globe and fixing it by his sole command where it is now fixed declareth the unsearchable power of God and glory of his workmanship He laid the foundations of the earth that it should not be moved for ever 2. The natural place of the Element of water is to be above all â—he earth on â—ll parts round about He covereth the earth with the depth as a garment and the waters stood above the mountaines 3. That a dwelling house might be sitted and prepared for man not as yet created the Lord by his powerful command made the waters go off so much of the earth as might serve for mans use and straightway as if the waters had been driven and chased they did run away hastily from off the bounds allotted unto them as it were terrified at the thundering imperious and effectual command of God At thy rebuke they fled at the vo ce of thy thunder they hasted away 4 If a man had been present when God commanded the Seas to retreat from the Earth he might have seen both a terrible and a joyful spectacle of a wonderful hasty chase and flight of the waters running fiercely over the mountaines and when no more mountaines were in their way glyding down through the valleys into the place wherein they are now They go up by the mountaines they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them 5. The waters of the Sea albeit they be higher then the Earth yet are they bounded in the place wherein they are that without command given to them from God they may not passe over the bounds prescribed unto them but do stay within the Sea-mark and there lay down their proud boasting waves Thou hast set a bound that they may not passe over that they turne not again to cover the earth Which they would infallibly do by their own natural motion if this miraculous standing command were not constantly in force as was to be seen in the flood of Noah when the boundaries were loosed for a year till God did execute vengeance on the wicked world and thereafter they were sent back never to come again for such an universal judgment Ver. 10. He sendeth the springs into the valleys which run among the hills 11. They give drink to every beast of the field the asses quench their thirst 12 By them shall the fowles of the heaven have their habitation which sing among the branches 13. He watereth the hills from his chambers the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works 14. He causeth the grasse to grow for the cattel and herbe for the service of man that he may bring forth food out of the earth 15. And wine that maketh glad the heart of man and oile to make his face to shine and bread which strengtheneth mans heart 16. The trees of the LORD are full of sap the Cedars of Lebanon which he hath planted 17. Where the birds make their nests as for the Storke the Fir-trees are her house 18. The high hills are a refuge for the wilde goates and the rockes for the Conies Thus the ground of mans habitation is swept now here it is replenished and furnished with all necessaries serving for mans use and to fowles and beasts for mans sake Whence learn 1. Because the use of fresh waters was necessary for man and necessary it was that man should have it nigh hand unto him for the more commodious use the Lord broke up wells of water in several places and made brookes and waters and rivers and floods like veines in a mans body to carry from them water along to all habitable places of the earth where God had appointed men to dwell He sendeth the springs into the valleys which run among the hills 2. Not only where men do dwell but also where mens ordinary resort is not the Lord hath set drinking vessels full of water for the use of travelling men and other creatures appointed to attend man and some way to serve his use He sendeth the springs into the valleys which runne among the hills 3. For the furnishing of mans house on earth God hath pruvided him with parks for beasts to feed in and trees for fowles and birds to live in and ponds for fishes as we will hear afterward and these beasts and fowles and singing birds have their drinking vessels set for them They give drink to every beast of the field the wilde asses quenâ—h their thirst 4. The Lord hath adorned the habitation of man with trees growing beside the waters not only for his own proper use but also for the use of fowles and singing birds By them shall the fowles of heaven have their habitatâ—on which sing among the branches 5. Where wells and rivers are not as in hills and high places it is seen for the most part there the Lord supplieth the inlack of waters by rain from the clouds He watereth the hills from his chambers that is from the clouds wherein as in chambers he hath stored up great waters 6. The Lord doth not dissolve the clouds all at once but by little and little maketh them distill smaller or greater drops only He watereth the hills from his chambers 7. There is no part of the earth whereupon God bestoweth not so much of the fruit of his operation as may fill it full of his glory The earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works 8. The grasse and herbs and the divers sorts of them serving for the use of beasts and men are worthy of a room in our meditation of Gods provident care for man and beast He causeth the grasse to grow for the cattel and herbs for the service of man that he may bring forth food out of the earth 9. The Lords allowance upon man is very large not only for necessity but also for delectation For he hath provided wine and oile and bread 10. The right use of Gods creatures is not to surfeit and burie the memorie of God and of the excellencie of man above beasts in gluttony and drunkenness but to give him strength and gladnesse in such a measure as may encourage him cheerfully to serve his Maker And wine that maketh glad the heart of man and oile to make his face to shine and brcad which strengtheneth mans heart 11. God will have his excellency taken notice oâ— in every thing which is great notable excellent upon which ground great trees are called here The trees of the Lord. 12. The Lord hath furnished trees not only with so much sap as might make them grow but also with so much sap as might serve man for meat and drink and medicine and other uses The trees of the Lord are full of sap 13. Among the trees the Lord will have us take notice of the Cedars as of a speciall plant of his husbandry on the earth for their height and greatnesse and durablenesse of the timber and namely of those of Lebanon designed for the use of his people of which
21 22 23 24. And from the works of the fifth day Fishes greater and smaller v. 25 26 In the third place he bringeth arguments of Gods praise frâ—m the preservation specially of living creatures v. 27 28 29 30. In the fourth place is the conclusion of the Psalme with some further reasons for praising of GOD v. 31 32 33 34 35. Ver. 1. BLesse the LORD O my soul O LORD my God thou art very great thou art cloathed with honour and majesty Here is the scope of the whole Psalme wherein he stirreth up his own soul and by his own example all others that have ears to hear to glorifie our God for his greatnesse and Majesty manifested in his works of Creation and Providence Whence learn 1. The Lord is to be praised by his children not only for his benefits bestowed upon them but also for his own glorious Majesty and greatnesse not only is he to be praised for the works of Redemption and Grace to his Elect children but also for the works of Creation and what he hath bestowed upon the creatures as this Psalme compared with the former doth teach us 2. Because men have oft-times the words of praise in their mouth and do care little to have their affection suitable to the work in their heart therefore when we go about to praise God we should stir up our spirits unto a Religious disposition as David doth here saying Blesse the Lord O my soul. 3. When we go about the work of â—ods praise we should consider his Majesty how great he is and worthy to be praised O LORD thou art very great 4. Then is the heart best fitted for Gods praises when the soul that is about the work of praise doth apprehend its interest in God and looketh upon him as reconciled and in Covenant with it self O Lord my God thou art very great 5. The praises of God do not depend upon tbe man that praiseth him but are fixed in God and flow forth from himself so clearly that none can be excused of ingratitude who do not acknowledge his glory Thou art cloathed with honour and Majesty Albeit God be invisible and unsearchable yet his honour and Majesty may be seen in his works which are as a garment both to hide him in one respect and hold him forth in another to be seen Thou art cloathed with honour and Majesty Vers. 2. Who coverest thy selfe with light as with a garment who stretchest out the heavens like a curtaine 3. Who layeth the beames of his chambers in the waters who maketh the clouds his charet who walketh upon the wings of the winde 4. Who maketh his Angels spirits his ministers a flaming fire In the second place are set down the Arguments for praising of God taken from the works of creation such as were wrought the first and second day whereof only so much is spoken as may lead us unto what is said more thereof in the History written by Moses Whence learne 1. The works of creation besides their natural use do serve for spiritual uses also to wit to furnish unto us the knowledge of God to edifie us in faith and stirre us up to glorifie the Maker as here doth appear 2. Among all the sensible creatures of God the creation of the light hath the first place for manifestation of his glory whether we look unto the brightnesse and admirable purity of it which cannot be polluted by any filthinesse whereupon it shines or the use it hath in operation upon and setting forth of the beauty of the râ—st of the creatures therefore he beginneth at it here 3. Our thoughts of God should be higher larger more purified from bodily apprehensions and all imperfections then our thoughts of created light are when we look upon the light iâ—â—uâ—inated all the world at once For as the garment of a King sheweth his Majesty and yet is no part of his substance or essence and in its nature is much inferiour to his worth so is the light nothing but Gods creature serving to shew forth his glory and is infinitly inferiour unto him Who covereth himself with light as a garment 4. As light filling the world is nothing but as the garment of the glorious Creator manifesting himself wirhin the compasse of the world to his creatures so the Heavens in their largest circle are but the Canopy cast about the seat of a King for he stretcheth out the heavens like a curtaine 5. This world is like a stately house which is divided in upper or lower roomes by joysts beames and plankes puâ— between the lower roomes and the higher and the firmament sustaining the clouds is the first division Who layeth the beames of his chambers in the waters Or in the second region of the aire where the waters in the clouds are gathered and stored up as it were in thâ—ir distinct chambers for the severall uset which God hath for them 6. As the glory of Kings is to be seen when they go iâ— Coaches and their train is following them or when they ride on hâ—â—â—e-back with their followers attending theâ— so is the glory of the Lord seen when he maketh the weighty clouds having in them flâ—uds of water to move from place to place as charets abâ—ve our heads and not fall down at once He mâ—keth ehe clouds his chariot 7. The swift and unperceivable motion of the windes being raised by God from all parts in all places of the world doth serve as a shadow to point out the everywhere-presence of God Who walketh upon the wings of the winde 8. The Angels are the Lords creatures and do serve him at his pleasure as the winds and flaming fire do swiftly going where he commandeth them and in the fervour of their love to him dispatching every businesse committed to them Who maketh his Angels spirits and his Ministers a flame of fire 9. Great and glorious must our Lord Jesus be who is the Creator and Lord of Angels And maketh his Angels spirits Ver. 5. Who laid the foundations of the earth that it should not be removed for ever 6. Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment the waters stood above the mountaines 7. At thy rebuke they fled at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away 8. They go up by the mountaines they go downe by the valleyes unto the place which thou hast founded for them 9. Thou hast set a bound that they may not passe over that they turne not again to cover the earth From this to the 19th ver he describeth the third dayes work of the Creation prepared for the use of man and beast which were the sixth dayes work The preparation of the dwelling house of man and beast and other living creatures above the earth is set down in these five Verses Whence learn 1. The setling of the earth in a like distance on all hands from the circle of heaven compassing it round about and hanging of the earth in the midst of the
of the heathen are silver and gold the work of mens hands 2. How delectable soever the invention of images or worshipping of idols seem to be yet do these vanities bring nothing to the worshippers save grief and vexation for so doth their name in the Original import 3. Worshippers of images are not esteemed according to their intention and profession when they say they worship the thing represented by them but are to be judged by Gods verdict of them who hath pâ—onounced their gods to be no other thing then their images which are shaped by the Artificer like a man They have mouthes but they speak not c. 4 Idolatry is a benumming sin which bereaveth the idolater of the right use of his senses and reason They that make them are like to them 5. Beside outward worship offered by idolaters to their images they are found to offer unto them also the inward worship of their souls They trust in them and in trusting in them or looking for any good by them they are but brutish or like senselesse blocks So is every one that trusteth in them Vers. 19. Blesse the LORD O house of Israel blesse the LORD O house of Aaron 20 Blesse the LORD O house of Levi ye that fear the LORD blesse the LORD 21. Blessed be the LORD out of Zion which dwelleth at Ierusalem Praise â—e the LORD In the close of the Psalme the Psalmist exhorteth all ranks of the godly both publick Officers and private members of the Church to blesse God and giveth example of obedience in his own person Whence learn 1. As the whole incorporation of the Church receiveth common benefits from God more then any incorporation beside and as every rank and order of people do receive benefits more particularly to themselves so should the whole incorporation together and every one of every rank give prâ—ise unto God and set forth his blessednesse before others as their vocation permitteth for Blesse the Lord O house Israel is spoken to the whole incorporation and Blesse the Lord O house of Aaron doth speak to the Priests and Blesse the Lord O house of Levi is directed to the under officers of Gods house 2. Albeit all men are exhorted and each person in their several places called upon yet they only who feare God will discharge the duty conscionably therefore after all it is said Ye that fear the Lord blesse the Lord. 3. The true worshipper of God draweth this special point of Gods praise from Gods manifesting of himself to his Church in and through and for Christ for this is signified by the types figures and tokens of his presence in Sion and Ierusalem Blessed be the Lord out of Sion which dwelleth at Ierusalem 4 When the song of praise is sung unto God the work of his praise is not enâ—ed but must be continued renewed and followed still Praise ye the Lord. PSALME CXXXVI THis Psaime is an exhortation to confesse Gods goodnesse and and mercy and to praise and thank him for the manifestation thereof in so many sundry works of his upon this ground because the fountain of his mercy whence his works did flow doth run still and endure for ever to the benefit of his owne people in special The reasons of the exhortation unto thanks and praise are set down in order so many in number as the verses are unto every one whereof is added one common reason from the everlasting endurance of his mercy In the fiâ—st place the exhortation is thrice propounded with reasons taken fâ—om the Lords attributes or names v. 1 2 3. In the second place reasons are given from his works and in special from the work of Creation v. 4 to v. 10. In the third place reasons are given from the work of Redemption of Israel and bringing them forth out of Egypt planting them in Canaan from 10 to v. 23 In the fourth place reasons of thanks are given from his late mercy to the Church in the Psalmists time v. 23 24. And last of all a reason is given from his goodnesse to all living creaâ—ures v. 25. whereupon he closeth with an exhortation unto thanksgiving to the God of heaven v. 26· Vers. 1. O Give thanks unto the LORD for he is good for his mercy endureth for ever 2. O give thanks unto the God of gods for his mercy endureth for ever 3. O give thanks to the Lord of lords for his mercy endureth for ever From the threefold exhortation to give thanks with the reasons subjoyned thereto â—earn 1. When we have praised God for what reasons we have offered unto us in one Psalme we must begin again and praise for other reasons and when we have done so we have not overtaken our task the duty lieth still at our door to be discharged afresh as this Psalme doth shew 2. God is to be acknowledged and praised as the fountain of the being continuance and preservation of all things that are in the world and as the performer of all his promises O give thanks unto the Lord Iehova 2. The knowledge of Gods attributes properties or Name and in special of his goodnesse is able to draw forth the praising of God from every believer O give thanks unto the Lord fâ—r he is good 3. Neither is God weary of doing good nor is his mercy spent by what he hath already let forth of it but it continueth as a river still running For his mercy endureth for ever 4. Whatsoever is the Lords praise is for our profit and advantage and so is a matter of thanks from us unto his majesty O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good 5. The Lord is more excellent then all the Magistrates Rulers Princes and Kings in the world yea he hath all those perfections joyned in one in him which idolateâ—s do feigne to be scattered among their idols of whom they conceive one to excel in one thing and another in another thing O give thanks to the God of gods 6. To whom the Lord is God by Covenant he is alwayes and for ever their God For his mercy endureth for ever 7. God is the only sovereign Lord of all things and the only Potentate who hath absolute right and absolute power to do what he pleaseth and can when he will overtop all principaâ—ities and powers to the benefit of his followers O give thanks to the Lord of lords 8. The perpetuity of Gods mercy doth make the benefit of Gods sovereignty forth-coming for ever to the believer and to stand as a matter of constâ—nt praise and thanksgiving to him Give thanks to the Lord of lords for his mercy endureth for ever Vers. 4. To him who alone doth great wonders for his mercy endureth for ever 5. To him that by wisdom made the Heavens for his mercy endureth for ever 6. To him that stretched out the earth above the waters for his mercy endureth for ever 7. To him that made great lights for his mercy endureth for ever 8. The
Sun to rule by day for his mercy endureth for ever 9. The Moone and Starres to rule by night for his mercy endureth for ever From the reasons of praise 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 astonished if it be well considered To him who doth great wonders 2. Whatsoever instruments the Lord is pleased to use in any of his wonderful works he alone is the worker and will not communicate the glory of the work with any creature To him who alone doth great wonders 3. The constancy of Gods mercy to his own doth make the use of Gods wonderful power constantly forth-coming to them as their need requireth For his mercy endureth for ever 4. The making of the Heaven as it is a wonderful work and a matter of constant praise unto God so a wonderous benefit unto his people in many respects To him that made the Heavens 5. The wisdom of God appearing in the fabrick of heaven as it is worthy to be praised because it is of so large a compasse as the motion of it shall be no wayes troublesome to man the stars so glorious an ornament so useful to man and so regular in their motion as is wonderful To him that by wisdom made the Heavens 6. It is the mercy of God that the Heavens do continue in their service to sinful men For his mercy endureth for ever 7. The earths standing up above the wâ—ters which by course of nature should be above the earth is a standing miracle for the use of man that he might have a pleasant dwelling while he is in the world To him that stretched forth the earth above the waters 8. It is the mercy of God that the waters do not return to their natural course to cover the earth as they did in the flood of Noah For his mercy endureth for ever 9. The illumination of the world by so great lights as might at once shine upon the one half of the earth which otherwise should be in darknesse for the most part is a matter of Gods praise and mans profit deserving thanks from man unto God To him who made great lights 10. It is the Lords mercy that he hath not changed this course nor removed this much abused benefit from us For his mercie endureth for ever 11. The making the Sun to be the fixed fountain of day-light rather then to have served the world with the light which shined the first three dayes of the Creation is for the greater benefit of man as for many other reasons so for this that every part of the day might be better distinguished according to the motion of the body of the Sun The Sun to rule the day 12. That God hath not discharged the Sun to shine upon sinful men who deserve to live in darknesse is a proof of his endlesse mercy to his own For his mercy endureth for ever 13. The tempering of the darknesse of the night by the Moones light and by the light of the starres in their courses is a matter of Gods praise and of mans comfort and the continuing of this favour still is the evidence of his mercy to his people He maketh the Moone and Starres to rule by night for his mercy endureth for ever Ver. 10. To him that smote Egypt in their first-borne fer his mercy endureth for ever 11. And