jhty fi.
f
1 U'JLs
i
W-t+i*
V
5 4 \S%%
i
^^Yo-vv**^
I- "
r*7* -A^t-
I /7^ A* *
£<f#l&1
.^y*&
A Brief
EXPLICATION
Of the laft Fifty
Pfalmes,
From?/, i oo. to the end.
BY
DAVID DICKSON.
Profeflbr of Divinity in the
COLLEDGE of
E DENB URGH:
Col. $.16.
Let the Word of Cbrijl dwell in you richly >Jn all mfdom, teach-
ing and admonijhing one another, in Pfalmes and Hymnes, knd
foiritud Songs >fingingmtb grace in your hearts to the lord.
Imprimatur,
Edmun d CalAmy,
LONDON,
Printed by T. K. and E.CM. for Ralph Smith, at the Bible in
Qornhill> near the Royal Exchange. An % Vom. 1654.
if
TO THE
RIGHT HONOURABLE,
THE
EARLE
OF
Grace and Peace through
Chrifl fefus*
Oij Right Ityble Lord,
^Neofthefpeciall motives of my
refolution, to follow this work
in parcells , was the apparent ha-
zard, that ifin this time of trou.
ble, and of my old age, I fhould
have delayed to put forth fomc
part of it, till all had been ready, the whole
A?
might
The Efiftle Dedicatory.
might have been mifcarried, or marred by
fomepafTage of providence, which might have
befallen me. But feeing it hath pleafed the
Lord to fpare my life x and my health, and my
liberty in his fervfce, afc tainted not the ex-
ample of grave Authors befope me to ctivide
the whole Book of the Pfalnrs into three 'fif-
ties • and to dedicatettfdrj^part to feverall per-
fohs : So Ljudgedi it good thrift to takeoccafion
thereby, to teftifi£ my bound duty and iefpeft,
to fo many of the Noble friends otltion^ as I
could overtake, and th& : Mth a minde to ho-
nour all the reft^who have put their fhoulder to
the work of fefclitig R.digi^ fc 4nd ttie King-
dome of Chrift among us: tvhofe labours, al-
beit they lihould have no other fruit in out time,
then the right ftateing of the gueflion between
us and all adVerfaries df *he hkz do&tf nfej 3vor-
ihip, and difciplineof Chrifig A6ufe 3 as it is fee
down in the Confe/fcoboffaicli; in thedire&o-
ry for publick wqrfhip, and in the Rules of Go*
vernment of Chrifts Church, drawn ionh
from Scripture warranty yet even that much
is worth all the expenfe of vvhatfoevcr is be-
llowed, by any,or all the Lords worthies, upon
Religion. And howfoever the Lord doth
claimCjancl call for the whole glory of this
work to himfelfe alone, by ftaining the pride
jofthe glory of all inftruments whereof he hath
jriade
The Epifile Dedicatory'.
made ufe about it (asnowappearethj left the
gloryduetohimfelfein all and every one of
thepaffages of promoting the fame fhould be
ccehpfed, yet will he never utterly rejeft this
fervice,nordifallow the upright endeavours of
his fervants therein j but will in his own time,
and way, both advance it, and bear witnelTe to
his faithfull fervants in and about it a wherefoe-
ver he hath a minde to keep houfe,or to Reigne
as King in Sion. Yea, he will alfo make it
known to the world, that as on the one hand, he
will not want a vifible Kingdome in the world,
(though not of this world ) fo on the other.
hand,that his Kingdome mall be fo farre from
hindring the civill Government of Magiftrates,
where it hath place, that by thecontrary it mall
be a chiefe prop, and pillar of every Kingdome,
where it is received.
In this number of upright promoters of
the Kingdome of Chrift , Yoar Lord-
fliip hath been alwayes looked upon all
the time of our late troubles, as one very emi-
nent: andlfince my firfl: admiffion into your
Lordfhips acquaintance, have obferved your
conftant care and endeavour, as to know what
was the right indifficile queftions, fo alfo to
hold it faft according to your power, after you
had difcovered ir. Which as it may be your
Lordmips comfort, fo is it your commenda-
A 4 tion,
the Epiftle Dedicatory.
tion, and ail mens duty to do the like, efpeciaU
ly in this dangerous rime, wherein finnes pra-
difed, and not repented of, are fofeverely and
juftly puniflied, by Gods giving over the impe.
nitent to the open profefling and defending of
their unrepented faults ; for God injufticeand
wifdom, has fufFered the hedges of his Vine-
yard to be broken down, and the holy difci-
pline of his houfc to be fo fee at nought by all
forts of perfqis, that every fpirit of errour, ha-
ving open way to come in at the breach, he
might thereby try andexercifeallhis people,
who ftand in Covenant with him byProfcffion
qnd reclaim or punifli fuch as live in errour :
Andnowonperthathe fofhoulddo, for when
there is fo little ufe made of the holy Ordinan-
ces of Religion, when the Scriptures are either
not read, or not efteemed of, when the forme
of godlinefle is feparated from upright en-
deavour to feel and fhew forth the life and
power of it, when the grace of theGofpel is
turned into wantonneffe, and men are become
fo much the more bold to fin, as they do hearc
much of the mercifulnefTe of God, when eve-
ry divine pzwh is either not beleeved at all, or
receive^ only with humane and temporary
faith: whenChrift is looked upon by raauy
pniy as a man, and not as God manifeftedin
the flefh, not as the eternal Son of God, who
from
The Epiftk. Dedicator).
from everlafting was with God, and was God,
Co-worker in the Creation, with the Father
and the Spirit, whenChrift is confeflcd to be
Chrift, but not employed as Mediatour^ or fas
if men had need of him) not made ufe of
in his Offices 5 when many docafl: open their
foules unto, and feek after another fpirit then
the Spirit of truth, the Comforter, the Holy
Ghoft, who according to the Scriptures, both
wounds and heales the confeiences of belee-
vers, and fanftifieth the heart and converfation
of all them that come to God through Chrift.
In this time (I fay ) when thefe and many o-
ther ungodly practices of men, walking after
the imagination of their own hearr, do fo a-
bound } whar wonder ir it that the Lord hath
let loofe fo many unclean fpirits, as no hiftory
can (hew more in fo fliort a time in any age, or
in any place of the world, by whofe ranging
up and down among us, God is about to make
manifeft the ftability and finceriry of the
faith of them, who are approved, and to take
trial of others, (in whom fuch damnable practi-
ces, as by the do&rine of devils, are now open-
ly defended, will be found unrepented)whether
after they (hall hear their ungodly pranks main-
tained and patmnized, by fotne Sed-mafter,
HeretickorSchifmatick, they will abhor fuch
abominable do&rine, and repent their owne
forme?
The Epifile Dedicatory.
former mif-deeds, which have fpoken the Ian -
guage of fbme of thofe vile errours ; Or whe-
ther they will juftifie their own faults, (accord-
ing as thei r Sett- matters do teach them to do,)
either by defpifing all the Ordinances, and lift-
ing themfeives above the fame, or by reje&ing
the com mands and cords of the moral Law, will
Ioofe themfeives from the obedience thereof,
as if-Chrift had freed the believer from the com-
mand and authority of the Law, no leffe then
from the Covenant and curfe thereof 5 or by
blafphcming the Scripture, will cry down the
truth, and the ufe and power of it 5 or by cal-
ling every truth in qucfl ion, will exempt them-
feives from the bonds of all Religion; or will
walk after the imagination of their own heart,
and make their own conceits their Oracle, their
fmcic their faith, and their lufts their God; or
will, by oppofing one or other of the Perfons
of the Godhead, deny and feparate the indivi-
fible Efface of one God in three Perfons} or
by receiving the do&rine of fome of thofe
many lefier antichrifts which are in the world,
will incorporate themfeives in the great myfti-
calbody of that one Antichrift, fpoken of in
Scripture* or in a word, will by rcjc&ing the
truth, and not receiving of it in love, when it is
offered, bring in upon themfeives ftrong delu-
fions, and give a powerful poff (lion of them*
(elves
felvtt to the devil j whereby he may fo rule in
them, as to make them vent whatioevcr hell
candevife, totfredifhoriour'of God and Chri-
stian Religion, that all fuch may be damttcd, as
for their not receiving the truth in love, fo alfo
for their takingpleafujre in unrightcoflfnefle, ac-
cording as the Apoftfe did prophecie fiiould
come to pa(fe,Vb Tkftt. i f ,. i > •
In fuch a time therefore a$ this is, wherein
the LdrtihrhfaiklUng^ who are of God, and
who not, who do know God, and who
not; who do follow the Spirit of truth,
and who are led by thefpiritoferrour, and is
deciphering them by this infallible mark
which the Apoftkgivetb, I ]ohn\6. that the
one giveth a beleeving and obediential eare to
tfa Penmen of holy Scripture * the other doth
not fo • what a mercie, yea, what an honour
and happinefTe is it for the Lords children, to
make fuch ufe of a felled Miniftry (which is the
great gift of Chrjft beftowed upon his
Church,) as not to be carried about with eve-
ry winde of do&rine, Eph. 4. u, 12, 15,
14. not to be led away with the errour of
the wicked, nor fall from their own fted-
fiftncfle, but to 'grow in grace and in the
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jefus
Chrift, 2 Pet. 3. jj y 18, Which grace,
and honour, and happinefTe, that it amy
not
'the Epijtle Dedicatory.
hot only continue Iwith your Lord/hip ,
but alfo be granted to all thofe that love
our Lord Jefus Chrift in Sincerity , is the
prayerof
Tour Lordjhips ready Servant
in the Cojpel,
David Dickson.
THE
T HE
EPISTLE
TO THE
Reader.
i/j
CHRISTIAN READER,
N the two former parts of
this wer\> lhavefpohgnmy
mindeto thee, in relation to
this brief Explication of the
Pfalmes i 1 will not here
hgep thee up in the entry of this lafl part,
nor fay any more untothee,fa<ve this, It is
our bound duty, toblefshim that inhabit-
eth thepraifesof Ifrael, who willhaveaU
the Mourners in Sionto be comforted and
who, ashe hath prepared in this moun-
tain untoall people, Ik.25. 6. a feaft
of
To the Reader.
of fat things, a feaft of wines on the
lees, of fat things full of marrow, of
wines on the lees well refined, by be-
flowing Chriji, and the unfearchable rich-
es of his grace, upon every Penitent who
fleeth to him for delivery from fin and'
wrath ; fo hath he alfo prepared to every
fitch font the excellent fongs ofSion, to
encreafe their feflival gladnefs, and for e-
videncing ofhtspurpofe to give unto them
everlafiing joy, after this life is ended i
bath put in their hands for their comfort
in every condition, wherein they can be
in this prefent life and valley of tears)
this f&eetfmdltd bundle of Pfalmes ;
wherein he hath made his worlds of mercy
and of judgement thepawnes of his promi-
fis, for compleat happinefs unto them,
and alfo of the utter overthrow and per-
dition of all their enemies, and hath ap-
pointed both mercy and judgement to be
the matter, as of their joy, foofhisowne
glory in the Church, to be lifted up as a fi-
eri fee upon the Altar Chriji Jefus, by the
voice i
To the Reader.
voice of his people , fznging with grace to
him, both alone and in company, and ma-
Jung melody in their hearts : therefore as
in the changes of our own particular pri-
vate condition, we have liberty to choofe
for our ufefuch parts of the Pfalmes, as
dofpeakjnojl near to ourprefent cafe : So
let hs be bound in public^ meetings of the
Church, tojoyne with the Congregation in
finging every truth uttered by Gods Spirit
in the Pfalmes, as we are direSied by the
Minifier and mouth of the meeting, for glo-
rifying of him, who hath done, promifed,
threaten ed,and taught, whatfoever is ther-
in exprejjed', Kemembring that his Prai-
fes are the pillars of our faith; and that his
joy is ourflrength; and that thofe calves of
our lips, are acceptable facrifces to God
through Jefns Chriji, in and for whom
I am thy Servant in the Work
of the Gofpel,
David' Dick son.
CO
A Brief
EXPLICATION
Upon the laft Fifty
Pfalmes.
PSALM CI.
Avidy not being as yet entered in poffeffion of
his Kingdome, doth by dire&ion of the holy
Spirit, fall upon a confederation of the duties
of a righteous Prince, which he fettethdown
as a rule, to be followed by himfelf and all
Magiftratcs, obliging himfelf, to endeavour
to conforme his Government thereto : where-
in he is but a type and fhadow of Chrift, in whom alone the
perfect performance of the duties here promifed are to be found*
The principal duties which David undertaketh to difcharge*
maybe, for orders fake, reduced to the number of eight, ac-
cording to the number of the verfes.
Ver. i. T Will fmg of mere y an d judgement, unto
X thee, LORD, mil I fmg.
The firft duty which he undertaketh, is, to delight himfelf in
all royal venues, required ior the Government of good or bad
fubjefts > p and to make thofe duties his Song ; and to approve
t* himftJ
z PSALME CI.
himfelf to God for the fincerity of his intention in this under-
taking. Whence learn, 1. All the duties of righteous Govern-
ment may be comprehended under thefe two heads, mercy and
judgement - t for, mercy taketh in the care of the poor, needy, op-
prelfed or injured; and judgement taketh in the care of equity,
and righteous dealing among the fubje&s, with the rewarding
of the good, and punifliing of evil doers : mercy provideth for all
good things which the fubjeft needeth, and judgement provideth
for their fecurity, and for removing whatfocver evill may
trouble them 5 I mil fmg (faith he) of mercy and judgement.
2. Such as are defigned unto any calling, especially any publick
charge, ihould prepare themfelves for it : partly, by laying be-
fore themfelves the duties belonging to the right difcharge of
fuch a calling: and partly,by bending of their hearts, and laying
engagements on their fpirits, for the faithful difcharge thereof*
for fo much doth Davids example hereteach us. 3 .Duties of a
mans calling, fhould both be ftudied unto, and discharged with
fomecheavfulnefleandreadinefleofmindes for, IrviUfing of
mercy and judgement, importeth fo much. 4. As it is expedient
for the peoples bettet acceptance of a man to a publike charge,that
his purpofe to difcharge his duty therein be publifhed; foalfo
it is expedient for the mans ftirring up and fattening to Jiis du-
ty, that he engage his heart unto God 5 for, fo doth Davids
example teach us : Untotbce, OLORD* witllfing.
Ver.2. I will behave my felf Vvifely in a perfett
voaj \ Owhen mlt thou come unto me f 1 mil walk
Vvithin my hotife Veith a per (e 61 heart.
The fecond duty which he undertaketh, when God ihallcoroe
unto him to performe his promife, and put him in pofleflion of
the Kingdome, is, that he will caft a copie to all the fubjefts, of
godly and wife behaviour in his own perfon and family, accord-
ing to the rule of Gods Word. Whence learn, i.Hc that pur-
poieth to carry a publick charge well, mull difcharge the duty
of a private man well in his own perfon, and make hisownper-
fonal carriage exemplary to all who (hall hear of him : for fo doth
*Davids undertaking here teach us. 2. It is neceflary for our per-
lonal carriage, and convening with others, that we make the
Lords commands our Rule; for that is a perfect way'; and that
we ftudie ;o make application of general rules prudently, accord-
ing
PSALME CI. J
ing tothecircumftancesoftime, place and pcrfon ; for, this i^
wifdome, as Davids example doth teach : / will behave my [elf
wifely in aperfeft way. $. Such as belecve Gods pmmifes, do
long to have the performance of them, as we fee in David, who
had a promise of the Kingdome, and looked long for it : O
when wilt tbdu come unto me ? 4 # In the performance of promi-
ses, the Lord maketh his approaches nearer and nearer unto «th£
beleever^and then (hall be the neareft communion,when God flial
perform all that he hath promifed unto us : for David calleth the
giving unto him the pofleflion of the promifed Kingdome,
Go Js coming unto bim : when wilt thou come unto me? (A
mans holineile, righteoufnclfe and wifdome>is put to proof by his
behaviour to his domefticks, with whom he doth moll frequent-
ly and imirely converfe : for herein doth David promife to give
evidence of bis walking wifely ina perfedway : I will walfl
within my houfe with a perfect heart. 6. To compfeat a mans
(incerityjit is neceflary not only that he have a perfect way, and a
prudent carriage in it, but alfothathc be upright in his hearr,
intentions^ ends and motives 5 therefore David zidtih, I will
walk with a per felt heart.
Ver, 3 1 Will fet no wicked thing before mine eyes:
1 hate the work^ of thtm that tnrn afide, it (ball not
cleave to me.
The third duty undertaken i$,tbat he will be far from plotting
of any wicked thing, and far from communion with any per -
fonsin an evil eourfe* which is a proof of the uprightnefle of his
heart, undertaken in the former verfes. Whence leart y i.A
wicked dehgne is inconfiftent with uprightnefle of heart, which
hath an aime at pleating of God, and ac nothing elle but what
he will allow: I will fet no wicfad thing before mine eyes, z A
man can hardly be free of an evil courier he flial be tempted un-
to it, except he hate and abhor fuchcourfes in other mens pra-
ctices; forhewhoisrefolved to be upright, ihould fay truly,!
bate the work of them that turn afidc. 5 . Albeit an upright heart
may be at unawares intanglcd in a (inful courfe > yet fo loon as he
doth perceive ic to be fuch, he will quit its therefore after David
Jiathfaid, He hateth the work of them that turn afde } hcaddeth,
It (hall not cleave 1% mc*
B a Vtf.
4 PSALME CI.
Ver. 3. tsffroward heart fba/l depart from me, 1
Will not know* wicked per [on.
The fourth duty undertaken is, in relation to the Court and
places of truft : he will not have in his company, nor will coun*
tenance a pcrverfe or wicked yziion'jWbcnceJLcaMjX. Among the
vices of the heart, frowardnefle, perverfeneffe and wickedneiTe,
are moft of all to be efchewed and abhorred, becaufe thofe evils
do harden the heart againft admonition, and do make rt incor-
rigible in an evil courfc,albeit a better courfe be ftiewen 5 there-
tore Daiid denounceth war againft fuch a difpofition 5 A frow-
ard bcmjb&ll depmfrommc. z. It is good for a King, and for
his Court, and for his fubje&s,and for the ftanding of the King-
dome, that wicked, perverfe, and impious men be out of credit in
the Court, and not admitted to places or power of truft; for no-
thing can be more acceptable to God in the point of Govern-
ment, nor more amiable to the fubjects then this ; for which
caufe2>rj/ipromifethtothe fubjeds beforehand , 1 will not
know awicficdperfon; much more will Chrift not know, but
difclaira fuch a perlon,
Ver. 5. Who fo frivily Jlandereth hU neighbour,
him Will lent off : him that hath an high look^ and *
propd heart mlTiMt Ifuffcr*
The fifth duty undertaken, is the curbing of out-breaking
wickednefle, efpecially of that which moft hindereth the peace
and welfare of the fubje&s, fuch as is ; piivie (lander, and open
infolencie. Whence leant, 1, There is no fort of perfonsmore
pernicious to a King, or to his (ubje&s, then is a privie (tender-
er, having credit in Court: for he is able to murther any fub-
jeS, and ruine his State, by feciet and falfe reports of him, while
the innocent is ignorant of it, andwanteth all place to defend
himfelf; and therefore this evil is to be feverely punifhed by
the Magistrate: Who fo privily Jlunderetb his neighbour, him
will I cut off. z A Kingdom is not well ruled, except proud
and infolent fpirits, whole behaviour fpeakerh prodigality, ftrife,
emulation and oppreffion, be taken order witi and born down ;
Him tbxthttb a frigb /po£ and a proud bem^ will ml ^Jfer.
And
PSALMECI. 5
And tuch, if they efcapc mens judgements, will not be wink-
ed at by Chrift , in whom the truth of types is accom-
plifhed •
Ver. 6. Mine eyes fhali be upon the faithful of
the land, that they may dwell nith me : he that walk^
eth in a perfect way, hefhallferve me.
The fixth duty undertaken, is countenancing and encoura- v
ging of the godly in the land. Whence learn y i.TheMagi-
ftrate mould have a fpecial care to countenance upright men,
and fuch as fear God : Mine cyetjhall be upon the faithful in the
LnA. 2. It is good policy, for Kings to hive in their Court and
Councel fuch as are faithful ; Mine eyes jhall be upon the faith-
ful of the land, thut they may dwell with me, ^ He is to be
held in our eftimation for a faithful man, who walketh after
the rnle of Gods Commandments ; for fuch, as he called faith-
ful before, heexpoundeth here to be (\xch as walk in a perfect
-way; whether his he^rt beuprighr or not, doth belong to God
to judge. 4. As it h good policy in a State, to have about the
King or fup.emc MagHiratef-uchasare Profeffors of true Reli-
gion, and of an honeft convention: fo it is good thrift and
husbandrie, for every man to choofe fuch for their fervants in
the family; He that walketh in a perfect way y he jhM
ferve me.
Ver. 7. He that "toirketh deceit, fhall not dwell
-within my honfe:he that telleth lies Jhall not tarry in my
fight.
The feventh duty undertaken, is the purging out of difcovercd
hypocrites, if they mall creep in into credit or truft. Whence
learn, 1.. Deceitful and falfe men, and counterfeit hypocrites,
may efcapemens observation, and creep into the feliowlhip o£
the godly, and climbe up to the Court, and get place in Kings
houfesi for fo doth David prefuppofc here. 2.Whenmcnare
•dilcoveredand found to be deceitful workers and liars, then fuch
as hive power fhould purge them out ; He that worfatb deceit ,
fhill not dwell within my houfe ', \k that telleth lics l foall not
t my in my fight.
B j Ver
$ PSALME Ct
Ver. 8. 1 Will early deflroy all the wicked of the
hnd % that I may cut off all Wicked doers from the Ci*
tyof theLOR<D.
The eighth duty undertaken, is, to fuppreffeall ungodliueffe
in the land, and that for the good of religion, and furtherance
pfthe welfare of theChurch. Whence learn, i.The duty of
Magiftrates is to fuppreffe all the wicked in their Kingdom, left
by indulgence ftiewen to them, they do multiplie, and fo bear
down the godly : J will deftroy all the wicked of the land, i. The
fnore timoufly the Maeiftrate doth declare himfelf againft all
wickednefle, the more doth he what belongeth to his duty : I will
mly deftroy all the wic\ed ef the land. $. Albeit it be not
pofiible for any Magiftrate, corporally to deftroy all the wicked
in theland, partly, becaufe it is impoffible to finde out every one;
and partly, becaufe the number of the righteous and found -heart-
ed is few, and their power weak $ and partly, becaufe none can
detetminewho they are in particular: yet a godly Magiftrate
may civilly deftroy them all, by cau(ing to execute civil punifh-
ments, and that EccleGaftick Difcipline be exercifed againft all
them, who do not fubmit themfelves to Gods lawes, till all
men yield outward obedience ; and unto this duty fhould every
Magiftrate fet himfelf : I will early deftroy all the wicked in
ibeland. 4.TheMagiftratesdut;yis,Dy his power and bypunifli-
ment of evil doers, to endeavour the welfare of Gods Church
Within his bounds, as theMinifter of God appointed for that
end: for David faith, I will early deftroy all the wicked of the
fand 3 that I may cut off all the wicked doers from the City of the
L0R2). If the Mageftrate mail punifli open tranfgreffions,
the Church will be in better cafe : This was Davids refolution
as a type of Chrift, and howfoever in execution much was,
wantingin the type, yet Chrift will performe all this exaclly in
bis own appointed time, and in his own order, partly in this life,
partly at mens death, and partly at the laft day*
PSALME CII.
PSALM. CII.
A prayer of the affliftcd when be is overwhelmed, and pouretb out
bis complaint before the Lord.
THis Pfalme agreeth well with the time of the Babylonifh
captivity of the Jcwes, about the end whereof, the feven-
ty years being now nigh expired, the weight of the mifery of
Gods people, and the mockerie of the heathen, and the peoples
longing for delivery, did fo afflift the Prophet, that in com-
paffion towards the Scattered Church, he poureth out this prayer,
and communicateth it at the Lords direction, to all other feeling
members of the body to be made ufe of, for the waking up of
their affections, and ftrengthening of their hope of delivery.
The parts of it are three; Inthcfirft, he craveth audience to
his prayer becaufe of his fad condition,wherein he fympathizeth
witn the Church in affliction, to ver. 12. In the fecond, he
encour3geth himfelf in the hope of being heard in behalf of the
Church^ to ver. 2 $ . In the third, he layeth forth the occafion of
all this grief, which was the fear he had of the cutting ofTof the
Church of the Jewes, before the coming of the Melliah; and
flievvethhow he ftrengthencd his faith in prayer againftthis
temptation.
From the Infctiption, Lcam, 1 . It is no ftrange thing for the
dear children of God, to be under heavy affliction $ for, here it
isprcfuppofed that they may be afflicted, yea, and overwhelmed.
2. The conlideration of the condition wherein the Church is,
ferveth toaffwage and mitigate the private calamities of any par-
ticular ceifon at anytime: for this prayer giveth direction to
the afflicted, whatfoever be his affliction, tolook upon the con-
dition of the Church in the mean time, that it mayeafehfc
private grief, if it be well with the Church > and again, that it
may either eafe his private grief, or turn it to run in the right
channel, if the Church be in a hard condition, as here it is held
forth: for the mod kindly grief of a lively member of ;he
Church, is that grief wherein he fympathifceth with the calami-
ty of the body, and this wifdom is propounded in thisPfalm;
and recommended to Gods people to be made ule of, 3. The
affliction of the Saints before us, may andftiouldbe the matter
B 4 oi
S PSALME CI I. -
©four comfort and fong to God, and hope o. r help to us in our
prayers; for thjsdoth the Infcription and Pfalme teach us.
4, The way for a man afflided and overwhelmed, to have eafe,
comfort and deliverance, is, to poure out bis foule before tbc
tori 5 for lo much is here imported. 5. Albeit a perlon afflict-
ed, cannot fill up the words of this Pfalme, in his own proper
orefent reeling, yet may he make good ufe of this prayer, which
teacheth him how towreftle for a'deiiveranec : for the general
{hie prefixed to the pfalme teaehetft fo much,
Vcr. I. TJEtremy Prayer, LORD, and let
jLX my cry come unto thee.
2. Hide not thy face from me, in the day when / am
In trouble, encline thine eare tint* me : in the day when
J call, apfeermeffecdily.
In the firft part of the Pfalme, he prayeth for ready acceffe
and auaience to his prayer, becaufe of his heavy afflidion, which
is fet down more generally, iwv 1, 2. and more particularly
branehed fbtth in the nine following verfes. Prom his petition
for audience 5 Learn, j. A foul afftided, feeking relief and
comfort in God, may both confidently pray for, and certainly
exped audience and acceptance of its prayer 'j Hear my prayer,
O God, z. The earneft prayer of an humble Supplicant, cannot
be kept out from God, by whatfoever objeded impediment ;
for. Let my cry come unto tbcc y is thus much : Let -nothing bold
cut my prayer. 3. Albeit it is not any ftrange thing to fee a foul
in trouble, and God to feem to be difpleafed with it alio, yet the
want of Gods confolation, and fenfeof hisdifpleafure, is more
heavy then the trouble, and is that which the godly canleaft en-
dure : Hide not tby face from me, in the day when 1 am in
trouble. 4. The Lord fuftereth his babling children to fpeak to
him in their owne forme of fpeech, (albeit the termes which
theyufe, be not fitted for his ipiritual, invifible, and incom-
prehenfiblc Majefty) fuch as are , Hear me, hide not tby face,
encline thine ear to me, and fuch like other fpeeches. 5. A foul
perplexed and overwhelmed with trouble, cannot long endure
the Lords withdrawing ofhisprefenccfrom it: In tbc day wbeQ
I wU) wfacr me fpcedily,
u - M Ver,
PSALME CII. 9
Ver. 3. For my dayes are confumed like f moke:
anhmy bones are burnt as an hearth.
4, My heart Ufmitten^and^itheredlikf graffe, fa
that I forget to eat my bread.
5. By reafon of the voice of mj groaning : my bones
cleave to my s\(m.
6. 1 am like a Pelican of the ftildernejfe : 1 am like
an Owle of the defer t.
7. 1 watch, and am as 4 Sparrow alone upontht
houfe top.
He fetteth down his affliftion more particularly 5 Firft, in
the effects andugriesofhjsforrowtobeleeninhiSDody,to?. 8.
Then in he c .ules thereof,to v, 1 i.Thirdly,in the confluence
and chief erTeft therof repeated, which is the apparent utter undo-
ing of him,!;. 1 1. As for the firft,we may take the figns of forrow
exprefled in a number of firniiitudes, to defcribc both the con-
dition of the Prophets natural bodie, and alfothe condition of
the body politick, of rhe tribe of Judab now in captivity Whence
learn, 1. The Lords childen are fubje&to iuch lad condi-
tions, as may bring their very natural body to a fort of decay, as
thofe firniiitudes here ufed do exprefle. z. The condition of
avifibleChutchj mayfeem, and reallybein its own kinde, in
fuchaweak, forryand hckconditiou, as the companions here
do hold rortht $. As fmoke is extracted by fire out of a moift
body, and doth vanifh when it is evaporated :fo may the life and
vigour of a Saints body be fpent, and confumed by trouble, and
fenfc of Gods withdrawing, or of his wrath j My dayes arc
confumed like fino^e. 4. As fire hcateth the hearth, and the
hearth once hot with fire, is able to kindle and bum timber or
coales, or any combuftible matter call on it; fo is the icnfe of
Gods wrath in long lading trouble, able to fpend the ftrength
of the ftrongeft man j My bones are burnt as ai hearth. 5 As
graffe witherech when it is cut: fo is the courage of a man caft
down, whenhefinde:h Gods anger, profiling his Church or
himfelf; My heart is fmittcn, and withered as grafje. 6. When
God is feen to be angry, the comforts of this life a: e uftelefle,
and can yield no pleafure ; 1 forgot to cat my bread. 7. Heavie
forrow can hardly be fupprtffed , lights tind gio?ns muft of
ncceflity
io PSALMECII.
necefficy give fome vent unto it: tor, here is the voice of groan*
ing. 8. The exercife of the fpirit of Gods deardt children may
endure long, even till their flefh faile them: and their jean-
uefle may be fuch as here is fpokenof j CMy bones cleave to my
s\in. 9. As in fad troubles familiars ufe to draw back from,
and leave a man alone; foalfo a fad foul loveth to be alone, ra-
ther then to be a fpeftaele of mifery to others : I am like a Peli-
can in the wildcrneftej am Ifye an Owle in the defert. 10. Trou-
ble of minde is able to bereave a man of nights reft, and then
his readieft eafe of minde, is to vent his grief to heavenward.
I watch, and am as a Sparrow alone on the boufe top, chirp-
ing.
Ver* 8* Mine enemies reproach me all the day*
and they that aremadagainfi me y are [worn againft
me*
Thecaufesofhis grief are three; Firft, the reproach and dc-
fperate cruelty of the enemy againft the Church, ver 8. Se-
condly, thefenfeof Gods anger appearing in his difpenfation,
which drew him not only to frequent fafting and teares, butal-
fo to an uncomfortable life. Thirdly, the coaipaiifon of times
of the former profperity of the Church with the prefent adverfi-
ty,ver. 9,10. Whence learn y i % The men of this world ufe
to meet with pity in their calamity, but thi godly are fubjed
to reproaches in their troubles, which mockerie and calamity
doubleth their mifery ; Mine enemies reproach me all the day.
2. The enemies of Gods people are reafonlefle and implacable in
their indignation againft the godly : They are mad againft me.
3. Albeit the mifevies of Gods people may be fuch, as the wick*
cdenemieof Religion, when he would curfe any perfon, ihall
wifh no worfe to them, then to fay, Let him be like fuch a
people, and fuch a godly perfon, yet will the wicked not be fa-
tiated with this, except he bring more mifchief upon the godly;
They that are mad againft me, do curfe by me, or are fworne a-
gainft me.
Ver. 9. For 1 have eaten a/hes like bread} and
wing! eel my drink with keeping.
10* Becaufe of thine indignation and ihy wrath*
PSALME Cir. ii
for thou haft lifted me up, and caft me down.
Thefecondcaufeofhiserief, was the fignej of Gods indig-
nation appearing in the Churches mifery, which "made him he
defolate many times in the duft, weeping when he mould have
taken iome refrefhment to his body. Whence learn, i,The
condition of the godly fometime may make them miferable, not
only in the eyes of the world, but alfo in their own eyes for a
time : I have emit ajhes like bread, 1s?c. 2. Not only may the
godly be driven to frequenr fafting and prayer, but alfo to have
gray duitie bread for their ordinary diet, and that joyned with
fuch grief, as they can take no food with comfort; I have
eaten ajhes like bread, and mingled my drink, with weeping.
g.Theftiarpeft ingredient in the trouble of the godly, is the
fenfe of Gods indignation; I mingled my drink with weeping,
becaufc of thy indignation, 4.The troubles which the Lord doth
bring upon his own children, fhould lead them to the fenfe of
their fin, and of Godsjuft difpleafure againft them for the
fames I mingled my drink with weeping y bee aufe of thy indig-
nation and wrath, f. As it is the Lord that maketh changes of
condition, and giveth now profperity in his indulgence, and a-
non adverfity for the abufe of profperity ; fo mould he be ac-
knowledged in his bounty and juftice good and holy 5 For thou
haft lifted me up, and cxfl me down% 6. Companion of paft prof-
perity withprefentadverGtyj maketh the prefent afflicted con-
dition the heavier, and Gods juft indignation the more evident:
for thus doth the Pfalmift prove Gods wrath purfuing him and
the Church; For thou haft lifted me up, and caft me^down.
Ver. 1 1 . My dayes are Hip afhadow that declineth:
and I am -withered like graffe.
Here he repcateth the apparent fad confequence and effect of
Ins own and the Churches affliction; he and the Church of the
Jewes now in captivity,, were like to be cut off without comfort
or hope of deliverance. Wlicncc learn, 1 . Not only the viable
face of a Church, but alfo the fcattered parts thereof, maybe
neartodifappearingj and to utter decaying under long conti-
nued trouble; My dayes arc like a Jladow that dcclhiah, and
1 am withered likeg^ffc. 2. The iniferies of the godly, and
the extreme danger of the Church; being laid forth before Gd 3
are
12 PSALME CII.
are good arguments of hope that God (hall fliortly help J for
therefore is it repeated, and laid down here for the laft part of
pouring out his foul ; My dayes are Ufa a fiadow that declinetb,
and 1 am withered like graffc.
Ver. 12. "But thou, LORD, Jhalt en fare for
ever .• and thy remembrance unto aU genera*
tions.
In the fecond part of the Pfalme he ftriveth to comfort him-
felf in the hope of grace to be fhewn to the Church, by feven
arguments. The firft is,becaufe God hath purpofed to perpetu-
ate the memorial of himfelf unto all generations, and endureth
for ever to fee it done, Whence learn, 1. There is ground of
hope to believers, in the faddeft condition of the Church ; for
albeit beleevcrs be mortal, yet God in whom their life is hid > is
eternal 5 But thou, LOT^V, Jhalt endure for ever. 2. Be-
caufe God will have his Name known in all generations, and
will have his Word and Ordinances of Religion made ufe ofa-
mongmen, forprefervingthe memory of his attributes, works
and will, therefore the Church muft continue from 3ge to age s
Tbouflialt endure for ever, and thy remembrance unto all gene-
rations.
Ver. 13. Thou Jhak arife^ and have mercy upon
Zton: for the time to favour her, yea, the fet time is
come.
The fecond argnment of his hope, that God will Shortly hnve
mercy on his Church is, becaufe the time of the feventy years fee
for their captivity, was now almofl: expired. \V)nnce learn, 1. It Is
good reafoning from Gods unchangeablenefle, to conclude a
change of the lad condition of the Church afflicted, from a
worfe unto a better : Tbou Jljalt endure for ever, and therefore,
thou jhalt arifc, and have mercy upon Sion. ?. As the Lord hath
fet times for exercifing his people with affli&ion, fo alio fet
times for comforting of them again, which time when it is
come, God will have mercy on them whom he hath afflicted ;
Thoujhdt arife and have mercy upon Sion 3 for the Jet time to fa*
vox r her, fur the fet time is come* Ver.
PSALMECII. 13
Ver. 14. Tor thy fervants take f leaf me in her
(lories : and favour the dnfi thereof.
The third argument is, becaufe the Lords people had a great
aftc&ion to re-edifie the Temple, lying now ruined, IVhenez
learn, 1. Ic is no new thing to fee the outward face of Religion,
and holy Ordinances defaced 5 for the Temple of $erufalem,
is here lying in the duft ofa ruinous heap. a.Thc Ordinances
of Religion fhall not be utterly abolifhed, but fo much thereof
ihall be prcferved, ;s may ferve for the furtherance of Reforma-
tion, and re-edification of his Church, in Gods appointed
time; as here the Temple is ruined, but there are ft ones refer-
ved for a new building. 3 . When the ordinances of God are at
theloweft, and moil deformed in the eyes of the world, they
are and mould be mo ft lovely, and looked upon with moft efti-
mation and affection of Gods people j Thy fervants ta\e pica-
fur c inker (tones, and favour the duft thereof. 4» It is a good
ground of hope that God will fhortjy repaire the mines of Re-
ligion,when he provides builders, and doth put into their hearrs
a love to let upon the work of reformation, as the Pialmift
reafoning here doth teach us.
Ver. 15. S the Heathen fhall fear e the Name of
the LORD, and all the Kings of the earth thj
glory.
The fourth argument of hope is, from the promifed Conver-
fion of the Gentiles, to whom the true Religion was to be trans-
mitted inGods own time 3 by the means of rcftoring ofthe Church
of the Jewcs unto their wonted priviledge. Whence learn, i.The
enlargement of the knowledge and fear of Gcd among them
ihat know him not, (hould be the aime and encouragement of
zealous Reformers, tout all means which may conduce for
Reformation* for fo much we are taught in the Pfalmlfts ex-
ample, defiring therettauration of the Church ofthe Jewes.
tfw.t the Gentiles might be brought in 3 and by hope ofthe
Converfion of the Gentiles, giving hope of rcftauratinn unto the
fcattered Church of the Jewes ; fot. So the Heathen foaUf care thy
t Xamc i is the reafoping of the Pialmift* 2. When the Lord is
pica c\j
i 4 PSALMECII.
pleafed to arife, forreftoiing of his affli&ed people unto com-
fort, and cf Religion unto its own beautie, he can work fo as
Kings fhall feare and tremble, to fee Gods care of his own de-
ipifed people ; for fo faith he, The Heathen J]?all feare thy
HjmejmA all the K™& s of the earth thy glory*
Vcr. id. When the LORD fhall buildup Zion^ht
[hall appear in his glory.
The fifth argument of his hope is, from the glory which God
fhould hive in reftoring of his Church. Whence learn, i .What-
soever inftruments the Lord ufeth in the gathering of his
Church, he will have himfeiffeen to be the builder thereof > for
it is the Lord here , that JJjaU build up Sion. 2. As the glory
of the Lord is obfeured when his Church is fcatteredjfo when he
fets up his own ordinances again, his glory doth appear, yea,and
that more then if his Church had not been fcattered 5 when the
LordfiaUbuildupZion, hejhall appear in glory. $. The con-
nexion of Gods glory with the falvationof his Church, is a
comfortable ground of hope, that howioever the Church be de-
molifhed, yet it fhall be reftored and repaired again : for, When
the Lord fall build up Z ion } he pall appear in glory, importeth
fo much.
Ver. 1 7. He Will regard the prayer of the deftitutt,
and not defpifc their prayer.
The fixth argument of hope is, from the Lords refpeft to
the prayers of his people Whence learn, i.The Lords people do
reckon them felves destitute and defolate, when they have not
the face of a Church, and do want the publick Ordinances of
Religion, which arc the tokens ,of the Lords prefe nee among
them : for efpecially in relation to their fcattering from tferu'a-
lem and the Temple, doth the Pfalmift here call them deftitute
or defolate. z.When the Lords people arc fcattered one from
another, they can truft one another, and meet together at
the throne of grace, by their prayer prefented before God, as
here the faithful fcattered in captivity, do meet in a joynt Pe-
tition for the building up of Sion ; the deftitutc have their
prayer put up in Gods hearing j He wiUregard the prayer of the.
deftitHte*
PSALMECII. 15
dcftitute. 3 . Albeit the Lords people be defolate and deftitute of
all earthly comfort and help, and be defpifed by the worlds yet
their perfons and prayer are in eftimation with God 5 He will
regard the prayer of the deftitute, and not dejfife their
payer.
Ver. 1 8. Thujball be written for the generation to
come : and the people which ffjall be created^JbaU praife
the LORD.
19. For he hath loohd down from the height of his
SanBnarj \ from Heaven did the LORD behold the
earth.
20. To he are the groaning of the Prifonersx to
loofe thofe that are appointed to death.
21. To declare the Name of the LORD in Zion ;
and his praife in Jcrufalem.
22. When the people are gathered together : and
the Kingdoms toferve the LOR'D*
The feventh argument of hope to be heard is , from the aflii.-
rance, thatastheir calamity was foretold in Scripture; fo their
delivery promifed fhould be recorded in Scripture alio, to the
praife of God, to the edification and confolation of the Church
of God in their folcmn meet : ngs, in whatfoever Kingdoms
they lived. Whence learn, 1. The more glory we forefee mall
toaog to God by the granting of our prayers, the more confidence
may we conceive to have our petition granted; as the Pfalmift s
example doth teach us. 2. God rmhfo provided, that the ex-
crcile ani experience of the Church in former times 5
fhould ferve to manifeft his glory, and edifie the pofte-
rityin after-times j This Jball be written for the generation
to come, $. The Lord hath determined by holy Scripture
to propagate true Religion, whereby he may be glorified, and
his Church edified, from generation to generation ; This Jhali
bewriticn for the generation to come. 4. The gathering toge-
ther again of a fcattered Church; the conveilion of more fin-
ners • aid drawing them into the Chuichj and the perpetuation
of the Church from 3ge to uge, is a Creation or work of the om-
nipotent Creator : The people wb'.cb Jball be created, Jball praife
.the Lord* j. The Lord ftiould be praifed, as for all his wo. k
16 PSALMECII.
fo in fpecial for the delivery of his Church > and praifed not dn*
ly by them who do Tec his prefent work, and are partakers in
their own peifons of the gift, but alfo by all them that (hall hear
of the delivery in after- times • The people which (hall be created^
fall praife the Lord. 6. The Lord doth fo make manifefthis
particular and active providence about his people, as all ages fhall
acknowledge his care for them ; for the pofterity mall fay, He hath
looked down from the height of his Sanftuary, (?c. 7. Howfo-
ever the Lord fpeak of his dwelling in his Sanctuary, or in his
Church here on earth, yetmuft we conceive no thoughts but
heavenly of him> as prefent at once both in heaven and earth,
to hear and fee the condition and carriage of every one ; He
looked down from the height of his Sanftuary, from heaven.
did the Lord behold the earth >to bcar&c. 8. The Lords heaven*
Jymajefty doth not hinder him to humble himfelf to behold
even the moil contemptible things on the earth, but rather he
will thus raife his praife among men : From heaven did the Lord
behold the earth , to hearc the groaning oftheprifoner. 9. Albeit
the Lords people may be prifoners, and put to fiience among
men, yet their fighes and groanes have a loud fpeech in the eares
of the Lord ; Hebeholdctb the earthy to heare ihegroanes of the
prijoner. 10. Albeit the Lord fuffer his childien to be impri-
foncd and condemned to die, yet he can interpofe himfelf (if he
pieafe) for their delivery, before the purpofe of their enemies be
executed ; He beholdcth the earth, to loofe tbofe that are appointed
to death. ii» The end, both of the fufferings and deliverances
of the Saints, is the glorifying of God, and as their danger doth
grow, fo doth the matter of Gods praife for doing for them grow
, up alfo ,Fcr he beholds the earth , to hear thcfighes of the prifoner,
and to loofe them that are appointed to death ; To declare the l Iiame
of the Lord in $ion> and his praife in Jcrufalcm. 1 2. The time
of glorifying God for his works done for the Church of the
Jewes, is in a fpecial manner to be under the Gofpelj in the af-
femblies of the Churches of the Gentiles ; for, He loofed thofe
that were appointed to death* to declare the Name of the Lord in
Sion y when the people arc gathered together, andthel{tngdomcsto
ferve the Lord : that is, in the time when Chrift mall make the
Kingdomesof the earth fubjeft to him.
Vcr. 23. He weakened mj ftrength in the way : he
Jhortencd my dajes.
The
PSALME CII. i?
The third part of the Pfolme, wherein the Prophet dedareth
the cau r eof his forrow, v i$. and his wraftling agai-nft it,
v. 24, if, 26, 27. and his vi&oiyovcr the rcntation, v. i% 4
As northern ft, hecompareth the cafe of the Chinch untohii
own perfonal condition . Tor oshe in the flower of his age was
like to die by reafon of grief for the Church, fo was the Church
like to perifli in their captivity, and not to go on unto the hoped
for coming of the Median , and calling in of the GentiLes,
which was neccflary for the perpetuation of the Church unto
the end of the world. Whence learn, i* Thee is fuch a {trait
union between the Church of one age and anoher, that the
whole Church isas one man $ the Church of thejewesis as
one Ifr'ael: and there is fuch a union between the Church and
every member thereof, that every member may and (hould taks
and eftcem the condition of the Church, as his own perfonal
condition, and may fpeakofitfo, eipecially if he be the mouth
of the body, a Pnophet or Minifterof the Corporation of the
Churchy for fomuch doihthe Prophet* example here teach us*
2. The Church of ifruel from Jbrah m forward, was like a
man entered in his journey, and as it were by fo many fteps,
from one generation to another, walking on to the coming and
receiving of Jefus Chiitt the promifed Meffiah i, who was to
come of them, as the forme of fpeech here, borrowed from a way-
faring man, givcth us to underftand. $. When the Lord did
fcatter the ten tribes, and after that alfo did lead in captivity the
other two unto Babylon : it feemed unto Jfracl a flopping ot
them from going on their appointed journey, to rhe coming of
Chrift, and a making the tribe of $ud.ibto weak, as there was
no appearance of the polTibilit^y of their endurance, cr m king
progreffe to their defued end : for fo much is imported in the
words of the Prophec, taking on the perfon of Jfracl : He weaf( -
eiicd my ftrengtb iuthsway. 4. Yea, there was tear of cutting
offof that tribe, and of the 3bolifhing of Jfrael, u\d that the
Mefliah coming of them (hould not appear ; and tntswal the ex-
crcife of the Church (carte red in the Bibylonifh captivitie ; and
the fear, and the tcntation, wherewith the Chinch and the Pro-
phet ;. bout the end of the captivity, were wraftling, as is ex-
prelTed in thefe words, He jhortenedmy dayes) that is, to my ap-
pearance (faith Jfrael by the Prophets mouth)) I was cut off
from being as a Church or tribe, for any fuch ufe as I expect-
ed • 5. The defire after Chriil and communion with him,
which the ChiUtfh and every believer hath, is like the longing
C which
i8 PSALME CII.
which amJh hath to be at his journeys end, and the impedi-
ments which feem to hinder their communion with him 3 are like
the taking away of their life from them 3 He hath fbortenedmy
dayes, fai.h Ifracl.
Ver. 24. Ifaid, my God^ take me not away in
the middeft of mj dayes : thy years are throughout all
generations.
25. Of old haft thou laid the foundation of the
earth : and the Heavens are the -works of thy
hands.
26. They /hall peri Jh t but thou fhalt endure , je* t
all of them Jha!l wax old Hf^e a garment : as a ve~
ft ure fhalt ttoa change them, and they Jhall bechan*
gel
27. But thou art the fame } and thy yeares ftjatl
have no end.
Againft this testation, the Church, orthe Prcphet in the
Churches name, doth wraftle in prayer, and ftrengtheneth his
faith by fundry arguments, taken from Gods^ to wit, Chrifts
eternity, omnipotency, and immutability, Hcb. 1. n, 12.
IVhevcc learn, 1. The Church and any member thereof, may
poflibly fometime be put in fear of being cut off, before they can
attain their defired end, as here, Take me not away in the
mdfi of my dayes, dothfimport. 2. Faith doth take Gcd for the
party to deal with, whatfoever ftrait it fhall be brought into 5
God is the doer of what is done, faith the beleever, andfohe
dealeth with God by prayer for reliefs lfaid, Cjod,ta\emenot
away. 3. Appearance of pa-ifhing mould not hinder us to pray,
but (harpen us rather in our dutic,and when Gods promifesand
his difpenfationdofeem to difagree, we may prefle the Cove-
nant, andnotdifpIeafeGod by fo doing 3 Ifaid, O my God,
tal^e mc not away, &c 4. The eternity of Chrift is the confo-
lationof the believer in his mortality 5 and the eternity of
Chrift as God ; is the pledge of his prefervation, and of the per-
formance of Godsfromifes unto him ; Thy yeares are throughout
aU generations. 5. The omnipotence of Gdd ; even Chrift,
which
PSALMECir. 19
which imy be Teen in the works of Creation, is a rock for the be •
iKvcr, who is in Covenant with G;d to icft uponj for wha^
C3n he not do who hath made all things of nothing Of old haft
thou lad the foundation of the earth, and the heavens arc the
work of thy hand* 6 1 he immatabiliry of God is a notable
comfort to his afflicted people, who becaufe he is not changed,
therefore ftnll they not beconfumed $ Heaven and earth fhall fc-
rijh, but tboujholt endure : (pc. hut thou art the (me. 7. As the
heavens and the earth are (ubj.d to vanity for mans C3ufe, and
fo in regard of this condition whereinthey are now, they fhall
pcrilhr 10 alio they (hill not limply and altogether perifh, bur
be changed as a garment for mans ciufe Rom % 8 n . gt. /ill of them
jhall 1 axe old as a garment, as a vefture fhalt thou change them t
and tbeyfloall be changed hut thou art thefamc 3 and thyyearcs havi
i/oi«i,Heb.i. ii, 12. meant of Chrift.
Ver. 28 The children of thj fervahts fhall
continue : and their feed fb*U be eftabltfbed before
thee.
Here is his victory over the tersation, and a foUJ afttiianccf
of the perpetuity of the Church, from one generation t^ an-
other, grounded upon the aforeiaid attributes ot Chrift. Whence
leant) i. He that is forry for the affli&ion of the Church, fhall
have coniolation from God, and a gracious anlwer to his prayer,
as the experience of the Prcphet here doth teach us. ' 1 The per-
petuity of the Church, and eftabHfhing of it may be fol idly
concluded from the unchangeableneffe and eternity of God; for
thnsGOth the Prophet reafon. 3. The Churco ill ul never be
barren, but from age to age bring ton h children unto God *
The cbi drcn of thy fervants Jhall continue >aui their feed. 4. The
trueme^nbes of the Church, are not the children of theflefli
finply,but the children of the fame faith and obcjicr.ee with
the godly teachers and fcrvints of God 5 for foarc they wh >
have the pramifes, here defc ibed j The chil Ircv of thy fervants
jhall tontimie* 5. What foe vc: change may betel the vilibls
Church before tl-e world, yet before God flie is fixed and ftible,
as a houfe builded upon a rock , The j'ced of thj fttvants Jhall be
ejlablified before thee.
C * PSALMS
ao PSALME C1II.
PSALM GUI.
THis is a Pfaime of praife and thankfgiving to God, for his
grace to his people, wherein the believer ftirreth up himfelf,
and by his-own example others alfo to praife God, v. i , i. And
that tor fevenfceen reafons or arguments of praife * fomc of
them taken from mercies (hewen to himfelf, fome from mercies
to all believers, and lome taken from his fovereign dominion
over all, unto v. 20. and in'the laft three verfes, there is an ex-
hortation to all the creatures,, to joyne in Gods praifes with the
Prophet.
Ver. I. TyLeffe the LORD, my foule: and
JOa/l that is within me, bleffc his holy
Name.
2. Ble [fe the LORT) % mjfoute^ andforget not all
his benefits.
In the Pro/hets ftirring up of himfelf to praife God; Lexrn>
I * The fenfe of G ods goodnefle to a believer is very bleffednefle
* el 1 3 flowing from God the fountain and caufe of blefledneiTe :
B!cJfctheL0R2},0 my foul. i-When a believer is fatisfied with
Gods goodnefle,. he cannot fatisfie himfelf in the expreflion of
his fenfe of it, or of his difcharge of thankfulnefTe for it, but
ftirreth up his own dull fpirit to the work of praife: Bleffc the
LORD, O my foul. j.Inpraifing God, fpecial care is to be
had of che fincerity of our heart and affedions j All that is with-
in me, bleffc bis holy Hume. 4. Whatfoever is faid of God, will
be found really to be true of him, and the believer will fubferib*
unto the unftaincd glory of his Name, and may fay, AH that is
within mc> bleffe bis holy Name. ?. Albeit we do not obtain of
our heart a T fii ft what we would ,yet muftweftill infift in the
ftirring up of the grace of God in us, for any fervice we are about;
c £lc[fc )he LORD, my foul, faith be the fecond time. 6. God
hath put fo many obligations upon every believer, as may fur-
nifti
PSALME CIII. 21
nifli rcafonsof praife and thankfgivingjB/e'jJi the Lord abundant*
ly and forget not bis benefit s. 7 .As oblivion is always unthankful,
fo the remembrance and calling to minde what the Lord hath
beftowed upon us , wkh a dueeftimat.'on of the meancft bene-
fit, is a point of upright thankfulndfe : Bleffe the LORD , my
foul, and forget not all his benefits, that is, forget not any of
his benefits, as the forme of fpcechinthe Original doth im-
port.
Vcrf. 3. who forgivetb all thine iniquities: who
healeth all thy dtfeafes.
The firft reafon of thankfgiving is for remiffion of Annes :
the fecond reaafon isfor healing fpecially of fpiritual maladies.
JVbence learn 3 1. Saving grace beftowed upon us > fliould have
the firft room in our thankfgiving unto God, becaufe it is the
evidence of Gods fpecial love to us: for this doth the. order of the
Prophets thankfgiving teach us.2.The moftiholy ofGods fervants
are not juftified by their good works ; 6ut by gracious remifiion of
their evil works : Bleffe the LORD >wbo forgivetb thy iniquities.
$. The remiffion of lin is a perfect taking away of the guilti-
nefle, not of fome only, but of all fins : Who forgivetb all thine
iniquities* 4. After remiffion of fin, and juftification of our per-
fons, there remaineth much inbred corruption , and many not
©nlybodilvj bar alfo and efpecially finful infirmities, difeafes
and maladies of our foules, whereby we become unable to do
the good which we would, or to efchew the evil which we would
not do: and of thefe difeafes God becometh a Phyftcian to
heale them all , by his Spirit of Sanctification beftowed
upon all whom he juftificth j IVlio bealetb all thy dif-
exfes.
*
Verf 4. who re&temeth thy life from S.eflrnUi-
on\ Mho crowneth thee With foving kindneffe^ and
tender mercies.
The third reafon cf thankfgiving, is for delivering of him
gracioufly, from perilling : and the fourth reafon is, for giving
C 3 unto
a* P SAL ME CIII*
tinto him mercifully many good things; 2ty dtftruflion here
hemcaneth, not only the danger of being killed by his enemies*
but alfo anA efpccially the ftitc of condemnation and pcrifhing
in Gods wrath, from which, the man juftified is redeemed by the
Mediator. Whence kirn, 1. The benefit of prefervation from
eternal death, is given unto the man, to whom all iniquity is
forgiven • for here thefe benefits arc joyned the one with ths
other- x- The deliverances which are given to believers, as
well bodily asfpiritual, temporal as well aseverlafting,do come
to us in the way of Redemption, made by our kinde and faith-
ful Kinfmanjefus Chvift > W\n redcemetb thy life from deflru-
Uion, 3. A man muft be fenfible of the merit oF fin, and fee
himfelf in the ftate of perdition for fin, before he can put a
light eftimation upon his delivery, he muft count himfelf a loft
man* till the LORDS Redeemer deliver him, as we may per-
ceive in the Prophet, faying, Beb&th redeemed tby life from dc*
ftfuttion. 4. The favour which God beftoweth upon a belie-
ver, is not in giving un.ohim one or two. or fome few evidences
of his love and mere ic, but in a conftant comparing of him on
every hand, in everything ; fo that he (hall turn him about to
what At be will, he is circled roun-i about with love' and mer-
cy, fupplying wants, preventing, or mitigating and feafoning his
troubles, reclaiming him from fin, and directing him in Gods
way ; JVbocrowncth thee with laving fyndneffe and tender mcr-
fics 4 5. The evidences of Gods kindnefle and mercieto a man,
isnotonlyameanestoglorifie God, but alfo amcanes to put
refpeel; and honour ; yea, and a crown of glory on the head of
the believer, inthefighc of all who look upon him; therefore
faith he, Who crowncth thee with loving bjzdnijjcandtcvdrr
piercies.
Ver. f. Who fathfieth tby month Wub good
% things : fo that thj youth is rentWed like ike
A fiagles.
The fifth reafon of thankfgiving is, not onty for bleffing the
ufeofthe creatures unto him, but alfo and efpccially for feed-
ing him with fpirirual food, and giving comfortable refrefli-
(ntntstohis Church, fct forth under the fimilitude of corporal
Ceding upon dainties. The /ixth re:Jbn is for comforting his
jfpirit^
PS AIM E cm. 1$
fjpirit, and reviving it in irs dead condition, as the Eagle is? re-
vived and renewed after calling her bill. IVbence learn , i .The
bleffing of God upon the believer, makeththeufe of Gods be-
nefits, and his ordinary meales and morfels, favourie and fwcet,
becaufe he hath all that is given to him,withGods allowance and
good-will > ' JVbo fatisfietb thy rrouth with good thing*. i.The
Lord after fpiritual hunger and thirft, giveth fuch fatisfacTion
to the foul of the believer, as banquet-cheat* and dainties do give
to a hungry and rhiifty rnan, as the fimilitude here fhewcth ;
Who fatisfietb thy mouth with good things. 3. As the E3g!e de-
cayeth and growethlean, when her bill or beak growerh fo long
and crooked as /he cannot eat for it, and when (he cafleth her
bill, and her beak is now fitted better to take her food, then fh£
is revived and ftrengthened, and as it were groweth young a*
gain: fo fare: hit with the foul of the believer, which fometimes
is fo excrcifed and troubled, as it rcfufeth comfort, and licth in
a dead condition $ but when the Lord reneweth theienfeof his
love, it is a new life, and the inner man is revived again j Thy
youth is renewed as the Eagle. 4. It is an act of thankfgiving un-
to God, to give account to our'felves, and to reckon over to our
own foulcs, what the Lord hath beftowed on us, and done for
us, as appearethin the Prophets practice here, fpeaking all
this to his own foul, in reckoning over the benefits.
VcT. 6. The LORD executeth right eoufneffe and
judgement for all that are opprejfed*
He goeth on in his thanksgiving, and afcendeth from the mer-
cies fhewn to him felf, unto the praifing of Godsrightecufnefle
and merciful neffe toward all believers, as well as toward him-
felf, according as every ones need doth require : and here is the
feventh reafon of Godspraife, for maintaining the caufe of all
his -rpprefTed people. Whence learn, 1. The fight of Gods
goodnefle towards our felves, fhould lead us ro ihc(>b r crvct t\
et t^ods goodnefle to all hi* children in common, and unto his
righteous, holy and gracious nature, as the example of the P A
mift teicheth us. 2. As to be eppreff d was not T> vids ' ■ c a-
lone, but is the common condition whe.eunto the godly :n alj
ages a-e fun-eft: (0 to have God rhe defender andtfcavc
ot thofie that oppreffe them, was no: thcpiivilcd^eo: Davidn-
C 4
a 4 PSALME CIII.
lone, but common to him and a : l Gods children; For the Lord
fxccutetb rigbtcoujneffe and judgement for dl that < arc op*
pcffcL
Vcr. 7. He wade known his wajei unto Mofts, his
atts unto the children of IfraeL
The eighth rcafon of Gods praife, is,for his revealing of his
vvill and works to his Prcphet M.fes, and to the people of Ifrael}
Wbenec learn, I. The knowledge of Gods will, of his way of
pealing with men, and of his works, are myfteries which men
cannot undctftand, till the Lord reveal all to them > It is$e
who ma\etb bis wayes \y\ovon. 2. As God hath the choolmg of
people to whom, io alfo of the men by whom he will reveal him-
I'eit and his wayes 5 He made %nown hk rcxyes unto Mofcs , bis
s to tbecbildren of IfraeL 3. As the revealing of Gods wav,
whereinhe will walk with us, and of his way wherein he will
have us to walk before him> is no fmall mercie to his
CJiurch: (g is it no fmall obligation put upon \\\% people, and
matter of praife and thanks unto God 5 for this is madejiere
the matter of the Churches thanks, and of Gods praife, That
be made hjiown h.s wayes to Mofes, and made I fir del to fe 4 e that he
wrought as he had fpoken ; He made \\novon his affs to"tbe chil-
(Ireirof IfraeL
Ver. 8. The LORD is merciful and gractom :
floW to anger 9 and plenteous in mercj ♦
The ninth reafon of Gods praife is, for his merciful an4
gracious nature exprcflTe^ in fimdry ritles. Whence le&rn,\ • I hz
Lord is companionate toward us in our miferies, and ready tq
pardon our fits; The Lord is merciful, z. The Lord is not
hindered by our unworthinefle to do us good, when wt come
unto him, but is ready to flicvv favour to iuch as acknowledge
themfelvcs to be unworthy, and do feek nothing but of his free
love j The Lord is gracious. 3. The Lord doth not eafity let
forth the evidence of his anger, even when he is provoked ; He
jsjlow to anger. 4. Even in wrath hcremembretb mercy > and
doth
PSALME CIII. 2$
dcth not let forth the efte&s ofhis wrath in full meafurc,buttem-
percth his chaftifemenrs, foaswe may endure them, and. mix-
eth mitigations in the moft bitter cups ; He U plentcotct in
mercy.
Vet. 9. He mil not altvayes chide : neither rcifc
he i^eep his anger for ever.
The tenth reafon of praife is, for the fhort continuance of the
effefts ofhis wrath. Whence learn, 1. Albeit the Lord be ready
to live as a reconciled God and father with us his children, yet
we are given to ftrifc, and do frequently offend and grieveliim,
and give reafon to him to rebuke us, as his not chiding of us
doth import. 2. When he hath debated his comroverfie by
words, and by the rod, and hath made our confeience challenge
and chide us, he doth not entertain the comroverfie long; We will
not alwayes chide* $. Albeit the tokens of Gods anger endure
longer then we would, yet ihall they be removed at length, he
will not purfue his quarrel furrher :hen our real humiliation*
W Other -will he keep his anger for war*
I
Verf. 10, He hath not dealt with as after our
. finnesy nor rewarded us according to our imqtti*
ties.
The eleventh reafon of Gods praife is, for the common experi-
ence which the Saints have had already of his mercy. Whence
learn, 1 .What the Word faith of Gods grace, mercy, long-fur-
fering, and other titlesof his goodnefle, the common experience
of his children > yea, and of all the members of the vifible
Church may bear witnefTe unto it: hehdtbnot dealt with us
after our [nines. 2.The felt mercies of the Lord ftiould not ex-
tenuate our finnes, but rather make us aggravate our tauhs, and
weigh our mifdefervings in the balance of the Sanctuary • for
not by the weight of judgements,(which oft-times are laid afide,
or are gently infli&ed) but by the Word muft we judge of our in-
iquities ; for he hath not rewarded u& according to oiir iniquities.
Ver,
26 PSALMECIII.
Ver. II. For as the heaven is high above the
earth: fo great is hu mercy toward them that fear e
htm*
The twelfth reafon of Gods praife is, for the unmcafurablc*
nefle nf his mercy toward his fervants, compared to the unmea-
furable height of the heaven above the earth. Whence learn>
l.Ourminde cannot finde out a comparifon too large, forex-
prefling the iuperabundant mercy of the Lord toward his people.
For as the heaven is high Above the earthy fo great is his mercy to -
wtrdtbemtbatfearcbim. 2. Thofe are the children of God,
who howfoever they are not free of fin, yet they are careful to
pleafe God, and loath to offend him ; They are perfons that
fearebim. 3. The confolations of God, and thcrkh:s of his
mercy, are not appointed to fofter fin or fecarity in any man ,
but to cherifh the hearts of thofe that ftandin awe to offerd
<Jod, and iludy to pleafe him : Great is bit mercy to them that
fearebim.
Ver, 12. As far as the eaft is from the weft : fo far
hath he removed our tranfgrejftons from us.
The thirteenth reafon of Gods praife is, for compleat fu!-
nefle of remiflion of fin unto the believer in him. Whence learn,
I. Albeit fins hinder ouraccefie to God, yet they do not hinder
Gods Approaching unto them, on whom he will have mercy-
for fin is not removed, till Chrift come to the firmer, as here is
imported. 2. Remiflion of fin is agift, full and complear, gi-
ven by God unto every believer in Chrift, and the guiltinefle
and debt of fin, is fo far and fo fully removed, that it can never
bt imputed unto the believer, nor come near to hurt him 5 Jis
fir &s the e.ifl is from the weft, fofxr hath he removed our tranf-
grejfions from vs. Underftand this of the believer, who doth not
turne > he grace of Cjo& into wantonnefle, but makcth nfe of
grace, to ftrengthen him in his battel againft the body of fin in
himfelf.
V*r.
PSALME CHI, 27
Ver.i 3 . Like M a father fitieth his chillren^ Co the
LORD fitieth them that f ear e him.
The fourteenth reafon of Gods praife is, for his fatherly pity
toward all his weak children, who would heartily ferve him bet-
ter then they do« Whence learn, i.The courfe of renewed
pardon of fin, and daily removing of fin from the penitent be-
liever, doth flow from the Lords adopting of believers to
be his children, as the fimilitudc taken from a father doth <hew
unto us- 2. The love which nature teacheth a father to bearto-
ward his obedient chUde, is but a ftiadow of the love of God to
believers : Like as a father fitieth his children,fo the Lord fitieth
them that fear him. 3. As none of the Lotds children want
their own infirmities, fliort comings in duties, and fallings into
tranfgrcllionsj fo all of them arelocked on by God, in as ten-
der pity as ever father did fhew to children : Like as a father,
fitieth his children , fo the Lord fitieth them th«t fcare him. Un-
derftand this of fuch as do eftecm their finful inclination, theit
great eft milery.
Ver. 14. For hekuoweth our frame ; he remtm~
breth that yve are dufl.
The fifteenth reafon of Gods pi*3ife, is hisdlfcrct'on in mo-
derating h s dealing with us, fo as our weaknefle mav beare ; 3nd
this reafon ferveth to clear and confirme the former. Whence
learn, i. There is no moreftreng:h in man of himfeit, then
there is in the master he was made of $ We are but duft. i.Thc
Lord knoweth ou weaknefle perfectly, and what wc are able 10
£n lure : He knowctb our frame, y/hu Ruff: we are m dc of, and
how fraile our natural conftituuon is. $. h is not for our wor- %
thineffe in us, that God J.calcth gently with us, but out of his
own goodncfie , free-love and pity $ He fitieth them that fear him- %
for he knoweth onr frame.
Ver. 15. As for man, his dajes arc as graffe :
m
28 PSALME CIII.
as a flower of the fieldy fo he flourifheth.
16, For the winde paffeth over it, and it is gone, and
the p lace thereof Jh til know it no mote.
17. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlaft-
ing to ever /afiing upon them that feare him: and ins
righteoufneffe unto childrens children:
18. To fuch as keep his covenant , and to thofe
that remember his eommandements to do them*
The fifteenth reafonof Godspraife is, for his everlafting
mercic, and conftant fidelity in performing whatfoeverhc hath
promi fed to every (incere beleever. Wheuce learn, 1. AH the
glory of man in his naturals, when he is adorned at the beft,
with learning, wifdome, beauty, ftrength, riches, honour, and
whatfoevcr other ornaments he can have, is but like the glory of
graffe and flowers, which are very tender and fubjeft to m3ny ha-
zards, and eafily broken down or blafleJ; and albeit no harme
Should come to them from without, yet of themfelves they en-
dure kit a very (hort feafon, and then do fade away : As for
miYiy his dayes are as graffe, as a flower of tbe field fo be flourifh-
etb, for the windc piffctb over it, and it is go?te, &c. 1. Hu-
mane infirmities and molality, ferve indeed to humble a man,
but do not hinder the humbled man to come and receive of God
compleat mercy, that is, pardon of finnes* fupply ofall wants,
and lire e verlafting : Mam dayes are as the flower, tbe winde go .
eth over it y and it is gone, and tbe place thereof flail \yiow it no
more, but tbe mere ie of the Lord is from ever lifting to everlafting.
j. The true believer andheire of the promifes, is he, who in his
grcateft confidence in Gods everlafting mercie, doth ftand in
awe to offend God > The mercy of the Lord is upon them that
fcxrebim, 4. As me cieis decreed and prepared before the be-
ginning of the world, (or the beleever who feareth Godj fo is
it let forth in actual application unto him in this life, an d fore-
vermore after this life is gone 5 The mercy of the Lord is from e-
vcrlaftingto everlafting to them that feare him. ?. Such as out
of love to God are loath to offend him; and out of faith in
Gods mercy ftud\ to plcafe him, fhall have jufticc to be their
friend, to themfelves and to their chi'dren who follow their
fctffteps, from one generation to another, the Lords righteoui-
nefie
PSALME GUI. i 9
neflefliall be for them, and not againlt chem ; a Jl that is promi-
fed ro the SaintSjAiall b<. done t?o them, and for them: Hurigbte-
eufjicjfe flail be unto bis children* children. 6. As God hath gi-
ven the offer o* his grace by Covenant, for reconciliation of ene-
mies ; fo hath he given his Law and Commandments for a rule,
to lead the reconciled man unto falvatian, and he only is the heirc
of the promife of everlafting mercy and lighteoufnefle ? who fiu-
ciah to prove theflncerity of h s faith , by his endeavouring of
obedience : For the promife here is made tofuch as keep his Co-
venant , knd to tkofc that remember bis commandments to <k
them.
Vcr. 19. The LORD hath prepared bis throne in
the heavens : and his Kirgdome ruleth over all.
The laft reafon of Cods praife, is his uni verfal dominion over
all the creatures, whereby a ftrong obligation is put upon Angels
andmentoglorifiehim. Wbencelearn, 1. What God doth give
unto Believers, he is able to prcferve unto them \ what he pro-
mifcth , he is able to performe unto them > whacfoever power in
earth or in hellbeagaii ft them , he is able to defend his Church
and every Member of it : The Lord hath prepared his throne in
heaven, z. Whatfoever praife we owe to God for bcnefits,which
we have received from him, ft wer or more, greater or lefler 5 wc
muft remember to praife bim alio for his glorious and great Ma-
' jefly , .md tranfeendem excellency over all the creatures: He
i bath eftablijhed bis throne in heaven, and bis dominion is over all.
3. Whatsoever confufions do appear on earth ; whatfoever revc-
luti .i;sdof. U in Church or State; whatfoever hardfhip Gods
children do meet with, God guideth the whole bufinc {Ye very
orderly and well, and performed! all his own good pleafure : Hk
JSjngdome ruleth over M %
Ver. 20. Bleffe the LOR D.. ye his Angels that
exceihn ftv^ngth^ that do hi* commandment s> hearken*
ing unto the Voice ofh^ word.
21 . Blejfe ye the LORD, all ye hu hojles : ye
minifiers of I is that do his pleafure,
22, Blejfe the LORD, all his works in all places
jo PSALME CHI.
if his dominion: blejfethe LORD y Omjfcul.
Inthelaft three verles , heinviteth Angels and men and all
creatures tojoynewich his foul in prai^ng God : True it is,th.u
the Angels need not to be exhorted to bieffe God, and many of
the Lords hoftes and wcrkesare not capable of our exhortation $
yet this forme of fpeech (ignincch, that all ofthem in their own
kinde , and materially at leaft , do fhew forth the bleffedneffc of
Cod j and that if they were all endued with rcafon , able and fit*
ted formally, exprefly , and directly to glorifie God, they were
all too few for the work, and could not either feverally, or joynt*
ly glorifie the Lord , as his deferving is. Whence learnt, 1 . The
weightofthe offering of praile unto Gcd , is too heavyformen
to lift > and as for Angels, it will take up all their ftrength, and
their beft abilities to °o about it : Bieffe the Lord, ye bis Angels
that cxcell in ftrength. z. It is the commendation of Angels, that
they obey all Gods commands readily, and we fhould follow their
example, and aime at their perfection in fcr vice , that the will
of God may be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven : For they do
bis Commandments, hearkening to the voice of his word- $. All
the fevei al rankes of creatures, are fo many muttered hofts, rea-
dy to execute Gods judgements, as they are directed 5 and are al-
wayes in their kinde fetting forth on all hands, the glory and
goodnefieof God .• Bieffe the Lord, allyehis hofts. 4, The
family of Belecvers, the fervants of the Lord, who know his will j
and ftudy to do it 5 and in fpecial], his Miniftersin the Churchy
fervants in State, Paftors and Teachers of Gods people, have in
a fpecial obligation lying on them to bieffe the Lord , who has
inrrufted them in his fcrvice, and made them do his will : Blefft
H?e Lord,yc Minifiers of his that do bispleafurc. 5 . There is none
of Gods works in any part of the world; nothing which his hands
hath made, how bale and mean ibever it may teem 3 which dorlj
not contribute matter unto the fong of Gods praife , and furniffr
reafons to glorifie and bieffe the Maker : Ulcfie ye the Lord , all
his works, in all places of bis dominion, 6". When the believer
lookcth on all the creatures in their own kinde , as contribute^
unto the glorifying of God, he fliall findc his own particular ob-
ligation for fpecial mercies bellowed upon himfelf , calling for
particular praife and thanks at his hands 5 as Druid doth here*
who when he harh fet all the creatures on work to bieffe God,con*
cludcih thus ; Bieffe sbc Lord, my lout,
PSALME
PSALMECIV. 31
PSALME CIV.
AS in the former Pfalme , the Prophet ftirred up bimfelf,
and all others to glorifie God , fpecially for the works of
grace ; fo here he ftirreth up himfclf, and others to glorifie God,
fpecially for the works of creation, and providence : And in
the firft place he fhewcth the fcope of all the Plalme, v. i. In the
fecond place he bi ingeth arguments for preffing the duty of prai-
fing God, from the firft dayes work of creation, to wit, the lights
And from the fecond dayes woik in fpreading forth the Heavens,
v. z, ^4. And from the 3d. days woik of bringing forth the Earth,
the Sea, the Floods, and Plants, for the ufeofManand Beaft,
which were the work of the Gxth day , v- J, 6 t 7, 8 3 o, \o, 1 i r
12, 1 $, 14, 1 ? 5 16, 17, 18. And from the works of the fourth
day , Sun and Moon , v. 19,2032X312,23,24. And from
the works of the' fifth day , Hfhes, greater and fmaller, v. 25,
26 1 In ihe third place , he bringeth arguments of Godspraife,
fnmtheprefervation, fpecially of living creatures, v. 17,18,29,
Jo. In the fourth place is the conclufion of the Pfalme, with
forae further reafons for praifing of GO D, v. 31,32, 33>
34, 35-
Vcr. i.Ty Leffe the LORD, mj (ohI % O LORD
D my (jod) thou art ver y great ; then art
c loathed Vvith honour and majefty*
Here is the fcope of the whole Pfalme , wherein he ftirreth up
his own fonl , and by his own example, all others that have ears
to hear, to glorifie our God for his greatnelTe and Majefty , ma-
nifested in his works of Creation and Providence. Wlwicc learn,
1. The Lord is to be praifed by his children ; not only for his
benefits beftowed upon them , but alfo for his own glorious Ma-
jefty and greatnelTe y not only is he to be praifed for the works of
Redemption and G:a:e to his Eleft child :en , but alio for the
works of Creation , and what he hath beftowed upon the crea-
tures, as this P^lmc compared with the former doth teach us.
3a PSALME CIV,
2. Becaufe men have oft-times the words of praife in their mouth,
and do care little ro have their afte&ion fuitable to the work in
their heart ; therefore when we go about to praife God we
fliould ftir up our fpirits unto a Religious difpofition, as David
doth here,faying : Bleffe the Lord, O my foul. 3. When we go
about the work of Gods praife , we mould confer his Majcfty,
how great he is, and worthy to be praifed : OLO 7( Z>, thou art
very great. 4. Thertis the heart beft fitted for Gods praifes,
when the foul that is about the work ofpraife, doth apprehend irs
tmercft in God, and looketh upon him as reconciled and in Co-
venant with it felf: Lor d my Go 4, thou art very great s.The
praifes of God do not depend npon tbe man that praifcth him, but
are fixed in God, and flow forth from him felf fo clearly , that
none can be excufed of ingratitude, who do not acknowledge his
glory : Thou art cloathed with honour and 3t*jefty. Albeit God
be invifible, and unfea. enable > yet his honour an^ Majefty may
befeen inhb works , which are as a garment, both to hide him
in one refped , and hold him forth in another to be fecn ; Thou
art cloathed with honour and Majcfty.
VerC2. Who c over efl thy klfetoitb light* as with
a garment : who firetchefl out the heavens Uke 4
curtaine.
3. Who lajeth the beames of his chambers in the wa-
ters f who maketh the clouds his char et > who wallet h
Upon the wings of the winde.
4. Who maketh his Angels fpirits : his minifiers a
flaming fire.
In the fecond place are fet down the Arguments for praifingof
God , taken from the works o( creation > fuch as were wrought
the firft and fecond day, whereof only fo much is fpoken , as may
lead us unto what is faid more thereof, in the Hiftory written by
CMofes. Whence lcarne y 1. The works of creation , befides their
natural ufe , do ferve for fpi: itual ufes alfo > to wit, to furnifli
unto us the knowledge of God , to edifie us in faith , and ftirre
us up to glorifie the Maker, as here doth appear. *« Among
ail the fenfible creatures of God , the creation of the light hath
the firft place, for rnanifeftation of hiv glory > whether we look
unto
PSALMECV. $z
tinto tht brightnefle and admirable purity of it, which cannot be
polluted by any filthineffe whereupon it fhincs , or the isfe k hath
in operation upon , and fetting forth of the beauty of the reft o?
the creatures , thctefore he beginneth at it here. 3. Our
thoughts of God mould be higher , larger , more purified from
bodily apprehenlions and all imperfections , then our thoughts
of created light are, when we look upon the light illuminated all
the world at once j For as the garment of a King (heweth his
Majefty , and yet is no part ofhislubftanceoreflence , and irt
its nature is much inferiour to his worth ; (o is the light nothing
but Gods creature, ferving to fliewforrh his glory , and isinfi-
nitly inferiour unto him : IVbo coveretb bimfclf with light, tt
agirment. 4. As light filling the workl, is nothing but as the
garment of the glorious Creator , manifefting himfelf wirhiri
thecompaffeof the world to his creatures; fothc Heavens in their
largeft circle, are but the Canopy caft about the feat of a King :
for befiretchetb out the heavens lif^e a curtaine. 5. This world is
like a ftately houfe , which is divided in upper or lowet roomes*
byjoyfts, bcames and plankes , put between the lower roomes
and the higher j and the firmament fuftaining the clouds, is the
firft divifion r IVboUyttb the beames of his chambers in the wa-
ters : Or in the fecond region of the aire , where the waters
in the clouds are gathered , and ftored up as it were in their di-
ftinft chambers , for the— feverall ufet which God hath for them.
6. As the glory of Kings is to be feen when they go in Coaches
'and their tr3in is following them, or when they ride on horfe-bacfc
With their followers attending them j fo is the glory of the Lord
feen, when he maketh the weighty clouds, having in them flouds
of watetyo move from place to place, as chareti above our heads,
and not fall down at once: He m:\etb ebe clouds his chxriot.
7. The fwift and unperceivablc motion of the windes, bein^
railed by God, from all parts in all places of the world , doth
ferve as a fhadow to point out the every where-p re fence of God j
Who walfietb upon the wings oj the windc. 8. The Angels are
the Lords creatures, and do ferve him at hispleafare, a; the
Winds and flaming fire do , fwiftly going where hecommandeth
them , and in the fervour of their love to him, difpatching every
bufineffe committed to them : Who mx\exb bis lAngcls [pirns ,
and bis Mniftcrsafltmc of fire. 9. Qreat and glorious muft our
Lordjefusbe, who is th-; Creator and Lord of Angels: And
nuti&ih his Angels [pints.
• D Yen
34 PSALME CIV.
Ver. 5. Who laid the foundations of \he earth that
it fb oh Id not be removed for ever.
6. Thou covered/} it with the deep as with a gar*
ment : the waters flood above the wountaines.
7 # At thy rebuke they fled : at the voice of thy
thunder they haftedaway.
8 . They go up by the mount aines : they go downe by
the valley es } unto the place which thou haft founded for
them.
9. Thou hafj; fet a bound that they may not
pajfe over : that they tutne not again to cover the
earth.
From this to the 19th. vcr. he defcribeth the third dayes work
of the Creation , prepared for the ufe of man and bead, which
were the (ixth dayes work. The preparation of the dwelling houfe
of man and beaft, and other living creatures above the earth , is
fet down in thefe five Verfes* Whence learn, 1. The feeling of
the earth in a like diftance on all hands from the circle of heaven,
compafling it round about, and hanging of the enrthinthe
midft oftheglobe, and fixing it by his iole command , where it*
is now fixed , eeclareth the unfearchable power of God, and glo-
ry of his workmanfhip : He laid the foundations of the earth, that
itfhould not be moved for ever. 2. The natural place of the Ele-
ment of water , Is to be above all the earth on aft parts round a-
bout : He cover etb the earth with the depth to a garment , and the
waters flood above the mount aines. 3. That a dwelling hoafe
might be 6:tcd and prepared for man not as yet created, the Lord
by his powerful command , made the waters gooftYomuchofthe
earth as might Urve for mans ufe > and ftraightway, as if the
waters had been driven and chafed, they did run awayhaflily
from oft the bounds allotted unto them, as it were terrified at
the thundering, imperious and effectual command of God : At
thy rehu{e the) fled; at the voice of thy thunder they baftcd away.
4 If a man h id been prefent when God commanded the Seas to
retreat from the Earth, he might have feen both a terrible and a
joyful fpedhclc of a wonderful haity chafe and flight of the waters
running fiercely over the mountaines; and when no more moun-
tains
PSALME CIV. 3$
tairtes were in their way > glyding down through the valleys intd
the place wherein they are now ; Thy go up bs the mountainer,
they go down by the valley?, unto the place which thou haft foundei
for them* S- The waters of the Sea , albeit they tx higher then
the Ea th^yet are they bounded in the place wherein they .re 3 that
without command given to them from God they may not
pafle over the bounds prcfciibed unto them > but do ftiy within
the Sea-mark , and there lay down their proud boaftin^ waves :
Thouh ft fct a bound thit they may not pajfe over , that they turnc
not again to cover the earth : Which they would inbilibl v do by
their own natural motion, if this miraculous {landing command
were net conftantly in force > as was tobefeen in the flood of
Noah, when the boundaries were loofe J for a year 3 till God did
execute vengeance on the wicked world, and thereafter they were
fent back never to come again for fuch an univeriai judgment.
Vcr, lo. He (endeth the jf rings into the valleys
which run among the hills.
I r. 1 hey give dr'wkjo every beaft of the field : the
ajfes quench their thirft.
12 By them Jhctll the fifties of the heaven have their
habitation, which jing among the branches.
13, He watereth the hills from his chambers : the
earth is fat is fie d with the fruit of thy works.
14. tie caufeththe graffe to grove for the cattel , and
, herbefor the fervice of man 5 that he may bring forth
( foodotttof the earth \
15. tsfndwine that maketh glad the heart of man ,
I 4nd oile to mak* h\s face to Jhine, and bread whfch
flrengtheneth mans heart.
16. The trees of the LORD are full */fap •* the
Cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted.
17. Where the birds make their nefis : as for the
Storkf^ the Fir-trees are her houfe.
18. The high hills are a refuge for the vpilde goates^
and the rocket for the Conies.
D 2 Thus
3<* PSALME CIV.
Thus the ground of mans habitation is (wept 5 now here it 19
replenished, and furniflied with all ncceffaries ferving for mans
ule, and to fowles and beafts for mans fake. Whence team,
1 . Becaufe rhe ufe of frefh waters was ncceflary for man , and
ncceflary it was that man fhoulA have it nigh hand unto him 5
for the more commodious ufe , the Lord broke up wells of
water in feveral places , and made brookes and waters^ and rivers
and Hoods, like veines in a mans body, to carry from them wa-
ter along to all habitable places of the earth , where God had ap-
pointed men to dwell : He [endeth the fprings into the valleys,
which run among the hills. 2. Not only where men do dwell,
but alfo where mens ordinary refort is not, the Lord hath let
drinking veflels full of water , for the ufe cftravellingmenand
other creatures, appointed to attend man, and fome way to ferve
his ufe: He fendttb the [prings into the valleys, which ruune
Amongtbe bills. 3. For the furnifhing ofmanshoufe onearth,
God hath pi uvided him with parks for beafts to feed in , and
trees for fowles and birds to live in , and ponds for fifties, as we
will hear afterwards and thefe beafts and fowles , andfingin*
birds, have their drinking veflels fet for them •* They give drin^
to every bcaft of the field, the wilde affes quench their tbirft.4* The
Lord hath adorned the habitation of man, withitrces growing be-
fide the waterSinotpnly for his own proper ufe, but alfo for the ufe
of fowles and finging birds:2ty themfball the fowles of heaven have
their habitat on, which fing amongtbe branches. 5. Where wells
and rivers are not , as in hills and high places it isfeen for the
moft part ; there the Lord fuppiieth theinlack of waters, by rain
from the clouds ; He water eth the bills from his chambers , that
is, from the clouds, wherein as in chambers he hath ftored up
great waters. 6. The Lord doth not diflblve the clouds all at
once, but by little and little makcth them diftill fmaller or great •
er drops only: He watereth the hills from bis chamhers. 7.Therc is
no part of the earth, whereupon God beftoweth not fo much ot
the fruit of his operation , as may fill it full of his glory : The
earth is fatisficd with the fruit of thy wor\s* 8. The grafle and
herbs,and the divers forts of them , ferving for the ufe of beafts and
men, are worthy of a room in our meditation of Gods provident
care t ot man and beaft : He caufab the graffe to grow for the cat -
tel, and herbs for the fcrvice of man 3 that be may bring forth food
cut of the cirtb. o. The Lords allowance, upon man is very large*
not only for neceiTity,but alfo for delectation : For he h3th pro-
vided wine, and 9ih) md bread. 1©. The right ufe of Gods
*rea-
PSALME CIV. 37
creatures is not to forfeit, and burie the memoiie of God and of
theexccllencie of man above beads, in gluttony and drunkennefs*
but to give him ftrength and gladnefle in fuch a meafure, as may
encourage him cheerfully to Terve his Maker; Ani wine that
md^eth glad the heart of man , and oile to ma\ehk face tofbine,
and bread which ftrcngthcnctb mans heart. 11. God will have his
excellency taken notice or in every thing, which is great, notable,
excellent: upon which ground, great trees are called here, The
trees of the Lord. i 2. The Lord hath furnifhed trees , not only
with fo much fap as might make them grow J but alfo with lo
much fap, as might ferve man for meat and drink, and medicine,
and other ufes : The trees of the Lord are, full of fap. i g. A-
mong the trees the Lord will have us take notice of the Ce-
dars, as of a fpeciall plan: of his husbandry on the earth , for
their height and greatnette, and durableneffe of the timber , and
namely of thofc of Lebanon, defigned for the ufe of his people ; of
which he faith , The Cedars of Lebanon which be bath planted.
14. It is worthy of our marking , that fot the nefts of birds , he
hath provided high trees, where they might breed and lodge, and
bring forth their young more fafely and fecurely; Where the
birds mafietbeirnefts: as fortbeStorke^ the Firre-trees are her
houfe. if. It is worthy of our obfervati on for glorifying of
God , that God hath taught weak creatures, naturally to draw
themfelves to ftrong defences ; and fundry forts of them, to have
their fevcrall forts of refuge: The high hills are a refuge for the
wildegoates 3 and the rody for the Conies.
Ver. ip. Me appointed the Mooneforfeafonsi the
Sunne kpoVoeth his going doftne.
20. Thou make ft darkneffe and it is night*, wherein
all the bcafts of the forreft do creep forth.
21. The youngljonsroare after their prey, and fee k
their meat from God.
22. The Sunne arifeth % they gather themfelves toge-
ther : and lay them down in their dennes*
23. Afangoetb forth unto his work*, and to bis la-
bour^ untillthe evening.
24. LO RD, how manifold are thy work/ ! in
D 3 Wfz
3*
PSALME CIV.
fyifdome haft thon made them all ; the earth is full of thy
riches*
Hei e he bringeth arguments of praife from the works of Crea-
tion on the fouith day, and fheweth the ufes thereof; JVlhitit
learn, i. The mince of man is not able to overtake all Gods
works at once> whether in their number or order , or properties,
or ufes . as the Prophets pitching upon fomeof them only > doth
teach us. 2. The making of two great lights^ the Sunne and
the Moon 3 is worthy of our fpecial pbfervation ; for by them the
glory o: the reft of the works, is much manifefted : He appointed.
tbe Moon for jeafons, tyc. 3 . The making of two lights to move
about the earth , the one to fupply in a fort the others abfence, is
a reafon of Gods praife ; He made the Moon and tbe Sun. 4- The
dividing of time into nights and dayes, and fundry feafons, that
the continuance thereof might not be irkfomc unto man > but
the more acceptable by their interchanges and vicifliudes , is a
reafon for magnifying Gods wifdome and goodnefle to man : He
appointed tbe Moan pr feafons , tbe Sun finorvetb bis going down.
5 % The Lord hath lo wife y mixed the motion of the Sun and
Moon , that a fweecer temper is not imaginable: for if their mo-
tion had been the lame , and they did move near together , then
theufe of the Moon had been the lelfe j if the Moon had been
alwayes punctually cppofite to the Sun 3 then flic (houldhave
been in a perpetual eciipfes if the courfe of the Sun had not been
compieat once a year , and the courfe of the Moon once every
monetb , the earth could not have had fo great fervice of both :
But God bath appointed tbe CMoon for feafons f dnd tbe Sun tyiovo*
ctb bis going down ; each of t hem cxnclly keeping their courte as
God hath ordained. 6. As Gods wifdome and goodneife is to
be feen in the Light , fo'alfo in the vicifluude of Darknefle be-
tween day and day j For Darknefle intervening between d.iyes,
rmketh Ligtr. every day a new gift 5 and Darknefle calleth man
from his labour and travel unto reft , that he may be refreihed
therewith, and with fleep: Tbou ma\eft dartyieftc 3 and it U
night. 7 . It is a remarkable providence 3 that ravenous beafts,
for the moft part arc kept in their dennes all day , and not let loofe
for iceking their prey , till night, rvkerein all the beafts of the
forreft crap forth. 8. None of the ravenous beafts finde their
prey, till God bring it unto them : Tor tbe young Lions , for
tiunger^ roarc after their prey. 9. The natural cries of the Ji-
ftreflecj
PSALME CIV. 39
ftrefled creatures^ are in fubftance natures prayer toitsMiker
for relief and help : The young Lions by their rowing, feck, their
meM from God. 10, It is 3 matter of praife to God 3 that the
day-light is made a natural terrour to cruel bea»fts„ or that any
meafurc of being feared by man is left in them : The Sun arifeth,
they gather themjelvcs together, andlay them doronin their dennes.
n. It is the Lords praife that hegiveth daily new ufe of the
light of the Sun to man > that he may follow his work and bufi-
nefle the better till the evening , and fuffereth it to remaine only
fo long a time , as weak bodies may endure moderate travell .•
Man goeth forth to hU wor!(, and labour untiU the evening, i i.The
more men do meditate on Gods works > the more do they finde
a bottomleffe deep ; and the number and variety of them , more
and more unfearchable: O Lord how manifold are thy wor^j!
l $. Thus much maybe learned of Gods works, that they are all
of them excellently well , and wifely wrought and ordered; and
that the riches of Gods bounty to man and co the creaturesyJoth
fill all the earth In wifdome baft thou made them all 3 the earth
is full of 'thy riches.
Ver. 25. SO is this great and wide Sea x wherein Are
things creeping innumerable\b'oth [mall and great*
26. There go the Jhip si there is thai Leviatha^
whom thorn haft made to play therein.
He cometh now to the works of the fifth day, fpecially the
furni filing of the Sea as a fifli-pond for mans ufe > and miking it
portable tor (hips to faile in. Whence learn, 1. The ^gveatnefs
and widenefieof the Sea > the ebbing and flowing thereof, the
morion and faltnefle of it to keep it from rotting,do fpeak of the
glory of God , no leife then the ornament and rich furniture of
the earth doth . For, as the earth is full of riches, fo is tb is great
and -wide Sea 2. The diversity and number of great and fmali
fifties in the Sea, fpeak much of Godspower, wifdome a*ni
bounty : wherein are things creeping innumerable , both fmall
and great fi fins. 3. Themaking of the Seas for the ufe of Na-
vigation , chit men who car. not rlee nor twim, might the more
commodioufly keep com me ce one with another in all parts of
the world 3 is a point of Gods praife 5 There go thefhips 4 Al-
beit all and eveiy one of Gods works dofet forth Gods power >
D i ye*
4® PSALME CIV*
yet fome of them do it more eminently then other Tome , for
making men fee Gods glory the more in the reft , yea. and in the
meaneit of his works ; Such for example are the Elephant on
jearch , and the Whale, and other huge great monfters in the Sea i
That Leviathan whom thou haft nude to play therein.
Vet. 27. Ihefe wait all upon thee t that thoH mayefi
give them their meat in due feajon.
28 . That thou giveft them, they gather: thou open -
eft thine hand: they are filled with good,
29. Thou hide (I thy face, they are troubled, thou ta-
fefi any their breath y they die : and returne to their
duff.
30. Thou fendefl forth thy fpirit } they are created: and
fhoureneweft the face of the earth.
In the third place,he bringeth forth arguments of Godspraife,
from the care the Lord hath oftheprefervationof his works ,
which moil: appeareth in the feeding of all living creatures , and
propagation of the kinde ; for when for»c of the kinde are dying
from time to time , others are quickened and pat in their room.
JVhcnce learn, 1. There is a natural inftincl in all the living
creatures in their want, to wait on Gods providence, which men
may obferve in themj although the brute creatures know not this,
and cannot reflect upon their own inclinations : For the Pfalm-
ill fpeaking of all living creatures , no lefle then of the fifties,
he faith 5 Thefe all wait on thee , that thou mayeft give them their
yneat. z So long as God will have any creature to live, he pro-
yidcth timoufly enough few: its food: They wait for thee, that
thou mayeft give them their meat in due feafon. 3* Gods provi-
dence reacherh to the lead bit of food , which any living crea-
ture mceteth wi* h : That thou giveft them, 1 hey gather. 4 The
Lord is liberal in his difpenfation , and feede h all the creatures
abundantly , fo 1 ng as he will have them to live : Thou opencft
thy hand j they arc filled with good. 5. The Lord demorftraces
himfclfto bethe fountain of life , and that the living creatures
flohold thti lifwfhim, aswellby thefickeningand weakening
$i the living creatures, as by the feeding and ftrengthening of
them :
PSALME CIV. 4*
them : For when God withdraweth in any meafure the wonted
influence of his power from them , then theyfinde a change to
the worfe : Tbou bideft thy face from them 3 they are troubled*
6. God hath no lefle fpeciai hand in temovinglife,thenin giving
of it-' Tbou takefl away their breath, they die, and return to their
diift. 7. Albeit the Lord take away the life of all individual li-
ving creatures, yet he preferveth the fpecies and kind of every li-
ling creature, by making new ones, and raifing them up in the
roome of thofe that are taken away .- Tbou fendcfl forth thy Spi-
rit , they are created. 8. The fame Spirit which created the
world in the beginning , woi keth yet powerfully in forming new
creatures continually ; Thou fendcfl out thy Sprit s they arc
treated. 9. The Lord puts a new face as it were upon the earth ,
from time to time, partly by Spring-time and Summer every
year; partly by young living creaturesj in their fevcral generati-
ons, one after another , and all thefe things do contribute to his
renewed praife : Tbou reneweft the face of the earth-
Ver, 31. The glory of the LORD (hall endure fa
ever: the LORDfballreioyce in hi* works.
32. He looktth on the earth , ank it trembleth : he
UHchethihe hills 3 and they fmok* y
In the laft place is the conclusion wherein he addeth yet more
reafons for praifing of God, and then maketh fundry ufes of the
former Doctrine. He taketh up all that he would fay, in this 5
That God (hall have perpetual glory from the works of his good-
nets and power. Whence learn, 1. The end of all the workman-
(hip of God, is Gods glory, and he is worthy of glory for his
work, and fhall not want his glery from his works for ever The
glory of the LordfhaU endure for ever. 2. As the Lord faw all his
work in the begiuning to be good 5 fo in the clofing thereof , he
fhall fee 3II that he hath done, to be good > and nothing p-operly
to be repented or., whatfoever he hath done : The Lord full rcjoyce
inhU vcor\{s . 3. As the Lord is bountiful to his creatines: fo
alfo is he terrible to the ftrongeft of them , that he may be feared,
as well as loved and praifed : He loo^etb on the earthy and it
trembleth i he touch cth the h ills, and they (mo ak 4 The fignes
of his terrible power which he hath actually manifeflcd , in fha-
Icing of the earth, and kindling of the mountaines , do bearwit-r
neilehow powerful and terrible the Lord is: He loolicth on the
tmb) and it trembleth * he tombetb the bills, and they jmoali-
,Ver
4* PSALME CIV.
Vcr. 33. 1 will Jing unto the LORD 04 long as
1 live: 1 mil fing fraife to mj God: While I have my
being.
34. My meditation of him /ball be ftoeet: I mil be
gU4$n the LORD:
3 j. Let thefihners be confumed out of the earthy and
let the wicked be no more: bleffe thou the LORD,Otny
foule : Praife ye the LORD.
