siege about them that they escape not They encamp against thee saith the Psalmist speaking as it were to every one of Gods People 4. Wraâ—…h pursueth the Persecutor both living and dead and ceaseth not to follow him so long as there is any thing of him capable of punishment for God not only â—…iseth the 〈◊〉 and destroyeth the enemie and consumeth his flesh but also he hath seattered the bâ—…es of him that enâ—…ampeth against theâ—… 5. When theâ—… is nothing left of the Pâ—… 〈◊〉 unpunished in the world the wrath of God pursueth his name and memoâ—…ial and the wrong done to the innocent is the Persecutors greatâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thou hast put them to sâ—…me 6 As true hâ—…ur and thâ—…â—…ring of â—…pect from men upon any is the gift of God who honoureth them that honour him so deserved sâ—… and 〈◊〉 for â—…n committed when it is poâ—…ed out as the effâ—…ct of Godâ—… justice maketh them who 〈◊〉 him to be ligâ—…ly esteemed Thou hast put them to sâ—… because God hath 〈◊〉 them Ver. 6. O that the salvation of Israel were come out of Sion when God bringeth back the captivity of his people Iacob shall rejoyce and Israel shall be glad The last ground of comfort to the persecuted godly is the hope of compleat â—…ion to the Church of God and of every true member therof in Christ. Whence learne 1. There is no â—…lid consolation against persecution or any other grievance save in the salvation which is to be â—…ad in Christ He is the Sâ—…iour and salvation of Israel 2. As Christs coming â—…o accomplish salvation by pâ—…t and part in his own order and time is most certainly to be belâ—…ved and hoped for so is it most earnestly to be wished longed after and prayed for as the example of the Lords People here longing for his coming to â—…ion in his incarnation and maniâ—…ion of his grace and then in the spreading forth of his grace and salvation out of Sion to Gâ—…ntiles and Jeweâ—… doth teach us O thâ—… the salvation of 〈◊〉 were come out of Sion 3. As the captivity of Gods People dâ—… remain in any degree and measure which may make 〈◊〉 coming to be so much the more deâ—…eable and to be the object of wishes and matter of Prayer so shall every sort and degree of captivity at last be removed from Gods People till Redemption be compleatly fulfilled God shall bring back the captivity of his People 4. As of all People whoever had the name of Gods People the miseries and captivities of the Israelites because of their provocation against God have been the most conspicuous and signal So of all the People on the earth and of all the Nations which have been honoured with the title of Gods People the deliverance of Israel from captivity shall be most eminently and conspicuously comfortable for when God shall bring back the captivity of his People then Jacob shall rejoyce and Israel shall be glad PSAL. LIV. To the chief Musician on Neginoth Maschil A Psalme of David when the Ziphims came and said to Saul Doth not David hide himself with us DAvid being betrayed by the Ziphims First doth make his Prayer to God for delivery ver 1 2. Secondly he strengtheneth his faith by some reasons ver 3 Thirdly he is confident of his own delivery and of Gods judgement on the Ziphims whereunto he subscribes ver 4 5. And last of all he promiseth praise to God for his own assured deliverance ver 6 7. From the Inscription Learn 1. Particular straits and particular deliveries should be particularly remarked as David here remembereth the danger he was in by the treachery of the Ziphims 2. Mighty men will finde readily more friends in an evil cause then the godly do finde in a good cause As Saul hath the Ziphims to offer their service to his cruelty when David was in straits 3. The wicked are very hearty to do an ill turn and glad to finde occasion of it Doth-not David say they hide himself with us as if this had been good and blessed newes Ver. 1. SAve me O God by thy Name and judge me by thy strength 2. Heare my Prayer O God give eare to the words of my mouth From Davids Prayer Learne 1. The godly can never be so surprised with trouble but they should flie to God for delivery as David doth here and it is a rare vertue not to forget this relief in depth of distresse 2. When men beleeve that God is all-sufficient and answerable to what is spoken of him they have great encouragement to go to him in diffiâ—…ulty Save me by thy Name saith David Gods name gave him ground to pray and hope for deliverance 3. Albeit no man should rashly call God to give judgement yet in a good cause against a strong Party an upright man may call for and expect assistance from God Iudge me by thy strongth saith he 4. In servent prayer the very voice hath use as with the supplicant to expresse his earnestnesse and his faith in God and to stiâ—… him up and hold him fixed to his supplication so with God also hath it use in regard it is an expresse invocation of him and a signe of dependance upon him and of expectation of a good answer from him Heare my Prayer O God give care unto the words of my mouth Ver. 3. For strangers are risen up against me and oppressours seek after my soule they have not set God before them Selah The reasons supporting his saith in his Prayer â—…e taken from the unkindnesse unnatuâ—…alnesse and cruelty not only of his Countrey-men but also of his father in law and of his old acquaintance slippery Courtiers who sometime professed friendship Whence learn 1. No strangers are more strange then they who cast off the bands of civility and nature wherein they were bound false Countrey-men false brethren false friends false alliance are those of whom men may expect leâ—…st in their need for David findeth such men to be his greatest enemies Strangers are risen up against me saith he 2. When they who should protect a man do him most wrong God will hear the pâ—…ints put up against such men oppressours seek after my soul or â—…e 3. When the fear of God is laid aside there is nothing to be expected of the godlesse man but the worst of evills which he is able to do there is no aw band to restrain him for they have not set God before them 4. The lesse hope there be of mans mercy the more hope is of Gods help the more unkinde and cruel men be who should be friends the more may the Lords kindnesse and comfort be expected for supply of inlacks as here the dâ—…ist of Davids argument holdeth forth Ver. 4. Behold God is mine helper the Lord is with them that uphold my soul. 5. He shall reward evil unto mine enemies cut them off in thy truth In the third place he is assured of help to himself and to his friends
