globe and fixing it by his sole command where it is now fixed declareth the unsearchable power of God and glory of his workmanship He laid the foundations of the earth that it should not be moved for ever 2. The natural place of the Element of water is to be above all â—he earth on â—ll parts round about He covereth the earth with the depth as a garment and the waters stood above the mountaines 3. That a dwelling house might be sitted and prepared for man not as yet created the Lord by his powerful command made the waters go off so much of the earth as might serve for mans use and straightway as if the waters had been driven and chased they did run away hastily from off the bounds allotted unto them as it were terrified at the thundering imperious and effectual command of God At thy rebuke they fled at the vo ce of thy thunder they hasted away 4 If a man had been present when God commanded the Seas to retreat from the Earth he might have seen both a terrible and a joyful spectacle of a wonderful hasty chase and flight of the waters running fiercely over the mountaines and when no more mountaines were in their way glyding down through the valleys into the place wherein they are now They go up by the mountaines they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them 5. The waters of the Sea albeit they be higher then the Earth yet are they bounded in the place wherein they are that without command given to them from God they may not passe over the bounds prescribed unto them but do stay within the Sea-mark and there lay down their proud boasting waves Thou hast set a bound that they may not passe over that they turne not again to cover the earth Which they would infallibly do by their own natural motion if this miraculous standing command were not constantly in force as was to be seen in the flood of Noah when the boundaries were loosed for a year till God did execute vengeance on the wicked world and thereafter they were sent back never to come again for such an universal judgment Ver. 10. He sendeth the springs into the valleys which run among the hills 11. They give drink to every beast of the field the asses quench their thirst 12 By them shall the fowles of the heaven have their habitation which sing among the branches 13. He watereth the hills from his chambers the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works 14. He causeth the grasse to grow for the cattel and herbe for the service of man that he may bring forth food out of the earth 15. And wine that maketh glad the heart of man and oile to make his face to shine and bread which strengtheneth mans heart 16. The trees of the LORD are full of sap the Cedars of Lebanon which he hath planted 17. Where the birds make their nests as for the Storke the Fir-trees are her house 18. The high hills are a refuge for the wilde goates and the rockes for the Conies Thus the ground of mans habitation is swept now here it is replenished and furnished with all necessaries serving for mans use and to fowles and beasts for mans sake Whence learn 1. Because the use of fresh waters was necessary for man and necessary it was that man should have it nigh hand unto him for the more commodious use the Lord broke up wells of water in several places and made brookes and waters and rivers and floods like veines in a mans body to carry from them water along to all habitable places of the earth where God had appointed men to dwell He sendeth the springs into the valleys which run among the hills 2. Not only where men do dwell but also where mens ordinary resort is not the Lord hath set drinking vessels full of water for the use of travelling men and other creatures appointed to attend man and some way to serve his use He sendeth the springs into the valleys which runne among the hills 3. For the furnishing of mans house on earth God hath pruvided him with parks for beasts to feed in and trees for fowles and birds to live in and ponds for fishes as we will hear afterward and these beasts and fowles and singing birds have their drinking vessels set for them They give drink to every beast of the field the wilde asses quenâ—h their thirst 4. The Lord hath adorned the habitation of man with trees growing beside the waters not only for his own proper use but also for the use of fowles and singing birds By them shall the fowles of heaven have their habitatâ—on which sing among the branches 5. Where wells and rivers are not as in hills and high places it is seen for the most part there the Lord supplieth the inlack of waters by rain from the clouds He watereth the hills from his chambers that is from the clouds wherein as in chambers he hath stored up great waters 6. The Lord doth not dissolve the clouds all at once but by little and little maketh them distill smaller or greater drops only He watereth the hills from his chambers 7. There is no part of the earth whereupon God bestoweth not so much of the fruit of his operation as may fill it full of his glory The earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works 8. The grasse and herbs and the divers sorts of them serving for the use of beasts and men are worthy of a room in our meditation of Gods provident care for man and beast He causeth the grasse to grow for the cattel and herbs for the service of man that he may bring forth food out of the earth 9. The Lords allowance upon man is very large not only for necessity but also for delectation For he hath provided wine and oile and bread 10. The right use of Gods creatures is not to surfeit and burie the memorie of God and of the excellencie of man above beasts in gluttony and drunkenness but to give him strength and gladnesse in such a measure as may encourage him cheerfully to serve his Maker And wine that maketh glad the heart of man and oile to make his face to shine and brcad which strengtheneth mans heart 11. God will have his excellency taken notice oâ— in every thing which is great notable excellent upon which ground great trees are called here The trees of the Lord. 12. The Lord hath furnished trees not only with so much sap as might make them grow but also with so much sap as might serve man for meat and drink and medicine and other uses The trees of the Lord are full of sap 13. Among the trees the Lord will have us take notice of the Cedars as of a speciall plant of his husbandry on the earth for their height and greatnesse and durablenesse of the timber and namely of those of Lebanon designed for the use of his people of which