Here he fettethdown the ufes of this Doctrine, which are five*
teaching us fo many Do&rines : For the firft ufe 3 here he bind-
cth upon himfelf an obligation, joyfully to praife God for ever,
teaching us to do the fame , when we confider the Lords
works/ I will fing unto the Lord fo long <w I live , I will fing
praife to my Goi while I have any being, 2. For the fecond ufe of
thisDo&rine, hepromifeth tohimfeifjoyandgladnefTe , in the
difcharge of the work of Gods praife > which teacheth us how
profitable it is to our felves to praife God : Nothing more fweet
to a Believer., then to be about the glorifying of God , and be-
holding the matter of his praife , My meditation of bint Jball be
fweet y lwiU be glad in the Lord. 3. For the third ufe, hede^
nounceth wrath and deftru&ion unto the contemners of God,who
do not regard his glory, but do ftand out aj common enemies of
God, and of all his workmanfliip ; which teacheth us, that fuch
as do not j ?yne with Gods children in glorifying of God , but go
onintr.anfgreffingof his commands, and abufing of his creatures,
fh:.l! be feparated from the fociety of Gods fervants ; unto which
judgement every Beleever muft fubferibe , as very righteous ••
Lei the [inner s be confumed out of the earth , and let the wicked be
nomore. 4. For the fourth ufe, he ftirrcth up himfelf to blcfle
the Lord for his own particular , who had found favour to be no
more of the numbe/ of Gods enemies , but among the Lords fer-
vants, whereby he teacheth thofe whom God has called from the
fhteof fin unto his holy fervice , toftir upthemfelvcstothankf-
giving : Bleffe thou the Lord , my foul. 5. For the fifth ufe,
he calleth upon all other Bekevcrs , and exhorteth them to praife
God , and teacheth us , that every one according to their place,
ihould ftirre up another unto the honouring of uod ; Praife ye
the Lord,
PSALMS
PSALME CV. 4$
PSALM CV.
THe firft part of this Pralme was fung at the carrying up of
the Ark of God to the Cicy oiVavid, i Cbron. 16. 8.
The whole containeth an exhortation to the Church of
Ifracl , to praife God for his mercies fhewen towards
them, with reafons ferving to prcffe the duty. The ex-
hortation is fee down, ver. i, i, ^ 4, $, 6. The reafons
are mere particularlyexprefled in the reft of the Pfalme : the
firft rank whereof is taken from the Lords covenanting with
Abraham^ Ifiac and Jacob, and the care which the Lord had of
their perfons, i/er. 7,8^9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, i$. The fecond
rank is taken from the care the Lord had of their pofterity,
when he fent them down to Egypt, and all the while theywevc
there, wr. 17 , 18, ig, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, Th third rank
is taken from the manner of their delivery out ot Egypt, when
they were oppreffed , and from the plaguing of the E^yp:ians
for their fake, ver. 26, 27,18,1037. The fourth rank is
taken from the Lords care in leading them through the wilder-
neflc, from, ver. $7, to 4$. and the laft rank of reafons is taken
from the Lords placing of them in Qinaxn, where they might
ferve God according to his law, ver. 44, 45.
Ver. i f /"\ Give thank* unto the LORD, call up*
K^Jon his Name : make tycrvn his deeds
among the people.
ThePiophets exhortation unto thank ulnetTc, i; branched
forth in ten particulars, whereof three are in rfli . vei fe r et dewn
inordtr. Whence learn, 1. Asin the matter of glorifying of
God, there are fcveral motives, (bihould there b* Teveal con-
federations of thefe motives, and ads of praifing the Lord con-
forme thereto, axid nantely in relation to benefits received, the
gifts fhould be acknowledged and confefied to lis praifc , O
give
44 PSALMECV.
give tban\s unto the Laid. 2. In relation to benefits to be re-
ceived, or to evils to be removed, prayer to God is a part of
praife :Qdl upon bit ls(ame. 3 . It is a part of true thankf ulncfs
unto God, to make the world know what God hath done
to and for his Church j CMa^c hflwn bis deeds among the
people.
Verf. 2. Sing unto him, fyng pf times unto him : tatl^
ye of all his wondrous works.
The fourth, fifth and fixth branches of the exhottation unto
thanksgiving, are fet down in this verfe : Wherein learn %
1. The Lordrequireth as a part of his praife, and of our
thanfcfulnefle, that we rejoyce in him, and exprefle our jey by
finging 5 Sing unto hint. 2. It is not fufficient to offer the em-
pty veffelof our joy unto God, or our finging voice inmufi-
cal tune only, but alfo it is required that we fill our joyful voice
with holy matter and good purpofe, whereby God only maybe
reafonably praifed : Sing Pfalmes unto hint: $. Albeit we
have nothing to fpeak of Gods wonderful works , but what is
known to any neighbour as well as to our felves, yet it is apart
of Gods praife, and of our thank fulneflc to make his known
works the matter of our talk and ordinary conference, as we get
ccc|fion ; Tal\ye of all bis wondrous wor\s.
Ver. 3. Glorj ye in his Name : let the heart of
themrejojee thatfee^the LORD.
The feventh and eighth branch of the exhortation, is fet
down inthisverfe. Wherein learn, 1. It is a part of Gods
praife, and of ourthankfulneffe to him, to make our boaft of
God, and rejoyce becaufe of our intereft in him; and to pro*
claim our felves blefled, becauieof our communion with him ;
Glory ye in his holy Hxmc. 2. Our gloriation in God mould
be holy, joyned with a low eftimation of our felves, and with
great reverence toward our mofl holy Gods Glory ye in bu
holy N ami. 3. It is a part of Gods praife and of our th3nk-
fulnefie, to profefle our need of God, and in the confeience of
our
PSALME CV. 4J
our emptinefle, and his unfearchable riches, to feek our fupply in
him 3 for here fhe feeking of God is recommended unto us*
4. As feeking communion wirh God is a marke of a childe of
Ood, fo it is alio a reafon of gladnefs and joy, becaufe it both
declares that we are of the number of Converts and true wor-
shippers of God, and alfo that joy isreferved for us * Let the
heart of them rcjoyce that foci tbee.
Ver. 4. Seek ye the LORD and his ftrength : [ee\
his face evermore.
The ninth branch of the exhortation is here fet down, di-
recting the people where and how, and for what caufe to feck
God, to wit, in his own Ordinances before the Arke, which
wasthefigureofChriftto be incarnate, and is called here the
Lords ftrengtb, becaufe it was a pledge of Gods powerful pre-
fence with them, who come unto God through Chrift : as alfo
it is called Gods face, becaufe God is reconciled and favourable
to all that feck him in Chrift, who was fignified by the Arke
and mercy- feat. Yfbcnee learn, 1. It is rounufual for the
Scripture, to give the name of the thing fignified unto the figne
appointed of God, to repi efent or fhadow it forth, becaufe of the
judicial union of the figne and thing fignified and exhibited
unto thebeliever, by the appointment and inftitut ion of God y
the fupieme Judge and Law-giver : fo here the Ark of the Co-
nanr is called the Lord,and the Lords ftrevgtb&nd the Lords face?
becaufe the believer, feeking God according to his Ordinance,
did meet by faith with the Lord, and hisft/ength, and face or
good will engaged unto the true worshipper. 2. Whenfoevcr
the belcever maketh ufe of holy fignes of Gods prcfence, it is not
the figne, but God or Chrift fignified by the figne , which the
believer doth fix his heart upon; as here, he that looked to-
ward the Avk, which was the figne of God in Chrift, reconci-
ling himfelf to the world, not imputing their trefpafles unto
them, is commanded to leek the thing fignified : Scathe Lord,
(ceil bis ftrength, \ec\bis fice 3. None do feek the Lord fo
earneftly, but they have need of ftirring up to feek him more
earneftly, neithe- have any attained to fuch a meafure of commu-
nion with God, but they have need to feek for a farther mea-
fure : therefore is ic faid , Seel^ the lord, fcc\b%$ ftrev$xh> jctffc
hi* f &e evermore.
45 PSALME CV.
Vet. <5. Remember his marvellous Veorks that he
hath done : his wonders, and the \ubgements of his
mouth.
6. Oye feed of Abraham his fervant^ je children
of Jacob his chofen*
The tenth branch of the exhortation directed, together with
all the former branches toward the feed of Abraham. Whence
learn, 4. It is apart of Gods praifeand of our thankfulnefle, to
entertaine the memory of the Lord , and of his works and
Words > Remember his marvellous works which he hath done,
z. The remembrance of the Lords wonderful works, and gra-
cious words, istobejoyned with feeking of his face, as a fpecial
helpofus unto this duty, as the conjunction of the parts of the
exhortation do:h teach us. j.The words of God in holyScripture,
whether Law or Gofpel, are to be looked upon as decrees, given
forth by the great Judge of the world,wherupon certain execution
is to follow according as it is foretold; Remember, (faith ht)the
judgments ofbh mouth. 4«It is wifdom to joyn the remembrance
of the Lords works and words, and to compare the one with the
other,that we may the better conceiv of both ;& difcern boh the
words anithewoks to be the Lords works and words: Remem-
ber, (faith he) his wonders, and the judgements of his mouth «
5. Becaufe we are dull in apprehending of Gods ordinary work-
ing , he workethfometimesmarveLsand wonders, that by them
we may the better take up his power in his ordinary works * and
therefore for this end, fo much the more mould the wonders
beremembred; 7(emember his marvellous w^rbj which he hath
done, and his wonders. 6. The praife of Cjfod which is called for
at the Churches hind, is expected only of believers, the fpiri*
tual children of Abraham? and Jacobs faith and obedience: O
ye feed of Abraham his fervant, ye children of Jacob bis cboien.
7. As the condderation of Gods grace, beftowing fpiritual pri-
viJedges on us, doth oblige us unto praifing and lerving God:
fo alio it (ervcth to ftir us up to the duty , for therefore are the
faithful called , The feed of Abraham his fervant > the children
if Jacob bis chofen*
Vcr.
PSALME CV. 47
Verf. 7. He is the LORD our God: his judgements
are in all the earth.
8. He hath remembred hit Covenant for ever :
the word which he commanded to a thoufand gene
rations.
9. which Covenant be made with Abraham^ and his
Oath unto Ifaac :
10. And confirmed the fame unto Jacob for* lam
and to Jfrael for an everUfiing Covenant.
1 1 • Saying , Vnto thee VpM J give the land ofCa*
naan^ the lot of your inheritance.
In the firft rank of reafons taken from the Lords Covenant
wich Abraham, Ifaac and Jacob, and from his care of their per-
fonsj Learnt, 1. Our priviledge to be in Covenant with God,
is a fpecial reafon of thanks jnd pvaife to him , He is the Lord
our God. 2, The Lords fovereigruy without the Church, in
all Nations of the world, and in his exerdfingof juftice a-
mong all men , ns it is the Lords praife and the Churches pro-
fit: fo it is the Churches obligation unto the thankful acknow-
ledging thereof; for the greatnefie of Gods dominion overall
the earth, doth commend the fpeciality of his relpee"tto his
Church ; His judgements are in nil the earth* 3 . As the Cove-
nant ofGod is not for a day,or for temporal favours only,but alfo
and efpecially for fpiritual & everlafting mercies.* fo the Lord for-
getteth neither leflc nor more of that which he hath promifed,
but albeit longtime may intervene before the performance of his
promile, yet neverthelefle he remembereth it (till, till it be ful-
filled ; He hath remembered hU Covenant for ever. 4 The ex-
perience of every age and proof had of Gods faithfulnefs>(houU
force men in every age, to bear witneflc unto the Lords ftedfaft-
neffe in his Covenant 5 He hath remembred his Covenant for e*
vcr, the word which be hath commanded to a thoufand genera-
tions* 5. The word which the Lord hath faid he will do, m
fpecial his promifes (ball certainly take effect in due time, aod
order given by Magiftrates for executing of their decrees, is
butafradow of the effectual accomplifhment of Gods promi-
fes, which are called here, Avoid which he commanded to a
tboufand generations. 6. Gods Covenant nude with our fa-
thers
48 PSALME CV.
thersinourname, is to be laid hold on by us their children, as
the example of the Israelites here doth teach us. Which Covenant
be mxde with Abraham. 7. For further engaging and confirming
the children of Covenanters, there is need to repeat and apply the
Covenant unto their children and pofterity $ For he gave his
Oath unto Ifaac, and. confirmed, the fame unto $xcob. 8. The
Covenant of grace is an evcrkfting Covenam with all who do
embrace it;for, the Covenant made with Abraham wm an Ovtb un-
to ifaac. 4p.It is not free for the children of Covenanters, to em-
brace or reject as they pleafe, the Covenant of God made with
their fathers, becaufe the Lord irnpofed the Covenant upon the
pofterity, as a duty whereunto they were obliged from generati-
on to generation ; For he confirmed the fame unto Jacob for a
law, and to Ifraclfor an cverlafting Covenant. 10. The Cove -
nant of grace made with Abraham, ifaac and Jacob, and with
believers after them, did confift in promifes made by God, and
embraced of them by faith , as here it is defcribed 3 for the ever-
lafting Covenant is expounded to be the Lords, faying : Unto
thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of thy inheritance^
which promiie being received by faith, became a Covenant with
the believer. 1 j.The everlafting Covenant of grace,propound-
ed in whatfoeverexpieffions, was one and the fame in fubftance
unto the believers: for thefe promifes, to wit, {Intheefbatt alt
the families of the earth be blcjfedy Gen. 12. 5. and again, Tell
thefiarres, fojhall thy feed be, which promiie Abraham recei-
ving, believed in the Lord, andhe counted it unto bimforrigb-
teoufneffc,Gtn. i$.6.And Iwillbea God unto thee, andtotby
feed after thee, Gen. 17 7. or, 1 will give unto thee, andtotby
feed after thee, the land wherein thou art a fir anger , all the land
of Canaan, for anevcrlaftiiigpoffcjfwn, and I will be their God 3
Gen* 17. 8. whereunto this place doth relate ) are all taken up
here in the free and gracious promife, of giving everlaftirg life
to the believers, fhado wed forth in the typical termes of giving
the Und of Canaan for the lot of their inter itanec.
Vcr. 12. When they were but a few men innum*
her : jea y very few y and ft rangers in it.
13. When they went from one Nation to another $
from one R'wgdome to another people,
* 14. He fufered no mm to do them mong •• yea, he
reproved Kings for their fahfs ; 1 j.
-
PSALMt CV. 40
tj. Saying, Tducb not mine anoint ed^ and do m/
Prophets no h.trme
In the care which God haJof the perfonsof dbrabam, Ifaac
and Jacob, who were in Covenant with him; Lcarne, i .They
who are in Covenant with God, may be found at fornetimes but:
a fmall number > They were but a few men in number t yea, ve-
ry few a. They who are in Covenant with God for a promifed
blefling, may be far from appearance of the poffible pofleflion of
what ispromifed, asjfbrzham, Ifaacznd Jacob w ere a very j 'erf
m:n,and ftrangcrs in the land of promise. J. As the paucity,
nieannefs, low condition, unworthinefleand weakneis of men,
doth not hinder God to enter into Covenant with them.but ra-
ther by this meanes, he commendcth the freedane and riches of
his grace unto them J fo is it requisite in tff^^/vho enter into
Covenant with God, that they be ftripped bare of all conceit of
both their own and their fathers wort hi nefife, and yec not be
hindered thereby, from believing , embracing, and holding faft
the Covenant for this did Abraham, Ifaac and Jacob, when
thtywere very few, and grangers in the land promifed unto
them. 4» They who hive thepromifes both of this life ahd
the life to come, may be pilgrims and (bjourners without any
dwelling place in the world; The Patriarchs went from one >
x JSjtionto another, from one %iugdome to another people. 5. In
whitfoever worldly condition believers are, and whatsoever they
want in things earthly, yet they want not the love and good
will of Cjod, they have alwayes the defence and protection of
God , as his fe:erates; Hefufferednomintodotbemwrong.
6. No power or place how high foever, no worldly authority on
earth, no law nor pi iviledge of any perfon or Kingdom, is a fuf-
ficient plea for troubling Gods fervants, walking in his fer-*
▼ice y He reproved l^ingi for their fah v es. g. The perton of eve-
ry believer walking in Gods way, is {acred, fanttificd, and fee
apart for Gods peculiar ; They arc the Lords anointed. 9. They
who both by Covenant and f ecial calling to the holy Miniftery
have charge to declare the Lo/ds will unto the world, a e own- 1
ed of God as his Prophets, and are fenced with a rtiid caveat gi-
ven to all men by God , how great foever, that they harme
them not; Touch not mine anointed, and do my Prophets no
harme. And upon all thefe aforefaid conhicrations : God is to bs
thmked and praifed by his people,
E Vef,
50 PSALME CV.
Verf. 1 6. Moreover, be called for a famine upon
the land : be brake the whole fiafe of bread.
1 7. Hefenta man before them : even Jofephy who
was fold for afervanu
1 8. Whofefeet they hurt with fetters : he was laii
in iron.
1 p. Vmil the time that his Word came : the Word
of the LORD tried him.
20. The King [em and loo Jed him > even the ruler
of his people j and let him go free.
zi*He ma&him Lord of his houfe ; and ruler of all
hid fub fiance:
22 . To binde his Princes at hispleafure : and teach
his Senatours Wifdome.
Inthefecond rank of reafonsof Godspraife, taken from the
care the Lord had of the pofterity of Abraham, Ifaac and Jacob,
♦in bringing them into Egypt, and preferving of them there;
Learn, j. Every plague, 3nd infpecial famine, isafervancof
God j ready at a call to come forth, and execute his judgement :
Moreover, he caUedfora famine on the land. 2. No food can
be had, except God do furnifh it, and no food when it is given
can feed, except God gi^e a powerful blefling with it 5 when that
is removed bread feedeth not : He brake the whole ftaffe of bread.
3. The way of the Lords performing of his Covenant, is not
fuch as c irnal reafon would prefer ibe, by giving probable meanes
of bringing it to paffe, but the way he chufethis fuch as may
tiy the faith of his children, to wit, byfecming todothe con-
trary \ As here the Patriarchs having the promifeof the land
of Canaan, lhall not be fuftered to be fo much as Sojourners in it,
tmt muft leave it, and go elfewhere 5 He called for a famine on
that land : which might feem to make it in leffe requeft, and
by the famine alfo did force them to go where rhey might findc
bread. 4. When foever the Lord doth bring his children into
ilraits and difficulties, he maketh provifion for their fuftenance
in their {traits, and deliverance from the fame. When the Lord
was
PSALME
was to bring his people into Egypt, he provided Co as they mould
have a fri nd at Court before they came: Hcfcnta man before
tbcm } evcn$ofepb. f. Whatlbever may be the intent of men
or devils in troubling of Gods children, God hath a hand irt
every thing which doth befal them, how accidentally fceveric
may fcem tocome; rfofepbs coming down to Egypt, is called
gods meflage ; He fint a man before them, even tfofeph. 6. That
which men dw finfully, for Utisfictirn oft heir ownlufts, God
doth holily and wifely for his own ends t by tfofcpbs brethren
their felling of their brother, to be rid of him i God fendeth Jo-
fepb into Egypt ^ to provide for their livelihood ; He [em a man
before them, they [old bim for afervxnt. 7 . It is not ft^ age to
fee the man whom the Lord mindcth to exalt, moft hu nbled
before he be exalte d ; and caft into prifon, before he be lifted up
tolibeity, tfofcpb was fold for a fervant, who j% feet they hurt
with fetters, 8 . When the Lords fa vtnis are entered in the tri-
al of their faith, they may look to be foundly feavched , before
they have ended their trials, and that by iharp afflidi on, as 5^0-
fepb was tried ; Whofe feet they hurt with fetters, he was laid in
iron. 9* The afflictions and trials of Gods children, will no:
end when they could wifti, but rhey have a fet meafure and time
determined or God ; He was hid in irons until the time came,
(fc. 10. There is a fee ec word of Gods decree and providence,
for ending of the affliction of Gods children, which God wrings
eth forth to light in his own time, and until this come, his let-
fonts muft lie in bonds, as fofepb lay in iron, till the time thai
bit word came; that is, till God male his decree man if eft
about the looting of him. 11, Before affli&ion fhall end, the
manifested work of Gods providence in affli dim, muft put the
afflicted to the trial of all that is in him, ana trial muft go bjford
deliverance; Th* word of the Lord tried him. *r. The time
appointed in Gods decree, to fend delivery to his afflict chil-
dren, is made manifeft iu the effectual moving of inftrumenti
and raeanes of delivery, and in this cafe if aeed be, K'up mall be
fet on work for the delivery of the Lords children ; The J^ingfent
and loo fed bim t $ .Such as arc bound ignominioufly for righto*
oufneffe, (hall be one way or other loofed honourably \ The Ru-
ler of the people let him go free. 1 4. When the Lords people are
humbled fumciently, God doth raifethemup, and fometime
even in a vifible manner before the world, as here fojcpb is by
the King of Egypt made Lord ofbu boufe, and Ruler of all /;#
fubfttnee. 1 $ . As Gods children arc «uUcd,tor the benefit of
B l thofc
$z PSALME CV.
thofe over iyhom they are fet , fo mould they manage and 4
maintain their honour and power, by doing good to their in-
feriours, zsjofepb did who was exalted -, To binde ^Pharaohs
Frinccs at bis pleasure, and teach bis Senators wifdome.
Ver, 2 J. Ifrael alfo came into Egypt, and^acob fo-
journedin the land of Ham.
24. And be increafed kU people greatlj> and made
them fironger then their enemies.
25. He turned their heart \to hate his people: to deal
ftihiUj with hisfervants.
After tfofepbf the reft of the family is brought down into E-
*&ypt) who fojourned there, and were preferved till they grew a
. ftrong people, and then began their affli dion as a preparation
^o their out-birnging. Whence lexrn> 1 .Albeit a man hath wrafi-
cd with God in prayer ^ and gotten his bleffmg, yet may he be
ofled in the world by troubles J Jfrael aljo came into Egypt.
iiTheheires of thepromife, and the Lords deareft childrerl
may be made fojournei s among wicked people, even in their old
age> when they need moft to be at refts Jacob fojourneA
in the land of Cham. 3. As when the Lords people grow up un-
to any confiderable number among idolaters, it is no ftiange
thing if they finde enmity: fo it is no ftrangc thing in Gods
way, to make them grow the more in number and power, the
more they be oppofed 5 yea, and to make them under oppreflion
and periecution, to become mightier then their adverfaries ;
He encreafed his people greatly, and made them fironger then their
enemies. 4. The hearts of all men are in Cods hand, toturnc
them whither he pleafeth to love or hate, as their afte&ions may
fcrve beft his holy purpofes : He turned their heart to hate his
people. 5 . The trouble and exercife of Gods people, by whatfo-
ever inftiuments it be moved, is of the Lord, and he will owne
the evil of trouble, which is in the city or countrey whatfoever;
He turned their bcart to bate bis people 6. In the moft finful
affections, plots and actions of the wicked againft Gods people
and fcrvants God hath a holy hand, and is not the caufe of their
fin : for sdl the motions of the creatures,which live,and move, and
have their being of God, are made ufe of by the Creator, as in-
ft; uments, whereby he worketh his own juft and holy work for
his
PSALME CV. 53
his own ends * but when men are about that fame work for their
finfulends, it becometh finful in them, what is holy in Gods
part: as the crucifying of Chrift was moft holy on Gods part,
and moftfinful on his enemies part; He turned their bexh to
bite bis people: to deal fubtilly with his fervants.
Ver. 26. He fent Mofes hufervantt an&tsfaron
whom he kadekofen,
27. TheyfheWed his fignes among them : and won-
der sin the land of Ham.
In the third rank of reafons,taken from Gods delivering of his
people out of Egypt, and plaguing of the Egyptians 5 Learn,
1. When by the malice of enemies Gods people arebroughtto
greateft ftraits, then is deliverance near to be fent from God
unto them j They dealt fubtilly mtb bis fervants, be fent Mofes
bis fervanu 2. As it is the Lord who bringeth his own people
into trouble and ftraits/o it is he who dclivcrnh them again,and
provideth inftruments for the doing thereof j Hefent ZMofesbk
fervant. 3 . Aswhofoever do ferve Gods Church to any good
purpofe,doitnotofthemfelves, but byftirring up, orcommif-
fion from God ; fo whofoever are about to do the Church good,
mould do it of intention, as doing him fervice ; He fent Mofes
bis fervant, and Aaron bis cbofen. 4. As to the end that God
may have his own glory in every good work, his partis to be
, diftinguifhed from his fervants part: fo when his fcrvants do
thefervants duty faithfully, God will have them commended
and approved for it among men 5 Mofes therefore is called Gods
fervant, and Aaron bis cbofen. The fignes and wonders, are
<alled the Lords fignes and wonders, and Mofes and Aarons fer-
vice is called their mewing of his fignes 5 Tbcy fhewed bisfignct
among them, and mnders^in tbe land of Ham*
Ver. 28. He fent da* kneffe^ and made it dark* *nd
they rebelled not againfi his word.
29. He turned their Waters into blood: and flew
their fifi.
E 3 $O.Ths
56 PSALME CV.
30. Tht land brought forth frogs in abundance: in
the ihxmbers of their Kings.
ii . He fpak?) <™A then came divers forts of flies:
and lice in alt tbeir coafts.
32. He gave them haile for raine : and flaming
fire in their land.
3;. He [mote their vines alfo and their fig-trees :
and brake the trees of their coafis.
34. Htfpak?, and the locufls came : and caterpil-
lars, and that without number.
3 5. And did eat up all the herbs in their land : and
devoured the fruit of their ground.
36* He [mote alfo all thefirfi-born in their land : the
thief of all their Jlrevgth.
Hereckonethfundry plagues brought upon Egypt, which arc
fufflcient for his purpofe, to bring the whole hiftory tominde.
Iflience learn, 1 . The Sun cannot expel darknefle in the aire, but
as God maketh way for it,for God can turn the day into palpable
darknetfe when and where he pleafeth 5 He can make the Sun
to (hine in one place, and take the comfortable ufe of it away
in another place, as he thinks good 5 he can put his enemies un-
der darknefle when his people have light ; Hefent darkneffe, and
trade it darfa z* It is a piece of glory unto God, when either
his brute creatures, or his rational iervantsdo what he doth com-
mand s And they rebelled not againft bis Word. 3. God can
make moft ufeful creatures tobecomc noifome; He turned their
Waters into blood. 4. God can plague men in the matter of
their meat, as well as in their drink, and when the Lord doth
plague in the one, it is not ftrange if he ftiall plague in the o-
theralfo; He turned their waters into blood, and flew their fifb.
f.God can daunt the pride of theftouteft of his enemies, by
his meaneil; creatures ; The land brought forth frogs in abun*
dance -j pi the chambers of their flings. &• As the Lord fpeaketh,
fo mail it be found in due time, he needcth not to make much
ado in any bufinelTe, but fpeak the word, and it fhall be done ; 1
He fp&k € > and 'there came divers forts of flics. 7. When the
proud do ftrive againft God, they gaine nothing but more and
more
PSALME CV. 57
moreflumefulabafement; He brought Ike in all their coafts.
8. The clouds are at Gods command, to fent down foft raine,
or hard and heavy haileftones $ He gave them hail for raine.
9. Although fire and halftones are moft contrary in their na-
tures , yet they can agree well in the work of Gods fervice, when
he employeth them ; He gave them h rile far raine> and flaming
fire in their land. 10. When lighter judgements do not move
men , God will fend more heavy plagues, which {hall leave their
impreffionbehinde them; He fmotc their vines alfo, and their
fig-trees, and brake the trees of their coafo. 1 x . When Ciod
fights againft a people, all the creatures are ready to fight
againft them alfo, as they are called forth: He (pa\e, and tie
locufis came, and Caterpillars y and that without number. 1 i.What*
foever hath efcaped the dint of one plague, God can overtake Jc
by another plague: They did eat up all the herbs in the Und,
and devoured the fruit oftb: ir ground. 1 j.When God doth fmite
the creatures which do fervc for mans ufej he (heweth his long -
fuffering and patience towards man, and his loathneiTe tode-
ftroy him, as we fee in the order of Gods proceeding with E-
gypt. 14. When warning given unto man doth not move him
:to repentance, then the Lord layeth his hand on that which is
moft precious unto him ',Wc [mote alfo all the firft-borrie in th ir
land. 1 ?. When the Lord pleafeth to put forth his hand, they
that are naturally ftiongeft and moft lively, are no leffe near to
death, then they who are naturally weaker : He fmote all the
firft-bornc, the chief of all their ftrcngtb.
Vcn 37. He brought them forth alfo with flher
and g>ld: and there was not one feeble per f on among
their tribes,
38. Egypt was glad When they departed : for the
feare of them fell upon them.
39. He fpreadacloudfor a covering, and fire to
give light in the night.
40. The people asked, and he brought quailes :
andfatisfied them with the bread of Heaven.
41. He opened the rocke , and the waters
gufbtd out : they ranne in the dry places like a
river.
B 4 4*
5<* PS'AIME CV,
4*. For heremembredhis holy prcwifc, and A-
brahfiTQ httfervant*
.
In the J^ords bringing of his people out of Egypt, and through
the wilderneile ; Learn, 1 . Albeit there may be many impedi-
ments of the delivery of Gods people out of their trouble, and
from theirperfecutors, yet the work of delivery is perfected at
length 3 for when.Go A had fmitten Egypt in favour of his own
people 3 He brought his people forth, z. All riches that men
hive are at Gods difpefing, to transfer the right and pofllflion
thereof to whom he pleafeth , and the Lords fpeciai and exprcile
warrant gave title to thelfraelites, to retain the Egyptians Dor-
rowed jewels. He brought tk em forth alfo with filvcr and gold.
3, When,(/od grams a delivery, or any fort of benefit, it is a
new gift to inableaman to make ufe of the offered delivery or
bellowed benefit, fuch was the benefit beftowed on lfracl, when
<grod brought his people out of Egypt, There vets not one feeble
perfon among their tribes. 4. The Loud can make bloody perfe-
cutors of his people .to ceafe from their perfecution, and to con-
tribute to their delivery ; and to be defirous to be rid of them :
Egypt was glad when they departed. 5. God can make his per-
secuted people terrible to their perfecutors, which is noleffe a
v/onder .tjien to make the wolfe tremble for feare of the hmbes :
JZgypt Was gU4 when they departed, for the feare of them fell up-
en them. 6.Except the Lord did take the guiding and protecting
of his own people, they mould perim many wayes, after their
delivery out of trouble . but whom he dclivereth he taketh a care
pfthem, as he did of iffael, for whom he provided the pillar of
cloud, to temper unto them the heat of the day : and the pillar
of fire, to temper unco th:m the darknefle'and cold of the
night, and made both of them to direel their journey : He
fpradaclo-id for a cover ing y and fire to give light in the night,
7. Sometime the Lord will give unto his people at their earneit
ciefire, that which is not good for them, that fo he may give un-
to them evidence of his readinefs, much more to give them what
is good for them, when they earnejtly ask it ; The people ash^ed,
dnd he brought quxilcs. 8 .When ordinary meanes of the prefer-
vation of Gods people do faile, God will provide for them won*
cferfulfy, as he gave his people Manna in the wilderneffe ; And
fat i sped them with the bread of heaven. 9. As the fountain Qf
;he feeding of Gods people, is not in the creatures: but in God
fo>
PSALME CV. 57
fofliouldtheey£of his people be carried above the cr eatures,
unto heaven, {or prefervation of this life , as well temporal as
ipiiitual : for this end it h faid , He faiisfed them with the
bread of heaven, io. God can bring confolatlon unexpected,
and that by means moft unlikely to yield 4t ; He opened the
rock* and the water s guffyed out. u. There is no fcarcity in
God, of wjiat the Lords people doftandin need of, he both
can and doth furnifhplenteoufly, and makes the opportunity
of having theufcofhis pi ovifion follow his people whither fo-
ever he Fcadeth them 5 The waters out of tbcrocliran in the dry
places as a river. 12. What the Lord doth to his people, he
doth it for his Covenants fake ; as here. He remmbred hh
holypromife. 1$. How many yeares foever do intervene Gods
promife making, and the performance, the Lord doth not for-
get his promife, as here we fce.afrer foure hundred and thirty
years j He remernbnth his holy proilnifC) and Abraham his fct-
vant.
Ver. 43. And he brought forth hu people mthjoj>
ZX\c\hvs chofen Vvith gladneffe.
44. And gave them the lands of the heathen; and
the j inherited the labour of the people.
45. That they might obferve his ftatntes^ and keep
his Lcmes. Praije je the LORD,
Fiom the manner of the Lords bringing \\\s people out of
Egypt, and planting them in Canaan', Learn, 1. Whatfoever
bondage the Lords people do fall into, the Lord in due time
will bring them cut of it, asb'clrongbt forth his people from
the bondage of Egypt, z. How muchibever forrow his people
may finde in the expectation of delivery, fomuch joy (hall they
have in the performance of the Lords promife j He brought
forth his people with joy, and bis cbofen with gUdvcffc. $ .The
Lord doth not leave dispeople, till he put them to fometcft
after their troubles, as he gave reft to his people Jjrael, whom
when he carried them through the wilderneile, he gave tliem the
poffeffion of Canaan 5 He%avc them the lands of the heathen.
4. ThcLord maketh no end of multiplying obligations on his
people, he maintaincs them in their pofleflfron of what lie doth
€o PSALME CVI.
give them 5 t hey inherited the labour of the people. ?. The end
of the Lords liberality, is to engage the hearts of his people
more and more to the obedience of his Ordinances, as he did
all this to Ifraely That they might obferve bis ftautes. tf.Therc
is no rule for ferving of God acceptably, except his own com-
mands j for Ifraels rule was, to obferve his fiatutcs, and \eep
bis Ixwes. 7. The right ufe which we mould make of whatfo.
ever good was done to the Lords people, is to glorifie God when
we hear of it, or read of it, as here we are directed 5 Traife
ye the Lord.
PSALME cvi.
THe fummeof thisPfajmeis to teach the godly in the time
of calamity, lying upon the Church, or upon themfelves;
Firft, to glorifie God by faith in him. Secondly, to reckon
up for their encouragement, the frequent forgiveneffe of grie-
vous fins to his people in former times. And thirdly, to pray
for the like favour to themfelves i and in hppe to have their
prayer granted, to give thanks to God. Tfiere are three parts
of the Pfalme anfwerable thereumo : The firft part is the
Prophets ftrengthening of his own faith, ver. 1. 2,3,4,?.
The fecond part is the confeflion of our fins in general, v. 6.
and in fpecial of eight or nine grofs provocations, which the
Lord after correction did pardon, and gave comfort to his
people, to v. 46. which are fo many arguments of hope, to finde
the like mercy to the Church in this time. The firft fin
with the forgivenefs of it, is fet down from v. 7, to v. 1 $. The
fecond fin, v. 1$. 14, if. The third fin, i>. 17, 18. The
fourthfin, v. 19, 20, 21,22,23. Thefifthfin, v. 24,1?,
16, 27. Thefixth fin, v- 28, 29,30, 31. The feventh fin,
pi$ ! >y« The eighth fin,from v. ^4, to v. 43. The ninth
point of confeflion is of a general heap of fins, oft-times repeat-
ed, and all pardoned, with pity manifefted to Gods people,
v, 43, 44, 4?, 46- The third part of the Pfalme, is a prayer
for new experience of like mercy, and a dofe of the Pfalme
Vvithpraife and thankfgiving,i/. 47, 48.
Vcr.
PSALME CVI. 61
Vcr. r. TT)Rai/e ye the LORV, O jive thanks
JL unto the LORD, for he is good y for
hts mercy «ndurcth/*r ever.
The Pfalmift ftirreth up himfelf and others fourevvayes to
clorificGod underfad affli&ions, by believing onhim j Firfi,
by exhorting all to praife and thank the Lord for his goodnefs-
Whence Itarn, 1 . The exercife of praifing and thanking th$
Lord, is very fit for a foul, lying under the fenfe of affliction and
guiltincfs : for that whieh ferveth for the Lords praife, ferveth al -
fofox the comfort and encouragement of humbled finners : there-
fore, faith he, Praife yc the LORD. i. The meditation of
Cjodsgoodnefs*andreadinefs tocommunicate untomen of his
bounty, is fit to furnirti matter of his praife, Ttraife ye the LORD
for he is good. $. Albeit a man be confciencious of his much a-
bufing of Godsgoodneflfe, and fo might finde this to be the
matter of his griefs yet mercy anfwereth all objections, ever-
lafting mercy lcofeth all doubts, and giveth frefh encouragement
to the humbled (inner to draw near, and make yet again ufc of his
goodnefle 5 for his mercy endurctbfor ever.
Vcr. 2. Who can utter the mighty a&s of the
LORD ? who can /hew forth ad his praife ?
The next rre^nes which he ufeth, toftir up himfelfando-
rhers to glorifie God in believing on him, is wondering at the
Lords works, and innumerable caufes of praife. Whence learn,
J.Itisa difpofitionfit for praifing of God, tobcfenfibleofour
uiubility and unfitnefs, for fo great a wo:k, as the Prophet doth
(hew in this example, faying. Who can utter tbc mighty acts of
the Lord? 1. There is fuch an impreflion of Gods Omnipotcn-
cy on all Gods works, and in fpecial on thofe works wherein
he hath been pleafed moft clearly to manifeft his power, that
no man can comprehend or exprefs it $ Who can utter the mighty
aftsoftbclordi $. Albeit the prailesof the Lord furpafe all
mens ability to declare them, yet neither muft the greatnefs ol
the work, nor the weaknefs and unworthinefs cf theferv; f
£od> hinder him to praife asheis able; for even tin. 1
of
60 PSALME CVI.
ofpraifingof God, toconfeffeandfay, Who can Jhew forth ail
thy praife ?
Ver. 3, Blejfed are they that keep judgement : and
he that doth right eoufneffe At all times.
The third meanes whereby heftirreth up hirnfelf to glorifie
God by believing in him, is a declaring how blefl'ed the belee-
ver is. Wbencelearn, 1 . The confideration of the bleffing of
God upon every true believer, is a notable encouragement to
put confidence in God; TMeffed are they that keep judgement,
&c. 2. The evidence of a fincere believer , is not only to keep
judgement, that is, to receive, refpeft and entertain the Word of
God, as a decree wifely given forth by him, but alfo to ftudy to
obey it inpradice conftantly upon all occafions: Blcjfd are
they thxt \\eep judgement , and he thai dotb rigbteoufuefje at all
times.
Ver. 4, Remember me y LORD, with the favour
that thou beared unto tUj people : O vifit me with
thy [alvation*
5 . That I may fee the good of thy chofen, that 1 may
re joyce in the gladnefs of thy Nation : that 1 may glory
with thine inheritance.
The fourth meanes of flirring up hirnfelf and others to bc-
leeve in God, efpccially in this time of the prefuppofed calamity
of the Church, and of the Supplicant, is prayer to God for a
new proof of the loving kindneffe, which God beareth to his
people in all ages. Whence lexrn, 1 . Whatfoever be the out-
ward afflicted eftate of Gods people, yet they arc ftiil beloved,
ftill in favour, even when tokens of anger by publick calami*
tics are mmifefteda^ainft them: Remember me with the favour
which thou bcarcfi unto thy people. 2. There needeth no more
felicity unto any man, fave to be one of Gods people: it may con-
tent any man to have his lot with the children of God, in what-
foever condition they are put into ; for the Pfalmift era*
veth no more, but, Remember me, LOTiP, with the fa-
vour which thou bearcfl unto thy people. $• Albeit ihe Lords people
feem to be forgotten, yet the Lord will make evident that he
doth not forget them, nor any one of them ; Remember me, O
LORV) with the favour which thou bcareft unto thy people.
s 4 Such
PSALMECVI. €i
4. Such as do (hare with Gods people in their grief, (hall be
partakers alio of their confolation, deliverance and ialvation,
which God hath wifely prepared for them > therefore prayeth
the Pfalmift, vifitrnc with thy falvxi ion, (pc. ?. As there
are times wherein Gud dedareth his difpleafure againft the fins
of his people, fo there are times when he removeth the tokens
of his diipleafure, and lettcth forth the evidence of his love and
refped to thena, in doing them good, making them glad, and
caufing them to glory in him , this is it which the Pfalmift look-
eth after, Fifitmewitbthy falvation, that 1 may fee the good of
thy cho fen y that I mayrejoyceintheglacheffeofthyl^ationy that
I may glory with thine inheritance. 6. The ncarintereft which
God hath in his people, and which thty have in him, is a fo-
lid ground of hope of good, and gladnefs, joy and gloriation re-
fervedfor them j for they are Gods chofen y Gods TS^ion, ap-
propriate unto him : and his inheritance , to remain in his pof-
{ effion from generation to generation ; whereupon the Pfalmift
doth affaire himfelfe and the Church of his hope of good,
refer ved for the Church 5 That I may fee' the good of thy
ebofen, f&Q.
Vcr. 6. We have finned with our fathers : we
have committed iniquity^ We have done wickedly.
In the feconrl place is theconfeflion of fins, for which God
juftly might afflict the Supplicants, but in his mercy could for-
give them alfo, as he had done to his people in former generati-
ons. The force of hisreafoningisthis, many times thou didft
(hew mercy to our fathers in their afflictions, notwithftanding
their grievous provocations, therefore we muft intreat thec>
yea, and hope alfo for thelike mercy in our time ; lV\:ence learn,
1 At is not for nought that the Lord bringeth calamity on his
people, he is provoked fo to do by their grievous offences 3 kFe
have finned. 2. As judgements are fen: ro convince of n'n, and
to draw forth the acknowledgement thereof; fo there is no rea-
dier way to remove the fin and judgement alfo, then by confel-
fion thereof. We have finned. 3. As God when he puniftieth
his people, doth reckon with them, both for their own , and alfo
for their fathers faults, whofc footftcps they have followed: fo
mufhhc peniten* reckon with God for their own fault*, and
6f PSALME CVI.
for their fathers fins whcretinto they have acceffion,- We have
finned with our fathers , t&c. 4. Confeflion of fins muft not be
flighted, but feriouily gone about, and aggravated duly 5 wc
have finned, we have committed iniquity , we have done wickedly.
5. True penitents will neither excufe their fins by the example
of their Fathers, nor juftifie themfelves, how holy foe ver they
be, when God is pleading with his Church, but will joyne in
confeflion with the multttude, as here the holy Prophet doth 5
Wchwc finned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we
have done wickedly,
Ver. 7. Our fathers underfiood not thy wonders
in Egjpt$ they remtmbred not the multitude of thy
mercies*, but provokedhim *tthefea,wcn at thtred-
fea.
The fir ft particular fin which he confeffeth is rebellion at the
red-fea > Exod. 14. 10, n 3 11. which fin was fo much the
greater, as the wonders done in Egypt for them were great and
many. Whtnce learn, I. Albeit God manifeft himfelf in ex-
traordinary working in the fight of misbelievers, yet will they
remain blinde ignorants, and, brutifh beholders of his operati-
ons j Our fathers underfiood not thy wonders in Egypt. 1 . Al-
beit the Lord mould often convince a misbeliever, both of his
juftice and mercy, yet the Lords works do take no lafting im-
predion upon his minde ; They remembrcd not thy mercies,
3. One /in is a degree to another morehainous, for notobferv*
ing/is followed with not remembring, and forget fulneffe of duty
drawcthondi/ci&eiiazceand rebellion: Our fathers underfiood
mt thy wonders in Egypt, they rcmembred not the multitude of
thy mercies, but provoked him at the fea, even at tbered+fca.
Wet. 8* Nevertheleffe ; he favei them for bis
Names fake : that he might makfi his mighty power to
be known.
9. He rebuked the reb-fe* alfo f and it Was dried
$ip : fo he led them thorough the depths, as through the
Widernejfe,
10.
PSALME CVI. 6%
10. And he favedthem from the hand of him that
hated them : and redeemed them from the hand of the
enemy, (
11. And the waters covered their enemies : there Vvas
not one of them left.
12. Then beleeved they his words; they fang his
praife.
Asheobferved their fin, fo he obferveth Gods mercy to his
people; for notwithstanding their provocation, he brought them
through the red-fe^, rand deftroyed their enemies* Whence learn,
i. The evil deferving of Gods people, doth not alwayes in-
terrupt the courfe of Gods goodnefle toward them ; for, never-
tbclcffe of theaforefaid peovocation, hepped them, z As the
Lords goodnefle doth agggravate mens fins, fo mens fins do am-
plifie Gods grace, and make his goodnefle to the unworthy to
appear the more, Nevcrthelejfe be favedthem. 3. The Lord
hath other things to look unto, when he hath to do with his peo-
ple, then prefently to fall upon the puniftiing of their wicked-
neffe and mifdefervings, even when they are found Delinquents:
he ufeth to refpect the glory of his mercy toward his people, and
the declaration of his power a gainft his enemies in favour of his
people; Nevcrtbclefl'cbe favedthem for bis Names fake, thatbe
might malic bis mighty power to be tyiown. 4 The manner an d
circumftanccs of CJods working, is as well to be conlidered as the
matter, and how eafily he bringcth the greateft works to pa Me 5
He rebuked the rcd-fca alfo, and it roxs dried up. 5. The Lord
can make a danger to tune into a delivery, and a peril wherein
a man was like to perilh, to be a means of prefervation > So be
led them through the depths^ and through the wildemeffe. 6.ln
anyone mercy unrolded, we may take up more mercies then
one, and each particular part of the mercy when it is difcovercd,
will appear no lefle glorious, then the whole mercy looked upon
confuiedlyand ingr fle, as here in the delivery at the red-fea,
the delivery from Pharaoh, whi h is but a part of the work is
pitched upon ; a nd he faved them from the band of him that bated
them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. 7. The
comparing of Gods dealing with his own people, and with their
enemies, amplifieth Gods goodnefs to his people, and their ob-
ligation wnco him 3 He redeemed them from the band of the f-
ncm)> :
6 4 PSALME CVI.
Tiemy, and the Waters covered their enemies. 8. When the Louis
time cometh to enter in judgement wiih the foes of his Church,
he will not mifTe one whom he mindeth to overtake, as here,
There was not cue of them left. o The Lord fometime worketh
fo clearly, for convincing of the misbeliever, that the meft blinde
and obftinare inhdel (hall be forced to acknowledge his works 5
When the waters covered their enemies, then believed they his
words. 10. It fcrveth much for Gods glory, when he extorteth
credit unto his words by wonderful works, but little to the* com-
mendation or the believers ,w ho give credit tn Gods Word upon
that ground only > 35 here we fee, for not before, but then did
they believe bis words , which importeth their preceding mil-
belief, and that their duty was to believe his Word, whatsoever
appearance might be to the contrary. 11. A temporary belief
extorted by fome extraordinary work, may have joyned with
it a temporary joy, and praifing of God for a time, without any
root of faving grace in the heart: Then they believed bis words,
tbey fang his praife*
Verf. 13. They Jo on for gat his Works : they wait,
ed not for his cottnfelx
1 4. But Infted exceedingly in the Wilderneffe t and
tempted God in the defert.
1 <}. And he gave them their requeft : butfent lean*
nejfe into their jonl.
The fecond fin confefled here, is their murmuring for want,
not of water, but of flefli, x Humb. 1 1. 4, 5, 6. which luft God
did [atisne in his wrath to them. Whence learn, 1 . Temporary
faith with the fruits thereof, lafte r h no longer then a new ten-
tation doth aflault, and faith grounded not on the word or truth
ofit,but only on Gods fenfible works, is ready to vanifh, when the
work is a little paft and gone; They foonc forget his wor\s. %Xi
Gods works be not remernbred wi;h eftimation of, and affection
to God the worker, and with fome ufe making thereof in theo-
bedience of faith , God doth efteem them to be forgotten; as
here : for this caufe he faith , They foon forgat his wr/^.3.What
the Lord doth withhold from his people, or doth unto them, he
doth it for good puipoferelolvdly> to train his people untoo-
bediencej
PSALM EC VI. 6)
bedienec, aaJtotry them whether they, will fo'Iow their own
Will or his counfel as. hut is inlinuated. 4. Misbelievers take
'thcVuJingofthcmfelvcs into their own lund, ajid will not ft y
upon Gods provilion for rhem, but muft needs prefe ibe what
they love to havt ilor.e, and,do murmure if their carnal deli res be
not fatisried i as here the bn marked in ;he Liaelius d«.ih ihew :
They waited not [or bis counfel, but luftcd, 5 . When men do hoc
wijt on Gods direction 3 lulls become their leaders, and furi-
ous drivers of them as poo (lives to all unreasonable appetites |
They lujlcA exceedingly. 6. When God by ckcumftanies o£
time and place doth c.dl tor moderation of carnal appetite, he.
tranfgreffijn is the more hainous and offensive unto God > Thcj
in fled ^xcccdi?i^ly in the witdcmejfe, where chey ihouldha»c
contented themielv.es with any fort of provifion. 7. They that
do not make ufc of* tne life and welfare , which God alloweth
and provideth 3 but prelcribe unto God what they would h ve
done to them, do tempt >odj They tempted Cjod in the Jejert*
tf.Imp jrtunity aWexceffivearfecliontoany unne^eflarvw rid*
ly thing, may draw out of Gods hand that which is goccf 5 They
/- fled, ajnl God gave them their requeft, to wit, rfejb in abun-
dance 9. As hwful meanes are attended with Gods b'efling,
f© unlawful meanes are followed with Gods curfej He ga-j$
them their requcfl but fent leannejfe into their foul.
Ver, 16. They envied Mofes alfo in theCampe t
and Aaron the Saint of the LOR'D.
-17. The earth opened, and fallowed ttf'Daiham
and covered the company of Abiram.
1 8. And a fire Was kindled in th?ir company t the •
\ flame burnt up the wick*d>
■
^f he third fiq fconfefled is fedkion which brake forth in K ™h*
and his complies, 8c was fearfully punifhed, Xum \6. ij ixl'&i?
Wbencelcarn> 1. The manner 'of the 1 Lords goveri
people, how gentle foever i: be, is 'riorw'ithlhndi
menathing inlupriortabie, isdot
J during the Lords rricck governing of them by Mo(cs\nl^iro't}.
t.' Rebellion .igainft Godsmannci of it
ked againftGod; y£t prcrrndtth^b be only agunfln.cn.'
F The j
66 PSALME CVI.
They envied Mofes in the Camp. $. Milliliters are to be looked un-
to as men confecrated unto God, and injuries done to them are
againft the Lord j The J envied Airon the Saint of the Lord.
4- Whatsoever open wicked courfeis fet on foot, by ring-leaders
to any milchief, and is not difclaimed by the body of the people,
may jufily be charged upon all, albeit not in the fame degree of
guiltincflc, as here, ^orJ)-.nd his Complices fault is charged up-
on the people , They envied Vdofes in the Cxmfe. 5. Authors of
iedition in the State, and cf Schifmein the Church, do highly
provoke God to puniib them exemplarily, as appeareth here .*
The eanh opened and fw Allowed T)aiban, ad covered the, company
of Abiram 6 Such as will not be warned to efchewfin, by
judgement poured forth upon others, do provoke God to make
themfelves fpe&ades of wrath in the fight of others ; A jire was
kindled in their contpauy, tie fire burnt up the wic\td.
Ver. 19. They made a calje in Boreb : and nor*
fblppe^the molten image.
30. Thus they changed their glorj into tkc Jlmili-
tPideof anOxe that eateth grafs*
21. They forget Ood their Saviour : which had
done gnat things in Fgjp.
22 . Wonderom Vcoyks in the land of Ham : and te r-
rible things bjthe red-fea+
25. Therefore he f aid that he would deftroy them^
h$& not Mofes his chofen flood before him in the
breach^ toturne away bis wrath y left he fhould deflrey
them.
The fourth fin confeffed, is the idolatry of the golden calf,
which fin is aggi avated,and the danger of their deflruftion for ir,
(z\[[Mo r es interceded for them) is briefly fet down here,but mort
largely exprefled,Exorf 3 i.and Deut. a. Whence learn , i.They
that are ready to change the Government of the Church*
which G d hath appointee!, will be ready alfo to change the wqi-
fliipofOod, as experience in the Ifraelites doth teach, who
are charged with the one fault, v. 16. and with the other here .;
They made a Qtlfe in Horcb> and worfiipped the molten *-
mage.
PSALM E CVL 6f
mage, x. Idolaters are fo bewitched with the opinion of the*
hwfulncflfe of idolatry, as they dire both devife and practife ic
in Gods piefence. They made a Calfe in Mount Horcb 3 th*
moun ainc whcu the Lord did flitw himftlf terrible. 3. Albeit
image-making in the matter of Religion and image- worship-
ping be ^n old (in, yet this relative worfhip offered un o God
before an image, is alwayes reje&ed of God as no worfhip done
to him, but only to the imige: for God dorh not expound com*
munication of worfhip to an image, or relative worfhip before an
image according to the intention of the worfhipper, but ac-
cording to the nature of the action, which is oifthargid inthe
fecond command of the moral law : //r.«c7 in ended to offer the
holy day to the Lord, and appointed the worfhip to.vaid the
golden image for him, asthe hiftory fheweth Exod. $ 1. 4> ?»
To morrow isafeaft of the Lord : yet here tt e Lords Spirit decla-
reth thistobea woifhip. not of God, but of r he image 3 Tbey
worjhipped the molten image. 4. M iking of im -ges to reprcfenc
God, or any of the prions of the holy Trinity, is but a vilify-
ing of the glory 01 God, and giving it to the image q( a crea-
ture; yea, the making of an image torep e.enr ^od, is the
changing of the glory of God into a vile image of fome bafe
creature, and the placing of the one in the others ftead and
room, for fo God judgeth, faying, Tim they changed tbeir glo-
ry into thefimilttudeof an Oxc tbateateth grafle, 5. To have
God for our God, and to have him alone for our God, and
the only objed of our worfhip, without any mixture of humane
devices is our gloryj and to do otherwife is the fhame of the
wovihipper: They changed their glory into the image of an Oxe.
6. To devife images or pictures to put us in minde of God, is
a very forgetting both of Gods nature, and of his authority, dif-
charging fuch dyvices, for fo doth the Lord expound it ', They
forgot God their Saviour. 7, Whatsoever woks God hath
wrought, for making people know him, are all forgotten as well
as 5°d is forgotten, whensoever men may make devices of their
own for memorials of God : They forgot Goi their Sdviour,
which baddone great things in Egyyt> wondrous things in the ixni
$f Ham, and terrible things by the red-fca* 8. Idolatry openly
committed in aland, isacaufe fufficienttodeftroy the Nation
which is guilty of that fin : for y Tberc fore the Lord faidhe would
deftrvythem. 9. As they whofeae Go,, in a l>nd, fhould de-
precate Gods wrath that it fall not on it, and ftioulj ftind in the
£ap to divert the Lords wrath: fo is their imerceffion acceptable
F x igf
<S8 PSALM EC VI.
to God, and a hopeful means to divert wrath, as is to be feen in
Mojes who flood up before bimtoturn away bis wrath Jefl be fljould
deflroy them i o. When God is glorified in a peoples obedience
him, he is a wall about them to fave them from harme$
but wh^n he is provoked by open idolatry or avowed fin,;hen is a
gop m.'de in the wall of his protection, .that milchief may enter
now in upon them at che. breach : He fail be would deftroy them,
bad not CMofes bis ebojen flood before him in the breach.
24. Tea, they defpifed the pleafant land* they be-
leeved not hU word:
25. But murmured in their tents :and hearkened not
unto the voice of the LORD.
26 Therefore he lifted t*p his hand again ft them , to
overthrow them in the wilderneffe :
27. To overthrow their feed alfe among the Nations ^
and to fatter them in the lands.
The fifth fin confeffed, is the contempt of Cfods moft preei*
cus promifes, figured out in the defpifing of thepromiie ofCd-
?>^/uintothem, which as it did fiow from misbelief of Gods
Word, foit brought forth murmuring againft his difpenfation,
which /did put them in hazard ofdiffipation and deftru&ion>
as is fet down more largely, Numb. 13. and 14. Whence team,
1. When the promikJ inheritance of heaven, fwhich was figured
by the pleafant land ofpromife^is not counted worthy of all the
paines ind difficulties, which can be fuft.ii ned and met with in
the way of going toward it : the promised inheritance is but
little efteemed of, asappeareth in the Israelites, who for love
of eafe, and fear of the Canaanites were ready to turne back
to Egypt; They defpijed the pleafant land. 2. Misbelieving of.
Gods Word, isthecaufeof dilefteeming of his precious promi-
fes, ashereisfhewen ; They believed not bis Word. $«Dif-
eftimation of Gods precious promifes, maketh men to quarrel
with Goas providence . when he is leading men to the poiieffion
thereof: for this, mide the Ifraelites malecontent with all that
Cjed had done unto ihemiTbcy murmured in their tents .4 When,
Gods difpenfationdoth not pi eafe men, they will notiaileto
takeacourfeof their own, and rciifregard vvhat^od command-
ed*
PSALMECVT. 69
cth them : they murmured, in their tents , and hearkened not to
the voice of the Lord. The fait hi die man is fccluded from hea-
ven, and from Gods nil by an Oath 5 They hearkened not unto
the voice of the Lord , therefore he lifted up hU hand again ft tbtfrlq
that is, not only began to fmitc them 5 but alio as it is, Hcb. 4,3.
He [wore they fiould not enter into hUrcft. 6. We ihoiiLi feac,
left a promife being left us ofentering into his reft, any of us
fliould feem to come lhort of it, Hcb. 4. 1. and we mould labour
to enter into that reft , left any man fall after the fame example
of unbelief, Hcb. 4. u. becaufc again ft unbelieving Ifraelites y
God li fed up his hand to overthrow them in the rcildcrvcffe. 7.The
Lords vengeance againft unbelicverSjand defpifers of the Gofpel,
and of the precious promifes thereof, readily doth follow the po-
fterity of unbelievers, as hce the vengeance reached. To over-
throw their feci alfo among the nations, and to fcatter them in the
lands. 8. As the Lords threatening do go forth forfure execu-
tion, fo they leave room to repentance and interceflion , and do
n?3ke both the man that perifheth inexcnfablc , and the man that
is (pared to know the wrath which he hath defetved ; For God
lifted up his hand to deftroy the unbeliever in the wilderneflfe, be-
fore he did deftroy them ; and threatened the pofterity before the
execution did come : For this thcApoftle, Heb 4. doth teach
us, from the example of Gods dealing with the Ifraelites.
Ver. 28. They joyned tbemfelves alfounto BaaU
Peor : and ate the facrificei of the dead.
29, Thus they provoked turn to anger Vfith their in-*
mentions : and the plague brake in upon them*
;0. Then flood up Phinehas , and executed judge-
ment : And fo the p ! ague Was flayed.
31. And that W04 counted unto him for right eouf*
fjeffe : unto all generations for evermore*
The fixth fin confefled, is the mixing themfelves in fornicati-
on, bodily and fpirituall , in open Idolatry with the Moabires 3 -
for which they were plagued, till Chinch as interceded fofc them,
Nwnb.zf. Whence learn , 1. Unbelievers arc cafih 1 ■ o
change their Religion 3 and to mkede'c&io*. houvGou, as is
Fj r ■'■
70 PSALMECVI.
evident in the Ifraelites $ who by the lwft oi their flefti 3 mixed
themfelves with the daughters of Moab; mi then jcyncd with
them in their Idohtry : They joyned themfelves alfo to Bad-
Vtor. 2. Idolairy is a breach or wed-lock wirh Go I , and an
adulterous joyningdf a mans foul to an Idol; They joyne them-
felvcs to Ttxal-Feor. $ . Communion with Idolaters in worfhip,
or in ceremonies and appendicles of Idolatrous worfhip , doth
prove the Communicants to be guilty of Idolatry; they ate tb$
ficnfice of the dead. 4- Such as fail from t. ue Religion to Idola-
try , do make .in ill bargain 5 they go from rhc living God to
dead Idols , and deadly Idolatry ; They ate the
ftcrifice of the dead, j. Mens devices in Religion) and Gods
ace- ptabk Ordinances, do ftand in oppoiiti^n one to another :
for :ens inventions cannot pleafe God > For tbm tbey provoked
him with their inventions. 6. Nothing doth draw on more
fuddain nd fore judgement , then change of he true wo (hip of
God with mens inventions ; Tbey provoked him to anger ^ with
their inventions : and the plague brake in upon them 7- Such
a* have warrant from Godtopunifliopen (\a , ftiould not del ay
juftice, for thus much doth the extraordinary fcrvicc of Pbincbdf
teach unt the ordinary Magiftrate , whobearerh the fword by
office: Then flood rtpVbincM to exceute judgement. 8. As the
]Lord is loath to ftrike when he is provoked > lo he is ready to h ;ld
his hand, and ceafe upon any covenicnt occafion : Phineba/s flood
up to execute judge >ent , and fo the plague vow flayed 9. The
rule and order which God hath appointed unto men to follow,
doth not hinder Gad to give extraordinary commiflion to whom
hepleafeth, for any extraordinary piece of fervice , as appeareth
inthisitiftanceofTWwcfrtf*. 10. What God doth fct men 2
Work to do by inward and immediate infpiration^that he maketh
manifeft to the Church by his revealed word of approbation , as
the infpircd command given to Tfc/wc/?^, wasjuftified by Gods
revealed will to the Church : I fay, by inspiration \ b< caufe im-
predion* on mens fpirits, or inftigations unro that which the re-
vealed will of God doth not allow J or fecret impulfes unto un-
lawful adions, is one thing, and infpiration of Gods extraor-
dinary direction unto any fpecialwork, is another thing : for
infpiration from god 3 was the way of fhunning Gods revealved
will , which was to be communicated with the Church, by a mo-
ral way of command given to the Prophet 5 fuch as was that in-
fpiration , whereby God ufed fometimes to reveal his will to the
ChurJi , before the writing of the Scripture was fully dofed :
FSALME CVI. 71
Thus God revealed his will exprcflely to Abrahm > concerning
the offering of his fon Ifaic i Thus God gave order to Mvfcs tor
the Ifraelices borrowing of the Jewels of the Egyptians, irpdn his
own ri^ht an d tide > which he hath unto all the c eatn e . a lif-
Kfe of them at his pleafure ; Thus the whole Scripture * 1 . not
privare interpretation, but th^ holy men of God (pake 3$ they
were infpired ana moved by the Holy Ghoft ; And thus was Pbi-
ncbas inftructcd unto the particular fci vice: but iinprefTions 3 im-
pullions, inftigations , which are nor acco; ding to the revealed
rule of Gods Word, winch now is fully fet down in Scripture^ as
they war.t Gods moral direction to teach th.m . fc alio they wane
Gods moral approbation ; I fay, moral direction , bec^u'e pro-
vidential leading of a man unto any action , is one thing 3 and
moral direction is another thing. In the way bf providential lead-
ing, a man may be led in Gods jufticc by his bWri lufts, and Sa-
tans impu'fe into tentatior; a^ainlt which evi! Chrift directcth
us to pray , Lead us not into tempution, bit' 'clivcr iti from that
evil, or the evil one. But where morall direction is , xkz man
hath his manifefted commiflion ard knoweth formally i he war-
rant of his action, and fo doth not (in therein; in piovidentrl
leading, a man is oncly a brute inftrument, as the j4fl)/ians and
Ncbushddve^ffr was, whom God made ufe of as of a 10a of his
indignation, and he knew it not : but in mora! direction , the.
man is a rational Urvant^as knowing wh rt he doth to be warrant-
able fervice ; and fo was -Mofcs in all the hotafe of God a faithful
fervant, doing all as God commanded Mofcs ; and fo was Phi-
ticbaf here Gois fervant , following rmoraily a clear divine infpi-
ration, a clear command and direction, and therefore had he
alfo Gods morall approbation : For it ivti counted, to him fir
rightcouf'Mcffc. 1 1. As there is a juftitication of a mans perion,
which is only by faith in Jtfus Chrift ; To there is a juitibcation
ot a certain deed or action, when it is accepted by God for fer-
vice*, and of this fort is the juftific.uioh of Pbinebw his zea-
lous r ct : for this act was imputed unto him for rigbteoufn<ffe,Q£
for a righ-eous piece of fervice. 12. What God doth ju it ifwj
whether it be a man, or a mans action , no man may condemre
it, for it ftandeth abfolved , as in this may be fem ♦ It wat im-
puted unto him for right coufneffe , unto nil generations for act-
mare.
F* Vcr.
7* PSALME CVF*
Ver. 32, They angred him alfo at the waters of
Jlrife: fo that it went ill with Mofes for their
fakes :
3 3. Becaufe they provoked his fj>irit : fo that he
fyake Hnadvifedl) with his lipr.
The feventh fin confeffed, is murmuring at Meribab for want
of water ? whereby meek Mofes was drawen in the mare of a ta(h
fpecch", and of a notable inconveniency > 2{umb. z<>. Wbentc
larrty 1. 'Oft repeated fin obftinately perfifted in , cannot but
provoke God to anger > for as before they had murmured, io
alfo now murmuring again, They angered Go&ttthewiurs of
jlrife. 2. When the Lords feivants in doing their calling are
ftriven againft, there God is alfo fti iven againft; for this caufe
the place where the people ftrove with Mofcs> is called the waters
jofflrife: to wit, with God, becaufe they ft.ro ve with Mofes.
^.TheLords fervants are in danger to be drawen into fundry t ci-
tations and mares, bv the evil carriage of the people > over whom
they hwe charge, nsby occafion of the peoples murmuring, It
rcen' ill with Mofes for their fakes. 4. Albeit men are to be pi-
tied who are provoked to fin , yet the provocat on excufeth not
xfic [inner; but it aggravate: h the fin of the provoker j as he: c, It
%>ent ill with Mofes yet for their f^esi JBecaufe they provoked his
fpirit* %. Inrheholieit of men, there are reliques of fin unmor-
titied, and fucf) weakneftY, as they may 1 easily iail into fin in an
houreoftentaticn; For SMofcs fatty unadvifedly with his lips.
6. It is a dangerous ca.c to come "unto the Loi\ s holy fcrvice ,
with any palficn or carnal .perturbation, or to miagle Gods pub-
lick iervice with our pafllons, as in the cafe of Mofes doth appear.
7. The leading of an holy life in the former time of a ans
life, cannot juftifie nor excufe an ill action thereafter > nor hin-
der Gxls wrath whe the mb eaketh torth, 3S is to be feenin
SH'ofes cafe j with whom it went ill, lecaufe he fpt^e undvifedr
ly with his lips.
■ s
Vcr. 34« They did not deftroy the nations. conctrnwg
Whom the LQ$ C D commanded them :
The
PSALME CVI. 73
The eight fin, is their difobedience to Gods command after
they were placed in the land of Canaan, which is fee down in fun-
dey particulars. The firft is , their fparing of the Canaanitcs,
whom God commanded them to deft :oy. Whence learn, i . Ne-
glect: and omiflion of that which Gcd doth command to be done,
doth bring men under guilrinefle and challenge and wrath , and
proveth the fountain of more mifchief afterwards, then men arc a-
ware of , as here appeareth ; They did not dcjlroy the nations,
concerning whom the LORD commanded them- i . Men ftmuld
not fpare the lives of thofe whom God commandeth todeftroy,
left God mike a quarrel of it , as here he doth againft the
Jfraclitcs.
Ver. 3". Titit were mingleh amougthe heatheri) and
learned their works*
; 36. sAnd they ferved their idols : fthich were a
fnare unto them.
Thefecond particular fo'lowing on the former fparing of the
Qanaavits , is forbidden marriages wiih them ., and contagion of
their ill manners. IVbcncclcarn, t Sinnes of omiflion, make
way for, and draw on hns of commiflion, as here we fee. i.Un-
eauall matching with open Idolaters , draweth on contagion of
Idolatry j They were mingled with the heathen, and learned their
• works* And they ferved their Idols : 3 . Making of images in
the matter of Religion , is a work of the heathen $ for h it is
here reckoned and called, their wcr^. 4. Image-worfhipping,
and Idolatry, is a fin that is eafily learned , the contagion where-
of doth Lpread quickly , For the Canaanites Idols were a fnare to
the Ilraeiites. f.Servicero Images is condemned of God, as wor-
fiip of Images is condemned: yea, God comp;chendeth under
Jervice, all and whatfocver refpect done toInuj?cs,as an abomi-
nable and damnable fin ; For they ferved their idols is he: e the
challenge. 6. How plc^fant foe ver, and delectable, and profi able
men do plead laiagcs to be ; yet GoH efteeme'th lolc-
full inventions , which bring no profit to their fe -van's an i wor-
shippers, fave dolour and grief; for fo much tfofh the word in
the Original give us tbundcrftand. 7. Win e pre-
tences men do Fuffer thcmfelves to be led away with, unto the fel-
low/hip of Idolaters and feiviceol images I are nothing but de-
luding
74 P SAL ME CVI.
luding deceits, which fhall bring on the contrary evils undoubt-
edly : They ftrvei their Idols which wen a fnare to tbm*
Ver. % j. Yea, they facrjficed their font and their
daughters unto devils.
38« And fhedinnoceut bloody even the blood of their
fons and of their daughters i whom they facrtficed unto
the idols of Canaan-, and the land was polluted with
blood.
39. Thmvfere they defiled with their oftn works :
And went a whoring with their own inventions.
A third particular of their difbbedience in Canaan , is their fa-
criricing their children to Idols, whereby the land was fearfully
polluted. IVhence leant, 1. When men depart from the rule of
Gods Worfhip • thereisnoftiy nor {landing till they fall into
the grotfeft Idolatry, whereunro they are temprcd : Tea, (faith
lie) they jacrificed tbeir fonncs and daughters, 2. The rage of
Idolatry is fuch , as ic will not fpare whatfoever is deareil , even
the lives of children and friends to maintain it : They facrificci
their fons and daughters. $, The fervice done to Idols, andl-
mages of mans devifing, is not done to God 3 as men do pretend
who worflitp them ; but to Devils, who are thedcvilVs.fuggeft-
ers nnd enticers of men unto all fort of unlawful worfhip ; and
who are ferved and obeyed in efFcel: by falfe Religion, Vcut. 32.
I7« i-Cbron. l|*«5« \ Cor. 10.20. They facrificcd their fons
mi daught. rs unto devils , whom they facrifced unto the Idols of
Canaan. 4. Idolaters are blood-thirity > and do not ftand for
the innocency of any party or perfon, by whofe blood -flied the
Jdol may be honoured , and Satan may bs pleafcd who is a liar
and murtherer from the beginning: They Jhcd i.nocent bloody
even the blood of their fons and daughters , whom they facrtficed to
the Idols of Canaan. 5. When innocent blood is fried, the land
is polluted , whatfoever be the caufe which is pretended ; They
fljed innocent blood, and the land was polluted with blooi. 6, The
higheft point of holinelTe in a falfe Reiigion> is bu: filthineffe and
pollutions ind no invention of man can make the followe s therof
npre holy by observation thereof, bur doth pollute them ftill,thc
rooi'Q
PSALMECV1. 7J
more they follow them; \ or thm w ere they defied with their own
•worlds. 7* Following of men inventions in Religion , is Ido-
latry or fpirituall adultery , becaulc God is iorfaken iMofarrc,
3nd another go 1 and lord inReligion is received in Gods ftcad:
for fo mnch laith the Text , They went a whoring with their
awn inventions.
Ver. 40. Therefore was the wrath of the LORD
kindled againfi hu people: inlomuch that he abhorred
his own inheritance.
41 . And he gave them into the hand of the heathen:
and they that hated them, ruled over them.
42. Their enemies alfo oppreffed them : and the J
Were brought into [ubjeQion under thetr hand*
Here is (hewen what followed on their following of their own
inventions, to wit, flavery and fubje&ion unto men> in (jods in-
dignation. Wbenc%learn> \. When men do follow fin and their
own waves, wrath followeth them : For therefore was the wrath
of God fondled againfi bis own people. 2. When from the Word
of the Lord men will not believe how odious fuperftition is to
him , he will make them findc it by his plagues : For therefore
wm the wrath of the Lord fondled. 3 . No priviledge can make
men fo lovely before God, as the love of ; dols and Images in the
matter of Religion doth make them to be loathed of him : His
wrabww fondled, even again ft his own people , injomucb that he
abhorred his own inheritance. 4. When Gods people do follow
the fuperftition of Idolaters, either by complying to gratifie them,
or in way of pleafing themfelves ; it is juftice with Cjod to make
Idolaters their rmftcrs , and to m ke his people lole the benefit
hoped for by complyance : And he gave them into the hand of the
heathen. f . It is righteoufneflc with Go I ro put bis people un-
der the yoke of men that hate them, when they have call off the
eafie yoke of God who loveth them : And when men follow
w^yes which God nbhorreth , £od juftly doth make them fyflkr
what they do moft abhorre ; He gave tbim over into the hand of
the heathen : And they that hated them, ruled over tbem. 6 The
fins of Gods people do make open W3y for their enemies, and do
put ftrength, courage,and vi&ory into their hands* and left the
Lord*
76 PSALME CVI.
Lords people fliould not be moved by that change ofgovernment,
he makes their burden under their enemies unfupportable : Their
enemies alfo oppreffed them. 7. When people will not humble
themfelves in the way of repentance , it is righteoufnefle with
God to bring them low by judgements, as here is feen : The
Ifraelitesdo not repent of their (ins, And tbey were brought into
fubjeclion under their enemies hand.
Ver. 43. Many times did he deliver them*, but
they provoked him "frith their counfel y and were brought
low for their iniquity,
44. N evert heleffe> he regarded their ajflic~lwn y when
he heard their cry.
45. AndheremembredforthemhU Covenant : and
repented according to the multitude of his mercies.
46. He made them alfo to be pitied of all that
tarried them captives*
The ninth and laft point of confeffion, is of a heap of mani-
fold fins often repeated; notwithftanding which God did
fhewpity to hispeople for his Covenants caufe. Whence learn,
1. The Lord leave r h no means uneflayed to gain hispeople,
fometimes he puts rhem to fore trouble , fometimes he delivereth
them, and exercifeth them with the viciflirude of calamiries.and
deliveries , if by any means they may be faved .- Many times did
be deliver them. z. Such is our wickednefie and -perverfe na-
ture , that flill we give the Lord a bad meeting for his mercies ;
and initead ofihankfulnefle, do provoke him by doing and fol-
lowing what we our felves think fitteft, as is to be feen in the I Is-
raelites : Many timet did (jod deliver them , hut tbey provoked
him -with their counfcl. $ . Men in the courfe of their fins , have
high and felf-picafing conceits of themfelves, and no impeniten-
cy is without pride j but by fad judgements God many times
make h them lie low in affliction , who do not walk humbly in
the way of obedience, as here we fee the Ifraelitcs provoked God
by their couvfcl , that is, by their own devices, conceits ami in-
ventions ; ito tbey were made low by their iniquities. 4. Al-
beit Gods people oft-times provoke him ; and in their profperity
do
PSA LME CVI. 77
do not regard God nor his commands ; yet God regards them h,
asbotha'ter a whiles profperity, to correct them i and after a
whiles adverfity, to comfort them : Neveribelcjfe he regarded
their affliction. 5;. God by heavy affliction moveth men to cry
unto him , who other wife Would not have called upon him at all,
as his dealing with p -oud provoking Ijrael here doth fhew , who
in affliction are made to cry J *6. Albeit there be commonly great
unfeundnefie in the cry oi- opprefled people 5 yet God will hear
that cry and Kip them out of a temporal trouble, as here ; He
rtgarded their affliction, when he heard their cry. 7. As when
Gods people do abufe his grace .and do forget their Covenant, and
are plagued for their fins \ the good of the Covenant 3 and con-
federacy with God is obfeured, buried, and as it were forgotten:
So when the Lord doth change hisdifpenfation , the benefit and
good of the C venant is brought to light again J for then God
taketh occafionto (hew , that albeit his people do forget the Co-
venant, yet he forgers it not ; For he remembered for them , or,
for their behalfe, bu Covenant. 8. The unchangeableneile of
Gods merciful nature and love to' hispecpl-e, maketh him change ,
the courfe of juftice into mercie, and no other change, excepc of
thisdifpenfation is meant by ^ods repentance, when it is (aid ,
zAnd he repented according 10 the multitude ofbU mercies. o.The
mercy of the Lord is fo large, as the multitude of 'former fins,
and abufed by-paft favours cannot hinder the finner once again to
come unto the inexhauftible fountaine of grace, and cannot
hinder God once more to (hew mercy to a finner J yea, albeic
God hathentered in judgment with the finner, and hath begun to
pome out delervcd wrath upon him 5 even jufUce thus begun to
be executed, cannot hinder God to hold his hand, and (hew mer-
cy once again to the finner : for here experience teacheth , that
oft. times when he had entered in judgement with Ifrael, He )€-
pentcd according to the multitude of his mercies. 10. (Jod hath
the ruling of all mens affections, to make them turne as he plea-
ch .* Cjod mixeth the moft bitter cup of judgement given to his
people to drinkc, with the ingredient cfcompajfion ; and what pi-
ty his people do finde from any hand , it is the fruit, effect, and
evidence of Gods pitie toward them, : He made ibm afe to be pi-
tied ofalltbofe tbtt curried themcapt vcs.
Wn
7* PSALME CVL
Verf. 47. Save us f O LORD our God, and
gather m from among the heathen , fo jj/w /W;^r
«w*<? /£;? £0/7 Nanie ^ and fa triumph in thy
fraife.
4^. £/*//*</ be f£* LORD god ef Ifraelfrom e-
wr lofting to everlafting , and lee all the feople fay,
*Amen % Praife je the LORD.
The laft part of the Pfalm 3 wherein the Pfalmift draweth
two conclufions from what he hath been fpeaking, and tcacheth
the Chnrch to do the fame in their fad afflictions : The one is
apraycr for the frefli experience of the like mercy unto the
Church ; and to every member thereof in their time, U47. The
other is a praifing or Gad in aflurance of faith , that he would
certainly do fo, -y. 45. Whence learn, 1. The right uie of the
hiftory of Gods mercies to his Church, is to go to God in humi-
lity 3 aud to encourage our felves to feek and expect the like to
our felves : Save us alfo, faith the Church here. 2. Seeing God
in mewing mercy to his people 3 doth alwayes refpeft the Cove-
nantj it is good for the (inner not to quit his intereft therein, but
to claime new experience of mercy , according to the tcnour
thereof / Tor this relpecl:, the Church praycth here 5 Save us,
O LORD our God. 3. The vifible Church may be fo defaced
for a dme , that howfoever the vifible members thereof can never
ccafe to be but one generation (hall follow another s yet the out-
ward ibcietie sand folemne affemblies of the Church, maybedif-
folved and difappear by fcattering of them , as this part of their
prayer , Gather us } doth import, 4. It is a heavic affliction
/or the godly to Jive in the company of enemies : and of men of
afalfe Religion: from this evil they deGre to be delivered,
Gather us from among the heathen. 5. The face of a vifible
Church , wherein we may have the communion of Saints, and
occafions to dwell together with them , and enjoy with them the
publick and free ufe of Religion J is a great mercy, and wor-
thy that God (hould be intr eared tor it : Gather us from a-
tnong the heathen, to give thanks to th) holy Name. 6. The Lords
people are allowed to glory in the LORD, and to boaft in his
praifc?
PSALME CVI. 19
praife? and the end of their fecking the liberty of free affem-
bling of themfelves together , lhould be , that they may
declare the LORDS praife , and glory in him : G4-
tber us to give tbvilis to thy holy Hme y aud to triumph
in thy pmfc. 7. When we have prayed according to Gods
will , we mould take our prayer for granted , and leave it
lying at GODS feet, as the Church doth here. 8. Lee
the L O R D do to his Covenanted people what he pleaf-
eth, they (hall never want reafon to praife 5 thank and
bleflfc him , for the clofing of this Pialme teacheth fo
much : Blcjfed be the LORT> GOV of JfraeL 9. The
LORD is the everliving Fountaine of fpirituall andever-
lafting bleflings to his owne peoples and wharfoever be-
come of temporal things 3 there is reafon of bleffing GOD
for fpirituall and everlafting mercies; and to fay, Blcjfed
be the LORD GOD of Ifracl , from everlafling to e-
verlaftfag. 10. When the Spirit ot the LORD doth
rarfe the Song of the praifes of G O D by his Prophets
and Minifters; It is the Brides p3rt , and the put of
every Member of the Churchy to joyncinthe thank l'giving,
and fubferibe with acclamation unto the blefling of GOD :
*An& IctM the petple fay> Amen. 11. When the Believer
hath in his own perfon given thanks to God , he (hould
fttrre up others , according as his ifation calleth him unto
it, to praife the LORD alio, as here is done ; Prrifc
ye the. LORD.
PSAL.
8o PSALME CVII.
PSALME CVII.
THis is a Plalme of praife for Gods gracious and wife dirpcn-
fations towards men. In the former part whereof, the
Pfalmift reckonerh four exercises of Gods people, by Gods
juftice bringing them to itraits, and by his mercy delivering
them again; The firft exercife isbybanifhment , and by the
Lords bringing them back from ic, w v. i o. The fecond is by
captivity and imprifonment , and delivery out of it, to v. 17.
The third is by bodily ficknefle, and recovery from it, to ver.z$.
The fourth is by danger by Sea, and delivery out of it, to
vet. jjj,
In the latter part ofthePfalme, he praifeth God for his wife
dealing with people and Nations, in changes made among them,
in their lands, perfons, goods and eftates , for the good of his..
own, and overthrow of the proud.One change is/of a fertile, into
a barren wilder nefl'e, for the Inhabitants fins, y. £j> 34* Ano-
ther change is of a barren iand into a fertile and plentiful foile,
well peopled, to v. $9 A thirci change is , wafting and fpoyling
of a well peopled and fertile Countrey , yi 39 A fourth change
is, pulling down Princes, and Starefmen, and confounding of
them, fo that they know not what to do, or whither to go, v. 4°#
The fifth change is, the lifting up of the poor and defolate , and
enlarging of them in all tefpe&s, v. 41. The beftwitnefles of
which changes , are the godly and wife obfervers of Gods pro-
vidence, who for a reward of their cbfervation fhall have com-
fortable ufc and benefit of all Gods difpenfations, v. 4*,4$«
Ver. I . f~\ Give thanks unto the LORD , for
V^/ be is good: for his mercy endureth
for ever.
2. Let the redeemed of the LORD fay (o : whom he
hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.
3. And gathered them out of the landsr, from the
Eaft,
PSAlME CVlf. St
£aft 9 and from the Weft : from the North ^ and from
the South.
He exhorteth all to give thanks unto the Lord , and fpccially
the Lords redeemed ones, brought back from exile out of all
countreys where they wandered. Whence learti 3 i . Unto no du-
ty are we more dull and untoward, then to the pralfe of God,and
thankfgiving unto him $ neither is there any duty whereunto
there is more need that we iliould be ilirred up , as this e^rneft
exhortation doth import : give t\nn\s unto the Lord. i. Whe-
ther men do acknowledge the grace and bounty of the Lord or
not , he is worthy to be thanked and praifed \ partly, becaufe of
his liberal and ready communicating his goodnes freely, not only
to not deferving, butalfo to illdeferving perfons, and that" out
of meer mercy s and partly, becaufe he followeth the man who
hath found mercy, with mercy more and more ; and partly , be-
caufe he refufeth to no man met cy who fceketh it, or (hall feek it
of him, at what time foever, tothe worlds end : For fo much
faith thereafon of the exhortation , For beugoid^ for bis mer-
cy enduretbfor ever. . $. Every man hath matter and leafon, and
obligation lying on him, ropraifeGodj bu- fpecially fuch as
have more pa.ticulai^ oitner and greatc experience of mercies
then others have had.* Let the redeemed of the Lord {ay fo.
4, Redemption made by Chrift o\ his own Elect, is thefoun-
taineof every particular benefit beftowed upon them: for the E-
lccl: are called the reedeemed of the Lord here , before the parti-
cular delivery from baniftiment b Specified ; and that delivery is
called a redeeming of them, Whom he hath redeemed f'om the
bxni of the enemic, as flowing from the great Redemption. 5 So
oft as men have received deliverances, they owe unto God fo ma-
ny lives, and God hath fo many titles of right unto them , as
they have received prefervations : And thofe will the Lord have
to be witnefles of his mercy before the reft of the world : Let the
redeemed of the Lord fay fo y whom he hath redeemed from the baud
cf 'the enemic. 6. As the Lords children m3y be [Scattered in all
the corners of the world , and excluded from the external com-
munion of the Saints J lonone of them doreturne from exile,
to joyne together in the ufe of Religion and holy Ordinances,
except by Gods fpeciall hand gathering them : For he gathered
them out of tb? lands, from the E aft and from the Weft , from
the %onk&nd from the South*
G Ver.
S2 1' 3 A JL M £ l> V 1 1.
Verf. 4. They wandered in the wilderneffe y in afo-
litary way : they found no city to dwell in.
5, Hungry and thirfty : their foul fainted in
them.
Here is defcribed firft the diftrefle of the redeemed in their
exile, v. 4, 5. Then their exercife in calling unto Cod. And
thirdly, their bringing home, v. 6, 7, Whence he inferreth the
duty of thankfgiving, whereunto he had before exhorted, v. 8,9.
Prom their diftrefle, Learn> 1. Such as the Lord hathapurpofe
to draw into the fellowship of himfelf and of his Saints , are iiib-
jecl: to wandering and exile, both bodily and fpiritual , as the ex-
ercifc of exiled Jfraelites fheweth : They wandered in tbe wilder"
nefje* z. The Lords exiled ones do finde no home , till they be
brought to ^the fellowihip of the Saints j They wandered in the
wildemeffe , in a folitary way : they found no city to dwell in.
$. The Lords exiles may be in danger of famine, both bodily
and^fpirituall, and like to faint for lack of food, bodily or fpiri-
tual, or both forts , as the banifhed here 5 Were hungry and
thirfty, and their foul f aimed in them.
Ver. 6. Then they cryed unto the LORD in
their trouble: and he delivered them out of their
diftreffes.
7. And he led them forth by the right Way, that
they might go to a city of habitation.
trom their exercife in their double diftrefle, of banifhmene
2nd famine, and fro r* their delivery* Learn, 1. Straits do put men
to feek God in a ferious manner : Then they cryed unto the Lord
in their trouble. 2. The earneft prayer of Gods difttetied children
;vanteth not a good anfwer ; And he delivered them out of their
diftreffes. $ . When the Lord will comfort a fupplicant , he will
deliver him from fomanypnrtsofhis trouble, as may fervctd)
lead him on hisjourneyj he will furnifh food, and direction, both
whither to go , and by what way to go : And he led them by the
right way, that they might goto, a city of habitation. 4. To be
di-
PSALME CVII. 2s
dire&ed of God what to do > whether it be in relation to matters
temporal or fpiritual^s a fpecial benefit) and a faire fruit of j lay-
er •• For he whom the Lord doth guide> mall walkfafely 3 and
profper in his way : He led them by the right wayjbat they might
go to a city of habitation.
Ver. 8. that men would praife the LORT) for his
goodneffe : ana for his wonderful rrorkj to the children
of men.
9, For he fatisfieth the longing foul : and fillsth the
hungry foul With goodneffe.
From the duty required of the exile now returned homes Learn^
i .The mercies of theLord Ihewed to his own, do call for praifing
of God by themfelves, and all beholders 5 they call for praife,
both in fecret and in fociety $ that men would praife the Lori
for his goodneffe, 2. The Lords manner of delivering of his own
out of their great troubles, whether bodily or fpiritual , hath
ordinarily fome obfervable wonder in it : that men would,
peaife the Lord for his wonderfull works to the children of 'men .
J. The poor and needy fupplicanrs do live upon Gods furniture 3
he is a provider for ftich^and lettcth them want nothing , but fa-
tisfieth them fufficiently : and this is no fmall comfort unto us
and matter of prai le unto God ; For he fatisfieth the longing foul,
and filleth the hungry foul with goodneffe.
Vert 10. Such as fit in darkneffe ; and in the
(btdow of death: being bound in affliction ard
iron.
1 1 ♦ Becaufe they rebelled again (I the words of God:
and contemned the counfel of the mofi High.
12. Therefore he brought down thtir heart
ivith labour 1 they fell down , and there was none to
help.
1 3. Then they cryed unto the LORD in their
trouble ; and he favedtkem out of their dijlreffes.
G 2 i<\>lfe
84 PSALME CVII.
1 4. tie brought them out of darkyeffe and the fha-
don> of death : And brake their bands in [under.
15. Oh that men would praife tht LORT) for hi*
goodneffe : and for his Wonderful work* to the children
of men.
16. For he hath broken the gates of braffe : and cut
the bar res of iron in [under.
Here is fct down the fecond exerdfe of Gods people, to wit, by
captivity and imprifonment brought upon them for their fins>and
their delivery from it y upon their turning to God , with theufe
thereof. Whence learn, 1. As liberty of ourperfons to go a-
bcut our callings freely, is no frnall benefit ; fo imprifonment is
a fore affliction, even a fore of living death, and a fort of bu-
rial of the quick ; For they fit in darfinejfe , and in tbejhadow of
death. 1. Bonds and chaincs put upon the prifoner,do adde much
weight unto the heavy condition of the imprifoned,' and yet the
Lords people are fubjeft to both 1 for here is preftippofed , Thef
may be bound in affliction and iron, in their prifon. }. Itisa-
boveall the affliction of imprifonment and bonds, when the caufe
of the imprifonment is not righteoufnefle , but, becaufe they have
rebelled againft the word ofGod> and contemned the counfel of the
tnoftHigjb. 4. The not bearing the eafie yoke of obedience ^may
bring on the heavier yoke of Iron, bonds and in prilonment up-
on us, as here is exprefled. 5. Thegreatnefie oftheMajefty
of God, aggravateth the fin of defpifing his Word > Tbcy contem-
ned the coiinfcll of the moftHigb. 6. As the Word of the
Lord is both deep counfel for wifdome,and alfo profitable advice
for us; fo the contemning of it is fo much the greater finne>
and draweth on the greater wrath : Tbcy were bound in affliction
and iron, becaufe they rebelled againft the words of God, and con-
temned the counfel of the moft High* 7. The Lord bringeth men
intofore diftrefies,to make them lenfible of their defpifing his au-
thority ; and to break their natural pride, and ftoutneffe of heart
againft him , and to (new them the vanity of all their former:
flefhly confidence ; Therefore he 'brought down their heart with
labour. 8. Affliction is then come to the height, anditscom-
pleit mcafure, when the finner is made fenfible of his own weak-
neflc,and doth fee that there is no help for him/ave in God alone?
Tbcji
P SAL ME CVII. S$
They fctl down, and there was none to help. 9. When all help
and comfort under heaven doth faile, relief may be found in
God for them that cry unto him for it : There tqq/s none to help,
then they cryed to the Lord in their trouble* 1 o.The Lord will not
only hear and help them who are unjuftly imprifoned, but thofc
alfo who for their (ins are fo punifhed .- They cryed , and befa-
vedtbtm out of their diftrejfes. 11. Itmatteis not how deep
the danger be wherein a man is , when he turneth to God for re-
lief; for fo great as his diftreflfe is , fo great (hall be his delive-
ry ; He brought them out ofdarfinejfe and tbcjbadow of death >and
brake their bonds infunder. 1 2. The end of the delivery of poor
/inners, is, that they may glorifie the Lord, and may invite 0-
thers to do the like : for this here is a part of the thankful mans
duty , that men would praife the Lord for his good?ieJfe,andfor
bU wonderful wor^s to the children of men; 1 $ . No power of
man, no bonds 3 no eppofition which any creature is able to make,
can hinder the delivery of the man whom God will own : He hath
broken the gates ofbrajfc, and cut the banes of iron in [under.
Ver, if* FooUf, becaufe of 'their tranfgrejfion: and
becaufe of their iniquities are affliSed.
1 8. Their foul abhorreth all manner of meat : and '
they draw near unto the gates of death.
19. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble X
hefaveththem out of their diftreffes,
20 ♦ He fent hid word % and healed them : and delher -
ed them from their deftruElions.'
2f. Oh that men Vcou/d praife the LORD for hU
goodnejfe : and for his wonderful work* to the children
of men,
22. And let them facrifce the facrifices of thankfgi*
ving : and declare his workj Vvith reioycing.
The third cxercife of Gods people, isby fiknefle of body 5 the
drawing on whereof he fheweth to be by fin, v. 17, 18. The
means of delivery to be by prayer , v. 19. whereupon they a:e
recovered as (iod givethorder 3 v. 20. and the ufe of this is fet
down, v. 21,12. Whence learn, 1. As other troubles come
G j for
86 PiALMfc C VII.
for finning againfl God , fo doth fickneffe come amongft the reft:
Fooles becaufc of their tranfgreffion^ and bcciufe of their iniquities
areafflifted. -. Sin doth blindefinners 3 and bereave them of
the right ufe of their reafon ; and makes them choofe trifles.with
the lofle of what mould be moil precious : therefore they are juft •
ly called fooles. $ . Natural means of life and refrefhment , are
unfavory and unable to refrefli , except God give the man ability
to make ufe of them,and put his bl effing into them : Their foul
abborrctb all manner of meat. 4. As in other troubles, fo in fick-
nefle, men are net eafily. brought to the fenfe of their fin, till
trouble be a: the height, and the man made low : Their foul ab-
borrctb all nunncr of meat , and they draw near to the gates of
death. 5. Great is the ftupidity of a fleeping conscience, which
cannot be wakened up to feek Gok till extremity come : They
draw near to the gate, of death, then they cry uivothe Lord in their
trouble. 6. When men are brought unto the fenfe of their fins
and mifdefervings > and of their danger, and of their own weak-
nefle, and thereby made to feek unto the Lord 3 the mercy and
relief is near at hand : Then they cried unto the Lor din their
trouble 5 fo he \aved th err: out of their diftrejfes : And here is
to be feen mercy and goodneiTe in God , tocaufe (ickneilesas
his Serjeants' and MelTengers to lay hold on the fugitive (inner.
7. Neither fickneffe nor health do come or go 3 but God giveth
order to them, as to his o \n fervants : He faith to fic\neffc, go
from a man> and to hczljhjtiumz unto him : He fent his iVordj
and healed them* B. When trouble doth (hew wrath, and tfrnt
doth weaken the fenfe of fin , and fenfe of fin fends the man to
feek mercy, then God will readily remove all his troubles toge-
ther : Re fent his word and healed them, and delivered them
from their defirufti ns. 9. As men have found mercies of God,
fo 'mould they ftudy to be thankful , and fpecially in fuch a way
as may be moft profitable to others: that men would pra fc
the Lord for his gooineffe , and for his wonderful worlds to the
children of men* 10, Mb rail and fpirituall fervice is more ac-
ceptabletoGod then any ceremonial performance . the facrifice
of thanks is move then th facrifice of an oxe ; Let them ficri-
fice the facrifecsoftbanfeiving. n. The fpecial matter of joy
'in the receiving 1 fa benefit; is the manifeftation of Gods refpeel:
to us, in his working for us; And let them declare hhwxrks
with rejoycing*
Ver,
Ver. 23. They that go down to the Sea infhips , that
do bufineffe in great waters :
24. 1'befe fee the works of the LORD : and his
wonders in the deep.
2 4.. iV &* commandethy and raifeth the fiormy Voindez
which Ufteth up the Vvaves thereof.
2 6. The j mount up to the heaven : they go down <t m
gain to the depths : their foul is melted becaufe of
trouble.
27. Theyreeletoandfro, and ft agger like adrunk^
en man : and are at their mis end*
The fourth exercife of Gods children, is by their danger in
Sea, and their delivery from their danger. Whence learn, 1. The
Art of Navigation and following of the Merchant-Trade by Sea,
how dangerous foever it be ; yet is lawful , and allowed or God,
for comparing of mens affaires , in commerce between Nation
and Nation : for this is fet down here as the vocation and occu-
pation of feme men, to wit , oftbofe that go down to the Sea in.
jhifs , that do b;tfmeffes in great waters. 2.Some fort of perfons
have more occatfon of obfervation , and experience of remarkable
paffages 0/ providence in preferving of mens lives, then others
have, and thefe rcoft of all fhould bear witneffc of Gods work
according to their experience $ Thefe fee the wor\s of the Lord,
and his wonders intbe deep. 3. There hnoftormc or motion
intheSea, orblowingof the winds out of any part, butasGod
aduaily dorh raife them : For he commandcib , and raifeth the
ftormywindti which Ufteth up the waters thereof. 4. When
God will try a man by trouble, he will not leave him till he
make him fenfiblc of his frailty, weakneffe , and unability toc»
vercome dangers .• They mount up to the heaven , they go down
again to the depths : their foul u melted bceaufe of trouble. The/
reel too and fro, and jtdgger life a drun{en mm, tyc.
G4 Ver.
A vJXAAuIYl. JU4 'W Y **♦
Ver. 28. Then they cry unto the LORD in
their trouble : and he bringeth them out of their
diftreffes,
29 He maketh the ftcrme a caltne : [0 that the
v$aves thereof are ft ill.
30. Then are they glad beeaufe they be quiet: fo
he bringeth them unto their de fired haven.
Iq their delivery from the ftormej Learn. 1. Albeit the
LOR D doth deliver many from fhipwrack by Sea , yet he takes,
none of them for witnefies of his mercy, but fuch as had recourse
to him in their ftrait by prayer : Then they cry unto the Lord in
their trouble •> thole are the mem whom the Lord remarketh,
2. The fervent prayer of the Lords Redeemed, who at length
at leaft make <7od their refuge in trouble, have deliverance tor
the fruit following upon it ; fbey ay, and he bringeth tb cm out
of their diftrejfes, 3, As the railing of a ftorme is from the
Lord, fo thequietingofit again is his work alfo; and both the
one and the other work hath'the time and meafure of it iodifpofed
of, as may beft feive to hispurpofe : HemJ^th the ftorme a
crime; fo that the -waters thereof arc ftill. 4- According as is
mens griefin trouble 3 fo is orfhould be the great neffe of their
joy in their delivery .* Then are they glad, because they be quiet,
5. So many Sea- voyages , are fo many evidences of Gods fo
oft conducting and convoying of Sea-men to and fro: So he
bringeth them to their defired haven*
Ver. 3T. Oh that men would praife the LORD for
hit goodnefs: and for his Wonderful -&or\i to the children
cf men.
32. Let them ex alt him alfo in the Congregation of
the peop'e: and praife him in the ajfembly of the
Elders.
