intercept his worship for in opposition tâ—… relative worship in the service of graven images he saith Worship him importing that when images are worshipped God is not worshipped at all whatsoever the image-worshipper doth iâ—…tend 4. Whatsoever creature hath excellency in heaven or earth or can pretend to any eminency or excellency of whatsoever sort must do homage unto Christ Worship him all 〈◊〉 gods and this is the first use of the former Doctrine Ver. 8. Sion heard and was glad and the daughters of Iudah rejoyced because of thy judgementâ—… O LORD Ver. 9. For thou LORD art high above all thâ—… earth thou art exalted far above all gods The second use is to comfort all true worshippers partly because they hear Gods wrath threatened and executed against Idolaters and partly because they have hereby a clear evidence oâ—… Christs supremacy over all creatures Whence learn 1. The condemnation of imagerie and of all service and worshiâ—…â—…ven images is a Doctrine comfortable to the true memâ—… the Church Sioâ—…d to wit this curse against Idoâ—… and was glad 2. The true â—…rch considered in her collectâ—… incorporation as the Moâ—… Sion and in her particular branches and subdivisions as Daughters of Iudah depending upon Christ the true Vine-tree of Iudah have the same reasonâ—… of joy and the same grounds of edification by Gods Word and works of judgement wrought for clearing of true Religion and shaming of false worship Sion beard and was glad and the daughters of Iudah rejoyced because of thy judgements O LORD 3. The manifestation of the Gospel of Christ is the exaltation of God and manifestation of his excellency whose dishonour as it should be the matter of our grief so his manifested glory should be our joy as the reason here given of the joy of the Saints doth teach us For thou Lord art high above all the earth thou art exalted far above all gods Ver. 10. Ye that love the LORD hate evil he preserveth the souls of his Saints he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked 11. Light is sowen for the righteous and gladnesse for the upright in heart The third use of the Doctrine is an exhortation to the faithfull to studie holinesse and to eschew the fellowship of sin whatsoever may be the danger partly because the Lord will deliver his own out of the hands of their enemies partly because God hâ—…th appointed comfort unto them both in and after their afflictions Whence learn 1. A Believer in God or a true worshipper of God in Christ is a lover of God for thus are they described here Ye that love the Lord. 2. The love of God must be joyned with and manifested by the study of a â—…oly life and with not onely abstaining from but also with hating and abhorring of that which is sinful Ye that love the Lord hate evil 3. Albeit the hating of evil and loving of God may readily make a man the object of malice and of persecution from wicked men yet shall the godly have their soules saved yea and at length be fully delivered from the harme which Sâ—…tan and the wicked intend to bring upon the godly for that cause He preserveth the soules of his Saints he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked 4. All the exercises of the godly and specially their troubles for righteousnesse are but the seeds of their joy and consolation which God is to bring forth unto them out of these troubles Light is sowen for the righteous 5. The Lords children who love him and hate evil must not think to have the fruit of their rightcousnesse presently in possession but must give a time unto it as is given to 〈◊〉 that is cast into the ground and as after a time the corne doth spring and comes to a ripe harvest so shall the troubles of the godly have a comfortable issue Light is sowen for the righteous 6. In reckoning of the righteous the Lord counteth men by their heart and so many as by faith in Christ have purified their hearts unto the unâ—…eigned study of holinesse they are righteous before God albeit their infirmities be many and whatsoever fit of grief and interruption of joy such men be subject unto for a time yet at length their poâ—…tion shall be a full harvest of gladnesse Light is sowen to the righteous and who these are he sheweth and gladnesse for the upright in heart Ver. 12. Rejoyce in the LORD ye righteous and give thanks at the remembrance of his holinesse The fourth use of the Doctrine is an exhortation unto Beleevers to be joyfull and thankfull whatsoever be their condition in this present life because of the salvation manifested in Christ. Whence learne 1. Whatsoever may be the tribulation of the faithfull in the world they have matter of joy in the LORD and they should stirre up themselves to rejoyce and make conscience of the commandment Rejoyce ye righteous in the LORD 2. Whatsoever can be taken from the godly their right and interest in CHRIST can never be taken from them and so there is cause to give thanks for this gift for ever And give thanks at the remembrance of his holinesse or confesse to the remembrance of his holinesse that is acknowledge to his glory the benefit which you have by being a Subject to this King 3. Whatsoever word or work of CHRIST doth bring us to the remembrance of his Name should bring us also to the consideration and remembrance of his holinesse which is the untainted glory of all his attributes wisdome justice goodnesse power mercy truth c. and is the untainted glory of his Word workes and purchase unto us Give thankes at the remembrance of his holinesse PSAL. XCVIII THis Psalme is an exhortation to Jew and Gentile to rejoyce and blesse the Lord for Christs coming to set up his Kingdome in the world The exhortation is thrice pressed 1. In proper termes requiring the Church to sing for joy with reasons adjoyned ver 1 2 3. Then it is repeated and musical instruments called for to shew that by humane voice the matter of the joy which is in Jesus Christ is inexpressible ver 4 5 6. 3. To shew that neither voice of man nor musical instruments are sufficient to expresse the joy which cometh by Christs Kingdome the whole creatures are called unto this work of rejoycing and setting forth his glory ver 7 8. And the reason is given because Christ cometh to set up and exercise his Kingdome in righteousnesse ver 9. Ver. 1. OSing unto the LORD a new song for he hath done marvellous things his right hand and his holy arme hath gotten him the victory 2. The LORD hath made known his salvation his righteousnesse hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen 3. He hath remembred his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God The exhortation to sing unto the Lord who is Christ
〈◊〉 enemies yet must we not quit the least relation no not of 〈◊〉 external Covenant between God and us but make use of it for supporting of our faith in him as here Why doth thine anger smoake against the sheep of thy pasture that is thy Church and people the care of whom thou hast taken as a shepherd over his flock 5. The Believers asking Why is no quarrelling nor is any speech of the Saintâ—… unto God a quarrelling which endeth or resolveth in petition and supplication as this doth wherein after their asking Why they turn themselves to supplication and do pray Remember thy congregation 6. Let the Lord do to his people what he pleaseth they must pray unto him and make use of all the bâ—…nds between him and them as here the Church doth pleading 1. That they are by outward Covenant his Church consecrated unto him Remember thy congregation And 2. That they are his purchase by paying price and conquest Thy congregation which thou hast purchased And 3. That they have been in his possession for a long time Which thou hast purchased of old And 4. That the Lord had taken them into manuring as a piece of land measured out by line or rod and his inheritance not to dispose or put away The rod of thine inheritance And 5. That he had granted deliverances out of straits before The inheritance which thou hast redeemed And 6. That he had taken up house amongst them in his publick ordinances This mount Sioâ—… wherein thou hast dwelt Ver. 3. Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary 4. Thine enemies roare in the midst of thy congregations they set up their ensignes for signes 5. A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees 6. But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers 7. They have cast fire into thy sanctuary they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy Name to the ground 8. They said in their hearts Let us destroy them together they have burnt up all the synagogues of God in the land 9. We see noâ—… our signes there is no more any prophet neither is there among us any that knoweth how long In the complaint he desireth the Lord to come and see and to take order with the desolation made by the enemies in his land and specially in the Temple ver 3. What insolent domineering of them was over his people yea over God himselfe so farre as their listed up banner against him could do ver 4. Each of them thinking it as great matter of commendation to them to throw down the Temple as ever it was for any man to build it or prepare materials for it ver 5 6. How they had burnt and demolished the Lords house ver 7. with a resolution to root out his people according as they had burnt all their Synagogues in the land ver 8. And how there was no appearance of comfort or delivery from this calamity ver 9. Whence learn 1. All the evils which the enemy doth unto Gods Church proceed from the Lords desertion of and departing from his people who have provoked him to wrath for this prayer Lift up thy feet or come and see doth import his departure and leaving his people naked without his protection 2. Albeit the Lord doth seem to turn his back depart far away from his own people when they do provoke him to anger and to let their enemies do unto them what they please yet will he be entreated by his people to come again and see and pity the desolation brought upon them and punish the instruments of it Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations that is Lord come speedily and see what desolations thy enemies have made amongst us and pity and relieve us by thy manifested presence 3. Among all the calamities of Gods people nothing doth afflict them so much as the â—…nsolent profaâ—…ation of the worship and Name of God among them for here in the first petition they lament the abusing of the Temple Even all that the enemies have done wickedly in the Sanctuary and then do insist most upon this 4. When the wicked are leâ—… loose upon Gods people they are most insolent cruel and savage in their carriage toward them Thy enemies roare in the midst of thy congregations 5. It will not suffice the enemies of the Church to insult over Gods people but they will insult over their way of religion and over God whom they worship They set up their ensignes for signes they display their banner upon the ruines of the Temple as signes of their victory over that religion which is professed there and over Gods worship there 6. When Gods people do abuse religion and do mock God in their profession of worship and do dishonour him by their carriage and conversation it is justice with God to give over his people and all the meanes of religion into the hands of his enemies to be abused by them rather then to suffer his own people to mock him continually as in this example is to be seen 7. It is a matter of a mans commendation to contribute any way to the setting up of Gods worship and ordinances in a land A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees that is as he had cut down timber out of Lebanon Wood to build the Lords Temple withall 8. When the Lord is provoked by his peoples evil carriage towards him no wonder he let the work of edification or reformation of religion go as fast down amongst them as ever it rose up as the Church of the Jewes did feel by experience when now the enemies did break down the carved work of the Temple at once with axes and hammers much more speedily then it was builded They have cast fire into the Sanctuaâ—…y they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy Name to the ground This the Lord chused to permit rather then to suffer his people still to mock religion and still to abuse the Temple and make it a shelter for them to trust in against all Gods threatnings so long as it did stand 9. Albeit the Lords minde be onely to correct his people by letting them see their provocation in the judgements brought upon them yet the enemies whom he useth as instruments in their correction do minde their utter destruction and the rooting of them out of the world They said in their hearts Let us destroy them 10. When the enemies of religion cannot kill all the worshippers of God yet will they labour to mar the means of their assembling for publick worship so farre as they can for after they have said Let us destroy them together it is subjoyned They have burnt up all the Synagogues of God in the land that is all the houses built for the weekly assembling of the people unto
the meanest of men and exalt them how high soever he pleaseth but also to represent from how low a degree of humiliation Christ incarnate was to be raised to the government of his Church and Kingdome he setteth down the mean condition of life wherefrom David was raised to the royal dignity of governing Israel He took him from the sheep solds from following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Iacob his people and Israel his inheritance From Ver. 72. Learn The duties and properties of a good King are these First He must resolve to be Gods servant in his charge as David was Seconly All his subjects and in special the Lords people must be cared for by him in a civil way as a flock of sheep is cared for by the Pastour David fed them Thirdly A Kings heart must be set uprightly for Gods honour and for the subjects welfare in the whole course of his government He fed them according 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 King â—…st deâ—… prudently with his subjects accomodating the whole â—…se of his dealing with them as their several conditions do reâ—…ire He guided them by the skilfulnesse of his hands And whatsoever measure David had of those properties were but a shadow of the perfections of Christ in his Government Fifthly neither lawes nor teaching nor miracles nor benefits nor judgments can avail unto the salvation of a people or person till they be put under the hand and guiding of Christ as we are taught here in the example and representation of the Lords dealing with Israel in this Psalme wherein when God hath tried his people with oft repeated mercies and judgements they come to no setled estate till they be put under the Government of David who in this is 〈◊〉 type of Christ. For he closeth with this he guided them by the skilfulnesse of his hands PSAL. LXXIX A Psalme of Asaph THe scattered and captive people of God after the destruction of Ierusalem and of the Temple do put up a pitiful complaint unto God to ver 6. and do pray for a merciful reliefe to his Church and for avenging their blood upon their enemies As for the complaint in it they lament four things First the profanation and desolation of the Lords inheritance and Temple by the heathen their enemies ver 1. Secondly the barbarous cruelty and inhumanity used against them ver 2 3. Thirdly the contempt and mocking of their wicked neighbours in their misery ver 4. Fourthly â—…as they acknowledge this to proceed from Gods displeasure so they lament that it is like to be everlasting ver 5. In their prayer in the latter part of the Psalme they crave First justice upon their enemies ver 6. 7. Secondly pardon of their own sins and deliverance out of their misery for sundry reasons ver 8 9 10 11. Thirdly that God wolâ—…d reward their inhumane neighbours who mocked at their misery ver 12. And do close their petition with a promise of praise and thanks unto God by the Church in all succeeding ages Whence learn in general 1. The Church of God may be brought so low as here we see once it was 2 So many of Gods people as live to see such publike calamities and misery must not despaire of a recovery but should and may run to God and pray for the Church in affliction expecting order after consusion and after dissipation to see a gathering of Gods people again and after apparent overthrow of Religion a restoring of Gods publick worship as the example of the Psalmist in this Psalm doth teach whose courage and confidence in God for relief of the Lords people is wonderful as the condition of the Church at that time seemed to be desperate As the holy Ghost the enditer of this Psalm doth give warning here to all Churches in all ages to beware to provoke the Lord unto wrath lest he deal with them as he dealt with those Israelites so doth he give warrant to all afflicted Churches to follow the example of this afflicted Church to run to God for help for which cause he hath given this Psalme to be made use of by the Church A Psalme of Asaph Ver. 1. O God the heathen are come into thine inheritance thy holy people have they defiled they have laid Ierusalem on heapes In the first part of this Lamentation Learn 1. Albeit there be no place nor person how near and dear soever unto God exempted from judgement when they are polluted yet the wicked instruments of the judgement poured out upon the place and persons consecrated to God may justly be complained of as here we see O God the heathen are come into thine inheritance 2. When Gods people who should be holy defile themselves and Gods Ordinances it is no wonder that by prophane persons they be punished and their holy things polluted Thy holy Temple have they defiled that is they have abused it dealt with it as a vile and proâ—…ane thing 3. Albeit people in Covenant with God have disgraced their holy profession and polluted his ordinances and be justly plagued by seeing holy ordinances put over in the hands of profane men for their cause yet neither will the Lord disclaime his interest in his own ordinances nor do his people lose right and