wrath were reserved for the wicked ver 8. Fourthly he promiseth to praise God continually for casting down the wicked and exalting of the godly ver 9 10. Ver. 1. VNto thee O God do we give thanks unto thee do we give thanks for that thy Name is neare thy wonderous works declare From his thanksgiving Learne 1. The Church of God should take out of his hand every beginning of mercies and deliverances with affectionate and frequent thanksgiving Unto thee O Lord do we give thanks unto thee do we give thanks 2. As the Lord is described in his Word so will he be found in his works to wit near at hand and ready to help his people as they stand in need We do give thanks because thy Name is near for this is the neernesse of Gods Name when his powerful gracious selt presence is answerable to what is said of him in his Word 3. Whensoever the Lord doth shew himself for his Churches comfort he doth it in some wonderful means in one respect or other that is a farre other way then any could have expected That thy Name is near thy wondrous works declare Ver. 2. When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly 3. The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved I be are up the pillars of it Selah From Davids undertaking to govern the Kingdom well when it came all in his power Learne 1. Possession in part of promises made to us doth give good hope to have the whole of what is promised in possession also for When I shall receive the Congregation presupposeth his certain hope and expectation to have it 2. He that is advanced to a civil Kingdom consisting of people in Covenant with God he hath gotten charge to nourish the Church and to procure whatsoever a King civilly can procure to a Church that his subjects may be all of them Gods Church therefore David saith not When I receive the Kingdome but when I receive the Congregation or the Church 3. Foresight of a charge whereunto a man is likely to be called should make him prepare himself and resolve before-hand for doing the duties of that calling as David did before he was possessed in the Kingdome When I shall receive the Congregation I shall judge uprightly 4. When a land is destitute of godly and gracious Governours the whole countrey is left loose both in the matter of Religion and of civil Justice as was seen in Sauls time before David was setled The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved 5. Kingdomes and Common-wealths have their pillars whereupon they should stand to wit religious and righteous government for I will judge uprightly in the second verse is as good as I will heare up the pillars thereof in the third verse 6. Those that minde the reformation of a land should be sensible of the desolation of it and have not only will but also skill and place of power to 〈◊〉 matters in a right frame as here the Psalmist after saying The land and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved addeth I bear up or shall beare up the pillars of it And here whatsoever David speaketh or could say was but a shadow of what is to be found in Christ of whom he is a type For the Kingdom and Countrey is ill guided where Christ doth not reign but whâ—… people do subject themselves to him he sets the Kingdom oâ—… Countrey upon true pillars and sustaineth all by his power Ver. 4. I said unto the fooles Deal not foolishly and to the wicked Lift not up the horne 5. Lift not up your horne on high speak not with a stiffe neck In the third place he calleth to minde his own prophecy of the change of affairs and advertisement given by him before to his adversaries not to behave themselves so insolently as they did Whence learn 1. Even in time of trouble the godly by the light of Gods Word may be enabled to foresee and prophecie of the overturning of the wicked from the top of their preserment I said unto the fools Deal not so foolishly saith the Psalmi 2. When the prophecie uâ—…ed according to Gods Word is like to take effect it is no small comfort for beleevers to call to remembrance acts of their beleeving before-hand what they do see in their own time I said to the foolish Deal not so foolishly is a sort of triumph over his enemies here 3. Such as are acquaintâ—…d with true wisdom do justly account all wicked men to be fooles forsakers of Gods teaching and followers of their owne wit and will to the ruine of their own bodies soules houses and same I said unto the fooles 4. The fruit of a wicked mans prosperity is pride vain-glory audacious boasting against the godly wherein they grow more and more insolent against all warnings of Gods Word as this reproof importeth Deal nâ—… foolishly lift not up the horn list it not on high speak not with a stiffe neck Ver. 6. For promotion cometh neither from the East nor from the West nor from the South 7. But God is the Iudge he putteth down one and setteth up another From the first reason of his admonition unto the wicked Learne 1. As the cause of mens pride in a wicked course is tâ—… forgetting of God and of his government in the world on the one hand and a strong conâ—… of their own ability to coâ—… 〈◊〉 designes by their own wâ—… power and industry oâ—… the 〈◊〉 theâ—… hand so the way of wisdom to remedy the evil is to consider that God doth govern the world and that men are nothing but what he pleaseth to make of them Promotion cometh neither from the East nor from the West nor from the South that is howsoever or from whence soever preferment to places of power in the world seemeth to come yet the disposing of places is from a higher hand 2. Places of power and preferment are disposed of only by the wise and righteous pleasure and determination of the supreme Ruler of the world But God is Iudge He opposeth God the Judge his determination unto all the appearances from second causes 3. As God hath a minde for the glory of his grace to try or to correct or to comfort and imploy some men in his service so he putteth them down or setteth them up and as he hath a minde to have the glory of his justice on other some so he setteth them up or putteth them down God is Iudge he putteth down one and setteth up another Ver. 8. For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup and the wine is red it is full of mixture and he poureth out of the same but the dregs thereof all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out and drink them From the second reason of the admonition given to the wicked Learn 1. As the Lord doth wisely distribute his benefits and temporal comforts among men to testifie his goodnesse to his creatures so
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
publick worship in their several divisions through the land 11. Houses built for meeting of the Lords people to publick worship albeit they be not typically holy as the Temple of Ierusalem was yet do they belong to God as meanes dedicate for maintaining his service and when they are marred it is a wrong done to God and a cause of complaint to God against the sacrilegious spoilers thereof as here we see 12. External troubles are much lighter when the publick ordinances and signes of Gods presence in a land may be had for spiritual comfort but when those are removed every trouble is the more heavy We see not our fignes there is no more any Prophet neâ—…ther any among us that knoweth how long that is publick meanes ordinary and extraordinary which may give us comfort do now cease If it be asked how can this be applied unto the time of the captivity seeing Ieremy Ezekiel Daniel and the Prophet who did write this Psalme by inspiration were living at the beginning of the captivity and after the burning of the Temple It may be answered that Ieremy was carried away â—…o Egypt and the people could not have use of his ministery Ezekiel and Daniel were carried away to Babylon and the poor which remained in the land had none of the Prophets to comfort them yea Ezekiel and Daniel were but now and then imployed of God to utter their prophecies and the multitude of the captives who were to make use of this Psalm were scattered in sundry places and could not have the benefit of their or of any others ministery as they were wont to have and this in speciall maketh the Iamentation to have a ground that the table was drawn from the children the people had not that accesse which they enjoyed before unto meanes either extraordinary or ordinary they had not their former allowance and howsoever in the copies of Ieremiahs prophecie 70. yeares was determined for the peoples captivity yet none of the Prophets at the time of writing this told or could tell them how long time should passe before their desolution should be repaired how long it should be ere the Temple should be builded again and the Prophet by whom this Psalm was endited had no further commission then he speaketh of and so these foresaid expressions may stand with the time of the beginning of the captivity of Babylon Ver. 10. O God how long shall the adversary reproach shall the enemy blaspheme thy Name for ever 11. Why withdrawest thou thy hand even thy right band pluck it out of thy bosome After the lamentation is subjoyned an imprecation against the enemies that God would not deferre to punish them Whence learn 1. Mens patience is much short of Gods long-suffering and forbearance for here it is the speech of a suffering people O God how long shall the adversary reproach when with God it is not yet time to fall upon them 2. The Lords long-suffering patience doth greatly harden the adversaries in their insolent mocking of Gods people for instead of saying Lord how long wilt thou bear with them he saith O God how long shall the adversaries reproach 3. The truly godly can endure their own troubles better then they can bear the open dishonouring and blaspheming of God by occasion of their trouble Therrfore this expression from the deepest sense of his heart doth break forth Shall the enemy blaspheme thy Name for ever 4. Albeit tentations from carnal sense do represent God as if he were idle when he suffers his enemies to trample on his people and on his glorious Name yet faith will not admit of such a thought but dealeth with God by prayer to let his strength and power be so manifest that the world may not think his hand is in his bosome Why withdrawest thou thy hand even thy right band pluck it out of thy bosome This he believeth the Lord shall do and giveth reasons for his hope in that which followeth Ver. 12. For God is my King of old working salvation in the midst of the earth 13. Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength thou brakest the heads of the Dragons in the waters 14. Thou brakest the heads of Leviathan in pieces and gavest him to be meat to the â—…ople inhabiting the wildernesse 15. Thou didst cleave the fountain and the flood thou driedst up mighty rivers 16. The day is thine the night also is thine thou hast prepared the light and the sun 17. Thou hast set all the borders of the earth thou hast made summer and winter In the second part of the Psalme the Psalmist doth confirme his own and other believers saith that God would undoubtedly deliver his people and take order with their enemies First from the interest they have in God and God in them Secondly from the experience of sensible deliveries past of his people ver 12. Thirdly from the great work of redemption of his people from Pharaohs tyranny ver 13 14. Fourthly from the Lords seeding his people in the wildernesse ver 15. Fifthly from the Lords sovereignty and disposing of all creatures in the world ver 16 17. Whence learn 1. Relations between God and his Church and in special this that he hath made himselfe King thereof are pawnes of Gods defending his Kingdom and injured subjects and punishing of his enemies for here the Church giveth it for a reason of their hope of delivery God is my King 2. The more time is past since God did avow himselfe King of his Church the more confident may later generations of the Church be to finde new evidences of his royal actions for them and against their enemies God is my King of old 3. New troubles must not make us forget old mercies but rather call them to memory to be made use of afresh as pledges that what he hath done before he will do the like again God is my King of old working salvation in the earth that is such deliverances of his Church as all the earth was witnesse of 4. The delivery of Israel out of Egypt and the destruction of the Egyptians is a pawn unto the Church in every age after that God will destroy their enemies how strong and terrible soever they be and will deliver his Church Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength thou brakest the heads of the Dragons in the waters 5. As all the enemies of the Church are no lesse cruel and savage against the Lords people then unreasonable Sea-beasts and Sea-monsters so can he make their carcases a prey to unreasonable beasts as he made Pharaoh and his Captaines to become food to the beasts of the wildernesse when the Sea did cast up their carcases on the shoâ—…e like sea-wrackt Thou brakest the heads of Leviathan in pieces and gavest him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wildernesse 6. The Lord will not fail to provide consolation to his Church in her necessity though no probable means do appear as he furnished his people
