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
hast thou laid the foundation of the earth and the Heavens are the worke of thy hands 26. They shall perish but thou shalt endure yea all of them shall wax old like a garment as a vesture shalt thoa change them and they shall be changed 27. But thou art the same and thy yeares shall have no end Against this tentation the Church or the Prophet in the Churches name doth wrastle in prayer and strengtheneth his faith by sundry arguments taken from Gods to wit Christs eternity omnipotency and immutability Heb. 1.11 12. Whence learn 1. The Church and any member thereof may possibly sometime be put in fear of being cut off before they can attain their desired end as here Take me not away in the midst of my dayes doth import 2. Faith doth take God for the party to deal with whatsoever strait it shall be brought into God is the doer of what is done saith the beleever and so he dealeth with God by prayer for relief I said O God take me not away 3. Appearance of perishing should not hinder us to pray but sharpen us rather in our dutie and when Gods promises and his dispensation do seem to disagree we may presse the Covenant and not displease God by so doing I said O my God take me not away c 4. The eternity of Christ is the consolation of the believer in his mortality and the eternity of Christ as God is the pledge of his preservation and of the performance of Gods promises unto him Thy yeares are throughout all generations 5. The omnipotencie of God even Christ which may be seen in the works of Creation is a rock for the believer who is in Covenant with God to rest upon for what can he not do who hath made all things of nothing Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth and the heavens are the work of thy hands 6 The immutability of God is a notable comfort to his afflicted people who because he is not changed therefore shall they not be consumed Heaven and earth shall perish but thou sholt endure c. but thou art the same 7. As the heavens and the earth are subject to vanity for mans cause and so in regard of this condition wherein they are now they shall perish so also they shall not simply and altogether perish but be changed as a garment for mans cause Rom. 8 2â— All of them shall waxe old as a garment as a vesture shalt thou change them and they shall be changed but thou art the same and thy yeares have no end Heb. 1.11 12. meant of Christ. Ver. 28. The children of thy servants shall continue and their seed shall be established before thee Here is his victory over the tentation and a solid assurance of the perpetuity of the Church from one generation to another grounded upon the aforesaid attributes of Christ. Whence learn 1. He that is sorry for the affliction of the Church shall have consolation from God and a gracious answer to his prayer as the experience of the Prophet here doth teach us 2. The perpetuity of the Church and establishing of it may be solidly concluded from the unchangeablenesse and eternity of God for thus doth the Prophet reason 3. The Church shall never be barren but from age to age bring forth children unto God The children of thy servants shall continue and their seed 4. The true members of the Church are not the children of the flesh simply but the children of the same faith and obedience with the godly teachers and servants of God for so are they who have the promises here described The children of thy servants shall tontinue 5. Whatsoever change may befal the visible Church before the world yet before God she is fixed and stable as a house builded upon a rock The seed of thy servants shall be established before thee PSALM CIII THis is a Psalme of praise and thanksgiving to God for his grace to his people wherein the believer stirreth up himself and by his own example others also to praise God v. 1 2. And that for seventeen reasons or arguments of praise some of them taken from mercies shewen to himself some from mercies to all believers and some taken from his sovereign dominion over all unto v. 20. and in the last three verses there is an exhortation to all the creatures to joyne in Gods praises with the Prophet Ver. 1. BLesse the LORD O my soule and all that is within me blesse his holy Name 2. Blesse the LORD O my soule and forget not all his benefits In the Proâ—hets stirring up of himself to praise God Learn 1. The sense of Gods goodnesse to a believer is very blessednesse felt flowing from God the fountain and cause of blessednesse Blesse the LORD O my soul. 2. When a believer is satisfied with Gods goodnesse he cannot satisfie himself in the expression of his sense of it or of his discharge of thankfulnesse for it but stirreth up his own dull spirit to the work of praise Blesse the LORD O my soul. 3. In praising God special care is to be had of the sincerity of our heart and affections All that is within me blesse his holy Name 4. Whatsoever is said of God will be found really to be true of him and the believer will subscribe unto the unstained glory of his Name and may say All that is wâ—thin me blesse his holy Name 5. Albeit we do not obtain of our heart at first what we would yet must we still insist in the stirring up of the grace of God in us for any service we are about Blesse the LORD O my soul saith he the second time 6. God hath put so many obligations upon every believer as may furnish reasons of praise and thanksgiving Blesse the Lord abundantly and forget not his benefits 7. As oblivion is always unthankful so the remembrance and calling to minde what the Lord hath bestowed upon us with a due estimation of the meanest benefit is a point of upright thankfulnesse Blesse the LORD O my soul and forget not all his benefits that is forget not any of his benefits as the forme of speech in the Original doth import Vers. 3. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities who healeth all thy diseases The first reason of thanksgiving is for remission of sinnes the second reaason is for healing specially of spiritual maladies Whence learn 1. Saving grace bestowed upon us should have the first room in our thanksgiving unto God because it is the evidence of Gods special love to us for this doth the order of the Prophets thanksgiving teach us 2. The most holy of Gods servants are not justified by their good works but by gracious remission of their evil works Blesse the LORD who forgiveth thy iniquities 3. The remission of sin is a perfect taking away of the guiltinesse not of some only but of all sins Who forgiveth all thine iniquities 4. After remission of sin and justification of our