interest in God and in his ordinances when they take with their punishment and do make their addresse to God for reliefe Thy holy Temple have they defiled 4. When God giveth over religious ordinances in the hands of profane men to be abused no wonder if they that are the cause of this do suffer in their civil state also no wonder the City suffer with the Temple Ierusalem have they laid on heaps Ver. 2. The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowles of the heaven the flesh of thy Saints unto the beasts of the earth 3. Their blood have they shed like water round about Ierusalem and there was none to bury them From the second part of the lamentation and complaintâ—… Learn 1. Falling in battel before the enemies may prove that God hath a just cause against the party overcome but cannot prove that the victors cause is good presuppose both parties had appealed to God for there the heathen do overcome and the Lords servants and Saints are slaine and they who are lest alive do complaine of the victors and take with their punishment at Gods hand who doth follow his own quarrel as he pleaseth and will not at mens pleasure sit down and decide appellations when they call to him or stand unto 〈◊〉 time set down by men to him to determine their controversie O God the 〈◊〉 are come into thine inheritance c. The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat to the fowles aâ—… Heavy and fearful are the judgements temporal which may come upon Gods people when they have provoked God to wrath against them for their sinnes even such as are here
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
the ewes for the good of the Gentiles and enlarging of the Kingdom of Christ among them The petition is propounded ver 1 2 In the next place is an acclamation with the Gentiles glorifying of God at their in-bringing now foreseen that it should come most certainly ver 3 4. In the third place the Church of the Jewes do applaud the second time the conversion of the Gentiles and their praising of God promising to themselves that by that meanes the increase of Gods blessing on them shall follow and the enlarging of the Kingdom of God through all the world ver 5 6 7. Ver. 1. GOD be merciful unto us and blesse uâ—… and cause his face to shine upon us Selaâ—… 2. That thy way may be known upon earth thy sâ—…ving health among all nations This is the blessing which the Lord commanded the children of Aaron to pronounce upon the people of Israel Numb 6. 22 23. â—…hich here the people do turn into a prayer for the drawing in â—…f the Gentiles unto Gods service Whence learn 1. It is safe turning of Gods offers promises and forms of blessing of his people into prayers we are sure so to pray according to Gods will as the Church doth here 2. It is the duty of every citizen of the Church as lively members of that body to pray for the blessing of God upon all his people God be merciful unto us and cause his face to shine upon us 3. Then are the Lords people blessed when God doth make them instrumental to enlarge his Kingdome and to propagate the true Religion that is the doctrine of mans salvation and Gods service and this should be the aim we should shoot at in seeking any blessing to his people That the Lord may be known upon earth thy saving health among all the nations 4. The world is ignorant of true Religion till God by his own instruments reveale it and no way of Religion will please God nor profit men save Gods way only wherein he will have men to walk in the course of faith and obedience and wherein he revealeth how he will deal with us and how we must behave our selves toward him Therefore say they That thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all nations Ver. 3. Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee 4. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy for thou shalt judge the people righteously and govern the nations upon earth Selab The Psalmist foreseeth by the revelation of Gods Spirit that the Gentiles shall be converted and shall rejoyce in God and praise him and therefore will have the Church of the Jewes to welcome them and to joyn in acclamation of praise to God with them because of Christs reigning among them and ruling them by his most holy lawes Whence learn 1. The manifestation of Gods freely gifted salvation in Christ and the revealing of his manner of dealing with people and how he will have people deal with him and one with another is a matter of unspeakâ—…ble praise to God and joy to men to whom this grace is revealed that thy saving health may be known among all nations let the people praise thee O God 2. True converts unto Christ besides the joy they have of their own salvation have also daily new accession of joy at the conversion of others as they come in and ought to blesse and praise God heartily with them when they behold their conversion Let all the people praise thee do they say twice and hereafter also the third time 3. The conversion of the Gentiles was not a thing only wished for by the Church of the Jewes but also prophesied of unto them clearly O let the nations be glad and sing for joy for thou shalt judge the people righteously c. 4. The Spirit which did endite the Psalmes did not degrade the promised Messiah Jesus Christ from his Godhead for his future incarnation but speaketh of him and to him as God blessed for ever that is the true God to the Jewish Church before his coming and true God to the converted Gentiles after his coming in the flesh one with the Father and holy Spirit for sixe times in this Psalm he is called God and acknowledged here to be the fountain of mercy and blessing to men and of manifested reconciliation with men and the object of all divine honour and praise and God the Lord and Law-giver of the converted Gentiles Thou shalt judge the people righteously and govern the nations upon earth 5. The doctrine and discipline of Christ whereby he judgeth and governeth his Church is most holy and righteous and in as far as particular Churches and Christians submit themselves to his Lawes Doctrine and Government they are his true subjects and shall finde the fruit of his governing and judging For these shall he judge righteously unto these shall he do the part of a Governour even on earth He shall govern the nations upon earth Ver. 5. Let the people praise thee O God let aâ—… the people praise thee 6. Then shall the earth yield her increase and God even our own God shall blesse us 7. God shall blesse us and all the ends of the earth shall fear him In the last place the Jewish Church giveth a second acclamation to the incoming of the Gentiles and do promise to themselves by that meanes Gods blessing more abundantly upon themselves as now being one body with the Gentiles in the same Covenant of grace with them Whence learn 1. As the conversion of the Gentiles was esteemed by the Jewes a matter worthy to be oftner presented to God and prayed for and earnestly pursued by all that loved God so was it foreseen to bee a matter of growing and lasting joy to men and growing and lasting praise to God and to Christ who is God the Converter of them and the Governour and Teacher of them effectually to know his Name and salvation Let all the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee 2. The Spirit of God gave the Church of the Jewes to understand that the conversion of the Gentiles especially the conversion of the fulnesse of the Gentiles which here is prayed for when he saith Let all the people praise thee was to be a means or a mercy antecedent unto or nearly joyned with the bringing in and blessing of the Jewish Church and possibly in their own land Then shall the earth yield her increase and God even our own God shall blesse us for by the earth he meaneth the promised land of Canaan which hath been and is accursed during the time of their ejection out of it 3. When God shall be gracious to the Jewes after the conversion and bringing in of the Gentiles and shall renew the Covenant with them in Christ it shall fare the better with true Religion and with the Christian Churches among the Gentiles it shall be to them as a resurrection from the