Prophet when Israel was fighting with the Syrians and Edomites It may be divided into three parts in the first whereof the Psalmist prayeth for help more largely v. 1 2 3 4 5 In the second part David is made confident of the victory ver 6 7 8 9 10. In the third part he repeateth his prayer more briefly and his confidence of having the victory ver 11 12. From the Inscription Learne 1. The children of God must not think it strange to be put to wrastling striving and fighting for a promised Kingdome before they be setled in possession as David was yea the Church of Christ must resolve for such like exercises for this Psalm is given to the publike Ministers of the Church for use in all ages 2. The Church must make use of her prayers as well when she is furnished with a regular army as when she wanteth bodily armes as David teacheth the Church here 3. There is hope of victory when God by prayer is more relied upon then the army in the fields for with the Psalme the mention of the victory of the Lords hoste is set down and the slaughter of the enemy recorded That Ioab smote of Edom twelve thousand Ver. 1. O God thou hast cast us off thou hast scattered us thou hast been displeased O turne thy self to us again Of the larger prayer there are three branches the first is for reconciliation with God ver 1. The second for reparation of the decayed state of the Kingdom ver 2 3. The third for delivery and victory in the conflict with the enemy ver 4 5. In the first branch of his prayer he acknowledgeth by-gone judgements as the fruit of Gods displeasure and of the peoples provocation of God to wrath and so he prayeth that God would turn again and be reconciled to his people Whence learn 1. Terrible evils may befall the Lords people or the visible Church when they by their sinne do provoke him to wrath as was seen in the time of the Judges and in Sauls time O God thou hast cast us off thou hast scattered us 2. When God doth plague a whole Kingdome or the body of the visible Church it is not a matter of simple exercise or trial as when he bringeth trouble on some of his dear servants in the time of their upright carriage but it is for their sins and provocation of the eyes of his glory Thou hast been displeased 3. Such as would have plagues removed must acknowledge their sin and seek to be reconciled with God and in this way may they expect to finde favour O turn thy self to us again 4. Whatsoever sins the viâ—…ble Church and incorporation of Professors have done against God or whatsoever injuries they have done against the godly in assisting of persecuting powers against them yet the godly must not only not separate from them but also be ready to receive them into favour be reconciled with them forgive their former injuries joyne in Church and Camp-fellowship with them being reconciled share with them by compassion in calamities intercede with God for them as for themselves as being all of one incorporation as David the type of Christs moderate and merciful governing and a patern to all the godly did forgive those that persecuted him fought against him under King Saul and stood longest out against him when Saul was dead for David here doth say with and for the people O God thou hast scattered us O turn thy self again to us Ver. 2. Thou hast made the earth to tremble thou hast broken it heale the breaches thereof for it shaketh 3. Thou hast shewed thy people hard things thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment When Saul did reigne all things went wrong the wicked abounded and vile men were exalted and God plagued the land therefore in the second branch of his prayer he prayeâ—…h for restauration of the dejected state of the Kingdome the calamities whereof he layeth forth both before and after the petition Whence learn 1. When people will not stand in awe of God and fear him he will strike them with the fear of his wrath and sense of sore judgements Thou hast made the earth to tremble 2. Warre and in speciall civil and intestine war is most able to ruine a Kingdom and like an earthquake to make ruptures and breaches in it to the renting of it in pieces Thou hast made the earth to tremble thou hast broken it 3. It is a Christian and royal vertue to seek the union of the subjects among themselves and to remove divisions of the Kingdom without the removing whereof the State can never be setled But it is a divine power to work this union effectually therefore doth he pray to God for it Heal the breaches thereof for it shaketh 4. When people will not see nor take knowledge of their sins against God and their obliged duties to him he will let them see sad spectacles of bloody warres forreign and intestine Thou hast shewâ—…d thy people hard things 5. When people have besotted themselves in their sin and have not beleeved what God hath threatened against them no wonder they know not what hand to turn them unto and be stricken with astonishment in the execution of his judgements which when they fall upon a people either suddenly or more heavily then they could have expected they put mens mindes in a confusion as if they were drunk for sudden sore and lasting judgements confound the thoughts of secure sinners so as they can make little use of the Word of God or of their wit or any other means of relief more then a drunken man overcharged with wine Thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment Ver. 4. Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee that it may be displayed because of the truth Selah 5. That thy beloved may be delivered save with thy right hand and heare me In the third branch of his prayer he seeketh delivery and victory over the enemy and that because God had begun to give some hope of changing the face of affairs by raising a banner in Davids hand for the Lords cause and people Whence learn 1. When the godly are oppressed the truth of Religion and of Gods promises do lie at under like a fallen Standard and when God raiseth up instruments of their protection and comfort as here he did in bringing David to the Kingdome it is like the lifting up of an Ensign in the hand of a valiant standard bearer Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee 2. It is for the godlies cause that mercy is shewn to a whole land Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee 3. When the godly get up their head all their endeavour according to the utmost of their power should be to advance true Religion and the practice of it Thou hast given a banner that it may be displayed because of the truth 4. As nothing is respected by
so should all benefits confirm their faith in the Covenant and lead them to the hope of receiving after all other benefits salvation also Blessed be the lord who daily loadeth us with benefits even the God of our salvation 4. Albeit the Covenant of salvation be sure and solid in it self yet are we slow to beleeve it weak in our laying hold of it and have need to have the stamp and impression of it set deep upon our hearts as here the Psalmist teacheth the Church by inculcating this point He that is our God is the God of salvation 5. Temporal things which men do idolize may serve a man in this life but at death in death and after death he can have no good by them It is God only who can deliver from death and give an issue out of it Unto God the Lord belong the issues of death 6. Let a man be once setled in the faith of his salvation then he shall be comforted against all the troubles and dangers wherein he can fall yea even against death it self if he can say He that is our God is the God of salvation he may also say with confidence and application to himself and comfort Unto God the Lord belong the issues from death Ver. 21. But God will wound the head of his enemies and the hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his trespasses From the ninth reason of Gods praise Learne 1. How great soever be the majesty of God and the riches of bounty and grace offered in Christ yet will men be found even within the visible Church who will wickedly refuse his grace and oppose his Kingdom but all to their own shame and damage But God shall wouâ—…d the head of his enemies 2. The character of Gods irreconcileable enemies is that they cease not to follow the course of sin He goeth on still in his trespasses 3. Though God spare his enemies long and suffer them to grow old in the course of enmity against him yet shall shameful sudden and irrecoverable judgements overtake them in their old dayes But God shall wound the hoary scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his trespasses Ver. 22. The Lord said I will bring again froâ—… Bashan I will bring my people again from the depthâ—… of the sea 23. That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies and the tongue of thy dogs in the same From the tenth reason of praise wherein the Prophet promiseth in the Loâ—…ds Name that God shall work over again such works of delivery to his people and such works of victory over their enemies as he had wrought before Learn 1. The Lords Word is certainly sufficient for performance of his promises and ground of comfort and confidence and thanksgiving and praise to God even before the work be wrought The Lord said I will bring again c. 3. As the Lord will have the memory of former dangers and deliveâ—…ies of his Church kept in remembrance for his own glory so will he have former dangers for his peoples good to be looked upon as advertisements of what straits his Church may be cast into and his former merciful deliveries looked upon as pledges and pawns of the promises of like mercies in time to come as need shall require I will bring again from Bashan I will bring my people again from the depths of the sea doth import thus much 3. As the Lord will give as great deliverances to his Church when they are in straits as ever he did before so wil he give as terrible blows to his adversaries as ever he did according as the Churches need or good shal require I will bring again from Bashan c. that thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thy enemies 4. Albeit neither the Lord nor his people do delight in bloodshed yet will he let his people and all men see in the bloodshed of their enemies how terrible he is in justice especially against the enemies of his Church and how dear his people are to him and that rather then they should be overthrown he will destroy Nations for their safety and give unto his people in their own defence against their oppressors notable victories So that thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies 5 When the Lord thinks it fit not to make his own people instrumental in their own delivery then can he yoke the enemies among themselves or raise up proâ—…ane dogs like themselves to avenge the quarrel of the Lords people upon their enemies That the tongue of thy dogs may be dipped in thâ—…â—…ame that is in the blood of thine enemies Ver. 24. They have 〈◊〉 thy goings O God even the goings of my God my King in the sanctuary 25. The singers went before the players on instruments followed after amongst them were the damosâ—…ls playing with timbrels To confirme what is promised he bringeth forth old experiences acknowledged by the enemies registred in the Word of the Lord and read in the Temple Whence learn 1. The Lord useth to work so evidently for his people and against his enemies that both his people and their enemies are made witnesses and are forced to acknowledge the Lords work They have seen thy goings O God 2. It is the glory of a people when God so worketh as he is seen to be their God their leader their defender and all as in Covenant with them They have seen thy goings O God even the goings of my God saith he 3. That Gods honour may be seen mans honour should be laid down at his feet and put case a man were the greatest King yet is it greater glory and matter of contentment to have God for his King then to be a King without God They have seen thy goings O my God my King saith David now setled in the Kingdom 4. The most clear sure and profitable sight of the Lordâ—… work and wayes is to be had in the use of publick ordinances where his Name Nature Covenant and course he keepeth with all men together with the causes use and ends of his works are to be seen They have seen the goings of my God in the sanctuary 5. Where all the people receive a benefit it becometh all the people publickly and solemnly and with their best expression of affection as God doth appoint to praise God and in his worship to see that all things may be done orderly as Israel did when they came through the red sea and at other times as the Lord gave occasion The singers went before the players on instruments followed after amongst them in the middle-ward the Damoâ—… playing with timbrels 6. All the powers of our soulâ—… and bodies should concurre each of them in their own order with the best harmony of knowledge affections and expressions which can be attained unto for setting forth the Lords praises and our obligation to him for his goodnesse of his people and so should 〈◊〉 â—…rch on all
life in raising of him out of the grave of his trouble Thou which hast shewed me great and sore troubles shalt quicken me again and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth 4 As trouble humbleth and abaseth a man before the world so the Lords delivering of him and shewing his respect to him honoureth the man again and exalteth him before men Thou shalt increase my greatnesse 5. As no trouble doth come alone but multitudes of troubles joyned together when the Lord will humble and try a man so no comfort cometh single or alone when the Lord will change the mans exercise but a multitude of comforts joyned together Thou wilt comfort me on every side 6. Losses are made lighter and comforts weightier when God is seen and acknowledged in them Thou which hast shewed me sore troubles it is but a view of trouble what we have felt when troubles are seen to come from Gods hand thou shalt increase my greatnesse and comfort me on every side Ver. 22. I will also praise thee with the Psaltery even thy truth O my God unto thee will I sing with the Harp O thou holy One of Israel 23. My lips shall greatly rejoyce when I sing unto thee and my soule which thou hast redeemed 24. My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousnesse all the day long for they are confounded for they are brought unto shame that seek my hurt The fourth and last evidence of his confidence is his promise of joyful thanksgiving by way of a begun song and that for the foresight of his own delivery and of his enemies overthrow Whence learn 1. Faith is so satisfied with Gods promise that it can praise heartily for what is promised before it finde performance I will praise thee with the Psaltery even thy truth 2. It is our interest in the Covenant which makes us to have interest in particular promises I will praise thy truth O my God 3. A soul sensible of Gods kindnesse and sure by faith of the performance of his faithful promises cannot satisfy it selfe in praising of God it hath so high estimation of his fidelity power and love Therefore after he hath said I will praise thee he addeth unto thee will I sing with the Harp 4. How hardly soever a soul hath been exercised with troubles for a while so soon as it seeth by faith the Lords prepared event It will justify all the passages of Gods providence as just and wise and good and in a word as holy in all respects To thee will I sing O holy One of Israel 5. Singing with our voice unto the Lord is a part of moral worship as well as prayer with the voice when his honour and our upstirring and others edifying calleth for it My lips shall greatly rejoyce when I sing unto thee 6. As the work of praising God requireth sincerity earnestnesse and cheerfulnesse so the work thus done becometh not onely honourable to God but also refreshful to the worshipper My lips shall greatly rejoyce when I sing unto thee 7. Dangers and distresses how grievous soever they be for the time yet do they furnish matter of praise to God and joy to the party troubled afterward when the delivery cometh My lips shall rejoyce and my soâ—…'e which thou hast redeemed 8. Beside singing of Psalmes unto God speaking of his praise in all companies and upon all occasions is a part of our bounden duty of thankfulnesse for making his word good to us in the