is illuminated to behold and the heart inclined to follow righteousnesse Secondly in the work of daily direction by his Word and Spirit Righteousnesse shall go before him 3. As the way that the Believer must walk in is that which is prescribed by the Lord his leader so the effectual mover of the Believer unto sanctification is the grace of righteousnesse or sanctification which Christ the leader doth send forth into his peoples heart to make them follow the direction given unto them For Righteousnesse shall go before him and set us in the way of his steps PSAL. LXXXVI A Prayer of David THis Psalme agreeth well with the time when David was in trouble being persecuted by Saul The summe of it is a prayer for reliefe consisting of 7. Petitions some of them more generally some of them more particularly expressing his trouble and his desire of relief all which Petitions have reasons joyned unto them serving to strengthen the faith of the supplicant Ver. 1. BOw down thine eare O LORD heare me for I am poore and needy The first Petition is for audience and the reason of his hope to be heard is because of his necessity to be helped Whencâ—… learn 1. When a believer hath any Petition to present unto God he may expect accesse unto God and audience and acceptation of his person and prayer O Lord hear me 2. Albeit the supplicant be on earth and God to be found in heaven albeit the supplicant be mean and base both in his own eyes and in effect and God be the high and lofty one that inhabiâ—…h eternity yet will he humble himselfe to take notice of the supplicaâ—…ion of 〈◊〉 believing supplicant Bow down thine ear O Lord. 3. Of that whereof misbelief would make use unto discouragement and desperation faith maketh a ground of hope to be helped for affliction and weaknesse and want of all help and comfort from man is the Lords forerunner to advertise the believer that the Lord is coming O Lord hear me for I am poor and needy Ver. 2. Preserve my soul for I am holy O thou my God save thy servant that trusteth in thee The second Petition is for protection of his life and the reasons of his hope are taken from the qualities of such a person as hath right to expect Gods protection Whence learne 1. The bodies and soules of Gods children have snares lâ—…id for them by enemies bodily and spiritual from which they cannot deliver themselves except they do commit the custody thereof uâ—…o God as the Prophet doth saying Preserve my soul our wit our prudence our power our fighting our fleeing or whatsoever means we can use under heaven are litle worth if God do not preserve us 2. That man hath a ground of hope to be preserved by God who being pursued for his life by malicious persecutors for falsely alledged wrongs done by him can attest God for his innocency in the particular whereof he is charged as here David doth Preserve my soule for I am holy that is free from the fault whereof I am charged or I am a favourite of thine or a man who hath been bountifull in doing good to him that pursueth me for thus much also will the word bear 3. The conscience of studying to please God is very sweet in time of trouble and especially when trouble falleth on for Gods service O my God save thy servant 4. Innocency in a particular cause is not sufficient to bear us out not yet the conscience of out good service done to God but we must make use of the Covenant and put our trust in Gods goodnesse whensoever we do expect any good from God O my God save thy servant that trusteth in thee Ver. 3 Be mercifull unto me O Lord for I cry unto thee daily The third Petition is for mercy and forgivenesse of sin and the reason of hope is because he is a daily supplicant Whence learn 1. Innocency in our carriage toward men and the goodnesse of the cause which we defend may leave us in the mire in time of trouble because of our sinnes whereof we are guilty in other respects except we flee to Gods mercy Therefore when sin is objected mercy must be our refuge and plea Be mercifull to my O Lord. 2. Assiduity and instance in prayer doth promise certainly a good answer after asking seeking and knocking Be mercifull to me for I cry unto thee daily Ver. 4. Rejoyce the soule of thy servant for unto thee O Lord do I lift up my soule 5. For thou Lord art good and ready to forgive and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee The fourth Petition is for comfort the reasons of his hope are because he seeketh his comfort no where else but in God Next because God is gracious to all supplicants Whenâ—…e learne 1. As the Lord doth burden his own children sometime with affliction and sorrow for their humiliation and trial of faith so will he also comfort them in due time and give them cause of joy in himselfe for the strengthening of their faith and they may pray for this and expect it Rejoyce the soule of thy servant 2. He that would have comfort from God must set himselfe to seek it in him onely and not look after it elsewhere under the heaven and in this way he may oray for it and expect it as the Psalmist doth here For I lift up my soul unto thee O Lord. 3. The knowledge of Gods goodnesse and mercy is the â—…ife of â—…aith the fountain of consolation and ground of prayer Rejoyce tâ—…e 〈◊〉 â—…f thy servant for thou O Lord art good 4. Whatsoever evill the sinner doth finde in himselfe there is a remedy in God for it if he 〈◊〉 any good thing God hath it and is ready to communicate it For thou Lord art good If the sinner be smitten with the conscience of sin and deserving of wrath The Lord is ready to forgive If a mans sins do seem so many and heinous as he dare not approach The Lord is plenteous in mercy 5 He who desireth to partake of Gods goodnesse and mercy must resolve to worship the Lord to believe in him and to pray unto him and whosoever taketh this course whatsoever he be without exception he shall finde the Lord to be good and ready to forgive and plenteous in mercy to all them that call upon him Ver. 6. Give ear O LORD unto my prayer and attend unto the voice of my supplications 7. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee for thou wilt answer me 8. Among the gods there is none like unto thee O Lord neither are there any worke like unto thy works 9. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship thee O Lord and shall glorifie thy Name 10. For thou art great and dost Wondrous things thou art God alone The fifth Petition is for reliefe and deliverance out of his present distresse propounded in the general termes