21 22 23 24. And from the works of the fifth day Fishes greater and smaller v. 25 26 In the third place he bringeth arguments of Gods praise frâ—m the preservation specially of living creatures v. 27 28 29 30. In the fourth place is the conclusion of the Psalme with some further reasons for praising of GOD v. 31 32 33 34 35. Ver. 1. BLesse the LORD O my soul O LORD my God thou art very great thou art cloathed with honour and majesty Here is the scope of the whole Psalme wherein he stirreth up his own soul and by his own example all others that have ears to hear to glorifie our God for his greatnesse and Majesty manifested in his works of Creation and Providence Whence learn 1. The Lord is to be praised by his children not only for his benefits bestowed upon them but also for his own glorious Majesty and greatnesse not only is he to be praised for the works of Redemption and Grace to his Elect children but also for the works of Creation and what he hath bestowed upon the creatures as this Psalme compared with the former doth teach us 2. Because men have oft-times the words of praise in their mouth and do care little to have their affection suitable to the work in their heart therefore when we go about to praise God we should stir up our spirits unto a Religious disposition as David doth here saying Blesse the Lord O my soul. 3. When we go about the work of â—ods praise we should consider his Majesty how great he is and worthy to be praised O LORD thou art very great 4. Then is the heart best fitted for Gods praises when the soul that is about the work of praise doth apprehend its interest in God and looketh upon him as reconciled and in Covenant with it self O Lord my God thou art very great 5. The praises of God do not depend upon tbe man that praiseth him but are fixed in God and flow forth from himself so clearly that none can be excused of ingratitude who do not acknowledge his glory Thou art cloathed with honour and Majesty Albeit God be invisible and unsearchable yet his honour and Majesty may be seen in his works which are as a garment both to hide him in one respect and hold him forth in another to be seen Thou art cloathed with honour and Majesty Vers. 2. Who coverest thy selfe with light as with a garment who stretchest out the heavens like a curtaine 3. Who layeth the beames of his chambers in the waters who maketh the clouds his charet who walketh upon the wings of the winde 4. Who maketh his Angels spirits his ministers a flaming fire In the second place are set down the Arguments for praising of God taken from the works of creation such as were wrought the first and second day whereof only so much is spoken as may lead us unto what is said more thereof in the History written by Moses Whence learne 1. The works of creation besides their natural use do serve for spiritual uses also to wit to furnish unto us the knowledge of God to edifie us in faith and stirre us up to glorifie the Maker as here doth appear 2. Among all the sensible creatures of God the creation of the light hath the first place for manifestation of his glory whether we look unto the brightnesse and admirable purity of it which cannot be polluted by any filthinesse whereupon it shines or the use it hath in operation upon and setting forth of the beauty of the râ—st of the creatures therefore he beginneth at it here 3. Our thoughts of God should be higher larger more purified from bodily apprehensions and all imperfections then our thoughts of created light are when we look upon the light iâ—â—uâ—inated all the world at once For as the garment of a King sheweth his Majesty and yet is no part of his substance or essence and in its nature is much inferiour to his worth so is the light nothing but Gods creature serving to shew forth his glory and is infinitly inferiour unto him Who covereth himself with light as a garment 4. As light filling the world is nothing but as the garment of the glorious Creator manifesting himself wirhin the compasse of the world to his creatures so the Heavens in their largest circle are but the Canopy cast about the seat of a King for he stretcheth out the heavens like a curtaine 5. This world is like a stately house which is divided in upper or lower roomes by joysts beames and plankes puâ— between the lower roomes and the higher and the firmament sustaining the clouds is the first division Who layeth the beames of his chambers in the waters Or in the second region of the aire where the waters in the clouds are gathered and stored up as it were in thâ—ir distinct chambers for the severall uset which God hath for them 6. As the glory of Kings is to be seen when they go iâ— Coaches and their train is following them or when they ride on hâ—â—â—e-back with their followers attending theâ— so is the glory of the Lord seen when he maketh the weighty clouds having in them flâ—uds of water to move from place to place as charets abâ—ve our heads and not fall down at once He mâ—keth ehe clouds his chariot 7. The swift and unperceivable motion of the windes being raised by God from all parts in all places of the world doth serve as a shadow to point out the everywhere-presence of God Who walketh upon the wings of the winde 8. The Angels are the Lords creatures and do serve him at his pleasure as the winds and flaming fire do swiftly going where he commandeth them and in the fervour of their love to him dispatching every businesse committed to them Who maketh his Angels spirits and his Ministers a flame of fire 9. Great and glorious must our Lord Jesus be who is the Creator and Lord of Angels And maketh his Angels spirits Ver. 5. Who laid the foundations of the earth that it should not be removed for ever 6. Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment the waters stood above the mountaines 7. At thy rebuke they fled at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away 8. They go up by the mountaines they go downe by the valleyes unto the place which thou hast founded for them 9. Thou hast set a bound that they may not passe over that they turne not again to cover the earth From this to the 19th ver he describeth the third dayes work of the Creation prepared for the use of man and beast which were the sixth dayes work The preparation of the dwelling house of man and beast and other living creatures above the earth is set down in these five Verses Whence learn 1. The setling of the earth in a like distance on all hands from the circle of heaven compassing it round about and hanging of the earth in the midst of the