overthrow of our enemies and delivering of us My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousnesse all the day long 9. The overthrow of the enemies of the godly is as certain to come as if we saw it with our eyes already come to passe The same Word of God the same light and perswasion of spirit manifesteth the delivery of the godly and the destruction of their enemies For they are confounded for they are brought to shame that seek my hurt PSAL. LXXII A Psalm for Solomon IN this Psalm under the shadow of King Solomons reigne Christs gracious government is praised and first the Church is taught to pray for a blessing on King David and his sonnes government including Christs ver 1. Next the answer is given by the spirit of the Lord in a prophecie of the blessednesse of the Reign and Kingdome of Christ the Sonne of David from ver 2. to ver 18. Thirdly the use hereof is â—…et down in thanksgiving unto God ver 18 19. and herein is the accomplishment of all the desires of David obtained by this satisfactory answer ver 20. From the inscription and prayer Learn A King may command within his kingdom many things but he cannot command a blessing on his own government he must make suit for this to God He may leave a kingdome to his childe but because a kingdom is nothing without Gods blessing he must pray for this blessing and seek the assistance of the prayers of the Church for this intent and this duty Kings may crave of the Church and Gods people should not refuse it A Psalm for Solomon Ver. 1. GIve the king thy judgements O God and thy righteousnesse unto the kings son From the prayer of the Church Learn 1 Gifts from God are necessary to fit a man for an office and it is nâ—…t every gift which doth make fit for a particular office but such gifts specially as are for the discharge of the place a man hath and those must be asked from and granted by God and by this meanes sanctified Give the King thy judgements O God 2. Nothing is more conducible to make a Kings government prosperous and blessed then equity and justice according to the revealed will of God Give the King thy judgements and thy righteousnesse to the Kings son Ver. 2. He shall judge thy people with righteousnesse and thy poor with judgement 3. The mountaines shall bring peace to the people and the little hills by rightoousnesse 4. He shall judge the poore of the people he shall save the children of the needy and shall break in pieces the oppressour 5. They shall fear thee as long as the Sun and Moon endure throughout all generations 6. He shall come down like raine upon the mowen grasse as showers that water the earth 7. In his dayes shall the righteous flourish and abundance of peace so lâ—…ng as the Moon endureth 8. He shall have dominion also from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the â—…arth 9. They that dwell in the wilâ—…ernesse shall bow before him and his enemies shall lick the dâ—…st 10. The kings of Tarshish and of the Isâ—…es shall bring presents the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts 11. Yea all kings shall fall down before him all nations shall serve him 12. For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth the poor also and him that hath no helper 13. He shall spare the poore and needy and shall â—…ve the soules of the
needy 14. He shall redeem their soule from deceit and violence and precious shall their blood be in his sight 15. And he shall live and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba prayer also shall be made for him continually and daily shall he be praised 16. There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountaines the fruit thereoâ—… shall shake like Lebanon and they of the city shall flourish like grasse of the earth 17. His Name shall endure for ever his Name shall be continued as long as the Sun and men shall be blessed in him all nations shall call him blessed The Prophetiâ—…al answer given here to the Churches prayer promiseth above twenty benefits of Christs government all of them tending to the glory of the King and good of the subjects the shadow whereof was to be seen in David and Solomons reign â—…oyned with many imperfections but the real accomplishment is onely in Christ. The first is Christs subjects shall have good rules how to carry themselves in all duties how to behave themselves righteously and how to be made righteous by his direction and conduct He shall judge thy people with righteousnesse The second benefit or commendation is Christ will see the necâ—…ssities of his subjects his humble ones his afflicted ones to be supplied most discreetly and the wrongs done unto them repaired He shall judge thy poor with judgement ver 3. The third benefit is Christ is not to take away civil Governours nor Potentates places nor the several orders and ranks of greatnesse of superiour and inferiour powers Rulers and Judges all these are to be fixed rather by him for the good of the people The superiour as mountains and the inferiour as little hills shall stand in their place for him The fourth benefit is Christ shaâ—…l make such Magistrates as do embrace him for their Lord and Governour a blessing to the people under them for by their righteous government the people shall live quier and safe in Gods service under them The mountains shall bring peace to the people and the little hills but how shall the mountaines and little hills do this By righteousnesse ver 4 The fifth benefit is albeit Christ do suffer his subjects to be brought low in the sense of their own weaknesse and in danger of being swallowed up by their persecutors yet shall he take their controversie to his cognition and deliver his people out of the hands of their adversaries He shall judge the poor of the people he shall save the children of the needy he shall break in pieces the oppressors ver 5. The sixth benefit Christ the true King of Israel shall never want a kingdome he shall never want subjects but shall alwayes have a Church of such as shall worship and fear him and do homage unto him so long as the world doth stand amidst all changes and revolutions that can come They shall fear thee as long as the Sunne and Moon endure throughout all generations ver 6. The seventh benefit whatsoever sad condition his people shall be in how farre soever spoiled of their lustâ—…e and glory in the world or in any other respects whatsoever they shall be made as a mowen down medow possibly yet Christ by his Word Spirit and effectual blessing shall revive and recover them as grasse cut down being watered by rain is made to grow again He shall come down like rain upon the mowen grasse as showers that water the earth ver 7. The eight benefit all the true subjects of Christ are justified persons and devoted in their hearts to righteousnesse in the obedience of Gods will and such as do endeavour to abound in the fruits of righteousnesse The righteous shall flourish in his dayes The ninth benefit Christs justified subjects and students of holines shal have peace with God peace abounding and passing all understanding lasting peace without end in all revolution of conditions The righteous sâ—…al flourish have abundant peace so long as the world endureth v. 1. The tenth benefit of Christs government is the enlargement of the Church and number of his subjects according to the length and breadth of Gods promises made to his people Israel whether Israel in the letter or in the Spirit He shall have dominion also from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth ver 9. The eleventh benefit of Christs government is more special whomsoever he pleaseth to make subjects unto himselfe how wilde and savage soever they be yea how great enemies soever they have been to his Kingdome he shall tame them bring them in subjection to himselfe and to most humble submission unto his commands They that dwell in the wildernesse shall bow before him and his enemies shall lick the dust ver 10. The twelfth benefit is yet more special The Kings and Rulers of the Gentiles shall finde it a blessing to themselves and to their dominions to be under Christs government and shall effectually contribute their riches power and authority to advance the Kingdome of Christ their sovereign Lord and protector The kings of Tarshish and of the Isles shall bring presents the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts ver 11. The thirteenth benefit of Christs government is so great an enlargement of his Kingdome by bringing of all Kingdomes and Nations someway under his Scepter that the Prophecie of Iohn the Divine Rev. 11. 15. shall be acknowledged to be fulfilled All the kingdomes of the earth are become the Lords and his Sonne Christs how improbable soever this may seem for answerably hereunto is it said here Yea all kings shall fâ—…ll down before him all nations shall serve him ver 12. The fourteenth benefit serving for the commendation of his government is by way of giving a reason of the marvellous enlargement of his Kingdome from his care of the meanest of his subjects from his effectual pity toward them love and estimation of them The care Christ hath of his subjects is such that theâ—…e is not one so mean in all his Kingdome of whom and whose necessities and of whose particular petitions he doth not take most particular and exact knowledge whose petitions being presented in the sense of their need he doth not grant He shall deliver the needy when he crieth There needeth no Mediator beâ—…ween him and his subjects He heareth the needy when they cry The man that hath nothing within him or without him to commend him to Christ to assist help relieve or comfort him in heaven or earth is not despised by Christ but delivered from that which he feâ—…reth He shall deliver the poor also and him that hath no helper and this he doth by teaching his subjects to bear troubles by strengthening them for the burden by comforting them in their grief by giving a delivery to their spirits by faith and a full delivery at last v 13. The fifteenth benefit and commendation of Christs government he doth not
exact any thing of his subjects but that which he offereth to furnish and enable them to discharge he lets none be tempted above his strength he taketh small beginnings in good part he spareth the rod in a great measure mitigates the correction and in midst of wrath he remembereth mercy He shall spare the poor and needy whatsoever hard exercise he put them to he will give them their soul for a prey They shall not perish who in the sense of their need depend upon him He shall save the souls of the needy ver 14. The sixteenth benefit and commendation of Christs Kingdome albeit the Lord suffer his subjects to be tried with heresies and seducers by oppressors and persecutors yet he will assist them in the trial and bring them out of it He shall redeem their soule from deceit and violence and if for his own glory he put any of them to lay down their life for his cause it shall be a point of special honouring of them as of precious sonnes whom he esteemeth much of both living and dead Precious shall their blood be in his sight v. 15. The seventeenth benefit and commendation of Christs government is from his everlasting indurance albeit other Kings die and leave their kingdom to their successor yet it is not so with Christ he indureth for ever his death for paying the ransom of our sins did not interrupt his reign but made way for his more glorious reigning after his resurrection he hath life in himselfe as in the fountain He shall live he shall live conquering and bringing in moe subjects who shall pay tribute unto him To him shall be given of the gold of Sheba The eighteenth benefit and commendation of Christs Kingdom is this Christ shall be well beloved of all his subjects whose exercise it shall be to wish and pray for the prosperity of his Kingdome Church and mystical body and who shall commend and praise his glorious and lovely Majesty Prayer also shalll be made for him continually and daily shall he be praised v. 16. The nineteenth benefit commendation of Christs government is that a little seed of his precious Word sowen among men of whose conversion there might be least hope like a handful of corn sowen upon the mountaines or most barren ground shall have a glorious increase of the conversion of many notable Saints like as corn in a barren place should grow up like Cedar-trees There shall be an handful of 〈◊〉 in the earth on the top of mountains the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon and this blessing of the Gospel he can make it to be without prejudice of the manured land of Churches already planted which are as cities inhabited those he can blesse and will blesse at his pleasure with the abundant growth of grace amongst them And they of the City shall flourish as the grasse of the earth ver 17. The last commendation and benefit of Christs government summeth up all that can be said in these foure generals 1. That Christs Name fame and honour shall be perpetuated from one generation to another for the running of his benefits to his subjects and for the course of his judgements on his enemies His name shall endure for ever his Name shall be continued as long as the Sun 2. His Gospel shall spread further and further among men to deliver his own from the curse due for sin to make them partakers of the blessing of full felicity Men sâ—…all be blessed in him 3 It shall be in vain to seek blessednesse any where except in him only who is the procurer applier and maintainer of true blessednesse the way whereunto is to come to God in and through Christ In him men shall be blessed And 4. Such a fulnesse of converted Gentiles at length shall be brought in that the blessednesse of the Gospel of Christ and of spiritual communion with him and the riches of his goodnesse and grace shall generally be acknowledged in all the world All Nations shall call him blessed Ver. 18. Blessed be the LORD God the God of Israel who only doth wonderous things 19. And blessed be his glorious Name for ever and let the whole earth be filled with his glory Amen and Amen After this gracious answer of the Churches prayer in so glorious a prophecie of Christ thanksgiving and praise is endited unto the Church to be offered up to God for this mercy Whence learn 1. When the heart hath beleeved what the eare hath heard of the blessedness to be found in Christ the mouth should be opened to praise and blesse God Blessed be the Lord God the God of Israel 2. As the keeping of the race of David till the coming of Christ distinct from other families in so many revolutions of affairs as were between Davids reigne and Christs coming is very wonderful so the enlarging of the Kingdome of Christ since he came is full of wonder also whether we look to the King oâ—… to the subjects converted or the way of converting them by the preaching of his Word or the preservation or continuing of Christs Kingdome in the world amongst so many Devils and wicked adversaries all his subjects being so weak and sinful as they are It is a matter of great wonder indeed Blessed be the God of Israel who onely doth wondrous things There are no wonders like the wonders done in the Redemption of men by Christ 〈◊〉 yea there is no other who can work any wonders but Christ alone 3. As the blessings of Christ are everlasting so should the thanksgiving for them be and no lesse can content the heart of a true beleever who the more he thinks of Christ the more glory seeth he in him and blessed be his glorous Name for ever saith he 4. Before Christ do put an end to his work and give up the Kingdome to the Father his glory shall shine in all the parts of the world for the prayers endited to the Church are not vanishing wishes but reall promises and certaine prophecies â—…et the whole earth be filled with his glory 5. As faith sets so its seal unto the truth of Gods Word in special what concerneth the salvation of men and the glory of God in Christ so love to both the glory of God and salvation of souls seâ—…s to its seal also or both faith and love do subscribe the same truth of God in both respects again and againe Amen and Amen Ver. 20. The prayers of David the sonne of Iesse are ended This closâ—…e of the Psalm is added by the Psalmist David himself and is a part of the text serving first to shew that this was the last of the Psalmes endited by the Spirit to him a little before his death when Solomon was now reigning howsoever in the order of providence it be not in the hindmost place of this book of the Psalmes And next it serveth to shew that in this answer made to his prayer set down in this Psalme all his