possession begun thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy Name 8. The inheritance of the chief of Gods servants and of the meaneâ—… and weakest of them is one the right of every beleever is alikâ—… good albeit the hold laid upon the right by all is not aliâ—… strong and what the strongest of the godly do beleeve for their own consolation and salvation the weakest may beleeve the same to belong to every beleever that feareth God as David doth here Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy Name Ver. 6. Thou wilt prolong the Kingslife and his â—…ares as many generations 7. He shall abide before God for ever O prepare mercy and truth which may preserve him 8. So will I sing praise unto thy Name for ever that I may daily perform my vowes In the third place he prophesieth not simply of the stability of the Kingdom in his own person and posterity buâ—… under the type namely he speaketh of the perpetuity of the Kingdome of Christ the true King of Israel for which end he prayeth that mercy and truth may be forth-coming to the subjects 〈◊〉 Christ that his Kingdom may be prolonged and so David in his â—…e and all the Saints in their time may joyfully praise God continually Whence learn 1. It is not unusual with 〈◊〉 together with present consolation and the light of 〈◊〉 â—…tion In Christ to reveal also and give assurance of great things concerning Christs Kingdome as here and elsewhere in 〈◊〉 Scripture is to be seen Thou wilt prolong the Kings life and his years as many generations 2. The glory oâ—… Christ and perpetuity of his Kingdome is every subject good and comfort for this is comfort to David that Christ shall live for eveâ—… that he shalt abide before God for ever 3. The Kingdome of Christ and government of his subjects in his Church shall be allowed of God and be protected â—…f God 〈◊〉 blessed of God for ever however it be opposed by men in the world he shall abide before God for ever 4. The perpetuity of Christs Kingdom and preservation of the subjects in this life till they be possessed of heaven is by the merciful remedying the misery and removing of the sin which they are subject unto and by performing of what he hath promised and prepared through Christ to bestow upon them O prepare mercy and truth which 〈◊〉 preserve him 5. The best retreat that can be made after wrestling and victory over troubles is prayer and praises as here David after his exercise prayeth O prepare mercy and truth and then saith unto thee will I sing 6 As the main matter of our vowes is the moral duty of rejoycing in God and hearty praising of him so â—…wed experience of Gods mercy and truth towards has people in Christ is the main matter of our joy in him and praise unto him O prepare mercy and truth c. so will I sing praise unto thy Name that I may daily perform my vowes PSAL. LXII To the chief Musician to Ieduthun A Psalm of David THis Psalme is the issue of a sore conflict and inward combate which David felt from the strong opposition of his irreconcileable adversaries and from the lasting troubles which he sustaine by their persecution and by his friends for saking of him whereby he was put hard to it what to think or what to do at length faith in God giveth him victory and maketh him first to break forth in avowing of his faith and hope in God ver 1. 2. Next to insult over his enemies as dead men because of their sinful course ver 3 4. Thirdly to strengthen himselfe in his faith and hope ver 5 6 7. Fourthly to exhort all men to trust in God and to depend on him for reasons set down ver 8 9. And not to trust in oppression and robbery for reasons set down ver 10 11 12. Ver. 1. TRuly my soul waiteth upon God from him cometh my salvation 2. He on'y is my rock and my salvation he is my defence I shall not be greatly moved From this abrupt beginning of the Psalm declaring that he hath had a sore disputation and wrestling with tentations within him and out of which this is the first coming forth Learn 1. Albeit strong faith be put to a conflict when trouble and tentations do set on yet when it looketh on God and his promises it gets the victory and putteth the soul to a submissive attendance on God and a quiet hope of compleat deliverance Truly my soul waiteth upon God from him cometh my salvation 2. Then is faith well tried and approved when being stript of all supporters except God it doth content it self with him alone as all-sufficient he onely is my rock and my salvation 3. Faith findeth as many answers in Gods sufficiency as temptations can make objections against it he is my rock and my salvation he is my defence 4. As a man resolveth to believe and follow the course of sound faith so he may assure himselfe of establishment and victory over all temptations notwithstanding his own weaknesse I shall not greatly be moved doth David conclude from his resolution to rest on God Ver. 3. How long will ye imagine mischief against a man ye shall be slain all of you as a bowing wall shall ye be and as a tottering fence 4. They onely consult to cast him down from his excellency they delight in lies they blesse with their mouth but they curse inwardly Selah In the second place he insulteth over his enemies and layeth before them the danger of their wicked wayes Wâ—…ence learn 1. So soon as a man hath fastened himselfe on God he may reckon with all adversary powers and insult over them for the seeing of Gods help discovers to the Believer the vanity of all opposition how long will ye imagine mischief against a man 2. As the godly when they fall under persecution may lie long under it and must resolve patience al the while on the one hand so on the other hand persecutors are unreasonably carried on in the course of persecution like madmen who cannot give over the pursuit albeit they see God against themselves and with the godly whom they pursue how long will ye imagine mischief against a man 3. Persecutors shall not have their will against the godly but by their persecution shall draw upon themselves compleat sudden and irrecoverable destruction ye shall be slain all of you as a bowing wall and a tottering fence that is you shall perish suddenly as when a bowing wall and tottering fence rusheth to the ground in a moment 4. As the standing fast in the faith and service of God in a good cause is the excellency of the Believer so is it the eye-sore of his adversaries which they of all things can least endure in the godly and therefore do bend all their wit and forces most unto to break them off their holy carriage and course