dead in regard both of the purity of Doctrine and Worship and of the multiplication of persons converted unto Christ in all places God shall blesse us saith he then and what more And all the ends of the earth shall fear him PSAL. LXVIII To the chief Musician A Psalm or song of David THis Psalm is very suitable to that time when David having gotten the victory over his enemies round about did assemble all Israel and carried the Aâ—…k of God now returned from the land of the Philistines triumphantly out of the house of Obed-Edom into the City of David as a type of Christs ascension after the work of Redemption in the world In which Pâ—…lm after the manner that Moses prayed unto God or to Christ who was to be incarnate when the Ark did march David prayeth here first against the Lords enemies ver 1 2. And then for the Lords people ver 3. In the next place he exhorteth all the Lords people to praise God ver 4. and giveth twelve or thirteen reasons for it First because of his mercy to the desolate and afflicted ver 5 6. Secondly because of his wonderfulnesse and terriblenesse in delivering of his people out of bondage as appeared in his bringing of his people out of Egypt and through the wildernesse ver 7 8. Thirdly because of his fatherly care to entertain his redeemed people as did appear in his nourishing of his Church in Canaan ver 9 10. Fourthly because of the victories which he giveth usually to his people when their enemies do invade them ver 11 12. Fifthly because of the delivery which he will give to his people out of their most sad calamities as he hath oftentimes given proof ver 13 14. Sixthly because his Church is the most glorious Kingdome in the world being compared therewith ver 15 16. Seventhly because Christ the King of the Church hath all the Angels at his command to serve him and having ended the work of Redemption was to ascend gloriously for sending down gifts to his Church and ruling of it ver 17 18. Eightly because of Gods bounty to his people in daily renewed mercies till he perfect the work of their salvation ver 19 20. Ninethly because of his avenging of himself upon all his enemies ver 21. Tenthly because God hath undertaken to work over again in effect as need shall require what he hath done in bringing his people out of Egypt and in giving them victory over the Canaanites ver 22 23. whereof the experience of his power already manifested for Israel was a proof and pledge sufficient ver 24 25 26 27. Eleventhly because it was decreed by God to establish his Church and to make her strong by making Kings to become converts ver 28 29. and that partly by treading down some of her enemies ver 30. and partly by making others even some of her greatest enemies to seek reconciliation with God even her God ver 31. Twelfthly he exhorteth to praise God because of his omnipotent power in conversion of Kingdomes ready to be let forth for the defence of his people ver 31 32 33 34. and ready to overthrow their enemier and all for the strengthening of his Church for all which he exhorteeh all to blesse the Lord ver 35. Ver. 1. LEt God arise let his enemies be scattered let them also that hate him flee before him 2. As smoke is driven away so drive them away as waxe melteth before the fire so let the wicked perish at the presence of God 3. But let the righteous be glad let them rejoyce before God yea let them exceedingly rejoyce In Davids prayer against his enemies and for Gods people Learn 1. Such prayers as the Spirit hath endited unto the Saints in Scripture it is lawful and expedient for strengthening of our faith to use the same or the like words in the like case for David prayeth here as Moses prayed at the marching of the Ark Numb 10. 35. Let God arise c. 2. As the Ark was amongst the Israelites so is Christ amongst his people and what ground of confidence the Church had because of that pledge of Gods presence at tâ—…e Ark we have the same and a more sure ground of confidence in Christs incarnation represented thereby that upon every appearance of his beginning to stirre against the enemies of his work we may say Let God arise 3. The enemie of the Church are the enemies of God and esteemed haters of him because they are haters of his people with whom albeit the Lord doth beâ—…r for a while yet will he take order when he pleaseth it will not cost him much labour onâ—…y Let God arise and let his enemies bâ—… scattered 4. Although all the enemies of God make head against his people yet will they not prevaile when God appeareth they will turn back Let them also that hate him flee before him 5. Whatsoever strength of forces or number the enemies of Gods people have in appearance it is nothing before God but like smoak before the winde and waxe before the fire As smoak is driven away â—…s waxe melteth before the fire so let the wicked perish at the presence of God 6. Albeit the Lord exercise his people with affliction and with grief for a while yet he alloweth unto them comfort and joy whatsoever become of their enemies But let the righteouâ—… be glad 7. The only true matter of the Saints joy is God himselfe and his manifested presence and he will not be pleased except his children lift up their hearts and comfort themselves in him above and against all grief and sense of whatsoever enemies opposition Let them rejoyce before God yea let them exceedingly rejoyce Ver. 4. Sing unto God sing praises to his Name extoll him that rideth upon the heavens by his Name JAH and rejoyce before him From his exhortation of the Church to praise God with the joyful voice of singing Learn 1. Vocal singing of praises unto God is a moral duty and a part of his holy worship frequently called for in Scripture Sing unto God sing praises to his Name 2. Our thoughts of God should not be base but high and heavenly lifting his Name up above the most glorious creatures all they beiâ—… but his servants as he pleaseth to make use of them Extoll him that rideth upon the heavens 3. The Lord is onely and properly woâ—…thy of praise because he onely hath his being of himself and giveth beâ—… to all things which are beside himselfe His Name is JAH 4. The Lords praises are his peoples advantage and the true matter of their confidence and joy Sing praises to him and rejoyce before him Ver. 5. A Father of the fatherlesse and a Iudge of the widowes is God in his holy habitation 6. God setteth the solitary in families he bringeth out those that are bound with chaines but the rebellious dwell in a dry land From the first râ—…on of the exhortation to praise God Learn 1. The Lords
mercy to them that he may have the more glory thanks for his work I will magnifie him with thanksgiving 3. Moral worship offered in Spirit and truth in the meanest degree of sincerity is more acceptable to God then the most pompous ceremonial service which can be done to him without Spirit and truth This also shall please the Lord better then an oxe and bullock that hath bornes and hooses that is which is perfect and wanteth nothing in the external part of commanded service 4. That which we know shall be most acceptable to God we ought to study and follow that most that we may walk before God unto all well-pleasing in special to praise him in affliction and to praise him from a contrite spirit This also shall please the Lord better then c. Ver. 32. The humble shall see this and be glad and your hearts shall live that seek God 33. For the Lord heareth the poor and despiseth not his prisoners From the third evidence of the victory of his faith in the prophecy of the fruits of his sufferings mainly as he was a type of Christ who here is most intended Learn 1. The exercise of the Saints set down in Scripture and namely the exercise of David and of Christ represented by him was foretold that it should be of great use to the Church of God in after-times as now we see it in effect The humble shall see this and be glad 2. The humble soul is most capable of divine knowledge and comfort The humble shall see this 3. The escape of our Lord Jesus out of his sufferings for us and the escape of his afflicted children out of their sufferings through faith in him is a matter of instruction comfort and joy to every humbled beleever The humble shall see this and be glad 4. As such who are pure in spirit and truly humbled do live upon Gods almes and are daily at his doores for relief of their necessities and for communion with his gracious goodnesse so shall they thrive well in this trade Your heart shall live that seek God 5. The Lordâ—… children have a life beyond the children of men which is able to quicken them in their deepest troubles and to make them blessed in their delivery out of troubles a life moral and spiritual whereby their conscience is comforted Your heart shall live that seek God 6. The right way for the godly afflicted to have the benefit of the troubles and events which Christ and his followers have had experience of is to comfort themselves in hope of the like event and successe in seeking God as they did The humble shall see this and be glad and your heart shall live that seek God 7. As the Lords poor men are much in prayer so shall they be rich in good answers For the Lord heareth the poor 8. Whoever in defence of any point of Gods truth are put to trouble either in body or minde by men or Satan or both they are all sufferers for God they are all prisoners who howsoever they be misregarded by men shall be of much price in Gods eyes He despiseth not his prisoners Ver. 34. Let the heaven and earth praise him the seas and every thing that moveth therein 35. For God will save Sion and will build the Cities of Iudah that they may dwell there and have it in possession 36. The seed also of his servants shall inherit it and they that love his Name shall dwell therein From the last evidence of the victory of faith set down in a prophetical thanksgiving for the foreseen mercies which were to come to the Church by Christs procurement and specially to