drink from the flinty rock in the wildernesse Thou didst cleave the fountain 7. The Lord can and will remove all difficulties and impediments out of the way of his people which may hinder them from the possession of promises as he did to Israel Thou didst cleave the fountain and the flood thou driedst up mighty rivers 8. Faith is so thrifty as not to let the works of creation and common providence passe by without use-making thereof The day is thine the night also is thine c. 9. As God hath appointed vicissitudes of day and night light and darknesse summer and winter so hath he no lesse resolvedly wisely and graciously appointed vicissitudes of dangers and deliverances of grief and consolation to his people for their good The day is thine the night also is thine thou hast prepared the light and the Sun 10. As the Lord hath set bounds to the sea bounds and borders to every Kingdome to summers heat and to winters cold so can he do and so hath he done and so will he do unto all the troubles of his owne to all the rage power plots and purposes of their enemies Thou hast set all the borders of the earth thou hast made summer and winter Ver. 18. Remember this that the enemy hath reproached O Lord and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy Name 19. O deliver not the soul of thy turtle-dove unto the multitude of the wicked forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever 20. Have respect unto the covenant for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty 21. O let not the oppressed return ashamed let the poor and needy praise thy Name 22. Arise O God plead thine owne cause remember bow the foolish man reproacheth thee daily 23. Forget not the voice of thine enemies the tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth continally In the third part of the Psalm he returneth to prayer and redoubleth his requests for delivery to the Church taking arguments Frst from the injuries done to God by the enemy ver 18. Secondly from the danger and weaknesse of Gods people ver 19. Thirdly from covenanted help in time of need ver 20. Fourthly from the Lords interest in his own quarrel against the growing insolency of his despightful enemies ver 22 23. Whence learn 1. Although sins especially persecution of Gods people and blasphemy against God be not presently punished yet shall they not be forgiven Remember this that the enemy hath reproached O Lord. 2. All sins but in special blasphemy of Gods Name are aggravated by the naughtiness of the sinner and excellency of God The foolish people have blasphemed thy Name 3. The Church of God in comparison of her many and strong enemies is like a solitary weak desolate turtle-dove harmlesse meek lowly patient in desolation and easing her griefe by sighing and exposed to a multitude of ravenous birds O deliver not the soule of thy turtle-dove 4. How weak soever the Church be and how many and strong soever the enemies be yet cannot they all devoure the Church except the Lord should deliver his Church over into their hands against which evill the Church hath ground of confidence to pray O deliver not the soule of thy turtle-love unto the multitude of the wicked for he hath given his Church wings and a hiding place too as the comparison importeth if he please to give her the use thereof also 5. The Church is the Lords hospital where his poor ones are sustained upon his provision and furniture and he will not neglect them O forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever 6. Albeit the Lords people deserve to be seclâ—…d many times from the Covenant of grace yet the Lord will never debare them from their right unto it when they in their need draw near to him and plead for the benefit of it Have respect saith he to the Covenant 7. Such places as want the light of the Lords presence in his Ordinances are but dark and uncomfortable places where there is no lesse hazard for the people of God to remaine then for sheep to be in the midst of the dennes of cruel lions and ravenous beasts And when it pleaseth God to cast his people by captivity or exile in such places there is much need to make use of Gods Covenant for preservation Have respect unto the Covenant for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty 8. The emptied supplicant coming to God especially when over-loaden with troubles shall finde comfort and shall not bee disappointed of his hope O let not the oppressed return ashamed 9. The sense of need and emptinesse is the best disposition for prayer and best preparation for praises also and such as are poore in their prayers shall be rich in their praises Let the poor and needy praise thy Name 10. The Churches cause is the Lords cause for the wicked do not maligne the godly for their sinnes but for righteousnesse and so the quarrel is the Lords which he will and must maintain though he seem to sit still a while Arise O Lord plead thine owne cause 11. The Lords enemies are all foolish men for they beat out their braines upon the Churches bulwark because the Lord forbeareth for a time they go on to blaspheme him daily to his face but shall finde at length that God hath all their reproaches upon record Remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily 12. Every sinne and in special enmity against God and his Church is fearful but open gloriation therein is worse which God will take knowledge of and punish for so much is imported in this prayer forget not the voice of thine enemies 13. Sinne and in special persecution gloried in doth grow daily more and more and the growing of sinne and in special of persecution doth hasten the delivery of the godly and the destruction of the enemies The tumult of those that arise against thee increaseth continually PSAL. LXXV To the chief Musician Al-taschith A Psalme or Song of Asaph THis Psalm doth well agree with the time of Davids entry into the Kingdom after Sauls death before he was established King over all the tribes wherein he with the Church First doth thank God for bringing him wonderfully to a begun possession of a part of the Kingdome ver 1. Secondly he promiseth that when the Lord shall give him the rest of the Kingdom in possession to imploy his power for righteous governing and setling of it after it shall be put once in a right frame ver 2 3. Thirdly he begins to triumph over the wicked that followed Saul bringing to their minde the advertisement he had given them not to be proud in their places ver 4 5. partly because God had the disposing of preferments in his own hand ver 6 7. and partly because albeit God gave to all his own children a taste of troubles as he saw fit yet the dregs of
inspiration and that the holy Writers spokâ—… 〈◊〉 they were moved by the holy Spirit for here it is not cerâ—… whether Asaph was the name of the Writer of it or wheâ—… Asaph be the name of the order of such of Aarons posterity 〈◊〉 were 〈◊〉 unto the Church and had the charge 〈◊〉 the Musick to whom this Psalme was committed for 〈◊〉 Churches use as many more Psalmes in Davids time and â—…ter it also were A Psalme or Song of Asaph or to Asaph 〈◊〉 words may beare both alike Ver. 1. IN Iudah God is known his Naâ—… great in Israel 2. In Salem also is his Tabernacle and his dwâ—…ling place in Sion From the summe and scope of the Psalme sâ—… down 〈◊〉 Learne 1. Albeit God be in some sort known in all the 〈◊〉 because of the works of Creation manifesting some way tâ—… visible excellencies of God yet is he most of all made manifest to his visible Church where his Word doth sound and his Works are best interpreted In Iudah God is known 2. Where the knowledge of Gods Name is most revealed there should he of duty be most glorified for albeit Israel many times did not understand did not acknowledge him but were more ignorant and neglective of him then the oxe or asse were of their Owners and Masters crib yet daily among them he manifested his great majesty and sometime he made them all acknowledge it and of duty alwayes they should have magnified his majesty and so his Name is great in Israel 3. The Lord doth provide alwayes a place where his Church may visibly professe his Name and worship him he will not want a place where he hath a people in Covenant-bond unto him In Salem is his Tabernacle 4. It is a great glory to the place where God is worshipped for there also doth he make his residence In Salem also or Ierusalem is his Tabernacle and his dwelling place in Sion 5. It is not for the worthinesse of any people or place that the Lord is among them or manifested there but it is his own free choice among whom and where he will reside The place where the vile Canaanite had been and the place longest possessed and abused by the Canaanite will he choose for his chief dwelling he will turn the Canaanites Salem to be Ierusalem and the strong hold of the Jebusites to be the place of his Temple therefore saith he In Salem rather then Ierusalem is his Tabernacle and his dwelling place in Sion Ver. 3. There brake he the arrowes of the bowâ—… the shield and the sword and the battel Selah The first reason of Gods praise is taken from the Lord fighting at Ierusalem against the enemies of the Church and discomfiting of them Whence learn 1. The greatest overthrow given to armies will be found in their fighting against God Church There in special manner brake he the arrowes of the bowe c. 2. In the deliverance of the Church the Lord will be seen to do all the work There brake he the arrowes 3. As there is no meanes or instrument fit to destroy men which the enemie will not make use of against the Church so there is no weapon formed against her which shall prosper when she doth reliâ—… on her Lord There brake be the arrowes of the bowe the shâ—…ld and the sword and the battel Ver. 4. Thou art more glorious and excellent thâ—… the mountains of prey The second reason of Gods praise is because he is more glorious then all the Kings and Kingdomes of the world wherein the cruel and beastly raging enemies of his Church have their strength and strong hâ—…los Whence learn 〈◊〉 Those Kingdomes and Powers which do not subject themselves to God or Christ the King of Saints are to be esteemed of as mountains where wilde and ravenous beasts do lie every one of them according as they are more mighty oppressing the weaker for they are called here Mountains of prey or Powers maintaining all oppression as mountains give shelter to ravenous beasts which live upon prey 2. Whatsoever excellency is to be found in the Kingdomes of the world wherein men do glory as wisdom riches strength multitude courage or what else can be imagined is all nothing to the matter of gloriation which the Church hath in God Thou saith the Psalmist unto God art more glorious then the mountains of prey Ver. 5. The stout-hearted are spoiled they have 〈◊〉 their sleep and none of the men of might have found their hands 6. At thy rebuke O God of Iacob both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep The third reason of Gods praise is because he did evacuate and make of no use unto the enemie whatsoever they did put their confidence in Whence learn 1. Whatsoever strength courage wit or any other point of perfection any man hath God who gave it can take it away when he pleaseth yea can make it a meanes of hardening his heart in carnal confidence to engage him in a businesse for a mischief to him that he may lose all whereunto he leaned The stout-hearted are spoiled they have slept their sleep and none of the men of might have found their hands that is God hath made the couragious and strong to be found feeble and weak and unable to save their own goods or lives 2. Albeit the Church hath no strength in her self yet the Lord can with a word of his mouth do all her work and defeat her enemier At thy rebuke O God of Iacob they are caâ—… in a deep sleep 3. The more powerful wise and stout the enemies of Gods Church be the more should the Church relie upon God and the more glory doth the Lord get in overthrowing them Therefore the stout-heartedmen of might châ—…ariots and horse are here mentioned Ver. 7. Thou even thou art to be seared and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry The fourth reason of Gods praise is because he is so terrible that none can stand before him when he is angry Whence learn 1. When the Lord doth smite the wicked he doth waâ—…n his own people to stand in awe therefore doth the Church make use of what is set down before Thou â—…ven thâ—… art to be feared 2. Only God is to be feared lest we offend him and no mans anger is to be feared in comparison of provoking God to anger Thou even thou art to be feared and no regard unto nor mention of any other to be feared in comparison of him 3. Man against man may stand and wicked men in the time of Gods patience may stand but when the time cometh of Gods judging and letting forth his wrath upon his enemies none can escape his hand Who may stand in thy sight when onâ—…e thou art angry 4. The terror of the Lord against his â—…oes is the comfort of his people and the matter as of his praise so of their singing and rejoycing as here is to be seen Ver. 8. Thou didst