brought out Israel from among them for his mercy endureth for ever 12. With a strong hand and with a stretched out arme for his mercy endureth for ever 13. To him which divided the Red-sea into parts for his mercy endureth for ever 14. And made Israel to passe thorow the midst of it for his mercy endureth for ever 15. But overthrew Pharaoh and his hoste in the Red sea for his mercy endureth for ever 16. To him which led his people thorow the wildernesse for his mercy endureth for ever 17. To him which smote great Kings for his mercy endureth for ever 18. And slew famous Kings for his mercy endureth for ever 19. Sihon King of the Amorites for his mercy endureth for ever 20. And Og the King of Bashan for his mercy endureth for ever 21. And gave their land for an heritage for his mercy endureth for ever 22. Even an heritage unto Israel his servant for his mercy endureth for ever In the reasons of Gods praise taken from the work of delivery of Israel out of Egypt convoying of them through the wildernesse and planting them in Canaan Learn 1. The Lord should be praised for the works of Creation as by all men so especially by those who are partakers of the benefit of Redemption and those only who are sensible of the benefit of Redemption will give him praise for the works of Creation and common Providence as the fastening of the duty of praise especially upon Israel here doth teach us 2. The Lords preserving of his Church from the beginning doth concern the true members of the Church in all times after to be thankful for it no lesse then for the continuing of the course of the Heavens Sun Moon and Stars as the context of the Psalm doth hold forth 3. The Lords punishing of the enemies of his Church in Egypt is an obligation on the Church to praise him for ever and his constant mercy giveth assurance that he will avenge the quarrel of his oppressed people in all ages To him that smote Egypt in their first-borne for his mercy endureth for ever 4. The delivery of Israel from the bondage of Egypt is a matter of Gods perpetual praise and it is a pledge of Gods mercy to his Church in all ages He brought out Israel from amongst them for his mercy endureth for ever 5. As the work of the Churches delivery is more difficult so doth the Lord put forth more clearly his Omnipotency for perfecting of it as appeared in Israels bringing forth out of Egypt with a strong hand and out-stretched arme 6. One proof of Gods power manifested for his Church is a pawne of his purpose to give so oft proof as need shall be of his power for his peoples relief For his mercy endureth for ever 7. The most improbable deliverances from danger are very possible to God who can turn the sea into dry land for his peoples escaping To him which divided the sea into parts 8. The constancy of Gods mercy to his Church maketh his dividing of the sea a pawne of his power and purpose to deliver his Church how great soever their straits shall be For his mercy endureth for ever 9. It is a work of no lesse mercy and power to give his people grace to make use of an offered meanes of delivery then to prepare the deliverance for them but the constancy of Gods mercy doth not only provide the meanes but also giveth his people grace to make use thereof in all ages He made Israel to passe through
to shew favour to such as acknowledge themselves to be unworthy and do seek nothing but of his free love The Lord is gracious 3. The Lord doth not easily let forth the evidence of his anger even when he is provoked He is slow to anger 4. Even in wrath he remembreth mercy and doth not let forth the effects of his wrath in full measure but tempereth his chastisements so as we may endure them and mixeth mitigations in the most bitter cups He is plenteous in mercy Ver. 9. He will not alwayes chide neither will he keep his anger for ever The tenth reason of praise is for the short continuance of the effects of his 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 strife and do frequently offend and grieve him and give reason to him to rebuke us as his not chiding of us doth import 2. When he hath debated his controversie by words and by the rod and hath made our conscience challenge and chide us he doth not entertain the controversie long He will not alwayes chide 3. Albeit the tokens of Gods anger endure longer then we would yet shall they be removed at length he will not pursue his quarrel furrher then our real humiliation Neither will he keep his anger for ever Vers. 10. He hath not dealt with us after our sinnes nor rewarded us according to our iniquities The eleventh reason of Gods praise is for the common experience which the Saints have had already of his mercy Whence learn 1. What the Word saith of Gods grace mercy long-suffering and other titles of his goodnesse the common experience of his children yea and of all the members of the visible Church may bear witnesse unto it He hath not dealt with us after our sinnes 2. The felt mercies of the Lord should not extenuate our sinnes but rather make us aggravate our faults and weigh our misdeservings in the balance of the Sanctuary for not by the weight of judgements which oft-times are laid aside or are gently inflicted but by the Word must we judge of our iniquities For he hath not rewarded us according to our iniquities Ver. 11. For as the heaven is high above the earth so great is his mercy toward them that feare him The twelfth reason of Gods praise is for the unmeasurablenesse nf his mercy toward his servants compared to the unmeasurable height of the heaven above the earth Whence learn 1. Our minde cannot finde out a comparison too laâ—ge for expressing the superabundant mercy of the Lord toward his people For as the heaven is high above the earth so great is his mercy toward them that feare him 2. Those are the children of God who howsoever they are not free of sin yet they are careful to please God and loath to offend him They are persons that feare him 3. The consolations of God and the riches of his mercy are not appointed to foster sin or security in any man but to cherish the hearts of those that stand in awe to offend God and study to please him Great is his mercy to them that feare him Ver. 12. As far as the east is from the west so far hath he removed our transgressions from us The thirteenth reason of Gods praise is for compleat fulnesse of remission of sin unto the believer in him Whence learn 1. Albeit sins hinder our accesse to God yet they do not hinder Gods approaching unto them on whom he will have mercy for sin is not removed till Christ come to the sinner as here is imported 2. Remission of sin is a gift full and compleat given by God unto every believer in Christ and the guiltinesse and debt of sin is so far and so fully removed that it can never be imputed unto the believer nor come near to hurt him As far as the east is from the west so far hath he removed our transgressions from us Understand this of the believer who doth not turne the grace of God into wantonnesse but maketh use of grace to strengthen him in his battel against the body of sin in himself Ver. 13. Like as a father pitieth his children so the LORD pitieth them that feare him The fourteenth reason of Gods praise is for his fatherly pity toward all his weak children who would heartily serve him better then they do Whence learn 1. The course of renewed pardon of sin and daily removing of sin from the penitent believer doth flow from the Lords adopting of believers to be his children as the similitude taken from a father doth shew unto us 2. The love which nature teacheth a father to bear toward his obedient childe is but a shadow of the love of God to believers Like as a father pitieth his children so the Lord pitieth them that fear him 3. As none of the Lotds children want their own infirmities short comings in duties and fallings into transgressions so all of them are looked on by God in as tender pity as ever father did shew to children Like as a father pitieth his children so the Lord pitieth them that feare him Understand this of such as do esteem their sinful inclination their greatest misery Ver. 14. For he knoweth our frame he remembreth that we are dust The fifteenth reason of Gods praise is his discretion in moderating his dealing with us so as our weaknesse may beare and this reason serveth to clear and confirme the former Whence learn 1. There is no more strength in man of himself then there is in the matter he was made of We are but dust 2. The Lord knoweth our weaknesse perfectly and what we are able â—o endure He knoweth our frame what stuffe we are made of and how fraile our natural constitution is 3. It is not for our worthinesse in us that God dealeth gently with us but out of his own goodnesse free-love and pity He pitieth them that fear him for he knoweth our frame Ver. 15. As for man his dayes are as grasse as a flower of the field so he flourisheth 16. For the winde passeth over it and it is gone and the place thereof shall know it no more 17. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that feare him and his righteousnesse unto childrens children 18. To such as keep his covenant and to those that remember his commandements to do them The sixteenth reason of Gods praise is for his everlasting mercie and constant fidelity in performing whatsoever he hath promised to every sincere beleever Whence learn 1. All the glory of man in his naturals when he is adorned at the best with learning wisdome beauty strength riches honour and whatsoever other ornaments he can have is but like the glory of grasse and flowers which are very tender and subject to many hazards and easâ—ly broken down or blasted and albeit no harme should come to them from without yet of themselves