the Jewes Learne 1. Large sense of troubles maketh way for large observation and sense answerable of mercies The evil of deepest afflictions the Lord can recompense with highest consolation as the beginning and ending of this Psalm giveth evidence 2. The soul that seeth the mercy of God toward it self doth see also the mercy of God upon the same grounds to all others his people in Sion his Church in every place and time and he seeth the benefits of Christs sufferings to be matter of praise unto God able to fill the whole world and he seeth his own insufficiency for the praising of God also and that all the creatures are all few enough when they all concurre in this Song Let the heaven and the earth praise him and the seas and every thing that moveth therein 3. Whatsoever condition of Gods people can be represented by the various condition motion settlement or commotion of heaven earth and seas and things therein cannot but furnish matter of joyful praise to God and come up to contribute to Gods praises Let the heaven and earth the seas and every thing that moveth therein praise him 4. Every delivery of every beleever and above all the delivery of Christ as man from his expiâ—…tory sufferings is earnests and pledges of the delivery of the Church militant out of all its troubles For God will save Sion saith the Psalmist being now delivered out of his trouble 5. As the Lord will ever maintain his Church his Sion and his Iudah so hath he a purpose to give a special evidence of this his care among the Jewes how farre soever they may at some times be from all appearance of his respect to them for in the promise he keepeth in expressely the Name of Iudah He will build the Cities of Iudah 6. What outward testimonies of Gods respect to the Jewes for Christs sake shall be given unto them after the destruction of their Cities here presupposed we must leave it to God to be in due time by his own works interpreted and to be made out according to what here is said That the Cities of Judah shall be builded that they may dwell there and have it to wit the promised land in possession the seed also of his servants shall inherit it and they that love his Name shall dwell therein Only let us observe that the duty of the true Citizens of the Church is to transmit true Religion to their posterity and that this is the best and only way to transmit also the blessing of God and the constant possession thereof unto them The seed also of his servants shall inherit it and they that love his Name c. PSAL. LXX To the chief Musician A Psalme of David to bring to remembrance THis Psalm is almost one in words with the latter end of Psalm 40. wherein David being in present danger of his life by his enemies prayeth first for speedy delivery ver 1. next for shameful disappointment to his enemies ver 2 3. and thirdly for a comfortable life to all the godly ver 4. from which condition albeit he himself was very farre for the present yet he professeth he doth relie on God by faith and prayeth for a timous delivery ver 5. From the Inscription Learn 1. Our most notable dangers and deliveries should most
one another to this duty for this was pointed at in the use of the trumpets Blow up the trumpet 3. We ought to acknowledge that we are subject to various changes and alteration of conditions in this life and that all these changes are sanctified unto the Lords people and that new consolations may be expected from God one after another to season the darknesse and nights of our affliction and we should consecrate our selves anew from time to time to God and give him the first part and flower of our time yea should study that all our time in all changes whatsoever may be spent in his service for thus much did the solemnities in their new Moones hold forth Blow up the Trumpet in the new Moon 4. We ought to acknowledge that we are strangers here in the world and we have no certain dwelling-place but that we are in our sojourning depending upon Gods provision for us and protection of us expecting the time when we shall appear before him and shall be put in possession of those mansion-places pâ—…epared for us wherein we shall have fulnesse of joy and God constantly present with us and that in the mean time we should study to rejoyce in the tiches of the Lords goodnesse to us in our Redeemer for this in substance was hâ—…ld forth in those solemn feasts and in special in the feast of Tabernacles Blow the Trumpet in the time appointed on our solemn feast-day Ver. 4. For this was a statute for Israel and a law of the God of Iacob 5. This he ordained in Ioseph for a testimony when he went out through the land of Egypt where I heard a language that I understood not The Church giveth two reasons of the exhortation cheerfully to glorifie God in the observation of his appointed ordinances and solemn convocations One is because God did institute and command this solemn rejoycing in him ver 4. The other is because he appointed it after the bestowing on them of a great 〈◊〉 out of Egypt from their bondage under strangers and people of an uncouth language ver 5. From the first reason Learn 1. It is a sufficient motive for observation of any religious action that God hath ordained it and no lesse authority then divine can warrant a man in the matters of Religion therefore it is said here For this was a statute for Israel and a law of the God of Iacob As none may appoint acts of religious worship but God so also none may alter nor abrogate them except God himself only For they are statutes and lawes of the God of Iacob 2. The Ordinances of Religion appointed of God as they are witnesses of his will how he shall be served and witnesses of his good will toward us and care of us to have us saved so a so are they witnesses of our faith and obedience to testifie for us or against us as we mâ—…ke use of them This he ordained in Ioseph for a testimony 3. The greatnesse of the work of Redemption the powerful manner of bringing it to passe and the misery wherein we were before we were delivered should augment our joy and thankfulnesse to God and 〈◊〉 our tie to his worship and service as the force of the Churches reasoning here doth teach for the Lord went through the Egyptians and over their belly as a mighty Conquerour when he reâ—…emed his people and delivered them from the servitude of a people of a strange language therefore they were bound joyfully to keep his solemn Ordinances He ordained this for a testimony saith the Church when he went through the land of Egypt where I heard a language which I understood not Ver. 6 I removed his shoulder from the burden his hands were delivered from the pots 7. Thou calledst in trouble and I delivered thee I answered thee in the secret place of thunder I proved thee at the waters of Meribah Selah In the second part the Lord speaketh and putteth his people in minde of his kindnesse to them in their delivery from Egypt ver 6. and of his wife care of them in the wildernesse ver 7. And how he câ—…aved nothing of them but that they should keep close to him and not go after idols ver 8. 9. First because he is God all sufficient Next because he had entered in Covenant to be their God Thirdly because he had given proof what he could do for them by their delivery out of Egypt And lastly because he was ready to make them fully blessed upon their willingnesse to receive his offered goodnesse ver 10. And then he shewes what an evil meeting they gave him From the renewing the memory of their delivery out of Egypt ver 6. Learn 1. For right taking up of the benefit of our Redemption whether spiritual or bodily the heavinesse of our yoke and basenesse of our slavery must be called to minde I removed his shoulder from the burden and his hands were delivered from the pots for Israel were as pioneers and scullions in Egypt basely employed in carrying straw and morter to make brick as most abject slaves and this resembleth the condition we are in by nature under the slavery and burden of sin and misery 2. God only is the Redeemer of men from whatsoever evil condition no instruments which God doth use must intercept his glory none can ease our burden nor cleanse our hands but God only I saith the Lord removed his shoulder from the burden and hands from the pots From the Lords wise care of them when they were come out of Egypt ver 7. Learn 1. After delivery of us out of the state of misery other particular troublesome passages may meet us as did meet Israel at the red sea when they came out of Egypt and we may fall into new troubles for a little as they did 2. God who delivereth us from the state of misery must also deliver us from particular miserable cases or miserable conditions yea and being called upon by us in our misery he will deliver us as he did Israel Thou calledst in trouble and I delivered thee 3. It is Gods wise disposing that nâ—…w trouble should bring to minde our former delivery and our deliverer and should presse us to pray to God and make way for a new experience of delivery as here we see 4. The more the Lord doth manifest himself from heaven for us and against our enemies the greater is our obligation as Israels obligation was augmented when at their prayer in the red set the Lord by thunder out of the black cloud against the Egyptians following them did declare himself for Israel I answered thee in the secret place of thunder 5. It is an evidence of the Lords care of his people to put them to the trial of their faith and sincerity of affection to God that so they may either finde their former profession and opinion of themselves solid and upright or finding it otherwayes may be humbled and repent and become more