the sea even at thâ— red-sea The first particular sin which he confesseth is rebellion at the red sea Exod. 14.10 11 12. which sin was so much the greater as the wonders done in Egypt for them were great and many Whence learn 1. Albeit God manifest himself in extraordinary working in the sight of misbelievers yet will they remain blinde ignorants and brutish beholders of his operations Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt 2. Albeit the Lord should often convince a misbeliever both of his justice and mercy yet the Lords works do take no lasting impression upon his minde They remembred not thy mercies 3. One sin is a degree to another more hainous for not observing is followed with not remembring and forgetfulnesse of duty draweth on disobedience and rebellion Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt they remembred not the multitude of thy mercies but provoked him at the sea even at the red-sea Ver. 8. Neverthelesse he saved them for his Names sake that he might make his mighty power to be known 9. He rebuked the red-sea also and it was dried up so he led them thorough the depths as through the wildernesse 10. And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy 11. And the waters covered their enemies there was not one of them left 12. Then beleeved they his words they sang his praise As he observed their sin so he observeth Gods mercy to his people for notwithstanding their provocation he brought them through the red-sea and destroyed their enemies Whence learn 1. The evil deserving of Gods people doth not alwayes interrupt the course of Gods goodnesse toward them for neverthelesse of the aforesaid peovocation he saved them 2 As the Lords goodnesse doth aggravate mens sins so mens sins do amplifie Gods grace and make his goodnesse to the unworthy to appear the more Neverthelesse he saved them 3. The Lord hath other things to look unto when he hath to do with his people then presently to fall upon the punishing of their wickednesse and misdeservings even when they are found Delinquents he useth to respect the glory of his mercy toward his people and the declaration of his power against his enemies in favour of his people Neverthelesse he saved them for his Names sake that he might make his mighty power to be known 4 The manner and circumstances of Gods working is as well to be considered as the matter and how easily he bringeth the greatest works to passe He rebuked the red-sea also and it was dried up 5. The Lord can make a danger to turne into a delivery and a peril wherein a man was like to perish to be a means of preservation So he led them through the depths and through the wildernesse 6. In any one mercy unfolded we may take up more mercies then one and each particular part of the mercy when it is discovered will appear no lesse glorious then the whole mercy looked upon confusedly and in grosse as here in the delivery at the red-sea the delivery from Pharaoh whiâ—h is but a part of the work is pitched upon And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy 7. The comparing of Gods dealing with his own people and with their enemies amplifieth Gods goodness to his people and their obligation unto him He redeemed them from the hand of the enemy and the waters covered their enemies 8. When the Lords time cometh to enter in judgement with the foes of his Church he will not misse one whom he mindeth to overtake as here There was not one of them left 9. The Lord sometime worketh so clearly for convincing of the misbeliever that the most blinde and obstinate infidel shall be forced to acknowledge his works When the waters covered their enemies then believed they his words 10. It serveth much for Gods glory when he extorteth credit unto his words by wonderful works but little to the commendation of the believers who give credit to Gods Word upon that ground only as here we see for not before but then did they believe his words which importeth their preceding misbelief and that their duty was to believe his Word whatsoever appearance might be to the contrary 11. A temporary belief extorted by some extraordinary work may have joyned with it a temporary joy and praising of God for a time without any root of saving grace in the heart Then they believed his words they sang his praise Vers. 13. They soon forgat his works they waited not for his counsel 14. But lusted exceedingly in the wildernesse and tempted God in the desert 15. And he gave them their request but sent leannesse into their soul. The second sin confessed here is their murmuring for want not of water but of flesh Numb 11.4 5 6. which lust God did satisfie in his wrath to them Whence learn 1. Temporary faith with the fruits thereof lasteth no longer then a new tentation doth assault and faith grounded not on the word or truth of it but only on Gods sensible works is ready to vanish when the work is a little past and gone They soone forget his works 2. If Gods works be not remembred with estimation of and affection to God the worker and with some use making thereof in the obedience of faith God doth esteem them to be forgotten as here for this cause he saith They soon forgat his works 3. What the Lord doth withhold from his people or doth unto them he doth it for good purpose resolvedly to train his people unto obedience and to try them whether they will follow their own will or his counsel as here is insinuated 4. Misbelievers take the ruling of themselves into their own hand and will not stay upon Gods provision for them but must needs prescribe what they love to have done and do murmure if their carnal desires be not satisfied as here the sin marked in the Israelites doth shew They waited not for his counsel but lusted 5. When men do not wait on Gods direction lusts become their leaders and furious drivers of them as poor slaves to all unreasonable appetites They lusted exceedingly 6. When God by circumstances of time and place doth call for moderation of carnal appetite the transgression is the more hainous and offensive unto God They lusted exceedingly in the wildernesse where they should have contented themselves with any sort of provision 7. They that do not make use of the life and welfare which God alloweth and provideth but prescribe unto God what they would have done to them do tempt God They tempted God in the desert 8. Importunity and excessive affection to any unnecessary worldly thing may draw out of Gods hand that which is good They lâ—sted and God gave them their request to wit flesh in abundance 9. As lawful meanes are attended with Gods blessing so unlawful meanes are followed with Gods