They onely consult to cast him down from his excellency 5. Not truth and light but darknesse error falshood and deceit is the pleasure of the wicked They delight in lies 6. When the wicked do minde their worst against the godly then will they speak fairest words unto them to see whether by falshood or force they can prevail most to draw them off their good course they blesse with their mouth but they curse inwardly Ver. 5. My soul wait thou onely upon God for my expectation is from him 6. He onely is my rock and my salvation he is my defence I shall not be moved 7. In God is mâ—… salvation and my glory the rock of my strength and my refuge is in God In the third place he strengtheneth his faith and his hope that he may be able to endure trouble till the sin of the wicked be ripe and their judgement be executed Whence learn 1. Our resolution patiently to keep silence in waiting on God and our putting oâ—… resolution to practice do differ our practising is so short of our resolution that we had need to be stirred up and to stiâ—…re uâ—… our selves to our duty And as Satan is still moving new pertuâ—…bations so have we need of and must study to have new confirmations My soul wait thou onely upon God 2. They that do expect their help from â—…od must not expect help from any other art no not when thâ—…y shall use all means lawful for thâ—…it delivery but the successe must be without haste making patiently waited for from God alone Wait thou onely on God for my â—…xpectation is from him 3 The grounds of confidence are able to abide new asâ—…aults and must be brought forth and averred so oâ—…t as they aâ—…e opposed for he eunto the new stirrings of the same tentations he opposeth this over gain He only it my rock he is my defence and my salvation And whâ—…eas he â—…aid before I shall not greatly be moved nâ—…w he saith more confidently I shall not be moved anâ—… yet more he riumphs in the Lord he is my salvation and glory whicâ—… he speaketh in regard of hope to have all good which he neâ—…ed And lastly in regard or supply in whatsoever wants and deliveâ—…y from all evill he saith He is the rock of my strength and my refuge is in God and so his faiâ—…h doth setâ—…e it 〈◊〉 and tentations are overcome Ver. 8. Trust in him at all times ye people poure out your heart before him God is a refuge for us Selah 9. Surely men of low degree are vanity and men of high degree are a lie to be laid in the balance they arâ—… altogether lighter then vanity In the fourth place he exhorteth all men to place confidence upon God partly because God is able to give deliverance as a place of refuge and partly because men whether great or small few or many cannot but deceive and disappoint the man that trusteth in them Whence learn 1. The duty of the comforted and victorious believers is to communi are the fruit of their experience for stâ—…gthening their bâ—…ethren and edification of others as their calling permitteth them as David doth here Trust in him at all times ye people 2. Whatsoever condition how hard soever we fall into the gâ—…ace of God and grounds of confidence in God must not be lost but alwayes made use of Trust in him at all times 3. As a guilâ—…y conscience hâ—…avy trouble misbeliefe and suspicion of Gods good will do lock up the heart in sorrow so any measure of faith in God going to him by prayer doth ease the heart and layeth the burden of grief down before the Lord ye people poure out your heart before him God is a refuge to us 5. The way to place our confidence in God is to lift our confidence off all creatures and in special off men of superior or inferior ranks and the way to lift our confidence off the creature is to conâ—…der the inability of men to help us except God make them do it and that without God they are nothing worth to us men of low degree are vanity 6. Whosoever do trust on men higher or lower are suâ—…e to be deceived of their expectation and of whatsoever mans help can promise and if we will not be deceived the voice of God and experience of his Saints may give us certainty of the truth of the doctâ—…ine for out of experience David saith Surely râ—…en of low degree are vanity c. 7. Carnal confidence is not onely unable to help a man when he hath most need but also bringeth damage unto him and makes him to finde God in his jealousieâ—… an adversary and just Judge to plague and to curse him and so if the matter be well weighed creature-help and creature-comfort when it is relied upon is worse then no help Being laid in the balance they are altogether lighter then vanity Ver. 10. Trust not in oppression become not vain in robbery if riches increase set not your heart upon them 11. God hath spoken once twice have I heard this that power belongeth unto God 12 Also unto thee O Lord belongeth mercy for thou renderest to every man according to his work The other part of the exhortation doth forbid to trust in oppression or riches or power or greatnesse of place because God disposeth of all things is he pleaseth shewing mercy to such as do trust in him and rendering to every man according to his work Whence learn 1. There aâ—…e many more idols then one to draw away a mans heart from God so when trusting in men of high degree and low degree is cast down then oppression robbery riches stand up and take Gods room in the heaâ—…t as here we see 2. It is more hard to divert a man from confidence in himselfe and what is in his own power then to draw him from confidence in men of bigheâ—… or lower degree Therefore after câ—…sting down of carnal coâ—…fidence in men high or low he 〈◊〉 confidence in whatsoever a man is able to do by himselfe as might and riches â—…nd 〈◊〉 of high placâ—… Trust not in oppression if riches increase c. 3. Whâ—…soever is confidenâ—… by his own strength and might to 〈◊〉 his businesse against any man and to do his adversaâ—…y two wrongs for one shall findâ—… himselfe to have disobeyed Gâ—…d and to â—…ve been pronâ—… iâ—… a matter of noâ—…hing Trust not in oppression become not vain in robbery 4. It may stand with godlinesse and trusting in God to be rich but not to hâ—…ve our heart set upon riches eiâ—…her to gather or keep them either to rejoyce in them or to be proud becâ—…use of them If riches increase set not thy heart thereon 5. Nâ—…hing is able to settle mans confidence in God and to keep his hâ—…art from idâ—…ls or carnal confidence in creatures or to bear in upon others this two fold duty save the powerful impâ—…ession of the 〈◊〉 Word of God
