God we/ha/l do valiantly: for he it is tbat /hall pull doWn our enemies.

In the laft part he briefly refumcth his prayer, and confidence tobeheirds Whence turn, 1. The certainty of hope fliould not make us the more flacky but rather the more earneft and fervent in prayer, for after this profeffed aflurance, David infifteth in prayers Give m help from trouble. 2. Seeing God onely is the ftrength and furniture of his people, and he cannot endure that they fhouldrelie upon any means,which they may and muft ufe 5 but upon himfclf onely ; Therefore the lefle confidence we put in the creature, the more may we be confident of help from God 5 Give us help from trouble, for vxinc is the help of' mxti. 3. A feif-denying and humbled beleever may go with courage and hope of fucccfle to the uie of the meanes, and may encounter with whatfocver oppoficion of enemies; Through God we flnU do valiantly . 4.The praife of valour and gallantry of vido-- rious fouldiers muft not be parted betwixt God and the victcur: but whatfoevcr God doth in us, or by us, muft be no leffe wholly afcribed unto God, then if he had done all the work without us; for both the valour of the inftiument, and the victory nre the works of the Lord, the motions of body and foul of the viefcor arc the work and upftiiring of Gpd within him, and the operation and effects wrought by the inftrument, are the works of God, without the viftor; for he it is that [ball tread down ozr enemies.

P$At,

, ^ . . _ ^ c

PSAL LXL

To the chief Mufcian upon Ncginah, A Pfalm ofDevid.

DAvid now in his exile maketh his addrefle to Hod in a fad conditioner.1,2,3. And is comforted in the Lord, and perfwaded of his prifent and future happindfe, vtr 4, ?. And of the perpetuity of the Kingdome of Chrift, rcp> elented by him, to the comfort of allChtifts fubje&s in all ages, ver*

V cr - *• T J Ear my cry, 0 God: attend unto my in prayer.

2. From the end of th& earth will I cry unto thee *! rthen my heart is overwhelmed:lead me to the rockjth&t is higher then L

3. For thou haft been a falter for me % and a (Irong tower from the enemy.

In his fad fupplicication he prayeth for a comfortable .receiving of his requeit, and for a comfortable reft of his foul on God himfelf through Chrift, hoping to be heard, becaufe he was re-folved to look toward God, and to continue praying, whatfocver condition of fpirit he mould be in , and in what oeverpart he fhould be; and alfo becaufe he h d experience of Gods help in his {traits in former times > Whence learn, 1. The beft expedient for a fad foul, i s to run to God by prayer for comfort, and toinfiftearneftly. albeit God mould feeme not to attend; Hear mycry,OGod> attend unto my prayer. $ When the godly arc driven from their countrey, and fellowship with the Saints, and from exerci fe of the publ ike ordinances, no wonder they fall in perplexity of fpirit, tor David forced to flee to the ends of the land finds his heart overwhelm d within him. 4.L is exile indeed to be fecluded from the liberty of publike ordinances, and it is our home, to be where God is publikcly worfhipped, for David. counteth himfel: < alt out unto the ends of the earth s when he is debirrcd from the Temple of the Lord. 5. Albeit a man were never fo farre banifhed from the free fociety of the Church, and

communion 1

communion with Go Is people in ordinances,yct he is ftill witfr in cry unto God: from the ends of the earth will I cry unto thee* 6. There is a rock of refuge fo< i cutty and com.ort (O ;he cx : ^ed and perplexed Saint, which is jble tq fupply all wants, and to fweeten all forrows, and this is the 2tyo£ of G o,;s felt f.icndfl-dp in Chrift frcm heaven, repreiented by the vifible rockofi/c/7/, where the Tabernacle and mercy-feat was fituate, the appointed trufting place, whert God did receive the pravevs of his people, and did anfwer them from heaven; when 'Druid coul - noi c ne to the typical mount oi ro.k , he prayeth to have acafle to he thing fignified:/edi me to the Rocfi that is higher then I ? .S; nhble and comfortable communion with God, isamyit ryfpi t d ; which mans wifdome or power cannot difcover, n-.»r btkig QiUQ him : but God himfelf muft reveal, and muft renew the revealing of himfelf to a foul in trouble, and muft make a mans foul to apply it fclf to him powerfully, elfe a man cannot /eel this< pm-fortable fellowship with God, mere then a blinr'e man can finJe out what is removed from him, or a weak chiUk can go nor b> ng led y or a man can reach up to a fteep high place, not being lifted upumoit; Therefore muft the Lord him.eifviraw us nc jto. himfelf, and lift us unto fiimEelf:/ed<i me to the rocl< t! at u H?ber thenl. 8. This fpiritual felt co rtmunioji wi h letd

put a man fane from the reach of any enemy, tn: irrh n-tke a foul quietly to reft it ieif from fear ot rrouble, how g foever the external danger c n be, as David mmy times jot by expc^iencc/for thou haft: been a jhelter w to mc> and ajirong tower from the enemy. 9 \ be!eeve;s efohn >n tor depending n Gou, and praying to him in hardeft conditions, and his'f tcfent ijfe making of fo mer expe iences, as. thevd; e v. much ;or ftrengthening of his faith in p.aver: fo hey are 1 he neareft means tjut can be tor coming by a renewed fenhbie corrtfort, ns here wc fee: for Davii teiblvcth,/rowz the ends of the earth I will cr\ prayeth, Lead me to the roc^ and faith , Thou h ft been a jirorig tower to mc,and io comfort doth follow quickly after this pie-^ paration, as the next verfe doth mew.

Ver. 4» / mil abide in thy Tabernacle fot ct>cr i I will tru(t in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

5. For thoti) O God, haft beard my vowei* thou haft given me the heritage of thofe that feare ify Nam* .

Here he is comforted in his exile, and made to be at home in

his fpiritj by reafon of the prefent fenfe of Gods favour to him, and of his confirmed hope of the performances of the promifes made unto him 5 WlKnce learn, s* The Lord can give fuch fatisfaction to a fad heart hi the time of is trouble, that the trouble may turne to be no trouble, even whil it lierhonftill, as here is to be feen in ^Davids comfort > who fpeaketh as if he were reftored, while he is yet in exile. 2. Spiritual confolations in temporal tro<bles 5 do both give fatisfaftion to a foul for the present, and for time to come,for eyerlaftinghppineffe; I will abide in tby Tabernacle for ever: his hope is 5 that not only he ftiall fee refiored to the fellowship of the Saints, at the Tabernacle in fferufalern, bur alfo that he (hall be in Gods company, in heaven, reprefented by the Tabernacle, and that for ever $. True con-folation ftandeth not in earthly things, butin things heavenly, and things having neareft relation thereto, for Davids comfort was not (0 much that he (hould be brought to the Kingdome, as that he fhould be brought to the Tabernacle, and to heaven by that means it will abide in tby Tabernacle. 4.Sincerity fetteth no term-day to Gods fervice, or to the fe.king of communion with him; I will abide in tby Tabernacle for ever. $. The ground of all fpiritual confolations is jn the mercy and grace of God offered to us in (Thrift, reprefented by the wings of the Cherubims firetched out over the mercy-feat 5 There faith findeth a reft and folid ground, able to furnifh comfort abundantly j I will truftintbe covert of thy wings. 6 Accefleto Gad in prayer, and approbation of the confeience. and the fincere pouring forth of the hem, melting with prefent felt fenfe of Godslove, do ftrengthen greatly the affurance of everbfting communion with God > fortbou^OGoA, bajf heard my vowes. 7. As fpiritual comfort in time of trouble granted to a beleever, is in-deed 4 earneft of everlafting life, fo fhould they to whom fo-ever ihe heirlefle is given,make reckoning thai by this heirlefs the inheritance is confirmed unto them by way of poffeffion begun* thou baft given me the heritage oftboje that fear thy Name- 8 .The inheritance of the chief of Gods fervants , and of the meaneft and weakeft of them, is one 5 the right of every beleever is alike good, albeit the hold laid upon the right by all, is not alike ftrone, and what the ftiongeft of the godly do beleeve for their own confolatin and falvation, the weakeft may beleeve the fame to belong to every beleever that feareth God, as /-avid doth here* Tbou b*jt given me the heritage oftbofe that fear thy Name.

ir o rv jl.. jlai • v /

Ver. 6. Thou wilt prolong the Kings/ife : and his y tares as many generations.

7. tie {hall abide before God for ever: 0 prepare mercy and truth^vjhich may preferve him.

8. So will Ifing praife unto thy Name for everjthat I may daily perform mj vowes.

In the third place, he prophefieth not fimply of the ftability of the Kingdom in his own perfon and pofterity , bin under the type namely he fpeakcth of the perpetuity of the Kingdome of Chrift, the true King of Ifrael > for which end he prayeth that mercy and truth may be forth-coming to the fubjc&s of Chriftj that his Kingdom may be prolonged^ and ioPuvid-in his time, and all the Saints in their time, may joyfully praife God continually. Whence) learn i. It is notnnufual with God> together with prefenc confolarion , and the light of future falvation in Chrift, to reveal alio and give aflurance of great things concerning Chrifts Kingdome , as here and elfcwhere in the Scripture is to be teen : fhon wilt prolong the flings life>dnd his years,, as many generations, z. The glory of Chrift, and perpetuity of his Kingdome is every fubje&s good and comfort, for this is comfort to David, that Chrift mail live for ever, that he fall abide before God for ever. 3, The Kingdome of Chrift, and government of his fubjects ; in his Church (hall be allowed of Go&i and be protected of God, and blefled of God for ever , however it be oppofed by men'in,the world : he /hall abide before God for ever. 4. The perpetuity of Chnftsr Kingdom^and preiervation of rhe fubjects in this life^till they be poflei&d of heaven, is by the merciful remedying the miie-y, and removing of the fin which they are fubje^t unto, ardby performing of what he hath piomifed and prepared th'rou;h Chi iff to beftow upon them 5 0 prepare mercy and truth, which may preferve him. 5. Thebcft retreat that can be made after wreftling and victory over troubles, is prayer and praiies, as here David after his exercife prayeth, Q prepare mercy and truth , and then faith, unto thee will Ifing. 6 As the main matter of our vowes is the moral duty ofiejoyciug in God, and hearty prai-(ingofhim : to renewed experience of Gads mercy and truth towards his people in Chrift , is the main matter of our joy in him and praife unto him; 0 prepare mercy and truth, &c. fo will ifing praife unto thy Name> that I m.iy drily perform my vowes. V z _ PSAL,

PSAL. LXIL

To the chief ZMufician , to Jedutbun. A Pfalm of David.

THis Pfalme is the iffue of a fore conflict , and inward corn-bate, which David felt from the ftrong oppofition of his ir-rcconciieable adverfaries, and from the lafting troubles which he fuftaine by their peufecution and by his friends forfcking of him, whereby he W3s put hard to it what to think or what to do: at length faith in God giveth him victory, and makefh him firft to break forth in avowing of his faiths and hope in God, ver.i.z* Next 3 to infuit ever his enemies as dead men > becauic of their finful courfe, ver. 3, 4. Thirdly , to ft: engthen himfelfe in his faith and hope , ver. $ 3 6, 7. Fourthly , to exhort all men to truft in (joe, and 'o depend on him , for reaions fet down , ver. 9 3 9 And not to truft in oppreffion and robbery, for reafons fet down, ver, 10, n 3 2.

Ver. 1. "" p* Rulj my font waitetb upon God :from him JL cometh my falvation. 7. Heonyxs my rock^ and my falvation: he is my defence , 1 fhall not be greatly moved*

Prom this abrupt beginning of the Pfalm , declaring that he hathhad a fore deputation and wreftling with tentations within him 3 ?ndout of which this is the firft coming forth j Lcam, 1. Albeit ft ong faith be put to a conflict , wher. trouble and tentations 00 let on 3 yet when it lo< keth on C^od and his piomifes, it gets the victory , and putreth the foul to? fubmiffive attendance on God, and a quiet hope of compleatjdelivevance : Truly my foul rvaitcth upon god;from him cometh my falvation. a.Then is faith well led and app:oved,when bein:^ ftriptof all fupporters except God, i 1 doth content it fclf with him alone) as all-iuma-em 3 be weljis my rock and my fdvation. 3. Fai h findeth as many anfwers in Qois fufficiency 3 ?s temptations can make objections againftii.* be is my roc^and my falvation : be is my defence. 4. As a ;»aarelol\reth to believe and follow she courfe of found faith ; fo he

may

may aflTure himfelfe of eftablifhment and vi&ory over all temptations , notwithstanding his own weaknefle : I Jhafl not, greatly be moved , doth David conclude from his refolution to reft on God. ,

Ver. 3. HoVe long will ye imagine mtfehief againfi a man? ye fall be jlnin all of you : as a bowing wW/ftiall yc be , and as a tottering ftnee.

4. Thej onely confult to cafi him down from his excellency \ they delight in lies \ they bleffe ftiffc their mouth, but they curfe inwardly. Se ( ah.

In the fecond place, he infulteth over his enemies , and hyeth before them the danger of their wicked wayes. W, er.ee learn, 1. So foon as a man hath fattened himfelfe on God, he may reckon with all adverfary powers,and infuk over them, for the feeing of Gods help difcovers to theBdiever the vanity of all oppofition, ho rv long will ye imagine mischief again ft a man ? 2. As the godly when they fall under perfecution,may lie long under it 5 and muft refolve patience al the while on the one handjio on the other hand, peifecutors are unreasonably carried on in the courfe of persecution, like madmen, who cannot give over the purfuit, albeit they fee God againft tbemfelves , and with the godly whom they pur-fue; bow long wilt ye imagine mi(chief againft a man ? 3. Perlecu-tors mail not have their will againft the godly, but by their per-* fecution mall draw upon themieives compleat fudden and irrecoverable deftru&ion :yejhall bejlainallofyou y as a bowingwall, and 1 tottering fence ; that is, you ftrll pefifh fuddenly , as when a bowing wall and tottering fence ruftieth to the ground in a moment. 4. As the Handing-fail in the faith and ferviceoF God in a good caufe , is the excellency of the Believer 5 fo is it the eye-fore of his adversaries, which they pf all things can leaffc endure in the godly, and therefore do bend all their wit and forces moft unto , to break them off their holy carriage and courfe; they onelyconfult to cafi him down from his excellency. 5. Not truth andli^ht, but darknefle , error, falftiood and decei^is the pleafure of the wicked* They delight in lies. 6. When the wicked do minde their worft againft the godly , then will they fpeak faireft words unto them, to fee whether by fal/hood pr force they can prevail moft, to draw them offtheir good courfe : they bleffe with their mquti?, but they curfe inwardly.

?3 Vcrfc.

Ver. <J. Afy foul\r?ait thouonelj uponGodt for my expectation is from htm ,

6. He onely is my rock^ andmj fiitvathn? he is my defence, 1 fhall not be moved.

7. In Godxs my falvation and my glory: the rock of my flrength , and my refuge is in God.

.In the third place , he ftrengtheneth his faith and his hope, that he may be able to endure trouble till/the fin cf the wicked be ripe 3 and their judgement be executed; Wlwtcc learn > 1 Our refolution patiently to keep filence, in waiting on God, and our putting of refolution to practice., do differ; our pradifing is fo fhort of our refolution 5 that we had need to be ftirred up , and to ftirre up our fclves to our duty. And as Satan is ftill moving new perturbations s fo have wc need of 3 and mull ftudy to have new confirmations 3 My foul, wxh thou onely upon God 2. They that do expect their help from Cod , muft not expect help frorw anv other art , no not when tfiey (hall ufc all means lawful for theit delivery, but the fucceffe muft be without hafle making, patiently waited for from God alone; Wait thou onely on God, for toy expectation is from him. 3 The grounds of confidence arc able to abide new aiiaults,an<1 muft be brought forth and averred, fo oft as tbey are oppok. : for he eunto the new ftirrings of the fime tenrations,he opp. iuh this over '-gain: He only v my rock : he is my defence an i my falvxtion. \nd whe-eas he laid before I mall not greatly be moved j now he faith more confidently: Ijhall not be moved : and yet more, he triumphs in tlu Lord : he is my falvxtion and glory $ which he fpcaketh in regard of hope ii) have all good which he needed. And laftly in regard ot fupply in whatloever wants, and delivery from all evill: he faith s He U the roc\ofmy ftrengtb>andmy refuge is in God: andfojiis fai h doth fettle it fclf, and tentations arc overcome*

Ver. 8, Trufi in him at all times p ye people, poure out your heart before him : Go& is a refuge for hs. Selab.

9. Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree zxtaliet to be laid in the balance , they 4?-~ altogether lighter then vanity.

In the fourth place, he exhortech all men to place confidence

upon

upon God, partly becsufe God is able to give deliverance, as a place of refuge 5 and partly becaufc men whether great or fmall, Few or nuny, cannot but deceive , and disappoint the man that trufteihinthen. Whence learn, 1. The duty of the comforted and victorious believers, is to communicate the fruit of their ex* perience, for ft engthening their brethren, and edification of others,as their calling permitteth them, as Vavid doth here: Truft in him at all times,ye people. 1. Whatfoever condition, how hard foever, we fall into ; the grace of God, and grounds of confidence in God muft not be loft , but alwayes made ufe of; Trufl in him at all times. $. As a guilty confcience 3 h.avy trouble, mif-beliefe and fufpicion of Gods good will, do lo^k up the heart in forrow : fo any meafure of faith in God, going to him by prayer, doth eafe the heart and layeth the burden of grief down berorc the Lord ; ye people^poure out your heart before him : God is a re* fuge to us. ?. The way to place our confidence in God, is to lift our confidence ofTall creatures , and in fpecial offmen of fupe« rior or inferior ranks : and the way to lift our confidence offthe creature, is to con'der the inability of men to help us, except God make them do ic; and that without God they are nothing worth to us: men of low degree are vanity. 6. Whofoever do truft on men higher or lower, are fure to be deceived of their expectation, and of wh.itfoever mans help can promiie: and if we will not be deceived, the voice of God 3 and experience of his Saints may give ns certainty of the truth of the doctrine; for out of experience David faith, Surely men of low degree are vanity , (?c. 7. Carnal confidence is not oncly unable to help a man, when he hath moft need, but alfo bringeth damage unto hit^and makes him to finde God in hisjealoufiejan adverfary and juft Judge to plague and to curfebim; and foifthe matter be well weighed,crea:ure-help, and creature-comfort, when it is relied upon, is worfe then no help 5 "Being laid in the balance , they arc altogether lighter then vanity.

Ver. 1 o. Truft not in oppreJfion 5 become not vain in robbery : if riches increafe , Jet not your heart upon them.

11. Goh hath fpoken once ; tmce have I heard thh f that power bclongeth unto GoL

12 Alfo unto thee, O Lord, , belongcth mercy: for thou render eft to every man according to his Worl^.

F4 Tb»

Toother part of the exhortation doth forbid totruftinop- | prcflion or riches, o p< wcr, or g<'eatnefk of place, becuife God djipofeth of all ihur^s s he pleatcth,fliewing mercy to fuch as do truit. in hi n and tendering to every man according to his work, Whence learn i. There are many more idols then one to dvaw a-way a mans heart UomGod.for when trufting in men of high degree and low aegreie is call down^hen oppreltion^ robbery P riches iland up 3 .md cake Gods room in the heart 3 as here we fee. 2. It is more hard to uivert a man from confidence in himfelfe, and What is in his own p">wer, then to draw him from confidence in men ofhighe! or lower degree. Therefore after c fting down of carnal confidence in men, hisui or low; he difchargeth confidence in whatfocver a man is able to do by himfelfe , as might, and riches , and authority of high plac.- : Truft not in opprejjion 5 // riches increajc (?c. $.Whi toever is confLen 3 by his own ftrength and might to ueba e his bufinefle againft any man, and to do his adverfa y two wrongs tor one , mail finde himfelfe to have difo-beyed G ;d,and to have been proud in a matter of nothing : Trujl not in oppre(fwn> become not vain in robbery. 4. It may ftand with godlinefie aid t uftm^ in God, to be rich; but not to have our ije.irt fct upon riches 5 either to gather or keep them , either tQ rejoyce in them , or to be proud becaufe of them; If riches in* crcafc fet not thy heart thereon. 5. Nothing is able to fettle mans continence in Goj,and cc keep his heart from idols,or carnal confidence in creatures j or to bear in upon others this twofold duty, fave the powerful impeffion ofthe unchangeable Word of God> therefore faj h he, god hath fpoh^en once. (>. Albeit one teftimony of Scripture for?, g ound oi faith, or rule oi life^righ ly confide-red be bundanrly fufficicnt, to fettle our faith in that point, and to warrant cut obedience 5 yet God will inculcate that truth oft-tKf 9 and have us to receive it oftner, and more firmly} and as it is the Lords kindneife to us, and care of us.to caufc his once fpoken Word, to be oftner repeated unto us 5 oftner cleared, and confirmed unto us by repeated experimental evidence^ of the certainty thereof: fo it is our duty, to receive it more and more heartily, fo oft as it is repeated and inculcated , and to meditate and confidcr oi it, and to take a deeper and a deeper impreffion of it: God hath fpofon once, twice have I heard it. 7. The propri-tyo r authority and power to do alland everything, is the Lords onily : and as for thepower of the creature, it is but lent, and derived to it. at Gods pleafure. The creature can neither hurt us, nor help it feifeorus, but as GoJispleafed toufe it as an in-

ftrumentj

ftrument; twice have I heard this, that forcer belongeib to Got* S. To induce a foul to truft in God only, it is neceiYary, that it (• look to his power, as it alio look to his me cy, and lay hold on both* frith hath need of both, as or two wings, to cany it up to God above all vain enticements, andtetrours, and ten-tations, and as props whereon to fettle and fix it felf joyntly % Alfo unto thee, 0 l ord, belongctb mercy, ^o. As the man that puts his truft in God, and ftudieth to obey his Word., thaU finde Gods merc'y to pardon his tranfgreffion, and Gods power to fu-ftain him in all his difficulties, and to perform all the promifes made to his fervants : fo the man that tvufts not in God, but in himfelf, or in fome creature without him.elf, thinking to work bis own happineffe by his own wayes, (h 11 finde the fruit of his wicked courfe, according as God hath forewarned : For tbou renderefi to every man according to bis wor^s.

PSAL. LXIII.

A Tfalme of David, when he was in the wildernefle of $udah.

W£ have in this Pfalme Davids cxercife in his banifli-ment, when he was hiding himfelf from Saul in the wil-derneffe of Judab \ wherein is fet down his lingring and prayer, after the benefit of the publike ordinances, ver, iji. And the fruits of a gracious and comfortable anfwer given to his prayer, in number foure. The firft, isartfolu:ion to follow fpiritual duties, and in fpechl to praife God, ver. $. and to be aconftant fupplicant depending on God, ver. 4. and to take his contentment in God, and in his praifes, ver, ?, 6. and joyfully to truft in Gods mercy, ver. 7. The fecond fruit is the acknowledgement of Gods power, fuftaining him in his adherence unto G)d, pra&ifed by him for time paft, and puvpofed for time to come,itfr. 8. The third fuit, is confidence of the dcftrucYion of his enemies, ver. 9, 1 o. The fourth, is aflurance that he (hall receive the Kingdorae promifed unto him , to the confuiion of all fuch as did flandev him as a traitor.

Vrom the Inscription- Learne, t- Such of Gods children as

dwell moil ftuely and commodioufly among iheir neighbours., may be diivenfonKtimes to hide thcmfelves in a wildtrneile, zs

' Vavid

P^viiwas. ^. Baniihment from among friends cannot baniffr a man from God, bur may ferve rather to drive him toward God. j. Troubles are grievous when they are prefent, but may prove a matter of a joyful fong, when called to remembrance: A Ffalme of Vavid 3 when he was in the wilder neffe of Judah.

Ver. i. /^\ God y thou art my god\ early Vcill I \*~J[ee\ thee I my foule thirtieth for thee, myfiefh longeth for thee, in a dry and thirfty land, where no -water u.

2. To fee thy power and thy glory, /<?as Ihwefeen thee in thy fanttuary*

From his prayer; Learnc, I. The Lord is the onlyeafe of a diftreffed minde^ and here is no fpeedier relief then to go to God in prayer, as the Pfalmift did, faying, 0 God. 2.When ive would fpeak unto God to purpofe, we mould faften our hold on the Covenant; OGod, thou art my God. f. Troubles will fharpen a man in the ufe of the means, and rouie him out of naftyfecurity 5 Early will 1 fcc\thee. 4. It is good to faften dutiesonour felvesby refolution, and toftiengthen our resolution by (hewing it to the Lord ; Early will I feck. thee. ?.A lively foul will be no leffe deSrous' of fpiritual comfort from God, then the body for natural food after long failing; My foul tbirfletb for thee. 6. Spiritual affj&ions, when they are ftrong, will aftt ft the body with impreflions anlwerable thereto > My flejh longeth after thee. 7. It is a barren place to a godly foul, where the publike cxercifes of Religion cannot be had: for this caufe mainly did God call the wildei neffe, A dry and thirfty land y where no water is. 8, Becaufe the power and glory of God is no where fo clearly feen, as in publike ordinances, therefore mould the ordinances beloved, fought aker, and haunted, that we may finde communion with God in them; My foule thirfletb to fee thy power and thy glory. 9. The more good a man hath found in the publike exercifesof Religion, the more will heefteem of them, and in fpecial when he is deprived of them > My foule thirfts to fee thy power and glory : fo as I have feen thee in thy fancluary.

Vcr. 3. Becaufe thy loving ktndneffe is bitter then Tfe: my lips (ball praife thee. %.Thm

4. Thus will I bleffe thee while I live : I will lift Up fttine hands tn thy Name.

5. My fo*le jhall be fatisfed as with marrow and fatnejfe: and my mouth /ball praife thee with joyful lipf.

6. when I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night- watches.

7. Becaufe thou hafl been my help j therefore in the Jhadoto of thy wings will I re Joyce.

Here the Lord giveth to his feryant a gracious anfwer, and fweeteneth Ms condition in the wildernelTe, making hi;n no leffe glad then eve'-he was in the publike exercise of Religion, by granting him the comfort of his holy Spirit, as the fruits of the anfwer ot his prayer do make manifeft. The firit whereof is ihewen in fundry holy rcfolutions,to praife the kindnes or God 3 to blcffe God, and to call on his Name in all conditions, to take contentment in God, and to truft in him. Whence learn 9 1. When a man, who lovcththc publick ordinances is debarrrd from them and maketh ufe of private exercnes ot Religion, God can and will fupply unto him what he wanteth, and be a little fanctuary unto him, as here appeareth. 2. The felt kind-nefle or God , and {heading abroad of his love in the heart of a believer, is joy unfpeakable and glorious, able to fupply all wants unto him, and to fweeten all troubles unto him, and to give him more com.ort, then whit is moft comfortable in this worl ., yea, to make life it felt without the feeling, or hope or" feeling 1 his love to be little worth tohmj Thy loving kjndneffe is better then life. g.Rich experiences of the felt love of God in the ufe of the meanes, deferve to be brought forth to the praife of God, when it may glorifiehim 5 Becaufe thy loving \indneffe is better then life, my I >ps (lull praife thee. '4. Oneproofof ^ods loving kindnefTe towards us, is reafon abundant ror us toblefle God for ever thereafter, and to acknowle Age him the fountain of bleffinos, even to our felves, whi:fcever change of difpenfations we (hall meet with 5 Thus will I blcffe thee while I live. f. As our aflurance of Gods love unto us, and of his purpofetobleife us, doth ferve to prepare us for (traits and difficulties hereaftci: fo alio for praying to G-">d with confidence to be helped, in what-focra change of condition we may fall into afterwards 3 Thus

will

will I bleffethee while I live, I will lift up my hands in thy Name, to wit, as a man engaged to depend upon thee, to call upon thee as my need requireth, and a man particularly encouraged by thee, and confirmed by experience from thy former helping of me, that I mall have a good anfwer from thee, who haft manifefted thy felf unto me b/ Word and works. 6. The fpiritual life of the foul hath its own food, as well as the bodily life of nature : and the life of the godly is not fo barren, fo fad and uncomfortable as the world doth beleeve : They have their hid Manna, and the water of life, folid and fat is factory confo-lations, and joy in the holy Spirit, wherewith ftrangers do not intermeddle, of which joyes the fwecreft morfels of delicate banquets are but (hadowes* My foule jhall be fatisfied as with marrow and fat?iejfe. 7. Such as do hunger and thirft alter communion with GodinChrift, anddovefolve to fpend their life in Gods fervice, may promife to themfelve^rhat they mail feelfweet fatisfa&ion in this courfe, and with David fay, My foule Jhall be fat i fie d as with marrow. 8. Spiritual joyes are not like carnal joyes, which end in fadneiTe, but they re-folvein glorifying, and do make the vevy outward man partaker of the benefit ; therefore doth the Pfalmftaddc : And my mouth Jhall praife thee with joyful lips. 9, The way to finde re-frefliment fpiritual, is beiide publike ordinances, to give our felves to fpiritual exercifes iu fectet, at fuch times as oar necef-fities civil and natu al may beft fpa e, and then and there to recall to minue what we have heard, feen or felt of Gcd> Word or working, and to keep up our thoughts upon this holy fubjed, by prayer, foliiocmie and meditation, as David fheweth to us the example : When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate en the in the night- watches. 1 o. As one experience mould call another to remembrance, fo the calling cr experiences to cur memory mould oblige and encourage us in all conditions, joyfully to make uie by faith, of Gods ilanding ofter of grace to us in Ch'ift, ftiadowed forth by the wings of the cherubims fti etched out alwayes over the mercy-feat j Becattfe thouhafl been my helper, therefore in the Jhadowof thy wings will I re-jo)ce j for here^ and here only is the remedy of all iinne and mi-fery.

Ver. 8. My. foule followetb hard after the : th} right kaxd upholdeth me.

From

From the fecond fruit of the gracious anfwer given to Datids prayer, that is, from his giving the glory of the ads of grace which he did unto God the furnifher thereof; Learne, i. The Lord ufeth to exercife the foules of his own children with fenfe ofdefertion, and withdrawing of his ptefence one way or other. This is prefuppofed in uavits following after the Lord, when he felt him retiring himfelf, as it were. 2. A believer in (Sod cannot endure a thought of feparation from God, nor forbear to leek after God, when he mifleth his prefence, but will ufe all meanes to recover the fenfe of his prefence which he hath felt before; My foule followetb hard after thee. 5.It is our wifdom to reflect upon, arnd acknowledge the grace of God in us, and upon the ads of our faith andlove toward God, for our own ftrengthening, as David doth here, faying, My foul follorveth bard after thee. 4. Although the exercife of gracious habits be our acts, yet the enabling of us to bring thefe ads forth, is the Lords work, who giveth us both to will and to do of his own good pleafu ejand as it is our duty to acknowledge this, fo is it the fruit of our feelings of G^ds help to profefle it > My foul foliowetb hard aftertbee . but by what power, itrength and Furniture dothhetlnVr/;; rignbandupboldeth me.

9. But thofe that feekmj foul to deftroy it, /ballgo into the lower parts of the earth.

10. Thejfba/l fad by the fword: they fhdl be 4 port ton for foxes.

The thi'd fruit of the anfwer of his prayer, is affurance given thaj^ his enemies (hall be deitroyed, for it is revealed to him, xhitSanl (hould be flain by the fword > he knew by revelation that his carcafie ihouldliein the fields, a p-ey for foxes and wilde beads. Whence learn, 1. The deadly and un:econcile-able enemies of Gods people, hating them for a good caufe, do draw deftrudion on thcmfelves ; Thofe that feefi my foule to deftroy it, fballgo down to the lower parts of the earth, z. It is agreeable with Gods jaftice that bloody enemies of Gods people be puniflied by their bloody enemies*} God can ftin e up the wicked againft the wicked, to avenge the wrongs done to his children: They fball fall by the (word, they full be a portion for . the foxes. 3.The Lord, to eafe the hearts of his opp.-effed children, doth fometimes before hand make them forefc; :hc dell u-

PSAL. LXIII.

fti6n of their adverfaries, whether by teaching them in an ordinary way to anpythe general fenten;es of theScriptare unto them, or in am vc fpeci.il way revealing his minde, ashefeeth fit, as here: They Jhall fall by ibefmrd, (?c.

II. But the King Jhall rejojee in God : every one that fweareth by him Jhall glory : but the month of them thdt fpeakjies Jhall be flopped.

The laft fruit of his prayer, is affurance that he (hall be King, and that all the godly (hall be comforted by this means , and that hisrighteoufnefle iliall be cleared againft all the calumnies of the wicked. Whence learn, i. Howfoever it may go hard with the righteous, and their enemies may profper for a time, yet their lot (hall be changed to the better at length : and when their enemies are born down, their head fliall be lifted up; and whatfoever is promifed unto them, they may be as fure of in asifthey ha.ip {f-ffionofit, yea they may ftile themfelves by the title whhh Gjds Word haih given unto them, as *Davil doth in his particular, calling himielf King, now when he was abani'V.ed man in the wilaeoieffe of tfuaah ; Thed^ing Jhall rejoyce, faith he. 2. The true ground of a beleevers joy, is not the gift he receiveth from God, how great focver it may be, but the good will of the giver, even God himielf 3 The J^ing Jhall rejoyce in God. 3 Every true worfhippcr of God, (whofe property is truly to feare the true God, and the cognifanceof whofefincerity is his .onfeience making of an oath) ftiall have matter of gloriation, after a whiles patient fuffering in time of trial: Every one that fweareth by him Jhall glory. 4.The born-down righteoufnefle of the godly, and of their caufe, by the lies, (landers and calumnies of the wicked, fhall be brought to light induetime, and the wicked made afhamed of their lies j The mouth of them thatjpeai lies Jhall be flopped.

PSAL*

PSAL. LXIV.

To the chief Mufician. A Pfalme of David.

THis Pfalme fiath two parts: In the former is TZavids heavy complaint unto Godagainil his deadly enemies, laid forth before God in fundry particular evidences of their malice, ver. I, *j 3>4j ^6« And in the latter part is the Lords comfortable anfwer u uo him, by giving him allurance of Gods judgement coming on them, to their own and others aftonifhmenc, and to the comfort of the godly, ver 7.8;9jio.

Ver. I. tJtare my voice, 0 Cjod, in my prayer: pre-ferve my life from feare of the enemy.

2, Htde me from the fecret counfel of the wicked* from the infurreUion of the workers of iniquity.

In his prayer he requefleth firft in general, for delivery of his life from the fecret plotting and ofien-p/aclifing of his enemies againft him Whence learn y i .Prefent danger is able to force out cryes to God, and ftu;h earneft prayers poured out in extreme ne-ceflity, (hall not vv,ant an anfwer ; Hexre my voice, 0 God 3 in my payer* 2.The danger cannot be fogreat, wherein help may noc be had from God S he is fo near to a fupplicant, fo powerful,and fo ready to fave the man who hath made God his refuge 5 L reserve my life from feare of the enemy. 3. God can fo overrule and outwit the devices of our enemies, that they (hall ei:her not light upon the meane whereby they might overtake us, or fhall make them miifeof their intent in cafe their device be probable> Hide me from the fecret counfel of the wicked. 4.Whac the wicked cannot do againit the righteous by craft, they will purfue with open violence • but God, as he is wifer in counfel and able to befool them, to is he ftronger in power, and able to break them : Hide mcfrom their infuneftion. 5. That we may have the greater confidence to be delivered from our enemies, we had need to be fure we are in a good ciufe, and that our ad-verfaries have awrongcaufe: Hide me from the workers ofiniquity,

Ver.

SO l^tXLi. JL.A1V.

Ver. 5. who whet thetr tongue like a fword, and bend their bowes to (hoot f £*/r axrovpcs, even £/«*r bw^ :

4. That they may (boot in fecret at the perfe&:fud-denly do they/hoot at him, and fear not.

5 # They encourage themfelves in an evil matter: they commune of laying fnares privily y they faj, Whd Jball fee them ?

6+ They fearch out iniquities, they accompUJh a diligent fearch : both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart is deep.

Here he complaineth of his enemies, and layeth forth feveral deg ees of their defperate wickedneflfe before God, as fo many arguments -o ftrengthen his faith , and hope for delivery from them. Whence learne, 1. The benefit of a good cau:e, and of a good confeience appea e^h bell in a ftrait, when nothing can help a man againft his enemies, fave God alone, as here appear-eth in Davids cafe. 2. Caluim ies and ilanders againft the godly are very cruel weapons: for not only hurt they the efti-mation of their good cau e, and perfonal good behaviour,but alfo do flit re up all men to take their lives. They whet their tongue as a\ fword,and bend bend their bows to (hoot their arrows fitter words. 3. There is no fear againft a privy (lander , a man is woundei ere he is aware, and no mans innocency or integrity of life can be a guard againft the mot or a Calumniators tongue, ihey jhoot in ferret, at the perfect, fuddenly do they fliootatbim. 4. e-caufe onlv God can heal the wound of a (lander . and fuftainc the man in the confeience of his good caufe and carriage, till he clear him, the righteous muft content himfelf to referre the matter to God, as Vavid doth here- 5. G« dlefle men are dangerous enemies, for they fear not god, and fo have no powerful reftraint within them from doing anymifchief, and the. more they finne, they take he greater boldncffe to mine more j they encourage them felvts in an evil otter 6. The wit and wicked-neflcwhkij lswrhin rhemlclves, will not fuffice their devillifh intention, the efdre they leek ail' help they can finde from without; They commune cf laying fnzresprivily. t 7. They feek how they may overtake the mans perfon, after they have killed his good name and caufe with calumnies and bi:terafperfions. Yea

Satan

Satan fo blindeth them, that they neither look to God the aven-» ger of fuch plots and practifes, nor do they confider that God lceth thcm,and they think their pretences before men arc fo thick a covering, that no man can fee through them 5 Tbey fay, Who Jhallfce them ? 8. If there hath been any flander of the upright mans mifdemeanour in any former time, which for. the falfhood of it is evanimed, they make fearch after it, to waken it up a-gain : and if there be any poffibility to devife new inventions, With any probability, they go about it btifily, yea they fearch hell itfelf tofindeout how to bring a milchief upon the upright; They fearch out iniquities , they accomplijl) a diligent fearch. 9. Laftofall their wickedneiTe isunlearchable, the uncontrolled bent of their wicked wit and will affifted with what Satan can fuggeft, {urnifh and ftirre up, all is imployed, and it is hard to fay whether their wit or will be moft wicked, and do draw, lieareft to hell, but it is fure to fay cf both, Both the thoughts of every on oftbem, and the heart is deep.

Vcr. 7. But (fed fhall Jfjoot attherh*. with an arrow fuddenly fhall they be wounded.

8. Sotheyjball make their own tongue to fall upon them/elves : all that fee them,/hall flee a\\ay.

9. And all mtnfixll fear , and fhall declare the work ofGod\fot they ft all Rifely confider of hi< doing.

IO The righteous {hall be glad in the LORD and (hall truft in him ; and all the upright in heart (hzll glorj.

In the latter part of the Pfalm is fet down his prayer and confidence of juftice to be executed againit his enemies, and mercy to be /hewn to him, and to all the godly. Whence learn , 1. The godly want not a fiiend to avenge their quarrel: God will fhoot againft wicked archers, and not miffe the mark, But God flmll Jbootattbem; with an arrow Jhall they ic wounded, z. Where defperate malice is feen, there fudden mifchiei may be forefcen, that it mall light upon the malicious; fiddcvly flail they be wounded. $. The wicked adverfaries of Gods people are de-nroyers of themfelves, by their oppofition unto them; for as 1 iJ ey jf 10u S ht t0 do unt0 Gods children, God doth to them ; So thy fhall maltf thzir own tongue fall upon themfelves. 4. Some-G times

times God will make the wicked fpectacks of his judgement to the afVrightment of all that knew them, and do fee their plague j tAll ibat fee them fiall flee away. 5.The judgement of the wicked fhould be all mens leflbn, and all forts of people fhall learn by their plagues to know Gods juftice and terrour j And all men Jhal'fcare and declare the worlds of God. 6. Not every fpe&a-tor of Gods workgiveth glory to God, but they only, who compare Ifis Word with his works, and through the vaile of means and inrtuments do look to God the righteous Judge of the world 5 They JIM declare tbervorf^ of god, for they Jh all confidcr wifely of his doing. 7. When wo and wrack doth come upon the wicked, then doth joy and comfort come to the godly, not fo much for the dammage of the wicked, as for the maniieftati-on of the glory of God r The righteous, fhall he glad in the Lord. 8 As the Lords mercies do confirm the faith of the righteous, fo alfo do the works of his juftice ; They fhall he glad in the Lord, andjhall truH in.bim* 9. The delivery of one of the godly, is a pledge of the like delivery to :11 in the like cafe ; and as one fo all and every one of the righteous and upright in heart fhall triumph at length over all enemies,and make their boaft of God: All the upright in heart Jhall glory .

PSAL. LXV.

To the thief Mufician. A Pfalmeand Song of TaviA.

THis Pfalmeis all of Gods praifes. The Propofition, that he is to bepraifed, isfetdown, vcr. 1. Thereafons of his piaife unto the end, arc nine. The fit ft whereof is, becaufe he heave, h prayer, vcr. 2- The fecond, becaufe he mercifully par-dorethiins, ver. 3. The third, becaufe of his gracious purpofc, and powerful prolecution of the decree of election of his own redeemed on^Sj ver. 4. The fourth, becaufe of his defending of his Ch rch in all pin cesser. 5.The fifth,is from his ftrength ma» nifeftcd in the framing and feeling of the mountains, ver.6. The fixthjfrom his wife and powerful over-ruling of all unruly and raging creaturesyi/er.7. The feventh,is from his preventing of trouble*., which are coming to his Church, by terrifying all Nations at the beholding of the tokens of his difpleafure a-gainil the enemies of his people^wr. 8. The eighth argument is taken £om the joyful peacc 3 granted fomedme tohispeopV,

ver

vet. 8. The ninth Argument of Gods praife, is f omtherich plenty of all necefTuy rood from year to year 3 which God pro-videthfor maintenance of man and^beait, and ipecially of his people Ifracl in their land, iw.o, idjiiyia* 13,

Ver, I. Tf^Raife waitethfor the? y OGod, in Si-IT tftf : ^»^ ##f0 thee> fiall the vow be performed.

From the Ttopcficion, concerning his purpofe tofpendthis Pfalm only inpraifing of God; Learnt, 1. Although prayer and praife s do alwayes agree weil, yet feme time may call foi ies, and for the work of praife only, and may take up the whole man for a time, as here. 2. How mourniul a condition fdevcr the Lords people may be in, yet God is preparing thereby matter for his own glory • Praife waitetb for thee. And whatfoever , matter of praife be feen, or whatfoever meafure of p.aife be given unto God by his people, more is due to him, and more is making ready for him; Praife xvaitcth for thee. ' $. Although the reft of the world be fenielciTe of Gods benefits, ye: his' Church muft fet about the work of his praifes, and fha^l be enabled to give him praife 5 Praif write lb for tbee, OGod, in Sion. 4. As it is the duty of every man, who doth feck deliverance from trouble, or any other benefit from God ; to oblige himfeif, to praife God for it: fo it is the Lords manner to gaine rohimfclf praife by granting prayers, and topurchafe the performance of praifes prcmiied unto him $ Unto thee fall the vow be performed*

Ver.2. Othou that hareft prayer!unto thee /ball all flejh come.

From the firft reafon of the Lords praifejLcur^i.The hftu-irg and granting of prayer is the Lords property, and his ulual pra-clice, and hispleafure, and his nature,an<J his glory* 0 thou that heareft pro}er! 2.Thereadinefleofthc Lord to hear prayer,doth open the door of accefle to all forts of people, who are fenfible of their own frailty and neceffitics, and do know his readinelle to relieve them, Gentiles as well hs Jewcs fhall come unto him; 0 thou that beat eft prayer ! all flcfi [kJt erne unto tbte.

G z far;

Ver. 3. Iniquities prevaile againfl me • at for our tranfgrcjfionst then Jhah pmge them <t-

From the fecond reafonof the Lords pralfcj tedrn, 1. Sin is a fore advecfaiy, and many times prevails over us, and drawes on troubles on us, which makes us know the ill of it better, then we knew before the committing cf it 5 Iniquities p cvailc agaivft me, a. Wharfoever be the ins cf the people we live amongft, let us make fpecial accompt of our own giiiltincfs* in the point of cenfeffion, as .David doth here, whenhefaith, Iniquitiesfrcivileag.iin(t me. 3. Our fins mould be looked upon, not to chafe us horn God, but to humble us, and drive us to feck pardon arid purgation frcm the Lord, whofe freeerace only can take fins awdyj Iniquity prevails over me : as for our tranjgrcfons , then fialt purge tbcm away. 4. The holy Prophets and Pen-men of Scripture have no grounds of hope for pardon cf fin, fave rhole which are v common to the meanefi of Gods people; foe T>..vui in his'confeflion ccmcth in by himfelf alone aggravating his own fins moft j Iniquities prevail aguiuft me, faith he. But in the hope of pardon, he joyneth with the reft of Gods people, faying, As for our tranfgrefwns^thoii Jhalt purge them am ay.

Ver, 4. Tie fed is the man whom thou choo-fefl, anh caufeft to approach unco thee, that he may dwell in thy Courts :' ire Jhall be fatisfied with the goodtiefe of thy houfa even of thy holy Temple.

From the third reafonof the Lords praife S Lcarne> i.God hath made election of fonie out of the reft of mankinde, on whom he doth effectually beftow bleffednetfe; %lcjfed is the wan whom thou choofeft. 2. All thofe whom God dorh effectually call, and reconcile to himfelf, and draweth into communion and fociety with himfelf, are elected and blefiedperfonss ^Blcffcd is the man whom thou choofeft, and caufeft to approach untothec. 2. It is the free good will of God, whieh putteth the difference an ong men, and makethfome to be partakers of b'efie ; ncde,and not other fome j Blcfled is the man whom thou tbtofeft. 4. The power and glory of the work of convenors r.ciliation, and drawing near to God., for communion with

him*

him.of Co many as are converters the Lords powtr an i glory.n 0 Iefle then elation is his free choice and glory 5 Blcfjed is the man whom thou cboofefty and whom 5 thou caufcfl to approach unto rbce. $. The, man elected, eff.61 ualIy called, reconciled and drawn in foci.ty with God, is a true member of his Chin ch, a ccnilant member thereof in this life,and one who (hail be a member of the Church triumphant, in the life to come, and fo effectually blefc fed ; He fhall dwell in thy Courts, faith the text in the c riginrl. 5. Whatfoever is fufficicnt for begetting and entertaining the life of grace, and of true blefll'dnefle in Gods elect, is to re found bythemeanes of publick ordinances in die Church of God 7 We frail he jatisfi ed with the goodvefje of thy boufe 3 even of thy holy Temple. 7. Whofoever do finde in themfeives the proper effects or confequents of election, in fpccial, a powerful drawing of them to the Covenant with God, and unto a nearc. ani nearer approaching unto God, in the way of obedience unto the publick ordinances of his houfc, may be a flu red of their election , of their effectual calling, of the blcffcdiufle, and of their intcreft in all the goodnefleof Gods houfe to their full contentment, for after the general doctrine, hcapplierh, \Ve fiall be fatisfied with the goodies of thy houfc, even ofiby holy Temple.

Ver. 5. By terrible things in righteou'neffe wilt thon anftyerus, 0 Goh of our jalvation , who art the confidence of all the ends of the eninb % and of them that are afar off upon tbefea.

The fourth reafon of the Lords praife is taken from the defending of his Church in all ages and places; and laving of his people by giving terrible anfwers to their prayers againft their c -nemies, for the performance of his own word , and confirmation of the faith of his own people, in whatfocver part of the earth, unto the end of the world. iVheneelexm, 1 .As the !ovc of God to his people doth not exempt them from th?moUffa f ion of enemies, becaufe the Lord will have the faith-of his people by this means exerciiedj and them put to pray unto him, and complain of the injuries done unto them J fo his love to them will not fuf-fer their prayers to want an anfwer in their troubles, to the ar mozemeat of their adversaries > By terrible things rvilt thou an * fiver u$. 2 In the L-rds relieving of his people, anddeftroying their enemies, he will have the work looked upon as the performance cf his Word, wherein he hath prom i fed to be a friend :o

G 3 frienes

friends ofhis people, and a foe to their foes; 'By terriole thing* hi r-gbtcoujiieJ]c, wilt, thou anfwer us. 3, The realon of particular deliveries ot rods people horn their enemies, is,becaufe thefe deliveries a:e appendices of the Covenant cf grace, eftablifhed 0 them everlasting life. Thou wilt anjwer us 0 God of .ilv.uiou. a . What the Lord huh promifed and done to his Ghurcfc . . oldjisa lufficient gtound of confidence to the people CiGj ,in alt times and places, to expect and finde the like mercy, unto that whieh they of old did exped and finde; 0 God of our fdlvation , the confidence of ail the ends ofthe earth > and of ib:m that are afar off\iaon tbejca i that is, thy people, whether dwelling in the Continental' in ifles; or failing on the fea.

Ver. 6. Which by his flrength fetteth faft the

mountain's , being girded with power.

The fifth <eafon of the Lords praifeis, from his ftrong power, whereby he is able to do all things, as appcareth by his framing and fetiing the .mountahas ; Whence learn , 1. The power of G xl mani:eited in the work of Creation, is a prop to the faith of his people to believe the promifes, and a pledge of the performance thereof unto them; By bis ftrength he fetteth faft the r.ionntaines* z . Whatfoever great work the Lord hath done, he is able and ready to co a greater work , if need, be for his people} f{Q is girded with \.ower.

Ver. 8. Which ftillfjt the noife of the feas: the

tiQife of their ^Xaves^ and the tumult of the people.

F'om the fixth reaLon taken from his wife and powerful overruling all commotions ot"unruly creatures of whatfoever fort; Learn , 1. There is nothing to turbulent and raging , and rea-ilc in the whole world, which God doth not rule and bridle, and make quiet as he pleateth : HcftiUctb the noife of the feas 3 the noife of their waters. 2. As the commotions of people , their feditions , their in furred ions and confpiracics againfl Gods people, within and wiihout the viable Church, are no leffe rage-{ng and reafpnlefle ihen arc the commotions of- the fca : fo God hath the ruling of them, as well as of the feas 2 and by his ftilling tbcnoijc of the feas , the noife of the waters thereof^ he giveth in evidence or his power and purpofe to bridle the fury and r3ge ofrealonlcffc men, who rhreten trouble and deftrudion to his people; Hcflilktb their waves , and the tumult of the people. Ver, S. They Jjo that dwell tn the mtermojiparts\

■ are

Are afra'dat thy tokens : thou makefl the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoyce.

From the fcvcnth reafon of Gods praife,taken from the aftHght ing of all the world by his judgements againft the enemies of his people,left they fliould attempt the likes Learn , 1, As the Lo:d can {till the tumults of the people, when they rage moft 5 fo he can by his tenor prevent their commotions againft «his Church , by (hewing them his terrible judgements executed on others,which are the tokens of the power ofhisdifpieaiure againft all who fliall dare to be ad vet faries to his people ; They alfo that dwell in the uttcrmoji pins, arc afraid at thy tokens.

The eight reafon of Gods praife is, from the joyful tranquillity and peace, which he when he pleafeth , giveth to his people, after he hath fetled their enemies rage and power againft them; Whence lemi , As the Lord doth fometime excrciie his people, with trouble and perfecution from their enemies; fo alfo he can, and doth give them fome breathing times , fome comfortable felons, as it were fait* dayes from morning to evening 5 yea fun-dry full fair dayes, one after another , fo that his people are made to rejoyce before I: im from day to day i Thou ma\e{t the outgoings of the morning and, evening to rejoyce.

Vcr. 9 Thou vifiteft the earthy and water eft it 5 thou greatly enricheft it with the river of God which is full of Water : thou prepar eft them corn, when thou haft fo provided for it.

IO Thouwatereft the ridges thereof abundantly : thou fetleft the furrorves thereof: thou make ft it foft withfhwres, thou bleffcft the $ ringing thereof.

11. Thou croWneft the jeer With thy goodneffe , and thy paths drop fatneffe.

1 2. They drop upon thepaftures of the wilderneffe : and the little hills rejoyce on every fide.

13. The paftures are clothed with ftock^\ the valleyes alfo are covered over With corn ; thej /bout for joy^ they alfo ring.

^ The ninth' reafon of the Lords praife is, from his plentiful furnishing of food yearly for man and beaft , tut in fpecial for his G 4 making

SS PSAL. LXV.

making thepromifcd land fruitful unto his people Ifracl , when he fhall give them reft from their enemies, and peace therein, after their being exercifed with troubles. What may be prophetical, in this whole Pfalme,as touching the Ifraditcs, we will not here enquire 5 nor how Jar the Prophet did look beyond his own and Solomons time, when he faid, Praife wiitetb for thee inSion^ &c. Only, Hence learn general doctrines, 1. The Lords blef-ling of the ground 3 and making it fruitful, is his coming as it were to vifn it; Thou vifiteft the earth, and voxtertft it, 2. Gods providence is then heft feen, when particular parts are looked up-£>n one after another; Thou watereft it, thou evricbeft it, thou fre-pdreft them corn, &c. 3. The fending of timely rain, and plenty of it, and after that abundance of victual, mould not be {lightly pafled over, but well and carefully marked j for the husbandry is all the Lords: Thouprcpareft them corn, when tbou haft fo provided for it. 4. Second caufes, and the natural eourfe of conveying benefits unto us, are not rightly feen, except when God, the fir it and prime caufe , is feen to be neareft unto the actual difpo-fingof them for producing the eftyct : Tbou watereft the ridges thereof abundantly 3 &c. Tbou ik(feft the fpringing thereof. 5. From the one end of the year to the other God hath continual work about the bringing forth of the fruits of the ground , and glovioufly doth perfect it once a year; Tbou crowneft the year by thy goodnejfe. 6. Every onejsf the footfteps of Gods providence, for the p'ovi(ion of his peoples food,, hath its own bleffing 5 as appeareth in the profitable u'e of the ftraw and ftubble and chaffe, and multiplication of the feeds Thy paths drop fatneffc. y. The Lord hath a care to provide food , not only for man, but alfo for beaftsj and not only tor tame beafts , which are moll ule-fui for man, but alio for wilde beafts in the wildcrnefle , making his rain to fall on all parts of the ground : They drop upon the pastures of the wildcr?ieffc, 4nd the little hills rejoyce on every fide. S. Albeit temporal benefits be inferior to fpiritual, yet becaufe unto Gods children they be appendices of the fpiritual, they are worthy to be taken notice of, and that God fhould be praifed for them; as heiethe ^Pajlmijl fheweth , prailing God for fpiritual fclefTings, in the beginning of the Pfalm; and here in the end, for temporal benefits. 9. The plurality of Gods creatures , and the comparifen of Gods benefits fet before our eyes,are the fca!c,mu-(ick book , and noted leflbns of the harmony and melody which We ought to have in our heart s, in praifing him : yea thefe benefits do begin and take up the fong in their own kinde^thac we may

fellow

follow them in our kinde 5 Thepaftures are clothed with flocks, the vatlcyes alfo arc covered, over mtb corn } they Jhout for joy, they aljo

ifafr

T

PSAL. LVI.

To the chief Mufician, A fong or Tfalmc.

jHis Pialm being all of praifes, may be divided into three t pins In the Brit, the Pfalmift exhorteth all the earth to praife God, ver. r, t,^4- and that becaufe of the works which God did of old for his people, ver. 5> 6. and becaufe he is able todothelikewhenhepleafeth,^er.7. In the fecond part, he exhorts the Church of lfrdel living with him in that age t to praifeGod for the late experience of Gods goodneffe towards them , in the delivery granted to them out of their late trials, troubles, and fore vcvations,w. 8,9,10,11, ii. In the third place, the Prophet exprefleth his ownpurpofe of thankfulnevTe unto God for the large experience which he had in particular of Gods mercies to himfelfe, from xurrM^to the end.

Ver. 1, \ /T^% a J°jM no *f e mt0 Go ^ * a ^ 7 ee iVl lands.

2. Sing forth the honour of his Name ; wake hid

praife glorious,

From this urgent exhortation to praife God: Learn, 1. As the dutyof praife is moit^eceflary, and moil fpiritual : fo are we more dull 3 and indifpoied thereto, then to any other exercife {piritual , and had need to be (lirred up thereunto; therefore faith he , Make a wife, fing forth , &e 2. The Prophets of old had it revealed unto them, that the Gentiles fhould be brought to the knowledge of God,and made to worfhip him; as, SHake a joyful noifeunto God, all ye lands, importeth. $. The praife of the Lord is a task for ail the world to be imployed about , and a duiy wherennto all are bound/eeing they all do fee his works,and all do hold whit they have of him; but (pecialiy thofethar hear of him by his Word.to whom moft 1 pecialiy the Word doth fpeak ; Make a joyfulnoifc allyc lands. 4. Men ought to go about the work of prailing God lo cheerfully fo wifely and fo avowedly , as they who do hear his praife fgoken of, may under ftand his Mi icily,

magnifi-

magnificence, goodncfTe, power, and mercy : Ma\i a noifc untd Cjohfingfortb the honour of bis Name t n.afy bis praife glorious*

Ver. 3. Say unto God , How terrible art thou in *J!?j nw^r ? through the greatneffe of thy poster Jhall thine enemies fnbmit themfelves unto thee.

4. All the earth fhall worjhip thee\ and Jhall (ing unto t hee y they Jhallfing to t hj Name. Selab.

Here the' Pfalmift, as the Lords pen-man, doth fuinifh matter and words of praifing God nnro the hearers , and prophefieth that the fulneffc or the Gentiles fhall concurre in his worfhi'p, and take part in the fong of his praife > Whence learn 3 1. Bc-caufe we can do nothing of our felves in this work of the Lords praife,God muft furnifh to us matter & words$5ty unto God,How terrible, &c % i, As the wo k of the praife of God mould be done in love and confidence, and fincerky, and in his own ftrcngth: fo may it be dir-ected to him immediately, and that without flattery; fotherwayes tlien men are praifed) for praife properly is due to God onfy, and no man can fpeak of him , except in his own audience; Say unto God, How terrible art thou i>i thy works? 1* The works of the Lord, every one of them being rightly ftu-died y are able to affright us , by discovering the incomparable, dreadful, and omnipotent Majeily of the worker thereof y How terrible art thou in"thy -wor\\s? 4. When the Lord ispleafedto let forth his judgements on his adverfaries 3 and to let them fee what he can do, none of them dare ftand out againft him 5 but if they be not converted, yet will they be forced 10 feign fubmiflion unto him 5 Through the greatneffe of thy power Jhdl thy enemies fnbmit themselves to them? f. Over and above what is already accomplished of thispropheeie concerning the converiion of the Gentiles, a higher meafure is yet to be expected in the bringing in of that number of them, which the Scripture callerh the fid-neffe of the Gentiles y and the making all the l^ingdomes of the earth to become the Lords , and his Sonne Chrijls 5 for this word in a greater meafure then yet is come to pane, muft be fulfilled; ^ // the earth Jhdl warjhip thee, they full fing unto thee ; they full fine unto thy Name: Which word doth import the revealing of the glad tidings of Jefus Chrift nnto them , and their joyful acceptation of the Gpfpel , and glorifying of God for it. 6. As

it

it is the Lords glory to have many praifing him : fo mould it be the joy of all that love him, now to forefee the fuccefTc or Chrifls Kingdomc , as well as it was of old , when it was the Charches fong; All the earthJballworfbifthcc.

Ven 5. Come let us fee the work* cf God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.

6. He turned the fea into dry land: they went through the flood on footy there did toerejoyce in him.

7. He ruleth by his porter for ever , his eyes behold the nations ; let not the rebellions exalt themfelves. Selah.

He pointeth out in fpecial the Lords works , 'already wrought for his people 3 Whence learn , 1. Albeit the Lord doth work for the delivery of the Church, and his own glory, yet men are io carelefle, to obferve his works / that they can neither make ufe thereof for their own profit, nor for Gods praife 5 fo that there is much need to ftirre up our dulnefle, to cbferve them and make right ufe thereof; Come and fee the worly of God. 2. Whofoever do obferve the works of God, which he hath wrought for his people, they mail be forced to fear and admire his wonderful ACts for them, and his refpeft unto them; He is terrible in his doing toward the children of men. J* The work of redemption of his Church out of Egypt , is a work one for all worthy to b: made afe of to the end of the world j and fufficient to mew, that if leed be, God will invert the courfe of nature for the good Df his people, and for their delivery out of difficulties; He turned the 'ea into dry land.. 4. As the Lord will work wonders for he delivcsy of his people out of mifery : fo will he work wonders "or performing of promifes to them, and for bringing them to the )offeffion of what he hath given them right unto ; for the drying )f the river Jorte, that his people might go in to poffcflc the pro-niled land , was a pawn and evidence of this his purpofe for all ime coming ; They went through the flood on foot. 5. As all he people of God are one body , and that which is dem in one tgetoone generation doth concern all and every one to make ne of it in their generation : fo every one in after-ages mould eckon thcmlelves one body with the Loa's people in former ages, .ad make ufe of Gods dealing with them., as if ibey had been gre-• ' feat

gz PSAL, LXV.

fcnt then wkhthem 3 as here the Church in the Pfalmifis time joyneth it felfe with the Church in Jojlwabs time, rejoycing in God with thenrat their entring fr\toCanMU;Therc did we rejoycc in him y fay they. 6. Whatfoever the Lord hath done for his people in any time by-paft, he is able and ready to do the like for bis people in any time to come; He ruleth by his poacr for ever, and for this caufe his former Ads , are perpetual evidences and pledges of like Ads to be done hereafter, as need is, 7. No--thing is done in any place, which the Lord is not witneiTe unto; no plot or motion againft his people,which he feeth not: His eyes behold the Httions. 8. Albeit there will be from time to time a generation , who will not fubmit themfelves to this for vereign Ruler, but will ftand out againft him , and maligne his Church, yet fhall they not long profper, nor have caufe of glorx-ation in their rebellion > Let not the rebellious cxrft themfelves.

ver. 8, O bleffe our God, ye people y and make the yoke ojhk praife to be heard.

9. Which holdeth our foul in life , and fuffereth not eur feet to be moved,

I a. For thoUy O God ; hafl proved us : thou hafl tried us, asfilver is tried.

11. Thou brought eft m into the net-, thou layedft affliction Upon our loines.

12. Thou hafl caufed men to ride over our heads, rce went through fire 9 and through water : but thou brought eft ta out into a wealthy place.

Inthefecond part of the Pfalm, the Pptlmift exhorts the Church in his time, to praife God for preferving them from extirpation in the time of their fiery trial, and fore afflidion under the tyranny and oppreffion of their enemies. Whence lexrv, I, The Lords people in every age, befides all the reafons they have to praife God for his former works, want not their own particular reafons for his care, providence, and kindnelfe to themfelves in their own time to ftirre up one another to bleffe hisMajefty; O blejfe our God, \c people. 1. It is the Churches proper priviledge, and her glory, above, all other incorporations and focieties befide, to have fpecial intereft in God , as her own ; O bleffe our God . 3. It is not fufficient that the Lords people

ackn«w-

acknowledge inwardly the mercies of God tothcmfelves; but it is their duty in an orderly way to bring others on to the knowledge of God,and to fhew to others how praife-worthy he is: mab^e the voice of btipraifc to be heard. 4. Albeit the Lord takes many things away from his people, when he is pleafed to exercife them, yet he keeps life in their foul; fome fweet communion offpirk between himfelf and them : and doth notfuffcrall his people to be extirpate, aud rooted out from the earth j Which boldetb our foul in life, $. It is great mercy to be kept from defperate courfesinthetimeoffad calamities, and to be tup ported under burdens , that we (ink not , and to be prevented from denying of God, or of his truth in time of pevfecution: He fufferetb not our feet to be moved. 6. One end of the troubles of the Church, among others is, the trial of the graces of his people, and purging them from their corruptions: for which caufe the Lord ufeth to bring on one trouble after another, as mcttal is put in the fire oftner then once; For tbou y 0 Cjod,haft proved us , thon baft tried. Ui , as filver is tried. 7. When God doth bring his Church into trial, there is no efcaping; we muft look for affliction, and not dream of declining it by our own wit or skill 5 Tlmt brougbteft m into the net , thou lay cdft affliction upon our lines.

8. It iswifdomeand jufticeand goodnefie in God, to make his people know fome time, whether his fervice or mens- fer-vice be moll earTe 5 Thou baft caufed men to ride over our beads.

9. When Gods ferviceand mens fervice are compared, the fervice of men is a beaftly bondage in comparifon : for the enemies of the Church will abufe Gods people like beafts, when they fall under their power 5 Thou baft made men ride over our beads.

10. There is no fort of affliction , nor extremity of affliction, from which the godly may fecurc- themfelves, after the time of their entring into their trials, till Gods time come, wherein their trial! is to end; We went through fire 3 and through waters. 11. After troubles and trials, the Lord giveth ever an event, and a gracu ous delivery to his own, which bringeth as much comfort with it, as their triall had grief in it 5 But thou brougbteft m out into A wealthy place.

Ver. £3. IVcillgoimo thy bonfeVeith bhrnt*offcr~ ings : 1 toi/Ipay thee my Vo\X?er.

14. Whicbmy lips have uttered , wJt mj mnith hath fpoken, when I was in trouble,

15, In

i -r. / *W// ^rr ##/<? f^tf burnt-facrifices of fat-TwgSy Witft the ivcenfe of rams ; 7 wi/l offer bullocfy with goat si Selab,

In the third and laft part of the Pfalme, the Pftlmift fliew-eth forth histhankfulneile for the favours (hewed to himfelfe in particular : and firft, he promifeth to acknowledge his obligation to God in the place of publick worfhip , as the Lord had required in the ceremonial hw, vcr.13, 14,15. Secondly, he declareth his particular experience of Gods mercy, teftifying his hearing of his prayer by his acceptance of it, iter. 18^ 19. And laft or all* he blefleth the Lord for the gracious anlwer of- his prayer, ver. 20.

From the promife, which he maketh of publick acknowledgement of the mercy according to the prefcript of the Lords appointment 5 Learn , 1. In common favours and deliveries granted to the vifible Church , each true member have their own fpe-cial mercies beftowed upon them., befide the common : for which in particular, and for the common mercies alfo , they ought publicity to be thankful, as the ^Pfalmift is here, faying 3 I to ill go into thy boufe with burnt-offerings. 2. As it is a token of lively faith in defperate troubles totruftinGod, and to hope for his deliverance, and to promife him praife before the delivery come : fd is it a token of an upright heart., to be as willing to perform promifes afcer the benefit received , as it was ready to make pro-mi fes, before the benefit received 5 I will pay thee my vowes which my lips have uttered , and my mouth hath [pollen when I was in trouble. 3 . As our perfons and belt fervice arc polluted, except they becleanfed by the facrifice of Ghrift : fo in our approaches unto God we mould acknowledge the finfulneflc of our perfons and performances, and the need we ftand in of Chrifts mediation, and the riches of grace beftowed upon us through him, who perfumeth our perfons, and prayers, and praifes, as was fha-dowed forth in the ceremonies of the law 5 for this was the Pro • phets meaning,when he faid, I will offer unto thee burnt-facr ifce$ offatlings , with the incenfeoframs: I will offer bullucfis witfr goats, which were appointed in the law to be offered, partly for lin, and partly by way of thanksgiving.

Ver. 16, Come and hear all je that fear God, and I mil declare What he hath done for mj Joule.

if 1

17. / cried unto him With my month : and he was extolled with my tovgw.

From his declaration of his lately felt experience of Gods mercy to him ; Learn, 1. A fpiritual manias he will not neglcd outward rites of commanded publick woniiip : fo will he not reft on them, but will go about the real glorifying of God belore others* as the Pjalmift doth here; Qome and bear what the Lord bath done for my foul. 1, The true difciples of Gods grace , who can beft difcern of Gods works, and of the experience of others 3 and who will be moft ready to praiie God with us, are rhofe that fear God; Come and bear, illyc that fear God i I will declare what be hath done for my foul. 3. It is no lefle needful for the glorifying of God, and edification of others, to make the way of our coming by a benefit manifeft to others, chat it was by the ufe of holy ordinances, then to make mention of the benefit it felfe; I cried unto him, faith he; that is, I was inftant in prayer for the benefit* 4. There are cafes wherein the uttering of words in prayer > da ferve much, not only for our own up-ftirring, and fixing of our mindes, and for others edification; but alfo concerneth Gods glory, on whom we profeflc dependance, and in whom we acknowledge power and goodneflc to dwell 5 And be was extolled with my tongue*

Ver. 18. If I regard iniquity in my heart : the Lord will net hear me.

19. But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice ofmj prayer 4

From the clearingof his fincerity in prayer; Learn, i. Sincerity of heart (hould be joyned whhthe iupplication of the mouthy and with felte examination - that we may be fure wc pray fin-cei cly : for, Ifl regard iniqnity in my bean , imports fo much in the PfdmijU practice, 2. He is an upright man in Gods ac-compt, who doth not entertain affection to any known fin > but doth oppofe it fincerdy in Gods fightf for this the Pfalmift bring-eth for the proof of his fincerity, that he did not regard fin in bk heart. 3. Thole onely are the linners, whole prayer God will not hear; who live in the love of known fins, and pray for having fatisfaclicn to their corrupt lulls. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not bear me* 4. The lawful prayer of the

upright

epright heart, mall be granted in fubftance, and ic may be juft as it was deGredj which as ic is no (mall mercy, fo mould ic be well marked, as the return of our prayer ', 'But verily Cjod bath beard me, be bath attended to the voice of my fupplication.

Ver. 20 Tileffed be God) Which hath not tHrneh away mj prayer, nor his mercy from me.

He dofethwith thanksgiving for this particular experience, as an evidence of the running of the fountain of Gods mercy toward him. Whence learn , 1. As it is no fmall mercy , that our prayers are not rejected of God > albeit he mould delay to anfwer us for a long time* fo when he delayeth not to anfwer us, the mercy is the greater, and ought to be acknowledged in both refpeds: Bleffed be God, which batb not turned away my payer. 2. The gracious anfwer of an upright fupplication, evidenceth ready ac-cefie prepared yet mo.e for the fupplicant , to the fountain of Gods mercy 5 and this is yet more mercy: He hath not turned away my prayer, nor bis mercy from me.

PSAL. LXVII.

To the chief Mufician on Neginotb. A FfJm or Jong.

THis Pfalmis a prophetical prayer for ablefling upon the Church of the ewes, for the good of the Gentiles , and enlarging oftheKingdom of Chrift among them. The petition is propounded, xw. 1 } z In the next placets an acclamation with the Gentiles, glorifying of God at their in-bringing , now forefeeri that it mould come moft certainly^er. 5,4. In the third placejthe Church ofthejewes do applaud the fecond time the converfion of the Gentiles, and their praifing of God, promising ro them-felvcs that by that msanes the increafe of Gods bleffing on chem mall follow, and the enlarging of the Kingdom of God, through all the world, vcr. 5, 6 } 7.

Ver I. f~> 0*D be merciful unto m 4 andblefft m: VJ and caufc hi* jace tojhine t*pon usJSelaL

2. That

2. That thy fray itoay be kyorvn Upon earih j thy f^ i'lna health among all k aiior.s.

This is the blcflin:: which the Lord commanded the childieri of Aaron to pronounce upon the people of lfrad.Hnfnb.S, 2 2,2j. which here the people do turn into a prayer , for the drawing, in of the Gentiles untc Gods fer>ice. Whence learn , i. Iris lafti turning of Gods offers, promiks,' and forms of blcffing of his people into prayers; we are lure fo to pray according to Gods willy is the Church doth here* i. It is the duty of every citizen of the Churches lively members of that body , to pray for the blcffing )t God upon all his peoples God be merciful unto *£, and caufebis hec to flrinc upon us. 5. Then are the Lords people bleUed 3 vhenGoddo;h make them iriftrumentai Xc enlarge his King-lome, and to propagate the tut Religion J that is, the doctrine )f mans falva-.ioii, and Gods fervice : and this mould be the aim ve mould Jboo't at. in fceking any blcffing v his people. That the ,ord may be known upon earth, thy ftoing health among all the na-ions 4. The world is ignorant of true Religion , till God by. :is own -inftrufments rcveale it j and no way of Religion will leafc God, nor profit men, fave Gods way only, wherein he will tave men to walk in the conrfe of feith and obedience, and 'herein he rcvealeth how he will deal with us, and how wemuft ehaveour fclves toward bitty Therefore fay they , That thy way lay be known upon earth, thy jaj?ig health amoug all nations,

f er. 3. Let the people praife thee • 0 God j let all the eople praife thee.

4. 0 let the nations be glad, and fing for joy : for hu/bait judge the people righteouflj , and govern the ationstipon earth. SeLk

The Pfalmift tore fe[h by the revelation of Gods Spirit, that le Gentiles (hall be converted , and (hall rejoyce in God , and •aife him , and therefore will have the Church of rhc Jewes to elcomethem, and to joyn in acclamation of praife co God with lem, becaufe of Chrifts reigning among them, and ruling them rhismbft holy lawes. tfbence learn, 1. The manifeltaubri : ijod's freely gifted falvation inChrift, arid the revealing pi his anner of dealing with people , and how he will have people dcaL ithhim, and one with another, is a matter of unfpeakable praife

H to'

**

PSAL. LXVII.

to God, and joy to men, to whom this grace is revealed , that thy faving health may be Ipiorvn among All nations; let the people praife tbee.OGod. i True converts un:„Chrift,be(ides the joy they h:\ve of their own falvation, have alfo daily new acceffion of joy at the conveilion of others > as they come in and ought to bleffc and praife God heartily with them , when they behold their conveifion j Let all thepeople praife thee: dotheyfay twice, and here -afte;- alfo the third time. ?. The conversion of the Gentiles was. not a rhing only wifhed for by the Church of the Jew<s ; but alfoprc pheficu of unto them clearly : 0 let the nations be glad> &d fing for joy ■ for thou Jh&lt judge the people rigbteouJly i ^c. 4. The Spnit which did enditc the Pfalme*,did not degrade the promiled Meffiah Jefus Chrift from his Godhead, for his future incarnation; but fpeakethof him, and to him, as God blehed for ever; that is, ;he true God, to the Jewifh Church before his coming : and true God * to the converted Gentiles after his coming in the flefh,one with the Father and holy Spirit} for fixe times in this Plalm he is called God^and acknowledged here to be the fountain of mercy, and blefling to men , and of manifested reconciliation with men > and the object of all divine honour and praife * and God the Lerd a and Law-giver of the converted Gentiles'; Thou fbalt judge the people rigbteoufly, and govern the nations upon earth, U The doctrine and difcipline of Chrift , whereby he judgeth and governeth his Church, ismoft holy and righteous , and in as far as particular Churches and Chriftians fubmit themfelves to his Lawes , Doctrine, and Government , they are his true fubjec~ts, and fhsdl finde the fruit of his governing and judging ; For tbejcjball he judge rigb* teoujly, unto thtfe mall he do the part of a Governour , even on earth j He Jball govern the nations upon earth.

Ver. 5. Let the people praife thee ,0 God , let all the people praife thee.

6. Then /hall the earth yield, her increafe , and God, even our own Godfhatlbleffeus.

j, God [hall bleffe us , and all the ends of the earth fhall fear him.

In the laft place, the Jewifh Church giveth a fecond acclamation to the incoming of the Gentiles , and do promiie to themfelves by that meanes Gods blefling more abundantly

dantly upon themfclves , as now being one body with the Gentiles, in the fame Covenant of grace with them. Whence learn y i. As the converlion of the Gentiles was efteemed by the Jewes , a matter worthy to be oftner prefented to God , and prayed for, and earneftly purfued by all that loved God 3 fo was it forefcen to bee a matter of growing and lading joy to men , and growing and lafting praife to God , and to Chi ill, who is God , the Converter ot them, and the Governour and Teacher of therri effectually , to know his Name and falvation J Let all the people prAije thee , 0 God , let all the people puife thee. 2. The Spirit of God gave the Church of the Jewes to underftand , that the converfion of the Gentiles , efpecially the converfion of the fulneffe of the Gentiles, ( which here is prayed for, when he faith, Let all the people puife thee) was to be a means or a mercy antecedent unco , or nearly joyried with the bringing in and bleffing of the Jewim Church, and poflibly in their own land; then jhalt the earth yield her increafe , and God even our own God Jhall bhjfe us: for by the earth he meaneth the promifed land of C&+ ttaan , which hath been , and is accurfed , during the time of their ejection out of it. $. When God mall be gracious to the Jewes, after the converfion and bringing in of the Gentiles , and fhall renew the Covenant with them in Chrift, it (hall fare the better with true Religion, and with the Chriftian Churches among the Gentiles > it fliali be id them as a refurre&ion from the dead, in regard both of the purity of Doftrjne and Worfliip , and of the multiplication of perfons converted unto Chrift in all places,- God (hall blejfe us ffaiti he then,) and what more ? And all tb$ ends of the earth jhall fear him.

■ ■

a i fcsAi*

PSAL. LXVIII.

>

To the chief tin fie tot. A Ffatm or fong of Ttxvid.

THis Pfalm is very fuitable to that time, when T>xvid having gotten the victory over his enemies round about,did afiemble all lfrxel , and carried the Ark of God, now returned frorri the land of the Pbi lift tries > triumphantly out of the houfecf Obed-Edom , into the City of David, as a type of Chrifts afcen-fion afttr the work of Redemption in the world. In which PiMm after the manner that ZMofcs prayed unto God, or to Chvift who was to be incarnate, when the Ark did march i Z>j-vii praycth here firftagainft the Lords enemies , ver. i, z. And then tor the Lords people, ver. $. In the next ptace , he exhert-cthall the Lords people to praifc God , ver. 4. and giveth twelve or thirteen 1 eafons for it5 Fii ft, becaufe of his mercy to the defo-late and afflicted, ver. 5,6. Secondly, becaufe of his wonderful-nefle and tcrribteneffe in delivering of his people out of bondage, as appeared in his bringing of his people out ofEgj^and through the wilderneiTe , ver. 7, 8. Thirdly, becaufe of his fatherly care to entertain his redeemed people & s did appear in his nouriming of his Church in Camxn^ver. 9, io. Fourthly, becaufe of the victories which he giveth ufually to his people , when their enemies do invade them^ ver. 11,11. Fifthly 3 becaufe of the delivery which he will give to his p^jple out of their moft fad calamities, as he hath oftentimes givjjrt proof, ver. 13, 14. Sixthly, becaufe his Church is the moft glorious Kingdome in the world, being compared therewith, ver. 15, 16. Seventhly, becaufe Chrift the King of the Church , hath all the Angels at his command to ferve him : and having ended the work of Redemption, was to afcend glorioufly, for fending down gifts to his Church, and ruling of it, ver. 17, 18. Eightly, becaufe of Gods bounty to his people, in daily renewed mercies, till he perfect the work of their falvatien. ver. 19,20. Ninethly, becaufe of his avenging of himfelf upon all his enemies, ver. n» Tenthiy , becaufe God hath undertaken to work over again in effect, as need lhall require, what he hath done in bringing his people out of Egypt, and in giving them victory oyer the Canaanitcr, ver.ii,i$.

wherereof

whereof the experience of his power , already manifefted .for Jfrael, was a proof and pledge fufficient , ^v r. 24, 25,, 26, 27. Eleventhly , becaufe it was decreed by God . to eftablifh his Church, and to make her ftrong , by making Kings to become converts, ver. 28, 29 and that partly by treading down fome of her enemies, ver. 30. and partly by making others, even fome of her grearcft enemies,, to feek reconciliation with God , cveii her God. ver* 31. Twelfthly, hecxhorteth topraife God, becaufe of his omnipotent power, in converfion of Kingdomes, ready to be let forth for the defence of his people, ver* $1, 52, 3 2, 34, and ready to overthrow their enemier, and all lor the ftrengthen-ing ofhisChuch: for all which he exhorteeh all to blefie the Lord, ver. 35.

Ver. r„ 1 Et Godarife^ let his enemies be fcattered: I jf't them aljo that hate himifiee before him.

2. As fmohe ii driven ds^aj^ fo drive them away ; as waxe m?lteth before the five ^{o let the wicked pcrijb at the prefence of God.

3. 72 ut let the righteous he glad : let them re Joyce before Cjod' } yea let them exceedingly rejojee.

In Davids prayer agninft his enemies, and for Gods people; Lexrn , i. Such prayers as the Spirit hath endited unto the Saints in Scripture, i: is lawful and expedient for ftrengthening of cur faith, to ufe the hme or the like words in the lite cafe^ for T>avid prayeth here., as Mofcs prayed at the marching of the Ark, Numb, to. $ ?. Let Godarifc , (?c. i. As the Ark was amongft the Ifraeiites 9 \o is Chrift amongft his pecplc : and what ground of confidence the Church had , becaufe of that pi dec of Gods prefence at t' e Ak; we have the fame , and a more lure ground of confidence in Chrifts incarnation , reprefented thereby ; that upon every appearance of his beginning to ftirre againft the enemies of his work , we may lay, Let God arifc. $. Thr enemies o^ the Church are the enemies of God, and eikemed haters of him, becaufe they are harers of his people ; with whom, albeic the Lord doth be;r for a while, yet will he take order, when he pleafeth J it will not coft him much labour : on y, Let God arije, and let hU enemies b; [entered 4. Although all the enemies of God make head againft his people, yet will they noc H 3 p eyaile,

prevaile, when God appeareth, they will turn back; Let them al-fo that hzte him, flee before him- $• Whatfoever ftrength of forces or number the enemies of Gods people hive in appearance, it is nothing before God, but like fmoak before the winde, and waxe before the fire; As fmoak # driven away , as waxe meltetb before the frt: fo let the wicked per ijh at the pre fence of God. 0. Albeit the Lord exercife his people with affliction, and with; grief ior a while , yet he alloweth unto them comfort and joy, whatfoever become of their enemies: But let the righteous be glad. 7. The only true matter of the Saints joy is God him-feife, and his manifefted presence; and he will not be pleafed, except his children lift up their hearts, and comfort; themfelves in him above and againft :\U grief and fenfe of whatfoever enemies oppofition ; Let them rejoyce before God y yea let them exceedingly rcjoyce.

Ver. 4. Sing unto God 9 fmg pratfet to bis Name : extollhimthatridethupon she heavens , by his Name J A H, and rejoyce before bins.

From his exhortation of the Church >.o praife God with the joyful voice of finging; Learn , 1. Vocal fingine of praifes unto God> is a moral duty, and a part of his holy wormip > frequently called for in Scripture^ Sing unto God } fing praifes to hU %ame. %. Qur thoughts o God mould not be bafe , but high andjiea-venly,lifting his Name up above the moft glorious creatures; all they being but his fervants , as he pleafeth to make ufe of them : Extotlbim that rideth upon the heavens. 3. The Lordisonely and properly worthy of praife, becaufe he onely hath his being of himfelf, and givetb being to all things, which arebefide him-felfe \ His Hame is J A H« 4- The Lords praU'cs aie his peoples advantage, and the true matter of their confidence and joy j Sing praifes to him , md rcjoyce before him.

Ver, 5. A JF ither of the fatherleffe, and a Judge of the mdowes is God in his holy habitation.

6. God fetteththe folitarj in families * he bring* fth out thofe that are bound with chainesfiut the rebelli-pffi dwell t$ a dry land.

From

From the firft reafon of the exhortation topraife Godj Learn* i. The Lords highneflie above the hcavensdoth not hin ierhim from taking notice ofthe lowed ofhis poor pcoplcj yea the mo$ helpl^flc and defolate among men, are the fivfl objects of hi? warmed love >A Fatbcrof the fatherleffe, and a Judge cf the mdovps is God. 2. Albeit the Lord be infinite and iiicompre : hentible by anyplace* yet hath he appointed a trifling place where his people fhall findc him by his own ordinance., to wit, the ailcmbly of his Saints, his holy Temple , fhadowing forth (Thrift to be incarnate., who now is in heaven., no.* is incarnate, and fitting at the right hand of God , in whom dwells the Godhead, here, here is God tc be foimd: God in hU boly. habitation. $. It is the Lords nature 4 , pleafure, and ordinary pradife/to makeup the wants, and to change to -he better the difconfolatc condition of his own humbled and emptied children; Cjod fettetb the folitary in families. 4. The fouls that are mod ienfible of bonds and bondage, do liencared the feekingcf the fruit of his redemption j yea, none in bonds have made oi fhall m?.ke ufe of God the Redeemer, but his bonds and fetters hindering him from freedome of Gods fcrvice, and from attaining cf felicity, have been artd {hall be loofed offhimrte bringctb out ibofe wbiri? are bound inchaincs. 5. Such as will not be ruk-d by his* Word, according as they are difloyal rebels to him, fo fhall they be dealt with as rebels; that is, they fhall neither have Gods bleffing joyned with any benefit which they fecm to poiTcile , nor any fpiritual comfort in their affliction*, when their calamity conv eth upon them: but the rebcUiom dwell in a dry land.

Vcr. 7. OGod^hen thuwenteft forth bejor6 thj peoplcjvhen thou diddefi march through the ivi/dernejfe. Se/ah.

8, The earth pjook^ the heavens alfo dropped at the prefence of Ged,e\en Sinai it fe/f was moved at the prefence ofGod y the God oflfraeL

From the fecond reafen of praifing God, Learn, 1. It is expedient for our up-ftirring unto thankfulncffe, to cad our eye upon fome particulars wherein the Lords goodneffe to us, and our obligation to his love, may appear, as here the P.almift doth lead us by the hand unto the Lords particular work of redemption of Tfracl out of Egypt. 1. That one woik of the Churches deliver y out ofEgyp^rcprefcnting the redemption cf his people H 4 from

from the roifecy of fin. and Satans bondage, is a fufficient proof lb? ever oi the Lords lovc,care powcr,ind faithfulnefle,to deliver his o\vn out of ail their mifery>whkh the. hutch and every member thereof ftidiiW a wayes make uie of unto the end of the world j v.'he he: we lock upon that work in the type fmgly. or as it is a, representation or pawne of the fpiikual.delivery of his people, this wqi k flioiud we often look upon, nnd ftill hold it up un-to* God ; 0 God, when thou wcntql forth before thy people 3 when ibeudidde march through the wildcrncfje. 3* In the woks of the Lord it is needful net only lo lcok up^n that which may fofter faith in God., and love toward him; but alio to let before 'us, what may fcrye to keep our hearts in fear and awe of his drea.'ful Majefty ; The earth Jhoo^y the hercens dropped, at th? frcfcTiccof God., even Sinai it felf was moved at the prefence of God t .cz'cnthcGcdof7fraeL

t .,

Ver, o m Thou. QGod % didfl fend a plentiful raine> whereby thou didft con fir me thine inheritance, rvhen it was weary.

10. Thy r cngrtgation hath dwelt therein: thou, 0 God,, haft prepared of thy goodneffe for thi poor.

from the third reafon of Gods prajfe ; Learne., 1. The ordinary fuftainrng of Gods people bodily and Spiritually in the pofieffion of 'kt& benefit temporal or spiritual given unto the ru fhould be observed, as well as the bellowing of any benefit in ah extraordinary way, as here the ordinary fuftainin^ of" ifraclin Canaan, is made a part of the fong of praife, no lcfti then their miraculous delivery out of Egypt ; Thou, 0 Lord didft fend a plentiful rain whereby then didfi confnmethine inheritance when it was wc ry. z. The people who are in Cove nant with God externally, are the Lords own peculiar, mor< pearly and properly then any other lociety in the world} theie fcrc Ifracl here is called by the Prophet (peaking to God , Th Congregation. 3. It is for the Churches caufe, that the lan< wherein his people dwellcth, is blelTed at any time by God 5 Th Congregation hath dvoclx in it. 4. The bleffing bellowed upoi the Church or the place wherein they dwell, is not given for a nygoodncile in his people, but for the goodnefle, grace 3m good will of God to them; Thou. 0 god, haft prepared of ih goodneffe for the poor. ' Ver

Ver. II. Thi Lord gave the Vcord:great rrasthe company of thofe that publifbe&k.

i 2. Kivqrs of armies did fire apace : avd fhs that tarried at horns divided the fpoile.

From tiefounh reafonof praife j Team, 1. The Lord will fometimcexercife his Church with WJrresnfTlidtions and trials* when he doth not intend to pupifh therm bn: to give them the victory over their enemies, ana that for his own glory, as in ^Dt foual)s time and lavids, whereunto the text doth relate • The matter of joyful newes, or the word of the Chinches victory o-ver her foes-, whenfoever it is, proceeds from the Lord, who fuimimeth matter for, and words, and utterance of joy to his people, and praife to him'clt : Tbt Lord gave the word. 2. When God will glorifie hxmfelf by Comforting his Chuch, he fliall no: want Herauldsof hispraife $ Great was the company oftb&fc that publifhcd it. 3.Were the enemies of the Church never fo powerful, and Gods people never fofane inferiour unto their enemies in pewer, yet (hall the enemy not be able to ftand, when God begins to fi^ht for his people .* lyings °f Armies did flee apace. 4. It is caiie for the Lord to make them a prey to the weakeft of his people, who do let themfelvts to make ha-vock of the Church, yea and to inrich his people with rhe fpoil of fuch adverlaries: she that tarried at borne, divided the fpoilc.