him save in God alone They fell down and there was none to help 9. When all help and comfort under heaven doth faile relief may be found in God for them that cry unto him for it There was none to help then they cryed to the Lord in their trouble 10. The Lord will not only hear and help them who are unjustly imprisoned but those also who for their sins are so punished They cryed and he saved them out of their distresses 11. It matters not how deep the danger be wherein a man is when he turneth to God for relief for so great as his distresse is so great shall be his delivery He brought them out of darknesse and the shadow of death and brake their bonds in sunder 12. The end of the delivery of poor sinners is that they may glorifie the Lord and may invite others to do the like for this here is a part of the thankful mans duty O that men would praise the Lord for his goodnesse and for his wonderful works to the children of men 13. No power of man no bonds no opposition which any creature is able to make can hinder the delivery of the man whom God will own He hath broken the gates of brasse and cut the barres of iron in sunder Ver. 17. Fooles because of their transgression and because of their iniquities are afflicted 18. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat and they draw near unto the gates of death 19. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble he saveth them out of their distresses 20. He sent his word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions 21. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodnesse and for his wonderful works to the children of men 22. And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare his works with reioycing The third exercise of Gods people is by siknesse of body the drawing on whereof he sheweth to be by sin v. 17 18. The means of delivery to be by prayer v. 19. whereupon they are recovered as God giveth order v. 20. and the use of this is set down v. 21 22. Whence learn 1. As other troubles come for sinning against God so doth sicknesse come amongst the rest Fooles because of their transgression and because of their iniquities are afflicted 2. Sin doth blinde sinners and bereave them of the right use of their reason and makes them choose trifles with the losse of what should be most precious therefore they are justly called fooles 3. Natural means of life and refreshment are unsavory and unable to refresh except God give the man ability to make use of them and put his blessing into them Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat 4. As in other troubles so in sicknesse men are not easily brought to the sense of their sin till trouble be at the height and the man made low Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat and they draw near to the gates of death 5. Great is the stupidity of a sleeping conscience which cannot be wakened up to seek Gok till extremity come They draw near to the gates of death then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble 6. When men are brought unto the sense of their sins and misdeservings and of their danger and of their own weaknesse and thereby made to seek unto the Lord the mercy and relief is near at hand Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble so he saved them out of their distresses And here is to be seen mercy and goodnesse in God to cause sicknesses as his Serjeants and Messengers to lay hold on the fugitive sinner 7. Neither sicknesse nor health do come or go but God giveth order to them as to his own servants He saith to sicknesse go from a man and to healâ—h returne unto him He sent his Word and healed them 8. When trouble doth shew wrath and that doth weaken the sense of sin and sense of sin sends the man to seek mercy then God will readily remove all his troubles together He sent his word and healed them and delivered them from their destructiâ—ns 9. As men have found mercies of God so should they study to be thankful and specially in such a way as may be most profitable to others O that men would praâ—se the Lord for his goodnesse and for his wonderful works to the children of men 10. Morall and spirituall service is more acceptable to God then any ceremonial performance the sacrifice of thanks is more then the sacrifice of an oxe Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thansgiving 11. The special matter of joy in the receiving of a benefit is the manifestation of Gods respect to us in his working for us And let them declare his wâ—rks with rejoycing Ver. 23. They that go down to the Sea in ships that do businesse in great waters 24. These see the works of the LORD and his wonders in the deep 24. For he commandeth and raiseth the stormy winde which lifteth up the waves thereof 26. They mount up to the heaven they go down again to the depths their soul is melted because of trouble 27. They reele to and fro and stagger like a drunken man and are at their wits end The fourth exercise of Gods children is by their danger in Sea and their delivery from their danger Whence learn 1. The Art of Navigation and following of the Merchant-Trade by Sea how dangerous soever it be yet is lawful and allowed of God for compassing of mens affaires in commerce between Nation and Nation for this is set down here as the vocation and occupation of some men to wit of those that go down to the Sea in ships that do businesses in great waters 2. Some sort of persons have more occasion of observation and experience of remarkable passages of providence in preserving of mens lives then others have and these most of all should bear witnesse of Gods work according to their experience These see the works of the Lord and his wonders in the deep 3. There is no storme or motion in the Sea or blowing of the winds out of any part but as God actually doth raise them For he commandeth and raiseth the stormy winde which lifteth up the waters thereof 4. When God will try a man by trouble he will not leave him till he make him sensible of his frailty weaknesse and unability to overcome dangers They mount up to the heaven they go down again to the depths their soul is melted beâ—ause of trouble They reel too and fro and stagger like a drunken man c. Ver. 28. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble and he bringeth them out of their distresses 29 He maketh the storme a calme so that the waves thereof are still 30 Then are they glad because they be quiet so he bringeth them unto their desired haven In their delivery from the storme Learn 1. Albeit the LORD doth deliver many from shipwrack by Sea yet he takes