David in the Messiah should go on and be perfected and settled for ever and that the evidence of Gods faithfull promise should bee manifested from heaven albeit sometime it should disappear in the earth Whence learn 1 It is believing with the heart which sealeth Gods truth and maketh the mouth to consesse unto God With my mouth will I make known thy faith fulnesse for I have said Mercy shall be built up for ever 2. The sure mercies promied to David in special concerning the Redeemers taking flesh of his stock is like a building which hath a foundation already laid by a wise and powerful builder and shall come up certainly to perfection and endure for ever I have said that mercy shall be built up for ever 3. When the effect of Gods truth disappeareth on earth it is to be found in heaven in Gods decree good will power and faithfulnesse whence it will not faile to manifest it selfe in due time Thy faithfulnesse shalt thou establish in the very heavens Ver. 3. I have made a covenant with my chosen I have sworne unto David my servant 4. Thy seed will I establish for ever and build up thy throne to all generations Selah That which he meaneth by the Lords truth and faithfulnesse in general he expoundeth in particular to be in relation to the Lords promise made to David concerning the perpetuity of the Kingdom in his posterity for the good of the Church which promise hath accomplishment in Christ the Sonne of David according to the flesh Whence learne 1. As all the Lords promises so especially these which concern Christ and all saving graces in him which are called the sure mercies of David should be narrowly looked upon that nothing be passed by whereof faith may take advantage for what is promised concerning Christ doth concern all believers in him to the worlds end and this the example of the Psalmist here doth teach us for he observeth the promise-maker I the Lord and the qualification of the receiver of the promise clothed with the stiles of Christ whom David represented and in whose favour chiefly the promise is made Thy chosen servant and the nature of the promise by way of solemn â—…ovenant and the consirmation of it by an â—…ath I have sworne and the substance of the promise that one should come of David who should be of everlasting continuance stablished by divine power for ever to wit Christ the Lord and that the kingdom of Israel called Davids throne which was erected for governing the people of God as it was now well founded upon the decrce of God and begun to be builded already should be builded up and grow unto a perspicuous perfection from one generation to another and be perpetuated for ever Thy seed will I establish for ever and build up thy throne to all generations When disappearance of hoped good things doth brangle faith then the Word of God and his promises must be called to memory upon which faith must fixe it selfe as this example teacheth 3 The mercy and faithfulnesse of God which are the common grounds of the stability of all he Lords promises being believed in the generall should be applied particularly to every promise as we have need thereof that we may strengthen our faith by reasoning from this ground thus Gods mercy and faithfulnesse do make all his promises fast and therefore do make fast this particular promise also whereupon I do row pitch as the example of the Psalmist doth teach us 4. As all the promises of God are worthy to be taken notice of so in speciall these promises that are made to Christ in favour of Believers who are the subjects of his Kingdome in whom all the promises are made Yea and Amen to the benefit of the subjects for this are we taught to do by the example of the Psalmist who when desolation was like to swallow up both Church and Kingdome doth make fast to his own faith the promise of Châ—…lst and of the stability of his Kingdome which promise being sure of necessity the tribe of Iudah and the posterity of David behooved to be preserved and continued till Christ came Ver. 5. And the heavens shall praise thy wonders O LORD thy faithfulnesse also in the congregation of the saints He laboureth to strengthen his faith in this promise by ten reasons further The first whereof is this The heavens are an evidence both of Gods power to work wonders for his people and of his faithfulnesse to perform promises unto the Church therefore will he say I have reason for me to believe this promise made to David concerning Christ Kingdom Whence learne 1. The consideration of the power of God manifested in the works of creation to be able to perform whatsoever he promiseth were it never so wonderful may and should confirm our faith in his promise how improbable soever it appeare For the heavens shall praise thy wonders O Lord. 2. As the heavens are a pawne of Gods power in respect of their first framing them out of nothing so are they a patern of Gods faithfulnesse in their constant and orderly motion according to his Word since their framing The heavens shall praise thy faithfulnesse also 3. However the power and faithfulnesse of God may be seen and heard in the work and speech of the heavens by all men yet are they not observed and hearkened unto except in the Church by Gods children Therefore saith he They shall praise thy faithfulnesse also in the Congregation of the Saints Ver. 6. For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD who amongst the sonnes of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD The second reason to confirme his faith is this God is above all Angels in heaven and men on earth and hath them all under him to perfect by them what work he pleaseth and presuppose they had a minde to hindet any purpose of God concerning performance of his promise they could not hinder him they being infinitely inferiour in all excellencies unto God and no way to be compared with him Therefore will he say I have reason to believe his promise concerning the stability of Christs Kingdome Whence learne 1. The height of Gods excellency is above the reach of our thoughts and we cannot take him up otherwayes then by climbing up upon the shoulders and tops of all created eminency and there to proclaime God to be greater then them all for Who in heaven can be compared unto the Loâ—…d Who among the sonnes of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord 2. God hath given power natural most of all to Angels and power accessory most of all to Princes and Magistrates and Potentates in the earth whom here he calleth the sonnes of the mighty in whose power and authority we may see somewhat of God if they bee for God and may see Princes to bee nothing if they be against God for Who in heaven can be compared unto the Lord who among the sonnes