Ver I ?. thongl) ye have lien among the pots, yet (hall ye be as the wingt of a l^ove^ covered with fil-ver, and her feathers -with yellow gold

I y When the Almighty fcattered Kings in it^ it was White as/now in Salmon.

From the fifth reafon cf praife; Learn, 1. As the Lor J fome-times doth pcautifie his people with viftbries and wcahh: fo alio at other times roi juft reafons, hewilldaken all their outward glory, and make them look :s blacked fculK^ns in the kirchir; though ye have lien among the pots, &c. :. Th_ Lord after the trial and hard cxercifesof his people for a time, will :,ive them fo glorious an event and delivery, as fhail take (rfFalhhi ignominy of their former affliction, and make np all thciL lofiesry.ea

he

hewillcaufe their formerly deforming afflictions, to ferve for waihing-balls of tope, to make them fo much more beautiful; 7bougb}e have lien among the pots, ye fl)all be as tbc wings of a 'Dove, covered with filvcr, and her feathers with yellow gold. 3. Experiences of mercies fhewen to the Lords people, are pawns and evidences of like mercies in time to come, as here. When the Almighty fcattered Things in the land, it wa? made white y is mideaproof of the Promife made, ver. i$. 4. As a dark, duskie mountain, whereupon groweth no green thing, but black heath, is made white, when covered withfnow: foisadilgra-ced, fhamed, impoverished, inflaved land made glorious a-gainby a merciful manner of delivery manifefting the Lords kinde refpe&s unto it$ When the Almighty fcxttercd lyings in tfudea, it was made white as fnow in Salmon.

Ver. i<$. The hill of God is as the hill of ^afhart, an high hill as the bill of Bafhan.

16. Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which Goddefirethtodwellin: jea, the LOKT) will dwell in it for ever.

"From the Gxth reafonofpraife; Learne, j. The Kingdomes of this world, efpecially fome of them of more eminent fort, dofeem very rich and glorious in comparifon of the outward appearance of the Kingdomeof Chrift in his Church, as the great, high, and fruitful hill of Bafian feemed to be more glorious then the hill of Sion$yct all things being compared, in fpeci-all the fpirkual priviledges of cheone with thetemportl privi-ledges of the other, the Church of God will outreach the moft elorious Kingdom on the earth : The bill of God is at the bittof Bafian> an high bill as the hill of Baflw*. 2. Although the Kingdomcs of the world rejoyce in their Prerogatives, and defpife the Kingdom of Chrift in his Church, vet nave they no caufe to exalt themfelves: Why leapyc, ye high bills? 3. This onepriviledgeof the Church, that it is the place of G'ods residence, wherein he will manifeft himfelf familiarly and comfortably to his own, mayoverfwayall the excellency of all the Kinfrdoraesof the world 5 no Kingdom which hath not Gods Church in it, can fay the like; Tbi% is the bill which god defiretb to dwell in\ yea, the Lord will dwell in it for ever*

Ver,

Ver. 17 k The chariots of God are twenty thou* *»d> even thmfands of Angels : the Lord is among bem^s in Sinai, in the holy place*

Ver. r8. Thou haft afcended on high % thou haff led activity captive, thon haft received gifts for men; ea, for the rebellions aljo^ that the Lord God might ] well among them.

From the feventh reafon ofpraife* Learn, i.NoKingdome nth fuch defence, fo potent and fo numerous armies to fight heir battels as the Church hath 5 The chariots of God aretwen-y tboufand, even tkoufands of Angels, z. The defence of An-;els is made faft to his Church, and their power nude fure o be for her, becaufe God is in his Church, even the Lord vhom all Angels do ferve and attend upon, is in his Church, is at his giving of the law upon {Mount Sinn did appear; the Lord is among them, m in Sinai. 3.The Lord is no leflc ter-ible againfthis foes in Sion, then in SinaU and whatfoever errour the Lord did mew to his Church in Sinai againft the riotaters of his law, he will mariifeft it for the comfort and de-ence of his people, who heartily embrace his Gofpel : The Lor A s among them, to wit, thefe chariots and Angels, as in Sinai, fo In the holy place. 4. The Ark was not more glorioufly convey-dfrom the houfe of Obed-cdom unto the city of 'David, then Sod, that is, Chrift, who is God, who defcended to aiTume hu-nane nature, that he might therein perfect the work of Rc-lemptton, did glorioufly afcend into heaven, afrerthe price of Redemption was paid by him > Thou haft afcended on high 9 Eph. 4. 8 3 o, 10. $, The praifes of God, and joy of the Church are perfected in Chrift ; no fatisfaclion in the fhadows^ ill Chrift the fubftance be looked unto; therefore here the Lords Spirit led his people to look through the fliadow of the tfcending of the Ark toward the city of David, unto the a-"cending of God incarnate (reprelented by the Ark) into heaven ; ffyou baft afcended on high. 6. Chrift did not en^er into bis glory without a battel going before, and that with ftrong md many enemies : and in his fighting he carried the victory, ind after his victory hedid triumph, firft in the Croffc, and :hcninhis Afcenfion , over fin, Satan, the world, hell, grave mdall: He led captivity captive. 7, Chrift as Mediatour and King of his Church, was fully furniilKa wiJi all things needful

ful 5 for gathering his Church, for edifying, governing and perfecting of it: fbov baft received gifts for men ; even thofe gifts which the Apoftie fpeaketh of, tor the gathering and edifying of the body of the Saints, Eph.$. ii y ij. 8. 1 he gifts which Chrift hath received and given forth; are not forthe Jewes only, or Gentiles only ; for the poore only, or rich only $ but for men indefinitely: Thou haft received gifts for mtit. 9 As ha hath received gifts for bringing on to life thofe that are recon* ciled: fo alio to conquer, lubdue and bring in rebels, and to reconcile enemies: Tbou baft received gifts for men, yea, and for the tebeUious alfo. 10. The end of (Thrifts' Afcenfipn, and re-, ceiving and fending down gifts among men, is to eathcr and prcferve, and eftablifti unto God a Church in the world, wherein he may make himfelf manifeft 5 and dwell and rule in the midfi of his enemies: Thou baft received gifts for men, that the Lord might dwell Among them • 11. Yea what oevcr gi fts are beftowei upon unregenerate men within the vifible Church or without it, which may any way be ferviceable to the Church, they are all beftowed on them in favour of the Church, that God may dwell in his vifible Church, which by thofe gifts is edified 5 Then baft received gifts for men, yea for the rebellious alfo, tha the Lord God might dwell amongtbem.

Vcr. 19. B/effed be the Lord, ^ho daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our falvation. Selah.

20. He that is our God, is the God of fafoa~ tion\ and unto GOD the Lord belong theJffaes from death*

From the eighth teafon of praife s Learnt, 1, Where the Lord will be merciful,he will be merciful, and not weary in doing good to his people in a current courfc of bounty; theob-fervation whereof fhould ftirre up our hearts to th:mkfulneflc: Tleffed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits. 1 . The favours and benefits which God doth beftow upon his people, do come in greater number and meafure unto them, then they are able to acknowledge, make ufe ot, or be thankful for, and loin a fortdo burden the fpirits of the truly godly : Plcjjed he God, who daily loadeth us with benefits. 3. As all benefits do flow unto Gods children from the covenanted kjndncfle of

Gocf

God for giving unto them eternal blvation ; fo mould all benefits confirm their faith in the Covenant, and lead them to the hope of receiving after all other benefits, falvation alto $ Blcffei be the I ord, who daily loadeth pa with benefits, even the God of our falvation. 4. Albeit the Covenant of falvation befure and folid in it fclf,yct are we flow to beleeve it, & weak in our laying hold of it; :nd have need to have the ftamp and impreffion of it let deep upon our hearts, as here the Pfalmift teacheth the Church by inculcating this point: He that is ourGod 3 is the God of jalvation. 5. Temporal things which men do idolize, may ferve a man in this life; but at death, in death, and after death he can have no good by them 5 It is God only who can deliver from death, and give an ifluc out of it: Unto God the I ord belong the iffucs of death. 6 . Let a man be once fetled in (he faith oi his falvation, then he fliall be comforted againft all the troubles and dangers wherein he can fall, yea even againft death it felfj ifhecanlay, He that is our God, is tbc God of fa4-vation , he may alfo fay with confidence and application to him-fel^ andcomiort , Unto God the Lord belong the ijfues from death.

Vcr. 21. But God toill wound the head of his enemies'- and the hairy [calf of (uch a one as goeth on fiill in his trefpajfes.

From the ninth reafon of Godspraife; Learnt^ 1. How great fcever be the majefty of God, and the riches of bounty and grace offered in Chrift, yet will men be found even within the vitible Church, who will wickedly refufe his grace i and oppofe his Kingdom, but all to their own Ihame and drjjaage; 'But God (hall wowid the head of bis enemies. 2. The e^ra&et of Gous irreconcileable enemies is, that they ceafe not to >Uo\ * the courfcof fin: he goeth on fiill in bis trefpajfes. 5. Though God fpare his enemies long, andfuffer themtoerow old in the courfe of enmity againft him, yet (hall flnmeful, fudien and irrecoverable judgements overtake thern in their old dayes > Hut God [hall wound the hoary feilp of fuck a one as gocth on (till in his trefpjjfcs. ^]j3l

• Ver, 22, The Lord faid^ Jwili bring*gain from

no PSAL. LXVIII.

0 Ba/ha?t r I mil bring my people again from the depth's of tie fea,

2$. That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thj dogs in the fame.

From the tenth reafon of praife, wherein the Prophet promi • feth in the Lords Name, that God (hall work over again fuch works of delivery to his people, and fuch works of victory o-ver their enemies, as he had wrought before; Learn, 1. The Lords Word is certainly fufficient ior performance of his pro-mifes, and gtound of comfort and confidence, andthankfgi-ving and praife to Gd even before the work be wrought 5 The Lord [aid, I will bring again , ttfc. 3. As the Lord wilF have the memory of former dangers and deliveries of his Church kept in remembrance for his own glory : fo will he have former dangers for his peoples good to be looked upen as advertifements of what ftraits his Church may be caft into, and his former merciful deliveries looked upon as pledges and pawns of the promifes of like mercies in time to come, as need fhall require : I mil bring again from Bajhau, I mil bring my people again from the depths ofthcfea>doth import thus much. 3. As the Lord will give as great deliverances to his Church, when they are in ftraits as ever he did before:fo wil he give as terrible blows to his adver-faries as sver he did, according as the Churches need or good ihal require; I will bring again from Bajhan, (<rc. that thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thy enemies. 4. Albeit neither the Lord nor his people do delight in bloodfhed, yet will he let his people and all men fee, in the bloodfhed of their enemies, how terrible heisin juftice, efpeciallyagainft the enemies of his Church, and how dear his people are to him, and that rather then they fhouldbe overthrown, he will deftroy Nations for their fafety; and give unto his people in their own defence againft their op-preffors, notable victories j So that thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies. 5. When the Lord thinks it fitmot to make his own people inftrumental in their own delivery, then can he yoke the enemies among themfelves, or raife up profane dogs like themfelves to avenge the quarrel of the Lords people upon their enemies: That the tongue of thy dogs may be dipped in the fame s that is 3 in the blood of thine enemies;

Veiv

Ver. 24. They havejeen thy goings, 0 god, even the goings of my God y my King^ in the fanUttary.

25. The fingers went before\ the flayers on inflrn-ments followed after \ amongfi them were the dam0 -fels flaying with timbrels.

To confirme what is promifed, he brin^erh forth old experiences acknowledged by the enemies, regiftred in the Word of the Lord, and read in the Temple. Whence learn, i.The Lord ufeth to work to evidently for his people, and againft his enemies, that both his people and their enemies are made witnei-fes, and are forced to acknowledge the Lords work) They have fcen (by goings, 0 God. 2. It is the glory of a people, when God fo worketh, as he is feen to be their God, their leader, their defender, and all as in C ovenant with them : They have fcen thy goings, 0 God, even the goings of my God, faith he. 3. Thac Gods honour may be feen, mans honour mould be laid down at his feet; and put cafe a man were the gi cateft King, yet is it greater glory and matter of contentment to have God for his Kmg, then to be a King without God j 7 bey have feen thy go-ings,0 my God-my 1^'7/g, (faith David, now fetled in the Kingdom. ) 4. The meft dear, lure and profitable fight of the Lords work and wayes, is to be had in the ufe of publick ordinances, where his Name, Nature, Covenant and courle he keepetri with all men, togerher with the caufes, ufe and ends of his works are to be feen 5 They have feen the goings of my God intbefan-ctuary. 5. Where ail the people receive a benefit, it becometh all the people publickly andfotemnly, and with their beft ex-predion of affection,as God doth appoint, to praife God, and in his worfliip to ice that all things may be done orderly, as Israel did, when they came through the red lea, and at othertimesas the Lord gave occafion : The fingers wan before, the players on inftrumeius followed after, amongfi them, in the middle-ward, the Vamofels playing with timbrels\ 6. Ail the powers of our fouls and bodies ihould concurre each of them in their own order with the beft harmony of knowledge, afteclions and expreflions, which can be attained unto, for ferting forth the Lords praiies, and our obligation to him for his goodnefle to his people, and fo mould wemarchonall thedayes of our pilgrimage and warfare, till we come to the promifed reft : for this did the external ceremonies uled under the pedagogic of the Law, teacht Whicfe

eere-

ceremonies although they be abolished nowj yet the fubftance and intended duties painted at in them, befng moral, do {till remain; The fingers went before, players on infirwnents followed after, &c.

Ver. 26. Bleffe ye god in the Congregations : evert

the Lor d from the fountain of lfraeh

2 j. There is Utile Benjamin with their Ruler , the Princes of Jud«h, and their CoUncel^the Princes of Zebulun, and the Trinces ofNaphtalL

As the Pfalmift did clear the doctrine of Gods dealing for his Churchy and againft their enemies by experiences of oh: fo he poinrs here at experience later, as was to be feen by all, st the glorious triumphing of Ifraelowcc all their enemies, when they were now afiemblcd in their feveral tribes, the leaft as well as the greateit, the moil remote tribes/ as well as thofe that were neareilhand 5 all of them conveyingthe Ark of God unto the City of "David, which was the type ot Chrift. God incarnate, aicending after his victories into heaven. Whence learn, i.The mercies of God to his people, in ipecial the gteat work of Re-demption> and victory overall enemies obtained by Chrift in favour of his people* are abundant matter and caufe topraife God, and to blefle him in all the aflemblies of the Church; for here it is a commanded duty : Bleffe ye God in the Congregate ons. 2. Whatfoever be the part of others in dicharging of this duty, it is expected moft at the hands of every kindly Israelite, who draw their original from the fountain of ifraely whether they be of thenatuial flock of tfacob, defended of him, as water out of a fountain, or have their defcent of the fame Spirit of regeneration with him ; Bleffe ye God, even the Lord from the fountain of Ifrae!. 3. Examples and practices of Gods children at any time, are the encouragements of his people at all times thereafter: There is little Beniamin with their Rulers , &c % fet forth here for example. 4. The Piety of Governors, and theirprecedencie before or joyning with others in the Lords fcrvice, is more honourable unto them then their places of dig* nity,or their gifts of wifdom and power : There were the Trinces of judah. with their Councel, the Princes of Zebulun, and tke Princes of Naphtali, 5. In the exercile of Gods worfhip, and in privileges fpiruual, the Lord doth joyne the fmallcft with-

the

the treated, the lowcft with the higheit, that the lowcft may glo-vy t in their exaltation, and the higheft in their humiliation: There was little Benjamin with fudab, the people with their Princes

Rulers

Ver. 28. Thy God hath commanded thy firength' ftrengthen, O God, that which thou haft wrought for w

2 ?. Becaufe of thy temple at Jerttfalem^ /hall k^ngs. bringprefents unto thee.

From the eleventh reafon of Gods prai.e; Learn ? 1. Not fn Kings, or Rulers, or any thing eile , but in the Lord and from the Lord , is the firength of his Church, which fhe imy expeft al waves to be furnifhed with by vertue of the Covenant i Thy Cjod hxth commanded thy firength > faith 2)i-vii to the Church. 2. As the Lord hath decreed to efta-b.'i/h his Church : fo hath he meancs and inftruments in every age and place prepared for this purpofe 3 and ha:h given out order by actual providence; which is-alwayes going about the work in all ages ; thy God hath commanded thy ftrcnjb. 3. The Loi\ J s decree and the order given forth to accomplish it, confifteth well with the Churches ufing of all lawful meanes to further that end 3 an J in Ipecial mould bejoyned with thankful acknowledging of what the Lord hath begun to 60, ordone already for it > and with earneit prayer for accomplishing of what is to be further done: fo teach-eth Davids example ar.d prayer here : Strengthen , 0 Cjod, that which thou haft wrought for m. 4. The Lords knowne prcfencc in his Chuch , maintaining and bleffing of his publick Ordinances* fhall move kings at tail to do homage to God incarnate > that is, to Chrfft reprefented bv his dwelling in the Temple ofrfcrufalem : Becaufe of thy temple at ferujalem , jhall yin** bring pre'fonts unto thee.

Ver. 30. Rebuke the company of (peartnzn ,~ the malt it tide of the built, -with the calves of the people\ till every one fttbmtt himflfwith pieces of fiver: jcatter thoH thtyeople that delight in)todrre.

31. Princes full come out of Egypt , Ethiopia Jhall foonftrctchotit her hands unto Gcd,

I. Ho?/

riow tins man luiiic t j ^ajit, uv, mcwcui i lu wit , paruy oy breaking the power of fome of them, when they make oppofitipr.> partly by powerful converfion of other fome. Whence learn , I « It is not againft the precept of love, to pray again!! publick enemies of the Church , when private fpleen is not the motive, fcut 7.eal to the glory of God > Rebuke the company of fpearmen. 2« The leaders of armies, parties, and fadions againil Gods Church and caufe,and the followers of fuch leaders , are all of them a company of beafts> Rebuke the multitude of the bulls jtvitb the calves of the people* 3. God is adverfary to all who do oppofe his people, and his caufe in their hand , and can as eafily repulfe them really, and overturn them, as reprove them verbally : 7£c-bu\ethe jpearmen , tyc. 4» The end of the Churches prayer againil her enemies, is,that God may be glorified , and people at leaft brought to outward obedience unto God, which may be a means to real converfion in Gods time; l\cbu\e them , ($c. till every one of them fubmit themfelves, with pieces offdver j that is, till they offer to contribute to Gods fervice. 5. The punifti-ing of fome of Gods enemies, may be a meanes to move others to offer obedience, and fubmitto God , when people that delight in warre are fcattered; For Princes Jhatt come out of Egypt. 6. God will draw into fubjeftion unto himfelf, fome of his moft open and inveterate enemies; Princes fhall come out of Egypt 9 Ethiopia jball foonjtyetcb out her bands unto thee.

Ver. 32. Sing unto Cjod^ je kingdomes of the earth: O jing praifes unto the Lord* Selah.

33. To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens^ which were of old : lo , he doth fend out his voice > and that a mighty veue.

34. Ajcribefe firength unto God: his excellency U over Ifrael, and his firength is in the clouds.

35. O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places : the God of Ifrae lis he that give th firength anil power unto his people : hie fed be God.

From the taft reafon of praifing of God , taken from his Almighty power, in converfion of Kingdomes of Gentiles, ready to te put forth for the prefervation of his Church gathered, and for the overthrow of his enemies. Learn , I. The time

mail

-

ftiallcome, when thekingdomes of the earth mall turn Chri-ftians in profeflion, in a greater meafure then yet hath been feen v for, Sing unto Got,ye \ingdon\cs of the earth : is not a fim-pic telling of their duty , buta prophecieoftheir joyful joyning in the worfhipofGod; and that they (hall have caufe of joy within themfelves to praifc him; O fivg praifes to ihe Lord. 2. True Converts will renounce Idols and falfe gods^ and reverently worfliipthe omnipotent Creator and Governour of heaven, the eternal God : Sing praifes to God that rideth upon the I heaven ofbeivens, that were of old. 3. As thc-glorious government of heaven doth fhew the Lords power 5 fo the thunder alio doth fhew his power and terror, the consideration whereof is needful to diipofe our ftupid mindes to Jhraifc him; Lo , be cloth fend forth his voice, even a mighty voice. 4. The right ufe of Gods great, and ienfible , and daily ken worksy is to make us to glorify the power of God , who is able to work wharfoever he pleifeth; Afcrihe Jlrength unto the Lord. 5. The Lords glory in his Church is more excellent then all that is to be feen in the works of Creation: His excellency is ever Ifrael. 6. The true worfhipper mult itudy the power, and all other properties of God,both by what he hears in the fociety of the Church,and by what he feeth in his vilible works-as well daily tranfient works, fuch as the cloud s arenas conltantly enduring, works, fu:h as the hravens are : Hts excel ency is over ifrael, and his (irength is in the clouds. And forely it is no fmall power, which doth bear up fuch weight ofmoimtain.es of fnow, and feas' of water, and doth make them faile as it were , and flee wka wings in the aire, which God doth diflolve by (ittleandlittle,as we daily behold. 7. Where foe ver God fheweth his preience,whe-ther in heaven, or in his Church, in any place of the earth, there and from thence doth he fhew himfelf a dreadful God to fuch as fear him not; 0 God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places. 8. Albeit there were no man to hear us glorifie God, or no man to take hispraife of our hand, we mould acknowledge M> great-nefle in our heart, and before himfelf, who will take true worfhip of our hand; for 'David here turneth his fpeech to God in the end of the Pfalme, faying to him, O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places . 9. The Lord hath an evei lafting intereft in the people of ifl-ael, and they in him, for the elections caufe 5 and every true Ifraelite hath an everlafting intereft in God, he is the God of Ifrael. to. Wilat the Lord hath, is forth-coming to his peoples furniture; as they have need : Tk$ God of ifrael is he I x that

tbxx givelb flrcngtb and power to bis people. 11. It is reafon that at all the feveral remembrances of Gods mercy to us;, we mould acknowledge his blefledneffe , and his blefling of us, and this is all we can do, and that alfo can we not do except he ftrengthen and enable us for praife ; for, blefftd be Goi, faith the Prophet, for this very reafon, after he hath fpoken of his giving power to his people*

PSAL. LXIX

To the chief mufiewt upon Sbofbannim. A Pfalm of Vivid.

DAvid> as a type of Chrift , earneftly dealeth with God for a delivery from his perplexed condition, and from the malice of his adverfaries 5 and doth finde a comfortable even*. There are three parts of the Pfalm. In the firit, is his prayer, fix times prefrnted , and ftrengthened with new reafons, to vcr. 22. In thefecond part of the Pfalm, is his imprecation often plagues againft his enemies, with fome reafons added for the juftice ot the inflicting the plagues, mentioned to vcr. 29. In the third part, arc four evidences of his vi&orv, from ver. 19. to the end. In all which, whatfoever is proper to the type, is to be referred to the type only ', and whatfoever is fit alfo to be applied unto Chifl the Antitype, muft be referred to him only, in thatfenfc which is fuitable to his Majefty.

His prayer at firit, is propounded in few words > Save me: the reafons are foure. The firit, from the danger he was in, ver. 1,2. The next rom his long and patient waiting for an anfwer to his prayer, ver 3. The third from the multitude, and malice, and iniquity of his enemies, ver4* The fourth is by way ofattefta-tion of God, that he was innocent of that whereof he was char* ged by his enemies, joyned in with his humble acknowledging ©fwhatfover other fins juftice could charge upon him in any ether refpeft, ver* 5.

Ver. 1. Q^weme^oGod; for the waters are come \3 in unto mj foul. 2. 1 fink in deep mire*, where there is no {landing : I am come into deef Waters, when the floods overflow me.

His Brft Petitiou is to be faved , and the firft rcafon ofiti 5 , becaufe of the danger he was in j Whence learn , 1. A childc of God may in his own fenfe be very near to perilling , and yet muft not in the mod defperate condition ceafe to pray, nor ceafe to hope for delivery prayed for: Save me , 0 God. z . With danger of bo.lily death , a childe of God may have in his fpirit a fore conflict with the fenfe of wrath , like to fwallow up his foul, as deep waters do a drowning man s The waters arc come in unto my foul, j, The condition of a foul exercifed with the fenfe of wrath j thieateneth nolcflethen perdition, certain, inevitable, without any event , and endleUe; whereof the bodily danger of a drowning man isbutafhadow : I finfi in deep mire, where there U no (landing; I am com into deep waters> where the floods overflow me,

Ver. 3. I am weary ofmj crying.mj throat is dried: wine eyes faile while I wait for my God.

The fecond reafon of the firft Petition is, becaufe he had long and patiently waited on God. Whence learn, j. Faith in hard exigences doth not give over for appearances of perdition, knowing that what is impoflible to mans appearance , is not impoflible to God; for David, as a believer, and a type of Chrift,prayeth ftill for all this , although he Gnde no delivery: I am weary of my crying. 2. Prayer put up in faith to God , kecpeth in life, and is like a mans drawing breath in the water when the head is lifted up above the floods; for here , although the floods overflowed the Pfalmift, yet he is able to mew this to God, and to cry till he be weary of crying. $ . For cxercifing of faith, and making patience to have the pcrtect work, it is no ftrangething for God to delay relief unto an earned fupplicant', till he be like to give over, till his cafe feem defperate , and-Jiis relief hopelefle ; Mine eyes faile, while I wa ; t for my god. 4. Though the flefh of the regenerate man be weak, yet the fpirit is ready,and will never give over calling on God , depending on him , holding fail the Covenant 3 and the hope of deliverance s for it will make this a new ground of fpcech unto God,that it is no: able to fpeak any thing, and a new ground of laying hold on God, and hoping for help from him, becaufe its hope is failing , as here : I am weary of my crying, mythrotfis dried ; mine eyes faile, whi'c I wait for my God.

Ver. 4. They that hate me without a caufe^ are mot \ 3 then

then the haWes of my head: they that would deftroy me t being mine enemies ^Qrongfully^are mighty : then I reft [ ored that which I took not aVay.

The third reafon of the firft Petition is , becaufe his enemies Were many, mighty, and malicious, WJKnct learn , i . Holinefs, and integrity cvnn^t ward off the enmity of a \ icked world : for the enemies of David, who was a well-deferving man, and Chrift (whofe type he was) much more beneficial to men , had iocs innumerable} They that h ate me -without cauje , are moe then the haires of my head, i. Albei t mam- do aggravate their own j,riefe foolifhly , wh.ii they fuffer hui t of them whom they did not injure or provoke; ye: the confidence of harmle'r effe toward fuch as wi/h harm to them, is a great fupport o their confidence, when they are injuriouily dealt with; They hate me without a caufe, 3.It isnoftrangemcjttertofec truly godly men to be out of credit* and afte&ion with men who are in power and authority in the world; They that would deftroy me , being mine enemies wrongfully < are mighty. 4. He tnac is moft juft, may be troubled and hated without a caufe. and may be dealt with as a thief, being verily an honeft man > Then I reftored that which 1 too^ not away.

Ver. 5. O Cod, thou hnoweft mj foollfhnejfe , and my fins are not hid from thee.

The fourth reafon of the firft Petition is.,becaufe God was wit-nefle to his difpofnion *nd carriage. Whence learn , When we are condemned of men unjuftly > we have God to appeale unto; and although there may be fins upon us in our private reckoning with God 3 yet being free of what men do lay to our charge , wc may appeal co God in the controverfy betwixt cur enemies and us , an.i when we have ackno^ ledged what finnes are in reckoning 'twixt God and us, our fupplicaticn to God fliall not be caft back for oul fms$ for this is the force of the Pfalmifts reafoning, for the ftrengthenirig of his own faith in prayer , faying, 0 Cjod 3 thou finoweft my foolijhneffe, and my fins are not hid from tbety that is, whether I befofoolifh and injurious to my perfecutors, as they fay, or not, thou Lord knoweit; and whatfocver other nnnes may be imputed unto me upon any other fcore 5 I refufe not to reckon for them, but T am free, thou knoweft, of what I am charged with : and this is applicable alfo in fome fort unto Chrift, who was moft free of what men did lay to his charge^ although in

another

' another reckoning all the iniquities or the elect were charged upon him by imputation , according to his tranfa&ion with the Father about our debt.

Ver. 6. Let not them that wait on thee , O Lord G OT) of hoftes^ be ajhamed for my fake : let not thofe that feek^ thee % be confounded for my fakje , O God of lftaeL

The fecond Petition is, that the godly may not be hurt by his manner of exercife, which he ftrengthens by four reafons; Frft, becaufe his fufferings were for Gods caufe, ver. 7- Secondly, be-caufe he was call off by his friends , ver. 8. Thirdly , becaufe he did take Gods honour deeply to heart , ver. 9. Fourthly 3 becaufe his holy and religious carriage was mocked : and both by high and low, by honourable and bafe rafcals he was oppofed and pei»fecuted, ver, 10,11,12.

From the fecond Petition learn, 1. The property of the godly is to feek communion with God > and patiently to attend his anfwer for the time, manner, and meafure of its for they are here defcribed, They that wait on thee, OLord, thofe that feek thee* 2. When one of Gods children is perfecutcd for righteoufnefie* all the reft are waiting to fee the event, and it cannot chufe but be a great da(h to them, to fee the righteous lie under , or a good caufe to lie long opprefled, which inconvenience we fliould requeft the Lord to prevents Let not tbem that wait ontbee, be ajhamed-, let not thofe thetfccfi tbee , be afiamed. 5. It is a kindely mark and property of a godly perfon to be a lover of the good of all Gods children , and to be careful that no caufe or oc-cafion of (tumbling be furnifhed unto them by him s Let them not be ajhamed for my fa\e 5 let them not be confounded for my fafa. 4. Faith fets its eyes in prayer upon thofe titles of God 3 which dofervemoft for itspurpofe; as here the Pfalmift hath to do with enemies, 0 Lord god of Hop, will do his turnagainft them; heisyrayingforthegood of Gods children, and, OGod. <?/ Ifraelj fpeafatb to that point*

Ver# 7. Becaufe for thy fake I have borne re* proach: fhame hath covered my face.

The Gift reafon of the tecond PetiVon is, becaufe his fufferings were for Gods caufe. Whencc{lcarn 3 1. Though differing

for Gods caufe in maintenance of his truths be a glorious fort of fufiaing, wherein a man may go unto God confidently; yet it may be accompanied with fhame from men of this world, and the godly for a time may be fo delayed in the point of relief 3 that they know not what to fay to their fcorncrs, but may be iovced to hang the ik ad for a while 5 For thy caufe I have bore reproach. 2. He jhat fufters fhame for Gods caule^ fhal! neither have caufe at length to be aihamed of his fufferirig, nor (ball any other have caufe to be afhamrd for him $ Let them not be con founded for my fjlie, becaufefor thy ja^e I have borne reproach.

Ver. 8. / am become a fir anger unto my brethren , and an alien unto my mothers children,

The iecond reafon of thetecond Petition is^becaufe his friends had caft him eft) Whence learn , I. In affliction for Gods caufe friends will more readily foriake a fuffrer , then in his affli&i-on For a civil caufe s I Am become a ftrangcr to my brethren. 2.The power of Religion in the godly, is ftrongcr then the bonds of Bipod with their kinfmen , and it will make them cleave to God 3 when their kindred do caft them off : J am an alien unto rny mothers children.

Ver. 9. For the zj ale of thine hoyfe htith eaten me up : and the reproaches of then? that reproached thee, are fallen upon mee.

The third reafon of the kcond Petition is 3 becaufe he was deeply affe&ed with the difhonor done to God. Whence Icarn^ 1 Jc is not enough to leve Goc\> and his ordinces,and kingdome , jand his peoples good $ but it is required alfo that we be zealous here : The ^eale of thy houfe bath eaten me wp. 2; Spiritual affections and paffioiis will noleflc affect and trouble the body, then natural affections and paffionj.; The \ex\e of thy houfc bath eaten me. up. $. Injuries done tc God and Religion, and to the godly, fhould affect us noleffe nearly , and be laid to heart, then injuries perfonally conceining us; The rep/caches of them that reproached thee, have fallen upon me*

Ver. 10. when I wept^ and ch&Rened myfculmth faffing^ that Was to my reproach,

11. Imadefackcloth alfo my garment: and 1 became & proverb to them,

12. Thej that fit in the gate , [peak agdinfl me, and I was afong to the drunkards. The

The fourth reafon of the fecond Petition is 3 hecaufe he wis greatly mocked of all forts for his holy carriage. Whence learn , i. Truezeale is ruled with knowledge, joyned with humiliry ia the mans felf, and tempered with the love to men , even toward perlecutorsj fuch was Davids zeale : but Chrifts zeale was perfectly fuch ; J wept: and cbaftcned my fonk. 2. Fading in earned is not fo much the abftinence from meat , as it is the afflicting the ibulc; W)nn I chaftcned my foul with fafting* 3. The godly b.haviour of the righteous, is fubject to horrible mifcon-itruction, yet mult they not defift from duties for all this, Falling was to my reproach. 1 made facecloth alfo my gaxmcai, and I be-came a proverb to them. 4. It is a fore affliction to the godly > to be condemned by Magiftrates and Judges^ and yet the truly religious, even Chrift and his followers were, and are fubjeft to this exercife j They that ft in the gate (ov in the Courts of Juftice., which were erected at the entry of the parts of Cities) do fpeafz againji me. 5. Righteoufnefle and truth is not the worfe by its being condemned by civil Judges 5 God will not difclaime his own caafe for that, but will hear fuch complaints as this is, in this cafe: they that fit in the gate, fpeakagainft me. 6. When Magiftrates do discountenance true Religion, then it becometh amattcrofderifiontorafcalsj and to every bale villain without controlment , and a table talk to everygtiplers I was a (ong of the drunkards. 7. The fliame of the Croife is mo.e grievous then the reft of the trouble of it .• This is the fourth time th3r the (haw of the Crofle isprefented unto God 5 in thefe foure laft vcrfes 3 I was a fong of the drunkards : after complaining of his being reproached* and being-made a proverb*

Ver. 13. 'But 4s for me, my prayer \s wto thee, 0 LORT*, in an acceptable time : O God , in the multitude of thy mercy hear me^ in the truth of thy Jul-vation.

This is the third petition for deliverance, ov for granting his pravcr, or the third time he prefenteth it j whereunto he adderh rcafons taken from the time of ptefenting of it^and multitude of Gods mercy and truth of his promifes or Covenant of falvation. Whence learn, 1. Thebeft way to bear out thepcrfecutionof the mighty, and the mockage of the bate multitude, is to be frequen t in prayer to God for our part h But aa for me, my prayer is unto tbcCjOLofd. 2. So long as God doth offer a gracious eare to

fupplic.mrs,

fupplicants, a man may be confident that petitions of grace mall have ready acceflc and anfwerj my prayer is unto thee in an acceptable time. $. The largeneile of Gods mercy is a iufficient encouragement for the afflicted to^come and take the benefit thereof 5 In the multitude of thy mercies hear thou me. 4. When befides the mercifulnefle of God, we have alfo his Covenant and promifeoflalvation, we may upon thefe two pillars leane and rollover, and reft our faith: hear me in the truth of thy frt-vation.

Ver. 14. 'Deliver me out of the mire y and let me not fmk^: let me be delivered from them that hate me^ and out of the deep waters.

15. Let not the water-floods over-flow me, neither let the deep [wallow me up, and L t not the pit jhut her mouth upon me.

The fourth petition for delivery, or fourth time he prefenteth it, whereunto he addeth reafons taken from the danger he was in. Whence learn, 1, Faith ufeth to correct the expreflions of fenfe 1 and as faith doth gather ftrength, a mans condition groweth clearer; It was the expreffion of fenfe, ver. z> I fiitk in-deep mire, and here the fear is fomething leflened , becaufe faith is fomething more cleared ; deliver me out of the mire, let me not fin\* 2. The man who loveth truth better then worldly profpe-rity, and maketh the Lord his refuge, (hall not faint under per* fecution,but mall be borne through all troubles, and be delivered ; let me be delivered from them that hate me^ and out of the deep waters, g. Faith in God giveth hope to be helped , and is half a delivery, before the full delivery come; for the Pfalmift is now with his head above the water, and not Co feared as when he began the Pfalme 5 for here he faith, Let not the water floods over-flow me 3 neither let the dcepfwallow me up. 4* As the fenfe of danger fhatpens prayer, fo the greatnefle of it is a ground of hope, that the evil which is feared frail not prevaile over us$ for albeit the Lord fufter the danger to be great, yet will he not leave us in a cafe defpeiate; let not the pit flnit her mouth upon me,

Ver. 16. Bear me^ 0 LORD, for thy loving klndneffe \sgoocl: tume unto me according to the mul~ titude of thy tender mercies.

17. And hide not thy face from thy fervant % for I am in trouble: hear me (pecAilj.

The fifth petition for delivery, or fifth time he prefenteth it, whereunto he ad.ieth eafo^staken from the multitude o. Gcds mercies, confeienceof his uptigbtnelte, and greatnefle 01 his trouble. Whence learn, 1, Albeit God mould give no anfwer for a time, faith will ftill preife for an anfwer, for it knoweth it hath to do wih the hearer of prayer: hear me^ laid he before, and hear ove again, Hour mc> 0 LO% . 2. Faith feech what is in Gods heart, whatfocuei : k doth tinde or miffe in his hand, it fallens on love, and drawetb hope and life from that: hear me 3 for thy loving faidiicjfc is good. 2, Though a beleeving foul finde it ielf deierted of Gou in fome refpe&s; yet while it holds faft on his merciful nature, it may be lure to meet with a change of difpenfation more comfortable; turne unto me ac-cording to the multitude of thy tender mercies. 4. When a be-leever isperfecuted by man for righteoufnefTe,nnd friends and familiars do turne theii backs upon him; it is not ftrange that God for the mans trial, mould feemc to hide his countenance from him alfo, which exercife the beleever ccunteth more heavie then all the reft, and can be content to want all the creatures kindneffe, to he may finde the Lords kindnefle; tor he cannot endure long to want Gods prefence : Hide not thy face from thy fervant. 5. Thcconfcie. cc of endeavour to fervc God, giveth hope of comfort in time of trouble and that fo much the iboner, that the trouble be gieat, and perdition apparently near; Hide not thy face from try fervant, for I am in trouble: hear me fpeedily. 6, An upright fervant, albeit he be troubled for Gods cauie, and do mifle comfort from God, yet will he not change his Mailer^ nor defpaire of his favour; Hide not thy face from, th fervant , for 1 am in trouble. 7. It is no limitation of God, to preife his ha fling to help, when trouble preileth us fo fore as we feeme near toperifh: if he fpeedily prevent not: hear me fpeedily.

Ver. 18. Draw nigh unto my foul, and redeeme it: deliver me becaufe 0 ' mine enemies.

19, Thou haft l^nown my reproach, and my Jhame , and my difhonour : mine adverfaries are all before thee.

2p, Reproach hath broken my heart- and 1 am full

9

cf beavinejfe : and I looted for fome to take fitiejbut there was none ; and for comforters , but 1 found none.

21. 1hey gave mi alfe gall for my meaty and in my tblrft they gave me vincger to drink*

In the fixth petitioner fixth time he prayeth for obtaining delivery : whereunto he addeth reafons taken from the inhumanity, and cruelty of his enemies, and defection of his friends, and want of comfort from all men. Whence learti, i. As ft raits do ferve to drive the godly more and more neei-hand to God: fo do they ferve to prepare men for renewed fenfe of communion with God, or for Gods fenfible drawing more neer-hand to them ; draw neer unto my foul, faith he. 2. A new manifeftation of Gods love to a foul, isprefent relief and delivery, whatfoever be th^ trouble; draw neerto my foul , and redeem me. 3. In the delivery of Gods children from the hand of perfecutors, the Lord doth look not onely to the neceffity of his children , but alfo to the infolent pride of the enemies, in cafe they mould pre-vaile; deliver me 3 bccaufe of mine enemies. 4. Theconfidera-tion of Gods being witneffe to all the fufferings of the Saints, is a ground of patience under trouble, and of hope to be delivered S Tbou baft lyiQvpn my reproached my fame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee. 5 Before a beleever once entered in fufferings,and put upon his trialls, be delivered, he fhall be made very fenfible of the weight of trouble, fpeciaily of reproaches, and of his own weaknefle to bear the burden of the crofle alone,- l\eproacb bath broken my heart , and I am full of beaviygffe. 6. Asa perfecuted Saint may poflibiy be deprived, of all common comfort, pity and help from men ; fo the lcfle their comfort be on earth, they may look for the more and readier comfort from God 5 I looked for fom to tak.cpity, and there was i:one>and for comforters, but I found none. 7. As the wicked are ready to adde affliction to affliction unto the godly: fo muft the godly ever look for it: yea, they muft not think it ftrange to finde the meanes of natural life, and ordinary refrefriments of the body, made bitter to them by perfecution : They gave me gall for my meatyhte is, they made my natural refreshments taftelefle, yea and bitter to me: they gave me caufe of grief, inftead of comforting me 8 .As all the fufferings of the Saints are but madowes of the fufferings of Chrift: lb arc.they all mitigated and fan&i-

fi?4

! fied in the fufferings of Chrift , upon whom all the fufferings 1 mentioned in this P(alme,were foretold that they mould fall, for expiation of the (inland fan&ifying the crofses of all his followers ; In my thirft they gave me vineger to drvifi , was a Prophecy of Chrifts fuffering on the Crofsfc, '

Vcr. 22. Let their table become a fnare before them: and that which flhould have been/<?r their Welfare, let it become a trap.

23. Let their eyes be darkendthat they fee not : and make their loines continually tofhake,

24 Pour out thine indignatian upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take ho!d of them,

25. Let their habitation b: deflate , and let none dwell in their tents.

This is the fecond part of the Pfalme, wherein the Propriety as a type of Chiift, by way of imprecation againit his malicious e-nemies prophefieth of the vengeance of God againft all obfti-nate adverfaries, and malicious pevfecutors of him , whether in his own perfon, or in his members S and denounceth ten plagues, or effe&s of Gods wrath to come upon them for theii wickednefs. The firft whereof is this, God mall curie all the comforts of this li-e unto the obilinate adverfaries of Chrift^ and of his followers : all thefe comforts mall ferve to harden their hearts in finne, and lengthen their life therein, till they fill up the meafure of their iniquities 5 Let their table ' ecomeafnare before them. The fecond plague,, all the meanes appointed for mens converfion and iaivation (hall turne for the aggravating of their finne and juft damnation : and as all things work together for the good of thofe that love God, fo mall all hings work for the wo and wrack of Gods enemies j That which fnould. have been for their welfare, let it become a tiapi The third plague, they mall not perceive the true intent oi Gods work> nor confider the day or their vifi-tation 5 Let their eyes be darkened, that they /c not. The fourth plague^ there mall be no peace to the wicked , but as even in laughter their heart (hall be forrowful; fo alfo their confeience for fear (hall never dare to abide the light of the Lords. Word, to be examined by it j and even in their greateft prosperity they ihall haye perpetu. 1 fecret (ear, fmother it as they will; mxhjt their

U

loines continually to fhahe. The huh plague, the tireatened wrath of God (hall be fully executed againft them, and never depart from them when it is once poured out j Ttoure ut thy in* dignation on tbem> and let thy wrathful anger tx\\e hold of them. The fixth plague is, the curfe ot God fliall be on their houfes and pofterity, and the place they have dwelt in (hall be bhurred : Let their habitation be defokte,andlet none dwell in their tents.

Vcr. 26. For they perfecute him Whom thou haft fmittenj and they talk to the grtefof thofe Whom thou hafi Wounded*

Hegiveth are.ifonof thofe fearful imprecations on Chrifts " adverfaries, becaufe they a e cruel in their perfecutipil of him, and of the godly, even in the time of th_i. affliction otherwayes fent by God. Whence lam, 1. It confffteth well wirh the love of God to his children, (even his only begotten Sonne Jems Chrift not being excepted) to exercife them with fad calamities, for bringing co pafie the work of mans Redemption by Chrift, and for perfe&ing of the fan&iHcation and falvatiori of the redeemed by Chrift; of all of whom now and then it may befaid to God 3 Tboubaft fmittenhim, and they are thofe whom thou haft wounded, z vVhatfoever may be the reafon of the Lords uniting and wouniing his own children 3 yet their wicked enemies have no juft reafon to maligne them, or to trouble them, and therefore their troubling of Gods children is perfection > They perfecute him rvbom thou hafi jmitten* 3. The very talking and venting of ill fpeeches, tothe prejudice of Chrifts caufe and r ruth, and true holines in his Saints, efpe-cially when they are under fufterings & afflictions wrntfoever, is a high provocation of Gods wrath: They talli to the grief of thofe whom thoubafl wounded. *.The; perfection of Gods children for righteoufnefle, isafufficient ditty for ail the forenamed damnation in the preceding verfes; this is the reafon of the juftice of the imprecation: For they perfecute him whom thou hafi [mitten. ?. The Church withoat breach of duty to men, may fing and rejoyce in thefe fearful imprecations againft the malicious enemies of Chrift and his Church, firft, as lovers of God more then of men : fecondly, as followers, not of their own quarrel, but of the controveriie of the Lord of hoftes, whofe fouldicrs they are againft all his enemies whatioever: thirdly*

as

as fubfcribers to the juftice of God, who will not fuffer malicious cruelty to be unpunifhed : and fourthly, as rcjoycers in Gods love to his people, who ownes the wrongs done to his Church and fervants therein, as done tohimfelf, and will be a-ven^ed upon their adyerfaries, and having decreed doom a-gainfttheadverfariesof his Church, will have his children to be minifters under the great Judge, to pronounce the (entence a-gainft his and thjir enemies j and as it were, to give out order for execution of the fentence, faying, Let their table, let their eyes> let their habitation be fo and fo difpojed of.

Ver. 27. Acide iniquity unto their iniqnity y and let them not come into thy righteoufneffe.

28. Let them be blotted out of the book^of the livings and not be written with the righteous*

The feventh plague of the enemies of Chrifland his Church, is this: howfoever igno;ant Ze ots, fomeof them may finde mercy ; yec malicious perfecutors of truth and piety grow worfe and worfe, and being entered in the courfe of perfecution, cannot go off, but do draw deeper and deeper in guiltinefle, and that in Gods righteous judgement, ptiniming fin by fin : Addt iniquity unto their iniquity. The eigth plague is, they are given over to a reprobate fenfe, fo as they cannot lay their owne fins to heart, and fo cannot fee the necefllty of the remiflion of fin, nor put a price upon the purchafe of Juftificationunto fin-ners by Chrift the Redeemer , nor be found among the perfons juftified by faith in him : Let them not come into thy righteouf-neffe. The ninth plague is this : albeit the enemies of Chrift and his people may pretend to be among the number of his friends, and to have their names written in great letters, in the Catalogue of the vifible Church} yet God (hall difclaim them one day as none of his, and thruft them from him as workers of iniquity: Let them be blotted out of the booliof the living The tenth plague is this: asthevifible Church hath an open book, wherein all within tne external Covenant are written, as Saints by calling, and Covenantets with God for life and falvation, out of which book Go.l dailies out the nnmes of his wicked enemies: fo God huh a fecret book & roll as it were,wherin hecnrolleth all the regenerate, all the juftified s and among the names or this (on, or among the names of the true members of the invifible

Church

Church of the regenerate, none of the names of Chrifts malicious enemies mil be written 5 Let tbem not be written with the righteous.

Ver. 2p. But 1 am poor andforrowful: let thy falvation (0 God) fet me up on high.

Tiie third andlaft paftof thePfalme, wherein is fet down the glorious event of this fad exercife in foure evidences of victory of his faith over this aflault. The firft whereof is in his confident prayer, not only to be delivered, but alio to be exalted, ver.zg. The fecond evidence is, in his hearty promife of thankfgiving, ver. 30, 3 1. The third evidence is, in a pro-phecie of the fruit of this exercife, which the beleevers fhall have by it, ver. 31,33. The fourth is a thankfgiving for mercies forefeen, which mall come to the Church, and in fpecial to the Church of Ifhcl, ^r.34, 3^,36. All which, in as farre as they concern Dxvfi the type, are but little in companion of Cht ift the Antitype. From the firft evidence of the victory of his faith, appearing in his confident prayer; Lewmc, i.Itisno ftr3nge thing to fee poverty of fpirit and fad afflictions joyn-ed, the one to help and feafon the other y But I am poor and for* rowfuK 2. There is as fure ground of hope of an event out of every trouble wherein the children of God can fall, as there is ground of hope of the overturning of the moft fetled worldly profpei icy of their enemies $ for the fore-named curfes fhall come on the enemies of the godly, buc the childe of God in the mean time may expect falvation, and to be let on high, which heconfidentlvprayethfoij But I am poor and forrowful, let thy falvation, O God, fet me up. 3. The conscience of humiliation' under Gods hand, is a great evidence of delivery out of what-foever trouble, if a man in a righteous caufe be emptied of k[{-conceit and carnal confidence, and brought down to poverty of fpirit, and affected with the fenfe o^iins and mifery following upon it, and withal go to God in this condition, he may be fure to be helped, the poor in fpirit are freed from the curfe 5 But 1 am poor and forrowful, faith the Pfalmift here, let thy falvation fet me up on high. 4 The man afflicted andperfecuted for righ-teoufnefle,humbled in himfelf,and drawn to God for relief/mail not only be delivered, but alfo mail be as much exalted after his delivery, as ever he was caft down ; Let thy falvation 3 0 Cjod^ fet me up on high, y. The kindly fufferir of righteoufnefle, wilt

have

have no deliverance^ but fuch as God will allow him, as God ftall bring unto him: and as he doth not look for delivery another way, fo he doth look for a glorious delivery thi s way j Let tb) falvatlon, 0 God, fet me up on high.

: Ver. 30. iVvill praife the Name of God with 4 fong y andwillmagnijiehim rouh thanksgiving.

31. This alfo Jhall pleafe the Lord better then an exe or bullock that hath homes and hoofes.

From the fecond evidence of his vidory of faith in his pro-inifed thankfgiving; Learne^ i. When the Lord comforts the heart of afufferer for hiscaufe, he can make him glad before the delivery come, by giving him the ailurancc that it (hall come, and can engage his heart to folemn thankfgiving in the midft of trouble ; for poverty of fpirii will efteem the farre fore-fight of delivery at laft, as a rich mercy, and matter of a long; I will praife the Name of God with a fong. 2. The Lord in the delivering of his children out of their troubles, will give evidence of his greatnefle,as well as of his goodneflerofhis power, as well as of his mercy to them, that he may £ave the more glory & thanks for his work; I willwiagnifie bim with tban\fgiving. 3. Moral worftiip offered in Spirit and truth, in the meant it degree of fincerity, is more acceptable to God> then th: moft pompous ceremonial fervice,which can be done to him without Spirit and truths This alfo Jhall pie.ife the Lord better then an oxe and bullock that hath homes and hoofes 5 that is, which is pa fj& and wanteth nothing in the external part of commanded fei-vice. 4* That which we know ihall be molt acceptable to God, we ought to ftudy and follow that moft 3 that we may walk before God unto all well-pleafing, infpecialto praife him in affliction^ and to praife him from a contrite fpirit: This alfofialt fleafe the Lord jitter tbeu, <&c.

Vef. 32, The humble Jhjillfee this and be glad: and jour hearts Jhall live that fee ^ God k

33. for the Lord heareth the poor, and defp^ethnoi his prifeneru

From the third evidence of the Viftory of his faith, in the prophecy of the fruits of his fufterings, mainly as*hc was a tvpe of

K , , Chrift,

Chrift, who here is mod intended 5 Leant, i.Theexercife of the Saints, fet down in Scripture, and namely the exercife of *David> and of Chrift reprefented by him, was foretold, that it mould be of great ufe to the Church of God in after»times, as now we fee it in effect: Tbe bumble Jhall fee this arid be glad. 2. The humble foul is moft capable of divine knowledge and comforts The bumble Jhril fee tbis. $. Theefcapeof our Lord Jefusoutof hisfuflerings for us, andtheefcapc of his afflicted children out of their fufterings through faith in him, is a matter of inftiuction, comfort and joy to every humbled belcever : Tbe bumble Jhall fee this and be glad. 4. As fuch who are pure in fpirit and truly humbled, do live upon Gods almes, and are daily at hisdoores for relief of their necefiities, and for communion with his gracious goodneffe :foihallthey thrive well in this trade * lour heart jhall live that fee\ God. ?. The Lords children have a life beyond the children of men, which is able to quicken them in their deepeft troubles, and to make them blef-fedin their delivery out of troubles; a life moral and fphitual, whereby their confcicnce is comforted; lout bean fall live that fce\ God. 6. The right way for the godly afflicted to have the benefit of the troubles and events which Chrift and his followers have had experience of ,is to comfort themfelves in hope of the like event and fuccefle in feeking God as they did: The bumble Jhall fee this and be glad, and your heart jhall live that feelf God. 7. As the Lords poor men are much in prayer, fo fhall they be rich in good anfwers 9 For the Lord bearcth the poor. 8. Whoever in defence of any point of Gods truth are put to trouble, either in body or minde, by men, or Satan, or both; they are all fufterers for God ; they are all prifoners, who how-foever they be mifregardedby men, fhall be of much price in Gods eyes: He defpifethnot his prifoners.

Ver. 34. Let the heaven and earth praife him, the feas 9 and every thing that moveth therein.

35, For God rvillfave Sion 9 and will build the Cities of fadab, that they ma] dwell there y and have it in pojfejfion.

3 6. The feed aljo of his fervants Jhall inherit it y and they that love his Name Jhall dwell therein.

From the laft evidence of the victory of faith; fet down in a

pro-*

prophetical thankfgiving for the forefcen mercies which were to come to the Church by Chrifts procurement, and fpccially to the Jewcs 5 Lear?ie > 1. Large fenfe of troubles maketh way for large obfervat ion, and fenfe anfwcrable of mercies; The evil of dcepeft afflictions the Lord can rccompenfe with higheft con-folation, as the beginning 3nd ending of this Plalmgiveth evidence. 1. The foul that Iecth the mercy of God toward it felt, doth fee alfo the mercy of God upon the fame grounds to all o-tilers, his people in Sion y his Church in every place and time-andhefeeth the benefits of Chrifts fufterings to bematter of praife unto God, able to fill the whole world 5 and he feeth his own infufficiency for the praifing of God alfo, and that all the creatures are all few enough, when they all concurre in this Song; Let the heaven andthe earth prrife him, and the fcas and everything that moveth therein. 3. Whatfoever condition of Gods people can be reprefented by the various condition, motion, fetdement or commotion of heaven, earth and feas, and things therein, cannot but furnifh matter of joyful praife to God, and come up to contribute to Gods praifes * Let the heaven and earthy the feas and every thing that moveth the; ein, praife bim, 4, Every delivery of every belcever, and above all the delivery of Chrift as man from his expiatory fufferings, is ear-nefts and pledges of the delivery of the Church militant out of all its troubles; For Gfod will favc Sion, faith the Pfalmift, be ingnoW delivered out of his trouble. ?. As the Lord will e-ver maintain his Church, his Sion andhis^M^S fo hath he a purpofe to give a fpecial evidence of this his care among the Jewcs, how rarre foever they may at fome times be from all appearance of his refpect to them; for inthepromife he keepeth in expreffely the Name of $udah : He will build the Chics of tfudab. 6. What outward teftimonies of Gods r effect to the jewesfor Chrifts fake mall be given unto them, after the de-ftructionof their Cities, here prefuppofecf', we muft leave it to "God, to be in due time by his own works interpreted , and to be made out according to what here is faid 5 That the Cities ef Judahyk// hebuildcdy that thej may dwell there and baveit, (to wit, thepromifed land J inpofieffion, the feed alfo of his fer-. vantsjhall inherit it, and they that love his Hame fall dwelt therein. Only Ictus obferve, that the duty of the true Citizens of the Church is, to tianfmit true Religion to their poftc-rity, and that this is the beft and only way to tranfmit alio the Welling of God, and the conftant polk flion thereof unto them: K r The

The feed alfo of bis fervantsjball inherit it, andtbey that love Ms Name, &c.

PSAL. LXX.

To the cbief Mufician. A Pfalme of David, to bring to remembrance.

THis Pfalm is almoft one in words with the latter end of Pfalm 40. wherein David being in prefent danger of his life by his enemies, prayeth firft, for fpeedy delivery, ver. i. next, for (hamsful difappointment to his enemies, ver* 2, 3^ and thirdly, for a comfortable life to all the godly, vcr.^: from which condition albeit he himfelf was very farre for the prefent, yet he profeffeth he doth rclie on God by faith, and prayeth for a timous delivery, ver. ?.

From the Infcription; Lc&rn, 1. Our moft notable dangers and deliveries mould moft carefully be obferved and remembered, and made ufe of 5 Tbis is a Ufalm to bring to remembrance. 2. What hard condition we have been in before, we may fall into the like again, and the fame gracious means we have ufed before^ in feeding our relief of God, we mould ufe again 5 and what words of prayer we have ufed before, we may ufe again, without any either needlefle aftl'&ation cf other words, or fuper-ftitious tying of our felves tc the lame words, as the example of 'David teacheth us, when we compare the end of the 40. Pfalm with this Pfalm.

Ver, 1 ♦ A j% Ake v hafte, O God y to deliver IVJ me: make hafte, to helpe me 7 O LORD.

Prom the firft petitions Learn, 1.Though death or danger of it were never fo near , God can come quickly and prevent its and prayer is a fwiftmeffenger, which in the twinkling of an eye can go and return with an anfwer from heaven, as this abrupt beginning of his prayer dorh reach u»; 0 Lordjo deliver me. Thefe words, mafabtftcs are not exprefled in the Original^

nal; for the hafte was (o great as he could not expreffe it, till he drew his breath, x. As we have need of help, God will mile hafte unto our help; Make b&ftc to help me, 0 LORD.

Ver. 2. Let them be ajhamed and confounded that feek^ after myfoule: let them be turned backyard^ and put to confuflon^ that dejire my hurt*

3. Let them be turned back^for a reward of their fhame that fay , Aha> aha.

From the fecond petition 5 Learn, i.The more that the enemies of Gods people do promifc to themfelves certainly to deftrcy fuch of the Saints as they do pitch upon when their plot (hall be ripe and fixed, when God doth difappoint them they are the more confounded and afhamed ; Let them bexfia-med and confounded, who feel^aftermy foule, or my life. z. All the enemies of Gods children, (hall at laft think (Lame of their injuries done to them, and evils which they have wifhed unto them, to wit, when they fhall know whofe children they are, and what intereft God hath in them, then at Ia'ft' fhall they flee, and hide themfelvs for fhame; La tbem betumed backward, and put to confufion, that defire my hurt. $. The damage of the godly is the delight of the wicked; and an enemy to the godly, ishethac laughs and fcorns atthemifery of the godly 5 They fay* when they fee them in trouble, Ablush 1. 4. Albeit what fhame the wicked do put upon rhe godly for righteoufnefle, or for their fufferingsforrighteoufnefs, is not the fhame of the golly, bur the fhame of the enemies, who do what they can to expofe the godly to fhame, yet fhall the enemies have fhame yet more tor their pains, and the terrible wrath of God fhall chafe them out of Gods prefence; Let them b: turned bacfifor a reward of their Jhamc, that fiy,Aba, aha.

Ver. 4. Let all thofe that feeh^ theey rejoyce and be glad in thee 1 and let fuch as love thy falvation 7 fay continually , Let God be magnified.

From the third petition 5 Learn, 1. Whatfoever be our own hard condition at any time, we fhoull feek the welfare and prosperity of the reft of Gods children, and it is the property of K $ each

each of the godly in their trouble, towifhallthe reft ; to be partakers of the bleiTedneiVe which their own foul doth feek after, but not to be like to them in trouble or bonds; Let all tbofc tbat fee\ thee, rejoyce and be glad in tlxe. 2. If one of the godly be delivered out of his troubles, all the reft, who did pray for" the delivery mould rejoyce in God alfo, as for a benefit given to themfelves; Letallthofe that fecfi thee, rejoyce and be glad in thee. 3. The godly do not defire deliverance to themfelves or their fellows except in Gods way, in a cleanly and holy way: and the more of God is feen in the delivery of his fervants, the more arc they glad in the Lord 5 Tbey are tbofc that love Gods falvation. 4. It is a moft fuitable fervice for the Saints, to be alwayes praifing God , Let tbofc that love thy falvation, fay con t timidly> The Lord be magnified*

Verv 5. Tint I am poor andnecdj, make hafte unto me y OGod: Thottzxtmy help and my deliverer* 0 LORD make no tarrying.

From the fifth petition; Learn, r. Albeit we be notinfuch a condition, as we wifh all the godly were in, yet let us lay out that condition before a pitiful God, and fubmit our fel\res to him in the condition wherein we are ', *But 1 am poor and needy, 2. The fenfe of a hard condition, is a preparation and a ground of hope to be brought out of it to a better $ I am poor and needy, na\t bafte unto me, O God* 3. Whatfoever difpenfation we mall meet with, we mould hold faft the claim of faith, and of our intereft in God; Thou art my' help, and my deliverer. 4. Having fetled our dependance upon God, we may without being miftaken of God, fpeak all our defircs to him 5 and having done To, mould leave our fupplication and cafe at his feet with confidence ; 0 Lori } make no tarrying.

PSAL. LXXI.

THis pfalm is a Prayer oiVavid in his old age,requcfting for delivery from the confpiracy ofAbfalom,\vh&m he wreftlcth with the Lord by fervent fupplication; in feven petitions, all : ■ tending

tending tothispurpofe/thathe may be delivered, to ver. 14. and from ver* 14. to the end, we have his confidence to be deli vered,fec forth infoure evidences thereof, ^bfalom here is not named, nor is the particular cafe fet down, otherwife then in general expreffions, that fo it may ferve the better forthe larger ufe of the Church of God, and of the particular members thereof, in their afflictions.

Ver. 1. T N thee, O LORD, ho 1 put my truft,

I let me never be put to confvfion.

The firft petition is general, wherein he profefleth his confidence in God, and prayeth that he be not put to coafution. Whence learn, 1. As long as a childeof God doth live in the world, he muft look for new afflictions, as here the experience of the Plalmift, tofled in his old age* doth warne us. 2. Look how many new troubles do befall Gods fervants, fo many new meffengers are fent of God to call them to him; fo many new errands arc furnifhed unto them ; fo many new petitions are put in their mouth ; and fo many preffing neceflities are fent to make them earneft in their fupplication^ and frugal in makin^ ufe of their intereft in God by faith, as here and elfcwhere doth appear. $♦ He that cometh to God muft bekeveinhim, and faften his faith on God, and avow it, how weak foever he findc it to be; In tbee, O Lord, do I put my tnift. 4. Albeit fuch as bcleeve in God, may have many tentations to miftiuft God, and great feares that they fhall be difappointed of their hopes, and for a time may feem to be difappointed and put to confufion, yet it mall not be for ever 5 if they do not take fhame unto them by diftruft, they mall never have caufe tobeaflia-med s Let me never be put to confufiw.

Ver. 2. Deliver me in thy righteoufneffe, and caufe me to efcape : incline thine eare unto me and fave me.

The fecond petition is morefpecial, for fa fet y and delivery from his enemies. Whence lemi, i.The righteouincfle of God is apawne unto the godly, that their lawful petitions mall be granted, and fpecially when they feek delivery from their ungodly adverfaries j "Deliver me in thy rigbteoufncjj'c, and caufe mc K| tQ

to cfcape. 2. When the Lord giveth a heart to a beleeverto pray, he will alfo grant him audience, and a good anfwer s Incline thine ear e unto me, and fave me.

Vcr.j. Tie thou my ftrong habitation, ^hereunto J may continually refort : tloou haft given commandment to fave me, for thou art my rock^ and my for-treffe*

The third petition is, that the Lord would fhew himfelf to him in effect, what he hath engaged himfelf to be unto bel.ee-vers according to the Covenant. Whence learn, 1. What the Lord is to his people by Covenant, he will be to them the fame effectually and in deed, as their need fhall recmire i and as they /hall imploy him > 25c thou my ftrong habitation. 2. The good-neflc of God covenanted to his people, is not for one goocl turn, but for every good which they need ; not for one. day, but for daily ufe-making, and conftant enjoying of it j 2c thou my ftrong habitation, where <nto continually I may refort. 3. As. the Lord' hath all means, all fecond caufes,all creatures at his command, being Lord of hoftes, to execute whatever he doth give order for to be done; fo hath he really fet his active providence j©n work, toaccomplifh what he hath covenanted to every Believer ; Thou baft given commandment to fave me, for thou art my vor\ and fortreffe: he giveth his believing in God, who is his rock, asarealon of hj$ faying, that God was about to fave him.

Ver. 4. Deliver me^ O my God, out of' tht hand pf the wicked^ out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

5. for thou art myhppe y 0 Lord God: thou art my truftfrom my youth.

6. By thee have I been holden up from the wombe: thou an he that too\ me out of my mothers bowels, my fraife (hall be continually of thee.

The fourth petition for delivery i* ftrengthened by reafons taken from the wickedncfle of the enemy, ver.$. from his own

con-

confidence in vjoa, vcr. 5: anu uum in* iuiig experience ot Godskindnefle unto him in timepnft, ver.6. Whence learn ,

1. It is a great advantage ro be a Confederate with God, when we have to deal with his enemies and ours in any debatei Deliver mefi my God y (faith \\t) out of the band of the wicked.

2. The integrity of the beleever in a good caufe, and the iniquity of their adverfaries in their ill caufe, are good tokens of the beleevers viftory over them 5 Deliver me out of the bind of the unrighteous and cruel man. 3. Confidence in God, avowed a-gainftalltentations in Gods prefence, and fpecially when it is of long {landing, is fo ftrong an argument of being heard in a lawful petition, that it may perfwade the beleever he (hall fpeed; Deliver, me, for thou art my hopc^.O Lord God, thou art my truji from my youth. 4. True thankfulnefle will not paffe by common benefits, and true faith will readefpecial love in common and ordinary favours, and make ufe thereof among other experiences for ftrengthening of faith ; By thee have I been boldcn up from the wombe, thou art be that tooh L me out of my mothers towels. 5. The forming of us in the belly, and the common jbenefit of birth and bringing forth quick into the world, is a fmothered wonder, and fo glorious a. work of God, that hedefervethperpetualpraifc from us for that one woik i Thou art be that eoo^ me out of my mothers belly.

Ver.7. Jam as a wonder ant 0 many y hntthm art my Jlrong refuge.

8. Let my month he filled with thy praife, and with thy honour all the day,

The fifth petition is ftrengthened with rcafons taken from his hard condition, and from the opportunity of Gods having glory by his delivery out of it. Whence learn , i.Theexer-cife of the Lords children is fometimes fo Grange to the beholder, as the world doth wonder at them; I am as a wonder unto many. 2. Knowledge of Gods Word and waves, and faith in his Name maketh a believer not think ftrange, whatioever fiery trial come upon him, but to reft on God$ will whatfoeyer befall him 5 I amas a wonder unto many , but thou art my ftrong refuge : For faith doth not judge of it felf, as the world judg-eth, but as God hath judged and fpoken ot it in his Word*

3. The more ft: ange the excrcife of the godly be, the mote glo~

r:ou$

riuus Diut juuiui u^nuiuin^ ui muiJ iii n, aiiu uciiYcrili^ OJ

them out of it, and for the hope of the glory which mall redound to God by fuch exercifes, the hardship mould be the more patiently born, and the delivery fought and expected more confidently, that it fhall come when it may be moftfor Gods praife > I am a wonder unto many, let my mouth be filled with thy praife, and with thy bononr all the day.

Ver. 9. Qaft me not of in the time of old age, for-fake me not when myfirength fai/eth:

1 o» For mine enemies fpeak^ againfi me> and they that lay Wait for my fonle , take tonnfel together:

II* Saying, God bath forfafan him, perfecute and take him 9 for there is none to deliver him.

The fixth petition is ftrengthened with reafons taken from his own old age and weakneffe,and from his enemies malice. Whence learn, 1. Such as have been the Lords fe^vants in their youth, may be fure to find God a good and kind Matter to them in their old age } Caft me not off in the time of old age. i; Infirmities in Gods children mall not move loathing and cafting off,' but pitying and cherifhing of them, that they may be fupported in their weakneffe , For fake me not when my ftrcngthfaileth. 5.The world conceiveth that God doth caft off his children, when he doth bring them under any fad calamity, and by this means do think that they have not to do with Gods children, when they perfecute his deareft fervants 5 yea, and they encourage them*-ielves to perfecute themt^e more that God doth afflict them 5 M inc enemies fpeak againfi tnc, and they that lay wait for my foul t&\ecounfel together: faying, Godbath forjakw him, perfecute And take him, for there is none to deliver him. 4. The mifcon-ftru&ions of the world, their plots and confpiracies againfi the gedly, their evil fpeeches of them , their refolved cruelty to undo them, are fo many arguments of good hope that God (hall deliver them s Forfakeme not, for mine enemies fpeakagawft me , &c.

Ver. 12. 0 Cod.be not fane fromme: 0 my God, make hafie for my help,

PSAL. LXXI. zs9

I*, Let them be confounded and con[umed> that are adverfaries to my foule: let them be covered with re-froach and difhonour ,that feek^ my hurt*

Thefeventh Petition for delivery and difappointing of his enemies 3 is ftrengthened with reafons taken tromthe Covenant between God and him 3 and from the glory which God mall have by learning his enemies. Whence learn, i. When tenta-tions are moft y dangers are greateft, and the aflault is ftrongeft, then doth the believer draw neareft unto God, and hold him moft clofely> 0 God, be not farrefrom me, &c. 2. Relying upon, and avowing of the Covenant between God and the foul of a Believer, is able to bear the greateft ftreffe, whereunto tentations and troubles can drive him* 0 my God>ma\c bjfie for my help. 3 .God for the glory of his juftice againft the wicked, and the glory of his grace to his own, (hall pour confufton, coniumption , reproach, and difhonour upon perfecutors of rightcoufnciVe, and adverfaries of his fufferins; fervants • Let them be confounded and confumcd 3 that are adverfaries to my foul: let them be covered with rcpr&ub and difhonour , that fee\myburt.

Ver. 14. But I mil hope continually ^ and will yet fraife thee more and more 9

15. My mouth fball Jhew forth thy righteoufneffc, and thy fatvation all the day : for 1 k^now not the numbers thereof.

16. / will go in the ftrength of the Lord God: 1 will make mention of thy righteoufnejfe , even of thine onely.

In the latter part of the Pfalm , is the Pfxlmifts confidence to be delivered, fet forth in four evidences thereof. The firft is his rcfolutiontoperfevere in hope to be helped , and in praifing of God, and relying only on the Lords power and righttowftieflk, and not on his own ftrength. tVhcnec leifu > 1. He that is re-folved to perfevei e in hope, may be fure of a gracious tvent out of his trouble : but I will hope continually. 2. Rcfoliue hope comforteth, enlargeth , and ftirreth up rhe heart unro more and more praifing and thankfgivina , j w m hope continually , and I mil yet praifc theemore and more* 3. The matter of the continual

tinualpraife-of God, is partly his righteoufneflc , whereby he keepeth his promife, not only according , but alfo above condition, and giveth alfo remiflion of fins, which did deferve wrath, and partly his deliverances, which he giveth to his children , out of danger ofbody and foul > Mymotab fialljhew forth tby rigb-teoufnc(fc,and thy falvationallthe day; for I J^noiM not the numbers thereof. 5« Beciufe in troubles a mans own ftrength will fail him, and fail him alfo in commanded duties, therefore the believer muft .• enounce confidence in his own ability in bo^h cafes, and leap to the furniture of God ; I will go in the ftrength of the Lord God. 6. Becaufe the confeience of fins and finfulnels ftill doth ftare ihe Believer in the face, and all to difcourage him; the Believer muft renounce all confidence in his own holineffe, and relie upon the imputed righteouinefleof Chrift onely,which is called the righteoufnefle of God by faith , being witnefled unto both byrheLaw and Prophets, 7{pm. $. n, I will make mention of thy rigbteoufnejfe s even of thine onely, for in the point of junification, and abfolving of us from fin, this rigbte-cufejfcofGod only hath place,

Ver. 17. OGodjhouhaft taught me from my youth: andhitherto have I declared thy Wonderou* work**

18. Now alfo when I am old and gray-headed , 0 God, forfake me not: untitt 1 have (hewed thy ftrength unto this generation , and thy power to every one that Is to come.

The fecond evidence of the Prophets confidence to be delivered, is the expeience of Gods kindhefle for time paft, making him with comfortable aflurance of being heard to pray for the continuance of that fame kindncfle for time to come. Whence learn > 1. We are all of us ignorant of God and his wayes, tfll he teach us by his Word , and by his Spirit, and by his giving to us experimental knowledge thereof 5 0 God } thou baft taught me from my youth. 2. .The confeience of fincere endeavour to make ufe of Gods gifts to us for the glory of God , and edification or others, according to our place; is very hveec and comfortable ir the day of trouble, and giveth much encouragement in approaching to God 5 Hitherto have I declared thy wondrous wor^s. 5 He that hith had long experience of Gods mercy to himiclfe., and thankfully doth acknowledge the fame 3 may affure

himfelfe

himfelfe that the courfe of Gods kindneffe to him fhall not be broken oft : 0 God, thou haft taught me from my youth , now alfowhen lam oU and gray-headed forfalie me not, 0 Lord. 4, It is a noble dcligne for a man who ha h received gifts , whereby he may glorify God and edify his people 3 to deftinate all the dayes he hath to lwe,to fcrve his own generation , and the pofterjty, in the communicating to them what he knoweth of the Lords all-fufficiency> and not to love to live in this world , except for this end 5 Forfakeme not untill 1 have fiewed thy flrength to this generation > and thy powa to every one that is to com-.

Ver. 1 9. Thy righteoufhejfe alfo % 0 God , is very high % who haft done great things : 0 God>who is likg unto thee?

20. Thou -which haflfhewed me great and fore troubles j fyalt quicken me again , and fkdt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

21. Thottjbaltincreafemy great neffe, and comfort me on everj fide*

The third evidence of his confidence to be delivered , is his » looking to the unfearchable fountain of Gods wifdom, faithful-neile, and omnipotency, and his expecting from this well-fpring, that as large confolation mail come foith to him^ as he hath had a large meafure of troubles. Whence learn , 1..Albeit the effects of Gods wifdome, faithfulneffe , and omnipotency, be neer unto us 3 and do fall under our fenfe in his daily operations, yet the fountain thereof, which is Gods own perfect ;on, is unfearchable* incomprehenfible 5 and incomparably great; Thy rigbteoufnejfc> 0 God 3 is very high, who haft done great things: 0 God 3 who is lifie unto thee ? 2. That which we fee of the Lords works, may lead us up to know what is not feen in relation to difficulties, and power of men, and to fee what he is able to do ; and when we fee the invifible God, we cannot choofe but admire his Majefty, and exalt him as Sovereign over all, and then, and not till then that we give him the honour of omnipotency and faithfulnefle, can the heart reft and be quiet: Thy rigbteoufncjfe, 0 God, is very high , who haft done great things; who is Uh^c to thee ? 3, He tha- acknowledgeth Gods jufticcand wil'dome in his troubles, may look to fee Gods power and grace no lefie evident in his delivery

livery and confolation : and he who m trouble hath feen his own infirmity, emptineffe, and death, may look to fee Gods power and life in railing of him out of the grave of his trouble; Thou which baft fhewed me great and fore troubles y fhaU quicken me again, and ft)alt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. 4 As trouble humblcth and abafeth a man before ,the world : fo the Lords delivering of him, and (hewing his refpecl to him, honoureth the man again, and exalteth him before men; Thou fhalt incrcafe my greatneffe. 5. As no trouble doth come alone, but multitudes of troubles joyned together, when the Lord will humble and try a man; fo no comfort cometh (ingle or alone , when the Lord will change the mans exe;cife, but a multitude of comforts joyned together j Thou wilt comfort me on every fide . 6: Lofles are made lighter , and comforts weightier, when God is ^cn and acknowledged in them : Thou which haft Jhewed me fore troubles, (it is but a view of trouble what we have felt when troubles are leen to come from Gods hand,) thou ftiati incrcafe my greatneffe , and comfort me on every fide. *

Ver, 22. IvifilUlfo praife thee Vrith the Pfaltery, even thy truth, 0 my God: unto thee will I fing mtb the Harp, 0 thou holy One oflfrael.

23* My lips flail greatly rejojee when I fing unto thee: andmj [oule, which thou haft redeemed.

24. My tongue al/ojhalltalk^ of thy righteoufnejfe all the day long: for they are confounded ; for they are brought untofhame thatfeekmy hurt.

The fourth and laft evidence of his confidence , is his promifc of joyful thankfgiving, by way of a begun fong , and that for the forefight of his own delivery , and o£ his enemies overthrow. Whence learn , 1. Faith is fo fatisfied with Godspromile , that it can piaife heartily for what ispromifedjbeforc it finde performance : I will praifi tbee with the Ufaltcry, even thy truth. 2. It as our intereft in the Covenant, which makes us to have interefl in particular promiis 5 I willpraife thy truth, 0 my God. $. A foul fenfible of Gods kindneile, and furc by faith of the performance of his faithful prornifes, cannot fatisfy it fclfe in prailing of God, it hath fo high eft imation of his fidelity , power 3 and love : Therefore after he hath 1 faid, I will praife thee, he addeth,

Mt9

unto tbce vill I fing with the Harp. 4. How hardly focver a foul hath been exercifed with troubles for a while, fo foon as ic feeth by faith the Lords prepared event ; It will juftify all the paifages of Gods providence, as juft, and wife, and good, and in a word, as holy in all rcfpe&s. To thee mil I fing , O holy One of Ifracl. 5. Singing without* voice unto the Lord, is a part of moral worfhip, as well as prayer with the voice, when his honour, and our upftirring, and others edifying calleth for it 5 My lips fjall greatly re]oyce when I fing unto thee. 6. As the work of praifing God requireth fincerity, earneilncrle , and cheerful-nefle; fo the.work thus done, becometh not onely honourable to God, butallorefreflifultotheworfhipper; uMy lips Jhall great* ly rejoyce when I fing unto thee , 7. Dangers and diftref-fes, how grievous foever they be for the time, yet do they furnifh matter of praifetoGod,and joy to the party troubled afterward when the delivery cometh : CMy lips fhall rejoyce , and my [ou'e which thou baft redeemed* 8, Befide, ringing ofPlalmes unto God, fpeJfcing of his praifc in all companies, and upon all occafi-ons,is a part of our bounden duty of thankfulnefle,for making his word good to us in the overthrow of our enemies, -and delivering of us : My tongue alfo [hall talfi of thy righteoufneffe all the day long. 9. The overthrow of the enemies of the godly is as certain to come, as if we faw it with our eyes already come to pafle. The fame Word of God , the fame light and perfwafion of fpi-rit, manifefteth the delivery of the godly, and the deftm&ion of their enemies: For they are confounded y for they are brought to fhame, that fceli my hurt.

PSAL. LXXII.

A Pfalm for Solomon.

IN this Pialm under the fhadow of King Solomons reigne, Chdfts gracious government ispraifed 5 and firft, the Church is taught to pray for a bleffing on King David and his fonnes government, including Chrifts, vet. 1. Next, the anfwer is given by the fpirit of the Lord in aprophecie of the bleffednciTe of the Reign, and Kingdome of Chrift the Sonne of David, from ver* 1. to ver. 18. Thirdly , thcuie hereof* is fee down in thanksgiving

giving unto God, ver. 18,19. and herein is the accomplifh-ment of all the deliresof Ptftf/rf 3 obtained by this fatisfactory an-fwer, ver. 20.

From the inscription and prayer 5 Learn, A King may command within his kingdom many things, but he cannot command a bleflingon his own government; he muft. make fuit for this to God : He may leave a kingdometo his childejbut becaufe a kingdo n is nothing without Gods blefling , he muft pray for this DlefTing,and feek the affiftance of the prayers of the Church for this intent: and this duty Kings may crave of the Church, and Gods people mould not refufe it; A Pfalmfor Solomon.

Ver. 1. /^ Ive the king thy judgements^ 0 God* and \.Jtthy rightem/nejfe unto the kjngt fort.

Prom the prayer of the Ckurch 5 Learn, i; Gifts from God are neceffary to fit a man for an office ; and it is n r t ^ery gift, which doth make fit for a particular office, but fuch giftS Specially as are for the difcharge of the place a man hath, and thole muft be asked horn, and granted by God, and by this meanes Sanctified; Give tbeKjng tby judgements, OGod. l. Nothing is more conducible to make a Kings government profpercus and. blefied, then equity and juft ice, according to the revealed will of God ; Give the J^ing thy jvdgemetus, and. tby rigbteoufnejfe to the lyings fori.

Ver. 2. He /ball judge thy people with righteouf-nejfe, and thy poor with judgement.

3. The mount awes pall bring peace to the people ^ and the little hills by rightooufne/fe,

4. He /hall judge the poore of the people , he [hall fave the children of the needy, and {ball break* in pieces the oppreffour.

5. They jhall fear thee as long as the Sun and Moon endure ^throughout all generations.

6. He Jhall come doWn like raine upon the mowen grajfe * as /bowers that water the earth m

7. In his dayes /ball the righteous flouri/b.andabundance 0/peace fo Ing as the Moonendnrcth.

8, Hi

from the river y tint o the ends of the earth*

y. They that dwell in the witaerneffe Jball bow be* fore him } and his enemies [ball lickjhe dnft.

10. The kings of Tarfbifb and of the Ifles jhali bring prefents: the lyings of Sheba andScba Jball offer gifts.

11. Tea, all kings Jball Jail down before hito: dll nai tions Jball ferve him.

•_. 12. For heJbaH deliver the needy when he crieth^ the poor* a/fa and him that hath no helper.

13. He /ball (part the poore and needy , andfhallfave the joules of the needy,

14. He Jball redeem their foule from, deceit andvio-lence y (QJ precious JbMltheir blood be in his fight 1

15 .«>And he Jball live , and to him Jball be given of the gold of Sheba f prayer alfo Jball be made for him con* tinually, and daily JbaHhe beprai'ed.

1 6. There Jball be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountaines; the fruit thereofJhalt Jbake like Lebanon' and they of the citj fbatl floririfh lik* graffe of the earth.

17, His Name Jball endure for ever : his Nam* Jball be continued as long at the Sun: and men Jball be bleffedtn him^ all nations Jball call him bleflhd.

T^c Prophetical anftver given here to the Churches prayer* promifeth above twenty.benefics of Chrifts government, all or them tending to the glory of the King, and good of the fubjeel^ the fhadrow whereof was to be fcen in 'David ,* and Solomons reign, Joyned with many imperfections • but the red accomplifh-ment Is onely in Chrift. TheTirft is, Chrifts fubje&s (hall have good rules how to carry themfclves in all duties, how to behave therrrfeives righteoufly, and how to be made righteous, by his direction and conduces Hcjhall jtidge thy people witb rightcoufneffc. The fecond benefit or commendation is , Chrift vyill fc6 the ne-Geffiries of his fubjc&s, his humble ones, his affti&ed ones;, to- be L fupplied*

PSAL. LXXII.

fupplied molt difcreetly , and the wrongs done unto them repaired; He f)all judge thy poor with judgement , ver. 3. The third benefit is, Chrift is not to take away civil Governours, nor Potentates places 3 nor the feveral orders and ranks of greatnefle of fuperiour and inferiour powers , Rulers and Judges 5 all thefe are to be fixed rather by him, for the good of the people: The fuperiour as mountains, and the inferiour as little hills,(ha\l ftand in their place for him. The fourth benefit is, Chrift fha'lmake fuch Magiftrates as do embrace him, for their Lord and Gover* nour, a bleffing to the people under them 5 for by their righteous government the people ihall live quiet and fafe in Gods feryice under them : The mountains Jhall bring peace to the people, and tbc little hills y but how {hall the mountaines and little hills do this? By rigbteoufncjfc, ver. 4 The fifth benefit is, albeit Chrift do fuffer fiis fubje&s to be brought low in the fenfe of their own weaknefle, and in danger of being fwallowed up by their perfe-cutors, yet mall he take their controverfie to his cognition , and deliver his people out of the hands ofjtheir advcrfaries»#e JJjall judge the poor of the people: bejball fave the children of the needy ; be Jhallbrcaliin pieces the opprejfors, ver. $♦ The fix: h bene fit > Chrift the true King oilfracl, mall never want a kingdoms , he mall never want fubjec'ts , but ihall alwayes have a Church of fuch as mail worfhip and fear him, and do homage unto him, fo Jong as the world doth ftand, amidft all changes and revolutions that can come :„ They Jhall fear tbee as longas the Sunne and Moon endure', throughout til generations, ter. 6. The feventh benefit, whatfoever fad condition his people fhall be in, how farre foever i polled of their luftre and glory in the wqrld , or in any other refpeclswhatfoever, they fliall be made as a mowen down medow pofliblyjyei Chrift by his Word, Spirited effectual bleffing fhall revive and recover themras grafle cut down being watered by rain, is made to j>row again : he fliall come down li\{e rain upon the mowen grafjc , as jhowers that water the earth, ver. 7. The eight benefit, all the true fubjec'ts of Chrift are juftified perfons,and devoted in their hearts to righteoufnefle, in the obedience of Gods will,and fuch js do endeavour to abound in the fruits of righrcoufnefle:77;e righteous foall flourifi in bis dayes. Theninthbcnefit,Chriftsjuftinedfubje»5rsand ftudents ofholi-nes>ftial have peace withGod,peace abounding and paffing all un-derftanding,/d/fa>gtertce.,withoutend,in all revolution of conditions^/^ r/^foeo^Jitf/yfottrz/?;^^ abundant peace,fo long as the world endumb.v.j. The tenth benefit ofChrifts government's

the

the enlargement of the Church, and number of his fubjecls, according co the length and breadth of Gods promifes made to his people Ifrael , whether Ifrael in the letter , or in the Spirit: He fhall have dominion alfo from fca to fea , and from the river unto the cuds of the earth, ver. 9. The eleventh benefit of Chrifts government is more (pecial; whomsoever he pleafeth to make fub-jectsuntohimfelfe, howwilde and favage foever they be > yea how great enemies foever they have been to his Kingdome * he fliali tame them , bring them in fubjeftion to himfelfe, and to. moft humble fubmiffion unto his commands : They that dwell intbewilderneffe fballbowbefore him > and bis enemies flail licit theduft,ver. 10. The twelfth benefit is yet more fpecial 3 The Kings and Rulers of the Gentiles fhall finde it a bleflingto themfelves, and to their dominions > to be under Chrifts government, and fhall effectually contribute their riches, power, anal authority, to advance the Kingdome of Chrift , their fove-reign Ljjtfi and protestor: The fangs ofTarfhifh, and of the Iflcf full br^gprefents : the fangs ofsbeba and Scba fball effer gifts ,* vcr. 11. The thirteenth benefit of Chrifts government, is fo

treat an enlargement of his Kingdome, by bringing of all King-omes and Nations fomeway under his Scepter, that the Picphe-cie of John the Divine , Rcimi. if. fhall be acknowledged to be fulfilled ; All the fangdomes of the emh are become the Lords and his Sonne Chrifts , how improbable foever this may feem i for anfwerably hereunto is it faid here,T<rrt all fangs fhall frll do^tvn before him, all nations fhall ferve him, ver. 12,. The fourteenth benefit ferving for the commendation of his government, is by way of giving a reafon of the marvellous enlargement of his Kingdome, from his care of the meaneft of his fubjefts, from his effectual pity toward them , love and eftimation of them. The care Chrift hath of his fubjecls is fuch , that there is not one id mean in all his Kingdome, of whom, and whofe necefihies, and of whofe particular petitions he doth not take moft particular and exact knowledge, whofe petitions being prefented in the fenfe of their need, he doth not grant: He fhall deliver the needy , whcii he crictb- There needeth no Mediator between him and his fub-jects s He heareth the needy when they cry m The man that hath : nothing within him or without him to commend him to Chrift, to aflift, help 3 relieve, or comfort him in heaven or earth , is not defpifed by Chrift, but delivered from that which he feareth: He fhall deliver the foot alfo, and hint tbxt hath no helper, and thitf be doth by teaching his fubjects to bear troubles, by ftrengthen-

jug them for the burdens by comforting them in their griefjby giving a delivery to their fpiritsby faith, and a full delivery at laft, v 13.The fifteenth 6enefit and commendation of Chrifts govern-rrcnr, he doth not exact any thing of his fubje&s , but that which he offereth tofurnifh and enable them to di(charge : he lets none be tempted above his ftrengthj he taketh fmall beginnings in good part, he fpareth the rod in a great meafure, mitigates the correc~tion,and in midft of wrath he remembereth mercy : He Jhall fparethe poor and needy ; whatfoever hard exercife he put them to, he will give them their foul for a prey : They fhall not perifh 3 who in the fenfe of their need depend upon him : He flail/aye the fouls of the needy, ver. 14, The fixteenth benefit and commendation of Chrifts Kingdome, albeit the Lord fuffer his fubje&s to be tried with herefies and feducers , by op-prcflbrs and perfecutors , yet he will affift them in the trial and bring them out of it: He Jhall redeem their foule from deceit and violence, and if for his own glory he put any of them to lay down their life for his caufe , it fhall be a point of fjjeial honouring of them, as of precious fonnes,whom he efteemRn much of,both living and dead }s Precious Jhall their blood be in bit fight, v*\ 5, The fe/enteenth benefit and commendation of Chrifts government is from his everlafting indurance 5 albeit other Kings die, and leave their kingdom to their fucceffor, yet it is not fo withChrLft, he indureth for ever: his death for paying the ran-fom of our fins, did not interrupt his reign, but made way for his more glorious reigning , after his relurre&ion 5 he hath life in himfclfe, as in the fountain ; Hejlwll livc> he fhall live conquering, and bringing in moe fubje&s , who fhall pay tribute unto him. To bimJhaUbegiuenoftbegoldofSheba* The eighteenth benefit and commendation of Chrifts Kingdom is this, Chiift fhall be well beloved of all his fubjetts, whofe exercife it fhall be to wifh and pray for the profperity of his Kingdome, Church,and myftical body,and who fhall commend and praife his glorious and lovely Majefty; Prayer alfojhalll be made for him continually , and daily Jhall he bepraijed, vl i6,The nineteenth benefit & commendation of Chrifts government is , that a little feed of his precious Word fowen among men > of whofe converfion there might be leaft hope, like a handful of corn fowen upon the mountaines or moft barf en ground , fhall have a glorious increafe of the converfion of many notable Saints, like as corn in a barren place fliould grow up like Cedar-trees; There Jhall be ah handful ofoorn in the earth, on the top of mountains > the fruit thereof Jb&ttJbal&'

to be without prejudice of the manured land of Churches already planted, which are as cities inhabited; thofe he can bleffe and will bleffe at his pleafure, with the abundant growth of grace amongft them > And they of the City fhall flourijh as the grajfe of the earthy ver. 17. The laft commendation and bene* fit of Chrifts government, fummethup all that can be faid in thefe foure generals > 1. That Chrifts Name, fame and honour, fiiall be perpetuated from one generation to another, for the run* ning of his benefits to his iubjetts, and for the courfe of his judgements on his enemies; His name fhail endure for every bis Namefhallbe continued as long as the Sun, i.HisGofpei fhall fpread further and furrher among men, to deliver his own from the curfe due for fin, to make them partakers of the blef-fing of full felicity; Menjldl be b'ejfed in him. 5 It fhall be in vain to feek bleflednefleany where, except in him only, who is the procurer, applier and maintainer of true blefledneflTe; the wa^whereunto is,to come to God in and through Chrift : In him mmfhxllbeblcffcd. And 4.Such a fulnefle of converted Gentiles at length fhall be brought in, that the bleffednefle of the Gofpel of Chrift, and of fpiritual communion with him, and the riches of his goodnefle and grace fhall generally be acknowledged in all the world 5 AH Nations fall call him blejfed.