The fifth reason of Gods praise is the evidencing of his power put forth before his people in so wonderfull and miraculous a manner as no cause can be given of the works wrought for his people in their coming out from Egypt their entry into Canaan and in the wildernesse except only Gods extraordinary manifestation of his presence amongst his people and for them which the Psalmist bringeth forth by asking the cause of these miracles answering the question by the terrible presence of God Whence learn 1. The Lord can work so clearly for his people that the most stupid and brute souls shal be convinced of his respect to his children as this experience doth shew 2. If Atheisme and unbeliefe in men could finde any natural reason or any pretence of reason whereby they might obscure the glory of Gods doing for his people they would not faile to do it as this interrogation teacheth What ailed thee O thou Sea c 3. The more narrowly the works of the Lord are looked unto the more evidently doth his power and presence appeare in working them as the answer unto the question and holding forth the Lords presence twice for the cause of such changes on the creatures do shew 4. The end and use of Gods power manifested in favour of his people is first that all flesh should fear God and stand in awe of him and next that his covenanted people should look upon his terrour as their bulwarke Tremble thou earth at the presence of the Lord at the presence of the God of Iacob Vers. 8. Which turned the rock into a standing water the flint into a fountain of waters The sixth reason of Gods praise in the woâ—k of delivery of his people out of Egypt is his wonderfull provision for their drink in the dry wildernesse by dissolving the flinty rock into water Whence learn 1. Whomsoever the Lord doth redeem and set upon their way to heaven he will provide for whatsoever is necessary for their sustentation and comfort in their journey as his providing of drink for the camp of Israel giveâ—h proof 2. We being called of God to follow our Redeemer till we be put in possession of promises must not stand for any difficulty or disappearance of meanes for our sustentation and comfort for God can work his purpose by contrary-like meanes He turned the rock into a standing water the flint into a fountaine-of waters PSALM CXV THe Church of Israel being under the power of the heathen and unable to help themselves do flee to God for relief and in the former part of the Psalm they pray for delivery strengthening their hope to be heard by foure arguâ—â—â—ts unto v. â— In the latter part the Church is encourageâ— to trust in God and to expect deliverance in due time by several reasons all serving to confirme their faith unto the end of the Psalme Vers. 1. NOt unto us O LORD not unto us but unto thy Name give glory for thy mercy and for thy truths sake In praying for relief from the bondage of idolaters they reject all confidence in themselves and bring arguments of their hope to be helped from other grounds Whence learn 1. It is no strange thing to see Gods people for their chastisement or trial put under the power of idolaters as this experience of Israel doth shew 2. When we seek any thing from God we ought to acknowledge our own unworthinesse and ill deserving and to renounce all confidence in our selves Not unto us give the glory saith the Church here 3. Albeit the Lords afflicted people may want all ground of hope from their own behaviour yet grounds of hope can never be wanting when they look to Gods mercy and truth and the glory of his grace in helping of them Not unto us O LORD not unto us but unto thy Name give glory for thy mercy and for thy truths sake Vers. 2. Wherefore should the heathen say Where is now their God The second reason of hope to have their 〈◊〉 granted is because if the Lord do not deliver them idolaters under whose power they do lie will continue to blaspheme the true Religion and the true God whom the true Church doth worship Whence learn 1. The enemies of the Church are ready to blaspheme the true Religion when the Lords people are brought in straits and under their power as here The heathen say Where is now their God When we have brought our selves in misery and our Religion in danger of disgrace we ought to be more carefull to have the Lord restored to his honour and true Religion restored unto its own beauty then to be freed from misery for the Church here cannot endure the dishonour of God in their affliction Wherefore should the heathen say Where is now their God Vers. 3. But our God is in the heavens he hath done whatsoever he pleased The third reason of hope to be heard is because God is omnipotent and supreme Governour of all things and his authority is as his power absolute to do what he pleaseth and this reason strengthens also the former reason Whence learn 1. The more the wicked do oppose God and the true Religion the more should his servants assert his glory and truth as the Church doth here saying But our God is in heaven 2. The consideration of Gods absolute power and authority exalteth God above all idols stoppeth all murmuration against his dispensation toward his people and their enemies closeth all disputation against his revealed will and looseth all objections arising from difficulties and impediments which might hinder hope to be helped out of misery as here we see Our God is in heaven he doth whatsoever he pleaseth Vers. 4. Their idols are silver and gold the work of mens hands 5. They have mouths but they speake not eyes have they but they see not 6. They have eares but they hear not noses have they but they smell not 7. They have hands but they handle not feet have they but they walk not neither speak they through their throat A fourth reason of hope that the Church shall be delivered from the power of idolaters is because there is no other God to deliver them save the Lord Idols can neither help their worshippers nor hurt Gods people who despise them and therefore his people will hope in their own true God and despise idolaters and their idols both Whence learn 1. Images in the matter of Religion whatsoever they seem to be or represent are but idols for so are they called here 2. Images in Religion profit nothing but bring trouble to men as their name in the original importeth 3. Albeit idolaters do bestow largely upon their Idols and put upon them artificially some shape to represent some perfections by them yet the riches of the matter can give them no excellency They are but silver or gold at the best their forgers and authours are but men for it is sufficient to disgrace any point of Religion if