Zebah and as Zalmunna 12. Who said Let us take to our selves the houses of God in possession In the latter part of the Psalm is the Churches prayer to God that he would be party against her enemies and plague them There are sundry branches of the malediction which the Church doth imprecate against the enemies The first is that God would destroy them as he destroyed others before them who were upon such a wicked plot of rooâ—…ing out Gods people Whence learn 1. When the Church hath to do with her enemies she should look what in Scripture the Lord did for her in times past for so doth the Church look here to what the Lord did to his enemies Iudg. 7. 22. and 4. 15 24. and 7. 25. and 8. 〈◊〉 2. It is lawful to pray for judgements upon the enemies of the Church provided it be out of a publick spirit and not out of private malice or revenge in which case the prayers of the Church are more forcible for the overthrow of their enemies then all her external force is Do unto them as unto the Midianites is a hard charge against them 3. Former plagues poured out upon the Churches enemies are pledges of the Lords bringing like judgements on her enemies afterward and of giving like preservation unto the Church as before Do unto them as to the Midianites in Gideons time and to Sisera and Iabin in Deborah time when small meanes were sufficient for a great overthrow of the enemy 4. The dead bodies of Gods enemies shall not only be contemptible before men which is incident to the bodies of the Saints sometimes but also contemptible before God as here we see Their enemies perished at Endor and became as dung for the earth 5. The Nobles leaders chief amongst Gods enemies may look for most eminent judgement Make their Nobles like Orch and Zeeb yea all their Princes like Zebah and Zalmunna 6. It is all one for enemies to resolve to spoile Gods Church and to rob God of his habitation specially so long as Gods people love to have God dwelling among them for the injuries done to the Church redound to the contumely of God who hath taken the maintenance of 〈◊〉 They say Let us take to our selves the houses of God in possession Ver. 13. O my God make them like a wheel as the stubble before the winde 14. As the fire burneth a wood and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire 15 So persecute them with thy tempest and make them afraid with thy storme 16. Fill their faces with shame that they may seek thy Neme O LORD 17. Let them be confounded and troubled for ever yea let them be put to shame and perish From the rest of the branches of the imprecation wherein sundry similitudes are looked unto for shewing forth the effects of Gods wrath upon the enemies of the Church Learn 1. Use is to be made of our Covenant with God so well against our enemies as for our selves for O my God saith he no wwhen he is about to curse the enemy 2. The enemies of Gods Church have many a mischief waiting on them of which if they escape one another shall overtake them yea no one similitude can set forth what misery is prepared for them no peace no rest for them no standing in any stablished prosperity but they shall be rolled as a bowle turned upside-down or as a wheel Make them like a wheel 3. They shall have no strength to resist the blast of Gods wrath Make them as stubble or chaffe before the winde 4. The Lords indignation against them shall burn them as a flame doth a Forrest let them be consâ—…med as fire that burneth a wood which is the greatest flame we can easily conceive or when a mountain of sulphur or coales is kindled as the flame sets the mountains on fire where fâ—… above the earth and under it do meet together 5. If they escape for a while yet judgements shall follow them and overtake them and 〈◊〉 them and turn them in a circle till they be giddy So persecute them with thy tempest or whirewinde 6. Beside what torment their present plague shall bring unto them horror and fear of worse to come shall vexe them Make them afraid with thy storme 7. At last they shall be ashamed when both they shall be disappointed of what they intended against the godly and also meet with the misery which they least feared Fill their faces with shame 8. If any of the enemies of Gods people do belong to Gods election the Churches prayer against them giveth way to their conversion and doth not seek more then that the judgement should follow them only till they acknowledge their sinne and do turn and seek God Fill their faces with shame that they may seek thy Name O Lord. 9. For the rest of the wicked irreconcileable adversaries when shame of disappointment and temporal judgements are come upon them the worst of all doth yet follow even everlasting perdition Let them be confounded and troubled for ever yea let them be put to shame and perish Ver. 18. That men may know that thou whose Name alone is IEHOVAH art the most High over all the earth He closeth the Psalme with shewing the end of all this complaint and imprecation Whence learne 1. The end of all cursing of the wicked enemies of the Church is not to satisfy private revenge but that God may be glorified Let them perish that men may know that thou art he whose Name is IEHOVAH 2. The Name Iehovah signifying Gods being of himself and the cause of the being of all things created is incommunicable to any creature and in Scripture is given only unto the three persons of the Godhead the Father the Word and the Spirit whose essence is one as here is taught Thâ—… men may know that thou whose Name alone is Iehovah 3. If men will not acknowledge the true God to be the supreme and only Governour of all the world they shall by his heavy â—…ements either upon others or upon thgmselves be made to show it for the Church doth here declare that they do use this heavy imprecation against Gods enemies that men may know say they that thou whose Name alone is Iehovah art the most High over all the earth PSAL. LXXXIV To the chief Musician upon Gittith A Psalme for the sonnes of Korah THis Psalme is of the same subject with Psalm 42. and Psalm 63. Wherein the Psalmist lamenteth his banishment from the Temple and the publick Ordinances of Religion to ver 8. and then prayeth for his restoring to that priviledge in the rest of the Psalme This Psalme agreeth well with the time of Davids parting with the Ark when he fled from Absalom In his lamentation First he commendeth the place of publick worship ver 1. Then sheweth his longing after it ver 2. Thirdly he wisheth to be as a sparrow in the meanest condition partaker of that priviledge ver 3. Fourthly
God still must be esteemed and held the sender out of the calamity as well as the Author of the Promise which the dispensation seemeth to crosse that the glory both of justice wounding his childe and of mercy healing him may be given to the Lord as the example of the Psalmist doth teach who in all the complaint fasteneth all the branches of the calamity upon Gods doing Ver. 46. How long LORD wilt thou hide thy self for ever shall thy wrath burne like fire 47. Remember how short my time is wherefore hast thou made all men in vain 48. What man is he that liveth and shall not see death shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave Selah 49. Lord where are thy former loving kindnesses which thou swarest unto David in thy truth 50. Remember Lord the reproach of thy servants how I do beare in my bosome the reproach of all the mighty people 51. Wherewith thine enemies have reproached O LORD Wherewith they have reproached the footstops of thine anointed 52. Blessed be the LORD for evermore Amen and Amen Here he turneth his complaint into prayer for remedy to shew that he did not freâ—… but beleeve that the Lord both could and would give relief The reasons for strengthening of his faith are foure First because the wrath of God against his people cannot be everlasting ver 46. The second because the Lords afflicted people were of a short life and did expect comfort before they died ver 47 48. The third because former experience and Gods sworn Covenant behooved to have evident comfortable effects ver 49. The fourth because the mockerie of the enemie against Gods people and Christs Kindom was insupportable ver 50 51. After which as being assured of a good answer he closeth the Psalme with pâ—…ayer and thanksgiving Whence learn 1. From the first â—…eason The children of God are more affected with Gods displeasure then with the tâ—…ouble they aâ—…e put unto How long Lord wilt thou