and chief in the provocation no wonder to see them also exemplarily punished for as Hophni and â—…hinehas made the sacrifice to be snuffed at so God made their carcases fall in the battel Their Priests fell by the sword 3. When Gods wrath breaks forth against his own people for their provocations he can make publike calamities so great as they shall swallow up domestick miseries yea he can make those that live and are reserved from the sword so weary of their lives as they shall reckon the dead to be more happy then the living Their Priests fell by the sword and their widows made no lamentation Ver. 65. Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of â—…e 66. And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 put them to a perpetual reproach In the thirteenth place he sheweth how notwithstanding of all the former provocations and sore judgements the Lord of his own free grace by taking vengeance upon his enemies restored his people to the priviledges of Church and Kingdom Whence learn 1. Howsoever the Lords people draw on judgements upon themselves and deserve to be left in their miseries yet God of his free and constant love to them sendeth relief when they least expect as here is to be seen when his people is in a most desperate condition Then the Lord awaketh 2. As people do sleep securely in their sin when God doth call them to repentance so it is justice with God to misken them in their calamity and to be unto them as one asleep as here he is described 3. God doth not so farre wink at the troubles of his own people but the cry of their misery and the insolency of the enemy against them will awake him When Israel is now as a lost people and their enemies have taken Gods Ark Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleepe and like a mighty man that shouted because of wine 4. Whatsoever weak similitude the Scripture useth to make us conceive somewhat of the Lords operations yet must we alwayes think of him as beseemeth the glory of his majesty leaving the imperfection of the creature from which the similitude is borrowed as the dregs of the comparison to rest with the creature it self as here we are led to do except we should think blasphemous thoughts of God 5. Albeit the enemies of Gods people may be at ease when his people are in trouble and lying under their feet yet God will arise in due time and punish them The Lord awaked and smote his enemies in the hinder parts 6. The dishonour done to God and to Gods people is but for a time and is shortly removed but the recompence of the enemie which do dishonour God is perpetual and everlasting He smote his enemies in the hinder parts to wit with Emerods and a bloody flux And so he pâ—…â—…hom to a perpetual reproach Ver. 67. Moreover he refused the Tabernacle of Ioseph and chose not the tribe of Ephraim 68. But chose the tribe of Iudah the Mount Sion which he loved 69. And he built his Sanctuary like high palaces like the earth which he hath established for ever 70. He chose David also his servant and took him from the sheepfolds 71. From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Iacob his people and Israel his inheritance 72. So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart and guided them by the faithfulnesse of his hands In the last place is set down how albeit the Lord did not return to Shiloh with his Ark ver 67. yet he stayed in the land among his people and placed his Ark in Ierusalem and built himself a glorious Temple and Sanctuary on Sion ver 68 69. and setled his people under the government of David a type of Christ exalted from an humble and low condition to be King of Israel ver 70 71. by whom the people were well governed ver 72. From ver 67 68. Learne 1. The Lord can so temper his justice and mercy in his dealing with his people as the effects of both shall be manifest Because he was so dishonoured in Shiloh he will have his justice seen in not suffering his Ark to come there again any more Moreover he refused the Tabernacle of Ioseph and chose not the tribe of Ephraim to wit for the tribe that he would most respect or where he would have the residence of his Ark to be there is his justice Again he will not forsake the land or the people of Israel altogether but will dwell in some other part of the land and will take another tribe to have the chief evidence of his respect shewen unto them But he chose the tribe of Iudah there is his mercy with an insinuation of the main means of the mercy which is the coming of Christ in the flesh out of the tribe of Iudah Thus God will not depart from Israel and yet he will noâ—… be found save in the tribe of Iudah out of which came Christ the root and fountain of mercy to all Israel who shall seek unto God through him 2. Whatsoever be the priviledge of the Church universal yet no particular place is to priviledged but God will leave it and take another to dwell in when he is provoked in 〈◊〉 particular place to forsake it for the dishonour done to his Majesty in Shiloh he resused the Tabernacle of Ioseph he refused thâ—… his Ark the chief signe of his presence should have its residence any more in the bounds of Ephraim or Manasseh the sons of Ioseph 3. The cause why God chuseth unto any priviledge one tribe more then another or one person rather then another or one place rather then another is only his own free will grace and love He chose the tribe of Iudah the Mount Siou which he loved From ver 69. Learn 1. In the type of the building of the Temple on mount Sion we are taught that the Church of God is his own edifice who ever be the workmen whom he in his providence doth imploy to build it Therefore is it said He built his sanctuary like high Palaces 2. Albeit the Lords Church may have many troubles and commotions in it yet shall it endure and not be overthrown utterly for ever He built his sanctuary as the earth which he hath established for ever From Ver. 70 71. Learn 1. The Church shall not want a King to defend and protect her for God hath his own chosen servant appointed for the purpose As for the typical Kingdome of Israel he had David so for the Church universal represented by the type he hath appointed Christ the eternal Sonne of God who took his humane nature of the lineage of David to be King mysticall in Sion for ever to be a type of whom he did choose David his servant 2. The Lord to the intent he may not onely shew his sovereigne power whereby he can raise
short prayer wherein the oppressed servant of God prayeth that God would put order unto the government of his people and redresse the wrongs done to them Learn 1 Albeit the oppressed servants of God cannot finde justice at mens hands yet there is help to be had from God and prayer shorter or longer as the Lord furnisheth unto them must they seek their ease of minde and comfort Arise O God judge the earth 3. When Magistrates or Rulers do oppresse Gods people private persons may not go beyond their bounds but must have their recourse to God that he may set matters that are wrong in a better condition as here the Psalmist doth 4. As the Church of God among the Jewes was acquainted with the prophecies of the enlargement of the Church and Kingdom of God among the Gentiles and upon this ground prayed that he would not suffer his interest in his people then to decay by the malice of men so may the Lords Church in any place or time upon the same ground pray for the like mercy for still the reason holdeth that God who is about to enlarge his Kingdome will not lose what he hath already and so to pray Arise O Lord judge the earth for thou shalt inherit all nations Amen PSAL. LXXXIII A song or Psalme of Asaph THis Psalme agreeth with such a condition of the Church as we read of in the dayes of Iehosaphat 2 Chron. 20. and serveth to comfort the Church in the greatest conspiracies of her enemies against her The Psalm hath two parts In the former the Church doth cry to God to shew himselfe for his people ver 1. and complaineth of their conspiracy and preparation to come against her ver 2 3. and of their purpose to root out the Lords people ver 4 5. specifying a number of nations who were upon the plot ver 6. 7 8. In the latter part they pray that judgment may so befall them as befell other such their enemies before who enterprised the same enterprise ver 9 10 11 12. In particular that the whole host may be overturned and consumed ver 13 14. and the remnant may bee chased and scattered ver 15. and ashamed and confounded for ever ver 16 17 that so God may have the mâ—… glory among them ver 18. Ver. 1. KEep not thou silence O God hold not thy peace and be not still O God From his cry to God to let forth a word for his people in this strait Learn 1. The Church may be in such a strait as if God do not speedily interpose himselfe she cannot but be swallowed up of her enemies quickly as here we see 2. Sense of danger putteth an edge on prayer and kindleth affection in it Keep not silence O God hold not thy peace and again O God be not still 3. The Lords uttering a word of comfort to his people and of terror to his enemies in the extremity of danger will satisfy his Church and do all her work Be not silent hold not thy peace be not still is the summe of all she craveth for let him speak and it shall be done Ver. 2. For lo thine enemies make a tumult and they that hate thee have lift up the head 3. They have taken crafty counsell against thy people and consulted against thy hidden ones From their complaint of their enemies preparation to come against them Learne 1. The enemies of Gods Church are the enemies of God bearing the same affection to God and to them that are reconciled to him For lo thine enemies that hate thee make a tumult 2. The more din the enemy makes the more insolent he is the higher he lifteth his head he is the more near to be knockt down by Gods appearing for his people against him Keep not silence for thine enemies make a tumult they have lifted up the head 3. The chief enemies of the Church are not the silly and simple sort of people but the most subtile politicians usually whose heads are most fit for Satans devices against Gods people They have taken crafty counsell against thy people 4. The true children of God his secret ones who in the sense of their own weaknesse do shelter themselves under Gods wings and do glory in him are the special object of the malice of Satan and of his wicked servants They have consulted against thy hidden ones 5. Against the craft and policy of enemies the Church hath nothing in her selfe to oppose but doth run to God who can easily disappoint all the enemies plots as here we see ver 4 5. Ver. 4. They have said Come and let us cut them off from being a nation that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance 5. For they have consulted together with one consents they are confederate against thee From their purpose to root out Gods people Learn 1. No lesse will satisfy the enemies of Gods Church then extirpation and abolishing of the Church Let us cut them off from being a nation that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance 2. When the Church is least 〈◊〉 and least able to defend her self the wicked encourage and strengthen one another in an evill course against heâ—… They have said one to another Come let us cut them off 3. Although the wicked be at enmity one against another yet they will all agree together to overthrow the Church They have consulted together with one consent saith he they are consederate against thee 4. This consideration that the conspiracy against the Church is a conspiracy against God whose people the Church is is very comfortable in the Churches extremity They are confederate against thee Ver. 6. The tabernacles of Edom and the Ishmaelites of Moab and the Hagarens 7. Gebal and Ammon and Amelek the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre c 8. Ashur also is joyned with them they have holp â—…n the children of Lot Selah In the reckoning up of the several nations conspired against Israel Learn 1. When the Church looketh upon the multitude of her enemies and their confederacy and their resolution to destroy her she should gather grounds of hope to be helped so much the more and so much the sooner for this is the Churches argument of hope to be helped here 2. In the persecution of the Church no wonder to see false brethren to be the chiefe leaders whoever be followers and assistants for here the Church complaineth of it They have helped the children of Lot and importeth that Moab and Ammon their bastard-brethren were first in the enmity 3. It is no wonder nor strange thing to see many nations on all hands to invade the Lords people at once for here are ten nations coming all together against Israel Ver. 9. Do unto them as unto the Midianites as to Sisera as to Iabin at the brook of Kishon 10. Which perished at Endor they became as dung for the earth 11. Make their nobles like Oreb and like Zeeb yea all their princes as