From the u!e of this exercife here required 5 Learn, 1* That
it is the part of every man > whocometo the knowledge of any
expc-
PSALMb CJVI1. *9
experience or new proof of Gods mercy , in fpccial to any of his
people, not only to acknowledge Gods goodnefle by themfelvesa
but alfo to wifti that the reafon of his praifes were known to all
men, and that all men might praife God ajfoforit : O that;
men would praife the Lord for his goodncffe, 2. It is the duty
of a thankful man, not only to praife God for the experience he
hath had of Gods goodnefle in his own perfon 5 but alfo to praife
God upon that occafion , for any other the wonderful works
which the Lord worketh daily for the children of men ; that
men would praife the Lord for his wonderful worlds to the children
of men. $. Sea-men after their returning home., mould
carefully obferve the meetings of the Church, as for other tea*
Tons ; fo becaufe they have been wichdrawen fo long from thofe
aflemblies , while their voyage did laft : Andlet themexalthim
alfo intbe Congregation of thepeople. 4# Befide the aflembly of
the whole Congregation , the Scripture maketh mention of the
Church or Congregation, or aflembly of the Elders, who had
theoverfight and governing of the particular Synagogues and
Churches of the people : For here and elfewhere , befide the
Congregation of the people, there is mention made of the aflem-
bly of the Elders, as diftinguifhed from the aflembly of the peo-
ple : And let them praife him in the affembly of the Elders. 5. As
prayers are, and mould be made in the Congregation for fuch
of the flock as are in any fpecial danger of their lives j fo duty
recjuireth that praifes (hould be offered fof their remarkable de-
liveries , or recoveries out of thofe dangers: for of fuch as are deli-
vered from ihipwrack, it is faid , Let them exalt him alfo in
the Congregation of the people. 6. As it is a part of the peoples
duty, to acquaint the Elders of the Congregation with fuch pat
fages of C/odsmoft remarkable providence about them, as may
bembft for glorifying of God, and for the peoples edifying ; fa
it is a part of the work of the Elderfhip to take notice of, and
make the beft ufe in their prudence of what falleth out among
their flocks, whereby all may be edified : For as the right /udge-
ing of Gods works of providence requireth prudence and wif-
domjfothey who are fet over the Congregation, asmofl: ■eminent-
therein for their wifdomeand prudence, fhould go about this
part of their charge among other duties ; For it is faid 3 And
y let thempraife him in the affembly of the Elder s %
Ver,
Ver. 3 3. fife turneth rivers into a mlierneffs : and
tbeVvater-fprings into dry ground :
34. A fruitful land into barrenneffe^ for the wick?
tdneffe of them that Atoe 11 therein.
In the latter part of the Pfalme, the Lord is praifedfbr his
wifdome, in making changes upon Countreys and Nations,
mens perfons and eftates, fome in jufticc, fome in mercy, as he
feeth fit: of which changes he reckoneth up five. The
firfl; whereof is, the turning of a fertile land into barrennefie for
therinhabitants fins* Whence learn, 1. When fertile land be-
cometh barren, and men are cut fhort of their commodities by
fea or land, by the creatures not yielding fervice, as they were
wont to do, men mould lift their eyes above all fecond caufes,
and fix them on God, who what way he thinketh beftbringeth
the change: He tut netb rivers into 1 wilder in ffe, and the water-
fprings into dry ground; that is to hy^a fruitful land into barren*
nefs.i.Thc proper meritorious caufe of Gods curfing of a fertile
land, is the fins of the inhabitants, whom God will have fo an-
fwcred in their labours on the ground, as they anfwer the Lord
in his husbandry and paines taken upon them, and whom God
will chaftife for their fin, and fo move them to repent : He turn-
eth a fruitful land into barrennefie, for the wickedneffe of them
that dwell therein.
Ver* 3 ?♦ He turneth the wildernefs into a
jtanding water: and dry ground into Water springs >
36. And there he maketh the hnngry to dftell ; that
they may prepare a city for habitation.
37. And (owe the fields > and plant vineyards , -which
may yield fruits of intreafe.
38. He bleffed them *lfo 9 fo that they are mul-
tiplied greatly : and fuffereth not their cat t el to de*
creafe.
The fecond change mentioned, is of a barren land into
fertility. Whence learn, i. The fertility • of land is
not to be attributed to mens induftry, but unto Gad : He turn-
e*fr the wildernejjc into a {landing water, and. dry ground into vox-
ter-fprings. 2. If God afflict, his jufticefindcth the caufe of
it in man ; but if he do gooc to any man, it is of his own good
pleafure, without any caufe in man : therefore no reafon is given
here of this change, as was of the former, but (imply , He turn-
ctb dry ground into water fprings. 3 The Lord taketh pleasure
to provide for the needy, and they /hall be forced to acknowledge
hisgoodnefle inhis provifionfor them ; And there he makctb
the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation
4. When God openeth 3 door of blefling men, he will have it
improved, and ordinary meanes diligently ufed, as here, He will
have them [owe the fields, and plant vineyards? which may yield
fruits of her cafe. 5. When the Lord is pleafed ro bieffe men,
he will blefle. them largely in the growth of their familiesand fub*
fiance, and will extend hiscare even to their beafts ; he blef-
(ctb them alfo, fo as they are multiplied greatly, andjuffereth
not their cattelto decreafc.
Ver. 39* Again, they are minified and brought
low, through opprejfion, affiiHion andforrow.
The third change is, by fpoiling a populous and well -planted
countrey. Whence learn, 1. Such as have been raifed from a
I01V condition, can hardly bear prolperity, but are readily purled
up with it 3 as this change prefuppofeth. 2. God can bring down
fuch as doabufeprofperity, and make them as bale as ever they
were y A gain, they are minified and brought low. 3. The Lord
hath more waycs then one tofpoilea fertile countreyj for albeit
he do make it continue fertile, yet he can bring the fword of the
cnemic on it : They are brongbt low > through opprcjjion, afflict ion
andforrow,
Ver. 40, He Votireth contempt upon Princes : and
caufeeh them to wander in the wildernefs, where there
is no way.
A fourth change is, in the pulling down Princcs,and putting
Statefmen to perplexity. Whence learn, \. As Kings and Ru-
lers do not keep then place^ and power, and eftimaticn among
men,
ft I J 5ALMb CJVIl.
men, but by Gods invefting them with dignity, fo when they
lofe their dignity and aredefpifed, they mult look to God as
the doer, and fearch the quarrel: for God will honour them
that honour him, and they who defpife him (hall be lightly e-
ftecmed : He poureth contempt upon Princes, z. It is God who
givethwifdom and prudence unto men, for ruling of States;
and when their wit is employed for their own earthly intereft,
he can take their wifdome from them, and give them a cup of
giddie wine, and put them in fuch perplexity, as they know not
what to do ; he can banifh them out of their countrey, and fend
them as vagabonds through the earth ; Hecaufeth them t$ wan-
der in the wildernejfe, where there is no way.
Ver, 41. Tet fetteth he thepoore on high from
ajflitfyon : and maketb him families like afiocl^
The fifth change is, in comforting the affli&ed, andraifing
them out of the duft into a better condition, after they are hum-
bled in the fenfe of their own poverty. Whence learn y i.Al*
beit the Lord cafteth down the mighty, and putteth tne wife
to perplexity, yet he will purfue them no further then unto hu-
miliation, if fo be they take with their fins, and feek reconcile
3tion with God, as his Word prefcribeth,and depend upon God
as* needy poor foules, he will lift them up again $ let he fetteth
ibe poore on high from affliftion* 2. As pride and felf-eftimati-
on, becaufe of riches , or power, or wifdom, or any other
fcarthly reafon, goeth before mine ; fo lowlinefle of minde, hu-
miliation in the' fenleof fin and of unworthinefle,and of weak -
neffe and witlefnefle, driving a man to depend on God, as a
begger doth for almes, goeth before exaltation ; He fetteth the
poorc on high from affliction, and mafieth him families life a
floch v
Ver.42. The righteous /hall fee it y and fejojee;
and all iniquity jhall flop her mouth .
43. TVho fo is W//*, and will obftrve thofe
things : even they jhtll Understand the loving k'tndnefs
if the LORD.
He
1
PSALMECVII. 93
Heclofcththe Pfolme with tvvopromifes, one of performing
what is herefaid, to the comfort of the righteous, and flrame
of the misbelieving proud /inner: The other is of manifefting
his loving kindneife to fuchas do obferve and make ufc of
Gods providence. Whence learn, 1. Such as being juftified by
faith, do endeavour to order their converfaticn righteoufly, fhail
be witneffes of the Lords performing of his Word : Tberigh-
teom Jhall fee it. 2. As there is joy in believing of the Lords
Word, fo there is yet more joy in beholding the performance
of his Word $ The tightens jhall fee it and re Joyce. $. Among
other mercies bellowed upon the righteous man, this is one,
that the Lord putteth him upon the counfel of his working, doth
expound his providence unto him by his Word , teacheth him
to compare Gods Word and his Works, and maketh him wit-
nefle that God is as good as his Word ; The righteous Jhall fee it
and rejoyce* 4« The wicked fhall be difappointed of his expect-
ation, in regard of the good which he hoped to himfelf, and
{hall finde himfelf miftaken about the godly, whole wayes he
counted to be folly : The righteous fhall re}oyce> and all ini-
quity fhall flop her mouth. 5 . As the works of the Lords good-
neffe, jufticeand mercy are wrought in the light of men, that
they may obferve his way, and keep the oblervarion thereof in
memory: fo are they the wifeft Tort of men,who do obferve Gods
providence beft, and do compare it with the Lords Word, that
they may underftand it rightly ; Who jo is wife, and will ob-
ferve the fe things. The wife man, and the obferverof Gcrfs
wayes toward the children of men, here is one, 6. Albeit there be
very few wifeobferveisof Gods proceeding with men in jufticecr
mercy,yet fo many as are his difcipks,Scudcnts of his Word, and
do walk anfwerably thereunto, fhall never want matter of ob-
servation of Gods Wndnefl'e toward tbemfelves- For rcho fo
is wife, even they Jhall obferve the loving iindnejfe of the
Lord.
PSALM
P4 PSALME CVIII.
PSALM CVIII.
THis Pfalme is compofed of a pare of the fifty feventh Pfaltii*
from v. 7 to the end, and of a part of the fixty Pfalme, from
v. $. to the end, but in a diverfe notion 5 for in the fifty feven
and fixty Pfalmes, 'David is praying tor experience of the truth
of the promife made to him, concerning the Kingdome oflfracl*
and viftory over his enemies on all fides, being now in hazard
by them, but here he is making ufeof the experience received,
and of vi<ftorie obtained over enemies within and without the
Kingdome oflfracl, for the encouragement of the Church mili-
tant to the ens of the world, againft inteftine and forreign ene-
mies whatfoever. Again, in thefe two former Pfalmes, whence
he doth repeat the words of this Pfalme > he had his own intereft
to plead, beficie what was typical in his exercife : Here, his own
intereft being fetlc-d, and the promife made to himfelf perform-
ed; he recommendeth this experience of his in a more abftraft
notion from his own particular, and in a more typical way of
a pledge of the victory of the true Church militanr, under her
Head and Lord, over all her both inteftine enemies and for-
reign, without the verge of the vifible Proteflion, that in the faith
of Chrift 5 and hope of his prevailing in the work of enlarging
and reforming of the vilible Catholick Church, and overthrow-
ing of the open enemies of Chrifts Kingdome, typified under
the exercife of David, thetruefubjedsof Chrift might go on
in their warfare with the greater confidence.
This Pfalme hath two parts: In the former is the thankfgiving
of faith, and promife of praife, in hope of obtaining all, which
the Church is here to pray for, ver. i 3 2, 3, 4, $< In the latter
part is the prayer for prefervation of the Church, vcr»6.
with confidence to be heard and helped, whatfoever impediment
appear, againft all who ftand out againft Chrifts Kingdome,
whe:her within the vifible Church, v* 7, 8. or whether without,
fuch as are profeffed enemies unto it, v. 9, io, 1 1. which prayer
is followed forth, 1/.1 2. and comfortably clofed with affuranee
of the Churches vi&oty by the affiftance of £od; v. J J« .
Ver,
PSALMh CJVill. px
Ver. i. f\ god % my heart it 'fixed: 1 wis
K^/fing and give praife even with mj
glory.
2. A\X>*kc Pfottery avdHtrpe: I my felf mil a-
rvake early.
Inthethankfgivingoffaith, and promife of praife, he com-
pofeth himfelf inthebeft frame of fpirit unto the work, and
fictceh himfelf by all meanes unto it. Whence learn , i .It is our
duty, efpecially when we are about any piece of immeJiatc fpi-
ritual worftiip, to take heed what we are doing, what the work
is about which we are going, who the Lord is with whom we
have to do, and how our heart is difpofed, that fo we may ap-
prove our felves to God with the more comfort: for this doth
the Pfalmifts example teach us ; O God, my heart is fix*
ed 3 1 milling, 2. In Gods worfhip it is very needful we fhould
have our mindes prefent without diverfion* and our affections
compofed, and let rightly toward the Lord, and the work in
hand, as here, CMy heart is fixed. 3. As a man firft tuneth his
inftrument, andthenplayethonit: fofliouldthe holy fervanc
ot God firft labour to bring his fpirit, heart and affection* into
a foiid and fetled frame for worfhip^and then go to workjAfy heart
is fixed: or prepared firmely, I will fing and give praife. 4. As
thegloy of man above the brute creatures, is, that from a rea-
fonable mindc he can expretfe what is his will by his tongue:
fo the glory of the Saints above other men, is to have a tongue
directed by the heart, for exprefling of Gods praife: I will fing
and give praife, even with my glory. ?. That only is our glory,
wherein and whereby we do moft glorifie God: for this caufe
the tongue directed by a holy heart, is here called Davids glo-
ry f I will fing and give praife, even with my glory. 6.Under
typical termes we are taught to make ufe of alh fanctified
meanes for ftirring.of us up unto Gods fervice ; for this the
Pfalmiftintendeth, when he faith $ tAwil^e Pfaltery and Harp.
7« We our felves mult firft be ftirred up to make right u.'e of the
meanes. before themeanes can be Sua ftix us up: therefore /aith
he ; I my felf will amie earlj,
96 PSALME CVII,
Ver. 3. I up ill praife thee, LORD\ among the
f*dple % and I willing praife unto thee among the Na-
tions.
4. forth} mercy \$ great above the Heavens: and
thy truth reacheth unto the clouds:
5. Be thou exaltcd> GOD, above the Heavens;
and thy glory above all the earth.
Here is the praife of Go J, and the rcafbns thereof; Whence
learn j 1. It is no fmall help unto the difcharge of a duty,
to engage the heart unto God for the doing of it, for in efted
that is the mofl: we can attain unto in this life,but in the next life
we fhall have full vent for our will to praife God, and fhall
follow our purpofe with perpetual perfevcrance : I will fraife
thee 3 .0 Lord, among the people. 2. Sincerity hath confidence to
profeffe its purpofe before the Lord : I will praife tbce3 Lord*
J. As it is the duty anddefire alfo of a true worfhipper, that ail
the world fhould beftirredup to praife the Lord: fo ic was the
comfort of the Church of thejewes, toforefee the joyningof
the Gentiles in the fong, and to fee the Gentiles ftirred up by
thefongsof the Jewifh Church $ I will praife tbee, Lord, a~
jnong the people, and will ftng praifes unto thee among the Nati-
ons. 4. The matter and reafons of Gods praife, are higher
then the woi fliipper can reach, and larger then he can fathom,
and in fpecial the mercy of the Lord toward his people, is lar-
ger then the wide circle of Heaven: Thy mercy is great above
the Heavens. $ . There is more ftuffe 3nd fubitance of good in
the Lords promifes, then the ftiarpeft-fighted Saint ever did or
can perceive 5 tor when we have followed the promife, to finde
out all the truth which is in ir, we meet with a cloud of unfcai en-
able riches, and are forced to leave i: there $ for fo much is in-
cluded in this, Thy truth reacheth unto the clouds. 6. The
height of ourpraifingof God 3 is to put the work ofpraifing God
uponhimfelfand to point him out unto others , as going about
the magnifying of his own Name,and to be gbd for it, as here j
Be thou exulted^ God, above the Heavens, and thy glory above
M tbeemk.
Ver,
PSALME CVIII. 97
Ver. 6. Thai thy beloved way be delivered: fave
With thy right hand, and Attjwer me.
Af:ertheprai(cofGod from Faith , follewerh the prayer of
faith. fVhtrein learn, i. The ( hurch is the Lords beloved,
or the incorporation more loved then any thing el fe in the
world, therefore here called, Thy beloved, z, Becaufethe
Church is Gods beloved the care of it mould be moft in our
minde, and the love of the p efervation of it, fhould d. avv forth
our prayer moil in favour of it; That thy beloved may be deli-
vered, fave. 3: Whcfoever is entrufted with any publick
charge, CivH or Ecclefiaftickin a fpeciai manner, fhould make
the piefervntion and welfare of Gods people, their chief aime,
and the chief matter of their prayer, and the greateft fatis faction
of their defires, as here is done; That thy beloved may be deli-
vered, fave, and an [wcr me. 4 As it is prefuppofed that the
Church mall be frequently in danger, fo it is certain that her
delivey and prefervation mud be brought about by God id
his way, and by his power, and God muft be truilei with this
woik; therefore laith he ilbattby beloved may be deliver cd,
favewitb thy right h&nd.
Ver. Gael hath fpokenin his holineffe, 1 will re Joyce*
I rviB divide Shechem : and mete out the vallej of Sue*
cotk.
8 : Gilead is mine i Manaffeh \imine % Epht.iim alfo
is the ftrength of mine head'. Jndah is my Law-
giver,
Here the Pfalmift looketh unto the word of promife for his ark
fwer. Whence learn, 1. Supplicants muft take the anfwer of
their prayers from the Word of promife, for he who findetfi his
warrant to pray, hath his anfwer belbe he. begin to pray, for
he prayeth according tothe Will of god, 'and fo he hatH hi*
petition; fodoth David teach r God balh ffo^en in hh holi-
tiejfe. 2. Faiihclofin^ wi:li a promife will furniflt joy ;o the
H ielicvcri
p8 PSALME CVIII.
beleever* before he enjoy the performance or it : God bath fpo\cn t
faith he, I will re\oycc % 3. The believer of a general promife,
may branch out the particulars in it * which are not performed
no lefle clearly* then if they had been particularly expreffed :
for fo doth the Pfalmift teach* faying, I will divide Sccbem }
and mete out the valley of Succotb, which thing c : me to pafie
as he believed* and the whole Kingdome unde< him was now
fetled for his particular intereft * when this Pialm was com-
pofed : but as it typified the reducing or ihe diftrafted parts
of Chi ifts Kingdom into the unity of Reformation* and joync
fubjeciion to his Government* it was to be performed noleffe
certainly then the di ft racted parts of the typical Kingdome of
Ifrael was to be joyned in uniforme fubjc&ion under David,
who here faith ; Gilead is mine , Manaffeb is mine, Ephraimal-
(0 is the ftrengtb of my beady $udab is my Lawgiver.
Ver. 9. Moab is my wafi-pot, over Edom Veill
1 caft opt my Jhoe t over tbiliftia mil I tri-
umph*
After compofing of the tribes of Ifrael) reprefentine the vifiblc
Churchy he turner h him to the forreign enemies of the King-
dome* and afliireth the Church of victory over them alfo.
Whence learn, 1. As in the typical victories of David, fo in
the Conqueft which Chrift maketh, fome are more fincereand
cordial fubje&s* fome do feigne fubje&ion out of conftraintor
carnal motives* and as in Davids, fo in Chrifts victories* fome
are vefllls of honour; all ferving for the vtfe of the great houfe :
Moab is my waJh-pot y over Edom will 1 caft out my Jhoe , over
Fbiliftia will 1 triumph. 2. When faith doth look through
the profped of Gods Word and Promifes, it will difcover afarre
oft* many advantages, as here we fee.
Ver. 10. who will bring me into the firong fity ?
who will lead me into Edom f
II. Wilt not thou , OGod y Who baft caft m of?
and tyilt not thou, (jod, go forth rritb enr hoftts ?
In
PSAlME CV1II. 99
tn the war again ft Edom, the difficulties arc reprefentcdy
frhich the Chureh militant mall meet with in her battels a-
gainftopen enemies, which diifi. ulties are here ovcrcum e by
faith, encouraging her againft all impediments. Whence learn,
U The Church of believers may fin.x, and fhall fin^e in lome
paflages of their rxeiciie, fom mainc difficulties meeting them
in their progrelfe, arid fomc enemies harder to overcome then
others j fome devils mn.t (Wong in their pofteiTion then others,
reprefented here by the fir ngeft City of Edom j Who will
bring me into thejtreng City ? z. When we meet with any dif-
ficulty greater then any former hath been, faith mult give more
employment unco God, and put in to him tor more aififtance
and ft r en Jth: Who mil lea I me into Edom'.roih not thou, 6 God ?
3. Faith muft net be difcouraged in her warfare, from any
tokens of Gods difplcature , formerly le: forth ag inft his peo-
ple, but rather muft draw encouragement from thence, taking
all the executions of thrcatniugs for fo many pawnes and pledg-
es of the performing of promifes, as the Pfalmift doth here :
Wilt not tbouwjjoh^ijicaflusoff} and wilt not thou gofortb
with our bo fits ?
Vcr. 12. give m help fr cm trouble : for zake i$
the hch of man.
He repeateih his prayer, and infifteth upon his requeft
Whence learn, i. When the believer findeth his faith weakefty
he muft make ufe of prayer, as the infirme man doth cf a ftaffe
in his walking; Give us help from trouble. 2. He who would
have Gods help in any bufineffe© muft quit confidence in mans
help* and the feeing or the vanity of mans help, muft make the
believer to truft the more unto, and expeft the more confidently
Godshelp> as here is done; Give us help from trouble, for
vain is the help ef man.
Verf. 13. Through God wc'*jhall do valiantly ;
for he it is that jk*U trejd down mr encrfiies*
He ciofeth the P.alme ccmfotta8l$ in ajlurancc of the
H 2 Churches
ioo PSALME CIX.
Churches vi&ory. Whence learn, i. Whatsoever may be the
varietie of the exercifes of faith, victory and triumph (hall
clotethewar, and crown the wraftler ; Tbrou b Goi we Jhall
do valiantly, z Albeit the meanes be nothing but vanity
without Go d, yet they mu ft be u fed, for they are fomething
when they are ufed by us, and put in Gods hand : for, Through
God we fall do vdiantly. 5. What the Lord doth by the be-
iiever as his fervant, or by any other inft.ument, God mull
have the glory of ir$ Through God f faith he) wejhall do va-
liantly. 4. The faith of the Churches victory over her ene-
mies, is grounded upon Gods engaging in the war, for the
Church, and againft our enemies; Forheitis that JJull tread
down all our enemies .
PSALM CIX.
To the chief Mufician. A Tfalme of David.
DAvid 3 as a type of Chrift, h^th here to do with his and
the Lords defperate- enemies. The Pfaime hath three
parts. In the fir it part, he complaineth againft them unto God,
v. 1 j 13 ?> 4^' In the iecond, hepronounceth the fearful ven-
geance of God againft them, by way of imprecation in the
Spirit ofprophecie, untoi/. * 1. In the third part, heputtethup
a prayer to God for himfclf, and is comforted. In all which he
is a type of Chrift, and hath an eye unto Chrifts Kingdome,
and to the cefperate enemies thereof, as the Apoftle Peter doth
teach us in his application oi what is here fpoken, as a Pro-
phecie to be in part compltared intfudas, Atts 1. 20. And fo
David here, is not fatisfying his own private revenge againft
AcbitopbeL or any other tuch like traitor, but as a Prophet fore-
telling what judgement was to fall on the defperate enemies of
God, and as a bunt fubferibing to Gods righteous judgements,
for theurtourof all oppoiers of Chrifts Kingdom,
Veifl. rjOW not thj feue % O God of 07
s.Foa
2. For the month of the wicked, and the mouth of the
deceitful are opened again ft me ; they have fpoken a»
gainji me With a lying tongue.
3. They compared me about alfo with Veords
of hatred : and fon/Jot againfl meVeithout acatife.
4. For my l»ve they are mine adver/aries : but I
give my felf unto prayer.
*. And they have rewarded me evil for good : and
hatred for my love.
In his complaint, he praycth the Lord to (hew him felf in ju»
ftice agiinft his defperate enemies, and chargeth them for aife
and malicious calumnies, and wicked ingratitude again ft him.
Whence learn , i.As the moft innocent and holy fervants of
God arefubjeel to heavy iianders, and falfe calumnies r^ifed a-
gainft them, lb the beft remedy and relief in this cafe, is to go
to God with the matter, as here the Pfalmifl: dorh. 2. The
Lord will bear witnefle in due time unto the innocency of his.
oppreffed andunjuftly defamed fervants, as here the prophet
prayeth for in his prayer, and doth expect it: Hold not thy
puce, God. 3. A good confeience may be fure to be cleared
from falfe imputations, and mould comfort it felf with Gods
approbation in the meane time, becaufe whatfoever infamiethe
believer dorh lie under i the Lord will bring forth his innocen-
cy and commendation : for this reafon among others, the Pro*
phetdoth call the Lord , god of my praife. 4. Impudent
back -biters will put fuch a face upon the moit wicked calumny
and (lander of an innocent fervant of God. and will avow it o-
penly in his face, as if it were of truth, ashere we fee / For the
mouth of the wicked, and the mouth of the deceitful are opened
agiinjl me, they have fpofan againji me with a lying tongue. 5 A:«
innocent man maybe fo circumvented with calumnies and lies
forged of him > as he (hall be unable to findeout any way to clear
himfelf, as here we fee 5 They compiftci me about alfo with words
of hatred* 6 Albeit, when an innocent man hath to do with
a wicked and impudent flanderer, he may be put to no iefle ha d
cxerci(e,rhen if he were yoked in a combat to fight for his life,yet
it is comfort when God and his own confeience know that he
fuffereth unjuftly : They fought againft me without a aufe. 7-In^
nocency, kindneffe and good deeds, done by the godly, unto the
H i wicked
wicked inftruments of Snan, will not exempt them from their
malicious calumniating of them, yea, no man is more fubje&to
this requital then they who do. defervebeft of the wicked world,
even Chrift and his lervnts are of all men moft traduced : For
my love they arc my adverfiries, faith the type ofCh: ill, and
Chrift in him. 8. Ir is not the way to overcome the calumnies
of the wicked, to render reviling for reviling, or to loofe the
tongue unto evil words; b'>tthe only way to eve come all, is to
go to God as Supplicants, asherethe Pfalmift did ; But T gave
Tiny felf to prayer. 9. When m.iicious lips agrdnft a man arc
joynei with the ingratitude oi the Calumniator, it makrh up a
fearful ditty againft the flander£r$as hci:c D And they hive reward-
ed me evil for gooLmi hatred for my love.
Ver. 6. Set thotiarricked man over him : and let
Satan (land at his right hand :
7. When he Jha/l be judged, let him be condemn-
ed : and let his prayer become fin.
8. Let his dayesbefew: and let another takehU
office :
9. Let his children be father lcffe y and his wife a wi-
dow.
10. Let his children be continually vagabonds, and
beg : let themfeek their bread at:? out of their defo?
late places.
11. Let the extortioner catch all that he hath: and
let the H* anger fpoile his labour.
12. Let there be none to extend mercy unto him:
neither let there be any to favour his father leffe chil-
dren.
13. Let hit pofierity be cut off' and in the
generation following let their name be blotted
out.
14. Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembred
With the LORD) and let not the fin of his mother be
blotted out.
1 5. Let them be before the LOR*D continually;
thai
-
that he may cut off the memory of them from thi
earth.
16. Hecaufe that he remembred not to (hew
mircj , but perfecuted the poore and needy man 1
that he might even flay the broken in heart.
17. As he loved cuffing, fo let it come unt9
him: as he delighted not in bleffwg^ fo let it be farre
from him.
18. *s4s he clothed himfelf with curfing, like as
vcith his garment : fo let it come into his bowels like
water , andlifa oile into his bones.
19. Let it be unto him as the garment which co-
vered him, and for a girdle wherewith he u girded
continually.
20 # Let this be the reward of mine advet fanes
from the LORD: and of them thatffeak evil againfi
my foul.
In this fecond part of the Pfalme, he pronounccch the moft
fearful vengeance of God upon malicious calumniators, and
that as a Prophet and the Meffenger of God,to (hew the wrath of
God againft fuch wicked perfons in general, and efpccially a»
gainft the enemies of the Gofpei $ for he fpeaketh here as the
type cf Chrift, as Peter fheweth, applying this prophecie to
Judatby name, Acts 1. 20. Wheuelwn^ 1. Albeit it he
not lawful for any man to ufe fuch imprecations, out of pri-
vate revenge, or againft any man in particular, as Vwii doth,
who was led as a Prophet by the Spirit of God. yet this doth
(hew unio us, that fearful and heavie are thofe judgements which
attend ingrateful calumniators of honeft men, andinfpecial
all fuch as are enemies to Chrift and to his Gofpel, and ta
his faithful Miniftcrs, or to thofe in whom the work of Gods.
grace doth appear, and that in fpecial for their deviftng and
foftering lies and (landers of them that profefle Gods truth, of
purpofeto make them, and the truth which they rnaintaine,
and all of their kindc, to be the more hated and defpifed a**
mongmen: for this which is written here, rtiallbs their judg-
ment., according as they draw deeper in this fort of tranfgrcfli—
H+ em
1©4 PSALM E C X,
cm, and do approach to fudas his treacherie. 2. Morcfpecial-
ly, thele a v e the wages and reward ot the defpera e enemies of
Chrift, and theGofpel, and Chrifts fervants; Firft, all fore
of mifchicf mall come upon fuch a mans ownperfon from men,
and from devils, and from Judicatories, and from Heaven,
YVrath fhall be on him, in relation to his liberty, to his enter-
prife$,tonis .uitsofUw, and his exercife of Religion, till he be
cutoff from the world, and rooted from his place, v. 6, 7, 8.
Secondly, mifchiefftrllbeon his family , wife and children,
goods and eftate, whereof his children fh all have no benefit,
but be expofed to all mifery without pity, v. 9, to, n, 12.
Thirdly, mifchicf (hall be upon his posterity till they be rooted
out, whhinfamie to him of whom they came, being purfued
in wrath to the third and fourth generation, as the children ofc
him that hated God, till his fame and memory perifli, v. 13,
14,1?. and that fori his mercikfie perfectiting of the Lords
poor children, v. 1 6. Fourthly, the curfe of God, without hope
ofQods blefling, (hall purfue his gracelefie and curfeddifpoli-
tion ; to the vexation of his foul and body* and it (hall be fnft
ened on him op ill hands perpetually, v> 1 7> »• ?, 1 9* as the juft
reward of the deadly enemies of the Lord, and of the falvation
of his people, i>. 20, And this is letdown as a part ofaPfalme
of 7) Avid y to be fung unto Gods praife, and allowed and (aid
Amen unto, by all the people of God^ againftthe defperate and
unveccncileable enemies of Chrift, and of his true fervants,
whereby the Church of God may be edified and kept fall in
the faith and piofeffion of Chrift, and free from perfection of
bis faithful fervants,
Ver 21. But cb thou for mefi GODjhe Lord for thy
Names fa^e \ bee aufe thy mere j is good: deliver thou
22. For I am poore and need] : and my heart if
wounded within me.
21. 1 am gone like the fiadow when it decline th :
1 am toffedup and down as the locujl.
24. My \nees are weak through fa fling : and my
pfhf'ailetb of fatnejfe.
25. I became alfo a reproach unto tlpem ;
PSALME CIX. 105
when they looted upon mz x thej /baked their
heads.
i
The third part of the Pfalme, wherein the perfecured Saint
!>utteth up prayer unto Go4 for comfort to himfcif, and for de-
ivory, ufing Gindry reafons for ftrengthening of his faith^ to
v. 26. where he repe teth his prayer, with other rea r ons to in-
foceit. to v. 9. and saving tound comfort and victory, he
clofeth the Pfalme with thankigiving, v. $0,31.
From his fi. ft prayer, and the reafon thereof 5 £ Mr h ; i .What-
soever mifchief be appointed for the enemies of God, and of his
Son Jefus < .h ift, it (hall not prejudice the godly peifecuted, nor
hinder rhet accefle unto God, or o<s befriending of them,
for fo teacheth the Pfalmift ; But do tbou for me, God, the
Lord 2. It concerneth God in his glo y, as to punifn his foes,
fo to defend his friends and children: "Do tbou for me for thy
Names fake, g . The plea of the believer is not his own good-*
nefs, but the re,<dincfs of Gods mercy unto Supplicants, Be-
caufe thymercj U good, deliver tbou me 4. Becaufe God is
good and merciful, therefore he will not fufte his own to pe-
rifh in their rffliction ; Becaufe thy mercy is good, deliver tbou
me. 5. Before the Lord do comfort his children in their affli-
ction, he hringeth them to the fenfe oi their own inefficiency,
and of their need of his help, and when this poverty of fpirit is
given, it is a fore runner of delivery; Deliver tbou me* fori
am poor and needy. 6. As the Lord by affliction doih waken the
fenfe of fin, 3nd wound the mans fpirit, fo is he a ready Phy-
fician to the contrite ; Deliver tboumc y for my heart is woundel
within me. 7. This mortal life is like a fhadow, and when
affliction is fuperadded to mortality, mans life is like the fhadow
of the evening,which is fpeedily ftretched forth til it vanifhjand
when a Saint is in this condition, he may e*pc& the fruit of
Gods compaffion,as here, Deliver mejor I am gone Ufa a fhaiow
wbcvitdcclinetb. 8. The children of God muft not look for
any certain dwelling place, but to be driven to and fro by per-
secution, as thewindemaketh thelocuil to leap from place t»
place j I amtoffed up and down as the locu ft. 9. The grief of
the godly under perfecution may overcome the natural comfort
of meat and drink, and bring their body to willing leanneffe;
My knees are wca\ through fajtingi and my ficjh failctl? of fat-
neffe
io6 PSALME CIX.
neffe. 10. As it is ufual for the wicked to mock the godly, be-
ing brought low by perfecution : fo there is no parr of the croffc
more heavie to the godly then derifion ; 1 became alfo areproacb
unto them when they looked upon m$. 1 1. That which jod doth
threaten for a curfe on the wicked, may for the point of out-
ward calamity fall upon the dearcft children of j>od> as what is
threatened, Deut. 28, infundry things, is here found on the
perfecuted childe of Godj I became a reproach unto tbem> the)
jha\ed their beads.
Verf. 26. Help me, LORD my God 1 O fave me
according to thy mercy.
27. That they may knoxt that this is thy band : that
thou, LOKD y haft done it,
28. Let them curfe \ but bleffe thou : Vvhen they
mfe % let them be ajhamed^ but let thy fervant re-
Joyce,
29. Let mine adverfaries be clothed with frame :
and let them cover themfelves with their own confufton
as with a mantle.
He prayeth again for help, and addeth more reafons, cfpecially
thisreaibn, that fo the difference of Gods dealing with his fer-
vants, and with his foes may the better appear $ Whence learn y
1. As trouble is lengthened and lyeth on, io mufl prayer be re-
peated and in^fted upon, nshe^e: Help me, O Lord my God,
and fxve me According to thy mercy, 2. When the Lords children
do perceive tint Gods honour is oblcured by their fuflering,
they become no leife defirous to have God reftored to his ho-
nouivhen ro hive themfelves delivered from trouble; Save me y
that they may Iyiow that tbii is thy bind, th.it thon>LordJ)aft done
it. $. Albeit the Lord be the infti&erof the troubles of the
godly for their trial, and for manifeftation of his truth toward
them, and grace in them, yet the world cannot perceive this,
till God lift up the hand of his own out of trouble; Save mcjbat
they may know that this U thy band^ and thax thou, Lord, baft dene
it, 4. When God fheweth himfelf reconciled to a foul, light a-
rifeth in trouble, to let item fee both their own relief, a,nd the
over-
overthrow of their advemries, as here is fliewen in the propo-
(ition of the condition of the godly and their enemies. 5. Ic
matters not what the enemie fpeak againft the godly, (o long as
God approved them: yea, the more the enemie be defpiteful,
tht more will the Lord be kinde to his fervants : Let them eurfe,
but blcffc thou. 6.Whenthe contoverfie between the godly, and
their perfecutorscoracth before the Lord to be judged, mame
fhall cover the face of the perfecutor, and Gods childe fhall re-
joyce; When they arifc> (to wit (or pleading of their caufe)
let them be ajhamed, but let thy ft rvant re\oyce. 7. The pretences
whereby the wicked deceive their own ccn'ciencesin perfecu-
tingthc Saints, fliall be their fin, and theii fhame and condi-
tion; Let mine adverfaries be cloatbedwitbjbame, and let them
jcovct tbcmfclvcs -with their own covfufion^ as with a mantle*
Ver. 30. / mil greatly praift the LOBfD with
my mouth; yea, 1 mil praife him among the mul-
titude,
3 1. For he Jball (land at the right hand of the
poore: to fave him from thofe that coudtmne his
foule.
Heclofethhis prayer and the Pfal me comfortably. Whence
learn, 1. Albeit the pcrfecutcd children of God be put to
mourning and prayer for a time, yet the ifl'ue of their exercife
jftttH be joy and praife •> For I mil greatly praife , faith the Sup-
plicant here. 1 . It is not unufual to God to make the delivery of
his children manifeft before the people, who were witnefles of
their hard ufage by the wicked, and to make his fervants tp pro-
claim his praife with their own mouth 5 I vill grcjtly ruife the
1 ord with my mouth, yea, I will praife him among the multitude*
3.AsSatan/L/.6.flialftand at the right hand of thePerfccutn t ,both
to drive him on to perdition in his fin, and then to accufe him
& tormen- him for it, fo (hill the Lord fiand ac the right hand of
his perfecuted fervants in their low . k ft condition^ to itrengthen
them under their trouble, and to deliver them our of it ; For he
Jhall fiand at the right hand of the poor, to fave him from them
„ that condemn bk foul. 4. Albeit the experience of the promifei
delivery be not yctconre, yctthcforefightofitby faith in Cods.
Word,
105 PbAUVlfc, CX.
Word, and gracious nature, is fufficient caufeof joy to the per-
fected Saint, and matter of praife unto God $ I will greatly
praife the Lord with my mouth } for bejhi'/jtand at the right band
*f tbepoor to favc kim*
PSALME CX.
THisPialmecontaineth the doArine of Chrift s Goi and
man in one perfon,concerning his eveilafting Kingdom and
Priefthood , whofe Kingdom albeit begun to be manifefted a-
mong the Jcwes, yetwas tobeextendeduntothe Gentiles with
great fuccefs,v. 1,1,3 As for his Priefthood, he is fetledtherin for
ever by an Oath, v.4.and that with the overthrow of his enemies,
how great or many foever, v. 5>6. yet not without Chrifts luf*
fcrings , by which he was firft to be humbled, and then to be
exalted, v. 7.
Ver. 1. ^ He LORD fuidnntomj Lord, Sit
X tbottat my right hand: until I Mike
thine enemies thjfootfiooL
In the fivft place, the Prophet being taught of God, defcribes
the Perfonof Chrift, in both his Nature?, and in his King-
ly office, which he exercifeth in heaven from the beginning of
the world to the end thereof, until all his enemies (hall be de-
ilroyed. Wbmt learn, 1. Albeit the understanding of Chrifts
perfon and offices be neceffory unto the Church, yet none know
the Son lave the Father, and they to whom he will reveal him;
for David knew Chrift only by the Fathers teaching ; The Lord
faidy faith he. 1. Chrift is Davids Son, and "Davids Lord alio:
Davids Son, in regard Chrift affumed his humane nature of Da-
vids feed , and Davids Lord, becaufe he is God, very God and
very man in one perfon 5 The Lord [aid to my Lord> that is, Go'\
the Father revealed to me concerning God the Son, my Lord
3nd Redeemer. 3. Chrift iu his Kingly office is exalted to
the
PSALMECX. 109
the fellowship of glory and power with the Father, authorized
by him in his Kingdome, and eftablifhed therein by divine de-
cree: The Lord (aid to my Lord. 4. Chri ft fince the beginning
cf the world hath had, and to the end of the world (hall have
enemies to his Kingdome, who (hall fight againft him, but he
fhall prevaile over them compleatly and glorioufly, to their
{name and confufion : Sit thou at my right band, until Intake
thine enemies thy footjiooL ?. No lefle then divine power is able
tofubduejhe enemies of Chrifts Kingdome j for devils and
wicked men, fin, death and hell are oppofite to his throne;
Sit there until I mx\e thine enemies thy feotftooL 6. Albeit this
victory is not fully obtained, till the end of the world, becaufc
oftherenewingof the battel by new instruments, from gene-
ration to generation, yet till then and for ever Chrift the King
enjoyeth his glory in heaven, and firteth judging and ruling pow-
erfully nil things for the good of his \ Church 3 Sit thou at my
right band, until J make thine enemies thy foot ft. ol.
. Ver. 2. 7 be LORD fhall fend the rod 'of thy
jlrength out of Zion ; rule thon in the midjl of thine
enemas.
In the fecond plac : he fheweththe meanes and manner of
his Ccnqueft and governing.to wit, by the preaching the Gofpel.
Whence learu, 1 « Chri ft wantcth not a rod and fcepter whereby'
to goyern^bur he h.nh the Word of God preached for the Enfigiv
of his Princely power and preheminencie 3 which is the arme
and power of God unto lalvation to every c ne that believed '. and
which is able to throw down every ftrong hold exalted againft the
knowledge of himi This is therod of thy Jlrength. 2 .Chrift was
King in his Church, and was in exercife of his office before his
Incarnation, and that by his Word preached, which is the rod
of his mouth, J fa. 1 1. 4 For he fhall fend the rod of thy ftrength
out of Zion, prefuppofeih the rod of his ftrength in Sion. 3 Jt,
was decreed, rhat Chrifts Kingdome, hevrfoever firft and meft
clearly manifefted among the Jcwes, yet ihould not be limited
within Judca, but ihould go forth unto the Genti es for fubdu-
ing them* The Lord fhall fend the rod of thy ftrength out 0/ Zion.
4. How many enemies foever (hili oppofc the Ktngdomeof
Chrift, and hew powerful lecyer they ihall be, ye: Chrift fhall
fc*ar
no PSALME CX.
bear rule, enjoy his Kingdcme, maintainehis fubje&s, and go-
\ his Conqucfts * Rule thou in the mid ft of thm 'enemies.
on in
Vci;. 3* Thy people ftxzWbt willing in the iky of
thy porter , in the beauties ofho/inejfe from the wombe
of the mowing : thou hafi the dew of 'thy youth.
In the third place he flieweth what fucceffe Chi ift fhall have}
for he fhall have abundance of Converts, who fhall come to his
Church offering themlelves , as the free-will -offerings were
brought to the beaUtlml holy Temple^ and that in fuch mulci -
tudes and Continence, as his young Converts fhall be innume-
rable, like the dew upon the grafle, which dewiffueth out as it
were from the ^mornings wombe as its daily birth. Whence
learn > i . Whatfoever courfe our Lord mail take, for inviting
and compelling guefts to come to his feaft, and to the fociety
of his vilible Church, yet only his Elect, his redeemed ones,
all of them are made moft willing Converts by his Omnipo-
tent power, effectually inclining their hearts, and making then*
willing 3 Thy peop:e fiall be willing in the day of thy power*
2. Chrifts Church by the-adminiftration of holy Ordinances,
by the letting forth of the Lords holinefle, by her teaching
and perfwading effectually unto the duties of holinefle, is ex-
ceeding beautiful in the eyes of God, and of fpiricual behold-
ers 5 Thy people flmll be willing in the beauty of bolineJfe.^.Txut.^
Converts by the power oi theGofpel are Chrifts children and'"
off-fpring, who mall grow up before him in (implicity and -
harmlefneffe , as the youth in each generation do grow, and
fhall be for multitude as the ftarres of Heaven, as thefandon
the fea-fhore : or as the morning dew defcending from the
Heaven : From the wombe of the mwving, thou bxft the dew of
tbyyouth.
V€M* The LORD hath f&orne, and will not res
fent^ thou art aPrieft for ever, after the order of Mel-
chizedecb.
In the fourth place; h his Priefthood fetled, fPbcnce fettofc
X.Ghri£ „
PSALME CX. in
I, Chrift as he is King of his Church, foheis Pdeftalfo, for
tfte teajj^jteg of Gods will to his fubje&s, for reconciling them
ro God by his propitiatory facrifice, for fanctifying them, for
making their fervices acceptable, for bearing the iniquity oi:
iheir holy things, for interceding alwayes for them, and bleffing
them effectually in the N ;me of the Lord : Thou art a Ttrieft >
faith the Lord unto our Lord. 2. Chrift is an everlafting Prieft,
who liveth for ever to make interceffion for us, and neither need-
eth nor can admit any fucceflor, or fuffragan to himfelf in his
office ; Thou an a Prieft for ever. $. Chrift in his office is no
Ufurper, for he is called to it, his Priefthood is unchangeable,
confirmed by an Oath, having the glory of Gci laid in pawne
for its {"lability and continuation without change: The Lord
bathf orn>and will not repent) thou art a Frieflfor cver.$.Airou$
order was net confirmed by an oath, but was an imperfect type:
of Chrifts Priefthood ,to endure only till the Lord came,till the
time of Reformation came,and was to be changed at Chrifts co-
ming; for feeing a change behoved to be made o^'the Priefthood
a change behoved alfo to be made of the Levitical law ; Tlmi art
a Tricjlfor ever, (not after the order oitAaron^ but) after ike
trier of '&&ckhi\edecb. 5. Mekhi\cdechs order, was not the
pntterne, but a type and fhadowing rcfemblance of Cbiifts
Priefthhood : for as Melchi\edech in his Scriprural being is men-
tioned and brought in, withouc (hewing who was his fathei or
mother, and had both the offices of King and Prieft joyned in
his perfon, and was firft King of righteoufneffe, and then King
of peace 5 as is more largely defcribed by the Apnftle in his E-
piftle to theHcbrcrvcs: fo is Chrift really without beginning
and ending, both King and Prieft, who bringethpeifed righ-
teoufnefle and peace to his fubjects $ Thou art a Trieftfor ever,
aftc r the order of. Mekbi\edeeh.
Ver. $.Tbc Lord at thy right hand fh*& ftribfi through
Kings in the day of his wrath.
6. He Jhall judge among the heathen, he Jhall Jilt
the places mthtlie dead bodies: be Jhall wound the
heads over many auntrejs,
In the fifth place is fct down the vifioiy cf Chrift o*ef
his
. ii2 PSALME CX.
his enemie. Whence learn, i. Chrift the Media-tour, ami
King of hrs Church, and every believer in him , Jiave Gad
ready at hand in all that they have to do ; for as Chrift is at
the right hand of the Father for glory, fo the Father is at Chrifts
right hand for cccpe«ation and afliftance : The Lord at thy right
hand, faith he. 2. As the Kings <md Rulers of the earth are u-
fually great enemies to Chrifts Kingdoms fo he is the hardeft
party that ever they (hail meet with : The Lord at thy right bund
fliallftrike through Things. $ 'The Lord hath a time of patience
wherein he beareth with his enemies, and a day of wrath when
he will break forth againft his adverfaries : He flail ftrike
through fyugs in the day of bi* -wrath. 4. Chrifts Government
is wile and juft, convincing fome of (in, and pordoning the pe-
nitent; convincing others of fin, and fcalingthcm up to con-
demnation, calling down the proud, and comforting the caft
down, and doing all things for the good of the fubjecls meft dif-
creetly 5 He flail judge among the heathen. 5. Wee there never
fo many enemies to Chrift , they are all dend men before
him, whom he wiii kill, and will caft their carcafes in the ditch-
es of their own campes $ He pall fill the places with dead bodies.
6. As he will punifh the multitudes of people, who under wick-
ed Commanders do oppofe his Kin^dome: fo will he in fpecial
fuinifti wicked Rulers, that lead on their people againft him,
how many foeverthey be who are joyned in confpiracy$ He
Jhall wound the heads over many countrcys.
Ver. 7. Befall drinl^of the broot^ in the Wajf 2
therefore Jhull he lift up the head.
In the laft place is fet down the manner of Chrifts carrying
rii his Kingdome and Priefthood in his Church, to wit, by
fuftering and enderlng hardfhip, as a good fouldier purfuing
the victory : for which his humiliation it is promifed he fhall be
exalted. Whence learn, 1 , It behoved Chrift firft to fiifter, and
then enter into glory ; He flail drink of tk brook in the way ;
or, he mail partake of the waters of affliction. 1. Whatfoever
a good ■ fouldier doth, or fuffereth in his warfare againft, and in
purfuit of his enemies, Chrift did and fuffered in purfuing his
enemies in his own perfon, and ttiall do and fuft'er in his myfti-
calbodys He Ml drink of the brook, that is, content himfclf
With
PSALMECxr. n*
with my obvious entertainment, which hemeetethwith intht
chafe of his enemies! and not be retarded with my care of beu
tcr fare, then what may further hit (uvpoie. 3* As Chriftg
perfonal fu#ering£ were not to endure any longer then the
time he was on his way to hi* glory, (b neither arc the fufferings
of his fouiciiei's or his Church militant, his my ftical body, to
endure any longer then they art in their way to the triumph ,
ifcu is, during thisfliort life; He Jhatt drink of the broo^in
the *ay. 4. As C hiift in his perfon was exalted after his fuffcr-
ing? asVi&or, and did enter into his glory: fo 'hall he exalt
ct try member of his my ft ical bo't y after their (ufiering , and ii ft
•p their head: fa. it is appointed even for them, through ma*
ny jffttftions to enter into glory * Then fore fatl be lift up
PSALME CXI.
THc fcopeof this Pfalme is to flirty* alt topiaifcGod*
and that for fo many reafons as there are verfes in the
Pfalme. The exhortation is in the fiift words: Prrife yt the
L$rd. The reafons follow in order. The Pfalme iscompofed fo
after the order of the Hebrew Alphabet, as every fen tence or
iulf verfe beginner b with a fe vera! letter of the AB Q in or-
der, and all the Pfalme is of praife only* Whence we learn in
general, 1. Sometime it is expedient to let all other things apart*
and employ our fclves expreflfcly to proclaim thepraifcsot the
Lord only-, for fois done in this Pfalme. x. The praifesof
the Lord arc able to fill all the letters, and words compofed of
letters, in all their poflible junctures or compofition* for fo much
doth the going through all the letters of the ABC point out
»nto us. he is A If hi and Omgi % and all the middle letters of the
A B £ of praife. $. The praifes of the Lord are worthy tob«
kept in memory : for that this Pfalme may bethebctterrem^m-
bred, it is compofed after the order •( the A B C, and fo it in*
finuatcth thus much to us.
V*,
H4 PSALME CXI.
*
Ver I. T^Raife ye the LORT> : 7 mil praife
JL the LORD with toy vokole heart in
the tsfffemblj of the Uf right ^ and in the
CongregAtion*
H« fettcih dowfnhefcopc of the Pfalme ina word of exhor-
tation to paifethcLovd, and then annexeth ten rea.ons and
motives thereunto. The firft motive is from his own examples
lyljevcclarn, i.When we are about any part of divine worlhip.
it (hall be to good purpofe to let our eye mainly upon thfeicope
which we propound to our felves therein: for to with lefle wa-
vering of thoughts, and more fixed pretence of minde, we fhail
follow our purpofe;' Thus much doth the Pfalmifts example
here teach us, fetting dov;naU he putppfcthto aime at in this
word , Praife ye the LorM. z\ The tailor of ? the Congregati-
on, being about to ftir up others to this, or any other fpiritual
duty,(hould go before them in his own example, andftir up him-
felf* for that fame end: for fo teachcth the Pfalmift, faying,
J trillfraifc tbcLotd. 3 . As the Lord is worthy of hearty prju-
fts}lo mould we with o*ur- heart take up the Sdng^and bear out the
wcifcjr w t U praife the Lord with my whole heart, 4.Sclemn meet*
Ings of Gods children for Gods publick worfhip, and furthering
one another therein, is an Ordinance ofGod appointed for that
end: Iwittfraife inthe Afi'emvly^nkintbe QongngArim^.hlbtit
the true members of the Church invifible, be only they who
are juftified, and who are regenerate, and who are Students of
f^ncTity and right^oufneffe 5 and albeit fuch only are fttteft hear-
ers, ^lifcerners^nd joyners in the Lords worihip » yet muft the
whole Congregation, or vifible members of the Church,what-
focver they be before God, be admitted to the feliowlhip of hear-
ing Godpr a: fed 5 for thereby the ele<2: unconverted may be re-
generate,- for when the Pfalmift hath faid , I will praife the
Lcri in theAjfembly of the upright, he fubjoyneth alio, and in
the Qongngaiwu '■
Ver. 2. The works of the LORD are great, fought
tiki of all them that have Pteafure therein*
The
the greatnefs and excellency of Gods works. Wbcnee learn, .
i. We need nor to far to feek matter for prilling theTicrd/
his works are at our hand ro turnifh mattei \ and albeit the Lords
w%rks in. cornparifon. one with another, be Icrhe of *hern
greater, fome of them k Her, yet all aiiidsvery cnejol them being
looked aiponTeverstfy^re greats Ti?$. pwh of the .-Lord are
great- i.Whatfttfver glory doth appear gtf v. oris wmkisvhere
ismore-hki. trcaCueaiid excellency therein cpbe : fought out,
aiuhif .taercrdo not (ktmu.h in Gods, works p lz B bec#u(> jthiy
doiabt feek chem om ; The worlds of tbs \Lori. Arc great .ipouzfo
out of jail them, &c. ^.Itisamaik.oY a wi-.e chiLic.o- Gjito
take pleasure in Gods work, and totake.pleafuie to fearch and
fee GouspraiLetherfiin, :nd chefeoaiyfreta reap ttjcrighi^tfe and
bbriefit. thereof :j iTl&;&t \ fought <Mt;df>aU(ttera that \kx&\flM~
(wc therein. 'oV.- ,
Ver.3. HU work is honourable and gloriom : and hii
xW\ third renfon orpraiTe, is the glory andnorfour'of Cod
to be feen in his works. Whence lean, . Tht ^lory of'Go'ds
wifdome, power, juftice or mercy, or feme of his attributes, is
^^-upgnjJ^vK^ks of < .Tea-Jutland P^vLic, g$ akd>hcy
hav^, an dper.-eye to look u
^upoarherpiightlyj £n:vv
r . His Tp,or\is -bQUcurzulc .md glorious. ... \%h. .
ija-yes of God^i^m, ..pov'vvr> goodrtflft* .01 a,,
Pl8^iv*d in his-wVi-k, they car;,
God, and,of his work 3K0 ; and ^pigb$ eili;;
cannot be attained ; till his glpi y bc'feeij hi it 3 ty
Gods children alto , do often mifcoflftrue che ^ 2 d
dealing with themfelvcs and with others>yet there is
therein, there was never any wrong, nor ever fhali there be i"
SWte l v# ?mti iraiiilkeiiV^d^liBgi Ru r&btsflfpefft
cniar.etb for ever? ** v ,
mil *:$% fwtt %4 U
1 1 J -
Ver. 4* He hath mad? his wonder fat works to he
u6 PS A L ME CXI.
frmtmbrU'* th$ LORD iogr adorn, mmJ f*i! gf $$m
pa/pom
The fourth motive copnifeGod, iathecourfe hetaketh to
make his works to be remcmb red , mixing mercy and companion
in all his providence cowards men, andfpeeially has own people*
Whence turn, i. What the Lord bath done for his Church, ht
hath ordained that it (hould beremembred ; and this he pro-
cur cth , partly by priming upon his works the large impreflion of
his power and goodntflej partly by doing the like works when
the Church ftandeth in need thereof * and partly by his Ordi-
nances, commanding them to beremembred § He bitb mdebb
wonderful works to be remmbreL a. As the grace and lovinc
pity of God towards his Church, is theciuieof the wonderful
working of God for his Church: fo are they ftrong motives to
caufc his works to be remembrcd unto his praife $ for tbc Lord
igriciom ini full of iomfAffUn % doth bere infer fo much.
Vcr. 5, H$ hsth given w*a% »nt$ tbem ihdi
fear* him, hi will iVit hi mniful $f bit Cow*
The fifth motirt to praife God,is,beeaufe God according 19
his Covenant provideth for the necefiities of his people*
Whence learn t 1 . The Lord in all aees h3tb carefully furniihed
maintenance for the life, both bodily and fpiritual of his own
people 5 He bitb given meat to tbem thit fegre bim. a. As what
good the Lord doth unto his people, is becaufe of his Covenant
with them, fo what is to be don- for them, he will do for his
Covenants fake alfo without being wearied ; He wil ever be mini*
fulofbis Coven&u
Ver. 6. Ht hath Jb**ti hk people thi powsr
of hti Vrorkj : tbdt hi may govt them the hirittgt
of the heathen.
The (ixrh motirt to Cods pwfi i*>the proof which be gave of
bit
P SAL ME CXI. II?
his power for, and good-will Co this people, ia bringing them
out of Egypt and onto C**&xnWb€n$e Utrn> i .The Lords woi k-
Ing wonderfully ?iid extraordinarily for his people, were it hue
once and at one time, as It is a fufficient reafon of praifing hina
ordinarily at all times thereafter, lb it is a fufficicnt prop to the
frith of his people at ail times ; for this ufe arc we taught to make
of the Lords wot king for his people, in giving tbtm tbebetiuge
$f tbe hejtben. u As the Lords working for his people at one
time, giveth evidence of what he can do for them at any time.
fo will he have his own people in fpecial fpcSarors, obfervers and
wltnefles of his working at any time, that they may make ufe
thereof at all times; Hehitb jbrwedbis pcoptc tbe power of bk
»"('» tb it btmqgh*tbemtbebcriugeofihthwb*t»
Vcr. 7. Tin m$rh if ki$ minis ire verity 4mA
j*Jg*mHut : sit hit C*mm*nim*nt$ an fur*.
£ Tkf}fts*ilf*fcf*r*9frs*4**tr: tod srt i**f
in truth snkmprigktntjfi.
/
Thefcremh and eighth motives to Gddspraife, is thefuit-
aMenefs of his Work unto his Word, and the ftkoility of his
Word and Works in truth and uprightnefs. Whence Uir*>
i. The works of the Lord done for his Church , and in his
Church to his people for their corre&ionor comfort, and a-
gainft their enemies for their overthrow, do prove the Lord to
fie true and faithful in his proxnifes and threatening* : The wor(*
*f the Lord ire verity and judgement* ** As the Words and
working of the Lord agree together, fo ftiould they be efteemed
of, acknowledged and commended by us : Tbe worlds of tb*
Lord are verity and judgement. 3. The whole Word of God,
all which he hath commanded us toobferve and make ufe of,
is worthy of all commendation and of perpetual ufe; for all the
Carts of it do agree one with another, fuitablc to the condition of
is people in all ages, good and profitable to them : it is dear an4
plain, and not ambiguous, when it is rightly considered and com-
pared with it fclf.- for even the ceremonial law, albeit abolished,
for the outward obfervation of the carnal cei emonie , which
figured forth Chrift to come, yetendureth forever in the real
Signification otfubftancej benefirsand duties thereby fiudowed
I $ forth?
fortli: arid thetaVcfraUaw ,• howio^eh itferveth to condentnfc,
men for their fins; yet it is alfo a pedagogic to draw and* drrrv^
c<jridemired« men tofcek'i : ;h r eoufnefleand life in Cnrift, avA
w\fr&&i& believer along i his hahdftor heaven ; Ml hhCam*
mandmntsarefure, thejtj&tiidfaft for cvti and ever, m&toeMno
in truth anduprigbiMJfe.
-
■ I
Vei\ p. He-fint redemption unto his people : he hath
tmmnufcd his GWinwit for ever*, holy ttnd rekieffnjl
u httName.
*. ?
The ninth motive to Cjodspraiie, is the courle which he "hath
taken for mans falvnion, and for his divine honour. Whence
learn, i. The Lord hath made redemption ready for men, and
fefch giveh*foM*a e&fti^ffrdn for tiMArrg offer of ft, ami" for
applying it jx>:t-he benefit of.: tbeMiweO fit few rahmfmn to
kkjgople. 2. Whoibever do receive rbe-rneffage o\ ' Redempti-
on fent unto them, Gocl is entered with them in an eveilafting
and unchangeable Covenant, for gfacW and ialvaridn unto them:
h e hath commanded his Covenant for ever. 3. Wherein foever
God hathengage<khQ}tel[ by Covenant, we muft not* (j^fftft
him .to be ot{ia^ayo$ minded .then he hath fpeken , but
muft in far hand t^ai: • fubicribc to his declaration', left we
(tfoifeisfc Name im vain : For holy J and nvewd # kit
Name-
Ver. 1.0. The feare of the LORD is the begin*
rang ofwifdomez a good -tmderftanding have all
they that do f\k Commandments, htspraijetndnretb
forever.
The tenth motive to praife God is, from the fruit of believing
fcnd obeying him « | \N hence learn. . l. As it i^ true wiidorne to
inpw the Lo.xls will, and to obferve it: fo then do : mea be*
.gin to give pi oof of wifdom in them, when they begjn : tojmake
confeience o> the obedience of faith, and to ftand in awe to mif-
believe Gods Word, or dilbbey his commands ; Far, thefeare of
the Lord is the beginning of wifdom. 1. Howfoever the wicked
who
who follow their own cotinfel, may feem wife to world*
lings, and the Lords children to be fimple and witlefTe, yet in
dffcct, themanthat ftudieth conftantly unto the obedience of
faith,is the only wife man; eAgood under ft anding have alltbcy
that do his Commandments, j. Albeit many do neglect to praife
God, yet he fhall not want praife : for the matter of his praife
fhall endure, and he (hall provide fuch as mail praife him,
from generation to generation^ and for evermore 5 His praife en*
dureth for ever-
PSALM CXII.
Vcr. I. T)R*fe V the L0RCD , *BltJfed is
JL the man that feareth the LO R D:
that delighteth greatly in bis Command'
tnents.
"THis Pfalme is apraifingof God for bl effing of thebdeevers,
and the whole Pfalme doth prove that the beleever is bleffed .,
which Propo/ition is fet down, v* 1. and confirmed with fo many
reafons as there are veries following. Whence learn, 1. Albeit
infingingof fome certain Pfalm or part thereof, there be no-
thing directly fpoken of the Lord, or to the Lord, yet he is prai-
fed when his truth is our fong, or when his works and doctrine is
our fong, as here it is md}Praife ye the Lord. And thereafter the
blefledneis of the believer taketh up all the Pialme. 2. It is the
Lords praife, that his fervants are the only blcfled people in the
world; 'Praijcyc the Lord: why? becaufe, Blejfedis the man
tint feareth the Lord. 3 . He is not the bleffed man fwho is moit
ob'ervant to catch all opportunities to have pleafure, profit and
worldly preferment, and careth not how he cometh by. them;
but be is the bleiTei man, who iv mr ft obfervant of Gods will,
and careful to follow it * Bleffed is the man that feareth the Lord.
4. As there is matter of great ueii^ht and contentment in .Gods
Word, unto all them whofeare God; fo the true mark of afouiid
believer and fearer of God, is delighting to know, beleeve and
I 4 obey
no PSALME CXII,
obey Gods Word, for fo he defcribeth the man thit fcarcth Goi:
Hr dcligbtttb greatly in bit Commandments.
Ver. 2. HufeedfhxR be mighty upon earth: the
miner att on of the upright [hall be blef[ed s
The firft proof of the believers blcflcdnefle, isthebleffingof
his children* (if God (hall fee it good to give him ions and
daughters of his body ,) or .he blefline of thofe that do by his
teaching and example follow the footfteps of his faith and obe-
dience. iVbetitc learn, \ Albeit we are bound toferveGod*
whether he give unto us benefits or not; albeit our fervice at
the beft be but a very weak endeavour, and many wayes taint-
ed: and albeit we be unprofitable fervants, prefuppofing we
could ioferve, as we ihould give perfect obedience, and do all
that is commanded; yet it pleafeth God to allure us unto his
fervice, by propounding rewards and encouragements unto us,
as in this PtV me we fee. 2.Thebeft way to bring a blefiing
on our children and poftcrity, is to feareGod, by our inftru&i*
on and example to teach them to follow us in the Lords fear $
for their feed fhal be mizbty upon earth , even Kings and Pr iefts
unto God, whatsoever mall be their worldly portion, j. Albeit
few do believe, yet i$ it true, that upright dealing hath better
fruits then wittie projecting and cunning catching: The ge-
neration of the upright Jhall be bleffed.
Ver. 3 Wealth and rich J (hall be i» bit houjt :
and his right cwfncffe endureth for ever.
The fecond proof of the believers felicity, is the blefling of
him in his outward eftate. Whence learn y i. Whether God
fhali give more or lefletothe upright man, one way or other it
(hall be more ufeful to him then all the wealth of the wicked
can be to themilVealth and riches fhal bein his houfe 2. Be ides the
temporal commodiry and fruits in this*life of the believers righ-
teous carriage gracious rewards are laid up for him in another life
for ever ; His rigbteoufneffe endurcth for ever,
Vcr.
PSALMfc CXll. IS I
Vet. 4. Vnto the upright then arifttb lighi hm
tliidarkntffi : be is gratia* and full $fc*mpaj[ic* % and
righteous.
The third proof of the believers blcffedneflc, is comfort in all
troubles, ind a deliverance out of all difficulties, as the fruit o£
Gods grace enduring in him* iVbencc torn, 1. Albeit the
Lord will not exempt the believer fromdukpaflagesof his pro-
ridence, or from amiAion and perplexity, yet he will make hint
fure of comfort, direction, and a good event % Unto the upright
there irifetb light in iar^ntffc. x.The light and comfort which
isbeftowed upon the upright, is the fruit of Gods erace towari
him, and of the junfturc of laving graces in him : for the ward*
may be extended both to God, and to the believer by Gods do*
nation; Heugracjou and full of compifjiov, and right com;
which is true of the believer in fome degree, and of God it is
true,abfolutcly and infinitely*
Vcr. 5. A ge$d man fbe^eth favour and lendethi he
mil guide his affaires with difcretiou,
A fourth proof of the believers blefTedneffe is, from his proper-
tics or fruitfulnefs of his faith, in the works of juftice and mercy,
difpenfed with difcrction. Whence lexrn, 1. The believer to
whom God hath extended favour and kindnefs, will be good to
them among whom he livcth, and by the fruits of equity, love,
kindneffe and mercy, will give evidence of Gods grace dwel-
ling in him : for here the believer is called, 4 good mtttjKhs
Jbereethmcrejf 9 anllendeth. z. $ race and godlinefie, found and
fruitful faith, do not make men to become fooles without di ."ac-
tion, but do confift well with prudence and discretion, in or-
dering their aftiires wifely, and doteachthem to give, when,
what, and to whom they iftould give, as the circumihnces ot
time, and place, and'perfon, need of the par tie, and their own
ability do require; He will gride bis tffuires with Hi
ere ion*
i iZr if a t\ jl m n 1^ A 11.
Ver. <?♦ Surely he /bill not be moved for e*
ver : the righteous /hall be in everlafiing remem-
brance*
A fifth proof of thebeleevers bleflednefle, is the promifeof
his liability in grace, and eftimation with God for ever.
Whence learn, i.No man fhall ferve God for noughtjthe grace
befto-ved upon him making him to abound in well-doing fhall
be followed with more grace, rewarding and crowning grace in
him, andinfpedalhemallbefetled intheftate of grace, what-
foever temporal changes of inward or outward condition he may
fuffer; Surety he Jhall not be moved for ever. 2. Albeit the
world may mifregard the believer, and traduce him while he li-
veth, and calumniate him when he is dead, yet his memory mail
remain frefh and fragrant before God, Angels and good men who
know him: The righteous Jhall be in ever la/ting remem-
brance.
Ver. 7. He [hall not be afraid of evil ty din gs\
hid heart u fixed, trufiing in the LOK'I).
Afixthproofof the beleevers bleflednefle, is from the peace
of -God guarding his heart againft the fear of evil. Whence
learn, 1 Albeit the believer wanteth not his own infirmities
and fcares, yet he is not overcome of fear, as the wicked or in-
credulous are 5 ' He /hall not be afraid of evil ty dings. 2. The
guard of the godly mans heart, is not confidence in his owne
wifdom or ftrength 3 natural courage or any earthly thing, but
that which fedeth him is faith in God : His heart isfxcd i truji-
iugin the Lord.
Ver. 8, HU heart is eflablifbed, he fhall not be a-
fraid, until he fee his defire upon his enemies.
The feven'h proof of the believers bleffednefs, is his fecuriry
from his enemies. Whence lcarn> 1. Albeit the bcleever be
not exempted from having enemies j yea, and thofc mighty and
terrible*
tfc*riblft*;andfocbaswill beiftudyjng a mifchief igainft him>
at*l breathing, out terrour^ yet .tarJiiraCrod wiU^gua ti ^freart
fo 3 thwbefhailiioHjbemovedfrofir the courfc of Go.s obedi-
ence for alf tHau theencmy can dtf.$ Bis heart is efLabli( 1 :cd 1 .ba
jbalfaw be afrtid. i. The light of Gc*ss Worddoth(hewunt<>
the believer both his own delivery, and the ovcrtJuowot h*s
enemies, which it he do not fee in full tffe& in his own time,
yet he (hall forefee it in the predictions of Gods Word: H€
jhatt not be ajrdiX> until bc[ce his defire upon bis enemies.
riiy I
Ver. 9, Fie hath cii (per fed, he hath given to the poor:
his rightsoufpeffeendureth for ever : hi) home fball
his right$oufxe$e endure th for
be exalted x*iih honour.
The eighth, proof of the believers blefiedn^ is from his
conftant courfe in fruitful reft q£ faiih, and from the fruits there-
of. Whe-mt Item, i. The wotks of roercie to the diftrcfled,ar«
a fpecial fruit and commendation of thefaitho the beleever :
He hath difperfed, be hath given to the poorc. 2. The beleever io
giveth as he may be (till ab f e to give to manyjHe bath difperfed.
3. As the.beleevers-righ-.tei/ufne sbyjuftification, fo his endea-
vour tobe righteous in .the effect of fancTintatlonV is not by
fits, but confHnt and permanent ; Hit rigbtctujnejfe endurcth
forever. 4. Albeit the righieous-may have their reputation blaft-
cd among men, yet God in due time (hall make tiem honour-
able : His borne fbatl be exalted with honour..
Ver* 10. The wicked /hall fee it, and be grieved*
he /hall gnaJhWtthhis teeth x andmelt arvaj : the dejire
of the nicked jhall perifh*
1
. Thelaft proof of the Me fled nefs of the beleever is, that his cne-
roies (hall envie his happinefie, when they (ha.ll' fee the godly in
gor-dcafcj andthemfelves miferable, Wlcn<;e lenm^ f.ScnVe*
time, errii in this life the Lord io exahe?h the beleever, as his
enemies are made witneflcs thereof to their griet ; md however,
yet at length at the great day they (hall fee the believers joy dear-
ly, to the increafe of their own forrcw 1 The wnlicd Pra !■' fee />,
md be grieved. t % Themore-the wicked do tn vie che'gocv- o! rhe
godly.
1*4 PSALME CXIH.
jodly, the axttt miferable doth he make himfelf .• Me jkitl
fujb with^istutb «i mltewy. i . As the fceming good which
cot wicked doth , ftiall be confamed and vanirtij fo the good which
he hoped and defired to have, (hall never come to be enjoyed by
him, but (ball vanifli: H< Jkitl mlt an? , tbtdtfnofmwiekr
tijhiUptriJb.
PSALME CXilf.
*|*Hi$ alfo la a Pfalme of praife, wherein firft, the Fropofitioa,
that God is to be prai fed by all 3 is fct down, V.i, a,}. lit
the next place are the reafons taken from his incomparable ma*
jelly, v.43f« In the third place, arc the reafons of his praife
taken from his bountie towards men* in railing the afflicted un-
to an honourable condttionj 9,6, 7, f. and enlarging of defo«
late families, v. 9,
Ver. t. T)Raifeje the LORD, Prtife, Ojefor-
i vants of the LORD : Praife the Name
of the LORD.
2. Bleffed be the Name of the 10 RD, from thu time
forth, and for evermore.
3. From the rifing of the Snnne $ ttnte the goimg
ifhn of the fame ; the LO RDS Nam is to &
prai fed.
From theexbortatlon to praife God, ttA declaration of h*s
deferring to be praifed; Lame, t. As it is all mens duty to prai fit,
the Lord, lb in fpecial it is the duty of his Minifters, and Offi-
cers of his houfes Firft, becaufe their office doth call for the
difcharge of it publickly.Next,becaufe as they rtiould be the beft
efteemersofthe reafons of his praifc,fo alfo ihould thev be the fit-
ted inftruments to declare it. And laftly, becaufe the ungodly
are deaf unto the exhortation, and dumb in the obedience of it %
therefore when be hath faid > Praife je the Lord, he fub;oyneth t
PSALMECXm. 125
ft fif*> O yt fervants of the Lord. 1. As the Lord w HI not U
known, but as be declarcth himfeif in bis Word, fo he will not
be praifed, five as he hath declared himfelf j I roifo tbe 7{mc of
the Lord, j. The time ofthcexcrciJc^ofGodspratfc, and con-
tinuation of this fervke hath no terme fit unto it, but is co en-
dure all our life, and for ever after * Bleffed be tbe Nttm cftH
lord frm this time fifth and for evermore. 4. The praifc of
the Lord is not robe confined unto any place, people or nation,
but courfe Should be taken that u may be extended from one end
of heaven to the other, from eaft to weft, on both hands, fouth
tnd north; from the fifing of tbe Snnne unto tbe going down of
ibefem, the Lords Hjmc is tobeprsifedi for every where there
|s matter for it.
Ver.4- Tbe LORDiihighabeweaJl Nations: and
bis glory shove tbe Hefvtus.
<> «Who\%UVt unto the LORD our Godf vke dwet-
if lb on high.
In the reafont taken from tbe Lords Majefty; Lesr 9, 1, Gcd
muft be exalted above whatfoever excellency is to be fe ne ia
Kings and Peopk in all the earth; for tboLord is high above
ail Nations. a.Gcxl muft be exalted above whatfoever glory is to
bcfccninthc Fabric k of Heaven, and more glory muft be gives
to him then what all tbe creatures can cxprefle: for heaven and
earth 3 and all things which he hath made, are but the eftcd of
fome few words of the Lord 1 Hi glory is ibovt the Heavens.
) Of any, or of all things which we fee or hear of ,or can irot-
r there is no companion to be made with God, who hath fee
throne above all the creatures; If bo is W& unto tbe Lord
9ir£ci, wbo dwollnb on bigb 1
Ver.6. Who hnmbloth himfelf to Mold the thing!
thtt are in heaven t and in tbe earth.
7 . He raifeth mp tbe peer em ef tbe daft : and liftetb
tbo needy cm of tbe dmnghil.
8. That he may fet him wit h Princes : even with the
Primes ef bis people*
9.Hemakotb tbe barren rroman to hfefhou{e\t*be
njeyful mother ef children : Praifejetbe LORD.
I*
ft* RSiALMEKIXJIIv
In; the ttftfbnfc liked from khe jLordsgracioasfroviden^J/i
the!revdatfaAo>fK-ingdaDicsanciiarnilies; Lcartie, i. As the;
ckcclkrcy^ni'Majeity bSfioH is fc great, that in regard of hk
own al-mffrckncy he might juftly delpilc thje excellency of An-
gels andimefl/ whereof he ftanoeeh fcft no need: fo the Lords ta-
Bug any noticeof men or Angels, is apoi.t of humbling of
faiimeliyit isapoint of love to irhe creature, making him ft oop fa
low : as -toil adk toward them % For be, bimbleib him (df to behold
the thingxMhatarexnfamcn, and in the emb. z. As the Lord;
deciarett*him(df wonderiitUtt clae works .or" .-Great ion* fo alio in,
the wo-'ks -of \Pirondenccy \*n xtianging the publj^k - afraires of
Kin^domes, ftove and ttopusfyi© all .probability, .land expecta-
tion of men ; He raifetb up the poor o a of the dujl 9 and : lifietb
the needy out of ike &mi$il x <. Jfteferment unto high places Com-
eth nert?i?r from the c^frf^ft^ftom the weft; -but as Gdd oait-
ethdown fome, io he raifeih other fome ,- thxpbem^fet'tbwi,
^ k Mrifa 'tto^^ fitful fif 9°^
way manifefted in Scripture , isicontrary to the couple of level-
ling., for he will have fome to be in a mean place, ahd-Tohie to* be-
Prirfec^e^among his own PecplcjM :his*text ? flfeweth. J*How-
foevei* the^brd benole^V'(!onfpicuous in hh throwing riewm
of the mighty-, thenin iHWItifirfg of the poore" :-yet will he rather
take'hispraife here from'his liTtirvg-up of tlie riefedy-and *poor*>
A'enfrprryVheciftingdownofthe-mig'hty, that fo be may give
corner 'arid hope to tfl^dtfjecled tha, depend upon fcim rHe
lifmb'tbc needy siittfKfedliv^riijbdbemxj fciibem with Pri**
tes 6 ; .it "ie.no fimlL' benefit, ^ea 3 nt is-Aie greateft dignity in
the v/nrld; to be advanced not in wrath, but in mercy, to tul* oj
ver the Lord's people : for to 8bm God here c mnroend his bounty
to the needy; Thalbe-maliesibem fit mtb'tb'e ! rinccs ofbM
People. 7. All changes in mens fii milieu are -of £?od, nolefle *h«a
the changes of St ue; He ma\tib tbc barre- woman to \cepe
boufeC ^ it is tiie Special, V^fling of afajjiiide to incteajjfc in
number: forthe Lords "poking the .barren faeare a number .of
children, is here, made \he example ot ihemoft comfortable
change of a'diflreffed \\on\i :' l^e.maketb thcbzrrcn tobe ajoyfol
mother of children* ^.The very hearing 'what comfortable clfeh^
gesthe Lord<an make, and doth make theatfli&cd tofinde,3Ts a
matter of refreshment to all, and of pi;aife to; Gcdfrom *
Vraifej/ejIreJLord.
PSALME CXIV. 147
PSALME, CXIV.
THis PfalmisapraifingofGod, for the gracious and glorious?
worke of delivering of his people out of Egypt , and bring-
ing them into Canaan, and that for fix reafons. The firft where-
of is, V: i. The next, v. 2. The third, v. 3 The fourth, v. 4,
The fifth with the fpecial ufe thereof, v.?, 6,7. The fixth,
v. 8,
Verf, 1. TX7 Uen IfraelVeentout of Egypt ^ and
V V the.houfe of Jacob from a people of
fir ange language.
From the matter of praife here fpedfied; Lwrw, 1. The Lords
moft glorious work done for his people, in fpecial the worjt of
redemption, mould be ofreneft remembred,as.the mention-:na r
king here and elfewheie of the time when Ifrael came out o/Egypt,
flieweth. 2. Redemption is then beft efteemed of, when the
miserable condition wherein we were, is called to mlnde, as here
jfracls "Redemption is com'mended from the ftate they were in*
in Egypt/ The boufe of Jacob went from a people of a ftrange
IfflguigC' And this is the firft reafon of commending this work
of God.
Verf. 2. JftJabwashu fantlnarj : and Ifrael hU
dominion.
The next reafon oF commending this glorious work, is the
joyning of delivered I frail in a near fellowfhip with/Crod,
Whence karn, u People redeemed by God , are no more their
own,, but are the Lords purchafc, redeemed for his iiervice :
tfudab was bis fanHiiary > and. Ifrael was bis" 'dominion. 1. The
title and intercft which God juftly doth claime in his people,
isthat they may be confecrated unto him in holineffe, and'fub-
jed themfelves as his loyal Subjects to his Government : jp#-
dab vc as his fanftunry, and Ifrael was bis dominion. 5. All the
confecration and fan&ification of Ifrael, is comprehended in
and
i*8 PSALME CXIV.
•ndflowethfrotnwhn was to be found in rhc tribe of fudsb,
•nd that is in Chrift Jefus the hWer o( his tribe : All Ijrael *k
bit dominion, but Judah is bit fan ft vary.
Verf. 3. The Sea fare if, ani fled: Jeriam »*
driven bactr^
The third rcafon of Godspraife for this work, is from the
drying of the red^fca, and of Jordan, that his people might paflc
©ut of Egjfty and into Canaan. Wbenee learn, 1. Godt
dealing for his people whom he hath ranfomed, doth prove his
wonderfull power for them, and love towards them, as the two
miracles of the drying of the fca, and of Jordan do commend
the redemption of ijrael. a. When God will deliver' his peo-
ple, no oppofition can hinder, and when he will pofiefie them in
what he promifed, no impediment can withftand him: The Sea
fiw it, and fled i And Jordan was driven bac^.
Vert 4« The mountaines skipped Ul^e ramt % ao4
the little hills lilej lambs.
The fourth reafon of Gods praifc, is the caufuig mount Hartb
*nd other hills ( in their way to Canaan) to tremble and quake,
when he put foith his power on them in the fight of his people.
Whence learn, 1. There is no power in the earth which God
cannot overtop when he pleaicth, though they were like the
ftrongeft mountaines : for as he can make the earth, fo can he
move and remove any power on earth, at he gave evidence
when he made the mountaines by earth-quake 10 $lejp Ufa rtns %
and the Unit bills Ufa lambs*
Vcrf. 5. What ailed ihee > O thou fea float tbeuflei*
deft ? thou Jordan that ikon waft driven back, ?
, 6> Te mountaines that je slipped lilte rams : and
je little hills like lambs}
7. Tremble thou earth at the frefence of th*
LORD; at the frefence of she Qei of 'font:
Tke
PSALME CXV. 125?
The fifth reafon of Gods praife, is the evidencing of his po-
\fkv, put forth before his people^ in fo wondeifuli and miracu-
lous a nianner, as no caufe can be given of the works wrought
for his people in rheir coming out from Egypt, their entry into
Ctnaan, and in the wilde;nefle 3 except only Gods extraordinary
manifeftarion of his prefence amongft his people, and for them :
which thePfalmift bringeth forth,by asking the caufe of thefe mi-
• rades, & anfwering the qui ft ion by the terrible prefene'e of God.
Whence learn, i.Thc Lord can work fo clearly for hispeopk,that
the mod ftupid and brute fouls flial be convinced of his refpefl: to
his children j as- this experience doth (hew. 1. If Atheifme, and
unbeliefc in m*n could finde 3ny natural reafon, or any pretence
of reafon, whereby they might obfeure the glory of Gods doing
for his people, they would not faile to do it, as this interrogati-
on teacheth; W\m ailed thee, thou Sea> &d 3 . The more nar-
rowly the works of the Lord are locked unto, the mere evident-
ly doth his power and prefencc appeare in working them, a*
theanfwer unto the quefticn, and holding forth the Lords pie-
fence twice for the caufe of fuch changes on the creatures do
{hew. 4. The end and life of Gods power fhanifefted in fa-
vour of his people, is fir ft, that all flefh fhould fear God, and
ftand in awe of him* and next, that his covenanted people lhould
look upon his terrour, as their bulwarks: Tremble thou earth
at the prefence of the Lord, at the prefencc of the Gad of
Ver f. 8. Which turned the roc\ into 4 jiandiftg #4-
teri the flint into a fountain of waters.
The fixth reafon of Gods praife, in the woik of delivery of
his people out of Egypt, is his wonderfull provifion for thei*
drink inthe dry wilderneffe, by diflclvingthe flinty reck into.
! water; Whence learn, 1. Whomfoeverthc Lord doth redeem,
and let upon their way to heaven, he will provide for wharfoever
isneceflary for their fuftcntation and comfort in their journey,
ashis providing ot drink for the camp of Ifrael giverh proof.
l. We beins called of God to follow our Redeemer, till we , bz
putinpoflcitionofpromiijes,muft not ftand<for any difficulty,
or dha^earance of meanes for our fuftentation and comfort, for
God can work his puipofeby contiary-like meanes: He turned
the ro\ nit? a (landing -water . the flint into a f'ouhtaine of
waters. & PSA&Mfi
i
130 PSALME CXV.
PSALM CXV.
THe Church of Ifrael being under the power of the heathen,
and unable to help themfelves, do flee to God for relief; and
in the former part of the Pfalm, they pray for delivery, ftrength-
ening their hope td be heard, by fourc arguments* untoi/. $.
Inthebtier part, the Church is encouraged to truft in God,
and to expert deliverance in due time by feveral reafons, all
ferving to confirme their faith, unto the end of the Pfalme.
Verf. i. Vfft M^ ^ O LORD, not unto us^
jS\ but unto thy Name give glory : for
thy mercy ^ and/<?r thy truths fake*
In praying for relief from the bondage of idolaters, they rejeel
all confidence in thcmfelves, and bring arguments of their hope
to be helped from other grounds, mxnee learn, 1. It is no
ftrange thing to fee Gods people for their chaftifement, or trial,
put under the power of idolaters, as this experience of Ifrael doth
ihew. 2. When we feek any thing from God, we ought to ac-
knowledge our own unworthineflc and ill deferving, and to re-
nounce -A\ confidence in our felves : Hot unto m give the glory,
faith the Church here. j. Albeit the Lords afflicted people
may want all ground of hope from their own behaviour, yet
grounds of hope can never be wanting, when they look to Gods
mercy and truth, and the glory of his grace in helping of them ?
!]\0* unto wi y LOR'D, not unto us, b>X untotby Namegivcglo-
ty : for thy mercy ^ and for thy truths faty. '
VerC 2. Wherefore fhouU the heathen fay : where
is now their God?
Thefecond'rcafondfhopeto have tfeeir petition granted, i*
becaufc*
PSALME CK.V. 131
Ijecaufe ifthe Lord do not deliver them, idotaters, under wbqfe
power they do lie, will continue to Mafpheme the true Religion,
and the true God, whom the true Church doth worfhip. Wbencj
lam. 1. The enemies of the Church are ready to blafyheme
the true Religion, when the Lords people arc brought in
ftraits. and under their pnver, as hcr^TkeheAtbehfiy, Where
is how their God.) When we have brought our felvesinmifery,
and our Religion in danger of dii^race, weough: to be more
ctrefiill to have the Loi d reftored to his honour $ mdtrue Re-
ligion reftcned unto its own beauty, then to be freed from mifei y$
for the Church herf cannot endure the cimonou** of God 111
their affliction: Wherefore jbould the heathen fay , Whcrekmrt
their god ?
Vcrf, 3. Sat our god is in the heavens j he hath
done whatfoever he pie a fed.
The third reason of hope to be heard, is, becaufe God is omni-
potent , and fupreme Governouv of all things, and his authority
is as his power, abfoliitc, to do what he pleafeth : and this tea-
fonftrengthensalfo the former leaforf. Whence le am. 1. The
more the wicked do oppofe God and the true Religion^ the more
fhould his fervants aflert his glory, and truth: as the Church
doth here, faying, Tut our god is in heaven. 2. The confide-
ration of Gods abfol ute power, and authority exalteth God a-
bove all idols, ftoppeth all murmuration againft his ditpenfati-
on toward his people, and their enemies,- ctofeth all difpiitati on
againft his revealed will, and looicth all objections, ariGng from'
difficulties, arid impediments, which mi^ht hinder hope to be
i helped out of mi fery, as here wc fee, Qur God is in heaven, be
doth whatfoever bcpleafctb,
Verf. 4, Their idols are (liver and gold i the ^ort^
of mens hands.
5. They haVe months, hut thej (peakenot : ejtshwt
they, bat they fee not.
6. They have eares t but they hear not : nofes have
ihey^m they fnitll not.
K i 7. Thej
i$z PSALM E CXV.
7. They \\Mt hands % but they handle not : feet have
they, but they walk not: neither j}ea^thej through
their throat.
A fourth reafon of hcpeahat theChurch fhall be delivered from
the pewer of idolaters, is^becaufe there is no other God to deli-
ver them, fave the Lord : Idols can neither help their Worship-
pers, ncr hurt Gods people who defpife them, and therefore his
people will hope in their own true God, and defpife idolaters
and their idcls both. Wbcvcc learn. 1. Imnges in the matter
of Religion whatfoevcr they fcem to be, or reprefent, are but
idols S for fo are they called here 1. Images in Religion prone
nothing, but bring trouble to men, as their name in the original
importeth. 3. Albeit idolaters do beftow largely upon their
Idols; and put upon them artificially fome iliape , to reprcfenc
fome perfections by them , yet the riches of the matter can give
them no excellency : They are but filver or gold at the bell,
their forgers and authours are but men; for it is fufficient to
difgrace any point of Religion i-r it be of mans devifing : They
are the vporl^of mens bunds. 4 So many members as the 1-
mages have : ferving to rcprefent fome perfections by, them ,
are fomany lies: for they havemoutbes, b"t fpeafi not > eyes
have they, but tbey fee not; Tlxybuve tares , but they beare nor,
710 fes have they, but they (melt not 5 they have , bunds but they
bundle not; feet have the? , but they mli not, neither ffcal{ they
through their throat.
Verf. 8. They that mak* them y are like unto then) :
fo is every one that trttfteth in them.
forclo/ing this reafon, he tumeth the reproach, which ido-
laters did caft upon the true f God and his worfhip, oyer upon
thtmfclves. Whence learn, 1. Albeit the Lord be angry at his
own people, yet mull: th>y not forfakehim, and go after idols'
to be helped by them; for fo doth the Church here teach us,
a. The confederation of the folly of falfe Religion, fliouM
make us cleave the clofer to the true Religion, and to abhorre
the errors of humane deviling; for foarewe taught by this zx-
amplc. 3. As it is an honour to be of the true Religion ; fo S
h
P SAL ME CXV. 131
isthegrcatcfldifgrace a man can Lave, to be an idolater : for
jhedilgrace of the idol falieth upon the wor/hipper thereof, as
here we fee. 4. All idolaters a; cbrutifh, the makers of idols,
authorizes of them, worfhippers and fervers of thern, are all
like realonleffe, and fer.fkfie blocks, in this matter, like the
idols which they make: They that make them, are like unto thorn*
that is, They have eyes, and fee not, &c, $ Whofoever do expect
any good, by making or worshipping of images, they joyne in-
ward worfhipping of them, with the outward : and in their ex-
pecting any good by that means, they prove thsmielves like
reafonlefle blocks, as void of true wifdome in this point, as ima,
gesareof fenfe and motion: So is every one that trufteth in
than.
Verf. 9. Ifrael trnft thou in the LORD, he U theif
help , and their foetid*
I a O houfe of Aaron % trtift in the LORD: hi
is their help, and their foetid.
I r. Te that fear the LORD, trftft in the LORD ;
he is their help, and their {hield.
In the latter part of the Pfalme, the Church is encouraged to
trull in the Lord, and fo to expect deliverance according to- the
petition fetdown s v. 1. And tfntby feven rcafons. The ex-
hortation to truft in God is threefold, one directed to Ifrael,
v- 9- Another co the Prkfls, and Levits, v. 10. The third to
all that fear God, v. n. Unto which exhorcation, the firft
rcafon of encouragement is added and repeated again and
again. Whence learn, 1. No tentation ot affliction fhcmld
drive us from expe-cting relief in trouble, and trufting in God
for it : for notwithftanding the Church here is under the fcet
of the heathen, yet 2II are exhorted to trrft in God: Ijratl,
truft thou in the Lord. 2. Whofoever in their trouble do tfuft
in God, may be a flu red tp be delivered, and guarded againft all
evils which may marre their bleffedneffe : Truft in the Lord
for be U their help>and their foicld. $. Th: Minifters of Gods
houfe mould go before the Lords people in trufting in God,
and adhering to him, fpecially in time of trouble > houfe of
/Aaron, truft id the Lard, . 4- Such promifes as are made m
K 3 com-
t*t PSALME CXV,
common to the houfe of lfrM t are diffident to fupport the faith
ofpublick Mini fters of the Lords houfe, as here we fee: He ii
their belp,an1jhicld t 5. As every one thtt feareth God, is of tire
number of tru. Ifra::lites: fo trufting in the Lord, he may be no
le$e confident of the confoUtion, and protection of God, then
the ^ublkkMi-niftersofthe Lords houfe: Te that far the Lord,
trufl in tbeLori be is their help, andthcir Jhicld. And :his is
the foil reafon of encouragement to truft in God.
Ver. t2. Jht LQ R D hath been windfall of w 9
he willihffem, he ^illb'ejje the hotife of Jfrael : he
TfVtllhlejfe the hotife fif Aaron .
1 3 . H* v>i& bl jfe them that fear the LORD ; both
fmaS ani great.
Thefecond-reafon of encouragement is taken from forme*
experience of Gjds refpe&s unto his people that few him and
the third is taken from tne prOmife of bl: .fling them, in time to
come Wbecc learn, «. Albeit me Lord ufeth to zffil& his
people* yet he do^-h "not forget them, or lay atide aSec'trori to
them : The Lord bath bce\ mindful of va. *. The right ufeof by*
paftexpeienceofGodscareofus in affliction and trials* is to
puttruftin God in after-times of new trial and aflli&ion, as
herfe) TbeLordbxtbbeekfaindfMof ut, is made ufe of to this
end. I As the duty intruding in the Lord, is common to all
forts of pe-fons, fo the W.efling of faith is common, and dorfi be-
long to all forts of beleever * great .nd fmall : He will b'ef]e #5,
'be will bkffethehoufe of Adr<m^ be will blcffe tbtm that fur
Lord, both gnu xndjrnM.
Verf. 14. The LORD fliM end eafejou more and
piore ; jou am your children.
The fourth resfon of encouragement to tVuftin the Lord* fi£
becaufe the number of beleevers Yhall be multiplied. Whtncb
leArn> Albeit the Church be driven to deep affli&iony and
diftrefle, yet the number of the believers in God (hall ihcreafe*
and the meafure of Gods graces in his people (hall be augment-
ed* and no age even unto the laft (hall want a pofterity 'of -belie-"
yers, and God will make no end of blclfine them, whkfr ; fsm"b
finall
PS ALMECXV. IJ5T
fmall encouragement unto believers .• Tlx Lord fall encrcafc you
fkore and moft 3 you and your children.
Verf. 1 5 , Tou are bleffeA of the LORD, which made
heaven and earth*
■ The fift h reafon of encouragement is, becaufe G >d omnipo-
tent hath pronounced believe s to be blciied, how miferablc .o-
ever they nuy fecm to themfelves, and to others. V^lhcnie learn y
i. Whatlcevcr diftreffe b.lievers may fall into, yet can they
never be riccurfed nor deprived of the bleffinj of ri-zbteoufnefie,
and eternal life : for it is faid to them all, Jou dre blcffed of the
Lord, who calieth things that are not, and maketh them :o be.
i. The fight of the Lords work in making heaven and' earth
of nothing, fhould flrcngthen us to appiehend how richly the
Lord can and will perfect wha: he faith of bleffing his people :
Ton are bleffcd of the Lord, who made the beiven mi the ear tl^
V^rf. t 6. The heaven, even the heavens art the
ZO RD S \bm the earth hath he giveu to the chiU
dren of men.
Thefixth reafen of encouragement to truft in God is that
albeit the Lord be abundantly iatisfied in himfei r e, and netd-
eth nothing from the world, yet men have need to depend upon
his good neiTc, and truft in him, who ba;h given unto them
the ufe of his creatures on the earth. Wb.ne learn 3 i % As it is
no need of any creature which hath moved God to make a
world, but rather his fupcrabundant felf- funic iency hath made
the heavens & the earth, to thh end/hat therein he may let forth
hisalfufficjency to the creatures: fo is it no need of mans fer-
vice, which made him m ke a people and crave fc vice of them :
for he could be fcrved with what he hath in Heaven j The b'ejL-
vcn> even the berjens are the Lords, z. Albeit God huh no
need of men, and can live without dependence on man, yet man
cannot live without dependence on God, and uie of his crea-
tines in the world • Tbeberoci is the Lords, but the earth hath
be liven to the children of men, wherein they may dwell, and
bcltiftaincd by what he beftoweth on them there. J. As the
plenty of riches of the earth is a pawnc of the Lords readinefle
K 4 to
n 6 PSALMECXV.
t;> give better things unto man: fo it is an evidence of mans fo*
verty,and needlof the fervice of fo many of Gods creatures, and
cf his obligatro.'UO truft in God and depend upon him : The
her 'en is the Lords* but the earth batb be given to the children
of mm.
Verf. xy. The dead praife not the LO RD: neither
, any that go do^ n into pence.
1 8. Em We mil blefic the LOR D, from thi*
ilrpe forth and for evermore. Praife the LO K D %
The feventh reafon of encouragement to truft in God>is,becaufe
tlie Church of believers mall be continued from generation to
generation, and mail never want reafon to p aiie and blefle God,
from this time forth and for cvei'i Therefore in confidence of
this mercy, let them truft in him, and praife him : this reafon
he maketh clear thus ; TJie dead fpirjtualjy cannot prai/e the
Lord, and if the (ue-cefiion of the Church of believers fhoiud h£
now cut off with this afflicted generation, neither could we who
live, praife God in the earth longer then we live on it, nor mould
there be any Church after us to difchai-^e this duty among the
children of men: but this is impoffibie, Tor God fhali not wane
a generation of living believers to praife and bicilc him for his
goodneffe to the worlds end ; Therefore we mall live and come
forth of this prefent affliction, and ere we die, another genera*
tionofbclieveri mall take this work off our hand, and fo (hall
we that are the Church ofvjod, blcjfc him from this time forth
dnd for evermore: Wncreupon Le exhoi teth all men in this
confidence to praife the Lord, and clot.th the Palme. Whence*
lam, is If there were not a Church of believers, God mould
want his praife on the earth ! for the de;d, to wit fpirituajly, dq
not praife the Lord. z. And if in anv time of affliction, wjiile
the world fhndeth, there were not a deliverance unto the
Church, fo that one generation of believers might not foltow
another, then mould Gods praife among the children of men
beabolifhedoutofthc world; for as the dead fpiritually cannot
praife the Lord, (o neither can the dead bodily praife him among
Them that know him not; that is, on the earth, where Gods
praife is:o be taught unto men: For the dead praife not the
tord t
PSALMECXVI. 137
Lord, fo neither any xhxtgo dvm into filencc. j. BecaufeG°<l
(hall never w a jt living nun on earth to praife him, and blefle
him for his goodneffe, therefore the Church of believers (hill be
continued from one generation to another* that they mayblefle
andpraife the Lord in every age, as here is faid, But we fiall
praife the Lord- from this time forth ini for evermore 4. Th$
Churches affliction cannot be fo heavy, but they (frail have
came to blefle the Lord for his goodneffe, andtoftirre up others
to praife God with them : for the Prophet clofeth the Pfalmc
made in deep affliction of the Church with, Praife the Loral
PSALME CXVI.
•"pHis Pfalme is a threefold engagement of the Pfelmift unto
thankfgiving unto God for his mercy unto him, and in par-
ticular for ibme notable delivery of him from death, both bodily
and fpirituall: The fir ft engagement is, that he (ball out of
love have his recourfe unto God alwayes by prayer, v. 1, 1. The
reafom and motives whereof are fet down, becaufe of his deli-
very out of a great ftrait, v. } , 4, ? , 6, 7, 8 , The fecond engage-
ment is to a holy converfation, v* 9. The motives and reafens
whereof are fet down, v. 10,11, 12. Thethird engagement is,
unto promifed praifes, or paying of praifes and vowes before
the Church, with the rcafons thereof, v. 13, 14, *5> 16,
I7j 18, 19.