hide thy face This sheweth their chief wound 2. Whatsoever be the Lords purpose in afflicting yet sore trouble doth alwayes speak the wrath of God to the apprehension of the afflicted Shall thy wrath burne like fire 3. As God cannot be angry for ever with his people so his people cannot endure any appearance of everlasting wrath and utter destruction How long Lord wilt thou hide thy face for ever shall thy wâ—…ath burne like fire From the second reason to confirm his hope to be heard set down ver 47 48. Learn 1. As our life is short and the shortnesse of it should be a spuâ—…e to seek the sense of Gods good will to us while we are in this life so may all Gods children expect how short soever their life be to finde sensible proofs in this life of Gods love to them and care of them for Remember how short my time is doth import so much in the Psalmists reasoning 2. Albeit God hath created no man in vaine but for his own glory one way or other yet Gods children have little or no estimation of this life except that they therein may finde God reconciled and have communion with him in this life for this passionate expression Wherefore hast thou made all men in vaine doth import as much as we count our life in vaine and nothing worth to us if thou shalt not be reconciled unto us 3. Albeit our words in prayer should be well weighed yet in sad affliction and grief of heart words sometime may escape a Saint which cannot be justified as here this speech giveth us an instance for this is a limiting of God to crave comfort in this life to the afflicted at the time when they shall prescribe or else to make all their formerly received comforts and life it self to be in vaine given unto them for presuppose a man should suffer Gods terror from his youth up as Heman did and be as a distracted man because of the terrour of God and should end his life as Heman doth the preceding Psalm without comfort yet life eternal might make up the troubles of the wrestling of such a mans â—…aith and soon recompense the losse of comfort in this life and yet such is the weaknesse even of Champions like Ethan as to vent some passionate expressions in their trouble Why hast thou made all men in vain 4. Mortality and shortnesse of life is common to all men but to be stirred up thereby to the more earnest seeking of spiritual comfort and preparation for eternal life is the propertie of a childe of God only such as the Psalmist is who for this very end that he might have spiritual comfort draweth an 〈◊〉 from mortality What man is he that liveth and shall not see death From the third reason set down ver 49. taken from the experience of mercies and sworn promises made to David Learn 1. Albeit a man were in never so hard a condition for his own case or the case of other godly persons yet that which God hath done and promised to do unto any beleever may sustain him when he misseth all comfort or appearance of it Lord where are thy former loving kindnesses unto David 2. When the beleever doth misse the comfort which he or any other hath got 〈◊〉 of God he should go to the same fountain to have some new experience thereof as the Palmists example doth teach 3. The beleever taketh Gods part against all doubts and disappearances of the performing of his promises as we see in the Psalmist who when he is missing Gods former loving kindnesse the continuance whereof was promised and sworn he asserteth the truth of the promise saying Which thou swarest unto David in thy truth From the fourth reason of his hope to have a gracious answer to his prayer taken from the reproaching of the enemies as it is set down ver 50 51. Learn 1. Beside inward tentations unto misbelief in the day of trouble the Lords people use to meet with the mockings of the wicked insolently scorning their faith in God which as it vexeth the godly so is it taken notice of by God Remember Lord the reproach of thy servants 2. The mocking of Religion in the day of the Churches calamity is so much the more a terrible tentation as the adversaries who do insult over Religion are many and powerful to annoy Gods people and tread down Religion Remember the reproach of all the mighty people 3. The reproach of Religion and of the godly doth lie near and should lie near the heart of every lively member of the Church Remember the reproach which I do beare in my bosome 4. Such as do reproach Religion and the godly in their calamity are Gods enemies and against them God is engaged Remember the reproaches wherewith the enemies have reproached O Lord. 5. The blasphemies which do strike against Gods promised salvation in Christ and the progresse of his Kingdom are of all tentations most heavie and are resented of God
rejoyce and be glad all our dayes 5. Were ouâ—… trouble never so great and of long continuance the renewed intimation of Gods reconciliation to us shâ—…ll season and sweeten all our trouble recompense all our losses and make our condition in this short and miserable life tolerable yea in God very comfortable Make us glad according to the dayes wherein thou hast afflicted us and the yeares wherein we have seen evill Ver. 16. Let thy work appear unto thy servants and thy glory unto their children The fourth Petition is that God would continue the work of building and enlarging of his own Church and of glorifying himselfe in their sâ—…ght and in the sight of the posterity from generation to generation Whence learn 1. The building purging enlarging propagating of the Church and manifesting of Gods care for it is the Lords own proper work which he will not leave off but albeit he hide his working for a time yet is he on his work and his people should pray for and may expect the manifestation of it Let thy work appear unto thy servants 2. As it is the glory of the Lord to manifest his grace anâ—… mercy toward his people or visible Church so the desire of his people is to have the Lord glorified no lesse thâ—…n to have themselves preserved or comforteâ—… Let thy work appear to thy servants and thy glory to their children 3. The Church in every age should have a care that the posterity may be partakers of the same merciful work of God which they in their time have had experience of and that their children may profit by the coâ—…ections of their predecessors Let thy work appear to thy servants and thy glory to their children Ver. 17. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us and establish thou the work of our hands upon us yea the work of our hands establish thou it In this last verse are the two last heads of his prayer The first Petition is that God would beautify his people with his holy Ordinances with order and unity and peace with a holy conversation and the evidences of his dwelling among them as his own confederate people proper subjects of his Kingdome and domesticks of his own family Whence learn 1. As God is the glory of his own people in whom is their beauty and ornament whereby they are made honourable in the sight of all Nations as the Bride is made comely by the attire and ornaments put upon her so should his people esteem of him affect and love him remember him and seek their beauty in him Let the beauty of the Lord be upon us 2. Then is the beauty of the Lord upon his people and seen to be on them when they behave themselves as his covenanted people walking in faith and obedience before him and he sheweth himselfe their covenanted God protecting and blessing them Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us and this Petition was granted all the dayes of Ioshuah and of the Elders that outlived Ioshuah The sixth Petition is that God would blesse the endeavours of his people for promoting of Gods work among them and for transmitting his Ordinances and his truth to the posterity Whence learn 1. Whosoever do pray for the advancing of the Lords work in his Church must resolve not to be idle but to engage themselves to endeavour in their places and callings according to their power thâ—… promoting of his work as becometh his servants and instruments Establish thou the worke of our hands 2. Whosoever go about the building of the Lords Church and promoting of Religion must acknowledge that the successe of their labour dependeth onely upon God who must be entreated for the blessing Establish thou the work of our hands 3. In respect that our work is so mixed and defiled with imperfections and sins that God may justly withdraw himselfe from it we must the more earnestly deal with God to keep his own hand about his work and about our hands in it as the twice repeating of the Petition doth import Yea the work of our hands establish thou it PSAL. XCI ALbeit this Psalm hath no inscription nor the name of the penman who did write it yet Satan could not deny it to be the Lords Word for out of this Psalm he brought one of his darts against our Saviour Matth. 