reader in the maine points of salvation and commanded duties The entrance of thy word giveth light 5. An humble soul loving to be instructed albeit weak in natural judgement shall be made wise to salvation by it It giveth understanding to the simple 6. The more a man know the wonderfull excellency use and benefit of the Scripture the more will he love it and long to understand more of it as here the Psalmists experience teacheth I opened my mouth I panted for I longed for thy commandments 7. Common and ordinary affection or desire after the saving knowledge of the Scripture is not sufficient but affection earnestly bended is necessary according as the excellency of the wisdome in it doth require I opened my mouth and panted 8. The Word of God is no lesse necessary and comfortable to a mans soul then meat is to the hungry drink to the thirsty or coole aire to the weary I opened my mouth and panted 9. When a mans affection and love to Religion is kindled he hath great need to study hard to have sound knowledg and understanding of the Scripture lest his zeal and affection miscarry I longed for thy commandments Vers. 132. Look thou upon me and be mercifull unto me as thou usest to do unto those that love thy Name Unto this profession of his estimation and affection unto the Scripture he subjoyneth four petitions for the right use and benefit thereof The first is the sense of that mercy which is promised and usually bestowed upon such as love the Lord. Whence learn 1. The Lord bestoweth but short glimpse of his favour and reconciliation on his servants that they may finde their need to have that sense often renewed unto them Look thou upon me and be mercifull unto me 2. As it is a mark of Gods child to finde in himselfe love of Gods Name so it is a mark put upon him to be visited by God with glimpse of kindnesse and mercy to him Look upon me and be mercifull unto me as thou usest to do to them that love thy Name 3. As it is good to mark Gods usual dealing with his own children so it is good to study conformity with Gods children in our affection to God that we may sinde conformity with them in consolation for so doth the Psalmist here 4. It is wisdome for us not to affect singularity of divine dispensations toward us but to be content to be dealt with as others of Gods children before us have been dealt with Be mercifull to me as thou usest to do unto those that love thy Name Vers. 133. Order my stepts in thy word and let not any iniquity have dominion over me The second petition is for sanctification of his actions and for mortification of sinne Whence learn 1. Albeit we have the Word of God for our perfect rule yet we have need that God should fit us and strengthen us to the obedience of it Order my stepts in thy word Albeit by nature we are ignorant and erroneous uncertaine and unstable in the way of Gods obedience yet in the sense of our sinne and weaknesse we may pray to God with confidence to be heard Direct order and establish my steps in thy word for so much the Word in the Original doth import 3. Albeit by nature we are slaves to sinne and any sinne may bring us in subjection yet when in the sense of our weaknesse we have recourse to God to be helped we may pray with hope to be heard Let not any iniquity have dominion over me Ver. 134. Deliver me from the oppression of man so will I keep thy precepts The third petition is for delivery from the oppression of persecutors that they be not able to drive us from the belief and obedience of Gods Word Whence learn 1. Beside the body of sinne and inward tentations the godly have the persecution of the wicked without to drive them from Gods service as this prayer doth import 2. When the Lords servants in the sense of their weaknesse do seek help against persecutors he both can and will deliver them either by breaking the yoke of the oppressor or by giving strength to them to bear out in holy obedience of Gods Word under the burthen Deliver me from the oppression of man 3. The end of our seeking to be free from bodily bondage and trouble from men should be that we may serve God the more chearfully Deliver me so will I keep thy statutes Ver. 135. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant and teach me thy statutes The fourth petition is for spiritual consolation and increase of sanctification Whence learn 1. Albeit the sense of Gods favour to us may be withdrawn for a time yet the right which we have to God reconciled to us in Christ may bear us out in the hope of having it renewed unto us in his service Make thy face to shine upon thy servant 2. Because the Lord useth with the light of consolation to give also the light of direction in duties we should seek both and wait for both from the Lord Make thy face to shine and teach me thy statutes 3. As there are degrees of Gods manifesting of his favour and degrees of profiting in the obedience of Gods Word so should we seek the increase of both and no measure received should hinder the seeking of a greater measure as the often repeating of the same petitions in effect doth shew Make thy face to shine upon thy servant and teach me thy statutes Ver. 136. Rivers of waters runne down mine eyes because they keep not thy Law He addeth a reason to this last petition because it grieved him much to see God dishonoured by them among whom he lived and to see them by not obeying Gods statutes draw upon themselves Gods wrath Whence learn 1. He who is sorrowfull for dipleasure and dishonour done to God may look to be comforted by God as the connexion of this reason with the former petition doth teach 2. True zeal is so farre from private revenge of personal injuries received by persecutors as it can pitty their miserable case and mourn for them Rivers of waters runne down mine eyes because they keep not thy Law 3. Godly affections are larger then bodily expressions can set forth and that which bodily expressions do set forth signifieth a will to vent much more then the body could furnish Rivers of waters runne down mine eyes because they keep not thy Law TSADDI Ver. 137. Righteous art thou O LORD and upright are thy judgements In the last verse of this section he prayeth for a greater measure of the saving knowledge of the Scripture most ardently and premiseth eight reasons before the prayer from which he doth inferre his petition as a conclusion The first reason of this petition is from the righteousnesse of God which appeareth in the Scripture and in the execution of Gods Word Whence learn 1. The way set down in Scripture for justifying of men and the