Verf.
I * T Love the LORD : becaufe he hath bewA
X tny voyce, and my /applications.
2. TSecaufe he hath eric lined kU tart unto mei
therefore will I call upon bim^aj long as / Jj Vfm
In Ms firft engagement unto a conftant dependance upon God,
and calling on him by prayers Learn. 1. A. it is anion* the
wifcpurpolcsofGcdto put his childten to ftraites, that they
mny call on him, and he by g:anting their petition may give
them antwproofofhi$lcvetcthem,and ibilirre up their love
1 33 PSALME CXVI.
to him: to is it the duty of his children, to ftirre up their love to
God, upon every frefh experience of his reipeel: to them : for
this doth the example of the Prophet teach us, / love the Lor J,
b euu fc he h Atb bur d my grayer. 2. Not Gods benefits, but God
himfelfe is the fatisfa&ory object of our complacency, and love
wherein we may acquiefce : / love the Lord, faith the Prophet,
after he had perceived the benefit. J. To love God for himielf,
•and to love him for his favour, and benefits beftcwed upon us,
do confift Well together : for the loving of him for his favour
beftcwed on us, doth lead us to love him for himfelfe ; / love the
Lord; bccaufebcbeardmyvoycc, and my [uppli cat ions. 4. The
root of.tfcankfgiving is love to God, therefore love is profefled,
before thankfgiving be prorniied m > I love the Lord, is hi ft let
down, and then a promife to call upon him in all ftraits there-
after. 5* Ic is no {mall comfort and obligation put upon a man,
to have experience of Gods regarding of his prayer, and g- ant-
ing of his recjueft, as the Pialmifts twice mentioning of it lhevv-
cth,once. v. 1, arid hereagain,- becanfe he Imk enclificd hU eart
wnome. 6. One proof of Gods hearing cf our prayer, may and
/hould ftirre us up to believe in hi«i, worihiphim 3 and have our
yecourfc by prayer uhto him all the reft of our life: Bccauje be
hath enclined bis care to me; therefore will 1 call upon him y as
iMgMllivc.
, Ver£ 3. The for rows of * death I'compaffed me ', and
deprives rf hell gat hold upon me: i found trouble
Andf of row.
The fumme of the reafons of this engagement, is fet down in
his late experience, containing his deep trouble, v. 3. His cal-
ling to God for relief, v. 4 And Gods grace and mercy ufually
extended unto poor {applicants, which helped him out of his
low condition, 1/. 5,6 The ufc whereof, namely to reft on
God who had delivered him, is \nv. 7. 8.
From his trouble and danger wherein he was ; Learn, r. It is
no Grange thing to fee a godly perfon to be in fear of death, bo-
.'ily and fpiriturdl, temporal and everlafting, at one time: The
ferroxvs of death compiled me, and the paines of helf got hold upon
me. z % The trouble of mindc and conscience alio, whereunro
Gods children arc fubjeft, as :hey are feu d in their feveral de-
grees.
PSALME CXVI. 130
grees, cannot cafily be expreffed, therefore here arc diver, words
ufciySorroxvcs of death, paines of bell) trouble and felt for row.
$. The greatneffe of the trouble, cTapger, mifery ana itiaits,
whe eintothe Lorddorh caft his cwn,dothlay a greater obligati-
on on ihem who are delivered from thofe evils, and makcth
Gods glorv to be the more manifefted in their bringing out of
them, as thefcopc oi the Pfalmifts laying forth of l>is troubles
here doth teach us.
Verf. 4. Then called I upon the Name of the
LORD: LO ii<Z), / be fetch thee deliver my
foul.
From his courfe taken to have relief by calling on God; Learn*
I. Theonly true remedy of a grieved foul, is God being cal-
led upon by prayers for he is a itrong refuge whercunto the hum-
ble foul may flee, and be exalted : 1 called upon the Name of the
Lord. z. There is place and time for prayer, even when the
danger ieemethgreateft- and the condition of the party fuppii-
cant appearcth defperatc, as here we fee, When the paines of hell
caught hold upon me, then called Ion the Name of the Lord. $.
Whether cur defires be laid open before God in many words, or
few, it is not material before God : fisch a hearty fpeech as this
will parte before God for prayer, Lord, I bcfcccb tbcc 3 Zdivfr
my foul.
Verf. 5. Gracious U the ZORD 9 and righteous :
jea, our God is merciful.
6. The LORD preferveth thefimple : 1 was brought
low, and he helped me :
From the fountainc of grace and mercy, whence he was helped*
Learn. 1. Gods gracious and merciful alliens do give evidence
T)fhis gracious nature, an dreadinefletofliew favour to all men,
■ who according to the tenor of the Covenant of grace do call on
him, as he:q the P.ulmifl: to iliew the came of his receiving
"adtualiyagobd-anfyvc!-, faith, Gracious is the Lord, and rightc-
~ous,yca 3 oitrGodis mcrcifulL i. There is nothing wanting in
Gods attributes, whuh may give afiuiancc to the believing (ap-
plicant,
140 PSALME CXVr.
plicanr, to have his requeft granted : he is gracious, and ftandeth
not for the pcrfons unworthineflc i he is juft and righteous, and
will not faile to keep Covenant, and per forme all promises 5 he
is mercifully and doth not fhnd to pardon f nne, iniquity and
tranfgreffions : Gracious k the l ord, and. righteous, yea, our god
w merciful. $. The Lords children commonly are not
the worldly-wiftft people, but for the meft part arc of mean
Worldly witj and whofoever of them hath any meafure of pru-
dence, they arc for the courfe which they keep in trials and
troubles, accounted fooliih, yea, and in their own eftinution
they are very witleffe, and dare not leant to their own under-
ftanding, but do feck to bedire&cd of God; therefore they are
here and el few he re called fimplc. 4. Sudi as are emptied of
conceit of their own wifdome, and fcek their direction, protc&i-
©n, and prcfervation from Go^> do lie ncarcft unto the foun-
tain of Gods mercy and help in every difficulty: For the Lord
freferveth the fimple. f. Any one example of Gods grace and
•mercy to any believer, is fufficienr to prove Gods nature, incli-
nation, readinefle, and good will to every believer that calieth
©nhimjforcafeneth the Pfalmift ; I wot brought lon*> and he
helped me.
Verf. 7. Retume unto thy reft , my foul :
for the LOR D hath dealt bountifully With thee.
8. For thon h*fl delivered my foul from
death , mine eyes from leans , and my feet from
falling*
Here is a twofold ufeofthis experience, one t© fettle his con-
fidence on God, another to praife God fcr the experience of lb
great a delivery. Whence learn, 1. The general ufe of all the
experiences of Gods favour which we finde, is the ftrengthenirig
of our faith in God, as here we are taught. 2. .Aibei: trouble
and tentaiions do not overcome our faith, yet they may and ufu-
ally do perturbe 5 ifnot the peace o r our conscience, yet at leal)
the peace cfourminde, and femctimes the peace of both: for,
O my foul, retume to thy reft, imports a difquieting of him from
his reft. 3. As wefhould ftudynot only to lay hold on God
by faith, bur alfo to reft and acquiefce in his love and truth cor.-
pdemly: fo fhould we take advantage cf every frefli experience
of
PSALME CXVI. 141
of Gods favour, whereby we encourage our felve* to rcfie upon
<2ods grace and mercy, as here the Pfaimiftdoth : Tieturnc un-
to thy rcjt, Omyfoi.li for the Lord hxtb dealt bountifully with
thee, 4. Mediation of Godsgoodncfle to us, and ipeaking of
i: In the third perfon, is a ready way to bring us unto nearer ac-
cefle unto God, and to fpeah unto his Majcfty in the fecond per-
fon, as here we tec ; For thou haft delivered my font from death ,
iaith he, directing his fpeech to Goa. 5. When outward trou-
ble and inward tcntations dofct upon a foul at one time, wheel
men do (hew their wrath., and God hideth his face, it is a fad
condition, able to draw teares from the ftouuft heart, and to
put him in hazard of finning, and in peril to perifli : Thou haft
delivered my foul from death, mine eyes from teares , and my feet
from falling. 6. As an humble and fenfible foul will pact up
many troubles joy nrd together in one, fo a thank mil foul will
branch one mere y out in fund ry particular branches, as here the
PfalraUHiftinguiihcth, the delivery of hi* foul from dcatft, of
his eyes from teares , and of his feel from falling.
Vc rf. 9. 1 will Tvtlk before theLO R *D, in the land
of the living.
The fecond engagement by way of thankfulnetfe, is ont© a
more holy way ot walking with God, whercunto as his taith
made him confideir, that he-fhould attain, v. 10. fo his reco-
very from defperation made him a debtor to purfue the c'uty,
v. it. and a debtor ia. fohigh ameafure, as he knew not hotf
to be :har,kfu'tl,i;. 1 i.
F om his hopefull engagement to a holy carriage before God'
and his Church* Learn y 1. It is a goodufe of experiences of
Gods eoodnefle unto us, to engage and oblige our felves to a
mere Lure and holy ordering of cur wayes, as the Pfalmift did:
J will walfi before the Lord. 2, As the time of our life is the
proper opportunity ot fhewing our tharktulnefle to God: fo the
viiible Church is the fitteft fociety we can live in, for cxprefllng
our thank fulnefie : for while we are living, and living among
the godly ( be fide whole fociety theielV of the world j$ asi
company of dead copies) we have time and place of manifeftin*
cur obedience unto God : J will walk bejerc the Lord in the
land of the living. 3. As a Gnce:econ\Ci:;ui;m hath God and
picnio.he wkntifes unto it, io fliould the uyrijjht fcivaru *f
* F ' GcJ
i4* PSALME CXVI.
God ftudy to approve himfelfe to both, as the Pfaltnift doth i
1 will walk before the Lord; in the land of the living.
Verf. 10. 7 be\eeved % therefore have 1 Jpofynx /
ttw greatly afflitled.
11, / (aid in my hafte : ^411 men are It ars.
12. Whatjhd I render unto the LORD for at
hid benefits towards me?
He adddh motives unto this his confident and hopeful! en-
gagement. W'bcncc learn^ i ♦ Faith giveth boldnefle to pro-
mile to our felvcs, and of our felves, what the Lords Word doth
give warrant for : J believed, therefore have I fpolicfo i. Faith
isourfureft holding of Gods bieflings, more fare then prefent
fenfe, or experience paft, or begun pofieffion, for all thofe may
be interrupted, and overclouded, but faith laying hold on Gods
Wordjholdsfaftjwhen all things elfedofaiL I believed ,thcrforc I
have fpel^eju $. Oar comfort, confidence, and quietneffe, and
delivery are fo much the fwceter, as heavy troubles and tentati*
ons have gone before them, as lire the engagement is more
chearful, and confidence more precious, Tlecaufe ( faith he ) I
tvm greatly afflicted, and more fpecially, I faidin my hafte : tAlt
men arc liars, which if we take it of Vavid, doth fhew that he
doubted of the performance of the promife of the Kingdome,
made, in Gods Name to him by Samuel, and therefore was fo
much the more comforted, when he faw the truth of it appear
again. 4» ThefervantsofGod do not flick to confefle their
faults and infirmities unto their own fliame, when thereby God
may be glorified $ as here the Pfalmift faith, I [aid in my haftc,
&c. 5 . Mif-beliefe may fometimes fo farre prevaile, as it may
feem to reigne, and as a Jadge to (it down, and give out decrees :
lfaidinmy baftc, that is,"l gave it forth as a condufion or
decree., 6. As haftineffe is the proper companion of mif-be-
lief, fo it cannot endure lon^ in a believer, but onely during the
time of an inconfiderate paffion, and fit of tentation : jf faid in
ray bafte* 7. When mif-belief dares not directly vent it felfc
againit God, or Gods expreffe Word, it falls to quarrel with the
meffenger, and his fidelity in his commiffion j I [aid in my hafte*
4U men m liars* 8 . He that feetfe Gods benefits rightly, fliall
fee
PSALMECXVI. 145
fee himfelf unable to give thanks as bee mes him, and fliall be
forced tp fay, IVbxtlhd I render mto the Lord ? Yea, one bene-
fit well confnlcrcd, fliall call to minde many by-paft, and pre-
sent with it, many other prefent mercies, as this one delivery
makeththe Pfahnift fay, Wbtt fljatl 1 render to the Lord for
alibis benefits towardsme ? 9. The fecn impoflibility to render
cu: thanks, and praife to God for his mercies to us* ihould no*
hinder us , but rather ftirre us up to aime at the duty, as we ate
enabled, as here it doth the Piahirift.
Verf, 13. / Will take the cup of falvation: and
call upon the Name of the LO R^D.
14. I^illpajmy voices unto the LORD, now in
theprefence of all his people.
The third engagement is unto expreffe praifmg of God, be*
fere the Congregation, as he had vowed, v. 1 3, 14. the reafon
whereof is given, v. 15, 16. and the engagement repeated,
v 17 1 5, 10.
In his promifmg to pay his vows, and to give thanks publickly ,
he alluded ro the forme of the Lcvhical cercmony,ufcd in drink-
offerings, as 1 £or. 10. 16. Whence lam, 1. All that we can
do when God hath beftowed upon us all that can be defiied, is to*
acknowledge the goodncfe of God, and to thank him for it, and
this alio mu ft be prefentedunto God by our High Pricft Jefus-
Chrift, and fo it is accepted : I will til{c the cup of falv&tion :
oi\ I will take the cup of" bleiTin^, and tn:nikfgiving for falvation
granted to me for the true iacririccs fake. 2. It is reckoned
by God as a point of thankfulnefle for benefits already received,
to come to God, and feek yet more benefits of him, as our need
requireth.as here we fee : I militate the cup of [dvztion y r;i
call upon the %xme of the Lord. 5. In time of ftraitsit is law-
full for ftrengthening of our faith,anc] ro tic us the more firmly tg
give thanks unto ^od, to make a vow to God that we will praic
him, provided we vow nothing but what God doth allow, ancf
provided wc do not intend to put an obiigement upon Gml to
help tuby that mcanes,ns here, i" will fay .my vowes wtU} the
Lord, vjiv in preface c full bis people 4. When alawfull vow
JsmaJc., wc fliouM he mindful! :o perfume U truly, as th*
Pfaimifts example h* e seachgeb us.
Verf. if.
144 PSALME CXVI.
Verf. 15. Preciotu in the fight of the LORT) ,h
the death of bis Saints.
16. LORD, truly I am thy fervant, I am
thy fervant, and the fonne of thy handmaid: than
baft loofed my bonds.
The motives of this engagement arc .* firft, becaufe God
tfteemeth much of the blood of his fervantSjV. 1 $. Nexr, be-
caufe (rod had ufed him as own of his own family, and
made him as a free-born childe, to be fct at liberty from the
bondage he was in, v. \6> Whence learn^ 1. ^ods children
are, and ihould ftudy to be more and more good, mercifull, and
meek ; for thus much doth rhe word Saints in the Original fig-
nifie. i Albeit the Lords children are very precious in his eyes,
yet will he put them to fufterings and hazard of life, but lets
them not be killed, except he lee it for his own honour, and
theirs alio S3nd in that cafe, howibever the world (hall cfteena
of their death, yet fhallitbedeare and precious in Cjods eyes :
Precious in the eyes of the Lerd^ ishbc death ofhk [aims. $. What
eftimation God manifefteth himfelfe to have of any of his Saints 3
he hath the fame eftimation of all ; and what proof he giveth of
his eftimation of them, in the pi cfervation of any one ofthent
in time of their danger and fuffering, it may ferve to clear his
care of all ; for the Pfalmift intending to praiie Cfod for the care
he had of him, draweth up the praife with retpeft to all the
S3in:s ; precious in the fight of the Lord, is the death of bis
Saiflts, without exception. 4. What privileges we do believe
to belong to Gods children, we may and fhcuTd apply them to
our felves, as the Plalmift doth here s after the general doctrine
of^ods eftimation of his Saints, he fubjoyneth and aflumeth
to himfelfe in particular, faying, lord, truly I am thy fervant.
5. He who feareth, or doubtcth to apply the privileges of Gods
children to himfelfe under fome higher title, may and rtiould
apply it to himfelfe under fome other tide more fuitable to his
condition and meafure: as here, albeir the Pfalmift doth not
fay, Lord, lama Saint, yet he faith it in fubftance, in a more
humble-like title, Lord, I am tly fervant > and the fonne of thine
handmaid^ that is, a born fervant within the houfe, as the childc
$f the bend-maid under the law, was born a bend-fervant
X9
P SAL ME CXVI. 145
to the Matter of the family. 6. How unworthy fdcver we finds
c»ur felvesofthemeaneft ftiles of the Lords children, yet muft
we joyne our fetves to that number under fome tide, and not
fufTer our felves to be put out of that fociety, as here the Pfalrn-
ift, albeit confeious to his own unworthinefs and infirmity in
fervice, yet being confeious alfo to an honeft purpole> and en-
deavour to lirve God, doth averre and affert his intereftin God
asafcrvant, anddoubleth and trebleth the afleveration : Truly
1 amtby I'ervtnty 3nd again, J" am thy fervant, and the third
time, The fonne of tbitie handmaid \ becaufe borne within the
vifibleChurch,achildeof the Covenant, claiming right unto
Gods family by it. 7 Albeit we can f ijeak little of our doing fer-
vice unto God, yet if we cm fpeak of Gods doing to us and
forusj as for his own children, delivering us from thzbonds of
fin, Satan* hell, and hellifh torments of conscience, we (hall
prove the point of our intereft in God, as here the Pialmiffy
lor proof that his death was precious in Gods eyes and that hs
was cared for as a childe of the family, faith j Thou haft loo fei
toy bonds, and fohe preveth his point.
Vcrf. 17. I mil offer to thee the facrifice of thanks*
giving, and Will call upon tbt Name of the LORD.
18. I trill pay mj vorves unto the LORT)^ novo in tki
f re fence vfaft his people :
J 9. In the courts of the LORDS houfe : in tk
toiddes efthee^ Oferufalcm: Praifeje the LORD.
He repeateth the 1 * third engagement unto folcmn praifing of
God, and with this alio, the fail engagement unto dependence
on God* byworfhippingandinvocatingof his Name, whence
learn, 1. Believers in the Church of ifuel before Chi ill, did
not reft upon the exrerrtil ceremonies, but did look through
them to the fpirirual intent and fignifi&tioh of the ce- emo-
tes . fc for moral and fpiritual fervice is here prom i fed by the
Plalmift; I will offer to the c the ftcrifee of thanksgiving, aid
will cal upon the Name of the Lord. ~. Believers in the Church
tofljracl knew that even no moral fervice, nor fpiritual fervice
was acceptable to God, except through the lnte'Ctffion, fufter*
ingi and oblation of Chtitt, figniflfed ty the faerificesj for
k there-
1 4* PS A L ME CXVIL
therefore doth he call his praitfng of God* facrifice } 1 will
effer unto thee the acrifct of tbauly 'giving, 3. Thepromifes
and vowesofthc fincere fcivantof God, fhonldnotbe fleetin^
motions, and laflicxpreffions, but refolute and fixed purpofes
of the heart, which a man needs not repent or alter > as the re-
peating of the former engagement here doth teach us ; 1 will
pay my vorves, (?c. is repeated in the fame words. 4. Publike
aflembliesof Gods people and places to meet in are needful,
that by this meanes God maybe more folemnly glorified, and
his people edified and (lengthened in the fervice of God, and
profeffion of his truth ; 1 will pay my vowes in the courts of
the Lords houfe, in the midft oftbee, fcrufalcm. 5 . When a
man hath Did ail he can for Gods p L aHe, he muft acknowledge
that Gods praife is a work which requireth more hands then
his own, to lift at fuch a weighty facrifice; for this doth the
Prophets example teach us, clofagthe Pfalme with Praife yc
the Lord.
PSALM CXVIL
Ver. 1. /""X Praife the LORD ad ye Nation ?
K*S praife him all je people*
2, For hij mercifurkindnefs is great towards tax
and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praife
je the LORD.
TKis Pfalme is an exhortation to the Gentiles to praife God>
v. 1. for his mercy and truth toward his people, v. 2.
Whence learn , 1. In Gods worfhip it is not alwayes neceflary to
be long ' y few words fometime fay what is fufficient,as this fhort
Pfalme giveth us to underftand. 2* The Converfion of the
Gentiles was forefcen and foretold long beforethe Jewes were
rejected, as this exhortation directed unto them, and prop hefy-
ing of their praifing God doth give evidence. 3. Invitation o(
any to the fellowship of Gods worship, and in fpecial unto praife
arid thaakfdvina, is an invitation of them to renounce their
finful
PSALME CXVII. *47
fmful coui fe, and to fubjcd themfelves unto God in Chrifts
» and to embrace the offer of his grace, that fo they may joyue- with
the Church in the fong of p.aifes: for all the Nations are invi-
ted to come unto the fociety of the Church in thefe words ', O
praife the Lord, allye Nations. 4. Yea, this invitation of all
the Nations to praife God, fctdownin Scripture, is a prophe-
cy which was to take effect in all t heeled Gentiles in all Na-
tions, for foreafoneth the Apoftle, Rem* 15. 1 1, from this place,
Vraije hint allye people, 5 . Albeit t here" be matter of praife un-
to God in himfelf, though we mould not be partakers of any
benefit from him, yet the Lord doth give his people caufetc*
praife him for favours to therri in their own particular : Forbk
mercifid\ind ejje is great towards itil 6. There is no leffe reafpii
to praife God for what he hath promited, then for what he hath
given already > For the truth of the Lord endmeth forever, is
made a reafon of his praife. 7. As Gods kindnefle and truth
are the pillars of our falvation, fo alfo are they the matter of our
praife, which alwayes go together, and run in the fame channel
toward the fame perfons, and do run abundantly and for ever to-
gether 5 His fyndnejfc is great towards tis, and the ,truth of the
Lord endured? fr ever. . .8. All they who hear of God,are bound
to praife G^d ; Vraifeye the Lord.
PSALME CXVIIL
'TPHeKalmiftinthis thankfgiving for bringing him fow.on-
derfully to the Kingdome , prophefieth in this Pfalme of
Chrifts troubles by his enemies, and of his victories over them,
both in his own perfon, and in his myftical body. This Pfalrrt
hath fuch.an eye and refpeft unto Chrift and his Church, that
wbatfoever fliadow of thefe things may be found in David,
the main fubftance and accomplifhment of all things herein con*
tained, gec to be found moft clearly and fully in Chrifts wraft-
ling with his enemies, and his triumphing over them for the
comfort of the Church , and glory of the Facher : and this the
Church- of Ifrael did perceive and acknowledge, as appearetfaf
by their acclamation taken out of this PHme, and made to,
Chrift at his coming irao ^erufatcm as King riding, and by
h £ Ghrifts
14S PSALME CXVIII.
Chriftsinte rpretaticn, and appropriating of it unto himfelf*
A/^r. 11.9, 15,42. Forthiscaufe alfo the Pfalmift doth not
prcfixe his name unto this Pfalme, whatsoever might be fit for
his particular experience in it, but leavcth it to run the more
clearly and directly toward the Medial),, or Chrift, who is here
mainly intended.
ThePt3lmmay be divided into three parts. In the fiVft, the
P»almift> and C hrjft reprefented by him, exhorteth the Church
to p rail e ood, and £iveth fundry reafons for it, unto v. 14.
In the fecond, he reneweth the fong of Gods praife, and giveih
new reafons for the lame, to v. 1 9. In the third, Chrifts tri-
umph is fct down 9 wherein he gceth into the Temple and fo-
lemn Aflembl y of the Church, and here Chrift by his rejoycing
ilirre.th up the Church to rcjoyce, and the Church giveth ac-
clamation to him astheir Lord and King, and all the company
do rejoyce together, and Pricfts and people ft ir up one anorher
to praife the Lord, unto the end of the Pfalme.
Ver. I. /~\ give thank* unto the LORD^ for
KJhe is good: becattfe his mercy endureth
for ever.
2. Let Ifrael now fay: that his mercy endureth
for ever.
5, Let the houfe of Aaron now fay : that his mercy
endureth forever.
4. Let them noVo that fear e the LORD } fay : that
hit mercy endureth for ever.
The exhortation is unto the vifible Church in. general, to
thank God for his evcrlafting mercy, and to the houfe of At-
ron, and to thofe that fear God more fpecialiy, to praife him for
that fame caufe. Wbacc learn, 1. Upon all occafions we ought
to glorifie God, and ftir up others to do fo, efpecially when wc
coniidcr what God doth for the Kingdom of Chrift, and here
kt us fay : O give things nnto the Lord. . 2. Albeit the wifdorri,
power and jufticc of God, be glorious matter of praifing of him,
y«£ none can heartily glorifie him for thefe reafons, till they firft
fcavc
PSALM b CXVIU. 14P
have experience of the fweetncffe of his goodncfs and mercie;
* Give thanks* for be is zood, for bis mercy enduretb for ever.
3. Such as are partakers olthc goodnefs which is purchafed by
Chrift, may lay hold on everlafting mercies, and give thanks
forthefei 3ecaufe his mercy enduretb for ever, 4 Albeit all
theeled haveintereft inGodspraife, for mercies purchafed by
Chrift unto them, yet the eleS of Tfrad have the nrft mom in
the fong : for Chrift is firft promifed to them, and cmic of
them according to the flefh, and will be moft marvellous about
them : Let Jfracl now fey y that bis mercy enduretb for ever.
5. Men who have more gifts, higher place, and in fpecial ihey
who are Miniftcrsof Gods houfe, fhould go before others in
gloiifying Gods mercy manifeftei in Chrift : Let the boufc of
Aaron now fay , that his mercy enduretb for ever. 6. Whatfoever
othe s do, fuch as worfhip God in their fpitits (inceiely 5 m uld
let forth their th.inkfulneffe for Gods grace manifefted to v zm
through Chrift j Let them now that fcare the Lord fiy> thathk
mercy enduretb for ever. 7. As the falvation of the tied is one,
and the love of God to them one: foihould their fong be one;
as here fou-.-c federal times it is fa id ; His mercy enduretb for ever.
8. Chrift being cpme at length into the world, in the fulnells
of time, and having ended his fuflferings, and entered into his
Kingdome, notwithstanding all the provocations of men to
move God tocutfhort this mercy, hath given proof once for
all of his everlafting goodncfle and mercy: therefore is it laid,
Let ifrae! noWi Ln tAaron now ; Let tbcm that fare god now,
fay, tb.it his mercy enduretb for ever. And this is one rc.ifou of
his praifes
Ver. <{. / called upon the LORD in diflreffe :
the LORD anfwered me % and fee me in a large
place.
Another reafon of this thinkfgiving is, the P.almifts experi-
ence, reprefcnringChiifts fuftering and vi&ory, he called to
God and was delivered. Whence learn , 1. As the deliverance
which David had out of his troubles, wasareafonof joy to all
the Kingdom of Jfracl, becaufe of thebenefi;? which they en-
joyed under his Government: fo the deliverance which Chrift
tad out of his fuflferings, is a reafon of joy, thankfgiving, and
L J glo-
i5o PSALME CXVIIL
glorifying God to all his fubjecb ; I called upon the Lord in If*
jlreffc? bcinfveeredme. ani jet me in a targe place, i. Albeit
the JLord do bring his children into ftraits, ye: he will not le ave
them in dift.-eflc, but will bring them forth into a large place,
as this experience of the Pfalmift, and of Chnft ou- Head,
both diftrefled and delivered for our fake , doth give affitfatrite.
J. The diftrefle of the Lords children is not (6 bltttt Sts the de-
livery and enlargement out of it is fweet > For be an\wertd me,
andfetme in a large dice, is here the matter of victorious joy,
and of Gods highpraifes. 4. Delivery out of any great danger,
is a matter of glorifying God, efpecially when it is the returne
of prayer, a$ here, I called on the Lord, and be anjwcrcd
Verf. <5. The LORD is on mjftde t I fti// not fe are ;
tyhat can man do Unto me}
-j. The LORT> taketh my part with them that help
me: therefore Jball 1 fee my defire 0/w* them that
bate me*
A third reafon of praife is, becaufe the Pfalmift hath by this
experience received fuch confirmation of Gods refpect to him,
as made him fearlefle for time to come, and afluved of the over-
throw of his enemies. Whence learn, 1. Experience of hearing
our prayer mould confirme us about Gods friendship: as
here from his late experience hedrawech this Conclufion >
The Lord U on my fide. i. Gods favour and friendship believed
ihculdfreeus from thefeare of men; TheLordU on my fide,
1 mil not fear e % 3. Albeit the power of man be an ordinary
tentation to divert the godly from their duty, yet when Gods
favour anJ difpleafure are well weighed, and compared with
mans hatred and favour , ir (hall be found to be but little
which mans either terrour or allurement can do, asrhisinterr
rogation fpealceth* What can man do unto me? 4. Faith ob-
taineth more good by deliveries, then it findeth hurt by affaults,
and thenistruV faich viclorious, when Gods friend lb ip is op -
oofed to whatfoeVe - the wrath of the creature can do, as here is
teen, 5. Albeit we have gotten fome notable victories againft
our enemies, yet we mull know our warfare is not ended : for
fo much doth the Pfalmift in(inuate,when he goeth to make parry
a^ainft hiscnemies; The Lordisonmyfide y the \,ord ta^etbmy
pxrt. 6. Albeit the Lords people do not defpife meanes and help-
ers, yet they rely not on them, but on Gods help, who can bleffc
the meanes: The Lord td^etb my pxrt with them tbit help mc.
7. Faith in its own victory by Godsafliftance, feethalfo the 0-
verthrow of the adverfaries j Tbehordu^tb my part, therefore
I Pull fee my defire on tbem that bite me. 8. Many goodufes
may a believer make of one benefit, one viftory, one experi-
ence, as here the Pfafmift doth, he confirmethhimfelf in
his reconciliation and friendship with God, he encourageth him-
felfagainft dangers to come, he exalteth God, and putteth down
to nought the hatred and favour of man , he refolveth
to ufe meanes, and to expect thebleriing from God, witho-
therfundrygood ufes which follow hereafter.
Ver. 8. h is better to truji in the LORD, then to
put confidence in man.
9. It is better to trufl in the LORD, then to put
confidence in Princes.
A fourth reafon of praife and thanks unto God, is for blefli.ig
th: courfe of faith, and making it better then the courfe cf po-
licy or carnal reafo*^; Whence Icwn, i.As faith garhereth
ftrength, when it feeth what blefling doth follow on beleeving,
fo God gectcth praife by blefling the obedience of faith; It U
better to trufl in the Lord, then to put confidence in men.
z.Suchasbeleeve in God, in whatfoever mean condition they
miy be in, are in better cae then the minions of Kings, who
lean only to mens favour, and time will prove this to be true;
Tha' it U better to trufl in the Lord, then to put confidence in
Prince j.
Verf. 10. All Nations compared me about:
hut in the Name of the LORD will 1 defiroy
them.
11. The) compared mi about, jea,th?y compared
me abottt : but in the Name of the LORD I Vei/l
deftroj tbem* L 4 1 2.7 hey
15* PbALMb CXVIII.
12. They compared me about like bees, they are
quenched as the fire of thornes : for in the Name of
the LORD Imtt deftroy them.
A fifth reafon of thanks unto God ; is Davids vi&ory in the type,
and Chrifts vi&ory (ignified, begun and made Cure to be perfect-
ed over a world of adveifaries. Whence learn, l.Manyadver-
faries hadP'iv/i, but Chrift hath more; for all the world arc
deadly adverfaries to him, All Rations compiled me about.
2. T he-Church and Kingdom of Chrift hith neither power
to defend it felt, nor way in this world to efcape from hs ene-
mies ; A\L Nations compared me about, is thrice exprefled.
3. Chrifts enemies are fodepiteful, that in fighting againft
his Kingdome, they regard not what becomes of themfelvcs, fo
be they may hurt his people ; but as the B^e undoeth her felf
in flinging, and loieth her life or her power with her fting, fo
do they j T< ey cojmpaftedme abo.t like bees- 4 All that the e»
ncmies of Chifts Church can do againft his people, isbuttq
{rouble h^ externally their wounds are like the fting of a Bee,
that is unto paine and fwelling, and a ftiort trouble only, but
are not deadly . They compared me about life bees. 5 .The pow -
er whereby vi&o v y is obtained over the enemies of Chrift and
bis people, is me6ly divine, even the Omnipotcncy of the
Godhead of our Lord, who fighteth all his own battels and ours:
In the Name of the LordwiUl deftroy tbem, thrice expreflcd,
6. Particular victories now and then, do give ground of hope
of compleat victory over all enemies j for Chrift hath under-
taken here to deftroy them all; In the Name of the Lord I
•pill dcjlroy tbem. 7- The rcjoycing of the enemies, and the
puttin a fo^h of their malice againft the Church, is but for a
fhort mne,and all to deftroy themfclyes 5 They art quenched as
the fire of thornes.
Ver. 1 3- Thou haft thrufl fore at me that 1 might
fall : but the LQBSD helped me.
A fixthreafon of thanks, is, for delivery to Chrift myftical,
fon the chief ruler of the ad vcrfe powers, that is, from Sata.ru
IVhenccllearn, 1 « Whofoever be the inftruments of perfecution
of Chrift in hismembers, Satan is the prime Agent, the Cap-
tain of thefe curled fouldiers : for toward him mainly is this
fpeecb directed ; Thou baft tbruft fore at me . z. The aime of
Satan in his oppofition unto the Church, is to drive them from
their ftarion which they have by faith in God, that they may
defpaire and fin; Thou haft tbruft jore at *k that 1 might fall.
7,. H w weakibever the Lords perfecutcd children are, when
Satan raifeth p: rfecution againft them, and river h his darts at
them, yet doth he not prcvaile, becaufe God affifteth them »
But tb^ Lord helped me. 4. The Lords (ervants being af-
fifted in their rials, fhall have fuch deliverances, as mail
givethem reafomo infult, time outofminde, over Satan.and all
their enemies , as here the Pfalmift, as a type and fouldicr of
Chrift, and Chrift our Chieitain doth.
Ver. 14. The LORD is my ftrength and Song :
and is become mj falvation.
This we make the fecond p3rt of the Pfalme, wherein titf
fong of praife and thankfgiving is renewed, and foure new rca-
fons are added 1 And firft, he giveth all the glory of his victory
unto God his ftrength and falvation. Whence learn, i . As hu-
mane ftrength is not fufficientto overcome Satan, fo mull the
wiaftler be emptied of the conceit of his own abilities, and be-
take himfelf unto God, as the compleat furnifher of him, as
this example doth teach us. 2. He that hath renounced confi-
dence in created ftrength, and hath betaken himfelf unto Gods
furniture promifed in his Word, fhall have caufcto fing, The
Lord is my ftrength and fong, $. Experimental prooi of the
truth of Gods promifes, is a new impreflion of believed truth,
and a new taking up of it, which maketh a man fay, I perceive '
of a truth that God is fuch as he calleth himfelf ; He U become
my falvation,doih import fo much : and this is the firft reafon of
his renewed fong«
Ver. 15. The voice of rejeycing, and falvation is
in the tabernacles of the righteous : the right hand of
the LORD doth valiantly
it-
154 PSALME CXVIlLrr
1 6. 1 he right b an d af the LORD is exalted: the
t&bt handoftbe LORD doeth valiantly.
The fecond rcafon is from the joy which cometh totheju-
ftified through faith in Chrift, for the certainty of their falva-
tion purchafed by his fufterings and battels. Whence lexrn,
x. Such as believe in Chrift, and do endeavour new obedience,
a$ they arc the pet-fons to whom C'irift hath purchafed falvati-
on, fo (hall theyfinde the joy of the pu -chafe, and acknowledge
it to Gods glory: The voice of re\oyeingji>id[alux!ionisintbe
ubernxcles of the righteous, z. A':beit the righteoas be pilgrims
and have no fetled dwelling place, yet is their pilgrirmge and
private tabernacles made refrefhful to them by the joy of their
falvation; The voice of re joy ring anifxlvxthnis in the ixber-
ntcles of the righteous. ;. The matter of the joy of the righte-
ous, is the fight of Gods power employed for their fifety, and
vi&oriotifly working out their falvation anl his own glory j
The right hxni of the Lord doth viiixntly ; The right hxni of the
Lord h exxlted; Tb: right hxni of the Lord doth v.di-
antly.
Ver, 17. / (hxtnotdle % bat live : anddecUre the
works °\ *be LORD.
The third reafon of thankfgiving, is aiTurance of complcat
victory, and employment of all gifts given to him in Gads fer-
vice. Wbeit:e lexrn, 1. The believer may be affured, that
death fliill not prevent him, till he have ended his appointed feri
vice.' and that as death had not dominion over Chrift, fofhall
it not have laiting dominion over him; / fhxll not die, bit
live: xnddec'xrethewo^ of the Lord. z. To hmour and
praifeGod in this life, llnall be life to the beleever, and
dearer to him then his life, in regard he loveth this life, and the
nex; alfo, mainly b:caufe he (hill therein praife God : Ijhxllnot
iiejxnt live, xni dcclxre the works of the Lord.
Ver. iS. The LORD hath chaftened me fore: but >
he hath not given me over unta death.
The
PSALME CXVIII. 154
The fourth reafon of thankfeivine is, the Lords moderating
aU ctaftifementsfo, as the Pfalmift is not deftroyed by them.
Whence kirn, *.As Chnft our Head was chaftifed for our
andtafted of death, but was not given over unto it: Co
hisfervan's, albeit not exempted from chaftifements, yet they
(hall not be deftroyed by them 5 The I erd hxth cbxjtened me fore,
yet he hath not givervmc over to death, faith the type of Chrift,
fpeakinghiftory of himfelf, andprophecie of Chrift. i* The
moderation of chaftifements and (alvation wrought by them*
ihouldfwallow up the grief of them, and make them the mat-
ter of our Song, as here we are taught ; The t ord hxth chxftenti
mc [ore, yet he hxth not given meover unto dextb. J. It is wi(-
dom to obferve the moderation of chaftifements, as well as their
fharpneffe and weight, -and to remember that when adverfaries
do trouble us, and would deftroy us, God is about only to cor-
rect us , and do us good : as here is observed.
Ver. 1 9. Open to me the gates ofrighteoufnefte 1 1
will g$ iuto tbem> and will praife the LORD.
20. This U the gate of the LORD, into Vvhich the
righteous fkall enter.
The third part of the Pfalme, wherein is fet down the royal
triumph of the Pfalmift, as the type of Chrift ; Fiift, his
marching up to the Sanctuary, v. 19,20. Then ,his beginning
theSongof praife, and exhorting all the Church to re. Joyce with
him, 1;. * 1,22, 2$, 24, Thirdly, the Churches acclamation to
her triumphing King, v. 25, 6, 27. Fourthly, the Pfalmift
as a type of Chrift, glorineth God reconciled by Covenant to
the Church, andpromifcth to praife him ftill, and clofeth the
Pfalm with an exhortation to thankfgiving,as he began/v. 28 , 19
As forthefirft, the Pfalmift as the type of Chrift, com-
mands to mr.ke way for his entering into the Lords Temple,
and aflembly of the Saints where he may praife the Lord.
f IVlxncc letrn, 1. The place of Chriftsand the believers tri-
umphing on the earth, is the Aflembly of the Church, and they
who are touched with the feeling of Gods grace and falvation,
have and mould have a great defiie to have God glorified in the
.holy ^fiemblies: Open to me the gxus of rigbtco"fneJfe. 2. As
the
I}Q I'OttLiIViC LAV 111.
the mneriil Temple of $erufalan was: fo every viable Af-
fcmbly of the Saints , is the place where the righteoufnefle of
faith and obedience is to be preached, where the Saints are to be
edified in thecourfe of righceoufnefTe, and toward which the
truly righteous have andfhouid hive great affection and de-
fire to frequent and honour thefc meetings : Opento me the gates
*f rigbtcoufncjfe y in which the righteous en;er : I will go into
them. $. The exercile of the Church met together , is mainly to a
proclaim the Lords praife : I will go into tbcm, and pr life the
Lord. 4» The Church-alfembly i$ the convenient place,where
the Lord and the righteous do meet; TbU is the gate of the
Lord, into which tbe~rigbtcouijhall enter. Aid this is the firft
'part of the defcription of the triumph. /
Ver. 21. 1 Miff praife thee, for thou hajflteard
me : and art become my fafoation.
22. The ftone which the builders refttjed, is become
the head-Hone of the corner.
2J. This is the LORDS doing : it ii marvellous in
cur eyes,
24. This is the day which the LORD hath made' we
mil re Joyce and be glad in it.
The fecond part of the defcriprion of the triumph, hath the
fang of the Pfalmift^as the typcof Chrifts fong of praife ,wheriti
he in his own mme and in the name of ail believers praifeth God
for hearing of the interceflion made for the Church, and for
granting falvarion to them. IVbcnce learn, 1. The interceffion
of Chrift, and the prayers alio of the Saints put up in his
Name, are all granted, and thereby God is greatly glorified :
1 will praife thee, for thou baft beard me. z- The fcveral victo-
ries of Chrift, and of his militant members, are the fruits of
Chrifts interccfli >n, and evidence of falvation to his myfticai
members ', Tbouhafl beard me, and art become my falvation.
j. As 'David the type, fo Chrift rep-efenred by him, was (v.- ft
defpifedand fetat nought by the chief Rulers, before he was
exalted; for he was indeed that precioas ftonefet at nought by
men; The ftone which the builders refu fed. 4. Men imy have
Jjijh place in the vHible Church, who cannot take up Chrift
when
I
when he (heweth bimfclf, who have little skill to embrace
Chrift, and apply him to them fclvcs or others, as the builders
of the Church, IMefts, Scribes and Pharifecs refufed to ac-
knowledge Chrift fo much as for a true member of the
Church j Heistb.it ftone which tb e builder srefufid. 5. Albeic
men do milrcgard Chrift offering himfelf in his do&rine and or-
dinances, yet he is the rock whei eon the Church is builded, the
foundation whereupon to fettle it, the corner -ftone to hold the
building compact together, and the hcad-ftone of the corner
for adorning and perre&ing the building gloriously, Mattb. %U
9, 1 5, 42. ..• He U become the head- ftone of the corner. 6. In no-
thing more doth the wifdome, grace and power of God appear,
then in the magnifying of Jefus Chrift, and building of his
Church ; This is the wor\ of the Ltd, 7. When the weaknefe
of the Church in her felt, and the power of her manifold ene-
mies j and the impediments of this work are looked upon, k is
a wonder of wonders to fee the going on of (j'ods work in it :
This is the work of the Lord, and his marvellous in our eyes*
3. Albeit there be no day which God hath not made, yet in the
day of the.manifdlation of righteoufnelTe, and life immortal
through Chrift, the time of the Gofpei, and moftfpecially the
c^ayofthcrefurre&icn of Chrift from the dead, wherein Chrift
was declared vi&orioufly the only begotten Son of God, is
made a day of light and gladnefle to poor felf-condemncd fin-
ners : This U the day which the Lord hxtb mide. 9. Chi ift allow -
ethjoy and gladnefle to eveiy beleever, and true member of his
Churchy and willeth them to glorifie God in this holy juy,
wherein he will joyne with them; Wewill rcjoyce and be
gUi in it.
Ver. 25. Save now, Ibefeech thee, LORD :
LORD) 1 befeech theeJendnowprofpcrUj.
26. BUffed be he that cometh in the Name of
the LORD : ypt have bUJfed joti out of the houfe of
the lord.
27. God is the LORD which hath Jberved us
light, bind the facrifce With cords, even unto the hornet
of the Altar.
This
i$$ PSALME CXVIII.
This is the third part of the triumph, wherein the Church
makes her Lord welcome, and congratulateth his victory,
prayeth for a bleffing uprn his Kingdome , prophefieth of the
blcflings, and lets ha- felt to offer the iacrincts of praife arid
thankfgiving to Gcd for it. Whence learn, i. As it is the du-
ty, fo is it the hearty defire of every believer to welcome Chrift
ottering • himfelf as our victorious Mediatour and King: for
he is worthy, to whom hofanna (asit is written, Mattb. l\»)
fliould be lung. 2. Where Chrift comet h, falvation alfo and
fpiritual prolperity Cometh, which was promifed before, and iha-
dowed forth in types : for, Save now, 1 bcfccch tbee } fend not*
projperity, isa promifing prayer. 3. Albeit Chrift hath no need
of our prayers, for advancing of his own Kingdome, yet will
he have us to pray for his peoples fake, that his Kingdome may
come, and will have all believers in teflirr cny of their love to his
honour, to draw the chariot of his triumph, that it may ride
jprofperbufly, faying, Sdveiww, I befeecb thee, Lord, fend
•now prosperity. 4. Chrift is not come unfcnt into the world, but
With commiffion to fave his people from their fins 5 He comcth in
the*NjmcofibeLor&. 5. Together with Chrift all bleflings
do come, which every believer mould heanily acknowledge and
proclaim; Btiffcd be be that emctb intbc Name of the Lords
6. The Pricfls and Minifters of the Lord have warrant from
the Lord to bleflfe all them that bleffe Jems Chrift 5 for after
the acclamation which the people give to Chrift, the Mini-
fters of the Lord pronounce the people, fo many as do heartily
receive him as their King, to be blefled : We have b leffed you ,
(fay they to the people) out of tbeboufeof the Lord. 7. Com-
fort againft 3II fin and mifery, is brought unto the Church by
Chrift, and they who fate in daiknefle, in him have feen a great
light, which fliould be acknowledged, as here, CjodUthc Lord
voho bathfiemn unto us light. $ As the Minifters of the Lord
do preach that believers in Chrift are blefled, fo fliould they
fet them all on work, and themfelves alfo with them , to cx-
prefle by all means their thankfulnefie to God for the great grace
fent by him 1 Bindc the facrifite with eords, even unto tbt
homes of the Altar*
Ver. 28. TkoHtftmyGod, and 1 will praife thee *
thou art mj Go^ I will exalt thee.
*9-
FSALMECXVIIL ijp
ig. give thanks tinto the LORD, for he is good:
for his mercy cndureth for ever.
In the laft place, the Pfalmift, asatypeof Chrift, proclaim-
cth the Covenant- between tbt Father and Chrift, and between
God and himfelf in Chrift, as a fetled and ratified bargain, and
cxhorteth the Church to thankfgiving, as he began : as wc
tike this for the fpeech of Chrift triumphing in his Church j
Wc learn, i . The Father and Chrift, bcth before he was Incar-
nate and after, do ftand agreed in the Covenant of Redemption:
for Chrift faith here to the Father, Thou art thy God. 2. By
vertue of the Covenant cf Redemption between God and
and< Chrift the Mediator, all fuffcrings and battels for thee-
lecl: are undertaken , and fuch deliverance given from all
troubles, and victory 'over all enemies is obtained, as the Me-
diatour isfatrsficd about it, aiidpraifcth God : Tbcu art my
Go.iy and I mttpraifetbets and over again, Tbpuartmy Qod §
and I will ex.ilt ibec. 3 . By vertue of the Covenant of Redem-
ption G oa\ is the believers God alio, and ought to be piaifed,
and more and n ore exalted In our hearts, and outwardly by us p
for as Ch.lift callcth God his Father, and olir Father, his
God and our God, fo eve" ry one who do believe in him, may
'fay to God," thou art my God , dvd Itfillpraift tbte : tbou art
my God, I rtilUxrftthce. 4. The good ncfle of the Lord, in
fending Chrift' a Saviour unto us, and the conftancy of his
mecy to us b 'him calleth for eVci tailing praife and thanks unto
God from us ; givfthan^s Unto the Lord, for t>c is good, for bfc
mercy endurttbfor e^cr.
•— * *•*>-' ' — — -1— • — »■ fr i jfj — ■--
PSALME
160 PSALM E CXJX.
PSALME CXIX.
WE read of no man, who had more troubles and excrcifes
of confeience, or greater viciffitude of changes out-
ward and inward, or mere frequent experiences of his owns
weakneffe, witlefneffeandfinfulnefle, or of Gods merciful dire -
fiion, conlblation and deliverance, then VxviL This man did
the Lord fit., by the immediate inrpiration of the Holy ghoft,
for the edification of tjie Church, to exprefTe his exercifes, and
good deliverances froth them all : and in this Pfalme as in a
bundle, he hath collected the fumme of his holy meditations,
and of the profitable ufes which he made of the revealed Will of
god in Scripture, in all the conditions wherein he was, to
teach all the faithful after him, to have the Word of God in
fpeciai regard, and to have refpeft unto itj as the only rule
whereby they might finde direction, confolation and falvation,
however matters went. To this end , for memories fake , he
hath filled the Hebrew Alphabet, with twenty two meditations,
every one of them beginning with a feveral letter of the Alphabet,
and every feftion having eight vcries, beginning with the
fame letter, and every verfe almoft of every feftion, under
fome cxpreffion, making mention of the Scripture,
The words wherein the Scripture, or revealed Will of £od
in Scripture, here is exprefled, is one of thefe ten. i. The UtP
or Aoftrine, which fignifieth the Lords Will to be taught of £od,
that all men ihould learn it. 2. Statutes which fignifieth, that
this revealed Will of God containeth the duties which Cj°d
hath appointed and prefcribed for our rule. 3. Treccpts, which
fignifieth that this Will of God is impoied by the authority of
our fovereign Law-giver The fourth is commands, which fig-
nifieth th at this revealed Will is committed unto our truft to
be kept. The fifth, tcftimonies, which fignifieth that this revealed
Will of God doth teftifie of our dutie and our doings , whether
conformeor not to the Rule, and teftifieth alio what event may
be expected by our beleeving or misbelieving, by our obedience
or difobedience thereof. 6. $udgmms which fignifieth the
Scripture
PSALME CXlX. i6t
Scripture to be Gods judicial decree, ordaining howourword**
(Seeds and thoughts fhould be ordered, what (ball be the exeeu-
tionof his will anfwerable thereto. 7. rule or fpeech, be*
caufe the Script ure proccedeth, as it were, from the mouth of
God. 8. The Wor&> which (ignifieth Gods expounding his
rr.inde to us, as if he were fpeakingunto us. o.The my ofCjod,
which fignificth the Lords giving direction for our feveral a&i*
ons how we fhould walk, as by lb m^nyfteps unto the King-
dome of Heaven. 10. 7$jgkteoufncj[e, which fignineth that
the Word of God hath in it, the way how a man (hall be jufti-
ficd, to wit, by faith, and how a juftified man fhould approve
himfelf to God and man, as juftihed by faith, and that every
fonneof wifdom, muft and will juftifie this Word of God> a$
the perfect Rule of righteoufoeffe.
ALEPB.
Inthefiiftfe&ion> hedefcribeth the bleffed men ro be only
they who walk in the obedience of faith, as Gods Word pre*
fcribeth, vet. l» 2, J. and then he raaketh application of this
doftrinc to himfelf, v. 4, $> 6, 7, 8.
Ver.i. TyLeffed are the mde filed in the Veaji
Dwho walk i* *hc larv of the LORD.
2. Bleffed arc thej that keep his teftimonies . and
that (cekjoitn with the whole he Art.
3> They alfo do no imqmtjz they walk* in hit
nayes.
In the defcription of the truly bleffed man ; Learn, t . Thit
is thefirft leffon for direction of a mans life, to know wherein
true bleffedneffe doth ftand, andwhoisthcbleffei nun $ for the
beginning of this P/alme with this doctrine Infinuatcth fo
much. 2, Albeit every nmn confufedly defireth happinefle,vetk
is the propertieof the children of God, effe&ualiy and in ear-
fleft to feekrrue happineffe I as the defcription of the bleffed man
M doth
i<5z PSALME CXIX.
dothftiew. 3. As the Word of God only doth reveal trot hap*
pineffc, and the way to it: fo only they are blefled, whochoofe
theclearwayof Gods Word, to dired them to blefled nefle, and
domakeconfciencefmcerely to pat thisdedrine in pradice :
Tttcffcd are the undcfiled in the my, that w4lk in the law of the
Lord. 4. God hath teftiried in his Word, how a man (hall be
pardoned of bis fins, reconciled to God, and have right unto
eternal life, to wit, by faith in the MefiJah Jefus Chrift, and
blefled is the man who doth hold this Way fa ft : Blejfcd are they
who keep his teftimonies. 5. The true believer of Gods tefti-
monies, about the way of true bleffednefs, doth ftudie to have
communion with God, and to grow in the fellowfhip ot his
trace finccrely; They feck the Lord with their whole heart.
. As the blefled man holds faft the Lords tcftimonies for re-
conciliation 2nd communion with God, fo he ordereth his con-
vention in the way which God in his Word hath prescribed,
efchewing fin, and ftudying to pleafe Gods They alfo do no
iniquitie, that is, they are not workers of iniquity, They walk
in his wiy, that is, they aime and endeavour to follow the courfe
which God doth prefciibe. 7. Albeit there be no man who
finnethnot, yet fuch as do flee to Gods grace offered in Chrift
for daily pardon, anddofct themfelves to obey Gods diredi-
or.5 fet down in his Word , are eftecmed to be no workers of ini-
quity, but men going homeward to God, howloevcr clogged
with infirmities 5 They alfo do m iniquity : How fo ) They
walk in bis xcxyes.
Ver, 4, Thou haft commanded®* to k*ep thy Pre*
cepts diligent Ij.
Thisdodrine the PfalmiftappUethtohimfelf, and firft ac-
Inowledgeth his obligation totollbwthe diredion of the Lord
in the obedience of faith, v. 4- and then he wifheth to have
grace to obey, v. 5, 6, 7- And thirdly, cngageth himfelf to
follow this courfe by proTnife and prayer, vi 8, from the ac-
knowledgement of his obtigation to obey Gods Word; Lan/ t
.1. The doftrinc of faith and obedience fet down in Scripture,
is not left to our nrbitrement, but is enjeyned unto us by divine
authority; there » a command given forth unto ro to believe
inthe&on-of God, and a command co follow chedwies ef lov-
It
PSALME CXIX. 163
to God and man : Tboubaft commanded m to keep thy Precepts.
\. Albeit the obedience or Gods Word had no promileof re-
ward, and albeit felicity were net prrpofed unto us, as the gra-
cious reward of the cbedience of taith, yu the very command it
iclf, and the authority of God, fhould be a futtieient motive
unco ic : which obligation as we fhould acknowledge, lb
ftoulJ we iubjcS our felvcsunto it, and fay, Thou buft command'
idut to keep thy Precepts. 3. Howfoever there be great weak-
ncfle, even in reconciled foules, and albeit there be lome ftrong
reiiques of corrupt narure in them , hindering them ro do as they
Would, yet God will have them aiming to keep br Precepts, di-
ligent y making conference of all duties 10 CJod and man, otthe
fmaller durus as well as of the greater, ?nd thar on :dl occalions^
in all times, places an: companies , with their beft affe&ion and
ftrength; Thou baft commanded m to k cc f tty Precepts dili~
gently.
Ver. 5. that my rxayes were dire tied to keep thj
fititutes.
6. Tbtnjhxlllmt be afhamed; when 1 have re~
fpeS unto all thy Commandments
j. 1 will praife thee with uprightnefte of heart :
tehen I Jbtll have learned thj right eotu judge :
ments,
ThePfalmift wimcth to have price to obey ; U Becaufe Co
he fhould not he afliamed nor di [appointed of his hepe, v. f*
andaUoj fo he fhould be enabled to glorifie and praife God,
in ore perfectly, v. 7. Whence tern, "i.The Commandment
of Gcdare not grievous to the honeit heirt ; for albeit he be
unable to do what he fhould, yet it is the defueof his heart to
do what is commanded: that my rpixes were dirctftd to Iffcf
tbyftatiltes, is his hearty wifn. 2. When we have received the!
general direction of Go.is Word, we have need of .the cflLclu-
al ducftionofC;ods Spiiit, to apply the Word rightly to oar
pavticula- actions : tbut my tvyts were dircttcd y faith he
3. The holieft man is m'oft fcnfible of his coming ffcan in un-
derftandmg, 3nd of his weakneft'e to keep Gods commands, and
haoft de<Trou> of Gods help, ds this example teacheth vs. 4.N r 3
man fhall ever have eaufe to repent ol afinare e ..ucjvou- r c
M 1 Otizj
1^4 PSALME CXIX.
obey Gods revealed will : for howfoever he may fuflfer hard things
from men, and be mocked for his (incerity, yet mall he not be
di (appointed of his hopes, nor be confounded before C[od :
Then fiall I not be ajlwned when 1 have refpeel to all tby Com-
mands ?. Sincerity muft aims at uni venal obedience : for to
pretend to keep one command, and to be found a mifregarder
of other commands,is a matter of fhame,and a ma-.k of unfound-
nek: For then frail I not be afhamed, when I hive refpeel to
all tby command*. 6. As Gods Word and Commands are all
righteous decrees in themfelvcs, and unalterable by men; fo arc
they feen to be fuch by thofe who know them beft : Even Gods
righteous judgements. 7. Men do praife God uprightly* only in
thatmcafure, that they are careful to frame their life to Gods
Will : for honour given to God with the mouth, agreeth not
with diihonoardone to him in deeds, in a mans life and conver-
fation.* / wlUpraife thee with uprigbtneffe of hearty when I
have learned tby righteous judgements* 8. Sound praifes of g'od
are the fruit of fou ndnefs in piety and righteoufnefs > and the
holieft of Gods fervants are but Scholars and Students in the
knowledge and obedience of both: T will praife /bee with
nprigbtiijfc of heart > when Ijball have learned thy righteous
judgements.
Ver. 8, ImU^eepthjftatmes: for fake me r.ot
utterly.
From his engagement to obferve this courfe;Lejr?/ 3 i t Albeit our
tefolurionsandpurpofeshavenoftrengthofthemfelves, yet God
f equircth of us that we mould with full pu; pofe of heart cleave
unto his fervice, and this ccurfe he will blefle, for fodoth this
practice teach tis j I will \eep tby (iatutcs$ thai is, I refolve to
aime at upright obedience of thy Wo: d : for this is keeping of
Gods iiatut .s, to endeavour to cbeytrum. 1. As he who is
mott upright in his refolution, is moft diffident of his owne
ftren^th to perfonne his refolution: foishc alfo moft earneft
with Goa in prayer, to enable him to do as herefolveth, as
tliis example dotlneach us j I will keep tby fiatutcs, O for fake
me not. 3 . Albeit no man can be exempted from temporal de-
ft [tons, whereby his Chiifiian graces may be trkd, and his
corruptions mortified , yet ;he belcever may both pray and ex-
PSALM E CXIX. 165
ft&y that he fliall not be defected 5 fo as his faith mould bile,
# ami hit coiufc of obedience mould be cut off: for fo much doth
this prayer promife ; forfa{c me not utterly.
BETH.
In this fcftion, firft he propounds this doctrine ; the Word
of God is the only rule;, and eftlctual inftrumentof renewing
and fan&ifying of an unrenewed man: and the oniy way r o
findethe effic;cyoftheWord, is to ftudie toconrorme a mans
minde^ will and actions thereunto, «. i« And then in the next
place . to the end he may teach men to make ufeof rhis do-
ctrine by his example 3 he fheweth the fmcerity of his owne
endeavour^ by feven evidences in the feven following verfes.
Ver 9. Wherewithal Jhall a jormg man cleanfe
his way} bj taking bee d thereto aciording to thy
Word.
Tn the doctrine about the meanes of regeneration and refor-
mation of lite. Learn, 1. As all men are from the birth pollu-
ted with fin, fo mould they early and timoufly be ienfiblc of
this evil, and feck for the remedy of the running iil'jes of fin:
for he»e it is prefuppofeJj That apung mm Jlmtld clcanfe hit
way. 1. Seeing death is uncertain, and fin groweth ftrongcr
through cuitome i feeing jufticc i3 :he more provoked, the long-
er men mall continue in hn> feeing no age is fitter to ferve Si-
tan then youth, being enclined to :ake liberty to beheadil ong,
felf-willed,and given to defpife grave admonition^and no age luuh
more excules to continue in fin ;o its own perdition, thereto e ro
age hath more need of remedy from God then youth hath,and this
is imported in the queition; If 'herewith Jhall a young map.
cleanfe bis way? $. Seeing youth is locfe, inconfideracc and
unattentivcj feeing the way ot obedience is flippcry, and many
by-paths are offered to the wayfaring man \ feeing danger of pe~
riming is greats and many are the enemies of mans lalvation,
M i who
i66 PSALME CXIX.
who are alwayes Peking whom they may devoure, an<J feeing
no reconcilia ion can be made with God, nn rorgive'ncfs of fin
can be obtained, no fo'lid lancVification nor ialvation can be
had , except the Word or" God be held for the only rule of dire-
ction of tai: h and corwerfation : therefore no meatus can be,
Toclcinfe thcyoangmans rvjy y but by taking heed thereto, ac-
cording to thy Word.
Verf. 10. With mj -whole heart have I fought
thee : let me not wander from thy Command
menti %
After he hith ec down the rule of a young mans Converfion
and convention, he offerer h himfclf as an example to follow'
this rule, and here are the fii ft md fecond evidences or-his fin-
cedty in aiming n this way; The hrft'isjthc confeience of his
up- ight ieeking of God : and the fecond evidence is his prayer,
to be preferved from wandering from the way of Gods obedi-
ence. Whence learn , i. The fiaht of what ethers have attain-
ed untoj is a great encouragement 'O young Srholars in GoJs
ichoole ; for to encourage the young man, the Pfalmift fhew-
eth here his own profiting in his ftudy z. Senfiblentfle of a
mans own imperfections, fins and dangers, and f< eking in unto
God all-fufficient, for relief of fin and mifery, and for a daily
more and morenear communion with God > is a mark of finccri-
ty in Religion 5 With my whole heart have I fought thee $ The
mo'e experience a man hath in the wayes dJFGod* the mere fen-
fibie is he of his, own readinefsto wander infenfiblv, by igno-
rance and unadvertance from the wayes or* God 3 but the young
ioulditr dare run hazards* ride into his adverfaries camp, and
talk with tentarions, being confident he cannot cafily go wong,
he is not fo feared, as David here, crying, let me vol
wander. 4. To be diffident of our rwnwi: and ftren^th, and
to depend upon God, inftantly praying to be kept in, ani re-
called from wandrin£ , proverh the fincerity of the pur-
pofe of holinefle : let mc iwt wavier 'from thy Commandments.
<. Thegoin^on ofthe bcleever in the courfeof obedience, and
his living the lifeof God> is not from what he hath received be-
fore, but muft flow from pre lent influence of grace, fufbining
what was given before^ and from grace JurnifiVmg frefli fupply
drawn
PSALMECXlX. \67
drawn forth by prayer j as this prayer, la me not wander, doth
teftifie.
Vcr. 1 1 . Thy Vbord haze I hid in mine heart •' that
J might not Jin againft thee.
The third evidence of his fincere endeavour to cleanfe hisway,
by taking heed thereto according to his Word, is, the laying up
of the Word by faith in his heart 5 Whence learn, I . It is n )t
fafficient to have the Word of God in brain-kncwledge,and con>
mon memory, for not wit and memory, bin the heart is the cheft
to keep it in : I hid thy Word in my hurt, z Seeing it is irrw
poffible to keep fin out of the heart, void of the Word of God,
it is neceflary for the fervant of God, to lay up t he Lords Word
in his heart by faith and hontft affedion to it : Thy Word baud
I bid in my hear t, that I Jhould ?wt fin agtinjlibcc $. It is a
proofof our fine ere endeavour to profit by t ; e Word of God in
thecourfeof lan&ification, to be careful that we let not the
Word of God flidefrom us, that we be not poiled of it by feare
of men, or force of tentatjon: that we be not deceived by Sa*
tans wiles, that we fufrer it not to go by our negligence and
forgctfulnefs of it, and that we be careful to approve cur Selves to
God, in our love ro the Lords Word, and cftimation of- it , as
of a mod precious Jewel, as here we fee* Thy VVo)d have I bid in
my heart, that 1 Jhould not fin ugainjl thee.
Vcr. 12. Bleffed art t iW, OLORD: teach me
thy fiatutej.
A fourth evidence of hisfinceriry, rnmafcingufe of the Wo vC *
of 'God, is his blefling^od for ttre knowledge he hath received
of it, joyned with prayer for encrcafing the meafure thereof.
Whc rtcclearn, 1. It is a mark of fincetiry of cbciience, to be
thankful for what meafure we have received, and to be feckrng
toencreafe, ^s young birds receive their food and cry for more;
Bltffcdart thou, Lord, teach me thy jlatutcr. i. Befide all
external teaching, we h.wcneed of inward and effectual teaching
from £/od, t0 ma ke knowledge lively and fruitful $ Tea r ,h mc,
M 4 tbj/
i68 PSALMECXIX.
thy fiatutes. $.The goodnefsof God, and his readinefs to
bleffe more and more, is a ground of encouragement to feek a
greater meafuw of his bleffwg j Blejfcd art thou, Lord, teach
me thy jlatutes.
Verfc »;. with my lips have I declared *tt the
judgements of thy mouth.
A fifth evidence of his fincere endeavour to make ufe of Gods
Word, is his care to edifie ethers, and glorihe God, by the
knowledge and experience which he had of it. Whence learn*
i* The revealed will of God in Scripture fhouldberhe matter
of our fpeech and conference with ethers ; With my lips have I
declared all the judgements of thy mouth. i.TheWord of God in
Scripture fhouln be looked upon ns the fentence of the fu-
preme Judge, uncontrollable and unalterable by any creature,
and whereby men muft judge of all truths and look to be judged
by it: for therefore ic is called , The judgement of his mouth.
.-$. As the conference or communicating of our knowledge, and
our (piritual gifts, is a means of encouragement to feek a great-
er meaiare: io it is an evidence of the fincerityand fruit filnefs
of what knowledge we have 5 Teach me thyftatutes 3 with my lips
have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
Ver\ 14. I have rejoyced in the way of thy tefti-
monies : as puch as in all riches.
The fixth evidence of his fincere endeavour to con forme his
way to Gods Word, is his joy in Gods fcrvice. Whence learn x
1 « Delight in Gods fervke and worfhip, is a mark of fincere o-
bediencc p c his Word : I have rejoyced in the way of thy ie-
ftitno7iies. 2. Spiritual joy in fpiricual ob?efts farre exceedeth
anyjoyinwQildlypofl'vffions; j have rejoyced in the way of thy
testimonies, more then in all riches. $. It is a mod lure joy,
which arifeth from the confeience of practical obedience, and
not from contemplation only } lhtvcrijoyced in the way of thy
tfftimoni es
Vcr,
p SAL ME CXIX. \C 9
Vet 15. I Will meditate in thy Precepts: and have
rejpefl unto thy Wayes.
16. Iwill delight my felf in thy ftatutes : 1
mil not forget thy word.
The feventh evidence of his fincefe endeavour to conforme
his way unto Gods Wad, is his engagement to fet his heart to-
wa* d C ods Word in time to come, and net to reft upon any
thing alnady p ' ft ind done. Whence learn, 1 Sincerity of our
obedience prefent and paft, is proved bed, by joyning of our
hearty resolution and purpofc to go on for time to come : I
have rejoyced, I will meditate, 1 will delight in thy ftatutes.
2. It is a profitable meanes to grow in grace, to meditate oa
Gods Word 5 I will meditate on thy Precepts. $, Meditation is
then fruitful, when in our conversation we have refpefitothc
waves of God fet down in his Word, whereupon we h?ve medi-
tated ; / will have refpeft unto thy wayes. 4-In meditation on the
Word, and endeavour to make ufe cf it in our life, wcwill
eafily wax weary, except we make this courfe our delight 5 J will
delight my (elfin thy ftatutes. 5. Meditation will iaile and de-
lectation will wax cold, except the Wo d be treaiured up in a
fanftifitd memory: 1 will not forget thy Word. Thus a co-
py is caft for a young man to cleame his way, and to make his
life comfortable*
GIMEL.
In this fe&ion he praycththe Lord for continuance of hi*
life, that he may have occafion of further ferv ice, which hedefi-
reth may be done by him, and for this end alfo he prayeih, that
he may have a deeper infight in the myftetics of Gods Word,
V' *7 •> 1 8, And thefetwo petitions he prcfleth by three rea-
fons, v. 19, 20,2:. HeprayethaKo for clearing of hi* inno-
c.ency,and for removing reproach from him, for other three rea^
fons,v. ih * h l 4-
Vcr*
i7o PSALME CXIX.
Ver. 1 7. *Deal bountifully with thy fervant % that
I may live , and keep thy word.
1 8, Open thou mine eyes, that 1 may behold pon-
derous things out of thy law.
TFrom the firft two petitions; Learn, 1. As lengthening of
life is the good gift of God in it [elf, and no fmall benefit to
tbeman who purpofeth to employ it well: fo life may be law-
fully prayed for : Veal bountifully with thy fervant, that I may
live. 2. As the end of our life mould be, that God may be fer-
vedt folifertiouldnotbedefired nor loved, except for that end,
fcut willingly laid down, rather then we ihould for fake his com-
mand : Deal bountifully with thy fervant , that 1 may live
*nd keep *hy Word. $. A faithful fervant ihould count his
by-paft fervice richly rewarded by being employed yermorcin
further fervice, as this prayer teacheth : *Deal bountifully with
thy fervm, that I my live and fcep tby Word. 4. The whole
Word of God is a law,a Canon or rule, whereby wc ihould fcjuare
our faith and converfation, for it is here called alfo. Thy law.
5. We by nature are blindc, and cannot fee the light which doth
fliine in the Word of God, till he open our eyes to behold it,
therefore prayeth he, Open thou mint eyes. 6* xhe Word of God
h full of wonders) high and heavenly myfteries, and he who
feeth them beft,doth wonder moft : Open ibou mine eyes 3 that 1
may behold xoondrom things out of thy Uw*
Verf. 19. I am a fir anger in the earth: hide not
thy Commandments from me,
20. My foul break* th for the longing that it hath
unto thy judgements at all times.
2r # Thou hafi rebuked the proud that are c fir Jed:
which do erre from thjCommandments*
Of the three reafonsof his petition : one is, becauft he is but a
granger here, except for fervice : another is, becaufe he longeth
much to know more of Cods Word.The third is^becaufe he feeth
©ods vengeance following them who ftudie not to ferve God .
Whence
PSALME CXIX. 171
Wh ncelearn y i. Albeit the believer live on the earth, yet he
ft not at home, fo long as he is on the earth j I am aft r Anger in
tbcearth 2. Whatfoever pofllflion a godly man hath in the
earth, were it a Kiogdomc, he (hould be a ft; anger for the mat-
ter of eft imation o\ or affe ftioti td any thing on earth; / am
a • ringer in the eirtb. 5. Acquaintance with the Word of
Cod, Ts able to make up all the lofles of the pilgrim, and to lea-
fon all his griefs, it is able to fpply the room or* friends and
counsellors, to furniih light, joy, ftteng;h, food, armour and
•defence, and whatsoever elfe the pilgrim needeth: for the Lords
Word (hall either bring all thee pood things to the pilgrim*
or lead him to Nod. where he (hall finde them all j lamaftran-
gcr in the earth, hide not thy Commandments from me. 4. There
is a hiding of the Word of God. when meanes to hear it ex-
plained by Preachers, are wanting : and there is a hiding of
the comfortable and lively light ot the Spirit, who muft quick-
en the Word unto us, and from bcth thofe evils may we, and
fhould we p~ay to be laved ; Hide not thy Commandments from
me. 5. Albeit the godly be the deareft fouls unto God of all
men in the world, yet will he exe;cifethem with heart-breaking*
efp-cially for fpiritual caufes, that fo he may raife in them an e-
ftimationofhisownprefep.ee, and furnifh work in the mean
time to their faith; ZMy bean breakctb for the longing which it
bath unto thy judgements, 6. It is not every faint and cold wi(h,
which maketh a beicever profit in Gods fchool, there muft <be
fome heat and earncftnefs in holydcfi: es : and this affetticn, as
it may not be cctd, io neither muft it be fleeting, but conftanti
My hexrt breadth for tb. longig which it hub at all timeu
7. Thefe are proud men before Godi who are not penitent for
their fin, and arc not tub jetted to his obedience; for fo arc .hey
heiecalled. 8. The Word of God condemneth the proud, and
pronounceth a cu< fc upon them, fo long as they continue p>oud
and impenitent ; Thou baft rebuild the proud that arc curfed*
9. To dare to wan der after a maris own will, and go away from
the direttio- which God giveih us, is pice indeed, and a bold
hazarding where Gcd commandeth to fear : The proud arc
from thy Commandments.
* Verf. 22 Remove from mt reproach and contempt :
for I have fcpt thy tcftimonies.
23. Trine** alfodti fit and [peak agvrft mt\ but
thy fervant did medilau in t hy ft aunts. 24,
i 7 2 PSALME CXIX.
24. Thy t eft womcs alfo are my delight : and my
councilors.
He prayetbalfo to be cleared in his innocency, and that his
reproach may be removed, and giveth three reafons thereof. One
is, becaufe indeed he was innocent in the point wherein he was
challenged by his enemies > Another, becaufe he had fuftained
the wrath of Princes, for his obedience to God : And the third,
becaufe he had chofen Gods Word for counsellors and com-
forters. Whence learn, I. As it is no ftrange exercife for the
godly, to be traduced, calumniated and reproached, fo it is no
light burden to bear it, but fuch as the godly have caufe to fcek
the removal of it 5 Remove from me reproach and c ntempt. 1 . A
good confeience is a ground of comfort, in the cafe of being re-
proached, and a ground of confidence 5 to feek of God reliefe
from it : Remove contempt, for I bxve kept thy leftimonics.
3. It is not ftrange to fee, not only the rafcal multitude, but al-
fo Judges and Rulers who mould defend the godly, to be their
enemies 5 Princes alfo dUfit, andfpcali againft me. 4. Troubles
will try men whether theydofeareGodor men moll, and ex-
cept the godly take heed to Gods Word, they cannot ftand un-
der the tentations wherewith they may meet; iri?icesdidfpeafi
againft me, but thy fervantdid meditate in thy (iatutes. 5. The
Word of God is able, not only to uphold a man in his trouble,
but alfo to make him rejoyce in his trouble.' Thy teftimonicsare
my delight. 6. A King with his cabinet-councel, mall not be
fo well furniflied to persecute the innocent, as the godiy Patient
{hall be advifed by the Word of God, how to anfwer and cany
himfelf in his trouble 5 Thy tejlimonies are my delight anX my
eounfeUors.
DAlETH.
Verf. 25. Afy fouiecleaveth unto the daft : quick?
en tboH me according to thy word*
In
PSALME CXIX. 17$
In this faction, there arc fix petitions with their feveral reafons
rmnexed unto thcnvfome of them fee down before* fome of them
(ct down after the pecition. The firft petition is for comforr,be-
caufc of his heivy condition. Whenee learn, i .Befide the outward
trouble from men which the godly oft-times do feci, it pleafeth
God to exercife them alfo fomtimes with trouble of mind,imme-
diately from his own handjMy foul cleaveth unto the ;/«/?. 2. Albeic
the Lord fuffer his owne to lie fo long low in their heavy con-
dition of fpirit, as they may feem dead, yet by faith in his
Word he kecpeth info much life, as doth furnifh unto thern
prayer to God for comfort $ ^uicl^en thou me according to tky
Word.
Ver. 26. 1 have declared mj rrajes : and thon
heardeft me ; teach me thy flatutes.
Another petition is for direction and power to obey Godf
Word becaufe he had laid open before God all his own court,
and confeiTed what he knew of his own way. Whence learn 9
1. When we are deferred in the point of confohtion, it is wif-
dom to fearch our way, if any thing in it poflibly hath grieved
Gods Spirit, and what we finde light, or wrong, or doubtful, ic
is ourwifdometo lay it oat before the Lord in fincerity as
here, / hive declared my way es. 1. As we have found audience
and comfort after confeflionin former limes, fomay we expect
to finde the like again : / have declare I my waves, and thou
heardeft mc. 5 . The end of our exercife is to make us ftudy to
walk with God more holily,( and to feel his direction and guiding
bio. e effectually : Teach mc thy ftatutcs.
Verf. 27. Make me to understand the way of
thy Precepts: fo Jba/l 1 tali^ of thy rvcnderoiu
rvorh^s.
A third petition is, for encreafe of understanding of the my-
ftcrics of Gsds Word, that thereby he might cdifie o.hers.
Whence learn, 1. Great is our natural blirJixfle in Gods mat-
ters, and the dfafe is obit-inatf, and therefore the petition for
i; S ht
i 7 4 PSALME CXIX.
light is fo much the more to be inGfted in ; Stoake me to *m-
derftznd. 2. It is not fufficient to know the meaning of tht~
VVordj except we know alfo the way of prad^Cn^ii prudent-
ly ; Make mc to underftand theway of thy Precepts* 3. Defire
of knowledge mould not be for fatisfying of curiofity, or for
oftentation, or for worldly gaine, but to cdifie our felves and
others in wifdome : Sojhall I td\[e of thy mrfe. 4«It is gocd
firftto underftand, and then to talk of, and to exprefl'e truth
formerly meditated and digefted, as the order of thefc two doth.
teach us. 5 . The works of Creation, Redemption and Provi-
dence, either fet down in Scripture, or obferved in our own ex-
perience, do tranfeend our capacity, and cannot but draw ad-
miration from them that lee them well $ Ijball talfe of thy won-
drous wr^s.
Ver. 28. My foul meltethfor heavlnefs : flrengtfe
en thou me according mto thy Word*
* A fourth petition is for ftrength and confolation, in his felt
fainting. Whencelearn* t.The Lordschildren do finde fu~
pel-natural both joyes and forrowes, which the natural man who
Wamcth experience of fpiritua! exercife, doth not underftand, as
this expreflion fheweth : Vdy foul meltetb for beavinefs. 2. No
natural meanes can be a remedy to afpiritual difeafe , but the
Word of God only, being cjuickned by himfelf is the proper
cure* Strengthen tboumc, accordingto thy Word. 3. Spiritual
execcife doth give unto the Saints the cleared difcerning of their
own weakneffe, and need of fupport from C^od ; &ly heart melt-
etb, ftrength en thou me. 4. VVhatfoever the believer needethj
God doth by the Word fupply unto him/as light, that he may
not wander :7//e,that he die not : comfort, that he faint not : and
ftrengtb> that he fail not : Strengthen me according to thy
Word.
Ver. 2p. Remove from me the itaj of lying : and
grant me thy law gracioujly.
A fifth petition is^ to be freed from the courfe of finning in ge-
neral;,
PSALMECXIX. 175
neral, and from the court of lying in particular, that fo he
might neither deceive others, nor be deceived himfelf, but di-
rected by Gcds law, which can deceive no man. Whence
le Art, 1. All fmful courfes in life or religion, arc all ways of
lying, becauie they cannot but deceive a man, wbatfocver pre-
tences they carry * Remove from metbe my of lying. 2. As ly-
ing in fp-cial, and all finful courts arc liable , to our nature,
and do lie clofe unto us:fo fhouid we pray the more againft them
unto God, who only can remove them ; Remove from me the nay
of IfiH* 1' Nothing can decipher unto us a lying W3y, nop
guard us from it, but Gods law which is the only true way:
therefore, faith he, Cjram me thy law. 4« Not only are we encli-
ned naturally to lying, but alio we have (0 foully defiled our
(elves with the lying way of finning, that it is fo much the more
grace to finde any deliverance from it; Grant me thy tawgn*
cioufly*
Ver, 30. / have chofen the Kay of truth: tlj
judgements have 1 laid before ItlC.
31. / hxvc fluck.HWthj tcftimonies: OLORD f
put me not to frame.
32. / will run the way of thy Commandment $ : when
thonjbalt enlarge my heart.
A (ix:h petition, is to be Cived from ftame, and comforted',
with the reafon thereof: becaufehe bad adhered to the obedi-
ence of the Word, and hoped to go on cheai fully in the obe-
dience thereof, if God fhouid be pleafed, by the removal of his
feared reproach,to comfort andcnlarge his heart. Whence learn,
1. When a man is about to relolve upon the way of his carriage,
in general or particular, many rules and counfels will be fuggcfiS
ed and offered unto him, each of them having a pretence of Lome
good, fo as a man had need to be well advifed whatcourfe he
choofethi and then only doth a man refolve rightly when he
choofeththe way of obedience of Gods Word, which cannot
deceive him 1 1 b-ive cbofen the my of thy truth. 2. He that
would have fpecial direction in any particular trial, muft be a
man rcfolved to follow the Rule of Gods Word, in all his
wayes in general, for otherwise he may be left without di-
rection*
if 6 PSALM E CXIX.
redion when he hath moft need, except he may fay for the
whole courfe of his life, J have cbofert the way of truth *
3. The folid consideration, that Cjo&s Word is Gods decree*
may guard a believer againft mens tcrrours and allurements,
and fix him in his right choice, as here; Thy judgements
1 have laid before me. 4. As he who hath been moft ftedfaft
in trialls, in not pall danger of being driven from Cjfods
Word : fo of all men it is greateft fhame for fuch a man
in mails to quit his hold; I haveftuck to thy tcft monies :
O Lord, put me not to fhame. 5. In the trial! of our fted-
faft obedience unto God, there is no way to perfevere, ex-
cept in the fenfe of our weakneffe , and faith of Gods
goodneffe , we (hall call on God to fave us , who will not
fufftr us to be confounded : O Lord y put me not to fhame.
6. The child of God is fubjed to bondage of fpirit, c-
ven after regeneration, in fundry cafes, efpeeally when
god bringeth troubles upon him J hideth his comfort from
him; and letteth forth appearance of wrath upon him:
as the ftraitening of Davids heart here doth import, 7.
As when a mans fpirit is in bonds, hardly can he walk
in Gods fervice chearfully, fo when God fheweth his coun-
tenance and comforteth a man, then all Gods fervice is
eafie : I will runne the my of thy commandments , when
thou baft enlarged my heart. 8. When the Lord giveth
large comfort , and loofeth a mans affedion from the fpiric
©fWidage, he ufeth to give alfo large meafure of ftrength
and adivity in his fervice, albeit not fo large as the
mans affedion is : I will runne the way of thy com-
mandments, when thou haft enlarged my heart.
HE
PSALME CXIX* 177
HE
Verf. 3 3 . Teach me % LORD , the way of thy
flatutes : and I Jhall keep it unto the end,
In this feftioxj there are eight petitions, according to the
number of the verfes. "From the fiiitj Learn, 1. The narrow
way of Gods obedience is hard to be found, hardly kept,
' and eaiilymiftakcn, except God do teach us daily by his Spi-
rit, what he doth at anytime teach us by his Wcrd, snd there-
fore we have need again and again to pray> Teach me, Lord, the
way of thy flatutes. i.As the Lord recjuiveth our perfeverance
in his lei vice , fo our perfeverance dependeth on his con-
tinued diredion and afliftneej which :he believer and daily
fuppiicant tor grace may pvomife to himklft in Gods Name.*
Teach me, Lord) the my of thy ftatutcs, and I Jhall fefy it **
the end.
Verf» 3 4. Give me underfianding , and 1 Jhall
keep thy law : yea } 1 /hall obferve it With my Whole
heart.
From the fecond petition; Lcar/r 9 1. There is no true wif*
dome, except by the knowledge of Gods will revealed in Scri-
pture, andrapplied by him> and this we fhould alwayes pray for i
Give me understanding. 2. Where God becometh teacher the
difcipiemay promiic obedience; Give me under '{landing, and
1 r Jhall keep thy law. $. As no fervice pleafeth Ged, bur that
whichamandefireth, at leaft to do heartily : fo he that purpo
feth toperfevere, muft purpofc a Up to ferveGod affectionately i
Tea, I Jhall objerve it with my wboiebcart.
Verf. 35. CMake me to go in the path of thy com*
wandments : for therein do / delight.
N from
J 78
PS A L ME CXIX.
From the third petition. Learn, 1, Becaufe there are innu-
merable by-paths from terrors and allurements without, to
make us decline from the obedience of God, and we of our '
felvesare both weak and fubject to errors within us, therefore
mould we be the more inftant inpiayer, Miafe me to go in the
pith of thy commindemcnts. 2. As it is a fairc grace of God to
have plcafure and delectation in Go^s fervice, fo he who ti3th
gotten of God this grace, may expect alfo direction and ftrength,
to go on in the path of Gods obedience ; for therein do I de-
light, is given as a reafon of his praying Ma^e me to go in the
pAth of thy commznimcuts^
Verf. 36. he line my heart unto thy tejlimoniesi
and not to covet otifnejfe.
From the fourth petition; Learn, 1. As the moft holy of
Gods fervants have in rhem the remainder of their natural itif-
nefle and aver fneffe from the obedience of Gods Word, Co are
they ofall men molt ienlibleof this (lckneffe, and moft inftmc
with God, the only Phyfician to heal it: Incline my heart unto
thy teftimonies- i. The heart cannot want fome object where-
untoitmuft cleave, a man muft love fomcthing : and if the
heart be not fct on things fpiritual and heavenly, it will not
faile to pitch upon things bafe, and earthly, as here is infinuatcd
by oppofition of covctou fneffe to Gods teftimonies* 3. The
love of Gods teftimonies, or of obedience to Gods Word, and
the love ofbafe objects, astheluft of the eye, the luft of the
flefli and the pride of life,are inconfiftent ;for the one is contrary
to the other , as here is (hewn : Incline mine heart unto thy
teftimmies, and not unto wvctou fneffe.
Verf. 37. Tume away mine eyes from beholding
vanity : and quicken thon me in thy way.
From the fifth petition; Leavn> I. Thefinful concupifcence of
the heart hath defiled the externa llfenfes, and made them fer-
vants unto it fclfe, except God do heal both the heart and the
fenfes, as the petition, Tune woxy mine eyes, doth import.
2. Albeit the corruption of the heart be deadly wounded, yet it
jmy loon recover life and ftrength by the external objects 6f
the
PSALME CXIX. 119
the (enfes, if watching over the external man be neglected, asj
turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, doth import- *.
* Whatibevcr doth draw away the heart from G ds be ience,
is but deceit and folly, wh i foever it may fee n to the beh lder:
Turn away mine eyes frombcbolJingvanity. 4. Albeic we know
that the outward rlkiremcnts or tinne be nothing but vanity, yet
we cannot beware of them, ..01 renounce hem, except the Lord
help us, when the bake is offered therefore is it needfull to
pray, Turn away mite eye from beholding vanity, f. As God
iett'eth a watch over tr.c fences and keepctb he Covenant be-
tween the renewed heart, and the eyes ,and doth renew the vi-
gour of the life of gra e> foisthe toward corruption uporefled.
and mortified: for the dying of finne, is by the quicken ng of
-gracious habrs in the heart, unto attuall exercife 3 as quicken
tbou me in thy Mty y doth import.
Verf. 38* Stablijh thy word unto thy few ant : who
is devouted to thy fear.
Inthefixthpetitionj he prayeth for the fruit of Gods pro-
mifes, for circumcifing his heart, and purifying of k, nnd that
by experience he may be fettled in the fa"ith of the promileSi
Whence learn. 1. "Faith purifieth the heart by laying hold ori
thepromifesof fan&ification, and urging of God by prayer to
the performance of them: Stablijhthy Word urto thy fervant,
2. Albeit the promife be fure in it felfe,and furcunto faith al-
fo, yet when experimental performance cometh, the truth of it
is much more confirmed to us: Stablifl) thy word unto the fervant.
J. Then do we believe the promiies, wjien we take them as
made not onely to others, but alfo as made to our felves by name,
as this prayer fheweth, StablijI) thy word to me thy fervant, (to
wit, the promife of iancti fixation made to believers) and fo t4
me thy fcrvant 4. He who prayeth for the performance of pro-
miies, fhould refolvc to be a fervant, and care full to ob(erve
precepts: Stablijh tby word to thy fervant. 3. That man in-
deed is Gods fervant, how weak foevcr he be in Pra&icffj who
is devoted unto Gods fear ; for he proveth himfelfc to be a fa-
vant by this, 'Bccaufc I am demoted to thy fear.
Verf. 39. Tnm afray my reproach Which I fear :
for thj judgements are good
>4 1 Prom
180 P SAL ME CXIX.
Prom the feventh petition; Learn, i. Asthe godly are fub-
je& to finful out-breakings, which may bring reproach on them 3
and on their profelTion: io are they alio jealous of themfdves,
as unable to keep themfelves, except Gcd prevent them from gi-
ving icandal Turn away my reproach which I fear. z. The
way to be kept blameleife, is to feare to oftend , and to pray
unto God for prefervation, and to watch over our hearts, as we
are taught here. Turn away my reproach which I fear. 3. As the
fear of difhonoui ingot our profeflion by finne, is a guard on
the one hind: foeftimation and love of piefcribed holine{Te 3 as
cf a gopi and profitable thing, is a guard agaioft finne on the
other hind j Turn away my reproach which I fear, for thy judge*
meats arc good.
4c. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts :
quicken me in th) righteoufeffe*
From the eighth petition ; Learn, 1. Sincerity loveth to come
to the light, and oflevethit felfe to be approved to God; Be-
hold ylSavc longed after thy precepts. 2. To love and long for
fan&ified fubjeclion unto Gals Word, is a proof of (incerityi
I have longed after tl^prccepts. 3. A Saint may have a great defire
to believe, and obey Gods Word, and yet in his own fenfe feel
much deadneffc in his affic&ionsfor a time-J have longed, quicfic?i
me. 4. They who bewaile their own deadnefife unto God, mail
finde according to his ughteous promifes, life ipirituall reco-
vered and <]ukkzticd: j^i-Jicnmc according to thy rightcoufnefje.
FAU
Verf. 4it Let thy mercies come alfo unto me ,0
LORD : even thy falvation according to thy
Word.
42. So [hall I have Wherewith to anfwer him that
reproacheth me ; for J truft in thy word.
In this fectioo, he praycth ; firft^ for deliverance out of his
bard
PSALME CXIX. 181
# shard condition , and givcthrcafons for ftrengthening his hope
in this prayer, v 4 ',42, and next,he praycth for grace to con-
felfe Gods truth openly, till the deliverance come and lie
ftremgthens his hope by fix or feven reafbnSj in the reft of the
feftion.
From his firft petition, and the reafons of it ; Learn* 1. The
believer muft lay hold on mercies not feen, and mud not reft
till he diuw them forth by prayer ; Let thy mercies come alfo unto
me, Lord. z. Wfntfoever may remove our (innes, and evill
merits, and make way for performance of promifesds mercy in
effec"t, and muft be fought no lefie then inward quickning and
confolation: Let thy mercies come at fo unto me, $ . As perils and
hazards of life muft be refolved upon by Gods ferva/it, fo de-
liverances one after another, and falvation may be funly ex-
pected : Let thy merc.es come unto me> even thy falvation*
4.^ It is not any fort of delivery by any meanes, which the fer-
vantof God being in ftraitscoth call for, or defire, but fuch a
deliverance as God will allow, and be pleafed to give in a holy
way.- let thy falvation come. 5. As the Word ofpromifeis
the rule of our petition, foisit a pawn of the thing promifcd»
and muft be held fafttill the performance come* Let thy fal-
vation come, according to thy word : and this is one reafen or :he
petition. 6. As the Lords delivering of his children from the
hand of periecutors, doth flop the mouthes of their enemies,
who fay of them, that iruy are in a wrong coarfe, and that God
is not their friend: fo the believer defireth the Lord to appeare
for him, to this very end, that the mouth of the enemy may be
flopped: So foall 1 have wherewith to an freer him that reproach-?
ctbmc: and this is another realpn of his petition. 7. What-
ioevcr be, ou- encouragements in our lufterings, the Word of
God received by fai:h-'muft be the ground of our comfort and
confidence, or elfe the work will not be found 5 for Itrufl in thy
JVord, is the ground oiVavids comfort.
Verf. 43. ssfnd ttke pot the Word of truth ut-
terly out of my month, for ;/ have hoped in thy
)tidgeme&ts*,
%4^r So(hAtl"l*keep thy law continually : for ever
and e-QtJ. <
*i 3 .;
\%i PSALME CXIX*
45. And I will walks at liberty : for I feel^ thy
precepts.
46. / will fpeake °f thy teftimories alfo before
Kinase and will not be afhamed.
47. &4nd I will delight my felfe in thy command-
fnents which I have lovfd.
48. Mj hands alfo Will I Hfr up unto thy command-
ments which I have loved : and I will meditate in
thy fiatmes.
From the ne*t petition, and the feven reafcns added thereun-
to; Learn. 1. Iris not firfficient for Cods glory, that we be-
lieve the W d of God in our \tt irt, but we muft alio confefle it
With our mou hint fie time of fial ; Ta\{C not thy Word out of
my mouth. 1. &s G >d mav juftly for our linnes deiea us in the
time of trial, when his glory and our duty caileth for -i teftimony ;
fo we muft in the fen t~e of cur ill defcrving, ftec to Gogs grace
by prayer, and fay with confidence, Ta\e not thy Word out of
Plymouth. 3. If it mall plcafe God, for humbling of us, to dc-
fert us in fomepaflage of our trial, yer le us believe in him, and
deal wich him not to for ake us altogether in our trial : T?\c not
the IVord of tr ah utterly out of my mouth- 4. Where the be-
Hefe of Gods executing of his Word of threatening and pemife
hath place with Gods children, there is hope that neither mens
terror nor allurement fh ill overcome them in their trials ; for
I have hoped in thy judgement /, isfet down here for the fir it rca-
fon of his hope to obtaine his petition. 5. The Lords keeping
our heart in faith, and our mouth and outward man in the
courfeof confeffion and obedience, is the caufeof our perieve-
ranc*; So full I k'-ep thy law continually, for ever and ever : and
this is the fecond reason of his petition. 6. As he who departs
from confefling of Gods truth, doth caft himfelfein ftraits, in
dangers, and bonds: lo he that beareth out the confeffion of
the truth, doth walk ns a free-man, the truth doth fet him free >
And \ will \vqU;c at liberty • which is the third reafon of his
petition* 7. Even the confeienceof honeft endeavour to obey
the Word, hath the promife of not being utterly deferced in the
day of trial: for I have fought thy precept?, is the fourth reafon
pj the petition. 8. The terror of Kings, and of men in power,
is
PSALMECXlX. 185
is an ordinary hindrance of free confeflion of Cods truth in time
of perfecution ; but faith in the truth fuftained in the heart by
God, is able to bring forth a confeflion upon all hazards : J will
[petti *f thy teftimonicsbej bt ctsjngs. 9. He that is refolved to
confefle the queftioned truth of ood, whofoevcr do mock at it,
fhall not be aihamed of his confeflion, but nuh.r (hall have cre-
dit by it : I mil [peak of rl?y teftimonics alfo before Kin s and
will not be afbamed : and this is the fifth veaion of the petition.
10. The more men do know the excellency or Gods truth; and
do feel the power of Gods hand, lufhining them in die faith and
confeflion of b, the more will they love, delight and take plea-
furein the Word of the Lord : I will delight my felfe in thy
commandments, which I have loved: which is the fixch reafon
of his petition. 1 i*He that findeth himfelf bom out in the con-
feflion of the truth in time of triall. mould in all time after fo
much the more as his experience is greater embrace heacily
the LorSs^emman ds, as precious gifts, and mould give up him-
felfe abfolutely tol>e-governed thereby ; for the lifting up of bk
bands to the Lords comyjfaiments , doih import fo much 12.
HewhooutoflovetoGodscouimands, hath endured trial by
trouble, and hatli overcome tentarions, may comfortably ap-
prove him&tf in his forrr^Poving of the Lords commands, and
thereby renew, and increafe his love to the obedience of them :
fcr after he hath faid, I will lift up my bands to tby command-
ments, he fheweth that he will do fo, with a ratification, and
approbation of his love to them, by adding, tby commandments
which I have loved. 15. The experience of the worth of di-
vine truth, which is able to bear out it felfe, and the man alfo
who doth confefle it,(hou!d fet a believer on a more and more
earned ftudy,to know the minde of God reveiled therein, as
the Prophet refolveth to do, And I will meditate hi thy fiatutcs :
and this engagement is the Laft reafon of the petition.
ZAIN.
Verf. 9. Remember the Word auto thy Jervant ,
Upon which thon baft can fed me to hope.
N 4 In
184 PSALMECXIX.
Inthisfe&ion, he prayeth for the performance of the pro-
mi c, which he hath believed, and whereof he hath found the
fruits already in a good mealure. Whence learn, i. Thepromifes
of 'he Gofpel and grace of God, give liberty and confidence to
thebelievei to draw neer to God, 'o feek the full perform-
ancethereof, as here, T^memher the Word wherein thou haft czu-
fedmetobope. i. The genet al offer of the Gofpel, and the pro-
miles mnie to the believer, do make prom ifes to be every belie-
vers propriety _. no leiTe then if his n me we e infertcd in the pro-
mile, or written in the ible; Remember the Word (pob^eu unto,
thy fervant, or promifed to mt. $. God that maketh the offer
of the Wo d, is li • who alfo worketh faiih in the believe., and
moveth him to apply it and truit in irj the acknowledging
whereof as it is Gods glory, fo is it the believers profit: 3(p-
member the Word upon vphch thou haft caufed me to hope : for
faith and hope is not of our felves, it is the gift of God.
Ver. «}o. This is my comfort in my affliflion : for
thy Word hath quickened me m
51. 7 he proud have had me greatly in derifion, yet
have I not declined from thy LaW.
52./ remembred thy judgements ofold % LO RDi
(ind have comforted my felfe*
5 3 . Horror hath taken hold upon me, becaufe of the
wicked that for fake thy Law.
54, Thy (latutes have been my fengs, in the hcufe
of my pilgrimage.
55. . J have remembred thy Name, LO R1) } in
the night : and have kept thy Law.
5 6. ThU I had, becattfe 1 kept thy precepts.