in his particular calling him elâ—… King now when he was a baniâ—…ed man in the wildernesse of Iudah The King shall rejoyce saith he 2. The tâ—…ue ground of a beleevers joy is not the gift he receiveth from God how great soever it may be but the good will of the giver even God himself The King shall rejoyce in God 3 Every true worshipper of â—…od whose property is tâ—…uly to feare the tâ—…ue God and the cogniâ—…ance of whose sinâ—…y is his on ciencâ—… king of an oath shall have matter oâ—… gloâ—…iation after while pâ—…nt suffering in time of trial Every one that sweareth â—…y himâ—… all glory 4. The born-down righteousnesse of hâ—…dly aâ—…o their cause by the lies slanders and calumâ—…ies oâ—… the wicked shall be brought to light in due time and the wicked mâ—…e ash med of their lies The mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped PSAL. LXIV To the chief Musician A Psalme of David THis Psalme hath two parts In the former is Davids heavy complaint unto God against his deadly enemies laid forth before God in sundry particular evidences of their malice ver 1 2 3 4 5 6. And in the latter part is the Lords comfortable answer unto him by giving him assurance of Gods judgement coming on them to their own and others astonishment and to the comfort of the godly ver 7. 8 9 10. Ver. 1. Heare my voice O God in my prayer preserve my life from feare of the enemy 2. Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity In his prayer he requesteth first in general for delivery of his life from the secret plotting and oftenpractising of his enemies against him Whence learn 1. Present danger is able to force out cryes to God and such earnest prayers poured out in extreme necessity shall not want an answer â—…eare my voice O God in my prayer 2. The danger cannot be so great wherein help may not be had from God he is so near to a supplicant so powerful and so ready to save the man who hath made God â—…is eâ—…ge Preserve my life from feare of the enemy 3 God can so overrule and outwit the devices of our enemies that they shâ—…ll either not light upon the meane whereby they might overtake us or shall make them misse of their intent in case theiâ—… device be probable Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked 4. What the wicked cannot do against the righteous by craft they will pursue with open violence but God as he is wiser in counsel and able to be fool them so is he stâ—…onger in power and able to break them Hide me from their insurrection 5. That we may have the greater confidence to be delivered from our enemies we had need to be sure we are in a good cause and that our adversaries have a wrong cause Hide me from the workers of iniquity Ver. 3. Who whet their tongue like a sword and bend their bowes to shoot their arrowes even bitter words 4. That they may shoot in secret at the perfect suddenly do they shoot at him and fear not 5. They encourage themselves in an evil matter they commune of laying snares privily they say Who shall see them 6. They search out iniquities they accomplish a diligent search both the inward thought of every one of them and the heart is deep Here he complaineth of his enemies and layeth forth several degrees of their desperate wickednesse before God as so many arguments to strengthen his saith and hope for delivery from them Whence learne 1. The benefit of a good cause and of a good conscience appeaâ—…eth bâ—…st in a strait when nothing can help a man against his enemies save God alone as here appeareth in Davids case 2. Calumnies and slanders against the godly are very cruel weapons for not only hurt they the estimation of their good cauâ—…e and personal good behaviour but also do stirre up all men to take their lives They whet their tongue as a sword and bend bend their bows to shoot their arrows bitter words 3. There is no fear against a privy slander a man is wounded ere he is aware and no mans innocency or integrity of life can be a guard against the shot of a calumniators tongue they shoot in secret at the perfect suddenly do they shoot at him 4. Because only God can heal the wound of a slander and sustaine the man in the conscience of his good cause and carriage till he clear him the righteous must content himself to referre the matter to God as David doth here 5. Gâ—…dlesse men are dangerous enemies for they fear not God and so have no powerful restraint within them from doing any mischief and the more they sinne they take the greater boldnesse to sinne more they encourage themselves in an evil atter 6. The wit and wickednesse which is wiâ—…hin themselves will not suffice their devillish intention therefore they seek all help they can finde from without They commune of laying snares privily 7. They seek how they may overtake the mans person after they have killed his good name and cause with calumnies and bitter aspersions Yea Satan so blindeth them that they neither look to God the avenger of such plots and practises nor do they consider that God seeth them and they think their pretences before men are so thick 〈◊〉 covering that no man can see through them They say Who shall see them 8. If there hath been any slander of the upright mans misdemeanour in any former time which for the falshood of it is evanished they make search after it to waken it up again and if there be any possibility to devise new inventions with any probability they go about it busily yea they search hell it self to finde out how to bring a mischief upon the upright They search out iniquities they accomplish a diligent search 9. Last of all their wickednesse is unsearchable the uncontrolled bent of their wicked wit and will assisted with what Satan can suggest furnish and stirre up all is imployed and it is hard to say whether their wit or will be most wicked and do draw nearest to hell but it is sure to say of both Both the thoughts of every one of them and the heart is deep Ver. 7. But God shall shoot at them with an arrow suddenly shall they be wounded 8. So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves all that see them shall flee away 9. And all men shall fear and shall declare the work of God for they shall wisely consider of his doing 10 The righteous shall be glad in the LORD and shall trust in him and all the upright in heart shall glory In the latter part of the Psalm is set down his prayer and confidence of justice to be executed against his enemies and mercy to be shewn to him and to all the godly Whence learn 1. The godly want not a friend to