they endure but a very short season and then do fade away As for man his dayes are as grasse as a flower of the field so he flourisheth for the winde passeth over it and it is gone c. 2. Humane infirmities and mortality serve indeed to humble a man but do not hinder the humbled man to come and receive of God compleat mercy that is pardon of sinnes supply of all wants and life everlasting Mans dayes are as the flower the winde goeth over it and it is gone and the place thereof shall know it no more but the mercie of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting 3. The true believer and heire of the promises is he who in his greatest confidence in Gods everlasting mercie doth stand in awe to offend God The mercy of the Lord is upon them that feare him 4. As mercie is decreed and prepared before the beginning of the world for the beleever who feareth God so is it let forth in actual application unto him in this life and for evermore after this life is gone The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting to them that feare him 5. Such as out of love to God are loath to offend him and out of faith in Gods mercy study to please him shall have justice to be their friend to themselves and to their children who follow their footsteps from one generation to another the Lords righteousnesse shall be for them and not against them all that is promised to the Saints shall be done to them and for them His righteousnesse shall be unto his childrens children 6. As God hath given the offer of his grace by Covenant for reconciliation of enemies so hath he given his Law and Commandments for a rule to lead the reconciled man unto salvation and he only is the heire of the promise of everlasting mercy and righteousnesse who studieth to prove the sincerity of his faith by his endeavouring of obedience For the promise here is made to such as keep his Covenant and to those that remember his commandments to do them Ver. 19. The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens and his Kingdome ruleth over all The last reason of Gods praise is his universal dominion over all the creatures whereby a strong obligation is put upon Angels and men to glorifie him Whence learn 1. What God doth give unto Believers he is able to preserve unto them what he promiseth he is able to performe unto them whatsoever power in earth or in hell be against them he is able to defend his Church and every Member of it The Lord hath prepared his throne in beaven 2. Whatsoever praise we owe to God for benefits which we have received from him fewer or more greater or lesser we must remember to praise him also for his glorious and great Majesty and transcendent excellency over all the creatures He hath established his throne in heaven and his dominion is over all 3. Whatsoever confusions do appear on earth whatsoever reâ—â—lutions do fall in Church or State whatsoever hardship Gods children do meet with God guideth the whole businesse very orderly and well and performeth all his own good pleasure His Kingdome ruleth over all Ver. 20. Blesse the LORD ye his Angels that excell in strength that do his commandments hearkening unto the voice of his word 21. Blesse ye the LORD all ye his hostes ye ministers of his that do his pleasure 22. Blesse the LORD all his works in all places of his dominion blesse the LORD O my soul. In the last three verses he inviteth Angels and men and all creatures to joyne with his soul in praiâ—â—ng God True it is that the Angels need not to be exhorted to blesse God and many of the Lords hostes and workes are not capable of our exhortation yet this forme of speech signifieth that all of them in their own kinde and materially at least do shew forth the blessednesse of God and that if they were all endued with reason able and fitted formally expresly and directly to glorifie God they were all too few for the work and could not either severally or joyntly glorifie the Lord as his deserving is Whence learne 1. The weight of the â—ffering of praise unto God is too heavy for men to lift and as for Angels it will take up all their strength and their best abilities to go about it Blesse the Lord ye his Angels that excell in strength 2. It is the commendation of Angels that they obey all Gods commands readily and we should follow their example and aime at their perfection in service that the will of God may be done on Earth as it is in Heaven For they do his Commandments hearkening to the voice of his word 3. All the several rankes of creatures are so many mustered hosts ready to execute Gods judgements as they are directed and are alwayes in their kinde setting forth on all hands the glory and goodnesse of God Blesse the Lord all ye his hosts 4. The family of Beleevers the servants of the Lord who know his will and study to do it and in speciall his Ministers in the Church servants in State Pastors and Teachers of Gods people have in a special obligation lying on them to blesse the Lord who has intrusted them in his service and made them do his will Blesse the Lord ye Ministers of his that do his pleasure 5. There is none of Gods works in any part of the world nothing which his hands hath made how base and mean soever it may seem which doth not contribute matter unto the song of Gods praise and furnish reasons to glorifie and blesse the Maker Blesse ye the Lord all his works in all places of his dominion 6. When the Believer looketh on all the creatures in their own kinde as contributers unto the glorifying of God he shall finde his own particular obligation for special mercies bestowed upon himself calling for particular praise and thanks at his hands as David doth here who when he hath set all the creatures on work to blesse God concludeth thus Blesse the Lord O my soul. PSALME CIV AS in the former Psalme the Prophet stirred up himself and all others to glorifie God specially for the works of grace so here he stirreth up himself and others to glorifie God specially for the works of creation and providence And in the first place he sheweth the scope of all the Psalme v. 1. In the second place he bringeth arguments for pressing the duty of praising God from the first dayes work of creation to wit the light And from the second dayes work in spreading forth the Heavens v. 2 3 4. And from the 3d. days work of bringing forth the Earth the Sea the Floods and Plants for the use of Man and Beast which were the work of the sixth day v. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18. And from the works of the fourth day Sun and Moon v. 19 20
he saith The Cedars of Lebanon which he hath planted 14. It is worthy of our marking that fot the nests of birds he hath provided high trees where they might breed and lodge and bring forth their young more safely and securely Where the birds make their nests as for the Storke the Firre-trees are her house 15. It is worthy of our observation for glorifying of God that God hath taught weak creatures naturally to draw themselves to strong defences and sundry sorts of them to have their severall sorts of refuge The high hills are a refuge for the wilde goates and the rocks for the Conies Ver. 19. He appointed the Moone for seasons the Sunne knoweth his going downe 20. Thou makest darknesse and it is night wherein all the beasts of the forrest do creep forth 21. The young lyons roare after their prey and seek their meat from God 22. The Sunne ariseth they gather themselves together and lay them down in their dennes 23. Man goeth forth unto his worke and to his labour untill the evening 24. O LORD how manifold are thy works in wisdome hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Here he bringeth arguments of praise from the works of Creation on the fourth day and sheweth the uses thereof Whence learn 1. The minde of man is not able to overtake all Gods works at once whether in their number or order or properties or uses as the Prophets pitching upon some of them only doth teach us 2. The making of two great lights the Sunne and the Moon is worthy of our special observation for by them the glory of the rest of the works is much manifested He appointed the Moon for seasons c. 3. The making of two lights to move about the earth the one to supply in a sort the others absence is a reason of Gods praise He made the Moon and the Sun 4. The dividing of time into nights and dayes and sundry seasons that the continuance thereof might not be iâ—ksome unto man but the more acceptable by their interchanges and vicissiâ—udes is a reason for magnifying Gods wisdome and goodnesse to man He appointed the Moon for seasons the Sun knoweth his going down 5. The Lord hath so wiseâ—y mixed the motion of the Sun and Moon that a sweeter temper is not imaginable for if their motion had been the same and they did move near together then the use of the Moon had been the lesse if the Moon had been alwayes punctually opposite to the Sun then she should have been in a perpetual eclipse if the course of the Sun had not been compleat once a year and the course of the Moon once every moneth the earth could not have had so great service of both But God hath appointed the Moon for seasons and the Sun knoweth his going down each of them exactly keeping their course as God hath ordained 6. As Gods wisdome and goodnesse is to be seen in the Light so also in the vicissitude of Darknesse between day and day For Darknesse intervening between dayes maketh Light every day a new gift and Darknesse calleth man from his labour and travel unto râ—st that he may be refreshed therewith and with sleep Thou makest darknesse and it is night 7 It is a remarkable providence that ravenous beasts for the most part are kept in their dennes all day and not let loose for seeking their prey till night wherein all the beasts of the forrest creep forth 8. None of the ravenous beasts finde their prey till God bring it unto them For the young Lions for hunger roarâ— after their prey 9. The natural cries of the distressed creatures are in substance natures prayer to its Maker for relief and help The young Lions by their roaring seek their meat from God 10. It is a matter of praise to God that the day-light is made a natural terrour to cruel beasts or that any measure of being feared by man is left in them The Sun ariseth they gather themselves together and lay them down in their dennes 11. It is the Lords praise that he giveth daily new use of the light of the Sun to man that he may follow his work and businesse the better till the evening and suffereth it to remaine only so long a time as weak bodies may endure moderate travell Man goeth forth to his work and labour untill the evening 12. The more men do meditate on Gods works the more do they finde a bottomlesse deep and the number and variety of them more and more unsearchable O Lord how manifold are thy works 13. Thus much may be learned of Gods works that they are all of them excellently well and wisely wrought and ordered and that the riches of Gods bounty to man and to the creatures doth fill all the earth In wisdome hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches Ver. 25. So is this great and wide Sea wherein are things creeping innumerable both small and great 26. There go the ships there is that Leviathan whom thou hast made to play therein He cometh now to the works of the fifth day specially the furnishing of the Sea as a fish-pond for mans use and making it portable for ships to saile in Whence learn 1. The greatness and widenesse of the Sea the ebbing and flowing thereof the motion and saltnesse of it to keep it from rotting do speak of the glory of God no lesse then the ornament and rich furniture of the earth doth For as the earth is full of riches so is this great and wide Sea 2. The diversity and number of great and small fishes in the Sea speak much of Gods power wisdome and bounty wherein are things creeping innumerable both small and great fishes 3. The making of the Seas for the use of Navigation that men who cannot flee nor swim might the more commodiously keep commerce one with another in all parts of the world is a point of Gods praise There go the ships 4 Albeit all and every one of Gods works do set forth Gods power yet some of them do it more eminently then other some for making men see Gods glory the more in the rest yea and in the meanest of his works Such for example are the Elephant on earth and the Whale and other huge great monsters in the Sea That Leviathan whom thou hast made to play therein Ver. 27. These wait all upon thee that thou mayest give them their meat in due season 28. That thou givest them they gather thou openest thine hand they are filled with good 29. Thou hidest thy face they are troubled thou takest away their breath they die and returne to their dust 30. Thou sendest forth thy spirit they are created and thou renewest the face of the earth In the third place he bringeth forth arguments of Gods praise from the care the Lord hath of the preservation of his works which most appeareth in the feeding of all living creatures and propagation