is the man saith he whose strength is in thee Next they are resolved in their heart for all the inconveniences they may meet with in the journey to hold on their course In whose heart are the wayes of them Thirdly they do hold on their course through dry and comfortlesse places which may be called places of Baâ—…a or weeping They passe through the valley of Baca. Fourthly they overcome this difficulty of wanting water either by digging a Well where they may finde water or by finding some already digged cistern wherein Gods providence had reserved some quantity of rain-water for them Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a Well the raine also filleth the pooles Fifthly after refreshment found in their journey they are encouraged to go on their way till they need and finde some new refreshment and reparation of their strength They go from strength to strength Sixthly these godly travellers all come at length to the place they aimed at to Sion where they appear before God in the holy Feast chearful and joyful souls Every one of them in Sion appeareth before God And therefore doth he call them blessed because at length they come through all difficulties to have sweet communion with God These two degrees of blessed Israelites are so painted 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 figurative termes as they may most easily lead the spiritual 〈◊〉 â—…o the blessednesse which the figure is fit to represent so that the typical words cannot well be understood except the spiritual blessedness be taken along for there are two degrees of really blessed persons some are at home already dwelling with God of whom it may be most solidly said Blessed are they that dwell in thy house they will be still praising thee which is their perpetual exercise Others are travellers who are in their way toward heaven the Lords house who indeed despair of their own strength to make out their journey but their confidence is in Gods strength and their encouragement to set forward is this that of them it may be well said Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee such mens journey doth take up their heart the stream of their affections runâ—… thitherward Iâ—… whose heart are the wayes of them Those travellers have a wildernesse to go through a comfortlesse valley wherein they do fiâ—…e matter of mourning and no solid consolation save that which God doth provide beyond the nature of the place which God one way or other doth furnish unto them that they shall not fail to have a timous consolation Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a Well the raine also filleth the pooles So that albeit God suffer them to thirst yet he suffereth them not to want a sufficient measure for bringing them on their ways a strengthening them to go torward if they misse a Well they shall have a Cistern filled with rain from heaven the measure furnished unto them reneweth their strength after wearinesse and sufficeth them till they need and meet with another renovation of their strength They go from strength to strength Not one of those resolute travellers or self-denying persons relying on Gods strength and furniture do perish by the way all are upheld and brought forward till they come where they would be to enjoy Gods presence in Sion which is above Every one of them without exception in Sion appeareth before God Ver. 8. O Lord God of hostes hear my prayer give â—…are O God of Iacob Selah 9. Behold O God our shield and look upon the face of thine anointed In the latter part of the Psalme is his prayer wherein he maketh request for communion with God both in the 〈◊〉 type and in the spiritual truth Whence learn 1. The godly mans holy wishes and desires do not vanish and die but are recommended to God in prayer What the Psalmist longed for in the former part of the Psalm in the latter part he prayeth for 2. The earnest supplicant hath no will to be refused but fasteneth his hope to speed on Gods power and Covenant and doubleth his petitions in the Lords bosome O Lord of hostes hear my prayer give eare O God of Iacob 3. Albeit the beleever be separate in place from the communion of Saints in publike worship yet he will finde a conjunction with them in affection and prayer at the throne of Gods grace and claim the same interest with them in God for protection and comfort Behold O God saith he our shield 4. How little appearance soever of possession or performance of promises the beleever hath yet must he claim his right and titles which shall bring him to possession Look upon the face of thine anointed He counteth himself King in regard of his right to the Crown because God had caused Samuel to anoint him to be King 5 He who hath right to a principal mercy may pray and look for every accessory mercy which is presupposed in the principal or annexed unto it as here upon the promise of the Kingdom David prayeth for the liberty of the Temple which behooved to follow upon his repossession in the Kingdom and here also he looks through his own anointing unto the Messiah Christ of whom he knew himself to be a type and for the Messiah Christ he seeketh to have his petition granted through whom alone every good thing is purchased and must be conveyed unto us Look saith he upon the face of thine anointed Ver. 10. For a day in thy courts is better then a thousand I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God then to dwell in the tents of wickednesse This is the first reason why he desireth to have the priviledges of the publick ordinances restored unto him Whence learn 1. Whatsoever may be a means to bring us to the â—…ition of God is incomparably better then any earthly thing and one hourâ—… spent in the means of eternal felicity is worth a thousand spent 〈◊〉 The lowest and most painful condition of life joyned 〈◊〉 any measure of communion with God is better then the 〈◊〉 quiet easie and plentiful condition of life without commuâ—… on with God To be a door-keeper in the house of the Lord better then to dwell in the tents of wickednesse 3. The god man whose judgement is rectified about things spiritual is 〈◊〉 only right estimator of estates and conditions of life in thâ—… world for that is best to him if he may choose wherein he may be most serviceable to God and best helped to heaven He for his part had rather have the meanest condition of life joyned with the benefit of the publick ordinances then live without them more plentifully among the wicked I had rather saith the Psalmist be a door-keeper in the house of my God then to dwell in the tents of wickednesse 11. For the LORD God is a sunne and shield the LORD will give grace and glory no good thing will be withhold from them that walk uprightly The second reason why
few to assist it their enemies were many they were straitned with poverty and famine and the hearts and hands of the Godly were weakened they were like to faint and despaire that either Church or State should flourish any more amongst them for comfort in such a time was this Psalme fitted leading the Lords people to live by faith and to work on in the building of the Lords house and reparation of the City looking to God the Builder of his Church and maintainer of his people To which purpose the Psalmist giveth them seven consolations opposite to so many tentations unto discouragement The first is that they should look to God who had founded his owne Temple solidly and so not saint for the weaknesse and fewnesse of the builders ver 1. The second that they should look to Gods love and good will and not be troubled for want of externall power and riches ver 2. The third is that they should look to the prophecies concerning the Church and not be troubled for what present outward appearance and carnall reason did represent ver 3. The fourth is that they should not be troubled for the multitude of their foes for the present time but look to the multitude of friends and converts which they should have hereafter ver 4 5. The fifth is that they should not be troubled with the feare of the ruine of the Church but look to Almighty God who would establish her so that no power should overturn her ver 5. The sixth is that they should not be troubled with the present contempt under which they did lie but look to the glory and estimation which God should put in his owne time upon the Church and her children ver 6. The seventh is that they should not be troubled with their present grief they were in but should look to the spiritual joy and causes thereof which the Lord was to furnish to his people ver 7. Ver. 1. HIs foundation is in the holy mountaines The first comfort of the afflicted Jewes troubled for the hindering of the building of Gods Temple is that God had by his decree and promise made the mountains of Sion and Moriah the place of his rest amongst his people till the Messiah should come in whom these types were to be accomplished and for whose cause they were to be preserved till he came who is the only solid rock whereupon the Church is builded Whence learn 1. When the builders of the Lords Church are few and weak his people had need to be comforted against their feares and doubts as here we see and the way to be comforted in such hard times is to look by faith to God as the builder of his own house who hath laid the foundation upon solid grounds that every believer that trusteth in him may be as Mount Sion which cannot be removed His foundation is on the holy mountaines Ver. 2. The LORD loveth the gates of Sion more then all the dwellings of Iacob The second comfort is that God had chosen Sion above all other places to be his rest and did love there to dwell rather then elsewhere Whence learn 1. The dignity of any place person or society proceedeth not from any thing in the place or society but from the Lords election and free love The Lord loveth the gates of Sion more then all the dwellings of Iacob 2. The love of the Lord to his chosen Church is a solid ground of assurance of her continuance as here in the figure we are taught Ver. 3. Glorious things are spoken of thee O City of God Selah The third comfort is from the prophecies past about the Church and promises made unto â—…her in figurative termes Whence learn 1. The Church is the incorporation in which the Lord reigneth ruleth and resideth It is the City of God 2. The priviledges of the Church are very glorious the glory of Kings Crowns and Diadems is nothing to them but bodily and temporal shadows of what is spiritually and everlastingly bestowed on the Church Glorious things are spâ—…ken of thee 3 Albeit glorious things are bestowed on the Church yet it is not so much any thing already done as what is to be done which maketh the Church blessed it is not present possession but hope not sight but faith which maketh the Church blessed and the Scriptures are a sufficient right to us for all blessings which are to come Glorious things are spoken of thee O City of God Ver. 4. I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me Behold Philistia and Tyre with Ethiopia this man was borne there 5. And of Sion it shall be said This and that man was borne in her and the highest himself shall establish her The fourth comfort is that the Churches chief enemies should be converted to the faith and should count it their greatest honour so to be Whence learn 1. It is among the troubles of the Church that she haâ—…h so many enemies and those so mighty and potent as the Egyptians and Babylonians I will make mention of Rahab that is Egypt and Babylon and Palestina and Tyre and Ethiopia which are here named as the most eminent oppressors of the Church among all other Kingdomes 2. It should comfort the Church that God is able to make her chiefest enemies to become Converts and that he hath done it sundry times and will yet do it more and that he can take order with those enemies which shall not be converted as he did with Rahab and Babylon for I will make mentiâ—…n of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me signifieth a mention-making of them viz. to the edification of the Churches children both concerning what God had done to those Nations in justice and what he would do to them in mercy or unto other enemies like unto them 3. As it is the glory and comfort of the Church to have her enemies made Converts so is it honourable to the enemies were they never so potent in the world to be Citizens of the City of God I will make mention of them that this man was born there that is in the City of God 4. The conversion of men from Paganism and Idolatry unto fellowship in the Covenant with the Church is a sort of new birth to the externally converted fâ—…om which their new birth and nâ—…w being is to be reckoned This man was borne there 5. As whatsoever honour men have in the world it is not to be compared with the honour of regeneration and being born Citizens of the Church so whatsoever contempt the members of the Church do suffer of the world it 's made up by the honour of being boâ—…n in the Church for of Sion it shall be said This and that man were born in her 6. I here is no reason to feare the ruine of the Church or the not continuing of her from age to age to be a mother and receptacle of Converts For the highest himself shall establish her
of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord Ver. 7. God is greatly to bee feared in the assembly of the Saints and to bee had in reverence of all them that are about him A third reason to confirme his faith is this God is terrible and to be stood in awe of by all his people and it were a fearfull injury for his Saints not to give him the glory of his power and sidelity Therefore will he say I have reason to believe what he hath promised concerning the Kingdome of Christ. Whence learne 1. Holy Angels and sanctified men of all creatures have nearest accesse unto God and are most like to the domesticks and Courtiers of a King who attend him daily and wait upon him for they are here said to bee about him 2. The feare and reverence of God imprinted on Angels and Saints doth evidence the greatnesse of Gods power excellency and majesty God is greatly to be feared in the Assembly of the Saints 3. The terriblenesse of Gods holy Majesty and the reverence due to him from all his Saints should make us afraid to misbelieve his Word and Promises for this is made a reason of the Psalmists believing the Lords Word God is greatly to be feared in the Assembly of the Saints and to be had in reverence by all them that are about him Ver. 8. O LORD God of hosts who is a strong LORD like unto thee or to thy faithfulnesse round about thee A fourth reason to confirme his faith is this GOD is LORD of Hosts and incomparable in strength and faithfulnesse whereby he is compassed on all hands round about therefore will he say I have reason to believe his promise concerning Christs Kingdome Whence learn 1. As the Lord only knoweth persectly his owne Omnipotency and his own Excellency in all perfections so we know GOD bâ—…st when we come to him and acknowledge that he only knoweth himself fully and do give unto him this glory as the Psalmist diâ—…ecting his speech to GOD immediately doth tâ—…ach us O LORD God of hosts who is a strong LORD like unto thee 2 The same power which serveth to humble a man by afflicting of him serveth also to comfort him and strengthen his faith in affliction when he doth draw neare unto God for the Psalmist maketh use of the same stile here both to direct his saith and to keep down his pride his sâ—…etting and repining against God saying O LORD God of hosts 3. As the Lord is as it were compassed about on all hands with power and is incomparably strong in all difference of time past present and to come above all his creatures so also first and lâ—…st in all difference of time he is incomparably faithfull above all his creatures O LORD God of hosts who is a strong Lord like unto thee or to thy faithfulnesse round about thee Ver. 9. Thou rulest the raging of the sea when the waves thereof arise thou stillest them A fifth reason to strengthen his faith is The LORD who doth rule the raging Sea is able to suppresse and compose all tumults and troubles whatsoever are raised or shall be raisd against his Church Therefore I have cause will he say to believe his promise concerning Christs Kingdome Whence learn That the power of GOD in ruling and calming the raging Sea may strengthen the faith of his children amidst all the tumults of people against Christs Kingdome Ver. 10. Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces as one that is slaine thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arme The sixth reason is this GOD hath done as much already for delivering his Church by destroying Rahab or the Egyptians and scattering of his enemies from time to time as may assure me both what he can and what he will do for his people therefore I may be quiet Whence learne 1. Faith may and should make use of every example of GODS working for his people in all times after and in speciall the overthrow of the Egyptians as a perpetual pawne of GODS promise to tread down and destroy all the enemies of his Church and Kingdome for Thou hast bâ—…oken Rahab in pieces is here and else-where frequently called to remembâ—…ance for this end 2. It is as easie for GOD to destâ—…oy a Nation of enemies were they never so many or powerful as to wound or kill one man Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces as one that is slain thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong hand Ver. 11. The heavens are thine the earth also is thine as for the world and the fulnesse thereof thou hast founded theu Ver. 12 The North and the South thou hast created them Tabor and Hermon shall rejoyce in thy Name The seventh reason for confirmation of his faith is Heaven and earth and all creatures in all corners of the world are the LORDS work sustained by him and cared for by him and there is not a mountaine or hill greater or lesser such as Tabor or Hermon which do bear grasse or corne or herbs or trees or whatsoever may make them look as it were chearfully and rejoyce but it is by the power of GODS Name Therefore I may be sure GOD will much more care for his Church and for the stability of the Kingdome of Christ. Whence learn 1. The heaven and earth and fulnesse thereof belongeth to the LORD by due right and are cared for by him as his own possession The heavens are thine the earth also is thine as for the world and fulnesse thereof thou hâ—… 〈◊〉 sounded them 2. The making and governing of the world which was made and is governed for the use of man may give assurance that his Church and people for whose cause especially all was made shall be continued from age to age to long as heaven and earth do remaine and shall be more particularly cared for then any other part or piece of his workmanship for to this end doth the Psalmist make mention of other creatures appointed to serve man 3. Seeing the Lord maketh the hills and mountaines after Winter-blasts of frost and snow to change their countenance and as it were look joyfully and rejoyce we may be perswaded that his Church after troubles shall much more change its countenance and reioyce in Gods Name For to this end is it said that these mountaines Tabor and Hermon shall rejoyce in thy Name Ver. 13. Thou hast a mighty arme strong is thy hand and high is thy right hand The eight reason is taken from the exceeding great power of GOD to do more then ever he hath done for his Church Whence learne If a greater work then the making and upholding of the world or if a greater work then any thing which is done by GOD hitherto were needful to be done for the good of the Church there is power enough infinite power in GOD to effect it Thou hast a mighty arme strong is thy hand and high is thy right hand Ver. 14. Iustice and judgement are
set his hand also in the sea and his right hand in the rivers The fifth promise made to David in the shadow but to Christ in the most real substance is the inlarging of his Kingdom through the world by sea and land continent and isâ—…es and so Christs Kingdom must not be confined to more narrow bounds then his charter doth beare him unto but must be stretched out to the due length and breadth even to whither soever he sendeth out his Gospel and doth extend his hand to subdue and conquer subjects unto himself and to bring them within the visible Church for I will set his hand also in the sea and his right hand in the rivers sheweth that the Kingdom must reach beyond the bounds of Canaan whether we look to David the type or to Christ the Antitype we are led by this speech to the largenesse of this Kingdom 26. He shall cry unto me Thou art my Father my God and the rock of my salvation The sixth promise properly belonging to Christ according as it is declared by the Apostle Heb. 1. 4. from this place and from a Sam 17. 19. For albeit David and Solomon were God sonnes by adoption office of Government and chosen types yet Christ who came of David according to the flesh was Gods Sonne by personal union of the humane nature with the Word or second Person of the Trinity And here he is promised as Head and Prince of the Covenant of salvation made in favour of the elect only Mediatour and Intercessor for all the redeemed Whence learn 1. The Covenant of grace is consolidated in Christ our Head and he hath the first right as man to say unto the Father that which is here said as Intercessor and Mediatour for the elect He shall cry unto me Thou art my Father my God and the rock of my salvation 2. Hereby it is intimated also that both Christ in his own person and the persons of his redeemed ones also in whose name Christ taketh the right of what is promised to his subjects was to be exercised with trouble and was to be put to it to make use of the Covenant and of the priviledges and promises of it for sustentation and salvation Thou art my Father my God and the rock of my salvation Ver. 27. Also I will make him my first-borne higher then the Kings of the earth The seventh promise most proper also to Christ who in respect of his humane nature personally united with the divine nature of the eternal only begotten Sonne is made and declared to be the Fathers first-born and more excellent then all the Kings of the earth how despicable soever his Kingdom doth seem for all earâ—…hly Kings are under his fooâ—…stool and of them none can make or preserve the life of one of his subjects nor his own Also I will make him my first-borne higher then the Kings of the earth Davids prerogative above other Kings was but a shadow of this and of short continuance Ver. 28. My mercy will I keep for him for evermore and my covenant shall stand fact with him The eighth promise is of everlasting mercy to Christs subjects to be kept in store for Christs dispensing forth thereof My mercy will I keep for him for ever and this is the ground of the Covâ—…nant and the sweetest consolation of the Covenant which shall never he disannulled because established in Christ and to him for our behoof My Covenant shall stand fast with him Ver. 29. His seed also will I make to endure for ever and his throne as the dayes of Heaven The ninth promise is of the continuance and increase of his off spring and Kingdome while the world standeth which cannot be fulfilled but in Christ. Whence learn 1. Christ hath from age to age a succession of children whom he by his Word and Spirit begetteth unto a spiritual life and this succession shall not be cut off but one generation shall follow another His seed also will I make to endure for ever 2. As Christ shall not want subjects in any age to shall he not cease to govern his people in any age His throne shall be as the dayes of Heaven Ver. 30. If his children forsake my law and walk not in my judgements 31. If they break my statutes and keep not my Commandments 32. Then will I visit their transgression with the rod and their iniquitie with stripes 33. Neverthelesse my loving kindnesse will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulnesse to faile The tenth promise is of a merciful manner of dealing with Christs subjects that is with persons regenerate and reconciled with God by correcting them with temporal rods when they break forth into offences and do turn back or go aside from obedience to Gods law that being corrected they may repent and so be saved Whence learn 1. The Covenant here made with David in type and with Christ the Antitype is for the behoof and benefit of the children as this article maketh evident If his children forsake my law 2. There is a provision in the Covenant against the sins which may fall out in the persons covenanted and might marre all our comfort if remission were not covenanted If his children forsake my law 3. If the Lords children watch not over their own corrupt nature and against tentations they are in danger of falling and certainly will fall into fits of fearful sinning against Gods revealed will both by way of commission and omission so as they may seem not renewed as here is presupposed If his children forsake my law and walk not in my judgments if they break my statutes and keep not my Commandments 4. The Lord doth not allow sin in his own children more then in others but will testifie his indignation against the sins of his own children with â—…ad judgements If they keep not my commandments then wâ—…ll I visit their transgressions with the rod and their iniquity with stripes 5. The sharpest rods and forest stripes wherewith God doth visit the children of Christ may stand and do stand with loving kindnesse unto them for they are fatherly corrections medicinal preâ—…ervatives against sinning afterward and tokens of Gods hating of sinne and not of rejection of their persons but rather effects of his love to the persons corrected Neverthelesse my loving kindnesse will I not utterly take from him 6. The mercy shewen to the children is with respect to the Father with whom the Covenant is made in favour of the children My loving kindnesse will I not utterly take from him that is from David as type and Christ as Antitype for whose sake the kindnesse is derived to the children 7. Except the Covenant of grace had this article in it for remission of sinne and for fatherly correction to drive unto repentance that the penitent person coming to God by faith might have sinne forgiven him and loving kindnesse shewen to him this Covenant should faile us no lesse then the Covenant of works
My loving kindnesse I will not take from him nor suffer my faithfulnesse to faile Ver. 34. My covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips 35. Once have I sworn by my holinesse that I will not lie unto David 36. His seed shall endure for ever and his throne as the Sunne before me 37. It shall be established for ever as the Moone and as a faithful witnesse in heaven Selah After the articles of the Covenant he subjoyneth the confirmation of it first by the subscribed Peomise of God â—…or evidencing of the immutability of it ver 34 Secondly by ratification of his oath formerly made for the stabiliâ—…y of it ver 35. Thirdly by witnesses and pledges oâ—… the induâ—…ance of it to wit the Sunne and the Moone ver 36. 37. Whence learn 1. Albeit the sinnes of Gods children do bâ—…eak the Covenant on their paâ—…t veâ—… do they not dissolve the Covenant on Gods part or make God to break his part of the Covenant which is to correct and chastise the sinner and bring him back by repentance and not take away his loving kindnessâ—… from the sinner My Covenant will I not break 2. Thâ—… Covenant of grace is that which is revealed in the Gospâ—…l for â—…emedy of sin and relief from wrath and what is revealed we may be sure shall not be altered My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my mouth 3. As we are 〈◊〉 to be naturally averse from beleeving God who do stand â—…n need of confirmation by his â—…ath so God by ratification of his promise by oath doth declare his will to the uttermost that we should beleeve in him and rest upon this Covenant and so make an end of controverting with him any more by â—…r misbeliâ—…f in this matter Once have I sworn 4. There can be noâ—… eater security then the true Châ—…istian hath for his salâ—…tion for God hath laid in pawn his tâ—…uth and his holinesse whiâ—…h is the glory of all his attributes that he will not take his loving kindnesse away from any of Châ—…ist children Once have I sworne by my holinesse that I will not lie unto David 5. The stability of Davids seed which is Christ and the peâ—…petuity of his kingdome for the comfort of all his subjects as it is confirmed by an oath and by pledges laid down for assurance thereof so hath the Lord taken the Sunne anâ—… Moone to be witnesse of this Covenant of grace as the râ—…inebow is wiâ—…nesse of that Covenant for not destroying the worlâ—… wiâ—…h a flood â—…is seed shall endure for ever and his throne as the Sunne before me 6. As the witnesses of the Covenant the Sunne and the Moon do remaine in heaven whatsoever change do seeme in them and howsoever both of them do disappear every day once and the Moon every day and every moneth seemeth to change something in the measure of her light yet is theâ—…e no question made about them but they shall appear again in due season so the Covenant of grace made with us in Christ whatsoever alterations do seem to come therin and howsoever it doth disappear at some times should not be called in question but esteemed faithful as the witnesses of 〈◊〉 It shall be established for ever as the Moon and as a faithful witnesse in heaven Ver. 38. But thou hast cast off and abhorred thou hast been wroth with thine anointed In the third part of the Psalme he falleth upon a sad lamentation and representeth the affaires and Kingdome of David as in appearance close contrary to the Covenant to v. 46 where be taketh up himself and prayeth to God â—…or remedy oâ—… all those evils and closeth the Psalme with thanksgiving and praiâ—…e In his lamentation he bâ—…oaneth fiâ—…st as it seemed to him that David and his house weâ—…e rejected of God and that in wrath v. 38. Next that the Covenant was dissolved and the Kingdome and Crown ruined â—…ogether ver 39. Thirdly that all â—…ences and strong holds were removed and thrown down ver 40. Fourthly that he was made a prey to any that pleased to spoile him and a reproach to his neighbouâ—…s ver 4. Fifthly that his enemies were assisted of â—…od and he being 〈◊〉 in bâ—…ttel was put to flight ver 42 43. Sixâ—…hly that all thâ—… priviledges and prerogatives of his Kingdome were abolished ver â—…4 Seventhly that the happinesse of his Kingdom had lasted a very short time and that â—…ll expectation of hoped for blessings were blasted and turned to matter of shâ—…me and confusion ver 45. Whence learn 1. From the order and place of the lamentation It is not time for us to enter the lists with â—…entations and doubts till first we have fixed our heartâ—… by faith in the Lords promises against all tentations and doubts and feares and appearances of evil as the Pâ—…almist doth here 2. The estaâ—…e of Christs Kingdom no lâ—…sse then of Davids Kingdom may at some times seem to humane sense in a condition quiâ—…e contrary to what is promised concerning it ' as this lamentaâ—…ion wherein the hopes of Christs Kingdom is questioned by the Psalmists tentation doth mâ—…ke evident 3. The only relief of Gods distressed people at such a time is to follow the exâ—…mple of the Psalmist that is to stâ—…engthen their faith contrary to what appeareth outwardly to sense and then lay out the doubts feares and tentations before God to be answered by him as here the Prophet doth 4. All those calamities might come upon Davids civil Kingdhm and yet this Covenant made with him as the type of Christ not be dissolved as experience hath proved because the Covenant was not made to exempt him or his family or Kingdome from the rods of men in case by their miscarriage and transgressions they should provoke the Lord for the last article in the Covenant in ver 30 31 32. expresly holdeth out the contrary Secondly because the Covenant in the main scope belonged to Christ and his spiritual Kingdom to David and his children and Kingdom as to a type and shadow of Christ and his Kingdom or as they were members of Christs Kingdome for their spiritual good 5. Sense and carnal reason may misrepresent the Lords dispensation as if it were contrary to his Covenant and Promise and contrary to what the godly do beleeve according to Gods Word as here we see comparing this lamentation with the former part of the Psalme 6. If the godly do hold fast to the Word of God and beleeve what the Lord hath promised whatsoever appear in the contrary then may they with great freedom yea and they should of duty and wisdom lay forth all their tentations and what carnal reason and sense speaketh to them before the Lord who is able to solve all doubts and satisfie faith without feare of being mistaken as this lamentation compared with what precedeth maketh manifest 7. Whatsoever calamity shall crosse the beleevers hope