Ver. 18. "Blejfed be theLORT> G$d y the God of Jfracl, who only doth wonderous things*

19. And blefled be his glorious Name for ever* and let the whole earth be filledtyith his glory* Amefi* and Amen.

After this gracious anfwer of the Churches prayer in fo glo» riousaprophecie of Chrift, thankfgiving andpraifcis endited unto the Church, to be offered up to God for this mercy. Whence learn, 1. When the heart hath beleeved what the eare hath heard of the blefledncfs to be found in Chrift, the mouth fhould te opened to praife and blefle God; j3le(fed be the Lord God, the God of Ifracl. 2. As the keeping of the race of David till the coming of Chrift, diftinft from other families, in fo many revolutions of affairs, as were between Davids reigne and Chrifts coming, is very wonderful: fo the enlarging of theKingdomc I. 3 of

pfChrift,fincehe came, is full of wonder alfo, whether we look to the King, or to the fubjects converted or the way of converting them, by the preaching of his Word, or the piefervation or continuing of Chrifts Kingdome in the world amongft fo many Devils and wicked adverfaries, all his fubje&s being fo weak and finful as they are; It is a matter of great wonder indeed: Blef-fed be the God of Ifracl, who onely doth wondrovA things. There are no wonders like the wonders done in the Redemption of men by C hi ift, I yea there is no other who can work any wonders, but Chrift alone. 3. As the bleffings of Chrift are everlafting, fo fhould the thankfgiving for them be 5 and no lefie can content the heart of a true beleever, who, the more he thinks of Chriftj the more glory feeth he in him 5 and blejfed be his gloromMame for ever^ faith he. 4 . Before Chrift do put an end to his work, and give up the Kingdome to the Father, his glory (hall (bine in all the parts of the world, for the prayers endited to the Church, arenotvanifhingwifhes, but reallpromifes, and certaine prophecies 5 let the whole earth be filed with his glory. •$. As faith fets to its feal unto the truth of Gods Word, in fpecial what co'ncerneth the falvation of men,and the glory of God in Chrift 5 folove to both the glory of God, and falvation of fouls fets to itsfealalfoj or both faith and love do fubferibe the fame truth of God in both refpefts, again and againe : Amen and Amen.

Vcr. 20. The prayers of David the fonne of Jeffe^ are ended.

This clofure of the Pfalm is added by the Pfalmift David himfelf, and is a part of the text; ferving firft, to fhew that this was the laft of the Pfalmes, endited by the Spirit to him a little before his death, when Solomon was now reigning > howfoever in the order of providence it be not in the hindmoft place of this book of the Pfalmes* And next, it ferveth to {hew, that in this anf^er made to his prayer fet down in this Pfalme , all his defires were granted, both concerning himfelf and his houfe I for he could wifhnomore. And thirdly, it ferveth tofhew his mean efti-mation of himfelf, notwithftanding of the Lords lifting of him up fohigh, that fo the grace of God in him may be the more confpicuous ; for which caufts he calleth himfelf, The fonne of Jeffe. Whence learn, 1. As a man liveth, fo readily he dieth : 'David was a worshipper of God all his life, and now ^yhen he hath given over the Kingdom to his Son, and is going

Palmes, for Gods glory and edification of his Church. 2. The meditation of Chrift, contemplation of his glory, fceking after and forefeeing the inlargement of Chrifts Kingdom^ is a noble and comfortable clofing of a mans life, as here we fee i:. $. It is the note of true humility and fincere love to God, to abafe our felves, and acknowledge cur low condition, wherein God did finde as when he did let forth his love to us, that thereby we may commend the riches of Gods goodneflfc and grace unto us, as appeareth here in 7)avid.

P S A L. LXXIII.

A Ttfalmc of jfapb.

THe Pfalmift fetteth down here the doctrine of Gods goodneffe to the faithful, however he feem to deal with them,itfj\ 1. andcleareth it by his own experience; Wherein firft, after he had ftumbled to fee the wicked profper in the world, comparing his own calamities with their prefperiry, ppr. z >h4> ?>6,7>8, 9,10, 11, 12. he was like to be overcome with the tentation, and to forfake the courfe of godlineffe, ver , 1 ?j i4.Next, with this tentation he wreftles, vcr. 1 5,16. And thirdly hegetteth the victory, by confuting the Word of God, ver. 17, 18, i0 t 20. In the iaft place, he maketh a fourefold life of this experience 5 the firft whereof is, the acknowledging of his own weaknefle under the tentation, ver. 2 1, 21. The nexc is, the confeffing of Gods kindnefle to him in the time of tentation, ver. i g. The third is, the confirming of his own faith for time to come, ver. ?4, i$,i6. The fourth is, his reiolution to draw more near to God hereafter, ver. 27, z8.

Ver. 1. ^TRnly God is good, to Ifrad, even X to fucb as are of a clean heart.

The doctrine fet down in this verfe, is the refult of his fad exercife, after he had gotten the victory of the tentation, which did call in queftion the bleffednefs of believers, whenfoever their outward condition mould be found more miferablethen the condition of the wicked. Whence learn, 1. As the tentations of Satan do aimat the weakening of our believing of laving L 4 do-

idoftrine, fo our exercifes, our experiences of conflicts againft the tentation, and our victories over it, mould ftrengthen our faith fo much the more, to hold faft that truth which the tenta-tion did oppofe s After this experience the Prophet not only holds forth this doctrine, That God is good j but alfo prefixeth unto ix, truly,jet, or notwithftanding. i. However the Lord feem to deal more hardly with humble beieevers, and worftiip-pers of him, then with the wicked, yet ishisdifpenfation toward them alwayes for their welfare : Truly God is good to If-raeU 3. Thofe perfons airetrue Ifraelites, who not only do cleanfe their confeience by the blood of the Lamb of God., but alfo ftudy to be holy in foul and body in the fincerity of their heart: This is the eleanncfle of heart which the Scripture teach-eth; God is good to Ifrxel, even to fucb 4s are of a deiy, }nm.

Vct.Bttt at as for me l my feet were almofi gone : my fteps had Well nigh flipt.

3. Fori was envious at the foolijh, when / fan the projperitj of the wicked.

The Pi'almift compareth his late carriage under a tentation un-fo the rule of this doarine, and doth acknowledge-that he did not hold it fo firmly as he mould have done , but was almoft driven from the maintaining of it. Whence lemn, 1. In the time of adverfity a bdeever may prove weak in the faith of that truth^ which was not queftioned by him in profperity, and be neer-hand unto the quitting and renouncing of ir$ But as for me, my feet were almofi gone, my ft cps hid well nigh flip t. 2.A1-fceit the Lord fo fane decipher the weaknefs of his own children, as to let them be brought 10 the very brink of mifbeiieving of a neceffary and faving truth, yet he preventeth their quitting of it altogether* they may be very near tfie fall, and not fall altogether: ZMy feet were almojl gone, my fteps had well nigh Jtipt. 3 ♦ The godly will not ftand to coniefs to their owne jfhame their own weaknefs, when it may ferve to ftrengthen o-thers, and give warning to preven t the fall of others , or any way prove profitable to others^ as in this example we fee. 4.The mcaiure of our faith or love to God and to Religion , the rues-* fure of our faith to obev known truth, is beft known in time of remation ; when the objeft is in our eye, and the tempter is ma^

kins

king me oi it to minare us: i was envious ai loe joonp, wven I fawtheprofperityof the wicked. 5. If the profperky of the wicked, and trouble of the godly be looked upon, inrefpc&of their outward worldly eftate only, it cannot chofe but trouble a mans thoughts; I was envious at the fooli}h> when I fan the prosperity of the wicked.

Ver. 4. For there are no bands in their death? but their firength isfirme t

5. They art not in trouble as other men : neither are they plagued like other men.

6. Therefore pride compajfeth them about as a chaine: violence covereth them at a garment.

7. Their eyes ft and out With fatnejje: they have more then heart could wijh.

8. They are corrupt andfpeak^ Wickedly concerning ppprejjlon^ they $ea\ loftHj. ,

9. They fet their mouth againft the heavens: and their tongue Voalketh through the earth.

10. Therefore his people return hither^ and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

What was the profperity of the wicked, which {tumbled him, he fetteth down in particular inthefe verfes, Whence learn y 1 .Albeit the great multitude of the wicked are fubject to fuch outward naileries, as others are, yet to fome of them, yea and to fome of the worft oi them 3 God for his own holy ends 11 feth to give health of body, long life, little (ickneffe, and a quiet death, when the time of it is come, and in their death to keep them from many troubles, which others are fubject unto: and yet God doth not love them, nor approve any Whit more cf them for this: There are 110 bands in their death, hut their ftrcngth is firme 5 they are not in trouble as other men, &c. 2. The more liberally the Lord deals with the wicked, they arc the more infolent and proui, and vain-glorious 5 they are the moreunjuft and violent opprcflbis of others: their profpemy dothblinde them, and ferveth to enevcafe their wickednerle } Therefore pride compajfetb them as a chained -violence cover cth

them

them as agarment. They glory in their opprcffion. 3. Albeit God bellow riches on the wicked, and more then they could rea-fonably wiih, and do give them health of bodies to make ufe of their riches as they pleate, fo as they fwell for fatneffe, fwhich a-bundance ftiould oblige a man to ferve the Lord more heartily) yet the rccompcnce they render to God is this, they become more and more vicious in their own perfons, and do threaten more and more injuries to their neighbours 5 They are corrupt, and fpeafi wickedly concerning opprejjio* : They fland in awe neither or GoJ nor man, but openly in their, fpeeches they defpife all authority over them; They [peak loftily: They fcofFe and mock religion, and fpeak blafphemoufly of God and his providence.* They fct their mouth againfl the Heavens : They fpeak as they pleafe of all things, and all men, not caring againfl: whom they fpeak , or what they fpeak to any mans prejudice 5 Their tongue wal\eth through the earth: not caring whom it tread upon, or whom it abufe. 4. The profperity of the wicked, and their thriving in an ill courfe, doth enfnai e many inconfiderate people, even members of the viiible Church, and moveththem tofollow the evil waves of' the openly wicked, and to make defection from their own profefled duties; Therefore bis people return bilbcr, faith he. 5. When men {tumble at righteoufnefs becaufe of trouble, and follow the courfe of the wicked for love of worldly advantage; it is righteoufnefs with God, to give both the bait for a while to fuch changelings, and the hook ?.lfo, for hardening them in their own wicked choice; Andwatersof a full Cup ("faith he) are wrung out unto them: that is, they finde fome worldly commodity by their defection. 6. There is a threefold tentation to draw a man from the courfe of holinefs unto loofenefs and profanity; one, when the wicked areobferved to profperin the world j another, when multitudes turn off a good courfe, and follow the example of the wicked: and a third, when thofebackflidcrs alfo fcem to profper after their defection, as here. 1. The wicked do calumniate every good courfe, and they profper. i. Gods people return hither for love of profperity. $.Tbn waters of a full Cup are wrung ow unto them. All thefe things may concurre ; and the way mean time is moft damnable notwithftanding.

Ver. I r. And they fay^ tio'to doth God knoW ? A*A is tbtrt knowledge in the mojl Sigh 1

12 72 e-

IZ, "SehoIJj theft zxtthe ungodly: -who projper in the T»orU^ thej increafe ill riches.

Herehebringeth in the poor deluded people defending theh-defection, and their following the example of the ungodly, and hardening themfelves in their evitcourfe, faying in lubftance > that if God difliked the ungodly, he would not let them prof-per fo in the world, and heap riches upon them as he doth : and this is in fubftance to blafpheme God as an ignorant Gover-nourof the world, or a mifregirder how men do carry themfelves. Whence learne y 1. When men are once infnared in an ill courfe, theywiJlfeek reafons to juftifie themfelves; thofe thoughts which did infnare them, do alfo hold them; for they to whom waters of a full Cup are wrung out , do fhy, How doth god \now* i. Men are ready to reproach the Lord, if he do not guide the world to their fancy, yea and to blafpheme God, rather then blame themfelves for their faults, as thefe words do import : How doth God lyiow? that is, how can it be, that God taketh notice of fuch mens wayes as wrong, feeing he doth profper them? 3. To think that God iswell-pleafcd with the way of the wicked, becaufe they profper; and that he refpefts not his Saints,6ecaufe he doth afflict them more then the wicked,is as much as in eft'ecl: to fay, The Lord is not wife that doth fo well to his foes, and dealeth fo hardly with his friends; for fo here is it interpreted by the Lord : Is there knowledge in the moft High ? 4. It feemeth very reafonable to carnal reafon, that if God hate ungodlineflc, he (hould not fufter the ungodly to profper in the world : and if he will fuffer them to profper, then he doth not hateungodlinefle 5 and therefore when it is clear to all men that theungodly do profper, they conclude that God fcnowetb not 3 taketh no notice of ungodlinefle, or is notdif-pleafcd with it, for here is their proofs "Behold , (fay theyj thefe arc the ungodly who pro [per in the world, they increafe in riches. 5. The thing that deceiveth the ungodly and the misbelieving world about Godsdifpenfation, is, that they look only to that which is done by God in this worlds no punifhment after death, or felicity after death do they think upon; Thefe are thcungo 7-ly (fay they) who profper in the world. 6 In the very tentation whe- eby the wicked is infnared , the worme of their gourd, and the ftaine of their felicity is discovered : their felicity is but in riches, and their profoerity is but in this prclcut world 5 They frofper in the world, fay they.

VwCi

Ven 13. Verily I have cleanfed my heart i* vain, and wafted my hands ininnocency.

14. For all the day long have I been flagued f and chaftened every morning.

Here is the well near flipping of the Pfalmifts feet, fetdown, in his begun gelding unto the devils tenjation, forcibly born in upon him, and repeated over by him, after the manner of a re-folute couclufion, condemning all his former courfe of godli-nefle upon this one poor pretence, becaufe he feemed to him-felf more miserable then the picked were. Whence learn, 1, A tentation fometime may be fo powerfully born in upon the fpi-rit of a childe of God, asitmayfeem to be admitted, yielded unto, and fubferibed unto as truth, as here we fee; Verily I have cleanfed in vaine&c. 2. The true courfe of fanftification con-fills in the ftudy of cleaning a man from all pollution both of foul and body,or in cleanfing the heart and the hands,as here is fet down: The heart is cleanfed by the blood of the expiatory facri-fice laid hold on by faith, and by the begun works of the Lords;. Spirit manifefted in the hearty refolution, purpofe and ftudy of hoiinefle the hands are cleanfed by a blamelefs and harmlefs con* verfation or^courfe or life and actions .• I have cleanfed my bean and hands in innocency. $. When a man is under a tentation, or in a fleihly temper of fpirit, for the pi efenc he putteth a high price upon any good he hath done, and forgetteth by what ftrength he did' it 5 he forgetteth Gods part, and his glory in it,-for the Pfalmifts part, was the confenters part, the inftrumenrs part, and he was in the point of action onlv a fubordinate a-gentand co-worker at the beft by a borrowed ftrength; and yet a? if all the work had been his work alone 5 In vain (faith he) have ' 1 cleanfed my heart, and wafoed my-hands in innocency. 4 That which is the break-neck of the wicked, may readily be a ftum-bling-ftone for a time to the godly: that which is the irrecoverable deadly ficknefs of the wicked, may be the hot fever or diftemper of the godly for a feafon. In fpecial, as the wicked man at all times doth look only to this prefent world, and to what may make him profperous or miferablein this prefent life: fo it may befal the godly man alfo in a fit, at a time, to look only upon tempotal prosperity and trouble,as here we fee the Pfalmift looketh only to his prefent troubles; For all the day long I have. bfen plagued s never a word here of his fweet confoiations and

manifold

man-fold benefits beftowed on him. 5.To finde fome new crofic daily,eithcr fromGodimmediately 3 or from the world,or fromSa-tan, oi- ffom our own corruption^ is no ftrange thing to the godly i Ml the day long I have been fixated .and cbaflened every morn* ing, faith the Pfalmift ; even while he was daily cleanfing his heart, and warning his hands: fo doth divine wifdom fee k fit for the good of his children, and glorifying of his own Name.

Ver. 15. If I fay, 1 mil Jpeal^ thus : behold^ J Jhofild offend againft the generation of thy children.

Thus have we feen his tentation. In the next place, we have his wreftling with it, by bringing this conclufionfuggeftcd^ by Satan to a further examination : and firft, of humane reafon, wheiby he perceiveth^that if this conclulion mould be maintained, then the Church of God in all ages, and all the godly from the beginning of the world mould be condemned as miferabie fouls : which confequence he thinketh to be a ram condemning of the conftant refolution 01 the godly wife .in all ages paft. Wber.ce learn, i.Tentationsdriving at the fubverfion of raith inChrift, and holineffeof life, do finde refiftance in the heart of a renewed man, how farre foever they feem to prevail at firft : The feedofGodremainetbin him, the principles of fpiritual life, the infufed habits of faving graces, the new creature by Gods up-ftirring do make oppofiuon, as in this example we fee. 2. The way to take up and decipher Satans tentations, is tocon-fider what they aim at, tend unto, drive at,what may be the con* fequence thereof; If I fay, I will [peak thus, then fuch a thing will follow. $. So long as a tentation remaineth un4er dispute, and is not come to a fctled decree and refolved pra&ice, it hath not obtained full viSory; it is with the Pfaimift here, for all that was fuggefted and fecmingly yielded, no more yet, but, If lfay I will jpeafithus. 4. Whofoever doth condemn piety and holy converfation, becaufe the world doth fo, or because trouble doth follow fuch a courfe, he doth a high injury to all the Saints from the beginning of the world, and to God the Author of all holinetfe; If Ijhould (peak thus, heboid y I Jbould offend againft the generation of thy children. 5. The godly arc not the authors of their own fpiritual being, the making -them new creatures is the work of God, they are the children of God,

begotten

fcegottenofhim, by his Word and Spirit, and do refemble their Father iawifdom and righteoufnefle; fodoth thePfalmift llile them, in the time of his hard cxercife here, The generation of Gods children. 6. In our difputing with tentations by the weapons of reafon, we (hall do well to make God Moderator of the ciifputants, and to look to God in our reafoning, that we may by his teftimonies rectifie every thing, left we reafon amifle, as here thePfalmift dothj I Jhould offend againft the generation of thy children. 6. We ought to reference the judgement of the godly, and the more univerfally their jadgmenr is one, and agreeing together in a poiut of comroverfie, the more fear fhould we have to diffent from them, as the Pfalmifts example teacheth us.

Ver. 1 6, when I thoughto\now thii^ it was too painful for me,

17. Vntil I went into the SanUuary of God, then under flood I their end.

18. Surely thou didflfet them in flipper J pUcesjhou caftedft them down into deftruQion.

19. How are they brought into defoUtion as in a moment ? they are utterly confumed with terror*.

20. As a bream when one awaketh : fo, O Lord i when thou aVvakeft , thou Jbult deffife their i-

In the third place, finding himfelf not yet fuisficd, he con-fulteth the Oracle of God, revealed in his Scripture and ordinances of his houfe, ana fo he findeth his doubt refolved, and victory over his bitter tentation granted unto him. Whence learn, j. When a man doth fee himfelf in a mift, and out of the Lords way, he is not able by himfelf to flnde it again; for the ftrongeft of humane teftimonies will not fettle him and make him quiet; When I thought to \now this, it was too painful 2. The laft refuge of brangled faith, is God himfelf manifefting his will in his Word and Ordinances; no fetiing or fatisfa&ion of doubts in Divinity, but by the Scriptures 5 It was too painful for me> until I went into the Sanctuary of God $ thati:, till I coufulted the Scriptures, and considered what God had revealed

in

in his Church by his Ordinances; this did fatisfie and fettle him. 3. The Lord hath revealed in Scripture what (hall be the endandclofeofmenscourfe, who ftudie not to walk according to his direction, how profperous focyer they may feem to be: and becaufe the felicity of men is not to be known by Gods outward difpenfation of worldly comforts or croffes, therefore the mansend muft put the difference 5 Then underftood 1 their end. 4. Whatfoever alterations and changes the godly man be fubjeft unto in his temporal condition, bodily or fpiritual, yet his felicitic is fetled unto him on the rock ; but the felicity of the wicked is builded on the fand 5 the higher they are lifted up in that felicity earthly, which only they do aflecl, the more near arc they to a fall and fearful ruine : Thou haft fet tbcmup-onjlippery places. 5. Whatfoever may feem to the wicked them-felves, or to the world, 01 to the godly who look upon the wicked, how little appearance foever there be of their fall; yet it is decreed it mall be 5 for notwithftanJins; of all appearance it is faid, Surely thou hi ft fet them in flippcry places. 6. As the wicked do not arife unto any greatnefTe or power in the world by themfelves, but the Lord is he that letteththem up for his own glory; fothey do not fall of their own accord, but the Lord doth caft them down : befide their own weight* they have the throw of the right hand of the Lo;d,who iheweth his power in their overthrow, and doth drive them to more deaths then ones Thoucaftcft them down into deftruftion. 7. The wicked periib fuddenly, when neither they themfelves nor others are looking for their ruine, in a way much more wonderful then their lifting up was; They are deftroyed, how are they brought into defo.lation>ar in a moment? 8, The deilruftion of the wicked is full of terror^ how fenfeiefly foeve; fome of them go away , all their riches, honour and profperity is pulled from them, and in great wrath they are lent out of the world, never to fee any token of favour again; they are adjudged to irrecoverable perdition of foul and body for ever: They are utterly consumed with terrors, o When the wicked are flourifhing in wealth, eafeand honour, men do think that God is as it were fleeping; but the truth is, both the wicked themfelves^ and all who lock upon them, and do ju.ige them to be happy, are in a dream, as they fhall fee when the Lords time is come to execute judgement on them> for then all their ri.hes, honour, pleafurc and contentment (hall be found nothing but a defpicable picture of thefc things 5 As a dream when one awaJ^eih : faO Lord, when thou *mkeft> thonjhalt defpife their image. Ver #

Uo PSAL. LXXIII.

Ver. 21. Thus my heart Was grieved i and I waJ frickedin my teines.

22. So fooii/h was I and ignorant: lw.ts as a be aft before thee.

In the fourth place, hemakcth a fix-fold ufe of this experience. The firft is this, that by it he is taught how weak and foo-lifli he is in himfelf, and how unable to fhnd in time of trial and tentation, IVbcncc learn , i. Hardly will a man difcern a powerful tcntation, when he is under it. The beft fight to be had of the danger of a tentation is, when it is overcome and gone and look how well pleafed a man is, when the tentation is beautified with fpecious colours of carnal reafon,fo much will he be difplea-fed with it, when it is feen , anddifcerned bylpiritual light, as here we fee in the Pfalmifts experience* 2,Much trouble do we bring to our owr fpirits , when we examine Gods difpenfations by carnal reafon,ani not by the Scripture j and we may thank our felves for the mifery which we draw upon our felves , as here the PJalmift doth; Thus my heart was grieved,and I was pricked in my reins. 3, So foon as the godly can perceive rheir own error, they will no longer maintain it, and no man will more (harply cenfure them for their fault then they will do themfelves : This is apart oftheiruprightnefle, and ingenuous honefty of heart 5 Sofoo-lifl) was I and ignorant. 4. The fin of envy , and male-content withGodsaffh&ingofus, and fparing of the wicked, hath its own judgement bound upon the back of it: for as a fourc-leavened veffel, turnerh all things put into it unto fournefle, -fo doth envy of the profperity of others make all the good th3t the Lord'doth to our felves, uncomfortable, and unpleafant unto us: for the Word My heart was grieved ; is in the force of the original , My heart was imbittcred , made fourc , and leavened f. Perplexity of minde, rifing upon the mistaking of Gods providence , is like the pain of the gravel in the teinesj very troublefome till we be rid of it 5 I was pricked in my nines , is a fimilitude borrowed from the bodily pain of the gravel. 6. Carnal rcafon not corrected by Gods Word, isbeaftly ignorance i it may bear fome fticw of reafon among foolifh men, but indeed it is nothing before God ; but brutifh folly * I t»as as A bcaft before thee.

Ver. 25. Nevertbetejfe, I am continuattj whb thee;

ikon haft holden me bj my right band,

The

The fecond ufc of this exercife, is rhe acknowledgment that his ftandin* in grace, and Gods obedience, depended only upon the Lord , by whofe powerful fufteining of him he was kept from bcin2 utterly overcome by the tentationsof Sitan , and from falling from the way of God by the tcntation. Whence team, i. The perfeverance of the Saints is not of themfeives , but of the L&rd, who doth not forfake them, when they of themfeives are ready roforfakehim, but by his power fecretly uphold them, and keep them faft to htmfelfe : This doth the Tfalmift here acknowledge? Neverthe'ejfe I am continuity with thee. i. When we have gotten proof of our own folly, and weaknefle. and ill deferving* \then do we moil clearly fee and confefle Gods grace and power in preferring of us j Thou bxjt bolden meby thy right hand.

Ver. 24, Thoti Jh;rft guide me With thj connfdi andtfterwardreceive me to glory.

The third ufe is the confirmation of hi; faith and hope in God for time to come. Whence learn , 1. The Believer, how fenhbie foevcr he be of his own weaknefle , may be perfwa"dei of his own perfeverance^by looking on Gods conftancy, and felt experience of his work of grace inhimiritimcpaft>r/70j/ wilt giiide rae with thy couvfcl, &c. z. There is an unfeparable connexion! between walking by Gods direction inthctime of this life, and our receiving into heaven after thislife:and he who is refotved ro walk by the rule of Gods direction, may promiic to himfclfeto be received into glory immediately after his journey in this life is ended ; Thou Jlyaltguide me with thy counfel , and afterward receive me to glory. 3, Albeit the Believer may meet with many doubts and difficulties in his way, yet hath he a s;uide to direct him, and a rule to walk by 3 to wit, the Word 0? God revealed in the Church or Sanctuary 3 whereby he may be advifed effectually how to walk on hi-way to heaven: Thou wilt guide me with thy counfel.

Ver. 25. Whom have 1 In leaven but thee ? tini there is none upon earth that I defire be fides thee.

26. Atj flejh andmj heart faileth : but God is the firength of my hearty andm) portion forever.

The fourth ufc of this exercife is , the fedin'g of his affefltaW n a**

ard confidence on God, as the matter of his fatisfaftory contentment,.and upholding, when all creatures failed him. Whence learn , i. As nothing can givetrue contentment, exceptGod: io God Will have us to loofe our heart from all creatures, and expect no contentment in any of them, but in himfclfe ; Wfjom have I in heaven but theel d/?d there is none on earth whom I depre bcjiJcs tbce. z. He that feeth Gods fufticiency, feeth alfo the Cmptineile of the creatures, and nothing to be in them, but what they have of God. A Believer may fee that he needeth nothing in heaven or earth- but communion with God, to make him ful* ly bleifed $ Whom bay? I in heaven but thee 3 and there is none on earth that I defire bepics thee. 3. As to finde all things to faile \\% } except God, in the time of trial, doth ferve to loofe our affections and confidence oft"them : fo to finde help in God when ail things do faiie, ferveth to tie the heart of a Believer ftrongly to the Lord 5 My / cart and my flejh faileth me, but God is the (irengthofmyhea.t, 4. When the Believer hath fecn his own itrength tail him,and yet net the leiTe doth believe inGod,he (hall finde bis (ailing heart and fainting outage up hold en , and his own exhausted itrength fupplied with a greater itrength from God: My heat and my fiejh fail me , but god is thc^/irengtb 9) my heart. 5. Every man fecketh fomething for his portion* fome one thing in the creature , fome another, but the believers portion is the Lord himfelfe, and no idle will content him 1 The Lord h theftrcngtb of my heart , and my portion. 6. This is the believers advantage above all that do feek their bleffednefle in the creatine; for his portion is the eternal God, and he is made an everlafiing enjoyer of him : God is my portion for ever m

Vcr. 2 7. For fo, they that are farre from thee, (hall perifh .* thoti haft deftrojed all them that go a -whoring \rom thee.

The fifth ufe, is his refolution to draw nearer unto Gcd : the reafons of which refolution are twc$one : becaufethey perifli, who do not draw near to God : ver.zj. The other is, great advantage is to be had by drawing near to him, ver. 28. Whence lean, 1. The Lords childe doth profit by hardeft exercifes, and his tentatiens bdng refined bv faith , do leave him in better cafe then they did finde him : his knowledge of Gods ways, his faith, his love toGod^md hatred of wicked couries are augmented,as in

this

this example is tobefcen, 2. Theywhofe confidence ^fVe&i-ons j cotirfe of life and actions do run toward, and cleave unto the creature, do depart from God more and more; for here they are faid to be fanc from God : and they that depart from God, do draw near to eternal perdition: They that are fa.rre from thce,fball p.rifb. And howfocver this truth be not believed,' yet it is as fure and certain, as if it were feen with our eyes > For to, they that are fane from thee , flull perifh. 3. A chafte foule hath no choice , no love, to delight it felfe in contentedly , except God : no confidence to reftit felr'eupon, but God. And whofocver do feek their delight and fatisfa&ion in the creature, cfpecially if they be members of thevifible Church , in Covenant with God,they are adulterers: They go a whoring from God ; and they (hall not finde felicity in the creatures; but perdkion no lefle certainly, then if it were already paft : Thou haft deftroyei all them that go a whoring from thee.

Ver. 28. But it is good for me to drAw near to God : / hive fat mj trufi in the Lord God, that lmay dtclareallthy works.

In this verfe, he giveth the other reafon of his adherence unto God, from the advantage he findeth by fo doing , and cloleth the Pjaim with the fixth ufeof his experience, which is the fixing of his faith on God, that his experiences maybe more and more frequent,a«d he may be a fitter inftrument toglorifyGod, Whence learn, 1. The right ufeof the periftiing of the wicked, is to be more holy, and to feek nearer communion with God > as our only blefledneffe, how many foevcr depart from him i They fhall ferifoivbo are farrc from thee > but it is good forme to draw near to God. 2. No man is fo near in communion with God in.this life, but there is a further degree to be aimed at, a.ndpofilbly to be found; as there are degrees of departing from Gcd , fo alfo degrees of coming near unto him; and the better for us, the nearer we draw : It is good forme to draw near to God. 3. The tifc of all affaults againft our fauh, is more and more to fixe our faith and confidence on God} for this is trrt ufe the Pfdmijt doth makeoftheaflaultfpokenofinrhisPfalm: I have put my trufi in the Lord god. 4. None but a BcLiever can difcern th^ Lords working,it is only faith that giveth a righrconflxu&ion unto all the Lords works, only frith makes men lit initruments to glorify God; Ibwcput mj trufi in the Lo*d GoAjba I may declare all thy

works. 5. As the Believer isthebeft obfcrver of Gods works, and litre ft to fct them forth before others 3 fo he is the man of greateft experience \ and he of all men is filled with moft matter of Gods pratfe: for the Lord never difappoinrs the believer, but makes him have new proofs of his wonderful wifdome, power,and goodneffc fo doth the Pfalmifl, lay his reckoning : I have put my truft in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy wor^s.

PSAL, LXXIV.

fflafcbil of Afapb.

OF this Pfalm there are three parts. In the firft the pitiful iar mentation of the Church presented unto God, becaufe of the deftru&ion of tferujalcm , and burning of the Temple by the Cbaldeans>to ver.n. In the next is the ftrengthening of the faith and hope of Gods people, that God would fend a delivery, to W* 18, In rhe third, there are fundry petitions for relief of his people, refli.-ution of his ownwork,and fuppreffion of his enemies, to the end of th j Pfalm.

Ver. 1. r^\ God, Why haft thou caft us of for V^/ ever ? why doth thine anger fmoaf^ a gain ft the Jhcep of thy pasture ?

2. Remember thy congregation which thou haft furchafed of old, the rod of thine inheritance which thou haft redeemed, this monnt Sion, Wherein thott haft d^elt.

In the firft part of the Pfalm there is a lamentation and prayer for reliefe in general, ter. 1,2. Secondly, a complaint againft the enemy,laying forth before God the defolation which the Chaldeans had made., efpecially in deftroying the Temple, s^M,4,5,6, 7,8,9,And thirdly, a prayer unto God for vengeance upon them for their paines,xw. 10,11.

From the lamentation and prayer for relief in general; Learnt, I. I nail judgements inflicted by whatfcever inftruments , the lords people muft look firft to God * and glbek wrath, and fear

of

of utter wrath do fhre them in the face, as hardly it can be cther-wayes when God putteth hand in his own Temple , and taketh away all the tokens of his prefence from among a people , and feemeth to caft them utterly oft; yet mult they make their addrefs to God, how angry foever he feem to be ; as here the Church under this lad judgement dan, faying, 0 God,why baft tbou caft ta off? 2. In the point ofcaftingoff, and fear of cutting oft for ever, the Lord craveth no yielding or fubmiflion to theprcfling thoughts thereof, but will allow us to call in queftion every appearance ofanyfuchpurpofcof God, and to debate that point with him , and not to endure utter cafting off, yea and to fay, Wbybafttboucaftusoff for ever ? whether it be our own parti- > cularcafe, or the cafe ofthevifible Church, ours and others cafe with us, who cannot endure to be ieparate from God.

3. When the wrath of the Lord is kindled againft his people , all that they do fee,doth feem to be but the beginning of more wrath, as fmoak is but the beginning of burning : why d>tb thine anger [moi'i againft thy fliecp ? 4. A'beit we by our fms have provoked the Lord to fall upon us, as his enemies; yet muft we not quit the leaft relation, no not of the external Covenant, between God and us , but make ufe of it for fupporting of our faith in him, as here; ♦ IVby doth thine anger fmoakc againft the Jheep of ihypafture? that is , thy Church and people, the care of whom* thou haft taken, as a fhepherd over his flock, f. The Believers asking,^/?/ ? is no quarrelling; nor is any fpeech of the Saints un:o God, a quarrelling, which endeth or refolveth in petition and fupplication, as this doth wherein after their asking,/^/?/ ? they turnthemfelvestofupplication, and do pray. Remember thy congregation. 6. Let the Lord do to his people what heplea-p feth, they mult pray unto him, and make ufe of all the bonds be* tween him and them , as here the Church doth, pleading, 7. That they ai c by outward Covenant his i hurch,con(ecrated unto him 5 Remember tby congregation. And 2. That they are his purchafe by paying price, and conqueft : Thy congregation which thou baft purchajed. And $. That they have been in his poflef-fion tor a long time, IVhrcb thou haft purcbafci of old. And

4. That the Lord had taken them into manuring , as a piece of land mcafured out by line or rod , and his inheritance not to dif-pofe, or put away: The rod of thine inberitjiice. And ?. That he had granted deliverances out of ftrars before; The inheritance which thou hafl redeemed. And 6. That he had taken up home amongftthem in his pubiick ordinances: This mouursion where** iit thou haft dwelt. M $ Ver. j.

Vcr. 3. Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual deflations : even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the janEtuary.

4. Thine enemies roare in the midft of thy congregations : they fet up their enfignes for fignes.

5. A man was famous according as he had lifted np axes upon the thicks trees.

6. But noW they break do\\>n tht carved Vcorkjhereof at once With axes and hammers.

7. They have caft fire into thy fanEluary^ they have defiled by carting down the dwelling place of thj Name to the ground.

8. They faid in their hearts i Let us deftroy them together : they have burnt up all the fynagogues of Cjod in the land.

9% We feenot our fignes , there is no more any pro* phet ,. neither is there among m any that knoweth how long. •

In the complaint he defireth the Lord to come and fee , and to take order with the deflation made by the enemies in his land 3 and fpecially in the Temple, vcr. $ . What infolent domineering of them was over his people, yea over God himfelfe , fo farre as their lifted up banner againft him could do, vcr. 4. Each of them thinking it as great matter of commendation to them , to throw down the Temple, as ever it was for any man to build it, or prepare materials for it,w\ ?, 6. How they had burnt and de-molifhed the Lords houfe, vcr. 7, with a relblution to root out his people, according as they had burnt alt their Synagogues in the landjver.S. And how there was no appearance of comfort or delivery from this calamity, vcr. 9. Whence learn, i« All the evils which the enemy doth unto Gods Church , proceed from the Lords defertion of 3 and departing from his people, who have provoked him to wrath; for this prayer, Lift uptbyfect, or come and fee, doth import his departure , and leaving his people naked without his protection. 2. Albeit the Lord doth feem to turn his back,& depart far away from his own people, when they do provoke him to anger , and to let their enemies do unto them, what they pleafe; yet will he be entreated fay

his

his people to come again., and iee, and pity tne delolation brought upon them,and puniili the inftrumentsof ir> Lift: up thy feet unto tbeperpetud defolations; that is, Lord, come fpee.ily, and fee what defolations thy enemies have made amongft us, and pity and relieve Us by thy manifefted prefencc. 3. Among all the calamities of Gods people, nothing doth afflict them fo much , as the infolent profanation of the worihip and Name ct God among them, for here in the firft petition, they lament the abufing of the Temple , Even all that the enemies- have done wickedly in the San -3uary> and then do infill moft upon this. 4. When the wicked are lec loofc upon Gods people, they are moft inlolent, cruel and favage in their carriage toward them; Tby enemies roare intbe midji of thy congregations. 5. It will not fuffice the enemies of the Church to intuit over Gods people, but they will infult over their way of religion , and over God whom they worfliip; They fet up their enfignes for figncs 3 they difplay their banner upon the mines ot the Temple, asiignes of their victory over that religion which is profefled there , and over Gods worfliip there 6. When Gods people do abufe religion, and do mock God in their profeflion of worfliip, and do di (honour him by their carnage and converfation 5 it is juftice with God to^ive over his people, and all the meanes of religion into the hands of his enemies, to be abufedby them , rather then to fuffer his own people to mock him continually y as in this example is to be fcen. 7» It is a matter of a mans commendation , to contribute any way to the letting up of Gods worfliip and ordinances in a land; A man was famous according as be bad lifted up axes upon the chide trees: that is, as he had cut down timber ouc of L-banon Woodjto build the Lords Temple withalL 8. When the Lord is provoked by his peoples evil carriage towards him , no wonder i*e let the work of edification or reformation of religion go as faft down amongft them,as ever it rofe up,as the Church of the Jewes did feel by experience, when now the enemies did brex\ down the carved wo)\ of % the Temple at once , with axes and bammtrs, much more fpeedily then it was builded; They have caflfirc into the Sanctuary, they have defied by cafting down the dwelling place of tby Name to the ground.T his the Lord chufed to permit,rather then tofufter his people ftill to mock religion, and ftill to abufe the Temple , and make it alhelter for them to truft in agair.ft all Gods threatnings, fa long as it did itand. 9 Abeitthe Lords minde be onely to correct his people, by letting them fee their provocation in the judgements brought upon them: ytt the

M 4 enemies

enemies whom he ufeth as instruments in their correction , do minde their utter deftruclion, and the rooting of them out of the world; They faid in their hearts .Let us defiroy them, io.When the enemies of religion cannot kill all the worfhippers of God, yet will they labour to m~r the means or" their aflembling foi publick worfhip/o force as ihey can : for after they have faid,Lcf m defray them together, it is fubjoyncd, They have burnt up all the Synagogues of God in the Ixnd : that is, all the houfes built for the weekly aflembling or the people unto publick worfhip , in their feverai divifions, through the land. 11. Houfes built for meeting of the Lords people to publick worfhip, albeit they be not typically holy, as the Temple ofjerufalcm was ;yet cio they belong to God , as meanes dedicate for maintaining his fervice, and when they are marred , it is a wrong done to God, and a caufe of complaint to «ood againft the facrilegious fpoilcrs thereof, as hei e we fee. 12. External troubles are much lighter, when the publick ordinances and fignes of Gods prefence in a land may be had for fpiritual comfort $ but when thofe are removed, every trouble is the more heavy : We fee not our fignes, there is no more any Prophet, ne thcr any among ws, that fooweth borv long: that is, publick meanes 3 ordinary and extraordinary, whichmay give us comfort, do now ceafe. If it be asked,how can this be applied unto the time of the captivity/eeing^crew^E?^ frJeLTtanieljanithe Piopbet who did Write this P.alme byin-fpiration, were living at the beginning of ihc captivity, and after theburningof the i emple ? It may be anfwereJ , that Jeremy was carried away ro Egypt , and the people could not have ufe of his miniftcry > E\el^iel and 7>aviel were carried away to Baby* Un , and the poor which remained in the land had none of the Prophets to comfort them; yea E\e\\iel and "Daniel were but now and .hen imploycd ofG ;d to utter their prophecies,and the multitude of the captivcs,\vho were to make ufe of thisPfalm,were fcat-tered in fundry places.and could not have the benefit of their or of any others miniftcry, as they were wont to have ; and this in fpe-ciall maketh the lamci-tation to have a ground, that the table was drawn fromthe children ; the people had not that* accefle, which they enjoyed before . unto meanes either extraordinary or ordinary; they had not their former allowance;and howfocver in the copies of Jeremiahs prophecie 3 10. yeares was determined for the peoples captivity, vet none of the Prophets at the time of wiiting this, told, cr could tell them, how long time fhouldpafle before their dcfclationihculd be repaired; how long it ihould

be

be ere the Temple fhould be builded again > and the Prophet, by whom thisPialm was endited,had no further commiflion then he fpeakethofj and fo thefe forefaid expreflions , may ftand with the time of the beginning of the captivity of Babylon.

Ver, 10 O -rod, horv long /hall the advtrfary reproach ? (ha I the entmy blafthetne thy Name for ever ? ,

11, Why mthdrdtoeft thou thy hand , even thy right hand ? fluent out of thy bofome*

After the lamentation is fubjoyned an imprecation againft-the enenuLs,that God would notdeferre to punifh them. Whence learn , 1. Mens patience ismuch/hort of Gods long-furYcring and forbearance 5 for here it is the fpeech of afuftering people : O Gody bow long fall the adverfary reproach ? when with God it is not yet time to tail upon them. 2. The Lords long-fuffering patience doth greatly harden the adverfaries in their in'olent mocking of Gocli people; for inftead of faying , Lord, how long wilt thou bear with them ? he faith, 0 God, how longfhall the adversaries reproach ? 3. The truly godly can endure their own troubles better then they can bear the open difhonouring and blafpheming of God, by occafion of their trouble? Then-fore this expreffion , from thedeepeft fenfe of his heart , doth break forth, Shall the enemy blafpbeme thy T^amtfor evir? 4. Albeit tentations from carnal fenfe do reprefent Goci as if he were idle when he fufFers his enemies to trample onhispeople 3 and on his glorious Name 5 yet faith will not admit of iuch a thought, but dealeth with God by prayer, to let his ftrengthani power be fo manifeft , that the world may not think his hand is in his bofome > Why withdraweft thou thy hand , even thy rhbt hand I pluclt it out of thy bofome. This he belicveth the Lord fhail do, and giyeth reafons for his hope, in that which followeth.

Ver. 12. For God is mj King of old , wortyg fal-vation in the midfl of the earth.

13. Thou didft divide the fea by thy ffrength : thofi brake ft the heads of the Dragcns in the Waters.

14. Thou brake ft the heads of Lcviathdn in pieces^

and

and gaveft him td be meat to the people inhabiting thewtfdernejfe.

15. Thou didft cleave the fountain and the flood: thou dried]} up mighty rivers.

16. The day is thine, the night alfo is thine : thoH haft prepared the light **h the fun.

17. Thou haft fet all the borders of the earth , thou haft made Rummer and winter*

Inthefecond part of the Pfalme, thc^fdmifl dothconfirme bis own and other believers faith that God would undoubtedly deliver his people, and take order with their enemies; Firft,from the intereft they have in God., and God in them. Secondlyjfrom the experience of fenfible deliveries paft of his people, ver. n # Thirdly, from the great work of redemption of his people from Pbaraobs tyranny ver. 13,14. Fourthly, from the Lords feeding his people in the wildernefle, vcr.ij. Fifthly, from the Lords lbvereignty,and difpofing of all creatures in the world,vcr. t 6,17* Whence leitn , 1. Relations between God and his Church, and in fpecial this, that he hath made himfelfe King theieof, are pawnes of Gods defending his Kingdom and injured fubje&s, and punifhing of his enemies > for here the Church giveth it for q reafon of their hope of deliveryjGo^ is my K? n g- *• The more time is paftfince God did avow himfelfe King of his Church, the more confident may later generations of the Church be to finde new evidences of his royal actions for them, and againft their enemies; Godismy^jtng of old. $. New troubles muft not make us forget old mercies,but rather call them to memory, to be made ufe of afreih as pledges that what he hath done before, he will do the like again 5 God is my }&ng of old, vporbjng falva-tionintbcemb: that is, fuch deliverances of his Church, as all the earth was witneiTe of. 4. The delivery of Ifrael out of E^pMndthedeftai&ion of the Egyptians, is a pawn unto the Church in every age after, that God will deftroy their enemies how ftrong and terrible foever they be , and will deliver his Church : Thou didft divide the fca by thy jlrcngtb , thou brafaft tbe heads of the Dragons in the waters. $* As all the enemies of the Church are no lefle cruel and lavage againft the Lords people, then unreasonable Sea-beafts, and Sea-monfters : fo can he make their carcaics a pixy to unreafonable beafts, ?.s he made Pharaoh

tdob and his Captaines to become food to the beafts of the wildernefle, when the Sei did caft up their carcaleson the ftiore^ like fea-wrackt; Thou bra^efl the heads of Leviathan in pieces , and gave ft him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wildemcjfc* 6. The Lord will nut fail to provide confolation to his Church in her neceflity, though no probable means do appear, as he fur* niflied his people dank from the flinty rock in the wildernefle ; Thou didft cleave the fountain, 7. The Lord can arid will remove all difficulties and impediments out of the way of his people, which may hinder them from the polfeflion of promifes, as he did to Ifrael: Thou didft cleave the fountain and the flood, thou driedft up mightyrivers. 8. Faith is fo thrifty, as not to let the works of creation, and common providence paife by, without ufc-making thereof : The day is thine , the night alfo is thine, &>c. 9. As God hath appointed viciflitudes ot" day and night, lighc and darknefTe, fummer and winter; fo hath he no lefferefolvedly, wifely, and graciouily appointed viciflitudes of dangers and deliverances, of grief and confolation to his people , for their good : The day U thine,the night alfo is thine: thou \rkft prepared the light and the Sun. 1 o. As the Lord hath fet bounds to the fea^ bounds and borders to every Kingdome , to fummei shear, and to winters cold : fo can he do, and fo hath he done, and fo will he do unto all the troubles of his owne, to all the rage, power, plots and purpofes of their enemies ; Thou haft fet all the borders of the earth, thou haft made fummer and winter>

Ver. 18. Remember this , that the enemy hath re-froached> O Lord, and that thefoolifh people have blaf-phemedthy Name.

19. O deliver not the foul of thy turtle-dove unto the multitude of the wicked : forget not the congregation of thy poor forever.

20. Have refpett unto the covenant : for the dart^ places of the earth are full of the habitations /if cruelty.

21. 0 let not the oppreffed return afbxmed: let the poor and needy praife thy Name.

22. Arife , 0 God , plead thine o^ne canfe : remember hov» the foolifb man reproacheth thee daily.

23. Forget

23, Forget not the voice of thine enemies : the tumult of thofc that rife ftp agai»fl thee, increafeth continuity.

In the third part of the Pfalm, he returncth to prayer , and redoubled his requclts for delivery to the Church, taking arguments ; Fift, from the injuries done to God by the enemy, vcr. 18. Secondly, from the danger and weakneife of Gods people, vcr. 19. Thirdly, from covenanted help in time of need, ver.zo. Fourthly, from the Lords intereit in his own quarrel againft the growing infolency of his defpightful enemies,wr. 22,2$. Whence learn > 1. Although fins, especially perfecution of Gods people, and blafphemy againft God, be not prefently puhimed, yet (lull they not be forgiven: Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached^ O Lord. 2. All tins, but in fpecial blafphemy of Gods Name,are aggravated by the naughtinefs of the finner,and excellency of God: Thefoolijh people hav: blafphcmed thy Mame^.Tht Church of God,incomparifonofhermany and ftrong enemies, is like a folitary, weak, defolate turtle-dove , harmlelle , meek, lowly, pr.tient in desolation, and eafing her griefe by hghing,and expofed to a multitude of ravenous birds* 0 deliver not tbcfoule of thy turtle-dove* 4.H0W weak foever the Church be, and how many and ftrong foever the enemies be, yet cannot they all devoure the Church, except the Lord fhouki deliver his Church over into their hands, againft which evill the Church hath ground of confidence to pray, 0 deliver not the fou'e of thy turtle-love unto the multitude of tbcrvidicd ; for he harh given his Church wings, and a hiding place too, as the comparifon imporrethjifhe pleafe to give her the ufe thereof alfo. $. The Church is the Lords hofpital, where his poor ones are fuftained upon his provifion and furniture, and he will not ncgleft them 5 0 forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever, 6. Albeit the Lords people deferve to 6e fccludedmany times from the Covenant of gtacc, yet the Lord will never de.bare them from their right unto it, when they in their need draw near to him , and plead for the benefit of it : Havcrcfpctt, (faith he) to the Covenant. 7. Such places as want the light of the Lords prefence in his OrAinan-ccs, are but dark and uncomfortable places, where there is no Icfie hazard for the people of God to remaine, then for fheep to be in the midft of the dennes of cruel lions and ta\-e::ous beafts: And when it plcafah God to call his peo-

pie by captivity or exile in fuch places, there is much need ro make ufc of Gods Covenant for prefervation: Have n-fpett unto the Qovemnt^ for the dar\plaes of the earth are full of the hibitations of cruelty, 8. The emptied fupplicanc coming to God , efpccially when ovcr-loaden with troubles, fhall finie comfort, and (hall not bee difappointed of his hope; 0 let not the oppreffed return afhamed. 9. The fenfe of need and emptincfle , is the beft difpofition for prayer, and beft preparation for praifes alfo: and fuch as are poorc in their prayers, {hall be rich in their praifes 5 Let the poor and needy praife thy Name. 10. The Churches caufc is the Lords caufe > for the wicked do not maligne the godly for their iinnes , but for righteoufneffe , and fo the quarrel is 1 he'Lords, which he will and muft maintain, though he feem to fit ftill a while : Ari(e , 0 Lord , plead thine orwt caufe , 11. The Lords enemies are all fooliih men 9 for they beat out their braines upon the Churches bulwark; be-caufe the'.Lord forbeareth for a time, they go on to blafpheme him daily to hrs face, bat (hall findeat length that God hath all their reproaches upon record: 2{emembcr how the foolifh man rcpro cheth thee daily, n. Every finne , and in fpc-ci,al enmity againft God and his Church is fearful; but open gloriarion therein is worfe , which God will take knowledge of, and punifti : for fo much is imported in this prayer, forget not the voice of thine enemies, 13. Sinne , and in ipecial perfecution gloried in , doth grow daily more and more; and the growing of finne , and in fpecial of perfecution, doth haften the delivery, of Jie godly, and the deftruSion of the enemies : The tumult of thofc that arife againft thee ^ increafeth continually*

.

PSAL.

*74 PSAL. LXXV.

PSAL. LXXV.

To the chief Mufcian Al-ufchitb. A Pfalme or Song of dfapb.

THis Pfalm doth well agree with the time of Davids entry into the Kingdom after Sauls death, before he was eftablim-ed King over all the tribes, wherein he with the Church > Firft, doth thank God for bringing him wonderfully to a begun poffeffion of a part of the Kingdome, vcr. i. Secondly, he pro* mifeth, that when the Lord ftiall give him the reft of the Kingdom in poffeffion, to imploy his power for righteous governing and fetling of it,after it (hall be put once in a rightframe,ver.i,$. Thirdly, he begins to triumph over the wicked that followed Sauly bringing to their minde the advertifement he had given them, not to be proud in their places, ver. +> 5. partly, because God had the difpofing of preferments in his own hand, vcr. 6 y 7-and partly, becaufe albeit God gave to all his own children a tafle of troubles, as he faw fit, yet the dregs of wrath were referved for the wicked, ver 8. Fourthly, hepromifeth to praife God continually, for calling down the wicked, and exalting of the godly, ver* $> 10.

Ver f 1. T JNto thee, O God, ho we give thank*, V unto thee do we give thank*:, for that thy Name is mare , thy ivonderous work* declare.

From his thankfgiving; Lcarne, i. The Church of God fhould take out of his hand every beginning of mercies and deliverances with affectionate and frequent thankfgiving .• Unto tbce 3 O Lord, do we give thank*3 unto thee do we give thanks. i< As the Lord is described in his Word; fo will he be found in his works, to wit, near at hand, and ready to help his people as they ftand in need; We 'do give thanks JoecaH\e thy Name is near; for this is the neernefle of Gods Name, when his powerful, gracious felt prefence is anfwerable to what is faid of him in his Word. j. Whenfoever the Lord doth (hew himfelf for his

Churches

Churches comfort, he doth it in fomc wonderful means 3 in one vefpect or other, that is, a farre other way then any could have expeded 5 That tb) Name is near, tbj wondrous rvor^s it* dure.

Ven 2. When 1 Jball receive the congregation^ I will judge uprightly.

3. The earthy and all the inhabitants thereof arc diffolved\ I be are up the pillars of it. Selah.

From Davids undertaking to govern the Kingdom well, when ic came all in hispower j Lcarnc, 1. Po&ffion in part of pro-mifes made to us, doth give good hope to have thewholeoi what is promifed in pofleffionalfo > for, When I JhaU receive the Congregation, prefuppefeth his certain hope and expectation to have it. 2. He that is advanced to a civil Kingdom, con-lifting of people in Covenant with God, he hath gotten charge tonourifhthc Chinch, and to procure whatfeever a King civilly can procure to a Church, that his fubjectsnuybeall of them Gods Church 5 therefore Vavid faith not, iVben I receive the Kjngiome> but when 1 receive the Congregation , or the Church. $. Forefightof a charge, whereunto a man is likely to be called, fhould make him prepare himfelf, and refolve before-hand fordoing the duties of that calling, as "David did before he was poffefled in the Kingdcmej When I fbull receivctbe Congregation, ifoxll )udgc uprightly. 4. Whin a land is de-ftitute of godly and gracious Governours, the whole countrey is left loofe, both in the matter of Religion* and of civil Juftice* as was feert in Sauls time before Vavid was fetled ; The earth and all the inhabitants thereof arc diffolved. ?. Kingdomes and Common-wealths have their pillars whereupon, they fhould {land, to wit, religious and righteous government! > for, I will judge upriglndy, in the fecond verfe, is as good as, J mil hare up tbepillars thcreofrm the third verfe. 6. Thaie that minde the? reformation of aland, fhouldbe fentibleof thedefolation of it, and have not only will, but alfo skill and place of powettofet matters in a right frame, as here the Pfalmift, after faying, Tbe landaiidxll the inhabitants thereof aredijfolved* addeth, I bear up', or fall bearc up the pillars of it. And here, whatfoever Vavid fpeaketh or could fay, was but a madow of what is to be found in Chrift, of whom he is a type ; For the Kingdom and

Coun-

Countrey is ill guided, where Chrift doth not reign; but when people do fubjett themfelves to him, he fets the Kingdom or Countrey upon true pillars, and fuftaineth all by his power.

Ver.4. I /aid unto thefooles, <DealnotfooliJhlj: and to the wicked, Lift not up the home,

5. Lift not up your home on h ; gh: fpeal^ not with aftiffeneck-

In the third place, he calleth to minde his own prophecy of the change of affairs, and advertifement given by him before to his adverfaries, not to behave themfelves fo ihfolently as they tlid. Whence learn, i.Evcn intimeof trouble, the godly, by the light: of G ods Word,may be enabled to forefee and prophecie of the 0-verturning of the wicked from the top of their preferment j 1 fed unto the foolf, Deal not fofoolijhly, faith the Pfalmift. 2. When the prophecie uttered according to Gods Word, islike to take effect, it is no fmall comfort for belecvers to call to remembrance ads of their beleeving bcfore-hand,what they do fee in their own time $ I faid to the fooliJh,Deal not fo foolijhly , is a fort of triumph over his enemies here. 3 .Such as are acquainted with true wifHom, do juftly account all wicked men to be fooles, forfakers of Gods teaching, and followers of their owne wit and will, to the mine of their own bodies, foules, houfes and fame i I faid unto the f00les. 4 The fruit of a wicked mans profperity is pride, vain-glory, audacious bonfting againft the godly, wherein they grow more and more infolent* againft all warnings of Gods Word, as this reproof importeth 5 teal not fodifhly y lift not up the horn ; lift it not on high, fpeak not with A ftiffe neck

Ver. 6. For promotion comcth neither from the £afi> nor jrem the iVefl, nor from the South.

7. Bat God id the Judge, he putteth down one, and fetteth up another.

From the firlt reafon of his admonition unto the wicked ? Lcarne, 1. Asthe caufe of mens pride in a wicked eourfe, is the forgetting of God, and of his government in tfce world on the

one

one hand, and a ftrong conceit of their cwn ability, tocompafl* rheir defines by their own wit, power and induftry on the 0-rfacrbari?: fa the way of wifdom to remedy the evil, is tocon-fi.ler that God doth govern the wo/1 J., and that men aie nothing but what he plcafeih to make of them 5 Promotion comctb neither from tbcEajh nor from the iVfi, nor from the South : that is, howfoever, or from whence focver preferment to places of power in the world fceme:h to come, yet the difpofingof places is from a higher hand, 2. Piaces or power and pi cfcrment are dif-pofed of only by the wife and righteous pleafure, and determination of the fupreme Ruler of the world 5 But God it fudge. He oppofcrh God the Judge his determination unto all the appearances from feconi c iu.es. 3. As G)d hath a miride for the glory of his grace, tony, or to correct, or to comfort and im-ploy (one men in his fervice, fa he putteth them down,or fetteth them up, and as he hach a mindc to have the glory of his juftice on other fome, fohe fe;te:h them up, or putteth them downj God is fudge, he putteth down onc> and fetteth up another.

Ver. 8. For in the htwJC of the Lord there is 4 tup y and tbervine is red: it is full o c mixture, anA hS fwretkoutofthefamz: but the dregs thereof all the y?ick*d of the earth fh*tt wring them oUt 7 2nd drink^ them, •

From the fecorid reafon of the admonition given tb the wicked Learn, u As the Lord doth wifely dift/ibute his benefit amd temporal comforts among men, to teftifie his goodnefle to his creatures: fo alio afflictions and ca'amicies are meafured; out by him unto men, to teftihehis"jaftice and indignation a-gainftfin 5 For in the bind of the Lord is dCupy that £i, a meafure of affliction proportioned unto them, for wfyranki* prepared. 2. This meafure ofc affliction ordained for each man, is prepared for the time appointed, like drink, ready for the mouth of him to whofe head the cup mail be put; It is acup with wine in it, in tfods hand, ready to be fet to any man^ feea J he pleafeth. 3. The affliction is like ftrong wine, quickly piercing throughall the mans veines who drinUethit, and cleaving-faft unto him; The wine is red. 4. The Lord ha:h as, it were both hot and cooling witers, whereby he doth mi:iga:e cheCup of calamities to fome, and increafesfethc fenfe of his fiery inji^-

N natiorv

J7<> l^AL, JL.AJV V .

■nation unto others 3 It U fall of mixture \ or it is perfectly mixed,As the cafe rcquheth. 5. What iseachmans meafure of calamities, how mixed when it is executed, ail is in Gods dif-oenfation $ He lourab forth of the fume into the mouth and oclly of every pcrfon,as hepleafuh.6The calamities of ihe wicked do follow ott-:imcs alter that the godly have drunkthefnft draughts or* the Lords Cup > It is toward the bottom and dregs \vhen the wicked drink j the hottcft wrath, and hcavieft indignation is refer ved for theni, and none of them fliall efcape, how longfoever their judgement fliall be delayed, But the dregs tixreofalltbcwkJ&duf the earth JIM drin^ 7. The wicked fliall be no letfe acceilory to the drawing on of their own calamities, then he that wiingeth the dregs, to draw out more liquor lot* himielf to drink, is acceilory to his own drunkennefle and damage ; The dregs thereof all the wicked of the earth Jhall wring them out^ini drinl(tbem ; their vanity, pride, greedinefie, luft, ambition, eiwi.e, and plealant coiufes of (Inning, wherein they delight themfeives, while they are drinking in iniquity as an oxe doth water, (hall be their dcilru&jon, as in the point of merit, fo alio in the point' of meanes of their owne overthrow.

Ver. 9. But I Will declare for ever, I mil fag praifes to the God of Jacob.

10. blithe homes of the wicked alfo will J cut ojfjbnt the homes of the rigljteopts /ball be exalted*

In thelafl place, he promifcth to make this holy and wife dif-penfation of juftice upon the wicked, and mercy toward the godly, the matter of his fong in Gods praife. Whence learn* 1. However matters feem to.go, how deep foever the godly drink of the cup of calamities., yet thebeleevcrsin God fliail ever have matter of joy in God, and praifing of him : Bvt I tvill declare for ever, (faith the Pfalmiit) I mil fing praifes to the Cjod of Jacob $ yea fa notified afflict on fliall be a part of their joy and their praifing of God. 2. It doth delight the godly to be in the fame Covenant', and of the fame faith withtho r e that are commended by God hi the Scripture; I willfingfrai-fes, (faith he) to the God of Jacob. 3. As a fincere heart doth refolve, never to weary in Gods femee, fo may it be affured ftCvcr to want matter of great joy in Gods fervke j for Aitcr he

hath

hathfaidj I will declare for ever : then he addeth, Twill fing friifcstotbcGodof Jacob. 4. It is the Magiftrates part, as they have authority in their fupeme or fubordinate places, to cut (hoi t the power of wicked men ; All the homes of the wicked alfo will I cut off t faith "David i which piomil'e he did no* ceafe to execute, by turning every man Indiffci ently, whom fee did not judge to be regenerate, out of his place; but by taking courfehow every man, whom he found in place, mould be bound to apply his power for the good of Religion and Juftice; as the hiftory of Scripture doth fhew j and by this meanes efpe-cialiy did David reform the Church of Ifracl 5 and this was* the way of his true policy, to cut oSdU the homes of the wu\ed • not to kill, or banifh, or forfeit, or put from all place of power and truft, all thofe leading men, who did oppofe and maligne him under King Sdul; but by caufing them all to concurre with him to let up true Religion, and bring up the Ark to Mount Si~ en, and to adminiflcr juftice unto the fubje&s in their feveral places. Thus by binding all men to Religion and Juftice, and ordaining that wkkedneffe fhould have no home or power for it, but all bound to be againft it 5 He cut off all the homes of the wicked; And becaufe the civil Magiftrate or Ecclefiaftical Governours are able to do in their Courts externally not fo much as were need, the real effecting of what here is undertaken by David belongeth to the And ype Chriftj for he only can fay, and make his words °ood 4 y All t&e homes of the tricked will I ait of. 5. The godly (hall be victorious over all their wicked oppofers, and righteoufnclie fliall bear them better out, and mall purchafe more help and power unto them, then, any courlc the wicked do take to have their power eftablifhed againft them 5 The homes of the righteous fall be exalted.

PSAL. LXXVL

To the chief Mufimnon Hjginoth; A Pjrtrne or Song of Afapb.

THis is 2 Pfalme ofpraife, given forth upon occafton of fotne great deliverance of the Church, fuch as was that when Scnnacheribs hofte was deftroyed, or fome other like overthrow given to the enemy.

N t Tfcr

The fummc of the Pfalme is this, the Lord is glorious in hi£ Church, and greatly to be praiied by his pecple, let down, vcr. i, z. Thereaibns given for this are fix $ the fir ft, vcr. 3. the fecond, vcr. 4« the third, vet. 5, 6 the fourth, wr. 7. the fi t'l, fer. 8, 9. the fmh, ut.io. the ufe whereof, with a reafon for it, is letdown, vcr. u,T2.

Promthelnfcription; Larney 1. The viable Church hath need to be ftirred up to the work of thinkfgiving unto, and prai-flnjcfGod, no leife then to any other duty; forthisduty is no lefle needful, noleflc fpiritual, no leffe difficult and difagrecing with our carnal and corrupt natural inclination, then any other duty, an.1 ufually is more neglected and more flighted then any point of worihip, although frequent occafion and caufe be given unto it; therefore it is ofiencft called for of any. If we compare this title w'th others, this is a Sovg y a Pfilme , taught to the Church, to ftir her up to the praifingof Go*. 2.God had more Pfalmifts, more fweet Singers in ifrael :hen one ; Davids name is not prefixed here, and the matter is moftfuitable to a latter time then his. 3. We are not to he curious about the Penmen of Canonick Scripture. The firft Author is he, to whom we mull look moft and reft upon him: For concerning all the fiebrcw Bible, we are taught by Chrift and his Apoftles that it was all given by infpir.nion , and that the holy Writers fpoke as they were moved by the holy Spirits for here it is not certain whether Afipb was the name of the Writer of it, or whether Aftpb be the name of the order of fuch of y^rflwjpoiterity, as were Prece n tors unto the Chu ch ; and had the charge of the Mulick> to whom this P.alme was committed for the Churches ufe, as many more Pfalmes in Daviis time, and after it alfo were 5 A Tfalmc or Song of Afipb or to Afxpb: the words may beare both alike.

Ver. i 4 T NjndahGodis knoton : his Name is

% great in Ifrael* 2. In Salem alfo is his Tabernacle : *ndbts dwelling place in Sion*

From the fumrpe and fcope of the Pialmc ftt down here ,-Letrne, i. Albeit God be in fome fort known in all the world, fcec3ufe of the works of Creation manifefting fomc way the rn-

vifible

vifible excellencies of OoJ, yet is hemoft of all made manifeft to his vifible Church, where his Word doth lbund, .md his Works are beft interpreted ; In tfudxb God is fiuown. i.Whcre the knowledge of Gods Name is moil: revealed, there mould he of duty be molt glorified : for albeit Ifracl many times did not unde.ftand, did not acknowledge him, but were more ignorant and neglect ive cf him, then the oxe or affe were of their Own* crs and Matters crib, yet daily among them he manifefted his great majefty, and fomctime he made them all acknowledge it, and of duty alwayes t hey mould have magnified his majefty, and fo his Name is great in Ifracl. 3; The Lord doth provide alwayes a place, where his Church may vilibly proftfie his Name, and wor(hip him : he will not want a place, where he rfath a people in Covenant-bond unto him ; In Salem is bis Tabernacle. 4. It is a great glory to the place where God is wormipped, for there alio doth he make his refidence :In Salem alfo>or tferufa^ Jem is bis Tabernacle, and h s dwelling place inSion. 5. It is not for the worthineflcot" any people or place, that the Lord is among them , or manifefted therej but it is his own free choice, among whom and where he will refide. The place where the vile Canaanitehad been, and the place longeft poffefled and a-btifcd by the Canaanire, will hechjofefor his chief dwelling ; he will turn the Canaanites Salem to be tferufdem : and the ftrong hold of the Jcbufites to be the place of his Temple > therefore, faith he, In Salem, (rather then -ferufalem) is his Tabernacle t xnd his dwelling place in Sion

Ver. 3. There hake he the arrovecs of the fawe, thejhitldy and theftpord, and the battel. Sclah.

The fiift reafon of Godspraifeis taken from the Lord 8 fighting at tfcrujxlcm againft the enemies of the Church, and difcomfitingofthem. Whence learn, 1. The greateft overthrow given to armies, will be found in their fighting againft Gods Church: There (in fpecial manner,) braise he the arrowes of the bowe, &c, 2. In the deliverance of the Chinch the Lord will be feen to do all the work > There bra\c be the arrowes. $. As there is no meanes or inftrument fit to dcihoy men which the enemie will not imke ufc of againft the Church; fo there is no weapon formed againft her which fhall profper, when (he doth relie on her Lord : There bra^e he the tirowes of the bowe , the flrield) a, nd the fword, and the battel.

N 3 Ver.

Ver. 4. Thou art more glorious and excellent then the mountains of prey.

fhe fecond reafon of Gods praifc is, bccaufe he is more glorious then all the Kings and Kingdomes of the world, wherein the cruel and beaftly raging enemies of his Church have their Jl en^th and ftrong hclcis. Whence learn, 1. Thofe Kingdomes and Powers which do not fubjedthemfelves to God or Chrift the King of Saints, arc to be cfteemed of as mountains where wilde and ravenous beafts do lie, every one of them according as they are more mighty, oppreffing the weaker; for they are called hcix, Mountains of prey or Powers maintaining allcpprcfli-bn, as mountains give inciter to ravenous beafts which live upon prey. 2 Whatfoever excellency is to be found in the King-domes of the world, wherein men do glory 5 as whdom, riches, {trength, multitude, courage, or what clfe can be imagined , 1$ ill nothing to the matter of gloriation, which the Church liath in Cod ; Thou | faith the Plalmift unto God) art more glorious then the mountains of prey.

Ver.5. The ftout- hearted are fpoiled, they have ftept their Jleep, and none of the men of might have found their hands.

6. At thy rebuke, 0 God of Jacob y both the chariot and hcrfe are cafi into a dcakjleep.

The third rcafon of Gods praife is 3 becaufehe did evacuate, and make of no ufe unto the enemie, whatfoever they did put their confidence in. Whence learn, 1. Whatfoever ftrength, courage, wit, or any other point of perfection any man hath , God who gave it, can take it away when he pleafeth; yea,can make it a fneanes of hardening his Jieart in carnal confidence, to engage him in a bufineffe for a mifchief to him, that he may loie all whereunto he leaned 5 The ftout-hcarted are fpoiled, they have flept their Jlccp, and none of the men of might have found their -hands', that is, God hath made the couragious and ftrong to pc found feeble and weak, and unable to lave their own goods or lives. 2. Albeit the Church hath no ftrength in her felf, yet the Lord can wi:h a word of his mouth do all her work, and defeat her cnemier u At thy rebufa 0 God of Jacob, they are ca(l

vt a dccpjlcep. 3. The more powerful, wife" and front the enemies of liocts Church be, rlu m re fhould the Chinch !die upon God, and the more g'ory do'.h the L^rd f£t in ov-m-cuin:: them \ Therefore the fto«t-hcartedmcn of might, eh arias and bwrfc are here mentioned.

Vcr. 7. Thou % tvtnthcu art to be feared^ ard -who may (land in thy fight when once thou art angry?

The fourth reafon of Gods praifc is, becaufe he is fo terrible that none can ftand before him when he is angry. Whence Uiirn, 1. When the Lord doth finite the wicked, he doth warn his own-people to ftand in awe ; therefore doth the Church make ufe of what is fet down before > Thou, < von th u arc to be feared, 2, Only God is to be feared left we cftend him, and no mans anger is to befeared in comparifon of provoking God to anger ; Thou, even tbouartto be feared j and no regard unto, nor mention of any other to be feared in comparifon of him. 3. Man a-gainftmanmay ftand , and wicked men in the time of Gods patience may ftand: but when the time cometh of Gods judging and letting forth his wrath upon his enemies, none can efcape bis hand j Who may (land in thy fight, when on> c tbo* an ingry ? 4. The terror of the Lord againft his foes, is the comfort of his people, and the matter, as~of his praife, fo of their

finging and rejoycing, as here is to be fecn,

--

Ver. 8, Thou didfi caufe judgement to he heard from heaven : the earth feared atid was ft ill >

9. when God arofe to judgement , to fave all the meel^ of the earth. Selab.

The fifth reafon of Gods praife is, from the experience of fearful judgements on Gods enemies, when he was about to deliver his people from their oppreflion. Whence lew, r« Late mercies aid deliverances given to the Church, fhould renew tie thankful memory of oLi deliveries, as here is done 2. When ordinary mcanes and advertifemenrs do not make die Per.cuito. s of the Church to ceafe , God hath extraordinary judgements from hcaYCii;, whereby h$ will fpeak unto his adverfaiies * '/

N 4

PSAL. LXXVI.

didft caufe judgements to be heard from heaven. $ . If by one fore or moremildeadvertifementcr rebuke men cannot be brought in order j by another, and more terrible rebuke they (hall be made quiet : Thou didfi caufe judgement to be beard from hea-r ven 5 the earth feared and was jiiU. 4. The property of the Lords people is to be h acquainted with afflictions, and Co fcnfible of .their own finfulneile, that they do not impatiently fret at Gcds difpenfanon, even.when they are opprefled by men; butdoilu-dy lubmiiTion unto God, and commit their caufe to him; therefore are they called The mee\ of the earth. 5. When the Lords meelc ones areindapger to be [wallowed 1 p> and deftroyed by their opprcflbrs, the Lord, who is the fovereign Judge to decide controverfies, and to determine who is in the wrong, albeit he be filent for a while, yet will arffe in due time, and f^eak from heaven by judgements, to the ttrritying and (Uencing of proud epprefibrsj The earth feared and was jlill, when God arofe to judgement lofavc all the mec^ of the earth* 6. When the Lord iarifeth to five the meek in one place, and of one generation, it is an evidence and earneft , that he (hall a rife to favc at length all and every one of the meek in every place, in all times after 3 for his arifing for his people, which was now paft, is (aid hne to be for to fave all the meek of the earth*

Ver. 1 0. Surely the wrath of man Jball praife thee, the remainder of wrath/halt thou reftraine*

Thefixrh.reafon of Gods praife is, that he''(hall make the malice .jjf the advcrfaries&pf his people to contribute to hisgloy^ JFlnme learn, y. A%* r t he rage and cruelty of men agaiiifi the Lords meek ones, may feem for the prefent to obfeure, Gods glory, and to tend to his didionoun yet when he hath humbled, tried, purified his own, and done his work in Mount Sion j all the rage of perfecuters (hall turn to (-ods glory un-r doubredly; Surety theuratfwf'man (hallpraifetbee- 2. When God frath glprijied tymfeli in thc.purging of his Saints 3 and punching their pe;iecu£or$. yet the enmity of the wicked weld a-gainft Gods people will not ceafc, there will be Hill, as here i$ prefuppofed, a remainder of wrath* ■-£. Let the wrath ©f dig., wjeked againft the godly be never fo grtnt, inveterate, tailing 1 and unquenchable : yet it mall vent iff^f only ?s tlifc.Lord fi?$r fitting : he (Kill madcratc the cut-lettirigfef it, as hetccth expedient for his pe( pics gocjd ; it (kail not break out totrfc deftru-

filon of his people; The remainder of vora h Jlu't thou re-fir mil

Ver. it. Vow and pay unto the LORT) your Go J, let all that be round about him bfmg frefents unto him that ought to he feared.

12. tit jhallcut off the fpirit of Princes: he is terrible to the Kings of the earth.

The ufe of the former doftrine is, to reach Gods people to give unto God that refpect and praife which is due to him trom them; and to exhort all Nations without the comparTc of the^ vifible Church to fubmit themfelvcs unto him, left he cut eff fearfully thechiefeft of them. Whence learn, 1. The ufe of the Lords delivcran-ces of his Church, which the people of God ftiould make, is to call on God in their troubles , engage them-*-felvcs to glorifiehim in word and deed for his mercies, and to entertain ;he confcicnce of their obligation j Vow and pay unto the Lord. 2. It is not enough to difcharge a promifed duty to God in outward formality, as the Philiftines made their offering to the Ark of God, but the godly moil do what iervicc they do to God, as to their Qod, reconciled unto them, and in Covenant with them ; Vow and pay unto the lord your God* 3. The Lord is to be feared and honoured of all tint are near to him in Covenantor Profeflion, yea or in vicinity ot place unto his people and Church> where the Lord manifefteth himfelf in his ordinances $ Let all that be round about him, bring frcfents untobim that ought to be feared. 4. How terrible foever the power of Princes and great men ieem unto the Lords peo^ pie, when they engage them ("elves and their fubjeels againft the Church ; yet ere they bring forth the ripe grapes of their de-fignes and plots againft Gods people, God can and will cut off their wiidome, courage and life, as eafilyas the branches of a Vine-tree; He Jihall cut off the fpirit of Princes. 5. There is greater caufe why Princes mould be afraid of God, then why Gods people fliould be afraid of Princes: Princes cannot co fo much toanyoneof Gods people, as God can do to the higheft Princes on earth : God can make their fall great according to the height of their place} he can root them out and their po-iicriry, not only from all place of power, but alfo from all being on rhe earth j he can make them a tcrrour to tkcmfelves;

he can deftray them foul and body j yea,heufeth to do this to bis adverfaries: He is terrible to the lyings of the earth.

PSAL. LXXVII.

Totfo chief Mufichn, totfedutlmn. A Pftlmeof Afapb, . ■

THis Pfalme doth expreflc the deep exercife of the Pfal-mift troubled with the lenfe of GodsdifplcUure, and how he wreftled under this condition, and had deliverance from it, which is fummarily propounded, ver. i. and made plain more particularly in the reft of the Pfalm ; for firft, he fettcth down his trouble of minde, ver. 2, $, 4« Secondly, his wraftlingwiththefenfeof felt wrath, ver. 5,6, 7,$>9* Thirdly, his begun vi dory by faith, ver. 10, 11,12. Fourthly, the fetling of hisminde by confidcration of Gois manner of dealing with hi 5 Church of old, to the end of the Pfalm.

Ver. i # T Cried unto Cjod frith my voice : even Ji unto God with my voice , and he gave taremtome.

In this fummary Proportion of his fad exercife of fpirit, and of his delivery out of that condition % Le^rne, That as there are many troubles whereunto Gods children are fubjecl: (whereof this is one of the rnoft heavie, to be under the fenfe of the wrathofGod, andfeareof final cutting off :) fo God hath fee down examples of this exercife in fome of his dear children, for preparation of thofe who have not yet been acquainted with the like, and to teach patience, and furnifti confolation to thofe who are under fuch exercifes; for here is one of the Saints telling us , 1.. That his own trouble in this kinde was fo pref-fing, as it made him cry. 2. And (hewing the courfe he took; He cried to God, and did put the whole powers of foul and body to abenfal, in his feckingof God; I cried to God with my voice. And,3. That he faw there was no remedy for this evil, fave God above, to whom he made his addrcfle with refolution rohold unto God only; EvcnuutoGod with my voice 1 cried. And, 4« Th*t at length he did prcvaile and receive his requcft, gracioufly granted unto him; Ani he gave earc to me: and fo he was relieved. Vei\

Vcr. 2. In the day of my trouble 1 fought the Lord; my fore ran in the nighty and ceafed not.- my (oulrtftifedtobe comforted.

5. lremcmbrcd Cjod, and was troubled: I com-plained, anhmy fpirit was overwhelmed. Sclah.

4. Thouholdeft mine eyes waking: 1 am fo trou* b'edthat I cannot fpeak*

He dec T areth this his fad exercife more fpccially 5 and firft, how great his trouble was. Whence learn, 1. The fearing and feeling of the fenfe of Gods wrath and difpleafure, is of all troubles the chief, and doth challenge to it felf moft defervedly the name of trouble, or ftraitening affliction, as if the Pfal-mift had never known any trouble in comparifon of this. 2 .Albeit the (enk of Gods wrath and difpleaiiire while it doth laft, doth feem a fort of eternity, as, Shall I never be rcmembrei? and fiich like exprefiions do declare* yet when the trouble is gone, ir is counted but a fliort time, but a day; In the day of my trouble, faith he, now being relieved. 5. As in this trouble moft of any Gods face or comfortable prefence is withdrawn 1 fo nothing in this cafe can content a godly foul, till he finde the Lord reconci!ed,and his gracious face to (hine again toward him ; In the day of my trouble I fought the Lord, The wicked in fuch a cafe they will either not feek God at all, but fome earthly comfort } or but take an eflfay what they can have by calling on God, they will not make it their work to feek him. 4. The fenfe of wrath giveth a fore wound unto a mans fpirit, like to a wound in the body, which is like to bleed unto death» My foreran in the night. 5. Trouble of conference, as it is like a deadly wound; fo is it alfo like a filthy boile, venting rotten iflue; for many are the (ins which the confeience doth call up in this cafe, which do caufe pain and loathing to look upon.-My fore, or my plague, my ftroke by a hand, ran in the night, 6. There is no healing of this wound, noeafing of this fore,* no cleanfing of the confeience, no quieting of a mans fpirit, till God whom the foul fecketh, fhew himfelf Phyfician j the evil continued ftilland groweth ; My foreran in the night and ceafed not. 7. Where mifery fecmeth remedileffe, there the fad foulfittcth it felfe to cndleffe foirow : and as it is hopeleflc of relief, fo it is heartkile to feck comfort, yea what earthly com -

forts

'

i88 PSAL. LXXVII.

forts are offered for the rcliefe of a fpiritual wound, are but a burden to a broken ffirit s £My foitlc rcfnfcd to be comforted* Nothing can fatisfy a foul which is fenlible of Gods di fpleafure , fave I the fenfe of Gods favour. 8. A troubled fpirit hath many thoughts 5 for it runs out in meditation , calleth for the records of the memory , but canfinde nothing to hxe-upon, fave God himfclfe 5 I remembred God. 9. It is poflible that the matter of moft comfort at fome time mav give no eafe $ the fweet promifes of grace, when a foul is not able to apply them; yea the thought of God himfelfe, and his goOv-nefle, may augment grief, when the conscience doth preient his abufed favours, as thecaufe of Godsprefent felt wrath : 1 remembred God 3 mi wis troubled. 10. Lamentation and complaints, when vented and not eafed with following comfort, do but double the grief $ I complained, and my fpirit was overwhelmed, 11, Redoubled thoughts of a ■perplexed foule , docaftitover in aconfufion , and a fort of iwound; / complained, and my fpirit was overwhelmed. 12. A wounded fpirit is able to bereave a man of the nights reft, and affect the body with a /line of its mi ft r able condition ; Thou bold-eft mine eyes waging. 13 When a foul could poflibly defire to eafe its grief with a little forgetting of it, and feek a fleep when *he body is now weary; it may fall out, that even thus much eafe, may be refufed to a Saint for a time, which mufi: be.looked on as Gods hand, for the further exercife of the Lords fick childes Tbou boldeft mine eyes waling. 14. Trouble not lenified, not mitigated, groweth to fuch a height, as it flops the ufe of natural powers: I am fo troubled xbgt I cannot fpea\. The forrowes of a foul fenlible of Gods wrath, are unipeabbie, neither can the tongue utter them x nor rhemindc enuire to the tongue, what it feeleth.

Ver. 5. 1 have confidered the dayes ofoldjhe jeers of ancient times. '

6\ I call to remembrance my fong in the night : 1 commune Vcith mine own heart , and mj fpirit made d'ligent fearch,

7. Will the Lord cafi off for ever ? and will he fo favourable no mort ?

8. Is his mercy e'ean gone for ever? and doth \\\S prcmife faile for evermore f

y.Hatb

9 Hath God forgotten to be gracious ; bath he in an" gerflm up hu tendsr mercies f Selah.

In the fecond" place, he fctrcth down his wreftling,and how af^ ; rcr he was overwhelmed, he fell again about the ulin^ of a:l ; means to be relieved , confidering the Lords work of old with ( riie s his children, and his own experience , and what could be the caaie of the change. vcr. 6. and how the Lords unchangeable* nefiein his loving kindnefic towards his own , might help him, vcr 7)S>9 Whence learn, 1. Were our cafe never to defpe-j rare , yet rhuft we not give over, but gather ihength after fwouuing , and ufe all meancs ofielicf, as the I'falmil here doth. 2. I: is one chief means of comforting a troubled Tinner, : and of ftrcngthening th; faith of a weak wicftler , to caft an eye I upon the Lords manner of dealing with his Saints, mentioned in Scrip ure, as the / falmiji did , who had the books of Mofes ond Job, at leaft to make ufe of; I buvcconfideredtbedayrsof 1 old , and the ycfrcs of ancient times, 5. It is alfo a good means forgathering ft en^thand coxfort for a foul under thefenfeof. wrath , to call to minJ.e his own experiences of deliveries and consolations received after trouble, and his own obfervations made upon his cwn experiences: I cull to remembrance my [origin, the night. 4. It is a third holy mcanes for deliverance from the ft aits of a troubled confeience, to fearch our waves, and to feek out diligently, what caufe in us we can finde, which might procure fuch a defection and fenie of wrah 3 as we do lie under; I communed with my own heart, anHmy fpirit made diligent fcarcb. 5. Albeit it bepoffible when all the formermeanes are ufed, and diligent fearch is made by our confeience , what may be the rea-fon of our hard cxercife, that for all that, we finde no congelation , noeafe, nor event; vet the ule cf thefe mcanes will wit-nefle for our wife and upright dealing , and be evidences of our . endeavour and diligence in duties 5 as here we fee the Prophet to make mention of his diligence for this end, 6. Albeititbeno ' ftrange thing for a a wounded fpirit to have fuggeftions caft in for overthrow of faith , yea to have feme of wrath fpeaking no ■ le'fte then what the tentatiun unto deperation doth alledge 5 yet the natureof faith is fuch, that it cannot yield, but nauit fight againft the testation,as a thing whicli cannot be true, cannot be ; admitted, as this .deputation of the Vfalm'jl doth give evidence; Will the LctX caft off for ever / and will he be favourable no morel The Lord may fcem xo'caft z Qusi' : eflr> and to ilop the

courfe of his wonted favour toward him, bur this cxercifeisonly for a time: It is not polTiblc that God iliould cafl off for ever the foul that cannot endure to be thruft from him : It is not poffible that God fhould not be favourable to fuch as have had experience of his favour,and do long to have new proofes thereof: Will the Lord caji off for ever ? mil he be favourable no more ? Which queftion, Will be do fo and fo? is thus much in effect , as if he had faidjjic is not poffible that th* Lord mould do fo,albek it feem he will do fo. 8. When the confeience of fin doth make objection agninft faith , then faith makes its defence in Gods mercy, and the conftancy of the courfe of mercy, where grace is begun to runnejyea faith will not yield to a contrary thought : Is bis mercy clean gone for ever. $. The troubled confeience hungering after the fenfc of mercy , hath not ohely Gods merciful nature, and Gods conftancy in his good will , but alfo his promifes to lean unto, for fupporting of it felfe. Therefore after mention made of Gods favour and mercy, he mentioneth here his promifc alfo. io It ispoffible, that for a timenopromife dooccurreto a wounded fpirit, which is fit for its prefent condition^ or at leaft, nopromife^ which it dare or is able to apply, yea it is poffible that the conditional frame of the promifes being made to fuch as are fo and fo qualified , may fcem to pertain nothing to the troubled confciencc,yet faith will not quit itsintereft in the pro-prom ife, but will expect good according to the promifc at laft; Voib bis promife faile for evermore ? 11. As it is the Lords nature to be gracious to fuch as come to him in the fenfe of their unworthineiTe; fo faith layeth hold on him, as gracious, and will never, admit a fuggeftion of any change in him, whatfoever feem to be in his difpcnlkion; Hath God forgotten to be gracious ? this is to faith an abfurdity and impoffibUity. 1 2. Thecompaffions of God toward the miferable when they come before him, arc like a running fountain; that cannot reftrain it felfe , yet may it feem to be (hut up, and wrath and difpleafure to run in the place thereof, when God is pleafed to exercife his childe with the fenfe of Wrath ^gainft fin \ but faith will not admit this fecming for a certainty: Hath be in anger Jhut up his tender Mercm ? This is a faying wnich a Believer muft abhorre ro give way unto , and yet may be aflaulced with, and branglcd, and Weakened by the tentation of it.