forth v. 12. and comfortably closed with assurance of the Churches victoâ—y by the assistance of God v. 13. Ver. 1. O God my heart is fixed I will sing and give praise even with my glory 2. Awake Psaltery and Harpe I my self will awake early In the thanksgiving of faith and promise of praise he composeth himself in the best frame of spirit unto the work and fitteeh himself by all meanes unto it Whence learn 1. It is our duty especially when we are about any piece of immediate spiritual worship 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 disposed that so we may approve our selves to God with the more comfort for this doth the Psalmists example teach us O God my heart is fixed I will sing 2. In Gods worship it is very needful we should have our mindes present without diversion and our affections composed and set rightly toward the Lord and the work in hand as here My heart is fixed 3. As a man first tuneth his instrument and then playeth on it so should the holy servant of God first labour to bring his spirit heart and affections into a solid and setled frame for worship and then go to work My heart is fixed or prepared firmely I will sing and give praise 4. As the glory of man above the brute creatures is that from a reasonable minde he can expresse what is his will by his tongue so the glory of the Saints above other men is to have a tongue directed by the heart for expressing of Gods praise I will sing and give praise even with my glory 5. That only is our glory wherein and whereby we do most glorifie God for this cause the tongue directed by a holy heart is here called Davids glory I will sing and give praise even with my glory 6. Under typical termes we are taught to make use of all sanctified meanes for stirring of us up unto Gods service for this the Psalmist intendeth when he saith Awake Psaltery and Harp 7. We our selves must first be stirred up to make right use of the meanes before the meanes can be fiâ— to stir us up therefore saith he I my self will awake early Ver. 3. I will praise thee O LORD among the people and I will sing praise unto thee among the Nations 4. For thy mercy is great above the Heavens and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds 5. Be thou exalted O GOD above the Heavens and thy glory above all the earth Here is the praise of God and the reasons thereof Whence learn 1. It is no small help unto the discharge of a duty to engage the heart unto God for the doing of it for in effect that is the most we can attain unto in this life but in the next life we shall have full vent for our will to praise God and shall follow our purpose with perpetual perseverance I will praise thee O Lord among the people 2. Sincerity hath confidence to professe its purpose before the Lord I will praise thee O Lord. 3. As it is the duty and desire also of a true worshipper that all the world should be stirred up to praise the Lord so it was the comfort of the Church of the Jewes to foresee the joyning of the Gentiles in the song and to see the Gentiles stirred up by the songs of the Jewish Church I will praise thee O Lord among the people and will sing praises unto thee among the Nations 4. The matter and reasons of Gods praise are higher then the worshipper can reach and larger then he can fathom and in special the mercy of the Lord toward his people is larger then the wide circle of Heaven Thy mercy is great above the Heavens 5. There is more stuffe and substance of good in the Lords promises then the sharpest-sighâ—ed Saint ever did or can perceive for when we have followed the promise to finde out all the truth which is in it we meet with a cloud of unsearchable riches and are forced to leave it there for so much is included in this Thy truth reacheth unto the clouds 6. The height of our praising of God is to put the work of praising God upon himself and to point him out unto others as going about the magnifying of his own Name and to be glad for it as here Be thou exalted O God above the Heavens and thy glory above all the earth Ver. 6. That thy beloved may be delivered save with thy right hand and answer me After the praise of God from faith followeth the prayer of faith Wherein learn 1. The Church is the Lords beloved or the incorporation more loved then any thing else in the world therefore here called Thy beloved 2. Because the Church is Gods beloved the care of it should be most in our minde and the love of the preservation of it should draw forth our prayeâ— most in favour of it That thy beloved may be delivered save 3. Whosoever is entrusted with any publick charge Civil or Ecclesiastick in a special manner should make the preservation and welfare of Gods people their chief aime and the chief matter of their prayer and the greatest saâ—â—â—faction of their desires as here is done That thy beloved may be delivered save and answer me 4 As it is presupposed that the Church shall be frequently in danger so it is certain that her deliveâ—y and preservation must be brought about by God in his way and by his power and God must be trusted with this work therefore saith he That thy beloved may be delivered save with thy right hand Ver. God hath spoken in his holinesse I will rejoyce I will divide Shechem and mete out the valley of Succoth 8. Gilead is mine Manasseh is mine Ephraim also is the strength of mine head Iudah is my Law-giver Here the Psalmist looketh unto the word of promise for his answer Whence learn 1. Supplicants must take the answer of their prayers from the Word of promise for he who findeth his warrant to pray hath his answer before he begin to pray for he prayeth according to the Will of God and so he hath his petition so doth David teach God hath spoken in his holinesse 2. Faith closing with a promise will furnish joy to the beleever before he enjoy the performance of it God hath spoken saith he I will rejoyce 3. The believer of a general promise may branch out the particulars in it which are not performed no lesse clearly then if they had been particularly expressed for so doth the Psalmist teach saying I will divide Sechem and mete out the valley of Succoth which thing came to passe as he believed and the whole Kingdome under him was now setled for his particular interest when this Psalm was composed but as it typified the reducing of the distracted parts of Christs Kingdom into the unity of Reformation and joynt
The fifth reason of Gods praise is the evidencing of his power put forth before his people in so wonderfull and miraculous a manner as no cause can be given of the works wrought for his people in their coming out from Egypt their entry into Canaan and in the wildernesse except only Gods extraordinary manifestation of his presence amongst his people and for them which the Psalmist bringeth forth by asking the cause of these miracles answering the question by the terrible presence of God Whence learn 1. The Lord can work so clearly for his people that the most stupid and brute souls shal be convinced of his respect to his children as this experience doth shew 2. If Atheisme and unbeliefe in men could finde any natural reason or any pretence of reason whereby they might obscure the glory of Gods doing for his people they would not faile to do it as this interrogation teacheth What ailed thee O thou Sea c 3. The more narrowly the works of the Lord are looked unto the more evidently doth his power and presence appeare in working them as the answer unto the question and holding forth the Lords presence twice for the cause of such changes on the creatures do shew 4. The end and use of Gods power manifested in favour of his people is first that all flesh should fear God and stand in awe of him and next that his covenanted people should look upon his terrour as their bulwarke Tremble thou earth at the presence of the Lord at the presence of the God of Iacob Vers. 8. Which turned the rock into a standing water the flint into a fountain of waters The sixth reason of Gods praise in the woâ—k of delivery of his people out of Egypt is his wonderfull provision for their drink in the dry wildernesse by dissolving the flinty rock into water Whence learn 1. Whomsoever the Lord doth redeem and set upon their way to heaven he will provide for whatsoever is necessary for their sustentation and comfort in their journey as his providing of drink for the camp of Israel giveâ—h proof 2. We being called of God to follow our Redeemer till we be put in possession of promises must not stand for any difficulty or disappearance of meanes for our sustentation and comfort for God can work his purpose by contrary-like meanes He turned the rock into a standing water the flint into a fountaine-of waters PSALM CXV THe Church of Israel being under the power of the heathen and unable to help themselves do flee to God for relief and in the former part of the Psalm they pray for delivery strengthening their hope to be heard by foure arguâ—â—â—ts unto v. â— In the latter part the Church is encourageâ— to trust in God and to expect deliverance in due time by several reasons all serving to confirme their faith unto the end of the Psalme Vers. 1. NOt unto us O LORD not unto us but unto thy Name give glory for thy mercy and for thy truths sake In praying for relief from the bondage of idolaters they reject all confidence in themselves and bring arguments of their hope to be helped from other grounds Whence learn 1. It is no strange thing to see Gods people for their chastisement or trial put under the power of idolaters as this experience of Israel doth shew 2. When we seek any thing from God we ought to acknowledge our own unworthinesse and ill deserving and to renounce all confidence in our selves Not unto us give the glory saith the Church here 3. 