of wrath except Christ Jesus who is really the only compleat salvation of God only able to answer fully to that name who was known to the Church before his coming in the flesh by that name as we may understand Luke 2. from the words of Simeon who was waiting for the consolation of Israel and had a promise that he should not see death before he had seen the Lords Christ ver 25 26. And when he had Christ in his armes he saith Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word for mine eyes have seen thy salvation ver 30. There is the name whereby Christ was of old known to the Church among many other titles he is Gods salvation as he is called here 3 Consolation and deliverance and salvation in Christ is neer-hand to every upright afflicted beleever whether the afflicted do see it comfortably for the time or not Surely Gods salvation is near them that fear him 4. What land the true Church of Christ the Saints and they that feare God do dwell in there doth glory dwell there God there Christ by his Spirit bringing righteousness and salvation to such a society is glorious and for his presence the people are glorious and the land glorious above all other lands whatsoevâ—… 〈◊〉 Surely his salvation is 〈◊〉 them that fear him that glory may 〈◊〉 in our land This commendation for many reasons the â—…d of Iudea might claim farre above all other Ver. 10. Mercy and truth are met together righteousnesse and peace have kissed each other 11. Truth shall spring out of the earth and righteousnesse shall look down from heaven The third effect of mercy is the grace of Christ unto justification and the fruits thereof bestowed upon them that are justified by faith There are here three conjunctions or couples sweetly agreeing together one is of mercy and truth another it of righteousnesse and peace and the third is of truth and righteousnesse For the first couple mercy and truth may be either referred to God bestowing something on his people and so Gods mercy doth pity spare and pardon his sinful people and his truth doth perform all the good things which in his Word he promised and this couple indeed did most eminently meet when Christ the salvation of God came in the flesh for Christs coming is the highest manifestation of mercy that ever was heard tell oâ—… when God out of love and pity and mercy did give his Sonne to redeem sinners and this also was the most glorious performance of the richest and the noblest promises that ever was made to man for in the sending of Christ promised all the promises are made Yea and Amen for the way is made sure now to perform all the rest of the promises or mercy and truth may be referred the one namely mercy to God and the oâ—…her to wit truth may be referred to men to whom God will shew mercy and in this consideration we are given to understand that as a merciful God and misbeleeving sinners are separated do stand at a great distance he one departing more and more from the other so a merciful God and a beleever are surely reconciled and do quickly meet together for God in Christ holdeth forth mercy to the sinner and mercy doth bestow faith upon the redeemed and faith layeth hold on mercy and so mercy and truth are met together mercy calleth for faith and createth it and saith calleth for mercie and so this couple do meete together As for the second couple of righteousnesse and peace they are both of them the effects of the meeting of mercy and truth together or of mercy and of faith saying Amen to mercies offer for faith laying hold on mercy bringeth down from God rigâ—…teousnesse or justification by faith and we being justified by faith have both peace with God and our own consciences at least in the point of right and priviledge albeit sense and possession of the sense of this peace may be interrupted Whence learn In whomsoever mercy or the offer of grace and faith receiving the offer do meet justification also or imputed righteousnesse and peace with God do meet Then righteousnesse and peace have kissed each other The third couple is of truth or true faith in man on earth and righteousnesse from God in heaven faith springing out of the earth as the plantation of mercy in the sensible fruits thereof that is in the true effects of sincere love to God and man and the righteousnesse of God from heaven shining down as the Sun for nourishing and protecting his own plantation and performing all promises to the beleever Whence learn As mercie in God and true faith in man meeting together are followed with righteousnesse of justification and peace with God so true faith in man is followed with fruits for it cannot be idle but must be operative in bringing forth the effects of faith or truth Truth shall spring out of the earth and righteousnesse from heaven is followed with active influence upon springing faith for defending and encreasing and blessing of it as the Sunne fostereth and refresheth the fruits of the ground Truth shall spring out of the earth and righteousnesse shall look down from heaven Ver. 12. Yea the LORD shall give that which is good and our land shall yield her increase The fourth fruit of mercy is of giving temporal benefits to the beleever and blessing the land where beleevers do dwell Whence learn 1. The things of this life are Appendices of the chief mercies of the Gospel which reconciled people may expect to receive of God as their need and good doth require Yea the Lord shall give that which is good 2. As the place or land where the Lords people do dwell beareth the tokens of Gods displeasure when they provoke God so shall the land be sensibly blessed when his people are reconciled unto him And our land shall yield her increase Ver. 13. Righteousnesse shall go before him and set us in the way of his steps The fifth fruit of mercy is the grace of Christ for directing and furthering of Believers in the way of sanctification Christ shall bee their leader and righteousnesse imparted unto Believers from Christ in the grace of conversion or holy inclination and of perfect direction by his Word and Spirit shall make Believers to follow Christs wayes and go on in the paths of his obedience Whence learn 1. Christ is the Captain of his redeemed and reconciled people or the shepherd of his purchased flock for he and his people here are walking in one way wherein he goeth before his people that they may follow his steps and behinde them also to bring them up and set them forward in the way that none do fall off as the similitude doth import 2. As Christ is the leader of his people so righteousnesse is the preparer of his people to follow him First in the work of conversion or regeneration wherein the minde