and comforts given to any one beleever are not proper to him only but common to all beleevers and the man who can apply these promises to himself is the fittest man to bear witnesse of the interest which others have therein for what the Psalmist hath applied to himself he extendeth to all in substance The righteoâ—…s shall flourish 2. The godly shall get up their head notwithstanding of whatsoever weight of troubles laid upon them and they shall constantly grow up to the full stature of perfection whatsoever opposition be made They shall flourish like the Palme-tree he shall grow like a Cedar in Lebanon 3. The Lords children are like trees which do not grow in every soile are not nourished with every moisture the place of their planting growth and flourishing is the house of the Lord where the Word and Spirit of the Lord joyned with the holy ordinances may be had for food They are planted in the house of the Lord and flâ—…rish in the Courts of our God 4. Not every barren tree or weed not every one who is in the visible Court of Gods Church doth grow and flourish or is made partaker of the spiritual grace and blessing of the ordinances but only planted ones that is such plants as the heavenly Father hath planted for to those only who by Covenant have embraced God is the promise made Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the Courts of our God 5. True beleevers shall still persevere and the decay of the outward man shall not hinder the renewing of their inward man day by day and their last works shall be better then their first They shall still bring forth fruit in old age they shall be fat and flourishing 6. The end of the Lords destroying of the wicked and of his blessing of the true beleever with the growth of grace and perseverance to the end is the glory of Gods righteousnesse singlenesse in Covenant-making and of his constant affection to uprightnesse for these threatenings and promises shall be made good To shew that the Lord is upright 7. Whosoever neglect to give glory unto God the beleever will not faile to lay his own weight upon God and build all his felicity on him being assured that he will neither flee from nor faile the godly He is my rock 8. Lâ—…t the Lord do what he pleaseth let the wicked prosper for a while and the godly be troubled for a while yet God is wise and just and holy and that man hath profited well in the school of God who giveâ—…h this glory unto God constantly as the Psâ—…lmist doth here He is my rock and there it no unrighteousnesse in him PSAL. XCIII IN this Psalme for the comfort of Gods people against the multitude and power of their enemies and the greatnesse of Kings and Potentates in the world who oft times are like to overflow devoure and drown the Church the glory of the Lord is described in whom is the Churches defence comfort and victory For this end fâ—…st the praises of God for the Churches comfort are set down absolutely ver 1 2. Then the opposition of the enemies of the Church is compared to the growing flood or raging sea ver 3. And thirdly the praiâ—…s of God are set down in opposition to their power ver 4 5. with the use of this doctrine ver 7. Ver. 1. THE LORD reigneth he is clothed with Majestie the LORD is clothed with strength wherewith he hath girded himselfe the world also is established that it cannot be moved 2. Thy throne is established of old thou art from everlasting From the praises of God absolutely set down for the comfort of the Church in all respects and for strengthening of their fâ—…ith specially against all her enemies Learn 1. Howsoever matters concerning the Church or any member thereof shall go whatsoever he be that hath power for troubling of the Church God is he who is great Governour of all and this â—…s one ground of confidence and comfort to the Lords people The Lord reigneth 2. The outward splendor of earâ—…ly Kings and Potentaâ—…s in the world opposite to Christs Kingdom is no small tentatioâ—… to Gods people but the beleever must oppose unto this the gâ—…orious government of God He is cloâ—…thed with Majesty 3 How strong soever the adverse powers of the world do seeâ—… it must not terrifie the beleever in following the Lords cause bâ—… his stâ—…ength must be opposed thereunâ—…o and that so much the more comfortably as Gods strength is not borrowed from â—…y as the strength of the creature is The Lord is clâ—…thed with strength wherewith he â—…th girded himself 4. The 〈◊〉 of the constant guiding of the world sheweth the power and wisdom of God employed much more in setling the work of his Church for whose cause the world was made and is upheld and estâ—…blished The world also is established that it cannot be moved 5 The Lords Kingdom in his Châ—…h is not like the new upstaâ—…ts in this world which are of short standing unstable If any King be kind to his Church his people have reason to thank God but they must not lean to such a King his â—…eign shall be but short and if any King be froward and oppose himself to the Church we must not be too much feared for him because his Kingdom is but lately begun and is of short continuance but the Kingdom of the Lord is an ancient Kingdom and well setled Thy throne is established of old 6. The eternity of God is the ground of the immutability of his Kingdom and of the perpetual comfort of the Church against all opposers Thou art from everlasting Ver. 3. The floods have lifted up O LORD the floods have lifted up their voice the floods lift up their waves In the second plâ—…ce is the tentation of the Church they are like to be â—…ve flowed as with a deluge by the multitude of powerfull enemies whereof the Church complaineth unto God Whence learn 1. It is no wonder to see the world rising up tumultuously to overthrow the Church and as it were a deluge coming upon them to drown and devoure all no wonder to heare the enemies threatening destruction to the Churâ—…h like to the noise of waters after raine coming down the mountains upon them which are not able to flee The floods have lifted up the floods have lifted up their voice and the third time the floodâ—… lift up their waves 2. The best way to encounter threatenings and feares is to oppose God unto them and to lay them forth before the Lord that he may answer them as here the Psalmist doth The floods have lifted up O Lord saith he c. Ver. 4. The LORD on high is mightier then the noise of many waters yea then the mighty waves of the sea In the third place he sets down the power of God in opposition to all the bâ—…ags and malice and power of the enemies as very
Paradise 9. The first and second coming of Christ to shew himself King of his Church is ground and cause of all joy to his Subjects Let them and all the creatures rejoyce before the Lord for he cometh for this for he cometh twice said to judge the earth is given for a reason of the exhortation 10. By Christs government every poor and needy Subject is helped supplied comforted and provided for as their case requireth all the Subjects are justified by the imputation of the righteousnesse of Christ all of them are renewed and begun to be sanctified and made to aime at righteousnesse more and more in their wayes all the proud and adversaries of his Subjects are declared against course is laid down in the Word of truth for a full deliverie of his people from all injuries and oppression from all miserie and sin with the full punishment of their enemies He shall judge the world with righteousnesse and the people with his truth PSAL. XCVII THis Psalme containeth a prophecie of the spiritual glory of Christs Kingdome to ver 8. And the use of the Doctrine to the end of the Psalme The comfort of Christs Kindome in relation to his Church is set downe ver 1 2. And the terriblenesse thereof in relation to his enemies ver 3 4 5 6. with a curse upon image-worshippers ver 7. The uses of the Doctrine they are foure The first is that all excellency and whatsoever is honourable in the world should do homage to him set down in the end of ver 7. The second is that the true Church should be glad at the hearing and the seeing of the execution of Gods judgements upon idolaters with a reason for it ver 8 9. The third use is a direction to the Saints to beware of sin with some reasons for it ver 10 11. The fourth use is that the righteous should rejoyce and thank God upon all occasions ver 12. Ver. 1. THe LORD reigneth let the earth rejoyce let the multitudes of Isles be glad thereof 2. Clouds and darknesse are round about him righteousnesse and judgement are the habitation of his throne The Psalmist proclaimeth Christ King among the Gentiles and doth commend his Kingdome to them as full of joy full of majesty and full of righteousnesse Whence learn 1. Beside the sovereignty which God hath over all people he hath a speciall Kingdom wherein he reigneth by the Gospel of Christ this is it whereof here he speaketh saying The Lord reigneth 2. Comfort against all grief from sin or misery true matter of joy and full felicity is to be had by the coming of this Kingdom The Lord reigneth let the earth rejoyce 3. The Isles of the Sea are in Christs charter and have their share of the joy which is to be had in Christ Let the multitude of the Isles be glad thereof 4. How despicable soever Christs Kingdome may seem to the world yet it is full of heavenly majesty Clouds and darknesse are round about him 5. The glory of Christs Kingdome is unsearchable and hid from the eyes of the world who cannot take up the things of God except he reveale himself to them and do open the eyes of their understanding Clouds and darknesse are round about him 6. The Kingdome of Christ giveth no liberty unto sin but is altogether for righteousnesse and judgement for therein righteousnesse is taught to sinners and they made righteous and kept in the course of righteousnesse and defended from the harme of their adversaries and rewarded according to their righteousnesse and all the unrighteous are adjudged to punishment according to their works Righteousnesse and judgement are the habitation of his throne Ver. 3. A fire goeth before him and burneth up his enemies round about 4. His lightnings inlightened the world the earth saw it and trembled 5. The hills melted like waxe at the presence of the LORD at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth 6. The heavens declare his righteousnesse and all the people see his glory After the Psalmist hath set down how comfortable Christ is to His Subjects he sheweth how terrible he is to his enemies Whence learne 1. Albeit the Kingdom of Christ be a Kingdome for righteousnesse and a fountaine of joy to all who do receive him yet such is the natural wickednesse of men that he shall not want enemies as here is imported plainly 2. There is no lesse but rather more wrath attending the despisers of the Gospel then did attend the giving out of the Law Heb. 12. 29. A fire goeth before him 5. Albeit the enemies of Christ were never so many invironing his flock round about yet shall he reign in the midst of them and consume all his adversaries A fire goeth before him and burneth up his enemies round about 4. He letteth forth his wrath not all at once but by degrees lighter judgements and foregoing terrours come before destruction His lightnings inlightened the world the earth saw it and trembled 5. Christ shall utterly undo the greatest Potentates on earth if they stand in his way and oppose him The hills melted like waxe at the presence of the Lord. 6. There is no comparison between Christ and his enemies how great Monarchs soever they be they cannot stand before his presence For he is the Lord of the whole earth 7. Our Lord shall not want Preachers of his righteousnesse for beside the Word of God blessings from heaven upon his friends and judgements from heaven upon his enemies according to the Word shall testifie for Christ The heavens declare his righteousnesse 8. The judgements of God upon the enemies of the Church and his blessings upon his Church shall be so evident as beholders shall be forced to acknowledge God in them manifesting himself for Christs Kingdome And all the people shall see his glory Ver. 7. Confounded be all they that serve graven images that boast themselves of idols worship him all ye gods He setteth down Gods curse upon idolaters or image-worshipers and then sheweth the uses of the former Doctrine for further setting forth the glory of Christs Kingdome Whence learn 1. All they who either serve or worship graven images are reckoned by God for enemies to God and to Christ and it is a part of Christs glory to abolish images and all worship and service unto images out of his Church Confounded be all they that serve graven images 2. Albeit such as are lovers of imagery not only do serve images but also will defend the state of images in the exercise of Religion and glory in them yet shall they at length be ashamed of their boasting Confounded be all they that serve graven images that boast themselves of idols 3. God will not have such relative worship as men would give him by serving or worshipping of him in at or before imagâ—… the way how God will be served is by a direct and immediâ—… worshipping of him without the mediation or intervening 〈◊〉 any thing which may