Ver. 10. And I fed ^ This is mine infirmity: but I will remember the yeers of the right hand of the mofi High*

n. i

11, / will remember the tvorkj of the Lord; furelf I mil remember thj wonders of old.

12. / will meditate alf 0 of all thy works, and ta/t^ of thy doings.

In the third place is fee down the begun victory of faith, wherein the believer checketh himfelfe for hearkening fo much unto fenfe, for admitting the fuggeftions of misbelief to come unto a difputation, and refolveth to make ufe of the grounds of faith, and of his former comfortable experiences , xrr. 10. and of the wonderful dealing of God with others his Saints before, ver. 11. and to fettle his faith on Gods Word,confirmed by his works, and to fct himfelfe to give glory unto God , zer. 12. IVljence learn,, 1. In the inward exercife of Gods children, after a whiles dark-neffe, cometh lights after grief 3 comfort 5 and after wreftling, cometh victory, as here we fee. 1. The trouble and difquiet-nclfe which cometh from fear of utter rejection from God, is from the root of natural unbelief, and in lack of the ftrength of faith; This is my infirmity ,faith he, as being now allured, that matters were nor as they Teemed to him , concerning Gods merciful affection to him. $. Weaknefie of faith , and fear or utter wrath, is a ficknefle whe*. eunto Gods children are fubject ; but a ficknefle whereof they will certainly recover: a ficknefle not unto death : This is my infirmity. 4. Our event from inward trouble, and our victory over it, doth begin at a right fight of our own weakneffe , of our own faults, and of a right judging of oar felves for them ; And. I [aid , TbU is my infirmity. 5« The remembrance of the experience of former changes, which we have found wrought by Gods great power, doth ferve to make us both patient under a fad condition , and hopeful to come out of it : IxviU remember the yeers of the right bAnd of GoA. 6. Albeh we do not fee how our comfort delivery and event, frnm trouble fhall come , yet may wc finde folid ground to expect that it fhall come , if we confidcr aright Gods fovereignty 'Over all creatures^ thatheiswjo/iH/gfr, and the omnipotency of his right hand} and his continuance,being the eternal, unchangeable one,and the lame from year to year, from age to age ; 1 will remember the y ems of the right hxnd of xbemoji High ; From this ground he doth expect, that he fhall have experience yet again of the omnipotency of a Sovereign and coriftant God, working for his confolation. f< Wteo faith beginneth tQ recover after its infirmty or

ficknefle,

ficknefle, it will make afe of memory, meditation, judgcmentjand fpeech; which were all bound up before > I will remember, meditate y anitill{. 8. We mult not think to come out of perplexity, out of ferife of wrath, out of trouble of confidence, out of hard exercifes of faith,by having great confclations,high and raviming joyes cf the Spirit at the fruit hand > but muft be content to come creeping out of our trouble by lirle andlitlcsfor here the PpUmift, under,the deepeft fenfe of Gods difplcafure , muft life all ordinary meanes, and wreftle with bitter tentations, till he come to fuch height as is cxprened, ver. 7,8,9, and for an event , muft begin and reprove his owne misbelief difpute for the help of his faun, taking arguments from his experience from Gods power and good will, and Gods dealing with others before him. y. The works of God, when they are locked on curforily 5 or lightly paft by, canno; be ditcerned, but when they arc well con Weed , they will be found wondcrfull; I will remember the wor\s of the Lord, furcly I will remember thy wonders of old. 10. It is good for a k>ul In a hard exeixiie,to raifc it felf from thinking of God and of his woiks,unto fpeaking unto God directly; no cafe or rclkfe will be found , till addrefie be made unto himfclfe , till we turn our face toward him a and direct our fpeech unto him, as here the Pfa mijl doth , from the midft of the eleventh verfe to the end of the Pialm. 11 * Eftimation of any of Gods works, and good gotten by meditation on fome of his works, is able to engage the heart to a deeper consideration of all his works; I will meditate alfo of ail thy worlds , faith he^ 12. He that would have profit by Gods works, muft bridle the levity of his own minde , which cannot ftay fixed in the confederation , till i: be tied in meditation ; I will mediate of all thy worli*. 1 3. When we have fed our own fouls upon Gods works, we (hould ftudy to make ufe of what we have learned thereby to the good of others, and glory of God : I will meditate of alltby wor^s, andtal^ of alt thy doings.

Vcn 13. Thy -way , O God> is in thy fanttuary i who is fo great a God as our God ?

14. Thou art the God thit doe ft wonders , thon haft declared thy ftrength among the people*

In the hft place,he confirmeth his fa^th,and fetleth hfl£rninde, byconfiderationofthe Lords dealing with his people, recorded

in

in holy Scripture, whereof he fpeaketb; firft, in general, vet. i $> 14. Then more fpecially, of the bringing of his people out of E&yp* through the wildernefle, terribly difcomfiting their ene r mics , and tenderly leading them, as hfe own flock, by weak and few inftrurnehts. Whence team , 1. When the heart of 3 man is turned toward the Lord, then the valleof darknetTe , cdnfufi-cn, and misbelief is removed ; he can juftify the Lo:d in all that he doth, as moil holy and juft; as here we fee in the Pfilmift, who lince he began to dircft himfelfc toward Gcd , cari now lay to him,, Tbyway,OGod y U in the Santtuary. 2. There « no underftmding of Gods dealing with us, nor can any rightcon-ftrufiionbemadeofhisexercifingofus, except we come to the Lords Ordinances,where his Word, his Oracles of Scripture do expound his works perfectly; Thy wy.O G^U in theS&nftttiry. $. When the works and waves of God are looked upon by the light of the Word,in his Sanftuary,or Churchjand God it looked unto-jthrou^h his works and Word,then is a foul forced td admire his holincs,and wifdom,and juftice and power ,and §oodnes,above, all comparifoni^fcc is (0 great a G od as our God. '4. The cxercife of the believers eonfeienee with fears and fufpicions of Gods affection unto him,endeth in admiration of God in exaltation of God, in believing more firmly in God, in magnifying the grace of his being in Covenant with God,in acknowledging his own bleffed-nefie, and the bletfednefle of all other believers, for having God for their God i Who is jo great a God as our God ? 5. So much in general may be feenpf Gods dealing with his people, as may quiet a man in his own particular, who is troubled about Gods diipenfarion toward him : for when Ifrael inEgypt was put tcr fuchftraits, as tbev faw nothing but rooting of them out with cruelty and oppreflion , God did work fo well, fo wifely, fo powerfully, and to gracioully for them , as all their hard •crxercifc was-turned to their greater comfort, and Gods greater glory; This in general is the u;e that the Pfalmijl maketh of Gods dealing with his people, and doth finde it applicable to h's owneancjitioi j Thou art the God that doth wonders. 6. When we* cannot fee how i: islikelyor poflible we can be extricated out of thedifficul-ties we are caft into,efpechlly in our fpirituai condition 5 we are obliged to give unto God the glory of doing above all things we can conceive, for the good of thofe that deurc to be his fubjee^s/ Tbou art the god that docfi wonders. 7. What Sod ha:h* convinced the World of already, concerning what he can do for his* people, may fatisfic eyeVy particular foal of his wifdom, porter*

0 ancf

and goodnefle toward it felfe,when it doth draw in toward him,as one of his people, for this ufc doth the Pfalmift m ike of Godsdo-ing for his peopicjTfrcH baft declared thyftrength amongtby people.

Vcr. 15. Thou hafi with -thine arm redeemed thy people^the fonnes ofJacob andJofeph. S/tah,

i6. The Waters faty thee 0 God^ the Waters fax* thee: they were afraid, the depths aljo were troubled.

17. 7 he 1 buds poured out wYter , the 5 -^Jes fent out a TpfiftL thine an owe* alio went abroad.

18. The voice of-by thunder was in the heaven • the lightnings lightned the -world , the earth trembled and

He defcendeth more fpecially to the confederation of the Redemption oflfrael out of Egypt , ('which is 4 reprefentation of the fpiiritual Redemption of his people) whom at the time, when they wei -z in the deeptft mifery and Uaft sbleto help themfelvcsj were moft oppreffed by th£ enemies : and for their owndifpofi-tion /were in a moft linful condition \ and in a defpera:e mood sgainft the means and .inftruments of their delivery j God did deliver and remove ali the difficulties which might hinder hilt event and efcaping from mifery : from whence the 2'Mmift might ftrongly reafon for his own comfort, that God would not failefo deal giacicufly with his foul, who was feeking favour from God, and a renewed fenfeof reconciliation with him. Heree learn, 1. That no foul can be under fuch fente of wrath and defobtion, but he may draw comfort from the great work of Redemption of left linnets: for if when we were enemi&s, wc were rccdnciledcoGodbyihcdeathof his Sonne, much^more being reconciled, we fliall be faved from wrath by his life. And this fpiritual Redemption was figured by the bodily delivery of Ifracl ouioi-Egypt? Thou baft with thine arme redeemed thy people^ the flints' oftfacob and tfofepb. i. It is by reafon of the Covenant that people receive deliverances, and confolations, and proofs of Gods power working for them : Therefore doth he ftile the fonnes of Jacob from their intereft in God , and Gods inte-reft in them by Covenant: Thou haft redeemed thy people. $. No obitacle how great fcever, can ftand in the way of the delivery and comfort of Gcds people, but God can and will remove it$

were

were it as the red fth, fo foon as he manifeits himfelfc, it Will get 0Jt of the way as afF ightcd at his Majefty ; The waters f a w thec, 0 God, the waters fave thee, they were afraid, the d'epihsal'jo were troubled; 4 Xhe commotions which God hathrmdc fa hcia-venbyrain, hailftone, thunder, fire, ana ligbliifirfgj when he would (hew himfelfe for his people , and azalnft their enemies, do teftify fufficiently what God can and,will do for his owii children , who draw near unto him , and how he will icbuki ^very adverfary power which is againftthem; Tbe clouds poured out water, the sJ{iesferit out a found $ thine arrowes went abroad , the voice rftby thunder ways in heaven; the lightnings lightened the world, the earth trembled andjhook- Whether we referre. thefe words to what God did in plaguing Egypt) before he brought out his people, or after when he {hewed his anger in pm filing the. Egyptians in their flight, when they were feefcing to efcape out of theredfea : or to what" the Lord did in fighting forhispeople againft the Canaanites , they teach the lame do&rine to us.

ver. 19. Thy way is in ike jfo, aridthj p»th in the great waters : and thy foot ft eps art not known; t

20. Tbott leddeji thy people like a pek: bj the land of Mofes arid Aaron.

He ciofcth his meditation with two obfervations J one is, that the Lords wayes are pail finding out, and this he inlinuateth by mailing a way through the red fca , where' never one went before; and never one could follow after. The other obfervation is , that God can Give his people by how few and weak inftruments h« plea-feth. Whence learn , 1. The Lord diawetii deep in the working out of]the delivery andjalvation of his own people, bringing them firft unto'extremity of danger, and then making a plain and clear efcape from all their ftraits 5 Thy way is iit the jea, where no mart can wade, except God go before him, and where any man may walk; if God take him by the hand, and lead him through. 2. What God is in woi king, when he engages his children iri dangcrs,and which way he is going, when he deads them intoover-flowing troubles and deep waters 5 they cannot underfiand , till hehattTdonehiswork: Thy path hfin the 'gre w waters. $. A particular reafon of every thing which God doth,can no man find out: for the which caufe the Lord era vet h fubmiflion of 3!! his children in their exevcifes, as he did of fob; Thy foctfleps ak O z, not

\$6 PSAL. LXXVIII.

not f^novpn. 4. Wheth:r men do fee rcafons of Gods dealing with them or not, the Lord hath a care of his weak and witlefle people, as t ihepherd hath of his flock, and is a gracious leader of his people chat follow him : Thou leddeft thy people as a fioc\. $. The Lord hath his meanes and inftruments of vthofe miniftery he maketh ufe: and thofe, albeit they be few and wca k, yet (hall he do his greateft woiks by them, according as hedothimploy them ; Thm leddefl thy people as a flock > by the band of Mo* fes and Aaron.

PSAL. LXXVIII.

Mafchil of Afapb.

IN this Pfalm, the Lords Spirit doch ftirrc up his people to make a rteht ufe of the Lords works of juftice and mercy fee down inholy Sciipture , and to this end he giveth account of Gods dealing Yery^jrrertifully with his people, and never in juftice, but when mercy was abufed; and he fticweth alfo the peoples dealing with God unthankfully, deceitfully, whether he dealt mercifully or in juftice with them.

The Pfalm may be divided thus: After a Preface to prepare the hearer for attention and obfervation of what he was to deliver, ver.i, 2,3,4. hebringeth forthj firft, the evidence of Gods gracious care he had of his people, in giving them his blefled Word , to teach unto them faith and obedience, vcr. 1,6,7) 8. Secondly, the evidence of Gods judgement againft his people, who were put to flight before their foes, when they did not believe the Lord,and did not make ufe of his works among them, ^r.9,10,' 1. Thirdly, he fetteth down how great things God did for them in Egypt> andinthewilderneflb,ver. 12,13,14,15,16. Fourthly, how they made no better ufe of thefe mercies, then to tempt God, and provoke him to wrath, ver. 1 7,18,19,10. Fifihly, howfortheir tempting of God, he was angry at them for their unbelief, 3nd notconndering of the miraculous feeding of them with Manna,v. 2.1,21,2 J,24, 2f% and how in wrath he fatisfied their luft by fending quailes for them, to eat flefh their fill, ver. 26,27,28,29. Sixthly, how becaufe they repented not of theit provocation, the Lord did plague them, and they went on in their misbcliefe and

difobedi-

difobedience t and God went on in the courfe of multiplying judgements on them, and cutting off multitudes of them, ver. jo, 1 1, 1 1,$ 1* Seventhly, how they at laft made a falhi-onof repenting and fceking of God, but proved in effect nothing but flattering diflemblers and hypocrites, unconftant in the Covenant, ver. $4, $ ?, $6, 37. Eighthly, how the Lord in mercy pitied and fpared them many a umc, notwithftanding all their provocations of his jufticc againft them, ver: 38,39, 40,41. Ninthly, he fetteth down the prime caufc of all this their finne and mifery, becaufc they marked not, or made no ufe of the difference that God put between the Egyptians and them; nor how for their caufe he had plagued the Egyptians with plague after plague, ver. 4ij4?» 4<>4?,46, 47> 48,49i 50,71. And brought their fathers fafely out of Egypt, when their enemies were drowned before their eyes, wr.52, jj. Tenthly, he fetteth down how the Lord perfected their journey to Canxzn, and brought them to the poflcflion of it, thruft-ingouc the ^»M#ittt, tnat they migh: have place, ver* ?4>??« Eleventhly, how they for all this provoked God to anger with their idolatry and fuperftition, ver. 56, 57* 5 8 , Twelfthly, how the Lord for this their oft repeated provocation did mifcrably vex them in the dayes of Eli and Smuel, giving 0-ver his Ark into the Philiftines hand, and plaguing their coun-trey with variety of plagues, ver. $9,60,61, 61,6$, 64. Thir-teenthly, how God of his free mercy put his enemies to fliame, and reftored Religion and Liberties to Church and Kingdom, ver .6 $ ,66. And laft of a 11, how he brought them toafetled condition un&ti David, who was a type of Chrift, veu £7,6$, *9>70,7t,7Z,

Ver, I. /~^lve eare, 0 my people, to my Lafo\ vJ incline your cares to the word* of my mouth .

2. / -mill open my mouth in a parable : 1 will utter dar^fayings of old;

3 Which we have heard and known ; and our fathers have told us.

4. We will not hide them from tktir children foewing to the generations to come the praifes of the LORD; and bis ftrength, and his wonderful workj that he hath fate. O3 Jq

In the Preface, the Spirit of the Lord,calleth for attention unto the doctrine which he is to deliver> for foure reafons. The firft, becaufe it was his law and word? of his mouth directed to his covenanted people, ver. i. The next 3 becaufe this doctrine wis myfterious and full of hid wifdom, ver.i. The third, becaufe it is an ancient doctrine delivered to the Church of old, and tranfmittcd unto them that fucceeded, rer.j. The fourth, becaufe it mull: be known, and tranfmittcd to the farcecding pcfterityjand following generations oftheChurch^or the glory of \-ods wonderful working for his Churchy. \.Whaic^ Icirh,} Such is our dulneffe and ilownelfe of heart,to underftancf arid.belc^ve what :he Lord doth lay unto us r that we have great need 10 be admonifhed, and {lined up to attention and hearing with faith > Give earc, Q my people, faith the Spirit by his Prophet. 2. The authority of divine doctrine fliould tie our eares to hear it revc/emly, beleevingly and obediently ; it is thjc XiOrdpkw, and the words of his mouth, (peaking by his Prophet to us : giyc cure. 0 my People, u> my law, incline jour cares to the words of my mouth'. 3,. Albeit the Word of the Lord be plain to the attentive.beleever, yet to th,e unattentive misbelceyer it is a hi: myfte-y, and. for this reafon we have need to hear attentively and beleevingly } I will open my mouth in a parable, I Will litter dark fa) w&s* 4-The Word of the Lord hath true antiquity with it; divine doctrine is no new doctrine: and for tjiis reafon fhould we hear }t attentively and beleevingly > I will litter dark faying? of old,. 5. Albeit the Word of the Loqdbea xnyftery, and dark ayings to the misbeieeving multitude of the world, yet it is underltood, received and beleevcdby the true members of the C hurch from age to age; therefore tre Pro • phet,fpeakingofhimfelf5 and of the godly in his time, faith of their parables and dark fpeeches, Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us . 6. Thofe are worthy of the name of Fathers in the Church, in relation topofterity, who tranfmittopofieily the truth of God contained in Scripture, fuch as is fiere fet down in this Pfalme : and this is the only infallible fo t of tradition, which ddivereth to pofierity what God delivered to the Prophets, or their Predeceflbrs by Scripture, fuch as is the doctrine delivered in this Pfalme; Which yoe (faith he) have heard md\nown, and our fathers have told gg, we will not hide them from their children. 7. The godly in every age ought to have the lame care to tranfmit the Word of twh to their pofterity, which their anccftcrs had to tranfmit it

unto

unto them, and to pay the debt they owe to their faithful An-ceftors unto fucceeding generations; We will not bide tbem fr$m their children, fhewing to the generations to come^c. .8. The fubjeft matter o? found and fi vim; doctrine, is the fetting torth of the glory of God in his attribures, ana wonderful operations for his people: Sbewingto the generations to comethepraifesof the Lord, and bis wonderful wor^s tbi t he bath done.

Vcr. 5. For heejlablifbed a Tejlimony in Jacob , And anointed a LaVo in Ifrael, which he commanded ottr fathers : that they Jbotild make them known to their children.

6. That the generation to come might ^awthem, tventhe children which Jbould be borne: who Jbotild arife and declare them to their children :

7. That they might fet their hope in God, and not forget the works of God: but fyep his Commandments.

8. Andmight not be as their fathers, a ftubborn and rebellious generation^ a generation that fet not their heart aright I and whofe fpirit was not Jledfajl with God.

After the Preface, he bringeth forth a notable evidence of the Lords care of his Church, in giving themttis Scriptures and revealed rule of faith and obedience, to be tranfmittcd from one generation to another, ver. f,6\ that they might have faithand hope in God, and obey his commands, ver. 7. and not belike fuch of theis Prcdeceflbrs, as were rebellious hypocrites, and backflidersfom their covenanted duties,^.8. wbuice learn ,i .(Jit of the chrefeft mercies that can be beftowed on a people, is ihe giving of the holy Scriptures unto them, and revealing unco them the way of falvatiori, and of Gods fervice which he requi-reth> this is put in the firft room here : Forbccjlablifiied a Tc-fiimony in tfacob, and appointed a Law in Ifrael. z. Gods words and ordinances appointed in Scripture, are witncfl'es for him, of hiswifdom, power, hoi ineffe, mercy, and jufticeagainft fuch as do not make wfe thereof, and a fixed rule for mens faith and obedience; therefore is it faid , He cflablificd a teftimony in $a-O 4 cob,

aoo PSAL. .LXXVIII.

rob, and appointed a Law in Ifracl. 3. The Scriptures were not appointed lot a rule only to thole to whom thfy were fiift directed, but for the ufe alfo oi the Church in all ages following, which every man muftboth ftudy to underftand and obey himfelf, and alfo teach his children, and thofe under his charge to une'eftand and obey, according to his place: he gave atcfti-monyanda law to the fathers, That they Jbould maltf them knpwn to their children, tbrt the generation to come might lyioicv thw> wen the children which fiould be borne, veboflwuld arifc, and declare them to their children. 4. The end of revealing and teaching of Gods Word, is to beget ana 1 increafe mens faith in God, and dependanceupon him, as here is fet 4own : the Word was to be declared to their children, 7 hat they mi, ht fet their hope in God. ?. The way to fofter faith and hope in God, is to mark and coniider and keep in a fan&ified memory, how God hath alicady confirmed his Word by his works, and by pawnes and pledges, both of his power 3nd purpofeto perform what he hath laid 5 therefore doth he joyne unto the duty of fet-ting their hope in God, the duty of not forgetting his merits; intirnating that if his works were forgotten, his Word would notbebeleeved, and faith and hope in God wou'd not remain conftantly fixed on God. 6. The faith and hope which God craves of his people to be fixed onjiim, is fuch as may bring forth obedience to his precepts : therefore unto hoping in God, and not forgetting his works, he addeth, But ^eep his Commandments : So this is the fumme of true religion, to have faith in God, upon the ttrmes of grace offered u,nto us through a Redeemer, and to hope for and expcft the accomplifnmcnt of all his promifes,and to fofler our faith and hope by the confiderati-on of what he hath done for bis people, and uprightly to fet our felves to keep his C ommandments,. 7. The example pjf fathers is not to be followed, except wherein they followed the ]Lord : where their practice \% not conformable to Gods Word we muf^ not be like then); therefore faith hziAndmight not be m their fathers were, fiubborn. 8. This is the natural inclination of corrupt mankinde, to go on in our finful courfc obiHnately, how • focver .God cifchjivgc us; tocomecontraiy to his commands, and flatly to re'fufe to obey him ; and if we at any time feem to do him (ervice, to doit, from corrupt principles, and for corrupt ends, ftill remaining unreconciled to him : and wharfc^^er we fie our elves unto by Covenant, as double-hearted perlons,to dt 1 deceitful I y therein, and turn back from it: fuch were a}l

the

fhR unrenewed Ifraelites: >A ftubbornandrebcllicut generation, a generation that fetvot their heart aright, andrvbojcfpiriims notfiedfajl with God. 9. Nothing is able to bring us off this our natural courfe and finful inclination except iaith and hope in God, and obedience ro his commands be begun and entertained in us by the Word of God, as the connexion of thefe duties here, and order they are fet down in doth teach. 10. The Lord will have his people obediently to heat ken to his reproofs, and not reject his yoke, and meekly to fubmit to his govern*-merit, and not rebell \ to ftudy imcerity of affection toward God, and ftedfaftnefle in his Covenant, as his condemning rhefc carnal Ifraelites for the contrary faults doth teach us.

Ver. 9. The children of Ephraim being armed* and carrying botocs , turned back^ in the day of frattel.

10. They kept not the Covenant of God: and rcfe fed to walk in hij Law.

11. lAndfcrgatc hit works : and his wonders that he had (hewed them.

Iu the fecond place under thenameofEp&ra/tfj, as the moft mighty and numerous tribe of all the reft, lie uriderftandeth all Ifrael, and fliewes that the reafon of the J-ords many a time deferting of Ifrael from age to age in the day of battel, was their cirnal confidence in their own ftiength, and their not bcleeving in God, their not regarding the Covenant thjywere entered into with God, their di[obedience to his commands, an4 their not making ufe of his wonderful works amon^ft them. Whence learn, i.When men are under greateft °uiltineffe,and at ereateft diftance from God, they are leaft fenhble of their fin, ieaft afraid of Gods wrath, and moft confident of their own abilities. Ephraim and Ifra I many a time I) ing under breach of Covenant and rebellion againft God , being armed and carrying Corves, do think themfelvcs fuffkient to encounter with their enemies. 2 Multitude of men and arms will not ayajl a people in the day of battel, wfien God is againft them' God can takp wifdom, and courage, and ftrength, and good fuccefie from them > The chit Wen of Ephraim being armed, and carrying Ijowpes, fumed bac^ in the day of butcl. 3. The caufe of general cala? mitics coming upon Gods people, will be found in thejr fins,

which

which have provoked the Lord againft them, whereof God will convince them by judgements, when they will not be con-vinccAothciwaycs; They turned back in the day of battely how came this? 7bcyk c P tnott ^ Covenant of God. 4. The Lord ufethby his Word in the mouth of his mcflengers to convince his backfliding people of their defection, and to prefleupon them to return to the rule, and walk in his obedience, but when this admonition and offer is refuted, then no wonder judgement come : for here, Tbey turn bacfi in the day of battel-, whenj and wherefore ? Tbey refufed to walk in bis Law. 5. As the fan-dified aud thankful remembrance of Gods dealing with his people, is ike way to keep the heart in the love, faith and obedience of God : fo the letting of his works, and fpecially the moft remarkable and wonderful works, to Aide out of their memory and affe&ion, is the fountain of defection from God, and caufe of falling unto carnal courfes and confidences, and drawing on of Gods judgements on themfelves; Tbey forgat bis mrkfs *nd bis wonders that hebadfawed them.

Vcr. 12. Marvellous things did he in the fight of their fathers: in the land of Egjpt^ in the field of Zoan.

13* He divided the fea, and can fed them to pajfe thoroto , and he mate the Waters to fiand as an heap.

14. In the daytime alfo he led them With a cloud i and all the night mth a light of fire.

15* He clave the rocks in the wildernejfe, and gave them drinks as out of the great depths.

16. He brought finams alfo out of the rocky and caufed waters to run down like rivers.

In the third place, he fetteth down fome of th-fe wonderful works dene foe his people, which foould have tied their faith, love and obedience unto the Lord; infpccialthe great work of Redemption and delivery of hispeoplcout ofEgy/tf/reprefent-ing the fpi ritual Redemption and delivery of his own out of the bonds of fin, Sitan and wrath,) how God plagued the Egyptians with wonderful plagues* in the fight of their King end

Princes

PSAL, LXXVIII. 203

Princes in loan, the moil famous City of Egypt, vcr, 11. How he dried the red fea, and made his people go through between mountains of liquid water on both hands, vcr. 1$. How he directed them, and refrelhed them by a pillar of fire iy night, and by a cooling cloud by day, vcr. 14. How he fur-niflicd them drink out of the flinty rock in the wildernefle^TO*. .15,16. Whence learn, 1. The great work of bodily redemption of Gods people out of Egypt, and the lpiritual Redemption pf his Peopk from the bondage of fin and mifery by Chrift rcprefentcd thereby, mould be as inducements unto, and props oi faith in God, to all who feek life in hhn, and a Efficient motive unto love and obedience unto him , to the worlds endjfor to this zna did he declare his love, care and power to fave them who enter in Covenant with him to be his people; Marvellous things didhcj&c. i. The works of God done for his people in any former age, do oblige thofe of that age, and all the fucceeding ages to make ufe thereof, for the increafe of faith in God, and of love and obedience to God 3 and do anfwerably aggravate the contrary fins, when they are not fo made ufe of 5 for, Mar-tous things did he in the fight of their fathers; is the ground of challenging of the poftcrity for their defection. $. The plagues of Egypt, mould fcrve for the comfort of Gods op-preflevi people; and for terrour to their enemies in all ages;5W4r-veUous things did be in the fight if their fathers in the land of E-gypt. 4* As the Lord avoweth his people^ and owns their quarrel moft openly in the fight of Kings Courts and royal Cities; fo mould his people avow their loyalty to God before all men : otherwayes, the more evidently God hath appeared for his people, the more heavy is the challenge of unthankful difo-bedience; as here it is made the challenge of back-fliding If-r'ael, that God in the moil open theatre of the'Kingdom or' E-gypt, ('whereby the fame of his works might go into all the world) did work for them and their fathers > Marvellom things did Gcd for them in the field gf loan ; from whence pa flage was to many countreys. 5. The Lords making of a way through the red lea for his peoples delivery, is' an evidence and pawn once for aye, of his power and purpofe to make a way for his owne to efcapc, how great foe vcr their llraits fhall b: ; He divided the red fea, and caufed them to p.ijfc through. 6.The Lords cauling theiiquid waters to ftand as a wall,heaped up contrary to t,he nature therof, is a pawn of his power and purpofe to make the creaturesjwhich by nature fliould devoure., to be not only harm -

lefle

lefle 5 but helpful aifo to this people, as need requireth ; He rndc the waters to ft and as an heap. 7. The*Lords bringing of his people, both out of Egypt arid out of the lea, is a pawnc of his power and purpofe to bring his people through all hazards whatsoever, wherein others (hall peviflij He caufed his people to pajfc through. 8, The Lords leading on of his people night and day, isapawnofhisconftant love to his own people, andofhis power and purpofe never to leave nor forfake (inch as love to have his guiding and conduct $ In the day-time dlfo he led them. 9 The Lords covering of the hofte of his people with a coole and comfortable cloud all the daylong, to keep them from the fcorching heat of theSwn in the dry and hot wildernefle, is a pawnc of hiskinde care of his people, and conftant purpofe to give refreshment in the time of perfection, or whatfoever trou -bles they fliall be exercifed with : In the day-time alfo he led them withacloud. 10. The Lords making of a pillar of fire to bum and fhine all night, for tempe ing the cold of the night, and directing of Jfraels Heps, when they were to march in the night, is a pledge of his love, power and purpofe to furniflithe lighr of direftion and confolation unto his own people, as they have need 5 He led them all the night with a light of fire. 11 .As the Lords people wanting of water in the wildernefle, through which their way did lie, doth teach us that we may be redacted to great ftraits in this life, both bodily and fpiritual$ fo the Lords furniftiing unto them drink, doth teach, that the Lord both can and will furnifh his people in their neceflities, bodily and fpiritual > He clave the rocks in the wilderneffe, and gave them drink, as out of the great depths ; he brought ftreames alfo out of the roc It, and caujed waters to run down like rivers.

Ver. r 7. And they ftnned jet more again fi him : by provoking the mofl High in the wildernejfe.

18. Andtbey tempted God in their heart:bj asking meat for their lust. I

19. Tea, they fpa\e againft God: thejf*id y Can God furmfb a table in the wilderneffe?

20. Behold^ he [mote the roc^ that the watersgufh-edout, and the fireamt overflowed: can bt give bread alfo} can he provide flrjhfor his people ?

Jn

PSAL.LXXVIII. aoj

In the fburrh place, he fcttcth down how the people made no better ufe of the forefaid mercies, then to tempt Cod, and to provoke him to wrath, by feeking- fatisfaction to their carnal IuftS) and queftioning whether or no God was able to fatisfic their defires. Whence lexrn^ i. Unrenewed nature is ftrongly inclined to meet the Lords goodneflc with more and more ingratitude, and to fin oyer and oyer again the fame fins, when new benefits and old faults being well confidcred, might teach more wifdom and thankfuinefk; Theyfinned yet mors Agiinft birn. 2. We arefo foolifh in our 'finning, that we do notconfider what weour.felve* are, how great a majefty we ofTcnd, and what maybe the confequents thereof > They finned yet more by frovofyngthemoJlHigb. Ohow unreafonable, untircumfpefij undifcreet and blinde fools arc men in their finning .' $. Alkit we have no outward enticements, albeit the place of our fo-journing here mould warne us as ftrangers and pilgrims to ab-ftain from flefliiy lufts,albeit we have the Word & works of God, as witnefles of God, and evidences of his beholding of us; yet fo pregnant arc we in wickednefie, fo beaflly. paflionate in our carnal affections, and ib grojfe in Atheifme, that naturally we run on in our own wayes, as the horfe rufheth into the battel! 5 They provoked the mojt High in the wiUerncffc. 4, When God giveth fufficiently to fupply neceffiries, and we feek to-fatisfie our lufts; when God hath faidand done abundantly already for evidencing his power , juftice, truth and care of our welfare , and we will not reft on him, except he give fuch other new and extraordinary proofs of his properties, as we do pre-fcribe, then do we tempt God, and highly provoke him, by feeking thus to fubject him to our direction , will and carnal affc&ions $ And they tempted God in their hearty by asking men for their luft. 5. When the finful motions of the minde ani heart arc not controlled, the fin will break forth openly to outward acts tending to Gods di/honour, and to the evil example of others; They tempted God in their hart) and then the)'fpA*'AgainfiGod. 6. Words of misbelief, notdifputinga-gainft tentations, but in effect calling in queftion Gods truth, power 5 care of us, or his goodwill to us, are in effect flandcring pf God, and bearing falfe wkneffe againft him ; They fpa^c &-gunft God: they ftifcan CjodpirniJh y (?c ? 7> The carnal ungodly man hath no eflimation of God, or any of his fpirituai benefits, but doth fet him a task of fatisfying of his flefliiy conceits and afteflions, which if Goddonoranivver, he mifregard-

eth Gods They faid. Can God furnijha tabic in the wildct-ncjfe ? 8. Albeit the unbeleeVef be convinced of Gods power and goodneik to his people by his works for timepaft, yet is he notthewifer afterward, when it cometh to the giving credit unto God in another work; yea, the woik which God hath wrought, isefieemed by him as nothing, except God do farther as the unbeliever iliall prefcribe; Behold, (lay they) he % [mote the roc £, that waters gu(hed out: but em he give bread d+ fo ? can he provide flefh for his people ?

Ver. 21. therefore the LORT> heard this, and ft as Wroth: fo afire was kjndled agatnlt Jacob, and anger alfo caifte up again/} Ifrael.

22. Becaufe they beleeved not in God: and trufted not inhis falvatiom

23. Though he had commanded the chnds from d-bove : and opened the doores of heaven.

24. And had rained down Manna upon them to eate , and had given them 0} the come of he a* ven.

25. Man did eate Angels food: he fent them meat to the full.

In the fifth placc,he fettethdown how God was wroth for their unbelief, & for their not having a due eftimation cf the miraculous feeding ofthem withMznnaJVhencc leam>i. Sins continued inland in fpecial expreflions to the difhonouring of God flowing from misbeleefj have a loud cry in Gods cares, and he ta-keth notice of them for executing of judgement v Therefore the lord heard this, and was wroth* a. VVhcn God is openly dishonoured, the Lord by open judgement will fan&ifie his own Name on the (inner, whatfoever behis priviledge, and though he were never fo neer to God in external pri viledges | So a fire was kindled agtinft $acob y and anger alfo came upagainfi IfraeL 5. Misbelief is a more grievous fin then men do efteem of its for it callethGodstruth,mercy 3 goodnefie,power,conftancy,and all in queftion;and even his juftice amongft the reft,which if the misbelccver did confider , he would hot provoke juftice apinft himfelf by this fin i Wrath came up again ft ifraelfecaufe they be-

leevei

iievel not in God. 4' They do not believe in God, who ftudy not to depend upon him for falvation , and for whatsoever is necefl'ary to them for falvation : yea they who do not believe that the Lord mall bring them out of every ftrait, in a way moft fcrving to their welfare , and for his own honour > do not believe in him for falvation, fo folidly as he requireth of them : They believed not in God , (faith he J and trufled not in Gods falvation. $• The more meanes,. encouragements, helps and props to fupport a mans faith are furnifhed of God*, the greater is the finne of un-bcliefe in him : As the Jfraelltes misbelief was the greater, for Gods miraculous bringing of water out of the rock, and Manna from the clouds , as here the Israelites misbelief is aggravated thus i They truftcd not in his falvation, though be had commanded the clouds , and rained down Manna. 6. Man liveth not by bread, but by the efficacious Word of God. It is fo eafie for God to r-ain down victuals out of the clouds, as to make them grow cut of the ground ; let him fay the Word , and it is done : He commanded the clouds , and cfencd the doores of heaven , and rainea down Manna on them to eat. 7. The Lord doth provide well for his own redeemed people j wh.t the earth doth not yield unto them , he ma-keth the heaven one way or other furniih unto them : as when the Ifraelitcs wanted the corne of the earth, the Lord gave them of the corne of heaven , fo that man did eat An* , gels food ; not that there is cori:e in heaven , or that Angels do eat any corporal food , but manna is fo called for the excellency cf the food, that it might have ierved for food to Angels, if they had any need of food, 8. The more excellent the benefit is which Gcd giveth , thc>.-greater is tht: ingratitude of him who doth no*t eftcem of it, and make I ufe of it as becometh; as we fee in IfrxeU finne , who did J not eftecm of Manna, as they fhculd have done : had the 1 Lord fed< them with duft of the earth , or roots cf grade, : or any other mean thing, they mould lme ; had.no reafon 1 to complain : but when he giveth them a new food , created every morning for their cauie, fent down from heaven as frefh furniture every day, of fudi excelienc colour, tafte, fmell and wholefomenefle : what a provocation of God was it, I not to be content now 5 in fpecial, when he gave them abundantly ofit?. He fent them mcatjto the full.

Vcr. tCr

»o8 >PSAL. LXXVIIIi

Ven l6. He CAufed an Eaft»mnde to blow in the heaven , And by his power he brought in the South-winde*

27. He rained fiefh alfo ufen them as dufi, and feathered fogies lity as the fandof the fea.

28. »Andhelct it fall in the midft of their camp-found about their habitations.

19. So they did *>at and were Well filled: for he gave them their o&# defire* - ■

Here the Lord Being tempted by a murihurihg and unthank-full people, to refute their fufplcion- of his power 3 fendeth therri the moft delicate rlefti that could be found in the world , qiiailes Jn abundance, till they were all'filled. Whence learn > 1. The v Lord, that he may fl*ew what regard he hath to farisfy good and" lawful defires, doth fometime grant unto men theft unlawfull and nmeafcnable defires 3 that holy deiiies may be the better entertained, and conftantly followed till they be granted > as appear-cth by the Lords granting of the unreafonable defire of the Ifrac* Ikes after flefh* i. The Lord hath the Commandement of the windes to make them blow from what aire and in what meafure be pleafeth r He caujed an Eaft+winde to blow in the heaven , and by bis power be brought in the South-winde* 3. The Lord can gather fo many creatures as he mindeth to make nlV of at his plea-fore, he can gather birds and fowles, and make their flight longer or fhorrer as he pleafeth, and make them light and fall where he plcafeth 3 and can bring near to mans hand 3 what he hath a mind to* give unto him: He rained flejh alfo upon them at dufl^and feathered fowls Ufa as the fand of the fea ; and he let them fatt in the midft of their camp sound about their habitations.^. As the Lord doth grant lawful defires in mercy, fo alfo doth he grant finful defircs in wrath 5 So they did eat and were filled, for he gave them their own defire. <. When the carnal heart doth meet with the objed of his luftjhe falleth upon it as a beaft doth without fear of God, or moderation of affection : Thq did eat and weu well filled, for he gave them their own defire*

Vcr. 30. They were not eftranged front their tuft : bnt while their meat was jet in their mwthei+

31. The wrath of God came upon them, and flew the fat 7 eft of thtrrt > and [mote down the cho/en men of Iff Ml

32. For all this they finned ftill: and believed not for huwondrou* works.

33. Therefore their dajes did he confurrte in vanity j and their yeares in trouble.

In the fixth p'ace , he fereth doV7n their impeniteney continued in , and the Lords judgements poured out one after another upon them. Whence learn , 1. Sinful luft is unfitiable, even when the body is overcharged with the fei vice of it $ To luft fin-fully is a fnare, but to continue in the flavery of luft , is a felling of a rrnns felfe, and a wedding of him unto that luft: fuch was ths fin of the carnal ifradites- They continued in cheir lulling and repented nor, albeit they get time to repent j they and thai lull did not diicoid 5 They were not eftrangedfrom their tuft. t. When men will not be enemies to their own finful lifts, they d6pro-* voke the Lord to become enemy to them' \ and to poure wrath ort them in the very ad of their finning; While their meat wasyet in their mouthes i the wrath of God came upon iheni. $• Such*as

. are melt hcad-itrong in finne , and take to themfelves moft liberty to fin 3 and do give example moft unto others to fin y fhall be moft notoriously punifhed. High places and emin^ncy tit power, as it doth not leflen fin , but aggravate it 5 fodoth it non exempt from judgment, but procurcththat it mould be augmented rather j as is to be feen here in the punifliment of the Nobles? and great men in the camp of ifraely The wrath of God came upon them, and flew the fxttcft of them 3 dud [mote down the cbofen men of Ifrael. 4. Such is the perverfencfle of our natural inclination, that neither by Gods gentle dealing with us > nor by his

' fa J judgements on others or on out felv<s, can we be amended, as is to be feen in unrenewed Ifraelites: For all this, they finned ftill. 5. Neither extraordinary works of mercy , nor judgement, nor miracles, are able to convert men , or turn them from their evil wayes, or beget faving fai;h in them , with whom ordinary means do not pi evaile 9 For all this they finned ftill y and

Relieved not for his wondrous wor\\ 6. When all meancs are enayed , and none do prevaile to bring men torepcntai.ee and-reconciliation with cod through faith , no wonder God in his-righteous judgement mould cut ofYthe impenitent asan unf ait-*

no PSAL. LXXVIII.

ful and cvill tree is cut down and caft away; Thty finned ftill* therefore their daycs did he con fume in vanity , and their yearcs in trouble. 7. By following of lufts, and not feeking felicity in God, men do both mi He the good they hoped to have by finning, and finde nothing in their way but vanity; and alfo meet with trouble and torment, which they did not fear > They finned ftill, and believed not, therefore their dayes did Qod con fume in vanity, and theiryeares in trouble.

Vcr. 34. When he flew them , then they fought him : and they returned , and enquired early after Cjed.

3 5. And they remembted that God was their R ock^% and the High God their Redeemer.

36. Neverthtjfe , they did flatter him Vcith their month : and they lied unto himVvith their tongues :

37. For their heart was not right With him: neither were they (ledfafl in his covenant*

In the fevemh place, he defcribcth fome fits of their temporary faith and repentance, vet. $4>35« which in effect proved to be but flattery or hypccrify, and did rcfolve in back-Aiding and apc-fla^w. 36, 37. Whentc learn K 1. When men neither by the Lords liberality* nor lighter chaftiiements can be moved to repent, it is righteoufnefle with God. by fearfull judgements to cut off a number , and to put the reft in fear of prefent cutting ofY, and foto waken them out of fecurity; as here, when the carnal J/-raelites went on in their provocations, The Lord f.crv them. 2. Thefenfe of prefent devouring wrath, and the terror of an angry God , may drive men to a temporary repentance , and toft eking of friendship and favour with God , for fparing them from wrath and pre ent plagues, 3nd all this may be without fcri-ous repenting of fin, without flying to a Mediator by faving faith, without minding hearty and folid reconciliation : and may proceed oncly from the naiural principle of fear of death,and love ot felfe-prefervation 5 as here, When he flew them, then they fought him. 3.Temporary rcpentance,may make a temporary change of a mans courfe of lj e and carriage , from the worle to the better ; may make him leave off his way of provocation, and feck after God for a time with fome diligence in the outward forms of

Reli?ionj

Religion; -as here, They teturnci 3 and enquired after God e.rly. /*. As there \% a temporary Repentance, moving from fin upon temporary grounds, fo there is a temporary faith in tmny 3 moving toward God upon temporary confiderations , that is , drawing toward God, to obtain of him fparing of their life and temporal benefit^ and making ufeof Gods goodnaffeand bounty, as much as fetveth to a mans purpofe : as here, They rememhrei that God was their Roefi. 5. Temporary faith may make ufe of Redemption , fo fair re as may ferve for deliverance from, or recovery - it of temporal trouble, and prefent danger of wrath, and plagues 5 *s here , They rcmembred that the High God was their Redeemer. £. Ae~b of faith and repentance, extracted by fore judgements, fear of wrath, artd deiire of temporal deliverance , may be found to be the fruits of flattery, and not of faving faith ; Nevcrtbcleffc they flattered him with their lips. 7. Piofeffion of faithandie-pentance, which doth forfake fin and feck God onely for temporal realons, is but a lying unto God in effect,howfoevee the temporary believer and repenter m?.y judge himfelie found enough} as here , And they lied unto him with their tongues 8. When the heart or affecUors of a man are not fee fincetely againft fin , and for God, or toward God$ all the outward profefiion is but hy-pocrify in cftcft , and a lie, as here, They lied unto him with their tongues , for their heart was not right with him. $ % Temporary faith can produce no ftedfaffiaefle in the Covenant, or covenanted duties, but make a man onely a temporizer therein,- as out- * waid motives do lead him toward duties , or from them :, Their heart was not right with God , neither were they Jledfaft in the Covenant.

Ver. 38. 'But he being full ofcompajjion forgave their iniquity f and dejiroyed theftl not : yea many a time turned he his anger away, and did not ftirre up alt bi$ Vvrach.

39. For he rcmembred that they were but fle/b , 4 mnde that paffeth away , and Cometh not agai»e.

40. How oft did they provoke him in the Wilder-ne§e : and grieve him in the defer t ?

41. Tea, they turned back^ and tempted God: and limited (be hoij One vflfrael.

Pi In

In the eighth place, he (heweth the Lords mcrcifull iparing of his people many a rime, and pitying of their natural frailty, because if he mould hive killed them , they were not to live again in this world , vcr. 38, 39. notwithstanding of their frequent provocations in the wilderneife, their limiting of God 5 and taking upon them to direct God what he mould do unto them, ver, 40, 41. Whence learn, u There is a remiflion of fin 3 in regard onely of temporal judgement, Lev. 4. 20. which is in effect onely the not inflicting temporall punifhment upon the (inner, or the notdeftcoying of the (inner presently, the perfons remaining the fame impenitent finners,fuch as was Gods pardoning here of impenitent Ifrael, flattering and falfe-hearted Ifrxel: Em be forgave their iniquity, z* It is not any good in the (inner, but pity in God,which is rhe caufe of fparing finners from prcfenc perdition, when they provoke the Lord ; But he being full of companion forgave their iniquity y and deflroyed them not. 3. The Lord doth evidence his mercy and pity toward (inners , partly by his often fparingto ftrike , and turning away of his wrath ready to break out agiinft them; and partly by his mitigating his anger, and not fullering it to break out in full force j {Many 1 time he turned his anger arvjy , and did not ftir re up all his wrath. 4« Let men conceit of their own naturall ftrength as they lift , yet the truth is,their frailty is great ; They are butfleJJ),and a vapour that paffetb away, an i cometh not again: f. When no good at all is found in man for which God ihould fpare him , he taketh occasion of his frailty and mifery, whereuntoman is fubject 3 to pity him : For he rememhred that they were flefli, a wince thatpajfeth away, and cometh not again. 6. The oftner fin be repeated , the greater is the provocation ; and the greater is the mercy, that fo often doth forbear todefttoy: and when the frequency of finning, and frequency of fpaiing are numbred, the reckoning will not be eafily ended , nor the number cendefcended upon > Piow oft did they provoke him in the wilderneife 1 7. The finnes of Gods people do greatly difplealc him , and that fo much the more , as they are ottner repeated and committed contrary to what Gods kindneffe and care requireth of them : How oft did they proio\e bimin the wilderneffe ? and grieve him in the defoK? whe/e God gave his daily p< e r ence,led them, fed them, and protected them miiaculqufly. 3, .'. 1 >ngft other aggravations of fin, this is not the lea ft, after con viction,and correction, and promile of amendment , rcfolutely -o go back again to their vomit; yea, they urr.edfacfii and tempted Cjod, 9* The Lord cannot endure

that

that his people who , ought wholly to depend upon, fubm 1 ^ unto him, and be ruled by him , mould prefcribe, as they pleafei how and when he fhould help them , or fet bounds unto his power, truth, wifdom, or mercy 5 as if he could do no more then they conceive to be probable. Therefore is it pat amongft the higheft-aggravations of their fins; They tempted and limited the holy One of I fuel,

Ver. 42. They remembred not his hand : nor the day rphen he delivered them from the enemy*

43. How he had wrought his fignes in Egypt: and his wonders in the field of Zoan:

In the ninth place, from this to ver. 54. he fetteth down the prime caufe of all their fin and mifery , which followed upon it> to wit, they marked not, nor made ufe of the difference which God did put between them and the Egyptians , whom he did plague for their caufe , while he delivered them. Whence leam y 1. When the merciful proofes of Gods refpect unto us , do not confirm our faith in God , and tie us to love and obedience unto him ; thefe experiences will foon wear out, if not out of common memory, yet out of eilimative and affectionate memory : as here, Tbey remembred not bis band, nor the day^ rvben be delivered tbem from the enemy. 2. As the right remembrance of former mercies may be a bridle from all finne , and a confirmation of faith againft all doubtings and fufpicions of Gods good will to us: fo the not rightly remembring of experiences ofGods refpect /hewed unto us,doth prove an inlet to many wicked maftakings of God, and difobediences to him: for here the caufe of the former fins and plagues, is rendered to be this 5 Tbey remembred not his handy nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy. $, Not remembring the Lords Word and Works affectionately, and with purpofe, and endevour to make right ufe thereof, is in the Lords accompt no remembrance of him in effect : for of this people, who could well tell the ftoryof their coming out 0? Egypt , and fo had a common remembrance thereof, the Lord faith, Tbey remembred not his handy nor the day when he delivered tbem from the enemy. 4 Signes and wonders once done for confirmation of the doctrine of the true God and his Covenant and true Religion, fhould fufiice in all times and ages after for that end : and it is not lawful to tempt God ftill,to do moe wonders to; confirrnati-

V 3 «

on of that truth; Thq rcmcmbrcd not 3 how be had wrought his figves in Egypt , and his wonders in thef eld of loan* 5. 1 he X rds plagues on the enemies of the Church , being rightly rc-membred 3 fhould warne Gods people to ftand in awe of him , depend upon him, fubmit untohim ; and to be wary to contend with him which ufe, when it is not made, it giveth a ground of chal-le ige: Thy rcmcmbrcd not hew he bad wrought his fignes in Eg)i> and his wonders in the field ofZoan.

Ver 44. And had turned their rivers into blood : and their floods that they could not drinke.

43:. He fent divers forts of flies among them, which devoured them : and frogs , -which deflroj-ed thtm.

46. He gave dfo their increase unto the caterpil-ler ; andthetr labour unto the locuft.

47. He defiroyed their vines with haile , and their Sycamore-trees withfroft.

4?. He gave up their cat tell alfo to the haile : and their flocks to hot thunderbolts.

49. hie caft upon them the fiercenejfe of his anger, wrath and indignation, and trouble , bj fending evill angels among them.

50. He made a Vcay to his anger ^ he fparednot their foul from death: but gave their life over to the peft He nee.

51. tsfnd fmote all the firft-borne in Egypt: the chief 0/their ftrcngtb in the tabernacles of Ham.

He numbereth cut fundry plagues poured out upon the Egypti> CMS) whereby the Israelites fhould have been wife. From ver. 44. Ltarv,i .The means of mens life comfort, wealth^and defence can ftand them in no ftead 5 when God hath a contrcverrTe againft them; The Lord can deprive them of the benefit thereof 3 and turn benefits into the meanes of their grief and vexation , as he * did the waters 0^ Egypt, which were the meanes of life and wealth unto them : He turned their rivers into blood 3 and their floods> ib.it they could not drin^. 2. By what means people do fin and

provoke

provoke the Lord to wrath, he can by the fame meanes punifli them. As the Egyptians had defiled their rivers with the blood of the infants ofljracl, foGod did make their river fpeak iheirfin, and threaten their death ; He turned their rivers into blood, and their floods , that they could not drirAL

Fromx>er45 Learn 1. The meaneft and bafeft of the creatures do declare the power of the Lord, and are fo fane from be.-ine ufelefie, that they lie as it were in garifon among men, to be fent out in parties upon fervice, as the God of hofisis plea-Icd to give orders; He fent divers forts of flies arftmgtbcm , and frogs, z. Flies and frogs , and every me^neft verminc . are too lore for man , when God doth arm them to avenge his quarrel; He fent out flies which devoured'them, and frogs which defiroyed them', that is, which were about to deftroy them, and were able enoug 1 -. for the work, and were acknowledged to be fobythc Egyptians , who did reckon themfelves loft men , if thefe armies fliould not be taken ofFthem.

From iw. 46^47,48. Learn, u When God isnotacknow-ledged to be the giver of corn and cattel, and fruits of the ground, byarightulingofthem, he will be known to be the giver thereof, by removing of them ; He deftroyed their increafc, labour, vines, and cattell. 2. The Lord hath meanes how to deftroy and take away the fiuits of the ground,and other ferviceable creatures at- his pleafui e; The caterpiller, the lociifts, quail, frofl, and thunderbolts.

From ver. 49. Learn, 1. The plagues of Gods enemies areou? of mec: juftice, and not trom fatherly love , as the ftrokes of his own choien are j He caft upon the Egyptians the ferceneffe of hk anger, i. Trouble of it felfe is not lb heavy, as when indignation and wrath is joyned with it, or fendethit forth; He caft upon them the ficr cent jfe of his anger, wrath , and indignation, and trouble. $. As the Lord hath good Angels, bywhomhecaa work his own will; fo hath he alfo cvill angels , whofe fervice he can ufe holily to his own purpofe; He cafl the fierccneffe sf his wrath upon them, by feuding cvill angels among them.

From ver. 50,51. Learn, i. When the Lords judgements lighting upon mens houfts, corncs cartel, and fruit-trees, do not humble men, the Lord doth make his judgement light upon their ownperfons; and when lighter judgements on their perfons do not yet humble r hem, then God will deftroy their lives, and rheit? laft plagues fhall be heavier then the fir ft J as here, when for* mcr pla?ues did not the turn , the Lord hid aiidc former pitying

V 4 the

a • : long-fuffering , arid fo /;c w^ic away for his anger , /;* //u~ rei not their foulI ftomr'catk, but gave their life over to thtpefti-lai c. i. As he perfecutors of Gods people do finite that which God -oveth beft , fo doth Gcd fmite that which perfecutors love beft > He Jmoteall the frft-bonic in Egypt. 3. The curfc of God coming upon the Egyptians, thepoiterity of Cham, com-mendcth the grace of God toward the Ifraditcs , the poitei ity of Sera his brother: Therefore in oppofition ro the tabernacles of the Jfraelitcs in the land of Go fan , it is faid, He (mote the chief of their ftrevgth in the tabernacles of Cham.

Ycv. 52, But fnade his owne people to go forth like Jheep ; and guided them in the mlderneffe like a flecks

53. And he led them on fafely , fo that they fear * ed not: but the fea overwhelmed their enemies.

This was the Lords dealing with the enemies of Ifrael, whereof the Ifraelites made no right ufe. Now hee fetteth down the Lords different dealing with lfrael, whereof al- . fo they made no right ufe 5 when hee hath plagued arid drowned the Egyptia7is 3 hee gave Ifracl fafe pailage and condud through the fea 5 Whence learn , 1. Whatfoever be the unworthineife of Gods confederate people, yet the Lord putteth a difference between them and their enemies. and tcflifieth his refpect to the one above the other: the Egyptians he did divcrfe waves'plague $ But be made his owne people go forth like jheep. 2. Though the Lords people be both weak and witleffe , yet God careth for them 3 as a ihepherd doth for his fleck •, He made his own people to go forth a? Jheep 3 and guided them in the wildernejj'e as a flocfy. 3. Albeit the Lord doth put difference between fuch as are in Covenant with him in the letter onely, and thofe that are in Covenant with him in the fpirit alio, when he compareth the fheep with the goats : yet when he compareth the whole bulk of his people with the reft of the world, and in fpecial with their enemies, he putteth a peculiar rclpecl: upon them all j and avoweth his intcreft in them aU above all people in the world, and doth for them, as for his owne, he n.adt his omie people to go forth- 4- Whatfoever fear may poflibly fall upon Gods people when they are following his directions.

ons, yet their courfe is. fafe and without juft ciufc of fear, anJ if at fome time fear do fuiprilc them , yet the Lord fo clcaicth their way after that, that they .are out of feu $ He led them on fifcly , fo that they feared not. 5. The perdition of the world and the wicked enemies maketh the fafe-ty of thofe that are faved fo much the greater benefit : hh people feared nut 3 but \be fea overwhelmed their enemies.

Vcr. 54. And he brought them to the border of his Santluary, even to this mountain which bis right hand had purchafed.

5«J. He caft out the heathen al[o before them^ and divided them an inheritance hj line: and made the tribes of Ifrael to dwell in their tents.

In the tenth place 3 hepointcth at the perfecting of their journey through the wilderneffe, and poiTeffing them in Canaan^ with the cafting out of the Canaaniics. Whence learn , 1; Whatfo* ever become of particular perfons in the vifible Church, the Lord doth follow on the courfe of his care and kindnefle unto the Church, and encreafeth the obligation of the incorporation in the fucceeding ages, partly by what he doth for their predecet-fors , and partly by what he doth for thcmfclves, as we fee in the Church of Ifrael: whatfoever became of misbelievers in the wilderneffe, he brought his own people to the border of bis Sanctuary, a. Albeit we mould fight for the liberty of a place,wherc Gogs ordinances rany be publickly celebrated 3 and lhed our blood in coming by its yet is the commodity not our purchafe,but the Lords purchafe, and the Lo ds gift to us 5 He brought them to this-muntain which bit right band hath pur chafed. 3. Succcffe in warre is the Lords work , and fuch as are difpoffeiled of their inheritance, have God to crave for it; He caft out the heathen al-fo before them. It is neither the ftoutneile of the one , nor the feeblenefle of the other, but Gods hand or pow^r which doth thebulinefle. 4. The fetUfig of a people in a peaceable pcflefli-pr\y lo as every manmiy without contention enjoy what is allowed him of God, is no fmall benefit and obligation of a people fo dealt with by God : He divided them an inheritance by lot , and made the tribes of Ifrael dwell in their tents*

Vcr. 16.

Ver. 56. Yet they tempted arid provoked the mop High God, and kept not hi* teflimonits H

57. Hut turned back? and dealt unfaithfully Ukje their fathers : the) mere turned afide like a deceitful bowe.

58. For they provoked him to anger with their high places y and moved him to jealoujie ftitb their graven images.

In the eleventh place 3 hefetteth down, how this people yet again provoked the Lord to anger with their idolatry and fu-perftition , their high places and their graven images: for when God had appointed one place for their folemn worftiip, to wic, his Tabernacle, where his Ark and Mercy~fe.it was, fignifying the neceffity of worshipping him, through thepromifed Medi-atour Jefus Chrift, in whom alone he would be fought and found, and in whom he would have all his people agreeing, and ittcndingh ; s appointment, ah/l not to devifewayes of pleafing of God by themfelves 5 they would have a place of their own for pnblick worfliip, high places, or hills and groves, which plea-fed them better then Mount $hn 9 or the place where the Tabernacle was pitched. They would have reprefentations of their own deviling, and loved them better then the Aik of the Covenant, to wit, graven images, which God had forbideeninthe moral law, and fo they provoked him to anger* Whence le&rnCy 1. Such is the wickednefle of natural men, that neither for judgements nor for favour fhewen to them, will they rubbed therrifelvcs to Gods direction, but will take upon them to fet rules unto God one way or other: This the Prophet fhew-eth in the example of the Ifraelites : let thy tempted and pr 01,0-kedthemojl High God. 1. When God giveth his Word and Ordinances for his worfhip to a people, and they will caft away this rule, and make another to themfelves, it is a tempting of God, and a ftriving with the mod High God, whether he (hall direct them, or they mall direct: him in the meanes of his worfhip 5 They provoked the mofl High God; How? Thcj^cptnot Us tcftmonies $. Altering or changing the forme of worfhip which God hith appointed, is a relinquifhing of God and his way, a point of treachery againfl him, and a notable breach of

Covenant

Covenant; They kept not bis tejlimonies, but turned back ^i dale unfaithfully. 4. Following of antiquity in an errour isfo farrc from the excufing of finne, that it makes the children liable to their fathers debt and deferved punifhment, becaufe they approve their fathers and their deeds, above God and Gods testimonies ; They dealt unfaithfully like tbeir fathers. 5. The Service of the wicked is like a bowe; they will do nothing commanded, but by compulfion; and like a deceitful bowe, which as it hath a caft or throw in it, and doth fhift the arrow afide from the mark, whereunto it is directed: fo rhey will aim at another mark then God doth direct them unto; They were turned afide like & deceitful bowe* 6. The alteration of the rule of worfhip prefcribed by God, is a provocation of God to anger, were it butinacircumftance; They provoked him to anger with their bighplaces. 7. Such as take liberty to themfelves to depart from the ordinances of God in the IefTe, will depart alfo from him in the greater: They provoked God to auger with tbeir high places, and moved him to ]ealoufie with their graven images. 8 Howfoevcr men do dream that they may make good life of pictures & graven images,, to further them in devotion and the fer-vice of God, who is reprefentcd thereby, and that they mindc not to communicate any of his worfhip to the images, yet the Lord doth count that religious ufe of images no lefle then adul- . tery, and matter of bitter provocation 5 as the word imports: Partly, becaufe it is impoflible not to communicate divine worfhip to the images, before which a man doth bow himfelf, of purpofe to be ftirred up by it, to worfhip God reprefentcd by it ; Partly, becaufe the devifer andufer of this fort of relative worfhip, haththruft himfelf in the Lords place, to whom only it belongeth to prefcribe how he will be worfhipped ; or at leaft he hath admitted another Lord then God, in the appointing of the means of Religion j And partly, becaufe the Lor J exprefMy de-claeth, tha: by graven images he is provoked juftly to jealoufic; Therefore (faith he) they moved him tojealoufie with their graven images.

Ver. 5£. when Godbeard this , he was wrath f and greatly abhorred Ifrael.

60. So that heforfook the Tabernacle of Shiloh: the tent which he flaced among mn.

61. And delivered his ft rength into captivity, and his glorj into the enemies ha* ■'. i 2.

62. He gave his people over alfo unto the feorh: and Was wroth with his inheritance.

63. The fire confumed their yomgmen : and their maidens were not given to marriage.

64. Their Priejisfellbj the [Word: and their wi-done3 made no lamentation.

In the twelfth place, he declareth how the Lords wrath was kindled,?/. 5 9.and how he took his Ark from Sfc/Vofr .where it was abufed in Elies time, vet. 60. and gave his Ark (the dgneofhis ftrength or powerful prefence among them,) into the Philifiines hands, vet. 61. made his people fall in battel, vet. 6 2. the young men died in battel, and io maids wanted matches, ver* 63, their Priefts were (lain, and their wives made no lamentation forthem, 1 Sam. 4. %z. in comparison of greater loffes,ttfr. 64. Whence learn, 1. Corrupting of Gods worlhip and ordinances, is a finne crying for judgement, which voice God will anfwer i JVbzn God heard this be wis wroth, z. The Lord goeth not ' raftily to judgement;bmt as it were«after perfect underftanding of thecaufe: when god beard tbtijhe was' wroth, g. Were a people or perfon never to deare to God, tuperftttionandimagerie, and abufingof his.publick worihip, will provoke him to jealoufie a-gainft them, and draw forth fuch judgements as will fpeak the Lords abhorring them for that (innej And be greatly abhorred lfrxcl.

From ver 60 . Leatne, 1. When the pub!ike ordinances, the tokens of the Lords prefence, are removed from any place, the Lordremoveth, and forfaketh th at place > So thatbeforfooiitbi Tabernacle of Shiloh $ where the Ark had been till Elies death, 2. It isinv3infor any to boaft of Gods prefence in anyplace, when once his publick ordinances are polluted $ lie forfoofi Shiloh, the tent which he placed amongmen.

From vet- 61. Lcarue, 1. When Gods people abufe Religion, and pollute his ordinances, no wonder he make their open enemies to deprive them therof,as here we fee. 2.The Lords people cannot promife unto thcmfelves the continuance of the manifc-ftation of the Lords ftrength and the Lords glory among them, longer then they doeftecm of him,and advance him as their glory and thei'- ftrength; for when ifracl tempted God.kept not his leftimonies, and moved him to jealoufie, be delivered over his ftrcngtb into captivity 3 and his glory )nto the enemies bands.

From

fioro vcr. 62. Lear?/, When enemies get advantage againft Gods people by re'afon of \nk\t provocation of God , and when the enemies of Religion get?owcr over Gods people, fo farre as to deprive them of themeanes oi Religion j the Lords anger will be more againft his people who were the caufesof this wrath,' then againftthc enemies who were the inftru-ments of tHe execution of the wrath; and therefore befide the takin' away of his ordinances from his people, he will fend bis vengeance upon them alio ; fie gave his people over alfo unto the (wordy and was wroth with bis inheritance.

From ver.Cs. Lcarne, i.When the Lord fendeth the fwori on a land, he can foonconfume the flower of the youth as with a fires Tiiefire c .nfnmcd the yoUng men. 2. When Religion is overthrown among Gods people, lee net rhc Common-wealth think to ftand j when God gave his glory into the enemies hand , be ijvt Us people ever aljb unto the [word, and the fire covfamed theiryoung men. 3. When Gods people by abufing of Religion do provoke God againft them, it mall be no wonder if God pivc them fuch fad blcwes by their enemies, that there (hall be no hepe for one age at Leaft to recover their eftatc; and no wonder if there be fearful appearance alfo of cutting ofTthepo-fteiicy : The fire con fumed their young mc?h and their maidens were not given to marriage.

From vcr. 64. Learn, i.It isamongft the fearful left tokens o"f Gods difpleafurc againft a land, when he removeth his Mi-nifters from them, efpecially when the good are taken away with the bads Their Pricfts fellhy the [word. 1. When the Mini-ftersare the abufers of Religion, and chief in the provocation, no wonder to fee them alio txemplarily punimed 5 for as Hephni an&'hinebas made the facri fleet o be inufted at, fo God made ther carcafes fall in the battel; Their Priefls fell by the fwori, 3, When Gods wrath breaks forth againft his own people for |heir provocations, he can mcke publike calamities fo great, as they fhall fwallow up domeftick miseries: yea he an make thofc rhat live, and are referved from thefword, fo weary of their lives, as they fhall reckon the dead to be more happy then the living; Their triefts fell by the [word, and their widows mad$ no lamentation.

Ver. 65. Then the Lor A awakfd** one ont of jlcep: and lik* a mighty man that jhomcth by reajen of vine* 66.

sir PSAL. LXXVIII.

66. sAndhe[motehi* enemies in the hinder parts : be put them to a perpetual reproach.

In the thirteenth place , he fheweth how nctwiijiftanding of all the former provocations and fore judgements^ the Lord of his own free grace, by taking vengeance upon his Enemies, re-ftored his pecple to the priviledges of Church and Kingdom, Whence learn, j. Howfoevcr the t-ords pecple draw on judgements upon themfelves, and defetv*e to be left in their miferies ; yet God of his free and conftant love to them,'fendeth relief when they ieaft expect j, as here is to be l'een> when his people is in a moft defperate condition, Then the Lordawafitth. 2. As people do fleep Lecurely in their fin, when God. doth call them to repentance : fo it is juftice with God to misken them in their calamity, and to be unto them as one aflecp, as here he is defcri-bed. 5. God doth not fo farre wink at the troubles o( his own people, but the cry of their mifery, andtheinfolency of the e-nemy again ft them, will awake him. When ifwl is now as a loft people, and their enemies have taken Gods Ark, Tbentbe Lord awaked as one out of Jleepe, and li^ea mighty man that flmued becatife of wine. 4. Whatfoever weak Similitude the Scripture ufeth to make us conceive fomewhat of the Lords operations, yet muft wealwayes think of him, as befeemeth th€ glory of his majefty, leaving the imperfection of the creature, (from which the fimilitude is borrowed) as the dregs of the companion, to reft with the creature it felf, as here we are led to do, except we mould think blafphemous thoughts of God. 5. Albeit the enemies of Gods people may be at eafe, whenhvs people are in trouble, and lying under their feet, yec God will arifc in due time and punifli them $ The Lord awa\ed y and [mote bis enemies in the binder farts. 6. The difhonour done to God, and to Gods people, is but for a time, and is fhortly removed* hut.therecompence of the enemie which do dishonour God 5 is perpetual and everlafting > He fmotc his enemies intbe binder farts 5 to wit, with Emerodsand a bloody flux > And jo be put thorn to a perpetual reproach*

Ver. 6j. Moreover^ he refufed the tabernacle of fofeph: andebofe not the tribe of Ephraim,

(58. <But

61. Butchofethe tribe of Judith: the Mount Sion Which he loved.

69. And he built his Sanlluary like high palaces: like the earthVvhich he hath eftablijhed for ever.

jo. Mechofe David alfohis fervant y and took him from the ffjeepfolds '

71. From following (he ewes great with youngl he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Ifrael hit inheritance.

72. So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart: and guided them by the faithfulneffe of his hands.

Inthclaft place is fee down, how albeit the Lord did not return to Shilob with his Ark ver.67. yet he flayed in the land among his people, and placed his Ark in JerHfalem, and built himfelf a glorious Temple and Sanctuary on Sion, ver. 68,69. and fetled his people under the government of T^avid, a type of (Thrift, exalted from an humble and lew condition, to be King of Ifrael, ver 70,71. by whom the people were well governed, ver. 72,.

r From, ver. £7. 63. Learnc, f• The Lord can fo temper his jufticc and mercy in his dealing with his people as the efte&s of bo h fhall be manifeft : tfecaufe he was fo di/bonourcd in Shilob, bcrwilThave his jufticc feen, in not fuftlring his Ark to come there again any more; Moreover, be refufed the Tabernacle cfjofepb, and cbofc not the tribe ofEpbraim \ to wit, for the tribe that he would moft refpecl, or where he would have the red-dence of his Ark to be£ there is his juftice. Again., he will not forfake the land v or the people of Jfrael altogether, but will dwell in fomc other part ot the land, and will take another tribe to have the chief evidence of his refpect fhewen unto them 3 Sut he cbofc the tribe of Judab : there is his mercy, with an in* finuation of the main means of the mercy , which is the coming of Chrift in theflefh, out of thetribe of tfudab; Thus God will not depart from Ifrael, and yet he will not be found fave in the tribe of fudab, oik of which came Chrift, the root and fountain of mercy, to all Ifrael, who mall feck unto 1 *od through him 2. Wnatloever be thepriviledge of th: Church univer-fal, ye: noparticular place is ibpriviled^ed, but Gxi will leave

it, and take another to dwelUn, when he is provoked in any particular place to forfake it :fof the difhonour done to his Ma]e-fty in Shilob, he rcfufed the Tabernacle oftfofepb ; he refilled that ftis.Ark. the chief figne of his prcfence, mouldhave its refi-dence anymore in tho- bounds- of Epbrairn or Manaffeh, the (onsof tfofepb*- $. The caufe'why God chufeth unto any pri-viledge, one tribe more then another, oroneperfon rather then another, or one place rather then^another, is only his own free will, grace and love ; He chofv the tribe of fudab, the Mount Siou which be loved.

Vzomver. 69. Learn, 1. In the type of the building of the Temple on mount Sion, we are taught that the Church of God is his own edifice, who ever be the workmen,whom he in his providence doth imploy to build it. Therefore is it faid , He built bit fanftuary Ufa high Palaces. 2. Albeit the Lords Church may have many troubles and commotions in it, yet fhall it endure and net be overthrown utterly for ever 5 He built bis fan-ftuary as the earthy which he bath eftablijhd for ever.

From, Kcr. 70, 71. Learn, 1. The Church lhall not want a King to defend and protect her, for God hath his own cho-fen fervant appointed for the purpofe. As for the typical King-dome of Ilrael he had David : io for the Church univerfal, re-* prefentcd by the type,hehath appointed Chrift the eternal Sonne of God.who took his humane nature of the lineage of David, to be King myfticall in Sion for ever; to be a type of whom, be did cboefe David his fervant. 2, The Lord to the intent he may not oneiy fhew his tovereignepowcr,whereby he can raife the mean-eft of men, and exalt them how high foever he pleafeth, but al-fo to repreient from how low a degree of humiliation Chrift incarnate was to be raifed to the government of his Church and Kingdome, he fctteth down the mean condition ot life , wherc-from David wasraifed to the royal dignity of governing Ifrael: He toofi him from the fheep folds, from following the ewes great with young* be brought him to feed Jacob bis people, And Ifrael bis inheritance.

From, Ver- 72. Learn, The duties and properties of a good King are thcfe.Firft, He mud refolve to be Gods fervant in his charge,as David was. Seconl . All his iubjects^nd in fpecial the Lords people, muft be cared for by him in a civil way, as x flock Oi flieep is cared for by the Pattour: David fed them. Thirdly,A Kings heart muft be fet uprightly tor Gods honour, and for-the fttb;e&s welfare in the whole courfe of his government > He fed

' tbm

tlcm according to the in'cgrityofhk hart, Fourthly, a King mull deal prudently with his fubjc&s, accomodating the whole courfe of his dealing with them, as their feveral conditions do require : He guided them by the sliilfuhicjfc of bis binds. And whatfoever meafure D*rj/ihid of thofe properties, were but a jfhadow of the perfections oi Chrift in his Governmenti Fifthly, neither lawes, nor teaching, nor miracles, norbenefitsj nor judgments can avail unto the falvation ofa people or perfon> till they be put under the hand and guiding of Chrift 5 as we are taught here in the example and repi efentation of the Lords dealing with Ifrael i:i this Tfdmc , wherein when God hath tried his people with oft repeated mercies and judgements, they c>me to no fetled eftate, till they be put under the Government of ZJ*2vii,w"hointhisis a type of Chrift. For he clofeth with this, be guided them by the slylfulncjfc of bis hmds.

' PSAL. LXX I X. A Ffdmc of+*fafb.

THe fcattered and captive people of God, after the deft udion of Jferufdem and of the Temple, do put up a pitiful comphint unto God, to vcr. 6. and do pray for at merciful rcliefe to his Church, and for avenging their blood upon their enemies. As for the complaint, in It they lament four things. Firft, the profanation and defolation of the Lords inheritance and Temple by the heathen their enemies, vcr. i Secondly, the barbarous cruelty and inhumanity ufed a-g.unftthem, vcr 3 2, 3, Thirdly, the contempt and mocking of their wicked neighbours in their mifery, w. 4. Fourthly, as they acknowledge this to proceed from Gods difplcafu're j 10 they lament that it is like to be everlafting, vcr. 5.

In their payer, in the latter part of the Tfihtie , thc^ crave: Firft, juftice upon their enemies, vcr. 6. j* Secondly,

Sjardon of their own Cns , and deliverance out of their miicry, or Tundry rcafons, vcr, 8, 9, io, n. Thirdly., that God wold reward their inhumane neighbours who movked at their mifery, ver. 12. And do clofe their petition with a pVomifc ofpraile and thanks unto God by the Church in all iucceed-ingages. Whence turn in general, 1. The Church-of Qoi thay be brought fc low, as here we fee enceit was i- Scrawny

Q_ of

a 15 PSAL. LXXIX.

of Gcds people as Hvc to fee fuchpublike ;;1 .ar.ities ~nd mifcry, muft not delp M: e ' t a recovery, but fhoi.u n\d may i nn to Jd ar.d pray for the Church in affliction,expecting order ^e. coti-fufion, and after difflparion, 10 Ice | gathering o Gp^s P^opl* agiin , an ^ after appr-cnt cveirhro.v of R 1 gi....< a ;ftowg of Gods puMick worfhip, as theexampku .iV: Pfalmjftil this Pfalm doth teach, whofecourage and confidence \»( o* \.. rJief of thcLorus people is wonde: ful,as the condition of the Church at that time feemed to be defp^ratc.A> the holy Ghoft.the en .liter of this P.alm, doth give warning here to ail Chinches in all ages, to beware to provoke the Lord unto wrath, kit he ieal with them, as he dealt with thofe Ifraelitcs: fo doth he ^ive warrant to all afflicted Churches, to foilow the example of this afflicted Church, to run to God for help: for which caufe he huh given this Pfalme to be madeufe of by the Church k A Pjalmc of Afaph.

Ver. I • f "\ Cod, the heathen are come into thine \~r inheritance % thy holy fwpte have they etc filed % thej have laid Jerufalem on heapes.

In the firft part of this Lamentation; Lexrn, i. Albeit there be no place nor perfon , h>w near and dear foevcr unto God, exempted from judgement when they are polluted, yet the wicked i instruments of the judgement poured out upon the place and perfons confederated to God, may juitly be compl'inedot 3 as here we fee s 0 God, the heathen arc come into thine inheritance, z* When Gods people, who mould be holy, defile them-felves and Gods Ordinances; it is no won.'cr that by prophane perfons theybepunifhed , and their holy things polluted 3 Thy holy Temple have they defied j that is, they have abufed it, dealt with it, as a vile and profane thing. $. Albeit people in Covenant wiih Gcd have difgraced their holy profeflion, and polluted his ordinances, and be juftly plagued by feeing holy ordinances pat over in the hands of profane men for their caufe, yet neither will the Lord diiclaime his inte.cft in his own ordinances, nor do his people loie right and intereft in God and in his ordinances, when they take with their punifliment, and do make their addreife to God for rclicfe J Thy holy Temple have tbey defiled- 4. When G od giverh over religious ordi nances in the hands of profane men to be abufed, no wonder if they that

a:e

arc theciufcofthis, do fuirer in their civil ftatealfoj no won-* der the City fuffer with the Temple: -ferujhlem have they laid 9/1 baps.

Ver. 2. The dead bodies of thy fervants have they given to be m?at unto the fowles of the heaven : the flejh of thy Saints unto the beafts of the earth.

3. Their Blood have they /bed like water round About Jerufalem , and there was; nine to bury them.

From the fecond part of the lamentation and complaint $ Lam, 1. Falling in battel before the enemies mayprovethac Godhathajuft caufe againft the party overcome, but cannot prove that the victors caufe is good,prefuppofc both parties had appealed to God: for here the heathen do overcome, and the Lords fervants and Saints are flaine, and they who are left a-live do complaincofthe victors,and take with their puniih-. ment at Gods hand, who doth follow his own Quarrel as he pleafeth , and will not at mens pleafurc fit down and decide appellations, when they call to him, or ihnd unto the time fet down by men to him, to determine their controverfie:. 0. God,tbe heathen arc come into thine inheritance,,&c. The dead bodies of thy fervants have they given to be meat to the fogies. 2. Heavy and fearful are the judgements temporal., which may come upon Gods people, When they have provoked God to Wrath againft them for their fmnes, even fuch' as are here fet dovyn, to wit, overcurning of the" outward face of Religion 5 defiru&ion or their lands, cities and cftate, killing of than, in abundance , and want of burial when they are dead. $• As not by outward profperitie, fo aTfo not by outward calamities, is the love or hatred of God to be known j the fame fort of outward difpcn.fation may befall both; The dca.l bodies of thy [crt v&nts they have given to be meat to the forties of heaven. , 4. No temporal wrath not calamines whatLoever can feparate the Lords children from Gods love and eft'imationof them,nor untie the relations between God and them ; for here, albeit their carcafes fall,8c be devoured with the fowls of the heaven and beaftsof the *arth,yet remaine they the Lords fcrvants>and Saints under tfoefe fufferings:M?e dead bodies of thy fervants &>cJtbcftcjh of thy Saints*. J; Thirflkughtcr of the Lords people, and theLca;:cnng : of fuch.

asefcape of them may be fo great , when his anger is kindled againft them, that none may be found to bury the flaine, but the dead may lie unburied; Their blood have they jhei Ufa water round about Jerufalem , and there was none to bury them. 6. Nothing is to be expected of Gods enemies towards Gods people when they fall in their hands,but favage cruelty and barbarous inhumanity , for which they are toanfwemntoGod, to whom the complaint of the living and the cry of the blood of the flaine doth call for vengeance, as the experience of the Lords people in this place doth teach.

Ver* 4. Wt are become a reproach to our neighbours : a fcorne and derifion to them that are round about tu.

From the third part of the complaint and lamentation* Leam y 1. In the day of Gods difpleafnre againft his people, yea in the day of the trial of the faith and patience of his people ,, no wonder that fuch as ihould mod pity our calamity, and be comfortable unto us, rejoyce to fee us in mifery, yea and make our calamity a matter of reproach to us , a matter 01 fcorne and de-1 ifion of us; for here it is faid , We are become a reproach to our neighbours , a fcorne and derifion to them that are round about us. 1. When God doth afflict his people, all their priviledges, and the Religion which they profeile, do become contemptible and ridiculous to the ungodly, who do not efteem either of Gods ordinances or of his people, but when they are adorned with outward profperity. The Lords people were feared and honoured by them that were about them, when God did fight for them, and countenanced them; but now they lament , Wc are become & repoach to our neighbours , a fcorne and derifion to them that are round about m . 3. To be mocked in miiery, and fpeciallyof them by whom we fhould be comforted,is amongft the faddeft paffages of our affliction : Therefore here, is this part of their lamentation fet down, after the formerly mentioned mifery, as a load above a burden, and that which did imbitter their forrow moft of all, becaufe it did reflect upon their Religion, their faith, their intercft in God, as if all had been ridiculous.

Ven 5. How tong^ Z0R1), wilt thou be an»

£, T J 7 je r *wr ? foatt thyjealoujic burne like fire ?

From

From the fourth part of the lament at ion 5 Learn, 1. The Lords difpleafure and anger againft his people, is more heavy to them then all the calamities which have lighted on them; How long wilt thou be angry? putteththe capftone on their prifon-hotilc. 2. Guilty confeiences cannot but apprehend wrath, when their plagues are heavy, yea they cannot efcape a conflict with the fear of everlafting wrath, when his hand doth lie long upon them; How long.Lorif Wilt thou be angry for ever? 5. When Gods people do fall from their matrimonial Covenant with God, and their heart and eyes do go a whoring after idols, no wonder the Lord be jealous, and his wrarh for this be moft hot, and be like to devour unto utter deftr ad ion: Shall thy j ea-louficburne like fire? 4. W hat foever hath been our calamity, whofoever have been the inftruments of our mifery, yea how great foever our provocation of Gods anger hath been : it is wifdome^asto expound all the malice and cruelty of men to be theeffe&s of Gods anger and jealouGe, and that his anger andjealoufie is kinledby ourfinnes: fo to runne to God , and lament the whole matter before him,and deprecate his wrath > as the Church doth here; How long. Lord ? Wilt thou be angry for ever?

Vet. 6 % Pottre cut thy -wrath upon the heathen that have not fyioton thte y and upon the kingdomes have not called upon thy Name.

7. For thej have devoured Jacob , andlatdwajtc his dwelling place.

In the latter part of the Tfalme Is their prayer; and firft, for juftice and vengeance on their enemies. Whence learn, 1. Albeit it be not lawful tor u» in our own quarrel to pray againft our enemies, yet in the Churches quarrel, in the Lords quarrel it is lawful to pray in general againft the incorrigible and deiperate enemies of God and his people, as here the Church is taught. 2. Albeit temporal judgements may overtake Gods vifible Church,when the open enemies ofGods people ?n& of his true worfhip arc fpared , yet at length the fulnefle of wrath is referved for the ungodly > one and all: Poure out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not fyiown thee. $ Prayer to Gcdpnd invocation of his Name upon all occafions, as Gods

Q^i ' honouy

honour and mens neceffities and duties publiek, private > and fecrct do call'them to come before him , ija maikdifferencing' Gods people from the ungodly > whether profeiTed or real heathens , and am a. k of inch as (hall finde mevcy diftinguifhing them from the object of Gods wrath : Tourc out thy wratb upon theKjngiomcs that have not called on thy N me. 4. Unto the right worfhipping of God the true knowledge of God is required : for how thall men call upon pod in whom they believe not, whom they know not, or whom to know they care not ? Therefore fuchas are ft: angers from God here , are 'defcribed by this, they have not known thce } thy hfee not called on thy 7 }{ame. 5. The members of a viable Church may be fcattered one irom another, that they cannot in one place joyntlyand profeil'edly enjey publick Ordinances; as here> $acob is devoured , and his dwellingplaceluidrvaftc. 6. The hcavieft article in the ditty of the ungodly is their being either acccfl'ory to , or active in the overthrow of Gods people ; Pourc out thy rvratb on tbcntj for they have devoured Jacob } xnd laid waftc bis dxvcllingplace.

Vcr. 8. 0 remember not againfl m former iniqM-ties : let thy tender mercies fpee dtly prevent us : for ive are brought very low. ;

p* Help M , 0 God of our falvation, for the the glory of thy Name: and deliver tu , andpurge away our fxnnes for thy Names fakf* 1 10# Wherefore fbould the heathen fay y Where is their God ? let him be k^owne among the heathen in hur fight , \>y the revenging of the blood efthy fer-vants tyhich is fh'd.

I f. Let ihejighing of the frifoner come before thee> according to the greatneffe of thy power: preferve thoti thofe that are appoinisd td die, 7 «

5 econdly, they pray for pardon of their fins, and delivery from themifery which their fins had pibcurcd i unto which Yt ition* fundry reafons are added for ftrengthening of the faith of the Church, tf^w* lcarnc,i.ThQ fenfc of fin maketh the afflicted to fee patient^and fubmiffivc unto God without murmuration, and

their

their lamentation for 1 hei mifcry AatbrtefolVe in prayer, and in a praver for remiffion or" fin; 0 remember not againji us former iniquities* 2. The onely right way to remedy a miferaolecon-d it ion, is ro (ire for remifiion of fins, and for the renewed evidence or reconciliation : ror before the Church here do ask any thing for their outward delivery, rheypray , 0 remember not agzinft rtr former in;quitid. 3. A peoples long continuance in fin doth turniih ground of fear of the long continuing of begun wrath and ju.i^ement upon them, and therefore they pay for the fbrgtairtg of their fin, that the quarrel being the judgement may be removed; 0 remem'er not againjl us our former iniquities.

4. When warrh and juftjee are like to confumeus , and quickly make an end of us, a refuge is open ro us in Gods tender mercies, who earner deftroy utterly a (inner Acting to his mercy ; Let thy tc;i:hr mercies ipecdily prevent us , for roe ire brought very low.

5. When the Lords peoplea-cbrought low, let thtm not look for a lifting up or relieft, except from God oncly , therefore fay they , hee , Help us. 0 Lord. 6. Such as have laid hold oa God for falva< io-n promifed in the Covenant, may alfo look for particular deliveries out ofparticular troubles j as appendices of the main benefit of f dvation ; Therefore , Help , vs> 0 God of Our folvation } fay they. 7. When men do ask any thing , the granting whereof may glorify God , they may confidently expeel to hive it; and in fpeciall, when God maybe to glorified , is his people may alfo be peferved aja/1 comforted : Help us (iiy they) for tkc glory of thy Njmc , and deliver us. 3. As the conscience of lin ufeth to ftcp in oftner between us and mercy, fo mull we call oftner for remifiion of finne > for earned affection can double and treble the fame Petition without babling : Deliver ics, and purge iway our fins. 0. It is the glory of the Lord to forget fin , and when remifiion ofl^nnes is prryed for according to Godspromife, the Lords glory is engaged for the helping of faith to obtain ; Furgearvay our fin for thy Name* fahji. 10. Idolaters are ready to infult over Gods people and their religion, ar>d over Godalfo, when the Church is afflicted, and this diftto* nour of God true Saints cannot endure; 1Vl?creforc Jhould the hex-then fiyjVhcre is their God ? 11. Howfoever the Lord will pu-nilh his own people for their fins in the (i^ht of the heathen, yet will he not fuft'er the heathen long to infult over his people , or over the true religion > but by fhewing kindneflc to his people, will have the heathen to know that he is their God , who will answer for himfclf,and fot his pcoplcjind their religion i\[o\Wbcre~

0.4 f or <

fore jhould the heathen {ay , Where is their God ? i z. As it dotJ; belong to Gods honour to deliver his people in their diftreflc, fo alfo to punifh the perfecutors of his Church and blafphemers of his Namej Let him be \nown among the heathen in our fight, by ivengingthe blood of thy fervants. 13. It is a comfort and encouragement of living Saints, to fee God avenge the blood of dead Saints flainby their enemies \ Let him be lyiowne in our fight y by avenging the blood of thy fcrvants. 14. As it is no wonder to fee griefe and fighing to be the cheer of Gods people when the Lord hath fcattered them , and they are captive priib-neis under their oppreffors j fo may we be fure their tears and fighingftiall not be mifregarded by God : Let the figbing of the frifoncr cb~me before thee* 1 $« Albeit it feem impoffible to deliver Gpds people 3 when they are as condemned prifoners^deftlnated by their enemies unto deftruction,yet faith fceth delivery verypoffi-bie to Gods omnipotency: According to the gnomes of thy power, preferve thou thofe that are appointed to die*

Vcr. 12 . And render unto cur neighbours feven- \ fold into their bofome , their reproach wherewith they have reproachedthee , 0 Lord*

13. So W'e thy people, and Jheep of thy pdfture H mil give thee thankj for ever ; ree mil feew forth thy praij'e to &H generations.