Lord will give the Spirit of supplication to the beleever and also a satisfactory answer unto his prayer for as when 〈◊〉 man giveth way to misbelief he cannot pray any more so when he entertaineth faith it maketh him eloquent and instant in prayer till he receive what he seeketh He shall call on me and I will answer him 7. As it is not to be expected that the man who beleeveth in God shall want trouble so the beleever may be sure that God who exerciseth him with trouble shall bear him company in his trouble shall direct him how to behave himself in it strengthen support and comfort him under it and give him delivery out of all his trouble and not only put respect upon him in the sight of them who did behold his exercise but also at last shall glorifie him before men and Angels and this is the fourth promise I will be with him in trouble I will deliver him and honour him 8. While others do either want submission unto God at Gods pleasure to live in trouble or do want submission to die at Gods pleasure if they be not in trouble the beleever only hath satisfaction in the length of his life to die or live as the Lord liketh and he only departeth contentedly and entereth into a life everlasting With long life will I satisfie him and this is the fifth promise 9. When the beleever hath received of God satisfaction in the length of life in this world God will enter him into the possession of blessednesse of everlasting salvation in the world to come which is worthily called the salvation of God With long life will I satisfie him and what then shall become of him And I will shew him my salvation and this is the sixth promise Above all which promises what can be more added to induce a soul to embrace the free offer of gâ—…ace in Christ tendered in the Gospel to sinners or to move him to entertain friendship with God by still beleeving in him and resting on him PSAL. XCII A Psalme or Song for the Sabbath-day THis Psalm is intituled A Psalme for the Sabbath-day wherein the Church is stirred up â—…o praise God by sundry reasons ver 1 2 3. but specially for these three causes First for the great work of creation sustâ—…ntation and wise governing of the creatures ver 4 5. The second cause is for his wisdom and justice in punishing the wicked ver 6 7 8 9. The third is for his grace and goodnesse toward beleevers ver 10 11 12 13 14 15. From the Inscription Learn 1. The Lord hath had a special care of sanctifying the Sabbath as the appointing of this Psalme for that day may amongst other things give evidence A Psalme a Song for the Sabbath-day 2. For the sanctification of the Sabbath it is not sufficient to rest from our own bodily servile distractive works bot we must rest and cease from our own works and be imployed in religious service and worship and exercises suitable for that day whereof singing of Psalmes to the honour of God is one This is a Song for the Sabbath-day 3. God hath appointed that the Church should have solemn meetings on the Sabbath wherein God may be publickly by his own ordinances honoured and the Congregation edified in their most holy faith for this Psalme is given to the Church with this title and Inscription A Psalme or Song for the Sabbath-day to be sung in the Assemblies Ver. 1. IT is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD and to sing praises unto thy Name O most High 2. To shew forth thy loving kindnesse in the morning and thy faithfulnesse every night 3. Upon an instrument of ten strings and upon the Psaltery upon the Harp with a solemne sound From the exhortation unto praising of God and thanksgiving with the reasons thereof Learn 1. Albeit we be daily receiving mo and mo benefits from God yet are we flow to acknowledg this or to give thanks unto him and have need to be stirred up to the duty as this exhortation importeth 2. Not onely do we discharge a piece of our duty in thanksgiving unto God but we also receive a new benefit by doing of this duty It is a good thing pleasant to God and profitable to us and others to give thanks unto the Lord. 3. Albeit we cannot give thanks unto God as we desire or as he deserveth yet to acknowledge and confesse to God our debt and what we have received of him shall be accounted thanksgiving for the word in the oâ—…ginal doth give ground for this 4. Approving of our selves to God in sincerity of affection when we are about the Lords praises is no lesse profitable to us then it is pleasant to God It is a good thing to sing praises to thy Name O most High 5. It is not enough to praise God in and with the Church publikely assembled but also it is a duty to be performed daily by every family and person according to their place and power as fit occasion is offered morning and evening It is good to shew forth thy kindnesse in the morning and thy faithfulnesse every night 6. The matter of Gods praise and our rejoycing is chiefly the Lords mercy and truth in pitying and pardoning and lovingly entreating of sinfull men and performing the promises of the Covenant to his people contrary to their deserving It is good to shew forth thy loving kindnesse and thy faithfulnesse 7. As it is the duty of every one to study to observe and to beleeve and to be sensibly affected with the Lords mercy and truth so also to expresse their beliefe and sense thereof cheerfully and joyfully according as the signification of typicall ceremonie of musicall instruments under the pedagogie of the Law did require It is good to shew forth thy loving kindnesse c. upon an instrument of ten strings and upon the Psaltery upon the Harp with a solemne sound Ver. 4. For thou LORD hast made me glad through thy work I will triumph in the works of thy hands 5. O LORD how great are thy works and thy thoughts are very deep The Psalmist descendeth more specially to the works of creation and common providence which is the first special matter of Gods praise and of the worshippers joy wherein he setteth forth the glory and greatnesse of Gods works and deepnesse of his wisdome and counsell Whence lâ—…arn 1. One of the parts of the well-spending of the Sabbath is the looking upon and consideâ—…ation of the works of creation I will triumph in the works of thy hands 2. The consideration of the Lords works is a matter full of sweet refreshment and joy when God blesseth our meditation which blessing as we should call and look for at his hands so should we acknowledge it thankfully when we finde it bestowed on us and lift up our hearts in his way being so encouraged Lord thou hast made me glad by thy works I will triumph in