4. and the Promises which are made here to the believer are so much more strongly ours as Christ head of all his people hath interest therein as man and hath taken them to him in our name Ver. 1. HE that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty The summe of the Psalme is an encouragement to believe in God by nine motives or inducements most of them being precious Promises whereunto Christ our Loâ—…d hath the first right and title and we onely in and through him The first motive is because the believer shall have the warme and comfortable protection of God Almighty Whence learn 1. Trusting in God is the means of entertaining of constant conjunction and communion with God for he that is a believer dwelleth in the secret place of the most High 2. The unsearcheable depths of the riches of Gods truth grace power and goodnesse and of his other attributes whereupon faith doth fixe it selfe are a mystery to the world which carnal reason knoweth not nor how to make use thereof and therefore is well compared to a secret place He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High 3. In the most High is whatsoever the Believer standeth in need of a habitation well furnished with ease comfort peace refreshment protection and whatsoever else a soule could wish for the secret place of the most High where the believer may and must dwell is Gods truth and love and unto him that dwelleth here is the Promise made 4. The Believer is not exempted by his faith from trouble yea trouble and exercise from his enemies he may surely expect but he is exempted from being taken overcome and destroyed by them for a refuge even the secret place of the most High here is provided for him 5. He that betaketh himselfe unto God for refuge and will make his refuge his habitation shall not be refused lodging nor be thrust out when he is entered He shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty 6. The scorching heat of persecution shall not prevaile against the Believer for Gods omnipotencie shall be imployed for his protection and consolation He shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty Ver. 2. I will say of the LORD He is my refuge and my fortresse my God in him will I trust The second motive is the Psalmists example who in his owne experience having felt the good of trusting in God in hardest straits doth resolve to believe in him still Whence learne 1. He that hath experience of the fruit of faith is the fittest man to bear
How long shall the wicked how long shall the wicked triumph and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves Ver. 5. They break in pieces thy people O LORD and afflict thine heritage 6. They slay the widow and the stranger and murder the fatherlesse 7. Yet they say The LORD shall not see neither shall the God of Iacob regard it The wickednesse of the oppressours is here described more particularly by their cruelty against such as humanity would spare such as are the Lords harmlesse people the widow fatherlesse and stranger whom the oppressours abuse without all fear of GOD who doth behold them Whence learn 1 When wicked men haters of piety within the Church get power in their hand they will be more cruell enemies then men use to be who have only humanity and civility and want profession of Religion They break in pieces thy people O LORD and afflict thine heritage They slay the widow and the stranger and murder the fatherlesse 2. The more relations a people hath unto God it is the more wickednesse to oppresse them and the more dangerous for the oppressours for they have an owner which others have not even the Lord They break in pieces thy people and afflict thine heritage 3 It is not profession but practice which witnesseth what impression the Deity hath upon mens spirits oppression of such as God hath promised to protect speaketh blasphemy of God in effect They say The Lord shall not see 4. Oppression of the just doth cauterize the conscience exâ—…inguish the sense of a Deity and maketh the oppressour secure and fearlesse of judgement Yet they say The Lord shall not see neither shall the God of Iacob regard it Ver. 8. Understand ye brutish among the people and ye fooles when will ye be wise 9. He that planted the eare shall he not hear he that formed the eye shall he not see 10. He that chastiseth the heathens shall not he correct he that teacheth man knowledge shall not he know 11 The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man that they are vanity By way of rebuking the Atheisme of the oppressour vers 8. he giveth the first ground of comfort unto the godly from the attributes of God as Gods wisdome ver 9. and from his justice against â—…ffenders and from his care of instructing his people to be wise by all means ver 10. and from his disestimation of mens vaine thoughts ver 11. Whence learn 1. The wisdome of wicked oppressours is brutish follie however they themselves or others do esteem of them and whatsoever high thoughts the wicked have of themselves or others have of them for their high place yet they are notwithstanding all their honour nothing in Gods estimation but as the meanest of the people yea as the beasts that perish understand ye brutish among the people 2. The wicked within the visible Church have this advantage over those that are without that in Gods long-suffering they have time to repent and admonition to be wise for gaining of their souls or clearing of Gods justice in their condemnation for here they are spoken to Ye fooles when will ye be â—…ise 3. The knowledge which wicked men do seem to have or pretend to have of God is nothing but a base conceit of God as if he were a dead Idol which neither heareth nor seeth for this the Psalmists instruction given to them doth impoâ—…t He that planted the care shall he not hear 4. Beside what the Word doth teach of God his Works also do teach convincingly what he is He that planted the care shall he not heâ—…r he thâ—… formed the eye shall he not see 5. â—…he Lord ruleth among the Heathen and chastiseth them when they sin against the law written in their hearts He chastiseth the heathen 6 The judgements which the Lord executeth among the Hâ—…then is a sufficient evidence of his purpose to execute judgement on oppressours within the visible Church which draweth much reaâ—…er unto him He that chastiseth the heathen shall â—…e not correct 7. The diverse measures of wit learning prudence and wisâ—…ome which God doth bestow upon men is sufficient to prove how incomprehensible his own fâ—…tain-wisdome is He that teacheth man knowledge shall he not know 8. It is a matter of great consolation to the godly in their oppression to know tâ—…at their oppressours are fooles and that God in his wisdome is over-ruling all confusions and leading them and their thoughts unto wise ends as â—…ere the Psalmist 〈◊〉 the Chuâ—…ch The Lord knowâ—…th the thoughts of man 9. The enemies of godlinesse and persecuters of the godly are at a â—…hreefold diâ—…advantage First they do not put God upon their counsâ—…l and yet he knoweth their thoughts Next They hope to make their own standing fast and herein they are disappointed Thirdly They think that they are able to suppresse piety and that by this meanes they shall establish themselves and here also are they fooles and do deceive themselves The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man that they are vanity And this is the first consolation of the godly oppressed Ver. 12. Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest O LORD and teachest him out of thy law 13. That thou mayest give him rest from the dayes of adversity untill the pit be digged for the wicked The second consolation is from the benefit which cometh to the godly by their exercise under the crosse their temporall trouble serveth to prepare them for everlasting â—…est Whenâ—…e learne 1. The persecution of the godly by the wicked must be expounded as it is indeed the Lords chastening of the godly by such a rod. This trouble whereof they complain here is called The Lords chastening 2. Suffering for righteousnesse is no token of Gods displeasure against a man nor part of his misery if it be well considered for Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest O Lord. 3. The exposition of a mans exercise and the meaning of the rod must be taken from Gods Word and God only can effectually teach men to carry themselves in trouble holily and righteously in all patience Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest O Lord and teachest him out of thy law 4. When God teacheth his childe by his Word to possesse his soul in patience under the crosse then doth he also give him a sort of deliverance from the trouble yea the Lord chastising of his own and his teaching them out of his law to make the right use of it is the means whereby he doth save his own that they perish not with the world in his wrath Whom thou chastenest and teachest out of thy law That thou mayest give him rest from the dayes of adversity 5. As condemned men are suffered to live till their gallowes and grave be made ready that after their execution they may be thrust into it so are wicked men suffered to live till they fill the cup of their iniquity and till God have filled the cup of his wrath for them and this