Jn the iaft place 3 they pvay for vengeance on their wicked neighbors, who mocked them and their Religion in the time of their calamity : and thus they clofe their prayer with a promife to praife God for the granting of their petitions. Whence icarn^ 1. Such as rejoyce a: the calamity ot Godspecple, and mock them in their mifcry 3 efpecially neighbours who mould be moil comfortable, as they are infome refpect more guilty then ooen pppreflbrs; lb (hall they be moft feverely plagued of God for their cruelty : Render unto our neighbours [even-fold into their befom their reproach. 2. The mocking of Gods people in their mife-ry, efpecially for the JrRelgion., is the mocking of God > and re-p.-caching of him whofe fci*/ants they are 5 Render them the reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee , 0 Lord. $. When, God taketh Yenge-mce on rhe enemies of the Church 3 then is it feen what intereft God hath in that defpifed company : for the Church here is confident, th.it then their relations unto God;, and

Gods

Gods care of them, (hall be evident > So we tby people and flyeep of tby pafturefiiallgive thee tbunfe: thuis, weihall come outof diftrefl'ej and gather our felves together, and profciTe our felvcs to be thy people^ and chafe n flock , and fhall praifc thee* 4. The troubles ot the Lords people, and their mourning, are but temporal, and of fhort endurance : but their deliverance and comfort, when their troubles are ended, is everlafting , and no leffe then evcrlafting duration can fuffice them to praife God and thank him for his kindnefie; So we tby people JhM give thee think* fir ever. $. As the Lords work for his diltrefled pcop'e calkth for thanks at their hands, fo alio dcth it call for praifc at their hands , who (haJl hear of it ; and they whofe duty it is to give thanks , ought alfo according to their power, to ftirre up others to praife God with themfelves, and to dure up alfo the pofterity in all fucceeding ages, as the Chinch here promifeth : IVc will [hew forth tby praife to all generations.

PSAL. LXXX.

To the chief tfiufichn upon Sbojhxnnim Edutb. A Vfilm of Afapb.

THis Pfalm given to the Church to be made ufe of, is of the like fad fubjeft with the former , and may be applied to the time of carrying away the ten tribes out of the holy land, while /witfbwasyec in poffeflion of it, and the Temple was yet il.inding , and the Lord was dwelling between the Cherubirm in th: Sanduary,where the Ark and Mercy-feat vyasyet remaining; qt to the time of the begun defolation of theland by Hebucbsd-nc\\Jir 3 or to any other defolation which did threaten their final rooting cut. The fumme of the Pfalm is a lamenting of the miserable condition of the Ifaclites , and an earneft ent- earing of the Lord to give them repentance and a delivery. In thehdft place, the Church maketh her addrefte to God,and propoundeth the main Petition, iw, i,t,j. In the fecond place, they lament their mi fery, and repeat the fame Petition 5 vcr. 4,5 6,7. In the third place, they call to minde the Lords cire to plant his people in the land as a vine-tree, and do lamnt tht doleful change of their Ir.ppy Condition in'O that of their prefcht mi-fey, vcr.8,9, io>ii,u,T$. In the fourth olace, they pr.iy

to:

for Gods mercy and pity toward his <iefolate people, ver. 14,15, 16. In the Iaft place , they pray for the ftanding cf the tribe of $udab > and that tor Chrifts caufe > who was to take his humane nature of this tribe $ and doclofc the Pfaime with repeating the third time their fpecial Petition for repentance and delivery to be granted unto them, ver. 17,18,19.

Ver. 1. /~>lveeare, Ofayheydoflfraei, thou that Kjjhadeft fofeph like a fioc^ y thoti that dmlleft between the Chcrttbinis , Jbine forth.

Many fweet fruits hith the Lord drawn forth from the bitter affli&ions of his people,and this Pfalme amongft the reft; wherein firft, the Chnrchbeggeth from God audience, for the relations between God and them, ver. 1. and then prayeth for falva-rion,xw. 2, and to this end doth make recjueft for the gracious gift of Repentance to his people, that they might be fa-ved , ver. $ .

From the firft verfe; lesrn^ 1* When our heart is full of grief, or of any holy afte&ion,which we defire to lay forth before The Lord, we may call for, and exped audience at the Lords hands, as the Church doth here , faying to the Lord,' Give eir, 2. He that would fpeak to God in the dny of calamity, had need to fatten faith on God, and mould go about it, how grievous fo-ever his rod Teem, as here the Church is taught by the Ffilmift to do. $. Albeit faith will flnde Khali ftrength from any thing in the fapplicant, yet on Qods part it cannot miife folid ground to fixe upon, according to the tenour of the Covenant ot grace, fnch as is Chrifts Prophetical and Kingly office, whereby the Lord taketh on him to lead and feed his people; to govern and protect them, as a fhepherd doth his flock: as here the Church doth, Ojhcpberd of Ifrael. This is oneconfidcration. Another is, theconftant experiment and proof given of his actual exerctting of this office? Thou tbu leadejl^mb as a flock: and Unto the former they joyn the free offer of grace to all that do feek for mercy from God 1 hrough the Mediator Chrift; Thou that dmU left between the Cbcrubims. 4. Albeit fin doth overcloud the manifefting of Gods favour and loving kindeflt towards his people, yet the prayer of faith upon the grounds of the Covenant mayexped the clearing up of his countenance again: Ofap* Ifcrdoflfrael, Jhine firth.

Ver. 2.

Vcr. 2. Before Ephraim , and r Ben)atn)n % and i Manajfeh , ftirrc up thy ftrengtb , And come and

• (aV€ W.

Forunderftanding ofithe fccond verfc, wc muft rcmcmbc r » that when the Ark or the Covenant refted, or marched in the wi^ derneflfe , thcfe three Tribes , Epbraim> Benjamin , andMantf' fcb, were in the reareward of the hoft of lfrael , or on the Weft"" fide thereof j as is fet down , Numb. 1. 18,19, &c. when the hoft marched, and the Ark fet forward , Mcfcs faid to the Lord, Rife up y l ord , and let thine enemies be fcattcred ; and let them that bate thee, flee before thee: anfwerable to this, doth the fixty eight Pialme begin , when the Ark removed and was carried up to mount Si on "now the people of God being in diftrefle here, do call thofe dayesto remembrance, and do requcft the Lord, that as he had in the eye fight of thofc three tribes here mentioned , mi* nifefted himfelf many a time to be the leader and defender of his people : fo he would now alfo in this their lamentable condition itirre up himfclfe for th;n reliefc and fa fet y. Whence learne, 1. The remembrance of the Lords humbling himfelfe to be fa-familiar with his people , and how fweet and glorious communion his people have had with him,, may and fhould encourage believers in him to fcek and expect new experience of the like mercy in their need , as here the Ifracliks do pray for new proof of that favour, which their ancefters did hnde fometimc j Before Ephraim > Benjamin, and Manxffib ftirrc up thy ftrengtb, ind come and fave us. 2.Thepoftcrity of thole who have been in fellowfhip with God, ihould pray for themfclves,and be prayed for by the Church, that they may have room in the Lords hoft, and have God their leader, as their godly fathers had before them; Before tphraim, Benjamin , and Mxnafieb ftirrc up thyftrevgth.

Ver. 3. Tttrn us Again ? O God : and caufe thy face tojhiie, andvp* fia/l be faved.

^ This is the fpecial Petition moftinfifted upon, that God by giving of Repentance would reclaim his people from their apo-ftafie, an J grant the evidence of his former favour unto them,and fo deliver and favc them. Whenclcarne, 1. As the apefhfie of Gods people from God , is the fountain of all their calamity ; (o their repentanee and returning unto God , is the firft ilep unto

thci:

their reliefe, and delivery from procured mifery of captivity, or any other calamity, as the prayer here importeth : Turn va agmi^ O Lord. 2. CDnverfion of people from their fin unto God, and leading of them back from the mifery drawne on by (in, is the work of God, which no man can work of himfelfe, or in himfelf, or in others, till God begin and enable them to return , and lead themonin their turning; Therefore faith the P-almift , Tmupa again y 0 Lord ; thus they fay as unable to turn again of them-felves. $. When a people or perfon do turn unto God, repenting their fin or back-Aiding from him, they may expect the Lord ihall (hew unto them evidences of his reconciliation and favour toward them; Turn u& agtin, and caufe thj fxceto Jlrine upon #$. 4. It is to Gods children very falvation to be in favour with God, and to be aflured of reconciliation with him: Turn us agiin , caufe thy fice to Jhine, andfojhallwc be faved.

Ver. 4. 0 LORD God ofhofts, bow long vpHt thou be angry againfl the prayer of thy people:

5, Thou feedefl them with the bread ofteares : and give ft them teares to drink^in great me afar e.

6, Thou makeft us aftrife unto our neighbours: and eur enemies laugh among themfelves.

7, Turn us again ,0 God ofhofis, and caufe thy face to (bine , and we Jha/l be faved.

In the fecond place , the Church lamenteth the Lords wrath, manifefleJ firft, in anfwering their prayers with indignation, ver. 4. Secondly, bymcreaiing of their woful mifery without confoiation, i;er. ?, And thirdly, by making them the matter of their enemies ftrifc among themfelves (which of them mould fhouid have moft Hebrewes to be their flaves,) and the object of their enemies fport, when they had parted the prey among them, ver* 6, After which he repeareth the former prayer for Repentance , and for delivery, ver. 7*

From the firft part of their complaint and lamentation , fet down, -jer.4. Learnc, i.The people of God may in their affliction put up prayers to God , which he will not accept, to wit, prayers for removing of judgement, when they have not repented the fins which drew on the judgements yea they may pray lon^, and be inftant in fuch prayers, and not receive a comfortable

ble anfwcr; yea they may finde their prayers anfwered with evidencing of Gods difpleah'ngfuch prayers; How long wilt thou be angry again ft the prayers of thy people i 2. When God doth not anfwer the prayers of his people in their affliction, the affiled mutt not ceafe to pray en ftill , neither may the truly ocdly among them ceafe to deal with God for his afflicted people, joyned in external Covenant with them, but muft continue and be ftill inftant with God, as here they do 5 For how long wilt thou be angry again ft the prayers of thy people? is a part of their prayer, notwithftanding that God feemeth angry at their prayers. J. As Gods fupremacy over all the hofts of the creatures maketh his wrath more terrible to the fupplicant* foihould it make the fupplicant more inftant in prayer, and more loath to take a refulal to his fupplication , as here it doth3 O Lord God of hofts , how long wilt thou be angry againjl the prayers of thy people ? 4. We are not alwayes to look after a pre-fent anfwer to our prayers, but muft wait on fo long as God pleafeth not to anfwer : yea it is pofltble, that after a believer; hath begun to humble himfelfe , God may fend meffenger after meffengerof more and more appearance of wrath 5 but we muft refolve, as to wrelUe with all difficulties , fo alfo with the fenfe of Gods anger againftus, yea, and that againft cur prayers : How long wilt thou be angry again ft the praytrs of thy peop'c?

From the fecond part of the lamentation , vcr. 5. Lcarne, I. When Gods people will norm ourne for finne in time, aspe-nitents, no wonder he drive them to mourne for the fruit of their (innein fad affliction : Thou fcedefl them with the bread of texres.. 2. We are more fenfible of the evill of trouble , then of the evill of lir\L" 5 the tears of Repentance are very rare, and foon dried up , bu/t tL'tearesof forrow for affliction do eafily flow, as affliction'increafeth or continueth, and that in Gods wife difpenfation,that worldly'forrow for afflictions , may drive us to godly forrow for offending of God $ Thou feedejt them with the bread of tear es. $. The comfort of the creatures, yea of ne-ceflary food , may be overcome and fwallowed up by trouble and worldly forrow , and that in Gods wife difpenfation, that men may learn to hunger and thirft for heavenly and ftrong confola* tion : as it befell this people, who were taken up lo with weeping, as they forgot their ordinary meales, and when they did cat and d-ink, did drench their food with tearcs; Thou feedejt them with the bread ofteares , And give ft them tearcs to drinfi in great mcafure.

From

Prom tbe third part of their lamentation, ver.6. Lcxrnc> i, It is righrcoulneife for God to make his people fmde the bit-terneffe of mens hatred and enmity, when they have flighted his friend (hip and favours as here, he gave Ifrxel over ir\to the hands oftheir enemies, when they had provoked him : Thou rm\eft us a ftrifc to our neighbours t and our enemies liugb. 2. When the Lord lets the wicked world loofe upon his people, they finde as many neighbours, as enemies, who make havockof them , and ftrivc amongft themfelves who (hall do them moft harm, and fervc themfelves moft of their perfons and goods $ and this is the Lords wile difpenfation, to let. his own know, what-fais protection is worth j Thou m&kcft us a ftrife unto cur neighbours. 3. The grief and trouble otthe Lords people, is the joy of the wicked, and it is the property of an enemy to rcjoyce at their calamity ; and God in his moft wife difpenfation will give his people a tafte of this, that they may know the fruit of their re-joycing in that which offended God , and iwhat they may expeft of the world if they fall out of his favour > Thou ma\eft us aftrife to our neighbours , and our enemies Uugb among themfelves.

From the repetition of the fame pYayer for giving them repentance, reconciliation, and falvation, vcr. 7. Lexrnc , 1 . Ardency of affection maketh the repetition of the fame prayer not to be fcablingi Turn usagxin t OGod, is now the fecond time propounded• 2. The way to remedy all theevill hoth of fin and punimment lying upon Gods people, is to repent their fins, and to feek reconciliation with God > if his people would repent, then would not the Lord be angry with their prayers 5 then affliction mould either be removed, or made light to them : for to remedy all the lamented evils, they pray. Turn usagaifi 3 OGod. $. A praying peo-' pies cafe cannot be fo dark and defperatc , but looking to Gods power mall give light and hope of relief. Turn u's#gii#, &>$od of hofts, faith be; nothing is too hard for him to do. 4. Gods people cannot difpenfe with the want of his maniteftcd good will to them; Turn us.and exufcthy face to fhinc upon us,n their fixed Petition. {. Salvation may be certainly expected in Gods orders and if we labour to be lure of our turning to God > and living in the fenfc of communion with him, wc need not make queftion of falvation; for that mall follow infallibly on the former two; Turn us agxin,0 God of hafts , and caufe thy face to fhinc upon us, fo full we be fxved. The lift is not put up by way of prayer here, but promifed to themfelves, and put out of queftion , that it fliall follow ,- Turn us, fojhxtt we be javed , fay they.

Ver, 8;

Ver, 8. TboH baft brought a Vint out of Egypt : thorn haft caft out the heathen, and planted it.

9. Thou prepared/} room before-hand : and did ft caufe it to take deep root^ and it filled the land.

10. The hills were covered with the Jbadow of it % and the boughes thereof 'tocrc like the goodly Cedars.

11. She fent out her boughes unto the fea: and her branches unto the river.

In the thiri place, they renew their Lamentation, by comparing the fometimeblefled condition of the Church of Ifracl wich the prefent mifcrable elhte they are new in. In former times I [ml was as a fruitful vineyard, v.$ ; 9,10^1. but now the Lords protection is removed, and they are made a prey to every bcaftly enemy, ver. 11,13. Whence learn, 1. Ad ver fity bring* cthtominde neglected profperity in time paft, and thediftreife of a Church deprived of former favours putteth a price upon, and giveth luftre unto abufed mercies locked back upon: as here, the calamity of the ten tribes, or of the whole twelve tribes caft out of their land, doth make their delivery out of Egypt y their planting in Canaan, and the mercies which they felt in that land to appear very glorious , and ftttethup that their fometime condition in the iimiltude of a fruitful vinejard. z. There is no fitter fimilitude then of a vine-tree and of a vineyard, to rcprefent the wcakndle of Gods Church and people, and Gods care of them, to have fruits of faith and obedience from them : therefore here and elfewhere is this comparifon made ufe of. 1. It ferveth much to help the faith of Gods people in theic calamity, to call to mindc Gods begun work among them, and in them, and for them .* for when his people do claim to wonted kindnefle, the Lord is ready to make his mercy run in the former channel. This is the ground of the Churches rcafon-ing here, in her Amplication to God. 4.1t is not enough light-lyto mention a courfeof kindnefle (hewen to us of God, but: every part andpaflageof it is worthy to be marked and prized highly; as here, 1. ifracls bringing out of Egypt is oblerved, and compared to the bringing of a noble plant out of a farre countrey in the Lords own hand 5 Tbo haft brought a line out ej : Egypt, z. The calling out of the Canaanites, is compared to the purging of the ground from itones, and thornes,

an &

and blocks in comparifon of Ifrael, to be planted ihcrc;Tbou baft caft out the heathen 3 and famed it. 3. They obferve the benefit of cnlargiug their dwelling for commodious habitation : Tbeu peparerjt room for it. 4. And their letting in the land j Thou uufcdft it to take deep root. 5. And their multiplying in it 5 It filed the land. 6. And their riches, and power, and glory in the land, comparable to a wood of Cedars ; The bills were covered with the fiadow of it, and the boughs thereof were like the goodly Cedars. 7. And the fpreading of their authority and government, according to the bounds let. to their promifed pof-feflion, GtfJ. 15.18, horn the Mediterranean fea weftward, to' the river Euphrates ea&wzrd ; She fent out her boughes to the fva, and her branches to the river. Thus a well ordeted Church is like a pleafaht.and fruitful vineyard.

Ver\ 12. why haft thou then broken down her hedges t fo that all thej which pajfe by the Tray do plucky her?

15. The boar eoUt out of the wood doth waft e it : and the Vc'tlde btafl of the field doth devoure it*

After calling tomindethis glorious condition they were in 3 they in a weeping and lamentable manner dp compare their pre-fent mifery with what happineflc once they had, and do lay it forth before the pitiful eyes of the Lord. Whence learn , i.As prefent felt mifery commendeth profperity paft, fo pail profperi-ty doth augment prcfent mifery, when the two conditions are eompared,as in this comparifon is held forth. *. The mod g!o -rious and beil planted Church may for its unfruitfulnclie and provocation of God by its ill fruits, be plucked up again, and the hedge of difcipline, the hedge of civil government, and the hedge of Gods proti&ion may all be removed fuddenly from it, as here we fee 5 Why haft thou broken down 1 he hedges? 3. It is a wonderful and aftonifhing judgement, to fee the Lord caft-ing down the work of Reformation once begun by him , and plucking up the plantation of his Church once made by him; and yet the provocation of a wicked generation may proeure this evil, which hardly can be bcleeved till it come; and even then it is wonderful, and fliould fend men unto God, to make them fee rightly the caufes thereof, as this interrogation importeth ; Whyhifi thou broken down her hedges I 4, When God remo-

Yeth

ye Wiis hedges from about hi* people, for their provocation of him, then anybody thatpleaicth m,iy make ap.eyof.them ; to tbxt.dUtbey wbop.ijj'e by the way dojpl ic^hcr. 5. if God remove the hedge of his proceed m from about his people, no wonder tficy^all into the hands of the molt lavage,cruel andbcaftiy far, of men,as did bpfal ifracl > The boxre w ofibc vo6oddoib tvajie it, And the wilde bcajt out of the field dotn devburC it. 6. When the Lords C hurch is in the wo* ft condition, (Ik is not fo waited and dcftioyed, but a rcmnani is left to prticnt by prayer her condition unto God, to deal with him for her reftaurationi as the cafe in hand hc.e arid elfcwhcic doth (hew.

Vcr: 14. Return ive befeech thee, O (/idcfhbfles-t loo\ dotin froth heaven, arid bebdid % And itifit this Vine. J ..,_.,.

15. And tke Vineyard which thy right hand hath planted t and thebranth that thou madt/fftrongfor

16. It is burnt ftith fire^ it is cut down: the) perijS dttbertbuk* of thy countenance.

In trie fourth place, they pray that Grjd who was departed from them, would return and have comp.uTion onthedelbtate condition oi his Church; Whence learn; i Although'the Lord feem to depart from his Church, yet he is within cry, and may. be recalled by prayer, and may by his power let all right again i fyturn, we befeeel) tbee, 0 God ofboftcs. i. Although no "hop? ofhclpor poffibility of relief can be fcen on earth, yet there is hope of help from heaven; Look, diwn from heaven. 3. In the: leaft degree of Gods.rcfpecl and kindnefle to a defolate Church, begun to be manifested after pouring out judgements on it , faith will reawic hope, of relief and.reltaurationol it 3 Bt hold and vi$ fit this Vine : for to come and fee, is a ! l to them w hkh they crave* 4« The labour arid c*re which God hath bcilowpd.on his Church* for Jetting ttp, and feeling o*f it in any place, .may give hopeto thofe Who pray for it. , that albeit the Lord affiid ic heavily, yet he will not Lofe his labour, VifuthU Vin<> ani the Vineyard rvhicb thy right band bath planted. J. There was ^branch to come of the ftock of ifrael, for whole cauie thi Na-iiori of the Ifraelite* could not be utterly forfaken and deft ioyecf;.

and this was the Mcfliah,'Chrift Jefus(promifed to come of Ah~ rabardJfaac,lacob,Iudub^David,)of whok coming, becaufe God had 3 fpecial care that the ftock fhould be underpropped and up* held and made ftrong till this branch came forth, the Church of Jfrael might be confident not to be utterly caft off, and therefore in their prayer they make mention of him; Vifit the Vineyard and the Branch (to wit, of the houfe of T>avid.) thai thou mideft ftrong for thy felf: In the Hebrew, it is the Son whom thou madeft ftrong .even Chrift, who is the true Sonne of God, the true Vine-tree, John \ <;. i. whereabout the Fathers husbandry is in a fpecial way imployed. 6. The vifible Church or people of God by Covenant, at fame time may be fo farrc from a glorious -and flourifiling condition of profperity, that on the contrary in outward appearance (lie may be almoft deftroyed, and ljke to perifli utterly, as here of the Lords Vineyard , or the whole vifible Church we read, It is burnt with fire, ft it rut down: he meaneth Gods people5 Tbcy perijb ffaith the Pialmift,) at the rebuke of thy countenance. 7. We are to look, not fo much to inffa umems of the Churches defolation, as to . the peoples finnes procuring it, and to Gods wrath cauiing it s Tbcy perifi at the rebuke of thy countenance.

Ver. 17, Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hind:* upon the Sonne oj man, whom thou madeft ft rang for thy [elf.

iS. So will not We go backjrom thee :qpiicke* m 9 ana we Will call upon thy Name.

j 9, Turnm again, 0 LORT) Godofhoftes, caufe thy face to fane, mdrvefhzllbe faVed* ■ In the laft place,- they put up three requefts. In the firft> they infift upon that point of their prayeryv. 1 5.which concerneth the Branch of the Vineyard of Jfrael, the promifedMeiTi ah, Chrift the Redeemer: and do make requeft over again, that the fiock and lineage of T>avii> whereof Chrift was to come, might be kept to the fore, till he fliould afl'ume humane nature and become the Sonne of man, according to the folid grounds which God had hid down to bring this pramife to paile : Fot the fubftancc of the prayer is this: Seeing thou haft made one branch of this Vine, which thou brought eft out of Egypt,

ftiong

ftrong for thy felf, or for thy own purpofc, namely, the man of thy right hand 3 the Sonne of man, the promifed Mefliah, God to be incarnate: Let thy hand or power be imployed for bringing this to pafle, that he who is at thy right hand , thy equal, niay be made man , the man of thy right hand, the Sonne of man : So will not we go ba<.ti from tbec; that is, by him we thy. redeemed fhall be p: eferved from apottalieand feparatioo from thee. In the fecond requeit, they pray for the pouring fo;th of the Spirit upon his dead people, thac having fpiritual life communicated unto them, they may worfhip God in Spirit and truth: Quicken us , and we will call upon thy Name ', fay they. In the third requeit, they repeat the third time that prayed tor repentance and reconciliation, to be manifested to hiss people.

From the firftrequeft, vcr. 17. Learn, 1. The refuge, reft, confutation and confidence of a diftrefl'ed Church or perfori isChrift: and toward him muft the arHicled caft their eye for relief, as here the Church in her deepeft .defolation doth. 2 .Chrift is alwayes at the t\%h hand of the. Father, in regard of power and glory i and it is to. aim no robbery to be equal with God the Father, FhiL z. 16. and his humane ndture afliimed doth not degrade him from the glory which he had with the Fa^ thcr before the world began, John 17. f. He Is the man of Gods right band, in a lingular manner. 3, Chrift and his Kingdom are eftabliihed before God for ever, for bringing to paffe the purpofeand fa-vice of God inihe Redemption or hs e!ed; He is the man whom the Father bath mde firong for bim-fclfe: forhis humane nature is united with his divine nature in-one peifon; his incarnation Was made fure by the eternaLani immutable decree of the Covenant of Redemption^ wherein the eled were given over to Chrift, and grace was granted and given to them in Chriii: Jefus before the world began, 2 Tim. i-9- And as his incarnation was made lure by decree, i'o alio' made fure by many times repeated Promifes in the Law and Prophets, beginning at Gen. 3.1c. where it is promifed, thac the feed tf the woman fbould tread down the bead of the ferpent; all along the Scripture unto, Mahcbi $*Ji where it is revealed, that Chi iftsmelfenger, to wit, John Baptift in the power of Elias fhould come before him : and ftraightway,'after he him-felf mould (hew himfelf, as did come topaffe,- This is the Sonne of man (Lath he J whom thou bal made firong for thy fclf; 4. To bring this promifc to efleft and accomplifhmenr/ the Al~ R 2 mighty

*nghty power of God mall fet on work: and never drew back from operation, till his purpofe was brought to palfe * tor after the time th;u the man /Ibrahim was defigncd, ot who e feed he was to take flcfh ; the Se.ipture fticweth what care the Lord h:dnf 1'aic and Jacob, and the Patriarchs in Eg)pt : and about the bringing of their pofterityour of it to Cattain, till Vtv is family is defigned for his lto;k : and when the ten tribes were fcattei cd abroad , he prefcrved Judab to the fore : and when thnt tribe aKo was chruft out into captivity, he brought it back ngatfV and peterved T)iviii race, and thetiibeof <ftidab under civil Government till Chriil enme; and this the prayer here propounded oid make rcqueft for: Let thy band be up* on the man of thy r igbt band. 5. Neither the Church, nor any member thereof needeth any more iecmity for their (lability and perpetuation, but Chriit: for now when the Vineyard is burnt, and the vifible Church defaced, the remnant are content to reft fatisfied with this, which alfo they take for gnnted, ?nd do fubferibe unto it ; Let iby hand he upon the man of thy right hand* upon the Sonne of man, nbom thou baft male fir ong for iby f'clf. 6. The confanguinity of Chiift with thcbeleever and his humiliation in his humane nature, are ftrcng lupporters of the faith and comfort of his people that do leek falvation through him; therefore do the faithful here fixe themfelves on this, that as he is Gods Sonne, fo he h a branch of their Vineyard alfo* that as he is at the right hand of the Father as God, fo he is the man of bis rifbt band alfo : the Son of man, or of A-dam, partakv v ot flelh and blood with us, of the \zmc ftock that we are o(, in all things like to m , except fin: for the Son tf man is the ftile , whereby Chrift itiled himfelf in his humiliation. 7. The perpetuity of the Church , and the perfeverance of the Saints, is rounded upon thcfunScx-encyof Chriit: and the unfeigned beleever may aflure himfelf, as of the continuance of the Church, fo of his own Eerfcvcrance and confiam communion with God through im : Let thy band be upon the man of thy right band, (?c . fo will not rvego bacf{ ft cm thee.

From the fecond requeft,v.i8.Lc\jr;/ l I As there is a death of alienation trom the life of Go I in the unregenerate, and a death of disability, difcomfort and difcouragement found in the regci crate in Scripture : fo there is a quickening which giveth fptritual life to thole that a eyct dead in their nnncs and trcl-paflls i arid a quickening which giveth ftrength and comfort to

ike

theweak, difconfo'.ac and diicournged fouls of Gods children ; tor the lirft Tort of quickening every regenerate man mould p*ay Inbchalf otall the elect in the vifiWc Church, who ac no: as yet converted ; and for quickening in o her rcfpCch th;y fhould pray inhchalf of thcmlelves and other fHiCicJ fpirits of the £od!y, as lici'c thcbclccrcrsdo pray > ^jjidiCH vs. I*The ho-nmringof God in Spiritual worihip mould be the • nd o" our petitions which wc do mike for any good to our klvcs; ^jjuficn us, in.i vot Jhull call upon thy Wjne. $. Albeit the work p£calling on GodsName, and worlhipping of GjJ in Spirit, and truth, be the work of rhc regenerate mai y yet the fpirit.ual life, and r he motion or ftirring up of the regenerate man iimo .this work, the enabling of the man un o it, and in it, and the cheering up of his heart to do it anv&ionately, fs.-he wot k of the Lord : for thefe doth the Pf Lniil here diitinguiih; firii, he fees down Gods pan; J^idicn thou ui 1 and then 01 r p.m: Ani rvc Jhall call upon tby Hxmc.

From the thirdrcoueft, ver. 19. repeated now the third times Learn, 1. In what reipects foevtr theChurch of the Jcwilli Ration may feem to be alienated from God, yet there is hope of their repentance and returning and reconciliation unto God; for there is a petition of the Lords enditmg ftmding here, thrice repeated in their favour to be granted in due time by God, to wham nothing is hard : and here in this third repetition of this prayer, the Name of God Jehovah,whercby lie told Ifracl that he would be known to them to be the performer of promifes, is added ex-preflfely; Turnmxgiin^ 0$cboiab>God of bojics, i t Albeic we our felvcs do breed the mill; and clouds, which do hide front us the mining of Gods favour towards us, and we do build the partition-walls, we do raife up mountains of tranfgrcfTions, which feparatc between God and ass vet it is the Lord hiinfeJf onlv, who of his own free grace, and by his own power doth difhlvechefe clouds, and remove thefe impediments out of his own way towards us ; Turn va ojil/i, and cuufe thy fjee tofhinc* 3. Sc oft as we are burdened with the lame prefllirc, and ftrahen-ed with the fame neceflity, as oft we may and mould have re-coorfc to God for relief by prayer; for this ftafte hath God put in faiths tand, to help the believer in every ftcp of hi* journey, till he come home to the Lord, and be part all pcrill; Turnc m a~ giihy caufc tby face to jhinc. 4. As the fight of our diftance from God, and fenfe of hisdifpieafurc, and fear of perdition, do fcrvc tabcafpurre to cur prayer; fo dci'ure of reconciliation ,

ctefire and purpofc of rcpemi r g 5 and hope of Salvation to ferve to encourage us to perfevere in prayer, till we have what we ask perfected to us; Turn m again, caufe thy fuce toJhinefojhutt we bo

Jtved.

PSAL. LXXXI.

To the chief Mufician upon Gittith. APhirrx of A fapb.

THis Plalm was appointed to befung in their folemn feafts, new moones^and feaftof tnbernacles, in fpecial for a tefti-rnony of Gods gracious and bountiful dealing with his people on the one hand } and of their provocation of God on the ether hand, moving him to change his difpenfation toward them, and to withhold many benefits from them, which otherwayes they might have had 5 if ihey had not rejected Gods couniel, and had chofen ffoir own wayes : that by this Pfalme his people mi ght learn to be wifer.

The parts of the Pfalme are three. The firft is a Preface, wherein there is a mutual ftirring up of the Chuich-members, to keep the Solemn feafts, andblowin^of trumpets, W. i, i t 3. and a reafonof this mutual exhonation,taken from Gods i'nftitu-tion of this ordinance when he brought his people out of Eg) ft from the fcrvice of Strangers, vcr. ^^.

In the fecond part is fet down, how God delivered them from bondage in Egypt, and from troubles in their journey, vcr.6,-j, and | how reasonable commands the Lord did give unto them: Which commands are all fummed up in this one; That CjqA Jhpuld be their God alone, vcr. S, 9, 10.

In the third part is fet down : Firft, how they rejected God :md his counfel, ver. 11 .Next, how therefore they were plagued, by being given over to their own luih, ver. j 2. Thirdly , how they deprived them Selves oi Gods benefits, which by following Gods counfd, they might have enjoyed, vcr, 13, 14^ 1 f.

Ver.

PSAL. LXXXL 247

Vcr. I. Qlngalondunto Godourfirength: mak* ^a joyful noife unto the (?od of Jacob.

a. Take aPfalm, and bring hither the timbrel: the pieafant harp With the pfalterj.

3. "Blowup the trumpet inthsne^o Moon ; in'the time appointed on our folcmn feaft-daj'. %

From their mutual jEtirring up of one.another to rejoyce in God, commanded here by the Pfalmift in the Lords Name; Lcir?/, 1.That whatsoever may be our own private condition, it is our duty ever, and in all things to give glory toGod to 1 xJoyce in him, tcuprofefle and avow his Name 5 Sing .aloud unto God. 2. The Lords people have the fulfilling* fupplying and iupport-ing of their emptineffc, wants and weakneile in God, whoft lut— ficfency they ought to make uie o f 3 and rejoyce therein jj« Sing unto.Cfod our ftreiigtb*. 3. It is the Covenant 01" grace, whereby God beccmeth our God, which doth intitle us,and givcth as in-tercfl in, and right unto his all-fufficieiicy, which we fhonld entertain joyfully in our communion with God, praifing him; aad thanking him for it, and delighting in his pretence, becaufc ot it ; Ma\c ajoyfulnoife unto the God of tfacob , for God was tfuobs God, becaufe God was by Covenant Abraham^ and his childrens God, whofe children alio we are, who are Ghriits, Gal. 3.19.

From tbe ufe and variety of mufical ifcftrBments 'callccf for* Ver. 2,$. Learn, 1. Albeit the external melody of mu^caiim ftruments in the Lords publikc worfhip, with the reft Oiiheplpr-dagogie, and {hadowing dark figures of the Ceremonial Law be aboljihcd now when the Lord, the S.unne of righteotif-ncfle,iscomc; yet the moral duties repreiented by them are, ftill. to be acknowledged and followed by us, towit, that thepraife* of the Lord are unexpreflTibic by us, and that ,\ve are unluffici-. entof ourfelves to let 8 forth the fame,: that we have matter of unfpcakable joy in God our Redeemer, and fliculd ftir up all the powers of our foul, to this par: of his, ! pi ritual fervice; for this did thefc mufical ihfiruments teach.: Til$c a *F film } 4?d bring hither the timbrel, the plcafint harp ivitb the Pfultcry., 1. We ought ;o acknowledge the {lately magnificence of cur CjH aired Lord, and our dulnciTe and flowncflc to praife him : and R 4 what

MS PSAL. LXXXI.

;* v hat need we bad to be (tired up, and to ftjrre up one tnothct tothisduty: for this was pointed at in the ufe of the trumpets. Blow up the trumpet. 5. We ousht tjo acknowledge that y'e a- c fubjcc~t to various changes, and alteration of conditions in this life, and that all thefe changes a e fan&ificd unto the Lords people, and that new confobtions may be expected from God, one auer another, tofeafenthe daikneffe and nights of our affliction ; and wc fliould cenjecrate our fclves anew from time to time to God > and give him t^ic 6rit part and flower of out time 5 yea, mould ftudy, that all our time, in all changes what-fcever maybefpen: in his fcrvicc: for thus much did the fo-lemriities in their new Mooncs hold forth ; Blow up tbeTruWf fct iti the vxw Moon. 4. Wc ought to acknowledge that wt arc ftrangers here in 1 he world,' and we. hare no certain dwelling-place , but that we are in our fojoufning depending upon Gods provifion for us, and prore&iort of us, expecting the time when w- ftiall appear before him, and (hall bepminpoftefliorj cf tboft manGcn-phocspepiredfor us,, wherein we (hall hate ftilneife of joy, a< ;d God cdnftantly pre.'ent wit h us, and that in the meantime we ftibuld ftudy^o rtjoyce in the riches of the Lords gcodneffe to us in our Redeemer; for this in Tubftance was held forth in thofe folemn fcafts, a'ncKn fpecial, in the fetrf of Tabernacles; Blow tbcTrumpct in the thnc appointed 3 on wr fclcmn fcifi-daj. ' '

Ver.4. F*r this voasa B.atuf ; e fpr Ijiafli. and 4 /*n* of tie God of Jacob.

5. This he ordained in Jnfeph for a ttfhrnony^ Vchen he weni out through the land.ofSgypt : \vtl€re / heard a language y thill under flood nod

The Church giveth two reaffirm oft he exhortation, cheerfully to glorifie God in theobfervation of nis appointed ordinances, and folemn convocations : Otic is, becaufe God did inftinuc and command this folcmriire joycing in him, ver.4. The other is, becaufe he appointed it' after the beftowing on them of a greaVdeliveraficc out of Egypt from their bondage under ftrangers, and people of an uncouth language, ver. 5.rVrorh thefirft reafon ; Learn; \ lit is a fufficient motive for observation of any religious a&ibn, that God Hath ordained it; and no lefle authority then divine can warrant a rjjan in the matters of Religion ; l# - ' * 'therefore

therefore it is faid here. Fir this t»M a ftitutefor Ifracl, and 4 Uw of the God of Jtcob. As none may appoint z&% of rtligi-r ous worfhip, but God: fo alio none may alter nor abrogate them, crcept God hirtfelf only : For they Arc (lauites and Uwes of the godofjfacob. 1. The Ordinances of Religion appointed of God, as thcyare witneflcsof hiswill, how he mall be ferved, an 1 witneflcs of his gbqd will toward us, and care of us to have lis laved: foalfo arc they witneflcs of pur faith and obedience, to tcftirie for us or againft us, as we m ike ufc of them; This \t $rdaincd in fofepb for a te(limonj f J. Thcgreatnctic of the work of Jledemption, the powerful manner of bringing it to

Safic, and the mifei y wherein we were before we were delivered, lould augment our joy and thankfulncfle to G^d, and ftraijn our tie to his worftiip arid fervicc, as the force of the Churches rcafoning here doth teach : for the Lord w^nt through the Egyptians, and over their belly as a mighty Conquerour, when he revicemei ijis people and delivered them from the fervitude of a people ot a ftrangelanguage, therefore they were bound joyfully to keep his lolemn Qui inances J He ordained this for ate-ftimony flaith the Church) when be went through the land of E-gypt, where 1 hejird a Uu^ua^c, which 1 u?\dcrjiood not.

Ver. 6 I removed his {boulder from the burden : his hounds were delivered from the pots.

7. Thop cailedft in trouble, and I delivered thee \ 1 anf^ered the in the ftcret place of thunder , 1 proved thee *{ the water a; of Jtferikab. Selah.

InthcfeconA part theXord fpeaketh, and putteth Jris people, inmjn,c|eof hjs kimjncflcto therein their delivery from E-gypt y ver. 6. and of h}s wife care of ;hem in the wiiderneflc, vcr. 7 1 And r^ow he craved noting qt them, but that they mould keep clofeto him, and not go after idols, ver* 8,9. Firft, becaufe h; is God all fuf&cicnc. Next, becaufe he had entered in Covenant to be their God\ Thirdly, becaufe he had, given proof w^nt he could do for them by their delivery out of Egypt- A^d laftly, because be wa$ ready to make them fully, bUlfel upo^ their willingneflc tq receive his offered goodncflc, ver. 10. And then he llicwes vylj.at; an evil meeting they gave him. " From the renewing the memory, of their delivery? oijt of E-

gypt, ver.6. turn, i. For rkht taking up of the benefit of our Redemption, whether Fpiritual or bodily, the heavinefleof our yoke and bafencfle of our {livery muft be called to minder I removed bis {boulder from the burden, and bis hinds were delivered ftom the pot: j for Ifraclwcre as pioneers and fcullions in Egypt, bafely employed in carrying draw and morter to make brick, as moft abject (laves: and this refembleth the condition we are in by nature; under the (livery and burden of fin andmifery • 2. God only is the Redeemer of men from what-foever evil conditions no infttuments which God dothufc, muft intercept his glory : none can eafcour burden nor cleanfe our hands 3 but God only : I (faith the Lord) removed hisjhoulder from the burden, and bands from the pots.

From the Lords wife care of them, when they were come out of Egypt, vet. 7- Learn, 1. After delivery of us out of the ftate of mifery, other particular troublefome pafiages may meet us, as did meet Ifrael at the red lea, when they came out of Egypt , and we may fall into new trbuhlei for a Iittle,as they did. 2. God who delivcreth us from.the ftate of nailery, muft alfo deliver us from particular miferable cafes or miferable conditions 5 yes, and being called upon by us in our mifery, he will deliver us as he did I fuel , Thou cdledft in trouble, and I delivered thee. 5. It is Gods wife difpofing, that new trouble mould bring to minde our former delivery, and our deliverer, and mould piefle us to pray to God, and make way for a new experience of deli-very, as here we fee. 4.The more the Lord dcuh manifeft him-felf from heaven for us, and againft our enemiesj the greater is our obligation, as Tjraels obligation was augmented, when at their prayer in the red fea, the Lord by thunder out of the black cloud againft the Egyptians following them, did declare him-felf for Ifrael : I anfeered tbee in the {ecrct plice of thunder. 5. It is an evidence of the Lords care of his people to put them to ihe"trial of their hhh and finccrky of afrcflion to God, that fo- twy may either finde their former profeflion and opinion of th^nfelves folid and'upright, or finding it other-waves may be humbled andYepenr, and become more fincere; therefore is the trhl 01 Ifrxel after their coming out of the red fea numbered among the evidences of Gods care cf them > I proved thee at the waters of MCribih. 6. Calling to minde our misbelief ma& manifeft unto us in the day of our trial, fbould make us more humble and wary to depart from God there after; for thisis the fcfibn, v.hkh Ifracls (hiving wi:h God at the waters.

ters of Meribab, fhould have taught them j I provedtbecat the waters of Meribab, or waters of ftrifc.

Ver. 8. Heare, O my people^ and 1 Vtill teftifie unto thee ; O Jfrael, if thou wilt hearken unto me.

9. There fbdl no firange God be in thee: neither fbalt thou Voorfbip any ftrange God.

10. /am the LOUD thy God , -which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thj mouth nide 3 and 1 mil fill it.

We have heard of Gods gracious dealing with ifrael, in the point of doing for them; Now the Lord declareth, what thankr fulneffehe required of them, and how rcafonable and equitable his demands were: unto the confidc;ation whereof he waken-eth them up , ver. 3. Summeth up all in the fiift command cf the moral Law, ver. 9. Giveth rcafons io move them tq this, ^er. 10.

¥rom his awaking them to hear, itfr.o. Lcxrnc> i.Wher* the Lords Word is to be delivered unto us, we fliould have our mindes gathered in, and humbled, and fixed unto a reverent at T tention, hearty belief, and humbled obedience \ therefore, faith he, Hear y 0 Ifrael, and I will uftifie unto thee. 2. When the Lord doth fpeak, whether for conviction of duty to be done, or duty not discharged, there needeth no other witneflc befide himfelf, to convince the confeience, his fpeech is fo clear, fo full of truth and authority: Hear> and I will left ifie unto thee. 1, Both the Lord and weourfelvcs have juft reafon to queftioncur willingnefle to hear Gods Word inculcated unto us: becaufcitwillbe found that we have proved misbelieving and rebellious hearers before^ and becaufe it is our natural diu pofition to be averfe from all Gods commands; therefore, faith the Lord, 0 ifrael, if thou wilt hearken unto me. 4. The Lord rcquireth his people to be a willing people, and nothing can be more forcible to make us willing and obedient to God, then to unce ftand that Gcd is willing to te ;ch, direct and blcfie usi Hetr> 0 lfra;l 3 if thou will, or/halt hearken unto mc.

From the lumme of that fervice which Gc^d requireth of us, ver. 9, Lcuntc, 1. The fumme of Gods Law is comprfie 1 in

the

J 5 % PSAL. LXXXI.

th firft command; for as GjI is feared, delighted in, fubmhtcd unto, and ma J e ourGsdin efted' fo are all the Commandments kept : There jhM be nojtrange god in thee. 2. As found-neflc in Religion, and cleaving clofe to our.only one God, (as h* hath revealed himfelf to be the Father, Sonne, and^Holy Ghoft, of whom, and through whom, and for wliom are all things 11 is the fountain of all obedience, and keeping communion with God:fo the corrupting of Religion,, and departing from this ground in any fort, is the fountain of all following misbehaviour, and difcommunion with God 5 There fhill no ftrsnge god be in thee , neither Jlult thou vorjhip any/fringe

From the reatbns of this duty fet down, ver. 10. Lexm, r.The confederation of having our life, and motion, and being of God| and that he will give to all his promile* and threatenings certain performance, fliould move us to belccvc in him, adhere unto him, and ferve him only* I Am the Lord J am Jehovah ,i. The Covenant of grace, wherein the Lord hath drawn us, who pro-feflo our felves to be his in Chrilt, fliould move us to depend on him for rightcoufnefs and life, and to ltudy in his ftrcngth to pleafe him ; I am the Lord tbj Cjod. 5. The great work of our Redemption, and all the beneuts beftowed upon us, in relation toon; bringing out of the fUvery of idolatry and Egyptian dakneffc, to the beholdingof the marvellous light,, and Kingdom of his dear Sonne, reprcfented by the delivery of his people out of Egypt* fhould move us to adhere to our Rokemcr, and to aime at his fervice fingly ; I am thy God, who brought thee out of the Uniof Egypt. 4. The faire allowance which God beftowcth upon his lervants, to wit, Asti and have, ihould tie our hearts to huh a potent, all-fufficienc and gracious God* Open thy mouth wile, and I will fill it. f. It is the narrownefs of ou; faith, an 1 of our fpiritual defire, which hindcreth our felicity ; we are not ft aittnea in God, but in ou* ielves : for his cfteris., Opon thy mnch wide, anil will fill it. The Lord will give grace and glory and will withhold no good thing from them that w \\k uprightly ; and for this end he calleth for the enlarging ofour delircs, and of our belief to receive fatisfa&ion, that we may have in him full contentment, and not be allured from him to vanities which cannot profit us.

Vcr. 11. But my people Would not hearken to my voice, and Ifrael wofd^nonje of me.

In the third part of the Pfalm is fet down, how Ifratl to their own detriment and depriving of thcmfeWesof great happihefs, did reject the Lords comn and, 3nd the offer of his grace. 10KMC learn, i. The people, to whom the Lord is moil liberal, arc not alwayes moft thankful: Us people by external Co* venant arc not alwayes obedient to him, but readily do give him the word meeting J But my people would not fctttrfcw unto my vtice. i. The caufc of not hearkening to, and obeying of Godi commands, is our not believing in God, not taking fa-tisfa&ion, pleafure and delight in God: for how came it, that Gods people by Covenant did not obey his voice ? It may ferrc forananfwer; *And Ifuelwauld none of me > or reftcd not on me, or had no pleafure in me,

Vcr. 12. So 1 gave them up Unto their own hearts lufl: and they walked in their own conn* fels.

Here isihewen how fearful was Ifracls plague for their not delighting in God, they were given over to follow their own will unto their own perdition. Whence learn, i.The idols ' which come in competition with God, are a mans cwn carnal lufts andafteftions, as here appcareth. x. If thcie idols be adhered unto, when God doth offer himlelf for giving a man contentment, it is jnftice with God to take a refufe at the mans hands, and to ceafe to deal with his heart any more, but to give him ever to the fcrvice of his idol > Tbcy would none of me, fo I gave them up unto their own hearts lufl. 3. Whofoever do refufe to ferve God, (hall not efchew to fer've a worfe Matter, to wit,their ownbeaftly affections, and Satan, who ruleth men by their lufts; They would brue none of me, fo J gave them up to their own hearts lufl; 2nd this of all judgements is thehcavi-eft. 4. When God leaveth a nun to himfclf, there is no re-ftrafnt to keep him from going to a mifchief, and to perdition, as here we fee; I gave tbem up, and they walked in the counfcl of their own hearts.

Ver. 13* 0 that my people habhearkenedmtome: and Ifraet had walked in mj wajes

LaQ

»

Laft of all,is fet down by way of Gods lamenting for his people^ what felicity they ail lefe by this their refufing to make God their delight, and his voice their rule to wnlk by. Firft, if they had obeyed God, their enemies mould not havebeen their Mailer, but they (hould have been made victorious over their ad-verfaries, vcr. 13,14, 1 5. Next, they (hould have been fatis-fiedwith all contentments abundantly, let forth under the terms of feeding them with fine wheat and honey. This lamenting of God for his peoples mifery, is borrowed from thje manner of? men, lamenting the milery which their difobedieni children have brought upon .themlelves, and is not to-be taken lb, as if there were in God any paftion onperturbation, or miferable lamentation, but this fpeech is to be conceived,, as other like fpeeches in Scripture, which are borrowed from theaftlctions of men, and are f fuitabletothnt:

litude ; and lb, O that my people to move his people, ('who iriould hear this expreflicn^ to repent and lament their not hearkening unto God 5 and toftudiein all time to come,to be more obedient unto him, even as rrrey vyould efchew them^e which came upon misbelieving and difo-bedient Ifrael ; and as tiiey defueto obtain the bkffings 3 where-of carnal Ifraelkes did come fhort, and did deprive themfelves; and if it beasked^ what may be imported by this 'fpeech properly ? We anfwer, 0 that ray people bad hearkened mto me y &c. fheweth thefe,fix things ; Firft, what order the Lord hath fet in giving bicflings to his vifible, Church ; namely, that they begin and bcleeve in him, and ftudyto obey him, and that they by means appointed by him, fhould look to have Inch b'eilmgsy as he hath promifed to belccvcis, 'and to obedient people. Next,. this manner of fpeech fticweth, how acceptable and^eafant unto God it is to fee the faith, obedience and welfare of his people, all joyned together in his appointed order. .Thirdly, that the meritorious and culpable caufe of mens miferie, is not in God,but in man, who by his fin deferveth it, and draweth it on-himfelf. Fourthly, that God delighteth not in the death or dc-ftrucYion of his people, but that they (hould repent and live. Fifthly, that this is his will, that whofocver mail hear of the evil meeting, which the Israelites did give unto God, and of the judgement which they did draw upon themfelves, may be made wife by this lamentation made by God.»for Ifrads definition, and fo may rather chufe ro hearken to God> as they did not ; then

to

to be given over in his wrath to their own lufts , and to perirti in his indignation as befell them , Sixthly, that God requiretha fuitablc meeting ofhis people to his difpenfations, that is, that they may be fo willing to hearken to his voice, and fo loath to offend him, as he doth manifeft by word and works his willing-nefie to fay? them , and his loathnctfe to deftrcy them.

From the Lords lamenting, Learn further , 1. As on the one hand themifcarriage and milery of others before us, fhould make us wife to efchew the evil which befell them,& to obtain the good whereof they by their difobedience were deprived : So on the other hand, the willingneffe of God to blefle thofe who do follow histiircdion, (hould make us diligent to underftand what courfe God hath prefcribed, and fhould make us confident to obtain blef-fedneflc in our endevour to follow it 5 for, 0 that my people had hearkened unto mc, 0>c. doth teach us fo much. i. They may be in the number and eftimation of Gods people , by vertueof Church-Covenant, who for their refnfing to follow Godscoun-fell may come 'fhor: of Gods bleffings s for, 0 thit ray people had ' hearkened unto me&e^i&kvh this evident. 3. Hewhoheareth God uttering his wimes for the conver'Gon of his people , and la- . menting that his Word is not : : believed , and that his offer of grace is hot received, doth give God an evill meeting, and neither believeth Gods goodnelle , nor caieth for his'own falvation^' except he jcyn with God 3 lamenting his cwn misbelief in time ' paft, and do wifh heartily the fame winh with God for his own ' converfion for time to come} for this fpeech, 0 that my people had. hearkened unto mc, %ft 9 is framed to this very end, to make the hearer willing, and fo to convert him, or elfe to convict him , if; he rake not holdofths offer. 4. Whatfoever be the .Lords fe-enc: decrees concerning thefalvarion of fomc, and condemnation . of other tome in the vi.fible Chui'ch 5 yet the meanes of executi- ' on of thofe decrees, are fo holy and juft s and wifely carried on, as thofe decrees (hall not be particularly revealed to the ftum- ' bling of any man, but the offer of grace and declaration of Gods goodneffe is fo laid out in common, that whofoever doth not,, embrace the fame . is made inexcufable 5 for when God faith, J O that my people had hardened unto me>he that doth not anfwer the Lor3, with O that thou wouldft frame this heart of mine, to the ebedience of faith > hath nothing to fay if he be damned, for . his flighting of the offer fo freely held forth unto him , and pref-fed upon him.

Ver.14.

z$6 PSAL. LXXXt.

Vcr. 14. 1 fbould (oon have fub&ned tleir encfniet, arid turned my h*nd Againjl their adver[dries.

15. The haters of the LOR'D fhottld have fubmitted themfelves unto him: bat their time fhiitld have en- \ dared for ever.

1 6. He Jhould have fed therh alfo Veith the finefl of the ypheat: and with hotej out of the rock^ , fhjnld I have fatisfied thee.

From the good which fhoutd have come to his pcoplc/et dowjij vcr. HjMj 6 Learn, l. Gods blcffings arc riot to be looked after, except in the wayes of G<*H and it any man come (hoi t of Gods bleffing, he beareth the blame himielfe : 0 that lfrael bad walked in my wayes > tjlmld foon havefubdued their enemies ^c. 2. If the Lords people have provoked him to let loofe their enemies upon them, and to picvailc over tlkm; the onely way to have affaires changed , is to turn to God , and to walk in his wayes 3 Ifljracl had walked in my wayes, Iflmld have turned my hand againjl their adverfaries. 3. They that are enemies to the Lords people 3 arc haters of the Lord : and where the profeflion of true religion and righecoufnefle is hated , there the quarrell is common to God with his people; for their enemies are here called Hater s of Cjod. 4. It is a benefit to Gods people, and a point of glory to God, when Gods enemies and theirs do fuo* mit themfclves to God, albeit but feignedly, which good. Gods people do hinder , when they walk not in his wayes: If Ifracl had to allied in my wayes, the haters of the Lord fbould have fubtnit-Zcd tbemfctvesyor lied unto hint; as the Word will bcar.f.There is no means to perpetuate a vilible Church in any place, but to tvalk in the Lords wayes: Iflfracl had walked in my wayes, (?c. their time fbould have endured for ever. 6. Obeying the voice of God , that is, the embracing of tlic oftet of grace and reconciliation with God through the facrifice of the Mcfijan Chrift, 'ana* ftudyingto walk holily asp'erforis reconciled, is the only way of coming by true felicity , the only way of being furmftied wjth all things ncceflary for life and falvaticri , the onely way of having lirge allowance fro'nl God offweet and fatisfa&'ory food, for entertaining of fp'iritual fife and communion with Godv pro-mifed hereunder thcfirnilltude of earthly food ; He flmti have fed them with the fineft of the wheat: and with the honey out of the Ruck flmld I have fatisfied the*.

fSAtx

PSAL. LXXXIf.

A Pfalme of Afyb*

THis Pfalme agreeth with the time of Davids perfccutloaby SjiuI and hi j Counfellors, the Peeres of the land , wherein the Pftlmift comforteth himfelfe in Gods fuprcmacy , and his judging ot all Judges on the earth ; for exerci'-'ng whereof God comcth unto their meeting, vcr. 1. Then chiHengeth them for their in.juftice and opprelfion , vcr u Thirdly , readeth the law and rule of their duty unto them, ver. 3, 4. Fourthly , coil-demneththem as guilty, vcr.f. Fifthly, pronounceth fentencc of doom upon them, vcr.6,7, And then the Pfalmift clofeth the Pfalm with prayer, ver. 8.

Ver. 1. /^>Od jldndeth in the congregation of the Kjmighty : he jnigetb among the gods.

From the Lords preferice in the Aflembly of Judges, Lcdr>i> 1. The name of a Congregation or Church, is given in Scripture to tie orderly meeting of Rulers and Governours, met for the execution of their office; as here, Godftamietb in the Congregation or Church of the migbiy. i. No Judge is ablolute Lord over a people, but in fubordination to God , who is Judge above &U Judges $ and will judge of all the decrees of Judges under him ; godflandcrf? in tbecerigrcgutidn aftbemigbty ; be jiidgetb. $. God doth put his Name upon civil Magiftrates, and hath clothed them with honour; that as their eminency is a part of his image, fo their decrees (hould be fucir as God will ovvne's He judgctb among the gods.

Ver. 2. How long ^iU ye judge ftnjiifllj : dnd accept the perfons ofthj: wicked ? Selah.

From the Lords challenging of them for their partiality ani injufticej Learn e , i. Men in honou. and power , readily do forget God their Mafter and Sovereign Lord 5 and done§le&*c do juftice according to their office : the (plendour of their powp-doth make them forget their duty to GoJ above thenx, and .to

drto*

their fubje&s under them, as the inftance of the Rulers of Ifrael fheweth, who had Godsexprefielawinftead of A&s of Parliament : and Gcd dwelling in the midft of them in a wonderful manner, for direction in extraordinary cafes , even they did judge unjuftly. z. Corrupt Judges are inclined to (hew favour only to the wicked, and are partiall when the caofe of the wicked cometh before them : 7e accept theperfons of the wicked . $. Albeit the Lord keep peace for a while,yet will he na: alwayes be filcnt, but at length will call them to an accompt 5 How long will ye judge unjuftly I

Ver. 3. ^Defend the poor and fatherlejfe : do ]u-ftice to the afflitted and needy.

4, "Deliver the poor and needy : ridde them out of the hand of thewickfd.

From the rule of juftice which isfuto Magi Urates * Learn, 3. Thetouchftone of Magiftrates juilice is in the caufes and cafes of the poor.;fatherles,aftti&cd and needy,who are not able to attend long their fuits of law , have no friends nor money to deal for them $ to whom therefore the mighty fhould be eyes to direct them , and a ftafte to their weaknefle , to fupport and heipe them to their right 5 Defend the foore and fatberteffe m , dv juftice to the afflicted and needy, z. As the poor and affii&ed have need of the Judges help, to clear their right, when they feek juftice : fo alfo when they are unjuftly drawn to the barre, or any way oppreficd , the mighty or Judges fhould interpofe for their relicfe, and refcue the opprcflcd from the oppreffour: Z)o liver the poor* and needy, ridie them out cf the band of the wicked.

Vci\ 5* They k*ow **<>*> neither mil they under-Rand* they walhe onindar\nejfe: all the foundations

of the earth are out of courfe.

1

From the condemnatory fentence for their guiltinefle 5 Learn, tu „I. Ir is a great fault in a Judge, not to know the duty of milc his office , or not to acquaint himfelf with the folid rules of f cd Juftice; for upon this ground are they here pronounced guil-

*b* *f.' Tfay &<w M ts *• & ls a s reat ^ l w ^ cn * J^s e

is

is ignorant, to refute inftruction, intornmion, and diiection offered from :he Lords Word., as here: Neither xoill they under*. ftand. I- It is yet moft culp.ibie of all, for any man, but to J udges in fpecial, to go on ftiil in a finful comic ,- They tp.j/^ on in dar^nefj'c. 4. When jufticc, and judgement-feais ae corrupted, and Judges do net mind juftice. in their places, i hen the pillars of that land or kingdome muft ftag^er, anil all matters go to ruine or a perillous alteration : All the foundations of the earth (or of the land) are out of courfc, faith the Lord > where theforcfaid injufticc or faults in Governours arc found.

•

Ver. 6. / have [aid, Tc are gocis: and all of joh are children of the mo ft High.

7. But je Jb.nil die Ukemen y and fall Uh^e one, of the princes.

From the fentence of doome pronounced againft them; Learns I. Princes, Magiftiatcs, chief Rulers and Judges , have allowance from God, of honour, power, and firength, tribute and. revenues, for the better difcharge of their office under mm; I havefaidje are gods, and all of you are children ofthemojl High; that is, I have put the image of my fuperiority on you , :.nd given you preheminence of place , power, and gifts over other* in my Name. 2, Great places among men do not exemprafty man from Godspower, juftice and judgement j but all men, g*eat men no leffe then others, muft die and come to judgemen;, as hath be/alien others before them. A Prince among Gods people, who doth not execute juftice, as becometh Gods fervanr, fnaU be puniftied, as profane perfons are who rule without the pai G^ds Church; 'But ye Jhall die li^e men, and fall as one of the Princes. 3. The meditation of death and judgement following 6n it, is a prefling motive unto amendment of life : for this isr let before men of high place^who do not Aland in fear of their iub-jefts : Te fialldie Ufa men, and fall 4s one of the Primes.

Ver. 8. Atif* % 0 god , ]ttdge tfo earth : for thou /halt inhert all nations.

From the cjofe of the Pfalrrie by this fhorr prayer^ wherein tfre oppreffed fervant of God prayeth thnt God would put order unto the government of his people, and redi eiTe the vvcongs dene to

S % them^

them; LcAtn>\. Albeit the opprefl'ed fetvants ot God cannot finde jufticeat mens hands, yet there is help to be had from God., and prayer , fhorter or longer 5 as the Lord furnifheth unto them, muft they feek their ealc of minde and comfort; Ari(e, 0 §od> judge the earth. $. When Magiftrates or Rulers do oppreffe Gods people, private perfons may. not go beyond their bounds, but muft have their recourfe to God,; that he may fet matters that are wrong in a better condition, as here the Pfalmift doth. 4- As the Church of God among the Jewes was acquainted with the prophecies of the enlargement of the Church and Kingdom of God among the Gentiles , and upon this ground prayed that he . would not fufter his intereft in his people then to decay by the malice of men : fo may the Lords Church in any place or time upon the fame ground pray for the like mercy; for {till the rea-fon holdeth , that God who is about to enlarge his Kingdome, will not lofe what he hath already; and fo to pray : Atife O Lord , judge the earth $ for thou foalt inherit all nations. Amen.

PSAL. LXXXIII.

A fong or Pfalme of Afapb*

THis Pfalme agreeth with fuch acondition of the Church, as werctdofinthedayesofjF^o/ifto, 2 Qbron. 20. and fer-vcth to comfort the Church in the greateft confpiracies of her enemies ngainfl her. The Pialm hath two parts. In the former, the Church doth cry to God to fhew himfelfe for his people, ver. 1. and complaineth of their confpiracy and preparation to come againft her, ver. a, 3. and of their purpofe to root out the Lords people , w. 4, f. fpecifying a number of nations, who were upon the plot, ver* 6,7,8. In .the latter part, they pray that judgment may fo befall them, as befell other fuch their enemies before 3 who enterprifed the fame enterprife , ver. 9, 10, Iij 12. In particular , that the whole hoft may be overturned and conlumed , ver. i$, 14* and the remnant may bee chafed and fcattered , ver. 15. and alhamed and confounded for ever, ven\6, 17. that fo God may have themroc glory among them, vtr* 18.

Ver f i,

Ver. I. Y7~ Eep not thou plence y O God: hold noe JlV./^ peace, and be not Jiill, OGod.

From his cry to God to let forth a word for his people in this ftrait; Learn > 1. The Church may be in fuch a ftrait, as if God do not fpeedily interpofe himlelfe , fhe cannot but be fwal-lowed up of her enemies quickly , as here we fee. 2. Senfe of danger putteth an edge on prayer, and kindleth affeftion in it; J&ep notfilence y O God , hold not thy peace 5 and again, O God, be 7iotftill. $. The Lords uttering a word of comfort to his people, and of terror to his enemies in the extremity of danger, will fatisfy his Church, and do all her work 5 "Be not filent, bold not thy peace , be notftill, is the fummeof all fhe craveth % for let him fpeak, and it ftiall be done,

Ver. 2. Tor lo thine enemies make a tumnlt , and they that hate thee, have lift up the head.

3, They have taken'crafty counfell agafaft thy people y and confulted againft thy hidden ones*

From their complaint of their enemies preparation to come againftthemj Lcarne > t. The enemies 0/ Gods Church arc the enemies of God , bearing the fame aflfeftion to God and to them that; are reconciled to him 5 For to, thine enemies that bate ibec, mafe a tumult, i. The more din the enemy makes,the more infolent he is the higher he lifteth his head , he is thje more near to be knockt down by Gods appearing for his people againft him : l^eep votfilcnce , for thine enemies ma\e a tumult > they have lifted up the bead. 5 .The chief enemies of the Church are not the filly and (imple fort of people , but the moft fubtile politicians ufually , whofe heads arc moft fit for Satans devices againft Gods people ; They have taf^en crafty counfell againft thy people, 4. The true children of God, his fecietones, who inthe fenfe of their own wcakneffe do fhelter themfelves under Go.ls wings, and do glory in him , are the fpecial object of the malice of Satan, and of his wicked fervants; They have confulted againft ^tk} bidden ones. 5. Againft the craft and policy of enemies the Church hath nothing in her felfe to oppofc , but doth run to God , who can eafily difappoint all the enemies plots, as here we fee, Vft.^h

S 3 Ver. 4,

Ver. 4. They have Jaid, Come , and let us cut them off from being a nation : that the name of Jfrael may be no more in remtipbrana

5. For they have confulted together *ftith one confent: they are confederate again/} thee.

From their purpofe to root out Gods people ; Learn , 1. No lefl'f will fat:3ty the .:r,emies of Gods Church , then extirpation and abolishing oft UeChurcruLet us cut them off from-being a nation jhzt the name oflfracl mxy be no more in remembrance ,2.When the C hurch isleaft united , and leaft able to defend her felf, the wicked encourage and ftrengthen one another in an evill courfe againfl: her ; They have [aid ,one to another Come, let us cut them off. 3. Although the wicked be at enmity one againfl: another^ yet they will all agree together to overthrew the Church; They have eonfulted together with one confent, (faith he) they are confederate agah.ft thee, 4. This consideration, that the confpiracy a^alhft the Churches a confpiracy againft God^whofe people the O.urrh jsjs very comfortable in the Churches extremity; They : v re confederate againft thee.

Ver, 6. The tabernacles ofEdomandthe Ifbmael-ifCi 9 of Moaby and the Hagarens.

j. Gebaland Ammon and Amele^ the Fhiliftines, with the inhabitants of Tyre*

<?8. *sifhur alfo is joyned vrith them ; the j have holp n the children of Lot. Se/ah.

In the reckoning up .of the fcvcral. nations confpired againft Ifrael, Learn , 1. When the Church looketh upon the-mttlti-tude of her enemies, and their confederacy, and their refolution to deftroy her, fhe mould gather grounds of hope ^ to be helped fo much the more, and fo much the fconcrj for this is the Churches argument of hope to be helped here. 2* Jn the pei fecution ofthe Chinch , no wonder to fee falfe brethren to bethechiefe leaders, whoever be followers and affiftants j for here the Church complaineth of it: They have he r ped the children of Lot > and im-porteth, thatMoii and Amnion ftheir baftard^brethren) were firft in the enmity. 3. It is no wonder, ncr ftrangc thing, to fee many nations on all hands to invade the Lords people

at

; at once: for here are ten nations coming all together againft IfeaeL

Ver. 9. *&(> unto them as unto the Midiamtes: as to Sifera, as to Jabin at the brool^of Kijhon.

10. Which peri/bed at Endor : they became as dung for the earth.

11. Makf their nobles like Oreb,and li\e Zeeb: jea all their princes > *s Ztbah and as Zalmunna :

12. fVho faid y Let us take to our [elves the hoti[es of God in pojfefflon.

In the latter part of the Pfalm , is the Churches prayer to Godj that he would be party againtt her enemies 3 and plague them. There are fundry branches of the malediction^ which the Church doth imprecate againft the enemies. The firfl is, :hat God would deftroy them, as hedeftroyed others before them.whci were upon fuch a wicked plot of roo ing out Gods people. Whence learn, 1. When the Church hath to do with her enemies, (he (hould look what in Scripture the Lord did for her in times paft; for fo doth the Church look here to what the Lord did to his enemies, J«rfg.7.z.2. and 4.1 J,24.and 7-2f. a nd 8.: 1. 1. It is lawful to pray for judgements upon the enemies of the Church, provided it be out of a publick fpirit, and net out of private malice or revenge ; in which cafe the prayers of the Church are more forcible for the overthrow of their enemies > then all her external force is: T>0 unto themes unto the Midianitcs % is a hard charge 3gainft them. 3. Former plagues poured out upon the Churches enemies , are pledges oi the Lords bringing like judgements on her enemies afterward , and of giving like prefer -vation unto the Churchy as before > Do unto them as to the Midi* anitos in Gideons time , and to Sifcra <md fabin in Deborahs time 3 when fmall meanes were fufficient for a great overthrow of the eneniy. 4. The dead bodies of Gods enemies fhall not only be contemptible before men s which is incident to the bodies of the Saints fomctimesjbut alfo contemptible beforeGod.as here we feej Their enemies periled at Endor, and became as dung for the earth, j.The Noblcs,leaders 3 & chief amongft Gods enemi^may look for moil eminent judgement: Mafe their gobies, li^e Orcb and Zccbjcj. all their Princes lih x e Zcbah and Zalmuuna. 6.It is all one for enemies to refolvc to fpoilc Gods Church* and to rob God of

S 4 hk

his habitation fpecially ; fo long as Gods people love to have Cod dwelling among them , for the injuries done to the Church redound to the contumely of God , who hath taken the maintenance of them > They fay. Let va ta\e to our [elves the houfes of poAinpojfeJfipn.

Ver. 15. 0 my God^make them like a wheel: as the finbbh before the wivde.

14. As the fire burneth a Wood: and as the fame fetteth the mountains on fire:

l*) So perfe cute them with thy tempeji , and make them afraid with thyftorme.

X6. Fill their faces with fhame , that they may (ee\ thyNeme, 0 LORD,

17. £et them be confounded and troubled for ever : yea let them be put to fhame and perifh: ,

Prom the reft of the branches of the imprecation, wherein

fundry fimilitudes are looked unto, for fhewing forth the eft'efts

Qf Go'ds \vrath upon the enemies of theChurch3Lear?r, ? .Ufe is to

be made of our Covenant with God, fo well againft our enemies,

3s for our felves^ for, O my God, faith he now, when he is about to

curfe the enemy. 2. The enemies of Gods Church have many

a mifchief waiting on them , of which if they efcape one, another

ihall overtake them 5 yea, no ore iimilitude can fet forth what

mi fey is prepared for them: no peace , no reft for them, no

{landing in any ftablifhed prosperity, but they fhall be rolled as a

towle turned upfide-dovyn, or as a wheel ', Make tbcm li^e a wheel,

3. They fhall have no ftrength to rehft the blah o f Gods wrath;

Make them as (lubble, or chaffe, before tbewindc. 4. The Lords

indignation againft them (hall burn them as a flame doth a For-

reft 3 let them be confumed, as fire that burneth a woed, which is

the greateft flame we can eafily conceive 5 or when a mountain

of fulphur or coales is kindled, as the flume fets the mountains on

frc, where fire above the earth and under it do meet together.

5. Iftheyefcape for a while,yet judgements mall follow them,

and overtake them , and toflcthem , and turn them in a circle,

t\\[ they be giAd'ji So perfecute them with thy tempeft , or whitle-

winde, 6. Befu!e what torment their prefent plague fhall bring

unto tl"em ; horror and fear of worfe to come ihall vexe them-,

Make

I Ma\etbem afraid with thy flormc.- 7. Atlafttluy fliallbcafln-' med, when both they ftiall be difappointed of what they intended a^ainft the godly,and alio meet with the mifery which they leaft feared : Fill their frees roith frame. 8. Ifany of the enemies of Gods people do belong to Gods election ,.the Churches prayer a^ainft them giveth way to their conversion, and doth not leek more then that the judgement fhould follow them only, till they acknowledge their finne , and do turn and fesk God : Fill ibeir frees with Jhame, that they may feek thy7{j?mc,0 Lord, 9. For the reft of the wicked irresonciieable adversaries, when fliarne of difappointment and temporal judgements are come upon them, theworft of all doth yet follow, even everlafting perdition: Let them he confounded and troubled for ever: yea let them be put to frame and perifr*

Ver. 18. That men may know , that thou^ wbofe Name alone is f E HOVAH, art the mofi High over all the earth.

HeclofeththePfalmewith fhewing the end of ail this complaint and imprecation. Whence learne , i. The end of alL curfing of the wicked enemies of the Church, is nor to fatisfy private revenge , but that God may be glorified; Let them pcrifh t that men may knorc,tb<at thou art hewbofcName h $EHOVAR* 1. The Name Jehovah fignifying Gods being of hirnfelf, and the caufeofthe being of all things created, is incommunicable to any creatureY an d in Scripture is given only unto the three pe*-fonsof the Godhead , the Father, the Word , and the Spirit, whofe eflence is one) as here is taught ; That men m:y \noxc 3 that thou whofe Name alone is tfcboziab. 3. If men will not acknow- f ledge the true God to be the fupremc and only Governour of all' the world, they (hall by his'heavy judgements, either upon others, or upon themfelvcs, be made to know it: for the Church doth here declare, that they do ufe this heavy imprecation aeaf nft Gods enemies, that men may ^novo (fay they x that tbouwbofr %ame alone is tfehevab,art tbemoji High over all the curtb.

P s Al«

PSAL. LXXXIV.

To the chief MuficUn upon Gitthh. A Pfalme for the fonnes of %ora!).

THis Pfalme is of the fame fubjed with Pfalm 42. and PiUm 63. Wherein the Pfalmift lamented his banifliment fi en the Temple and the publick Ordinances of Religion, to: and then prayeth for his reftoring to that priviledge in the eft of the Pfalme. This Pfalme agreeth well with the time o I ..'.;„ parting with the Ark, when he fled from sAbfdom*

In his lamentation > Firft, he commendeth the place of pub-lick vrforihip, ver. i % Then fheweth his longing after it , v.r. 2. Thirdly, he wifheth to be as a fparrow, in the meaneft condition partaker of that priviledge, ver. 3. Fourthly, he proclaimeth the blefTednefTe of all the Lords Minifters,who may al waves be there^ ver.$. Fifthly, he calleth them blefled who have liberty to come on foot from any part of the country, to keep atIeaft the folemn feafts, ver. 5,6,7. In his prayer he requefts in igenerall terms, to be reftored to the Lords wovfhip, ver. 8,9 for two reafonsj one is, becaufe he preferreth the meaneft officers condition in Gods houfe to the moft quiet dwelling among the wicked, ver. ic. Another reafon, becau e felicity is to be found in God , by the means of his Ordinances, ver. ir. and meantime while his prayer fliould begranted, he refteth by faith on God, in whom believers are made blefled, whereever they be«

Ver. 1. TI0W amiable are thy talerndles 5 0 STlLORT) of hops!

The Pfalmift being now in exile , cafteth his eyes upon his own countrey, wherein throughout all the land theLord was wor-(hipped in their feveral Synagogues, but moft folemnly in Sion, the place where the Ark and the Tabernacle were i and putting a difference between the holy Ordinances of Gods worfliip,nnd the multitude of profane mixed among the godly > who did joyn in thcwor{hip> he beholdeth the glorious beauty of the holy fer-vice , and places where the occafion thereof was offered , and [o bveakcth out in commendation and admiration of the lovelineflc thereof. Whence lexrn 3 1. As God is glorious in all his holls»

which

• which all are very ready as fouldiers to fight for him at his command: fo is hemoft gloriouj inthe campe of the viable Church militant: for here his authority, juftice, mercy, grace, wifdom, and power is moll of all manifefted, for the ovei throwing of the kingdom of fin and Satan; therefore faith he^Hoa? amiable aretbj Tabernacles , 0 Lcrdofboftcs ?

2. This beauty of the Lords Churches and places of his refw dence,as it is not difcerned by the blind world,but only by fuch as are illuminated with heavenly light: fo is it highly prized, loved and admired by them only : for it is the fvvect finger of lfrael y who faith, How amiable are thy Tabernacles , 0 Lord ofbofis > $. Albeit the world will not believe what here is faid, nor take this praifing of the lovelines of Gods publick worfhip from the hand of the godly,yet the Lord will receive this teflimony unto the beauty of his Ordinances from fuch as do prefent it before him $ therefore doth the Pfalmifi moft confidently direct hisfpeech to God himfclfe here 5 How amiable are thy Tabernacles y 0 Lord ?

Ver# 2. My foule hngethy jea even faintetb for the courts of the LORD : mj heart and my fiefi crieth out for the living God*

In the next place, he profeffeth his longing after liberty to enjoy thepriviledgesofthe publick Ordinances, albejt he was to have it no waves, but in the fociete of fuch people , as were then in the vifible Church,of whofe wickednefle he hid fufficient experience, they being now in armes againft him,following *Abfalom. Whence Icarnc , 1. The beauty and lovelineife of Gods publick Ordinances, is bell difcerned , and love and longing after them moft ftirred up, when a man is deprived of them for a time; ZMy foulclongctb , yea even faintetb for the courts of the Lord, 2. Bodily affliction fliarpeneth the fenfe of fpiritual wants , and thefenfe of wan: of fpiiitual meanes of comfort augmenteth bodily affliction: My foul faintetb , my bean anl myflejb cryctb out. $, It is not the publick Ordinances alone , to be enjoyed in an outward formality, which Saints do fcek after, but it is to finde God in , and by the meanes; it is to finde the Lords lively operation on their hearts, which they long after y My heart and my flefh crieth out for the living Goi.

Ver, 3. Tea the fparrow hath found an houfe % and the [wallow a nefi for hi rfelf , where fhe may lay her young; even thine Altars y 0 LORT> of hoftes , my King and my Gob.

In the third place,he wifheth to be partaker of the publick worship, were it in never fo mean and defpicable a condition; fo he may enjoy Godsprefence in his ordinances, he is content to creep into any corner of Gods houfe, and go out and feek his meat, and return like a fparrow or fwailow. iVbcnce learn, 1. A foul which loveth communion with God indeed,will choofe any temporal condition of life, how poor foever, how defpifed fo-cver,rather then be deprived of what may make better for his (pi-ritual condition, as appeareth in the Pfalmift, who wiftied to have the place of a Sparrow , or of a Swallow ; any refidence near Gods Altar. 2. The foul which craveth lively communion with God, fliould cleave clofe unto the title and intereft which he h th in God by Covenant; as the Pfalmift doth here/ thine Altar (lakh he) my l^ing audi my God.

Vcr. 4. IHeffedare they that dwell in thy houfe.thej will be Fiill praifing thee. SeUh.

In the fourth phce,he proclaimeth thePriefts and Levites, the Lords M milters to be blefled men, for their priviledge and op -portunity to ferve the Lord. JVbencc leam 3 1. Albeit many who have the means and opportunity of profiting by publike ordinances, do not confider the day of their vifitation, to make ufe of the means while they have them: yet the godly who are deprived of the means, and do behold the fairc occafions of grace ottered by them, do count them blefled, as here: IBlcjfed arc they that dwell in tby houfe* 2. It isa blefled thing indeed to have the occafion of communion with God in publick ordinances, and to make ufe thereof in fetting forth the Lords glory ; and in this refpecl: there are no meu in the world more blefled then faithful Miniftcrs; Blcjfed arc they that dwell in thy bo ufe, they will be fiillpraifiugtbee.

Ver. 5. B'cjfedisthemanwhofeftrengthisin thee: in whofe heart are the wajes of them.

6<WhQ

6. Who pacing through the valley of *Baca, make it a Well: theraine alfo fillet h tbepooles.

7. Theygofrom ftrength to ftrength: everyone of them in Sion appearetb before Cjod.

In the fifth place, he looketh upon their condition who dwell fane oft from the Tabernacle, who mightat leaf* thrkeayear come from the rartheft corner of the land, to keep the folemni -ties appointed of God ; and he counteththem bleffed, albeit in their voyage they mould endure never fo much toilein travelling, and mould with difficulty drink their water, either rained down from the clouds, or drawn from a well or cittern digged with much labour: for albeit they mould iuftain toile and drought in their way, yet having rifrefhments one after another, and renewed ftrcngth for their journey, they mould all come at laft to the place of publick ordinances in Sion $ and here he de-fcribeththe true and bleffed Ifraeiitcs, whether Profelytesor borne Jewes, refolved to come and appear before the Lord in the appointed folemnities^by thefe fix properties .• Firft, they encourage themfelves for the journey, by hope in God to be furnilhed with ftrength : Bleffed is the man, (faith he) vobofe ftrength is in thee. Next, they are refolved in their heart for all the inconveniences they may meet with in the journey, to hold on their couife ; In wh'ofe heart are the rvayes of them. Thirdly, they do hold on their courfe through dry and comfortlefle places, which may be called places of Baca, or weeping ', They paff'e through the valley of Baca. Fourthly, they overcome this difficulty of wanting water, either by digging a Well; where they may finde water, or by finding fome already digged ciftern, wherein Gods providence had referved fome quantity of rain-water for them: iVbo faffing through the valley of %aca 3 make it a Well: the raine alfofilleth the pooles. Fifthly, after refrefhment found in their journey they are encouraged to goon their way, till they need and finde fome new refrefhment, and reparation of their ftrength 5 They go from ftrength to ftrength. Sixthly,thefe godly travellers all come at length to the place they aimed at, to Sion, where they appear before God in the holy Feait, chearfuland joyful fouls 5 Every one of them in Sion appearetb before God. And therefore doth he call them blefled, becaufe at length they come through all difficulties co have fweet communion with God,

Thtfc

Thefe two degrees of blcfkd Ifraelites, are fo painted out in figurative termes, as they may mod eafily lead the fpiritual eye to the blelTedneiTe which the figure is fit to reprefent, fothat the typical words cannot well be undei flood, except the fpiritual blcfiidnefs be taken along : for there are two degrees of really bleiied perfons, fomc are at home already dwelling with God, of whom it may be moil folidly faid : Bleffed art they that drvcllin tby foufc, they will be ftill praifing tbce> which is their perpetual etercife. Ochers are travellers, who are in their way toward heaven, the Lords houfe; who indeed defpair of their own {length to make out their journey, but their confidence is in Gods ilrength, and their encouragement to fet forward is this, that of them it may be well faid , TtleffcA is the mxn wbofe ftrcngtb u in thee : fuch mens journey doth take up their heart, the iiream of their affe&icns runs thitherward $ In wbofe heart are the xvayes of them. Thofe travellers have a wil-derncfle to go through, a comfortlefle valley wherein they do fin 'e matter of mourning, and no foiid confolation, favethat which God doth provide, beyond the nature of the place, which God one way or "other doth furnifti unto them, that they (hall not fail to have a timous confolation : Who fxffing through the v Alley of Bxc:\ make it d Well: tberainc alfof.llctb the poles. So that albeit God fufFer them to thirft, yet he fuftereth them not to want a fufficient meafure for bringing them on their way$ aftrengthening them to go rorward : it they miffe a Well, they (ball have a Ciftern filled with i.-.fn \..om heaven; the meafure furnifiled unto them, rcneweth their it-ength after wearinefle, and fuffketl them till they nee i, and meet with another renovation of their itengih; Tbey r frmftrengtbfoflraigtb. Not one of thofe rcfolute travelers, or i J nying perfpns,- dying on Gods ftrength and furniture do peri... by the way, all are upheld and brought forward, till thev coir e where they would be, to enjoy Gods prefence in Sien which isab: e; Every one of them, without exception, in Sion appcaretb before God,

Ver. 8. O Lord God of hoftes f hearmypajcr: give eare^ 0 God of Jacob. SeUk.

9. Behold^ 0 God^ onr jbield :and look upon the face of thine anointed.

In the latter part of the Pfaline is his prayed wherein he ma-

keth

keth requeft for communion with God, both in the outward type, and in the fpiritual truth. Whence learn, 1.The godly mans holy wihhes and dcfires do not vanifh and die, but are recommended to God in prayer. What the Pfalmift longed for in the former part of the Pfalm, in the latter part he piayethfox. 2. The earneft fupplicant hath no will to be reftifed, but faften-cth his hope to fpeed en Gods power and Covenant, and doublcrh his petitions in the Lords bofome > 0 lord of hoftcs, hcjLr my prayer : give care, 0 God of Jacob. $. Albeit the be-lu-cr be feparate in place from the communion of Saints in p.^likeworihip, yet he will finde a conjunction with them in in' pmycr a: the throne of Gods grace, and claim 1 :c eft with them in God for protection and com-I 0 God, (laithhe) ourfhield* 4. How little ap-r . mceToever of poifeffion, or performance of promifes the be-kevej; h > r .* muft he claim his ri^ht and titles, which db h o pofleflioa 5 Loi>\upon the face of thine anoint-

ed v le ccuntcth himfelf King in regard of his right to the Crow • bee :: God had caafed Samuel to anoint him to be King. », ht Co a pi ncipal mercy, may pray and

look for c • v Kceflbry nercy, which is prefuppofed in the principal;, <. I 0 i^ as here upon the promife of the

Kingdom, Dxj' 1 1 '<-. vein for the liberty of the Temple, which behooved to follow upon his rcpofleiLjn in the Kingdom, and here ai he Iboics >/ough his own anointir^ unto the Mef-fiah Churl, of wnom he knew. kxtofcU tc be a type : and for the Mcffiah Chrift he fcekcth cc ha e his petition granted, through whom alone ev^rygood thing is purchased, and muft be conveyed unto us; Look (faith he) upon the face of thine anointed.

Ver. 10. For a day in thy courts is better then a thoufand: lhadrathr- be a door-keeper in the houfe of my God, then to dwell in the tents of wicked* nejfe.

This is the firft reafon, why he deSreth to have the priviledg-es of the publick ordinances reftored unto him. Whence learn, i.VVhatfoever may be a means to.bring us to the ruition of God, is incomparably better then any earthly thing; and one houre fpem in the means of eternal felicity, is worth a thcufand fpens

other-

272 PSAL. LXXXIV.

otherwayes ; For a day in thy Qmms is Utter then a tboufxnd. 2. Thelowcfl and molt painful condition of life,, joyned with anymeafure of communion with God, is better then the moil quiet, eahe, and plentiful condition of life without communion with God 5 To be a door-fceper in the boufe of the Lord, 'js tetter then to dwell in the tents of wul{cdnej]e. $. The godly man whofe judgement is rectified about things Spiritual, is the only right *cttimator of eltatcs and conditions of life in this 'world; for that is b'efl to him (if he may choofe) wherein he maybemoilferviecabletoGod, and beft helped to heaven. He for his part h3d rather have the meancft condition of life, joyned with the benefit of the publick ordinances, then live without them more plentifully among the wicked > I hid ruber ffaith the PfalnpinV be a door-keeper in the boufe of my God, then to dwell in the tents ofwicf{cdncffe.

if. For the LORD God is flfunne andflneld: the LORD will give grace and glory \ no good thing will he withhold from them that wall^uprightlj.

The fecond reafon why he fo loveth the publike ordinances is, becaule by this means tie getteth accefle to the fountain of all felicity, who doth ward off all evil from the upright beleever, and giveth unto him whatsoever is good for his foule or body in this life and in the life to come. Whence learn, 1. The godly have need of light and direction, life, vigour; ftrcngth and con-folation , and ail this is in God, or what more can be imported in the fimilirude taken from the Snnne 7 in relation to earthly creatures j For the Lord God is a Sunnc. 2. The godly are fub-jed to dangers and perils from without, efpecially f:om enemies bodily and fpiritual, and have need of prefervationand defence from all adverfe power , malice and craftinerTe: and this protection only God is able to give: The Lord is a Swine and a jhield. 3* The beleever is burdened with the body of fin, and born down frequently with the fenfe of his own unworthineffc, witleflenefs and weakneis, and in God is the perfeft remedy of all thofe evils; The Lord will give grace. 4. Albeit the beauty of godlinefs be much obfeured in this life, with crofles and afflictions from Goij with calumnies and perfections from men , and the godly muft He in grave, and fuller corruption of their #efh , as others > yet the remedy of this alfo (hall be found in

God;

6od to the bclecvcr 5 He will give grace and glory : grace irt this life, and glory after it without fail. $• Albeit the Lord feem to keep the godly in gVeat fcarcity fometimes of things 6 m -fortab'e in this life, and of fpiritualconfolations alio for atirhc; yet dotbhe fo difpofe of their entertainment in all refpects, Hi every thing fhall wo*k together for their good i For no good thing will be withhold from them that wal^ ufrijnly .