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 Not unto us O LORD not unto us but unto thy Name give glory for thy mercy and for thy truths sake Vers. 2. Wherefore should the heathen say Where is now their God The second reason of hope to have their 〈◊〉 granted is because if the Lord do not deliver them idolaters under whose power they do lie will continue to blaspheme the true Religion and the true God whom the true Church doth worship Whence learn 1. The enemies of the Church are ready to blaspheme the true Religion when the Lords people are brought in straits and under their power as here The heathen say Where is now their God When we have brought our selves in misery and our Religion in danger of disgrace we ought to be more carefull to have the Lord restored to his honour and true Religion restored unto its own beauty then to be freed from misery for the Church here cannot endure the dishonour of God in their affliction Wherefore should the heathen say Where is now their God Vers. 3. But our God is in the heavens he hath done whatsoever he pleased The third reason of hope to be heard is because God is omnipotent and supreme Governour of all things and his authority is as his power absolute to do what he pleaseth and this reason strengthens also the former reason Whence learn 1. The more the wicked do oppose God and the true Religion the more should his servants assert his glory and truth as the Church doth here saying But our God is in heaven 2. The consideration of Gods absolute power and authority exalteth God above all idols stoppeth all murmuration against his dispensation toward his people and their enemies closeth all disputation against his revealed will and looseth all objections arising from difficulties and impediments which might hinder hope to be helped out of misery as here we see Our God is in heaven he doth whatsoever he pleaseth Vers. 4. Their idols are silver and gold the work of mens hands 5. They have mouths but they speake not eyes have they but they see not 6. They have eares but they hear not noses have they but they smell not 7. They have hands but they handle not feet have they but they walk not neither speak they through their throat A fourth reason of hope that the Church shall be delivered from the power of idolaters is because there is no other God to deliver them save the Lord Idols can neither help their worshippers nor hurt Gods people who despise them and therefore his people will hope in their own true God and despise idolaters and their idols both Whence learn 1. Images in the matter of Religion whatsoever they seem to be or represent are but idols for so are they called here 2. Images in Religion profit nothing but bring trouble to men as their name in the original importeth 3. Albeit idolaters do bestow largely upon their Idols and put upon them artificially some shape to represent some perfections by them yet the riches of the matter can give them no excellency They are but silver or gold at the best their forgers and authours are but men for it is sufficient to disgrace any point of Religion if
himself The Lord is great and our Lord is above all gods 2. As the Lord doth by his extraordinary working for his people make manifest his glorious and great majestie to them so should they so much the more for their experience praise him before all the world For I know that the Lord is great and our Lord is above all gods doth import not only the Psalmists belief of the point and experience of the truth thereof but also his practice of the duty Ver. 6. Whatsoever the LORD pleased that did he in heaven and in earth in the seas and all deepe places The fifth reason of Gods praise serving also to confirm the former reason is because God is the Omnipotent Creator and absolute Governour of all things disposing of them as he pleaseth Whence learn 1. The great works of Creation Sustentation and governing all things do shew the Lords greatnesse and do furnish matter of his praise Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did he in heaven and in earth in the sea and all deep places 2. The Lords will and pleasure is the measure of the extending of his Omnipotency and no further must we extend his power unto action then his revealed will giveth warrant Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did he 3. The Lords will is the sovereign and absolute cause of all his working and that whereon all mens faith and reason must rest Whatsoever he pleased he did Ver. 7. He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth he maketh lightenings for the raine he bringeth the winde out of his treasuries The sixth reason of Gods praise is because 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 so light oâ— variable which are not wrought by God and wherein his providence doth not actually put forth it self in vapours clouds rain lightnings windes and all He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth he maketh lightnings for the raine he bringeth the winde out of his treasuries Ver. 8. Who smote the first-borne of Egypt both of man and beast 9. Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee O Egypt upon Pharaoh and upon all his servants 10. Who smote great Nations and slew mighty Kings 11. Sihon King of the Amorites and Og King of Bashan and all the Kingdomes of Canaan 12. And gave their land for an heritage an heritage unto Israel his people The seventh reason of Gods praise is for his wonderful Redemption of his people out of Eqypt and powerful overthrow of the Canaanites and placing of his people in their room Whence learn 1. The Lords working for his Church in former times is matter of praising God in all after-ages as this example of the mentioning so oft of the slaughter of the first-born of Egypt both of man and beast doth teach 2. Gods working for his people is such that their enemies being posed must acknowledge his wonderful acts He sent tokens and wonders in the midst of thee O Egypt upon Pharaoh and all his servants 3. When God engageth for his people he will overtop the mightiest Kings and Kingdomes and tread them under in favour of his Church Who smote great Nations and slew mighty Kings Sihon King of the Amorites and Og King of Bashan and all the Kingdomes of Canaan 4. The care of God for his people is indefatigable he ceaseth not to prosecute begun favours till he bring them to an end He followeth Israels Redemption out of Egypt till he give them possession of Canaan 5. Albeit there be difficulties and opposition to the setling of Gods people in their possession yet the work goeth on and must be perfected and the close of Gods work is no lesse glorious then the beginning of it He gave their land for an heritage an heritage unto Israel his people Vers. 13. Thy Name O LORD endureth for ever and thy memorial O LORD throughout all generations In the second place the Psalmist turneth his speech toward the Lord and praiseth him yet more and then in the following verses addeth other two reasons of his praising God From this verse Learn 1. What the Lord doth declare himself to be in one generation toward his Church may and should be a meanes to know what he will do in all time to come for his people as need shall require Thy Name O Lord endureth for ever and thy memorial O Lord throughout all generation 2. As the constancy of Gods love toward his people and care for them is a matter of high praise unto God so it is a matter of sweet refreshing joy to the beleever which maketh him look up kindly unto God and praise him as here the Psalmist in praising Gods constancy turneth his speech twice toward him O Lord O Lord. Ver. 14. For the LORD will judge his people and he will repent himselfe concerning his servants The first new reason of Gods praise is the hope that the Lord will plead the cause of his afflicted people and will comfort them Whence learn 1. Then are by-past mercies of God rightly made use of when they strengthen faith and hope in God for mercies to come as here we see the Lords memorial made use of for the Churches present comfort 2. Wheresoever Gods people are oppressed by their enemies howsoever God hath ever just quarrel against his people yet will he examine what moved the enemies to trouble them and albeit he do not at first give out sentence yet he will execute justice in favour of his people in due time For the Lord will judge his people to wit by pleading their cause against their enemies 3. The constancy of Gods love to his people makes the change of his sad dispensations into more comfortable to be certain and therefore Gods afflicting of his people is a work wherein he will not continue because his mercy toward his people is everlasting For the Lord will judge his people and he will repent himself concerning his servants 4. As it is a sort of grief to God to afflict his people so it is a sort of comfort to him to comfort his people by delivering of them from their sad affliction for the word Repent himself in the Originall doth signifie also to comfort himself Ver. 15. The idols of the heathen are silver and gold the work of mens hands 16. They have mouthes but they speak not eyes have they but they see not 17. They have ears but they heare not neither is there any breath in their mouthes 18. They that make them are like unto them so is every one that trusteth in them The second new reason of Gods praise is taken from the businesse of all idols compared with God and of all idolaters compared wiâ—h his servants Whence learn 1. True woâ—shippers of God do detest images and idols and all false religion how gorgeously soever they be decked up by idolaters The idols
condition worse or better it must not take up the room in our affection which is due to the Church it must not make us forget the affliction of Ioseph for that were to provoke God to make those benefits uselesse unto us which did divert us from sympathy with the Church If I forget thee O Ierusalem let my right hand forget her cunning or if the Church of God and the good of it be not preferred above our own private contentments it shall be righteousnesse with God to turn the meanes of our private contentment to be the means of our private grief If I do not remember thee let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth if I preferre not Ierusalem to my chief joy 4. To seek mens favour with the detâ—iment of any point of Religion or to consent unto mens encroachment upon matters of Religion that we may have their favour or that we may be freed from their trouble or sit at more ease under them is to forget God and his Church and our respects which we owe to God and to his Church as we are taught by the example of the Jewes refusing to sing Psalmes at the Babylonians desire or direction and expounding their obedience to the Babylonians in this point to be nothing else but a forgetting of Ierusalem and a denying of their Religion if they should have yielded Vers. 7. Remember O LORD the children of Edom in the day of Ierusalem who said Rase it rase it even to the foundation thereof 8. O daughter of Babylon who art to be destroyed happy shall he be that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us 9. Happy shall he be that taketh and dasheth thy little ones agaenst the stones In the imprecation used against the enemies of the Church and in particular against their false brethren the Edomites who helped on their affliction and against the Babylonians who were the chief oppressors of them Learn 1. False brethren are the chief instruments of persecution of the true members of the Church whensoever they finde occasion aâ— the Edomites the posterity of Esau did prove in the destruction of Ierusalem Remember O Lord the children of Edom. 2. Whosoever do delight in the Churches calamity and do endeavour the Churches ruine by word or deed by their stirring up of others to afflict them or by any oppression which may tend to the Churches prejudice when the Lord is visiting her their sinne shall not be forgotten of God in the day when the Lord judgeth his people but shall be severely punished Remember O â—ord the children of Edom in the day of Ierusalem 3. No lesse will suffice the adversaries of the Church then the utter ruine and rasing of it to the ground Who said of Ierusalem Rase it rase it even to the foundation thereof 4. The estate of the Church at the worst is better then the estate of Babylon or any estate of her adversaries how prosperous soever at the best for albeit the Church be in captivity and oppressed yet she shall not be destroyed but it is not so with her adversaries but O daughter of Babylon who art to be destroyed 5. Faith is neither blinded by the prosperity of the wicked nor by the adversity of the Church