The fruits which he hath found already by his faith in the
. Word, are feven, all in order fet down in thereltof the verfes
of this (eel ion. Whence Learn, 1. Faith and hope ifr God do
*\or exempt Goes children from troubles,but do comfort them
in their trouble, fo as all other confoLtions ire naught in com-
panion > This it my ccvfoUtion in my -affliftiw. 2. When the
believer
PSALMECXIX. 185
believer is damped with trouble, and fometime 3$ it were dead
in regard of fpidtuai operations, motions and affections* faith
draweth life againe out of the Word of promife ; for tby Word
bath quickened me: and this is the firft fruit of faith in Gods
Word. 3. Albeit impenitent, graceleffe men do mock grace,
do mock faith ana obedience in the godly. ; and ( in Satans drift
and theirs ) to the intent they may make the godly forfakc Gods
law, yet faith in the Word isable to beat thebclieverup againft
deribon.as experience fheweth : The proud have had me greatly
in dcrifion, yet have I not declined from tby Law: and this isthe
iecond felt fruit of his faith* 4. It is good to have a number
of examples of Gods dealing with his fervants, and with his ad-
verfaiics,laid upintheftorehoufe of .a fructified memory, that
th reby faith may be il/engihened in the d-y of affliction : for
fo are wc here taught, I rcmembred tby j dgements of old , O
Lord. 5. Fa kh doth d* aw comfort out of the execution of Gods
Word of promiie, and of threatening 3lfo, in former times -
1 rcmembred tby judgements of old, Lord, and wm comforted*,
and thisisthethiid (tit fruit of his faith. 6. It is an evidence:
effinceruy m Gods fervice, to fee wrath and judgement in the
face of finne, and to be diverted fom v finning by the fight of
Goiis judgement threatened and executed upnn the wick.d; bor-
row batb xi\{?.n bold upon me, becaufe of the wicked that for*
fake tby lave : and this is the fourth tit fruit of his faith, 7. A s
£>ods children are in this wc l;i Grangers and pilgrims in af-
fection, and dealt with as (bangers) whee they live, fo alfo are
they oft-times banifhed from their native Countrey : Tby fta-
tutes have been my fong in the houfe of my pilgrimage. 8 . Where-
soever the Ixlkver is, and whatsoever bz his outward conditi-
on,the Word of God receive . by fai:h, (hall bear him company,
and furnifh him with marc of comfort and rejoycing: Tby
ftatntes have been my fong in tbc hou e of my pilgrimage : and
this is the fifth felt fruit of his faith. 9. The knowledge and
deepimprcffionortheMajeftyof God, as he reveale hhimfelfe
in hiswoiks, and Wcrd, is apowerfull meanes to ftrengrhen us
in the obedience or faith; I have remmbredthy Name. Lord y
and have kept tby Law : and this is the fixth felt fruit of his
faith 10. Well fpent time in fecret when wcare folitaryj (hall
be rewarded openly by a good carriage in fociety and company :
1 rcmembred tby Name inthe night, 1 have kept tby law. 1 1 . Ic
is no final! benefit to fee and cbierve what good we have had by
our obedience to QoJ, and how ^race hath been rewarded by
grace;
iM PSALMECXIX. *
grace in our pcrfons : This I hud ( to wit,allthc former fruits,, )
bccaufc 1 kept thy precepts : and this is the feventn felt fruit of
faith, that a man may enjoy the approbation and comfort of the
fruits of faith. i>. Thofeare reckoned keepers of Gods pre-
cepts, not who have no finne in them, but who ftudy to be free
of linne, and to do Gods will : This I hii y becaufe I ^ept thy pre <-
etpts. 1 3. It is wiidome to reckon what good we have by faith
an God, and to endeavour to plea(e him, rather then to reckon
our temporary and light afflidrons in our feivice, as here wc
are taught.
CHETH.
Verf. 57. Thou art my portion > LORD, lhaie
faid, that I would keep thy Words.
58. 1 intreated thy favour with my whole he Art,
be mercifull unto me according to thy Word.
59. / thought on my wajes : and turned my feet un-
to thy tefiimonies.
do. 1 made hafle, and delay ednot to keep thy Com-
mandments.
61. The bands of the wicked have robbed me I but
J have not forgotten thy LaVv.
6l. At midnight I Will rife to$tve thanks unto thee,
kecaufe of thy righteous judgements.
63* 1 am a companion of all them that fear thee ;
and of them that keep thy precepts.
64. The earth, LORD,is full of thy mercy ;
teach me thy ftatutes*
In this feftion he laboureth to confirme his fairh, and to
comfort himfclfe in the certainty of his regeneration, by eight
properties of a found believer, or eight marks of a new crea-
ture. The fit ft whereof is ; bis choofingof God for his portion.
Whence
PSALME CXIX. 187-
Whence kirn, 1* Such as God hath chofen and effectually cal-
cy ,et gi ace to make God their choice* their delight, md
portion : and fuch as hare chofen • cd for their portion,
hive n vidence of their regeneration and ele&ion alitor here
IDavia fnakctfa this a mark of his regeneration : Thou art my
portion. Lord. 1. It is another mark of regeneration, after
D* lievirig in God, and choofing of him for our portion, to re-
folve 10 brin^ out the fruirs of faith in new obedience, as David
did , I hxve [aid that I will k ec P % words. $. As it is ufaall
for Go s children, now and then becaufe of finne falling out,
to be exe- eifed with the fen e of Gods difpleafurc: fo it is a mark
of a new creature, not ro lie ftupid and fenilefle under this ex-
ercife. bu to deal with God earneftly, for reftoring thefenfeof
reconciliation^ ?nd giving new experience of his mercy, as the
Pialiniftdid ; I intreatedtby favour with my whole heart: and
this is the thrd evidence of a new oeaturc. 4. The penitent
believe; hath the Word of grace, and Covenant of God, for his
affurance wj be heard when he feeketh mercy : Be mercifutt to
me according to thy Word. 5. The fearching in what condition
we are in arid examination of our wayes according to the Word*
and renewing ofrepencancewhh an endeavour of amendment,
is a fourth mark of a new creature : I thought on my wayes, and
turned my feet unto thy tcftimo?iics. 6. When we do fee our fin,
wt arc naturally flow to amend our doings, but the fooner we
turne us to the way of Gods obedience, we fpeed the better,
and the more fpeedy the reforming of our life be* the more found
mark is it of a* ew creature: I made bafte, and delayed not to
keep thy commandments. 7. Enduring of perfection, and fpoil-
ingof our goods, for adhering to Gods Word, without forfaking
of our caufe, is a fifth mark of a new creature : The bands of the
wkkcdh<xverobbedmc>but I have not forgotten thy law. 8 As
it is the lor of Gods children who refolve to be godly to fufter
perfecution, and to be forced either to lofe their temporal goods,
orelfe to lote agoodcaufe,and a good confcicnce: io it is the
wifdeme of the godly, to remember what the Lords Word re-
cjuireth of us, and fpeaketh unto us, and this frail comfort our
confcicnce more, then the lone of things temporal can trouble
ourmindes: The bands of the wicked robbed me> but 1 have not
forgotten thy Law 9. A (ixth mark of a new creature, is to be
fofarre from f etting under hard exercife, as to thank God in
fecret chearfuliy for his gracious Word, and for all the paflagea
of his providence^ where none feeth us> and where there is no
hazard
188 PSALME CXIX.
hazard of oftenrat io n : tAt midnight I will rife to give thanks I
unto tbee } becaufe cf thy righteous judgement?, jo. A feventh I
mark of a renewed creature , is , to aifociate our felves, and keep I
communion with fuch as are truly gracious, and do fear God I
indeed, as wc are able to difcerne them : I am a compinion of all
tbcm that fear tbce. it. The fear of God is evidenced by be-
lieving and obeying the doctrine and direction of the Scri-
pture, and no other waves: Jam a companion of all them that
fear theCy and of them tbat keep thy precepts, n, The eighth
mark of a new creature, is not to reft in any meafure of renova-
tion, but earneftly to deal with God tor the encveafe of faving
knowledge, and fruit full obedience of it : tor. Teach me thy fta-
tutes, is the prayer of the man of God, in whom all the former
marks are found. 13. As the whole creatures are witnefles of
Gods bounty to man, and partakers of that bounty themfelves:
fo are they pawnes of Gods pleafure to beftow upon his fervants
greater gifts. then theie, even the encre3'fe of fanctification, in
further illumination of minde and reformation of life: for this
the Pfalmift ufeth for an argument, to be more and more fancti-
fied y Tbi whole earth U full of thy bounty , Lordy teach me thy
flaiuPes.
TETH.
Ver. 65. "Thou haft dealt wll ulth thy fervant*
LORD, according unto thy vcord.
Tn this fecit ion, he gives eight marks of a thankful 1 foal deli-
vered from heavy trouble for a time. The fir ft mark is his hear-
ty acknowledgement of Gods goodnefie toward him elf. Whence
leamy 1. There is a time to acknowledge mercies received, as
well as to pray for good things not as yet received: and as it is
tfiedutyofa believer to pray in his need, fo it is the duty of the
thankfull man toconfeffe what he hath received for fupplying
of his nee i : Thou haft dealt well with thy fcrvant 1. The
Lord will fo performs his promiic, as he (hall make the beli eVing
fupplicant witnefie of his fidelity : Thou baft dealt well with thy
favm;accQrdinztQtbymrL 3. As gifts prayed for, fo aljo
gift*
PSALME CXIX. 189
gifts received ou^ht <o be examined, whether they be given ro
us, as to (irvants of God, and according to the promites made
to'hisfcrvants in the Word, or not: otherwife a man can nei-
ther make right ufc of them, nor be thankfull for them, as the
Pfalmift doth here, who faith; Thou baft dealt well with thj [er-
vant according to thy word.
Verf. 66. Teach me good judgement and
knowledge : for I have believed thy Command*
ments .
Another work of his thankfulneffe, is his fceking the increafe
of wifdomc and di faction , for enabling of him unto better fer-
vice of God in time to come. Whence learn, i. Befide the
knowledge of the general rule of Gods will, it is neceflary to
have the gift ofdifcretion, to know our duty, when particulars
cloathed with circumftances, come to be tried by the rule: and
this the thankfull man mould .pray for; Teach me good judgc-
man arid knowledge, z. He that would be directed in the faith
and obedience of Gods Word in particular , ought to be deare
in general of his eftimation and belief of all Gods Word in
Scripture. Teach me good judgment) ( faith he J for I have be"
licved thy commandments.
Ver. 61. Tiefare 1 was tjflitled,! went a fir ay :
but now have 1 kept thy word.
The third mark of Uis thaskfulnefle is, his acknowledgement
of the wifdome and goodnefle of God, manifefted in, and
wrought by affli cling of him. Whence learn 3 1. So perverfe are
we by nature, as we are the wcrfe oft-times by proiperity : Be*
fore I wot afflificd I went aftray. 1. When profperity is abu-
fed, it is Gods mercy to us to vifo us with the rod of affli-
ction , and by it to drive us to make better ufe of his
Word s But now have I kept thy word. 3. When affliction is
fan&ified and found in the fruits thereof, it is no leife fweec
when it is pail, then it was bitter when it was prefent^as the
companion of times lice cloth ihew.
Verf. 68.
ipo PSALME CXIX.
Ver # 68, Thou art good, avd doefl good ; teach
methjftatxtcs.
The fourth mark of his thankfulnefs, now being comforted
^fter trouble is, his acknowledgement of the goodneik of • . ods
nature and working, and his drawing from this fountain more
fandification. Ifbcncelearn, i. As goodntffeis Gods nature^
and good is his woik: io it is the thankful mans part to ob-
ferve it, acknowledge it, and heartily to praife him for it,e'pedal-
ly when he Is called unto this by late favours, as the Ptalmift
doth here: Thou art good, and doe ft good. z. When the good-
nefs of God is folidly apprehended, k furnifheth ground of
great confidence to leek further fruits thereof towards us.- as
here the Pialmiftdoth. $. Or all the fruits of Gods goodnefs,
which a thank tul man can crave to himfelf, none is fitter to be
fought, then the growth of the grace of ian&ification : as here,
Tcacbmcthyftauacs.
Verf. 69. The proud have forged a lie again fi
me : but / mil f^eep thy Precepts With mj whoh
heart.
A fifth mark of a thankful man comforted, is his renewed pur-
pole not to fin, for fear of the malice or craft of any persecutors.
Whence learn ^ 1. Befide violence and crueltie we (hall finde
lies and falfe calumnies to be the weapons of the wicked againft
the godly 5 The proud have forged a lit: againft me . 2.The {lan-
ders and calumnies of the wicked againit the godly, arefo trim-
med and dreiTed up with much artifice, as if they werecaft in a
moulds Theproudbave forged a lie againft me. 3. The only
way of refitting and overcoming this tcntation, is by the fin-
cere adhering to God in the faith and obedience of his Word J
But I will keep thy Treccpts with my whole heart.
Ver. 70. Their bean tiatfet as greafe: but lde*
light in thy law.
The
PSALMECXIX. 191
Thefxth mark of athai.kful man comforted after affliction
*nd perfection, i< hisdtfpifing the profperity of the wicked, in
comparifon of the benefit of a gocd conscience, and joy in (jod*
Whence leant, \ .It is the profperity of the proud, which encou-
rageththem to pcrfecutc the godly, yea, their profperity fo bc-
nummeth their confcicnccs, that they may not fear to pei fecute:
Their heart is tofatM grct/c 2. As a benummed and feared con-
fcience is a fin annexed to the fin of perfecution, fo is it nlfothc
plague of God upon them ordinarily,that they Should not repent.
Their heart is o/s fat as grcafe. $. The comfort of a good con-
fcience>and the comfort of delighting in the obedience of faith, is
a greater welfare to the godly then profperity, how great foever it
can be unto the wicked, and fo the godly need not envie the proud
and p. ofperous man.- Their heart U fat at greafe, but I de*
light in thy law.
Ver, 7 r. It is good for me that 1 have been fifflift*
ed, that J might learn thy ft attttes.
The feventh mark of a thankful mind e comforted after affli-
ction, is his eftimation that holinefs wrought by affliction
bringethmcre plcafure and gain, then affliction did bring with
it lofteorpain* Whence learn, 1. The godly have as evil na-
tures as the wicked have, which cannot be fubducd and beaten
down, except by affliction, as 3ppeareth by this experience of
the Pfalmift. 2. Albeit no affliction for the prefent be pleafantj-
vet aft cv ward it provcrh medicine to the godly, whole wifdom \t
is to obierve all the advantages which come thereby, as the PfaU
mi ft doth here : It is good for me that I was afflicted. 3 . Profit-
ing in fanctitication, is more then may recompense allthetrou^
ble which we are put unto in learning of it .• It is goad for tiK
that I have been afflicted, that 1 wight learn thy [iatutes.
■Ver. 72. The Latv of thy mouth is better unto me?
then thoujands of gold andjifoer.
The eighth mark of his thankful minde comforted after af-
fliction, is his preferring the advantage of the written Word of
God
ipo PSALM E-C XIX.
God to all riches. IVbcnce turn, i . No affection to the Word
of God can be in a man, till it be efteemed by him, as it is in?
deed, the Word of Gods mouth, as it were breathed our by
himfelf fpeaking it: for it is called here, The law of thy mouth,
to direct Mii in' orcc our obedience. 2. The fpiiicual advan-
tage which a holy man doth make of Gots Word, is more
worth then all earthly riches : Tbclzrv of thy mouth is better Mir
to me then thou funds of gold andfdver.
?OD.
Ver. 73, Thy hands have made me and fafbioned
me : give me understanding that I may learn thy Cem-
mandments.
74. They thatfeare thee will be glad when they fee
me : becauje I have hoped in thy word.
In this fection is fet down the example of the right carriage
of a believer 3 brought out of one calamity, and caft intoano-
the:* : his good behaviour conilfteth in thefe fix duties. The
firfth. to guiui well agaxnft fin,, by feeking wifdome {rom
God to bear well thetentacion of new trouble. Whence learn,
*. Albeit nothingcan fatisfie misbelief, yet true faith will make
life of rhemoft common benefit of Creation to ftrengthen it
lelf 5 Thine hands have made me an:, fafiinned me. z.It is a good
way of reafoning with God, to ask another gift, becaufewe
have received one : and becaufe he hath given common benefits,
to ask thu he would give us alio laving graces : Thy hands have
made me and fafhioned me. give me underftanding that I may learn
thy Commandments. 3. Seeing God is our Creator and the
end of our Creation is toferve God, we may confidently aske
whatfoever grace may enable us to ferve him, as the Pfalmifts
eximpledoth teach lis. 4. As the afflicted Petitioner for grace
-to obey Gods Commandments, is ftrengthened in his faith, by
the hope of the glory which may come unto God by his holy
bcha-
.
PSALME CXIX. 19$
behaviour* fo alfo is he ftrengthened in his prayer, by the hope
•of the edification, which others the Lords children may have
by beholding his carriage;!^ that fearc thee, will be glad when
they fee me. ?. It mould be the joy of all believers, to fee one
of their number fuftained, and borne out in their fuffe<ing$;
for in the proof and example of one fufferer, a p.iwne 15 given
to all the reft, that God will help them in the like cafe: They
that fare thte will begad when they fee me. 6. The Lord fhall
fowoikfor the man that hopes in his Word that both he and
others fhall have caufe to be glad, for the grace of faith and hope
beftowed on him ; They full be glad when they fee me, becaufc
J hoped in thy word.
Ver. 75. / fyow, ^ORD, that thy judgements
arc right t and thac thou in faith fulnefs haft ajjlifted
mi*
The fecond duty of the fufrering belecver, is to juftifie
God in afflicting of him. whence learn, 1. Albeit we fee not
the particular reafons of Godsdifpenfation, yet the belief of the
Lords righteoufneffe and wifdome fliould quiet our mindes
from all murmuring and difpurtion, and fufpicion about the
Lords doing, as here is done yIk no7V > Lord, that thy judge-
ments are right. 2.tt is not fufficie>\t that we juftifie God , and
forbear to murmure againft Gods afflicting of ttij but we mult
believe that God out of love dothifflict us, by way of per-
forming of his Covenant unto us J J know that thou jn thy faith-
fulnefs ba't afflifted me.
Ver. 75. L?t % I pray thee, thy merciful hindnefs
befoYMjcomforttMccydingto thy fVord unto thy Jtr-
vant.
77i Let thy tender mercies come nnto me^ that 1
mvy live : for thy lotto is my delight.
■ The third duty of the afflifted fervant of God, is to feek com-
fort from God, according to his promife. Whence learn, j. Al-
beit we know that our fins haw drawn on out affliction, yet thar
Q mx$t
i $4 PS A L ME CXIX.
muft not hinder us to (cek comfort from God in that affliction;
and nothing can comfort the afflicted, except the fenfeof Gods
kindnelfe and mercy to him : La, I pray tbee, thy merciful fond-
ue fje be for my comfort. 2. Albeit full remedy be promifed in
the Word, and albeit falve for every fere be treafurcd up there,
yet the Tweet effed 0/ thefe promileswe cannot have, without
dealing wi;hGod by prayer, to apply in particular, what faith in
the Word beV:eveth in general: Lei thy merciful liindnefj'e be
for my comfort according to thy Word. g. To the end we may
have the benefit of the promife, it is wifdome to thruft in our
felves among thofe to whom the promifeis made, under one
title or other as we can,and to put our name in Gods Writ :Let
comfort come into me, according to thy Word to thy fervant : that
is 5 the Word of Promife which is made to fervants, and fo to
me, and fo let it come to me. 4. The fenfe of Gods tender
mercy to the beleever, is the very life of the belecver, it is death
to him to want it : Let thy tender mercies come mto me y that I
may live. ?. As we love the fenfe of Gods mercy, fo muft we
love C/ods Word, and ftudie the obedience of faith, and .he who
hath the one, may pray and hope for the other 5 Let thy tender
mercies come unto me, for thy law is my delight.
Yet.jS-Letthe profit be afbamed, for they dealt
fewer fly with me without a caufe : but I will meditate
in thj Precepts.
The fourth duty of the afflicted fervant of C/od, efpccially by
p:rf:cution,is to pray againft his cnemies,and then to go on in his
way of ferving God; VVhence learn , 1, Proud, gracelefle, im-
penitent men, will not prove friends to the godly, but unreafon*
ab*e perfecutors of them, as they findeoccafian : The proud have
dealt pcrverfly n ith me without a caufe* 2. When the proud and
wicked in the world are our party, God will be a friend to us
who do feek for relief from him,and will difappoint them of their
plots againft us : Let the proud be afhamed, for they dealt pervcr fly
with me without a caufe. ^.Perfecution by the wicked maketh
andfhould make the godly ftudie to underfhnd the Word of
God more clearly and fully then before : Let the proud be afaa-
med, but I will meditate in thy Precepts. 4. The beft defence
againft perfeciuionj is to ftand faft in a good uufe^and ftudie o-
bedience
PSALME CXIX. 195
bedience to £/ods Wordj for hy this meanes the afflicted dd
remain Gods feivants,and the Lord is engaged to do foe
them as his fervants 3 for this is the couife the Pia:mift
taketh.
Ver. 79. Letthofe that f ear e thee turnennts mt\
andthofe that have knorcn thy te(H?nonies.
The fifth duty of the afflicted and ptrfecured is, to-labour to
know friendship and fellowfliip with others who aregodIy 3 which
may both (lengthen themfelves and others. Whence lurn y
l.Asic (hould not feem ftrange unto us if he godly foriakc
our fellow (hip when wearepcrfecuted, feeing God doth fuffer
this for the humbling, and trying, and turning us to believe in
God alone; fo it is our duty to recover them who have delect-
ed us, and to draw them in unto us again, and to pray to God to
further us: Let thofe thAt fenre thee" turvc unto rrie y doth teach
all this. 1. As Cjod when he pleafeth, diverts the comfort of the
fellowfhip of godly friends, fohecan bring thembackag^n to
us, as the prayer doth import. $ . Only they' who with fenre to
offend God, have the found knowledge of C^ods Word, are fie
comforters and ftrengtheners of the godly under perfecution 5
Let thofe xhitjure tbec, tune unto me,and thofetbat keef thy tefti-
monies.
Vcr. 80. Let my heart be found in thy fiatutes i
that 1 be not afbamed.
The fixth duty of the afflicted, is to ltudie above all things,
to be fii cere in his carriage, and in his defence ol a good v
Uprightly aiming to do what is right rightly, and for the right
ends. Whence learn- 1. Mi nde and heart inthebeft men, are
fo perverted by natural corruption, (which h not fully abolished
in any) that not mans tree will, but Gods free grace rnuft help
this evil : lor this prayer, Let my hexrt be found in thy fixtutes*
doth import fo much. 1 . S >un.: knowledge of the ftaiUtes, and
found affection toward the figures, and a found fmr'pofe in the
following of rheftatutes. mufi be joyncd together in the Lords
Martyrs; Let my kcxrt be found in thy Jfotutcs. 5. As the un-
found hea r will not bear out the good caufe, nor keep up with
the godly in their gocd way, but will fall off to his own (name :
fo the upright man fleeing unto God in the fe^r of hisowne
weaknetfe, and fufpicion of the deceit of his own heart, '(hall be
pre ferved from fhame, as this prayer importeth: Let my hurt be
[on Jin tbyfttweS) tb*t Ibenot afhxmtd.
i P 6 PSALME CXIX.
CAPH.
Inthisfedionismewenhowdecp the perfected fervant of
God may! draw in his afflidion before God give him comforr,
in the firft foure verfes thereof/ and how he fhould behave him-
ielf in that fad condition, in the laft foure.
Verf. 8r. My foufe faintetb for ttyfafaation: but
I hope in thy word-
82. Mine eyes faile for thy word: faying, When
wilt thou comfort me ?
83. For lam become like a bottle in the fmoakji
yet do I not forget thy ftattttes.
84. liotv many are the dayes of thy fervant ?
when wilt thon execute judgement on them that per*
fecute me ?
As for the firft, there are foure degrees of his deepneflein di-
ftreffe, to wit, fainting of faith, alrncft failing; of hope, failing
of the body, and longing for death; Whence learn, 1. It is
not ft range to fee God breaking the heart of his own childe with
afflidion, even when he is fufte ring perfection, that fo his
faith may-be tried and trained unto more ftrength / My foule
faintetb. z* Abeleever in God, how afflicted foever he be,
Ateketh not to be delivered, but in a way allowed of God $ My
foul faintetb for tby falvation : or, till thou deliver me in thy
good way. 3. The ftrength of the faith of the ftrongeft of Gods
Servants will prove but (mall, when afflidion is great, and Gods
help is delayed : My foule faintetb for thy falvatun. 4. Albeit
the faith of the Lords children feem to faint, yet it cannot die,
it cannot faile altogether: for it looketh to the Word, and
thereby gathereth ftrength and hope $ My foule faintetb, but I
hope in' tby Word* 5. Albeit hope keepeth the eye of the minde fo
fixed upon thepromife, as it is ever looking for deliverance, yet
long
PSALME CXIX. IP7
long delay of help makth hope weak, and ready to faint 5 Mine
• eyes f die for thy word. 6. Hope , and patience, and complain-
ing unto God may ftand altogether, but they mull never be fe-
vered from prayer ; Mine cycsfoilc for thy wordy faying, When
w ilt thou comfort met 7. Longer cxcrcifc by trouble may af-
fect the bodie of Gods deareft children, foas wafting leannefs
may befeen on it : I am become as a s^in- bottle dried in the
fmoak. 8.Notrouble mould drive us tofin, but we fliould
choofe rather to pine away in affliction, then to be freed from it
with fin ; lam become Itfce a bottle in thef/mfc: yet 1 do not for-
get thy ftatntcs. 9. It is good in time of perfection or affli-
ction whatfoevcr, to have an eye both on the Promifes, and on
the Precepts; for the looking to the Promife doth encourage
to hope, and the eyeing of the Precepts doth prove the hope to
be found: ThePfalmift hoped inthe word, v. 8r. and v. 8$.
He forgatc not the ftatutes* 10. Albeit long affliction be able
to make the believer weary of life, and to defire to die, yec muft
he yield unto God, to live fo long as hepleafeth; How many
arethedayesofthyfervant? n. The delivery of the perfec-
ted is ordinarily pyned with the puniiliment of the perfecutors,
and the afflicted muft wait till their cup be full j When wilt
thou execute judgement on them thxt per feme me ?
Vef( 85. 7 he proud have digged fits for me : which
arc not after thy la$v.
86. t/1 11 thy Commandments are faithful : they
perfecute me wrongfully • help thou me.
87. They had almoft confumed me upon earth: but
lforfooknot thy Precepts.
8S. jQu'icken me after thy loving kmdnefte : fo [ball
1 keep the teftimonfofthy mouth.
He fhewcth yet further how he carried himfclf in this condi-
tion : he layeth out his enemies carriage before God, v. 8y,
86. and his owneftedfaftneffe in extream danger, v. 87. and
prayeth for comfort, that he may in his trial beareout, v. 88.
Whence learn, 1. The coude of perfecutors, is full of traps and
fnares, whereby they ftudie to overtake the godly, without fear
of (inning in fo doing ; The proud have digged pits for me } whick
O 3 arsr
r<>S PSALME CX!X;
m not after thy im. z. As the common quarrel of the wicked
againft the godly, is for keeping of Gods commands: fothe/
common comfort of the -godly is, that they have a good caufe
to defend; All thy Qomriwidments arc '-faithful, they per->
jecu f e me wrongfully. $. The worfe the caufe 3nd courfe
i >, which our adverfaries do follow j the - more hopeful may we be
to oe aelped of God : They perfecute me wrongfully > help thou, mc*
4-' It is a good meanes of courage, and comfort, and ftrerigth
in persecution, to lay the carriage, and caufe of us, and of our
advertaries before owr eyes, and compare them together by the
Word; and then lay them forth before 1 God, as the Pfrtmift
dot' here. { Albeit the godly : may run the Imard of l.cfins*
all things they have in tfie earth, yetthat'is. the height of their
hazard in defence oFGods truth, for what they have in Hea-
ven rannot be taken from them / They-baidmoft'confumelmc
upon cm th. 6. No fmard of what foe ver we- have in the world,
lite, lands, goods, friend vriberty, or what el fc, can warrant a
man to depart from the obedience of Gods command, contro-
verted between the perftcirtor and him V^J 1 W -dlmp ft c on fil-
med me upon emh, Buflforfoofi net thy V*,'CQCps* 7. Through
theinfirmity of theflcfh, the feeling of the comforts of Reli-
gion, and the freedomedf following Gods fetvice chcarfully,
may be interrupted, as quicken me, here doth import . 8. What-
foevef meafureoi'lpirituallife, {Length or, comfort can be aba-
ted and diminiflled by afflicli n, the, renewed fenfeof Gpds
love and friendship to us , (which we (houtevfeek after always,)
caneality reftorcand recompenfe it; Quicken me after thy lo-
ving fiind?iefs } foJhallIk^p the teftimo?ues of thy mouth*
LAMED.
In this fection, heihewetb, Gift, how he was comforted un-
der perfecuti on « by faith in Gods Word ; and to this end he
coi: mends the worth of the Word of God y or of the Scripture,
for fourereafons : Thcfirft is, becaufe of the ftability of it in
heaven,zf. 89, The next, for the durable ufefulnefs of it ine-
yery age of the Church, v. 90. The third is, becaufe by Gods
VVord the earth is eftabUihedj 1^90,9 1, The fourth is, he-
caufe
PSALMECXIX. 199
caufeof his own experience of comfort and flrength by it in
■his affliction, v. 92. < And in the next part, he expreffrth his
thankfulneffe in the reft of the verfes of this fectton.
Ver, 89. For ever >0 LORD, thy Cordis fetledin
heaven.
90. Thyfaithfulneffeis unto all generations : thou
haft eftablifhed the earth,and it abideth.
91. They continue this d*y according to thine ordi -
nances : for all are thy ferv ants.
02. Vnleffe thy law b ad been my delight t IJhould
then have perifhed in mine ajfltttion.
In his fetcing down his comfort, which he had by faith in the
Word, and whateftimatio'n he had of the Scripture j Let us
learn, .I.God hath given unrous his Word to bear up our faiths
in every hardeft conditioned it is a fure rock which wil not fail
m, whatfoever appear, or howfoever we do faile or faint : For e-
ver^OLord) thy wordueftablijhed. 2. Albeit, the effect of Gods
Word doth not appear fomerime, but is over-clouded with trou-
ble and tentations^yet it is -fare and fixed.byGods decree unalter-
able in heaven, and cannot want the effect in due time; For ever,
O Lordjby word is fetledin heaven. $ ,The {lability of the Lords
Word depends upon the ftabiJity of Gods truth and faithful'nefs,
which becaufeht is abfolutely unchangable,huWord is To alfo;
Thyfaithfulnefs U unto all generations .4. Thz mith of God is not
alwayes hid up in heaven, but in all generations the truth cf the
Word, and the foithfulrrefs of God who hathfpoken it, is from .
age to age made manifeft among men; Thy faith fulnefs is unto
aU generations. ?. The ft.ibility of the earth is nothing but the
effect of Gods Word, and the liability of the earth, and
frame of the world, is a pa/vneof the liability of Gods Word;
Thou baft eftablijheitbc earth, and it abideibi 6, As heaven and
earth do continue in their motion and flation, and do ferye God
as his Word hath ordained , fo fhould we do : They continue
this day according to thy Ordinances, for all arc thy fervants.7 . Af-
fliction draweth forth the worth of C/ods Word, which other-
wife couid not be known, and lets it be feen, that the Word of
God is 3ble to fave a finking man in tribulation ; Unleffe thy law
fad been my delight, I fhould then have perijhed in rry affliction,
O 4 8.The
8. The Word of God, being received by faith, is able not only
to fave the believer f.om delperation in trouble, but alio to m?ke i
him rejoice, as he who is feeding on delicates, as experience hath
proved ; linlcffe thy law bad been my delijn, IJhouldbxve pcrijb**
cd in mine zfjiiclion.
Ver. 93. / mil never forget thy Precepts : for mth
them thou haft qmck*ned me.
94, 1 am thine y fave me : for 1 have fought thy
Precepts.
95 . The vpicfyh have waited for me to dejlroy me :
but I mil confder thy teflimonies*
9*. 1 have feen an end of all perfeQion: but thy
Commandment is exceeding broad*
In the latter part of this fe&ion, he fheweth his thankfulnefs :
gift, by engaging his heart to the faith and obedience of the
Word, ^,93. Then, by dedication of himfelf unto God, as
nisfervant, to be faved by him, v. 94. Thirdly, by engage-
ment of his heart to continue againft ail perfection in the
obedience of the Word, v 9 f And fourthly,, by commendation
c\ the Word above all things in the world, v.$** Whence learn,
I. The worth, of the Word of God is Found fo excellent in the
experience of the believers, that their experience doth fixe and
fettle their cftimat'ion of it, their love to ir, and their purpofeto
make nfeof it alwayes ; I will never forget thy Precepts, for
with tbcm thou baft quickened, me. i. The believer is the Lords
peculiar fervanr, bound to him by the bonds of Creation, Re-
demption and Covenant ; and it is his duty thankfully to reck-
on his intereft and right in God, and Gods intereft in him , for
his own encouragement and for Gods praife > / am thine, g. When
a mans faith isftrengthened about his own intereft in God,then
may he be confident to pray to God, and to exped for falvation.
temporal and eternal from him ; I am thine, five me* 4. Honeft
endeavour to obey Gods commands, how weak foever, doth prove
thebelievers inrerelt in God, andconfirmerh his hope to be fa-
ved by him j lam thine, fave me, for I have fought thy Precepts,
5. Perfecutprs of Godsfervants for obedience to Gods Word,
r .°, ineftc&murtherers both of foul and body, in driving them
to
PSALMECXIX. 201
to forfake Gods commands: The wicked b Ave mite d forme to
\ieJlroy me. 6. The trouble which the godly fuftain by perfecu-
tors, fhould drive them to fearch more deeply into the Word of
God, and to harden themfelves againft all that the pcrfecutors
can do : and every comfort given to them from the Word, fliould
do the fame ; But I will confider thy tefii monies, 7. The ufe of
all things vtfible is temporal, but the ufe and benefit of the Scri-
pture is everlafting : all things viable have their own perfections
in their own kinde, and do extend fome of them to one tempo-
ral ufe, others of them to another ufe, but the Word of God ex-
tended in its kinde to all ufes, which may bring blefTednefs in
this life, and in the world to come j A man may fatisfie him-
felf in the contemplation of the worth and vertue of any thing,
which is vifible in the world, but the riches of the Word of God
is unfearchable, the deep wifdome of God in the Scriptures is
unfcarchable, and the perfection of the Scripture is above all
companion; Ibavefeen, (faith he) an end of all perfection, but
thy Commandment is exceeding bro/d.
__ r - r
MEM.
Ver, 97. how love I thy law I it u my meditation
all the day.
Hegoeth on in this feftion >to commend the Word of God,
andtofhewhiseftimationof it for eight rcafons. Theftrftis,
becaufe it hath gained the affedion of his heart unto it, fo as
he cannot but continually dwell upon the meditation of it/
Whence learn, 1. As the Scripture in it felf is moft lovely for
the Author, matter and ufe thereof: fo is it moft affeaionatcly
loved by the beleever, and none can either exprefle or judge, how
great is his afFe&ion to ir^except God only ,0 hew love I thy Uw\
z. True love to the Scripture maketh good memory of it, and
frequent meditation of it alio 5 It is my meditation all the
Jay.
/Vet
102 PSALMECXIX.
Ver. 98, Thou through thy Commandments haft
mtde me wifer then mine enemies : for the} ' are ever
With me.
The fecondrcafon of commending the Scripture, is the wif-
dom which it tcacheth againft enemies. Whence learn, 1. Ho-
linefs is great wifdome: for albeit Iearning,and malice, and
long experience may teach perfecutors much, yet wifdom from
the Word of God doth teach the perfecuted believer far more:
Through thy Commandments thou baft made me wifer then mine e-
nemies. 2. Such as derive their wifdom not from the Word of
God, butfromthecounfelof flefh and blood, within or with-
out themfelves, cannot have their eounfellors alwayes with them
to confute with, but he that feeketh his wifdom from God and
his Word, hath his counfel alwayes, prefent with him, to bring
to his remembrance what he hath learned, and to teach him to
make ufe of it ; For thy Commandments are ever with wc.^.What-
foever ufe or benefit we make by the Word of God, all the glory
thereof belongeth to the Lord- For thou through thy Command-
ments baft made me wifer then mini 'Jnemiss.
Verf. 99. I have more under ft ending then all my
teachers-, for thy Teftimonies are my meditation.
The third reafonof commending the Scripture is, beciufethc
beleever thereby is made move wife then his teachers. Whence
learn, 1 . Wifdome is not fo tied to teachers, but God is free to
give as much and more to thofe that are taught .* I have more un-
der ft andingtben- my teachers. 2. Though the teacher give forth
the general doctrine of faith and manners, yet there is a more
particular application of the Word to the hearers,which onlyGod
furnifhethnnto the beleever by the Word: and in this refpecT: the
believer may fay , I have more under (landing then all my teachers.
3. The fpecial application of the Word to our feveral ncceffities,
cometh by joyning private means with the publick, fuchasare
reading, praying and meditation ; For thy teftimonies aremy me-
ditation.
Ver.
PSALME CXIX. 203
Ver. loo# 1 underfland more then the ancients: be*
caufe I \e*y thy Trecept s .
Thefounji reafon of the commending of the Word, is, be-
cause it is able to make a man more wife then old agfj and lung
experience of the affairesof men in the world can do. Whence
Jearn, 1 . Old age and experience in common affaires, is not ef-
fectual to dircd men in the courfc of Gods obedicace, especially
when they haveto do with perfecutors, but Godsfpecial wifdom
by the Word muft come in here and teach : 1 undcrftand more
then theancievts. 2. To keep clofe to direction of Gods Word
is more fafc then to follow the minde of antiquity departing
from the VVoYd, or the authority of men > I hroc m re under -
Jhndingthcnthe undents ;, becvijc I keep thy Precepts.
Ver. rot. I have refrained my feet frqm every e-
vilway : that I may keep thy Ward,
The fifth teafpn of the commendation of the Scri ptur-e^which
isalfo an evidence of his refped unto it is, becaufe for the lore
ofthe underftandingofit, andkecping of it, he had ; ba'ndoned
every finful courfe,, how .pleafant and hew prcfuahle.foever, it
teemed to be-. Whence learn. He that would' be a wifedif-
ciple of 1 Gods Word , muft beware to follow finful coiir Pes- for
fo he fhall grieve Gods Spirit, who muft make the Word clear
unto him ; neither is it fufficicnt to abftain from notorious fins
only, but alfo from every evil way for the fame reafon; I
have reftr tinci my feet from every cvilmy, that I may keep thy
Word.
Ver. 102. I have not depirttd from thf judge*
merits " for then haft taught me.
The flxth reafon of his commending the Word is> becaufe
he was enabled by it to overcoiuc all tentations which tended to
divert him from obedience thereof, Whence leum, 1 . As there
are
104 P SAL ME CXIX.
are nor wanting tentations on all hands, to divert men from o-
bedienceof the Word, fpecially in time of perfecution : fa
there is great need of adhering unto it al waves, and fpecially in
time of trouble, as the Pfalmift did I have not departed from
thy Commandment, i. He who.hath flood faftinhis obedience
in the day of trouble, may lawfully take comfort in it afterward,
but muftgive the glory thereof unto God, as here : I have not de-
parted from thy judgements > for thou baft taught me.
Ver. io?. How fweet are thy words unto my tafie \
yea, fweeter then honey to my mouth.
Thefeventh rcafonof his commending the Scripture is, be-
caufe of felt fweetnefle in it. VVbence learn, « . There is plea-
fure and delight to be found in hearing, reading, fpeaking and
meditating on Gods V Vord, yet only the believer is he who can
difcern it ; How fweet are thy words to my tafte I i . Spiritual
pleafure doth far furmount earthly and carnal plcafurej Thy
words are fwceter then honey to my mouth.
Ver. 1 04. Through thy Precepts I get understand"
ingi therefore I hate every falfe way.
The eighth reafon of his commending the Word is, be-
cause he is made wife to fan&ification by it, and made to hate all
fin for it. Whence learn, 1. As men are involved in erroi 1 ,
becaufe they underftand not the Scriptures: fo by the knowledge
of it they are delivered from errour, and made wife again it fe-
ducers: Through tby Precef is 1 get under ft &niing. 2. He thac
rightly underftandeth the Scripture, as he cannot choofe but love
and commend ir, fo he cannot choofe but hate every courfe con-
trary to it: Therefore I bate every fat few ay. $* Becaufe every
finful way is a falfe way, and cannot but deceive the man that
walketh therein, therefore we muft hare every finful way, and
that from the fountain of love to the Word of God ; Through
thy Precepts I get underftanding> therefore I bate every falfc
NUM
■ \
PSALM E CXIX. 205
NUN.'
Ver. 105. Thy Word is a lamp unto mj feet: and
a light nnto my path.
As in the former fection he gave evidences of his love & refpeft
to the Word of God, loin this feet ion he giveth eight evidences
of his fincere purpofe to make ufe of it in his practice for time
to come. The firft is, his refolution to make it his light to di-
rect him in all his actions. Whence learn, 1. A mans wayes
are all in darknefle, except in fo far as he followeth 'the direction
of Scripture; but he that followeth the rule of the Word, know-
eth whither he goeth, and what he doth ; Thy Word is a lamp un-
to my feet* 2. The light of Scripture is not only able ro give a
man general rules for ordering his life, but alfo to direct every
particular action. Thy Word is a light unxo my path. ■$. Lowe to the
\vord,& eftimation of itf which is the duty fet forth in the former
fection) is beft evidenced by making practical ufe of it in a m^ns
conversion, which is the duty fet down in this fection : and
wbofoever loveth it, and loveth it fo as to obey it, fhall finde a
fweet 3 lively and comfortable light in it, tc carry him through
all the dark pafiages of this mifcrable and (inful life, that he
fhall have caufe to fay , Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet,
ere
Ver. 106. I have fvforn. and /ft ill perform it 1
that Ifyilltfeepthj righteous judgements.
The fecond evidence of his purpofe, to conforme his life to
the rule of the Word, is the tying of himfelf byanoathto en-
deavour to keep it. Whence learn, 1. The upright man is wil-
ling to be beund to the obedience of Go is Word, not only with
the
the rieceflary bond of Gods Command, and of his natural duty
to his Sovereign , but alfo by the ftrakeft voluntary bonds he^
can, and will not repent his resolution for ever r / have fwerne
and will perform it, that I will i^cep thy righteous judgements.
2. Vowes, Covenants and Oathes, to tie us unto the faith, pro-
feflion and obedience of thetfue Religion fet down in Scripture,
are lawful ami fan&ified meanesto help us to be conftant , I have
vowed and will perform it, Hut I will keep thy righteous fudge*
menu. $ ; The equity of all the Commands of God mould be
a great motive to in ften us unto the obedience thereof s I will
\$ep thy righteous judgement s %
Verf. 107. I amajflifiedvery much: quicken mt^
O LORD , according to thy Word.
A third evidence ofhispurpofe to make ufe of Gods Word
is, his feeking nothing for his comfort and encouragement in his
greateft affliSion, except the quickening of fpiritual life in
himfelf by the Word. Wlience learn, 1. It is no ft range thing
for the molt holy men to be acquainted with the laddeft fort
of affliction, bodily and fpiritual : I am afflicted very much.
2. From whence foever affliction doth come, faith goeth to God
only for comfort, as here, Quicken me y Lord 3 .When God
is pleafed to make the Word of Promife lively, or to pertorme
what the promife alloweth us to expect, fuch a confolation is a
fufficien: antidote to the heavieft affliction ; ^uickjen me^ O
"Lordj according to thy Word.
Ver. 108. Accept, 1 befeech thee, the free*wiff-
offerings of my mouthy LOR'D, and teach me thy
judgements.
A fourth evidence of his purpofe to make ufc of Gods Word,
is his prefem practicing of it, in offering fpiritifcl Sacrifices of
confeition, praifcarul prayer, that his fervice may be acceptable,
. and that he may be taught yet more in the obedience of the
Word. Whence learn, 1. It was fpiritual , moral fervice,
which the Lord by the Ceremonial Law did teach his people
<*f old to offer unto him through Chrift, and the godly in the
Jewifli
Jcwim Church were not ignorant of this ; for here the Pfalmiii
% pi ayeth ; Accept, I hefeech thee , the free-veill-offsrings of my
mouth. 2. Albeit our belt fervice be unworthy of it felf to be pre-
fentedtoGod, but muft have weight by Gods gracious ac-
ceptation, yet muft we offer it, and have hope through Chrifts
facrifice that it mail be accepted : Accept, 1 be\eccb thee, the
f,ce-wiU-offerivgs ofmymoutb. $. Together with the crYerof
our prefent ftrvice, it is good to joyne the purpofe of growing in
obedience and prayer for grace fo to do ftill ; tAcccpt the free-
will-offerings of my mouth* and tejch me thy judgements.
Ver. 10 9. Mjfculc is continually in my band: jet
do I not forget thy law.
The fifth evidence of his purpofe to praclife C/ods Word,
is his tefclution on all hazards, even of his life, to keep affection-
ate memory, and actual refpect unto Gods revealed will. IVhenct
tearn 3 VVhofoever will live godly, mnft refolve to run hazard
of life daily in the time of perfecution,and he who layeth his reck-
oning fo : hath evidence in himfelf of his upright purpofe > to fol-
low Gods V VovdiMyfoul, or my life is continually in my hand, as
ready tobe hid down for maintaining of righteoufnefs : Jet do
I not forget thy I aw.
Ver. no. The mcked have laid afnare for vte iyet
I erred not from thy Precepts.
' The fixth evidence of his purpofe of conftancy in Gods fer-
vice, is his approving of his former carriage, in his by-paft
trial, which fheweth he is refolved fo to do alfo for time to come.
Whence learn , i.It is ufual with perfecutors to make acts and
ftatutes, or to broach fome danger one or other, which fhall ei-
ther force the godly to go ofFthe tight way of obedience to Cj ods
Word, or to fall in the fnare 5 The rvic\ed hrjc hid afnare for
me. 2. The godly muft hold on the royal way of Gods com-
mands, whether he fall in the fcare of worldly inconvenience or
not, as the Piaimiftdid ; Jet I erred not from thy Precepts*
$. He who haihkcpt the high- way, and hath eroded upon fnares,
andrepcnte;h not his courie, ^iveth evidence of his fincerc pur-
pofe
2UO ror\LsLVL E* \^ A I A.
pofe to follow the Lord thereafter alfo, through all clangers, as
this example teaehech us.
Verf, in* Thy teftimonies have 1 taken as an
her it age for ever: for they are the rejtycing of mj
heart*
ATeventh evidence of his purpofe to adhere to Gods Word,
is, his placing of his riches and pleafure in his adhering unto
it. Whence learn, i. The Word of God beleeved, is the fureft
riches of the Saints, which when all things faile, doth main-
taine and hold up their right unto God and eternal life and fo
fhouldit be looked upon by .thcbeleever ; Thy teliimonies have
J ta^en as my heritage for ever. i. The felt benefit of the Word
of God, furnifliing (pkitiial light, comfort, peace, ltrength>
meat, drink, clothing, and whatfoever commodities an inhe-
ritance can yield, is and fhould be the joy of the believer, and a
tie upon his heart to make him flick clofe unto it ; Thy teftimo*
iiies have I ta\en as my heritage for ever, for they are the rejoycing
of my heart.
Vet\ 112. / have inclined mine heart to perform
thy fiat utes alwaji even unto the end.
The dghth evidence of his purpofe to pra&ife the Word of
God,is the bent of his heart, carryinghim on to performe what*
foever God doth command all thedayes of hislKe. Whence learn,
J. Albeit it be Gods work only to incline the heart unto Gods
teftimonies, as we fee, v. 16. yet when God hath made the
change, andhischilde is content to follow the direction of Gods
Word, this inclination of the heart is counted alfo the mans own
work, as here, I have enclincd my hearty 2. As only hearty fer-
vice pleafeth the Lord, fo that only is fincereand conftant, which
proceeds from the heart ; and he who findeth this inclination,
hath inhimfelf the witnefle of his fincericy y I have enclincd
my heart to perform thy ftatutcs almyes even to the end±
SAtilECHi
PSALMfc CXIX. aop
j SAMECH.
Verft tt$. 1 h*tevz\vit thoughts: but thy Ldtod*
I love.
114. Thou 4rt my hiding place, wdmyfiield; I
hope in thy Word.
Ashe gayefcefore evidences o( his affection to the Scri-
pture* andofhispurpofeto obey it in his practice: foin this
legion he giveih fix evidences of his hatred of the evil, which
is contrary to the good, which is promifed and commanded in
the Scripture. The firft evidence, is his hatred of the moft fecret
and meaneft degrees ofa&ual breaches of the Lords law: and
for this proteftation he giveth three reafons. Whence learn,
». With earneft lore to good 3 hatred of evil neccfi'arily muft be
joyned > as the connexion of thefe duties in feveral fections
doth teach. 2.Everydi(likeof evil is not fufficient 3 but per-
fect hatred is required of us againft all forts and degrees otfin:
J bate vain thoughts, j». All finf ul courfes in Religion or con-
verfation, (fuch as are all thofe that are not warrantable by Gods
Word,) are unprofitable, and (hall difappoint all thofe who d6
follow them t I bate vaine thoughts. 4. Hatred of fin is then
acceptable to God, when it floweth from the love of (3od$ Word
fet down in S cripture : But thy law do I love. And this is the
fit ft reafon of his proteftation. ?. The prote&ion and defence
which is to be found in God againft the evil of trouble ; mould
ftrengthen the believer in the hatred of the evil of fin, as here i*
doth : Thou art my hiding pla.e and myflricld : and this is the fe-
cond reafon of his proteftation. 6. Faith in Gods Word is
the fountainofthe hating of fin, and confiding in God ; I hopt
in thy Word : and this is the third reafon of his proteftation.
Ver. 115. depart from toe ye evil doers { for t
will kfep the (^ommmlmems of my Cod.
l> A
2fO PSALME GXrx.
A fecond evidence of his hatred of fin, ishisreaouncing all ]
fellowfhip^ in finning with whatfoever^perfon or perfons; lee
them leek Aflbciates where they fiffi, he would have no fellow-
ftiip with them in the unfruitful works of daikneffe« Whence
lmn> I He that woul4\fchew fin, muft beware to comply
with wicked men in their wicked courfes, and in this reipeft
muft feparatefrom them, not altogether from converfing with
them, for then a man tnuft go out of the world, bu from fel-
lowlhip with them in evil doing: for in this refpeft is it that
fae faith* > 'Depart fromme ye evil doers, z r Nothing can fave
a man from complying with finners, but {ulcere refolution
to keep Covenant and Communion with God , and not to
difpleafe him j For I will keepe the Commandments of my
God.
Verf. 116. Vfhold me according unto thy Word y
that I may live: and let me not be, afiamed of my
hope*
I
The third evidence of his hatred of fin, is partly his eftimati-
onof it asa fhameful thing, and partly his prayer to be pre-
ferved from the ihame which fin doth draw after it. Whence
lexrn^ i. The believer doth not lean to his own ftrength,
or holy purpofe , but isfenfiblethat he fhalteafily fall into fin,
except God preferve fpiritual life in him : and therefore he
praycth: U tbold me that 1 my live ■ 2. Albeit 3 beleever be not
able in hjrajelf to perfevere, yet becaufc of Gods promife to
hold up. the weak who lean unto him, he may be confident to
itand, UpVold r me ^according to thy Wordy thxt I mxy live, j.Sin
fhould therefore be hateful, becaufe it bringeth ihame to the
finner of it felf, and ihameful difappointment of his hoped*
for felicity 5 Uphold me, mi let me net he difappointed of my
hopes.
Ver.11.7. Hold tbw.meup, an^ljhall be fafei
and I Will have refpetl wto thy ftatutes conti-
nually.
-
The fourth evidence of r his hatred of fin, is his fear of mifchief
imd peiifhiflg, whkh he cannot efchew, except by Gods pre-
serving
PSALME CXIX. 211
ferving of him in the courfe of his obedience. Whence learn »
j, The ftrongeft believer is molt fenfible of his own wesjeneffe*
and mo ft afraid to fin, and moft apprehenfive of the evil of
finning , and of the good of perfevcring in the obedience of
God : therefore again he pi ayech, Hold then me up> and I Jbalt
lefafe. 2. Gods preferving a man from finful courfes, giveth
great encouragement to him to perfeverefiriceiely in the obedi-
ence of all g'ods commands; Hold thou rncup, dndlwillbaic
refpeH unto thy ftatutes continually. 3 .The believer may under-
take any duty, provided he take God for the fuietyof bis per-
formance, who if he be fought unto by prayer, and relied upori
in the ufe of the meanes, will not refufe toinable us toper-
forme whatfoever duty we fhall undertake; Hold thmmi/up' 9
and 1 mil have refped unto thy ftatutes continually.
Verf. 118. Thou haft troden down all them that
trrefrom thy ftatutes : forth] deceit xsfaljhcod*
11 9. Thou pHtteB away all the wicked of the
tarib like draffs ; therefore I bye thy tefti-
tnonies.
The fifth evidence of his hatred of fin, is his obfervationof
the mifchief decreed and begun to be executed againft evil doers.
Whence learn, r. It is a fpeciai mcanes to preierve us from fin-
ful courfes, to obferve the mifchief which foiloweth thereupon:
Thou haft troden down them that erre from thy flames. 2. Only
they who fear to fin, do fee the evil of other folks finning, and
only they can make good ufe of Gods judgement on others, who
are fenfible of the merit of fin,if they mould fal intoit themfelves:
For this istheobfervaticn of a believer. $. Albei: the wicked
hold their head high, and life up themfelvcs in their finful cour-
fes againft God, yet he hath already t»od down many fuch per-
fons, and hath decreed to tread down all of that fort : ThCu haft
trcden down all them, &c, 4. Not only 'fuch .as- •openly,- jand
groflclyare wicked and propharie, but alfo all che-y who pleaie
themfelves in the by-pathes of tneir own wintering, and do not
care for pleafing of God, fhall perim : Thouhal troden down
all thcmihat erre fromtby ftatutes., 5 -Whatfoever bethelmrs of
please, profited preferment wJiich di>wmen fctin th^ obe-
dience of God, and whatfoever be the eicuLcs, pretences. an^i
confidences which do iecuie the impenitent finners confd-
J} 1 ences
ara PSALME CXIX.
ences, all will be found tobefelfe^deceit, lies and vanity : For
their deceit U falsehood. 6. The godly and wicked live toge-
ther in the vifible Church, as drofle and good mettal, but God
who is the purser of his Church, will not fail by diverfity of
trials, and judgements to put difference between them, and ac
laft will make a perfect reparation of them, and c ^ft away the
wicked as refute : Thou pmttft away all the wicked of the
earth M drojfe. 7, The defVutfion of evill doersj as it fhould
make us hate finne, fo fhould it move us to love the courfe of
bolineifc; Thou put it ft the niched away, therefore Hove thy
tcftimonies.
Verf. 120. My fiefb trembleth for fear of thee :
and I am afraid of thy judgement.
The fixch evidence of his hatred of finne, is the fear he had of
Gods threatening, and wrath, and judgements. Whence learn,
i« A tender heart is eafily affected, as with Gods mercies, fo
alfo with Gods judgements : My ficfl) trembleth. 2. The godly
becaufe of the remainder of finne in them, and their natu r al
frailty, are not exempted from the fenfe of the terror of God,
yea, it isneedfull they be now and then exercifed therewith, that
lb they may be kept in awe, and their joy may be tempered with
fear and trembling, and their prayer may t be fharpened, and tfy y
may be kept watchfull, and fo their obedience may be furthered :
ZMyfiefh tremblcth for fear of thee, mid I am afraid of thy judge*
meats.
JIN.
Ver. 121. J have done judgement anjt jftfiice:
leave me not to mine oppr effort*
In this feftion he prayeth to be directed > comforted and
helped aejainft his oppreffors, for fix reafons. The firft wj} cre "
of; is becaufe his carriage and caufe was vighteousi fVhenct
b ~ learn,
learn* 1. It is no ftrange thing to fee godly innocent men trou-
bled, perfecuted and opprefled: for here is one oppreflcd, who
faith truly, I have done judgement andjuftice. 2. A Believer
put in the power of oppreffois for a good caufe, may call, for,
and look for Gods afliftance, and prefence, and not to be given
over to the will of the peiiecutois ; Leave me not to mine op-
prejfors.
Verf. 122. TZefurety for thy ftrvant for good, let
not the proud oppreffe me*
Another reafonofhis petition, is becaufe he hath ground by
the Covenant of grace, to requeftCrod to engage for him. that
he (hall not be oppreflfed utterly. Whence learn. 1 . Seeing the
Lord is obliged to his people by Covenant, to defend his fcr-
vantsagain{f their enemies, and that all things (hall turn to
their good, the believer harh warrant to imploy God in his need,
to interpofe himfelfc for the relief of his fervant, that he be not
diftreffed : Be fnrety for thy frvant for good, and let not the
proud oppreffe m.\ 2. Before men do turne perfecutors of the
godly, they forget both God and their own condition, and be-
come proud : Let not the proud oppreffe me.
Verf. 123. Mine eyesfaile for thy fa faction: And
for the word of thy right eoufnejfe.
A third reafon, becaufe he is like to faint, and to lok hope by
the Lords long delaying of delivery. Whence learn, 1. As men
have received a greater meafure of faith, fo ufe they to get a
greater meafure of trial, as here thisChampion isfuffcrcd to lie
in trouble till he be like to (ink in it: Mine eyes f die for thy
falvation. 2. Albeit the words of promile be neither performed,
porliketobe performed, yet faith mould juttifie the promife,
for true and faithfull: Mine eyes faile for the word of thy
righteoufnefle.
Vcrf. 124. Deal with thy fervant according unto
P 3 thy
(
«4 PSALME CXIX,
'fhf mercy : a*d teach me thy flattttes
I2 C # I am f&/ fcrvant, give me ander/tan
that J may fyow thy tefiimonks.
The fourth reafon of his petition for delivery and help, and
for direction how to carry hinifelfe in trouble, in the mean time
till delivery come, isbecaufe the Lord ufeth to deal with his fer-
vants, not in juftice, but in mercy. Whence leam>'i. The
coarfc of Gods dealing with his children, is not the rule of ftrid
juftice, oi 4 the Covenant of works , but the way of mercy : Veal
mtb.tby fervMt according to thy mercy, a. It mould fatisfie
the I'tojueft of the child of God under perfecution, if God (hall
direct: hito to walk holily and righteoufly. till the delivery come ,
and to profit in fanctijkation: "Deal with thy fervant according
tor by mercy. andjeach me tby flatutes. 3. When tentatiort un-
to af-beliefe dorh oppofe our petition,. or the reafon* thereof*
it is wikldmc to refiftit>;aad to affert our intereft in the promifc,
whatipeverl^ Qppofedi and topurfue our petition : 1 amtbyfer-*
vdnty givt rat undtr {landings that I mxy kriow thy testimonies ♦
Verf. 12& It \$ time for thee, LO RD, to workj for
they have made voih thy Law.
The -fifth reafon of his petition, is becaufe the perfecutors
were come to the height of finne > and did ftand in no awe of
God, or his Word, but rejected it as a thing of nought. Whence
lear'ity 1 ; As ftntiers grow in finne ti 11 they trample Gods law
under their feet, fo according as they grow in their finne > the.
time of Gods manifefting his juftice draweth near 5 It is time
fo*tbee s Lord, to work.. ' 1, What perfecutors do intend, yea, and
what their work of perfection driveth at, and intendeth, is put
upon the persecutors fco;*c ; for they have made void thy Law, is
charged upon them for their contravening of it fo groily, as
if they had intended^ aholifh it.
Verf. .127. Therefore I love thy Commandments a-
hove gold, yea; above fine gold.
128. There-
PSALMECXIX. «5
128. Therefor* I e fit em all t hy precepts concern*
. in£*a things to be right : and / hate ever) falfe
way.
The fixth reafon of his petition, is bccaufethe more the ^er-
fecutors do go about to make Gods law. void, the Pfalniift was
the wore zealoos for it, loved it, efiecmedof it, juftified it, and
hated whatfoever was contrary to it fo much ihcmoiedl' whence
lexrn r The hatred* of holineffe and of Gods truth, perceived
intheperfecutors,fliouldftirreupthe love of the godly to the
truth fo much the more, Therefore I love %]iy commxniments. The
more that the wicked deipLe Gods Word, we fhould efteem the
more of it ; I love thy ({ommxnis above gold, yex^pbpvc fine gold.
The more tfuy wrangle^, and wreft it in any point, the more
fhoulvl we defend and juftifie it in every point > Therefore I
efteem thy precepts concerning alt thing; to be right. And the
more-the wicked love wickedneffe, we fhould the more hate it,
andTaU the branches of it s I hate every falfe way.
■
■ .■■•"' ■ " Jxjj
TE.
Intfusfectionhe pro-fefjeth, his high eftimation of,andaffe-
ftionto the Word of-God, v. 119,1301, iji. and prayeth for
the benefits which are offered; and may. be had in it ; in the reft
of.thQ.leclion. .
Verf. 129. Thy teflimonies Are wnderfnll: there-
fore doth my foul heep them.
130. The entrance of thy words glveth light:
it giveth under flan ding unto thejtmple.
13 r. 1 opened my mouth, and panted : for 1 longed
for thy commandnitnis.
He falleth here ina new admiration of the excellency of the
V 4 • Word
Word of" God, and in a vehement paflion oflove toward it.
Wbtnctkarn^ i . As the Word of God in Scripture is wonder-
full in it lelfe, and wonderfull in the operations thereof fo when
it is bed feen, it is moft admired, and every new looking upon
it, raifeth new admiration of it : Thy tefiimonies are wonder full* j
2. The more the Word is admired, the more is it loved and iub-
mitted unto, and more carneft defues are kindled to makeufe
thereof in practice: Therefore doth my foul keep them. 5. The
innermoft cabinet of a mans foul, is the proper cafe wherein to
keep the knowledge of faith? love, and purpofe of obedience of
God$ teftimonies: £My foul doth \eep them 4, Albeit the
Word of God in Scripture be full of high myfteries, ytt ( which
is indeed won4erfull ) it may be read with profit by fimple peo-
ple^ any who defire knowledge; and it is fo plaine to every
one who will be Gods difcrple, as it giveth light and direction
prefently to the reader, in the m3ine points of falvatioh, and com- :
kianded duties : The entrance of thy word giveth light. $. An
humble foul loving to be inftrufted, albeit weak in 'natural
judgement, (hall be made wiie to falvation by it : It giveth > nn-
.< derftandingto the fimple. 6. The more a man know the won-
derfwll excellency, ufc, and benefit of the Scripture, the more will
he love it, and long to underftand more of it, as here the Pfalm-
ifts experience teacheih ; J opened my mouth, I punted, for 1 long*
edfor thy commandments. 7. Common and ordinary affection,
or defirc atter 'he faving knowledge of the Scripture, is not fuffi-
cknt, but affection earnestly bended, is recefiary according as
the excellency of the wildome in it doth require: I opened my
mouthy andpanted* S- The Word ofQodis nolefle neceffary,
arid comfortable to a mans foul, then meat is to the hungry, drink
to the thirfty, or coole aire to the weary : I opened my mouth and.
panted. 9 When a mans affection and love to Religion is kind-
led ,he hath great need to ftudy hard,to have found knowledg and
underflandingoftheSrripture,lefthis Zealand affection mi r «.
carry: 1 longed for thy commandments.
Verf. j 3 2. Laokjkov ufon me s and be merclfull
wto me \ as tboHufeft to do unto-tbofe that Uv.e thy
Name.
Unto thisprofeffion of hiseftimation andWeftion unto the
Scripture,
■
P SAL ME CXIX. 217
Scripture, he fubjoyncth four petitions for the right tifeand be-
nefit thereof. The fiift s the lenfe bf that mercy which ispro-
a naifed and ufually beftowed upon fuch as love the L^rd. tVbeuce
1 learn 3 1. The Lord beftoweth bur fliort glimptc of his favour
and reconciliation on his fervants, that they rr.ay finde their
need to have thn fenfe often renewed unto them : Look thou upon
me, and be mercifu "■ unto me. 2. As it is a mark of Gods child
to finde in hioiitKe love of Gods Name, Go it is a mark put up-
on him, to be vifited by God with gliinpfc of kindneffe, and
mercy to him : Loo!<uponmc and be mercifullunto me, as tbou
tifeftto dototbemthat lovetby Name- 3. Asit isgoodto mark
Gods ufual dealing with his own children, lb it is good to ftudy
conformity with Gods children in our afYe&ion to God, that
we may finde conformity with them in confolation, for fo doth
the Pfalmift here. 4. It is wifdome for us not to affect fingu-
Strity of divine difpenfations toward us, but to be content tobe
ealtwith as others of Gods children before us have been dealt
with : Be mcrcifuU to me, as thou ufeft to do unto tbofc that love
thy Name.
Verf. 133. Order mj ftepts in thy word, and let
not any iniquity have dominion over me.
The fecond petition is for fanftification of his actions, and
for mortification of finne. IVbercelexrn, 1, Albeit we have the
Word of God for our perfect rule, yet we have need that God
fhould fit m, and ftrengthen us te the obedience of it. : Order my
ftepuintby word Albeit by nature we are ignorant and er-
l roneous, unccrtaine and unliable in the way of Gods obedi-
I ence, yet in the fenfe of our finne and weaknefle, we may pray
I to God with confidence to be heard J Direct, order 5 and cftablifo
my fteps in iby word : for fo much the Word in the Original
doth import. 3. Albeit by nature we are flaves to finne, an4 '
I any finne may bring us in fubjection, yet when in the fenfe of'
our weaknefle ; we have recourfeto (Jod to be helped, we may
pray with hope to be heard :Let not any iniquity bane dominion
over me*
.
Ver. 134. DelivcrtncfrwthtPpprcJpon of man :
fo Will 1 k*tp thy frccefts.
The
3i 8 P$A;LME CXIX.
The third petition is for delivery from the ooprefllon of per*
fecutors, thatthey be not able to drive us from the belief and o T
bedienefcofi Gods Word. Whence learn, 1. Betide the body of
finne and inward tentations, the godly have the? perfection of
the wicked without to drive them from Gods Yeryke, as this-
prayer doth import. X. Whentfc, Lords fervants in the fenie
oftheirweakneffe,dofeekhelpapinft perfecutevs, he both can
and will deliver them either by breaking the yoke of the oppref-
for,or by giving ftrength to them to b:ar out in holy obedience,
of Gods Word, under the burthen : 'Deliver me from theoppref*
fion of mm* $. The end of our feeking to be free,, from bodily
bondage and trouble from men mould be, that we may fcrve
God the more chearfully ; Deliver me 3 [0 mil I fyep thy
ftatutes.
Ver. 1 3 f . Make thy f dee tofbine upon thy fervant,
and teach me thy flatutcs.
The fourth petition is for fpiritual confoUtion,and increafe
offandification*. iVhence learn . J.- Albeit the fenje of Gods fa-
vour to us may be withdrawn for a time, yet the right which we
have to God reconciled to ustoChrift, may bear us out in the
hope of having it renewed unto us in his fervice : Ma\c thy f dee
tofhineuponthyjervani. 2. Bccaufe the Lord ufeth, with the
light of confolation, to give alfo the light of direction in duties
we mould feek both, and wait for both from the Lord: tMika
thy face to Jhinc,and teach me thy ft Mutes. 3. As there are de-
grees of (jods manifefting of his favour, and degrees of profiting
in the obedience of Gods Word: fo (hou Id we feck the increafe
df both, and no meafure received mould binder the feeking of a
greater meafure, as the often repeating of the fame petitions in
effect doth mew :, ?Mx\e thy face to Jhine upon thy fcrvant, and
teach me thy ftatutes,
Ver, 136. Rivers of Waters runne down mine
eyes : (?ecau[e they keep not thy LaW*
. He addeth a reafon to this laft petition, becaufe k grieved
him much to fee God difhonoured by them among whom he
lived, and to fee them 3 by net obeying Gcds ftatutes, draw up-
on
PSALME CXIX. 219
on themfdves Gods wrath. Whence learn, 1. He who is for-
powfull for diplcafure and difhonour done to God, may look to
be comforted by God, as the connexion of this reafon with the
former petition doth teach, z. Truefcealisfo farre from pri-
vate revenge of per fonal injuries received by perfecutors, as it
can pitty their miferable cafe, and mourn for them: 7{ivcrsof
waters tunnt down mine eyes, becaufe they keep not thy Law, $.
(Godly affe&ions are larger then bodily expreffions can fet forth
and that which bodily expreffions do fet forth, fonifieih a will
to vent much more then the body could furniftu Rivers of wa-
ters runne down mine eyes, becaufe they keep not thy Law.
\ _ — • — '• — -■— - — *
TSADDL
Ver. 137. Righteous art thou, LO R7) ) and
upright are thy judgements.
InthelaftverfeofthisfecYion,he prayeth for a greater mea-
fure of the faving knowledge of the Scripture, moft ardently, and
premifeth eight reafons before the prayer, from which he doth
inferre his petition as a conclulion : The fiift reafon of this pe-
tition's from the righteoufnefle of God, which appeareth irt
the Scripture* and in the execution of Gods Word, Whence
learn, I. The way fet down in Scripture for juftifying of men,
and the way fet down for fan&ifying of men, and for the Giving
of fuch as follow the way prefcribed of God for falvation, and
thepunifhingoffuchas defpife the way of life prefcribed, are
very righteous, when they are well confidered : Upright are thy
judgements. 2. The way of righteoufnefle fet down, in Scri-
pture, 3nd of execution made according to it, may be demon-
strated by the eflential righteoufnefle of Gjds nature, becaufe as
he is righteous, fomuft his Word and working conforme there-
to be righteous alfo: Hjgbtcous art thou, Lord, and upright are,
thy judgements.
Verf. 138. Thy tejiimonies that thou hafi com-
winded) arc righteous : and very faithful/.
The
220 PSALME CXIX.
The fecond reafon of the petition is, becaufe the teftimonics
of Scripture which God hath commanded us to believe and obey,
are not only righteous but alfo very fait hfull> which can never
faile a man that belie veth and obeyeth them t Whence learn, i.
To the end that our faith and obedience may be folidly ground -
ed 3 we muft hold for a foundation, that the Scriptures are righ-
teous and true, and that every truth revealed therein, doth in-
clude a command to believe it > and every duty of men declared
therein, includeth a command to obey it : Thy tcjiimonies which
•thou baft commanded , are righteous , and very faithfull.
z. It is needfull for a believer to labour to have the
impreffion of the truth, and righteoufnefle of the Word of God
in Scripture (lamped on his own heart by freequent meditation,
and acknowledgement thereof, as the Pfalmifts example here
doth teach us.
Ver. 139. Mf zeal hath confumed me\ becaufe
mine enemies have forgotten thy Words.
The third reafon of the petition is, becaufe his zeal co thd
commands of God was fo great, as the opposition which his
enemies made unto them, did torment him, and fuch zeal re-
quired growing knowledge. tVhence learn, 1. Zeal had great
need of found knowledge, that it mifecary not, and he that find-
cth zeal kindled in his breaft, mould labour to informe him-
felfe well, as the Pfalmift doth, v. 144. and here: My \eal hub
confumed me : becmfcmine enemies have forgotten thy word.i.Holy
aftedions are able to work upon the body, no letfe then com-
mon and natural affections : My \exl hath confumed me* 3 . The
Contempt and mifregard of the Word of God, perceived in any,
efoecially in profeflbrs within the vifible Church, is a juft reafon
of zeal,ajuftcaufeof grief and anger againft fuch workers of,
iniquity : My \eal hath confuted me ^ becaufe mine enemies have
forgotten thy word.
•Ver. 140. Thy word is very pare : therefore thy
fervant loveth it.
The fourth reafon ofhis petition, is becaufe he feeth fuch ho-
linefle and unrnixed truth in <?odsWordj as he cannot choofc
but
PSALME CXIX. 221
but love it, and therefore muft pray tint he may know more of
if. Whence learn, i.The Word of God is a Word clean from
all mixture of flattery or falfehood, tried to be true in the expe-
rience of all ages; Thy word is very pure. 2. New contemplation?
of the excellency of the Word of the Lord, draweth forth new
commendations of it, and raifeth frefh affection of love to it:
Thy word is very pur t> therefore tbyfervant lovetb it.
Ver. 141. /am fmaU gnd defpifed: yet dol not
forget thy frccefts.
The fifth reafon of his petition is, becaufe the Word of God
held up his heart, and comforted him againft ail the contempt
of men. Whence learn, 1 . The godly may readily lofe reputation
at wicked mens hands, when they will not comply with their
wickedneffc : I am [mall and defpifed. 2. Albeit we do lofe efti-
mation for adhering to the Word of God, yet the Word fhould
not lofe eftimation for that wkh us ; I am defpifed,yet do I not
forget tby precepts.
Verf. 142. Thy right etufneffe is an everlaftivg
righteoufnejfe : and thy Law is the truth.
The fixth reafon of his petition, is becaufe everlafiing righte?
oufneiie, and everlaiting truth is in Gods Word, and may be
found in experience by it. Whence learn, 1. This is the excel-
lency ofthc Law of God above all the lawes of men, that not
only it is righteous at the firft giving out, bu: alfo righteous in
all ages and times; Thy rightcoufnefle is an everlafiing rigbte-
cufneffe: and thy law is truth. 1. The rightcoufnefle which
God hath devifed and fet down in his Word to juftifie finfull
men, is an cverlafting rightcoufnefle, even the righteoufnefle by
faithinJcfusChrift, borne witneffe unto by the Law and the
Prophets : Thy righteoufnejfe is an everlafiing righteoufnejfe, and
thy Law is truth. 3. Ic is good for the feeling and Itiengch
ning of the holds of our faith, to confidcr again and again,
what excellent profi: may be had by it : and how true it is, as here
the PUjmift doth.
Verf. 134.
m
222 PSALME CXIX.
Ver, 143. Trouble and anguijhhavc taken hold
ion me : yet thy Commandments are mj delight.
The feventh reafon of his petition, 12 becaufe the Word of God
hath been his delight, when trouble and vexation hath befallen
him for obedience of it. Whence learn, u The believer is not
exempted from outward trouble for righteoufnefle, nor from the
vexation and inward anguifh of fpirit which may follow
It: Trouble and anguifh have ta\en bold, on me. 2. After thac
the believer hath felt his own weaknefle, and the force of trou-
ble, he may expect victory .over trouble, and to be rid from the
vexation of it, and brought even to rejoycing in tribulation.-
jet thy Commandments Are my delight.
Vcrf. . 144. The right eoufnejfe of thy teflimo^
tiies is everlafting: give me under fianding % and
1 Jhalt live.
The cfehch reafon of his petition, is becaufe life everlafting
is to be had by the everlafting righteoufnefle fet down in Gods
Word, therefore he prayeth to have more ur.derftanding there-
of, that is, to have more clear knowledge and more ftrong faith
inGodsteftimonies. Whence learn, 1. This is the main Do-
ftrine in all the Word of God, to teach men concerning cverlafi-
ing righteoufnefle, or how a man is juftiried before God, there-
fore is this again repeated. Thy rigbtccujneffc, or, the righteouf-
nefle of thy teftimonies is everlafting. 2. The belief or (aving
underftandingofthis Doctrine brfngeth eternal life .co the be-
liever .- and for this end being jo.yned as the laft rcafon with the
former feven reafons, it fliould nuke a man leek to grow in the
faith, or in the faving knowledge of the teftimonies of God
fet down in his Word : (jive me under ft&niing, and J {ball
COPH*
"
PSALMECXIX. m
COPH.
Vcrf. 145. / cried With my Whole bedrt : hear*
me, OLORD, 1 will keep thj flames.
In this fiction he fallcthon another maine petition untoGod,
foe reftoring unto him, and encreafing in {him the vigour of fpi-
rituallife by his Word, v. '49- and to prefle this petition he u-
feth foure arguments, iome going before, fome following aft ec
it. Thefirft argumem harh foufe branches 5 the firft is^ be-
caufe he had prayed earneftly before for quickening of him, that
fo he might be enabled to ferve God. Whence learn, 1 . When
the world is crying, Who will mew us any good thing ? this matt
wUbing for pteafurc, and that man for riches, and he for ho-
nour, and he for preferment, the Lords children mould be feek-
ing grace to ferve God, as the Pfalmift did : I cried with my
whole heart, bear m* Lord,and I mil keep tbfftatutcs. 2.When
the conscience can bear witneffe of hearty feeking of °race to
ferve God, the Supplicant may confidently call for, ana expe<5t
comfortable quickening of his fplrlc unto Gods fervice, as the
comparifonofthisverfe with the 149. verfe doth fhew. 3«What-
foever fpiritual grace we ieek of God, we mould feek it ear-
neftly: for if we feek it 3 fo as if we did not regard whether
we obtained our requeft or not, fuch feeking mould under-
value the grace which we feek j I cried with mj whole
heart.
Verf. 146. I cried unto thee, fave me : andljhali
keep thy teftimonies.
Another branch.of the argument is, becaufc hedidnotpray
.-for delivery out of bis trouble, for fatisfa&ion of his natural de-
£ie, but that he might give further proof of hispurpofe to obey
Gods
224 PSALM E CXIX.
Gods Word Whencce learn y Thc conference of a fincere purpofe
tofeekuod, may encourage us to leek both confolation, and
lively a alky toferve him j I cried unto thee, fave me, and I
Jb.Ul keep thy tcflimonics.
Verf. 147. I prevented the dawning of the morn-
ing, and cried 1 1 hoped in thy Word.
A third branch of the argument is, becaufe out of hope to
finde the fruit of Gods promifes, he had been early about the du-
ty of prayer. Whevcc learn, 1. Prayer rtiould be earneftly fol-
lowed and with no fmall diligence in ufing of the meanes,
fpecially of prayer, fo the Lords children come by their holy
defires, as here we fee 5 I prevented the dawning of the mornings
and cried. 2. Looking unto the Word, doth furnifli faith and
hope, and faith and hope do furnifli prayer, or elfe the Suppli-
cant might foon faint : 1 cried, I hoped in thy Word.
Vcr. 148. i^fine eyes prevent t he night-watches :
that 1 might meditate in thy word,
A fourth branch of the argument is, becaufe when his nights
reft was broken by troubles, he did meditate on Gods Wordrwhen
his perfecutors were fecurely fleeping. Whence learn, x. The
difficultie wherein the Lords children arecaft mspy times, doth
bereave them of their nights reft; Mine eyes prevent the night-
watches, i. The time which folicitude doth take from our flcep,
is to be fpent upon prayer and meditation of Gods Word, and
not upon perplexing thoughts : {Mine eyes prevent the night*
watches, that I might meditate U thy Word.
Verf. 149, Heare my voice according unto thy /*-
vingktndnefte : LQKD y quicken me according to thy
judgement*
This is the main petition in this fecT;ion,put up for renewing
and encreafing in him the vigour of fpkitual life by faith in the
Word,
t>SALME CXIX. 22$
Word, wherein he giveth a feccnd reafon of this his prayer i
taken from Gods kind nefle exprefied in his promifes. Whence
kirne, u Albeit a man had no fpccial promife of help in a
particular excrcife of trouble, yet the confederation of Gods
mercy and loving kindnefie, manifefted in general in his
Word, is a fufficient ground to ftrengthen Vis hepe to be help-
ed : Hear my vokc : according to thy loving \indneffe j qiiic^. u
me accordingto thy judgements, a. As the fueling or ipiritual dead*
nefle doth argue lite and fenfe in Gods children, fo doth it fit a
iman for renewed influence, and feme of fpuituallife: OLord,
qulcfienme according to thy tcftimonies.
Verf. 150. The j draw nigh that follow after mi /-
chief: they are far from thy law.
151. fbouatt near % and all thy Commandments
are truth.
The third reafon of his petition is,becaufe his enemies were
ready todohima mi/chief, and were far from regarding Gods
law, but he believed God was the more near <o deliver him,
and that his Word was true, and therefore he dcfireth renewed
vigour of ipiritual life. Whence learn, 1. The more near that
danger is, the more ground of confidence have Gods children
in their danger, to call and hope for the influence of his Spirit 2
They draw near that follow after mi f chief a. The further the
enemies of thegodly are from Godslaw j and the nearer they arc
to do a mifchicf, the nearer are Gods children tofindethe com-
munion of the life of god j They draw near that follow after mif-
chief, they arc far from thy law. 3, For the confolation of a fuf-
fererforrighteoufnelTe, it is neceffary to believe Gods readinefs
to deliver him, and to believe the truth of Gods Word, where-
by his caufe is juflified $ for the following of Gods command, #is
a pledge of Gods aflifting of him, and delivery alfo , no leffe then
a promife; Thou art near > and all thy Commandments are
Verf. 12. Concerning thy Teftimonies, 1 have
kpotvn of old, that thou bufi founded them for ever*
CL A
az6 PS A L ME CXIX.
A fouvth reafon of the petition is becaufe he had long fincc expe-
rience of the everlafting liability of Gods teftimonies,and thcrfore
cravethto be quickned according to them. \V hence learn^ i.The
faith of the {lability & unchangablenesof Gods Word in general,
is a good mcanes of applying and making ufe of the paffages there-
of in particular; Conccrningtby teftimonies, I fyiow tbxt tbon
baft founded them \or ever. z. By-paft experience of the truth
of Gods Word, is an encouragement to hope for help inlike
trials afterward ; Concerning thy teftimonies, I ^norvof old 3 that
tbou baft founded tbem for ever.
RESH.
Vcrf. i J 3. Confider mine ajfliftion^ud deliver me:
for I do not forget thy Urv.
In this fcftion he prayeth for delivery out of his affliction,
and for qaickening of him, by confolation and fpiritual ability,
to ferve God till the delivery came; and to ftrengthen himfelf
in the hope of obtaining this, he bringeth forth eight reafons
of his petition. The firft is, the confeience of his adherence un*
to, and endeavour to obey the Lords Word. Whence learn,
1. Albeit the Lord cannot but fee and confider our trouble, yet
we can hardly reil fatisSed, till he by real effect make it evi-
dent that he pitkth us in our affliction, and delivereth us out
of it: Confider mine affliclion, and deliver me. z. As no
trouble or tentation fhould drive us from the obedience of Gads
Word, fo the more clofely we adhere to the Word in the obe-
dience of faith, the more may we be allured to be delivered;
Deliver me, for 1 do nut forget thy law.
Ver. 1 54, Plead my caufe^ and deliver me: quick:
en me according to thy fVord,
He urgeth the fame petition, and infinuateth a fecond reafon
for
PSALME CXIX. 217
.for it, From the Lords engagement by his Word, to be Advo-
cate for him,to deliver him, aid to quicken him, Whence lexrnc±
1. Albeit the godly under perfection have a good caufc, y< r rhcy
cannot plead~it,exceptGod thei: Redeemer fhewhimfeff as Advo-
cate for them ' therefore prayeth the Pfalmift, Plead mycaufe.
2, When God the Redeemer plcadeth amansc^ufe, hedothk
to purpofe really and efre&ually : Plead my cm fc^nd deliver me.
5. Except the Lords Clients (hall finde new influence from
God from time to time in their troubles , they are bat as dead
men in their exercife : tor,«^*V^w mc,importeth this v. Till
we find lively encouragement given to us in creuble,wc muft ad-
here to the Word of promifc;^/*;/^/ me according to thy Word*
5. What the believer hath need of, that God hath not only a
will to fupply, but alfoan office t0 3ttend it* and power to effe
ctuateit, as here he hath the office of an Advocate, and of &
powerful T^tdecmer dfo, wherein the believer may confidently
give him daily employment, asheneedeths i lead my caufej ani
deliver me> quicken me according to thy Word.
Ver. ijj. Salvation is far from the tvicfad: for
theyfee\ not thy fiatntes.
Athird reafon of his petition of delivery is, becaufe the wick-
ed who mifregardGods commands when they fal into trouble, are
far from delivery. Whence learn, 1. The wicked have neirhec
■ rght to falvation, nor to temporal delivery from trouble when
, they fall into it i Salvation is for from the r^kkpd. 2. It is ths
I mark of a wicked perfon to mifiegard, or not to care to know
j and obey Gods Word ; Silvxtion is fir from the tficked, fit
! tbcy/celi not thy ft Mutes. 5. Salvation is near to thole that make
! conscience to obey Gods Word, how ftrait foever their con-
dition (hall feem, for fo much doth the force of this reafon im*
t pore.
Ver. I5& Great arc thy tender mercies,
L O R1) f quick<n nte according to thj jtidge*
mcntSh
22 8 PSALME GXIX.
A fourth reafon of his petition is, becaufc Gods tender mercies
are <? reat,and therefore the Pi'alnaift may expect the influence of '
life till he be delivered. Whence learn , i. When the godly do
thinkoi- fpeakof thedamnable condition of the wicked, they
fliouldnotbefenfelcik of their own defetving, nor of Gods
grace, which hath made the difference between the wicked and
thems Great arctby tender mercies, Lo*d. z. As the mer-
cies of the Lord, which are the fountain of all the benefits
which the believer doth ask, arc very excellent in themfelves:
fo are they in the eftimation of the believer, when he look-
eth upon them : they are many and mother-like, tender and
great* Great are thy tender mercies >0 Lord. 3. Spiritual life
is fubjed to often fainting, and hath need frequently to be fup-
ported and reftored by the believers looking on thepromile,
and prefentingof his cafe unto God on the one hand, and by
Gods granting of the petition on the other hand : Quicken mi
wording to tby judgements.
Vcrf. 157- Many arc my ferfecutors , and mine
enemies*, yet do I not decline from thy teftimo*
nies.
Afifthreafon of his petition is, becaufe he had manyperfe-
cutois, and yet did adhere to Gods Word, Whcncelcarn, i.As
it is no ftrange thing to fee the godlieft men expofed moft to
perfection s^fo it is nofmall meafureof grace which God be-
jloweth on them, to bear out the truth againft all oppefition;
Many are my perfecutors and mine enemies, yet do I not decline
fromtkyteftimmics. 2. He whocontinuethinthe faith and 0-
bedience of the Word againft perfecution, may exped fuftenancc
and confolation in his trouble* and delivery out of it; for this
is the force of the reafoa.
Vcrf. 158. I Meld the tranfgrejfours, and "icxi
grieved ; btcauft they kept not thy Word.
Afixth reafoncf his petition is, becaufe he was forrovvful ta
fee
P SAL ME CXIX. 229
fee his enemies provoke God by their tranfgre (lions. Whence
learn, i. Anger, grief, indignation and loathing (which the
•word in the original doth bear) are lawful in Gods quarrel a-
fainft finj/ beheld the tranfgYcftors.and was grieved, beuufc they
jpt not thy word. 2. He who is anv&ed with grief, anger and
vexation for Godscaufe, when he feeth God provoked by tranf-
grefibrs, may expect confolation and ftrength to himfelf in the
defence of </ods caufc a as the force of the reafon doth im-
port.
Ver. 159. Consider how 1 love thy Precepts:
quicken me, O LORD, according to thy loving kind*
nejfe.
A feventh reafon of his petition is, becaufe he did fincerely
love the Lords Word 3 and [therefore expected to be quickened
in the fenfe of Gods kind nefle. Whence learn, 1, It is a mark
of true zeal for God, which floweth from love of the Lords
Word, and he who findeih this mark in himfelf, may offer it to
God for a proof of his fincerity; CoJifidcr bow I love thy Pre-
cepts* 2. He who can approve his love toGoJsWord, and his
zeal for God to be Gncere, may expect confolation and ftrength
from God in his need, as the reafon doth prove, j. So oft as
we finde deadneffe in our fpirits, fooft fhould we run to Gods
kindneiTe, the fountain of life to repaircic : ^uicfien tnc, Q
Lord, according to thy loving fyndneffe.
Vcrf. i£o. Thy Wofd\% true from the beginning:
and every one of thj righteous judgements endurctfr
for ever.
The eighth reafon cf his petition is, beciufe the Word of
God, ana every part of it, according whereunro he craved c m-
fort and delivery out of his trouble, was true and unchangeable
for ever. Vj/hcnce learn, 1. Such is the excellency cf the
Word of God, as neither it can be Efficiently commended, nor
the believer fatishe himfelf in commmendation thereof, as
this Among many commendations doth tcfline. i. Truths and
Q. i &
230 PSALMECXIX.
all truth is the fhoit famine of the whole Scripture, from rho
beginning to the ending of itnorhing but truth; nothing al-,
lowed in it but righreoufncne : Thy Wor l is true ft om tlx begin*
ping, andcvery one of thy righteous judgements endure for ever.
3« He who foundeth his prayer to comfort and delivety on the
rock o> Go is fiithful and righteous Word, may be fare to obtain
his requeft : as the force of this; reafon doth evidence.
SHIN
Verf. 161. Princes have perfecuted n>e without
a canfe j but mj he Art fiandeth in atyt of thj
Word.
In this feftion, he taketh comfort by fix approved evidences
of faving grace felt in himfelf, which he prelenteth unto CJod
to be fealed by him. The ft/ft evidence is his adherence to the
obedience of faith, notwithstanding of his being perfecuted by
Princes. Whence learn 3 i . It is a fore tentation when the goU
ly are perfecuted for righteouineite by their Govetnours, by
whom they mould be encouraged and defended, and yet this ex-
£rcife of the godly is no ftran^e matter : Princes have per fecutei
me without a caufc . i. As it is an eafe, and a piece of comiort to
the godly, that they have not deferved perfecution: fo their in-
nocency is an aggravation of the fin of the perfecutor, as here;
They have perfecuted me without a cwfe* $• There is no means
to favcus from (inning for fear of men, butthefear of the tu-
preme power of the Almighty > *Biu my heart ftandeth in awe of
thy wordy which is all one as to ftand in awe of God. 4- To
bear out perfecution of Princes, out of refped to the obedience
of Gods Word, and fear to offend G od, is a mark of faving grace,
as here it is brought forth.
Verf. 162. 1 rejojee at thy Word*, as one that
fin deth great fyoilc^
The
PSALMECXIX. 231
The feeond evidence of faving grace in him, is a greater joy
felt in Gods Word, then in any thing in the world, yea, fuch
a joy, as the greatcft joy of worldly men, is but a fhadowing fi-
militude ef it. Whence learn, 1. He that feareth to offend
God more then he feareth to fall into any worldly inconvenience,
may rejoyce in the obedience of faith more then in any worldly
advantage, as the experience of the Pfalmi ft doth teach, who
faith; My bean flood in awe of thy Word, when Frinces did
perfecuteme, and fubjoyneth, I rejoyce in thy Word, as one that
findetb great fpoile. i. The joy of a believer, which he fmdeth
in the obedience of faith, is To great, as the joy which a Vi&oj:
in battel doth finde in the fpoile of his defeated enemies, which
is butaihadowofit, albeit the joy of delivery from death, the
joy of vi&ory 3 the joy of riches, honour and peace, and eafe
arejoyned in the Victors breaft altogether onafudden: I re-
joyeedatthy JVord, as one that findetb great fpoile. 3. The jun-
cture of fear to offend God, and joy in obedience of him, is a
mark of a gracious fpirit, as the Pfalmifts producing of it as
a mark of grace in him m aketh evident.
Verf. 163. / hate and abhor lyeing J but thy Law
elo I love.
The third evidence of faving grace in the Pialmift, is his
joynt hating and abhorring of all fin, and loving of the obedi-
ence of Gods Word. Whence learn, 1. As the [peaking of
untruth, or concealing of truth which mould be con fe fled, is a
lying \ fo every contravening of profefled obedience unto Gods
Word, is a work of lying and felt-deceiving, which a beleevcr
fliould hate and etc hew: I hate and abhor lying, z. Slight ha-
tred of aliriful courfe, is nor fufficient to guard a mariagainft
it: for where the enmity is not great, the mars agreement
with fin may foon be made, but fuch abhorring and deadly ha-
tred of fin is required, as cannot admit reconciliation : / bate
and abhor lying. 3. Hating and abhorring of all fin arifing
from, and joyned with the love of Gods Word, isafolid mark
of faving grace : for abhorring of feme fin, and of all /in, for
temporary reafons, may prove unlonnd; but this isfinccrity,
when a man can fay, I hate and abhor lying, but thy Law do I
love.
Q.4- Vcr.
iy. PSALME CXIX.
Ver. 164, Seven time* a day do 1 fraife thee: be*
tAHJe of thy righteous judgements.
The fourth evidence of faving grace in the Pfalmift> is the
frequent admiration of thegoodneffc of God to man, fet forth
in Gods Word, with hearrypr ailing of God for it- Whence
kMr^ 1. As the ftudying of the Word of God bringeth the be-
liever to fee his own blefledneiTe revealed in it ; fo it bringeth
him alfoto admire and praife God for that and for all his
righteoufnefle declared in it: Seven times a day do I pYdife
tbee 3 becaufe of thy rigbtcow judgements. 2. The more a man
difcover Gods glory in the Woad, and be taken with the love of
God, and admiration of God for what he fceth , and doth make
life of Gods Word unto Gods praife, the more clear evidence
hath he of the work of Living grace in himfelf, as here the
fcfalmift maketh ufe of the mark ; Seven times a day do I praife
ibee, becaufcoftby righteous judgements.
Verf* 165. Great peace have they which love thy
law: and nothing fia/l offend them.
Tor confirmation of the former marks of faving grace, he
commendeth the love of Gods Word, by two notable effects }
One is, that it bringeth a glorious peace with it : Another is,
that it maketh a man hold on the way of Gods obedicncc,what?
foever impediments or ftumbling blocks (hail be call: in his way.
VVbevce kxtniy j. The receiving of the truth of God in love,
giveth great peace, peace paflfing understanding: for the law of
works doth fhew a mans debt and danger, and the beleever fub-
fcribeth lovingly to the juftice thereof : and the law of faving
faith fhewethremiflion of fin, righteoufnefle and eternal life
through the Meffiah Jcfus Chrift, and the beleever embraceth the
offer heartily : and the law of new obedience diredcth the ju?
flified m3n how to go on to the full poffelTion of blefledneite,ancL
the believer doth heartily take on this holy yoke upon him, and
fohcwalketh as a man reconciled with God, and at peace with
him: Grexi -[ejeebave tbey ycho love thy lm>. 2. Albeit there
be
PSALMECXIX. 233
be many ftumbling blocks and impediments to divert the belee*
' cr, from the obedience of Gods Word, arifing from theterrour
and allurements of the world, from the troubles and exercifes
of the godly, from the fcandals given by Profeflbrs, and fuchlike*
yet the love of Gods Word is able to carry a man ftraiton his way
to heaven without ftumbling or turning afide to the one hand
or the other : Great peace have they who love thy Urv } and »$-
thing fhall offend them.
Verf. ^66. LORD, 1 have hoped for thy fahati^
en : and done thy Commandments.
The fifth evidence of faving grace in the Pialmift is, the
confeiencepf his found faith and obedience. Whence learn,
1. Sound hope of falvation is joyned with the care of keeping
;he Commandments ; for he who hath this hope purifieth him-
ielf, that he may be holy: Lord, I have hoped for thy falvation,
and done thy Commandments. 2. As none can have heart or
hand to keep Gods commands except he have hope to be helped
out of every trouble wherinto he may fall, and to 6e fully faved at
laft ; fo he who hath the hope of falvation, hath great encourage-
ment unto obedience, and where the conjunction of thefe two
are found, the man hath evidence of faving grace, and boldnefs
to 20 to God in this confidence* as the Pfalmift dcth> Lord,
I have hoped for thy falvation , and done thy Command*
nients.
Ver. 167. My foule hath kept thy Teflimomes:
and I love them exceedingly.
1 68, 1 have kjept thy Precepts and thy Tiftimonies:
for all rnj wajes are before thee.
Theftxth evidence of faving grace is, the approved teftimo-
nyof his conscience concerning thcfincerity of his heart* and
that after a new examination of the foundnefie of former marks,
which here a: clocked upon over again , and prefented to God
With other three marks of finccrky, towit, ipivitualnefs in o-
bedience, exceeding love to the VVord* and daily waiting as in
the
*24 PSALME CXIX.
the fight of Goy\. Whence learn, i . After a believer hath found
marks offaving grace in himfelf, it is wifdome for him to exa-
mine thefe marks over again, whether they be to him indeed
and in truth or not: for if they be indeed in him, how weak
foever they be* and albeit joyned with imperfections, if compa-
red with the perfect ion of the moral law, yet will theybeare
weight in the balance of the Cjofpel, ('where any meafure of up-
rightneffe pafleth for perfection, J as here the example of the
Pfalmift doth teach, i. Where the foul, or the renewed part
of the man is for the obedience of faith, there is a fincere keep-
ing of the commands : My foule bath kept thy tcftimonies.
3. Where the love roC/ods Word, and the obedience there-
of exceedeth the mans love to any thing which might divert him,
there is afincerity in keeping of the V Vord ; I love thy tejlimo-
Tiies exceedingly. 4, As the looking al waves unto Gods all-feeing
eye, is a fpecial meanes to make a man keep his commands : fo
the confeience of his endeavour fo to do, teftifieth finccrity;
I have kept thy Precepts and thy Tefti monies : for all my myes
are before thee.
TAU>
Vcrf. T49. Let my cry come near before thee,
LORD: give me under {landing according to thy
Word.
In this laft fection , he clofeth ali the former fweet meditations,
and comfortable expr.effions concerning his faith and love, and
the fruits thereof, with five petitions. Thefirftis, for the cn-
creafe of faving knowledge of the Scriptures. Whence lam,
1. Nothing is foneceffary to be fought of God as practical
knowledge, whereby a man may know how to behave himfelf
toward God and man in every eftate, according to the rule of
Scripture ; Give me under {landing according to thy word. 2. Tf
God delay to anfwer us in this petition or any other, or feem to ,
hide himfelf from us let us follow hard after him with earneft
Application , as the Pfalmift teachethus; Let my cry com near
before
PSALME CXIX. 23 $
Uforetbce>OLord, $.Thepromifes of Gods iWord are fuf*
ficient to give us breath in crying, and hope to have a good an*
1 fwcr, ano patience till it come: Give me understanding accord-
ing to thy Word.
Ver, 170* Let my fupplications come before thai
de ! iver me according to thy Word.
The next petition is, for deliverance out of his trouble*
JPhence learn* r. Albeit the believer is not exempted from
trouble, but rather engaged to bear thecrofle, till he come to
the crown 3 yet is lie priviledged to have accefle to God in pray*
er for comfort, ftrength and deliverance from it s Let my (up •
plication come before thee r deliver me according to thy Word.
2. T he believer craveth nothing but what is promhed 5 andas
that may 3 fo it doth fatisfie him": Deliver rrx &. cor ding to thy
Word.
Vetf 171. My lips Jbal I utter praife : when thou
haft taught me thy ftdtutes,
1 72. My tongue $ til rpeak^ of thy Word: f*r all
thy Commandments aiengbtecUjnefs.