favour of their Master or Mistresse so fares it oft-times with the believer for his outward condition as the similitude and present case of the Church here teacheth Behold as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their Masters 6. It is fitting that the persecuted believer have a low estimation of himself before God be patient under his hand submissive to his dispensation and hopefull of help in his addresse unto God for so much the similitude from servants behaviour toward their master and mistresse doth teach As the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistresse so our eyes wait upon the Lord. 7. The interest which the believer hath in God under any relation hath comfort sufficient included in it as here the Lords being Master is sufficient to sweeten bondage of servant and handmaid but Covenant-interest sweeteneth it much more Our eyes are upon the Lord our God 8. As masters and mistresses are taught to shew pitty mercy bounty and protection unto their servants on the one hand and servants are here taught on the other hand by their good behaviour not to marre their favour so the believer is taught to behave himselfe before God as a servant indeed by endeavouring indeed to obey God 9. The terme of the Saints patience and waiting is till God shew mercy Behold as the eyes of the servants c. so our eyes wait on the Lord our God until that he have mercy on us Vers. 3. Have mercy upon us O LORD have mercy upon us for we are exceedingly filled with contempt 4. Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease and with the contempt of the proud From his prayer for comfort and relief Learn 1. Whatsoever aileth the Church the Lords mercy is the remedy Have mercy 2. Each member of the Church should be sensible of the trouble of the whole body and deal for it as for himself Have mercy upon us O Lord. 3. As misery is more pressing so should petitions be doubled and poured forth in the Lords bosome Have mercy have mercy upon us 4. Contempt disdain and derision of Gods suffering servants is the heaviest and most grievous part of their affliction Have mercy upon us for we are exceedingly filled with contempt 5. They that prosper in wickednesse are ready instruments to afflict the godly and to persecute them for righteousnesse and to mock the godly in their misery when they have wrongfully troubled them Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of them that are at ease 6. So long as persecutors and oppressors of Gods Church do prosper and finde successe in their wayes they will not cease to please themselves in their wicked course and despise both the persons and the cause of Gods people whatsoever be said against them Our soul is filled with the contempt of the proud PSALME CXXIV THe scope of this Psalme is first to acknowledge the delivery of the Church to be evidently the Lords own work the danger being so great out of which they were lately delivered v. 1 2 3 4 5. and next to blesse the Lord for their preservation v. 6 7 8. Vers. 1. IF it had not been the LORD who was on our side now may Israel say 2. If it had not been the LORD who was on our side when â—en rose up against us 3 Then they had swallowed us up quick when their wrath was kindled against us 4. Then the waters had overwhelmed us the stream had gone over our soul. 5. Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. In the acknowledgment of their wonderful delivery the Psalmist doth shew that their adversaries on the one hand were so strong so many so crafty so cruel malicious and the Lords people on the other hand were so weak and so destitute of all counsell and help that their deliverance could be ascribed to no cause save to Gods strong power assisting his own Whence learn 1. Albeit the Lord do suffer his Church sundry times to be brought near to destruction yet alwayes doth he prove himselfe the Churches friend and helper against their enemies If it had not been the Lord who was on our side 2. The Lord so doth help his people as he draweth forth the acknowledgement of their weaknesse to help themselves and of utter impossibility to be safe without his assistance If the Lord had not been on our side may Israel now say 3. After we are delivered out of a danger we should study to apprehend it no lesse livelily then when we are in the danger and that so much the more as we are naturally disposed to the contrary as the repeating and new representing of the danger they were in doth import and teach 4. Men in the state of nature are ready to be party adversaries unto the Church If the Lord had not been on our side when men rose up against us 5. The wicked have an appetite after the blood of Gods people as wilde beasts have after their prey Then they had swallowed us up quick 6. If God should not bridle the fury of the wicked against his people the worldly strength of the godly to defend themselves is nothing Then they had swallowed us up quick when their wrath was kindled against us 7. If the wickednesse of the world were let loose against Gods people it should runne as violently against the Church as floods of water against those that are within the channell Then the waters had overwhelmed us the stream had gone over our soul. 8. The more the matter of the Churches delivery is looked upon the danger is the better seen and the greatnesse of their delivery also as the insisting in the similitude doth teach Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. Vers. 6. Blessed be the LORD who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth 7. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers the snare is broken and we are escaped 8. Our help is in the Name of the LORD who made heaven and earth In the Churches thanksgiving for their delivery they make a threefold use of their experience First they praise and blesse Gods goodnesse v. 6. Secondly they make much of the benefit and rejoyce therein v. 7. And thirdly they strengthen their faith in God for time to come v. 8. Whence learn 1. It is our duty after delivery from dangers to acknowledge not only Gods power for us but his goodnesse also toward us and to acknowledge him the fountaine of all blessednesse upon that occasion Blessed be the Lord who hath not given us as a prâ—y to their teeth 2. As the Churches enemies are superiour to her in worldly strength so also in policy craftinesse and wordly wit as the fowler is craftier then the bird Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers 3. According as the danger is fearful so is the delivery sweet and joyful The snare is broken