but doth see through the prospect of the Lords Word both her approaching delivery of the Church and the ruine of her enemies for O daughter of Babylon who art to be destroyed doth shew unto the captive Jewes so much 6. As the enemies of Gods Church have measured out unto the Lords people so it shall be measured back again and more for a reward unto her adversaries Happy shall he be that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us 7. There is an happinesse wherein blessednesse doth not consist which neither is a part or branch of blessednesse nor a proper mark of blessednesse but only signifieth some happinesse in the consequence of a mans work tending to the glory of God and good of his Church and such is the happinesse of the Medes and Persians here spoken of who whatsoever were their corrupt intentions in their warre did work albeit not as religious servants yet as Gods instruments a good work of justice upon the oppressors of Gods people and a good work of delivery of the Lords people Happy shall he be that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones 8. Albeit it be a sinfull thing to satisfie our carnall affection in the misery of any man yet it is lawfull in Gods cause to wish that God be glorified albeit in the confusion of his enemies and here great need is to have the heart well guarded with the fear of God for wherwise to allow the dashing of little ones against the stones might make a man guilty of savage cruelty PSALME CXXXVIII THis Psalme is Davids thanksgiving unto God and praising of him for the experience he had of his love and faithfulnesse The promise of praise or thanksgiving is set down v. 1. and six reasons are to be subjoyned in the verses following which are closed with a prayer in the end of the Psalme Vers. 1. I Will praise thee with my whole heart before the gods will I sing praises unto thee In the promise of praising God Learn 1. It is a part of our thankfulnesse to engage our heart to praise God for after-time when we finde that all the thanks we can give for the present are short of our duty or desire to praise him I will praise thee saith David 2. As sometimes the believer will finde his heart set at liberty in Gods worship which at another time he will finde to be in bands so should he take the opportunity of an enlarged heart to runne in the way of Gods service as David doth here I will praise thee with my whole heart 3. Albeit the faces of Princes Rulers and Magistrates use to lay some restraint upon the liberty of speech which men use to take before mean persons and albeit Princes ordinarily love rather to hear themselves praised by flatterers then to hear either God or man magnified in their audience yet a heart enlarged with the sense of Gods Majesty greatnesse and goodnesse will not stand to confesse and proclaim Gods truth greatnesse and goodnesse and other points of his praise in the audience of the greatest men on the earth puâ— case they should think themselves cried down and more lightly esteemed of by this meanes Before the Lord will I sing praise to thee Ver. 2. I will worship toward thy holy Temple and praise thy Name for thy loving kindnesse and for thy truth for thou hast magnified thy Word above all thy Name He engageth himselfe also unto the publick ordinary worship of God according to Gods command and then giveth the reasons of his engagement Whence learn 1. Worshipping of God in secret is indeed necessary but it is not sufficient for the man who mindeth thankfulnesse to God except he follow the publick meanes also and
of the changes which God doth make as well in one case as in another could not be endured if God should not temper them and provide some remedy against them as appeareth in the making of frost Who can stand before his cold 4. Before any change from frost to faire weather can be made a new order must come forth from the Lord and when that cometh aire and water do return to their former course and so it is in any other change in the world especially in the affaires of the Church He sendeth out his Word and melteth them he causeth the winde to blow and the waters flow Vers. 19. He sheweth his Word unto Iacob his statutes and his judgements unto Israel 20. He hath not dealt so with any Nation and as for his judgements they have not known them Praise ye the LORD The sixth reason of the third exhortation to praise God is from the different dealing of God with his Church and with the rest of the people of the world Whence learn 1. The benefit of the Scriptures and 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 bestowed on his Church called by the names of Iacob or Israel He sheweth his Word unto Iacob his statutes and his judgements unto Israel 2. 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 hath not dealt so with any Nation 3. Where the Word of God in his Scripture is not opened up there the Lords dealing with men in justice and mercie and the way which the Lord keepeth in ruling of the world is not understood but people there do live in deadly darknesse As for his judgments they have not known them 4. As the benefits bestowed upon the Church are most excellent so the Church is most bound to praise God both for those mercies and for all other his glorious works Praise ye the Lord. PSALME CXLVIII IN this Psalme the Church is stirred up to praise God because of the incomparable excellency of his glory and majesty appearing first in the heavens above v. 1 2 3 4 5 6. Secondly in the earth and sea beneath and lower parts under the Heaven v. 7 8 9 10. Thirdly in the governing of men and of all sorts and ranks of men but especially in doing for his Church v. 11 12 13 14. In all which as he sheweth how the world is full of Gods glory so he pointeth at matter of his praise whithersoever we turne our eyes Ver. 1. PRaise ye the LORD praise ye the LORD from the Heavens praise him in the heights 2. Praise ye him all his Angels praise ye him all his hostes 3. Praise ye him Sun and Moon praise him all ye stars of light 4. Praise him ye Heaven of heavens and ye waters that be above the Heavens 5. Let them praise the Name of the LORD for he commanded and they were created 6. He hath also established them for ever and ever he hath made a decree which shall not passe In the exhortation to praise God because of his glory shining in the Heavens Learn 1. Howsoever the glory of the Lord doth shine in all his works yet there are degrees of the shining of it and the chiefest glory is from celestial creatures and from the consideration of what is in heaven Praise ye the Lord praise ye the Lord from the Heavens 2. As God is praised in heaven by the blessed spirits that are there so the true worshipper should joyne with those that praise him there Praise him in the heights or high places 3. Albeit the Angels have the first place in the song of Gods praise and need not to be stirred to the work of praise by us yet it is a part of our praising of God to consent unto their song and account their work well bestowed on the Lord their Mâ—ker and to hold the example of them before our eyes aiming to do Gods will on earth as it is done in Heaven Praise him all ye Angels 4. The Lord hath at his hand swift servants not a few to go in what message he pleaseth to direct them and they are ministring spirits for the good of his Church Praise ye him all ye his Angels or his messengers 5. The Lord is also well furnished with souldiers for all his creatures are ready at his command to fight in Gods quarrel in defence of his friends and pursuit of his foes Praise ye him all his hostes 6. The Lords armies are not idle but are still on their work of praising doing the works of peace even in the midst of warre Praise him all his hostes 7. Beside the common song of praise which all things have as they are creatures every one of the creatures have their own proper parts in the Song The Sun in his particular vertue and motion the Moon in hers and the stars in theirs every one by themselves and these also joyntly make up a sweet and harmonious melody to the praise of God Praise ye him Sun and Moon praise him all ye star of light 8. The variety and difference of place and distance from the earth of Sun Moon and Starres some of them being lower some of them higher as the Eclipses of Sun and Moon and the diverse positions of the starres do shew are all matters of Gods praise for the lowest region of the aire is here called Heaven and the place where the Sun Moon and Starres are set is called Heaven and the Heaven of Heavens the third Heaven where Angels and spirits of just men made perfect do remain each and all of them do serve foâ— Gods praise Praise him ye Heaven of Heavens 9. The bottles of waters in the clouds flying above the lowest region of the aire ready to be dissolved here and there as God pleaseth to water the earth do serve as matter both of wondering at Gods work and praising of him Praise him ye waters that be above the Heavens 10. Praise is due to God not only for the making of the Heavens but also for the making them of nothing by the sole word of command which did produce them by saying Let them be let them praise the Name of the Lord for he commanded and they were created 11. The speechlesse creatures have their own way of praising God and men have their way of praising speechlesse creatures praise God in their own kinde when they hold forth as in a table the matter and reason of praising God and men do praise God when they do observe and acknowledge and proclaim one to another the reasons of Gods praise and these exhortations do import both Let them praise the Name of the Lord. 12. The course and appointed motions of the Heavens are so setled during the standing of the world as they shalll not faile to go