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
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
LORD The seventh argument of hope to be heard is from the assurance that as their calamity was foretold in Scripture so their delivery promised should be recorded in Scripture also to the praise of God to the edification and consolation of the Church of God in their solemn meetings in whatsoever Kingdoms they lived Whence learn 1. The more glory we foresee shall come to God by the granting of our prayers the more confidence may we conceive to have our petition granted as the Psalmists example doth teach us 2. God hath so provided that the exercise and experience of the Church in former times should serve to manifest his glory and edifie the posterity in after-times This shall be written for the generation to come 3. The Lord hath determined by holy Scripture to propagate true Religion whereby he may be glorified and his Church edified from generation to generation This shall be written for the generation to come 4. The gathering together again of a scattered Church the conversion of more sinners and drawing them into the Church and the perpetuation of the Church from age to uge is a Creation or work of the omnipotent Creator The people whâ—ch shall be created shall praise the Lord. 5. The Lord should be praised as for all his work so in special for the delivery of his Church and praised not only by them who do see his present work and are partakers in their own persons of the gift but also by all them that shall hear of the delivery in after times The people which shall be created shall praise the Lord. 6. The Lord doth so make manifest his particular and active providence about his people as all ages shall acknowledge his care for them for the posterity shall say He hath looked down from the height of his Sanctuary c. 7. Howsoever the Lord speak of his dwelling in his Sanctuary or in his Church here on earth yet must we conceive no thoughts but heavenly of him as present at once both in heaven and earth to hear and see the condition and carriage of every one He looked down from the height of his Sanctuary from heaven did the Lord behold the earth to hear c. 8. The Lords heavenly majesty doth not hinder him to humble himself to behold even the most contemptible things on the earth but rather he will thus raise his praise among men From heaven did the Lord behold the earth to heare the gâ—oaning of the prisoner 9. Albeit the Lords people may be prisoners and put to silence among men yet their sighes and groanes have a loud speech in the eares of the Lord He beholdeth the earth to heare the groanes of the prisoner 10. Albeit the Lord suffer his childien to be imprisoned and condemned to die yet he can interpose himself if he please for their delivery before the purpose of their enemies be executed He beholdeth the earth to loose those that are appointed to death 11. The end both of the sufferings and deliverances of the Saints is the glorifying of God and as their danger doth grow so doth the matter of Gods praise for doing for them grow up also For he beholds the earth to hear the sighes of the prisoner and to loose them that are appointed to death To declare the Name of the Lord in Sion and his praise in Ierusalem 12. The time of glorifying God for his works done for the Church of the Jewes is in a special manner to be under the Gospel in the assemblies of the Churches of the Gentiles for He loosed those that were apâ—ointed to death to declare the Name of the Lord in Sion when the people are gathered together and the Kingdomes to serve the Lord that is in the time when Christ shall make the Kingdomes of the earth subject to him Ver. 23. He weakened my strength in the way he shortened my dayes The third part of the Psalme wherein the Prophet declareth the cause of his sorrow v. 23. and his wrastling against it v. 24 25 26 27. and his victory over the tentation v. 28. As for the first he compareth the case of the Church unto his own personal condition for as he in the flower of his age was like to die by reason of grief for the Church so was the Church like to perish in their captivity and not to go on unto the hoped for coming of the Messiah and calling in of the Gentiles which was necessary for the perpetuation of the Church unto the end of the world Whence learn 1. There is such a strait union between the Church of one age and another that the whole Church is as one man the Church of the Jewes is as one Israel and there is such a union between the Church and every member thereof that every member may and should take and esteem the condition of the Church as his own personal condition and may speak of it so especially if he be the mouth of the body a Prophet or Minister of the Corporation of the Church for so much doth the Prophets example here teach us 2. The Church of Israel from Abrahâ—m forward was like a man entered in his journey and as it were by so many steps from one generation to another walking on to the coming and receiving of Jesus Christ the promised Messiah who was to come of them as the forme of speech here borrowed from a wayfaring man giveth us to understand 3. When the Lord did scatter the ten tribes and after that also did lead in captivity the other two unto Babylon it seemed unto Israel a stopping of them from going on their appointed journey to the coming of Christ and a making the tribe of Iudah so weak as there was no appearance of the possibility of their endurance or making progresse to their desired end for so much is imported in the words of the Prophet taking on the person of Israel He weakened my strength in the way 4. Yea there was fear of cutting off of that tribe and of the abolishing of Israel and that the Messiah coming of them should not appear and this was the exercise of the Church scattered in the Babylonish captivitie and the fear and the tentation wherewith the Church and the Prophet about the end of the captivity were wrastling as is expressed in these words He shortened my dayes that is to my appearance saith Israel by the Prophets mouth I was cut off from being as a Church or tribe for any such use as I expected 5. The desire after Christ and communion with him which the Church and every believer hath is like the longing which a man hath to be at his journeys end and the impediments which seem to hinder their communion with him are like the taking away of their life from them He hath shortened my dayes saith Israel Ver. 24. I said O my God take me not away in the middest of my dayes thy years are throughout all generations 25. Of old
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