He ftrengthens his hope in thefe two prayers, by a promife of
thankfulnefs for any meafuie of a gracious anfwer. Whence
learv m 1. Astheend of our petitions fhould be that we may be
enabled to praife God really, 10 theufeof granting of our pe-
titions fhould be rhanks and praife ; My lips Jhatt utter thy
praife, when thou haft taught me tby fiatutes. 1. Tbankfgiving
in words doth beft beseem the man, who indeed is obedient in
his lite unto God : and as no man can ooey God in his deeds,
but he that istaughr of God, fohe thar is taught of God to o-
bey in deeds, may well promife upon that condition, to praife
God in words al for My lips (halt utter praife, when thou haft
tanght me thy iatutes. $. To teach others the waves of God,
requireth ~hat we our {elves be taught of God; 'When thou
iaft taught me thy flmtcs> my tongue flail (pcah K of thy Word.
4. There is no ground of edifying our fclvesand others, and of
glori-
2j5 PSALME CXIX.
glorifying of God, but from the Word of the Lord ; My tongue
Jhallfpeak of thy Word. ? . True righteoufnefs is to be found
only in the Word of Gods and nothing is approved in it, nor^
recommended to us by it, fave righreoufneiYe only, which fliould
move us thy more to ftudy it our felves, and then to communi-
cate it to others ; For all thy Commandments are rigbtcoufe
nejfe.
Ver. 173, Let thine hand he'p me: for I have
ckofen thy Trecepts.
174, 1 have longed for thy falvation y LORD :
and thy Law U my delight.
A third petition is for a ffi fiance in trouble, till God fliould
fend full delivery to him, whereof three rea tons arc fubjoyned :
One, from his making choice of the Word above all earthly
things: Another, from his longing and expecting of deliver-
ance according to it : And the third, is from his delight in the
Word. Whence learn, i.As they who are refolved to ierve God
maybefureofoppofnion, and of adverfarics, and of trouble
from them : fo may they be perfwaded to finde Gods help in all
their troubles againfl: adverfaries, for this much is imported in
thofe words, Let thy band help me. 2. A : beit allurements to
divert the believer from Gods obedience, be offered unto him,
yet muft he reject them , and deliberately prefer Gods obedi-
ence to them all : for thus much is imported in the Pfalmifts
practice: For 1 have cbof n thy? rccepts. $. He who hath pre-
ferred obedience to the baits of fin, and tnth refolved rather to
fuffer then to fin, may look for Gods affiftance to fuftain him in
his trouble, that he (hall never have caule to repent him of his
choice: Help me, for I have chofenthy Precepts. 4. Albeit it
be natural to feek deliverance out of trouble, yet it is proper to
the godly to love no deliverance but fuchasGbd fendethbyhis
cwnemcancsin his own time, and in this minde to wait for this
fort of deliverance in the way of Gods obedience; For I have
longed for thy falvation, O Lo*d, was the Pfalmifts way to be de-
livered. 5. The beleever is not comfortlcfle in his trouble, he
hath hisownfpiritual comfort, pleafure and delight in Gods
truth or in God manifeftcd therein i Thy Law U my delight,
faith the P/almift in trouble.
Ver.
PSALME CXIX. *tf
1 Ver. 175, Let mj [oule live, and it /hall praife
thee : and let thj judgements help me.
A fourth petition is^for continuation of his life for honouring
of God. Jfkwce learttyi . As the s;odly have no will to fall into th#
hands of men, or to lofe their life by murtherers : fo do they
not love life, but for further glorifying of God: Let my foule
live><md it [lull praife tbce. i.Whofoever have a defign to honour
God in their life, which defign they have not as yet attained,may
lawfully pray for prolonging their life a while J Let my foule live,
and it fall fulfe tbcc. $. As the Word of God hathpro-
nourced fencence already for the fuftaining of his fuffcrinj
fervants, and for taking order with their perfecutors : fo accord-
ingly may the godly pray and exped to be helped; Let thy judge-
ments kip me.
Ver. 1 j6. I have gone affray like aloft (heep^fee^
thy fervant : for I do not forget thj Command-
ments.
The fifth and Iaft petition is, that the Lord would recal the
Pfalmift, now being a banilhed exile, and bring him home
to the communion of his people., as a wandring fheep is brought
home to the flock by a kindly fliephcrd. Whence lexrn^ 1 . As
the beleever is alwayes a pilgrim in his affection toward this
eaith:Lo alfo he may be corporally banifhed from his native coun-
trey, and thruft ouc f om the fcllowfhip of the Church, as th*
experience of the Pfalmiit teachcth, who doth lament his cafe,
faying, lb Ave gone aftray Ufa a lift foeep , driven out by ftorme
or dark day 5 or by the hunting of the dogs, 'chafed out from
the reft of the flock. 2. Albeit the banifhed bdeeverbe fepa-
rated from the fellowftiip of the Church, and from his friends y
yet not from communion with God the good fhepherd, who
hcareth the bleating of the poor wandering fheep whereever it be, .
and will rake care oi' it, and feek it out .' Seek tby fervent, faith
the exile Pialmiil unto the Lord. $ . The way for the beleever
to keep communion with God in his trouble of banifhment or
whatsoever other trouble, is to remember the direction of God
\ in his Word, for going on in the way of faith and obedience, and
be may affure hiwfell that the good fliepherd (ball not forget
him;
338 PSALME CXX.
him : Seek, thjf [ervant, for I do not forget thy Comnm&+
merits*
PSALME CXX.
THe fcope of this Pfalme is, by the experience of the
Pfalmift, to teach and comfort fuch as (hall be traduced,
andfalfcly flandered. His exercife and deliverance isfetdown
fummarily, v» i . And his prayer in his diftreffe, more largely
in the reft of the Pfalme*
Ver. I. TN my diftreffe I cried unto the
JLLORD j and he heard we.
From his exercife in general, and deliverance ; Lan, i.Thc
godly oft-times are put to ftraits and perplexities, tha: they
know not what to do till they go to God by prayer : lu
my diftrejfe I called unto the Lord. 2. Diftreffe is a means
to make prayer fervent , and fervent prayer wanteth not
a good anfwer : I cried unto the Lord , And be beard
tne.
Ver 2. Deliver my foule^ LORD, from lying
lips : and from a deceitful tongue.
In the reft of* the Pfalm he firft puts up his petition to be
favecf from rhe bloody tongue of the calumniator, v. 2, and
then denounceth Gods judgement againft him, v. 3*4. and
dofeth with a lamentation, v. 5,6, 7.
From his particular petition; Le<irn> itHow innocently fa*
ever the godly (hall behave themfelves, yet are they fubjeftto
the bitter back-biting of bloody calumniators, traducing them,
and forging lies againft them, to make their Governours, and
Judge*
PSALMECXX. Z39
Tu<5*es fall upon them, as the Pfalmifts experience (heweth :
Wetivcrmyfoulc, or my life, Lord, from lying lips, and from
4 deceitful tongue, i. Albeit the innocent beleever can findc
nomeanesto refute the calumnie, nor be able to efchew the
danger wherein to he is caft thereby , yet God can finde a
way for clearing of his name, and faving hisperfon, as
the prayer teacheth: Deliver my foulc, O LOKD, from lying
lipt.
Vcr» 3. what fhall be given unto thee? or what
fhall be done unto theejhou faife tongue?
4. Slurp arrows of the mighty ? With codes of
funiper,
He denounceth Gods judgement ag3inft the calumniator,how~
ever the matrer (hall go. Whence learn, 1. The calumniator
hath as little advantage by his fin, as any fort of (inner, but for
the judgement of God he is fure of it : For what fhall be given
unto tbcetthou falfe tongue ? 1 . The traducer of the godly hath
exquifite vengeance waiting for him,which he never dreamed of 3
and which no tongue can fufficiently expretfe ; What fhall be
I done unto thee, thou falfe tovgne ? 3. As calumnies do hurt
I the name of the godly fuddenly, before he can be aware, and
the wound rcmawieth long, a sari owes (hot againft them; and
as the coales of Juniper have the greateft heat, and burne long
ere they be quenched: fo (hall the judgement of the calumnia-
tor be : Sbxrp arrowes of the mighty, or (hot by a ilrong man,
and i odes of jumper*
Ver. 5. Wo Urne^ that 1 fojourne in Mefechy that
Td^eU in the tents of Kedar.
6. My fqule hath long dwelt with him that bar
teth peace.
7. I&mfotpeace, but when 1 fpeak % they are for
Vvarrc.
In his lamentation i Learn } l< Falfe brethren counterfeit
Pro-
240 PSALM E CXXI.
profeflbrs of Religion, rotten members of the vifible Church
arc no better neighbours then favage and wilde Barbarian?
robbers>Mufcovites,and Arabians, Men ofdfaf&byand ^edar
without the veree of the vifible Church; 2. It is a woful]
condition to dwell among the wicked, and yet the godly cannot
cfchew it, they may well lament it : Wo is me that I fojourne in
Me fecb, that I dwell in the tents of tfydar. 3. So long as the
godly live among wicked calumniators , they reckon them-
lelves 1 as baniftied men living in a forrcigne Countrcy ,
and are made oft-times to lament their condition: Wo U
me that I fojourn in Mefcb, and dwell in the tents oft&dar. 4. A
man mould have a great caufe of lamenting before he give vent
10 his wo : his patience mould do its part for afufficient long
time, in hope to nave the evil remedied: for the Pialmift doth
not break forth at firft, but faith, &4y foul bath long dwelt with
bim that batetb peace. ?. It is not fufficientto live innocently
with the wicked, but duty requireth that we mould labour to
mitigate thefuryofadverfaries,as the Pfalmitt did: I am for
peace* 6. Ifpeacebeftudied with thofe among whom we do
live, and we obtain it nor, yet fhall the ditty 0? the wicked be
fo much the more augmented thereby; When Ifpeake^tbe^ art
for warre*
PSALME CXXI.
A Song of degress.
The fcope of this Pfalme is to /hew, that howfoever we ard
ready to feek help any where elfe, rather then in God, yet no
help is to be had, except frorh God : perfeft help, and full deli-
very is to be had in him undoubtedly, as the Pfalmifts experi-
ence and example of faith do teach : wherein the Pfalmift
leaving all other confidences be fide God, betakethhim to God
Almighty only, v. 1. z. And from his own experience, giveth
encouragement to all Gods people to place their confidence in
God alone, by fix promifes, in the fix verfes following* to the
end of the Plalmc.
Vcrf r
I
1*SALME CXXL 241
Verf. 1. T fyiS lift ttp mine ejes unto the hills
X from whence cometh mj help.
2> Mj help cometh from the LO RT>^ which
made heaven and earth.
f rem the Pfalmifts example and cxercife ; Learn, i. The
Lord ufeth to bring fuch double upon his own children, as mall
make them fenfible of their own weakneflc, and of their need of
help 5 For otherwayes we are ready to encouuter with imaller
troubles, in our own ftrength : I will lift up mine eyes to the bills \
from whence cometh my help. z. Some one earthly power or
other, is the 6r ft refuge which naturally wedolok unto, to fee
what help may be found there : which our natural inclination
thePfalmift tateth indirectly in the name of lifting the eyes to
the billsyio wit, to the powers ofthe world, rather thsn to thehea-
venly hills of Gods omnipotency •> llift upmineeyes unto the
hills) not thefe earthly ones) will he fay, which I fee cannot heip
me, but to hills higher then the higheii earthly help, as after*
wardhemaketh clear. $. Nothing can fatishe faith, except
the allufficiency of God, who made heaven and earth of nothing*
and can give help where there is no appearance or reliet : 3\if
help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
Verf. 5. He rriS not (uffer thy foot to be moved*
he that \eepeth thee mil toot JlfHtofor*
For the confirmation of his own faith, and the faith of others*
that they may reft on God* and depend upon him only Fqr re«
liefein their ftraits, whether they have means of delivery, or not*
he bringeth forth fix pronlifes of God unto the fyelic ver i for t>ur
faith being weak hath need to have the promifes of God branched
Into fmall parts, and multiplied in particulars, that fo they may
be the more eafiTy applied. The firft promife is in this verfei
Whence learn, i . Albeit the believer be oMiimfelfe weak and
ready to fall, yet the Lord will fare him from ruinc, and keep
him faft in the defence ofthe truth for which hcis put in ftraits *
Hewitt not [uffer thy foot to he moved. 2. The providence of
God is fo vigilant for thefafety of the beleevcr, as the believer
K acedcth
2 4 2 PS? A L ME CXXI/
necdethnot to fear, left he fu tier any inconveniency by God*
oversight 5 for, He thatficcpetb thee mil not/umber.
Ver, 4. BehcU.he that keepeth lfrAel, firil mi*
ther {lumber norflfep*
A fecond promife made to all Gods peopkj which al r o con-
firmeth the former promifc. Whence learn, 1. The Lord is
keeper and watchman over his Church, and every member
thereof, and this is his Stile and memorial in all ages: Beiiold,
he that facpetb Ifrael, fiall neither (lumber nor Jlccp. z. The
right which p articular believers have unto promifes, doth belong
unto them, becaufc they are made to the Church, over which
the Lord taketh fuchca»e,as he never in no moment of time
faileth in his attending the Church, and every particular mem-
ber thereof: He thxt ^cepetb Jfrael, Jhatt neither flumber ner
Jleep.
Ver. 5. The L R D\s thy keeper : the LORD
15 thy Jhade upon thy right hand. .
The third promife particularly directed to the believer, in-
cluding the Pfalmift himielfe. Whence learn, 1.. Albeit the
believer hah net a promife,to be free from trouble and perfecu-
tion, yet he liath a promifc of confolation in it, and of defence
from the hurt of it : The Lord is thy peeper, the Lord. U tby fhadc*
2. When trouble comeih the Lord is not fane to feck, but is
ready to be found, for protection and confolation; The lord U
tby fade Kpon thy right hand.
Verf. 6. The Sttnne flail not fmite thee by day : nor
the Moon by night.
The fourth promife made with allufionunto, and* application
cf that cave which God had over his people, when he brought
themoutofEg/pr through thewildernefs,whom he guarded them
from the heat of the Sunne, by a cloud by dayj and from the
cold and rnoiftnefis of the night and Moon, by a pillar of fir
PSALME CXX1. tft
by night. Whence learn, i. Albeit the believer be fubjeft td
fundi y perils from adverfity, and profperity, from one adverfary
power at one time, and from another adverfary power at ano-
ther time; yet the Lord fo careth for him, and l'o terhperateth,
and moderate* his cxercifes, that he (hall be fure not to be
harmed, in order and relation to the carrying on of his felicity:
The Sunnc fall not [mite thee by day, nor the Mom by mgpU *;
What care the Lord had over his people in the wildernefle, the
fame hath he ftill over every believer, as the application ofr the
like mercy doth rtiew : The Sunnc fall not fnutt thee 93
ddy : &c.
Ver. 7. The LoRDfhatlprefcrve thee from aft tvil %
he JbaR preferve thy fouL
From the fifth promife; Learn, ii Whatibever trouble fliall
befall the believer, he fliali be freed from the evil of it, becaufe
God (hall make all troubles work together for his good : Tbi
Lord Jhatl pre [crve thee from ail evil. i. If the believer lofe any
thing by trouble, he mill not lofe what is moft precious; the
Lord mall fave his foul, and (Co long as it is expedient) hig
bodily life alio ; He fall preferve thy [out.
Ver. S . The LORt) (hall preferve thy going
tut^ and thy coming in : from this time forth % and iw
for evermore^
Prom the fixth promife • Learn, \. Albeit all men have need
to have their carriage in all their affaires, directed of God, yet
none hath the promife of direction and fucceflc, five the belie-
ver only, to whom it is faid here; the Lord Jhiil prefefoi thy
goingout and thy coming in. 2. The Lord fo taketh his own by
the hand to care for them, as he doth not leave them nor forfake
them afterward 3, but gocth along with therri for ever : The Lord
fall preferve thy going out, and thy coming in: frdm ifjii time
forth f and even for evermore.
R * PSALMB
244 P SAL ME CXXII.
* 1 xi— 1 i -— —
■
PSALME CXXII.
THe Arke of God had for a long time moved from place* to
place,at length the Lord revealeth untoDdz/zrf the place wher-
ofMofes had fpoken, to be Sion where the Arkefnould reft, and
there Davi d fet up the Ai ke, having revealed unto the people
the Oracle; whereupon the people did heartily embrace the
will of God, and came'to that place appointed for publick wor-
ship, and did invite one another to go up to worfhip In this
Pfalme, we have firft Davids joy for the peoples willingneffe to
aflemble unto the Lords houfe, v»i,t. In the next place, he
praifes tfcritfalcm, v. $.,4,?. In the third place, he exhorteth
al! to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, rcprefenting the univerfal
Church, and ufeth .fome reafons to fet them forward on the
duty, v. 6, 7, 8 ; 9.
Ver. 1 . T Wa§ glad when they [aid unto me : Let m
go into the houje of the LO R D.
2. Oht feet Jhallfi and within thj gates, Jeru-
fahm
From the joy which David had in the peoples willingneflei'
to joyne together in the publick worfhip of the Lord; Learn,
1. Sometime the meffage of the Lords feryants is well taken at
their hand, and the fruit of their labour is returned upon them,
to their no fmall joy ., as here David profeffeth in his experience:
J was glad, when they (aid unto mc 3 Let us go. 2. As people law-
fully may, yea, and ftiouid not only ftirre up one another, by
their example and mutual private exhortation, unto the fervice
of God, but alfo ftirre up their teachers, and Rulers : fo teachers
and Rulers fhouid think it no incroachment upon their office,
nor difparagement to their pcrfon or gifts ; or ^ lace, co be ftirred
PSALM E CXXir. a43T
up to their duties by the people, but rather fliould cherifh and
fofter the peoples holy zeal, as here we are taught by Davids
praftice: I rv& gl&dwbcntbey faid untcme,.Letusgo into the
boufeoftbeLord. 3. As it is no iuiall benefit to have a titled
place for publick Affemblies unto Gods worfhip, to mould it
be thankfully acknowledged when it isbeftowed and refolutely
made ufe of, as here we fee the people did : Our feet (ball ftani
mtbin tbygatcs 7 Jerufalem.
Ver. 3. Jerufalem is budded as a city, that is
compatt together.
4. Whither the tribes go up , the tribes of the
LORT), unto the tefiimony of j/rael, to give thanks
Unto the Name of the LORD.
5. For there arefet the thrones of judgement the
thrones of the bonfe of David.
He commendcrh tferufalem, the figure of the Church of God
and of the corporation of his people. Fiift, as a City for a com-
munity. Secondly, as the place of Gods publick Affemblies
for religious worfhip. Thirdly, nstheplace of publick judica-
tories- for governing the Lords people under David, the type of
Chrift. IVbcvcelejrn, 1, The Church of God is not without
cauie compared to a City, and efpecially-to frrufilem, becaufe of
the union, concord, community of lawes> mutual commodities,
and conjunction of ftrength, which ihbuld be among Gods
people: zferufalcm U buildcd w a city that is compact together.
z. That which commendeth a place moft of anv thing, is the
erecting ofthe Lords banner of love in ic, and making it a place
for his people, to meet together for his worfhip; ferufalem Is a city
rvbither the tribes go up. 3. Whatfoever civil diftinction Gods
children have among themfelves, and howfoever they dwell Mat-
tered in feveral places of the e-rth, yet as they arethe Lords peo-
ple, they (hould entertain a communion and conjunction among
themfelves as members ot one univerfal Church, as the figniii-
cation of the peoples meeting thrice in the year at ^crafa*
tow, did teach : Whither the tribes did go up, the tribes of the
hord > 4. As the tribes, foal! particular Churches, how farre
R j focver
i&fi PSALME CXXII*
foever fcattered, have one Lord, qrje Covenant, one Law
and Scripture, fignified by the tribes going up to the tefiimony of
Jfrael, or to the Ark of the Covenant or teftimony, where the *
whole ordinances of God were to be exerciied 5 . The end of «
the ordinances of God, of holy covenanting and communion,
andjoyning in publick worfhip, is to acknowledge the grace
and goodneffe of God, and to glorifie him : for the tribes did go
up to give thanks unto the Name of the Lord. 6. The Church
of God wanteth not the one Government and Governours,
Courtsand Judicatories, belonging to Chrift and his Church,
as the erecting of Ecclefiaftick Judicatories in tfcrufalem did
fignifieand teach : for there are fel thrones of judgement. 7.
The civil Governours in their civil power, fhould contribute
what their power can,to the furtherance of the Church-Governr
ment, and the Courts thereof: as the thrones of the houfc of
David,) joyning their afliftance in -fcrufatem unto the Ecclefi-
aftick Courts, did fignifieand teach: There are (ct the thrones
pf the beufe of David.
Verf. 6. Pray for the peace of ^erufalem : thej
Jbal 'I pro/per that love thee •
7. Peace be whhin thy walls : and profyerity within
thy palaces.
8. For my brethren and companions fake , 1 ^illuorst
faj % Peace be within thee.
9. Becaufe of the hoafc of the LOK^D our Cftd,
/ will fee^thy good.
In the iaft plncc he exborteth all to pray for the peace of $cru-
falem y or of the Church fignified by it, and joyneth four motives,
untoit. Qne becaufe as it was a proof of love to the Church,
fo it had a promifeof afblefling, v. 6. Another motive is,
from his own example, praying for it. v. 7. A third, becaufe fo
did love to the brethren require, v. 8 . A fourth motive, becaufe
fo did refpeft and love to the Church or houfe of
God require, v. 9. H'hencc learn, 1. The Univerfal Church
frtilitant, fhould be dear to every member thereof, and prayed
for j that it rnay profper : Fray for the peace of $eruf4.m.* z * As
none
PbALMfc CXXIII. 247
none can pray for the welfare of the Church heartily, except they
love her : fo none {[iM love her and feck her welfare, bin fhall
fare the better for it; for it is promiled here, They [ball proffer
that love thee, 3. The Church is a warrc-town, and a walled
town which is fituated among enemies, and may not trull them
who are without, but m»ft be upon its keeping, as the typt
thexot ytfcrualcrrt, with her walls and towers did fhadow forth:
Vcaccbeveiikiutby watts. 4. Pe.icc within the Church is no
lefle needfull , then piofpericy within it -, and if peace bs within
the Church, it matters the lefle what enemies (he have without :
T?etic be within thy mils* and frefperity -within thy pahecs, doth
import or infipuate fo much. 5. All the members of the Church
militant, fnould be aftcfted one to another, as brethren, as fel-
low-partners in lofle and gaine 5 for the relation which they have
to one Father the Lord , and one Mother the Univerfal Church !
For ray brethren, and companions fake, I will now fiy, Peace be
within thee* 6. Seeing the Church is the Lords dwelling
houfe in this world, whofoever loveth the Lord muft not oncly
inwardly affect, but alio cfTe&ually by all means endeavour to
romotc the good of the Church, that is to fay, every true oiem-
>er of the Church mull do what in him lieth, and as his. calling
will fuiTer, to have Religion cfbblifhcd, Gods ordinances obeyed,
publick worfhip ereftcd, the Word truly p reached 3 Sacraments
rightly adminift.ed, and Church- Government according to
the Word of God cxercifed ; for fo teacheth this examples Be*
exufc oftht houfe of the Lord my God> I will fcc\± thy good*
P SAL ME. CXXlir.
THe fcope of this Pfalm is to teach the Lords people, how to
carry themfclvs when they areopprcfled by the tyranny of
their proud advcrfaries,aiyi are deftkurcof all help under heavn,
wherein the Pfalmiit maketh his addrefie to God, in patience,
humility, and hope, v. 1,2,. And prayeth for comfort under,
and relief from, the contempt of the proud aavciia i.$ v. f y 4.
Ver. 1, FT Nto thee lift 1 up wine eyes : thou
Vi that dwelt* ft in the heaver:.
R 4 Behold^
E
24S
PSALME CXXIII.
2. Behold, as the eyes of fey v ants look &nto th e
hand of their mafters, and as the eyes of a maiden un-
to the hand of her Miftreffe: fo our eyes VJdAtwpon
the LORT) our God, nutil that he hath mercy
on ui.
From the Pfalmiftsaddrefle unto God, by this fliort prayer,
under the oppreflion of the Church; Learn, 1. The force of
prayer doth not confift in multitude of words, but in faith, an4
fervent laying forth of defires before the Lord, as here we fee.
%. It is not ftrange tafee Gods children opprefied, and defpifed,
and deftitute of all relief, except of whnt may be expected from
heaven, as this cafe here fet down iheweth. 3 « Albeit the Lord
feem to hide himfeife from all manifeftation of his kinde re-
fpe<5ts unto his people on earth, yet he will be found in he-wen,
and there muft we betake our felves in hardeft ftraites ? Unto
thee lift I up mine eyes, thou that dwUeft ip the bexv ens. 4.
The very lifting up of the bodily eye of the believer towards
Godinhis trouble, hath its own ufc and force with God. Unto
ibee lift I up mine eyes. 5. As fervants of old were in their con-
dition flaves, deprived of the common co-fort of liberty, might
wear no weapons, were expofed to all injuries, and had no help
or comfort, except the favour of their Mafter or Miftrefle ; fo
fares it oft-times with the believer for his outward condition, as
thefimilitudc and pre r ent cafe of the Church here teacheth :
Bcholdy Qfi the eyes of fey v ants look unto the band of tkeir Mafiers.
0. It is fitting that the pcrfecuted believer have a low eftimation
ofhimfelf before God, be patient under his hand, fubmiffive
to his difpenfation, and hopefull of help in his addrefie unto
pod : for fo much the fimilirude from lervants behaviour to-
ward their mafter and miftreffe doth teach : As the eyes of a
maiden unto the bind of her raiflreffe> fo our eyes nait upon the
Lord. 7. The intereft which the believer hath in God under
any relation, hath comfort fufficicnrincluded in ir, as here the
Xords being Maflcr, is fufficient to fweeten bondage of fervant,
and bmi/riaii> but Covenam-intereft fweeteneth it much more :
Our eyes are upon the Lord our Cjod. 8. As makers and mi-
Jt-reflTcs are taught to (hew pitty, mercy,, bounty, and proteSioa
Unto their fervants, on the one hand, and fervants are here taught, •
pi} tfye other hand; by their good behaviour, not to marre their
' favour^
P SAL ME CXXIII. 249
favour : fo ti-.e believer is taught to behave himfelfe before
G;H, as a fervant inA^d, by endeavouring indeed to obev God.
9 The cermeofthc Saints patience and waiting, is tjll God
ftew mercy ; Behold, as the eyes oftbefcrvants, &c. fo our eyes
mil on the Lord out God y until that be have mercy -on us.
Vcrf. 3. Have mercy upon us, LO R*D 9 have
mercy upon us : for "toe are exceedingly filled With
contempt.
4. Ottr foul is exceedingly filled with the [corning
oftkofe that are at eafe, and Vpith the contempt
of the proud.
From his prayer for comfort and relief; Learn, 1. Whatfo-
ever aileth the Church, the Lords mercy is the remedy; Have
mercy. 2. Each member of the Church mould be fenfible of
the trouble ofihe whole body, and deal for it as for himfelf.-
Have mercy upon jt5,0 Lord. $. Asmiferyis more preffing, fo
fhould petitions be doubled, and poured forth in the Lords bo-
fome : Have mercy, have merey upon us. 4. Contempt, difdain
andderifionofGodsfwffeiing fcrvants, is the heavieft and mod
grievous part of their afflidion ', Have mercy upon us > for wc ate
exceedingly filed with contempt. 5. They that profpef in
wickedneife, are ready inftrumems to afflict the godly, and to
perfecute them for righteoufneile, and to meek the godly in
their mifery, when they have wrongfully troubled them: Our
foul is exceedingly filled with the [corning of them that arc at eafe.
6. So long as perfecutors and oppreflbrs of Gcds Church do
profper, and findc fuccefle in their wayes, they will not ceafe to
pleafe themfelves in their wicked courfe, and deipife both the
perfons and the caufe of Gods people, whatfoever be faid againft
{hem : Our foul is filed with the contempt of the proud. ' .
PSALME
z$o PSALMECXXIV.
PSALME. CXXIV.
nrHefcopeofthlsPfalme is, firft, to acknowledge the delivery
of the Church, to be evidently the Lords own work,thc dan-
ger being fo great out of which they were lately delivered, v 4 f ,
%> 1> 4> v and next, to blefle the Lord for their prefervation
Vcrf. i. TF it had not been the LORD who
A was on our fide : no^to may lfrael fay.
5. If it had not been the LORD who was on our
fide, when men rofe up agaw/i w.
3 Then they had [walloped m Up quicl^i when
their Wrath root kjndled againfl us.
4, Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the
fire am had gone over our foul.
5«; Then the proud rvattri had gone over our
foul.
In the acknowledgment of their wonderful delivery,the P.'alm*
ift dothihew that their adyerfaries on the one hind, were fo
ftrong,fo many,ib craftyjfo cruel & maliciouSjand the Lords peo
pie on the o:her hand were fo \ye,ak,and fo deftitute or all counfell
and help, that their deliverance could be 3fcribed to no caufe,fave
to G3dsftrong power affifting his own. Whence lewh i.Al»
beit the Lord do lufter his Church fundry times to be brought
near to defti'uction, yet alwayes doth he prove himfelfc the
Churches friend and helper, againft their enemies 5 If it hxi
not been the Lord who was on our JLle. z. The Lord fo doth
help his people, as he draweth forth the acknowledgement of
their weaknelfe to help thcmfelves, and of utter impoflibility to
be fafe without his afliftanee ; If the Lord hxi not been on our
fide, my Ifuel now fij. j. Ate we are delivered out of a
danger,
i j :> Jt\ jl,m Cs LAAiv. 251
Janger,wefhouldftudy to apprehend it no Icfle livclily, then
when we are in the danger, and that fo much the more as we arp
naturally difpofed to the contrary , as the repeating and new re-
prefenting of the danger they were in doth import and teach.
4. Men in the ftatc ofnapurc are ready to be party adveifaries
unto the Church : If the lo^dbadnot been on our fide, when
mcnrofeupagjtinft m. 5. The wicked have an appetite after
the blood of Gods people, as wilde beaits have after their prey :
Then they hud fwaUowed us up quick* 6. If God mould not
bridle the fury of the wicked againft his people, the worldly
ftrengthof the godly to defend themfelvcs, is nothing; Then
they bad [wallowed m up quick* when their wrath reas kindlci
againft us. 7. If the wickedneffe of the world were let loofc a-
giinft Gods people, it fhould runne as violently againft the
Church, as floods of water againft thofc th:c arc within the
channel! : Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the ftrcam had
gone over our foul. 8. The more the matter of the Churches
delivery is looked upon, the danger is the better fecn, and the
greatneffe of their delivery alfo, as the infifting in the fimilitucie
doth teach : Then the proud waters had gone over our foul.
Verf. 6. Bleffed be the LORD^tobo hath not gi-
ven ns&sa prey to their teeth.
7# Our foul Uefcaped as a bird out of the fnare
of the fowlers : the fnare w broken, and we are
efcaped.
8. Our help is in the Name of the LORDi Vrha
made heaven and earth.
In the Churches thankfgiving for their delivery, they make
a threefold ufc of their experience. Fiift, they praife and bleilc
Godsgoodnetfc.-y. 6. Secondly, they make much of the benefit
and rejoyce therein, v. 7. And thirdly, they ftrengthen their
faith in God for time to come, v. 8. Whence learn, i.lt 15
our duty after delivery from dangers, to acknowledge not only
Gods power for us, but his goodncfle alio toward us, and to ac-
knowledge him the fountaine of all bleiTednefie upon that occa-
iion; Bkjfcd be the Lord who hath not given utM a pry to their
tcctb.
252 PSALMECXXV.
teeth, i. As the Churches enemies are fuperiour to her in
worldly ftrength, foalfo in policy, craftinefle, and wordly wit,
as the fowler is craftier then the bird J Our foul U efcaped m a
birdout of the fnare of the fowlers. 3. According as the dan-
ger isfearful,fo is the delivery fweet and joyful : Tbefnarcis bro-
ken, and we are efcaped. 4. It h as eafic for God to deliver
his people out of their enemies hands, even when they have the
godly in their power, as to break a net made of threed or yarn,
wherewith birds are taken .• 'Blejj'ed be the Lord, tbefnare u bro-
ken y and we are efcaped. ?. The iaireft fruits of our by paft ex-
perience is to glorifie God by confidence in him for time to
come, as here, Our help is in the !>{ame of the Lord* 6, Then
is our confidence in God to be delivered from evil well bot-
tomed, when we conGder the Lords Omnipotency manifefted
in the creation of the world, and held out by his Word unto us :
for fo much doth the Pfalmift teach, when he maketh mention
ofthe Name of the Lord, and the work of the Lord, in profef-
fing of his confidence : Our help is in the Name of the Lord, who
made heaven and earth.
PSALME CXXV.
^He
lefcope ofthisPfalmeistoconfirme the faith of the belie-
ver, perfecuted and oppreffed by the wicked, that he may hold
out walking in the ftraight way of Gods obedience: and to this
end, the Pfalmift ufeth four arguments. The fiift is from the
inability ofthe believers felicity, v. 1, u The fecond, is freni
the fhoit time of his trouble, which he (hall fufter by per fee u tort,
v. 3. The third, is from the goodneile which God will manifeil
toward him, fet down in the Pfalmifts prayer, p M 4. The fourth,
is from the Lords judgement upon backfiiciing hypocrites, who
make lhift for thcmiclves to be freed from trouble by unlaw-
ful! meancs,^. $,
Verf. I. ~TTHey that trufl in the LORD
JL (hall be as mount Sion, which can-
not be removed: but aHdethfor ever.
2. esfs the moHntames are rouneL about Jernjalem^
PSALME CXXV. 2J3
Jo the LORD is round about hi* feopU : from
henceforth even for ever.
From the firft encouragement to truft in God in the time of
trial; Luniy i. There i.s no fervice more acceptable to Godj
or more profitable to us, then glorifying of God by faith in him,
whententationsdoaflaultus,astheprofefling of the duty, and
motives which are ufed here do teach us. i. Seeing the hap-
pincfle of the believer is lb eftablilhed that he cannot miffc of
it, be may the more chearuilly hazard in God fervice all things
temporal and moveable, trufting in the Lord: They tbattruflin
the Lord,flull he as mount Sion y which cannot be removed, but
abi dab for ever. $, The prefervation of the believer, and the
liability of his bleffednefle, floweth not from any ftrength in
himlelfe, but from the Lords guarding of him : As the mount-
ains arc round about Jerufdlem, jo the Lord is round about hh
people*
Ver. 3. For the rod of the wicked Jha/l not reft upon
t he lot of the righteous , left the righteous put forth
t heir hands unto iniquity \
From the fecood encouragement of the beleever to truft in
God in the time of trial J Learn, 1, No promile made to the be-
liever, muitfecure him from being exercifed with trouble, but
rather afufl fore-warne him of, and fore-arme him againft trou-
ble : forhereitisprefuppofed he may be burdened by the rol
of the wicked. 2. It is a fore trial for the godly, to have theic
Rulers their perfecutors for li^hteaufneflej but this exercife fhali
not laft lon° : For the rod ( which is the figne of power ) oft be
wi^ed, fiall not reft on the lot of tbc righteous. $. Becaule there
is hazard left the believer (hould fain: in trouble, therefore the
Lord will not trie his own who believe in him above theic
ftrength, but will give them a deliverance that they may efcape :
The rod of the wicked (ball not reft ontbc lot of the righteous 3 left
the rigbteota put forth their hands unto iniquity.
Ver, 4. Vogood, O LO RD^unto thofe that h
good: and to them that are upright in their hearts..
From the third motive to believe in God in time of trial efpe-
dally $
254 PSALME CXXV.
cUUy; Lexrtty i.The true believer is a good man,harmlefs,boun* <
tifull, delighting to do good to all men* and to do Wrong to no
man, for here he is fo called : T>o good, Lord, to tbofe that be
good. 2. Albeit the believer Teem to be hardly handled by affli-
ctions, yet (hall it afterward appear that God hath thereby been
Working for his welfare; for the prayer of the Pfalmift indited
by God, doth promiie fo much $ 7)o good,0 Lord>unto tbofe
tbatbegood* 3. As a man that truflsin God is honeft in his
heart, how weak foever, in doing the good he Would, and he ta-
ke th care not only to cleanfe his lifcj> but alfo to purifie his heart:
folhall he be dealt with by God as a good man, whatfoever be
hisowneftimationofhimielfe : 7)q good to tbofe that arc good*
diidwitjtbcmtbata e upright in their heart.
Ver 4 5» As for fttch as turn ajidt unto their crooked
wajes, the LORD flail lead them forth Veith the
workers of iniquity : but peace (hall be upon IfraeL
Prom the fourth motive to believe in God for bearing out iii
trial ; Learn, i» In the time of trial, there will fundry be
found hypo'crites>counterfeit dealers, misbelievers* who will fhifc
for themfelves, and turn afide from the obedience of faith, by
their own crooked courfes, as here is infinuatcd I Asforfutb that
turne afide unto their crooked wayes. i. God will decipher hy-
pocrites, who do not ti-uft God, or do not adhere to the obedi-
ence of faith in time of trouble and triall, 2nd will put them as
complyers with the wicked, in the fame reckoning with his open
enemies : The Lord will lead them forth with the workers of t)ii*
quity. 3. To look upon the judgements of God, purfuing
backfliding mif-believers in time of perfecution, ftiould be a
ftrong motive, to make profeflbrs conflant in the obedience of
faith, on all hoards in time of trial * for the punifhment of" the
Wyliemif- believer is fet down here, to teach men to be honeft
and ftout in the faith and obedience of God $ For fitch as turn
afide unto their crooked wayes, the Lord fiall lead them forth
with the workers of in'-quity. 4. Whatfoever trouble the Lords
people rtiall be put unto in the time of trial, they tfnll ftill re-
maincinGods favour aud grace j and when the Lord hath
purged his Church in fome meafitre,by winnowing corrupt hy-
pocrites out from among his people, the Church (hall be refiored
to her peace $ But peace Ml be upon Ifrael*
fSALME
PSALMECXXVI. 455
PSALME CXXVI
npHis is the Churches long of thankfgiving for her delivery
from the captivity of 'Bibylon % wherein fijft the greatnefs of
the mercy is fet down, v. 1,1, $. then a Prayer to God for en-
larging of thebencfitj by making many to embrace the ofrer
of delivery, v. 4. and thirdly, an encouraging confoladon to
iuch as had returned or fliould returne from Babylon to their
<Jwn larid^ v, ? , 6.
Ver. 1. WJH** the LORD turned again the
V V captivity of Zion : we were like
them that dream.
2. Th*n wto our mouth fitted with laughter, and
our ton'gne with jigging : then faid they among the
heathen : The LORD hath done great things for
them.
3. The LORD hath done great things for m, where-
of rverre glad*
In the thankfgiving the mercy is magnified} Firft, becauftf .
it was above all their expt ctation, v* U Secondly, becaufe it
not only rejoyced Gods people, but alfo convinced the heathen
of Godspower for, and goodneflc toward his people^ v,i. Third-
ly, becaufe it was in it felt a mercy worthy to be praiied and re-
joyced for, v. 3.- Jfhwcc lorn, 1. As the Lore, fometime gi-
veth evidence of his juftice in afflicting his Church/ foal fa
fometime he giveth evidence cf his mercy to his people, by deli-
vering of them, reftorihg and comforting them : as this Pfalm
holdcth forth, 2. VVhofcever be the inftruments of the delivery
and confolation of the Church, the Lord will fo order matter*
as he (hall bfe fecrffo be the worker of the work himfelf -, therefore
2 5 6 PSALM E C'XXVI.
is it faid here ; When the Lord turned again the captivity of 2u
en. 3. The performance of Gods prqmifesis more glorious*
then the belcevercan perceive or apprehend before he ice it;
When the Lord turned again the captivity of 2 ion, we were li\t
them that dream. 4- The delivery and consolation of Gods
Church is no leflfc matter bf joyi andgladnefle, and praiilng of
God, then their affliction is of forrow ; Then was our mouth fitted
with laughter, and our tongue with finging. $. Jn the delive-
ry of the Church theLodufeth to work fo evidently for'his
people, as their advcrfaiies arc forced to acknowledge it ; Then
faidtbey among the heathen, The Lord hatb done great things for
them. 6. Inward joy in God, and outward acknowledgement
of Gods working for his people, is the duty of every true mem-
ber of the Church , and is all which can be dorie at the
firft receipt of the mercy by way of thankfulnefle 5 The
Lord hath done great things for tcs-. 7. There is a fpeciat
cminencieof the Lords working for his people, above what
he worketh for the reft of the world in governing of them : The
Lord hatb done great things, fay both the heathen and the
Church. 8. There is this great difference between the /
praife which the heathen are forced to give to God, and that
which the Lords people heartily offer unto him : the one doth
fpeak as having no intereft nor (hare in the mercy ; the other do
fpeakas they to whom the mercy is intended, and whereinthey
have their portion with others ; He hath done great things for
them, fay the heathen : but, he hath done great things for M,
fay the Lords people.
Ver. 4. Turne again our captivity, LOKD r at
the (Ir earns in the South.
Prom the prayer; Learn, 1 . The offer and opportunity given
of a mercy, is one benefit *• and the embracing of the offer> and
taking the opportunity to mike ufe of it, is another benefit t
many have the one who receive not the other, as many had the
liberty of returning from the captivity of "Babylon, who made no
ufe thereof, but did prefer the eafe and pleafures of Babylon,
unto the prerogatives oiZion, as this prayer importcth. z. It is
Xio lefle mercy to give people a heart to embrace and make aft of
piTercd mercy, then it is topurcjufe the meancs, and proclaim
th?
PSALME GXXVI. 257
the ofFerof it in their audience: as this prayer doth import."
3. Such as have found grace to embrace the offer of Gads mercy,
ftiouldphy and pray for others, that they may finde the like
mercy alfo ; Turn Jgiin our ciptiviiy,0 lord. 4- As the reftau-
ration of the Chutch is no lefie comfortable, then is the making
of a river run in a dry land: fo is the one no lefle poflible to God
then the other j Turne again our uptivity ]' as the rivers of the
South, or droughtie lands,
■
-
Ver. ^ Thtj that forte in tears : [hall reap in
joy,
6* He that goeth forth andweepeth, tearing preci*
ens feed) fhall doubt le[[e come again with rejoycing^
bringing his [heaves with him.
From the encouraging Confolation of all the Lords afflicted
people; Learn, 1. As the Lord hath appointed harveft to fol-
low the feed-time. To hath he appointed the confolation of his
own Church tcfollow after their afflictions/ this doth the (i-
militude import.- i. As the husbandman hath fiift tcyling, la-
bour and great expenees, and a time to endure in patience, till
he finde the fruit of his labours : fo tareth it with God's children,
they may be in grief for a time, before they finde the good of Re-
ligion : this alfo doth the fimilitude hold forth. 3. There is a
difference between the husbandman and the Lords afflicted
childe j the husbandman may have an ill harveft, but the childe of
tiod afflicted, and ufirigthe m'eanCs, fhall never have an ill har-
veft , his labour fhall not be in vaine in the Lord : his forrow
/hall be turned into joy, and his fruic fhall be multiplied unto
him abundantly 5 For they xbxt (owe in tears, fiall reap in joy.
He thai goeth forth, attdweepeth, bearing precious feed, fall un-
doubtedly come again with njoychig, bringing bis [heaves with
him: His confolation fhall be fweeter, then his affliction was
bitter,
PSALME
458 PSALME CXXV1I.
i , ■ ■ — 1 — 9U j
PSALME CXXVIL
A Sorig of degrees for Solomon*
THc fcope of the Pfalme is to fhew firft, that the defence of our
pa-Cons, and fuccefle in our affaires, do depend upon Gods
blcfEng uporKhe meanes ufed,i>. i> 2,. Next, to (hew that mul-
titude ot children is GoJsblefling fclfo, v. 3$ 4, 5:, The Pfalm
is intituled tor Solomon, who was to build the houfe of God*
and to enlarge the Kingdom of ifracL Whftide ktfn, 1. All
truth of Godmuftbeftudied, but fpecially that part whereof
ivearetohave fpecial ufe in our life, andexercife ot our cal-
ling, as this doctrine Irene commended to Solomon doth teach,
a. Neither Solomon, nor the vyifeft and moft active among men,
jnuftafcribe more to thtmftlves in comparing their affair^,
then other men may do: for this doctrine is taught unto So'o-
mon. $.Whatfoever wehavs, or we do, or we purchafe, or can
atchievfcby wtiatfoever lawful meanes, God' m-uft be acknow-
ledged asthe giver, doer and blefler of ustherein f for the fcope
of this Pfalme/ is to teach this Ieflbn unto Salomon, and to the
whole Church.
Ver. I. T^Xcept the LORD iMd the hottfe , they
1l dabour in vaine that build it ; ex-
cept the LORD keep the City % the Watchman ypaketh
but in vaine.
2, It is vaine for you to rife up early f to fit up hte^
to eat the bread of forrotves : for fo he giveth his be-
loved fleep.
Prom the firft Joftrinc, (hewing that the defence of our per-
fons 3 and fuccefle in our affaires do depend on Godsbleffing y
Lwn, * .We are fubject to a twofold practical cri'our.- One is, we
ordinavilylook firft to means,or to our own ftrength,or to appear-
ances of accomplishing our defignes, and in the confidence of
thofewe follow our buhneffc. Another is> when any fuccefle is
founds
PSALME CXXVII. 259
founds we arc ready to facrifice to our own nets, and to inter*
' ceptthe praife due to God as this doctrine doth prcfuppofc.
* To corred our natural errour,ic is wil'dom to confide: , that
many men have had plenty of meanes, and have managed th^m
skilfully and painfully, and yet without fuccefle : For except the
Lord build the houfe, they labour in vaine that build it. 3 As it
is a duty lor men to provide for their own commodious living j
and their families well-being by allowed meanes, anc in their in-
corporations to provide for Magiftrates, Rulers, and other ciufigi
needful for the defence and welfare of the incorporation and
not to neglcft the meanes : fo mull God be looked untc, belie-
ved in, and depended upon, becaufe he only can give the Wet
fing, he can work without meai es, but the meanes can tL
feet nothing without him 5 Except the Lord keep the City ^ tbt
watchman doth watcb but in vain. 4 The Lord juflly -ioth
plague the painfulneffe of fome, who toile like Snails in the
ufe of the meanes , whereby the truth of the doctrine doth ap-
pear ; It is v.iin for you to rife up early, to fit up late, and to cat
the bread of forrorves^ that is, iparingly to teed upon courfe
mcrfels, toefchew txpences. 5. It is the only way for having
a quiet minde , and good fuccefle t to ufe the meanes
without anxiety and to commit the fuccefle unto God : an 1 this
wifdom is the proper gift of Gods chofen children: For fo b$
-give 'tb bis beloved Jleep.
Ver. 3. Zo 7 children are an heritage of the
LORD: and the fruit of the voombc is his r#»
Yeard.
4, *sfs arrows -are in the bapdof a mighty tnxn $
fo are children of the youth.
5. Hap yh the man that hath his quiver full of
them, they fball not be ajbamed: but thej JhaU fpeal^
With the enemies in the aate.
From the feconddocliine.; Learn, I. The Lord will be fecri
inafpecial marmot in the withholding oc giving chilJren to
married perlons, and will have cUe benefit acknowledged when
He doth bellow it : Lo, children arc an heritage of the Lord, and
Xbe fruit of the mmbc is bis reward. 1. When God glveth ciil-
S l drca
260 PSALM E CXXVIII.
drenfor ableffing, he giveth grace, as to the Parents to brinj
them well up, To to the children to be comfortable to their Pa-
rents, and to go about their Parents bufinefle, fo readily as ar-
rowes out of thebowe. As arr owes are in the band of a mighty
man, fo are children of tbcyotitb. $. In peace and war, dutifu
children will do for their Parents, and for their Paftofs, Ma-
giftrates, Rulers, as their fathers and mothers : for the Parent?
who havcluch children, fb& 7 not be ajhmcd, but Jhallf peril mtl
the enemies inibegxte. 4. Temporal benefits are then eviden-
ces of happineife, when the man is a believer in God, and a de-
pender upon him, and is bleifed fpiruually by God : for of fuel
only doth the Pfalmift fay, Happy is the man that bath bis quivc\
full of fi.cb arrowct) as gracious children, or gracious fubject:
are.
PSALME CXXVIII.
'He fcope of this Pfalme is to (hew the bleflednefs of the mai
_ that fearech God, which doth appeare : Firft, in the tern
poral bleffing of him in his calling, v. 1, 2,. Secondly , in hi
iamilie, v. 3,4. Thirdly, in pouring fpiritual bleffings upoi
him, i/. 5,6.
T
Ver. I. Yy'Lejfed is every one that feareth tk
LJL RT> : that rvalkcth in hk
wayes*
1. For thou fhalt eat the labour of thine hands
happy (halt thou be, and it ftiall be Well ypitl
thee. v
Prom the doctrine of the bleflednefs of the man that fcarctl
God; Learn^ 1. That the fure evidence of a found believer
and truly bleffed man, is the true fear of God, keeping himinth
awe and reverent obedience of God : Blefjcd is every one tbx
feareth the Lord, z, He is not the man that i earcth G od, who(
PSALME CXXVIII. 261
fc3r is taught by the Precepts of men, or who devifeth to hi™-
• felfwayes of Gods fer vice, and bijidech fuperilitious bonds up-
on hii own confeience, buthe that walketh in the prefcribed
paths of the obedience of Gods commands : only he fcarcth
God, tbatmlkab inhisxoayes. }, The fear of God doth not
confift with an idle life, bin require th that a man according to
his abilities mould be employed in fome lawful exercife, pro-
fitable for the life of the incorporation where he liveth : for here
the labour of his hands is prcfuppolcd 3 whereby Gods blcffing
of him may be derived unto him ; Thou Jhalt cat the 'labour of
tbinc bands. 4. It is no fmall favour from God; to have the
right and com Portable ufe cf Gods benefits given unto us, and
only the godly man who is painful in his calling, hath the pre-
mile of this j Happy fialt thou be, and it frail be well rvitb
tb c.
Ver. 3. Thy ftife (ha 11 be as a fruitful vine by the
fides of thine houfejhy children like Olive-plants \round
about thy table.
4. Behold, that thus fhall the man be blejfed, that
feareth the LORD
From the fecond evidence, which isGodsbleffing of his fa-
| milie 5 Learn, 1 . Marriage is a ftite of life well befeeming the
godly man, and it neither hinder eth the fear of C/od, nor the
mans felicity , but confifteth well therewith : Thy wifcJiM be
as a fruitful vine. 2. Godlinefle is great gain, it hath the prc-
mile of this life, (fo far as is good for us J and of the life to
come: wife and children, and a table with maintenance com-
petent for the fuftenance of the family, are branches of blefiid-
nelTe,when beftowed upon a godly man, and fhould be fo b'.ked
upon ; Tby wifejhaUbc as a fruitful vine by the fides of thy
boufc : thy children li\\e Olive-plants round about thy Tab te-i* There
is a reward tor the righteous, even in this life, and albeit it be
not alwayes difcerned, yet he who ftulL behold and confuier Cjods
providence about the godly man, ihall fee this temporal favour,
or the equivalent granted unto him; therefore is it faid, £e-
bold,tbui fch.u is, in this or the equivalent benefit,) JhalLtbt
wan be blcfkdibat fcarcth the Lord.
S3 VerU
%(>% PSALME CXXIX,
t
Ver. 5. ThelORDfhaUbUffe thee out of Ziom
And thou Jhalt fee the good of ferufalem^a/l the days of
thy itfe
6. Tea, thou fbalt fee thy children* children : and
peace upon lfraeL
From the third evidence of Gods bleffing of the true believer
pnd fearer of his Name, by giving him things fpiritual > Learn,
1 1 What meafure foever of things tempoval the Lord fhall give
to the man that feareth him, he referveth unto him nil the pro-
mifes of righreoufneffe and life, which the Lords Word holdeth
fijrthtb the Church , and ofthofehe fhall be lures The Lord
Jhall bleffe thee out of Zion. 2. The godly man (hall not want
iueceflion,if God fee it good for him or if not children of his bo*
body, yet followers of his faith and footfteps in Piety 3 whom he
hath oeea inftrumental to convert : Thoufialt fee thy cbildrcns
cbi dren 3. What foever eftate the Church of God be in, du-
ring the godly mans life time, he fhall behold in the mirrout
of the LoHs Word, and in the fenfible feeling of his own expe-
rience, he mail perceiyeand take up the bleffed condition of the
triK Church of God, and rejoyce therein all his dayes ; Tbon
Jhalt fee the go d of ferufzlm all the day^s ef thy life, thou foal
fee peace upon IjtaeL
PSALME exxix.
nrHefcope of this Pfalmeis, to confirme the faith of God
people agairift perfection. Thepans thereof are two: Th
forma is, 'praiic to God for delivering many times his Churcl
from the oppreffion of perfecutors, v. i, 2, 3,4. The otbe
h3th a prophetical curfe againft the enemies of the Church
...
P SAL ME CXXIX. 263
Vcrf. I. \/f^y a t'&t have thy tfflitted
iSfxmz from my youth , may Jfrael
now fay.
2. Many a time have they totted me from my
youth : yet they have not -prevailed againft me.
InpraifingGod for the Churches delivery lately granted ro
her, hecalleth to minde many by pa ft perfecutions, wherein
the Lord had preferved his Church frcm overthrew. Whence
learn, I. The vifible Church from the beginning of tbe world
is one body, and as it were one man, growing up from infancie
to riper age: for 10 fpeaketh the Church here 5 &Liny a time
fcave they afflicted me from my youth. 3. The wicked enemies of
the Church, they alfo are one body, one adverfe armie, from the
beginning of the world continuing war againft the Church:
Many a time have they affliftei me from my youth. 3 . As the for-
mer injuries done to the Church, are owned by the Church in
after-ages, as done againft the fame body, fo alfo the perfection
.of former enemies is imputed and put upon the fcove of prefent
pcrfecutorsj Many a time have they afflifted me from my youth,
may Jfrael now fay. 4. New experiences of persecution, when
they call to minde the exercifes of the Church in former ages,
ierve much for encouragement and confoJation in troubles: Ma-
ny a time have they affliftei me, may Ifr act novo fay. 5. Albeit
this hath been the endeavour of the wicked in all ages to deftroy
the Church, yet God hath ftill preferved her from age to age;
let they have not ptcvailed.
Vcrf. 3, The P lowers flowed upon my back^x they
made long their fnrrovces.
4. The LORD is righteotu: he hath cm afunder the
cords of ike wickfd.
He repeateth the fame praife of God in delivering his Church
S 4 from
26 4 PSALMECXXIX.
from oppreffion oftheenemie, undei the fimilitude of cutting the
cords of the plough, which tilleth up another mans field.
Iflwice learn, i. The enemies oft he Church do no more re-
gard lie:, then they do the earth under their feet, and do feck
to make" their own advantage of her, asufurpers uleto'doin
pofleffing and labouring of another mans field > The J? lower*
plowed i:pon my back* **• The Lord ufeth to fufTer his enemies to
break up the fallow ground of his peoples proud and ftifTe hearts
with the plough ofperfecution.andto draw deep and longiurrows
on them > They made long their furrowes. j. What the enemies
do againftthe Church, the Lord maketh ufeofit, for manu-
ring the Chuch, whit h is his field, albeit they intend no good
to Gods Church, yet they fervein Cjods wifdom to prepare the
Lords people for receiving the feed of Gods Word 5 for, the fi-
milituaefpcaketh of their tilling of the Church, but nothing of
their fowing, tor that is referved for the Lord himfelf, who is
Owner of the field. 4. When the wicked have plowed fo much
of (J ^ s husbandry, as he thinketh good to fuffcr them, then he
ftoppech their defigne, and loofeth their plough? He hath cut a-
funder the 'cords of the wicked. 5. In aU the exercifeof the
Church, and in all Gods patience towards the per fecutors there-
of, and in his delivering of the Church, and punifhing of the
wickedj the Lord is upon a laudable work of chaftifing, hum-
bling, trying and training his people to better fer vice, and (hew-
ing of his mercy on his people, when they are humbled, and of his
jufticc agiinft the wicked ; The Lord U rigbteoui, he hath cut \c>
(under the cords of %hereu\ed.
Verf. 5. Let them all he confounded and turned
Lackjhat hate Zion.
6 .Let them be as the graffe upon the boufetops y Vthich
mthereth afore it growth np.
7. ivhermth the mower fi/Uthno.t hti havi'.nor he that
bindeth Jheaves y hij kofeme.
8, Neither do they Vvhich go by fay, The blejfing
of the LORD be upon j oh : tee blejfe 7 oh in the Name
oftfolQRV.
1
Inthelatterpartcf the P'falmehc prayeth againft all the ene-
mies
P SAL ME CXXIX. 26s
tnics of the Church, andciufah tticm. Whence learn, j.AIl
thole are the enemies of ihe Church, who love her not, who
leek not her welfare, who are glad when it goeth ill with her,and
doenvieherprofpeiity i Tbcy bate Z ion, i. Confufionof face
and deftruction mall b$ their portiqn,. wqq are enemies to Gods
people, and the Church may lawfully piay for it in the geneial:
let them M be confounded^ and turned back, who hMe 2 ion.
'3. Albeit the trouble of the Church, vvhich me iuftaineth by
perfecution, feem long, yet the time of the perfecutors is but
"ihbrt, like the time of grajfe on tbeboufe top, which wither eth ere
[it grow up 1 their glory isbut a vain fh^vv, like the gre&ineffe of
grajfe on the houfe topi their high place is their ruin^as the houfc
top expofeth the grajfe on it, to the greater heat ofthe Sun ; theirs
'ftrength wanteth roct, Ufa the grajfe on tbe houfe top, which wi-
ther etb before it grow up 3 wherewith the mower filleth not bis
hand, nor he that bindeth fheaves, hisbofome. 4, To falute the
reapers of the fields or any within .the vifible Church, whom
we finde about their lawful labour or employment, and to pray
God to fpeed them and blefle them is not unlawful, nor a taking
of Gods Name in vain, (when done honeftly j for in the PCalm-
ifts dayes, it W3S the laudable cuftome of Gods people, as they
went by the reapers of the field, to fay , The bleffing ofthe Lord
be uponyou, we bleffeyou in the Name of the Lord 5. It Is no
fmall lofle, which the wicked perfecutors of the Church fuftainc
by this, that their work is not bleffed untothem of theLord^and
thai they fhall want the benefit of the prayers ofthe Church; for
they [hall be as the grajfe t which cometh to no ripenefs nor good
fruit, whereupon any man can crave a bleffing from God unto
them . : they who go by them at thia their work, (hall net lay*
TheMeJfingof the lord be upon you j webleffe you in the Narncof
the Lord.
PSALME
t66 PSALMECXXX.
PSALME CXXX.
THisPfalme containeth theexercife of the Pfalmifr 3 wraft-
ling under the fenfe of fin with fearful tentations, which were
Hke to overcome him, wherein he prayeth for relief, i>. *, 2. op-
pofeth Gods mercy to his juftice y v. 3 , 4. and waiteth for com-
fort, v. % % 6. then he bringeth forth the ufe which he makethof
the relief and comfort which God gave unto him, by encou-
raging the Church to truft in Gods metcy, becaufe he will deli-
ver hi* people from all trouble and fin, v. 7, 8.
Vcr. r. 4~\Vt of the depths b*vt I cried unto
\J We LORD.
2> Lord, heare my voice, let thine tares be atten-
tive to the voice ofmyfupplications.
Inthefirfttwoverfeswe have his diftrcflc, and prayer for
relief in general termes. Whence lexrn, 1. The deareft Saints
of God have been hardly exerciied by trouble in their fpirits > and
brought into danger of defperation fometime, while they Teem-
ed to themfelves to be in a loft condition, like a man ready to
drown in deep waters : Out of the depths did I cry unto thee, O
tord. %. How defperate foever our condition, or C3feofouc
foul feem unto us to be* yet fliould we not ceafe from prayer un-
to God : Out of the depths hive I cried vnto thee, Lord, $ Al-
beit our prayers feem to us fometime to be mifregarded of God,
and negleded , yet fliould we not give way to fuch thoughts as
thofe, but (hould double our petitions fo much the more, as ten-
tationsdodiflwadeustopray, as the Pfalmift did: lord, bear
my voice,, let thine ems he attentive to the voice of mj fuppli-
citions*
Vcr. 3. lfthouXOKD^fbouldefl markiniquities:
Q LORD, whofiattftdant 4. "Bat
PSALME CXXX. 267
4. But there itforgiveneffe with thee : that tho#
majeft be feared
Inthefetwo vcifcs, we have the objection made agalnft his
prayer, from the confeience of his fins, according to the lawand
his anfwer unto the objection from the mercy of God, according
to the grounds of theGofptli Whence learn, 1. Sinfurniih-
eth ground to all our vexations, and tentations, and objection*
madeagainft our prayers 3 our comfort and our faith: as the expe-
rience of the Pfalmift doth teach usj againft whom his Iniqui-
ties here flood up, to hinder his anfwer from God. 2 Jn the cafe
of confeience wherein fin is juftly charged upon us, there is no
ihift for us todenyorexcufefin : it muft beconfefledand iaid
open before God, as the Pfalmift doth here. $. If the Lord
ftiould. deal with Supplicants in the way of ftri& juftice, ac-
cording to the tenour of the Law or Covenant of works, ' no
man could efcape condemnation and the curie $ If thou, Lord y
Jhouldeft mark iniquities, Lord, who fhallftavJ} that is, no
rnanfhouldftand. 4- He who is fled for refuge unto Gods
mercy, according to the Covenant of grace in Chrift Jefus, may
decline judgement according to the Covenant of works , and
betake him unto the way of Juflification by faith, according to
the Covenant of grace, whereby remiflion of finis promt fed to
the beleever ; If thou, Lord, Jhouldeft mar^ iniquities, O Lord*
who fall (land } but there is forgivenefs with thce.$.Jht belief of
Gods mercifulnefle doth open our mouth in prayer, and encou-
' rageth us unto the hearty worfhip, fervice and obedience of
God, whereunto otherwife \ye could never have heart nor hand:
But forgivencjfe is with thee, that thon may eft be feared, 6. Then
is ^race and mercy in God rightly made ufe of, when we feareto
offend God, To much the more as we believe him to be gracious,
to forgive the penitent Supplicant; Forgivcncjfe is with thee,
that tboumayeji be feared.
V cr. 5 . 1 a* Ait for the LORD, my foul both wait:
and in his WordAo I hope*
6. UMffoule waiteth/or the LOKD,more then they
that Vcttcb for the morning*. I fay, more then they
that watch for the morning.
Having
16% PSALME CXXX.
Hiving prayed and ffra filed by faith againft theterronrof
Gods juftice, he waiteth for a goodanfwer, and for confoiati-
on. Whence learn , i. Albeit the Lord doth not at firft heal
the conscience of fin, and thefmartofit, yet the believ.er may
furely exped comfort from him : I wait for the Lord. i.Th<:n
doth faith its own part, when it framcth the heart to patient
waiting on God, and hope in him; My [oule doth writ. 3. He
that waiteth for a good anfwer from the Lord, muft have the
WordofPromife, made in the Gofpel to fuchas feek mercy
from Cjrod, for the warrant of his hope ; My foul doth writ, and
in his Word do I hope. 4. He that waiteth on God for comfort,
fhould perfwadehimfelf of his fpeeding, and muft noc
flack his hope for a delay, but grow in defire after the Lord,
more then the Watchman waiteth for the morning; My fade
waiteth for the Lord more then they that watch for the morning,
J fay 9 more then they that watch for the morning,
Vcr. 7. Let Ifratl hope in the LORD, for -with
the LORD there is mercy : and With him is plenteous
redemption.
8. And he '{hall redeem Ifrgel from all his ini-
quities.
In the latter part of the Pfalme, it is prefuppofed he hath
go-ten comfort, and here he exhorteth all the Lords people to
follow his example, in the day of their outward trouble and per-
plexity ofconfeience, affurin^them of grace to be found in God
to their full fatis fact ion. Whence learn, 1. When Cjol hath
delivered us out of {traits, it is our duty to extend thetruitof
that mercy as far as we may, and to exhort others according to
our place,- to follow the way of faith in God 5 Lctlfrael hope in
the Lord. 1. Mercy according to the Covenant of grace, gi vet h
the fame ground of hope unto every one within the Church,
which it giveth to the Pfalmift, or to a Writer of the Scripture;
Lctlfrael hope in te Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy 3 faith
the Pfalmift from his own experience. 5 . So many ftraits as the
Lords people can fall into, Jo many cfcapes and deliveries hath
the Lord in ft ore for them: With him is plentczm^ Redemption.
4. As fin is the root of all trouble, and the chief evil of Gods
people : fo the remilRqh of fin is the chief cure of all their
trouble,
PSALME CXXXI. ^69
tioub'c, and this the believer may be furc of ; He fiallrcdcem /(-
net from iniquities, 5. When the Lord forgiveth im to his
own, he forgiveth all fm leflc and more, whereof his believing
childe is guilty; He flail redeem IfracL from all his iniquities.
6. The delivery of Gods people from fin and trouble, fioweah
all from the Covenant olRedemption,and every delivery of them
isa part of the execution of that Covenant : lVitbhim is plen-
teous Redemption, and befall redeem Ifrael from all bis iwi-
quitics.
PSALME CXXXI.
Ver.
I. T -ORD, 07 heart is not haitghtifi nor
jL^mirte e,es loftie : neither do 1 txer-
cifemj [elf in great matters y or in things too high
for me.
2, Surely I have behaved my felfe , as a childe
that is weaned of his mother : my foule is even as a
we avred childe.
3 . Let Ifraelhofe in the LORD, from henceforth
arJfor ever.
"frN this Pfalme, the Prophet minding to'teachthe godly to be
Xhumble before God,. however matters go with them, do:h pro*
pound his own example, v. i, 1. that fo the* believer may per*
fevcre in hope, v. 3. He proveth his humility by the lowlincfle
of his heart , fob; iety of carriage ,and keeping himfeif within his
vocation, v. i. and by the fubmifTionof his will unto Gods
.difpenfation, v.z. the ufeand profit whereof, as he had found in
Ihs own experience, 10 he recommendcth the following of his ex*
ample unto all ^ods people,as the way to be conibnt in their
hope, v. $. IVhev.cc learn, 1. Albeit pride be a rife vice, which
utreiukth vaine man in cycry degree of excellency, and fuppofed
worth in him, yet the grace of God is Mq to keep humble a
wi.f , rich and potent man, yea to keep humble a King and
Co.icjuerour: fori- is Pr.viwho iVufc here; LorJ, my kart is
2 7 o PSALME CXXXI.
not bwbtie. t. He who will approve himfelt in his humility
unto God, muft purge his heart as the fountain from pride, and '
his eyes and outward carriage alfo, that they be not the fignes
and tokens of pride, and watch over his actions, that they go not
without the bounds of his calling, and commifllon given to
fiim in Gods Word : Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor trine eyes
lofty , neither do 1 exercife my (elfin great matters, or in things too
1>igb for me $ Albeit the moil excellent of men are but witlefs,
weak and unclean things, comparable to young children lately
weaned from the breaits, yet it is the property of the godly to
know this, and acknowledge himfelt to be as achildethat n
weaned of hit mother. 4. The Lord is as a mother, wife and ten-
der toward his children, dealing with them as their age, weak*
neiTe, witlefnefle, and other neceflities do require; for fo much
doth the fimilitude lead us unto. 5 • The godly muft not look to
befatisfied in their chtldi.fti will and appetite, but muft re-
foive to be deprived of their carnal comforts, which naturally
they rnoft anecx, as a childe weaned is put from the breaft to a
more hard diet, this doth the compaiifon import. 6. The
humble man muft be content to be handled and dealt with as
the Lovd pleafeth, and to fubmit himfelf abfolutely unto Gods
difpenfation, muft depend upon his care and favour, and wait
for the manifefting of it, when and how it ihall pleafe God to
difpofe, and this rnoft of all doth prove humility; CMy j ule
is even as a weaned c\Ah % 7. The peace and cjuiet comfort of
humility is fuch, as the humble man from his own experience
may encourage every man to follow that way, with confidence to
finde the benefit of it: for, Let Ifracl hope in the Lord, faith the
Ffalmifthere from his own experience. 8. The fervant of
God who defireth to perfevcre to the end, muft wait on God in
the way of humility, and hope in him unto the end : Let Ifrad
hope in the Lord, from heme forth and for ever*
From this doctrine we may have the defcription, both of a
proud man,and of an humble. He is a proud man, who being
ignorant or infcnfible of his finfulneiTe and infirmities, doth lift
up himfelf in feme vaine confidence, to fellow fome unwar-
l-antable ccurfe, for farisfying his own tninde, and will net fub -
n? it himfelf unto Gods diipenfation. Again, he is an humble
man, who inthefenfeof his fins and infirmities ftanduh in
awe of Gods keepe:h himfelf within the bounds of his cal-
ling and cemmiffion, renounceth all confidence in his own wit,
and
PSALMECXXXII. 271
and fubmitteth unto Gods dealing, in hope to be helped by God
,4n all things, as he ftandeth in need.
PSALME cxxxii.
IN this Pfalme the Churches taught to pray, according to the
Covenant made with David, reprelenting Chrift : Firft, for
the maintenance of true Religion, to v. 10. Next, for the con-
tinuing cf the Kingdom in his race, and prefervation of the
Church of I fracl, and fo of the Kingdom and Church of Chrift
figured by it:In the firft petition, he prayeth for the Lords affe-
&iotfttc and effectual remembrance of David, and of thefufrer-
ings undergone by David, for maintaining his .Covenant with
God, v. 1 .And then, calleth to minde the care which David had
in fetling of the place of Gods worihip, *>.*> fjjfe f t Thirdly*
he fheweth,how after She Lords departing from Sbihb,his Arte
was round in f^iriatb-jearim, and thence brought up to the City
effDkvid; v. 6. Fourthly, the Church profeflech her willingnefs
and purprie to wormip the Lord, now afcinded unro Mount
Sion, v. 7, 8. Andfiithly, he prayeth for holine-fie of doctrine
!n the Lords Mmiiters , and joy to- the godly in obeying
them, x>. 9. In the-next petition, firft, the Church prayeth
{orthe Covenant fake made with David, that the Lord would
not v/ithdraw his countenance- from hisoff-fpnn*, v.iq. Then>
roftreng'hen their faith in the petition, they repeat the Cove-
nant 0/ God made with David, as We have ic, Pfal, 89 con-
cerning his off- ipring, and mainly concerning Chrift, v. it, 12.
Thcn,they pray concerning the Temple and City oijeru'ahm,
reprefenting the univevfat Church, 1;. 1 j, 14. and concerning
his Mini ftery,i/. 15,16. and concerning the increafe of Chrifts
Kingdome, and for confufion of his enemies, v. 17, 18. for
lvemuft not conceive this prayer delivered to the Church for
*he ufe of all ages, to have the full accompJimment, except Chrift
and his Church and Kingdome be mainly comprehended and
aimed at in if.
From the whole Pfalme in general; Learn, 1. There is a
pet^etual Kingdom and Prieithood, appointed to be efhbliftud
among
i 7 2 PSALM E C XXXII.
among the people of God in his Church, as the prayer given to
the Church, to be applied and made ufe ot in all ages, doth 2
us to underftand , and this is the Kingdom and Priefthood of
Chrift, 2. As the evident appearing of this Kingdome and
Priefthood of Chrift, mould bedear to the hearts of all Gods
children, fo mould amplication daily be made to God, that this
his Kingdome may come, with its own bleiling following upon
i:, as the Church is taught I
Vcr.i. T ORD, remember VavU^ and aU hk
Y^ajflittiQns+
Inthefirftpctidon 3 Leirn, 1. Seeing the Covenant taads
with Puvii, dpeciatiy concerning fure rnercics, was known
mainly to belong to Chrift, and to concern the Church and e-
very member thereof ; ic is witoom for the Church in all ages zo
Jook to their inte;eft in this Covenant, and to hold up k
God the memory and ufe thereof, as here the Church is taughe
to do : Lord remember Viv id , that is, remember the Cove
made with Vrcid in type, and with Chrift represented by him*
2. Albeit the Lord can properly forge: nothin $, ye: he is fnd to
lemembcr, when he by effectual working teftineth his no:
i ng > this is the remembrance which the Siints do here pray
; Lord, remember Ttjvjd. $. The Covenant made with Da*
vid and with Chrift, conlithth well with afSidions probatory
on I>Jxtii part, and expiatory on Chrifts part, and neither the
one ftrt nor the other wanted their own refpects with God,
but Chvifts afflictions being redemptory and meritorious,
sremoft to be heeded by the Church; Remember *D>iz id, and
all bis njfliftions. 4. Whatfoever care the godly h.we to p*o-
mote Gods honour, whatfoever grief and iorrow they bear when
they rlnde oppofition, or wan: fucceftein this their endeavour,
whatfoever. trouble and perfecution they fuller in the maintain*
in* or promoting of Gods cauCe, all is reckoned up unto them as
parts of fet vice, which God will not forger to follow with mercy
to them, and to theirs after them > Lord, remember Da Jd y jrd
dll kkiflUftions*
Vc-
PSALME CXXXII. 27$
Ver. 2. 'Hoft be f 79 ate unto the LORT), and
vowednnto the might) God f Jacob.
3. Surely I -will not ccme into the Tabernacle of
my houfe : nor go up into my bed.
4. / rvM not give Jleep to mine ey es .• or (lumber to
mine eye- lids.
5. Vntil I finde oat a place far the LORD xan ha-
bitation for the mighty God of Jacob*
In the fccond place is fee down the care which TZavid had to
fettle the worftiip of God in the land $ what time this Vow and
Oaih was made by Druid, it is not fpecified in any other place
of Scriprure, neither is it needful for us to be curious about the
time or torme of words; for the meaning is not, as if David
on a certain day , being ignorant of the place of fetling of Gods
Ark and building the 1 emple> did limit Goi to reveal it unto
him ete night came ; but the meaning is, that David fworc to
* have a care of the ietli ng oi Gods A: k before he tetlen his own
houic, and that he would no<- enjoy the commodities which his
royal Palace (not isyetbuilded) might yield unto him, before
he law the \ ik fetled in the place where the Tt mple ihouli be
built. Whence learn, \. Ins lawful \o tie oar (elves by an
Oa:h unto that duty, whereunto we were abfoluteiy tied by law
beicre : yea, and it may fometiims be expedient ro tie our felves
umoadutyb fweaiing, for evidencing our hearty purpofe to
follow that duty cheerfully^ and for itir ring up of ou" felyesfo
much the more to follow it, as we a econlciousof ou. flacknefle
u toil, or retblenefle to refft temptations; for here Dazii
faareunto the Lord, that he would difdmge fuch a duty. 1 A
lawful Vow is a part of divine worfliip,duc to be msrfe to Gc: a-
lonc ; ror David offered this eligions worftiip to God only:
He vtoM/1 unto the mighty god of Jacob. *. The O nnipoten-
cy ot God is the treafure of the Churches ftren^th, whe ein eve-
ry believer hath an intercft ; Fc is lb it mighty one of zfaeob,
A. The cave of Gods pubbek worfhip, and eft blifhing of Reli-
gion, where we have place and power, ihould be maieearneft
and greater in every true fubjec* of Qrdds Kingdom, then the
caie of his own p. ivatc affaires, and in the c.Ue of competition at\\
T eo.
a 7 4 PSALME CXXII.
comparifon,thefetlingofGpds worfhip ftiould be preferred be-
fore out* fcriing in any worldly commodity ; as the example of
Puv/^htfedoth teach us.
Verf, 6» £0, wt heard of it at Ephrata : vte found
it in the fields of the wood.
In the third place, the Church [peakech and compareththe
fetled condition of the Ark now with the fleeted condition
wherein it was before, for it was fomcti me in Sbilob, in the tribe
of Epbraim, and now fay they ; Lo, we beard of it at Epbrata :
arid when it was in a manner loft, being taken by the Phili-
ftines, they fay, they found as a thing once loft, the Ark in ^Jri-
atb-jemnt, or City of the woods ; We found it in the fields of
the wood, and now it is fetled will they fay, we know where to
finde it eftablifhed : for this to be the Churches meaning is gi-
ven us to underftand in the next verfe, wherein they fay : We
will go up into his tabernacles. Whence learn, i , The prefence of
the Lord in his Ordinances, was never fo fixed in any place but
that mercy may be turned into a ftory of, It was or hath been :
if itbeabufed, as what the Lord did to his houfe in Sbilob,
was a hiftory in the dayes of the Kings , Lo 3 we have heard of it:
{'that is, of the Ark of the Covenant) at Epbrata. z. When
once ifne Lord hath fleeted the tokens of his pretence far out of a
land, ir is tfrare mercy and unexpected, and no leffe then is the
findi;-. ig oi a treafu/e, or of a loft jewel, to fee the reftoi ing of his
O d r. m.cs again, as was to be f^n when God broughr back
tfte A-k f om thePhdiftinesto JSjrixtb-jcirimi which mercy
the Church he-.*e acknowledged > We found it in the fields of
the wood. 3. v The way of God, about the mewing of his prcfencc
in his holy Ordinances in any place, is not as men may expect ,
but as God feethgood todnpoie,, as the Churches fpeech gi-
veth us to underftand ; We found the Ark. *» the fields of the
Ver, 7, Wt will go into hUTabcrntfles; W* mil
vtorjhip at hhfootftooli
PSALME CXXXII. 275
8. Arife^ LORD into thy refi % thon and the Ar\
oftbyftrength.
In the fourth place, the Church ftirrcth up her felt to wor-
fbip God in 5 ion , where the Ark, ren* cfenting Chnlt, was pla-
ced, praying now for the benefit of Godsprefence, as Mofes pray-
ed at the marching and fctling of the Aik. Whence letrn*
I. When God hath revealed his will in any point of Religion,
we fliculd without delay or difpute go follow his direction , as
the Church doth here, when the Ark is fetitc in 6 ion ; Wt wilt-
go into bis Tabernacles. 2. Where the Lord hltfa promiiedto
be found, there muftwe come and keep cruft with him, and
worftiip him : Wc will go into hist abernnl s, we mtt/mrfbi^
at his foot [tool. 3. The trneworfliippe inuft lift his lninde a-
I bove every external and viiible Ordinance of God, and feek him
in heaven where his glory fhineth molt, counting all things
on the earth no more but as his footftool : for fo was the
Church of ol-d directed to do, when they had the Lord moft
fenfj.blymanifefting;himfejf inlus Tabernacleand Tempie: Wc
will worjhip at his footftool. 4. The Church in altcr-ages
may call for, and expect the like benefit of Gods prefence with
his Ordinances, which his Church in former ages hath found*
• as the prayer of the Church here, being one with the payer of
. the Church in the wilderneife, doth teach us: Arife, Lord,
as A/ofex faid, when the Aik did remove. $. The Ark of the
Covenant was the figure of God incarnate, the type of Chrift
in whom the fulnefle of the Godhead dwelleth bodily, and there-
fore, after the manner of Sacraments, the figne receiveth tht
name of the thing fignified j tArife, Lord> thou andthitArft
'cfihy ftrcngth.
Vcrf. 9. Let thy Priefts be clothed with righteouf-
ntffe : and let thy Saints /bout for jcy.
Now he dofeththe firft petition with a prayer for GadiMef-
fin^of hisMinilte s.ip.d of their Minifteiy amengthe people;
Wkncelcxrn, 1. Where the Lord is received,' he mull havei
Minifte.s, men fct apart for his publick wor/hip and fervice, ?s
the Prayer for the Prieftsdoth prcfuppofe. 2: The chief badge
T 2,
276 PSALM E CXXXII.
and cognisance of the Lords Minifter, is the true dodrine of
juftifuation and obedience of faith in a holy convention; Let 4
thy Priejis be clothed with right coufneffc. 3. People have rea-
ion to rejoyre, who have the benerir of luch approved Minifters;
and whomever do really embrace the true doctrine ot j uftib* ca-
tion by gaace,wheieby men j.ftified by faith, become the fcr-
vantsof rightcoufnefs inrheir life, are indeed Saints, and are
called to rejoyce > Let thy ricfti be cloatbed with right eon f?icffe>
and let thy Saints Jhout for joy. 4. It is 'he duty of the whole
Church to pray for fut h a Mini itery, and for fuch effv&ual blcf-
img following on it, as may make finners 6ecome Saints^ and
fad fouls to fing for joy, as here is prayed for.
Verf. 10. For thy fervant Davids fakei turnenot
away the face of thine anointed*
The fecond maine petition is, for the manifeftation of Gods
refpeft nmoDavids off- fpring, wherein under the figure of • a-
vids fucceffors in the Kingdom, he prayeth for the Kingdome
of C briftj as before he prayed for his Prieflhood. Whence learn,
1. Every faithful a ember of the Church fhould pray, as for the
Churches welfare, fo alio for the welfare of the fupreme Magi-
itrate, and of the Civil State whereof they are members : for fo
runneth the prayer here in the figure : Tunic not away the face of
thine anointed % to wit 5 the King of iff id, for whom they pray,
that he benot put to fhame by difappointment of hishopes.2.The
Lords anointed, or the fupreme Ruler of the Lords people y
fbould be a daily Supplicant unto God, and a depender upon
him : for the petition doth prefuppofe, that his face was toward
the Lord, praying to him and waiting for good from him:
Turnenot aw xy the face of thine anointed 3. The Lords Co-
venant is of great refpccTt with God, and mould benv.de much
uk of by us, as here we are taught j For thy fervavt Davids [afc,
tume not away the face of thine anointed, that is, for the Cove-
nants fake made with 'David in the uype, and with Chiift re-
presented by him, refute not Ms lawful petitions. 4. The truth
intended in the type, teacheth us that the interceffion of Chrift
for his fubjecrs,{ha!l never mifcarey, nor (hall thrift be refu-
nd in wiathe willeth tobedone to or for his fubjects: for
in hi n the prayer is lurely heard: Chrift that anointed
One
PSALME CXXXII. 277
One cannot be refufed, nor any who truly do pray in his
* Name,
Verf. ii. The LORD hath ftoomem truth unto
David, he will not turne from it : Of the fruit of thy
body will I fet upon thy throne.
12. If thy children Will l^ep my Covenant and my
Teftimony, that 1 Jhall teach them, their children alfo
/hall Jit upon thy throne for evermore.
For ftrengthening of faith in thispetition, he calleth to minJe
more particularly the Covenant of God with David Whence lcarn>
1. Every Word and circumftance of Gods promife, is worifty
to be looked upon, and well con^dered, as this example teach-
eth us. 2. VVhofoever do feck a bencfit,according to Gods Word ,
ought firmly to believe the promife of it, and to reft upon the lia-
bility of the prom ife, as here we finde the example! the Lord
hath (mrne, be mil not turne from it. g. Albeit the promife,
that Chrift Ihould come of David be ibfolute, and feiled with an
Oath, yet the promifes of temporal things nude to 7) avid, are
conditional, as God mould fee fit to give them, and as his chil-
dren should carry themlelves in Gods obedience, lb Ihould they
ha ve temporal benefits, and fucceed him in the tempo al throne :
If tby children will keep my Covenant and my tcftimonics, thy
children alfo jhall fit upon thy throne for evermore,
Ver. 13. For the LORD hath] cho fen lion: be
hath dejired it for his habitation,
14. This is my reft for ever: here will 1 d^tlU
for I have dc fired it >
Hcgiveth a reafon for theabfolute promife of Chrift s coming
to rule the fpiritual Kingdom of Ifrael, or the Church, becaufe
the Lord had chofen Zion in the type, and the univerfal Church
under the figure, to be his chofen Temple an J lubiution,whe;e-
in he delighted. Whence learn, 1. Where God will fettle his
Sanduary, there he will fettle his Kingdome alfo: Sion mail
not want a Kingi for the reafon here, why the Lord will with
T $ an
278 PSALME CXXXII.
an oath fet up one who (hall be the frui: of Davids body upon
the throne, is, Eccaufe be bath cbofen Sion. 2. The Lords J
pitching upon any place to dwell in, o: per Ions to dwell among,
cometh note Fch worthineffe of the place, or perfons, but from
Gods good plealure alone. For the Lord batb cbofen Sion, be
hath dtfired it for bis habitation. 3. The Lord refteth in his
love towa . \ his Church , accepting the perfons, prayers, ani
fervice o his chofen people: he fmelleth a fweet fivour in
Chrift here, and his love roaketh his feat among his people ftcd-
faft : This is my rcjl y I have defired it 4 What is promifed
under typical figures, is really everlafting, not in regard of the
figure, but in regard of the (ignification : For tbk h my reft
for everts true only in refpecVof the Church, repvefeir.ed by
Sion, 5. Noreafonis to be craved for Gods everlafting good
will to any perfon or incorporation; his pleafure may fuffice
foracaufe: This is my reft for ever, here mill 1 dwell, for lb Ave
defircd it, or have pleafure hit.
Verf. 15. 1 Will abundant lj bleacher prrvifon:
I mil fatit fie her poor with bread.
16. 1 will alfocloath her Priefls^Qitb(alvation\ and
her Saints (hall Jbottt aloptd for joy.
The reft of thearticles of the Lords Covenant with David,
are io many promifes which the Lord doth make concerning the
blefling of the Minifters of Chrift, unto the Churches good, and
theencreafeof Chrifts Kingdomc, in defpite of his enemies,
inthelaftverfes.
From the promife made concerning the»blefTing of the Mini*
ftery for the peoples goods Leapt, 1 . The true fubjects of Chrift,
.ihall not want the meanes of fpiritual life,fpiritual meat, drink,
cloathing, and whatfoever is ncceflary for their falvation ; I will
abundantly bleffeher provifion. 2. The difpenfation of good
things unto Gods children, is fuch as (hall make them lcnfible
of their own infufficiency ', they are not exempted from feeling
their wants, and being in ftraks, but as they feel their need, fo
fhall they be provided for : every evil which they feel, fhall have
a perfect remedy in Chrift ,and in his Word, which fhall fatis-
fie the needy foul : I mil fatUfie her poor with brczd 3 . Chrifts
" y ■ J * Church
PSALME CXXXJI. 279
Church (hall neither want Minifters, nor (hall his fern Mini-
fters want commi(fion for teaching of faving truth, but ftiall be
cloathed with authority to preach and toproclaime fa 1 vat ion to
the believers : I will alfo cloaib her Pricfts with falv&tion. 4.
The Minifters of righteoufnefs teaching the true way of j unifica-
tion, and obedience off aith, are alfo the Minifters of ialvation :
for the cloathing of the T>r lefts with rigbteoufnejfc, v. 9. is here,
the c loathing of them with falvat ion. $. Comfort and joy fhall
the Lords people have, who do imbrace aMiniftery cloathed
with commi (lion to hold forth righteoufnefle and falvation in
Chrift unto them : Her faints fbaUJhout aloud for joy.
r - ^ * T ft
Vcrf. 17. There^ill I make the home of T> avid
to bud) I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.
18. Hid enemies Vvill 1 c loath with fhame : but
u\>on himfclfe fiaHhii crouton fionriflu
Prom the promifes made in favour of Chrifts Kingdcmej
Learn y 1. As£/<minthe type was the place where Chiift ma-
nifefted himfelfe King oflfrael, fo alfo the Church mainly fig-
nified by it, is the place and incorporation, wherein CHrift
is to be feen manifeftly to be King : There wilt
1 make the home of David to bud. 1. The glory.of typical! Da-
vids Kingdom e, was revived in Chrift the true David ; the
budding of Chrifts Kingdome in Jerufalem, was tie budding
of Dtfi/iijKingdome in a more glorious way then ever his tem-
poral Kingdome flourifhed : There will I mah^c the home of *Da-
vidtobud. 3. This is the Crown and accomplishment of the
Churches felicity, that ihe hath Chrift for her King : There wilt
J mafe the borne of David to bud. 4. How low focver Chrifts
Kingdome can be brought in the world, yet it is fixed as 3 well
rooted tree, it is rooted as the home of an Unicorne; although
it may feem gone, or fo weak as it cannot fubfift, yet it (hall bird
and grow in defpite of all oppofition : There will I ma^c Ok
borne of David to bud. 5. It is no wonder' to fee adverfaries
oppofing Chrifts Kingdome, for it is here foretold and prefup-
poled: His enemies will I c loath with flume. 6. Albeit the
enemies of Chrift do promife tothemfelves advantage, by their
opposition made unto Chrift, and hope to oycrturnc his Kinj-
T 4 domes
a8o P SAL ME CXXXIII.
dome, yet have they all been, and (hall beafliamed for ever of
their expectation, whofoever do hate his Kingdome .- His ene-
mies will I cimb tvitb fame, which they (hall not be able to
hide, but mud put on and walk therein, as a man doth in his
garments. 7. T tie mote Chrjft is oppofed, the mo-e ihall his
fplendor,ani glory grow in the world: But upon bimfelfe jhatl
bis crown flourijlu v
PSALME CXXXIII.
J. how good, and how pit
for brethren to dfte/l together
Ver. 1. Ty£k*lA. ko» good, and homo pleafant it
tn unity.
2 % It is like the preciom ointment upon the K
Joetd* that ranne down upon the beard, even
Aarons beard: and went down to the skirts of
his garments.
3. As the dew of Her won: and as the dew
that defcended upon the mountaines of Sion ^ for
there the Lord commanded the bleffing ; even life
for evermore*
This Pfalme doth fit the condition of Gods people, inZU-
vids time, when after iheir civil wanes they were brought to
an happy unity in Religion, and civil Government. This fart of
concord and communion of Saints is hce commended to the
phurch as both pleafant and profitable. The goodneffe of it is
fpokeno^v. I. The pleafontneffeof it, v. 2. The profitable-
neffeofit, y. $,. Whence l&ivn, 1. Thofe are moil fit to put
£ price, and right tftimarion upon peace and concord, who have
feen a- d felt the evil of difcord and contention's T>avids expe-
rience proveth 5 for this is a Pfalme of David, who had proofe -
both o( warre and peace, i 9 The fruits of peace in the reforma-
tion,
PSALME CXXXIII. 2Sc
tion of Religion, and of civil Judicatories, dofo redound unto
the comfort of all families and private perfons, as the good of
concord maybedemonftrated ienfibly : Behold, how good it til
$. Such a concord is true concord;, and worthy of tic Mame*
which doth unite the members of the vifiblc Chut ^h, as bre-
thren, or children of one Father, in the true Religion 3 for
the mutual difcharge of all the duties of love: How g ed is it
for brethren to dwell together inunity\ 4. Seme things are
pleafant and not prontable,and fome things are profitable and not
pleafant, but the concord of Gods people, or holy peace within
the vifible Church in any place, is both pleaiant and profitable :
Behold, how good a >d pleafant it is, for brethren t» d>> U together
in unity. 5. This bleffing is not to be expected by any, but
through Chrift, on whom the oile of gladntfie, and all the
graces of the Spirit are firft poured out, and then from him are
carried to the meaneft member of his body : a<? Adrons head being
anointed with oile, the benefit of it extended it felf to the utter-
moft borders of his garments* forthe iimilitude borrowed from
Aarons anointing, as the type of Chrifl, doth teach us fo much:
It is Ufa the precious ointment, (^c. .And this fimiii.ude repre-
fenteththe pleaf.ntnetfe of concord, the fweet fmell whereof
refreflicth all that have any fpiritual fenfe. 6. As dew maketh
the herbs and trees to flourifh . for the utility of man: fo is con-
cord profit ible to the Church and State * As the dew of Hermon,
cr dew }bit defended upon the mountaincs of Sion. 7. Where
holy concord maketh its refidence among brethren dwelling to-
gether in unity, there the bleffing of the God of peace in this
life, and for the life to come; makes its refidence alfo: there
the Lord commanded the bleffing, even life for evermore* 8. This
bleffing oi brethren living in the unity of the Ipirit and bond of
peace,isnot promifed only, but alfo 'here is an eveilafting or-
der given forth from the Supream Ruler of all things, for the
forthwith applying of the bleffing efte&ually to thole tha-r thus
live together : there the Lord commanded the bleffing, even lift
for evermore.
PSALME
aSz PSALME CXXXIV.
PSALM E CXXXIV.
In thisfhortPfalme,the Spirit of the Lord, by the mouth of
the Pfalmift, exhorteth the Lords Miniftcrs to go about the ex-
erciTe of their publick Miniftery, in praying , preaching and
praifing Goa> v* i , *♦ and blefling thecongregation met toge-
ther, v. $ i
Vcrf. I. YyEhold, hieffeye the LO R D: all ye
Xj fervants of the LORD: which
by night fiand in the hottfe of the
LO R T) .
2. Lift up your hearts in the Sunttuary : and
tlejfe the LORD.
From the exhortation to the Lords Minifters; Letrn, L
The publick worfliip of God is to be carefully looked unto : and
ailmeh>butefpeciallyMinifters 3 had need to be ftirred up to
take heedtothemfelves 3 andto the work of Gods publick wor-
fliip when they go about it; for fo much cfoth bcholdy in this
place import . 2. The fcope and fpecial end of publick worfliip
is to fet forth the blefiednefle of God in himfelfe, and in his ope-
ration for, and toward his Church : for all the parts of publick
worfliip and fervice, in prayer, reading of Scripture, preaching,
praifing,andth?.nk(^ivin2^ri?\gingpf ; Pfalmes., and blefling of
the people, do aime at this ' 'Behold) blefleyc the Lord. 3. The
difcharging of'hepablick worfhipof God,requircth that there
be publick Mipiftcrs appointed by God, and feparate A unto this
holy function; Blcffeyctbc Lord, n 1 ! ve frrv.tnts of the Lords
4. Itwascomrti' uied in the La/;, Ex^> 17 > *o> *<• that fo
foon as day-light began toj fall at even, lamps fhould belight-
ed 3 and fhine all night in ihe Tabernacle, till »■ he morning,
and that the Priefts and Levis fhould by courfe waite upon his
fervice, that there fliould not be datknefle in the Lord houfe,
bu:
'PSALME CXXXIV. 283
bat light alwayes night and day : whereby was fignified, that
howfoevcr the world lieth in the darknefle of ignorance, offinnc
and mifery, yet in the Lords Church remedy againft all thofc
evils and relief from them is to be had; and that God hath
ordained Minifters , and' publick Officers, to cntenainc
and held forth the fliiningof the light unto the Church; and
to this end not to Hand to break their nights reft , when the
fervicedoth call for it: Blcjfe the Lord, all ye fervants of the
Lord, -which by night Jlavd in the boufe of the Lord. 5. Prayer
to God, as the mouth ofthe people, is a part of the office of the
Lords Miniftcrs : for io much is imported by pointing at the
ccftureofthe fupplicant : Li ft up your bands in the Sanctuary,
that is, in the place where the people aflemble. f. To praife
the Lord, and to teach the people what the Lord is, what bieffed-
nefle is to be found in him, and how they ffiould acknowledge
this, and make ufe of it, is another part of the Minifiers officer
Lift up yonr hands in the Sanftuary, and blcjfe the Lord.
Ver. 3. The Lord that wade heaven and earth:
tfeffe thee out of Sion.
Inthisverfcthe Lords Mtnifters as they are directed, fo
they go about to bleffe the people out of Sion, in the Name of
the Lord: OutofSion,beaLuk there was the Arke of the Co-
venant, the figure of Chrift, God incarnate, through whom
alone the Lords bleffing is derived unto his Church. lV)nncQ
learn, 1. All men lie under the curfe, till God bring them into
the fellowship of his Church, and pronounce them blefled by
his Word, as, ThcLo*d blcjfe thee^ doth import, z. It is apart
ofthe office of the Lords Minifters, to pronounce with autho-
rity Gods bleffing upon his people, which is no more then a
wifh or prayer for them ; for rhey are lent of God with com-
miffiontofay, The Lord blcjfe t bee, $. No bleffing is to be
expe&ed but from Chrift, reprcfented by the Arke ofthe Cove-
nant, which was in Sion : The Lord blcjfe thee out of Sion. 4.
The confidence of the believer to obtain whatfoever is pro-
mised in the Lores Word, is builded upon the Covenant of
God, andtheomnipotcncyof'Godrand what can afoul ftand
in need of, which this fountains cannot yield ? The Lord tbit
made heaven and earth, blcjfe tbec out of sion.
PSALME
2$4 P SAL ME CXXXV.
PSALME. CXXXV.
THefcopeofthis Pfalme, is to fct forth the praifes of the
Lord : wherein there is an earneft exhortation of all the
Church, and of all the Lords Minifters to praife God, v t i,i, $.
wheieuntoare added feven motives or reafons 3 from v. $, to
v 1 2. In the next place, the Pfalmift turneth his fpeech to-
wards the Lordj and praifcth him $ and giveth two reafons
more for the praifing of God, v. 13, 14, 1?, 16, 17, 18. In
the third pi ice, more ipecially he cxhorteth the Minifters, and
every particular member of the Church to praife God, and fo
dofeth with bleffins; of him.
Vcr. I. TyRaifei/e the LO RD y praife ye the
I Name of the LOKT) : praife him,
O jefervants of the LO RD.
3. Ye that fi and in the Houfe of the LORD, in
the courts of the Houfe of our Got).
In the exhortation dire&ed to the wholeChurch, and to the
Minifters j Lexrn> 1. The work of praifing God, fliould be
gone about aftedionatelyi and unto it fhould weftirreup our
felveSj and oth*.' s with all our might : as this manifold exhorta-
tion to praife the Lord, and fingpraife> doth teach us. 2. That
which is fpoken or manifeftcd of God, muft be carefully taken
notice of, that he may be praifed out oi knowledge : for he will
not have praifes, but as his Word doth direct . for this doth,
praife the Home of the Lord y import. $. The publick Mini-
fters of Gods Houfe, who >ne fet apart for teaching and leading
$f the people in his fervice, by reafon of thei,r Office and imploy-
mentjmuftftirreup themfelves unto this wo'/k of praifing God,
(ivhatfoever may be their own private condition, fad or joy r ull :
for their obligation fo to do is greateft, Pnife bim y ye Saints
of tbcLordiOyefcrvws of the Lord. 4. As our priviledgcs
a>* e
PSALME GXXXV. 28 j
are more then the reft of the world, by being in Covenant with
God and admitted to have room, in the holy affemblicsof his
people j fofhould our care to praifc Go i be the greater 5 It that
ftand in the boufe of the Lord, in the Courts of tie boufe of our
God.
Vcrf. 3. Praife the LORD, fir the LORD is
good : (ing praifes unto his Name, for it is pleafant.