face of sinne and to be diverted from sinning by the sight of Gods judgement threatened and executed upon the wicked horrour hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law and this is the fourth felt fruit of his faith 7. As Gods children are in this world strangers and pilgrims in affection and dealt with as strangers where they live so also are they oft-times banished from their native Countrey Thy statutes have been my song in the house of my pilgrimage 8. Wheresoever the believer is and whatsoever be his outward condition the Word of God received by faith shall bear him company and furnish him with matter of comfort and rejoycing Thy statutes have been my song in the houâ—e of my pilgrimage and this is the fifth felt fruit of his faith 9. The knowledge and deep impression of the Majesty of God as he revealeth himselfe in his works and Word is a powerfull meanes to strengthen us in the obedience of faith I have remâ—mbred thy Name O Lord and have kept thy Law and this is the sixth felt fruit of his faith 10. Well spent time in secret when we are solitary shall be rewarded openly by a good carriage in society and company I remembred thy Name in the night I have kept thy law 11. It is no small benefit to see and observe what good we have had by our obedience to God and how grace hath been rewarded by grace in our persons This I had to wit all the former fruits because I kept thy precepts and this is the seventh felt fruit of faith that a man may enjoy the approbation and comfort of the fruits of faith 12. Those are reckoned keepers of Gods precepts not who have no sinne in them but who study to be free of sinne and to do Gods will This I had because I kept thy precepts 13. It is wisdome to reckon what good we have by faith in God and to endeavour to please him rather then to reckon our temporary and light afflictions in our service as here we are taught CHETH Vers. 57. Thou art my portion O LORD I have said that I would keep thy words 58. I intreated thy favour with my whole heart be mercifull unto me according to thy Word 59. I thought on my wayes and turned my feet unto thy testimonies 60. I made haste and delayed not to keep thy Commandments 61. The bands of the wicked have robbed me but I have not forgotten thy Law 62. At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgements 63. I am a companion of all them that fear thee and of them that keep thy precepts 64. The earth O LORD is full of thy mercy teach me thy statutes In this section he laboureth to confirme his faith and to comfort himselfe in the certainty of his regeneration by eight properties of a sound believer or eight marks of a new creature The first whereof is his choosing of God for his portion Whence learn 1. Such as God hath chosen and effectually called they get grace to make God their choice their delight and their portion and such as have chosen God for their portion have an evidence of their regeneration and election also for here David maketh this a mark of his regeneration Thou art my portion O Lord. 2. It is another mark of regeneration after believing in God and choosing of him for our portion to resolve to bring out the fruits of faith in new obedience as David did I have said that I will keep thy words 3. As it is usuall for Gods children now and then because of sinne falling out to be exercised with the sense of Gods displeasure so it is a mark of a new creature not to lie stupid and senslesse under this exercise but to deal with God earnestly for restoring the sense of reconciliation and giving new experience of his mercy as the Psalmist did I intreated thy favour with my whole heart and this is the third evidence of a new creature 4. The penitent believer hath the Word of grace and Covenant of God for his assurance to be heard when he seeketh mercy Be mercifull to me according to thy Word 5. The searching in what condition we are in and examination of our wayes according to the Word and renewing of repentance with an endeavour of amendment is a fourth mark of a new creature I thought on my wayes and turned my feet unto thy testimonies 6. When we do see our sin we are naturally slow to amend our doings but the sooner we turne us to the way of Gods obedience we speed the better and the more speedy the reforming of our life be the more sound mark is it of a new creature I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments 7. Enduring of persecution and spoiling of our goods for adhering to Gods Word without forsaking of our cause is a fifth mark of a new creature The bands of the wicked have robbed me but I have not forgotten thy law 8 As it is the lot of Gods children who resolve to be godly to suffer persecution and to be forced either to lose their temporal goods or else to lose a good cause and a good conscience so it is the wisdome of the godly to remember what the Lords Word requireth of us and speaketh unto us and this shall comfort our conscience more then the losse of things temporal can trouble our mindes The bands of the wicked robbed me but I have not forgotten thy Law 9. A sixth mark of a new creature is to be so farre from fretting under hard exercise as to thank God in secret chearfully for his gracious Word and for all the passages of his providence where none seeth us and where there is no hazard of ostentation At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgements 10. A seventh mark of a renewed creature is to associate our selves and keep communion with such as are truly gracious and do fear God indeed as we are able to discerne them I am a companion of all them that fear thee 11. The fear of God is evidenced by believing and obeying the doctrine and direction of the Scripture and no other wayes I am a companion of all them that fear thee and of them that keep thy precepts 12. The eighth mark of a new creature is not to rest in any measure of renovation but earnestly to deal with God for the encrease of saving knowledge and fruitfull obedience of it for Teach me thy statutes is the prayer of the man of God in whom all the former marks are found 13. As the whole creatures are witnesses of Gods bounty to man and partakers of that bounty themselves so are they pawnes of Gods pleasure to bestow upon his servants greater gifts then these even the encrease of sanctification in further illumination of minde and reformation of life for this the Psalmist useth for an argument to
be more and more sanctified The whole earth is full of thy bounty O Lord teach me thy statutes TETH Ver. 65. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant O LORD according unto thy word In this section he gives eight marks of a thankfull soul delivered from heavy trouble for a time The first mark is his hearty acknowledgement of Gods goodnesse toward himself Whence learn 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 the duty of a believer to pray in his need so it is the duty of the thankfull man to confesse what he hath received for supplying of his need Thou hast dealt well with thy servant 2. The Lord will so performe his promise as he shall make the believing supplicant witnesse of his fidelity Thou hast dealt well with thy servant according to thy word 3. As gifts prayed for so also gifts received ought to be examined whether they be given to us as to servants of God and according to the promises made to his servants in the Word or not otherwise a man can neither make right use of them nor be thankfull for them as the Psalmist doth here who saith Thou hast dealt well with thy servant according to thy word Vers. 66. Teach me good judgement and knowledge for I have believed thy Commandments Another work of his thankfulnesse is his seeking the increase of wisdome and discretion for enabling of him unto better service of God in time to come Whence learn 1. Beside the knowledge of the general rule of Gods will it is necessary to have the gift of discretion to know our duty when particulars cloathed with circumstances come to be tried by the rule and this the thankfull man should pray for Teach me good judgement and knowledge 2. He that would be directed in the faith and obedience of Gods Word in particular ought to be cleare in general of his estimation and belief of all Gods Word in Scripture Teach me good judgement saith he for I have believed thy commandments Ver. 67. Before I was afflicted I went a stray but now have I kept thy word The third mark of his thankfulnesse is his acknowledgement of the wisdome and goodnesse of God manifested in and wrought by afflicting of him Whence learn 1. So perverse are we by nature as we are the worse oft-times by prosperity Before I was afflicted I went astray 2. When prosperity is abused it is Gods mercy to us to visit us with the rod of affliction and by it to drive us to make better use of his Word But now have I kept thy word 3. When affliction is sanctified and found in the fruits thereof it is no lesse sweet when it is past then it was bitter when it was present as the comparison of times here doth shew Ver. 68. Thou art good and doest good teach me thy statutes The fourth mark of his thankfulness now being comforted after trouble is his acknowledgement of the goodnesse of Gods nature and working and his drawing from this fountain more sanctification Whence learn 1. As goodnesse is Gods nature and good is his work so it is the thankful mans part to observe it acknowledge it and heartily to praise him for it especially when he â—s called unto this by late favours as the Psalmist doth here Thou art good and doest good 2. When the goodness of God is solidly apprehended it furnisheth ground of great confidence to seek further fruits thereof towards us as here the Psalmist doth 3. Of all the fruits of Gods goodness which a thankful man can crave to himself none is fitter to be sought then the growth of the grace of sanctification as here Teach me thy statutes Vers. 69. The proud have forged a lie against me but I will keep thy Precepts with any whole heart A fifth mark of a thankful man comforted is his renewed purpose not to sin for fear of the malice or craft of any persecutors Whence learn 1. Beside violence and crueltie we shall finde lies and false calumnies to be the weapons of the wicked against the godly The proud have forged a lie against me 2. The slanders and calumnies of the wicked against the godly are so trimmed and dressed up with much artifice as if they were cast in a mould The proud have forged a lie against me 3. The only way of resisting and overcoming this tentation is by the sincere adhering to God in the faith and obedience of his Word But I will keep thy Precepts with my whole heart Ver. 70. Their heart is as fat as grease but I delight in thy law The sixth mark of a thankful man comforted after affliction and persecution is his despising the prosperity of the wicked in comparison of the benefit of a good conscience and joy in God Whence learn 1. It is the prosperity of the proud which encourageth them to persecute the godly yea their prosperity so benummeth their consciences that they may not fear to persecute Their heart is as fat as grease 2. As a benummed and seared conscience is a sin annexed to the sin of persecution so is it also the plague of God upon them ordinarily that they should not repent Their heart is as fat as grease 3. The comfort of a good conscience and the comfort of delighting in the obedience of faith is a greater welfare to the godly then prosperity how great soever it can be unto the wicked and so the godly need not envie the proud and prosperous man Their heart is fat as grease but I delight in thy law Ver. 71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn thy statutes The seventh mark of a thankful minde comforted after affliction is his estimation that holiness wrought by affliction bringeth more pleasure and gain then affliction did bring with it losse or pain Whence learn 1. The godly have as evil natures as the wicked have which cannot be subdued and beaten down except by affliction as appeareth by this experience of the Psalmist 2. Albeit no affliction for the present be pleasant yet afterward it proveth medicine to the godly whose wisdom it is to observe all the advantages which come thereby as the Psalmist doth here It is good for me that I was afflicted 3. Profiting in sanctification is more then may recompence all the trouble which we are put unto in learning of it It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn thy statutes Ver. 72. The Law of thy mouth is better unto me then thousands of gold and silver The eighth mark of his thankful minde comforted after affliction is his preferring the advantage of the written Word of God to all riches Whence learn 1. No affection to the Word of God can be in a man till it be esteemed by him as it is indeed the VVord of Gods mouth as it were breathed out by himself speaking it for