Ver. 12. 6 LORD ofhopes: blejfed is the mxn that trujtith in thee

. When the P/almi ft hath lamented his exile from the - puUkk ordinances, and prayed to be reftored to that priviledgejhe com* fbrtcth himfelf in the mean time, by the conhderation of God> r grace and power to fupply alLwanrs > even that of p"ublick ord-i-nances, when it cannot without hazard of lite be had by ttie be>-. It ever. Whence lam, 1. How hard (never the Lords difpenlati-on he to his own chikLen,yet muftweever coptinuetotrujl in God, as the iValmifts eximpU he.e doth teach. . 1. God can Aipply thewant of the publikc ordinances, and be a little Sanctuary to his children, and make them quiet y yea, and bieilci inbelccving in him : 0 Lord of hoftes,, blefled is the man that trujfctb in thee : for in the beginning of the Flalm his heart bieakcth for the longing after the pulpllkc ordinances;, he coum-cth the Mihiftcrs of G^ds (ioufe blefled $ he counreth every man whomay beinjany corner of 606s Jiou e happy; he" counreth the travelling Ifraclite coming to the ordinances bleiledj and ac> len?th pronounccth every beleever blei&d, and fo him/clhobc blefled alfo.

' ■ ■ ; - ■ ■ 1 1—. ■

PSAL. LXXXV.

To the chief Mufichn. A^Pfalmcfortbefonncsofl^or^h.

i

THi> P.alm agrceth well vvirhthc condition of the Church of the Jewes , now fallen inco new troubles, afte. their return from the captivity of Babylon. In the former part whereof jhey pray for a new proof and cspe ience of G^ds me cy, to. wr. g, Iathelatie: part-is.Ebj down a com "©ruble nitwit T

thciv piayeiyind for thehelpot their faith in their prjyer. Firft, thsy make mention of their gracious delivery from the cap:i vi -ty, vet. r, i 3 3. Nex:, they pray for repentance, and removing of the tokens of Gods wrath, vc r. 4, fc Thirdly, they pray fo* reftauration of their miferable and dead condition wherein they were lying, by fome merciful deliverance, ver. 6 3 7.

As for the anfwer in the latter part, he prepareth himfclf to receive it from the Lord, and by infpiration receiverh indeed a comfortable prophecy of five notable fruits of me:cy: The firft is, of peace to Gods people, ver. 8. The next is, of deliverance and falvation to his fervants, ver. 9. The third is, of the grace of Chriitunto juftification, and the fruits of it, ver* \o, n. The fourth is, of temporal bleflings, upon the place where the Lords people do dwell, and that for his peoples comfort, ver. 12. The fifth is, of the grace of Chvift unto ianctification, ver. 13.

Ver, I. T ORB , thou haff been favourable unto

I ithjUnix thou haft brought back the

captivity of Jacob.

2. *Ihcu haft forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou haft covered all tbeirfin. Selab.

3. Tooti haft taken aVcay all t^y wrath ; tkotf haft turned tby felfe from the fiercenefie of thins anger.

After the Church of the Jewes had been delivered front captivity, they fall into new troubles, becaufe of their fins and their new provocations of God* and in this Pfalme they cry to God for mercy, and for {lengthening of their faith : They acknowledge the Lords favour in loofing their captivity, ver, r. and in forgiving their finnes, ver. 1. and in removing all the tokens of his wrath from them, ver. g. Whence lexm, 1 After great mercies (hewn to Gods people, new provocations do d raw 011 new judgements, as appearcth in the change of the condition of the Chu ch here rcprcfented. 2. Neither old finnes nor late, neither old judgements nor prefently lying on wrath, miift keep back Gids people from running unto God by prayer, for obwinin* favour, of God a^ain, as.thccxample of the Church

here

here doth teach. $. As no fins can make the Lord fo forget his Covenant with his people, as mercy fhould not be let forth to penitent finnersfuing ior grace; fo no wrath is fo great, as 4hall debarre poor fupplicants from acccife unto God, when they come to feek mercy. 4. As new neceffities do call to minde old tupplits received from God ; fo they who would have any new benefit from the Lord, mould thankfully remember the old, and take encouragement fromthofe to hope fpr fun her 4 Lord, thou baft been favourable .to thy land; thou baft brought back^hccaptivity of Jacob. 5. As grace is the only ground of Gods bounty to his people, fo is it the only ground ot his peoples prayer for new experiences of his grace \ as here, Gods iavotiris acknowledged to be the caufe of bringing back the people from captivity, and the ground whereupon the Pralmift ioundeth his prayer; Thou baft keen favourable to thy land. o.As that is a benefit indeed which is given with remiffion of (\ft£i fo everyone who feckcth a benefit, mould, defire to have the benefit which they come to feek/joyned with remiffion of their fin : as the P.'aimift here makech the bringing back from captivity a complcat favour, bfccaufe joyned with remiffion of finnes: without which it had been the lefle comfortable j Thou baft forgiven the iniquity of thy people. 7. The way of Gods forgiving of fins is, by not imputing of them, not bringing of them forth to be reckoned, but hiding them from juftices view, andxovering them with the imputation oftherighteoufnefle of the Redeemer' Thou baft covered all theirfinne. 8. As while fin un cpented and unforgiven remaineth,wrath alforemaineth ; io when finne is taken away, Gods wrath alio is taken away* when God.for?i-veth fin, he takes away the punifhment of fin 5 for ai'ter he hath faid , Tbouhafl covered all their fin : he fubpyr.eth, Thou haft taken away all thy wrath \ thou haft turned from the fi createffc of thin? anger. 9. As the conscience of fin, and feeling of wrath lying on, and fearing the growth of it, do much hinder the guilty from confident approach unto Gjd : fo the ^ccn iirpfrir-ences of Gods drawing ot rhofe barres in former times, do ooen the door to afflicted i\ nners, confiden ly to come and feck mercy, as here the Pfalmiit doth teach us, in his making of this preface to his following prayer.

Ver. 4. Turn w y O God of our f*\vat\on : andcau[e thine anger towards tu to ccaft*

T 2 i'Wih

t-j6 PSAL. LXXXV.

S. Wilt thou be Angry with m J or ezer ? wilt tboH dra\\ out thine anger to all generations?

In the next place, upon the fore laid grounds, the Church afflicted praycth for grace to repent/.that fo remiflion of finy and removing of wrath may follow. iVheuce learn, i. Whomever iii a Church afflicted are fenfible of their own and .'the Chinches finnes, mould deal with God for giving repentance to his back-fliding people, and to encreafetbeir own repentance, before they feck removal of the tokens of wrath, as here the godly do pray in the fii ft place * Turn us, 0 God. i. The Lords Covenant with his people for cverlafting falvation, is a ground to pray and hope for temporal deliverance from Gcd, who hath power and wayes of his own, how to fave, when we fee no event; Turn us, (fiith he,) OGod of our falvatiov. g When God gi-veth grace to a people, to repent and turn to him, the tokens of his wrath will be removed alio : or befo changed, as they (hall be no more cffe&s of wrath; therefore joyneth he with, Turn us, this petition alfo, And caufe thine anger toward us to eeafe. 4 The anger of the Lord toward his people, is but temporal and for a moment in companion of defervings, albeit it feem to endure long : and the belcevermay be perfwaded, that it malt not continue pgainft fupplicants long > iov y lVilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations ? doth import fo much, that his anger could not be perpetual.

Ver. 6. wilt thou not revive hs Again: that thy people may rejojee in thee ?

7. ShcVo tu thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy falvation.

In tUe third place, hepiayeth for fome relief from the diftrefs wherein they were for the time, and putteth his petition out of cju cilion,by this interrogation, becaufe Gods purpofe and plea-fure was that his people mould have joy in their God, and thereupon he rcquefteth for new tokens of mercy; from the ground of his Covenant with them for falvation. Whence learn, 1. As iris a death to be deprived fo much as of the evidence ar.d fenfe of Gods favejur, fo it is life to be dear that we are in fifcWtir with Goi : and as fiich who have had the fenfe of Gods

favour,

favour, cannot en lure ro want vj fo fliail they Lave it rcfto-red; Wilt thou not revive us a*iiv ? u f'ecaufe plagu.s and • wrarh upon Gods people arc temporal, they may lock cenainly for a change to the better; and after they have fmai ted for their fins for a while, yet may expccl to be leftored to >oy and comfort again ; Wilt thou not revive us again, tb.it thy people may re~ Joyce in thee? $. When Gad changeththe chear of his people, then joy (1 ould not be inthu' gnt, but in the Giver; That thy people may rejoyce in thee. 4 Albeit the dear children of God, for whom mercy and lalvation is appointed, may be definite of the light and evidence of borh>yer muft they beleeve both, claim boih ; andh pe for the manilcilationoftath unto them :/?.rw us thy mercy,OLord, &c. grant m thy falvation. 5 As me: cy is the caufeof falvation temporal and eternal, and no me it in us 5 fo muft hewho looks for falvat ion of cither fort, makeme cy hi? plea, and no good in himfelf$ Shew us thy mercy> 0 Lord, and grant us thy [alvation.

Vcr. 8. / mil ktjire rphat God the. LoRDwill fp'tk >' for he mil (peak peace u*to his pe plc^ and tQ his Saints : but let tbtm not turn again ta follj.

In the latter part of the Pfalm is the anfwer of this prayer, which the Pfalmift doth expect and receive by way of prophecy, of five fweet effects of Gods mercy to his people : whereof the firftis, peace and reconciliation., and removing the tokens of his Wrath. Whence learn, 1. The prayer of a belctver put up to our overliving Lord, is net a vain work ofpou. ing ou: wo ds in the aire, but a profitable exercife of faith, grounded upon Gods Word and goodnelfc, whe cof he tmy expect certainly a return; I will bear what the Lord will jay. *. Comfortable promises will fufficc the beleever, who if he know what the Lord doth fay, he will be clear alfo what the Lord will do; 1 will bear what the Lord will [ay. J. Arbeit Gods people be under r he fenfe of wrath, yet theLo'd will comfort them after fceking grace of him : be will fya^ peace to bis pcnplc. 4.Thofc wh ) indeed do minde true holincffc, are Gods pe^pK'jTO whom the Lord wiU fpe">k peace; and for /vho'e caufe the fociety wherein they are, (hall partake of the fruits o f Gods favour to them; be will jpex^e peace to hU people,and t>hU Saint?. 5. As the interruption of our peace with Gad is procured by our. fjlly, or fjo'iih io.'.lvv-T $ ing

ing of the vanities which allure unto fin, and divert us from communion with Godj fo the reftoring of us to peace maft come by cur forfaking of thole linful and foolifli courfes which have procured wrath 5 and the way to keep us in that peace, is not to return to thefe courfes again^and this is the very end both ofGods correcting of us, and oi his reftoring of us to peace, that we finne notasbetore: tie will [peak(eace to his Saints , but let them not return Again to folly.

Ver. 9. Surety hi* [alvationxs nigh them that fear kim^ that glorj may dwell in our land.

The fecond effect of mercy to his Saints, is the nearneffeof free falvation in Chrift, who is the glory of the land of$udea y where he was borne, and the glory of that land whatfoever it is, wherein his Saints, and he amongft his Saints do dwell. Whence learn, 1. The heires of the promifes are only fuch asdo ftudy to pleafc God, and toefchew provoking of him : for theanfwerof the former prayer, and the word of Promife and Prophecie here, hmsde in favour only of them that fear him. 2. The.e is no faiisfadpry deliverance to the afflicted beleever, labouring under the fenfe of wrath, except Chrift Jefus, who is really the only compleat falvation of Got: only able to anfwer fully to that name, & who was known to the Church before his coming in the fiefh by that name, as we may underftand,L//£c i.from the words ofsimeojiywho was waiting for the confo.lation of J/Lzc/, and had a promife that he fhouldnot fee death, before he had fcen the Lords C hrift, vor. 25, 26. And when he had Chrift in his armes, he faith : Lord, now letteft thou vby fcrvant depart in peace, according to thy word, for mine eyes have feen thy falvation s vciv^o. There is the name whereby Chrift was of old known to the Church among many o'her titles ^ he is Gods falvation, as he is called here. 3 Confolation>and deliverance, and falvation in Chrift; is neer-hand to every upright afflicted be-leever, whether the afflicted do fee it comfortably for the time ©r not} Surely Gods fa'vation is near them that fear him- 4-VVhat land the true Church of Chrift, the Saints and they that feare God dodweil in, there doth glory dwell: there God, there Chrift by his Spirit bringing righteoufnefs and falvation to fuch a t'ociety. is glorious : and for his prefence the people are glorious : and the land glorious above all other lands whatfoever ;

Surety

Surely bk falvition is reir them that fear him, tb.itglorjm.iy dwell in our land 5 This commendation for many reafuns the land of Judex might claim, fane above all other.

Ver. I o. Mercy andtruth are met together .• righ-Uoufnefte andpeace have kif'edcach other.

11. Truth flail fpring o»t of the earth: and >igb~ teoufneffe /bull look dobn rom heaven.

T he third eftld of mercy, is the grace of Chi in: unto juilifi-cation, and the fruits thereof bellowed upon them that a, e ju-ftincd by faith. There are here three conjunctions cr couples fwectly agreeing together ; one is, of mercy and irut'>\ another is, of rifbicoufncjfc and peace: an i the third is, of truth and rigbtcoufneffe For the full couple, mercy and truth, may be ei.her referred to God, beftowing fomething on hisp:opIe : and (0 Gods mercy dcth pity, fpare and pardon his finfol people > and his truth doth perform all the good things which in his Word he premifed 1 and this couple indeed did mcfi eminently meet, when Chrift the falvjition of god, came in the flefh : for (Thrifts coming is the higheft manifeftarion cf mercy that eve: was heard tell 0", when God out of love, and pity, and mercy, did give his Sonne to redeem finncrs; and this a f; was the molt glorious performance of the richeftand the noblcltpro-mifes thar ever was made to man ; for in zht fending cf Chrift promifed, all the promifes are made lea, and Amen ; for the way is made furc now to perform all the reft of the promifes :or mercy and truth may be referred ,the one ( namely mercy)zo God > and the 0 her,to wit truth,may be referred to men,to whom God will ihew mercysand in this confederation we aregiven to under-ftand, that as a merciful Ci'oij &"d misbeleeving tinners are fepa-farcd, & do ftand at a great diftancc,the one departing more and more from the other: lo a mcrci Jul God and a bclecver are fureiy reconciled,and do quickly meet togechcrjfor God inCh: ift hold-eth forth mercy to the linncr,and mercy doth beftow faith upon the redeemed , and faith layeth hold on mcrcjr, and ib mercy and truth are met to^tltcr: mer y calleth for faiih. and crcatcth it ; and faith calleth for mercie, and lb this couple do mecte together.

As for the fecond couple, of rightconfneffe and peace, they arc

both, of them the cftlfts of the meeting or nicny and truth to-

T 4 gcther-

*So BS^L. LXXXV.

gether: ok o^ mercy and of faith, faying tAmcn to mercies offer -for p/f/; by in? hold on wm)', bringeth down from Gcd rigb* icoitjncjfc or juftification by Jfa/fJ>$ and we being juftified by fikh, iuvebo^h peace with God and our cwn conferences 3 at le;-ft in the point of right and priviledge: albek fenfe, and pof-feflionof the fenfe of thisfe^ may be interrupted. Whence learn, In whemfeever menyjox the offer ofgrace, and faith re sei-ving theoft'eV do meet, juitificatiortalfo, orimputed righteouf-ncflc and peace with God do meet: Then righUoufreffe and peace have kiffed edeh other*

< The, third couple is of truth, or true faith in man on earth, and rigbtcoufneflc komGod in heaven j faith fpvinging out of the earth, (as the plantation of mercy,) in the fenfible fruits thereof, that is, in the true effects of fmcere love to God and man; andthe righteoufneffeoi God from heaven ihiningdown as the Sun, for npuviuSing and protecting his own plantation, and performing all promifes totheHeevcr. IVheuce learn, As mcrcie in God, and true faith in man meeting together, are followed with righteoufneiTe of juftification and peace with God > fo true faith in man is followed with fruits: for it cannot be idles hut muft be operative in bringing forth the effects of faith or truth i Truth fall ffring cut of the earth, and righteoufneffe from heaven is followed witCadlve influence upon fptinging faith, for defending, and encrcafing, and bleffing of it, astheSunne foftereth and rcfreiheth the fruits of the ground; Truth fall fpring but of the earth, 4nd rigblcoufnejfe^fall look down from heaven. ... >

Ver.I iSCeafheLORD fhillgive that which ugood % and our /and fall )ield her incrtafe.'

The fourth fruit of mercy, is of giving temporal beneftsto the beieevcr, and biefling the land where belecvers do dwell. 1 Wkcvccie&m, i. The things of this life are Appendices of the chief mercies of thcGofpeJ, which reconciled people may expert toreceive of God, as tbeirneed and good doth requite ,-Tea, the Lord fall give that robich »# good. .2. As the pi ace or. [arid where the Lo'ds people do dwell, beareththc tokens of Gods J \\ leaf M-e, when they provoke God: fc mall the land be fenfibly i)Likd when bis people are reconciled unto him } And our land ijU'lihcr ivcrcaje: ■ - ■ \ < > •

Ver. 13. Righteoufneffe Jhjli go before him : and fet us in the retj of his fteps.

The fifth fruit of mercy is, the grace of Chrift for directing and furthering of Believers in the way of fan&ification* Chrift fhall bee their leader , and righteoufnefle imparted unco rielievcrs from Chrift ( in the grace of converficn or holy inclination , and of perfect direction by his Word and Spirit) {hall make Believers ro follow Chrills wayes and go on in the paths of his obedience. IVbcnce learn, i. Chrift is the Captain of his redeemed and reconciled people , or the ftiepherdof his purehafed flock : for he and his people here are walking in one way , wherein he goeth before his people , that they may follow his fteps, and behinde them aifo > to bring them'up > and fet them forward in the way that none do fall off j as the fimilkude doth import. 2. As Chrift is the Uader of his people, forighteoufnefl'e is the preparer of his people to follow him s Firft y in the work of convcrfion or regeneration , wherein the minde is illuminated to behold , and the heart inclined to follow righteoufnefle. Secondly, in the work of daily direction , by his Word and Spririt 5 Rigbtccuf-Tjcjfc full go before him. 3. As the way that the Keliever muft walk in , is that whkh isprefcribed by the Lord his leader : fo the effectual mover of the Believer unto fanc"tiftcation,is the grace of rightcoufneffe or fan fti neat ion which Chrift the leader doth fend forth into his peoples Ik ait v to make them follow the direction given unto them : For, Rightcoufneffe'ftall go before bim y and fet ua in the way of his fteps.

PSAL. LXXXVI.

A Grayer of VrM.

THisPra'meagreeth we'll with the time when VavU was in trouble, being perleeutcd by Saul. Thymine of it is a prayer for reliefe,ccn. r )fting of 7.Paitions;fome oftbem move generally; fomeoftP.emmore particularly exprelTing his trouble nnd his defire of relief: all which Petitions have reafons joyi.ed unto trRtn, feiving to ttrengthen the fajth of the fupplicanr.

Ver/

aS* ' PSAL. LXXXVI.

Ver. I. TyOrv down thine eare 9 0 LORD> he Are jujme: jor I ampocreand needy.

The fivft Petition is for audience , and the region of his hops to be heard, is , becaufc of his neceffiry to be helped. IVbcvct team , i. When a believer hath any Petition to prefent unco God , he may expect acceffe iu to God, and audienee,and acceptation of his perfon and prayer: O Lord, bear me. i. Albeit the iupplicant be on earth, and God to be found in heaven s albeit thefupplicantbemeanandbafe, both in his own eyes and in effect, and God be the high and lofty one, that inhabited eternity, yet will he humble himleife to take notice of the fupplication of a believing fupplicant; Bow down thine ear, 0 Lord. 3. Of that whereof misbelief would make ufe unto difcouragement and de? iperarion, faith maketli a ground of hope to be helped : for affli&ion,and wcakneffe, and want of all help and comfort from man* is the Lords forerunner toaalvertife the believer, that the Lotd is coming : O Lord, bear mc, for I ampw and needy.

Ver. 2. Preferve my foul , for I am holy. O thou my Godjzve thy fervant that trufieth in thee.

The fecond Petition is for protection cf his lifeVand the rea-fons of his hope are taken from the qualities of fuch a perfon as, hath right to expect Gods protection. Whence learne , 1. The bodies and foules of Gods children have fnares hid for ihem by enemies, bodily and fp,"ritual, from which they cannot deliver themfdves, except they do commit the cuftody thereof unto God, as the Prophet doth,faying, Preferve my foul: out wit^our prudence our powetyxir fighting, our fleeing, or whatfoever means we can ufe under heaven ; arc litle worth,if Gcd do not preferve us.z.That man hath a ground of hope to be preferred by God , who being purfued for his life by malicious perfecutors, for falfely alledgcd wrongs done by him, can atteft God for his innocency,in the particular whereof he is charged ; as here "David doth ; Preferve my foule,forI am boty3 that is , free from the fault whereof I am^ charged , or I am a favourite of thine , or a man who hath been bountifull in doing good, to him that purfueth me : for thus mu£h alfo will the word bear. $. I he confciencc of ftudying to pleafe God, is very fwcet in time of trouble, and especially when

trouble

trouble falleth on for Gods fervice, 0 my God , favc thy fcrvxrf. 4. Innocency in a particular caufe is no: fufficient to bear u s out 3 nor yet the conscience of out good fcrvice done roGod , but wemuft makeufc of the Covenant, and put our truft in Gods gaodnefle, whenfoever we do expeel any good from God ; 0 my God, five thyfervxnt tbxt trufletb in tbec.

Ver. 3 Be mercifutl unto me f O Lord\ for I

cry unto thee daily.

The third Petition is for mercy and forgivcnefYe of fin , md thereafonof hope is, becaufe he is a daily fupplicant. Whence learn 3 1. Innocency in our carriage toward men , and the goodnefle of the caufe which we defend , may leave us in the mire in time of trouble.becaule of our finnes, whereof we are guilry in other refpects, except we flee to Gods mercy : Therefore when fin is objected, mercy muft be our refuge and plea 5 c £c mercifM to my , 0 Lord. 2# Afliduity and initance in prayer doth pro-mi fe certainly a good anlwer after asking , fecklng , and knocking : Be mcrcifull to mc>for I cry unto ibee dufly/

Ver. 4. Rejoyce the foule of thy fervwt \ for unto thee (O Lord) do I lift up my foule.

5. For thou y Lord, art good^andready toforgivf: and plenteous in mercy unto all them that caftupon thee.

The fourth Petition is for comfort; the reafons of his hope nre, becaufe he fceketh hiscomfort no where eife but in God. Next, becaufe God is gracious to all fupplicams. I0>en e Icamc, 1.As the Lord doth burden his own children fometimc. with affliction and forrow, for their humiliation and trial of faith : fo will he alfo comfort them in due time,and give them caufe of joy in himelfe, for the ftrcngthening of their faith , and they may pray for this and expeel it 5 T{c\oyce the foule of thy fcrvanu 2. He that would have comfort from God, muft let himfelte to feck It in him onely, apd net look after 1 it elewherc under the heaven: and in this way he may oray for it, and expect ir, as the Pialmift doth here j For 1 lift up my foul unto thee y O Lord* $-. The knowledge of Gods goodneffeand mercy, is the fife of faith, ihc fountain ofconiolation and ground of prayer, RejoycQtke heart of thy fenmt; for thou.O Lor dart gcw/,4.Whatfocver evill the (inner

doth

doth finde in himfelfc, there is a remedy in God for it : if be Jack any good thing, God hath it, and is ready to communicate it ; For tbou, Lord, art good', If the (inner be fmitten with the conference of fin, and deferving of wrath : The Lord is ready to forgive i If a mans (ins do feem fo many a nd heinous, as he dare not approach; The Lord isplenteom in mercy. 5 He who defireth to partake of Gods goodnefle and mercy > muft refolve towormip $h<$Lord, tobelieveinhim , ancTto pray unto him; andwho^ foever taketh this courfe, whatfoever he be, wirhout exception he fliall finde the Lord, to begood y and ready to forgive^ and plenteous in mercy to all them that call upen him.

Vef. 6 . Give ear, 0 LORD, unto my prayer, and attend unto the voice of my applications.

7. In the d*y of my trouble Iwill ca'lupon thee, for thou \W7 aifwer me.

S# Among the^ods there is none lik^e unto thee (O Lord:) neither a?e there any workj like unto thy works,

9. All nations whom thou hafl made % JhiR come and worfhip thee,0 Lord: and fhall giorifie thy Name,

10. For thou art great, and dofi ^ndrous things: thou art god alone.

The fifth Petition is for reliefe and deliverance out of his pre-* lent diffcerTe 3 propounded in the general termc* of granting his fupplicatior. The firft reafon of his hope to be heard, is, becaufe he is refolded to make ufe of the Lords promife, that he will an T fwer when one calleth on him in trouble , vcr. 7. The next reafon is, becaufe there is not a God befile God> and he 3lone is able to work wonders, vcr, 8. The third, is > becaufe the Lord ii talet all nations know him ; and to gain them in to his woi> fliip, by his great power and rwp/iderful working, as thconely true God, vcr. 9, 10. And therefore able and willing to give him a new experience of his power. iVncncc lexrne , 1. When God delayethto ahfwer fupplicants,they rnuft not faint in prayer* but continue inftantly, and be importunate ; Give ear>0 Lord> to my prayer, faith he now over again, t. Albeit the fupplicant do ineet with doubts whether hjs Petition be regarded or n ot, yet

mui\

muft he not yield to thtm, but pray directly a* nnft them 3 as here we arc taught > Attend uwo thevoice of my application. $. Every man mould fo make ufe of, and apply to himfclre the general command ci God , to call upon nim in trouble, with a promife of deliverance , as his faith may be molt ftrengthened by it; for fo the / l falmifl doth he-re : In the day of my trouble I will call upov thee ; for thou wilt anfwerme. And this retateth to that which is faii , *Pfd 5©. 15. Call upon me in the day of tby trouble. 4. He that ha:h found the fruit of true Religion, and both experience of the gracious work of God upon his cwn fpiiit, will Let at nought all idolatry and falie Religion ; Among the gods there U none Ufa unto thee, 0 God. 5, The works of God working according to his Word , areiuch as may prove him to be the true Gcd; with whofe works > no creatures works can be compared. Where is fuch a work of power as the creation of the world , and prefer vat ion of it ? Where is there fuch a wo.kofgace as the work of Redemption ? And who can work a>iy thing like unto the leaft of the wo. ks of the Lord, in his making ana upholding of themeaneft creature ? Neither are there anyworfalifa thy worlds. 6. The consideration of the large-neile of Gods grace and power, which he hath manifefted in the converfionorNa:ions,and is to manifcil yet more and more in his own due time may encourage any man to come and worship God, and expect grace from him for his own particular : he will not rcfufealmes to any begger, who is about to gather all poorbeg-gcrs to receive ot hisalmcs: All nations foall Qomc and worfoip before thcc y O Lord y and glorify tby l Iijme. Whatfoever is already done for accomplifhing of this p.ophccie , more is to be done ere the Lord clofc the courfc of time ; and whatioever (hall be done by way of convcrfion , before the laft day 3 we are fare ihu at lealt by way of conviction and extorted acknowledgement, all this fhall be done at the laft day 3 for the Lord. hath fworne that every hjiecfotU b9# to him, and every to 'gue foall eonfcjjc to his Name. 7. It is the cognizance of a kindly fub-jeet of GoJs Kingdome, to delight in the iuc cafe and dory of it: and he that findeth in his hearc to love the enlargement of Go.ls glo.y, may expect the benefit cf a kindly fubject, as the Pjalmifl doth here. 8. The omr.ipotency of God, and the won.irous wo ks which God huh already done, mayloofeall doubts about theaccompliflimcnt of all his p omiiis h.w great focver ; .*// nations foall come and rvorjlip b fore thee: for thou art great (faith he) and docji wondrout things, y, All l.iols and IiolatrymUlY

at"

tit length be defaced, and be found to be vanity, and God at lengrhmuft be known to be the onely true God: All Rations [hall glorific tby Name, for thou art god alone*

Ver. ii. Teach me thy tpaj, O LORD, I-will

walkjn thy truth : unite my heart to jeare thy Name.

1 The fixth petition is, to be kept from following any finrull courfe, fpccially now in ihis his triall and tentation, ver*

11. And this he hopeth (hall be granted to Gods glory, ver. 11. Firft, becaul'e he had experience of Gods mercy before, vcr.il. Next, becaule he had to do with proud and godiefle encmics,ver 4 14. Thirdly, becaufe God was exceeding gracious and merciful, ver. if.

As for thepe:ition to be faved from all Gn r ull cburfes, it hath two branches/ one is, to be inftru&ed in Gods way; the other, fhat his heart may be made to follow that way, and to ftand in awe to offend. iVhence lexrn % 1. The Lords children under trouble and pcrfecutson, arein'dangcr to be driven by tentation to fome finfull courfe; and this they mould pray againft, and be no leffe feared for it, then for any bodily trouble, as heare the ex -ample of David teacheth us. 2. It is neceffary for efchewing finne, to know how God ufeth to deale with his own children, left we think that fomc ftrange thing hath befallen us, when we fall into trouble jand it is necefl'uy to know alfo how wcought to carry our felves in every paflage of our trouble and triall, left we neglect our duty, or do contrary to it: Teach me thy way, O God. 5. Befide the information of the minde concerning the duty in generally which God giveth by the miniftery of his Word, and common operation 0?his Spirit, there is amorefpe-ciali, lively, efficacious teaching of a man, whereby he is fitted to make particular practicall application of the jjenerall rule to particular circumftances of time and place ; and for this we muft pray to God alfo, after we are taught to know the duty in gene-rail, Teach me tby way, 0 Lord. 4. No man muft count anyway to be of Gods teaching, but that which is warranted by his Word 5 and no man can walke fafely, except he thattollowcth the Lo:ds truth: Teach meruit will walk tn tby truth* 5. Who-foever would have G ;d to mforme them of his will, muft raft refolve fincerely to follow his will when he hath (hewn itj for lb iio±7)ivii: Teach me tby way, and I will walfa in thy truth.

t. To

6 Tonukeinftruftion erY.clualL, not onelymuft the minde be informed,but the heart alio muli be wrought upon,and framed unto obedience: Ignite my hart. 7. It is the natmull difeaeof finfuil mens hearts, to be loofed from God, and fcactered and di-itracled about vavkty of vaine objects, which are offered un:o it to follow y and this ciifeaie oae!y God can cure : Unite nty heart. 8. It is not fufficicnt for a man once to refignc over his heart unterGod in hisconverfion, bu: this refignation of the heart muft be renewed upon all occafions into Gods hand, that he may tie the affections to himfclf, and to his holy Law, and reclaime rhe heart from ranging and going a whoring from him after fin-full objefts: for this prayer tor uniting the heart is Davids prayer, who long before was converted. 9.Then is the heart united and fixed, when the fear of God doth rwle it,*that is, when after it is informed of Gods will, it feareth ro omit what he commanded, and to do what he forbiddech: Unite my hart It feare thy

Ver, 12. 1 frill praife tbee^ O Lo^dmj God , rvitb all my heart : and I wiltglorife thy Name for evermore.

13. Forgreath thy mercy toward me \ and thou baft delivered my foul from the lorvefi hell.

Here Druid hopeth to be heard, and promifeth praife to God,, both for his by-pait, and alio for his fore-fecne deliverance,flowing from the greatnefle of Gods mercy to him. ]Vbtt\QC learu y 1. He who prayeth according to Gods will, may promife to himfelf fatisfaction, and unto G 3d thanks for granting his re-I quells : I will praife thee, 0 Lord my Cjod. z. The thankfgi-i ving of the godly, efpecially when the heart isenlargcd 3 is very ! hearty, joyned with great delight, and conftant purpofc of glo-| rifyingof God conftantly: I will praife thee y O Lord my God> |j with all my heart, and I will glorifie thy Name for evermore. 3. Wheaaman feeth his finnes great, his defeiving great, his danger and delivery great, he mull a]fo lee Gods 1 mercy toward him great , and his obligation to thank f-giving great: 7 will glorifie thy Name f.r evermore : for great is thy mercy toward me. 4. Preventing mercy keeping usfrcm rhe evill we were in danger to fall into, is to beelteemed of by us as delivering mercy, bringing us out of the evill wherein we were lying.The Lords keeping of us from falling.into hell, fliould ! be

be accounted by us no Icflc mercie, then it we-fcad been in helK and had been brought back out of it by him: Thou hafl delivereX my foul from t\?e towefi hell. The lame may be laid of other particulars: and when our eyes are cpen to fee the evils from which the Lord hath kept us> when we were in danger of them,we fhall be forced fo to judge;

Ver. 14. OCfod* the proud are rifen againfi me^ And the affemblies of violent men have fought after my foul: and have not fet thee before them.

I >. But t.hou, 0 Lord, arc a God full of compaJfiQn, dndgraciott* : long-fuffering^ and plenteous in mercy and truth*

Here are other reafons of his hope to be delivered, taken from the pride and oppreffion of the cpdlefle enemy, and from Gods pity and companion. Whence tarn. 1. Proud, violent, cruelly and godlefle men, are the readied inftuments which can be found unto.Satan forperfecuting Gods children: Such were the enemies of David a type of Chrift, and ah example of his peiTc-cuted followfrs: The proud are rifen againft mc. i. Whatfo-ever wicked man pleafeth to make head a^ainft the, godly, he, will readily findemultitudes to follow him:'' The proiul are rifen a'gaivft me, and the affemblies of violent men have fought after my foul. 3. When men do reject the fear of God, there is no wickedneile fo great, which they will not commir: They have fought after my foul, and have not fct thee, 6 God, before them\ that is, they neither fear thy judgements, nor care for what may pleafethec. 4. The more violent, crucll, prophane and ungodly our periccutors a' e the more hope is of Gods pity towards u$i asthePfalmiftrcafoneth: But thou, OLord, art a god full of compaflidn 5. Whatfocver objections may arifc from our un-Worthineflc,from our former finful provocations of God, and the multitude and greatnefle of our former Fns, to hinder our hope-that God fha!l pity us in our affliction 5 they are all anfwered and taken away by confideration of the unfpcakable greatnefle of Gods goodrieffc; for in God is com'paflion, he U full of cowpajfton, a God full of compaffwi-y th.n is, infinitely' companionate, and as it we- e ofhcTcd v\i h our mifeiy ', he it gracious, though we be unwoithyi Ik u long-filtering, ^\zho\x^y:t be giventoftrife. aii.i provocation of him ; and how great foevc: our raifikfa> ;

vin^shave been, he is plcntcom in mercy \ and howfoever VfZ have forfeited our intereft lit his proiViifcs, yot he will not follow the forfeiture,but will k:ep up our ri^ht unto his promifes f ftiH: be u plenteous in truth; great is his raiihfuliietfe, who kecpetli promifes, albeit he mijhc jafttyrejeft them.

Ver. 16. O tmm untomc , and have m^c) upon, m* ; (five thy flrength unto thy fttvaM : and fave the [on of thine handmaid.

17. Sbety m> a t#k>n r ^r £'W, that they \X?bi b ha>e me may fee ic> and be afhamrd : hecaufe thou, LOR. D, tkft hogpen me^ a»dcomforted me.

The feventh peition is, (ov ftrehgrlitd (land out, till fuch a clear delivery flionld come to him from God, as mi^h: pu: his enemies to confulim, when they mould fee it. H r hcnceleurn y 1. Whofoever do cinder we!! the riches of Gods grace and g K>dnefle,nr?y c onfi dently p My for a proof of it ', in Lire hanging of a miferable con iition into i better 3 even whenGod f em^ih angry and averfc : Thou art plenteous in mercy Mil truth, 0 turne unto mc, and hive mercy upon'rne. z. It is no final mercy to have ftrength from God to fubfiit under troubles, till the delivery come y and for this tlrength tke manempi;d of felf-confidence rany call , and fboiild be content wich fupportiflig ftength, till the Lords time of deliverance come. Give thy fif&tgrb unto thy (crvint. $, The longer courfe the kindrielie of the Lord huh hai toward us 3 and the more relations are between G:)d and us, we may expert the more confidently tor further effects and fruit of his kindnefle ftr our deliverance : for 7)avid here rec-k nc:h trom hi:> being born within flu* Coven mt, borne.as a dorncllick, as achildcofthe Church, who belonged toG^ls protection and ca e, as the ion of the lundm if J belonged to the cae otthc m.ilte: of the family : Save the fon of thy hanimaid. 4. As the wicked delight to fee the godly in miLry , that :ney miy ittfiltt over godl indie 5 fo the go ly dcnVe deliverance, that inth.irpenbn godlineile may not furfjr, nor wicked men be heartened in thei iufoLnci_•: Shew me 1 \o\en fvrgwdy tbatthcy mho hate me^may fee it. $. The good lujccefle and delivery of fome o» the Saiirs odt of their troubles and mils, is a good token both to themielves, and to ail other godly perfons, or a b!e;-fed event unto them from all th ir troubles* Therefore TjxAd pr.n'::h fur i:, Slxw me a cofyn for goii, 6. As the good event of the godly from then* -troubles, is a matter o: ley

U" and'

and glcriation unto the godly, to is it ?J To the matter of (name and confufion to the wicked, who do hate them: Shew >;;>ea toi^n forgooiLjb.it they who hue me mxy fee t, and be ajJw.ed, be-exufe tbQU)Lordbdjlbolpcn-mc,4nd comforted me.

PSAL. LXXXVII.

A Pfaime ox [ong for the founes of fyrab.

WHcn God Ioofed the captivity of the Jewes by Cyrta/cw of them did returne from Babylon ; the work of reparation of Church and S ate, Temple and City had few to af-fift i f : their enemies were many, they were ftraitned with poverty and famine 5 and the herts and hands of the Godly wetc weakened j they were like to faint and defpaire , that either Chui ch or State fhouid flourifh any more amonjft them; for comfort in fuch a time was this P'alme fi.tcd, leading the Lords pe'pie to live by faith, and to work on in the building of the Lords home 3 and reparation of the City, looking to God the Builder of his Chinch, and maintainer of his people. To which pui'pofe the Pfalmiftgivcth them feven coniolations oppo/ite to io many temations unto difcouragement. The fir ft is, that they fhouid lock to c:od who had founded his owne Temple fo-lidly, and fo not faint for the weakneflc and fewnefle of the builders, vcr. 1. The fecond, that they fhouid look to G ods love and good will, and not be troubled for want of external! power and riches, vet. z. The third is, that they fhouid look torhc prophecies concerning the Church, and not be troubled for what prefent outward appearance and carnall rcafon did repre-fentj vcr. $. The fourth is, that they mould not be troubled for the multitude of their foes for the prefent time, but look to the multitude of friends and converts which they fhouid have here-a r te; vcr 4^5, The fifth is, that they fhouid not be troubled with the fcarc of the ruine of the Church, but look to Almighty God, who would dlablifh her fo, that no power fhouid overturn her, vcr. f. The lixth is, that t! cy fhouid not be troubled wi-h the prefent contempt under which they did lie, but look to the glory and eltimatun which God fhouid put in his owne time upon the Church and her children, vcr. 6. The feventh is, that they fliould not be troubled wick their prcfeu* grief tlicy were in,

but

bat mould look to the i'pMrual joy and caufes thereof whkh the Lord was to furnifh to his people,vcr\ 7.

Ver. r. T J// foundation is in the l:oly mount-

H

Ames.

Thefv.ft comfort of 1 he-afflicted Jcwes, troubled for the hip.-de ingof the builJingof Gods Temple is, that God had by his decree and prcmiie made the mountains of 5 ion nnr 1 Mcr'ub the rMace of his reft amengit his people, till the Mefli .h mould come, in whom thefe types were to be nccomplifhcd , and for whofe cuifc they were to be preferred till became, who is the only (olid rock whereupon the C. (lurch is builded. Whence lc&rn> i. When the builders of the T„ords Church arc few and weak, his people had need to be comforted a^ainft their feares and doubts, as here we ice ; and the way to be comforted in fuch hard times, is to lock by faith to God, ss the builder of his own houfe, who hath laid the foundation upon folid grounds, that every believer th3t trufKth in him, may be as Mount Sion^ which cannot be removed 5 Hit foundation is on the hoi) mount*

aincs.

Ver. 2. The LORT) freth the gates of Sion : wore then all the dwellings of Jacob.

.The fecond crmfort is, that God had choknSion above all o-th:r places to be his eft , and did love there to dwell rather then elfewherc. Whence lexm^ 1. The dignity of my place, gerfonor fpciety, proceedeth not from r.ny thing in the place or, focicty, but from ;he Lords election and'frcclove \ r bc Lord love h thcgites of Sion. more then all the dwellings of Jaau. 2. Thciovc of the Lord to his cho.cn Church, is a (ojjd ground of afl'arancc of her conrinuance : as here in the figure we a.e taught.

Ver. 3. (jlorious things are fpol^en of thee^ 0 City of God. Selah.

.The third comfort is, from the prophecies pift abcut the

Church, and pr cm ills rai/e umo her in figurative terrors.,

V 1 Whence

spa PSAL. LXXXVII.

Whence lcarn> i . The Cbu ch is the incorporation, in whkh the Lo.dieigncth, rolcth and lendah 5 It is the City of God. 2. Thep :iviiedges of the Church are vdy glorious , the glory of Kings, Crowns and Diadems is nothing to tii^m, but bodily and temporal fhadows of what is Ipimually and everlaft-, in^ly bciVnvc.t on the Church ; Glorious things arefp\cnof tbu. 1 Albeit glorious things are bellowed on the Church, yet it is net lo much any thing already done, as what is to be cione, which makeththv Church bieifci : it is notprefent poi-feflion , but hope 5 not fight, but faith, which rmketh the Church bleflcd : and the Scriptures are a funScient ri^ht to us for all bleiiings which are to come : Glorious things are /pollen of thee, 0 C"y of Ood.

Ver. 4. / trill make mention of Rahab and Baby-lon) to them thai hnorv me ; VehoU, Phi iftia and J ye> rdth Ethiopia : this man was borne there.

5 . «t^^ of Sion it Jhali be (aid, 1his and that man Tea* borne in her: and the higheft himfelf JhMl eft a* blip) her,

The fourth comfort is, that the Churches chief enemies fhould be converted to the fai:h ; and mould count it their great -eft honour fo to be }Vhevcc learn, 1. It is among the troubles of the Church that (lie ha h to many enemies, and thofe fo migh- i ty and potent as the Egyptians and Babylonians; 1 will make mention of Rahab j that is, Egypt, ano c JJabylon, and Falc-lvu, : ni Tyre, and Ethiopia, which arc pctt named as the moil emi -nent eppreflbrs of the Churchy among all other Kingdomcs. 3.-It mould comfort the Church, that God is able to make her chicfeft enemies to become Converts, and that he ha:h dene it Jundry times, and will yet do it more ; and that he can take order-with thofe enemies which mail no: be converted, as he did with Rahab and Babylon ; for, I will ma^e menii n of Ra-hab and Babylon to them that lytow me, figninah a mention-making o. them 5 vi\. to the edification of the Churches children, both concerning what God had done to thofe Nations in juftice , -md what he would do to them in mercy, or unto oiher enemies like unto them. 3. As it is the glory arid comfort of the Church, to have her enemies made Converts: fo is it honourable

. iible to the enemies, were tbcv never fo porciit in che [a ro be Citizc-.s . f the Cirv of God ; / will nuf(€ mention oftbem,tlut this rain wus bom xherefhx is,in theCity ofuod. 4. The convenor! of men from Pa^anifm i.ui Idotatr y u.iio fcfr-lowihip in rh L Covenant wi h che Church is a fort of new birh tothecfcteriiallyconverted, f om which th i. new birth an.; n.w bein^ is to be lecfconerl j This m.iv iv.is borne there* 5. \s wlnt.o-cve • honour men have in the worldjit is not ro be compa* ed with th: honour or' regeneration, and being born Ci iz ns ot the Church: lo wh-irfoevtritfjucmpc the members ci the Chu \h do lti(fer of' the world, it's mire up by the honour o; being bo 1 n in the Church : tor, of Sion itlkdlbc fail, This and ihit man were bor: 111 her. 6. I he e is no rcafon to fearethe mine of tliv.Chut\h, or the not continuing or hertrorri age to age, to be a mother and recepcade of Converts; For the hi^hejt bimfelf /bull cjtdblijb her, wd this is the fifth comfort ot" the favour as cf .he Chu.ch in the time or'trouble.

Ver. 6. The LORD {hall count when he xvti-teth up the people: that ihit m*n>Xas borne there. SeLih.

The G\:h comfort is. from G^s e'timation which he hath of cve.y one ot" the true Citizens of hi-Church. Whence lcirn> 1. As ail .the elctf all rh: regenerate are uken no;ice of by GoJ, 1 no Idle particularly, then it their names were all written up in a book one by one: fo there is a time when he imnifefterh his en o!liog of them ; partly to themielves by his vyitneffirig unto thcrri that they a; e his Children ; partly to the worl.i, by feftajn -ingthem in their rials and troubles \ andp r ; y b/ a fal i delivery of rhem, and eonfcfling their names before men and Angels at the great day * The Lord Jh.dl count when he wriictb up the prople y that is, inhisowntime when he feeth it ti: ro n a-nifi fi his refpect to his own. 2. The Converts among the Nar tions (Tnll be reckoned up anon? the Converts ot the Louis people cf the Jcwcs i The Lord fail I count when he n riictbup the people, th.it thi. nun wisborncthere-, that is, whuloe ver man he be, who isc onveitcdout of any countrey, ton&ufc or language, he (hall be counted a memo:; of the Church ot IjhcL

Ver. 7. As well the fingers as the pU;ers on V 3 i*

irfiruments (lull be there: all wy /prints are in thee.

The !aft comfort is, from the joy fpiritual, and the everlaft-ingfpiings, fountains and caufes of joy, which God doth fur-nifh, ana will furnifh to his Chu.ch. Whcnee lcmt y i. As the Church is fubjeft to her own griefs in the world> fo alio is fhe lure of ahundantconfolationstobehadandlaidupin flore for her, exprefied here in the termes of typical joy, appointed in fo-iemn feftivals ; As trell the fingers as tbeplayers on inflrumentj frail be there. 2. The caufes of the joy of the Saints are ever*-kfting, compaiable to wells and fprings of living water j All my fprings jhal! be in thee. 3. Such Saints as have had their fenfesexercifed, are able to lubferibe the truth of p.omifes by their owii experience, and in fpecial, that there is no joy or comfort, no gift nor grace, no refrefliment nor delectation worthy to benamed, except that which they have by Church-privi-ledges, and communion of Saints, as here the Pfalmift doth confefle> All my fprings arc in thee, faith he : (peaking to the Church, or to God dwelling in his Church.

PSAL. LXXXVIII,

A Song or Tfxlme for the founes of J$prxb. To the chief Mufic'm * upon M&d&tb Lcxnnotb, Mxfchil ofHemxn tin E\rxhite.

THis Hcnun the Ezahite, was one of thofe foure wifc^ men InallJ/w/, nextafcer Solomon^ who is preferred a -bove them all, 1 ¥jtiff 4« 3 *. The exercife of this wife and holy man is let down here under the heavieft condition of a wounded fpitit? of any that we rearl of; wherein firft, he prayech for comfort to his foul, now afflicted under the fenfeof fad wrarh and long defenion, ver.i, 2!. In the fecond place he poureih out his foul to God,-and layeth before him a moft pitiful lamentation of his diftrefled condition, ver. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,$. In the thud place, he vvreftleth by faith in his p: aver to God for comfort, ver. 9, io, 1% n, 13, 14 •' And laft'y, finding^no comfort, he rcnewcth his lamentation, leaveth his prayer before the Lord, : and writeth it for the edification of the Church in all ti incoming, asthematterof ajoytul Song. u , . • • > : <' • ' FiOm

From the Infcription; Learn, i. David was not the only ir^n acquainted with fad cxeidfe ana rffl.ction <,f fpirit, for here is another , to wit, hcnwi ibcEyahitc, as deep in trouble of fpirit, as he or any other txfidc. 2. They arc not all men of weak mindes and fh dlow wits, win arc acquainted with trouble of fpirit, and borne down wi.h the fenfe of Gods wrath; for here is He?n.in 3 oneamongft the wifeft in all Ijrdd, and inferiour to none for wifdom, except to Solomon alone, under the hcavieft ex-c cife we can imagine poflible to: a Saint. 3. When it pleafcth God tocxercife a man of psfts, of great gifts and graces , he can make his burden proportionable to his ftreng r h, and give him as much ro do with the d:ffi:ul:ies he puts him to, as a weaker man (hall finde in his excrcifc, as appca'eth in the ex^ perience of Hcman. 4 Wife men in their trouble mult t tkc the fame courfe with the (impler fort of mcu, that is, they mud run to God is others d >, and feek relief only in hisgnce ; who as he diftributech the meafuresof trouble, can alio give comfort, etfe and deliverance from them, as the practice of Hcm&n doth tea h us. 5. What trouble of a wounded fpirit io.ne of Go is children h;vc felt in former times, others de.tr to God may finde the like inafterae.es, and all men ought to prepare for the like, ftnd fliould not think the excrcifc ftrang-e when it cometh, but muft comfort themfelves in this, rhitct'ner Saints, whofe names are recorded in Scripture, have been under like affliction ; for the Pfaim is appointed to give inftrudion ; it is Mafibil of He-Willi. 6. What is atone time matter of mourning to one of Gods children, may become matter of joy and tinging afterward, both tohimfelf and to others, as this fad anguifh of fpirit in Hcman is made a fongof joy, unto Gods glory and the comfort of all affliftrd fouls, labouring under the kvSc of fin and felt wrath of God to the worlds end ; It i a * ong, a Pfalm for tJye fomofl^orab 7. Such as are moil heavily afflicxel in fpirit, and do flee to God for reconciliation and conlolation through Ohriftj have no rcafon to fufpecl themfelves, that they are not eiteem.d of and loved as deir children, bixnufe they feele fo. much of Godswrath : For here is a Saint who Inth drunken of that Cup, (as deep as any, who (hall read this Pfalm lw. e is one fo much loved and ho no 11 re J of God> as to be a Pep- nan of holy Scripture, and a paten of faith and patience unto 0-thers, even Hcnun the Eyabite.

V 4 Ver.

Ver.i. (^\ LOWV CoA of mj falvation , I \*Jhave cneH day and night kefirs thee. 2. Let my frajcr come kef ore thee: incline \hue eare hntony c y.

In the fir ft place, he fafteneih his faith and refolutionto pray o nlhmly to God, till he receive anfwer,and requeftuh foi comfort now at laft. Whence learn, i. Whofcever have fled to Gcd for grace, and have received the cfter of leconciliation mace to the Chmch in the MeiTiah, are entered in Covenant with Cod for their everlafting falvation, and ought toftandfaft in the holding of this Covenant, whatfeever hard condition they may fall intc, as Uem«n doth here, faying to Gcd, 0 Lord God of my falvation. i. When a foul hath received the ofl'er of grace made to the Church, in the common tender of the Covenant of grace, he is entered into Covenant with God fo particularly, as it the Indenture weie paft between God and that foul by name, fo that the beleever may rcade his own name in Gods everlafting ftilesand titles, and may reace in himfelf the mark of Gods in-tereft unto him, and the mai kef his intereft in God forever-more; for, 0 god of my (alvMion, importcth no lefle. 3AVh.cn a beleever hath laid hold on eternal life, he may by the fame right ask and expect comfort in, and deliverance out of every trouble, as an Appendix cf the great faivation , which is coming unto him, as here Hemandoih. 4 God can love a man, and keep him in faith and exercifeof prayer a longtime, without a comfortable anfvver, and all in love, wife love : I have cried day and night I cfcrcthec y faith He man, and the anfwer is not come yU. 5- There is a difference of the lamentation ofthe worldly man, and ofthe bekevcr: The worldly man fighes and cries, and he knows not to whom, but the godly do prefent themfelves in their lamentations to God j I have cried day and night befcre thee > as his dolour did cleave unto him, or was renewed upon him, fo hehad hisrecourfe to God at all times. 6. Albeit our prayer* being prefented before God, do fecm to us roc to have been admitted, yet muft our bill fkftill, and bepr.^ up to Gad again and again, till it be received to our ienfc and knowledge; L(t my prayer come before $bee 7- The beleever may be fure to have a good anfwer at length, but he muft be in -flant, and deal ilill with God for it, and picfle it hard, and ps-I. \ .., ■ ' . tiently"

PSAL. UCXXVIII. 297

riently wait for it 3 as Hcmjn here doth j Incline thine circi.MQ my cry.

Vcr. 3. Tor my [oule is full of troubles, and mj life draweth n'gh unto the grave.

In the fecond places hclayeih out his trouble before God in nine degrees thereof each of them fuperadjing ionuthiijg to the former: under which he is not only wonder fully upheld, but altohemakcth u'e of this lamentation and long catalogue ot mi-feries, as aground of Lis hope, to have a gracious anfwer atlait, which came to oafle, as the turning of this lamenta. ion into a Song, tothecomtort of others in the Churchy that mould feel the like in any meafure thereafter, doth ihcw; for his condition, he fetteth it down under the name of trouble, foul-trouble : more troubles then one or two : and the fir ft degree thereof is, that his foul is full ok trouble;* rcpltniflicd to as it can hold no more. Whence I xm. 1. Albeit we h.id nothing to bring before God buc our grief and mile ie, we want not matter of confidence to findc tavour from our pitiful God, as this example tcachcrh us; Incline thine eire, for my feul is full of trouble*-.- 2. Irthe goaly (hould fmcthcr their grief, and net go toGxi withic, then forrow were able :o choke them i but this is no fmal^eafe to them that they h \vc God to go unto_> to whom they may freely vent their minde, as here we fee. 3. Soul troubks are the moil; pi effing troubles, and with ihofereadily will the Lord exercile hischildrenj when he mindeth to trie their fJth, making iheir fpirits to [mart with trouble after trouble, with a number of troubles, which they are neither able to reckon nor to beare ) My foul is full of troubles. 4. The dolours of the minde arc able to wafte away the body, which cannot but (hi i&k and pine away when the foul is fick wi:h anguifh 5 CAly ljfcdrdWctbncii*totkcgrruc, faith he; and this is the fecond degree of his trouble.

Ver. 4. J dm counted nith them that <ro down into the pit: I am as a man that hath noftrerxrth.

The thid degree of his troub'e is, t'a: in the jucherrent of them who knew his condition, and pcflibly lamented it, hi was*

ccimtci

counted a loft'man : yea and he himfelfdid finde no ftrength to beare out, or to recover himfelf. Whence learn, i. It is no fmall tenntion and vexation of fpiritta the godly bclecver, to be in the judgement ot : beholders a loft man, becaufe of the ieemin<* de r perate condition of his foul, and yet it may befall a dear childeofGod; 1 am counted with them that go down to the pit. 2. Albeit God hath by grace fevered death from hell unto the believer, yet the connexion of thefe two, if juftice wer« not fatisfiei in the Redeemer, mould never be forgotten, as the Scri -ptures giving the fame name to death, g ave and hdlynay teach us 5 lam counted with them thitgo down to thepit x or grave, or h:lH J« Whatfcever ftrength of foul or body a man haih in his pofllffion, lhall be fooji emptied when Go.l puttcch him indi-ftrefle, except new furniture be fupplied unto him, and that no lefle then unto the weakeft •> I am as a man that huh no ftrength*

Ver, $• Free among the dead, tike the flaine that lie in the grave y wham thou remtmbreft no more ; and they are cm ojf from thy hand.

The fourth degree of his rouble is, that he is like the Leper in the hw, (hut out from the living, and put among the deid, and no more fit for any duty of the livin?;which teach-eth us, that the bcleever in God may at fome time be fo burden-ed with trouble of fpirit, as he can neither think,nor fpeak, nor go about any duty of the living for a time y I am, or I am counted (faith he,) as one free among the dead , or ihut out,and feparate among th^ dead.

The fifth degree of his trouble, he is a man whefe life is violently piuckt from him i who gets not liberty to die at lea-lure or in peace, but £s thruft out of the world fuddenly with a deadly wounds and fuch may the condition of a foul deir to God, feemtbitfelftobe: I am li\c the Jlainc that tizinihe grave*

The i?xth degree of his trouble is, hef^emeth to !~e dep:ivei of the comfortable viciflitude of the common benefits of life, and of thofc changes which ordinarily Gods vifirariens do make, as if h" were left under the power of death , there to lie without a change of thn condition for ever: and fuch may the cafe of a beloved Saint feem to be, both to himfelf and to others* 1 am as one in grave , whom thou remcmbrejlnomorc 5 yea, the

fcdecver

beleever at a time may lofc :hc fight of cvcrlailingpromiics, and feemtohimfelf to be rejected of G->d J lamas they that are an °ff f rm f fy band.

Ver. 6. Thou haft laid me in the lowefi ph : in d*rknefftjn ?bc Aeepes.

The feventh degree of his trouble : he fcemeth as a man al;ea* dy condemned and poflfefled of the torment of hell, in the ex-tricable mifery of the damned, deprived of all light of confo-lation,in the gulfe of defparation, wherein a man ennno: findc ground, nor deliverance from it. Whence learn, i That this alio may be the cafe of a beleever in his own fenfc 5 Thou haft laid me in the loweftpit . in darfinijfc y in the decpes. 2 . Whntfoever trouble we arc in, or how great danger foever we fecm to our ftlves to be in; it is the beleevers wifdom ftill to look to God, as our party with whom we hive to do, and to lay it forth before him : for albeit this may augment grief and fear on the one hand, yet it pieparcth way for the remedy, and kcepeth the bc-lecver intermes with God on the otjier h md, as this example doth teach us i Tbou haft laid me in the loweft pit : in darh^tjfe, in the depths,

Ver. 7. Thy wrath lieth hard Hponmc> and thou haft afJUEledmc rvith all thy waves. Set ah.

The eighth degree of his trouble is, the felt w ath of God purfuiwg him, overtaking him., lying heavie upon him, toffing him with new aft'ightments and aifauits, as the waves of the fea do, when they come one after another, and do beat with end-lcQ": dafhing upon wh it they finde in their w \y; and fuch may be the cafe of a beloved foul in its own fenfe, which when wc CJnfider, we may fay, How gentle is the ordinary execife of weak beleevers, when this exeicifc is looked upon ? rhy wrath (i<:th hard upon me 3 and thou haft ajflittcd me with all thy waves.

Ver. 8- Thou haft put aftaj mine arquaintancc farrefrotn me : thou haft made me a* abomination un-i*> them : I am Jb:itup } andcAnnot c me forth.

The

Thr ninth degree of his trouble ts, that betide all the bui den of the forefaid vexation, the Lord deprived him ot all com/ort. and did not b.itow upon him to much as any conioUrion from his friends 3 or from the fellowship ot the godly wife; but by oods providence they did leave him as a man defperate , yea as a man whole condition they were afraid to look upon ; yea they abhorred his cafe and for look him : and he being thus in appearance /hut out from heaven , an.i fallowed with wrath from ood, was not onely left co.nfortleffe anoug men, but aifo was looke.l upon by his friends as a damned and abominable reprobates dealt with as a man mm up for the plague of peftilence, to chat he kept his chamber and could not come abroad to look any nun in the face : and this alio may be the cafe of a foul precious in Gods eyes , beloved and accepted of him in the very mean time o'f all this hardexercife : Thou ha[i put xvo y my acquaintance fane f.ram me,thou hill m dc me an abomination to them : I am Jbut up > and cannot come forth,

Vcr. p. Aline eye momneth byreafon of afflit~lion LOUD, I have called daily upon thee : I have firetched ont mj hands unto thee*

In thcthird place, he wreltleth by pnyei* with Go 1 for comfort, u mg for this end four reafons to {lengthen his faith, and hope to be comforted. The firft is, from the confeience of his earnelt feeking his comfort and iclie : from this his trouble onely in God. Whence learnc , ?. G^dlinetfe doth not n\ake men ienfeleileof gricfc, nor doth it hinder tearesor mourning , or any other effects of forrow to be feen in their body; tf/we eye mournetb bccaufcofaffliclion. 2. Sorrow mould neither hinder the godl/ to feek God , nor move them to feek theirconfohtion elfewhere: Lord, 1 hive called daily upon thee, 3. It is poffible that a goJly man may be inftant daily with God , praying with teares for comfort, and yet not obtain for a long time, as this example doth teach. 4. As in ferious prayer, fpccially in fecret, the affections of the heart do uttey themfelves in the anfwerable gefturcs of the body> aswellasin the voice and words of the month: fa thofe vcftnres have their own fpeech unto God, no lelle then the words ot the mouth hive ; as here, I have ftrctched out my hanh unto thee , is bfdiignt form to exprefle his fub niili/e rendering up of himfeifumo God 5 and his dependanee upon hiou

Ver. 10. Wilt thou flaw wonders to the dead f JhaH the dctdrilc and praife thee f Selah.

II. Shall thy loving kwdnefie be declared in the qrave> or thj faithftilnefie in dcftrtitlion?

12 Shall thj \Xohd?rs be kno^n i* the darkj and thj nghteoitfnejje in the land of for getfnine£e ?

The fecond reafon is,becuife if God do not fhortly anfwe; him, (as he thinks) he cannot choofe but die ; and then it wil not be

time to^ivc ananfwer to his prayer, foe the edification of othe:s 5 and glorifying of his Name among men in this world , .by le-lieving of a poor iupplicaiir 3 fuch *she was. except he would ratte him up again after he is dead extraordinarily and miraculoufly, which he cannot look tor, and therefore he hoperh and praycth to be comforted in time ; wherein he puts it out of queftion, that he cannot but die quickly , if ihe Lord comfort him not fiiortly. Here he fpeakcth his own fen.e > and hafterH a little to he co n forced , asd doth jomewhat indirectly fet a time to the Lords manifefting o! himieite, and ftiew&th fottu humane jrtfiufttiry, y^c fuch as the Lord u:eih not to quarrel for with his children in their lamentations, mean time iA this he (hevVech himfelfe a noble wrcftler; Firil ; that beafKircrh himfehe (*od would not fails to comfort him before he died $ and f.gain that the Lord wouid rather miraculoufly raiie him from the dead, then notgloriy himfelfe in his deliverance: and in this alio he takith a fate courfeto feek tor what he might expect, r»t cr in an ordinary

, way 3 then to look tor miracles. IVhinc learn, i. When the Lord debyeth to comfort a believing fupplicant, lie doth call him to wrcftle in prayer 3 and w excrcife his faith fo much the more, as here we hn/.ie this Saint to do jexpour.ding Go.is e.ii'penfation, and binding his (p rit in h\s fupplication to w. title Eflp coPtiio 9, as thofc often interrogations do make eviden:. i When faith is fix:d upon the Covenant, and p omifes and power, and goo .iridic c f God i it will expect miracles, rather then fear breach of G ds

' Promifc: l^vaiU thou Jhcw while s to the dead ? *do:h tmpo.t. 3. A t ae believer fhoald hve to be co.-nfoie. , ve.i nj 10 live in the wo 1 i, not fo mu h 1 1 Irij own fatlsraction , as r|iat he may J nify God in his \iu : 2$;JbaH the Je.id r fc and praife thee < .doth import. 4« It will nnt content a reliever ro have the u'e of any bench' u.uo himfelTe 46tlt fiat refolvech to make it rouh-coming, as to the glory of ccd ; foalio to the e..ificu.i

others:

jci PSAL. LXXXVIII.

othe s: and therefore loveth to hive the benefit which he feekerh mainly for that end ; as, Shall thy loving {indncjfc be declared in thegr avc ? doth import. $. The onely time to glorify God , fo as others may be edified , is this prefent life , after death a man may praife God in heaven , but fhall not inft uct any ignorant perfon there by his example or counfel 5 as, Sbull thy fxitbfii'nrfle be declared h deftruclion t doth import : and that which follow, ethalfo iheweth the fame ; Skill thy mnders be l^nown in the darh^and thy rightcoufnefle in the land of forget julncffe ? 6. There is no commerce between thelivinjandthc dead , the dead do not • know what mm arc doing on the earth , for death isthetoi of forgctfa'neffe , wherein the living and dead fo part and go afun-der , asthofedo who forget one another. 7. A foul acquainted with God,, hath'no will to die, till thefenfe ofwrach be remove I, and the feeling of the [tn(c of reconciliation be granted , as this examplc^dcth (hew ; and no wonder in this 5 for it is a fearful thing to hive the terror both of temporal and eternal death to fct on at once.

Vcr. 13. Bnt unto thee have 1 cried, 0 LORD: Und in the morning fb*ll mj prayer prevent thee.

The third reafon of hishepe to have his requeft granted is,' from his resolution never to give over p.aying, but as he had done before., fo to continue ft'111 in his fupplication. Whence learn , 1. Infancy in prayer, and rcfolution never to give over, as it arguerh folic! and ftrong faith: fo doth it givt gooo 1 ground of hope to be heard ,as in this example of the Prophet may be iccn. 2. Albeit we do not finde an anfvverto our warrantable prayers fo foon as wc would , vet we muft not conclude that our by-paft p ayer hath been amiiVc , but rather muft avow our by-paft ex-ercifc , and rcfolve to continue as the Pfalmift doth here ; But unto thee have Icri dfl LorA^and in tbcmorning Jball my prayer prevent thee.

Ver. 14. LORD \ why cafteft thou offmyfoule t why hide ft thon thy face from me ?

^he fourth reafon is, from the impoflibility of his being a caft-away > albeit it feemed fo or that God fliould alvvayes hide his face from him , albeit it feemed fo, as his asking Jffy/in tlje rca-foning ofraithagaii.ft icpfi and outward appearance;doth mew

obchismeaning 3 efpecially if thefe words be compared with the >rc eding w fix.Whence lcarne,i. As the faith of Gods dear children nay bealfaulted with fuggeltions moving them to fufpect their \ je&ion horn God ) fo is it the nature ofc faith, and the duty of believers to rcjed thofc thoughts, to lay them out before God, ind to difpuw againft them s Lord, rvby cafieft thou of my foul? a. When God doth hide the (enable figncs of his favour toward us, we are allowed to deal with Cod to remove the vailcj Wby^ bidefi thou thy fice from me? $. A glimpfc of Gads face, or of his ienfible manifefted love may mitigate the foreft trouble o L 1 fad.foule, and fatisfy the afflicted , as the Petition involved ii\ this fpeech, why hi deft thou thy face from me? doth import : for if he could have found any glimpfe of favour, he would not have fo complained.

Ver. IJ. / am ajflitledtndready to die > from my youth tip : while I'fuffer thy terrors I am d'ftr«llcd.

In the lad part of the Pfalm, the Prophet finding no conf lotion , returncth to his lamentation, by which he made way to his wriftling in prayer, from ver.$. to the 9. and layeth down his mifcry at the Lords tcet, as the object of the b:we'S or his pity : in which mi! cry he is pcriVa led , that he could not but Snde the eftl&s of the Lords comp flu>n in due time. The parts of the lamentation arc three. The Si il is, for the long; continuance of his lad exercise, even from his youth up, wherein he fheweth firft, that he was afflicted , that is ; put to great ftraits by calamities. Secondly, that be was ready to die, as a man over-let and able to bear no more. Thirdly, that he was as much vzy.-ed with what he feared to come , as he was troubled with whit he feltj He fuffcrcd the terrors of the Lod. Fourthly 3 that he was exercifed frequently, and of a long ti ne this way > r rom bis youth up. Fifthly, that by the hard cxeci!c,and returning terrors ot G >d r.pon him, he wns fo rent a id pe plcxcd , that oft-times he could not make ufe of his natural rcafon,as he did reckon JVbcvce learn , 1. When we have a flayed all memes ror hiving comfort of G cd, it is lafeft for us to lay cur griefc before G jd, till he be pi .a fed o (Ikw pity: Tfie cfatlde of God hath no oraro r y but mourn-i.^e to his Father, as hi e we fee. i. A g'ievcH minde can reck n all itsamtftiO'iS, and c.dl to remembrance ifiple troubles that arc lonp hncepait , as he:e we fee. $. It is an o dinary dott ine, but hardly believed , when it ccmeth to applica ion,

that

304 PSAL. LXXXVIII.

tb.it Cjod loveth them whom be cbajlifctb^ as the Prophets lamentation and wreftlings do teach us. 4. In a through trial] the Lord bringcth the foul to the b ink of death. / am ready to die. 5. The weight of pr'efent troubles, is a*:companieJ readily wi;h the tear of worle to come, and the fear of eviil to come doth double the weight of evill that is prefent > tor the Lords terrors here are reckoned as his faddeft fufferings. 6. Some of G )ds children are more exercifed in their consciences then other tome, yea fome foulesmay all their dayes be frequented with the terrors of the Lord and fears of his wram> as this example of Neman en-ercifed from his youth «p,doth (hew. j. Sore trials may put faith fometimes to (tagger with doubting, and by perplexity put a mans re.ifon to a {land , and make him many times like a man befide himfelfe \ I am diftraffed. 8. Albeit the godly may be put to doubt, yet are they not driven todefpairej Albeit they be caft down, yet they ?re not deflroyei , as here we fee".

Ver. I 6, Thy fierce wrath gocth over me ; thy terrors havo cat me ojf.

17. They came round about me dxilj like water: they compajfed me about together.

The feconi part of the lamentation , is for the feeling of the apparent effects of Gods wrath 5 force wrath , overwhelming wrath going over him, fears and terrors of more & henvier wrath co ning ; affrighting wrath in appearance , furrounding wrath and terror comparing about, like deep waters , from which no event cm be feen. lVl)cnce learn , 1. Trouble hath its own weight, bat wrath maketh it unfupportable ; the wrath of a Father , when it is feen, is terrible ; but fierce wra:h of a Judge , whin it appearech , is unfpeakable : it ovewh.lm-eth, fwalloweth up , and yet this may be the exercife of a childe of God j Thy fierce wrath gocth over me. z. Albeit the exercife of a childe of G)d may fee m to himfelfe to be the very cafe of a damned reprobate , yet in rhe mitlft of it the footfteps of grace and evidence of faith may be feen by a beholder, as in the experience of fr'cman^ who in his deepeft trouble adhered to God, may b: feen : For fiol,the fea- which let upon him, is called the terror of God, which importeth not only wrath,prefent wrath, but al(o unrefutable wraih: vea and growfns o'Gods vvra:h, coming spa c upon him , tor terror importeth this, 2. I ne terrors or (?oj in the plural number are upon him, that is, frequent terrors , ahda-.uitiplieJ tcrroi*. y. The effect of thole terms as th:y

fcemed,'

feemed, they were aff igluing terrors, which did threaten to fe-parate his foul from God utterly> altogether , and for ever to his fenfennd likelihoods they fpake no telle then that he was to be found a cafhway : Thy terrors ( faith hcj have cut me off. 4. L it of all, for the manner of the affault made by thofe tenors upon his poor foul, they arc compared co waters inclofing a man before he be aware, compafling him lo about that he can findc no event; and like the returning of the tide, comparing him daily* vea like contrary tides, one or them thru fling another, and fetting upon him on all hands together $ whereby the inexpreflible trouble of a foul under the fenfq of Gods wrath is defcr.ibed,. but. (b as none can undeifand it, except he, who cither in leffcr cr greater tneafure hath felt ir ; and nil this may befall a childe of light: Thy fierce wrath gocth over m:>tby terrors have cut pie ojf r the) came roundabout me daily Mjp water , they compared me about together.

Ver. 18. Lover and friend hafi thou put far re from we : and mine acquaintance into darknejfe.

The third and lad part of the lamentation is repeated from jcr. 8. that there was no man companionate towerdhim , none. topity hiiBj none to counfel or comfort him , nohe % to whom he might impirt his minde fully for cafing of him* but hftol-A friends, and fuch as> loved ivm before , did faile him and forfake him : and God rri ide it manifeft , that he did thrult them away from hi:nj lotie were to bear him company,but he demeaned him-L-lfe to (it iolitary in datknrfle. So then Learn , 1. Abut a friend b^ made for the day of trouble ; and albeit it would h.ive been an cafe to hive had any friends company, foi means ofcern-f > t, vet he could fmde none : God withheld them ail For the rriall of hisiervant hce: and fuch a heavy and com forded^ co-dii-on may be the lot of a beloved childe; Lover and friend lull thou p.ttfa re from'm^ and mine acquaintance into itjrfcejfc* 1. In that he endcth the P.alme wi:h nil any comfort for the time ,' it rna-Jteththis Pialme no lelfe comf);iv;le, then any other Pfolmfc,' becaufe it flieweth :h it he was fupp0 ted infenhbi/ for the \\ rte, arid had comfort given to him the carter, Iq much'as tomakethis. fad complaint to be tivned into a long bo'h to hfmtMfe,anJiot>c Churcn . and it teacbeth, th.it (SeiW Go.l can fuftain a foul by, B&ret fupporting of amansfai h , without comfortable fenfe, yea' arid that under the fadd.ft fcnfe nf W ;achi ifcrcfbre a bUL

X i'a

So6 PSAL. 1XXXIX.

in God muft lay hold on Go, J s goodneiTc, Promifc , aid Covenant , and muft truft ftill in the Lord ; albeit he (hould feem to flay him } as the example of Hemxn the E\rxbite here doth teach us.

PSAL. L^XXIX.

CHxfcbil of Etbxn the E\rxbltt.

THis Pfalme is intituled Mxfchil, or a Pfalme written for in-ftrudtion by Ethan the E\rxhite> who after Solomon was another of the four wifeft men in ifrxel: This man furviying the ^lory of Solomons Kingdome, and beholding the diminiihing ot the glory of Vxvids houfe, lamenteth the defoiation thereof unto God.

The Pfalme hath three parts. In the fir ft he fetteth his faith* uaon God , and laboureth to ftrengthen it aga'inft the testation which was boyling in his brcaft , to x/er. i 9. In the fecond pare he expoundeth the fumme of the Covenant of Grace , made between God and Chrift, typified by Dxvid: wherein indeed, albeit Vavidhzth his own intereft,yet the fubftancc was to be found only in Chrift , who came of David according to the flefh > from ver. ipjto 38. In the third part is a lamentation of the apparent diilolving of this Covenant with Davids pofterity > and a prayer for repairing the ruines of that Kingdcme , for the glory of God : which prayer he a flu ret h himlelfe /hall be granted.

From the inferiptionj Lwr?/, 1. Wifdomc doh not exempt a man from grief and anguifh , from tentation of faith and hard cxercifcofmindc: for here is another example beiide Hemxn ^ to wit> Etbxn the Eyabitc , a man of the fame family with He-man* 1. The Lord doth diftribiue unto men their inward excr-cifesjthat one may have his trouble for one caufe , and another have it for another caufe/ as it pleifeth' him to meafure out in hit wifdomejfor Hemxns trouble is made about his own private condition , but Etbxns trouble is about the publiclc calamity of Cfnirchj and Kingdome Not that we think Heman was infenfi-ble of thcpublickj or Ethan not acquainted with trouble for his own particular alfo^but becaufe the Lord will have the one exemplary in the one fort of exercife , and the other exemplary in the other fort o( exercife, and will have the exercife of both-"

to

to be the inffrudion of his people : Mafcbil of Hcman > and Ethan both.

Ver. I. jf Will fing of the mercies of the LO R V Xfrr ever 1 With mj month vrill I mal^e known thy fatthfninejfe to all generations.

■ ■ • B:fore he utter his tenntion, or bring forth his lamerraricn frr the apparently diiVolVcd Covenant between God and David* he obiiguh himfcKc to maintain the glory of the mercy and taifch-fulncHe of O od , ver.i, ». in relation to the (lability of the Covenant made with David particularly, ver. j 3 4. and to this end te ftrengtheneth his lakh by a nnmbor of reaions to ver. 19 The,-fir ft is, from hisrefoludonto bold faft the b:liee of OoJs ipefcjf and faithfulnefle > notwithibnding it did at thistime feem th t Godhaddiiiblvcd the Covenant with'Davids houfe. Whence learn , 1. What foe ver prom ifes the Lord hath made to_ his pco-, pic, they muft nc\ wonaeV > albeit ibrnetime he makes it very improbable to carnal! fenfeand reafori,that ever they fnall be performed : for this is needful for the cxcrcifcot faith, as in this ex-, ample we fee. 2. In the conflict of faith with misbelief, it is. wifdeme tqr the believer to fupprefle the faggcilions of unbelief 3 to t.^kc part with faith , to break through the throng of de^ fperate thoughts/ and without difputarion dofe with the mercy ot GocM-^ndwith the fait hfulr.ofle of his:.Word , and to avow. faich } and to engage himfelfe to maintain faith, befoi e he utter his tcntation unto misbelief, or fuft'er it to vent it fel.fe > as he: e, the Pfalmifi doth te^ch by his example, laying , 1 will jing of the rncrcics of the Lord, for ever , (pe. $. The mercy of God 3 and. the faithtulrve(Te of G'jd 3 are two ftrong pillars of confidence in God: mercy to take away fiti and mLery , and faitWalReiitto.' perform all thepromifcs.of every good umo the.believer :• I pili* fi?i£ofthe mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth villi ma^c h^towntbj faithfulnejjc to ullgenerations ,

* ., '• .-> Ver. 2. For I have faid . Mercy flull be hit it yp^

for ever : thy faithfnUe^e fhialt thoa efiabsijh in the

very heavens*

Head&th areaion of his rcfoiuttenxo give the jfory oftiijcrjjj

Perfected and llclea for eve an h ' f 0 ""*' on snd be WAN! promife mould b2 aSfSS ? ' V f ^ of Gods

i-th rbe mouth to con cil'e „r„, <~ • ,£• , s tuth ' 3nd «""

™> : * wruA/rcics P S3 *22fi* %£? f "

«™fog *« Redeemers ta'<ii,fvflh ,7 in ( P«,' al Con -

fMfhta*:-, foundation fc a; vhV kjl r Ilk ^ buUdin ?

»;i heaven in Gods decree J, • ? * " ls t0 be tound

v'-ce it will" no- Si"; Ejj?A RS» 5J f U hfl,I ' K(le '

nm®M &*^&£^*^ n >

tUvefworneuno D*vidmy frrt^r ' ™ ™-' tnf tryrone to all generations. Se'ah.

ft%c*,», »l« * • - , h-wit He e doth teach us : for he E| ( °n^^:. /,C '«*» 2 ^ the qualification tt££f ,2 ' e ET^^W * j '-WesofChHl

££»/•( vu™ ,ff I /ci y v l cr ^"i, and the nature of the pro-g*Ly wayc-t Wemn ekM^and the confirmation of ft by an HfK^ *«* /***? and the fubihnce oc the promise,X"

cme fliouhi come of VUvid who lLoul. beofcvcr'afling'co .-i-nuance , ftabliflied by civiie p<w.rforc\c ; 1 • wit, Chiii: the Lord : and dnc the kiagdom or ff-jcl filial Davids thiom 3 which wase. ccted for governing the peop t of ~>od,as it was no^ Wvll (bunded upon !i ; . od,4nd begun tn beb i!dcd al-

ready, ihoulci hcbuildcd ///),and g ovv unto a perspicuous pcifc^i-011 j tiom one gene ation to >< other; :na be perpetuated for ever; r/7 feed will f cjUblijh for ever, and build up thy t rone to allgciicr.itions. When iiflappeii ance of hoped go~d hingsdoth brangle faith, then the Wostl of God and his pro mi Tea muftbe called to memory, upon which faith muft 6xd it fvife , as this example teacheih. 3 i he mercy and laithfuloefle of God, which are 'he common grounds of the ft ibilky or" all he Lords promi-f cs 3 being believe; in he gcnerall, fhoiutl be applied particularly to every promj e, as we have need thercof,that we may ft.engthcn cur faith 6y reafoning fr m thi* ground thus; ' 7 ods mercy ml fairh uLaeflc do make all hi-. prnmif<s faft., ana rhe efore do make hit this particular promife alio, whereupon i do row pitch, as rhe example of (he PfJmift doth teach us 4. As ali the pro-mifes cf God are worthy to b: taken notice 0;; fo in p.ciall thefe p omile^ that are ma. J c to Chrift in favour of Believers, who are the tubjects of his K income,in whom all th j piomifes are made Iciznddmen , to the benefit c f the fubjccls : for tin's are we taught to do by the example 01 the Pfdr$ijl 3 who when defolai ion was like to fwallow up both v. butch rnd Ringdome } doth make fail to his own faith the promife of Ch 1ft , and or' the (lability of his Kingdome j which prcmifc being lure of neceffity , the tribe of J/d.j/; , and the pofterity oiVrcid behooved to be preferred, and continued till Ch ift came.

Ver. 5. And the heavens frail fraife thy wonders § 0 LORD: thy faithfulneffe alfo m th? congregation of the. fnints.

He laboureth to ftrengthen his frith in thh pomi cby ten rcafons further. The firff whc*cot is this, The heavens are an evidence both of Gods power to work wonders for his people, and of his faithfulnefie to perform promifes, unto ihc 'Church5 rhcrcfo e will he fay, I have reafnn for me ro believe this p.omi c male to Davii concerning Ch-ift> Kingdom, iFbo'cc Uirne* 1. The conn"deration 0'' the powes of Gxl rnaiarcftcd in X 3 w

$lo PSAL. LXXXIX.

woiks of creation , to be able to perform whstfcever he promi-feth , were it ri*er io wondeaful, may and fhould confirm our faith in his promife 3 how improbable foever i.t appearc : For the hdavena flyil praije thy wonders^ O i crd. a. As the heavens areapawne of Go Js power 3 irirefpe& of their firft framing therri cut of nothing: \o ate they a patern of Gods faithfulnciVe, in their conft.int and orderly motion according to his Word fince their framing; The heavens Jball pratfe thy faithftil-mcjfe alfo. 3. However the power and faithfulneife of God may be ken and heard in the work and fpcech of 'he heavens by all men , "yet arc they not obferved and hearkened unto , except in the Church by Gods children j Therefore faith he/ They fail praife thy faithfulnejfe alfo in the Congregation of the Saints.

Ver. 6. For t*ho in the heaven can be compared Unto the LORD? who amongfl the fonnes of the mighty can be likened unto the LO RT>1

The fecond reafon to conSrme his faith is this , God is above all Angels in heaven and men on earth , and hath them all under him to perfect by them what woi{c he plcafeth; and prefuppofe they had aminde to hindet any pur-j?ofe of God concerning performance of his promife, they could not hinder him , they being infinitely inferiour in all excellencies unto God, and no way to be compared with him : Therefore will he fay , I have reafon to believe his promife concerning the {tab litv of Chrifts Kingdome. Whence learne , 1. The height of Gbdg excellency is above the reach of our thoughts 3 and we cannot take him up btherwayes then by climbing up upon the fhoulders and tops of all created cminency, and there to proclaime God to be greater then them all : for Who in heaven can he compared unto the Loxd ? Who among the fonnes of the mighty can b" likened unto the Lord f 2. God hath given power natural ,"mcft of all to Angels \ and power acccflory, moft of air to Princes and Magiftratcs and Potentates in the" earth, whom here he calleih the fonnes of the mighty ; in whofc power and authority we may fee fomewhat of Gcd, |f they bee for God j and may tec Princes to bee nothing^

ifthrybe againft God > ior , Who in heaven <wi be compare^ unto the Lord ? who among the jon.es of the might) can b c likened unto the Lord ?

Vcr. 7. God is greatly to bee feared in the affembly of the Saints : and to bee had in rcve~ rence of all them that are about him.

A third reafon to confirme his faith, is this; God is terrible , and to bc flood in awe of by all his people , and it were a fear full injury fos his Saints not to give him the glory of his power and fidelity > Therefore will he (ay, I have reafon to believe wha: he hath promifed con* cerning the Kingdom? of Chrift. IVhenec Icarne > 1. Holy Angels and fanctificd men , of nil creatures have neareft accefle unto God , and are moft like to the dome-fticks and Courtiers of a King , who attend him daily, and wait upon him ; for they are here faid to bee about bim. i. The feare and reverence of God imprinted on Angels and Saints , doth evidence the greatncfic of Gods power, excellency, and majefty; God is greatly to be fear-ci in the Affembly of the Saints. $. The tcrriblcnefle of Gods holy Majefty * and the reverence due to him from all his Saints, fhould make us afraid to misbelieve his Wo-d ?nd Promifes j for this is made a reafon of the Pjal-mrfis believing the Lords Word : God is greatly to be feared in the AJfemh'y of the Saints, and to be had in reverence by all shem that arc about him.

Ver, 8. 0 LORD God ofhofis^ ftbo is a flrong LORD like unto thee ? or to thj faithfnlneffe ro»nd about theef

A fourth reafon to confirme his faith, is this; GOD is kORDof Hefts, and incomparable inftrength and faithiul-ncfie , whereby he is computed on aU hands round about : therefore will he fay, I have reafon to believe his promife concerning Chrifts Kingdome. IVhencc learn , j. As the X 4 Lord

Lord only knowcth perfectly his ownc Omnipotency, and his own Excellency in all perfections* To we know GOD btft Vhen wecome to him , and' acknowledge that he only knoweth himiclf fully , and do give unto him this glory, as the Pfalmift directing his fpeech to GOD immediately dcth teach us ; OLORV God bfbvfts, who is a ftrovg LORD ljh v e unto thee i 2. The fame power which ferveth to humble a man by afflicting cfhim, fervethalfoto comfort him, and ftrengthen his faith in affliction , when he doth draw neare unto God : for the Pfalmift maketh ufe of the fame ftile here , both to direct his Jaith, and tc keep down hispride, his fretting and repining againft God, faying, 0 L 0 %D (fed of bops. 3. As the, Lord is (as it were) compafled about on all hands with power, and is incomparably flrong in all difference of time paft, pre-fent, and to come, above all his creatures 5 fo alio firft and Lift, in aH difference or time , he is incomparably faithfull above all his creatures; O LORD God of hop ^ who is a flrong Lord like ftntothee ? or to thy faith fulnejfe round about thee ?

Ver. 9, ThoH rulefi the raging of the fca: when the waves thereof arije , thou Jttileft them.

A fifth rcafon to ftrengthen his faith, is; The LORD who doth rule the raging Sea, is able to ftippreffe andcompoie alii tumults and troubles , whatfoever are raifed, or fhall be raifed againft his Church) Therefore I have canfc, will he fay, to believe his promiie concerning Chrifts Kingdcme. Whence learn , That the power of GOD in ruling and~calm-ing the raging Sea , may ftrengthen the faith <f his children > amidit all the tumults cf people againft Chrifts Kingdome. ■■

Ver. 10. Thou haft broheft Rahab in pieces * as we that isflaine; thot* hafi fcattered thine enemies with

ih) jlrongarme.

Tte

Yhe(ixthreafon,isthis; GOD hath'done as much already ;or delivering his Church, by deftroying Ribab, or the Egyptians , and feat re ring of his enemies frcm time to time, as ma/ afture me both what he can, and what he will do for his people, therefore I may be quiet. Whence karne, u Faith inland ftiould make ufe of every example of p O D S wcrMng for his people in all times after, and in fpcciall the overthrow of the Egyptians, as a perpetual pawne of GODS promife to trend down and dehVoy all the enemies of his Church and Kingdoms; for Thou haft b o{cn Rabab in pieces , is here and el fe-where f c-(jucntly called to remembrance for this end, 2# Ic is as eafie for G OD to deft, oy'a Nation of enemies, were they never lo many or powerful, as to Wound or kill one man ; Thou baft broken Rabab in pieces, as one that ujlain ; thou haft fcaticrcd thht enemies with thyftrong hand.

Ver. Ti. The heavens arc thine , the earth affois thine: as for the world and the fulrtejfe thereof , than haft founded them.

Vcr. \\Z The North an£ the Soyth , thou haft created them : Tabor and He) monfia/l rejoyce in thy 'Name.

The feventh reafon for confirmation of his faith, is ' Heaven nnd earth, and all creatures in all corners of the world, are the LORDS work fuftaincd by him,and cared for by himyand there is not a mountaine or hill greater or leflcr, fuchas T;<bor or HcrmoUj which do bear graffe, or cornc, or herbs., or trees , or whatfoever may make them 100k as it were cjieartully nnd rejoyce , but it is by the power of GODS Name; Therefore I may be furc , GOD will much more care for his C hurch, and for the (lability of the Kingdome of Chrift. Whence learn, 1. The heaven and.earth, and tulnefle thereof, belongcth to the LO^£p) by due right, and are cared for by him as his own pof-feffion: 7 be heavens arc thine, the earth a!fo 14 thine: as for the world and fulnejj'c thereof, thou haft founded them. 2. The making and governing of the world, which was ma^c.and is governed for the ufe of man , may give atfurance 11 tat his Church and people, ( for whole caufe especially all was made, ) fliajl be continued from age to age, to long as heaven and<' earth do rcmaine > and flnll be more particularly cared tor a theq any oilier part or

piece

piece of his wotkmanfhip : for to this end doth the Pfalmift make mention of other creatures appointed to fervc man. 5. Seeing the Lord maketb the hills and mountaines, after Win-ter-blaftsoffroftand fnow, to change their countenance > and as it were look joyfully and rejoyce > we may be perfwaded that his Church after troubles (hall much more change its countenance,, and reioyce in Gods Name: For to this end is it faid, that thefe mountaincs Tabor and Hcrmon JIM rejoyce in thy I Name.