#
He infifteth in the exhortation, and beginneth to give reafons
to move us to praife God. Whence team, 1. The Lord is
worthy to be praiied, not only for his effential goodnefle , but al-
io for the letting forth thereof on rhe creatures, and towards his
people moft of all ; Praife the Lord, for the Lord is good : ami
'this is the firft reafen or motive to praife. 2. Singing of the
Lords pi ai fes is a pa* t of the moral wcrlbip of God, and fliould
be done with chee* fulncfle of heart, as a work wherein we re-
joyce to be employed ; Sing praifes unto his Name. 3. The
woik of praifing God, ha: h a fort of reward joyned with it: when
we praifc God meft, we get moft benefit by fo doing : it is fo
comely in it felf, fo pleafant unto God , and profitable to the per-
fon that oftereth praifes, fo fit to chear up his fpirit, and ftrength-
en his r aith in God, who fe praifes are the pillars of the believers
confidence and comfort, that a man fhould be allured thereun-
to: Sing praifes unto his Name, for it is plcafunt; and this- is
the fecond motive or reafon to praife God*
Vcrf. 4. For the LORD hathchofen Jacob unto
hlmfelfe . anb lfrael for hu peculiar treafure.
The third reafon of praifing God is, becaufe he hath by elect-
ing 2/rtfe/, put a great refpect and price upon his people. Whence
learn, i.TheJewes havearefpeft of honour put upon them,
(how unworthy foever they hive proved themfclves of it many
times,,/ aboveall the Nations of the world, in that God hath
cho*en them 1 b^ his people, among whom he will alwaycs
haveachofen number, which of no other Nation can be faid :
For the L ord batbebojen ficob unt$ bimfetf. i.The Lords Co-
venanted
I
186 PSALME CXXXV.
Venanted people are no lefle precious in his eyes, then a peculiar
treafure is in a mans eyes 5 tie barb ebofen 1 fad for bis peculiar
treafure.
Ver. 5, For I know that the L ORD is great : and
that our LORD is above all gods.
The fourth reafon ofGods praife is, becaufe the Lord is greater
then all earthly,yea,then all imaginable excellencies in ihe world,
as theChurch doth both believe and know by experience. whence
learn, 1. The largenefle of Gods dominion over all Nations,
and over all imagined excellency of the idols of the Gentiles,
doth commend the mercy of God to that Nation, which he
doth prefer unto the reft, by taking them in Covenant with
himfelf ; The Lord is great, and our Lord is above all gods,
% As the Lord doth by his extraordinary working for his peo-
ple make manifeft his glorious and great majeitie to them,
b fliould they fo much the more for their experience praife him
before all the world : For I know tbat tbe Lord is gmt, and
cur Lord is above allgods,doth import not only the Pfalmifts be-
lief of the point, and experience of the truth thereof, but.alicj
hispradiceoftheduty.
Ver. 6. whatfoever the LORD pleafed y thu did he
in heave n^and in earth: in the feas, and all dec pe
places.
The fifth reafon of Gods praife, ferving alfoto confirm the
former reafon isj becaufe God is the Omnipotent Creator, and
abfolute Governour of all things^ difponng of them as he
pleafeth* Whence learn, 1. The gre^t woiks of Creadon, Su-
llentation, and governing all things, dolhcvv the Lords great-
neffe, and do furnilh matter of his praife : iVbatfocvcr tbe
Lord pleafed, that did be in heaven and in eanb, in tbe fea and
dll dccpflaces. 2. The Lords will and pleafurc is the meafure of
the extending of his Omnipotcncy, and no further muft we ex-
tend his power unto action, then his revealed will giveth war-
rant 5 IVbatfoever the Lord pleafed : that did be. 3 - The Lords
will
PSALMECXXXV. 287
Willis thefovercignandabfolutecaufe of all his working, and
that whereon all mens faith and reafon rauft reft 5 Wbatfocvcr
bcplcafed 3 bedid.
Ver 4 j. He caufeththe vapours to afcend from
the ends of the earth* he maketh lightening* for
the raine , he bringeth the V&inde out of his tre*-
fhriti*
The (Txth reafon of Gods praife is, becaufe there is no motion
in the clouds or in he aire, but that which he maketh. Whence
learn, There is none of the motions of the creatures fo light or
variable, which are not wrought by God, and wherein his pro-
vidence doth not actually put forth it felf in vapours, clouds^rain,
lightnings, windesand all : Hecaufetb the vapours to a fcetid
from the ends of the earth, be maketh lightnvigsi for the raine, be
bringeth the veinde out of bis treajuries^
Ver. 8. who [mote the fir [I- borne of Egypt ; both
ef man and be a ft.
9. Who fent tokens and wonders into the midfl of
thee ,0 Egypt , upon Pharaoh, and upon all his ftr-
*vants>
10. Who [mote great Nations \ and flew mighty
Kings.
1 1 . Sihon King of the Amorites, and Og King of
Eafhan : and all the Kingdomes of Canaan.
1 2. tAndgave their land for an heritage: an herit-
age unto lfrael bis people*
Thefevcnth reafon of Gcds praife is, for his wonderful Re-
demption of his people out of Egypt^ni powerful overthrow of
; the Canaanites, and placing of his people in their voomJVhcnce
learn, 1. The Lords working for his Church in former times,
is matter of praifingGod in all aftei-agcs: as this example of
1 the mentioning fo oft of tbejlaugpicr oftbefirft-boruofE-
g)Pb
2 *8 PSALM E CXXXV.
gypt botbvf manandbeaft, doth teach. 2. Gods working for
bis people is fuch, that their enemies being pofed, muft acknow-
ledge his wonderful ads: He (cut tokens and wonders in the
mid ft of thee, O Egypt , upon Pharaoh and all bis fervants*
3. When God engageth for his people, he will overtop the migh-
tieft Kings and Kingdomes, and tread them under jn favour
of his Church ; iVbo [mote great Nations, and flew mighty
things, Sib on \{ing of the Hmorites, and 0% tiding of Bajhan,
and all tbelijnglomes of Cxiiain. 4. The care of God for his
people is indefatigable, he ceafeth not to prdfecute begujg^fa*
vours, till he biin° them to an end : He iolloweth I/rdc/J**Re-
demption out of Egypt, till he give them pofTeffion of Canaan,
5 Albeit there be difficulties and opposition to the fetling of
Gods people in their poffeffion* yet the wo/k goeth on> and
muft be perfected ; and the dole of Gods work is no lefle glori-
ous then the beginning ot it : He gave their land for an heritage,
an heritage unto Ifrael bU people.
Verf. 13. Thy Name, LORt), endureth for
ever : and thy memorial , OLORD, throughout
all generations.
Inthefecond place > the Pfalmiilturneth his fpeech toward
the Lord, and praifrth him yet more .• and then, in the follow-
ing verfes addeth other tworeafons of hisprai/ing God. From
this verie, Learn, 1. What the Lord doth declare himfelf to be
in one generation toward his Church, may and fhouldoc a
treanes to know what he will do in ail time to come for his pco *•
pie as need fliall require Thy Name,0 Lordjndurctb for ever,
and thy memorial, Lord, throughout all generations. 2. As the
conft ncy of Gods love toward his people, and care for them
is a matter ofhi^hpraife unto God : io it is a marter'of fweec
refrefhing joy to the beleevc ', which maketh him look up kindly
unto God, and praifehim: as here the Pfalmift in praifing
Gods conftancy, turnethhis fpeech twice toward him : Lord,
O Lord.
Ver. 14. For the LORD mil judge hv peopbi
PSALME CXXXV. a8<?
4wd he W/7/ repent h'tmfelfc concerning his fer*
vants.
Thefirft newreafon ofGodspraifeisthehope, that the Lord
will plead the caufe of his afflicted people, and will comforp
them. Whence learn, i.Then are by-paft mercies of God
rightly made ufeof, when they ftrengthen faith and hope iri
God for mercies to come : as here we fee the Lords memorial
made ufc of, for the Churches prefent comfort. 2. Where foe ver
Gg3s peopkare opprefied by their enemies, howfoever God hath
ever juft quarrel agninft his people, yet will he examine wh3t
moved the enemies to trouble them; and albeit he do not at
firftgive outfentence, yet he will execute juflice in favour
of his people in due time : Per the Lord will judge bis people^
to wit, by pleading their caufe againft their enemies. 3. The
conftancy of Gods love to his people, makes the change of his
fad difpenfations into more comfortable, to be certain : and
therefore Gods afflicting of his people, is a work wherein he will
not continue, becaufe his mercy toward his people is everlaftingj
For the Lord wiU)iidge his people , and he will repent bim[clfcon-
cerningbisfervants. 4. As it is a fort of grief to God toafflid
his people, fo it is a fort of comfort to him to comfort his peo-
ple by delivering cf them from their fad affliction; for the
word, Repent bimfel^ in the Originall doth figni fie alio to com -
fort kimjclf.
Ver. 15. The idols of the heathen are filver find
golly the work of mens hands.
i6.Tbeyh'a\CfnoHtbes, but they /peak not : eyes
hl\Ztbey,but they fee not.
1 7. They have ears^ but they heare not : neither is
there any breath in their mouthes.
1 8. They that make them arc like unto them : (o i*
every one that trujteth in them.
The fecond new reafon of Gods praife, is taken from the bufi-*
nefle of all idols compared wirh God 1 and of all idolaters com-
pared with his fcrvants. Whence learn, 1. True wotfhiposrsof
U * God
2^0 PSALME CXXXV.
God '\o deteft images and idols, and all falfe religion, how gor*
gcouQy foever ihey be decked up by idolaters : The idols of the
heathen arc filvcr and gold> the worf{ of mens hands % 2. How de-
legable foever the inyendon of inn^cs, or worfhippingof idols
fcemtobe, yet do thefe vanities bang nothing to theworfhip-
pcrs fave g' ief and vexation : for fo doth their name in the O-
riginarl import $ . Wormippers of images arc not efteemed ac-
cording to their intention and profeflion, when they (ay they
worfhip the thing reprefenccd by therrij but are to be judged by
Goo's verdict of them, who hath pronounced their gods to be
no other thing, then their images which are fhaped by rhe Arti-
fice like a man 5 They have mouthes , mt they [peak not, &c.
4 Idolatry is a benumming fin, which bereaveth the idolater of
the right ufe of hh fenfes and reaion ; They tbitrnx^c them arc
lilic to them. 5. Bcfide outward worfhip offered by idolaters to
th>i; images, they are found to offer unto them alfo the inward
worfhip of cheir fouls .- They trufi in tbem; and in trufting
in them, or looking for any good b/ them, they are bu r bru-
tifh, os like fcnlelefle blocks j So is everyone tbxt trujktbiv
them. X
Verf. 19. Blejfe th* LORD, Ohonfe of Ifr.:el:
bleffe the LORD^ bo ufe of Aaron.
20 Blejfe the LORD, hoitfe of Levi : je that
[earths LORD ttejf* the LORD.
21. BUffcd be the LORD cat of lion : which
dtyclleth at iemfdem : Praifcjc the LORD.
In the clofeof ths Pfalme, the Pfalmift exhorceth all ranks of
the godly, both publick Officers and private members of the
Church toblefle Gad, and giveth example of obedience in his
ownperfon. Whence leirn> 1. As the whole incorporation of
the Church receiveth common benefits from God more thena-
ny incorporation befide, and as every rank and order of people
do receive benefits more particularly' to themfelves; fo fhould
the whole incorporation together, and every one. of ever/ rank
give pr.ife unto God, and fet forth his blcfledncffc before ci-
thers, as their vocation permitteth : for, Blejfe the Lord>0-boufe
Jjrael, is fpokento the whole-incorporation ym^Blcjfe the Lord,
PSALME CXXXVI. m
Oboufe of Aaron, doth fpeak to the Priefts; and Blefle xht
Lord houfcof Levi, is directed to the under officers of God$
houfe. 2. Aibdt all men arc exhorted, and each perfon in theic
icveralpbcis called upon, yet they only wrro teare God, will
difcharge the duty con (cionably, therefore after all it is faid,
Te that fear the Lord, bkjfethe Lord. 3. The true worfhipper
of God draweth this ipeci al point- of Godspraife* from G^ds
m?nif. fling of himfelf to his Church in and through, and lof
Chtift ; for this isfignifkd by the types, figures and tokens of
his pretence in Sion and Jcrufdemh ?tte(fed b? the Lord out of
Sion, which dwclletb at ferufalem 4 When thefengofpai e
isfung unto God, the work of his praife is not en^ed, but
muft.. be continued, renewed and followed ft ill 5 Praife ;c the
L$rd.
PSALME CXXXVI.
'J'His Pfaime is an exhortation toconfeffe Gods goodnefle and
and mercy 3 and zo piaife and thank him for the manifeftati-
on thereof, in io many fundry works of his : upon this ground,
becaufe the fountain of his mercy, whence his wcrks did flow,
doth run ftill, anj endure forever, to the benefit of his ownd
people in. fpecial. The reafons of the exhortation untothanks
and praiie, are Tec down in order, fo many in number as the
vertes are, unto every one whereof is added one common rcafon^
from the evcrlaftin* endurance of his mercy In the fi, ft place,
>theexho)Tntion is tnt ice propounded, with re Uons taken f orrf
the Lords attributes or names, v. x, 1, 3. In thefecond place*
reafonsarc given from his works, and in ipecial from the work
of Creation, v. 4, to v. 10. In the third place, reafons are gi-
'venfrom the work of Redemption of Vratl, and binging them
forth out o( Egypt. 8c planting them in Canaanjiom it^tb v.ij.
In the fourth place, reafons of thanks aregiven, from his late?
mercy to the. Church in the Pfalmifts time : t>. 23 ,14. And la ft of
I all, a reafon is given,* from his goodnefle to all living crca urcs,
v, zf.whereupon heclofeth with an exhottation u'uto thankfgi*
J ving to the God of heaven, v.iC*
U * Ver«
29 z PSALM E CXXXVI.
Verf. r. ^A Give thankj nnto the LORD, for
\*J he is good; for his mercy cndurcth
for ever.
2. give thankj unto the God of gods : for his mer*
rjf endureth for ever.
3 * give thankj to the Lord of lords : for his mer*
cy endureth forever.
Prom the threefold exhortation to give thanks, with the rea-
foris fubjoyned thereto : I earn, i . When we have praifed God
for what reafons we have offered unto us in one Pfalme, we muft
begin again, andpraife (or other reafons, and when we have
done fo, we have not overtaken our task,the duty lieth (till at our
door to be difcharged afrcfh: as this Pfalme doth fhew. 2. God
is to be acknowledged and praifed as the fountain of the being,
continuance and prefervation of all things that are in the
world, and as the performer of all his promifes : give thanks
Mtotbc Lord tfehovt. 2. The knowledge of Gods attributes,
p roperties or Name, and in fpecial of his goodneffe, is able to
draw forth the praifing of" God from every believer: give
thanks unto the Lord j fr be is good. 5 Neither is God weary
of doing good, nor is his me.cy fpent, by whit he hath already
let forth of it, but it ccntinucth as a river ftill running; For
hit mere) tndurctb for ever. 4. Whatfoever is the Lords praife
is for ouv profit and advantage, and fo is a matter of thanks from
us untoliismiijefty; give thanks unto the Lord, for be is good.
{•The Lord is more excellent then all theMagiftrates, Ru-
lers, Princes and Kings in the world : yea, he hath all thofe per-
fections joyned in one in him, which idolaters do feigne to be
fcattered among their idols, of whom they conceive oue to excel
in one thing, and another in another thing : O give lbm\s to
the God of gods. 6. To whom the Lord is God by Covenant,
he is alwayes and forever their God $ For bis mercy enduretb
forever. J.God is the only fovereign Lord of all things, and
the only Potentate, who hath abfolute right, and abfolute pow-
er to do what hepleafeth, and can when he will, overtop all
principa iities and powers, to the benefit of his followers: O
give
PSALME CXXXV1. 195
give tban\s to the Lord of lords. 8. The perpetuity of Gods
mercy doth mike the benefit of Gods fovereignty forth-com-
ing for ever to the believer, and to ftand as a matter of con-
fhnc praife and thankfgiving to him 5 give thank? to the Lord of
lords: for bis mercy endweib for ever.
Verf* 4. To him who alone doth great wonders :
for his mercy endureth/ir ever.
5. To him that by voifdom made the Heavens: for
his mercy endureth for ever,
6. To him that ftretched out the earth above the
waters : for bis mercy endurech/itf- ever.
7. To him that made great liohts : for bid mercy
endureth for ever.
8. The Sun to rale by day : for his mercy endureth
for ever.
9. The Moone and Starres to rule by night : for his
mercy endureth forever.
From the rca Tons of praife and "thanks to be given to God,
' which are taken from his works of Creation -> Learn, 1 .Every
work of God is wonderful, and able to make a man afionifhed
if it be well considered: To him who doth great wonders.
2. Whatloever inftruments the Lord is pleafcd toufe in any
oi his wonderful works,, he alone is the worker, and will not
communicite the glory of the work with any creature: To him
who done dotb great wonders. 5. The conftancyof Gods mer-
cy to his own, doth make the ufe of Gods wonderful power con-
ftantly forth-coming to them, as their need requireth : porhk
mercy endureth for ever. 4. The making of the Heaven, as it
is a wonderful work, and a matter of eonftant praife unto God,
fo a wondcrous benefit unto his people in many refpects ; To him
that made the Heavens. 5. The wifdom of God appearing in
the fabrick of heaven, as it is worthy to be praifed , becaufe it is
of fo large a compafie, as the motion of it mall be no w ayes
troublefome to man : the ftars fo glorious an ornament,.fo ufeful
to man, and fo regular in their motion as is wonderful': To
him that by wifdom made the Hcavcw>\ C\ h is the mercy of
U l Goi
IU PSALME CXXXVI.
God that the Heavens do continue in their fervke to finful men**
for hn mercy eniuretb for ever. 7. The earths (landing up a-
bovethe w ters, which by courfe of nature fhoulii be above
the earrh,) is a ftan-.iing miracle for the uvc of man, :ha: he might
have a pleaf tnt dwelling wtvle t e is in the world > To bim th&t
ftretched forth the emb above the waters . £. It is the mercy of
God, that thewateis ao not return to their natural ourfeto
cover theeavth as they did in the flood of JS(j4b i ForhU mer-
cy endureth for ever, o. The illumi nation of the world by fo
great lights, as might at once (hine upon the one half of the
earth> t which otherwife flioulci be in darkneffe for themoft
part) is a matter of Gods praife, and mans profit, deierving
th nks from man unto God : To him who made great lights*
1 o . It is the Lords mei cy that he haih not changed this courfe,
nor removed .his much abuled benefit from us> For his mercic
endureth for ever, 11 The making the Sun to bethe fixed
fountain of dy light, rather then to have fcrved the world
with the light which (hined the firft three dayesoftbe Creation,
Is tor the greater benefit of man. as for many other reafons. io
for 'this, that every part of the day might be better diftinguiiL-
eq, according to the motion of the body of the Sun .* Ti?e Sun
to rule the day. \ z. That God hath not rilcbarged the Sur to
ihine upon finful men, who defcrve to live in darknefle, is a
proof of his endlefle mercy to his own t For his mercy endureth
for ever. 1 3. The tempering of thedarh.efle of the night by
she Moones light, and by the light of the ftarres in their cour-
fe*, is a matter of Gods praife, and of nans comfort, and the
Continuing of this favour ftill, is the evidence of hisme.cy tc>
his people: Hemx\eththe Moone andSurresto rule by night*
for his mercy endureth for ever.
Ver. to. To him thatfmote Egypt in their firft*
home 5 fer his mercy endureth fur ever.
1 1 . ssfnd brought out IJrael from among them \for
hit were j endureth for ever.
1 2. With a slrong hand, and with a ftretched out
arme : for his mercy endureth for ever.
1 3. To him which divided the Redfea into parts :
for hh mercy endureth for ever.
PSALME CXXXVI. 295
14. And made Jfrael to paffe thorovf the mid ft of
it : for his mercy endurech for ever.
15. But overthrew Tbaraoh and his hofle in the Red
fea\ for hi* mercj endureth forever.
16. To him which led hs people thorow the wilder -
mffe \fo- his mere) endureth /#r ever.
1 7s To him wheh fmote great Kings : for his mer-
cy endureth for ever.
1 8. AnA flew famous Kings; for his mercy endureth
for ever.
1 9. Sihon King of the Amorces : for his mercy endu-
reth jor ever.
20. KndOg the Kingof Tiajhan : for his mercy en-
dureth for ever.
2 1 . And gave their land for an heritage-^ for his mer~
€y endureth for ever.
22. Even an heritage unto Ifrael his fervant : for
his mere j endureth for ever.
In there-Cons of Gods praife, taken from the work of deli-
very of Ifrzcl out of Egypt, convoying of them through the wil-
demefle, and planting them in Canixn : Lexrn, 1. The Led
fflould bepraifed for the works of Creation, as by all men, fo
especially by thofe who arc partakers or" rhe benefit of Redem-
ption : and thofe only who are fenfible of the benefit of Redem-
ption, will give him praife for the works of Creation? and com-
mon p ovidence, as the fattening of the duty of praife, etVecl-
ally uponJ/r^r/, here doth teach us. 2. The Lords prelcrying
ofhisChuch from the beginning doth concern the true mem-
bers of the Churchin all rimes after, to bethmkful for tt : no
lengthen for the continuing of the courfecf rhe Heaven**, Sun,
Moon and Srars; as the context of the P iiavtli hhold forth. ?.
The Lords punishing of the enemies of his Church v Eg)£lAs
an obligation on the ChufcB to praife him for ever: and his cofi-,
flan; mercy gberh aiTur' 1 nee, that he will avenge the qimrrel of
his oppreffed people i n all ages : To him that fontc J£jpi t in ttcir
frft-boYiic, foi \hU mercy cniurc:h for ever. 4. T;:c delivery of
Jfrael from the bondage of Eg)pt, is a matter of Gods pep.
U 4 Ifej
ig6 P SAL ME CXXXVI.
praifc: and it is a pledge of: Gods mercy to his Church in all
ages; He bro: gbt out Jfrael from amongft thcrriy for his mercy
endurctb for iver. 5. As the work of the Churches delivery is
more difficult, fo doth the Lord put forth more clearly his Ora->
nipotcncyforperfe&ingof it, as appeared in Ifraels bringing
forth out of Egypt, with aftrong hand and out- fir etched. arme.
6. One pi oof of Gods power manifested for his Church, is a
pawne of hispurpofe to eive fo oft proof as need mall be, of
his power for his peoples relief ; For bis mercy enduretbfor ever<
7. The moft impobable deliverances from danger, are very
poflibie to God, who can turn the fea into dry land for his peo-
ples efcapin§ ; To him which divided the fea into parts. 8. The
conftancy of Gods mercy to his Church, makethhis dividing of
the fea a pawne of his power and purpofe to deliver his Church
how great ibever their ftraitsfhall be: F or hi* mercy endurctb for
ever. 9. Ic is a work of no lefle mercy and power, to give his
people grace to make ufe of an offered meanes of delivery, then
to prepare the deliverance for them, hut the conftancy of Gods
mercy doth not only provide the meanes, but alfo giveth his
people grace to make ufe thereof in all ages: He made lfrael to
paffe through the midft of it, for his mercy endurctb for ever.
xo. God can make that mcanes which proveth effectual for the
fafety of his people, to prov * a fnare to the wicked for their de-
ftrudtionj as the Red fea was a fnare to the Egyptians ; "Bui he,
ovirtbrexv Pharaoh andhis hofte in the Rcd-jea. 1 1. The conftan-
cy of Gods mercy toward his people, is a pledge of the conftant
courfe of his jultice againft their enemies ; For his mercy endu-
red) forever. 12. As thankfulneffe maketh fearch of many mer-
cies in the bofome of one, fo the innumerable multitude of Gcds
mercies doth force the thankful man to fumme up many mer-
cies in one : as here all the mercies in the fourty yearcs journey-
ing in the wilderneffe are drawn up in a word ; To h m that led
bis people thorough the wilderneffe. 13. It is the conftancy of
Gods mercy, which maketh him continue the conduct of his
people, and bear with their manners, till he put an end to their
journey; He led hU people through the •wilderneffe, for his mercy
endurctb forever. 14, The people of God may meet with no
jeffe difficulties in their way to heaven, then they have found
hindrances of their Converfion, ' as the typical example of Ifra-
els meeting with oppofition before they entred Canaan doth
fhew. 15, Albeit Kings and potent Powers mould oppofetre
fetling of Gods Church in any place where he pleafeth to plan:
PSALME CXXXVI. 2*7
it, yet they (ball not be able to hinder his work : for his mercy is
forth coming in one age as well as in another^ that pvaife and
thanks may alw3yes be given unto him* Who [mote great things;
for bis mercy endureth for ever. :6. Men of- renown iofe their
credit, when they meddle with the Lords Church, ^nd readily
they lofc their lives alfo: and this fhould be a document to all
mighty men,and a matter of comfort to Gods people; Hejlcxvfa*
mem icings, for bis mercy endureth for ever. 17. The Lord will
have thefirft oppofers of the fetling of his people exemplarily
punifhed, and their punifhment made no lefie famous then their
hn hath been ; He flew Sibon Kjngof the Amorites : and the
like will the Lord do in all ages againft the chief adverfaries of
his people: For hismtrcy endureth fir ever. 18. When judge-
ment upon one en* mie coth not terrifie others of them from op-
po/ingGods pecple, the like deftru&icn (hall fall upon t hole
that make head againft the Church 5 And he flew Og Kivgtf
Bajhan. 19. The (laughter of the enemies of Gcds people is
the work of the Lord, whofoeverbe the inftruments; for it is
net here laid that the Ifraelitcs flew Sibon and Og, but the Lord
flew them ; and the like mercy may the Church look for in
all ages 5 For bis mercy endureth for ever. 20. Ic is the Lord
who giveth heritages at his pleafure, and who can difpoflefle fuch
men of their lands, who will not fufter the Lords people to in-
herit that land which the Lord hath given them : He flew Si-
bon and Og) and give their land for an heritage, and the
like mercy may the Church look for in all ages ,
as it (hall be found good tor her : F or bis mercy endureth
for ever. 11. When the Lord puts down the enemies, and puts
his fervants in their place s it is a double mercy ; As He gave the
lands of Sibon and Og to he an heritage unto ifracl bis fervants.
21. There can no caufe be found in Gods people, why God
ihculd do good to them., or why he hath done good unto them;
but the conftancy of his own mercieonly; For bis mercy endu*
nth for ever.
Verf. 23. Who remembredut in our lore cfiate ; for
hU mercy endureth for ever.
24. And hath redeemed tu from our enemies ; for
his mercy endureth/iw ever.
in
3 p8 PSALME CXXXVI.
In the reifons ot Godspraife taken from the late experience
of the Church in the davesot the Plalmiit : Lcj.rn> i. Unto
whatfoever praife we can give to God for win: he hath done
before our time, we fhou:d adds praifes alio for v\hat fetk Lord
hith done for us in our time, as here the Church in the P aim-
ifts dayes doth un'o all the former adde this ; Who remembered.
tain our lowcjiitc* i. Thefeafon and ordinary time of the
Lords manifefting himfelf for his people is, when they are
brought low, and emptied of th ir own itrength, and of alt
hope of worldly afliftance > Who remembered us in our low e-
ftxte. 3. The Lords prefence, help and aflift.mce, good-will
and refped co us, is better obferved by affli&cd people then by
pro'perous : for troubles, nccefTries and ftiaits, arcmeanesto
open mens eyes, and waken up their fenfes, to take up the worth
of the Lords working : He remembred us in our low e/fote.4.The
mercy of the Lord is ict on work for his people, both when they
are in adverfuy to fuftain them, and to raife them out of it * and
in profperity to maintain them in it, and to teach them the good
ufe of it, in looking wifely on Gods dealing with them in both
conditions: He remembred m in our low cjhte, for bis mercy en~
durelb for ever* f -Albeit the proud enemies of the Church may
prevaile, and bring the Church into bondage for a time, yet the
Lord will not fufer the encmie to oppreffe, nor his people to be
opprefled alwayes, but will deliver his own in due time : as here,
He hatb redeemed m from our enemies* 6. The fame reafon and
caufeistobe found of the delivery of Ifracl out of Egypt > and
of the delivery of the Church at any t'me from their enemies,
and that is mercy only > For bis mercy endureibfor ever.
Ver. 2 v Who glvethfood to attflefi ; for hii mercy
endurcth/arjwr.
In thercafon of Gods praife taken from his goodnefle to all
living creature^ Learn, i. The Lords goodnefle and fa«>
therlycare of all living creatures, is worthy to be marked and
made ufe of for his praife, in fpecialthe giving of every living
ere itu-.e their o\v 1 food convenienr for them, and that in due
feafbn every day ; JVbogiyetb food to dUficfi. a. The mercy of
the
PSALME CXXXVII. 299
the Lord toward his children, is the caufe of *his care and refpcft
unto fuch other creatures, as man hath need of : For bis mercy
euduretb for even 3. The care which God hath of all fiefhto
ojve them their food, is a ground of afiurance to his people
of his far greater care of them ; For bis mercy endurctb for
ever, to them,
Ver. 29. give th<wkj unto the Cod of Heaven ;
for bis mercy endufeth for ever.
from the clofe of the Pfalme \ Lcxruc, 1 . Heaven and hea"
verly gifts aie the height of ail the felicity of the Saints, and
tbeflcwer of all Gods benefits unto hischildren, for which a*
bove all other favours he is u be thanked and prailed by his peo-
ple: give things untotbtGodof Heaven. 2. God is the
ftrong Gud of heaven, not only becaufe he made the heaven*
and fheweth his glory meft 'here but efpecLily beer ufe he hah
{iromied to give heav.n, and all fpiritual gra:es unto eternal
ife in heaven, to his own people by an evedafting Covenant 5
of which he iven and heavenly mercies he is God : five thttnH*
unto the God efhewen 3. As mercy hath intituled heaven un-
to the Saints, to doth mercv preferve them in their right, nnd will
prefeive them in the pofleflton thereof for ever: For bis mercy
enduretb for ever.
PSALME CXXXVII.
T His Pfalme may be divided into three pans. In the firft, is
fet down the lamentable condition wherein the Lords
people were in tfieir captivity in ^Babylon, ver 1 2,5. In the
next, is their conftancy in Religion, ver.$,^6< Inthethirdj
is their denouncing of judgement by way of imprecation a-
'gainft the inftruments and chief authors of their calamity^ ver.
7A9.
Ver,
300 P SAL ME CXXXVII.
ycr. r. TyTtbe rivers of Babylon there toe fate
JLidown^jea^ we Vrept : when we remem-
bfedZion.
In the firft part, wherein the forrowfui condition of the
captive Church of God is fetdown j Lc&rn, I. The people of
God by their fins may procure the taking away of the face of a
vifible Church from them, and the taking away of their civil li-
berties alto, and may procure baniffiment from their own coun-
trey among idolaters, as the captivity of the Jewes \r\Bibylon
doth (hew* 2. When men do not make ufe of the priviledges of
Gods publick worihip, it is righteoufnefle with God to remove
thefe abufed favours, and to caft the abufers thereof out among
idolaters, as here the Jewes were, who becaufc they made not ufe
oltferuj 'demy the vifion of peace, they are thruft out into 2fa6p
lon> aplaceofallconfufion. $ . When the Lords people provoke
God againft them, the wickedeft wretches and vilcft idolaters
in the world may overcome them in a battel, and rule over them
as over ilaves : as the experience of the Jewes doth prove*
. 4. When defolation is brought upon Qx>ds people, no wonder to
fee them remain in that condition for a time, and not to be deli-
vered immediately out of it : By the rivers of Babylon there wo
fate down, ?. The publick miferies of the Church, are caufes
of heavineffe unto the true members thereof, and motives of
mourning : There we fate, yea, we wept. 6. Comparifonof a
profperous condition by-paft, with adveriuypicfent, doth aug-
augment mifery and increafeth grief, efpecially when by-pait
mercies abufed arc compared with juft judgments inflicted in the
pake thereof: We wept, nben weremembred Sion. 7. They who
will not efteem of the priviledges of Sion when they have them,
will be forced to acknowledge the worth thereof with for-
row when they want them; ff'c weft, when we rcmembrei
Sion*
Vcii 2. We hanged our harps upon the wilkwe s >in
fh mid ft t hereof.
The
PSALME CXXXVII. 301
The Lords people earned with them into their captivity their
harps j firft, as meancsofftimng up their affections., in their
private worfhip of God. Secondly, in hope to have fome ufc
of them afterward in the Lords woiftiip , in their own land.
And thirdly, that thereby they might make profeflion before
their opprefibrs of their Religion, and of their h6pe of reititu-
tionin Gods appointed time, albeit rhcy could not frame their
heart for the prefent to rejoyce as they were wont to do. Whence
leurn, 1. Means to help in private devotion muft be the more
made ufe of, that publick meanes are wanting : for the Jewes
debarred from the Temple do carry their harps with them into
their fcattering and captivity* !• In the midft of our calamity
we ought both to have hope of deliverance out of our trouble*
and to pi oft lie it before thofe that have us under their power}
f for fo did the captive JeHves in their captivity, they carried their
' harps into Babylon. J. 7 here are times when the fignes of our
joy may be fuppre fled, and the fignes of our forrow exprefled:
We bunged our burps on the willowes. 4. The moil lawfull and
commendable forrow, is that which is taken for the dishonour
of God, and the defolation of the Church : When we remember-
ed Sion, we hanged our burps. 5. No natural comfort, nor in-
vitation unto carnall joy, can counterbalance the caufes of fpi-
ritual grief, neither rivers, nor fhadow of willowes, nor any thing
eife can ftay the godly grief of Gods enptived people ? We banged
our burps upon the willowes, in the midft thereof.
Ver. 3. F or there the j that carried U4 aftay caf+
tive, required oft*s a [org, and they that wafted***, re-
quired of us mirths faying. Sing w one of the fongs
of Sion.
Thtir affliction was augmented by the infulring of the Baby-
lonians over them, calling for a fong from the Jewes, to feed
their godlcife mirth. Wlicnce learn, 1, Oft-times forrowes do
not go ling 1 e, and alone, but one grief is jcyned to another, one
stop calleth to another ; as here, infultation of the Babyloni-
ans is joyred with the bondage and captivity of Cods people.
2. As t hi forrow of the godly is the matter of the laughter and
joyofthcii* enemies and no fport to the wicked is ib rcliihing,
as
302 PSALME CXXXVII.
as a jeft broken upon the true Religion: fo no afflictidn umo
the godly is fo heavy, as to finde their own firtircs to draw not
onlymiferyon themielves, but alfodifhonour upon their Reli-
gion .• as here We fee, the Jewes hanged up their harps^ and why ?
For they that tarried us away captive, required of us afong: and
they that wafted us, required of us mirth, joying Sing us eve ojtbe
fongsofSim, 3 Corrupt nature makerh no other ufe of fpiri-
tuall things then thereby to iansfie heir fenfual defwes ; as here
ir is mirth, and Tinging only, for which the Babylonians do feek
to hear a Pfalme iung : Sing us one of the fongs ofsion.
Verf. 4. How flail we fin g the LORDS for gin a
Jf range land}
5. // / forget thee, Jerufalem : let my right
hand for get her cunning.
6, >f J do not remember thee, let my tongue
cleav* to the roofe of my mouthy if I preferre not fe~
rufalem above my chief e joy*
In the fecond place, wherein the Jewes conftant profeffionof
their Religion is let down, and their refuting to fatisfie thek
enemies defire, inprcftitut ng the Lords worlhipto their canal
pleafure 5 Learn, i. Albeit we be under the feet of cur enemies
and rdbeit we have drawn on our mifery by our finning, yet muft
we neither deny ou- Religion > nor any part thereof for tear
of man* nor fubjed our Religion to mens pleafure, as men
think good to direct us in it, whatfoever may be the clanger 5 for
fo doth the example of the captive people ot'God teach us,refufing
to fing Pialmesat the defire of the Babylonians : How fhall we
fing the Lords fong in aftrmge land ? z. The place where God is
not worshipped, Should be:i ftrang land unto us his people, and
no place fcindely or comfortable unto us, but where the Lords
people may enjoy the liberty of Gods publick won"hip,and of the
communion of Saints : How $dl we fing the Lords Song ing
ftrangc Urid? $. Whatfoever be our own private condition,
worie or better, it muft not take, up the room in our affection*
which is due to the Church 5 it muft not make us forget the af-
fLi&ionot j ofcpb, for that were to provoke God to make thofe
bene Bis
I
PSALME CXXXVII. 303
benefits ufelefle anto us, which did divert us from fympathy
with the Church : If 1 forget tbee, OJerufdcm, let my right
bund forget bcr sunning, or if the Church cf God , and the good
©fit be net preferred above our own private contentments, ic
(hall be righteoufneiTe with God to turn the meanes of our pri-
vate conten-ment, to be the means of our private grief : If I do
not remember tbce> let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouthy if
Ipreferrenotjerufalemtomj cliief joy. 4. To feels: mens fa-
vour with the dct iment of any point of Religion, or c<j confent
unto mens encroachment upon matters of Religion, that we may
have their favour, or that we may be freed from their trouble,
cr fa at more eafe under them, is to forget God and his Church,
and cur refpefts which we owe to God, and to his Church; as
we are taught by the example of the Jcwes, refuting to fing
Pfalmes at the Babylonians desire or direction, and expounding
their obedience to the Babylonians in this point, to be nothing
elfebut a forgetting of jcruplkm, and a denying cf their Reli-
gion, if they mould have yielded.
Verf. 7. Remember 1 LO RD y the children of
Edom y in the day offerufalem : who paid, Rafe it^ rdfi
it^ evtn to the foundation thereof.
8. daughter of 'Baby Ion who art to bedeflroyed :
happy fazWht be that rervardeth tb:e> as thou baft
ferved us.
9. Happy (hall he be that taheth and dajbeth thy
little ones agtenfk theftoncs.
Inthcimrrecationufedagainft the enemies of the- Church,
and in particular againft their falfe brethren the Edomites, who
helped on their affliction, and againft the Babylonians wfco
were the chief oppyefforsof them; Leirn, 1. Falfe brethren arc
the chief inftrumentse:' perfection of the tiuc members of the
Church, whenfoever-tbey finde occafion, at the Edomites, the
pofterity 01 Ejxu did prove in the deftruftion of Jerufxlemz
Remember, Lord, the children of Edom. 2. Whofoever do
deljjhcyiii the Churches calamity \ and do endeavour the
Charches ruine by word or deed ; by their Sirring up of others
to
/
304 PSALM E C XXXVII.
to afflict them ^ or by any oppreflion which may tend to the
Churches prejudice, when the Lord is vifiting her, their finne
fhall not be forgotten of God in the day, when the Lord judgeth
his people, but fhall be fevercly punifhed ; 7(cmember y O Lord,
the children of Edom, in the day ofjerufalem. 3. No leffe will
fuffice the adverfaries of the Church then the utter ruine, and
rafing of it to the ground ; Who (aid oftferufalcm, Rife it y rafe
it, even to the foundation thereof. 4- The eftate of the Church
at the worft is better then the eftate o( Babylon, ox any eftate of
her adverfaries, how profperous foever, at the beft; for albeit
the Church be in captivity and opprefled, yet (he fhall not be
deftroycd,butitisnot fowith her adverfaries: but, O daughter
cf Babylon, who art to be deftroyci, . 5. Faith is neither blind-
ed by the profperity of the wicked, nor by the adverfity of the
Churchy but doth fee through the profpeft of the Lords Word,
both her approaching delivery of the Churchy and the ruine of
her enemies: for, daughter of B#bylon,wbo art to be deftrojed,
doth fhew unto the captive Jewes fo much. 6. As the cne*
mies of Gods Church have meafured out unto the Lords people,
fo it fhall be meafured back again and more, for a reward unto
her adverfaries : Happy fhall he be that rervardetb tfyee, as thou
baft [erved tcs. 7« There is an happineffe, wherein bleffedneffe
doth not confift, which neither is apart, or branch of bleffed-
neffe, nor 3 proper mark of bleffedneffe, but only fignifieth iome
happineffe in the confluence of a mans work, tending to the
glory of God and good of his Churchy and iuch is the happi-
neffe of the Medes, and Perfians here fpoken of, wh6, wharfo-
ever were their corrupt intentions in their warre, did work, al-
beit not as religious fervants, y*:t as Gods inftruments, a good
workof juftice upon the oppreflors ot Gods people, and a good
work of delivery of the Lords people : Happy fiall he be that ta-
\etb and dafhetb thy little ones again ft the (tones. 8. Albeit it
beafinfullthingtof:tisfleour carnall affection in the mifery of
any man 3 yet it islawfullin Godscaufe to wifh that God be
glorified, albeit in the confuiion of his enemies : and here great
need is to have the heart well guarded with the fear of God, for
wherwife to allow the daflnng of little ones againft the (tones >
might make a man guilty of lavage cruelty.
PSALME
1
PSALME CXXXVIIL 30$
PSALME CXXXVIII.
HTHisPfalme is Davids thankfgiving unto God, and prahang
of him for the expe> ience he had of his love and faithfulnefle
Thepromifeof praife or thankfgiving, is let down^v. 1. and
fix reafons are to bz fubjoyned in the verfes following, which ail
doled with a prayer in the end of the Pfalrae;
Verf, I. Y Will praife thee With my whole
J. heart : before the gods mil I fing
praifes unto thee.
In the promife of praifing God $ Learn, i f It is a part of our
thank fulneflTe, to engage our heart to praife God for afcer*rime$
when we£nde that all the thinks we can give for the prefent, are
fliort of our duty or defire to praife him j I will praife tbee, faith
David. 2. As fometimes the believer will tinde his heart fet ac
liberty in Gods worfhip, which at another time he will finde to
be in bands 3 fo rtiould he take the opportunity of an enlarged
heart, to runne in the way of Gods fervice, as David doth here 1
1 mil praife tfiee with my wbJe heart. 3. Albeit the faces of
Princes, Rulers, and M: gift rates, ule to lay fome reftraint upon
the liberty of i'peech^ which men life to take before mean perfons,
and albeit Princes ordinarily love rather to hear therafelvea
praifed by flatterers, then to hear either God or man magnified
in their audience, yet a heart enlarged with the fenfe of Gods
Majefty, great nefle, and goodne lie, will not Hand to confeffe,
and proclaim Gods truth, grcatneffe and goodneffe, and other
points of his praife, in the audience of the greatefl men on the
earthy put cafe they fhould think themfelves cried down, and
mote lightly efteemed of, by this meanes .* %efm the Lerdwiti
J fing praife to thee.
Ver. l. 1 wiH worfhip toward thy holy Temple \
and praife thy Name , for thy loving kl»dneffe 7 and for
x iki
7,o6 PSALME CXXXVIII.
thy truth: for thon Icaft magnified thy Word above
all thy Name.
He engageth himfclfc alio unto the pwblick ordinary worfhip
of God, according to Gods command, and then giveth the rea-
fons of his engagement. Whence learn, i. VVorlhippin^cf God
iniecret is indeed neceffary, but it is not fufficient for the man
who mindeth thankfulnefTe to God, except he follow the pub»
•lick me.mesalfo, and that after the way which is prescribed by
<7od, directing all his fervice to be offered to God through
Chnft : for this is imported in Davids worshipping toward the
Arke, which was placed in the tabernacle or Temple/ I will
vporjhip toward the holy Temple, and prat fe thy Name. 2- The
experience of the Lords kindnefTe and faithfulneffe in his pro-
mifesmadcto his people, is a lively motive unto be'.ievers to
praife him : / willpraife thy Hameforthy loving hjndneffe, and
thy truth. 5. There is moretobefeen and felt in the experi-
ence of Gods children, then they could promife to themselves
out of Gods Word : for they finde that God in effect is better
in his payment then in his promifes, for thus much dcth this
commendation import > Thou haft magnified thy IVord above all
thy Name, that is, I have found more effect in the performance
ot thy promife, then the promife feemed unto me to hold forth in
thy Name, and this is the fir ft reafon of Davids engagement
unto thankfulnefle.
Verf. 5, In the day when I cried, thcu anfwer-
ed[i me : and ftrengthenedfi me with fkrength in
my fouL
The fecond reafon of his thankf^iving is more fpeciall, bc-
caufe God had uphoiden him by his inward comfort in the time
of his trouble, and had anfwered his prayer gracioufly. WIkmc
learn, x. The Lord ufeth to put his children unto ftraits be-
fore he deliver them, that he may be feen the more clearly to be
their deliverer : for David cried unto the Lord, before the an-
fwer of his ordinary and daily prayer was given unto him ; In the
fay when I cried , faith he. z. Tobefupported in trouble, and
to have ftrength to be#r our in trouble till the full delivery come,
is
PSALME CXXXVIII. 307
is a reall and remarkable anfwer from God to his peoples prayers: ;
Inthe day when I cried, thou anfweredjt me, and ftrengtbctKdft
me with ftrength in my foul. $• Albeir before the outward and
compleat delivery cxme, the paflages of Gnus fecuet fuftaining
of a man be not well marked , ye- when they are looked back up-
on in the clear light of accomplilhed deliverance, the leaft de-
grees of deli very and fecret fuppoaing of the man under trouble*
will appear clearly tobeanfwerers oi prayer, and begun delivery.:
zsVavidhtKt obferveth. and giveth account he. of , In the
day when I cried, thou anjweredfi me 3 and ftrengthenedfl me with
Jirengtbinmy jouL
Ver. 4. All the k?*gs of the earth fhall praife,
thee, O LORD: when they hear the Words of thy
month,
5. Tea, they (hall fin g in the Vvayes of the LORD:
for great is the glory of the LO RD*
The third reafon of histhankfgiving is^becaufe he forefeeth in
the Spirit of prophecy, how grear glory and praife, and thanks
the Lord (hall have, when he mail conve tthe Gentiles, and
reveal his Word and works unto them. Whence learn, 1. The
forefight of the glory which God mall have in the world before
its end, by the promifea propagation of his Gofpell, mould ftirre
up all who believe rhe approaching glory of God, to magnifie
and praile him in their own time : for the forefight of the glory
of God to be manifefted among the Gentiles is here the mat-
ter of the fong of David, and of the Church of the Jewes All
the hjngs oj 'the earth fnall praife tbee> Lord. 2. When the glory
©f the Lord is feen, it doth overfliine all the glory in the world :
for Kings when they fee Gods glory, fhall fall down and praile
God: A H the flings of the earth pall praife thee, O Lord. 3. It
is the Word of God mainly which fbeweth forth the glory of
the Lord, and maketh his works to be wonderfull . tAll the fynzs
of the earth fhall praife thee, when they hear the words of thy
ntoutb. 4* Albeit the knowledge of God which cometh orieJy
by his works, be able :o convince even the Hearhen, of ihe Lords
care over his people, and ro aftonifh them , yet not the knowledge
of the Lord which cometh by his works, buc that which com-
X * etH.
368 PSALME CXXXVIII.
eth by the heaving of the Word of the Lord, is able to convert a
man, and to make him walk in the obedience of faith, and tp re-
joyce in God, and to ling his praifes cheerfully : When they bear
the words of thy mouth, they Jballfag in the wayes of the Lord,
5 , The glory of the Lord which is manifefted in his Wo d, i$
the higheft glory which is manifefted to the world i for after all
the glory cf his works of Creation and Providence, which the
Word holJeth forth, it iheweth forth the glory of Gods grace
and mercy to the felf-con demned finner, which mercie to the pe-
nitent foul in feme re pect, is above all Gods wotks, for in this
refpeft it is here faid : great is the glory of the Lord.
Verf. 6. Though the LORD be high, yet hath
he rcfyett unti the totyly : but the proud he knowetba-
ftrojf.
A fourth reafon of Davids thankfgiving and praifing of God,
is for his different dealing with the humble and proud. Whence
learn y i. Albeit the Lord be fo highly exalted abore all the crea*
tufts* as it is a fort of humbling himfelf to behold his creatures*
(V.nin the heavens* yet he is lb good and gracious, that his
fuperlative grandour, .doth not hinder his taking notice of the
meaneftluft finner, who humbleth himfelf before him : Though
the. Lord be high, yet bath he refpett unto the lowly, 2. The
great nefs of the Majeftie of God commendeth his humility, and
the Lords locking low for the good of the poore Supplicant,
commendeth his greatnefle, and maketh it more lovely: for it
is here put for a point of his praife : Thxt though the Lord be
high > yet hath he refpeU unto the lowly. 5 . The Lord obfer vcth
the difpofition of men,- who are proud and who are humble be-
fore him * for this doth the text point at. 4. The humble do
lofe nothing by their humility, nor do the proud gain any thing
by their pride., but by the contrary the humble finde grace, and
the picud are refilled of God ; He "bath rejpecl to the lowly , but
the proud he ftfiowctb afar off. 5. Pride excludeth a man from
accefle to God, and a proud man cannot have communion with
God : He }yis#e\b the proud afar off.
Ver. 7* Though 1 walk in the midji of trouble,
tbon
PSALME CXXXVIIf. 30*
thou Wit revive me % thou [halt firetch forth thine baud
dgainft the Wrath of mine enemies^ and thy rtght
handfhallfave me.
■
The fixth reafon of his giving thanks & praife unto God,is his
confidence,; that whatfoever trouble he (hall fal into hereafter by
his enemies,the Lord will fuftain him under it. and deliver him
out of it Whence learn.iAi is a good ufc of by-paft ex?erRnce,to
conceive hope to be helped of God in time to come : as the ex-
ample of David, here teacheth us. 2. Whatibever trouble a man
hath been in : he may fall in as great or greater afterward ; yea,
he may poffibly be in a comfortleffe condition, and helpieiTe and
hopelefle for any thing cm be teen, yea, and be compaffed a-
bout with trouble on all hands, yea he may faint under the bur-
den, and be as a dead man: for thus much Piviiprefuppofeth
may be his condition afterward : Though I walfiinlhe mid ft of
trouble. $. How great foever, and how many foever ft raits and
difficulties the believer can forecaft and forefee, he may pro-
mife tohimfelf as greatand ax many fupplies of ftrength, and
deliveries from GodiTbougb 1 walk H the midft of troubles, thou
wilt revive me, that is,thou wilt put new life and comfort in me.
4» Againft the power and wrath of adversaries, Gods power and
good-will is a fum\ient guard, fuccour and relief: Thou ft) a it
ftretcb forth thine hand againft the wrath of mne enemies, ani
thy right Iwidftyall favc me. .
Verf. 8. The LOTSD m/IperfcR that which r*»-
cernethme : thy mercy, LD&D, endmethfor evert
forfake not the worlds of thine own hands.
The fixth reafon of his giving thanks and praife, is his con-
fidence of the Lords conftant continuing with him, and .nuking
him to pcrfevere in Gods obedience unto the end, which he-clo-
fcthwitha prayer that he may pcrfevere, Whence learn, x.Thc
believers heart cannot be (juiec, till it be fore of perfeverance,and
cf this he may be made afluredrfor the fame Spirit of grace which
hath made him fee the Lords engagemen: for him in time paft,
can give certainty of the continuing of Gods grace in time to
come ; The Lord will f erf eel that which concerned? me : He find>
X j cth
§m PSALME CXXXIX.
Cth a work of Gods love to him already beg;un,and then gathers
hence that the Lord wil perfect that work of grace which he hath
begun, t. The believer doth not build his hope of perfevetance
upon any ftrengthorconftancy in himfelf, but upon the un-
changeablenefle of Gods everhfting mercy, as here David ihew-
cth unto us : The Lord willperfcH that which concerneth me,why?
and upon what ground is he fo confident ? Thy mercy, Lord,
enduretb for ever. $. True ailurance of perieverance muftbe
jcyned withthefenfeof a mans own weaknelTe and unworthi-
nefle, and ill dcferving,(if God fhould deal wi:b him in juftice)
yea, it muftbe joynedwithdependanceupon Cjo& in faith and
prayer, and ufe of the meanes 5 for fuch was cheaflurance which
2)^;ihau who afturtha'- he hath laid. The Lord will perfect
that which concerneth mc, fubjoyneth, forfafa not the rvorfi of
thine n bands, which importeth fo much. 4, Faith hath aU
waves for us own {Lengthening to make ufe of all bonds be-
twixt God and it (elf as a creature, and in fpecial as a new crea-
ture, that feeing his calling and gifts are without repentance, he
would make out the work of grace and falvation, where he
hath begun ir, as David teacheth us ; Forjaltf not the work °f
thy own bands.
PSALME CXXXIX.
DAvid being wickedly flandered and persecuted by his ad-
verfaries, findeth his zeal kindled againft them; and kft
his owi hearts corruption mould deceive him, as being carnal
in this matter, heprefentcth his heart unto God, the all-feeing
and every-where-prcfent Judge of the fecrets of all hearts, and he
prefenteth aifo his adverfavies both perfons and caufe, with his
own carriage toward them, to be tried by God, praying that him-
felf may be directed toward lite everlafting.
Inthefirft place, the Omnifciencc of Gjd is declared, v. r,
i» IA- 5>6> Ir.theiHXt, the Omniprefence of (/od, with his
Dmniicierxe is fet forth, v. 7, 8 3 q \o } i 1, n. In the third
place, the eafen is given of Gods To exact knowledge of all the
fecrets of his heart, becaufe the Lord did forme and fafliion him,
PSALME CXXXIX. 311
in Co wonderfully wife and powerful a way, as he could neither
exp-crfc no comprehend, ^.13, 14. l 1> ] 6, J7,i#. Li the
fourth place, he confefleth to God his judgement of wicked
men, and his hatred of their wayes, making God, who is the
iearcher of hearts, WnneiTe and Judge of his fine
or and Director of his courfe toward everlafting life, v. 10,
20, II, H, 2$, 24.
Verf. 1. /~\WRD^ thou haft fearched me, and
V^^y woven me.
Ver. 2. Thou knorvej} mj downerfitting , and
mine uprijing: thou under jiandeft my thought a-
far off.
1> Thou compare ft my path y and my lying doVQn y
and art acquainted with all my ways.
4. For there is not a word in my tongue : but /<?,
LORD y thou know, ft it altogether.
5. Thou hafi befet me beiiade arid before : and
laid thine hand upon me.
6. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me : it is
high y I cannot attain unto it.
In his acknowledging oTGocs OmniicIence,and pcrfe^ know*
ledge of every thing in him, and in his betaking himfelr un o
God, for clearing ot him, comforting cf him, and bearing him
through all calumnies and reproaches ; Lcxni } i The go lly may
ftnetimes be fo overclouded with calumnies and ycpoaches ; as
they cannot Gride a way to clear themfelves before mer^but muft
content and Comfort themfelvs with the reftimony of a good con*
:c, and with Gods approbation of their integrity, ai'li
7)Avid doth, faying,0 Lord.tbou baft fcarcbed me and hjiown rnc
z. As 'he knowledge whi h the Lord hath of us is molt acciua .;,
having, as it were, a perfect fearching joyncd with it: fo the be-
lief of this point isneceiTarily to be applied toour felvcs, rrnt ir
may rule our convcrfation, breed us comfort - and con-
fidence in our approaches ento God, whofoevcr be agajnft us,
zs'Davids example here doth teach us. 3. The Lcro is ac-
ouairacd with all the motions of thee x:ernai nun, themeaneft
X 4 gefcw
$12 P SAL ME CXXXIX.
oefture of the body falleth under his cognition and obfervatioru
Jhou fywweft my down- fitting and my uprifmg. 4. Wha, ad-
viumentsweareupon, what consultations and dclibe; ations wc ^j
are about, th- Lord knoweth all perfectly before wc conclude '
.any thing : Thou underjiandeft my thought afarre off 5 The
Lord doth not only obicrve our aime and icope, but alio how we
pu: pofc to convey out matters, and how we 2p on and proceed in
^accomplifhing of our purpofes.. wrnt rule we follow or reject,
. from the morning to the evening : Tb'ou compajfejl my path, and
-my lying down.6. The Lord knoweth us fo well as the bift know-r
led^e which our entire friend can have oi us, with whom we do
communicate our minde, and who knowcthali ou-dehgne and
vvay to °o about it, is but a ih cowing dmilitude of Gods know-
ledge of us : Thou art acquainted with all my wiyes. 7. There
~ is not a word which we ipeak, either idle or to purpote, bur the
- Lord co.-Gdereth it perfectly: For there is not a word in or
: tongue, but to> Lord, thou tywweft it altogether. 8 VVe are fo
iiiciofed w'thin ihe view of Gods beholding ot us, and 10 com-
1 pafiedby his providence, and fo powerfully ruled by his power,
as we cannot turne this way or that way, but we are ilill in his
fight, and under his difpofing of us, ash'; feeth fit; Thou baft
be jet me behinde and before , and laid thy hand upon me. 9, The
knowledge which God hath of us and of our wayes, is fo parti-
cular and perfect, fo far above our opacity, as we cannot com-
prehend the manner of it : Such knowledge is too wonderful for
me. ' 1 0.-When we are about to look upon Gods perfections^
»A we mould obf-rve our own imperfections^ and thereby learn to
i be the more modeft incur fearching of Godsunfearchableper-'
fection : Such knowledge, faith David, is too high for mc, 1 can*
not an in unto it. 1 » . Then do we fee mod or God, when we
* fee hi m jncomprehenfible, and do fee our felves fwallowed up in
the thoughts of his perfection, and are forced to fall in admi-
ration of God, as here, Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
itU high >I cannot attain unto it.
Vcrf j. Whither pjall I go front thy Spirit: or
p>hitherfhali I fit e from thy pre fence ?
8. If I &fc end up into heaven^ thou art there : ///
ntakf myfot in hell, behold^ thou art there,
PSALME CXXXIX. 31$
9. If/ take the wings of the mornings and dwell in
the uttermoft parts ofthcfea,
10. Even there flail thine hand lead me\ and thy
right hand flail hold me,
11. If J fay % Surely the darkneffe flail cover me :
even the night flail be light about me.
1 1. TV*, the darkneffe hideth not from thee, but th$
night Jhineth as the day : the darkneffe and the light
are both alike to thee.
In Davids fetting forth the Lords Omni prefers cc and Om-
nifcience to be fuch, as he cannot efcape his fight and power;
Learn, i# The right making ufe of Gods all-feeing providence,
and every where prefence is, to confider our duty to walk be-
fore God, as in his fight alwayes, and net to leek to hide our
ielves, or our counfel from him , as David doth here: Whither
jhalllgofromthy Spirit, or whither Jball I flee from thy pre*
fence ? 2. Whofoever walk in the darkneffe of their own devices,
snd mifrcga-d God in their wayes, as if they mi? ht efcape his
fight, orefebewhishand, are much miftakf.n : for there is no
place of refuge from hts purfuing* Whither full I go from thf
Spirit, or w/; thcr Jball I flee from thy prefence^ 3. Neither
mens p;efumptionand blefling of themfdves in courfes not al-
lowed by God, nor their eftimatinn of high preferment in
Church or State, f which are a fort of a m:;ns lifting up him-
felf to heaven,) can availe a man, when hecometh 1 to be tried
before God ; If 1 afcend to heaven, thon art there . where fugi-
tives from God cannot hive place. 4. A mans bale condition
and meannefle in the world, or his defpe ate refolution to perifll,
provided he can have his will for a time, yea, his delperate dif-
patching himfdf, when he is incurably mifer bk\ will not avail
a man, nor carry him through : for God fattening the man in
the mifery which he hath refolved to endure, will make him findc
that he hath too fore a party : If I muf^e my be in h U, behold,
thou art there. ?. Changing from place to pi ace, and h\;ing from
one countrey to another, forgoing to fueh lolitavy places where
no man reibrteth, cannot deliver a man froqa Gods pn (uing and
overtaking of him . If I ta^e the -wings of xh> morning, and
dvoU in the uttermoft partjofib<r(ca, cpenttert faUvk) kani
lead me, and thy right band Jball hold me. 6. Whuicrioever 4
man
314 PSALME CXXXIX.
manfhall go, he mud be furniihed with power and ftren°th;
from God to go thither: for, there fhall thy handle ad me, im-
porteth fo much. 7. Gods power and juftice fhall ever be a
mans mafter> £0 whkherfoever he fhall go $ Thy right band/bolt
hold me. 8. The fugitive (inner hath many devices in his head,
to elude Gods fight and juftice, and all to deceive himfelf, and
will run from one fhift to another, before he turne himfelf to
Gods and his thoughts of Gods prefence are fo groffe,
as amongft other thoughts , to think himfelf hid in -he
night from God, but in all, poor fool, he is deceived ; for if
ljay, Sjurcly the d&rlyieffe fhM cover me> even the night fhall be
light about me i yea, thedarl{neffebidetb not from thee, bus the
wight fhineth as the day, the darl^neffe and the night are both ali^c
tothec.
Vcrf. 13. For thou hafi poffeffedmyreines : thou
%afi covered me in my mothers VQombe.
14* Iwi&praife thee, for lam fearfully and \toa-
dfirfully made: marvellous are thy "toorkj* and that
myfoule knows right we Zf.
I j. tJMy fub fiance was not hid from thee, ^ohen I
prasMAdein(ecret % and curioufly wrought in the Ion -
efi parts of the earth.
16. Thine eyes did fee my fub (lance jet being un-
perfeB, and in thy boo\ all my members were written^
which in continumcewere fafhhned: when as yet there
W&snoneofthem.
1 j. H0V9 precious alfo are thy thoughts unto me % O
God : hoto great is the fumme of them i
18. If / fijould count them % they are more in
number then the fand ; When I awake , / am fltll
with thee.
In the third place, where the Pfalmift givech a reafon of Gods
exad knowledge of, and power over him, becaufe he hath form-
ed him in the belly wonderfully ; Learn , 1. In regard that God
feath made us in the wombe, and we live, and move, and fubfift
PSALME CXXXIX. 315
by his power* itis not pcffible that God fhould not know our
words, Wt rks . and thoughts and all, and have usalwayes in hrs
fight and under his power : For thou haft poffeffed my reines, thou
haft covered me in my mothers wombe* i< The knowledge of
God, and his Government of the creature, is nor like a mans,
who fetteth himfelf for a while on this object, and then turneth
off to another object, but Gods Knowledge and Government is
a fetled poflefling of his own woi kmanfhip , by a conftant behold-
ing, by a fetled ruling of his work, by a conftant maintaining
and judging of the mod fecret motion of a mans fpirit : For thou
haft poffeffed my nines > thou haft covered me in my mothers
wombe* 5. The Lord in framing our bodie in our mothers
wombe, did cover his tendc work with his mighty power from
all inconveniences, as with a fhield ; thou haft covered me in my
mothers wombe, 4. The right fight of Gods workmanship in
our very bodies, will force us to praife Gods unipeakable wifdom:
1 wiV praife thee, for I am fearfully made. 5 . When God is ktn
in his glory in any thing, hismajefty becometh terrible to the
beholder^ his glory is fo bright ; I am ft arfully made, 6. As the
L^rds rare works, without confederation, look upon a man very
common like, fo his common works being well confidered, be-
cone very wonderful : J am wonderfully made. 7. The right
fight of any one of Gods works, giveth light in all his works, to
{hew them all wondercus : Marvellous are thy wov^s. 8. The
confederation ot Cfods work in our bodies well digefted, is profit-
able for our foul : And that my foul \noweth right well. 9. As
the Lord doth acquaint us with his works, we fhould obferve
them well, and bear witnefle to what we obferve for his glory,
as£,rjiidoth, faying, And that my foule \noweth right wclL
10. In the framing of our bodies God knoweth what he is ma-
king, neither darknefle nor diftance of heaven from earth, nor a*
ny other impediment, do r h hinder him in his working:^/ fub*
fiance was not bid from tbce> when I was made in fecret* 1 1. The
makingof amansbodyoi fo many bones, arteries, vcines, fi-
newes, &c. is a mod curious piece of work ; I was enrioufy
wrought in the low eft parts of the earth. 12. God feeth tilings
before they be made, and his purpofeto make hath no ieffe clear-
neiTe of knowledge of the thing to be made, then the fubfiftence
of it when it is made can give j and God in his decree to do,
knoweth the thins to be done, as fully as when it i s done : Thine
eyes did fee myfubftanct, yet being imperfefl, and in thy book all
my members were written > which iu continuance were fijhhncd,
whey
3i* PSALME CXXXIX.
when as yet there was none o f them . i $ . The Lords decrees of
things to be done, are fo clear, fo determinate, fo certain, as if
thedefcriptionandhiftory of the thing already come to pafle
were written in a book: for fo much doth the comparifon taken
from a written book to mew the nature oi Gods, decrees, Im-
port 5 Inthy book all my members were mitten, which in conti-
nut'tce mre fujbionci, when as yet there wis none of them*
14. There is rare wifdome to be learned out of C^ods decrees and
works i How precious are thy thoughts unto me} 1 ?. What pains
a man taketh in the Cearching thereof, is well recompenfed with
pleafure and profit, as Davids experience doth teach. i6.We
Should ftudie this wifdom till we (inde it fweet , and then lay it
up as a precious jewel in our minde/vhen we have found it; How
preciomalfoarcthy thoughts unto me, Cjoi? 17. All Gods
revealed decrees , are the matter of the beleevers comfort and his
Joy, how harm foever they feem to the unbeliever and unrenew-
ed mans Howpreck'udfo are thy thoughts unto me } OGoi?
18. The Particulars of Gods purpofe and decreed wiH toward his
own children, which from time to time do come to light, as
they are revealed by the daily execu:ion of them,are innumerable;
How great is thefumme of them ? ifllhouli count them y they are
more in number then the [and. 19. Albeit the moft vigilant of
the Saints fometimes fall in drowiincfle and fleepineffe of Spirit,
that they cannot perceive Gods prefence with them, and care of
them, and love unto them, yet when the Lord wakeneth up their
foules, andreneweth their fpirituil lenies l; they are forced to
fee and acknowledge that the Lord doth never leave them, even
when they lead perceive his prefence : For, when lavage, I am
/till with thee, doth import all this.
Ver, 19. Surely thou ^ lit flay the wicked, OGod:
depart from m$ therefore ye bloody men.
20. For they jpeak againfi thee wickedly : and
thine enemies take thy Name in vain.
In the fall place, he confeff-th his judgement of, and affe&i-
©n toward his adverfaries, and ofFereth all to be fearched and
approved of God, and himfclf to be directed thereafter unto life
everlafting : and firft, he (heweth his judgement of his adver-
f ariesj and the reafon of his abhorring the fcllowfhip of their
icourfes.
PSALME CXXXIX. 317
courfes. Whence learn, J. Where we perceive wickeddefle to
reign, there we may ben (Tured deftruftion will follow : Surely y
ihouwiltflay thewi\ed>OGod. 2. When we do pafle our
judgement of mens perfons and courfes, we had need to
conform our judgment unto what we know the Lord will allow
as here the Pfalmiftdothjdire&inghisfpecchto God, $ When
the Lord will comfort his fervants under per fecuti on, he will
let them fee not only their own bleflednes in himfelf,but alfo the
deftru&ion ot their enemies approaching, as here we fce./f.When
we fee deflection attending upon the way wherein others are
walking, we ought to keep off from fellowfhip with their un-
fruitful works of darknefle : for otherwife whatfoever duties any
fpeciai relations do call for at our hands, David was very obi-
fervant of them toward his greateft enemies, but he feparated
from them only as wicked and as bloody, and as they were on a
courfeof perdition $ Depart from me therefore ye bloody men.
5. When we have a controverfie with the wicked, we fhculd taka
heed that private fpleen do not rule us, but that only our intereft
in Godsquarrel with them doch move us, as the Pfalmiftdoth
here : For they (peak againft thee wickedly. 6 . What the wicked
do or fpeak againft Gods iervanrs for righteoufneife lake, it is
againft God in effect 5 They [peak againft thee 3 and art thy ene-
mies. 7. Such as profeffe themielves to be the people of God,
and yet do periecute the godly vmjuftly, under the colour of law,
or fome fpecious prerences,do in efVeft take Gods Name in vain:
Thine enemies take thy Harr.einvain.
Ver, 21. Do not I hate them, LORD, that hate
thee ? and am not 1 grieved with thofe that rife tip a*
gain ft thee ?
22. I hate them with f erf eft hatred : 1 count them
mine enemies*
After declaring his judgement of his enemies, heprofeffeth hit
hatred to their perfons, qualified with wickednefie, as is [aid
Whence learn, i. There are fome men, who befide the
common enmity which is in all men againft God, do oppofc
themfelves in an eminent w.y againft God and godiinefle, as
haters of God$ for this the text doth prcfuppofc i. Such as
art
3 i2 PSALME CXXXIX.
arc perceived open enemies unto God, we may lawfully hate
them, wiihout breach of the law of love : for the love which we
owe unto God abfolutely, giveth warrant to hate them who op-
pofe God comparatively ; Do not I bate them that bate thee?
3. Injuries dor* againft God, fliould touch and affect us, no lefic
nearly then injuries done to out- felves 3 And am ngt I grieved
with tbofe tbat rife up againft thee ? 4. When god is injured by
our enemies, we had gn at need to look to the fincerity of our af-
fe&ion 3 that our hatred againfl them, and out zeal for ^od and
his trirh be upright, fo as we may fay with David, I bate them
with a per je ft hatred, Icoumtbcm mine enemies.
Ver. 25. Search we, Qod, and k?(n» my heart*
try me> and kpoVr m) thoughts*
24. And fee if there be any kicked way in me:
and lead ms in the W4j ever la fling.
When 'David hath fearched hi ml elf, and is approved of his
own confeience, he offereth himfelf over again to be fearched by
God. Whence learn, 1 As we have need to try oar zeale,
when Gods quarrel and our intereft are joyned, that there be
not fomedre^s of our ill humours mixed therewith: fo muft we
not reft upon the teftimony of our own conscience in this
cafe, but muft offer cur heatt to be fearched of £/od, over and
over again, and muft intre?t him to purge us or every corrupt
mixture, as David doth ; Search me God, and know my heart,
try me, and know my thnigots. 1. He had need to be fincerein
all his waves, who craveth Gods approbation in any one of his
wayes, for if a man be corrupt in any of his waves, he may de-
ceive his own heart in all other of his wayes; this doth David
import, when he faith, And fee if there beany wicked way in
rne. $ Every wicked way, is a way of grief, trouble and for-
row : for fo imports the name given to it in the original.4vThe
good way allowed of God, is a lafting way appointed of CJod of
old, and will be approved by him for ever : Lead me in the way
evcrlafting, 5. We cannot walk in the wayes of God, without
his actual and effectual leading of us therein, befide his directi-
on given in common by his Word ; and therefore we had need to
pray with David, Lead me in the way ever lafting.
PSALME
PSALME CXL. 319
PSALME CXL.
DJvid, > being purfued for his life 3 and loaded with falfc
oi wicked men, payeth, Firft, for deliverance
trom them, v. i 3 1> ^ 4, 5, 6, 7. Secondly, prayeth againft
them, Vn S, 9, 10, 1 i« Thirdly, declarcth the Lords gracious
aniwer, v. 12, ij.
Vcr. 1. T""V£AW w<?, LO RV, jnm the
\_Jrevtl man : preferve me from the vu
olent man.
2. which imagine mifchiefes in their heart 1 con-
tinually are they gathered together for yvarre.
3 • They havejharpened their tongues hke a ferpent :
adders poif on is under their lips* Selah.
In his prayer for deliverance; Firft, he requcftethforpre-
fervation from their cruel devices and flanders, v. 1, z, 3 Then
rcpeitech his prayer for prelervation from the prefent dangers
wherein he was, by reafon of the fnares bid for him, v. 4,?.
Thirdly, he repeateth his petition, with fomc fpecial grounds of
confidence and hope to be relieved, v. 6.
From the firft requeft> L<\ir*,That moft innocent and godly
men, by the calumnies of the wicked, arc fomctimes call in
great dangers, whence they fee no appear.mce of deliverance,
for clearing their name, or faving of rheir life, except God finde
it out t and in this cafe God is 3nd fhould be their refuge 5
Deliver me, Lo*d,from the evil mm. 2. How wicked foever,
how violent foever the enemies of Gods children be, God can
refcue his icrvants out of their hands : Preferve me from the *uz-
clcntman. 3. Such as nor only in fit of paflion, but alio in cold
blood, refolve to do mifchictro the godly, may juft'y beefteem-
cd evil men, violent men, for fo arc they heredefciibed 5 Which
imagine
3%o PSALM ECXL.
imagine mifc bief in their bczrts. 4. When wicked men have de*
viiVd vhjr rhey can by themfeives againil the righteous, they
canno: truft thei: own wits> as able to make the plot faft, e x-
cepc rhey con tul t o::_ with another frequently, that they may "
joync their couniels ^nd their forces' together, to nuke the fnarc
fure > (Jonti mully they are gxtberei together for rvirre. 5. That
wickci men may rhe better carry ou their defigne againft the
godly, they polfelTc the (impla people with prejudices or them,
deviftngani fpreading falfe lies, and bloody calumnies of them,
contrived with v*ieat cunning,and made very probable in appear-
ance,left any lhould pity them, when they are cut off $ They bdJi
fhxrpenyd their tongue life aferpent; 6. When the wicked have
vented deadly lies of the ^odly , rhey have in reaiinefl'enew flUn-
ders and capital enmes to charge them mih talulyi Adders poi-
fonisunder their lips.
Ver. 4. Xeepme, LORV, from the hands of
thewkkfdx preferve me from the violent man, who
have pnrpofed to overthrow my goings.
5. The proud have hid a fnarc for me, and cords,
they have fpreada net bj the way* [the : they have fit
grinnes for me. ScLib,
In his repeated petitionfor prefervation \ Lejrn y \Xt wil not fqf-
fice the wicked to defame the godly, and murther them in heart
and tongue, but alio they feek to hive them in their gi jps 5 excepc
Godinrerpofc himt'elf for their fafety : ^ccpme> Lord) from
the hands of the rvicfei* z. The aefperlte refolution of the
wicked to overcome the godly, muft not difcourage the godly,
but ftiarpen their prayer . Urcferve me from the violent mui, rvho
have purpo fed to overthrow mj goings. 3. Hunters and "Fowlers
did never go more cunningly to work, by fnares, nets and traps
to catch their prey 3 then the wicked go about to have the advan-
tage of the godly, to bring their lit* under their power: the
proud have laid a fnare for me and corfa) they btve fpr$sd a net by
the my-fidefhey have Jet grinnes for me.
Vcr.
PSALME CXL. j»t
Ver. 6. Ifaid unto the LORD, Thtuzrtmy God?
hi an the voict ofmjfnpplications i OLoR ( D > ,
j. GOD the Lord, the ftrengtb of my fa fad*
tionx thoh haft covert A my head in the day of
battel.
In the repeating of his petition the third time, withfeafoiif
of hope to be helped 5 Law, i. The malice ofmenfhould move
the believer to make ufe of Gods favour and friendship, and
of the Covenant with him, I faid unto the Lord 3 tbou art my God;
1. The claim which faith laycth unto God, fhould proceed from
• fixed purpofe, to (land to its right and intereft it hath in God:
I faid unto the Lord y Thou art my\God. j. When faith findeth
the Covenant fixed, then prayer hndeth vent, and the mart
poureth forth his defire with hope, as here ; Hear tbt voice of
my Application y O Lord. 4. When misbelief doth prefent to the
godly the greatneffe of the danger, the mans own weaknefle, and
the power of the adverfarie, faith ihould prefent , in opposition
tothefe, the ftrcngth of God and his power for falvation, as en*
gaged bv Covenant to the behoof of the believer t O Cjod tbt
Lord, tbcjtrcngtb of my falvation. 5 . As prefent ftraits fliould
bring to minde by-gone dangers and deliverances, fo bygone
experience of delivery rttould ftrengthen faith for the prefent:
for this ufe "David maketh of his prefent and by-gone exerdfe*
6. In time of danger God ufcth to inttrpofe hirnfelf, for thepre*
fervationof hisownfervant, more nearly and clofely, then a
helmet cleaveth to a mans head in the day of battel, and doth
ward oft* a blow better, then any piece of armour can do, as
Davids experience teachcth l Thou baft coveted my bead in tbi
day of battel.
Ver. 8. Grant not , otORD y the de fires of the
nicked : further not his vpieksd device , left they txJt
tbemfebes. Selah 4
9. As for the bead of thofe that compaffe me abonti
lit the mifchief of their oVtn lips cover them.
10. Let bmring wales fall npon them, lef them
Y h
3 22. PSALME.CXL.
be caft into the fire : into deep pits y that they rife not up
again.
i (. "Let rot an evil Speaker be eftahlijhed in the
earth: evil /hall bunt the violent man to overthrow
him.
In the fecond part of the P'falme, wherein he prayeth againft
his enemies ; Learn, i. God can overthrow all the devices of
the wicked,,, and the wicked can en\ct nothing againft the god-
ly, except God grant them their derive ; for fo much doth this
prayer import : Grant not ,0 Lord, the defires of -the wicked.
2. The prayer ojj the godly againft the plots of the wicked, ; haih
more power to overturn them, then the wicked have wit or
ftrength to promote them; Further not his wicked- device.
g . When one of, the wicked tindeth tuccefie in his wicked devi-
ces^ all of them grow proud, and do misken God for that caulV:
Furrbcr uot his- wicked device, left theyxxalt tbcmfelvcs. >4.God
will not give al waves l'u ccefle unto the wicked cppreffois of his
people, were, there no other reafon for it But this one, oocrulli
the pride cfj his enemies, and to make it ccafe ; Further, not bis
wicked device, left they exalt tbcmfclveu 5 . What I mifchie { * the
wicked have threatened. to bring upon the godly, (hall' fail upon
themfelves, and bitter as gall iTiali their part be, (as the Word
will naffer, in the Original,) who are chief Ring-leaders of the
perfecution of tfye godly : As for the heal of them that compare
me about, let the mi (chief of their own lips cover them. 6. The
overthrew of the wicked /hall come upon them , as the mine of
a wall covering them and (mothering them : Let mifchief cover
them; their torment .(hall be piercing andintolerable, like the
perdition of Sodom ; Let burning coals fall upon them; no cfca-
ping for them, Let them bccafl into the fire ; no getting out of
. the torment, no recovery for them : Let them be caft into deep
pits, that they rife not again. 7. Backbiters and Calumniators
ihall not only be debarred from heaven j but alio Gods cmrfe (hall
follow them on earth, and not fu.fFa.them nor their poftei.ity to
enjoy quiet pfofperity in the world : Let not an evil Speaker be
efablijbcd in the earth. 8 , When eppreffion hath cried to God
againft theopprcflbr, it is fent forth as a Serjeant to follow 'him
ut the hcels-vvhereeverhego, till it overtake him , and throw
Kim headlong into deftruclion; Evil fall hunt the violent man
tqCve'/tkrQwmm. **
Ver.
PSALME'CXL. 325
Vcrf. 12. I know that the LORD rvi/l maintain
the caufe of she .affiitled: and ;thp tight of the
pocre.
13. Surely the righteous flail give, thanks un-
to thy Name : the upright fball dwell in thy pre*
fence.
In the third part of the Pfalme, is the anfw£r of the Pfalmlfts
prayer, in a comfortable perfwafion of Gods maintaining cf his
perlecuted children, & delivering of hisovvn afflicted fervants out
of ah 1 theirtroubles. Whence /fcav/ji.Whofoever (hal perfecute and
opprefle the righteous, (hall finde God their Party, joyned in the
caufc with the afflicted : The Lord -will mimdutbe caufe of the
afllifted. 2. The faith of Godsaffifhnce is a" Tufficient com-
fort to the godly, to uphold them till the 'deliverance come,
andthis per iwalion God ufeW to give to his perlecuted fervants
for their upholding; Ifyiowtbat tit Lcrd'ftiil miintaintbe
caufeoftbeiffliftcd. 3. The main thing which the Lords fer-
vants do care for, is their caufeand their right, that whatso-
ever they fhaU fuffer, their caufe may go free and be juftified :
and this the Lord doth fecure here : The Lord will maintain the
caufe of the afflifled, and the right -of the poore. 4. Whatfoever
hardinip the godly do meet with in their exe:cife> joy. and deli-
verance fliall clofe their troubles, ani whatfoever prayer anl
mourning they fliall be driven unto by perfecuucm, praife and
thankfgiving fliall be the laft part of their trialjand this the Lord
will have his people perfwaded of: Surely the righteous jbatl
give tlnn^s unto thy Name. 5. Whatfoever imperfections the
beleever fliall finde in himftlf, yet his upright and fincere deal-
ing with God,by the daily acknowledgement of vvha: isamiifcin
him, and by his making ufe of the remedy held forth in the Gof-.
pel, thall prove him to be a righteous man ; for 1 he tigbtc Qui a nl
the upright, m.m here-is»one« 6.Befide all the c^fortaDle blinks:
of Goiis •kindncfl'e in this woild, granted to. the believer, he hath
afliirance of pcrfeverancc, and of everlafting fellowfhip with.
God ; The upright jbtttfaeU ™ % by pre/erne.
Y %
frSALMB"
3 i 4 PSALMECXLI.
PSALME. CXLI.
THeHalmift,beingindiftreffebythe malicious perfection
of his adverfaries, prayeth for relief, and for a holy carriage
under his trouble ; till his own full delivery, and till his ene-
mies diftru&ion (hould come. The petitions are feven; the
firft is general, for acceptation of his perfon, and granting of
his prayer, v. t, x. The next is, for direftion of his (peeches,
v f 3 * The third is, for guiding of his heart and a&ions,v. 4.
The.fpurth is, for the benefit of the fellowfliip of the Saints, by
their wholefome counfcll and admonition, v. j. witlrtherea*
fons thereof, v. 6, 7, The fifth is, for the comfort of fpirkual
communion with God, v. 8. The fixth is, for prefervatifcn
from the plots of the enemies, v. <?• Thcfcventh is, for the q-
ver throw of his enemies, v. ie.
VcrC 1 • T OKT>^l crie mto thee, mafy baft*
jl-j mto me : give tare mnto my voice
rvhen I crie umo thee.
2. Let my prayer be fet forth before thee zsincenfti
and the lifting up of my bands as the evening
facrifice.
In the firft petition, which is general, for granting of his
prayer, and accepting of his perfon in his prayer 1 Ltfrn,i.
Ml f-beliefe doth feek many wayes for delivery from trouble, but
faith hath but anc way, to gojo gqdt to wit, by prayer, for what-
soever is needfull : Lord, 1 crie unto thee. 2. Prefent danger,
or long continuance of trouble, doth put an edge upon the de-
votion of the believer : Lot d>I crie unto thee. j. Albeit the
godly dare not fet a time to God when he (hall come, yet they
may declare the ftrait they finde themfelves in, and what need
chey have of (peedy help: Make bajte unto me. 4. As it is an
ord jnarytemation fuggefted co tbe g°dty In the time of trouble,
WIWA
PSALME CXLI. ;i$
when they pray and do not receive anfwer, that their fupplication
Is mif-regarded : fo fhould it be repelled by renewing of our pe-
tition fo oft as it is offered, as this example tcachethj Give tare
unto my voyce, when J cry unto thee. f. The prayer of Gods
children, is very fwcetfmelled and acceptable to God, through
the mediation ofChrift, as the ceremonial offering of incenfc,
and facrifice ( whereunto David here doth allude* did fignifie r
Lit my prayer bejel forth before thee y as incenfd and the lifting
up of my bands, as the evening facrifice . 6. Our prayers unto
God fhould be joyned with lubmiflivenefle of fpirit, ielf-denial
tnd hopefull dependance on God / for fo much doth the gefturc
of lifting up of the hands in prayer of its own nature fignlhe, and
therefore here the gefture is put for the prayer, which fhould be
joyned with fuch an inward difpofitionj Let the lifting up of
my bands be v evening facrifice.
Vcrf. 3. Sit a watch ( LORD ) hfort my month*,
kfifthi door of mj tips ;
In the fecond petition, which ismorefpecial,for diie&ion of
hisfpeechesi Learn, uThc godly in their trouble, efpccially
by perfection, are under temation to hurt their own caufe by
unadvifed tnd paffionate (beeches : for this doth the prayer im«>
port, fc As words of pamon from our muddy affection, arc
ready to break out in time of trouble, fo fhould we in the fenfe
ofourowninablitytotippreflfethem, intreatGodto bridle our
tongue, that nothing break forth to hisdifhonour, Set &mt(b B
Lord) before my mouth 4 Keep the door of my lips.
Vcrf. 4. Incliui not mini heart to any nil
thing, to praElifi Vtickfd works With men that
work* iniquity ; and lit mi not oat of their
dainties .
Inthe third petition, for guiding of his heart, and a&ions ;
Learn, 1. The godly arc Uibje&alfo to another temation un-
der perfec ution,to bz driven to fome unlawfull way of revenge
or fomefinfull compliance with the wicked, cither by terror or
Y j rilvement
326 PSALME CXLI,
allurement, as this petition doth- import, i. The holieft of
,<7odsfervantshtvcrea(onto pray unto God, head m not ittt*.
ientation, when they conftder that their .daily finning, may open
a door to juftice,to give over their hearts, for a time, to its own.
natural wicked inclination : for in thefenfeofthis danger, 2>^-
vid prayeth ; Enclinnnotmy heart to any evil 'tbi&g. 3. i As .to
meet injuries with injuries, is not a meanes to be rid out of trou-
ble, but a meanes to involve us in further .trouble: fo alfo to,
comply with workers of iniquity, for fear of danger from them,
:s not a meanes to efchew trouble, but nther a meanes to draw
down Gods wrath :Eneline not ny heart to any evil thing, to pra-
Bifemckedrpor^iwith them that work iniquity. 4. As the
Lord is the only Sovcreigne over the heart, m whofehand the
heart is, to turne it where he pleafeth, lo will he being inrreated
by prayer, fee it right ; Incline not, my heart to any evil thing.
5. Theprefent pleafure and commoditie of finne, is in higii
eftimation with thejinner, and much fweeter to him then what
he may lawfully enjoy; The plexfures of finne are hU deljaics,
f>. No man can keep himfelfe from being taken with the allure-
ments of a /infull courfe, except the Lord preferve him : Let me
not eat of their dainties. 7. The holieft men in Scripture, have
been mod fenfible of theimpotency of their own free will, and
inability to refift teritations^ or to bring forth the habits of grace
unta action 5 moft diffident of themfelves, moil dependant up-
on God, moft carefull to make ufe of meanes, and confdeneious
in following of ordinances, as their prayers do reft i fie/ Encline
not my heart to any coil things let me not eat of their dainties*
Verf. 5. Let the righteous (mite me^ it (hall be a
tyndneffeiAntflet him reprove me y \t {hall be an ,ex~
fcdent oite ^ which fhaH not break *»/ head*; for jet
my prayer a/fo {hall be in their calamities.
The fourth petition, is for the benefit of the communion of
Saints , wherein T>.ivid perceiving the mifchief which unhappy
flatterers about the King, procured to the King, and to the god-
ly in the land; he prayeth to God , to grant him fuch godly men
sbout nim, as would never confent to any wrong deed of his, but
Woulddiflwadehirhjdiifcnt from him, yea,reprove and rebuke
"J8«B
PSALME CXLI. 327
him rather*, if need were 5 whieh fort of frftridfy finitihg of
him., he promifeth fliall be molt acceptable to'him: and for
this, he giveth foQr regions : the firit whereof is, becaufe he had
fo mnchilove to his enemies as to pitty them in their calamities,
and to pray for them. Whence kirn, i. /As flatterers arc a
plague to Princes, efpecially when they are upon u.njuftcourfes:
fo righteous and faithfull admonifliers of us, iriwhatfocver place;
we arein 3 are a notable bleffing, and worthy to be prayed for:
Lcttherigbicousfmite me. 2. According as a- man doth hate
finne, and love riehtcoufneffejfo he Hateth flatten y. and leveth ?o
be freely dealt with, and -reproved or admoivTfhcd : for if is the
love of righteoufnelfe, and hatred of finne, which maketh David
by. Let tberightcous (mite me. j\ No man is tofarre-rhoi-rihed,
but a reproof will be a wound ro his proud flefh :Lct the righteous '
[mite me, 4. Free dealing and plainc reproof is a frnit'of Icve •
unfeigned : Let tbcrigbtwus fmitc me* it JlkU be abjndncfie* 5.
As moil precious oileis'to the body, foisthe tourifel), admom-i
tion,antj reproof of the righteous to the foul : for the fruit of
both is health and gladnefle j Let bim reprove me ; it flail ic :
an excellent oilc>xvbicb {hall not break my bead. 6: The godly when
they are pcrfecutcd, need -not to ieek private revenge ; for cala-
mities do abide their perfecuto! s, which they by .faith -in' Goes
WorAjrtiay clearly forefce, as T>ivii here doth prcfuppofc
cjueftionablyj that their calamities were coming ; My prayer ft 11
be in their calamities. 7. The Lords children mould be fo far
from private re venge,and fo ready to come off that cgtxfrV, if
they be tempted to it, thit they mould keep (0 much love ro thcifc
adverfarics, as may make them ditcharge all commanded duties
toward them, as David here is difpolcd, whofe words import
thus much, if I werefet upon private revenge, Lord let me finds
a friend to hinder me, becaufe Irefolveto follow < he duties of
commanded love toward mine adverfarics-' For yet my prayer
4l(o {fall be in their calamities. And this is the hiftreafon ot the
fourth petition.,
Verf 6. When their judges are overthrown
fiony places: they fballheare my words , for thtyAre :
Jweet.
Thefecoftd veafon isjfronf hispurpofctodcav tfjtfi thc : Gmtfe
people, f who nowtlidperfecwe him, by the miflc'ading of their
Y 4 CQiiupc
yi%
P SAL ME CXU.
corrupt Rulers ) as wicb his kindly fubjefts, difciplet or chil-
dren * and doth hope to finde them tradable Wbtnce learn, i.
Difference muft be put between ring-leader sin an cvill courfe,
snd thofe that follow it in fimplicity* for fo doth the Prophet
here put difference betwixt the people, and their corrupt and
kicked Judges, t. Wicked Rulers andmiMeaders of people,
fhall be fearfully punirtied, as they who are caft down from a
fteep place, and fall among ftones > Tbcir judges Jhall be wcr-
tbrown in ftony places, j . Mi f-led people (hould be kindly en-
tertained, and inftrufted in the truth of Gods Word, as dilciplcs
and children, fo Toon as the Lord doth offer opportunity : tVhtU
their judges Jhall be overthrown in (tony places, they fkall heat my
yoords. 4. As the Joftrine of grace and godlinefle is fweet
and pleafant in it felfe, fo fhouid it be efteemed of by the
preachers, and fo recommended to the people, and fo handled in
the way of preaching of it, as it may be acknowledged by the peo-
ple tobe fucfi \ and this (hall he, if with the deciphering of linne
and the cur fe, the remedy conftantly be holden forth in Chrift I
ifwiththedo&rineofall moral duties, people be dire&ed to
draw ftrength to obey them from Chrift, and to feek to have
their fervice acceptable through Chrift; for thus (hall the words
of the Lord be both pleafant and profitable to people: This
courfedidDivWrefolve, Tbcy {ball bear mj words, Jor tbcyari
Ver f 7. Our bones are /tattered at the gr4ve
mouth : as token one cntteth and cleave tb wood upon
the earth.
This is a third rcafon, not only of the fourth petition, but al-
(0, and mainly of the whole prayer, for comfort and delivery
frorn perfection, wherein many of the Lords Priefts were fhine,
and many others of Davids friends were undone, and no more
regard had of their lives and bones, then the hewer of wood hath
regard to the chips which fall off in hewing: wherein David and
: his followcrs,were a type of Chrift,and of hisfollowers,whofe pcr-
ftcutionis here reprefented, and Prophefied of. iVbtnce leam %
1. Albeit {he death of the Lotds fervants be dear unto him, yet
their lives, and the burial of their bones, are no more regarded
by the wicked, then fo many chips of wood, which the hewer of
^rpodhewefb off with his; axe: Our bones w featured at the
grave*
PSALME CXLI. %%$
ftivts mouth, & when one tutteth mi cleevtik wnd upon tht
forth* x. WhenChriftsfubjcfts 3rc fo entertained, ( as here
is fee forth ) their cafe being piefented unto God, hath no fmall
force to draw down delivery, and to bring a change of the affaires
of their foes, as the force ot the rcafon annexed unto the prayer
doth teach*
Vcrf# 8, "But mine ejts are Unto thee> O G07>
the Lord : in thee u my truft j leave not mj font
deftitute.
The fourth reafcn of the petition, relating mainly to the pray*
er for delivery : after which is fubjoyned the fifth petition, in-
cluding the fubftance of all his prayer. Whence learn > i. How
great (Sever the darkneffe of his calamities may be, and how
thick foever the doudes of prefent trouble are, to hide from us
the Lords care of us 3 and his loving kind neffe unto us, yet faith
muft look, and pierce through them all unto God, and to his
power and conftancy of truth and love: 'But wine eyes art unto
thee* i. Whenfoever faith turneth it felfe toward the Lord, it
feeth fufficiency in God to help, as the man hath need* Mine
eyes are toward tbcc,0 Ged the Lord. $. As it is good to be*
licvein Godintimeofgreateft ftraitcs, fo it is good to avow
our beliefe before God, and to obferve this for our further
(lengthening, that we have obtained mercy to believe, as here
Vxvid doth i Mine eyes are toward thee: in theek my truft. 4*
A foul which hath God for a covering of prote&ion and com-
fort, hath alfo every condition it can be in, well feafoned •
but the foul that lacketh this governing, is bare and naked, ani
deftitute, wichout guard againft any evil which may fall upon
it: againft this evil weliave great need to pi ay, heave not
my joul deftitute* And this is the fifth petition in this
prayer.
Vcrf. p. Keep me from the fnare which they
have laid for me: snd the grinnes of the workers
etf iniquity.
The fixth petition, is to t>e faved from the privie plots, which
kis enemies had laid againft hlnu Whence haw, i. The ad*
fcrfrrics
33° PSALME CXLL
verfaries of Gods people, or. perfecutors of the righteous for
righteoufnefle^ are workers of iniquity, let them pretend unto
godIineffe,lawes 3 orjuftice,asthey pleafe, for fo are they here
defcribed. 2. Perfecutors of the righteous, ufe not to go (o
openly to work> as to perfecute them direftly for righteoufnefie,
butdomakeplauiiblelawesand ftatutes, which may feem rea-
fonableto the world, and yet luch lawes as rhe godly cannot
without finnc obey, and fo their commands doinfnarethe god-
ly, as here they are called, fh&cs antgrinhts. $ . From the plots
of perfecutors, and in fpecial from iniquity eftablimed by x a law,
none can deliver the godly lb, as they (hall neither finne nor- fuf-
fer the penalty, except God alone : %cep me from the fnare which
tbcybxvc kid for me % and tbegrinnes of the workers of ini-
quity.
Verf. I o. Let the Wicked fall into their own nets :
Vehileft that 1 withal efcape.
The feventh pctitioni?, as for his own delivery, ,fo. alio for the
overthrow of obftinate enemies, who cannot- b$ reclaimed.
Whence leam, 1. The prayers againft persecutors - which are
dited to the penmen of the Scripture, are prophecies .of their
punifliment, and decrees whereunto the Church may fubferibe
in the general : and this prayer is one among-the reft. 2, When
the perfecutors do lay plots and fnares agajnft the righteous., they
lay plots againft themfelves ; and there is no need of another plos
for their ruine, fave that which is of their own devifing : Let the
wicked fall into tbeir own net. $. It is not unufual to fee the
overthrow of perfecutors, and the delivery of the righteous,
wrought by one and ihefelf-famemeanes, and brought about at
•onetime: let the wicked fall into.thdr own net, wbiiejitbat I
mtkallcfcapc.
o — 1 \ .■;> - i; ■ ..
PS AIM E
PSALME CXLII. 331
PSALME CXLII.
CMafcbil of David, <ffc.
THisPfalme doth fhew what was Davids ♦exercife, when he
was in the cave of one cf the mountaines of Engedi, ( 1 Ssnu
24. ) flying from Saul: wherein he firft fetter h down his be>
taking of himfclfc to prayer in general, v. i,> Secondly, the
ftraits wherein he was for the time, v. $,4. Thirdly, what was
the Tpecial petitions of his prayer, with the reaibns thereof,
Erom the infeription ; LwrM. That when the. Lord doth
put any of his children in ftraites and difBcultie^ he is providing
inftruftion, and wife dirc.ftion unto them, and to others, by ttic
meanes, for this danger bringeth forth a Pfalme of inftruftion?
Mafibil of David, z. The profit which followed^ upon fharp
'■ cxercifes, is able to rccompence all the paines whereunto they are
put in trouble, as this particular inflance doth ihew. 3. It is
wifdomefbrustomarkthefpecral dangers wherein we fall, and
how we have behaved our felves therein, and to fee what ufe we
ftiould make thereof, as this example of Davids calling to mindc
of the danger he was in, in the cave, doth teach us.
Verf, h T Cried unto the LORD with my voice :
JL With my voice umo the LO RD did
I make my /application.
2. 2 poured out my c amp Uint before him : I fbeVecd
before him my trouble.
In the fetting down of his cxercifc in this danger, and how he
made God his refuge by prayer; Learn, 1. The grace of God
can fo calme a mans mind^n the deepeft danger of prefent death,
as he may confidently put up his defire for delivery ; and no
danger can be fo defperate, but a man may by prayer be deliver-
ed out of it, oneway or other, as Davids experience teachcth;
J cried unto tbc Lord) faith David t being in the cave, halfc bu-
332 PSALME CXLII.
ricdasina grave, Saul and his hoft being at the mouth of it.
a. He that is acquainted with God 3 and haunteth his prefence
by prayer> ordinarily will findc a ready way to go to God, in an
extraordinary danger, whereof D<n/i4 in this difficulty, flieweth
his experience* 3. The uttering of right words, with the
voice in prayer, in the time of perplexity, is a work of faith, pre-
fuppofe there were fo much inward confufion and multitude of
thoughts in the minde, as might call in aucftion whether the
fupplication of fo perplexed a minde could be an acceptable
prayer; therefore Dsvid twice mentioneth the uttering of his
voice: i cried with my voice, mtb my vohe. 4. It is afvveec
mercy to have grace to pray to God, and is not only profitable
for the prefent, but alfo the memory of this mercy is refreflifull
afterward, as experience here doth (hew. 5. It may be an c 2 fe to
our minde, when we arc full of perplexity, and grief and fear,
toteW the Lord what aileth us: I pound out my complaint be-
fore him* 6. To prefent our confufion and perplexity and
trouble of minde, to w looked upon by God, and to be read by
him, is a real! prayer or fupplication j I fbewed before bin my
trouble*
Ver. 3, whin my {pirli y x»m overwhelmed V?ith~
inme f then thou kpeweft my path: in the way
therein 1 walked , have they privily laid a fnan
for me.
4. / looked on my right hand, and beheld, hit there
Was no man that ^ohU k*o**t>refugifai{idmy : no
man cared for my foul.