Ver. 13. ThoH haft a mighty arme : jlrong is thy bandy and high is thy right hand.

The eight reafon is taken from, the exceeding gteat power of GOD 3 to do more then ever he hath done for his Church. W\)cnce learnc, If a greater work then the making and upholding of the world 3 or if a greater work then any thing which is done by GOD hitherto , were needful to be done for the good of the Church, there is power enough > infinite power in GOD to effect it; Thou baft a mighty arme: (Irong U thy bwd&nd high ii thy right band.

Ver. 14. Jafiice and judgement are the habitation of thy throne \ mercy and truth /ball go before thy face.

The ninth reafon for ftrengthening his faith 3 taken from the properties and attendants of GODS Kingdoms is this: Juftice and judgement are the fupporters of his throne j and mercy and truth are his officers, preparing way for the LORD^, when he i$ about to do juftice in favour of his people : therefore I need not fear that the promife of Chrift; ttingdome /hall faile. Whence team , 1. Whatfoever oppreffion or defolation thfl£ords people may be under , the unalterable tighfeoufneflc of GOD cannot fiile to execute juftice and judgement for punching of the opprcflour, and relieving of his people : for fuflice and judgement are the habitation of his throne : or the bafe whereupon his throne is fetled. 2- Albeit the finnes of the Lord* people might ftop the way of relief coming to them, or prejudice them of having any benefit from juftice > yet mercy and truth are rea«*

dy at hand, to prepare the way by pardon of their fins , and performing all prornifes unto tLem : Mercy and truth f?all go before hit face.

Vcr. 15. THefedls the people that kpoiv the )oyf*l found : they /ball wal^ 0 LORfD , in the light of thj countenance.

1 6. In thy Name /hall they rejpyce all the d*j : and in thy righteoufneffe Jhall they be exalted.

J7. For thou art the glory of their firen^th : and in thy favour our home/ball be exalted.

I 8 For the Lord is our defence : and the holy One of Ifrael it our King.

The tenrh reafen for It-iengrhening of his faith , is taken from the blellednefle of Believers in GOD, whefc properties and privileges are fet ("own in order, fix : all ©f them proving GODS people to be blcfled. V/hcncc lcarn y 1. Whatfoever are the afflictions cf the LORDS people , and in wh.it danger and difficulty foever they be in , yet are they certainty blcfled ': 2/cjfci U the people that Iptow the joyful found. 2. Thofe are to fee accounted GODS people, who with a good heart joyne with others at GODS command in the worftup and fervicc of GOD; Blejfc^ is the people tha^now the joyful found : for the joyful found was the found of the filver trumpets, which were blowne at the joyning in battel in their wanes, or for their journeys, or gathering of Aflemblics, or intimaticn of folcmne feafts, and at the offering of the faci ific'e$ of Ifrael, JP/j/.S r« Numb. 10. $ocl z. Ana the knowing of this joyful found fig-nifieth the alacricie of Gods people to ferve and obey the Lord^as he in his Ordinances mould warnc , dircd arid guide them. 3* 3Ehe properties and priviledgcs of B.licvers in GOD, make fure proof of their bleffcdneffe 5 for they live in grace and favour with GOD , whether they dofenfibly feell it or not : as theif perfons, fo alfp their carriage in faith, and upright endeavour to pi cafe GOD, are alwayes acceptable to G O D : And this. is the firtt priviledge of G ODS people , They Jhatt rvalue , O LORD, in the light of'thy countenance 4. Believers have matter and juft caiifc to lejoyce in GOD for their intereii in him, what focyer be their prefeni condhion 5 In Vy Name frail they

$i6 PSAL. LXXXIX.

rcpyceafltheday. This is another priviledge of Goes pecple. *. The joy of Believers is underpropped and en!arged,when they confider that Gods righteoufneffe fwhich is by faith in Chriil,) is imputed unto them, and Gods righteoufnefie in performing hispromifesis ktonwork for their <iiired:!on 3 encouragement, reformation and defence; And in thy righteoufneffe.f\)dl they beexilted. This is the third priviledge of Believers. 6. Albdc the godly finde no power in themfelves, either to do or fufter, no power either to defend themfelves > or oppofe their enemies 5 yet they want not ft:ength, either imployed tor them , or furniihed fastjiey need) unto them, by God in a glorious manners they will fee , if his helping them be rightly looked upon ; For thou,Lord, (faith he,) art the glory of theirftrengtb , wherein they may glory in their weakeft condition. And this is the fourth priviledge of GODS people. 7. The free grace and love of GOD gracioufly tendered to Believers, is the ground of their ftrength, comfort, confidence and gloriat ion , becaue it is the fountaine of all their felicity ., and well-fp ingof life to them, to look unto this, that they are in favour with GOD i And in thy favour our borne Jl?atl be exalted. And this is the fifth priviledge of che LORDS people. 8. Albeit Biievers be defticure of help from men ; yet they are neither left without protection, nor without government 3 becaufe God or Chrift who is G xl, js the Churches King, to protect, guide and governe her ; for The Lord is our defence or flneld > and the holy One of Ifract is cur J^ing : the Original alio will bear of and to, The Lord k our defence of and to, the holy One of Ifrael Uourl^jng; whereby what may be faid of the typical King, David, and of the true King, Chrift, confidered as man , may give affurance that God would be their defence and King, becaufe T>.wid, ann Chrift as man, were Gods Kings , and Kings for G}ds ferviqe and honour, authorized of God, and devoredtohim. And this is the fixth priviledge of GODS people. A ll which pri viledges areio many proofes of thcbleflfednefle of the Believers , in wlntfcever condition they are. 9. It is wifdome for every Believer, wlien he is about to reckon the riches of G >DS people; an.i to let forth their priviledges, to make application thereof to himfclr* in amongft the reft oi that number, as the example of the Pfalmift here doth teach us j who in the latter part of this computaion doth Co \ In thy favour our home Jliall be exalted, the Lord is our defence^ our fyng.

Ver.

Ver. F9, Then thou fpakefl *" vifion to thy holy One : andfaidft, I have laid help upon one that is mighty : / have exalted, one chojen out of the people.

20. / have foundT)avid my fervant } with mj holy dile have J anointed him.

In the fecond part of the Pfalmift,for the further comfort of the Church in her faddeft condition , and to ftrengthen yet more the godly in their troubles, j. He expoundcth the Covenant of Grace made with thrift , reprefented typically by Lavii, be-caule he muft be looked upon only as the fhadow , but Cbrift as the chief party , and as he in whom the reall fubftance is accomplished peife&ly. Therefore (hail we fpeak of both, as the word doth relate uito the one, or unto the other, or to both in feverall re "peels. And firll of the circumftances of the C ovenant, and then of the feveral Articles thereof: for the Pfalmift marketh,

1. The time of revealing of the Covenant 5 Tbe.uio wit,wben ic pleafed God to let it be known, that he puipofed to take a courfe for the comfo.-table governing of his Church and Pecpk* 2. He obferveth the way of revealing it, which hefheweth to be by vifion; he fpake to his holyfcrvint , to wit, Samuel or Nathan. 3 He commendeththe man whowas torule , as fitand ableto be helpful to his people; 1 have hid help upon one tbat U mighty.

4. He fheweth the caufe of his pic.e ment, to be his ownehee love and good will; / have exited onecbofen o.t of the people..

5. He nameth him and his effi.e j / bdve found. David my /er-vjint. 6. He telLth of his ipiritual furniture , n^uied forth by anointing; With my holy Oilc have I anointed hm. Wbenct learn, 1. Albeit the Lord hath alwayes a fpccial care of the governing of his people j yet doth he not at all times alike clearly make manifeft this care, by giving comfortable Governours he hath his own times, as to hide his face in this particular, fo hit' own then alb, when to mew his love; Then thou fpa l itji»

2, The L:rds mindeis not to be found by conjc&iires , bu; by his Word revealed to his holy Prophets 1 Then thou \px\tfi to • thy holy One in vifion and jaid 3. As the Lov.s peopU Irani in need or a good Kin£ , a m in or p jwer, able and wiliiftg tq be h.lp ul co the fubjecb, and not hurtful: Co G ;d mull be the in-able, of him, and defigner of him after the wav he pScafech , and fhe m.iker of him to be ef.dually bclpiul: I have luUbdpupon

one

PSAL. LXXXIX.

one that is mighty. 4. It is conducible > to the intent a Ruler may be helpful to the fubjech, that there be fome natu-rail tie between him and them: for this God did provide for in the appointing comfortable Govcrnours over his own people y 1 have exalted one> ebofen out of the people,, 5. That one is preferred before another , or advanced to any place of power or trufi over others in mercy, it is of Gods grace, free choice and good will; I have exalted one, ebofen out of the people. 6. The, man who muft in his government do good to Gods people , muft be a man for *5od, Gods fervant, not by office and duty onely, but of a fct purpole alfo: I have found David my fervant. 7. The man whom God imployethin Government for his people , muft tefurnifliecj with gifts and graces of his Spirit, figured by holy oyle 5 With my holy oyle have J attainted him. 8. As David was in type, fo Chrift is in truth, and in all refpeds more eminently thcnDxvidyi. ftrong hclper,mighty to lave,appointed of cheFather to help us in all cafes; and to whom we arc directed to go^that we * may finde helpe , on whom helpe doth lie , in whom we (hall furely finde help > he is one of our kinde, taken out from among the people , acquainted with the meaneft condition his fubje&s can be in , exalted to be a Pance and a Saviour A chofen and predeftin ited (as man) for the office before the world was, devoted to the ferviceof the Rcdemption/anSificauon,gov€rnmenr, and falvation of his people s and filled, as man , with the holy Ghoft above meafure, that out of his fuineile we may all receive grace for grace: of whom it is moft really true, With my holy oyle have 1 anointed bim.

Ver. 21. frith Whom my hand fall be cflablifbed: mine arms alfo jhalljlrengthen him.

From this ver. to the 58. he bvingeth forth tenrie promifes, a$^ fb many heads and articles of this Covenant, whereof this is the firft, concerning aflifhncc to be given to David in type, and to Chrift morefubftanthlly, and in more eminent effects. Prbcncc learn, 1. As to David in his Kingdome: lb to Chrift' as man in his Kingdom, God hath engaged his outwardly aflift-ing power conftmtly: With vohommyband \ball be eftibliftcd. i« As to David: fo to Chrift full furniture of power for all the puts of government is p.omifcd in favour of all tji£ fubjects of. his Kingdom!: Hike armealfo'foaWfirengtbenhiiny as the

work

work is great or difficult, divine ftiength (hall enable him to go about it and do it.

Ver, 22. The enemy ftall not exatt upon him : nor the fonne oj wickednejfe afflttt me.

The fecondpromifcis,thatas Davids fubje&s, albeit they had many battels, yet were they not fubducd in his time , no'c made tributaries to their enemies, nor made miferable by them: to fhali Chtifts fubjects and kindly converts unto him , be found during his time, which is from generation to generation, and for ever; albeit troubled by the fpiiitual enemies of his King-dome, yet they (hall not be made tributaries, voluntary fervants, or miferable (laves to them : for (inne (hall not have dominion over them , nor (hall Satan or perfecuters have fuch power, as to drive them away from their liege Lord Jefus Chriii, the true *Divid , the true King oft he Ifrael of God : The enemy fall not exift upon bim y nor the fame ofwkkpditejfeafflitfbim, or make him really miferable: for all things (hall work together for their good.

Ver. 23. And I will beat down his foes before his face 9 and plague them that hate him.

The third promife,isof the deftroying the enemies oCDsvids' and Chriits Kingdome, which albeit trey mould not want e-nemies, both open enemies, openly envadingthe Kingdcme , oroppo ng it to their power, and alio inward fecret enemies, who in heart mould wi(h the hurt and barm' of their Kingdom/ yet God (hould deft oy as 'Dj.vids enemies, fo far as might iervc the type,(b Ghrifts enemies more eminently,and in a more corn:-pleat manner and meaiurc: I will beat down bis enemies before bUfdcCy this is for open enemies: I will pLguetbcmthu Lute bim, this is for fecret iateftine enemies in lpccial : both thele forts (hall be permitted to cxercife Chrills fubjc&s, bur (hall ac length be iully deftroyed.-

Vcr. 24. But fhyf4itbfh r *e(fe and mj mercy flu!!be Wish him: and in my Name Jbati his horr.e be exa ted.

The

po PSAL. LXXXDt.

The fourth promifeis> for removing all difficulties and iov pcditncnrs which might hinder the growing of Chrifts King-corn, and of his Objects unto full glory : for here the promise, as k relates unto the type, hath not the accomplishment clearly and fully. JVbence learn^ i. There arc two things which iio oppugne aniaffault faith: the one is, the grcatneffc of the work• and benefit promifed: the other is, the finnes of thclc to whofcbehoof the piomife is made ; but Gods fattbfulncffcznd, mercy p/omiled to Be w ith C hi ill for the benefit or his fubjec^ts, doth anfvver both thofe obftades; for Gods promife muft be ac-coTplifhed, how great things fdevcr he hath promifed, the. e is nothing too hard tor him : and Gods mercy takcth away the cb-ihcleof unworthinefs and ill-deferving by reafon of fin : Mercy boldeth truth on upon the courfe thereof toward us 3 when juftice otherways might break it off from us^But ny faitbfidneffe and my mjrey Jhaltic with him. z. The fubje&s of Chrifts Kingdom want not matter of ploiiation , albeit they have nothing in them lei ves toboaftof: Gbds puwer, mifdom, good nefle and mercy manifefted in the Word, is the only ground of their glo-liation : In my Name Jhall his home be exalted > for when' Chriils fubje&s elory in God through him , Chrifts glory is €xaltedin Gods Name.

Ver\ 9$. / wi/I fethh hand a'l/o in the fea, and his tight hand in the rivers.

The fifth promife maJe to 2)avid in the ihadow, but to* Chrift inthemeft realfubftancc, is the inlarging oi his Kingdom through the world by fea and land, continent and ifles:* sn.l.io Chrifts Kingdom muft not be confined to morenarrcw bounds then his charter doth be -re him unto, but muft be (fetched cut to the due length and breadth^ even to whitherfo-ever he fenderh cut his Gofpel : and doth extend his hand 10 fubdue and conquer fubjefts unto himielf, and to bting them within the vifible Church; For, I will [a his hand alfo in the \ca } and hh rign band in the rivers : flieweth, that the King-c'on muftaach beyond the bounds of (anaan, whethe. we look to David thetypc> ortoChvift the Antitype j wc areled by this" f^eech to the largenetfe of this Kingdom.

Yer

\tr.z6,Hepjallcrj unto we, Thou art mj Father : mj God, and the rock^nf myjalvat/on.

The fach promifc, properly belonging to Chiifr., according as it is declared by the Apoitle, Hcb. 1.4. from diisptacc> and from iSam 17. 19. For albeit David and Solomon were Gods tonnes by adoption office ot Government, and chofen types, .yet Chrift. who came ot tDrjf J according to the flelh was Gods Sonne by perfonal union ot the humane nature with the IVqyA or fecond Perfon of the Trinity. And here he is promifecl 3$ Head and Piinceor the Covenant of falvation, made in favour of the elect only Ale .iatour and Inter ceilbr for all the redeemed.' }Vhcnce Icarn^ 1. The Covenant ot" .grace is confoiidated in Ch iftour Head: and he hath the h\ft right as man, to :ay unto the Father, that which is he.e laid as Intcrccflbr and Media-tour for the elect ; Hcjhall cry unto meThou art mj Father :my Oo ' , and the rodi of my falvation. 2.H ereby it is intimated alio, that both Chiift in his ownperfoji, and the .per (bus of .his redeemed ones alio, fin^vhvfe name Chrift tafeeth the eight of wh.it is promhed to his iubjectsjwas to be cxercifed with trouble,' and was to be put to i:> to make ufe of the Covenant, and of the privileges and prcniiies of it for fuftcntation and falvation^ Thou art my Fother>m) God, and tie rcch^of my falvatiqn.

Vcr.27. Alfo 1 rrillmak? b m my firjl-borne^ high* tr then the Kings of the earth.

Thefeventh promifc moft proper alfo to Chrift, who in re-fpecl of his humane natureperfcnally. united with the divine feature of the exertjal only begotten Sonne, is made and declared to be the Fathers fiift-born, and more excellent then all, the Kings of the earth, how dcfpicablc foevcr bis Jrungdom dothfeemj for all earthly Kings are under his foo iluol , and of them none can make or prelerve the Irfc or one ot his fub-jccls,nor his own > *Al[o I will mafic kimmyfrfl-borne, Ifrgb-cr then the lyings of the earth. 'Davids prerogative above o.h<.: Kings, w.s but a fhad'owof this, and ot ll.ort continuance.

Vcr. 28. Mj mercy wi/l 1kfep for fan f 0Y evermore: and mj covenant fhail ft and fail with him.

j The" cigruh promlfe is of evedafting..mercy (0 Chwft> fub-

jecls, to be kept in ftorc for Chrifts difpeniing forth thereof; My mercy will Ifacpforbm for ever; and this is the ground of the Covenant, arid the fweeteft confolation of the Covenant, which ihall never he difannuiled, becaufe cttabliAied in Chrift, and to him for our behoofs My Covenant ft all (land faft witb him.

Ver. 29 His feed alfo will Intake to endure for ever : and his throne as the dayes of Heaven.

The ninth prornife is, of the continuance and Increafe of hisolV-fpringand Kingdome^ while the world ftandeth, which cannot be fulfilled but in Chrift. Whence learn, 1. Chrift hath from aee to age a fucceflion of children, whom he by his Word and Spirit-begetreth unto a (piiitual life; and this fucceflion fliali net be cut off, but one generation ihali follow another: His feed alfo will I mj\e to endure for ever. 2. As Chrift lhall not want fubjects in any age, fo fhall he not ceafeto govern his people in any a^e } Hk throne fall be as the ayes of Heaven.

Vet. 30. If his children forfafy my law, and Walk not in my judgements:

31. if they breaks my fiatutes y and keep not my Commandments:

32. Ihentoi/l I vifit their t ranfgreffi on with the rod^ and their iniquitie frith firipes.

33. Nevertheless, my loving kindnejfe mill I not utterly take from him : nor fuffer my faithfulnefje to fate.

Th: tenth prornife is of a merciful manner of dealing with Chrifts fubjects, (that is, with perfons regenerate and reconciled with God/ by correcting them with temporal rods, when they break forth into cftcncesjsnd do turn back or go afide from obediene to Gods law, that being cor reded they may repent, -md iobefaved. Whence learn, i. The Covenant here mnde h David in iypc> and with C hriftthe Antitype, i* for the

behoof

behoof and benefit of the children^* this article mrkcth evidentj if bis children forMc my law. z. There is a proyilioni.n the Covenant, againit die hns which may fall out in the pcrfons covenanted, and might mane ail our comfort if remiffion were not covenanted > If bis children forf^e my law. 3. If the Lords children watch r.o: over their own conupt narure, and a-gainft tcntations, they are in danger or falling, and certainly will fall into fits of fearful (inning againit. Gods revealed will, bo:h byway ofcommi (lion and omiffion, io as they may feem no: renewed, as here is prcfuppofed j If his children forfa^c my Uw, andw.dli not in my judgments :. if they, bre.ifc my.jlatutes 3 an& keep not my Qommandmcnts^.i\\Q Lord doth jicm allow, im in his ownchilctren more then in others>but wilUeftttie his indignation againit the Mis of his own children with/ad.judgements; 7/ they h K cep not my commmimcnis } then will I vifit their tranfgrcf-fions with the rod, and their iniquity wrthjlripcs.. .5 v The fliarp-eitrods and lorcll ihip^s, wherewith God doth vilu the children of Chrifl;,may itand, and do (land with loving kindnefle unto them; fo; they are fatherly corrections, medicinal preservatives againft finning afterward, and tokens of Gods .hatmg of (inne, and not of rejection of their peifans, but rather effects of his love to the pet-Ions corrected $. 1SI evert bclcffe, my lo~ vingh K indneffe will I not utterly take frcmbim., 6,, "lhe mercy ihewento the children, is with refped to the. Father with, whom the Covenant is made in iavour of the children: ^Oi/ly toying fandneffe will I not utterly tufa from bim: that, is, from David as type, and Chriftas Antitype, to: whole fake the kindnefle is derived to the clulvit.cn. 7. Except'the Covenant of grace had this article in it. for icmiflipn of iinnejand for fa £ thcrly cor,rcc1ion y to drive unto repentance,- that the penitent pcrfon coining to God by faith, might have Came forgiven him, and loving kindnefle (hewen to him; this Covenant mould faile; us no lcfle then tlje Covenant of works : My loving fyndncfjc I -willnot tafcfrom bim, nor fuffer my faithfulncjfctofailc.

Vcr. 3 !• Mj covenant, will I not br?ak\ nor filter the thing that is gone out of my lipr.

^ 5. Once have I [worn by my bolixeffe, that I W /// not lie unto David.

36. HU(eedfhall endure for ever \ and his throne as thc'Sunne before me.

y t it;

37. // Jhalhbffftablifbed for tver as the Moone : find As a faithful ftitnejfe in heaven, Selah.

A'terthe articles of the Covenant, he fubjoyneth the confirmation of it j firlt j by the fubfcrib cd Pcomife of God, for c-videncing of the immutability of it, vcr. 34. Secondly, by ratification of his oath formerly made for the liability of it, vcr,} 5. Thirdly, by witnefles and pledges of the continuance of it j to wit, the Sunne and the Moone, ver. $6,37* Whence learn, 1. Albeit the finnes df Gods children do break the Covenant on their part, vet do they not diflblve the Govertent on Gods part, or make God to break his part of the Covenant, %vhich is to correct and chaflife the finncr, and bring him back by repentance, and not take away his loving kindneflc from the iinner ; My Covenant will 1 not hrea\, 2. The Covenant of grace is that which is revealed in the Gofpel for remedy of fin, and relief from wrath j and what is revealed we ma^ be Pure iliall not be altered: My Covenant will I not brca^ nor alter the thing tlwt is gone out of my mouth. 3. As we arc declared to be naturally averle- from teleeving God , who do ftand in need of confirmation byTtis oath: fo God by ratification of his promife by oath doth declare his will to the uttermoft, that we ihould beleeve in him, an.1 reft upon this Covenant, and fo make an end of controverting with him any more, by our misbelief in this matter > Once have 1 [worn. 4. There can be no greater fecu-rifjv-then'the true Chriftian hath for his falvationj for <3od hath hid frfpaWn his truth and his holincfle, which is the glory of all his attributes, that he will not take his loving kindnefle away from any of Chills children: Once bxvel jwornc by my holincffc, thxtlwill not lie unto David. 5. The ftability of 7)avids feed which is Chrift; and the perpetuity of his king-ck>me for the comfort of all his iubje&s, as it is confirmed by an oath, and by pledges laid down for affurance thereof: fo hath the Lorcj taken the Sunne and Moone to be witnefles of this Covenant of grace, as the rainboweis witnefle of th.n Covenant for not deftroying the world with a flood: His feed fhall endure for <cvcr\ and bis throne as the Sunne before me* 6. As the witnefles of the Covenant, the Sunne and the Moon, do remaine in heaven, whatfoevar change do feeme in them , and howfoevcr both of them do difappear every day once, and the Moon every day ami every moncth feemeth to change ftfmething in riie 'meafure

df

of her light, yet is the c no qucition made aJbont them, but t n CV (hall nppear i<j;ain in due leafon. lb :hc Covenant of grace made with bis IriCivift) (^hatfoflwc .-derations do fcem to come thcrin,andhowfoever it doth difappeiE ar fomc timcsyfhould not be called in queftion, b-u cirjemed faithful as the witneiles of i: are ; U Jbail be efixblifhcl for ever si tbc Mqjov, aul.is. a faithful vitneffe in be wen.

Ver. 3 8. Hut thou haft caft off and abhorrtcH ' thoji baft beenWrotb mfbthi'ie tnointci.

yaiff'jg 40 4* \% 43 <H & *tfl'

In the third par, of the Pfalm: hefallsth upon a. fad Ume*-tation, and reprefenteth the aftaircs and Kingdome of 7$A\ffl) as in appearance dole coiinvuy to the Covenant, to v.46 w hero he takcth up himiilf, and prayeth to Gad for reme iy o ; all thofe evils, and clofetb the Pfatme wuhthankfgiving and prai e.

In his lamentation he bemoaneth ft. it , as it ieemed to him j that Druidand his houie were rejc&ed of Gad, and that in wrath,v.}8.Nexc,that the Covenant wasdiilblved and the King-dome and Cown ruined altogether, vw. ;y;. Thirdly, that all defences and ftrong holds were removed and thrown down, vcr. 40. Fouuhly, that he was nude a prey to any that plea fed to fpoile him, and a reproach to his neighbours, vcr. 4 \ . Fif.h-ly, that his enemies were afliftcd of ^,-od, and he being deferred jn battel was put to flight, vcr. 4 *<> 4-? • Sixthly, that all the pri -viledges and prerogatives of his Kingdome were abolifhed, vcr. 44, Sevcnth!y,rhat the happinelie of his Kingdom hid taft-cd a very fhort time, and that nil expectation of hoped tor blef-fings wcreblafted, and turned to matter of ihame and confu-lion, vcr. 45. Whence learn , 1. From the order and place of 1 he lamentation; It is not time for us to enter the lifts with Ofts tatic ns and doubts, till firft we have fixed our hearts by faith in the Lords promifes againft all tcntations, anddouotSj and fearcs, and appearances of evil, as the Pfalmift doth he e. 2.The eila e of Chrifts Kingdom, no lefle then of Vjvfds Kingdom., may at fomc times leem to humane lenle in a condition quite contrary to what is promifedconcerning it, as this lamentation, wherein the hopes of Chrilb Kingdom isqueftioncd by the Pf dmifts tcntation, doth m ke evident. $. The only relief of Gods diftreffed people at fuch a time, is to follow the ex implc of the Pfalmift, that is, toftecngrhen their faith, contrary to

what appearcth outwardly to fen r e, and then lay out the doubts, fearcs and tentations before God,to beanfwercd by hfcjlj as ftttfe the Prophet doth. 4. Alt thofe calamities might come upon Davids civil Kingdom, and yet this Covenant made with hirri as the type of Ghrift not be cMYclved, as experience huh proved, because the Covenant wss not made to exempt him, or his family, or Kingdome from the rods of men, in cafe by their mifcarriage and tranfgreffions they fhould provoke the Lord, for the kit article in the Covenant, invcr. 30, Jiyir*. cxprefly holdethout the contrary. Secondly, becaufe the Covenant in the main fcopc belonged to Chrift and his fpiritual Kingdom > to Vavid and his children and Kingdom, as to a type and iiiadovV of Chilli and his Kingdom, or as they were members of Chrifts Kingdome tor 'their fpiritual good. 5. Senfe and carnalreafon may mifrcprefent the Lords difpenfation, as if it were contrary to his Covenant and Prornife, and contrary to what the godly do belecvt according to Gods Word ; as here we fee, comparing this lamentation withtheformerpart of the Pfalme. 6. lfihc godly dohcldfaft to the Wo-.d of God, andbelecve what trre Lord hath fromiied, whatfoever appear in the contrary, then may they with great freedom* (yea, and they fhould of drty and wifdom) lay forth all their tentations, and what carnal rea-fenand fenfe fpeaketh id them before the Lord, who is able to folve all doubts, and fatisfie faith, without feare of being mistaken, as this lamentation compared with what precedeth, ma-keth manifeft. 7. Whatfoever calamity (hall croffe the be-leevershcpe* Gcd-ftill muft be efteemed and held the fender out, of the calamity, as well as the Author of the Prornife, which the difpenfation feemerh to ■ croffe : that the glory, both of jvftice wounding his childe, and of mercy healing him, may be given to lire Lord, as the example of the Pfalmift doth reach, who in all the complaint faftentth all the branches of the calamity upon Godsdcing.

Ver. \6. H?>rv long y LOKD y -wilt thou hide thy felf, for evertJbtll thy wrkth burr.e lifyfire?

47. Remember howfbort my time is: Wherefore haft^ thou made all men in vain} '

48. What man is he that Iheth^ and fhall not fee de*tb ? ''fhall he deliver bis fcul from tie hand of the grave ? St/ah, " 4?.

PSAL. LXXXIX. W

49. Lord, where are thy former loving khidnrj[ff f which thonftoarcft u*t0 "David in thy truth}

50. R a mtm'jcr (Lord) the reproach of thy fer-vanti : how I dobeare inmj b>)jomeK.\\Z reproach of all the mighty people,

51. Wherewith thine enemies have reproached^ 0 LORD: therewith they have reproached the fjOt flops of thine anointed

U. Blefed be the WBSD for evcrmrre • tAmcn, and Amen.

Here he ta;ncth his complaint into prayer for remedy, to fliew that he did not fret; but b:lccve, that the Lard both could and would give relief The rcafoas for it en^thenirv* of his faith are tome. Fiilf, beanfc the wrath of God agaiail his people cmiotbe everlafting, vcr.46. The fecond. becaufctheLous afflicted people were of a fhortlife, and did expect comfort before they died, vet. 47,48. The third, becaufc former experience, and Go Is fworn Covenant behooved to have eviden: comfortable effects 3 vcr. 49 The fourth, becaufc the mockcriccf the enemie againft Gods people,and Ch'i(Is King.'on was ir-fupportable, vcr. ?o ? ji. After which, asking allured cm a gooi anfwer, hcclofeththc Pfalmc with p aye- and thinkigi-ving. Wlnncckxrn^ i. From the firft teaforijTbc chiMren.af God are mo c affected with Gods dffpUafu e, then with tic rouble they are put u nm \ How lp?ig,Lord 9 viilt thou bidct^y jicc? This fhewe:h their chief wound. 1. WIntfocvcr be the Lords pu-poic in afflicting, yet fore trouble doth alwayesfpcA the wrath of Grd to the apprchenfion of 1 he afflicted ; ^briliby wntb burnc iib^c fire? 3. A; God cannot be angry for ever with his people; fo his people cannot endue any, appearance of ever* laftin^ wrath, and ut:er deftruction '> How UngyLord, telly ihvi hide tby ficcfor ever ? Jlull tby wrMb burnc li^efirc f

From the fecond reafon, to confirm hishope to be heard, (et down, vcr. 47,4 $• Lcirn> 1. Asour life is fliort, an I -.he fnort-nefle of it mould be a (purrc to feck the \cn\^ of Gods good wilt' to us while we are in this life: fo may all Gads children exp: :t, how (hort foever :heir life be, to finde fen ible p oors in this life of Gxlslovc to them, and care of them; for, Remember bow Jhort my time k : do h import lomuch in the iVaimifb X 4 rcaibuiiag.

328 PSAL. LXXXIX.

reafcning. z. Albeit God liath created no man in vaine, but for his own glory one way or other, yet Gods children have little or no eitimation o\ this life, except that they therein may finde God reconciled, and have communion with him in this life.; For thus pamonarei.xpicffion, Wherefore baft thou made all men in vaine? doth import as inucb.; as we count our life in vaine, and nothing worth to us, i;>hou fhalt not be reconciled unto lis. 3 . Albeit our words in prayer mould be well weighed, yet in fcd affliction and grief ct hep.:t, words fomctime may efcapc a Saint, which cannot be ijhftified, as here this fpcech giveth us an i n (lance : fortius is a limiting of God to crave comfort in this Jife to the afflicted, at the time when they fliall prefcribe, or elfe to make all their formerly received comforts, and life it fclrto be in vaine given unto them : for prefuppofe a man fhould fufrcr Gods terror from his yourh up, as Heman did, and be as S diftrafted roan, becaule of the terrour of God, and fhould end his life, as Heman doth the preceding Pfalm without comfort 5 fee life eternal might make up the troubles of the wrcftiing of uch a mans faith, and loon recompenfe the lofle of comfort in this life : and yet uch is the weakneife even of Champions Tike Ethan, as to vent fame psflionatc exprefllons in their trouble: Why bafl thou made all men in vain? ^Mortality and fliortnefle of life is common to all men: but to be {lined up thereby to the more earncil feeking of Spiritual comfort, and preparation for e-tcrnailiie, is thepropcrtie of actildcof God only 5 fuchasthfc Pfaimift is, who \c this very end, that he might have fpiritual comfort, draweth in Argument from mortality; What man k he that Inctb, and frail wtfec death t

From the third reafonfet down, vcr* 40. taken from the ex-pei ience cf mercies, and nvorn promiies made to David ; team, 1. Albeit a nian were in never fo hard a condition for his own cae, or the ca^c of other godly perfons, yet that which God hath done and promifed ro do unto any belccver, may fuftaiii him when he miflcih all comfort or appearance of it 3 Lord y where arc thv former loving liindvcffcs luito David? 2 •When thebciecver doih mine the comfort which he or any other hath got en of GiJ) he fhould go to the fame fountain to have fomc new experience the:eof, as the Piiilmifts example doth teach. 3 The belccver uktth Gods part agninftall doubts, and difap-pearanrcscf thcper!orming of his promiies, as we fee in the Pudmift, who when he is 'miffing Gods former loving; fuiidndfej the continuance whereof.was promifed and Twotn; he

htfaflertcrh the tru;h of the promife, faying which tim f#i~ reft unto David in thy truth.

From the fourth real on of his hope td have a gracious anfweY to his prayer, takctl from the reproaching of the enemies, as- ft is fctdowm ikt. 50, fi. Learn, 1.Bcfuic inward ten rations unro misbelief in tncday of trouble, the Lords people ufc to meet u ith the moclfings of the wicked, infoiemly (corning their faith in God, which as it vcxeth the g'cfdly, to is it taken notice of by d .• fyrncmbft> Lord , the reproaeh of thy ftrvants. 1. The mocking of Religion in the thy of the CfturdieV calamity, is Co much the nnrc a terrible tentation, as the adverfarics who do infill t over Religion, are many and tiowe/ftti to annoy Gods people, and tread down Religion m y Remember the reproach of all thevnJgb-' tjpeople, $. The reproach of Religion and of the godly doVh lie near, and mould lie near the heart of every lively member df the Church: Remember the reproach which tdo bcare in my bofome. 4. Such as do reproach Religion and the &odly in their calamity",are Gods etfernlcs, and againit :hem God is engaged ; Remember the reproaches, xohercvoith the enemies have reproached, O Lord. <. Thebhfphemie's which do ftrikeagainft Gdcispro-mifed falvation in Ch ill, and th: progrCile of his Kingdom, are of all t(?n:arions molt heivic, and are refc-ntcd of God rnoft dctp-ly ; 7{cmembcr the reproaches, rthCrewith they have reproached the footjlcps of thine anointed ; tot ii Ddvlds pofterity ^r\A fucceflion went on one genei at-ion after another, (0 Clirift made his approaches nearer to his incarnation ; and when the family of David feemed to grow weak, the godly were aiTanltcd with fcarcsand doubts about the coming of the A'leffiah : and the ungodly mocked the matter of Chritis coming altogether, and reproached the promii'e of his progrcJ&.

From the clofc of the PfaUi, ver. fa. Learn, 1. Prcfuppofe a bclcever ftiould not findeprcfent cqimfbrt in his lad condition, yet it is an eafe to have poured.out his complaint before the Lord: and this liberty of fpcech is a gift worthy of thankfri->rifip tor, Blcfd hethcUrd, doth the Prophetadde, when hen-th lakUihe would fay. 4. We ihould dole and leive our phiytt before God in good tcrmes, however he fliall aniwer us, or 1: em to difpofe of matters towards us: ane! we fliould blclTe hrm;db what he p>cafc:h.as the Pfalmift doth here ■ 2fcf-fed he the lord for evermore. * .The boleever mav be lure to have his lawiuiicqiicfts graced unto him, anJrnay let to" his ft-1 to Ooi^s proxies without f:arc,a 5 the Pfalmift tcacheth us in his

faying,

faying, Amen. Yea the more tentation doth drive us unto mif -belief, the more mould faith look for a deliverance, and adhere to the truth of Gods Covenant, as here the Prophet doih by doubling hisfcale, by, Amen, and Amen.

PSAL. XC.

A Prayer of Mofes the man of god.

THis Pfalm agreeth well with the latter end of CMofcs's life, when he being now to remove, did prcfent this prayer to God, and delivered it unto the Churchy for their comfort and direction, how to carry themfelvcs towards God in their fhort and forrowful life.

The Pfalme may be divided into three parts. In the firft, is the Churches fourfold comfort againft temporal troubles and miferies in this world. The firft is taken from the Lords kind-nefle to his people in all ages, ver. i. The fecond is taken from the decree of their election, ver. z. The third fronv the hqpe of their refurre&ion,iw. $. The fourth from the mortnefle of time unto it, vcr. 4. In the fecond part, the ftiortncffe and miferies of life procured byfinne, are lamentably fet forth before the Lord, who is full of pi:y, vcr. 5,<S, 7, s > 9> 1 O, 11. In the laft part a e fix petitions, fome whereof are for the right' ufe of the fhortneffe and forrowesof this life, and fome of them for a gracious deliverance from them, vcr. n, 1$, 14, ij, 4 6, 17.

Vromthe Infcription; Lam, t. A teacher of Gods people fliould carneftly intercede by prayer for Gods people, a* Mofes did 3 This is a prayer of Mofes. 2. He that firtech in Mofes his chaire mould be furniftied with gifts for the'Miniftery, called ok God, confecrated unto God in his heart for this purpofe, and altogether fet for God in his pra&icc, for fo Mofes was, A wan of God. 3. As the conference of being, A man of God, is a Gngular comfort and encouragement to a Mincer in his life-time: fo is it a Angular honour to him, living and dead, before God and men, to be in effect, tA man of God, as here ic

is

PSAL. XG. w

istoMofes, who is called, Aminof Cjody to his commcndi-Uon, becaufe he was faithful in all the houleof God.

Ver. I. \ Ord^ thou haft been our duelling f lace J /m all generations.

The firft comfort of the Lor .is people, againft tfacmiftricsof this life is, from the Lords kindneile to his people in all ages. Whence learn, i. There is no dealing with God in prayer, except we lay hold on the offer of Gods kindntffe, according kq the Covenant of grace, and do look uponC6d as gracious to us in Chrift, Therefore here and ejicwhere, ^applicants do begin with renewed aftsand exprtflions of laving faith. i.Gois people in every place and age , is one incorporation with K,cdi people in all ages preceding and following and may lay claim to all the p/iviled^es or Gods people before th m, as here the Church in Mofcs time joyneth it' felfc with all the Lords people in former times, for th:? tie of fnc-ceedino ages which were to come; Lord, thou l.ujt becne or dwelling fbee in all generation's. 3. Albeit the Lords people be ftrangers in the earth; partly , becaufe they have no certain residence in this world 5 partly, becaufe they, are evil entertained by men of this world , but fpecially, bccaule in their afte&ions they are pilgrims in this world; yet they want not a refting place, and a dwelling in heaven, even God himfclf, in whom they dwell by faith, and findc In him reft, and food , and protection, and comfon ; yea, and in his heart they have bad a lodging in' all generations , Lord , tbon haji been our dwelling plate in all generations. 4 # Troubles and .mileries of this lire do make the godly to fcarch out their intcrcft in God, and in another life, as here and elfewhere we may perceive in the excrcifc of Gods children : their {traits on earth, do make them feek inlargemcnt in heaven.

Ver. 2. Before the mountnines v:cre brcuoht forth, or ever thou hadfl jormed the earth and the World : even from cv?rLfting to cverlafling thou ivtCjcd*

The

The fecond corafort of the Believer a^ainft the mjferies of this fliort life , is taken from the decree of their Election , and the eternal Covenant of Redemption of them felled in' the purpofe and counfel of the bleffcd Trinity for their behoof, wherein it was agreed before the world was, that the Word to be incarnate, fliould bethcSavioutofthcElcct: for here theaffertingofthc eternity of God, is with relation to his own chofen people y for, Thoii haft been our dwellingplace in all generations , and thou art God from cverlaftngtocverlafting, is in ftibftance thus much: Thou art from everlafting to everlafting the fame unchangeable God in purpafe and affection toward us thy people, and fo thou art our God from everlafting, in regard of thy eternal! purpofe of love, Electing us; and in regard of thy appointing Redemption for us by the Redeemer. JVbence learn , \ . From Gods good will to us in time, we may arife to Gods good will to us before time; and from grace fnewed to us in time , we may conclude grace and good will pnrpofed toward us, and ordained for us before time ; Thus doth the Pfalmifl teach us to climb ; for after he hath faid , From generation to generation , thou \u[l been our dwelling place , that is, in all time paft thou halt been our God; he fubjoyncth , Before the moumaines were brought forthj ere ever thou hxdfi formed the earth And the world, thou an God : That is, the lame God unchangeably in thy purpofe and love toward us before time from everlafting.' 2.From fpeciall love fhewen to us in time, we may conclude love to-v/ard us, not oncly before time from everlafting, but alio that ft mall continue toward us after time for ever; Even from everlafting to everlafting, thou art God , faith he > that is, the fame itrong God immutable in thy purpofe and love toward us firft andlaft : and indeed faith cannot Hx it felf, till by the warrant of Gods Word, and feeling of his gracious woi king in us in time, it ]oyne Gods work of grace, and his purpofe of grace together. Therefore the Apoftlc, Epbcf. i. doth lead the Believer in Chrift, to election in (Thrift before the world was > and to pre* deftination unto Adoption by Jefus Chrift, according to the good pleafure of his will before the world was, ver* 3,4,5. And i Tim. 1.9, he lcadcthusto a compleated Covenant before the world was made, between God the Faiher and God the Son, according wheretinto all conditions required of the Redeemer are fetlec, and all the Elect , all the redeemed are delivered over to the Son, the IVotd to be incarnate , dciigncd Redeemer; and all laving grace is given over into (Thrifts hand, to the behoof of the Elect,

to

co be let forth unro them in due time : for there it is faid , TbiZ ^race was giz<n to us in Cbrifi $cjits > before the world began* 3. The nature of God which is to be one and the fame, unchangeable from everlafting toevcrlafting , is the foiid ground of the rcafonine of faith after this manner ,as here we arc taUght, from ever Lifting to cvcrlafting> thou art Cjod. 4. The knowledge ot Gods eternal goodwill to us, is a fufficient cordiallto foften and fweeten all our grief and affliction in this life: for the very end why this Doctrine is prefixed unto what is following about temporal mifery , is to comfort the Lords people againtt ail the troubles of this life.

Ver.3. Thou tumefi man udefiruttion •* andfayefi^ l\eturne y ye children of men.

A third comfort, is from the- refurre&ion of the dead. Whence learn, 1 Albeit God doth execute the decree , which hath appointed ail men once to die, yet he hatkappointed alio « refurre&ion , whereby he is powerfully to recall and make re-turne from de?th all the pofttrity of AcUm; Thou tumefi man to deftruftion; and fo all men muft die, and fay eft ^ Rcturne, jc cbi-dren of men, and fo all men muft rife againc. 2. It will coil the Lord but a word to make the dead to rile againe , or to make them that ate deftroyed, to rcturne againc j Tkoufaycfty Rcturne, ye children of men. His Word is already paft forth in the Doctrine oftheReurreaion, and is altogether operative, (hall prove fully effectual at length.

Ver. 4. For a thou/and yeares in thy fight, are but as yeflerda), when it is pa ft : and as a watch in the night.

The fourth comfort, is from the mortnefle of the time between a mans deathand his returning from it in the Re Hnec"ti-on, kz down by way of anfwering an cbjc&ion , which might be moved concerning the long time fact the Refuneclion was prormfcd, till the time that it be really accomplished, likaicc learn, v. Albeit it may.icem a long time between a mans deatfi and his Refurrcftion, yet is it before God but u mort time : yen and Jn'cfle& it is nailing in companion oi eremitic : Fir a

that*

boufind yearcs in thy fight is but as yefterdy when it it U pjft y and, asawatch in tbeniebt 2. Except we do reckon time as God doth reckon it , we cannot but be weary and think lone, and wonder ac the delay or" 'he performance of ptomiies,.~nd fo to tall in tenration ofunbeliefe, as wearetaught by the obviating of the objection, and comparing of a thou fund years in Gods fight with ycftcrday when it is paft, and with a watch in the night.

Vcr. 5. Thou carriefl them away as with a flood^ thej are M a jleep : in the morning they arc /i& grajfe which groWetb up.

6. In the morning it flourijheth , and grotyeth up : in the evening it is cut down and withereth.

In the fecofld part of the Pfalm he fetteth forth the fhortnefle and naileries of this lifcjnrft in general/J. 5,6.and then the mile-nes of the people of Ifracl'm fpecial, to vcr. 1 2. As for the fir ft, he fets forth the mortality and n ifeiy of men under the fimili-tudeof men overflowed with a flood, and in the fimilitude of a fleep s and of grafle or flowers, which flourish in the day-time, and at even are cut down and wither. Whence learn, 1. Mortality is like a flood growing greater and greater* compelling fome footer* others Liter, and at laft overflowing all men withouc exception; as the deluge in Noahs dayes once did overflow all the earth, fo doth death : which fimiiitude givcth all men ad vcr -tifementin time to prepare {or an Ark, that death may not drown both fcul and body : Thou carricftthem away as r*ith a flood. l. This mortal life is like a fleep , wherein men do dream that they haveriches,honour, ftrength, and pleafure ? but when they do awake, thefc things will be found but dreames and (hadowesj* and it is like a fletp, whether we look to the time of abiding in the world , or to the time between death and refurre&iqn ; it .is. but as a fleep, wherein time is not obferved for (hortneife : They are (faith he) lilicajlccp. 3. This mortal life is like grafle, or flowers, which have final! beginnings; at their beft are but weak, and after a fhort feafon do wither ; ~and like grafle and •flowers, whereup n the mower fallcth with his fitheor hook, andxutteth it down in ;hc vigour of it They are life grajje wbi:h grower b; in the morning it*flourjjhetb and growctbup , in the evening it is cut down and wither ttb m

Ver. 7. For we are consumed by thine anger : 4nd

by

by thj wrath *rc we troubled.

8. Thou baft fet our iniquities before thee: our fe-cret Clones in the light of thy countenance.

9. Tot ull our dayes are pa fed away in thy Wrath* we fpend our ye*rcs a$ a tale that is told.

1 o. The dayes of our years arc thnefcore jeares and ten , and if bj reafon of ftrength they be fourfcore jeares , yet is their ftrength labour and forrow : for it, is foon cut off>andwc flic away.

He defcendeth now to the mortality and calamities of the people of Ifrael, which he had obferved inhisewntime j they were conlumed in wrath for their fins, and had their lives cut fhort and repleniihed with miferies while they lalted,whereby he point-eth forth the power of the Lords ringer, which few did confider. Whence harm , 1. Common calamities and worldly miferies may be fcurrd as evidently in Gods vifible Church , and among Gods people, as in any incorporation in the worlds for here is the theater .of Gods judgements as well as of Gods mercies, and when Gods people do provoke God , his judgement begin at his own houfc-JVe are con fumed by thine anger. v.The efteds of G ;ds anger are very terrible,and able to ;{loniiTuhe beholderJ By thy wrath are we troubled. g.Fn the time of Gods forbearance ufually mens finnes do lie hid in tttheifme , ignorance , oblivion, and careleflfe fecurity; but Gods judgements do'draw them forth to the light, and do make it appear chat God hath obferved them all $ Tbo'u baft fet our iniquities before thee , our fecret finnes in the light of thy countenance. 4. The misbelief and difobedience of Gods vifible Church maketh their life both fliort and mifcrable, as the experience of the lfraclites doth (hew ; For all our dayes arc paf-fed away in thy wrath , we fpend our life lih^t a tale that is told. " 5. The more we ftudy to fee the length of mans life, it appeareth the fhorter 5 the more we look upon mans ftrength, and beauty, {ind glory, we finJe him the weaker, the vainer, and the naughtier: The dayes of our jeares are thnefcore y cares and ten, and if by reafon of'ftrength they be fourefcore yeares , yet , &c. 6. If our infancy , and ordinary ticknefles andcafualtics of incident griefs and forrowes , fometinvs for onecaufc,and fometimes for another, be confidered, the life of mm hath little in i: , except #m~ ble and grief; Their ftnngib ■« labour and forrrow. 7. If any man fecm to have lefle trouble and forrow, 6rmorc ftrength then

* others*

others , it is nothing to .count .upon, the fhortnefle of it mnkciti

ittoiofewoirh andeitimarioni tor , Itis.fron tut off, andwc fice away.

Ver. Ii. Who knoxveth the porvcr of thine anger j even according to thj feare y fo is thy wrath.

In the calamities of the Ifraelites he obferveth how terrible fhe Lords wrath is , which albeit few do confider, yet might men fee it in his fearful threatnings and judgements. Whence learne, i. Albeit the mifery and fliort life of finful.man doth fpcjfc fomewlnt of the terribleneile and power of Gods anger, yet is it taken notice of by few 5 Whoknowctb the fewer of thy anger F -v. The wr.uh of God maybe known by the fear and terror of "God j which his feverc juftice,-almighty power , terrible thrcat-•ntngs, and tearful judgements cxecuted.againft finne do teach men to know V Even according to thy fear^ fo is thy wrath. Seeing men know not the power of Gods wrath till it break forth upon them. it is wifdeme to ftudy his fear 5 that wrath may be prevent-■ed> and to take the meafure of the power of Gods wrath., ♦by meafuring his dreadful feare and terrible terror > and to ftand in awe of him in time : Who linowctb ibe pwer of thine anger ? even according to thy fear fo is thy wrath.

Ver. iff So teach its to number our d^jes : that Vve may applj our heartt unto wfdome.

Tn the third part of this Pfalme, he putteth up fix Petitions for the right ufeandgracioasfeafoning of the fhort and forrow-ful life of the Lords-people. The firft Petition is for wifdome to -provide in time for the remedy of. fin and of e vq rlailing mifery y fccfoie-this fliort and uncertain life be ended. Wiencc learn, ct: j Albeit our life be both fhort, and uncertain how fcon it may enJ 3 yet we look upon the indcfiniteUe of the time of continuance_ of it; as if the duration of it.were infinitc ; and our y'eares were in-, numerable 5 for, Teachjif to number our dayes 3 importeth fome acknowledgement of this fault. 2. Albeit it be eafie for us to' confider how many of ourdayesore already pall, and how few thefe thit arc tocome muft be by courfe of nature, or may be few. in the way of Gods bi-din:vrypvov'iae-:ice; yet "this lelfdnj how eafie

fcevLi/

foever^muft berauohrofGodbefoe we c^n.profitably confer of hiSo teacb m to number our days.as we may.apply our hearts mxo ftijdom. ?. The only remedy ot lin-and of the wra:h or Gotland mifcry of mortal men for (in . is the witdomwhih is taught of God in the Scriptiirejro wit,that (inners mould feck reconciliation wi:h God, through the facrifice and obedience otChiift, and ilu-dy to keep fiiendlnip with God by the power of his Spii ic ; So teach m to number our day is , as we may apply our hearts unto voif-dome. 4. The right uft of the fin 3 wrath, and judgcmcnts : whi>h' we fee in our time manifelted, is to deal with God,by prayei\th.*u not only he would inform us of onr danger and duty,not cnely reveal ro «ur mindes the m)ftery of grace and reconciliation . but alio that he would eft dually move our will , he»rt , andaftldi-6ns by faith which wprketh by love, to make application of the remedy of thofe evils to our fdv s: So teaJ? us to number out dyesy that we may apfly our beans unto reifdom'e .

Vcr. 13. Return (0 JLQRD) how fbngf and let it repent thee concerning thy fevams.

The fecond Petition is, that God would not onfy remove the

tokens of his difpleafirc againft his p:ople, but alio nowpc

length would mew himfelfe reconciled, by changing his difpen-

fation toward them in a cottrfe of comfort ; Whence learnc^

1. A!6,*itthe Lord do not go away from his people, but > otfy

ever remain with them in l'omeone or other gracious oggrafior*

yet in refpect.of a comfortable pre fence ..he may turn away till his

people reouc ft him to return, as here : Return >■ 0 Lord, 2. Th$

Lords withdrawing of his comfortable p^cfence from his people,

for how (hort a time '.oever, feemcrh a long time to us in this

jhort life j 7(ciimi, 0 Lord, bow long ? 3. Albeit the Lord do

not change his affection and repent like a man, yet he can change

his operation like a father, who commiferares his chillies nfflijfti*

On, and gocth about to cherim him after correction >s Let i&Cy

pent thee concerning thy [crvants. 4. Albeit we be but verV

flight fervants , and be fore (mitten for oiu'diiobedfence*j ycc

fcouLf we not c^ft pway our calling , nor fnrllr our relations iin-

fo God to be diflolved , bu: |hould adhere unto them by any;

means, as here they call themklves itill fr-Oancs 5 Let it rcpirt

thfe concerning thy fervxnts.

Ver. 14. 0 fat is fie useayly "frith thy mercy , that Tve may re Joyce, and be glad in our dajes.

15. Make m glad according to the dayes wherein thoh haftaffMledtu : and theyearei wherein we have feen eviB-

The third Petition is for fome fpiritual comfort and refrefh-ment to their fpirits > which might keep them in heart and hope of eternal falvation. Whence letrn , 1. A foul fenlible of wrath, hath as great hunger for fpiritual comfort , as a famifhed man hath for meat { 0 fat is fie us. 2. The renewed intimation of Gods mercy, pardoning fin, and making clear our reconciliation , is able to comfort usinour greateft forrow 5 0 fatisfie as with thy met y. 3. As bodily hunge cannot fuffer delay y fo neither can fenfe of wrath , and deflre ofrfavcurable acceptation long endure the want of confolation -, but after a night of trouble earneftly expecteth a morning of com fort: 0 {atisjk u* early mtb thy mercy* 4. A poor hungry foul, lyin^ under fenfe of wrath, will promile to it felfe happincflc for ever, if it can but ence a^ain finde what it hath fometime felt; thar is, one fwect fill of Gods fenfiblc mercy towards it ; 0 fathfy us y that rot may ' re Joyce a?id be glad all our dayes." 5. Were our trouble never fo great, and oi: long continuance, the renewed intimation of Gods reconciliation to us, fh.ll feafon and iweeten all our trouble ,recompenfe all our loffes, and make our condition in this fhort and mifcrable life tolerable; yea in God very comfortable : Make us glad, according to the dayes wherein thou baft affliclci US; and iheyeares wherein we have feeneviH*

Ver. 1 £ . Let tly work appear unto thy fervants : and thy glory unto the if children.

The fourth Petition is, that God would continue the wort of building and enlarging of his own Church, ana 1 of glorifying him felfe in their fight, and in the fight of the poiterity from generation to generation. Whence learn , 1, The building, purging, enlarging, pifpagating of the Church, and manifeftingof Gods care tor it, is the Lords own proper work .which he will not leave oft- but albeit he hide his working for a t ime, yet is he on his WOik, and his people fliouldpray for, and ma/expeft the mani-

feftation'

fcftacion of its let thy work. a PP e * r utlt( > *b) fcrvanu. 2. As ic is the glory of the Lord to manifeit his £i*ace and mercy toward Lis people, or vifible Church, (o the defire of his people is to have the Lord glorifiedvno idle then to have themfelvcs p efetvedor comforte 5 Let thy work appear to thy fevants, and thy glory to their children. 3, The Church in every age (hould have a care/ that thepolkiiiy may be pa, takers of the lame merciful work of God, which they in their time have had experience of 5 and th.it their children may profit by the cone&ions of their predeceilbrsj Let thy work appear 10 thy. j'crv.ints^ and thy glory to their children.

Vcr. 17. And let the beauty of the LORD our

Cod be upon us , and efiaklifb thou the work of our bands upon us : yea , the XKork^ of our hands ejlabhffi thou it.

In this laft vcrfe.arc the two laft heads of his prayer; The fit; Petition is , thac God w\,uld beautify his people with his holy Ordinances; with order., and unity and peace > with s. holy con-vcrfation , and the evidences ot his dwelling among them, as his own confederate people , proper fubjecls of his Kingdome , ar.c^ domeilicks ot ~h\* own family. V/hcneelearn > 1. As God is thg glory of his own people, in whom is their beauty and-jornamenr, whereby they are made honourable in the fight of all Nations, a^ tlu B iJe is, made comely by the attire and ornaments put upai her: lofTuuld his people ctlcem of him, arlecl and love him , te-member him,a,nd feek their beauty in him . Lex ibi beauty ofib? Lord be upon m. i. Then is the beauty of the Lord upon bite. people , and i'cen to be on them, when they behave therml'lves a$ his covenanted people, walking in fai h and obedience before him, and he (lieweth himfclfe their covenanted God > pi electing and Uc fling them : Let thi beauty of the Lord our God be u-on va 5 and this Petition was granted all thedayes oijojhub, and of the Elders that outlived tfojhiiah*

Thefixth Petition is, that God would bleflc theendevrou, s of his people tor promoting of Gods work among them, and for tranfmittiug his Ordinances and his truth to the pofte.i.y. Jf1)cncc learn y 1. VVhofoev'er do pray for the advancing of the Lords work in his Church , muft tefolve not to be idle s bu; engage themfelves to endeavour in their places and callings, according ko their jtower,' the promoting of bis work /as fc*cc Z %

crh his fei varus and inftrumcrrs: Eftablijh thou the work* of our bunds 2. Wholbever go about the building of the Lords Church, andpromctirg ofRe'igion, mud acknowledge elm the face ffc of their labour Jcpendeih omly upon G^d, who mull be emreued for the bUflitr^: Eflablifi thou the work of our hands. 3. In refpect that our wok is lb mixei and defiled With imperfections and fins, that God may juftly withdraw him-felfe from it, we mult the mere earneftly deal with God, to keep his own hand about his wo: k, and about our hands in it, asthc twice repeating of the Petition doth import 3 Teatbcmri of our hands e j ablijh dmi it:.

PSAL. XCI.

A Lbeit this Pfalm hah ro infeription nor the name of jfi the penman who did write it, yet Satan could not deny it to be the Lords Word , for out of this Pfalm he brought one of his dart* ngainft our Saviour, Manb % 4. and the Promifes which a e ma<'e here ro the believer, are fo much move ftrongly ours$ as Ch» ift head of all his people, hath intei eft therein as man , and h.ith taken them to him in our name,

Ver. I. TJ E that dwell thintkefecretfb.ee of'the Jt J moft High, fall abide under the fbador* of the Almtjhtj.

Tlefumme of the Pfalmc is, an encouragement to believe in God, by nine motives or inducements, moft of them feeing p c^ious Promi.es , whereunto Chrift cur Loed hath the fiiit right and tide, and we onely in and through him. The firft motive is, becaufe the believer (hall have the warme and comfortable protection of God Almighty. IVhencc 'earn, 1. Truft-in£ in God , is the means of ertertaining of co.ftnnt conjunction and communion with Tod; for he that is a believer, dwell: th tn the feent p'jee of the moJhHigh. ?. The un'carchcablc depths of the rkh.s ofGods truth, grace, power , and goodneffe, r.nd of his other attributes , whereupon faith doth fixe it iclfe > a:e amyftery to the world , which

carnal

carnal reafon knoweth an , nor how to make ufc thereof: and therefore is well compared to a fee ct pluce : He that dwelled) in the fecrct plac: of the mofl High. 3. In the mojl High is whatfocver the Believer ftande-.h in need of, a habitation , well fiunifhed with ta e, comfort > peace , reficflimem, protection , and whatfocver el e a foule could wiili; fcr, the feact pUce of the mojl High > where the Llievcr may and mult dwell* is Gods truth and love 5 and uno him that dwelleth here, is the Promifc made. 4. The Believer is not exempted bv his fJi:h from trouble (vea , trouble and exercise from hfs erienajjs he may f.irely expeS ) but he is exempted from being taken, overcome, and deft oyed by the.n : for a refvisje, even the fecrct pUce of the m>Jt High; here i* provide! for him. 5. He that b:t^keth him clfe unto God for refuse, and will make his refuge his hibitation, (lull not be refufed lodging , nor be thru ft out when he is elite ^cd: He JhM abide in the fhxdovp of the Almighty. 6. The fcorching heat of periecution (lull, not pcvaile ag^inft the Believer $ for Grjds omnipotencie (hill oe imployed for his protection and confolation ; He fl:all abide in the fjaiove cf the Almighty.

Ver. 2. / will fay of the LORD , He i* my refuge , and m) fortreffe , raj GA , in him Kill 1 trufl.

The fecond motrce is the Pfilmifts example, who in hi? ownc experience having felt the good of truftin^ in God in hardeft ftrait;, doth refolve to believe in him ftill. iVbencc leirne , 1, He that hath experience of the fruit of faith, is the' futcft man to bear witneffe of it, and m oft abletofpcak from his own perfwafion to the pevfwafion of others i / Will fay of the Ltrl , He is my refuge ani my forircjfe^ z. The duty of the Believer is to go on and grow in faith, arid the right ufe of his experiences, is the confirmation of him in the faith of the Covenant , and gefqlution ro grow therein in meafure of ftrength and fmcc i:y : He U my Goi, in him wiH I trujU

I I Ver.j.

Vcr. 3. Surely he (hall deliver thee from the f*a r c of the foVcler: and from the noifome ptfti-lencc.

The third motive to beleeve in God, is a promife of deliverance out of danger, which'by humane wit could not be efchew-efd, which he exprcfleth under the fimilitude of fnares and pefti-icnce, which do overtake a man before he be aware. Whence learn, 1. A kindly beleever mould love to have other's belee-ving inGod, ashehifnfelf doth, and mould leave nothing undone to perfwade others to beleeve, ss his calling requireth: for the example of the Pfalmift teacheth us fo. 2. There are many tentations, wheteby Satan (as a fowler laying fnaresj catch-eth poor foolifli iinners, and there is much contagion of (inne, whereby albeit men are infe&ed one by a not her, and many do periih > yet the beleever in God is either preferved from falling int6 the fnare,and from being corrupted with contagion of others ill fpeechesand manners, or elfe he is rid and delivered out of thedapger; Surely bcfiall deliver thee from tbe fnareofthe fowler, and from the noifome peftilence. $. As there are dangers an relation to our fpirituai condition unavoidable, if God do not deliver us 5 (o are there dangers of plots and confpiracies by wicked enemies in relation to bodily dangers alfo, from which the wifdom of beleevers could riot deliver them : but God hath promifed a deliverance, or a good efcape from them all, fo as the beleever fhall be nolofer. Surely he"Jl)dtl deliver thee from the fnare of the fowler .fcrc. -

Ver. 4. He/ball cover thee with hit feathers^ <wd under his Wings (halt thou trttfl : his truth JiaU be Zhyfoield and buckler. -

A fourth motive is, a promife of comfortable and fure defence againfl the invarion of the enemies, fet forth under fun-dry fimiiitudes ufuai in Scripture. Whence learn, 1. The care and watchfulnefle of God over his own is fuch, as neither Nature -nor Art can yield Efficient fimiiitudes to expreffe it, as the borrowing of more fimiiitudes, fome frcm one thing, and fome from another^ doth here fhew. The watchfulnefie of the * k • 'pird

bird over he-young ones , and the care that t man hath inb' c -tel to preferve his own body from hurt-, arc but imperfect (h a -dowes to reprclcnt the watching care of Gx! for a beleever. i.As the Lord defcendeth unto our capacity in fuch low fimiiitudef ofpro r c&ion andcom'ort, fo he rcquirethof us that by thofe we ftiouldafcend in our f'ith to rely confident'y and lovingly upin him* He fiall cover theewith bis father land under his wings Jhilt thou tntft. 3. Tint which we muft oppofe to all perils ; is the Word of Gad* lo long as we keep that, and ward oft' dans and fwords by that mcanes, we mall not be overcome : Hk truth fliall be thy Jhitld and buckler,

Ver. 5. Thou fhah not be afraid for the terror by night: nor for the arrow that fleet h by day :

6 . Nor/ir the Pefiilenct that voa^keth in darfyejfe: JlOr for the deftruElon that wafteth at noone day,

7. *s4 thottfand Jhall fallat thy flde r and ten thou. fand at thy right hank ; but it jh^ll not come nigh thee.

A fifth motive to beleeve, is from a more particular promife cf fafcty unto the beleeve r from all fort of deadly enemies and cUn-gers,wherinto when many do fall,the belecver fhall fland. IVIkvcc learn, 1. The true remedy againft tormenting fear, is faith in Godrformany terrible things may befall men, when th:y are moft fecure, like unto thofe that befall men in the night: but for any harme which may befall the beleever this way, the Lord here wiileth him to be nothing afraid; Thou flult not be afraid for the terrour by night, 1. Many fudden accidents may befall men when they are moft watching, and upon their guard, but the Lord wiileth the belecver to be confident, that he mall not be harmed this way: Thou fait not be afraid for the arrow tbatflcctk by day* }. Many evils are men fubject unto, which come up. on them they cannot tell how, but from fuch evils the Lord aflureth the beleever he fliali have no harrae 5 Thou fait no.t be afraid of the pcftilcncc which wal&ctb in darlyicjfe. a . Men arc fubject to many evils which come upon them openly, and riot Unawares, fuch as are calamities from, enemies an,d oppreflbrs ^ the Lord wiileth th£ believer, to be confident, that he ftrit nor

be harmed rhis way 5 ThdufoJt not be afraid for the dcftruftio% wbidp wall{etb at noon-day. 5. When trials and testations come upo.i the world 10 try the children of men, albeit many fall by thofe tentarions, ve; the man w ao bcleevcth in God ftiall ftand: whether the u;r.ion come upon the Lit hand, with Kile appearance oi good offered in it ^ or upon the right hand, with tai e pretences 0; lawfulnerTe and hotinelfe in a iinful tourfe. whereunto the temation doth drive : albeit a thoufand fliould fall by the temation on \ht one hand, and ten times more on the other hand vet the beleever inGod,going upon the grounds Oi Gods Word j ihall not fall: thofe evils whe:cin others fall and petim (hair not come near him, us to the point of harming of him, 01 of deftxoying of him* A thoufand Jhall fall at thy fide, and ten thoufand at thy right band, but itfiatl not come near thee. 6. The Lord will not only one way be helpful to the believer, but 10 manywayes asbecanbe in danger as the enumeration of fo many fundry cafes, whe.ein he promifethdeliverance^ doi'h teach us. 7. The only peifons who are hurt by judge-' ments aid tentarions/ aie luch unfenced fouls as belecve not in God, are not reconciled with him, and ftand at a diftance oppo-fite to him, as the object of his wrath, for none have tight to the former promiles, except the believer only, as all the text hoid-cth forth.

Y^r. 8. Only with thine ejesjhalt thou behold^ and.

fee the regard of the melted.

J

He anfwercth an objeftion : It may be faid that the former mentioned evils, tentatibns and calamities, do come very near iirito the&odlyl for they are ofttiinesno lefle deep in them, then Others are. He anfweVeth, that the Lord may well acquaint themwuh the danger, and with the fenfe of their own weak-! ne(Te,but for 4 the point of harme from thofe evils, or for the point of deft ruction by'thofc evils, which is the reward of the wickeJ ; the godly have no more but a difcovcry of it, to fee it, wherein they might have fallen if God had not prcfe/ved them; and' wherein the wicked <\o fall and periih. licence learn*,' 1. Albeit" the f.mac c'a'amities externa! may befal the beleever and the wicked \ yet the dofc of their cbuife, the reward of their works mail put'the diffeitnce : for the godly fi)all only behold the reward of the wic\ed. 2. Albeit the beleever" may be : exercifed with the rP ;* l v ' ■ <•>.*>.* * f ear ~

fearof defiruftion, yet he flu 11 be free of falling into ii j Only •pith thine eyes Jhait thou behold and fee the reward of the wicked.

Ver. 9. *Becaufe thou hail made the LORD % which is my refuge, even the moft Bi^h % thy habi-ta''<w:

io. There flailno evil befall thee % neither flail any fUgne come nigh thy duelling,

A fixth motive to belecve in God, is a promife general to be delivered from. all evil, tluc nothing Dull harme him, but all things (hall rather wok together for his good. Whence learn, i. All bclecvers have oneebjeft of their faith, one relief in their tioubles, one retreat from the vexations which do aflault them in this world ; even God: thou haft maictbe Lord, who is my refuge, even the moft High thy habitation, i. One bckever may and fhould encourage other bcleevers by the fame motives whereby he him felt is encouraged, as here ; Bccaufc thou baft made the Lord, who is my refuge, to be thy habitation : therefore fuch and. fuch ble(Tings (hall come upon thee, faith he. $ The nature of true faith is to make ufe of God in all conditions j in peace and warre, in profperity and advcrlity, as here he is both a r£-fuge and an habitation. 4. As we have need to have the fame promifes repeattd unto us, and inculcated upon us, fo flow and dull are wc to receive themrfo the Lord doth repeat and urge the receiving thereof, with an inlarging and not abridging of what once he promiicd,as this general promiie tcacheth: There Jl?all no evil tefall tbec, nor any plague come near thy tabernacle ,ro wit, to harm thee : for God; who is the beleevers habitation, in terpoftth himfjf, and tqineththe calamity to his good } if it be fuftered to come oh, that it ccmc net near to his dn ad vantage.

Yer. 1 1. For he flailgive his Angeli charge over thee : to t^eep thee in all 1 hi -wayes.

I 2." They flail beare thee t*p in their hands > I ft thh dafl thjfoot 0gain ft a ft one.

A feventh motive tobeicevc in CoJj> a promi-fe of making

An-

Angels wait upon the beleever, and carefully to attend his motions in all his lawful affaires, left he fhould ftumble and fuftcr harme ; which promife even Satan doth acknowledge to belong unto Chiift, and Chrift doth ovwieit, being taken in a right fenfe, Mat. 4. Whence tar*, 1. Such is the indulgent love of God toward his ownc, as he doth obviate all doubts, which from any hand might hinder them to beleeve in him : if the feverity and juftice of God terrifie, the Lord offcreth himfelf as a bird, with Jtretcliei out wings ro receive the fupplicant, ver. 4 If e-nemies who arc tooftrong do purfue, the Lord openeth his bofome as a refuge, ver. 3. If hischilde bcaffaulted, he be-cometh a fortreffe, ver, 3. If he be hotly purfued and enquired after,the Lor&htcomzth a fecretplace to hidchis childc; If per -fecution be hot, Godgiveth himfelf for a Jhadow ; If Potentates and mighty Rulers turn enemies, the Lord interpofeth as the moji High and almighty Saviour, ver. 1. If his adverfa-ries be crafty like fowlers or hunters, the Lord promifeth to prevent or break the fnares, ver. 3. Whether evils do come upon the beleever night or day, fecretlyor openly to deftroy him, the Lord prefervetli his childe from deflruction ; and if {tumbling blocks be laid in his childcs way, he hath his inftruments, his fervants,his Angels prepared to keep the beleever that he ftumble not : Hejhallgive his Angels charge over thee ; not one Angel only, but all of them, or a number of t hem. 2. The Angels are miniftering fpirits, fent forth to minifter for every beleever; He Jhall give hti A ngels charge over thee y toficep thee in aUthyrvayes. $. Promifes are not made to fofter men in their turning after folly, but to encourage them in the courfe of obedience in their feveral callings i They have charge tofiecp thee in all thy wayes. 4. Albeit ftumbiing ftones be laid in the way of Gods chiidc, yet while he behavcrh himfelf as a beleever in God, he {hall not ftumble; Great pc*ce have they who love Gods law, and nothing fhali ftumble them, Pfil. 1.19. 16?. They Jhall beare thee up in their hands, left thou tLJb ty foot a-gain ft a (lone,

' Ver. 13. Thou fh tit tread upon the t*on and aider:the young lyon and the dragon /halt thoti trample wden feet.

The eighth motive tci beleeve^ is a pron&iff of victory over c*

vcrf

vtryenemicof his falvation, how fierce, ftrong and cruel foever they be > how crafty, malicious and dangerous foever they be r Tboufh&lt tread upon [be lioi and aider* God ihall put Satan under his feet; tyrants and bloody pcrfecutors, here: icks and feducers lhalI not prevaile over the beleever / The young lion and the dragon jhalt tbuu trample under feet.

Ver. 14. Becaufe he hath fet hit love upon me, therefore will I deliver him : / will jet him on high, becaufe he hath knoftn mj Name.

1%. He fhall call upon me^ and I mil anfwer him ; /willbefri/A him in trouble , I votl deliver him, And honour him.

1 6. fVtth long life will J fat is fie him: and fitw him mj falvation.

The ninth motive to beleeve in God, is taken from a bundle of fiveorfixpromifes, as fpoken immediately by God the Farther of his Son Jelus Chrift as man. and of every beleever and true member of his myftical body. The firft promise is of de* liveringof the beleever from what foever trouble or danger he can be prefuppo'fed to fall into: I will deliver him, faith the Lord. a. Vor trial of true fai:h, the unqucftionable property of a beleever, and the evidence of a found and faving faith in God, is fixed love toward God ; becaufe be bath fet his love upon me. 3 • As there is a becaufe and a therefore in the procefle of the

zz^/eanda tl 1 for fin, lot

law, in concluding death for fin, fo there is a becaufe and a there-

fore in the procefle of grace, and of the Gofpcl, which doth rea-fon from one grace given to infer re another grace to be given, even grace for grace: and fuch is this here ; Becaufe be bath fet bis love on me, 1 will deliver him. 4. Sound love to God H< weth from, and is joyned with found knowledge of God, as his Majefty is declared unto us in Scripture; The beleever who hath let his loveufon God,tarb f^nown my Namcfohk he. f. As the beleever is highly priviledged and honoured of God, being made a fonne and an heire, and co-heire with Chrift. fo fhslt he bemadealfo more then a Conqucrour overall his enemks, through Chrift 5 I will ft him on high, becaufe bebaxl/i^nown my^ame ; this is the fecond prpmife. 6. The third promifc is, the Lord will give the Spirit of fupplication to the beleever,

and^alfo a fatisfaSory anfwer unto his prayer; for as when * man giveth way to misbelief, he cannot pray any more: fo when ne entertaineth faith, it miketh him eloq uent and inftant in prayer, till he receive what he feeketh; Hefhallcdlonme^ and I wi I anfwer him. 7. As it is not to be expeded, that the man who beleeveth in God (hall want trouble, io the r beleever may be fure, that God who exercifeth him with trouble, (hall bear him company in his trouble, (hall diieft him how to behave Wmfelf in it, ftrengthen, fupport and comfort him under it, and give him delivery out of all his trouble, and not only putrefped upon him in the fight of them who did behold his exerciie, but alfo at laft (hall glorifie him before men and An-^els; and this is the fourth promife: J will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him dnd honour him. 8. While others do either want fubmiflion unto God at Gods plcafure to live in trouble, or do want fubmiflion to die at Gods pleafure, if they be not in trouble 5 the beleever only hath fatisfadion in the length of his life, to die or live as the Lord liketh, and he only departeth contentedly,and entereth into a life eveilafting j With long life will Ifatisfe Waijand this is the fifth promife, 9.When the beleever hath received of God fatisfadion in the length of life in this world,God will enter him into the polTeflion of blef-fednefle, of everlaftine falvation iu the world to come y which is worthily called thejalvation of God; With long life will J ja~ iisfichim\ and what then (hall become of him ? y And I w:tt Jhew him my filvation ; and this is the fixh promife. Above all which promifes what can be more added, to induce a foul to embrace the free offer of g*ace in Chri ft, tendered in the Gofpd to finne r s, or to more him to entertain friend/hip with God, by ftill belceving in him, and refting on him?

PSAL. XCII.

tA *2falmc or Sang for xht Sabbath-day.

'His Pfalm is intituled, A Pfalme for the Sabbath-day ; «_ wherein the Church is f^irrei up co praife God, by fundry rcafons, ver. I, a. £. but fpecially for thefe. threecaufts; Firft A for the great work of creation , fuftcntarion and wife governing of the crcajures, ver. 4,5. The fecond ciufe is y forhiswjU

dom

T

'dom and juftice inpunifhing the wicked,^fl*. 6> 7, 8, 9. The third is, for his grace and goodnelTe toward beleevers, ver. 10,

From the Infcripcion 5 Learn y 1. The Lord hath had a fpe-cialcareof fanctifying the Sabbath, as the rppolnting of this Pfalme for that day may amongft other things give evidence ; id Pfalme, a Song for the Sabbath-day. 2. For the fandifi-cation of the Sabbath* it is not fufficient to reft from our own bodily, fervile, diftra&ive works, boc we muft reft and ccafe fiom our own works, and be imployedin religious fe; vice and worfhip, and exercifes fuitable for that day, whereof finging of Pfalmes to the honour of God is one; This it a Song for the Sabbath-fay. $. God hath appointed that the Church fliould have folemn meetings on the Sabbath, wherein God may be publickly by his own ordinances honoured, and the Congregation edified in their mod holy faith: for this Pfalme is given to the Church with tlis title and Infcription, A Pfalme or Song for the Sabbath-day 5 to be fung in the Affemblies.

Ver. l.TTi* a good thing to give thank* unto the 1 LORD: and to ftng praiies unto thy Name 9 O moft High.

2. To Jhew forth thy lovingkiidneffe in the worn* ing \ andthy faithfulneffe every night.

3. Vpon an inftrvment of ten firings y and upon the Pfalterj : upon the Harp with afokmnefotinA.

From the exhortation unto praifing of God and thankfgiving ! with the reafons Thereof; Learn, 1. Albeit we be daily receiving mo j and mo benefits from God,yet are we flow to a*, knowledg this, oc j togive thanks unto him,and have need to be flirted up to the dtuy, as this exhortation importeth. i. Not onely Jo we dii'charge a piece of our du-y in thankfgiving unto God, bur we alfo receive ! a new benefit by doing of this duty: It U a good things (pleafant to God, and profitable to u c and others) to give clunks unto the Lord. 3 Albeit we cannot give thanks unto God as we defire, or as he deferveth, yec to acknowledge and confciTe to God our debt, and what we have received of him, (hull be accounted thankfgivinLi for ;he word mihz 0 i^inal doth $iv£

grou a A.

haveptcferredeMrth to heaven, their botfly lufts untothe faK vation of their fouls and bodies; far when the wicked fpring upas tbegraffc,and when all the workers of iniquity dofiourifh, n is that tbey jbxU be deftroyed for ever. 4. The ungodly are fo be-fotred with the love of the world* and pofleilion of things tempo-rail, that they neither do know, nor will know, nor tan knew this myftery^ except God fupernaturally do revealeit to them, andpive them Tpiritual wifdome : A birutijh man f^owctb nor; neither doth A foolc underftand tbk. 5. Albeit the wicked be in power and high place, there be little appearance of their ove;-rhrow, yet God is higher then they, arid fo able according to his place to take order with them : and albeit they feerce to live long, yet God endureth for ever, and Co able to cut them eff when he pleafeth, and to perpetuate their torment for ever:Bwf tbou, Lord 3 ! art moft high for evermore 6. To ncknbv\ledge that God is ftf-preme and everlafting Judge and Ruler of all tilings, is a fuffi-cient ground tocjuiet our mindes, however matters feeme to go : for becaufc he is the Sovereigne Ruler of all the world, and the eternall God , he cannot but govern all things well and wifely ; and will not faile to do as he hath laid in his Word, to pu-nifli the wicked, how great foever profperity he grant them for * time : for the beleever doth from this doctrine draw light to fliew him the myftery of the perdition of the wicked, by the meanes of their profperity, which the foolifh and wicked man cannot confide* ; 'But tboa ?.Lord 3 art moft. higbfor evermore: for lo y thine enemies > 0 Lordjhall perifl). 7. Workers of iniquity, pretend what they pleafe ; are Gods enemies,and feeing they are Gods enemies; they cannot but perifh: for lo> thine enemies , 0 Lord, and the te-cond time, for to, thine enemies fhalt perijh* 8. The wicked; who now combine together, fhall be feparatcd from God, and from the fociety of the bleffed company of the righteous, and! (hall not be able to help one another in the day that God ilia ll bring judgement upon them: All the workers of iniquity fhall be fcittcred; and this is another part of the right fpen.ing of the Sabbath, to learn this leflbn Well.

Ver. 16. "Butmy home(hJt thon exjiltVike the horne of an unicorne : I [baUbt anointed with frtjh 01 le.

1 r. A fine eye dlfo fh>\U fee my de-fire on mine enemies^ and mine eares [ball heare my deiire of t*e wickf J t but rife up agtiihft we. T h&

The third fpeciall reafon and matter of Gods praifc, is his grace and goodneik to beleevers, wherein the P/almift doth, ipeak firft with relation to his own particular, ver. io,11. And

i then in generall of all the godly, from what he ocleeveth toward himfelf, as ferving to teach every one to make application of the doctrine to their own ufe. Lexrn^ \\ The fame fuprcmacie Of God over all creatures, which giveth afTurancc of the overthrow of the wicked, giveth alio aflurance of the welfare and fe -licity of the Godly, tor from ver. 8. he deduceth this alio, But my borne fbalt thou exalt. 2. The beft condition of the godly; is not in what they a:e for the prefent, but in what, they fliall be hereafter; for albeit they be no<v under, they mail have domini-on at length, etfprcfied here under the termes of exalting the borne , which is the emblcme of dignity and power and victory. My borne fbalt thou exalt like the borne of the uhicorne 3 Thac generall dodline may be comfortable, it miift be applied, as the Plalmifts example doth teach here. 4. Whatfoever wcakneflc or grief the godly do labour under for a while, they mall have in due time feftivall refreshment, comfort and encouragement from Gods Spirit and powerful providence, and t,hat renewed unto them from time to time as need recjuircth $ I fnall be anointed roiib oile,ve>itb frefb oilc- s.Whatfoever might be the Pialmifts peifwahonof vicVny over his par:icular eneaiics, yet as a type of Chiiftj and as one of the Believers having inteueft in Chrift,' and in all bleffings purchafed by him^ he might by faith fee and-hear in the Lords Word the overthrow' of all the enemies of his welfare, and (0 may every beleeve; be perfwaded ; Mine eye, 4l[ofiall fee my defire upon mine enemies, and mine eares fbalt heare my defire of the wicked that rife up againft me.

Ver, 12. The righteous fall four ifb like the Palm-tree : be fhM groW like a cedar in Lebanon.

13. Thofe that be planted in the houfe of the LORD, fall four tjl in the Cotirts of our God.

. 14. They JbJl ft ill bring forth frtiit in o ] d age \ thej fall be fat and foursfong.

1$. To fhew that the LORD is upright, he \s my focki <wd chcre is no unrighteoufnejfe in him.

A a 1 Froifi 1

From the Lords joodncflc to all beleeveis in general; Lexin, i. J he promifes and comforts given to any one beleever, are not proper to him only, bat common to all beleeveis; and the m:\n who can upply thefe promifes to himfelf, is the fitteit man to bear witneffe of the intend which others have therein ; for what the Pfalmift hath applied to himfelf, he extendeth to all in fubftance; The righteous fall flourrfb. z. The godly fhall get up their head, notwithstanding of whatfoever weight of troubles laid upon them, and they fhall conftantly grow up to the fullftature of perfection, whatfoever oppofition be made 5 They fall flour ijh Ufa the Pdmt-tree, befliallgrow /% a Cedar in Lebanon. $. The Lords childrea are like trees which do not grow in every foile, are not nourished with every moifture $ the place of their planting, growth and floui idling, is the houfe of the Lord, where the Word and Spirit of the Lord joyned with the holy ordinances may be had for food : They are planted in the bottfe of the Lord, andfkarijh in the Courts of our God. 4.Not every barren tree or weed, not every one who is in the vifible Court of Gods Church doth grow and flourish; or is made partaker of the fpiritual grace and blefling of the ordinances, but only,'planted ones^that is,fuch plants as the heavenly Father hath planned; fortothofe only, who by Covenant have embraced God, isthepromifemade; Thofethai be flamed in the boufe of the Lord, fall flour ifh in the Courts of our God. 5. True beleevers (hall ftill perfevere, and the decay of the outward man fhall net hinder the renewing of their inward nun day by day 5 and their laft works fhall be better then their firft; Tbey fall ftill bring forth fruit in old age, they fall be fat and flourishing. 6. The end of the Lords deftroying of the wicked, and of his blefling of the true beleeverwith the growth of grace, and perfevcrance to the end, is the glory of Gods righteoufnefle, fingleneffe in Covenant-making, and of his conflant afie&ioa to uprightness for thefe threatening and promifes (hall be made good, To jhew that the Lord is upright. 7.Whofoever neglect to give glory unto God, the beleever will not faile to lay his own weight upon God, and build all his felicity on him, being aflnred that he will neither flee from, nor faile the godly* He is my rock* &• Let the Lord do what he pleafeth, let the wicked profper for a while, aid the godly be troubled for a while, yet God is wife, and ju ft, and holy; and that man hath profited well in the fchool of God, whogiveih this glory unto God conftantly, as the Pfdmift,doth here 5 tie ismf roc\, and there it no unrigbteoufnefli in himi PS A L.

PSAL. XClII.

IN this Pfalme for the Comfort of Gods people, againft the multitude and powet of their enemies, and the grer.tr efft of Kings and Potentates in the world, wh» oft times a; e like too-vciHgvv, devoureand drown theChuich, the glory cf the Lord 1 isdefcribed ; in whom is the Churches defence, cctnfo:,- and' victory. For this end ; fill, the praifes of Cod for the Oun'h-es comfort are fct down absolutely , vtr. i, 2. Then uetppo-fitionof the enemies oi the Church is compared to the growing Hood or raging iea, vcr j. And thudly, the praiLs of God are fit down in oppofition to their power, ver. 4, 5. witti J the uic of this doctrine, vcr. 7.

■ • • .

Vcr.f. r ^jnHe\LORD reigneth, he is clothed rruh

X Mtjrfiie : the LORD is clothed nitb

firengfh, wherewith he hath girded himfelfe; the

rPor/d *lfo it ejfabiijbcd, that it cannot be moved*

2. Thy throne is eftahhjhtd of old: than art from ivzrlafting.

Fi om the praifes of God abfolutcly fet down for the comfort of the Church- inall refpeCts, and for fhengthenin^ cf th.ir taitiif fpeciaily againft all her enemies rLcm^ j.H-owfcever fflfai

ter^ conteming the Church or any member thereof fhall go ; vvhitfoever he be that haih power for troubling of the Church-God is he who is giea: Govemour of all; and this is one groan J of ccnfiJenceand comfort to the Lords pecpleV The Lord rtign\ -, etb.-. z-. The outward fplendorof earthly Kings and Potentate; in the world, oppofite to Chrill's'Kingdom, is "no fmall tentatio.i to Gods people, but the beleever mutl oppofe unco this the ejo^ rious governmept of God > He is cloiibcdwitb Mujejty. j He il'rcng foever the adverfe poWCis of the World do (JentV it. ,muil not terrific the believer in following the Lords caufc, But iris frrength muftbe oppofed iheieunto, and that lb much th: morp comfortably, as Gods tfrength is not borrowed frcm . ny,. isthc ftrensth of ; the,creature is ■', The. L-ord is. clotted witf, Ircngb, wbcrcwub be hub girJcfbimfclf 4-,'Tbe-k&oidiii^

of iheconftant guiding of the world, fliewefh the power and wifdcm of God, employed much more insetting the woik of his Church, for whcfecayf^ the werM wis made, and is upheld and cfbblifhed j The world aljo is eflMifbcd, that it can-tiotbcmovcd. 5. The Lords Kingdom in his Church is nGt like the new upftavts in this woildywhich arc of ftiort {landing & unftablc.If any King be kind to his Church,his people have rea-fon to thankOcd,but they mud lean to duhaKingshis rei°n (hall be but fhor: ; and if any King be froward and oppofe himfclf to the Ghurch>we muft not be too much feared for him^becaufe his Kingdom is but lately begun ,a'nd is.of fhert continuancerbut the Kingdom of thcLord is an ancient Kingdom and well fetich Thy throne is eftablijhedof old. 6.The eternity of God is the ground of the immutability of his Kingdom , and of the perpo tual comfort of the Chuich againfi alloppofeisj Thou Artfrom everlajling.

Ver. 3. The floods have lifted up, O LORD : the floods have lifted up their voice: the floods lift t*p their "toaves.

In thefecond pbee, is the tcntation of the Church ; they are like to be eve flowed as with a deluge, by the multitude of powerful! enemies/ whereof the Church complaineth unto God. Whence learn, r. It is no wonder to fee the world riling up tu-multucufly to overthrow the Church, and as it were a deluge coming upon them to drown and devoure all; no wonder to heare the enemies threatening deftruttion to the Chur.h, like to the noife of waters after raine coming down the mountains upon them, which are notable to flee; The floods have lifted up, the floods have lifted up their voice, and the third time, the floods lift up their waves, i. The be ft way to encounter threat-enings and fearcs is, to oppofe God unto them ; and to lay them forth before the Lord; that he may anfwer them, as here the PJalmift doth; The floods have lifted up 0 Lonf : faith he, &c.

VeM.7^ LORD oh high is mghtier then the noife cfmany waters :yea then the might) waves of the fea.