The fli aite wherein Ddvid was, did make his wit to faile him,
that he knew not what to do : for albeit his caufe and carriage in
it was approved of God, yet his enemies hunted him fo hard,
as they had very nigh catched him in the fnare J his fouldiers
who were With him fainted, and were ready to flilft for them-
fclve$, and to render up \>tvii, if the army had approached to
the cave, no man cared for his life, none would ftand to his de-
fence* Whence le&n, 1. Trouble and danger in extremity, do
put a mans wit on work to think upon all meane§ of poflible de-
livery, and when none can be found, the mirtde is involved in
perplexity, and falleth down as it were in afwoon; My fpirit
mm
PSALME CXUI. jjj
WAf overwhelmed within mc. i. Whatfocvcr danger we may fail
into, it is good that our caufc and carriage be fuch as God witt
allow: This was Davids advantage here, When my fp hit mm
overwhelmed with in me> then thou knoweft my path, that is, thou
fpprovedft my part, who was unjuftly purfued. }. How inno-
cently fo ever we behave our fclves, yet perfecators will not ccafc
co hunt us, till fc they take os in the fnare, if they can:
In the way wherein 1 walked have tbej privily laid a fnarc for me.
4. When great flraites do come, wordly friends and all who
may be in danger for helping of us ; will readily forfake us : and
this is the lot of Chrift and his fervants, who in fuflering foe
righteoufneffc, are left alone without all comfort or encourage-
ment bom men : 1 looked on my right handy and beheld, but there
was no man that would know me,refuge failed me> no man carei
formyfouk 5, It is law full for a believer to make ufe of liwfull
meanes for his delivery 9 and to all for affiftaiice of fuch as are
bound to affift him, albeit be may fufpeS ro be refuted; as Da-
vid did here.
Verf. 5. / criodunto theo , LORD, 1 faiJ,
7 loon art mj refngt, and my portion in th$ land o(
tho living.
6. %yit tend unto my cry t for I am brought v$ry
low , dd liver mo from mj ftrfecntor* : for they or*
ftronger then /.
7. Bring my foul out ofprifon, that I msj praifo thy
Name • the righteotu [hall compare me above : for
thou fait deale hunt if fill j W$b two.
In the laft place, he fettcth down his laft refuge, and the words
of his prayer, with the reafons to help his hope to be beard*
Whence learu, 1. Albeit all men, and all meanes of delivery in
the world (hould faile us, yet muft we not give over, but pray
to God, and depend upon him, who never fatleth his fuppli-
canrsthat feekhim,asD4vJJ did > I cried unto tbec, OLori.
a. The leffe comfort we finde in the creature, we ihould truft
the more in God, as David did , who when all foribok him, fa id
o God, Then art my refuse . $. G#i alone with us may fuffice
354 PSALME GXLIir.
as iiv every condition, •« hedid David ; Thou art my portion in
the land of the living. 4- As the lenfe of our own weaknefs^
and of our adverfariespower, aiegoocT whetftones tofliarperi
our prayer : fo the lower we be brought and emptied of carnal
confidence, we may expect rhe more confidently hdp from GddJ
as here Dayed reafoneth ; Attend unto my cry, far I am brought
very low: deliver me from myferfecuiors, for they are ftronger then
J. ?. So long as the godly man is debarred from the benefit of
Gods publick vydrfliip and ordinances, he is but in a prifon in
his own eftimation ; Bring my foul out of prifon. 6: The end
of our pr ayer for delivery out of trouble, fhould be that we may
the more freely and fruitfully fervethe Lord : Brivgmy life out
of prifon, that 1 may praife thy Name. 7. When any one of
Gods.perfecuted fervants is delivered, it is a matter of comfort,
joy and encouragement, and of mutual congratulation to all the
godiy 3 who haveintereft in their righteous' caufe any way |
The righteous JhaU cempaffe mc about* 8 . Before a bodily delive-
ry come, the Lord fometime giveth inward afTurance that it
fhali come; for, iTborifkalt deal bountifully with me ; for Di-
*uids words being taken as fpoken in the cave, do fhew fo
much.
PSALME CXLIII.
DAvid being in great trouble of mind, for the long continu*
ance of. his perfection by his enemies, and alio under fome
exerciie of confcience^through the fenfe of his iin^prayeth in this
Pfalme for deliverance in general; from his twofold trouble., v.
1,2. becaufe of his pitiful condition fet down 3 v. 3, 4> 5V &•
Then he ptefleth his prayer in nine more fpecial petitions* in
the reft of the Pfalme.
Ver. 1, ¥J Ear my prayer, O LORD, give e*r* to
XT! my fupplhaticns : fa thy faithfulnefs
anfwer me^ and in thy righteottfnefle.
PSALME CXLIIIi 33 j
2. And enter not into jndgement Kith thjfervant :
for in tbj fight /ball no man Itving be jpfiifie'd.
In the prayer, as it is generally propounded $ Learn, - i . Out-*
ward bodily trouble is able to raife trouble of minde, and trou-
ble ofcorifcience alfo, efpecially when outward trouble continu-
eth long, and God feemedi to debar prayer from acceffe, or not
to give anfwer thereto, as this experience of 7)avid flieweth,
2, Whatsoever be the trouble of a mans minde, and from what
caufefoeveritarifeth, prayer is rhefirft andreadieftmeanesof
eafe and quietnefle, as here we fee in David, Hear my prayer, O
Lord, and give earetomy fupplication* j. The Lords faithftil-
neffe and righteoufneflc, which fcrve to terrific a natural man,
arc props and pillars of comfort and encouragement onto the be-
liever j who is fled to the throne of grace : In thy fritbfulneffc an*
fwer me, and in thy rigbtcoufnefle. 4. When the confeience of
fin oppofeth our prayer, or our hope of delivery our of trouble,
it muft be anfwer ed by flying ro Gods grace : and when jufticc
feemethto purfue us, then the prayer of faith doth change the
Court of juifcice into the Court of grace: for albeit the finnes of
the godly may rake peace of confeience from them for a time,,
yet they cannot debar them from feeking favour arid pardon, ac-
cording to the Covenant of grace, efpecially when they are ftu-
dyingto ferveGod, as this example tiachech us : And enter net
into judgement with tbyfervam. <;. There is no way of jufti-
fication by the works ofc the Law, neither before regeneration
nor after, but only by grace; to? David, a manof lingular holi*
nefle, hhhfinicrnot into judgement rvhhtby'fervant, for in tby
fight (Imll none, living be juftifyd :■ ro wit, if thoir enter into
judgement with him according tQ, the law of rtoritf.-
■
Ver. 3. For the enemie hath perfecuted my foute
be hath fmittenjny life do^n tothe grQHnd: he hath
rnadem: tojtoell in dark** f*> as thofe thai have been
long dead.
4. Therefore is my fftrit overwhelmed mthin me :
my heart wthh me U de folate*
The
33$ PSALM E CXLHL
Thcrcafonsof his prayer are two : the firft is taken from the
ciifcrable condition, wherein the violence and oppreffion of the
<nemie hath driven him, v. } , 4. the other is, from his careful
ufe of themeanes for finding grace, v. 5,6. In the firft reaConj
Learn, 1. After we have fled to Gods mercy, according to the
Covenant of grace for remiffion of fin, we may confidently
by forth all our worldly trouble before God, and hope for relief,
as here Dd'M doth. 2. 1c is not iirange to fee the godly in a
manner wracked by their perfecutors, and undone in their world-
ly condition, for (0 w as 'David fcrved : The enemie hatb perfec-
ted my foul, be bath fmitten my life down to the pound, be bath
made me dwell in dtrlytejfe, as tbofcthMbive been long dead:
and this he fpeaketh in regard of his being hunted from place to
!>lace, and forced to hide himfelf in the wilderneffe, and at
ength to take banifhment upon him, and to live among idola-
ters in the land of darkneffe. $. Troubles when they are long
continued, are able to daunt the natural courage *f the ftouteft
of Gods fervants: for God, for emptying of his owne children of
felf-conceit, and humbling them in the ienfc of their own wcak-
neflfe,ufeth to fuffer trouble to hive more weight, then they could *
before-hand apprehend,as hixt,Tkcrfore is my fpirit overwhelmed
within me, my heart within men defolate. 4. How heavie fo-
ever trouble be found, and how unable foevcr we finde our felvea
to bear it any longer, yet muft we not fuccumbe, nor give over
vrreftling, but muft pre fent our cife unto the Lord, as this ex-
ample doth teach us.
Ver. y 1 remember the dayes of old, 1 mtditata
me aS thy worlds : / muft on tht mrkjfthy hands.
6.1 flrotch forth my hands unto then my foul chirft-
tlh of t*r theaas athirfty land* Stlah.
From the fecond reafon of his prayer, taken from the confcl*
enceof his diligent ufe of the ordinary meanes, for finding com-
fort and relief.* Learn, 1. The remembrance of our own for*
mer experience, and of the experience of others of the Sainti
fet down in Scripture, (which fhould have force to fupport our
faith, albeit we have nothing of our own experience,) is *
fit exercife for a fainting foul under trouble, as here we fee, I
rmmbertbe dyes of old, I meditate on all tbj workf. a. The
Bit*
PSAHME CXtril. 337
meditation of the works of Creation and Providenre, is a fit
meanes 3lfo to fupport our faith in Gods Word, albeit we have
no example, nor experience of any who had been in the like
condition before us : for therein we (hall finde the evidence of
whn the wifdom and Omnipotency of God can do, in perform-
ing of promifes $ J mufe on the vpoy^s of thy bands. 3 .Before we
can draw profit by the pledges of Gods power apparent in his
works, we muft refolve to meditate and mufeupon them at lea-
fure ; for a flight look of thefe will not draw forth the profit -
ableufeof them: I remembered, I meditate, Imufed, faith Va-
vid. 4, Wi th meditation upon Gods works,earneft prayer muft
bejeyned: Iftretcbfortb my hands unto thee. 5. When fafth
feeth not only a proiife of help, but alio by the experience of o-
thers who have been helped, a probability alfo of its coming
(peed, icfaifeth a drought and longing for the fruit of the pro-
mile, and kcepeth the eye fixed upon God, without looking^ for
relief from any frhere elfe j My font tbirftetb after thee} asa'tbirfiy
land,
Ver. 7. HedremfpeBJilj r .o LORD,, my Spkii
faileth, hide not thj face from me : left 1 be like unto
them that go down into the fit.
In the reft of the Pfalme, he pre {fee h this pratycr in nine petiti-
ons more particular : Thefirftis for fpeedy deliverance j the
fccond for fome blink of favour, and both thefe have their rea-
fons adjoynedinthis verfe. Whence learn, 1. Sore trouble
and long delaying of Gods help , is able to (hake faith,
and weaken, courage : Hear meffecdily, Lord, mj heart fail-
eth. 2«The beleever mv.il never give over fceking of Gods
help, how nigh foever he be to failing and falling oft": Hear mc,
Lord ,mj (fir it faileth me. 3. Faith maketh uic of extreme
dangers and inftant deft ruction, xs of wings to mount it fclf up
unto Godj for death and d&ft ruction cannot be f) nigh, but faith
finderh time to flee to its refuge, and run to God, toimerpofe
himfelf before deftruction be executed s Hear me fpecdily, my
f'piritfiilctb. 4. The Lords difpleafure apprehended in trouble*
is more terrible then the trouble it fclf, and the lealt intimation
or his favour,is verv life and delivery; for, Hide not thy face ffi v *
me, was here Davids deepeft diff'reffe, and the (hewing of the
Z loft.
H% PSALME CXLIII.
lcaft blink of Gods favour, fhould have relieved him. 5. The
Lord will not fufTer his childrens faith to be over fet, albeit hq
fufferit to be hardly aflaulted : Hide not thy face from me , left I
belike to them that go dowuto the pit, or left I be like to them that
perifh. 6. The lenfe of trouble and weaknefle in Gods chil-
dren, acknowledged before God, is more able to bear them
through from under their troubles, then all the ftupid (toutneflt
of contumacious mindes, as the experience of this Champion
T>Avii fheweth unto us.
Verf. 8. Can feme to hear thy loving kindnejfe in
the mornings for in thee do I truft : caufe me to know
the way wherein I fhould walk, for 1 lift uf myfottk
unto thee.
The third petition is, for timous comfort in the Word of pro-
mile: and the fourth is, for direction in the way of Gods obe-
dience, and both have their reafons adjoyned in this vet fe.
Whence lesrn, 1 . The confclation which the believer doth feek,
is that which is promifed in the Word, and he will content him-
felf with the comfort which cometh by 'hearing, till the full ef*
fed ofthepromifecomc: Caufemctohear thy loving lyndneffe.
2« That comfort is indeed early, and fuffickntly timous, which
cometh before we perirti or defpair 5 Caufc me to hexr thy loving
kindncfl'e in the morning. $.Trufting in God without comfort, is
areafon toperiwade us we fhal have comfort, and the readied way
that can be to come by tt;|£te/c me to bear thy loving bjndncffc ;
for in thee do I truft* 4. As it is the believers trouble to be >in
fuch perplexity, as not to know how to behave himfelf in it : fo
is it a part of his comfort and delivery, to underfland what to do
next, and how to behave him felt : Caufe me to know tip way
wherein Ijhould Willi* %> He who feeketh direction from God^
muft lift up his heart offall diverfions, and depend on God only 5
for, I lift up myfoulc to thec 3 is the reafon of his petition to be
directed.
Ver. 9- Deliver me \0 LORD, from mine entmier*
1 {lie mto thee to hide me,
TAt
PSALME CXLIII. ftp
The fifth petition is for delivery from his enemies, whereun-^
to a reafon is added here. Whence learn, i. As there is no ene-
nne, from whom the Lord canno* deliver a man who is reconci-
led, how potent foever the enemie be: fo deliverance from oue
Enemies is a fruit of our friendfhip with God ; Deliver me front
mine enemies, i. Albeit our enemies had compaifed us foi a$
there were no apparent efcape, yet the believer may finde a hi-
diug place in God ; J flic unto tbee to bide me.
Vcr. io. Teach me to do thy will; for thoti art rny
God y thy Spirit is good: lead me into the land of up'
tsghtnefie.
The fixth petition is for grace to walk righteoufly andholily^
till he came to heaven, which he calleth the land of uprigbtnejfe.
Whence Ititn, i.In time ot trials and troubles men are in no leffc
danger of (inning and foul-lo{ing,then they are to fal into further
bodily dangers and inconveniencies, and hayc need, in the fenfe
of their inability, to walk circumfpeftly, and to feek direction
from God : Teach me to do thy Ttill z. The Covenant of grace
wherein the believer is entered, giveth ground to pray and hope
for the growth of fanctification : Teach me to do thy will, for
thou art my God. 3. We have need ot fuch teaching, as hath
with it leading, fuch direction, as hath with it ftreng;hening un-
to obedience, fuch information as doth direct us, not only in the
general rule, but aUb how to apply it in particular actions^ and
which doth not leave us in any part or our dutie to our felves :
Teach me, lead me. 4. Heaveuistheland of uprightneife, anct
we mull have the Lords conftant teaching, andhisconftanc
leading of us, till we be pofle fled of heaven ; Lead me into the
land ofuprigbtnejji. ?. The teacher and leader of believers, iri
the obedience of Gods Word and Will, is the Spirit of God,
whofe goodnefle muft be oppofed to our natural finfulnefle anJ
ill defcrving: Thy Spirit is good, lead me into the land of up-
rigbtneffe.
Vcr. it. J2*ic{enme,0 LORD, for thy Names
Jake : for thj right e oh fneffe fake, bring mj fonle out of
trouble,
1 2 Th*
34 o PSALME CXLIII.
The feventh petition is, for fome reviving of his damped and
dead fpirit, and the eighth is, for ending the courfe of the ene-
mies peifecution of him, and reafons are fubjoyned to both.
IVhencelexrn, l. Albeit believers be fubjed to foul-fainting
and deadnefle, yet they retain life fpiritual in fuch a meafure, as
maketh them ftill fenfible of their own weaknefle, and able to be-
moan themfelves unto God, who is able to revive them - % ^uickr
ten me, Lord, i- It concerneth God in his honour, to revive
uhefpirits of tre contrite ones, when they have their recourfe
bnto him $ Quicken me, Lord, for thy \ts(jmes fife 3 .Al-
cit the Lord acquaint his children with trouble, yet he will
not fnffer them to lie ilill in trouble, but will in due time fee
them free; Bring my joule out of trouble. 4. The Lord will
have his juftice not terrible to his children in trouble, buisbm-
fortable and a pawne of their delivery from their oppreffors ;
for thy rigbteoufneffefa^e, bringmyfoul out of trouble.
Ver. 1 2. And of thy mercy cut off mint enemies :
anddeQroy all them that tfflitt my foule; for I am
tbyferv&nt*
The ninth petition is, for the overthrow of his defperatee^
ncmies, whercunto reafons are added. Whence learn , 1. The
enemies of the righteous who are perfecuted for righteoufnefle,
ih^Jperifh ; Cut off mine enemies, deftroy them all. z. Mercy
to the Lords opprefled children, and juftice againft their ene-
mies, go together 5 and the work of juftice on persecutors, is a
work of mercy to the opp re fled : Of thy mercy cut off mine ene-
mies . 3. As the confeience of endeavour toferveGod, giveth
fweet refrefhment in time of trouble.* fo our fhort coming muft
not deprive us of the title of fervants, but we muft aficrt our in-
tereft in God our Mafler and Lord , f o long as we Ioyc to do his
will, 2s David doth here; for, Iamtbyftnant.
PSALME
PSALME CXLIV. 3*1
PSALME CXLIV.
4vid being now King, but yet not fully Ceded on his
._,'chrone, in this Pfalme givcth thanks to God for the work
already wrought, v. i, z> j 5 4. and Jprayeth for compearing the
deliverance, and fetling or him in his Kingdom, v. <r , 6, 7 , 8.
and in hope to be heard, promifeth praife to God, v. 9 , 10. and
I in the laft place, repeaterh his petition, with reafons taken from.
the benefit which (hould redound unto the Lords people, by fee-
ling of him in his Kingdom, v. u, 11, ij, 14.
Verf/i. TyLeJfeibe the LORDmyfirengtb,
JD which teacheth my hands to Warre,
and rny fingers to fight,
2. Mygoodnejfe % and my fortrttfe, my high tower %
4ftd my deliverer t my Jbield, and htin whom Itrujl :
nhofubdueth my people under me.
3. LORD % what is man % that thoH taksfl knowledge
of him ? or the fonne of man; that thou makeji account
of him f
4. Man is Ubje to vanity : hi* d*ycs are as a JJjMlofy
that pajfeth away.
In V>xviis thankfgiving for what the Lord had done for him;
Learn, 1. As we are to praife God for mercies received, when
we would have new mercies: To we are to ftrengthen our faith
for receiving new benenrs, by looking wh.it we have received al-
ready, as David doth here. 2. The believer hath all his abilities
and furniture, not fo much in what is received already in him-*
felf, as wizhout himfelf in God : IHcffcd be the Lord my
(Irength. 3. As what skill, what furniture offtrength, what
fucceffe a man hath in any thing, is of the Lord; fo the acknow-
ledgment thereof, isbothapartofhisthankfulnefleumo God,
Z J and
34* PSALME CXLIV.
andameanesof the confirmation of his own faith : Sfc/Jii 6?
}be Lord myftrengtb, which teacbetb my bands to war, and my fin-
gets to fight. 4. What the Lord is in his own nature, he is in
his good-will, CDvenant, and operation . toward thebeleever,
and fo appropriate unto the believer as his own treafure, out of
which he is furnifhed in all things : therefore Diu/i calleth him,
Mygoodneffe. 5. Many evils are ready to rum in upon thebe-
Jiever, which the Lord wardeth offas a bulwark : and upon this
accounc David faith, Myfortreffe. 6. When trouMe from the
world and inferiour creatures do fight againft the believer, the
Lord liftethhim up above all, and compafleth him about with
defence j for this, David faith, tyybigb tomr* 7. Albeit it^
pleafe:h 'he Lord fometimeto let trouble in upon the believer
yerhefufFevethnotthebefjevertoperim therein, nor the trou-
ble to har me him more then if it had been kept off: for this
caufe, David catttihGo&y My deliverer. 8. Albeit the Lord
will guard the be! ieveronall hands, when he is to enter the lifts
with an enemie, yet will he be employed for this end/ for this
piQfeDix;i4compareththe Lord to a ftiield or buckler, and
callethhim, CMyJbield. .9. The multitude of wayes, how God
is,andmaybefteadableuntous, ferveihtomikeufe of him by
faith, according to our feveral necefftties, as David teacheth,
faying, It is be in whom I truft. 10. As the light of faukmew-
eth what God is to us by right and Covenant : Coalfo it fhew-
£?h to us, what are h& operations and particular benefits beft ow-
ed upon us; Ituhc, Qfaith Divid x ) who fubdnetb my people
under me. 1 1 Gods mercies ate then moft highly efteemed of,
when the belecve: is humbled in the fenfe of his humane frailty
and unworthinefle in general, and of his own in particular;
Lord, what is matt that thou tafieft knowledge of him ? 1 2. It is a
mercy to be wondered at, that the unworthinefle or man, doth
neither hinder God to love him, nor to efteemof him: What
is the fon of man that tbou ma\e(t account of bim ? 1 $ . There is
pothing in a mm wherein he can glory, nothing which can de-
fer ve any thing' at Gods hand, and all natural perfections are
but the fhadow of fomething in effect : Mm U life to vanity.
14. Were there no more to abafc a man, have what he may have
in this world, his mortality and ftiorcnefle of life is a fufficient
reafofi for it $ His day es are a Jhxdow thatpaffctb amy, and all
this commendeth the riches of Gods grace and good-will ta
man, and hclpeth the believers faitfya^ajnft the enmity of
man*
PSALME CXLIV. 345
Ver. 5. Bow thy Heavens, LORD, and come
downe : touch the mount aim 7 , and they /ball
fmofy.
6. Cafi forth lightning, and jcattcr them, /hoot vtot
thine arrowes and deflroj them.
j. Send thine hand from above, rid me, and de-
liver me out of great Waters : from the hand offirange
children.
8. whofe month fpeakcth vanity : and their right
hand is * right hand of falfbood.
In the next place, he pnyeth to God to let forth his power, for
fobduing the reft of the Kingdome under him, by repreffingo/
his enemies, and faving him from their contention and confpi-
racies againft him. Whence learn, u How nnworthy foever a
man be in his own eyes, he may feek great things of God,accoi d*
rag to the eftimation and rcfpeft he hath in Gods eyes : for up-
on this account David prayeth, that God would bow the Hca*
vens anttome down, for bis help, that is, would humble him-
felf fo far as to own his owne fcrvant. i. If God pleafe to ma-
nifeft himfelf for any of hisfervants againft the higheft powers
on earth, they (hall fcon feel the force of his wrath, like fire
taking hold on them : Touch the moumaincs, and ihcy Jhalt
fmoafi. 3. No man can ftand againft him who hath thunder
and lightning at his command, and arrowes of deftiudicn, to
fliootashepleaftth : Caft forth thy lightning And Jcattertbem,
Jhobt out thine arrowes and deftroy them* 4. What foever the
power of adverfariesmaybe, or the difficuitie or danger the be-
liever can be in, if he mail oppofc Gods good-will and Omni-
potency for him, againft the difficulty, he mall be Matter over
it : Send thine hand, from above, rid mc } and deliver me out of great
Waters. 5. The enmity of ialfe brethren, counterfeit Profef-
fors of Religion, whofe words, Oathcs and Covenants cannor
binde them, nor fecure the godly whom they maligne, is no
lefle dangerous then deep and raging waters are, out of which
God only can deliver a man ; for, 2)elfaer me out of great wa*
Mrs, is expounded here, 7)tlivcr mt from the hands of ftrango
Z 4 children,
344 P SAL ME CXLIV.
children, rvhofe mouth ffeakctb vanity, and their right hand is a
right hand of faljhood.
Ver. 9. 1 Willfing a net» (ong unto the % O God :
Upon a P fatter j y and an inftrumem of ten firings will
Jfingpraifes unto thee.
1.0. It is he that giveth falvation to Kinos:
mho deliveteth David his ferv ant from the hurtful
faoYd.
He addeth his purpofe and promife to praife£od for the be-
nefir which he prayeth for, as a reafon of his hope to be heard.
Whence learn, 1* The Lord in wifdom, giveth deliverance out
of trouble, by parts and degrees, and fo difpenfethhjs benefits,
as he may give his children occafion, both oroftner prayer, and
of oftne; new praifes, as Davids experience fhewcth, who having
given thanks for the bringing of him to the Kingdomc in part,
prayeth for enlarging ot the benefit, and promileth. upon this
account a new thankfgiving : I mllfing a newfong unto tbee,
God 2. The uptight engaging of our heart to praife God
for the benefit which we pray for, is an argument ot hope that we
(hall have it, as here Qavid maketh ufe of it; IwiUfivgancw
Song unto thee, OGod. 3, According as a benefit not yet re-
ceived hath luflre, and doth mine in cur eye, fo are we content
to be in Gods debt for thankfgiving, if he fhall grant it, (let
the performance thereof prove as u may) 3s we fee here in ZXz*
yidy who, becaufe the adding of the government of the eleven
tribes unto his Kingdome over the .tribe cf tfudab, ieemed to
be 3 great acceffion unto his prefempoffeffion, if God flioulJ
give them to him, hepromifeth large thanks : Upon a Ufaltery,
and aninfirumem oftei firings will I fmg praifes unto thecy
which imports theju^fieft mealure of his pi ailing God, that he
could im ginej and unto this his promife, he fubjoyneth the
forme of thank fgiving which he uid purpofe to ufe. 4- h is
not the place or power oi a man, how great foever he be, which
cloth p eferye a man, but the greatefiof men muft be prcferved
by Gqi, nolefTethen themeaneft, It is be that gheih flvation
unto lyings. J. One experience is fufficient to a beleever, for
confirming his raith in any general doctrine, as here, He who de-
ttvcrcib
^
PSALME CXLIV. 345
Uvercib David bis fervint from the hurtful fmrd> is fufficien;
to make him fubferibe, that I* U he that givetb falvationto
Xjngf.
Verf. 11. Rid me y and deliver me from the hand
of flrange children, whofe month fpeaketh vanity :
and their right hand, is rt right hand of fa J fbood.
12. That onr fonnes may be as plants grown
up in their youth; that our daughters may be M
corner flones^ polifhed after the Jimilitude of a Pa-
lace.
13. That our garners may be /*//,' affording all
manner of ft ore : that our fheep may bring forth thou*
fands, and ten thoufands in our flreets*
14. That our oxen maybe firong to labour, that
there be no breaking ** 9 nor going out : that there be
no complying in our fire ets.
He repflph his prayer for delivery from falfe and treache-
rous enemies, whom neither Word nor Writ, neither Oath not
Covenant could binde, and addeth yet more reafons of enlarging
of his Kingdome, from the benefits which might come to the
Lords people thereby. JVhence learn, 1. As the grcatnefleof a
benefit, fo.alfo the greatneffe of the difficulties which may hin-»
der that benefit, being forefeen, fhould ftiarpen prayer for the
benefit, andagainft the impediments thereof, as here the repetiti-
on of, Rid mc> and deliver me, (<fc. doth teach us. 2. He
that is called to pubiick employment or office of governing of a
people fliould feek all things of God, for the pubiick good of
the people mainly, and ihouLl make the holy peace and profperi-*
ty of the people their main aime, as David here craveth deliver-
ance from his enemies, end the enlarging of his power, that
the people might profper and flourish both in children and
riches; That our fonnes tnij be as plants, (^c. $.GodlyMagi-
ftratesarca fpecial mcanesof peace and prosperity to the fub-
jefts, nnd fliould be careful, as in training up of young men in
grace and vertuc, fo as they may be fruitful inftruments of the
publick^cod 5 as plants grown up in their )outb: fo alfo of young
women^'
34« PSALME CXLIV.
women* that they may be beautified with all endowments, which
may make them to be godly mothers of the fuccecding 2ge :
Our daughters may be corner ftones, polijhed after the fimilitude of
d Palace. 4. Peace and plenty of corne and cattel, and other
things needful for this prefent life, are benefits of God in them-
fclfes, very helpful for the (landing of a Kingdom, and training
up of the youih in goodnefle and vertue, and worthy to be pray-
ed for ; That 4ur garners may be full, affording all manner offtorc,
that ourfieepmay bring forth thoufands > and ten thoufands in our
Greets. ?. For the continuance of profperity and peace in a
land,induftry in every mans vocation urequifitc,andfo righteous
behaviour of the people, as may prevent not only warofFcnfive
and defenfive, but alfo may pre vene left any vagabond beggers
be fuffered, or indigent perfons forced to complain in the ftreetsr
for fo much is imported , while he faith, That our oxen may be
Jlrong to labour, that there be no breai{ingin, to wit, of forreign
enemies 5 7iorgoingout y to wit, of the people to invade other
Nations 3 That there be no complaining in our ftrcets, for want
ef juftice 01; neceflary maintenance
Ver. 15. Happy is that people that is. in fucb a
cafe; yea, baypy is that people, who/c &od is th
LORD.
HedoleththePfalme with the commendation of fuch a con-
dition of a well-governed people, but with a provifion, that they
be in Covenant with God, and believe in him. Whence learn^
1. A people is happy which is fo governed and cared for, and blel-
fed of God, as tfrael was under the reigne of David the fervant
of the Lord ; Pj/ify is that people that is in fuch acafc, as is here
defcribed. 2. A peoples happinefle is not folid, where true Re-
ligion is not fetled : where the people is not in a Covenant of
grace, and reconciliation with God, whatfoever worldly profpe-
rity they may have : but fo many as are in favour with God, and
do walk in fiiendihip with him, they are bleffed, whatfoever he
their outward condition: Happy istbat people > vebofeGodittbc
lord*
PSALMB
PSALME CXLV. 347
PSALME CXLV.
Davids Pfrime of praife.
THisPfalme is altogether ® f prai fesj every verfe beginning
with a feveral letter of the Hebrew^ e/4, 2?, C, from the firft
to thelaft: wherein David ftirreth up himfelf to the work ef
Gods praife fomewhat more generally, from the beginning to
i, 8. and from the eighth verfe, he p raife:h God more particu-
larly, giving ten arguments ofpraite, unto the laft verfe, and
clofeth the Pfaime with the engaging of himfelf anew again^ani
exhortation of others to follow the fong for ever.
From the Infcription, which is A P [time of praife j Lcsme %
i.Tt is our duty, and a point of fpiritual wifdom, to fet afide
ail particulars of our own, and go about the *orfc of praifing
God only, as this Pfaime teacheth us. 2. The praifes of God arc
able to^ftrfl the volumes in the world, and what compofition of
lettcr^flp be made in any language: and this the going tho-
rowaUroe letters of the Hebrew J4,£,C, giveth usto under-
(land. 3. It is expedient to commie to memory fome felcft
Pialmes, efpecially about Gods praifes, for to help memory:
The wifdom of God hath ordered this., and fome other Primes,
fo as the order of the letters of the Hebrew Alphabet may help the
memory not a little.
Ver. I. T WiUextoll thee, my God, King:
Yandl mil bleffe thy Name for k ev*r
and ever.
2. Ever y day will J bleffe thee : and I will praife, th%
Name for ever and ever.
Heengageth himfelf unto the work of praifing of God twice:
in the former part of the Pfaime once, v. i , z, ani of this he gi-
veth a reafon, and prophefietb that the praife of the Lord fhall
be perpetuated throughout all ages, v. 3^4. then he engageth him-
34*
PSALME CXLV.
fclfe the fecond time, and Prophecies of the Churches holding
up this fong, v. f.6 7.
In Davids n\fl engaging of himfelfe to praife s Letrn, 1.
The man who heart ly can praife God, is he that is reconciled
to God; a man in Covenant of grace, reconcliation, and frien*
fliip with God as David was: I will extoll thee, my God. 2.
ThenisGodpraifed, when the man who giveth praife to God,
is humbled before God, and all things created are put down
under Gods feet, and God lifted up in eftimation above all : I
will extoll thee. $* Every King mould do homage unto God,
as King over him, as David doth : I will extoll tbee> my J$ing.
4. Praife (hould fo be given unto God, as the man who praifeth
inay approve himfelfe to God, for fincerity ofpurpofe, as un-
to a prefent hearer of thofe praifes: 1 will extoll tbee, I mil
blejfetby Name. 5. He who will praife God, muft; know him
as he hath revealed himfelf, and praife him according to that
rule: I will blejfetby '}{ame. 6 Seeing God is eflentully blef-
fednefle in it felfe, and the fountaine of bleffing to his worfhip-
pers, it is a point of our thankfulnefie, 'and praife of him, to ac-
knowledge fo rrfuch ; I will biffe thy l^ame. 7. As an up-
right worfhipper of God, hath no time fet to his'.'purp^tof fer-
vfce,fo no time mall end his task.- I will blejfe thy ^ftl> f or
ever mi ever. 8. P.aifing of God is not a work fo^pemne
dayes only, but aifo muft be ordinarily difcharged ; for every
day giveth new reafons for it : Every day will I blcjfc tbec.
Ver. 5. great is the LOR Z>, and greatly to be
prof fed : and his greatneffe is unfearchable.
4, One generation {ball praife thy workj to another ',
and /hall declare thy mighty alls.
from the reafons of this engagement taken from Gods great-
nelTe^and from the Prophecie ofthe continuall proclamation of
it to be in the Church; ' eanu 1. The greatnefle of God ma-
nifefted in his work, partly in the manner of manifeftation of
hisprefencenowand then, by apparitions; partly in the am-
plitude of his dominion, of his power* of his wifdome 5 and of his
providence, Sec. is worthy of our meditation, and to be acknow-
ledge.! by us > and the Lord himfelfe worthy to be praifej for this
his
PSALME CXLV. 349
his greatnefle : Great U the Lord, and greatly to be praifed. i.
When we have fearched what we can, and have medicated till we
beraint, there is no finding out of the Lords greatnefle 5 Hk
greatnejfeu unfearchabie. $ As it is the duty of the Church
in eve y age topraiie God, and totranfmit rhe praifes of God
to the pofterity : io it is the Lords purpole to have a care, that
this duty be done in all ages : for it is piophtficd, One generation
fiall praifc thy works to another. 4. Every age fhall have their
ownadditionof Gods mighty ac~ts> in their time unto what he
hath done formerly: Thy fall declare thy mighty aft J.
Ver, $. IVtiU ffeakjf the glorious honour of thy
Afajefij, and of thy wondrous worsts.
6. And m^n fhall ffeak of the might of thy terrible
nUei : and 1 will declare tfy greatneffe.
y. They fhall abundantly utter the memory
of thy great goodneffe : and (ball fing of thy righ-
teoufnefje.
.nhisprr
In DMptfer gaging of himfelfthe fecond time to praife God,
and inhisprcphcfyingof the Churches holding up the fong j
Lewi, I. T n God, and in his works and waves, there is a
wonderlull beauty and comelinefle, afplcndor orgloty, and a
fhining Majefty to be feen ; and that fhould be obferved and talk-
ed ofby the obferve.Sjunro the edification of others : I will jpcaf^
of the glorious honour of thy Majefty. 2. There is no looking
in up n God immediately, but men muft beheld him as he let—
tcth forth him ^he in his Word and works to be feen : for, J will
facade of thy wondrous ww^f,isfubjoynedtothe talking of Gods
glorious honour and M: jelly* 3 . When men do not mark his
works of mercy and bounty, the Lord will (hew unto them
worksof juftiee, that is .terrible works, and give them matter of
talking upon this account: tAnd men lb all fpe il^ of the might^f
thy terrible afts. 4 He who knewcthmoft of God or hath feen
and obferved be ft his operations, fliould labour moil to fet forth
his praifcj who ever come fhort in the duty, fuch a man fliould
not f aile, as David doth teach us ; faying, I will declarcthy great-
neffc. ?. Albeit every work of God be matter of his praiie, yet
the works of mercy and troth to, and for his Church, is the (pe-
dal
350 PSALMh CXLV.
C13I theme, which the Lord giveth his people to ftudy and de-
clare: they Jball abundantly utter the memory of tb) great good*
iicjj'e. 6. The righteoufnefle of God, whereby he juftifieth
linnets, and fan&ifieth the juftified, and executcth judgement
for his reconciled people, is the fweeteft objector the Churches
joy :for the) Jball fing of thy r.igbteoufncjfe+
Verf. ■ Xi The I^ORBihgr actons afidfull of com*
In the fecond pl;ic*eV~to rpfaifeth God more particularly, and
giveth fome ten reafons or arguments of his praife: thefirft is
from his grace toward finners. Whence learn, i. Unworthi-
neffe and ill deferving fliould not hinder finners to come to re-
ceive mercy and reconciliation : The Lord. is gracious, z. Albeit
the (inner hath drawn on much mifery upon himfelfe, and
juftice hath feized upon him for his finncs, yet may he be re-
lieved and brought out of his mifery, if he feek the Lord t For the
Lordisfullofcompajfion. 3, Albeit the Lord be fun^v wayes
provoked to vifit with the red, yet he gives time to ? «Bnt, be-
fore he ded are his wrath: He is flow to anger. 4. mk Lords
anger doth not endure longer then his people be humbled in the
fenfe of their provocation . and when they feek pardon he is
ready to grant it 5 He is of great mercy.
Verf. <).Tht LORfD is good to all, and hU tender
mercies ixklwr aUhis workes.
\hn sou v
Thefecond realon of 'Gods praife, is his bounty generally
unto all his creatures, and that for mans fake. Whence learn, 1 .
The Lord is good and kinde to all men, even the wicked not
excepted: The Lord is good watt. .2. Gods mercy may be feen
toward man, in the continuation of the whole courfe of the
creatures, which being denied by mans finne, he might in juftice
have abolished, or made them either ufeleifc to man, or elfe in-
struments of his grief.' His tender mercies are over all bk
worses.
Vcrfc
PSALME CXLV. 351
Vcr. 10. Ml thy Works Jball praife thee, LORD :
and thy Saints Jbsll tleffe thee.
The third reafon of Gods praife, is the glory of his works*
which do furnifh matter unto the Saints to blefle God. Wlotnet
learn, i. Albeit all men wer^Glent, the Lords works one and
all, fhall fpeak each of them in their own kinde, to the praife of
God i tAU thy mrfajhall put fe thee, O God. 2« Albeit crcry
man doth not make ufe of Gcds goodncfle and works, but moft
men do (mother the glory of God in their athcifme, yet the Lord
hatha number who have found grace in his eyes, who ftiall ob-
ferve Gods goodndfe> both to the creatures and to themfelves,
and fhall blefle him upon that account; And thy Saints fall
bleffe thee.
Verf, ii. They Jball/peakoftht glory of thy King*
iieme : and talk of thy power.
12. 7jfim*ke known to the fonnes of men his
night j ml: and the glorious Majefty of bis King*
dome.
The fourth reafon of Gcds praife, is from the Lords domi-
nion and power, whereof the Saints are both obfervers and
Hcraulds. whence learn, i. There is noleffc matter of prai-
fingGod,for the upholding, and governing of the creatures,
then for making of them : They fiall /peak of the glory of tbf
t{ingdcmc,ardtilli of thy power. 2. The Lord will have his
Saints to inftruft fuch as are not converted, to know his glory,
power, and Majefty, that they may be brought in, and made
fubjc&s of his (pecial Kin^dome of grace ; Thy Saints fhall {peak
cf the glory of thy Kjvgdomc* and talk of thy power, to make
l^uoven to the fonnes of men his mighty aUs^and the glorious M,1-
jefiy of his *{ingdome.
Verf. 13. Thy Kingdome is aneverlafiing King~
dome: and thy dominion endurcth throughout all ge-
nerations.
The,
352 PSALM E CXIV.
The fifth reafon of Gods praife, is from the perpetual endu*
ranee of Gods Kingdome. Whence learn, i. Earthly Kin^s
as they have bat tew fubje&s, Co they Hve but a fliort while m
their Kingdome: bur the Kingdome of God, both that general
Kingdome which he hash over all the creatures, and that ipecial
Kingdome over the Saints in his Church, is from age to a^e
perpetual; Thy Kjngdome inn everlapng J^ingdomc y and tby
dominions endurctb throughout all generations.
Verf. l';. The LORD upholdetb all that faff: and
raifeth up allthoje that be bowed down.
The fixth reafon of GoJs praife, is from his care and fuflain-
ingofthe weakeft of the fubje&s of the Kingdome of grace*
Whence learn, i. Albeit none of the fubjeds of the Kingdome
of grace, are freed from the danger of falling into fin, and into
trouble ; yet they are preferved that they fall not fo deep as the
bottome of finning unto death, or periihing in their troubles:
for God interpofeth himfelre to prevent their perdition: The
Lord upboldeth all that fall. 2. So many of the fubie&s of the
Kingdome of grace, as feel their own weaknefle sflfcinability
to {land under the burdei? cither offinne or trouble^ both, do
finde God a fupporterof them, a comforter of thenljfcd a deli-
verer of them : He raifetb up all tbcm that be bowed down.
- - Ver, 15. The eyes of All wane upon thee y and thou
givefi them their meat in dnefeafon.
1 6. Thou epeneft thine hand, and fatijfiefi the de-
fire of every living thing.
Thefevcnthreafonof Gods praife, is his particular care to
maintaine the life of every living creature, fo long as he pleafeth
to lend it , Wlicnce learn, 1. The Lord dorh not caft oft' the
care of any living creature which he hath made, but ketpeth fo
conftant an eye ot providence upon it, as doth make every li-
ving creature, in its own kinde, turne the eye of it toward him :
Tbc eyes of a 7 wane upon thee* 2. There is a fecret inftind of
nature in a,l living creatures; which leadech them toward their
mete
PSALME CXLV. 3^
maker, m their danger to cry, and in their hunger to beftirre
themfclves 5 and the bufincile which they make, going to and
fro to feck their meat , is 3 kinJe of hoprng and waiting to finds
fome fuflenance of their life,laid unto them by their maker, iri
one place o- another : They write upon thee* $-. God doth not.
frultra e the natural expectation of hungry creatures, but' givetfl
to every one of them that fort of food which is fit for them : Thou
giveji them their meat. 4. As in the variety of meat, fuitable to
the variety of living creatures; fo alfo in the time anJ eafon of
giving of it the wifdomr, riches #d goo^nefle of God doth ap-
pear f Tboug veft them their meat it due fcafon. 5 . As in the
meate,andin the time oi b< flowing ot it, fo alfo in the mea lure
beftovved, the Lords goodnefle and rich bounty is to bj feen to-
ward the bafeft of living crearuies : Thou openeft thy kind, and.
fatisfefi the defirc of eve* j living creature.
Verf, 17. The LORD is righteous in all his wajtst
and holj in all his w crks.
TheeighdireafonofGodspraifejistrom his rightcoufneflei
and holinefltj nail his proceedings and works, Wienie ledfil%
\% As the Evidence of God about the creatures i \ common 3 is
tobemarked,foalfoand efpecially his dealing with man, ac-
cording to the rule of equity and juftice: The Lord is righteous
( faith he ) and holy. 2. Albeit the Lord deal otherwife in
many things, then we could have expe&ed, and otherwife lome-
timethen we can fee the rca (oft of his doing, yet is he alwayes
Jutland holy in his proceeding: The Lord U righteous in hit
wyes, and holy in his worlds. ?> It is not fufficicn: for us to give
the glory of rightcoufnefle and holinefle unto God, only in fome
of his waves, and works : or in his vvayes toward others, and noc
toward our felvcs ; or in his dealing with fome pcrfons, and not
with all pcrfons, but we muft juftiGe the Lord in our hearts and
words alwayes, and in all things, toward all men for ever; The
Lord is righteous in all bis waycs> and holy in ail his worjjj.
Verf. 1 ?. The LORD \9 nigh unto all tlem that
call upon bim ; to all that ca/lvpjn him t» truth.
354 PSALME CXLV.
ip. He will fulfill the de fire of them th At fear him:
he alfo vpi II bear their cr 7, and mil fave them.
The ninth reafon of Gods praife * is for his hearing the prayer
of needy fupplicants. Whence learn, 1. The Lord loveth the
praife^which arifeth untohim,from his goodnefstohispeoplc,and
citizens of his Church, more then any other poiqts of his praise :
as the often falling upon the praifing of God from this ground
doth fliew. 2. Albeit God bV every where prefent, yet there is
a fort of more, friendly presence, which Godgivethto chem that
worfhip him, rhen that which is his common prefence every
where; and this is the neameffe of grace and friendfhip : the L01&
h nigh to them that call on him, 3. As God will have his gra-
cious prefence opened up, and manifefted to his WQrfhippers,
by prayer 3 fo will he have this favour alike patent to all that
pray unto him, and feek him without exception of perfons:
The Lord is nigh to all them that call upon him. 4. Becaufe there
is a counterfeit and falfe fort of worshipping, and calling upon
God, which is debarred from the benefit of this promife,to wit,
when the party fupplicant is not reconciled, nor feeking recon-
ciliation through Chi ift the Medi it or, or is feeking&fome thing
notpromifed,or fomething for acarnall end, that^fcf ma y ^ c "
ftow it on his lulls : therefore he who hath right unto th's pro-
mifc, muftbea worfhipperof God in faith, and (incere inten-
tion: and to fuch the Lord will mew himfelte nigh; He U nigh
to all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
f Thofe Are wormippersof God in truth, who fear him, and
fuch mens holy defires , are prayers which the L"rd will not re-
fufe, but will fatisfie them : He will fulfill the defire of them that
fear him. 6, If the Lord anfwer not the prayer of the man that
fearerh him, at fir ft, yet when hecalleth in earneft, when he is
in trouble, in ftraits and hazard, he will anfwer him, and clofe
his exercife with falvati&n : He alfo will hear their eric, and will
fave them.
Vcrf. 20* The LORD pre ferveth all them that love
him : but all the kicked will he deftroj.
The tenth reafon of Godspraife, is from his different deal-
ing with hi* friends, and with his foes< Whence Icaru, «. True
WQffhip-
PSALME CXLV. 3*5
wotfhippcrs, and true fearers of God, are perfons who love God,
and fuch perfons fliall be fare, that all things fliall work to their
welfare, nothing (hall hurt them; The Lord pre fervetb alt them
thai love him, i. All fuch as do not love God, but love to lie
Hill in linne, and to follow their own lulls, fliall be as certainly
wiihout exception destroyed, as the lovers of CJod (hall be pre-
fer ved : The Lord pre fervctb all them that feur hint, but nil the
routed mil hi deftroy.
Verf. 21. M f f month (hall fpeat^ the praife of the
LO K C D : and let all flffi bleffe hi* holj Name, for
ever and ever*
He clofeth the Pfalme withapromife to praife the Lord yec
more, and exhorteth all men to blcflc him for ever. Whence,
learn, i. When a man hath faid all he can in Gods praife, he
fliall flnde himfelfe come iliort of his duty and his- obligation,
to praiL God to be flill lying on hi n, as this example of t>avii
in me clofe of the Pfalme doth flicw us\ 2. The Lord will be
praifedinourfpirits, and outwardly in our words and externall
exprefTionsalib j ZMy mouth Jhall fpeufi the praifes of the Lord.
3. Some duties belong to fome pci ions, and other duties belong
to other pcrfons> but the duty of prailing the L >rd, is the duty
of every man, albeit only the believer giveth obedience to this;
I Let all fief}) blcffe him. 4. It is nccdfull that every worfhipper
j ot God, in the difcharge of praife, remember their own frailty,
I and be humbled; Let all fie ft) blejfe him. f. The duty of praifirtg
I andbleflingOodmuftbefoholilydifcharged,as the Lord may
1 be honoured in etfed : Let all flejh blejfe his holy Name. 6.
! Suchasprai[eGodaadb»ei]ehimheartiiy, mall follow this ex-,
ercile tor ever: Let &X fiefb blejfe his holy Home, for ever
and ever.
A a * PSALME
356 PSALME CXLVI.
PSALME CXLVI.
THis Pfalme is a Pialme of praife wholly, wherein, when the
Pfdmift hath exhorted ail men to praife the Lord, he en-
gageth himfelfe t® the wok, v. i, 2, Then he ceacheth the way
how to praife God in eft' ft, to wir, by renouncing all carnall
<:onfidence,and trufting only in the Lord, v. }>4, 5. Thirdly,
hegiveth reafons, both of trufting in God,andpraifing of C/od :
and cloieth as he begun, with the fame exhortation to praife
God.
Verf. 1. T^Raife ye the LORD: Praife the
1 LoR'D.OmjfoHl
2. While 1 live will I praife the LO R D, I will fing
praifesHKto mj Cjod^ktle 1 have any .being.
From the ftirring tip of others and himfelfe to praife God;
Learn, 1. The dutyofpraihng Gcdisio neceflary, fo deferved
by God, fo profitable to us , and fo fpiritual,that we had need fre-
quently to ftiire up our felvesand others unto it ; Praife )e the
Lord. 1. For difcharging the duty of praife, all the powers
of ;he foul mud be itirred up : the minde, to meditate 5 the me-
mory ,to bring forth former obfervations 5 the heart and affecti-
ons, for difcharging of the duty in the beft manner: Praife tke
Lord, my foul. $. Whatsoever concurrence we flndc ofo-
thers in the work of praife, lefle or more, let us fet our felves fe-
rioufly and heartily unto ir, and engage our own heart for it:
While I live, I will praife the lord. 4. There can be little
heartineflc in this work, till the foul lay held on God by faith,
and embrace the Covenant of grace, and fo finde its own inter-
eft in God, and then the foul will praife in earneft, as the Pfalm-
. ills example may fhew us ; I will fing praifes (q my God> wbiit
} have m kjv&.
Verf. 5.
PSALME CXLVI. 357
Verf. 3. Tut not jour truft inTrinceSi not in the
fan of man, in whom there is no help.
4. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth:
in that very day hu thoughts perifh.
Heftieweththeway how topraife God really; to wit, by re-
nunciation of all earthly conhdencc, and fixing faith and truft
on Gcd alone * for renouncing of all confidence in creatures, he
giveth reafons, v. 3,4. and tor trufting in God, he giveth rea-
fons, by praifing of God, unto the end ot the Pialme.
In the forbidding ; cf carnal!- confidence; Learn, 1. What a
man doth mod truft in, that he efteemeth moil of, and praifeth
it in his heart moil; therefore doth the Fialmifl fet us upon
God, as on the right object of truft, and divertcth us from, the
wrong, that he may teach us to mike God the orfly object of t
praife. 2. Becaufe the maine object of our carnal] confidence
naturally, is man in power, who feemeth able to do for us, able
to promote us to dignity and riches, and to keep us up in fome
ftate in the world, therefore muft we throw down this idoll in
particular, that we may place our confidence in God the better :
Put not your trufi in Princes. 3. To cut oft cirnai confidence
in man, that neither mean men may trull in great men, nor
great men miy truft in the multitude of mean men, we muft re-
member, that no man is naturally better then Iris progenitors,
but fuchas his fathers were, fu:h is lie, thu is, a flnfufl, weifc,
and unconftant creature , Tut not y cur truft in Princes, nor in
1 the [oh of mm. 4. The reafon why we mould not, put truft in
[ minis, becaufe he can neither help- himfelfc, nor the man thac
I truftcrh in him. when there is molt need : In whom there is no
\hclp. $. He thit cannot deliver himfelfc from death, is not to
1 be trufted in, becaufe it is uncertain* how loon death mall feize
S 1 upon him .• Hit brcitb goctb forth J?c rcturnctb to bis CSrtb. 6.
Whatfoever the good will, or puipofe, or promife of 3117 man can
give afluranceof, all doth vanish when the man diech ; In that
every day bis thoughts fcrijlu
Verf. 5. Hafpj is he that hath the God of Jacob
*or hid help : whofe hope is i* the LORD hit God*
A a i In
r,
353
PSALME CXLVI.
In the exhorting of us to truftin God, he giveth this encou-
ragement onto ir, that he who trufteth in God, may look for
heipandhappineffeinhim. Whence larn> /. The only true
object of our 'faith, and confidence, is God; as he is revealed by
his Word to his Church, to wit, The Cjod of Jacob •, the Cjod of
Jfract. 2. Faith in God bringcth true reli-iry with it, and help
in time of need : Happy is be that barb the God of Jacob for hk
help.. 3. Hope of help and happineiTe, from trull and confi-'
dencein God, mud be grounded upon the Lords entering in
Covenant 'with us> end becoming ours through the Mediator:
tcbofe hope is in the JbordbU God.
1
VcrC 6. Which made heaven and earth, the
fea, and M thai therein is; which, k^epeth truth for
ever .
7. Which execureth judgement for the npprejfed,
which givetb food to the hungry! the LORD too feth
the prifoners*
8. The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind* > the
LORD raifeth them that are bo^eddown : the LORD
loveth the righteous.
(p. The LOHT> preferveth the fir angers, he rclie-
veth thefttthrlefs and Widow, but the way of.theWriclg
ed he tmneth up fide down,
' * 10. The I; O R D fiall reigne for ev*r, even
thy God, Sion , unto all generation* 1 Praife ye
the LORD.
"Por encouraging of us yet more to believe in God, who offer -
eth'hirnfclfetd be reconciled with us, and to be our God in
Chrift, he giveth other ten motives; and as every one of
them is a point of Gods praife, fo >s it a prop and pillar to fup-
port the believers fai;h. . The fivft motive to believe in God,
and firftreafon of Gods praife, is, his omrvipotency and alfuffi-
ciency, made mani fed by the work of creation, and prefervation
of all creatures : Which made the heaven and the earth, the fca y and
Ulltbit therein U. i» The fecond motive to believe in God, is <
- another
PSALME CXLVI. 3$*
another point of Gods praife, to wit, his faithfulncfie in making
and keeping; Covenant, and performing hispromifes unto ever-
lafting: IVbich l\eepetb truth for ever. J. The third point of
Gods praife, and prop of faith, is this, albeit the Lord, for the
glory of his Name, and good of his own people, do fufter the
godly to be perfecuted and opprefled alio , yet he will
plead the caufe and controverfie of the believer ,
3nd will deliver the opprefled , and punifh the opp'ciTor :
IVbich cxecutcth judgement for the opprefled. 4. Tic fourth
point ofGodspraife, and pillar of faith, is this,albeit the Lord
lu'ffer the believer to feel the need of what is need full for foul
or body, yet he doth not fuffer him to ftarve for want of what
isneceflary : Hegivethfoodtothe butipy. ?. The fifth point
of Godspraife, is, albeit the belkver may, for his finnes or for
trial cf his faith, becaft in prifon, and brought in bondage, yet
the Lord will loofe his bonds ;TbeLord ioojctb the prisoners. 6,
The fixth point of Gods praife is, albeit the believer may be in
darknefle of trouble, and anxiety of minde for a time, and
knoweth not what to do, yet the Lord will fhew him deliverance,
and give him direction and comfort : The Lord epeveth the eyes
of the blind. 7. The feventh reafon of Gods praife, and en-
couragement to truft in him is, that howfoever the burden of
trouble may over-power the believer, and make him walk hea-
vily under discouragement, yet the Lord will renew ftrength
and comfort, and delicvery unto him : The Lord raifeth them
thtr are bowed down. 8. The cighthreafon to praife Gcd, and
eighth encouragement totruftin God, is the believer* who is
fled totherightcoufnefieof the Mediator for his j unification,
and ftudieth to a holy and righteous convention, may be fare
he is free from the curfe, approved of God, and (hall finde the
fruits of Gods good will to htm : The Lord loveth the righteous.
9. The ninth reafon of Gods paife, and encouaeemmt to
truft in him is, from the Lords different manner of dealing, on
the one hand with the poor and needy believe/,, who hath none
to do for him: and on the other hand, with the proud, and po-
Werfull man of this world, who truftetn to cany his b-afineflc by
meancsofthe creature, and mifregavdeth the Lord; he preser-
ve: h the one, and deftroycth theo^hci : The Lord prefcrvcth the
finngcr, andr licveth the ffbcrlcffc, and the vcidm .• but the
rex) of the wicked he tit ncth uffiic dorvi . 1 o. The e< n* h rea -
fon of Gods praife, and the laft encouragement of the believer
to truft in him, and not to put confidence in P.inces, is this, the
A a 4 Lord
300 ¥Sn^M& ^AJ^Vll.
Lord is the only S^ve cign King, who liveth for ever, and hath
engaged himfelt to h t C m ch, gfnd every bel'ever in every age,
thereioreheonlvis w> tytpbe crafted in and wo thy to be
prai'.ed ; The Lord flu'! reignv for ever, even thy God, Zion,
pnto aUgeneraswiu Praifeye the Lord.
PS A L ME CXLVII.
rpHisI^meis for ftirria* up of the Church to praife and
.uankfgi Trig* The exhortacion is threefold. Thefts ft is,
«J. *• and fix reafons for it., or motives unto it, are fet down,- ?
V*:** in4#si*6* The fecond exhortation i$,u 7. and three
reafons for it, v. $,9. ia, n, The third is, v. lit and fix
JSafons for it, unto the end,
Ver. I. TJ} Raife je the LORD: for it is good to
I fing praifes to our God : for it is plea-
fant^ and praife is comely.
In the firft exhortation 5 Learn, 1. There is no part oftGods
svorlhip w hereunto we are more indifpoied, or need more ftii-
rirgup, then to praife God, as the frequent repeated exhortati-
ons do import, 2. The fiift motive is this, all the encourage-
ments which can be imagined unto any work, do all concurre
here: Xr is profitable to praife God : for it is good to ftng praifes
tooiif God. All Gods praifes ave the believers advantage and .
ftoie houfes : zn&Jtufleafanti full of fweet rtfrcihment, as
when a man doth view his own rich and well fituated inherit-
ance : and it is honourable to be about the employment of
Angels 3 to be Herauld* of the Lords glory :' Praife if '.
comely
Z.The LORD doth build up ftrufalem : he gather-
eth together the out- cats of JJrael.
The fecond reafoncf G'ds p aife, is for his care over his
Chu ch. Whence •learn, 1 The Church is the Lords fpecial
handle wbik, he is the builder, upholder and reftorer of any
"breach in it : 1 he Lord doth build uf J erujakm. 2. The mem-
ber* '
PSALME CXLVII. $6i
bcrs of the true Church arc oft-times fifattcrcd one from ano-
ther, not only by common judgements bur alfo by perfecut ion
and febiimes, that they cannot keep that Tweet communion one
with another which is to be wifhed, but God is the only gather-
er and unker of them, afte whir oevcr (ore of feathering : He
gatberetb together tbeout-cafts ofjfrad.
" Verf. 3. He healeth the broken in heart: and
btndeth up their wounds*
The third reafonof Gods praifc is, for his care of theafflicV
ed believer* when by trouble outward, or inward, or both , he is
wounded in fptrit, broken and brought down, made fie kry and
weakened ; He healeth the broken in heart, and. bindctb up
their wounds, as a tender Chirurgibn, or Phyficiau doih the
wound of his Patient.
Verf. 4. He telleth the number of thejtars,: cd-
Ieth them all by their names.
The fourth reafon of the exhortation to praife Go J is, his
particular knowledge or every thing, which doth tranfeend the
capacity of men, and to them is impoflible : He tclletb tbtmim-
her of the ftars, and callctb them all by their names. In which li-
ra ilitude he fhewcth alio, that albeit brabam could not com-
prehend the multitude of the children, either of his faith,, or of
his fleuYmore then he could count the number of the liars, yet
the Lord knoweth every beleever by name, as he knoweth every
ihr^and can call every one by their name.
Verf, 5. Great is our Lord % and of grevt power :
his under (landing is infinite.
The fifth reafon of Gods praife is. becnufe in his :ttvfbutes he
is incomprehenfiblc, namely in his dominion over all, in power,
to do all > andin his wiidom to contrive whatsoever we ftand in
need
3$i PSALME CXLVII.
need of, fathat nothing can be againft us, bucheisabove it 5
nothing can be needful for us, but his wifdom can devife the
meanest© bring it to us, and his power doth put his will in exe-
cution for our good 5 Great is the Lord, bis power it great , bU
under/landing is infinite.
Vcrf. 6. The LORDHftethuptheweek^i he c aft-
tth the wicked down to the ground.
The fixth reafon is, from his different dealing with the godly
and the wicked : asfor the godly, who in the meeknefie of a
fubdued fpirit, do fubmit themfelves under the mighty hand of
Godahecomforteththem and relieve th them: but he abafeth
the proud who do not ftand in awe of his Majefty : The Lord
liftetb up the mee\> lut be eaftetb the wicked down to the
ground.
Verf. 7. Singunto the LORD With thank/giving :
pngpraife upon the Harp unto our God.
The fecond exhortation unto praife and thankfgiving, in
cheerfulnefleandjoy, is exprefled with three realbns. In the ex-
hortation; Learn, The whole works of God, each of them in
their own way, call fas it were) for our eftimationand praifing
of the workmanfhip which we fee, they call for our anfwer, as ic
were, andourdutyrequirethof us, joyfully to make anfwer un-
to the call, (as the Word importeth ) inpraifmg the Maker, and
thanking him for the ufe and benefit which wc have of his
works: Sing unto the Lord with tbxn\fgiving } fing praife upon
the harp unto our God.
Vcrf. 8. Who covereth the heaven "toith clouds, Voho
prepareth raine for the earth : who maketh grajfe to
groVtupon the mountaines.
The firft reafon of the fecond exhortation is, from his wife
difpofing of theclpuds. Whence learn, I, Sometime the Lord
PSALME CXLVII. 363
hidcth the°loryof the open bca /en wich clouds, that it may
appear azain, with to much more new, frcmandpleafant luftrc:
HecQverctb the Haven voitb clouds t. The change which God
maketh upon the face of the Heaven by dark clouds is for 3d-,
vantage to tht inhabitants ot cbecarth^ He prep xrctb nine for
tbeexrtb. 5. The Lord taketh care of the moil barren parts
of the earth, to make rhem, by raining on them, more pleafant
?nd profitable, then ot^erwayes they could be-; Hcnulieibgrifc
to grow upon the m.untMves.
Vetf. 9. Beglvethto the foafi bufrod: and to
th young ravens which cry.
The fecond reafonof the fecond exhortation to- praife God is t
from the Lo;ds care of beafts and fovvles, whereby he giv^ih
men to under ft and, that he hath a far greater care of thern ;
He givetbtotbe beajl bis food, and toxbc young ravens which
cry.
Verf. 10. He falighteth not intfie ftrength of th*
horfe : he taketh not pie a fur e in the hgges of a
man.
1 1. The LORD taketh p/eafure in them that f<e*re
him : in tho/e that hope in hU msrcj*
The third rcafon of the fecond exhortation is, becaufe God
efteemeth very little of thofe things wherein men naturally do
put confidence, whither their own ftrefcgw or the ftrengyh of any
creature, fuch ashorfesae, whereof men do make nod ui'e:
but he t-ik th picifu-c in th : gpjdiy* w':j cio fear him, and do
hope in him. iVbencc'cirn^ 1 Men have, more cbjecls of car-
nal confidence, then the idol of ihc power of Princes, orot the
multitude of followers: for before man want an idol, he will
idolize hisown.ftrcn^th, or the ftiength uf an horfe, and put
confidence therein, asrhe flight eftimstion wbjed God hath of
thefe confidences and 'he di.chi1.2eof purring confidence in
them doinfinuate. 2, Wherein foewer Mnan delighrcth moft,
ana 1 puts moft confidence, that -sthe mans idol, and that which
the man doth bring in competition wich God, as the. Lords dif-
7 char-
3*4 PSALME CXLVII.
charging of taking delegation or pleafure in the creature, in-
ftead of difcharging toefteemof it, or put truft in it 3 doth im-
port. $. Gadeiteemcth of no man for his riches, honour,com-
mand of horfe and foot, nor for his bodily ftrength : He delight-
etb not in the jlrengtb of the horje : Ik tx^etb not pleafure in the
legs of a man. 4. The only right object of our joy, pleafure and
confidence, is Gid himfelf^ as the opposition doth teach us : fuch
as both bcleeve inGod 5 and fear to offend him, are the only
men acceptable to God, in whom God delighte:h, and taketh
pleafure to keep communion with then* ; The Lord tx\etb plea-
fure in them that fear him, in tbofe that hope in bis mercy 5 and
byconfequence fuch as do not f:ar him, and who, when they
are overtaken in a tranfgreffion, do not run to him for par-
don in the hope of mercy 5 He taketh no pleafure in tbem.
Vcrf. 12. PraifetheL0RT*,O?er»fa/em:praife
thy God, Zion.
In the third exhortation to praife God 3 expreflfcly dirc&ed to
zferufriem and Sio?t y reprefenting the Church in all ages ; Learn,
1. Albeit all the earth be obliged to praife God, yet only the
Lords people are the right eftimators of his glory, and the fie
proclaimers of his praife : Praife the Lord, O tferufalem. 2. Al-
beit all the creatures are the Lords, yet the Church is the Lords
in a more nigh relation , for the Church may claim intcreftin
(Sod as her own by Covenant \ Praife thy God, Zion.
Verf. 13. For he hath firengthened the barres
of thy gates , he hath bleffeA thy children within
thee.
14. He ma\eth peace in thy border: &nd fi/leth thee
with the fine ft of the wheat*
The realonsfor the third exhortation are fix, whereof foure
are in thefe veties. The firfiis, the Loid hath fenced his
Church with walls, gates and barres, that the gates of hell
cannot prevail againft it : He bath firengthened the barres of
thy gates, to wit, by interpofing of his Omnipotent power for
fier prefemtion, 2. The fecond reafon of praise is, that he ma-
keth
PSALME CXLVI1. 3*5
keth one generation to follow another in his Church, and the
children to be in greater number then their forefathets, by ad-
ding daily unto the Church fuchasare to be favedj He bat*
blcflcd thy children within thee : not only in regard of muL*
tiplication of them, but alio by rrwking them to abound in
all knowledge and grace. $ . The third reafon of praifc is, that
the true members of the Church have peace with God, and a-
mong themfelves, in that meafure which is expedient for her
good : HcmaketbpcMC in thy borders. 4- The fourth reafon
is, becaufe he feedeth his people with food convenient , but eipe-
cially in regard of their fpiritual nouriftiment, in giving them
the bread of life, whereof thefineftflourc is but a fimilitude 5
He flletb thee with tiefneft of the wheat. (
Verf i> He fendeth forth hid commandment up-
on earth : his IVordrurmeth very ftyiftlj.
\6. Hegivetbfnow like wool : he fcatteretb the
hoare froft like afhts.
37. He cafleth forth his ice Ukt morfels : rvho can
fland before his cold?
18. He fendtth out his Word and melteth them l
he caufetb his veinde to blow^ and the waters floW,
The fifth reafon of the third exhortation unto Gods praife, it
taken from Gods powerful ruling of the leaft changes in the
clouds, and in the aire, in making foule wearher and fairc,
froft and frelh weather, as he pleafeth, by which fimilicude he
will have his people to underihnd, that the Lord ruleth with a
more fpecial eye all the changes which fall out in the external
condition of the Church. Whence learn, 1 . The courfe of the
creatures, and the changes in them, even unto the leaft meteor
or change , which is to be leen in the clouds or in the aire, is par-
ticularly dhecled and governed of God, whofc will is a lawto
the creature, and whole command hath ready execution : He
(endctb forth bi> C mmxndment upon earth, his Word runneth
very jwifi\y. 2. The leaft change of weather, by fnow or froft,
or ice, is by Gods difpenfation and appointment, much more
any change of affaires in his Charch; He ghetb fnow life
wool, he futtcretbtbc heire froftlifp afyes, he cajletb forth
his
366 PSALME CXLVII.
tisicc likftoorfcls. 5. The confequenrs and effects of the
changes which God doth make., as well in one cafe as in ano-
ther, could not be endured if God fnould not temper them, and
J>rovide feme remedy againft them, as appcarcth in the making
of froft : Who can J fond before his cold 1 4. Before any change
from froft to faire weather can be made, a new order muft come
forth from the Lord, and when thit comcth, aire and water do
return to their former courfe, and fo it is in any orher change
in the world, efpecially in the affaires oi the Church $ He fend-
ttb cut bis IVords and mcltab them : he caufetb the winde to blow>
aitdtbe waters flaw.
Verf# 1 p. He fhe wet h his Word unto Jacob : hk
ftatutes and his judgements unto Ifrael.
20* He hxth not dealt fo -with any Nation^ and as
for his judgemen ts they have not known them. Praife
je the LOUD.
The fixth reafon o\ iht third exhortation to praife God is,
from the different dealing of God with his Church, and wirh
the reft of the people of the world. JVbence learn, 1. The bene -
fit of the Scriptures, 3nd the opening up and application of
them, unto the edification of the hearers, is a precious gift of
God : and this benefit the Lord hath beftowed on his Church,
called by the names oftfacob or Ifrael - y Hefbewetb bis Word un-
to Jacob, bis ftatutes and his judgements unto Ifrael. 1 * The
benefit of the Scriptures, and revealing the Word of life unto
the Church, maketh Gods people in a better condition, and
more excellent then any other incorporation can be in; He bath
not dealt fo with any Nation. g.YVhere the Word of God in
his Scripture is not opened up, there the Lords dealing with
men in juftice and mcrcic, and the way which the Lord keep-
eth in ruling of the World, is not undeiftood, but people there do
live in deadly darkneflij^/br bis judgments tbey have not \nown
them. 4. As the benefits beftowed upon the Church are moft
excellent, fo the Church is moft bound to praife God, both for
thole mercies, and for. all other his glorious works : Traifcye
tht Urd.
PSALM
PSALME CXLVtt. 3*7
PSALME CXLVIII.
IN this Pfalme, the Church is ftirred up to praife God, be-
cause of the incomparable excellency of his glory and majefty,
appearing firft in the heavens above, v. 1, 2, }, 4; ? 5 &- Se-
condly^ in the earth and fea beneath, and lower parts under the
Heaven, v. 7, 8, 9, io. Thirdly, in the governing of men, and
of alliorts and ranks of men, but especially in doing for his
Church, v. 11, 12,15,14. In all which, as hefheweth,bow
the world is full of Gods glory, fo he pointeth ac matwr of
. his praife, whkherfoever we turne our eyes.
Vex l.V}Raifeje the LORD, praife ye the LORD
1 from the Heavens : praife him in the
heights.
2 % Praife ye him all his Angels: praife ye him all hie
hofies.
3; Praife je him Sun and CMoon : praife him alt ye
(tars of light.
£ 4. Praife him ye Heaven of heavens : and ye waters
that be above the Heavens.
5. Let them praife the Name of the LORT)? for he
commanded \ and they Were created.
6. He hath alfo eftablifhed them for ever and eve* •■
he hath made a decree which (hall notpaffe.
In the exhortation to praife God becaufe of his glory fhining
in the Heavens 5 Learn, 1. Howfoever the glory of the Lord
doth fhine in all his works, ye: there are degrees of the fhining
of it j and the chiefeft glory is from celeftial creatures, and from
the confederation of what is in heaven : Praife ye the Lord,
praife ye the Lord from the Heavens, 2# As God is praifed in
heaven, by the blefled fpirhs that are there: fo the true worfhip-
per
368 PSALM E CXLVIII.
' pec (hould joyne with thofe that praife him there; Praife bim
in tbehctgbts, or high places. $. Albeit the Angels rave the
firft place in the fong of Gods praife, and need not to be ftirred
to the work of praife by us, yet it is. a part of our praifing of
</od, toconfent unto their fong, and account theiwoik well
befto#ed on the Lord their Miker, and to hold the example of
them before our eyes, aiming todoC/odswill on earth, as it
is done in Heaven: Vrnfe him all ye Angels. 4. The Lord
hath at his h ind fwift fervants not. a tew, to go in what mefla°e
he pleafeth to direct them , and they are miniftring fpirits for
the good of his Chu ch ; Praife ye bim, all ye bis Angels, or
his meflengers. 5. The Lord is alio well furnirtied with foul-
diers, for all his creatures are ready at his command, to
fight in Gods quarrel , in defence of his friends, andpurfuk
of his iocs : Praife ye bim all bis hoftes. 6. The Lords
armies are not idle* but are ftill on their work of praifing,
doing the works of peace even in the midft of wane:
Traifehim all bis hofies. 7. Befide the common fong of praife,
which ail things have as they are creatures,every one of the crea-
tures have their own proper parts in the Song : The Sun in his
particular vetue and motion, the Moon in hers, and theftars
in theirs, every one by thcmfclves,- and thefealfo joyntlymake
up 1 fwcet and harmonious melody, to the praife of God ; Praife
ye him Sun and Moon, praife bim all ye ftar: of light. 8.T he
variety and difference of place and diftance from the earth, of
Sun, Moon and Scarres, fome of them being lower, fome of
them higher as the Eelipfes of Sun and Moon, and the diverfe
pofitions of ! he ftarres do (hew, are all martersof Gods praife :
for the loweft :egion of the aire is here called Heaven ; and the
place where the Sun, Moon and Starres are fct, is called Heaven,
and the Heaven of Heavens, the third Heaven, where Angels
and fpirits of juil men made perfect do remain, each and all of
them do fervc fot Gods praife ; Vraife bim ye Heaven of Hea-
vens. 9. The bottles of waters in the clouds, flying above the
loweft region of the aire, ready tobedjflolved here and there,
as God pleafeth to water the earth, doferveas matter, both of
wondering at Gods work, and praifing of him : Praife bimyc
waters that be above the Heavens. 10. Praife is due to god,
not only for the making of the Heavens, but alfo for the making
them of nothing, by the fole word of command, which did pro-
duce th:m, by faying; Let them be: let them praife the Name
oftbe Lord; for be commanded, and tbej were created. 1 1. The
fpeech
PSALME CXLVHI. 369
fpcechleffe creatures have their own,way of piaifing God, an i
men have their way of praifing : fpeechlefle creatures praifc
God in their own kinde, when they hold forth, as in a table, the
matter and reafon of prailing God, and. men do praileGod*-
when they do obferve. and acknowledge, and proclaim one to an-
other, the reafons of Gods piaife, and thefe exhortation* do im- .
port bothj Let them fraife the Name of the Lord. iz. The
courfe and appointed motions of the Heavens, are fo fctled du-
ring the (landing of the world, as they (halll not faile to go on
according to Cjods decree, which as it is a matter of Gods
praife, fo alfo or mans comfort, who (hall have the ufe and bene-
fit thereof from generation to generation ; He bath alfo eftabli fe-
ed them for ever and ever, be baib wide a decree wbub thejffball
notpaffc*
Vcrf. 7. Vraife the LORD from the earth t /*
dragons *nd *ll deeps.
8. Fire and haile i fnovp and vapour : ft or to) rcinde
fulfilling bis Word.
9. Mountaines and aU hilles : fruitful trees and
all Cedars.
10. Beafts and all cattel : creeping things , andfij*
ingfowle*
In the exhortation, made in the fecond place unto the creature;*
under heaven; Learn, 1. As the heavens, fo alfo the earth and
the deep fea, arc filled with the matter of GodsJ>rai(e: Praife
the I ord from the earthy yc dragons and all deeps. i. The moft
terrible creatures ferve to fee forth Gods glory, as well as the
moft ufeful and comfortable : 7c dragons and aU deeps, 5. The
changes which are made in the clouds, or in theaire,by ftormes 5
or tempefts, or whatfoevcr way, come not by chance, but are all
directed forth by God, for forhe intent of his: and in what
work he doth employ therfl, they faile not to execute his will :
fire and baile y (now and vapour, ftorniie vindc fulfilling b$
Word: and out of thofe changes p aifes doari.e unto Gdft
4. Th^ivcrfifying of the face of the earth with higher and low>
cf pans, with mountains, hilU and Valleyes, and the adorning
Bb o(
3 7o PSALME CXLVHI.
of the face thereof with trees,tome taller,fome lower and fmallcr,
fomeba ren, fome fruitful, contributeth much to thepraife oS
Go<&: Miountaincs and all kills, fruitful trees and all Cedars*
5.Bv(ide all that is faid in the varictyof things living onthe
earth, :achofthem do contend with other, which of them (hall
foew forth more of Gods wifdom, power and good neflej Bafts
and Mattel, creeping things, and flying fowle: all thofe crea-
tures do offer m atter of prai Le unto (?od, that men may take the
(ong of their hand, and directly, formally and properly, praifc
God for his glorious properties evidenced in them.
Vcr. ii. Kings of t hf earth, and all pevyti : Prin*
cesavda'l Judges of the earth.
12. Both young men and maidens: old men and
children.
13* Let tbempraife the Name of the LORD, for
his tSame alone is excellent : his glory is above the
earth and heaveu.
Having gone thorough other creatures, he cometh to man who
is the chief, both matter and inftrument of <7ods praife.
Whence learn, r. The Lord is glorious in his workmanfhip
and government of all the creatures, but mod of all in men,
xvhomhecallethto be Factors, Collectors and Chamberlains,
as it were 3 to gather unto him the rent of praife and glory* from
all other creaures, and then to paypraiies for their own part
alio, flings of the earthy and all people, let them praife, Q?c.
1. God is no leveller of mens eftates and outward condition in
the world, or alio *er of levelling, but for his own praife ami
mens good, he hath ordained diftindion of men in Kings and
fubjc<S people, Princes and Judges, and people to ie judged in
all parts of the earth ; lyings of the earthy and all people : Prin-
ce f , an d all fudges of the earth j. As Civil government is ap-
pointed of God, fo they who are advanced to this dignity, ars
ty& in the obligement unto the duty of fetting fotrh C^ods
&aifc, and yet fubjc&s herealfomuft contribute, according to
fieir place and ability , lyings of the earth and allp&ple, Princes
*$4 M Judges tf, tfc tmb* 4« It fliould cjualifie che-tnindes
of
PSALME CXLVIII. 371
of men who arc in. honour, that their preferment is but oft
earth, ami their time no longer then while they are on the earth*
and that they arc under a King and Judge, whofe dominion is
heavenly :mdeverlafting>therefore dothhe joyne this addition*
things of the earth Erinccs and fudges *f the earth. 5. Asdi-
ftinguifliingof men in regard 01 eft ue,fo Jiftinguifhing of fet
and age, oftereth much matter ot praife, when particular* arc
1 confidercd; and toi the very diftinftion in feiand age, God is
to be pi ailed: Both young men and maidens , old men and children %
iet them vraije. 6. Theie is much matter of Gods gtory in the
earth, and more in the heavens, but the glory of himfelfe and of
his properties , is more then all that either is or can be feen, or
found or exprefled in, or by the creature * Let them prdfetbt
Nameof the Lord: for hk Name alone is excellent, bit glory U ir
'beve the earth and the heavens.
Verf. 14* tie alone exalteth the home of hk
people, the praife of all his Saints : even of the
children of Ifrael , * people negr mto hirm Praife
je the LO RV>
Inthelaftplace.,hepaintethat the glory of Gai mantfeftect
( to the Church, fat which all Gods people are bound to praife
I him. Whence learn, 1. The praife of God for what he doth
to, and for his Church, is above all the r<*ft of his praifes, from
1 the reft of his works, as farreas the work of redemption, grace,
and falvationto (inners, is above the works of creation; and
worthy to put the capeftonc upon the reft of the work of Ms tf rai-
fes, as here it is placed. 2. B fide all the ufe and benefit Which
1 the Lords people have of the whole works of Gods hands, he
liftech them up in ftrength, viftory and bJqxj over all tneir <n(f-
mies, and over all other incorporations in the world,' who are
bk: (laves tofinneand.Satan iri compaVifon of them • He 1 Ufa
, txaktcth the borne of bk m pk.r ^ TjWaltiog or rhe fWth
( vidory, and glory of the Chftch,ihnduh V ] v in -he e£lc-
; ingof theMcffiahjor of theKingdcme of rhe Mcffiah •• canted
■bythc exiting of Pdv/i j for Chriftisthe bctne of his teop'e
Bb * rf \i
372 PSALME CXLlX.
In whom their viAory and glory is obtained, and maintained
unto them; and therefore the borne of bit peopU is expounded
here to be, The praife of allibe Saints. 4. Thofe are the true
children of 7/r<te/, who glory in Chrift as their ftrength, their
vittory,and glory, and do -ftudy to be in effecl: Saints": for, hk
people, and his Saints, are here expounded to be, even the chil-
dren of 1 [rael. $.. Students of holinefife, who glory and rejoyce
in Jefus. as their ftrength, vi&ory, righteoufnefle, and falvati-
on> and who arewreftlers for thebleflingastrue Ifraelites, arc
the Lords people in a more ftraite union with God, then any 0-
ther people in the world s A people near unto him : and that in
regard of their Covenant with God , their incorporation in
Chrift,and the inhabitation of the holy Spirit in them, and the
mutual love between God and them. 6. Of all people in the
earth, the people of God havemoft reafon to praife their Lord :
Jraifejte the Lord.
PSALME CXLIX.
THisPfalmeisa ninefold exhortation of the true members of
* the Church, who arc believers and Saints in effect, to praife
God for faviug grace beftowed on them, and for fpeciall privi-
ledges granted unto them; not only above what is given to the
world, but alio above what is given to the vifiblc members of
the Church, who are not as yet converted : whereunto fome rea-
fons or motives unto the obedience of thefe exhortations
^re-added.
Verf.-I. T^Raifeyethe LORD: fmg mto the
JL LO RD a new fong : and hU
praife in the Congregation oft be Saints*
From
PSALME CXLIX. Ms
throm the firft two exhortations ; Learn, i. The ele&,reg c *
nerate, or true believers, have afongof their own, for merci e$
proper to them, befide the pi aife which they have to give for the
Lords work roundabout ihem, and therefore they have a pro-
per reafon to praife £o4 for their own particular : Praife )£ the
Lord. i. Thcfongotthe redeemed elect and converted, is a
new fong which mail never wax old, nor be cut off, an everlaft- :
1 Jngfong: Singuntotbe Lord anew [on g. 3. It is Gods ordi-
nance, that the worfhippers of the Lord lliould have affemblies
and meetings, wherein publickly and jointly they may glorifie
the.Lordin proclaiming cheerfully his praiie; Singhk praife in
the congregation of the Mints,
Verf. z< Let Ifrael rejoyce in him that made him*,
let the children ofSion be joyful in their Ki»g-
From the third and fourth exhortation; Leafn, 1. It is the
Lords command, thn his people rejoyce in himfelfe, with a
joy above ail the joy which they can have in the .creatures, which
God hath given to them, that they jnay the more chearfully
praife him ; Let Ifracl rejoyce in him., . z. The Church of .the
ele&and renewed Saints, is the fpecial workmanihip of Gogs;
grace, not only as his creatures, but alio as his new creatures,'
created in Chrift Jefus unto good works: Let Ifracl re\oyte 7i
bimthat made him. 3.. The Church is a peculiar Kingdome by
it felfe, whereof God is King in a peculiar way, able togpverrf
his people by his Word, dilciplinc and Spirit , and to defend his
Church, and all his own ordinances therein, to the comfort of
all the true members thereof: Let the children of $ ion fo
joy ful in their fcng,
Verf. J* Let them praife hid Name in the dance 5
let themjing praijes unto him With the timbrel and
harp.
Bb j From
374 P'SALME CXLIX,
from the fifth and ftxth exhortation topraife Go d 5 Learn,
J. The joy of the believer, is * great and growing joy, arifing
from rcjoycinc;, in the former verfe, to exnl-ing, in this verfe,
fignified by dinting : Let them praife bis Name in the dance. *.
The joy of the godly is acomplcac joy, imploying all, and fil-
ling a)l the powers of the fcml,fignifiedbymu(ical inftruments
ufed in the paedago^y of the old Church ; Let tbtm fing praifcs
mto him rcitb the timbrel dnd harp.
Ver. 4. For the LORD taketh pleafure in his pco»
fie : he Will beaut* fie the meekjtoith falvation.
Qfthefe exhortations he giveth two reafons. J^Bence learn,
j. The Lord loveth believers and repenteth not, bur refleth in
his love, md taketh pleafure in his workmanfliip upon them:
TbcLordjafictb pleafure in bis people. 1. The conftmcy of
the Lords love towards hispeople, is ^he ground of the Church-
es conftant joy in 1 God. ami perpetual praifing of him : Lcf them
jpng praifes to him with the ttrnbrel, and the harp : for the Lord
rakish pleafure * n his people. 3 What ("never matter of joy be-
lievers or n*ue Saints have, in God, yet rliey are acquainted with
as much affliction in the world j as emptieth them of rejoycing
ih/tnemfelvesj^umbleth.theTn, and fubdueth their fpiiits, and
makcth them to aime arid endeavour without fretting or grudg-
ing, to digeft all the Lords difpenfations toward them, and for
this caufe the believers, or Saints, are called mccfi. 4. Albeit the
affli&tcn wherewith the godly are acquainted, do:h obfeure
their blcrTcdneffe, and hide the beauty thereof before the world,
yet God in love to them, oft-times wipeth off the black and
blemifh of affliction, by giving them gloriousdeliveries, and ac
length he giveth to them full falvation; He mil bcautife the
raee\"witb fdvation,
.
Vcrf. 54 Let the Saints be jojfyl in glory, let
fhem fing alouh ttfofl fair bed;,
PSALME CXLIX. 575
6. Let the high praifes of God be in their mouth:
andatWo-edged fftord be in their hand.
From the feventh, eighth and ninth exhortations to praifc
God; ^earriy i. The godly, cp* true members of the Chir.eh,
are Gods favourites, endued with grace, accepted through the
beloved : yea, and are good to luch as they live among ; for fo
much doth the word Stints import, a. The , believer may be
joyful! now, for the gloiy hoped for, and may. glory in the pre-
mifed blefledneffe, as if it were already poffeued : Let the Stints
be joy full in glory 3. The joy allowed updn the Saints, is a.
lafting joy, both day anJ nigh;; a joy which whe:i they are meft
retired, may be moft iii joyed/ which being examined in iccier,
/hall be found folio'sa joy full of-quiet/eft ; nd peace, as if they
were refling in their bedsj a joy which mail continue wi.h them,
when their bodies are lying in the grave: for thus much Buy
the words beare in divers refpecls $ Let tkemfivg aloud upon their
beds. 4. The praifes of God ; (it down in his VVwid, whe an
the Lords Name and attributes* the Lords promjfes and glori-
ous works, efpecially done in favour of his Saints,, are iet down^
are the matter of the Saints confidence, glcrhric.n and joy,
worthy to be talked of, and openly declared in the audience of
others, for the glory of God^and edification of people .- for what;
the Lord is, to wit, wife, pbwcrfuil. mercifull, ' juit, &:. th.u the
Lord is for his people, and for every believer in him 5 and there-
fore. Let the high prtifes of the Lord be in their mmtb. 5 At
the Wore} of God wherein Gods praifes are fct down, is the m \L*
terand warrant of the Saints joj and- confidence. in £od> fo alio
is it apowerfull weapon to overturn all ndverfafies power wh.u-
foever,both bodily and fpirit'ual : Lettbe+rrifci ofCj.odbcawa*
edged fword h tbcirJund.
Verf 7, To execute vengeance Hpoq the heathen \
and puntfljnfe nts upon the people.
8. To binde their kt*g* »ith chaine : and their nv~
ties with fetters of iron.
Bb 4 9 To
37$ PSALME CXXIX.
9. To execute upon them the judgement written :
This honour have aU bis Satnts. Prai/e je the
I RV*
By way of motive unto the obedience of the former exhortati-
ons, torejoyce in God, and glorifie him, he fubjoyneth a fpeci- „
all ui'e of the praifes of God, fet down in Scripture in relation to
enemies, and persecutors of the Saints; over whom all believers
have a fpititual victory by faith in Cfod, fo that as the Lords
Officers, they may pronounce doom and Sentences condemna-
tory againft all their enemies, great and fmall, according as the
Scripture giveth them warrant. And this doom and fentence
of judgement pronounced by the believer, whether in his own
nninde, or vocally as occafion oftereth, muft have execution un-
doubtedly following upon it, according to what is written in the
jScripture, and this is no fmall honour allowed upon the Saints.
Whence leam, 1. The eleel: and regenerate, believing ftudents
of holinefle, have enemies both without the Church vifible, and
within it, both heathen and people. 2. God will be avenged up-
on them all great and fmall ; for it is piefuppofed that
vengeance muft be executed upon the heathen, and punijhment
Upon th( people, g. The believers are in a fort executioners of
this vengeauce,becaufe they as doom'fters, do take the fentence
from the mouth of God, the juft Judge, and pronounce doom
onthem,whereupdn, inthefet time foUowcth execution; the
Word of God falling on them in effect, as a fharp (word to cut
them afundcr; thus the truth and jufticeofGod, with his other
attributes, all being parts of his praife, Are a two-edged [word
in their bands >to execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punifo-
ment upon the people. 4- Thegreateft Monarchs, Rulers and
Judges among mcn,arefubje&ed unto the Word of God, and
piuft be bound either to the beliefe and obedience of it, or unto
the punifhment and vengeance pronounced againft the tranfgref-
fors thereof, fo fall as if they were bound in ftrongeft fetters:
for the praife of God in the mouth of his Saint, are, To hindc
tfceir kings with chaincs, and their nobles with fetters of iron.
$. The Lords children and Saints muft not do wrong to Kings
orNobles,orto any man elfc ; they muft neither pronounce
r^r execute judgement according as they pleafe, but as the writ-
ten
PSALM E CL. 377
ten Word of God prefer ibet ; fc'alloweth : for here they are tic<J f
To execute nothing upon tbm,Javc the judgment written. 6 m
Thefc priviledges are Ipirituall and common to all believers, who
according to their places and callings, whether publick or pri-
vate, may for their own comfort, and for others edification, ac-
cordingly apply the Word of C/od to themfelves , and a-
gainft their enemies : for, ThU honour bdve att his $ dints, and
therefore they ought inalpecial manner to bleflcGod for their
priviledges : Traifeje the Lord.
PSALME. CL.
IN this Pfalme t he Spirit of the Lord doth call upon us thir-
teen times to praifc the Lord; Each exhortation pointeth
ioi th God to be the only objeft of pra'Jc. Thefirft and the
Jaft exhortation is to ail, to praife (^od abfolutcly^viihout giving
any motive more then his very Name innpoitethjwhich indeed
isafufEcient reafon .-for feeing the Lord is God, who hath his
being of himftlf : and all the creatures have their being of
him, and dependance on him, it follow eth of neceffity, that
he is praife worthy in himfelf, and deferveth to be praifec; by
all his creatures. The fecond, third, fourthand fifth exhorta-
tions, have reafons and motives annexed unto them, as the mat-
ter of his praife, v. 1,2. The fixth, feventh, eighth, nineth,
tenth, eleventh, do teach the manner of his praile, under the
teimes of the Levitical feryice, v. $, 4, 5. and the twelfth point-
eth attheperfons or fpeciaJ party, which muft yield the praife
unto God, with a reafon infmuated, moving thereunto*
v* 6,
Yer, r. T^Raifeje the LORD: Praife God
I in his Stnftuarj : Xfraifc him in the
firmtmtnt of his foVur.
a. Praife
37 8 PSALME CL.
2* Prdifoh'mfor his mig'^aSs : praife himac-
C*rdi*g to his excellent grcatxeftt*
From thefe exhortations which have motives annexed to them*
Learn, i.Thc holinefle of God,f which is the unftained dearneis
and untainted glory of all his attributes^ fuch as are his wifdom,
power, juftice, mercy, and all ihz reft of his properties mention-
ed in Scripture) is the fubjed of the Saints praifing of God
in the Church, and of Spirits praifing of him in heaven* for the
word in the Original doth bear, Vnifc the I ord in bis holinefle,
in his Sanftuaryjn haven bis holy phce. z . The holinefle of God
Should be mainly looked unto by all men,who are about to praifc
him, that our hearty and mouthes may be rightly framed for fo
high a fervice, and we may beware to rake his Name in vain: fov
he will be fan&ified of all that draw near unto him, efpecially in
the work of praife : Vraife Qod in his holinefle. $. Matter of
praife is furnifhed tous, in the wifdom and power of God,
which is to be feen in the creatures* and particularly in the frame
oftheftoriesofheavenj in the firft whereof, his power lupports
the huge weight of waters in the clouds t in the fecond^ the ftars
and planets move, and make thtirciicksconftantlyi andin the
third, Heavens, Angels, and Spirits of juft men made perfect
do praife God % • Vratfe Urn in tbejirmment of his power. ^Mn-
ter of praifing God is furmfhed by his manifold mighty acts,
to be feeh in the powerful fu flaming, ruling and employing of
all his creatures, as he feet h tic t eft for his own glory, for the
building of his Church, delivering of her from dangers, and o-
verthrowing of her enemies ; Vraife the Lord for bit rnigbty &8s.
j. Matter of praifing God is furni filed in his wonderful great-
nefle, and in therayes of excellency, fhining in all his difpenfa-
tions, and manner of governing the world, fuftaining fome indi-
vidual creatures, whieh are ftill the fame, from the Creation,
and multiplying others in their kindc, to the aftoniftiment of
a ferious beholder s Vraife him accordingtohls excellent great-
zcflc.
Vcrf. 3. Vtafrf* kins with the found f oj c the Trumpet;
prSfe km with the Pfa/terj andHarpe* ^.Vraife
PSALME CL. 379
4. Praife him with the I imbreland dance : praifi
him with ftringed ivftramrnts and Organs.
5. Pratfe him upon the loud Cymbals : pfaife him
Upon the high founding Cymbals.
Here are other fix exho. rations, teaching>the manner of prai-
fing God untie? the fh?dow of typical m'jfick, appointed in the
Ceremonial I w. Whence learn, 1 Albeit the typical C remo*
nies cf mufical inftrumtr.ts in <ods publick wo' (hip, belonging
to the paeda^ie of I he Church, in her minority before Chrift,
be now abe limed with the reft of the Ceremonies: yet the
moral ciutu s made wed foith by them, ate itill to beftudicd,
becaufe this duty of pr.r ng God, and praifing him with all
cur minde, itrengrh and Coulc is moral, whercunto we are per*
petually obliged. - z. The variety of mufical inftrumenw, fome
of them made oife of in the Campe , as trumpets; fome of
them move fui table to a peaceable condition, as Fisheries and
Harps; fome of them founding by blowing windein them;
fome of them .foundry by lighter touching of them, as firing*
ed inflruments'; fome of them by beating on them more fharp-
ly, as 1 abrets . Drums and ( ymbals$fome of them founding, by
touching and blowing alfo, as Organs : all of them giving fome
certain found, fome more quiet, and fome making more noife :
fome of them having a harmonie by themfelves ; fome of them
making aConfort withotherinfliurptntSj, or with the motions
of the body in dancings, fome of them ferving for one u(e, fome
cf them ferving for another , and all o\ them ferving to fet forth
Gods glory, and to fhadow forth the duty of wo<fiiipper$,
andthepriviledgesof the Saints; The plurality and variety, (I
fay:ofthefeinfhuments, were fit to reprefent divers conditions
of the fpiritual man, and of the greatnefle of the joy to be found
in God, and to. teach what ftirring up ihould be of the affecti-
ons and powers o: our foul, and one of another, unto Gods wor-
ftiip j what harmonic fhould be among worfhippers of God,
what melodie each fhould make in himfelf, finding to God
with grace in his heart, and to (hew the excellency of gods
petite, which no rr.eanes nor inftrument, nor anycxpreffion of
the body joyned thereto, could fuffieicntly fet forth: and thus
much is figured forth in thefe exhortations to praife Qod with
' Tru3fc
380
PSALME CL.
Trumpet, FfaUery, Harp; Timbrel, Dance, ftringed infirttmeiitr;
and Organs, loud and high founding Cymbals.
Ver. 6. Let every thing that hath breathy praife
the LORT) : Praife je the LORD.
In the twelfth exhortation, pointing at the party called upon
to praife God; learn, i* Living creatures, which draw breath
and give unto, and take from God their life afrcfh every mo-
ment in their breathing, do above all vifiblc creatures fpeak
moft to the praife ofGods wifdom &power in framing and prefer-
ving of them : Let every thing that batb breath,pratje the Lord.
*. Of all living creatures, men are moft bound to praife God, s
as they in whom God in the Creation, and in their feveral ge-
nerations, from age to age, did and doth breath the Spirit of
life, and of all men thofeare moft bound to praife God, on
whom he hath beftowed his holy Spirit : and^ howfoever the
Lords works in all men (hall fpeak to his praife, how wicked
foever men (hall be, yet only renewed fouls, in whom God
hath breathed^his Spirit , as the word breath in the Ori-
ginal may bear, (hall voluntarily aud fincerely praife GoA : Let
tvery thing that hath breath, praife the Lord. $. The Spirit of
the Lord, when he gave the Pfalmes to the Church of the
Jewes, had an eye toward the reft of the world, of whom he
was in his appointed time to cxad this Song of praife.* and (o
we who are gentiles, brought unto the fociery of the Church,
are bound to joyne in the work with them; and when we are
joyned, and when all who are to be converted are joyned, yet are
wealltoofew, tobcarup this Song of Gods praife jjmd there*
fore to (hew this/ it is faid , Let every thing that hath breath
praife the Lo d. 4. When we have faid all we are able ro fay
for Gods praife, we are but to begin again anewj for this are
we taught by the renewing of the exhortation, in the clofe of
fundry Pfalmes, and here aifo, at the end of all the PfaIms:P^//e
ye the Lord. And after us mull all the creatures come in their
ownkinde and order, to offer up praifealfo, as we are taught^
Rev. '$. v. 1 2. where after thit elect. Angels and Saints, whofe
number was ten thoufand times ten thoufand, and thoufands of
thoufands^had fung their Song, faying, With a loud vuqq>Wqx>-
PSALME CL. js*
thy is the Lmb, that was Jltinc, to receive power "{"<&"■
and mfdom, and ftrtngtb, and honour, and glory, and blejftng.
Then it fbllovctb, v. i?. And every creature vbicb is m hea-
ven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and (ucb as are tntbe
lea, and all that are in them, beard 1 faying, Blejftng, Ho-
nour, Glory and Power, be unto bim that Jittetb upon the
Throne, and to the Lamb: for ever and evtf.
FINIS.
n
Books newly printed by
RALPH SMITH.
Mafter HVTCHESONS Expofition of oh&-
diahy fonah, Micab, Nahum, Habakkuk and
Zejthaniah.
A Pra&ical Difcourfe of Prayer , fhewing
the Duty, Neceffity, and the feveral forts
of Prayer, by Mr THOMAS COBBET.
The CHRISTIANS CHARTER, (hewing the
Priviledge of Believers : the third Edition,
very much mlarged , by Mr, WATSON,
Minifterof Stephens Wdbrook
AlfoMr. WATSONS Treatife of CHRISTI-
AN CONTENTMENT^ fecond Edition,
£.
■^
i
%
—
Mbfo"*fi^''
i )fv
Open Library