In the third place ; he fets down the power of God, inoppo£-tionto rll the bags^ and malice, and power of the enemies, 35 very farre above the power of the enemies, and more mighty for the defence of tie Church, then thecnemie is powerful to eppofe it. Whence learnt, 1. Heavenly help and cemfortfrom

abover

;above, is'only able to quiet our mimics in time of pcrfecution againftthe fearcs of enemies he; e beneath : The Lord on high is heeoppefed to the roaring of the Hoods and waters dafhing againft the Church* i. We can neither gloririe God ? nor comfort our C Ives again ft the power of the enemies of the Church, except we lift up the Lords power above them all; The Lord on high is mightier then the noife of many waters. $ . The Lord is above all terrible things, to bridle them at bis plcafure, and by his power able to tcrrifie them that tcrrifie his Church; The Lord is mightier then the noife of many waters,yca then the mighty waves of the fca.

Ver. 5. Thy Tcflimsies are very fnre: holncfit becometh thine hon r e^ 0 LORD^ forever.

The ufes of this doct ine concerning the Lords power, and good will to defend his Church, are two : the one is, that as the Word of the Lord is fure and true in it felf, Co we mould acknowledge it to be fure. and friould fet to our feal unto it, as the Pfalmilt doth here; Thy teflimonics are very fure. The other ufeis, that fuch as love to have the benefit of the protection which is promifed here, mould labour to be holy. Whence learn, I. Whatsoever is faid in the Scripture, needeth no probation5 foe it is the depofition of Cod, declaring truth Jn every thing which it deiermineth; the-eforeare his promifes callei here, His teflimonics. 1. By giving c edit to the truth of the Scriptures, or to the Lords teilimonyexp eiildthccin, no man can be deceived: for when we have his Word, our minxes maj be quieted and at reft; Thy tejUmonles are very fure. 3. The honou", ftrength and hippinefs of the Lords people is, that they are the Lords habitation and place of re{idence,dedicatcd and confea ated unto him; Holinefs becometh thine houje : that is,thy f hurch and people, whe eof the Temple was only a Shadow. 4 God will be fanctifiedofall rhat draw near unto him > and whofocver do love to enjoy the prefervation and priviledges promifed to the Church, muft ftudie for holineffe, which is the duty of the members of the Church alfo; Holinejfc becometh thy houfc. ? The dignity,duty and priviledges ofGo.U people,and cfpecia'ly his of confecration, fan 6 if! cat ion in affeftion and carriage, and vindication from finne and mifery, do not belong unto anyone ti™o 01 age, but are perpetual, belonging to all iuch as ftu.lic to be. approved unto God, protected, and made bleffed by God, in all times and ages, in all places and company all the dayes of their life* Forholinejfe becometh thine boiifc for evermore .

Aaj PSAI<.

PSAL. XCIV.

Tills Pfaime is a prayer 3nd a complaint of the Church unto God in the time of her opp.eflionby inteftine enemies, in fpecial by unjuft and cruell Rulers, whereumo fundry grounds ij{ comfort tothegodly in this hard condi ion :re fubjoynedi The prayer and complaint re.Kh unto ver. 8. The grounds of cbmfort are foure; the firft is, theccnfidevarionof Godswif-dome in the permiflion of this fore trouble of his people , with a check unto the opprcflburs for their Atheifmc, ver. 8 ; o, t o,i i„ The fecond is, the confideration of the profit which G ods people fhall have by this exercife, ver. • x/ 13. The third is, from a promife that God flull change the face of affaires to the joy of the godly, ver. 14, if. The fourth is, from the experience which the Pfalmift had of GODS helping of him in this catc 3 fet down at large to the end of the P.alme.

Ver. *'/^\ LORD God 9 towhom vengeance be-V~/ longeth : O £jod>to whom vengeance belongeth , fljew thyfelf.

2. L : fc up thy/elf 9 thoujudge of the earth,render * reW^rd to the proud.

In the prayer, the Chnrch requefteth the Lord to be avenged en inteftine enemies; her proud oppreflcui'S. IVhcnce learnc, t. The Lords people are fubjeft to trouble and oppreffion, as from forreigne , foalfo from inteftine enemies, as by-paft experience fheweth, and this Pfalme prefuppofcth , being let fonh for her comfort in fuch cafes in tiraetoccmc. i. The Lords people may fin^c as bitter affliction from domeftick enemies, as from fon eigne, as the doubling of the prayer unto God thcA-venger, to rife and take order witH their opprefiours, doth import. 3. God will not faile to be avenged on tlu enemies of his people • for He # the Lord God to whom vengexnee bclongctb. .4. Albeit fora while the/Lord fuffer the troublers of his people to go on in their pei fecution . yet he will ihew himfelf a righteous Judge in due time; Ogod, to whom vengeance bclovgctb,

fhcwthyfelf *• The Lord will fometime. as it were, hide himfelf, and not appeal in the execution ofhis judgements a-giinfl wicked eppreflburs, till his people come crying unto him forjuftice, as is imported in this prayer ; t ift up thy [elf, thou x u igeoftbecxrtb. 6, The Lords people are not troubled by fcumble foules, fenfible of their own finfulneifeand frailty ; but by thofe who little know hew it fares with the Lords hidden ones* and afflicted children, for the oppreflburs are here called the proud. 7. The Lord will give the proud oppreflburs of his people a meeting , and grieve them as th.y have grieved his Saints i Render a reward to tb. proud. 8. When the caufc is notour private quarrellj but concerned God in his glory, and the Church in her fafety : inch compluntsas are here, ac: law full; for this Psalms is put in the Churches hand in fuch cafes.

Ver. 8 LORD, ho^c long /ball the rvic\ed? how long /hall the wicked triumph ?

4. How long fhall they utter, and fpeak hjrd things} and all the Workers of iniquity boafi themfehes.

ThePfalmiftcomplaineth; fir ft, of the long continuance of the inlolent triumphing andboaftingofthefe inteiHne enemies. Whence turn, I. When the wicked go away unpunished, they think their caufe right; and the caufc of the godly. vvholieunder their feet, to be wrong 5 and thereupon do infult over the godly, and boaft of their pnrpofe to do them more and more mifchiel: fov here, They triumph, they utter , and [peak bard thing*, they boaft thcnifclycs 2. The Lord may delay execution of judgement on the wicked , fo long as his children may begin to wonder how his juftice can endure it : Lord, how long fall the wicked ? how long fhall the wicked triumph t How long jhll they utter , and [peak hard things ? $. When the godly are borne down by oppreflburs being in power, all the ungodly of all ranks become infolently bold "alio 3gainftthcm : How long fall the workers of iniquity boajl tbemfelvcs V 4. As the injuries done to the godly,do force the godly to complainc; fo the working of iniquity by pcrfecutours, ptovoketh God to punifh their oppreflburs: This the Pi aim ill holdeth forth . when be giver h the advevfary this defeription 5 How long/lall the itffk e &/ bow lovg (lull the wicked triump!) ? t and all the workers of iniquity boaft themfelvcs ?

A a 4, Vef

S6o PSAL. XCIV.

Ver. $4 They break in pieces thy people, 0 LoRDl and affliS thine heritage.

6. They flay the mdow and the fir anger, and murder thefatherleffe.

*y. Yet they fay* The LORD /hall not fee : neither /hall the God of Jacob regard it.

The wkkednefle of the oppreffours is here defcribed more pari jicularly, by their cruelty againft fuch as humanity would fpare > fuch as are the Lords harmleffe people, the widow,fatherlefle 3 and . ftranger,whom the opp r eflburs abufe without all fear of GOD, who acth behold them. Whence lear?t> i»YVhen wicked men, haters of piety within the Church, get power in their hand, they will be more cruell enemies then men ufe to be , who have only fiumanity and civility, and want profeflion of Religion; They breachpieces thy people ', 0 LORD: arid afflict thine heritage. They flay the widow and thejlranger , and murder the father leffel 2. The more relations a people hath unto God > it is the more wickedneffeto opprejfTe them$ and the more dangerous for the pppreffours : for they have an owner which others have not , even the Lord ;' 'tbey break in pieces thy people, and afflift thine heritage, $ It is net profeflion, but practice which witneflcth what impreflion the Deity hath upon mens fpirits ? oppreflioh of fuch as God hath promifed to protect, fpeaketh blafphemy of pod in eftcd: > They fay,the Lordjha'l not fee. 4. Oppreffion of the juft doth cauterize the conference, ex r inguifh the fenfe of a Deity, and maketh the oppreilour fecure and fearlefle of judgement 5 Yet they fay, The Lord fhxll not fee: neither /ball the God oj^acob regard it.

Ver, 8. Underf and , ye brutijh among the people: andyefooles, fthen will je be wife ?

9. He that planted the eare\ /hall he not hear? he that formed the eye, /halt he not fee ?

I O. He that chaftijeth the heathens, ftall not he cor-reel ? hcthat teachethman kno-wledze. fliallnothe Jcnow }

1 1 The LORD \nowcth the thoughts of man: th$t ihejzxz vanity.

By way of rebuking the Atheifme of the cpprefTour, verf. fr. he giveth the firft ground of comfort unto the godly from the attributes of God, as Gods wifdomej ver* 9. and from his jufticeagainft offenders, and from his care ofinftru&ing his people to be wife by all means, ver. iq. and from his difeftima-tion of mens vaine thoughts, ver. 1 1. Whence learn, u The wifdomcof wicked oppreffours is brutifh iollie, however they themfelves or othe;s do efteem of them : and whatfeever high thoughts the wicked have of themfelves, or others have of" them for their high phc-; yet they are notwithftanding all their honour, nothing in Gods eftimation, but asthe meaneft of the .peoples yea, as the beafts that perifti: Underjland ye briitijt) a.-mong tbepcople. z. The wicked within the vifible Church have this advantage overthofe that are without, that in Gods long-fufhring they have time to repent, and admonition Lobe wife for gaining of their fouls,or clearing of Gods juftice in their condemnation : for here they arc fpoken to ; Tcfooles, when will yebe^ife? $. The knowledge which wicked men do feemto have, or pretend to have of God, is nothing but a bale conceit of God > as if he were a dead Idol> which neither hearcth nor feeth: for this the Pfalmifts inftruft ion given to them doth import; He that finned the care, Jhall he not heir I 4, Bcfide what the Word doth tench of God, his Works alio do teach convincingly what he is } He that planted the are, Jhall he not he r ? he thlt formed the eyc, Jhall he not (ce? 5. 1he Lord ruleth among the Heathen, and chaftifcth them when they fin ngainft the law written in their hearts: He chajlifcth the heathen. 6. The judgements which the £,ord executcth among the Heathen , is a fufficicnt evidence of hispurpofe to execute judgement, on op-preflburs within the vifible Church, which driw&B much rearer unto him; He that chajlifeth the heathen Jlvll be not correct ? 7. Jhediverfcmeafuresofwit, Icarning,prudence,and wifjome, which God dothbeftow upon men* is fufficient tc prove how in-cpmpreheufibie his cwn fcurtain-wifdome is; He that tcacheth man knowledge, Jbatl be not tyiow ? *, It is a matter of great confolation to the godly in their opprcflion, to know that their opprcfloursarefoolesj and that God in his wildome is overruling all confufions, and leading them and thcii 'thoughts unto wife ends, as nerethe Pfalmift -cached the Chuch; TheLord fyyvcib the thoughts cf man. o. The enemies of godlintfle, and perfecuters of the godly, are at a threefold di advantage. Firft, thty do not put God upon their coui.fd, arid yet he knowcth

their

j6i PSAL. XCIV.

their thoughts. Next, They hope to make their own ft inding faft, and hereinthcy aredifappointed Thirdly, They think that they are able to fuppreflc piety , and that by this meanes they ihall eftablifh themfelvesj and here alio are they fooles, and dq deceive themfelves j The JLqrd \norcetb the t'oughts of man, that they are vanity. And this is the firft confolation of the godly opprefled.

Ver. 12. B/eJfedkthe man whom thou chafleneft, O LORD : and teacheft him out of thy Urv;

13. That thou may eft give him reft from the dayes of adverfity : mt?ll the pi* be digged for the v*ick*d.

The fecond confolation is, from the benefit which cometh to the godly by their exercife under the crofle: their temporall trouble ferveth to prepare them foi everlafting reft. Whence learve, 1. The perfection of the godly by the wicked, muft be expounded,as it is indeed, the Lords chaftening of the godly by fuch a rod* This trouble whereof they complain here is called, The Lords chaftening. i, Suffering for righceoufneffe is no token ofGodsdifpleafureagainftaman, nor part ofhismiffry, if it be well confideved; hi^Bleffed is the man whom thou cbxftcn* eft, OLord. 3. The expo'ltion of a mans exercife , and the meaning of the rod muft betaken from Gods Word, and God only can effectually teach men to carry themfelves in trouble ho-lily and righteoufly in all patience $ Ble(fed is the man reborn thou cbafteneft, 0 Lord : and teacheft kirn out of thy law : 4. When God teacheth his chiide by his Word , to poil'efTe his foul in patience unier the crofle , then doth he alfo give him a fort of deliverance from the trouble j yea, the Lord'chaftifing ofhjsown, and his teaching them cut othislaw to make the fight ufe of it, is the means whereby he doth fave his own, that they petifli not with the world in his wath ; Whom Ihou cbaftcn-eft> and teacheft out ofth) law : That thou majeft give him reft from the dayes of adverfity. $. A9 condemned men are fuffcred to live till their gallowes and grave be made ready , that after their execution they maybe thruft into it; fo are wicked men fuffered to live till they fill the cup of their iniquity, and till God have filled the cup ot his wrath for them : and this is the termc-day of the Saints patience ; That thou may eft give him reft, untill the fit be digged fur the Tricked/ Ver,

y^r. Jf For the LORD will not cafi off his people : neither will heforfake his inheritance,

i J. Bnt judgement Jhall returne unto righteoufnefs $ nnitll tht upright in he$rt Jhall follow it.

Thethird.confolationis, that the kords people (hall not be alvv3ye^ under the feet of oppreflburs : butbecaufc the Lord will not forfake his people i therefore fuch a change of aftakes (hall come, as the godly (hall have comfort and encouragement from authority, which fliall countenance and encourage them unto rightequfnefle and piety. Whence Icarnc, /« A ! beit men do pit-times caft oft'Gods people as unworthy to lie mernbers eithei-cf Chiuchor oi any civil incorporation , yet God will note ill themqffs The Lord t»iH not aft off bit people, i. Albeit the JLord may feem for a while to hide himfelffrom his people, when hefuftereth the wicked to perfecute and eppreffe them ; yet be-caufc of their relation re him asjns people, and for his imereft in them, as his own inheritance, lie will not fufter himfelf to be bereft of chem * He will not cajl off bis people : neither will he for fatehis inheritance. $ % Itcomethtopatiefundry tiTes, that rightccufnefle and judgement are patted afunder for a whiles partly by earthly Judges, refilling to do juftice and judgement for {Jods people : and partly by the righteous Judge of the world his fufpendingforatime to mamfefthis judgement for the godly, and againit theiroppreffQtirs 5 and that for his own wife and holy reafons. This was the cafe of the godly in this Pfalnvj, who were waiting for the 'returning of judgement unto rightcouf-vejfc. 4, Righreou r nefie. and righteous judgement executed in favour of it, fhall not long be feperated: for God (hall either raife up righteous Judges to favour righteoufnefle,or he Aiall make his righteous judgements teftifie for the godly, and againft their cp-preilb.urs,orhe mall do both thefei for God will not for fake his people, but judgement Jhall rcturwe to righteoufneffe. 5. When the Lord maketh Judges and Courts of juftice to favour righre-ou'nefFe , then the righteous have a banner lilted up for them, xe gather them together again , who before were fcattered in perfection; to encourage and countenance them in their gqdlinefle , and righteous waves i tyidgcmnit fbaU rctwrxc to rigbleouf-vetfe , and all the uprig/?t in heart Jhal follow it,

Vcr. 1 6*. Who mil rife up for me againft the eviS doers? or who mil ft and up for me again [I the Worl^rs of iniquity?

The fourth confolation is from the example and experience of XhePfalmijl, who in his righteous caufe fought afliftance from men in a lawful way, when he was oppreffed, vcr* ) 6. but found none to help him, except God only , who was hi$ fupporter and comforter, ver. 17. which he thankfully acknowledged, and praifethGodforit, w £ 18,19. believing that as God wasdif-pleafed with unrighteous Judges, and their cruelty againft the righteous , ver. 20, 21. fo he would certainly defend him againft theiroppreflioni ver. 22. and cutthemoff, ver. 23. andthishis experience and eximple he propounded to the Church , both to comfort them in their oppreflion, and to direct them in their bc-» haviour, till the relief fhould corhe.

From hisfeeking affiftance againft oppreflionj Learn, 1. There is a lawful defence of the godly, while they are oppreffed by their fupcriours, which is no wayes injurious to authority, fuch as js to bear witneffe for the godly , to fpeak and make requeft untb the Rulers for them, as §07tatban did (ov Vavid,and Ebedticlecb did for tferemy, to countenance and affift them in their appearances for defence of the truth , as Pauls companions mould have done, when he was brought before Hero , and fuch as here was fought after by the Vfalmift j Who will rife up for mc againft the eviii doers I who will ftand up for me againft the workers of iniquity. 2. When the godly fuffer injury by their own Rule, s, who fhould maintain thern , few or none poffibly will be found to countenance them in their righteous caufejfor this faying, Jffo rfiillarife for me ? doth (hew that none did offer themfelves: and he knew none , when he thas did miffc all help. $. Before the godly complaine of wrongs done to them by their fuperiours, they fhould be firff fure that they have done no wrong y or any thing which Rulers may juftly punifh , and that their Rulers are not onely injurious to them in a particular , but evill doers alfo, and open enemies to equity $ Who will rife up for me againft the evill doers ? or ^>ho will flandup for me agiinft the workers of iniquity ? 4. Rulers fhould be warie that they force not the righteous to complain to God and man of them > for if they do, the oppreffed may readily fill upon the Pfalmifts outcry , and that is not fafe for the Magiftrate, that any fhould have caufe

td

to cry, Who mil rife up for m: again ft the evill decrst

Vet. 17. Vnlejfe the L 0 R D had been my help : mj foule had almojt dwelt infilence.

Heftieweth what fucceffc bis fecking of help from men bad, and that was none at all j for if God had not helped him 3 he ftiould have periflied before help had been given to him from men. Whence turn , 1. Whofoever do engage in any caufe, were it never fojuft, with confidence in man , or with hopes to carry it on and go through with it by mans affiilance, neefl not wonder if they be difappointed ; Unleffe the Lord had been my help 3 my foulc bud almoft dwelt infilence. 2. Whacfoever lawful means the righteous man doth ufe for his own reliefe, they may fail, if he lean to them, and not to God onely : but if he relie upon the Lord, he fliall be relieved : Unleffe tbeLord had been my b(lp> my foulc had almoft dwelt infilence.

Ver. 18. When I [aid % My foot Jlippeth : thy mercy , 0 LO KD y held me up.

He flieweth how he received help of God, to wit, by acknowledging unto God the danger he was in, and his own weak-nefle to relieve himfelfc, whereby he found fupport from the Lorjls mercy. Whence Icarne , 1, Such as are put upon the trial of tljeir faith and obedience to God by perfecution , are hi danger either to fall into f?n or prefent trouble, yea poffibly alfo to lofe their life, like unto men driven unto the edge of a flcep-down place, as the fimilitude of my foot Jlippeth , doth import. 2. In time of trial and tentation ; as ordinarily God maketh mens own wifdome , courage;, and ftiength faile chem , that they may diftruft themfelves and come to him : fo ftiould they acknowledge their own weaknefle, and lay it out with the danger they are in before God : 1 faid, My foot Jlippeth. J. The feme of our own weaknefle prefented to God in prayer, is a forerunner of G~>ds reliefe coming to us: When 1 faid, My foot Jlippeth , thy mercy held me up. 4. As it is our duty to acknowledge Gods power and m&'cy in our fupplications ; fo alfo it is our duty to glorify the mercy of God attei the felt experience of it r Thy mercy, 0 Lord, held me up.

Ver,

0 PS At. XCIV.

Ver. 19. In the multitude of my thoughts i within me thy comforts delight mj foule.

He fetteth down here a further benefit of his faith in God; td

wiryrhat by what he law in God, he found comfort and joy in all

his perplexities. Whence learnt , r. In the time of danger , or

of narrow trial , many que ftions anddcubts, and difcourfesof

mindeufetoarife, which did riot appear in time ofeafe , ancf

thefe multiplied thoughts do breed perplexity • anxiety and'

grief, which call for comfort, as the experience cf the Pfdmrfl

doth teach; in the multiude of my thoughts within ike , (<?ci

2. No eafe for a perplexed foule till it go to God inGhrift, the

refting ftonein Sion: and in him iupport is to be found under

burdens, and comfort againft whatsoever cauie of griefs yea,

and more alfo, joy and delight (wallowing up rll grievances, as;

the Pfalmift by experience did fincfe ufiiall/ • In the multitude of

my thoughts m bin me thy comforts delight my foul 5 now Gods'

comforts are Gofpel-comforts.

Ver. 20. Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee: which frameth mifchief by a law f

21. They gather themfelves together againft the fonle of the righteous ; and condemne the innocehi blood.

He flieweh what ufc he made of the oppreflbrs wickedncflc for fupporting of his own faith 5 to wit , that he was perlwaded that God allowed not their mifchievous courfes, how foe ver they pretended to do what they did by a Law ; becaufe not the good ofthefubjeft, but the overthrow of the godly was intended by them. Whence learne . 1. The feat of Juftice within the viable Church, may poflibly turn enemies to piety and righteouf-nefle, and to thofe that follow Gods Words In which cafe, the : grief, tentation, wtaftling and trial of the godly, is not fmall,,- as the Ttfalmifts experience doth teach us, who here cometh to God, with a queltion ; SbM the throne of iniquity have felloxvfhip with thee ? 2. As the Thrones of Juftice are honourable, are countenanced and protected of God, when they decree and execute rijh-teoufneflc 5M0 they lofe their reputation, and are denuded of Godsapprobauon, comfort, arid defence, when they decree and

execute"

eiccufc iniquity; Skull tke throne of iniquity have fclio+Jbip with tbec 1 3. Albeit wicked men ofttlmes love to have the appeal ;mce and ftudow of equiry, yet unrighteoufneffe, impictf, oppreffionis not the more juflifiablfc, that it be covered wi-hthe authority of a law^ but rather God Will abhorre that wickednefle which is enjoyned by si law, fo much the more as it hath pretence of law: Skill the throne of iniquity hive fellowfhip wiib tbec> that forgetk mifekiefby a law i 4. The iniquity bfperfecutors is tfre matter of confidence for the opprefied ; for if our ad ver fa-ries be againft God, and againft us alfo, then have we fellowship with God in a cemmoncaufej Shall the throne of iniquity have fcllowfrip with thee? faith he. 5. When mifchief is enacted by Law 5 then ihortly may the godly be pannelled as criminally guilty 5 and they who allow the, Law > fhall be found ready to fit upon Aflifes to condemn the righteous 3 as the experience of the, Pfalfnift doth (hew : They gather tbemfelves together againft tbt foute of the tighttoia > and condemn the innocent blood.

Ver. 22. "But the LO RD is m} defence 1 and Cod is the rock^ofmj refuse.

23. And he (ball bring upon them their oven inu quity , And {haft cut them off in their own Wcked-neffe ; jen , the LORD vttr Cjbd flatten them off.

From thiscor.fiVeration he draweth two conclusions, one af-furinghiniofhisownprote&icn> ver. 22. another alluring him cf the defttuttion of the adverfary, ver. 23. tVbenct learnt, 1. As nothing fave faith in God can uphold a man in time^ of perfecution : fo by perfecurion and trouble , Cod ufeth to caufe his own to make uTe of faith,and to draw nearer hand unto him, as the PfaMnift did finde by experience, faying 3 But God is my defence. 2. It is netdful that he who would have Gods help and protection in a particular good caufe, ffiould fee that the reconciliation of his perfon be folidly grounded on the Covenant of Gods grace: My God is the rodi of my refuge, j. The godly may from Gods Word give out damnatory decrees againft their perlccutors, which furcly (hall he executed j as here thrice de-ftrucVion is pronounced by the Pfalmijt againft theoppreifors. 4. The deftru&icn intended againft the godly by their eppref-fois , is as re.uty ft any thing to be the trap to take thimfelve$ rfrj Qoi frail'bring upon them\ tbtiif c#h iniquity , And frail cut

thern 4

them oft in tbeir own wicficdncffc $ . How li ttle appearance fo-ever there be of the vengeance of God upon wicked Rulers abu-ling their power againft the godly for their righteouineffe and piety, yet the overthrow of them muft not be doubted of , becaufe of the Covenant paft between God and his fervams, who fcrve him in fufferin'g for righteoufneflfe > for the repeating ot the kn^ tence of deft ruction the third time againft fuch opprcflfors, doth teach fo much: 7ca> the Lvrd ourgodjball cut them off.

PSAL. XCV,

THis Pialme is applied to Chrift: by the Apoftle, Hcb. $. 7,$, o, i o, 1 1, Whereof there are two parrs. In the firft, is an exhortation to worfhip God in Chrift, or Chi iff God with the Father and holy Spirit, dwelling among them in the Temple, and reprefentingunto them his future incarnation , and the execution of his offices in types and figures. The arguments of prai-fing and worshiping of him are five. The firft , becaufe he is tfterockofourfalvation, vcr. 1, 1. The (econd, becaufe of his greatnefle> vcr. $. The thirds for his power, vet. 4. The fourth;, becaufe he created all things, and ushispeopre, vfr. $, 6. The fifth,'becaufe he is our covenanted God and Paftoi'4 ver, 7. In the latter part of the Pfalm is another exhortation unto the vifible Churchy to evidence their obedience of faith, and not to harden their heart in the time of Gods dealing with them by his Word^s* their fathers did, whopeiifhed in the wilderneffe for their provocation, vcr. 8, 9, 10 } iu

Ver. I. /^\ Come let its Jing unto the LORD : K^Jtet us makf a jojfull noife to the Rock of our falvation^

2. Let m come before hU prefence With thanksgiving : and make a joy full noife unto him with Pfalmes.

From the fi.ft exhortation unto a chcarfal praifmg and worshipping of God, manifeftinghimfelfe in Chrift tohis-Church,

arttf

and unto joyful thmkfgiving for fal vat ion offered , and granted to us in him, which is the firft reafon to move them to the duty} Learn y I. A? theneccflity and acceptablcneile of the duty of praifing G^d 3 and thankfgiving unto him , is very remarkable; foisour unreadinelle unto the duty , and uncheanulneffc in ic obfervable alio : for the frequent and prefling exhortations thereunto do intimate fo much unto us: 0 come, let us ftng unto the Lori\ letusma^e a noife, let us come before.him. 2. Every one , but fpecially the Lords Miniilers , mould ftirre up theif people and o:hers alfo to this duty , to difcharge it not only in fecret, bat alio publick T y in their Congregations, and that with cHeanulnefle , with heart and voice 4 , whatever ihall be their private grievances and burdens 5 Let us come before bis prefence with thanksgiving , and mx\e a joyful noife unto bim with Pfilms. $. Whatfoever evil or grkfdo trouble us , there is reafon of joy and p.aifc and thanks, when we I09X to Jefus Chrifl and his benefits: Muliea joyfulnoife unto the 7{pcfi of our falvation. From him is our full deliverance, and upon him lieth our victory over fin, Satan, death, hell, and all enmity , founded as upon a Rock. 4. It is time to come before Ood for mercy to prevent juftice, while yet we are fpared ; and he is not come to us in judgement* for fo the Word in the original giveth ground, fignifying coming fpeedily,and with prevention : Let us fpceiily come before bis prefence , or preoccupy his prefence. 5. He that cometh to God in Cbrift, meeteth wiih his reconciled hec 5 for the coming to the Tabernacle, the Ark and mercy-feat, did fignify and promife fo much : and therefore it is faid,? Let us come before his prefence , or before bis face.' 6. Singing of Primes mould be done as a matter of honouring God p and not as a matter of pleaung our own eares, ortheeares of 0,hers > Let us come with thanksgivings or confeffion and praifing, and mj^c a joy full noife unto bim with Ufalmes.

"Ver. 3. For the LORTj is a are.u God : and a great King above all gods.

Another reafon of praifing Ch ift , is his greatnefle and fupre-macie above all Rulers, and above all imaginable excellency. IVfjcnce learn, 1. He that hacha minde to p.aifc God , mail not want matter of praife , as they who come before P.inces do; who for waji; of true grounds of praife iu them, do give ilum rl -t-

B b teiing

tering words: For tbe Lord is agrext Cjod, for power and pre-heminency, for ftrength and cor.ti mane*. 2. Ex.ep: we put all things thar bear the name o^exjellency under Gods feet, whe-thet they be Angels or Princes^ or whaticever the wo.ld makuh their god , we do not give him his due honour: He is a great Kjng^above all gods.

Ver. 4. In his hand are the deej> places of ths earth: the jlrength of the hills is his afo.

A third reafon of hi> praife is this, he is ftrong , fufhining by his power fea and earih, and all things of height. Whence learn, 1. Whatfoever is moftfecret snd remote from mens power, or from our fight and knowledge, God hath it at his difpofins 5 for fcefuftainethit, and makethit fubdft: In hk band are the deep places of the earth. 2. There is nothing of any ftrengh among all the creatines jwhich hath not its ftrength borrowed from God: -Tke ftrcugthof the hills is his alfo.

Ver. 5. Tk fea is his , and he make it • and his hands formed the dry land.

6. 0 come, let us worflAp and bow doyvn : let ta kneel down before the LORD out m*\ber.

A fourth reafon of Chrifts praife is-, becaufeheis the Crea-tour of all things, and to be wor hipped of us as our C e.uour. That Chrift as God, or God to be incarnate,one wiih the Father and holy Spi.it, is here intended, appeareth by the command given to the worfhippers to prefent thcmfclves in the Temple, and to kneel down toward the place of the Al k before God dwelling between the Cherubirns, that is, before Chrift* God to be incarnate. Whence lexm, 1. All things were made by Chrift, whether high or low, C°^°lf' u l &- ^nd lt was mcet that our Saviour fliould be no other then he by whom Tea and dry land were made, fo great is the woik whUh the Mediator hath in hands. The (ex-is his , and he mi&it y and his hands formed the dry land. z> Chrift as he is one with the Father and holy Spirit in great-nefle and power, in refped- of his Godhead and divine nature : fo is he one with the Father and holy Spirit in the capacity of divine honoui $ 0 come, let mwo flip and ' t borv down. $. Religious'

ous kneeling is a part of divine worfhip , whereby we tdtifyour abfolute fubmiflion anto.and higheit tiding of honour to God in foal and body j and this honour is incommunicable to any crea -ture : Come, let m wtrflrip and bow d$wn, let m facet before the Lord our ma^eu

Vcr, 7. For he is onr (3od, and Vre are the people of his paflure , and the fheep of his hand: to day if ye will hear hU Voice.

The fifth reafon of Chrifts praife is > becaufe he is our God, and Paftor of his Church, by ofticeof his Mediatorfhip. Whence learn , 1. God deferveth praife of all the world, but ipecially of his Church j becaufe of the near relation of Covenant between God 3nd his Church; Let ta worfhip and bow down : for he is our tjod. 2. The good rtiepherd of che Church s who layeth down Jiislife for his fhcepsthe great Doctor and Prophet of theChuechy the Mediator of the Covenant of grace, and covenanted fpoufq of the Church , is very God , and was knowne, believed on, and worfhipped as very God, before his incarnation : He is our (jod> and we are the people of his pafturc. 3. Chi Hi the Maker 3 the Govlj the Mediator and P. ftor of the Church, doth not only ef -fe&ually feed his people by teaching, but alio effectually govern E e,th and defendeth his Church by his omnipotent power; We art the people of hispafture, and the fheep ofhU hand; whom his Almighty hand and power governeth and protecleth in all ages.

Ver. 8. Harden not your hearty as in the provocation : and as in the day of temptation in the ml-idernejfe :

9. When jour fathers tempted me : proved me^ And faro my Work.

10. Fonrty years longwas I grieved wi:h this generation , and, faid, It is a people that do erre in their heart : and they have not knowne my waies.

In the latter part of the Pfalme^ which beginner h in the former verfe. To day if ye will hear his voice , harden not your heart \ foe giveth another exhortation to his Church vifible ,. to believe and obey the voice of our great,Prophet Jefus Chrii), asthe Apoftle,. ticb*}. ffimlM 1 * tcacheth us to expound k, Thenujnaix

Bb 2, &mekt

gument to enforce the exhortation is, left the curfe of God mould ovevtakcthe difobedient,and they mould be debarred from heaven andhappineile, as the misbelieving Ifraeiites were fecludcd from Can/tan j and from heaven iigniticd by it: the uiftory may be feen } Exod 17. Whence leirve , i. The voice of God in the Scriptures, in the Gofpel 3 appointed tc be preached by fent Mi-nifters , is the voice oi God the Father, God the Son, and God the holy Spirit ,one God in threeperfons:for all who do grant the Scriptures, to be divine, do acknowledge alfo that the Scriptures are the voice of God the Father; and this Pfalme the Apoftle, Heb.f.7. calleth the faying of the holy Gbofi : and in that fame place he expoundeth bis voice , of whom this place doth fpeak to bethevoiceofthc5 , e?z7/c,JefusChrift j and fo the voice ofGod in the Scriptures, in the Gofpel, appointed to be preached by fentmeflengers, is the voice of God the Father, Son and holy Spirit, as David alfo doth teach us, a Sam. zj. 2,3. The Spirit of the I ord fpake by rnt, there is the perfon of the holy Sfpirit: The God of Ifrael faid , there is the ordinary delignation of the perfon of the Father without fedudingof the V^oriqx Spirit: The Rock oflfracl jpafa to me , there is The defcripf ion of the perfon of the Son, who is the Builder of the Church, his houfe, and the foundation whereupon his Church is builded $ againft which the gates of hell (hall not prevail. 2. The vifible Catholick Church, which hath the Word of God preached unto them, and are in Covenant with him, is the people of Chrifts pafture , and flieep of his hand , whe- ein may be found many fuch. as harden their heart and perifli, and fo are not all of them elect perfons 5 for, To day if ye will hear his voice> is fpoken unto all,to whom the Word of God doth come, and doth bring them in the bond of the Covenant to hear his voice. $, Of fuch as are in Covenant with God in Chrift, to believe and obey his voice, thofe only are actually true difciplcs, who hnve this property; to love, to believc,and to obey Gods voice, to yield their heart to the Lords Word: To day if ye will hear his voice^ is here the probation of their covenanted p ofeflion. 4 Theprefent time only is the opportunity offalvation, or embracing of the offer of Gods grace, and teftify-ing of our obedience of faith i we are not fure how long the Word iliall remain with us, or we with it: 7 0 dxy if ye will hear his voice. 5. How ignor 1 nt, weak , and unable foever a man be by nature, to believe and obey the voice of God , yet feeing God doth offer himfelfe by his Word to cure him of all his evils, he cannot endure thzt 9 emjq (h^oM witrjn^ly & willingly reject the

counid

counfcl of the Lord , and refolutely ftrengthen himfclf in his natural misbelief and difcbcdience , tor this were to harde i his own h:art yet more, which here is forbidden : To day if ye will hear his votce, harden not your heart. 6. T: e example of other mens finnes mould be made ufe of to make us wife for efchew-in j the iike, as here the hiftoi y of the peoples murmuring ag.iii.ft GodandhisMinifters,is for this end recorded fomExct/. 17.3,4. concerning their tentatio 1 of God , and provocation of him in the wiUc r iicffe. 5. It is to good purpofe that we look upon the (ins of our foe-fathers, and upon Gods judgement on them for their (ins,that we may be humbled & m de watchful againft hereditary fins', fo this end is the time told them, Wl)en your fa hers tempted m:, proved me. 8. He that ma-eth queftion ei her ol Gxls power or good will, after he hath had experience and proof" thereof, burieth unthankfully the Lords bounty, and do:h draw a gi eat deal deeper in the (in : for this doth aggravate the provocation of God by the carnal Ijraclitcs here, that they hid often proof what G )d could do , They favo my wor^s, faith he. 9. The Lord not only ma. kcth mens (ins. bur alfo doth reckon how long they continue inthen : ¥ our ty year es long was I grieved. 10. Misbelieving of God, and not fubmiuingour felves to his government; is a vexing of his Spirit, and a provocation of him to reject the (inner i Fourty yeares long wx\ I grieved with this generation. 11. The errors of the mink are dangerous} but the errors of the heart are yet more dangerous : for the faults of the minde (imply confidered, are ignoiance and error; but :he fault of the heart, is a loving of darknes and error: the error of the minde faith, I knew not, I did noc underftand fuch a duty 5 but the error of the heart hith no lefie then, i will not know \ I de(i*e not to hear of, I care not for fuch a duty; I (aid it is a people that do errc in their heart, and they have not known my wayes : that is, they have not regar Jed my wayes, have not allowed of them, or loved them ; for otherwayes they were not limply ignorant of them ; they heard his words, and fawh swords. i:# Not to fubject our felves to fuch and fuch particular hard exerci:*es,diffi:ulties,itrai:s,ikl lad diipenfationS; as it plenfes God to put us under, is a not knowing and difipproving of the ways of 3od, which he followed in ,;eiU ing with his people , an.I is no lefle then if we did take upowtfgtd be wifer then he, and to coun.el and lircfl h'm h >w to govern the world and our particulars be.:er then he doth ; They crre in h:art x And have not known my wayes,

B b J Vto

Ver. ii. Vntovohom I [ware in wj wrath: that the) Jhould not enter into my reft.

To enforce the exhortation, the Lord lepeateth the doom pronounced upon fuch as harden their own hearts, in their unbelief and difobedience or" the voice ot' God, to wit, that he fware,' they fhould not enter into his reft, that is, they mould not enter into the reft of reconciliation andpeace with God, which is a part of the believers reft, whereof the Apoftle fpeakerh, commenting on this place, Heb. 4.5. nor into the reft of Canaan the type of heaven \ for they died in the wilderneffe: nor into the reft of heaven fignihed by Canaan, fo many of them as continued in this fin of hardening their heart againft the voice of God, Whence le.>rn, *t There is a reft of God ordained for Believers, who give up their hearts to the impreflion of Gods voice, in the obedience of faith; to wit, the reft of pftification, reconciliation, and peace with God; the reft uf begun fan&ification,and ceafing f;om their own works; and the reft oteverlafting refreshment, be^un in this life, and perfected in the life to come : for this is the reft which God calleth here his reft : They Jhall not enter into my reft. 1. As all Cm hath judgement following after it, as the fhadow follow-eth the body : fo hardening of the heart againft Godjfl^grd in fpecial, hath'wrath annexed unto it 3 To whom lfwrnfymy^ Wrath. 3. Obftinate hardeners of their heart in ffKbeUfeiraud dilbbedience againft Gods Work, are near to the curfo $ and whenever do continue to the end, ihall be found reprobates juftly damned to the eternal torment of reftleffenefs^gainft whom God ftandeth fworne, to condemn them and deftroy them: Unto •whom 1 [ware in my -wrath , that they Jhould. not cnt.r into my reft. 4. The molt fearful curfjs and threatnings pronouncel a^3init Tinners by God, and the molt terrible judgements which haveteen executed upondifobedient unbelievers of Gods Word, are merciful! and fat fie. ly warnings ot Gode children j to efchew fuch ns as carefully and really , as they abhorre the punifhment ', infli&c." for them 5 for the Lords making ttfe c f his wrath againft the misbelieving and dilobedknr Jjraelucs here doth teach us fo much.

PSAL.

PSAL. XCVI.

WErn'e, i Chrov. \6. 23. 1 part oi this. P^/m, fung at the bringing up of the Aik to Sion, to be in lub-ftance and almoft in words al 0 one and the fame withthts which is he-c ; tor as the e , (0 here the Prophet forefceth in the Spirit the fpreadingof the Ki^gdomc of Chrift among the:Nations; And therefore fivft, he cxhortcth all people heartily to receive Chrift, and propagate his. flory, ver. tj i, $. And gi-veth reaions for it, vet. 4. ^6, Then he re^earerh and inlar-geth the ixhomtion to gloiific Godj and to re Joyce in him, be-caufc Chiift was indeed ro'come among the Gentiles, to reign, among them righteoufly, v<y. j 9 S, $ y io a n 3 1: 3 1 3,

Vcr. \. £~\Si»gH»to the LORD a neW fong : \Jfing Mt° the LORD all the earth.

2. Sing unto the LOR'V, bleffe his Name, JhfM for ihhULfAlvation from dty to day. * ?v *&tbUre his glory amovg the. heather): hh won-dirs among all people.

Prom the exhortation given xo all Nations to rejoyce for Chrifts coming among them; Lcame, 1. As fadnefle and forrow, mifcry and mourning, is the condition of all people, till Chrift the true Ark of the Covenant come unto them: fo Chrifts coming among them, isth^nntter of thegrcateft joy that ever linnets did hear cf> for upon rhi> ground arc all here exhorted to rejoy:c; Ofing unto the Lord\ 7. As the matter of Toy ia Chrift iseverlafting, and (hall never decay; fo'Jve reason of praifing of Goi for falvation in him, is everlafting atfo^ new and iYefli matte being alwayes offered of joy to us, andpraife to God, which fliall never vanifh nor wax eld 5 Sing unto the Lord a new Song. 3 All the earth hath intereft in this Song, and is obliged unto the duty of joy and praifc, hecaufe out of all pecpie, tongues and languages; God is to gather a people to be laved ; Sing unte the Lord all tbceirtb. 4. We have meed a-eain and again to be ftirred np to joy in Chiiil, to praife him; Bb 4 for

foe wea-e dull, and the work excellent, and no man doth discharge the duty lufficiently : therefore is it faid the third time, S ing unto the Lord. $ . The grace offered in Jefus Chrift, is a perpetual reafon of declaring the g'oodnefle of God, and that Chrift is the fountaine of all bleffcdnefl'e to them who do receive hirh : for, 'Blcffebis Name, doth import fo much. 6,The falvarion which comerh through Chrift, ought to be commended as Gods falvation indeed, becaufche devifed it, hepurchafed it, and he it is that doth apply it to us, and maketh us partakers of it; Shew forth his falvation. 7. The doctrine of 1'alvjtion by Chrift, is the common good of mankinde, and ought not to be concealed, but let forth to all, preached, and proclaimed, and fpoken of by all, according to their vocation and ability ; Shew forth his falvation from day to day. 8. It is a part of the Commif-iiongiven to thelVjiniftersoftheGofpel,not only tote^ch their Congregations concerning Chrift, but alfo to have a care that they who never did heare of him, may know what he is, what he bath done and fufYered, and what good may be had by his mediation : Declare his glory among the heathen. 9. Nothing fo glorious to God, nothing fo wonderful in it felf,as is the falvation of man by Chrift : to behold God faving his enemies, by the incarnation, fufFet ingsand obedience of Chrift the eternal Sonne of God y Declare bis glory among the Heathen, his wonders a-mong all people.

Ver. 4. For the LORT> is great, and greyly to be

praifedi be is to be feared above all gods.

5. For all the gods of the nations are idols I but the LOBSDmade thcheavens.

6. Honour and maiefty are before (jijn: Hrength and fyeauty are in his fantluary.

The reafons of the exhortation are, becaufe God is Sovereign, above all, ver. 4. and all other gods beiide God are idols, ver. ?. and whatfoeveris glorious is to be found inhiraonly, ver. 6. Whence learn, 1. None can pi aiie God till they con -fider his excellcncie, and that his wifdom , power and empire is cibove all created or imaginable greatnefie , for The l^ord is great and greatly to hepraifeL 2. As the Lord is pvaifc-worrhy lor lis goodnefie and readinefle to communicate cihis riches to ' J ; ' cli

att hi J creatures, and moft of all to his lervanrs: (o is he able to puniih his adversaries, ind all that contemn his Authority^which no creatu.e is able to do ; He is to be feared above all gods. $. Whofoeverdo not fubmit themfelvcs to God, a 1 ™ vvorftiip and obey him, (hall be found to ferve idols and vanities, where-by they can have no good, but difappointmenc of hopes : for, blithe gods of the ^Nations arc idols. 4. The framing of heaven and eai th, and the upholding and governing of all the creatures proveth, that die Maker thereof is God alone., and that there neither is. nor can be any befide him ; all others who have the name ofgods are idols: /ill the gods of the heathen are idols: but the lord made the Heavens.) 5. Before a man can come to the knowledge of God, he muft firft meet with the rtiining beams of his honour and majeure in his Word and in his Works;for thefe are Apparators and Harbingers going before him ; Honour and majefiy are before him. 6. The power and gJory of God is not rightly fecn, either to Gods praife or a mans Talvation, except by his own ordinances in his Church where he himfelf is both teacher, and the fubftince alio of what is taught ; Strength and beauty are in his Santtuary.

Ver. 7. Give unto the LORD, (0 ye k'»4 } £#< of the people, ) give unto tkp LORD glory and Strength.

Here he repeateth. and dilatcth the exhortation in foure branches. In-thefirft, he exhorteth to acknowledge, that glory and power belong to God,both in decreeing wifely,and in executing timoufly and powerfully his own decrees > in ipecial, the work of Redemption and Converficn of the Gentiles by Chi ift-Whence learn, As it is the finful fuknefle ot natiualmen, to take to ihemfelves, orto give unto the creatures the g'ory of every excellent woik, which is properly due to <-od alone; lo i$ it the part of a renewed foul , to give the glory of every thing which is praife-worthy un/o God alone ; which glory G.cd ex* pecteth, and fhall have it of the Gentiles bein° reconciled and inftruftcd by the Gofpel : Give unto the Loid, 0}e fan/ire J \ of the people, give unto the Lord glory and flrcngib.

Ver. 3. Che unto the LORD the gfarj due unto

to his Name , bring an offerings and come into his courts*

In the feconl branch, he exhortethall to acknowledge the Lord, as they who are worfhippers of him, And who are taught by his Word, fhoulddo. Whence lam, i.It was foretold, tnat as the Church of l(rael was taught by the Lords Word to know him: fofhould the Gentiles be to taught alfo 5 for, Giveunta the Lord the glory due to his Name , prefuppofeth and importeth, that they (hould have his Name fet forth in his Word, and ihould be inftruclcd to know him, and how to worfhip him acceptably. 2.Whatfoever point of glory the Scripture giveth unto God,itmay not be withdrawn from htm,nor communicated to any other be de him; for it is his own proper due: Give unto him the glory due to bis Name. 3.It is the manner of the Scriptures of the OldTcftimentj to exprefle the fpiritual fervice of the Gofpel in the termes of the fervice of the Law : Bring an offering, and come into bis courts. 4. Albeit bodily facrifices and oblations, and the material Temple of tfcrufulem be taken away; yet the moral duties fhadowed forth inthem, are (till neceffary to be done : we muft not come for fafhion , empty and vaine before G"d, but with the calves of our lips, offering up our felves in a living facrifice,holy and acceptable to him : Bring an nffcringun-to hn ?.. The Church of the Gentiles make up one Church with the Jewes, and are of the fame incorporation and holy fo-ciety, and partakers of the priviledges of the Church with them : Bring an offering, and come into his courts.

Ver. o. 0 worfhip the LORD in the beauty of ho-lineffe : feare before him all the earth.

Inthe third branch, he exhorteth more particularly all the Gentiles to worfhip and feare the fame God with the Church of the Jewes. Whence learn , 1. True Converts mult fubmit themfelvcs absolutely unto Chritts Government, in foul and body; for, 0 worfhip the Lord, importeth fo much, t. Then is a mans wo' '<hip Wai fubmiffion fandiGed,and made acceptable when it is offered in and through Chrift,and in fociety with his Church reprcfentcd by the Sanctuary, here called the beauty of holineffe 5 Worflnp the Lord in the bciuty of holineffc. $. A-mon* all Gods works nothing fa beautiful as his ordinances, rightly made ufe of in his Church ; Worfoip the Lord irt the beauty of holineffc. a . All our worfhip muft be fcaloned with /ear, [eft we fwervc on either hand from the rule prefcribed by God ; Fear before him all the earth. V*r.

Vcr. To. Say among the heathen xhn the LORD r eigne th: the world aljo {hall be eftab lifted ^ that 'it fhall not be moved: be /ball judge the people righteouflj.

11. Let the heavens rejoyce: and let the earth be glad; let the Jea roare and the julnejfe thereof.

12. Let the field be joyfully and allthat is therein : then [ball all the trees of the Wood re Joyce.

I 3 i Before the LORT>, for he cometh , for he Cometh to judge the earth : he fiall judge the world with ri^bteauf.effe) and the people rtnh his truth.

In the fourth place, heexborteth the Lords Minifters, his called meiicngersevery where toprcclaime Chriit, King in his own Church , and to declare the benefits of his reigning in fpe-cial thefe three, i. The putting of all things which are in dif-order and contufion in the world by fin, into their own order a-. gain > andfetling all things to the perpetual benefit of his iub-. jects. 2. Chriils righteous governing and de : ending of his fub-jects. 3. The unexprefliblejoy which Chi ill doth bring to his people, for letting forth whereot, ^11 the reafonable and under-: ilanding creatures are unable. Whence learn, i . Where foe ver tnc Gofpei is preached, there without injuie to Migiflrates. Chrift may and mould be declared King, lovereigne Lord and Law-giver in all the matters of Religion , and whatfoever concerned the falvation of men and lei vice of God : Say Among* the heathen that the Lord rci^netb i. Before Chrift come to x people, men neither know God,nor themielves, nor what is their profit, nor what is their loffe : for before Chriil reveale him-felt to a man , things earthly and temporall are put in the room ot things heavenly and everlafting : the creitures and lufts ot men are put in the room ot God, and the finncr is made 2 (lave to his own lulls and unclean ipiiits ; but when Chnft cometh, who is the light ot the world, and the life of men , and convinced men otlin and righteoufnefie and judgement, then is the (inner humb ed, and God exalted, and every thing is put in its own place, and a lolid Hate of grace and glory is rounded by his Word and wo.king, and is fetled by his decree tor che benefit of

the

the world of his Ele& and Regenerate people: for by Chiifts governing the world alfofball be ejlablijbcd 3. The Kingdom of Chrift is a Kingdom which cannot be moved , and they who are his Subjects, do receive this Kingdom in title and right 3 and begun podeffion^which cannot be taken from them again * The T99rli alfo Jhall be cftxbljjhed that it cannot be moved. 4. The government of Chrifts Kingdom is fo well and wifely carried by him, as right is done to God and man, to friends and foes, and no injury to any party is allowedjand courfe is taken to give effectually to every man according as his work (hall be : He (bail judge thepeoplc rigbteonjly. 5. There is no true rejoycing for tinners in heaven or earth , except in and through Jefus Chrift alone: all joy of fanners without htm is madnelfe, and in hjm men have caufe of rejoycing whatfoevei condition they (hall be in: Let the heaven rejoyce"and let the earth be glad', let the fea roarc, and the fulneffe thereof 6.The joy which Chrift bring-eth to his people is fuch, that men and Angels are not able to ex-prefle it 5 and if all the dumb creatures had mindes and mouthes to fet it forth, it were a taske and more for them to undertake it: Let the heavens rejoyce , and the earth be glad y let the fear oar e, and the fulnejfe thereof j &c. 7. As all the creatures are in 3 fort of bondage and fubjec~tion u nto vanity through the fins of men jib have they their own redemption & freedom from vanity in relation to Chrift,and the fervice which they do unto the Saints,who make right ufe of them 5 and at length the creature (hall be fully delivered from the bondage of corruption , and in its. owne kinde have caufe of rejoycing: Let the heaven , earth, fea and fields rejoyce, &c. S. All the creatures are at enmity with man, before he be reconciled to God in Chrift; but when peace is made by Jefus Chrift, they look upon man all of them with another countenance, as fervants unto and children of their Lord, who is Father of the reconciled, and govemour of all for their good : Let the fields be joyful, and all that is therein } then foall all the trees of the wood rejoyce. They (hall look upon a reconciled man walking in the light of Gods countenance as a Paradife. 9. The fitft and fecond corning of Chrift to (hew him elf King of his Church, is ground and caufe of all joy to his Subjects; Let them and all the creatures rejoyce before the Lord, for he cometbjoi' this for he cometb ftwice Did) to 1 udgc the earth, is given for a reafon of the exhortation 10. By Chrifts government, every poor and needy Subbed is helped, fupphed , comforted anJ provided for, as their caferequireth : all the Subjc&i are juftiried by the

impu-

imputation of the rightcoufnefle of Chrift,allof them are renewed and begun to be fan&ified , and made to aime at righteouf-nefle more and more in their wayes^ all the proud and adverfai ies of his Subjects are declared againft ; courle is laid down in the Wordofttuthfora fulldcliverieof his people from all injuries andeppreffion , from all miferieand tin, with the full punishment of their enemies: He Jhall judge the world with righteouf-ncjfe, and the people with hit truth.

PSAL. XCVII.

THis Pfalmecontainethaprophecie ofthefpiritual glory of Chrifts Kingdome, to ver. 8. And the ufc of the Do&rine to the end of the Plalme. The comfort of Chrifts Kindome in relation to his Church is let downe, vet. 1,2. And the terrible-nefle thereof in relation to his enemies, vtr % $, 4, ?, 6. with a curfeuponinage-worfhippers, ver* 7. The ufes of the Do-ttrine, they are foure. Thefirftis, that all excellency , and whatfoever is honourable in the wcrld , ihould do homage to him. let down in the end of vet- 7. Thefecond is, that the, true Church mould be glad at the hearing and the feeing of the execution of Gods judgements upon idolaters,with a reafon for it, ver.Syp. The third ufe is, a dire&ion to the Saints to beware of fin, with fome reafons for it, ver. 10,11. The fourth ufe is, that the righteous mould rejoyce, and thank God upon all occafions, ver. 12,

Ver. 1. nr^He LORD reigneth, let the earth re* JL jojee: let the multitudes of J(les be . glad thereof.

2. Clouds and darknefe are round about him : righteoufnejfe and judgement are the habitation of his throne.

ThcPfalmift procbimeth Chiift King among the Gentiles, aad doth commend his Kingdome to them , as full of joy, full ©fmajefty, and lull ofrigrueoufneffe. Whence leum, 1. Be-

fide

fide the fovereignty whichGod hath over all peopleshe hath a fpe-ciail Kirigdpm , wherein he reigneth by the Gofpel of Chrifi • this is it whereof here he fpeaketh, faying, Tht Lord reigneth. 2. Comfort againft all g'Jef from fin or mifery , true matter of joy and full felicity, is to be had by the coming of this Kingdom; 1 he Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoyce. 3. The Ifles of the Sea' arc in Chr Its charter, and have their fhare of rhe joy which is to be had in Chrift; Lee the multitude of the IJlcs be glxd thereof. 4« How defpicable foever Chrifls Kingdome mayfeem to the world, yet it is full of heavenly majefty ; Clouds and darfc-nejfeare round about him* 5. The glory of Chrifis Kingdome is unfearchable, and hid from the eyes of the world , who cannot take up the things of God, except he reveale himfelfto them, and do op en rhe eyes of their underftanding ; Qlouds and darfc-neffe are round About him. 6. The Kingdome of Chrift °iveth no liberty unto fin,but is altogether for righteoufnefle and judgement ; for therein righteoufnefle is taught to finners , and they made righteous, and kept in the courfe of righteoufnefle,and defended from the harme of their adverfaries,and rewarded according to their righteoufnefle, and all the unrighteous are adjudged, to punifhment according to their works j Rigbteoiifneffc and judgement are the habitation of his throne.

Vcr. 3. A fire goeth before him y and burneth up his enemies round about.

4. His lightnings inlightcnedthe Vvorld: the earth Jaw it, and trembled.

5. The hills melted Ufa waxe at the pre fence of the LORD: at the prefence of the Lord of the whole earth.

6. The heavens declare his righteonfneffe ; and all the people jee his glory.

, After the Pialmift hath fet down how comfortable Chrift is to his Subjects, he fheweth how terrible he is to his enemies. Whence learnt, 1. Albeit the Kingdom of Chrift be a King-dome for righteoufnefle, and a fountaine of joy to all who do receive him i yet fuch is the natural wickednehe of men, that he {hall not want enemies, as here is imported plainly, xl There ifc'nolefli, but rather more wiv.th attending the defpifers'ofthe

GbffU/

Gufpel, then did attend the giving out of the Law, Hcb. 11.29. A fire goctb before him % 5. Albeit ihe enemies of Chrift were neverlbmany 3 invironing his flock round about; yet (hall he reign in the midfl of them, and confume all his adveriaries: *A fire goeth before him> and burnctb up bis enemies round about. 4. He letteth forth his wrath , not all at once, but by degrees; lighter judgements,and foregoing terrours come before deftru&i-on : his Ughtnings inligbtencd the world: the earth faw it, and trembled. 5. Chiift {hall utterly undo thegreateft Potentates on earth, if they ftand in hisway and oppolehim \ The bills

. melted lil^e rvaxe at the pre fence of the Lord. 6. There is no comparifon between Chiift and his enemies; tow great Vlo-narchs foever they be, they cannot fland before his presence > For he is the Lord of the whole earth. 7. Our Lord mall not wane Preachers of his righteoufneffe : for befide the WordofGoJ, bleiTmgs from heaven upon his friends, and judgements fro.n heaven upon his enemies, according to the Word , (hall teftihe for Chrift 5 The heavens declare his righteoufneffe. 8. The judgements of God upon the enemies of the Church, and his bleltings upon his Church , (hall be fo evident, as beholders fhall be forced to acknowledge God in them , manit'efting him-feif for Chriih Kingdomey And all the people fhall fee bis

glory,

Vcr. j. Confounded be all they that ferve gra -ven images , that boafl thtmfelves of idols : worfhip him all ye gods.

He fecteth down Gods curfe upon idolaters,or image-woi (hip-ta, and then fheweththe ufes of the former Do&rine, for further fecting forth the glrry of Chriih Kingdome. Whence learn, I. All they who either ferve or worfhip graven images, ae reck-" oned by God for enemies to God and to Chiift ; and it is a part of Chrifts glory to abolilh images > and all worfhip and fervkc unto images out of his Church: Confounded be all they that ferve graven images. 1. A beit tuch as are lovers of imagery, not only do ferve images, but alfo will defend the fhtecf i-magesinthe exercife ot Religion, and glory in them ; yet (hall th.yat length be afrnmed of their Drafting; Confounded be all they that jet ve graven mages , that boait tbemfclvcs of idols jv God will not have ftuh. thrive woiUiip as men would give

him /

him, by ferving or worfhipping of him in, at, or before images : the way how God willbelerved , is by a dired and immediate worshipping of him, without the mediation or intervening of any thing which may inte cept his worftiip : for in opposition to relative worftiip in the fei vice of graven images, he faith, IVor-jhiphim'i imposing that when images are worftiipped, God is not worihipped at all, whatfoever the image-worfliipper doth intend. 4. VVlrtfoever creature hath excellency in heaven or earth, or can pretend to any tmiriency or excellency of whatfoever fort, muft do homage unto Chi ift: Worjhip b:m all )c gods 3 and this is the firft ufe of the former Do&rine.

Ver. 8. Sion heard, and Veas glad: and the daughters ofjudah rejojeed, becaufe of thy judgements, O LORD.

Ver. 9. Tor thou, LORD, art high above all the earth : thou art exalted far above all gods*

"f"he fecond ufe is to comfort all true wovftiippers 5 partly,be-caufe they hear Gods wrath threatened and executed againft Idolaters ; and partly, becaufe they have hereby a clear evidence of (Thrifts fupremacy over all creatures^ Whence learn, 1. The condemnation of imagerie, and of all fervice and worftiip to graven images, is a Do&rine comfortable to the true members of the Church ; Sion heard, (to wit, this curte againft Idolatry J and was glad. i. The true Church confidered in her colle&ive incorporation, as the Mother Sion : and in her particular branches and fubdivilions, as Daughters o\<fudab depending upon Chrift, the true Vine-tree of tfudab , have the fame realonsr of joy, and the fame grounds of edification by Gods Word, and works of judgement, wrought for clearing of true Religion , and (naming of falfe worftiip : Sion heard, and was glad •> and the daughters ofjudah rcjoyced : becaufe of thy judgements , O L07(T>. $. The maniieftation of the Gofpel ot Chrift , is the exaltation of God, and manifeftation of his excellency; whofe difhonour as it fliould be the*matter of our griefj (o his manife-fted glory fliould be our joy , as the reafon here given of the joy of the Saints dorhte^ch us > For tbou,Lord, art high abov: all the earth : thou art cxdtedfar above all god f.

Vciv

Ver. IO. TCe tfat love the LORD, hate evil* he preferVetb the fouls of hit Saints: he delivereih them out of the hand of the ftic ked.

II, Light isfowtn for the righteous : andgU'lnfffc for the upright in heart.

The third ufe of the Doctrine, is an exhortation to the fakh-full to ftudie holinefle, and to cfchew the fellowfhip of fin,what-foever may be the danger -, partly i becaufe the Lord will deliver his own Out of the hancfs of their enemies: partly, becaufe God hath appointed comfort unto them, borh in and after their affli-&ions. Whence learn, 1. A Believer in God, or a true worihipper of GodinChrift, is alover of God; for thus are they dekribed here, 7e that love the Lord. 2. The love of Cod muft be joynedwith, and manifefted by the ftudy of a holy life, and with not onely abstaining from , but alfo with hating and abhorring of that which isfinful; Te that love the Lord, bate evil. 3. Albeit the hating of evil and loving of God may readily make a man the object of malice and of gerfe-cutionfrom wicked men, yet ihall the godly have their ioules faved ; yea, and at length be fully delivered from the harme which Satin and the wicked intend to bring upon the gedly for that caufe > He prefcrvetb tbefoules of bis Saints : be delivereth tbemout of the band of the wicked. 4. All the exercifes of the godly> and fpecially their troubles for righteoufnefle, are but the feeds of their joy and confolation, which God is to bring forth unto them out ofthefe troubles: Light Ufowen for the rigbtc-9m. %. The Lords children, who love him, and hate evil,rauft 1 tiot think to have the fruit oftheirrighteoufnefieprefently in | poffeflion, but muft give a time unto it, as is given to corne ! that is caft into the ground, and as after a time the corne doth jfpring, and comes to a ripe harveft $ fo (hall the troubles of the I godly have a comfortable iffue: Light is fowen for the righteous 6. In reckoning of the righteous, the Lord counteth men by their heart: and fo many as by faith in Chrift have purified their hearts unto the unfeigned ftudy of holinefle, they are righteous before God , albeit their infirmities be many ; and whatfoever fit of grief and interruption of joy fuch men be fub-jeft unto for a time, yet at length their portion (hall be a full Cc fiarvcik'

Zte

PSAL. XCVII.

harvcft of gladneiTe; Light k forvcn to the righteous , and who thefe are lie fhewethj and gladncffe for tbe upright in heart.

Vcr. 12. Rejoyce in the LO RD , je righteous: and give thanks at the remembrance of hie kolineffe*

The fourth ufe of the Do^rine > is an exhortation unto Bclcevers, to be joyfull and thankfull whatfoever be their condition in this prefent life , bec^ufe of the falyation ma« nifefted in Chrift. Whence learne, i. Whatfoever may be the tribulation of the faithful! in the world 3 they have matter of joy in the LORD, and they mould flirre up themftlves to rejoyce, and make confeience of the commandment; 7{ey>yce, ye righteous, in the LORD* z. Whatfoever can be taken from the godly , their right and intereft in CHRIST can never be taken from the ti , and fo there is caufe to give thanks for this gift for ever; And give thanks at the remembrance of bis bolineJfe 3 nt confejfetothe remembrance of his holinejfey that is, acknowledge to his glory the benefit which you have by being a Subjeft to this King. 3, Whatfoever word or work of CHRIST doth bring us to the remembrance of his Name, {hould bring us aifo to the confideration and remembrance of his holinefle , which is the untainted glory oi all his attributes, witdome, juftice, goodnefie, power , mercy, truth, Sec. and is the untainted glory of his Word, workes, and purchafe unto us 5 Give tban^es at the remembrance of bit bolinejfe.

PSALM.

PSAL. XCVIII.

I^His Tfalme is an exhortation to Jew and Gentile, to ro I Joyce and bleflc the Lord for Chrifts comine, to fct up his Kingdome in the world. The exhortation is thrice prefled. 1. In proper tcrmes> requiring the Church to ling for joy, with reafonsadjoyned, vet. i/ftj- Then it is repeated, and mufical inftruments called for , to (hew that by humane voice the matter of the joy whichis in JeAis Chrift,. isinexpreffible, her. 4, y,.6. 3. To (hew that neither voice of mm, nor mufical inftruments are fufficient to exprefle the joy which comeih by Chrifts j£ingdome: the whole creatures are called unto this work ofrejoycing, and fetting forth his glory , vet. 7, 8. And the rcaforiis given, becaufe Chrift cometh to fct up , and exer-cife his Kingdomc in righteoufneffe, vet, 9.

Ver. l^r\Si'/ig unto the LORD a newfong\ y^Jfor he hath done marvellous things'* his right hand and his holy arme hath gotten him the vittory.

2. The LORD hath made known hisfalvation: his right eoufneffe hath he openly fbewed in the fight of the heathen.

3. He hath remembred his mercy and his truth to" Ward the houfe of Ifrael: all the ends of the earth have feen the falvation of our Cod.

The exhortation to ling unto the Lord, who is Chii ft!, hath" nve reafonsadjoyned, The Bill is, becaufe he hath wrought the work of Redemption wonderfully. The next is, becaufe he hath done his work by conflict with his enemies, and hath gotten the victory, vet. 1. The third, becaufe he hath caufed to preach hisfalvation to the Gentiles 3 vet. 2. The. fourth 3 bo caufe he hath performed hispromifes made to the Jcwes. And the fifth, becaufe he hath made all the earth to fee the falvation/ \YhichGbd in Covenant with his Church hath wrought for his

Co *

PSAL. XCVIII.

people, ver. 3. Whence lame, u The joy which Chrift doth bring, can never vvaxe old : but becaufe mercies through him are everlafting, and the perfons who have (hare in this joy, are made new 3 and all things unto them are made new 5 therefore the fong and joy alfo fhall be made new : 0 fing unto the Lord Anew Jong. ?. Salvation brought by Chrift , and the work of Redemption wrought by him, is a moft wonderful work; for it is brought about by the incarnation of God , by the painfull fuffering and ftiamefull dcathof God incarnate; by whole ftripes we are healed, nnd.by whole death and returreftion we have life, and immortality given unto us: For he hathdonemarvellous things. 5. It is by battel 1 a^ainft the enemies of our falvation that we are delivered : for On ift hath wreftled with the guild-nefle, merit, and punifhment of our fins 5 wreftled with the curfeoftheLaw, with Satan, death and hell J and whatfoever could hinder our Redemption and Salvation , and hath gotten unto himfelfe the vi&ory to our advantage; His right hand. And bis holy arme bath gotten him the victory. 4, No creatures help hath our Lord ufed in this work, but done all immediately by his own divine power, being God Omnipotent; His right band, and his holy arme bath gotten him tbeviftory. 5. The glory of the falvation of man, by this meanes is moft juftly to be afctibed to him alone, and to be called his falvation > becaufe he devifed it, and brought it about immediately by himfelf, and caufeth to proclaime it in his own Name to the world by the pieaching of the Gofpel: fo it is in all thefe refpefts his lalva-tion; The Lord hath made known bis falvation. 6. The way how Chrift maketh known his falvation, and maketh us partakers of his falvation , is by making known bit rigbteoufncffi 9 ortherighteoufnefte of faith*, and making us partakers thereof by the preaching; of it among the Gentiles; His rigbtcouf-neflc bath be openly foewcd in tbc fight of the heathen. 8. Whatsoever promife he hath made to the Jewes , he doth not forget it> but whatfoever cloud is come upon that Nation , all the mercies andpromifes made to them^ (hall all be performed: He hathremembrcd hi* mercy and bis truth foward the boufe oftfrael. 9. The fwlneffe of the Gentiles fhall be made partakers of the Covenant of Grace, with the true Church of the Jewes 1 All the ends of the earth bave feen the falvation of §ut God.

Ver.

Vcr. a. Ma\e & jqful noife unto the LORT) all the earth : make * lohd noife\ and rejojce, and Jtn£ fraife.

$. Sing unto the LORD with the harp : and the voice of a Pfaim*

6. With trumpets and found of cornet : make a ]oj» fnl noife before the LORT> the King.

From the repeating of the exhortation to the whole earth, Jewes and .Gentiles, and calling formuficalinftruments to ex-preflfe this toy, whereby the paedagogie of the Church under th« ceremonial law, ( which now is aboliihedj taught them the greatneffe of the fpiritual joy of Chrifts coming. Learn, i.The joy of faith, the joy allowed unto beleevers in Jefus Chrift , is unfpeakable and full of glory, which cannot be expieffed by words or humane voice; tor this the variety of mufical inftru-ments in Godspraife, at the offering of the faciifices, did fea-dow forth under the laws and hereit isfigoified by thisexhor-tation , to fing with the btrp, trumpet and cornet > and that with fpecial relation to Chrift, as King in Sion : Make a joyful noife before the Lord the %ing.

Ver. 7. Let the fea roare, and the fulneffe thereof* the world^andthey that dwell therein.

8. Let the floods clap their hands : let the hills be jo)ful together.

In the exhortation direded to tho dumb creatuees, fea, floods afld hills, that they mould utter Songs of joy ; Lcdrn> i.Thc fetting forth the pnife of Chrift for the Redemption of (in-ners , may not only furnifli work to all reafonable creatures, but alfo if every drop of water in the fea, and in every river and flood, every fifli in the fea, every fowle of the aire, cvcryliving creature on the earth, and whatfoever elfe is in the world : if rhey all had reafon and ability to exprcfic themfelves ; ye3, and if ail the h ; .lls were able by motion and gefticulation to communicate their joy one to another; there is work for them all to fet out the C c 1 p;aife

p.aifeot Chrift; for, Let the fear oar e, and the fulneffe thereof: the world, and they that dwell therein: Let the floods clap their bands f (?c doth import fo much, i. As the Lord can never be furficiently praifed for lalvation through Chrift: fo cannot any hearers dutifully^ and as becomes them, hear this doctrine without great joy or ftirring up themfelves to rejoyce therein: for if fenfelefle creatures in their own kinde be called upon to rejoyce, much more finful men, to whom the grace of Chrift is offered, and for whom the work of Redemption is wrought.

Ver. 9. Before the LORD, for he cometh to judge the earth : With righteoufneffe Jhallhe judge the worid 7 and the people with equity.

Thereafonofall this joy is rendered in this, that Chrift is coming to judge the earth and the world righteoufly, and to judge his own people in fpecial. Whence learn y 1. All the joy conceived for the Redemption and Salvation wrought by Chrift, and all the joy which floweth from his righteous Government, ftiould be offered unto God in fincerity, as a part of worfhip and thankful acknowledgement of his gracious gift: for the exhortation is not to rejoyce /imply, but, to rejoyce before the Lord* 2. Chrift is very God,effentially JEHOVAH, before he be incarnate : and when he cometh into the world, by afliiming our nature, he is the fame : Rejoyce before the Lord or tfebovab, for he cometh to judge the earth : that is, Chrift who is Jehovah cometh to judge the earth, 3. It was foretold, that the work of governing the Church, and of ruling the whole earth for the Churches behoof, is committed unto Chrift incarnate, or to Chrift coming into the world $ He cometh to judge the earth. 4, Chrift fhall guide the whole world, fo as all wrongs fhall be condemned, and betaken order with: his own people fhall have injuries done to them avenged, and themfelves directed, protected ana comfortrd; With rigbteoufneffe foall he judge the world. 5. As Chrift fhall reward every man according as his Wotks have been, and do no man wrong: fo (hall he make his own people righteous, and followers of the rule of equity; JVitbrigbtcouJuefJefiall be judge the world, and the people with equity.

PSAL.

PSAL. XCIX.

FOr thecomfort of the Church againft the multitude of e-nemies round about her, there is in this Pfalm a declaration of the Kingdom of Chrift, reigning as God, one with the Father and holy Spirit, in the Church of Ifrael, before his Incarnation: with a fourefold exhortation to all who mall heare tell of him. The firft exhortation istoftandin awe of him, becanfe of his great majefty manifefted in Sion, vcr. 1,2. Another exhortation is, to praifehimfor his greatnefle, terrible-neife, holineffe and rightcoufnefle, vcr. 3,4. A third exhortation is> to glorifie andworfhip him for fundry realbns, v&* U*>7> §• For which herepeateth the exhortation the fourth time, vcr. 9,

Var. 1. *TFHe LORD reigncth , let the people X tremble: he fitteth between the Ckc-rubims, let the earth be moved*

2. The LOVSD is great in Siov, and he is high a-bove all people.

From the firft exhortation to feare (Thrift, and to ftand in awe of him ;Larn> 1. Chrift was King in his Church, before his incarnation, and did reigne in the light or his Saints, from the beginning of the world : for as the Father from the beginning was inChrift his Sonne the Mediarbur, reconciling the world to himfeli, no: imputing their trefpaties unto them: (o Chiift the eternal Soane was in the Father, and with the Father and holy Spirit gathering ana governing his Church all the time before his incarnation : for i: is Chrift of whom here the Pfalmift fpcaketh , and calleth him 'febovxb, Ring in Sion ; The Lord rcignetb. 2. Albeit the Church beconipatici about with enemies, as the lilie among the thornes; yet bc-c.uife her Lord reigncth in the midftct her, file hath reabn not only to comfort he: felfe in him, bu: alio hath ground of defying her enemies, and bcafting againft them; The I reigncth, let the people or Km ions tremble. 3. The Lords people do no: worfhip an unknown God 3 they know

Cc 4 and

and where to Bade him, to wit, in his ordinances, on the throne bfgrice, reconciling himfelf to the world in Chrift j He fitwh between the Cherubims. 4. Whofoever do feekGodin Chrift, iaave the Angels attending on Chrift, to go forth for the fer-vice and fafety of the bcleever and worfhipper $ for this did the ceremonial figure fignifie He fitteth between the Chcrubims. j. As Chrift is attended by Angels to the comfort of his Church, fo alio for the terrour and punifhment of all ad-verfaries in the world 5 He fitteth between the Cberubims, let ibe eirth be moved. 6. Albeit the Lord be great in his works c-very where, yet is his greatnefle moft manifeft to his Church by his Word and Works to her and for her; the Lord is great in 6ion. 7.Thereisnooppoiitioriwhichcanbemade againftthe Church; nopqwer or multitude of people able to prevail by counfel, device, plot or practice againft his Sion or his Church; for, He is high above all people : to diflipate their 'devices, bridle their fury, and deftroy them at his pleafure.

Ver. 3. Let them praife thy great and terrible Name, for it is holy.

4, The Kings firength alfo loveth judgement\ thou dgft efiablifh equity : thou executeft judgement and righteoufneffe in Jacob*

The fecond exhortation is to praife Chrift the King of his Churchy for his'greathe fie, terrour, holineflc, moderation of his power, and love of juftice. Whence learn, 1. Whatfoever we know or underftandof God, we (hould not only by faith Tub* fcribe to it, and fcale it, and praife God for it our (elves, but mcuul alio commend it to others, and wimthe like mould be done by all men: Let them praife thy Name. a. As the greatneffe of God in Chrift on the one hand mould induce men, io the terrour cf our God, who is a confuming fire to his ad-verfaries en the other hind, mould prefle men to praife him 5 Lctthcmpraifet'y great and.tenillc Name. $. Whatfoever in Scripture is fed of Chrift, will be found to be really in him; he will apfwer to his nunc perfe&ly in all things , without' ftaine or blot; Let them praife thy great and terrible Name, for it h holy. 4. Albeit the enemies of Chrift, dclpife the weaknefle and limplicity of his G venment, yet he is a powerful and ftrotog King, both inbimfdr, and in and for ail who bcleevein

: * : hiiii?

Mm i for here the Church praifeth tbe Kings jtrcngtb. j.Chrift moderateth his power, fpecially ift relation to his fubje&s, and doth not what he may: dealeth not in the rigour of juflice with his people, layech no more on them then they are able to beare: his yoke is eafie and his burden is light; yea, he fuftereth them not to be tempted above their ftrcngth, but dtaleth difcreetly with them; moderation and difcretion pleafcth him: The lyings ftrengtb loveth yudgement. 6. The courfe which our God hath fet down for comforting the affli&ed, relieving the opprcfled, taking order with hypocrites and obftinare offenders, is very equitable, and a courfe which he will not alter or change; for, He lovetb judgement , andtbou doft cftabiijl) equity , faith he. 7. Chrifts anions and difpentations are anfwcrable to his Lawesand his revealed Word ; he teacheth his fubjeftsrighte-oufnefle; he makcth thenyighteous, performeth his promifes, and executes his threatenings in his Church, according to his facred Word: Thou cxecuteji judgement and rigbteoupicjfe, in

Ver. 5. Exalt je the LORT) our God, and wr» Jhip at lots jootfiool : for heu holy..

A third exhortation, wherein he prefleth the fame duty of glorifyngof God the third time, by three reafons ', One is, be-caufehe is holy, ver. 5. Another is., from the example of the Lords moft approved fcrvams, who did fubjec~t themielves unto the Lords ordinances, to their own and others advantage, ver. 6,7. A third realon, from the example of the Church both in the wildernefie and in after-times, who as they found the benefit of obedience of the ordinances of God, when they worfhipped God as he commanded them : fo did they imart for their clifobcdicnce when they followed their own inventions, ver. 8. whereupon he repcatetb the exhortation the fourth time, ver. 9.

Whence lexrne^ 1. Then is God rightly acknowledged, when his Covenant of grace offered in Quirt is embraced, when men joyr.cthemfclves tothetrucGod of Uriel , and when they efteemeof God and acknowledge him, as fuprcme Lord and King over all : Exalt ye the Lord our God 2 # Gad will be worshipped, when, and wheie,and how he pleafcth to commands and will not be worshipped butinChi-jft, figured by the Temple

and

and Ark oftheTeftimony in it.- worjhipat or before bis foot-ftool. 3* The worfliippers of God under the Old Teftament were taught to lift their mindes above all earthly things, and loofe their mindes from all limitation of God unto any corporal prefence in the Sanctuary or Ark, and to wor(hip him as Solomon did, to wit, as God incomprehenfible, every where pre-fent, and to be fought in heaven, and adored in a fpiritual manner: for the Temple and Ark were but as his foot ftool, i lyings 18.27. Exalt the Lord our god, and worjhip at bis footftool. 4. Holineffe is the Lords property: he is holy in himfelf, holy in his appointing of his ordinances, and holy in his receiving of wormip ; rejecting all worfliip, but what he commandeth and callethfor, and he will be acknowledged holy by all that worship him : and worthy is he fo to be efteemed of$for, He is holy: and this is the fcrft reafon.

Ver. 6. Cfrfofes and ss4aron among his Priefis, and Samuel among them that call upon his Name: they called upon the LORD, and he anfwered them.

7. He (pahe unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept bis Tefiimonies y and the ordinance that he gave, them.

The next reafon is from the example of holy men of God, Mofcs and Airon , Priefh or chief Officers, and Samuel a Piieft, Prophet, and Ruler of the Lords people, who all of them fubjected themfelves to the Ordinances of God j and wor-fhipped him to their own great utility, and advantage alfo of them 3 with and for whom they prayed unto God, and worfhip-ped him. Whence learn, 1. The examples of holy men of God commended in Scripture unto v.s 3 do fervc for inducement and encouragement unto us, to beleeve in God, to worfhip, and to obey him : Mofes and Aaron anong bis Priefts, or chief Officers, and Samuel among them thai: all upon bis Name. z. Be-caufe the holieft men of God that ever wetc in the Church, ftood in need cf the ordinary jtotnn.es of grace an.i wormip, and fub-jc&ed themfelves unto Ordinance; \ the. Lord will have none of his people to neglect Ordinances, or lift themfelves above Ordinances 5 for, CMofcs, Aaron and Samuel were among them

that

PSAL. XCIX. zn

thit call upon his Name. $. Whoever worfhip God, and obey his Ordinances uprightly , are enrolled in the catalogue with the chiefelt Saints, woriliippers of God; Mofcs, Aaron and Samuel-Among tbcm that call upon bis l^jtme. 4, The prayers of the faithfull are not fruftrated , but have a good anfwers and the anfwer of the holieft fupplicants is fct forth to encourage the meaneft'of believers to call upon God alio j as the impartial hearer of the prayers of all that call upon God in truths for he is no accepter of perfons: and to (hew this , it is faid here, Tbey called upon the Lord , and be beard tbcm. 7. The more evidences we have of Gods pretence, and the more familiarly he conde-fcendeth to teach us , the more humble and obfervant mould wc beofhisOrdinauces and Commands; He fpa\e unto them in the cloudic pillar: tbey b K cpt bis tcjiimonics , axd the Ordinances which be gave tbcm.

Ver. 8. Thou anftveredft them , 0 LO RV our God : thou waft a God that for gave ft them , though thon tookeft vengeance of their invent iens.

The third reafon to move all to the duty of vvorfhip and obedience, is from the example of the mercy of God toward fincerc worfhippers on the one hand, and juitice toward them that followed mens inventions in Religion in the wilderneffe or afterward on the other hand. IVbence learne, 1. The fame God, the fame Mediator, the fame Covenant of grace belong to the true Church both in former & latter ages; Yhou anfvpercdfi tbem,OLord our God . 2. Albeit the Lord give forth his Ordinances molt holy and perfect, to dircd men in their worfhipping ; yet fo perverfc is mens corrupt nature, as from time to time they are deviling devices, and following cheir own inventions, as here is imported. I 3. As the Lord is very merciful to his people , when they conti-| nue in his fear: fo is he juft to correct them , wi.cn they pollute ! Religion ; Tboutoofiejl vengeance cf their inventions. 4. Pcni-I tent (inners j although plagued for their fin, yet were never rcfu-j fed forgivencfle of fin, when they prayed ::nd fought unto God • for hyTbou waft a God that for gave!! tbcmjkough thou tovfeftven-gemec of their inventions. 5. Piagukd iiifliifce ; for fin t'pon Gods people, are not punifliments fatish&ory biuo juftic$.,&>c means I of correction, fcrving to d.'ive men to , and tofcekinc;

of mercy, and may well ihnd with forgiv«ic0c of few 5 ior CloJ

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can both plague finners to drive tliem to repentance, andforgi Te their fin when they do repent: Thou waft & God that forgaveft them , though thou tookefi vengeance of their inventions.

Ver. 9. Exalt the LOR D our God, and Wor-Jhip at his holy hill ; for the L 0 R *D our God is holy*

The fourth exhortation to glorify God, wherein he doth expound what he meaneth by the footftool of the Lord fpokenof, vet* 5; to wit, mount Sion 3 the holy hill where the Ark was; adding the fame reafon of the exhortation which was before, becaufe the Lord our God is holy. Whence learn , 1. It is apart of 3u exalting of the true God, to joync with his true Church, and to offer unto him with others, fuch worfliip as he doth pre-fcribe > Exth the Lord our God , and worjlnp at his holy hill. 2. The Lords holincffe requireth of all men the exaltation of his Name,and fubje&ion to his Ordinances 3 neither can his holincffe fufter any other worftiip then what he himfelfe doth appoint: IVorjhip at his holy bill* for the Lord our God is holy. 3* TheholinefleofGod 3 and the untainteJ glory of all his attributes , is both the glory and comfort of his people who arc in Covenant with him, and a motive alfo to them, to invite all men to the fellowship of his fervice with themfelves : Exalt the Lord our God, for the Lord our God is holy.

PSAL. C

A Pfalme of pra'fe.

THe title of the Pfalm flieweth the fum and fcope thereof to be for (lining up of the whole Church to prai(e God cheerfully j unto which duty all are exhorted once, ver. 1, i. for three reafons. Firft , becaufe he is God. Secondly, becaufe we are his creatures. Thirdly,becaufe we are his covenanted people, or members of the vifibleChurch.whereof he taketh care as a Pallor doth of his own flock, ver. J.And again,all are exhorted to thank, piaifc, and bleffe him , ver. 4. And that for h}s goodneffe, mercy, and truth , ver. j t

Ver. i.

Ver. I* \ !l*s4keajoyftillnoifcunto the LORD, lVl4// jt lands. 2. Serv* the LORD with gladnejfe : come before his prefence With finging.

From the fir ft exhortation to praife God ; Lame , 1. The duty of the Church vifible, in all her particular meetings in every place , how largely foever God (hall extend it, is to accept the offer of the grace of God joyfully 3 and to acknowledge the glorious riches of the grace of God , which he offercth unto them in the Gofpel 5 M&\e a )oyfull noife unto the Lord , all ye lands, or, all tti earth. 2. As we ought to accept of the offer of the grace of Go J joyfully : fo mould we alfo dedicate our felvesto Gods fervice heartily, ashecallethforit; becaufe according to the Gofpel, our perions and fervice are accepted , imperfe&ions pitied , our fins pardoned, and our holy endeavours are graci-oufly rewarded ; Serve the Lord xoixh gtidneffe* 3. Our joy fliould be ftirred up 3 and expreflcd by Gnging or Pfalmesj efpeci* ally when we come to the afferablies or publick meetings,wherein the Lord hath promifed to give his prefence with his own Ordinances 5 Come before bis prefence with finging.

Ver. 3. KnoVo je that the LORD he is Co J, it is he that hath made m , and not we our (elves : T9C are hit people y and the Jheep of his paftnre.

From the reafons of this exhortation 5 Lcarne , 1. Such is our natural Atheifme , that we have need again and again to be inftru&ed, that the Lord is God 5 of whom , and through whom, and for whom are all things j ISjiow ye 3 tbxt the Lord be is God. 2* If we did confider well, that we are Gods creatures , it wtrc a forcible motive unto us, to employ in Gods fervice whatfocver we have of God, life, motion, being 3 and gifis $ and to beware to make any thing we have of^God, a weapon of unrighteouf-mfle for fighting againft him ; and of this confidcration we have need tQ be put in muide, and to be ftirred up to the duty : He it istbxtbxtb made us. $. The glory of our regeneration or new creation bclongeth unto God , no lefle then the glory of our creation and natural birth : and itis>no lefle madneflc to afciibe the work of our regeneration to our own power ^ then toalctjbeour

tirft

firft creation to our felves; for in both refpefls here it is faid, that it is be tbxt made us, and n$t we our [elves. 4. As the Lords people fhould ftirre up themfelves to more thankful feivice unto God, as their relations unto God 3 and obligations to him as their King and Paftor 3 are joyned ; fo may they expect from I God for their encouragement, whatfoever is needful to a people or a flock to have from a good King and faithful Paftor j We \ are bis people, andficcp of bis pafture.

Ver. 4. Enter into his gates With thanksgivings and into bis courts with With prfrfe: be thankful unto him , and bleffe his Name.

Prom the repetition of the exhortations Learne, i. It is our duty in our approaches unto God, fpecially for any folemnc fervice, to confider what rich benefits we have from him , that thereby we may be ftirred up unto the more hearty acknowledge • ment of his favours $ Enter into bis gutes with thanksgivings 2« A s the Lords benefits to us fhould be looked upon in our ad-dieffes unto him: fo aha his glorious attributes, and his workes anfvverable thereto, fhould be confidered ; whereby we maybe the better dKpofed to give unto him glory in all refpe&s: Enter i?itobis courts with praife. 3. Th,e more we look upon Gods praifes, the more fhall we fee our own riches , and the iblidity of our bleffednefte in-him , and the reafons to move us to thank and bleffe him : "Be xbmkfull unto bim, and bleffe bis liame.

< Ver. 5. For eke L 0 R 1> is good , his mercy is cverlafling: and his truth endureth to all generations,

Prorh the reafons fubjoynedtothe fecond exhortation to praife the Lord; Lexrne> 1. It is a matter of perpetual praife of God, and of thankfgiving, and bleffing of him , that as he is al-fufficient in himfelfe : fo he is alfo communicative of his riches unto his creatureas , and unitp us his own people moft of all > Bleffe bis Name, for the Lord is good. 2. Albeit we be fin-full , and deferve to be cut off in juftice from the benefits which Gads goednefle might beftow upon us 5 yet the courfe of his pardoning mercy 0 renewing-the remiflibn of fin to us, as

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oft as we come to him in his Chrift, doth keep the channel of his goodncfle open and clear to us, that it may run toward us for ever 5 His mercy is cvcrlaftinz. 5, The Covenant of grace fet down in the Scriptures of the Old and New Teftament, with the legacieof fo many rich Promi reserving to ftrengthen the faith of every weak believer, doth make the matter of Gods praife, and of his peoples joy esfofure, that how fad foever our fpirits may be, when we look to our felves 5 yet we (hall have matter of prai-fing, thanking, andblefliugGod, when we look tohisgood-nefle and mercy , and to what he hath for our comfort faid in the Word of his cverlaftingtruth: Be tbanfifull unto bim, and blcjfe bis Name: for the Lord is good ; his mercy is cverlafting, And bis truth enduretb to all generations. Amen.

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