of the heathen are silver and gold the work of mens hands 2. How delectable soever the invention of images or worshipping of idols seem to be yet do these vanities bring nothing to the worshippers save grief and vexation for so doth their name in the Original import 3. Worshippers of images are not esteemed according to their intention and profession when they say they worship the thing represented by them but are to be judged by Gods verdict of them who hath pâ—onounced their gods to be no other thing then their images which are shaped by the Artificer like a man They have mouthes but they speak not c. 4 Idolatry is a benumming sin which bereaveth the idolater of the right use of his senses and reason They that make them are like to them 5. Beside outward worship offered by idolaters to their images they are found to offer unto them also the inward worship of their souls They trust in them and in trusting in them or looking for any good by them they are but brutish or like senselesse blocks So is every one that trusteth in them Vers. 19. Blesse the LORD O house of Israel blesse the LORD O house of Aaron 20 Blesse the LORD O house of Levi ye that fear the LORD blesse the LORD 21. Blessed be the LORD out of Zion which dwelleth at Ierusalem Praise â—e the LORD In the close of the Psalme the Psalmist exhorteth all ranks of the godly both publick Officers and private members of the Church to blesse God and giveth example of obedience in his own person Whence learn 1. As the whole incorporation of the Church receiveth common benefits from God more then any incorporation beside and as every rank and order of people do receive benefits more particularly to themselves so should the whole incorporation together and every one of every rank give prâ—ise unto God and set forth his blessednesse before others as their vocation permitteth for Blesse the Lord O house Israel is spoken to the whole incorporation and Blesse the Lord O house of Aaron doth speak to the Priests and Blesse the Lord O house of Levi is directed to the under officers of Gods house 2. Albeit all men are exhorted and each person in their several places called upon yet they only who feare God will discharge the duty conscionably therefore after all it is said Ye that fear the Lord blesse the Lord. 3. The true worshipper of God draweth this special point of Gods praise from Gods manifesting of himself to his Church in and through and for Christ for this is signified by the types figures and tokens of his presence in Sion and Ierusalem Blessed be the Lord out of Sion which dwelleth at Ierusalem 4 When the song of praise is sung unto God the work of his praise is not enâ—ed but must be continued renewed and followed still Praise ye the Lord. PSALME CXXXVI THis Psaime is an exhortation to confesse Gods goodnesse and and mercy and to praise and thank him for the manifestation thereof in so many sundry works of his upon this ground because the fountain of his mercy whence his works did flow doth run still and endure for ever to the benefit of his owne people in special The reasons of the exhortation unto thanks and praise are set down in order so many in number as the verses are unto every one whereof is added one common reason from the everlasting endurance of his mercy In the fiâ—st place the exhortation is thrice propounded with reasons taken fâ—om the Lords attributes or names v. 1 2 3. In the second place reasons are given from his works and in special from the work of Creation v. 4 to v. 10. In the third place reasons are given from the work of Redemption of Israel and bringing them forth out of Egypt planting them in Canaan from 10 to v. 23 In the fourth place reasons of thanks are given from his late mercy to the Church in the Psalmists time v. 23 24. And last of all a reason is given from his goodnesse to all living creaâ—ures v. 25. whereupon he closeth with an exhortation unto thanksgiving to the God of heaven v. 26· Vers. 1. O Give thanks unto the LORD for he is good for his mercy endureth for ever 2. O give thanks unto the God of gods for his mercy endureth for ever 3. O give thanks to the Lord of lords for his mercy endureth for ever From the threefold exhortation to give thanks with the reasons subjoyned thereto â—earn 1. When we have praised God for what reasons we have offered unto us in one Psalme we must begin again and praise for other reasons and when we have done so we have not overtaken our task the duty lieth still at our door to be discharged afresh as this Psalme doth shew 2. God is to be acknowledged and praised as the fountain of the being continuance and preservation of all things that are in the world and as the performer of all his promises O give thanks unto the Lord Iehova 2. The knowledge of Gods attributes properties or Name and in special of his goodnesse is able to draw forth the praising of God from every believer O give thanks unto the Lord fâ—r he is good 3. Neither is God weary of doing good nor is his mercy spent by what he hath already let forth of it but it continueth as a river still running For his mercy endureth for ever 4. Whatsoever is the Lords praise is for our profit and advantage and so is a matter of thanks from us unto his majesty O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good 5. The Lord is more excellent then all the Magistrates Rulers Princes and Kings in the world yea he hath all those perfections joyned in one in him which idolateâ—s do feigne to be scattered among their idols of whom they conceive one to excel in one thing and another in another thing O give thanks to the God of gods 6. To whom the Lord is God by Covenant he is alwayes and for ever their God For his mercy endureth for ever 7. God is the only sovereign Lord of all things and the only Potentate who hath absolute right and absolute power to do what he pleaseth and can when he will overtop all principaâ—ities and powers to the benefit of his followers O give thanks to the Lord of lords 8. The perpetuity of Gods mercy doth make the benefit of Gods sovereignty forth-coming for ever to the believer and to stand as a matter of constâ—nt praise and thanksgiving to him Give thanks to the Lord of lords for his mercy endureth for ever Vers. 4. To him who alone doth great wonders for his mercy endureth for ever 5. To him that by wisdom made the Heavens for his mercy endureth for ever 6. To him that stretched out the earth above the waters for his mercy endureth for ever 7. To him that made great lights for his mercy endureth for ever 8. The
Sun to rule by day for his mercy endureth for ever 9. The Moone and Starres to rule by night for his mercy endureth for ever From the reasons of praise and thanks to be given to God which are taken from his works of Creation Learn 1. Every work of God is wonderful and able to make a man astonished if it be well considered To him who doth great wonders 2. Whatsoever instruments the Lord is pleased to use in any of his wonderful works he alone is the worker and will not communicate the glory of the work with any creature To him who alone doth great wonders 3. The constancy of Gods mercy to his own doth make the use of Gods wonderful power constantly forth-coming to them as their need requireth For his mercy endureth for ever 4. The making of the Heaven as it is a wonderful work and a matter of constant praise unto God so a wonderous benefit unto his people in many respects To him that made the Heavens 5. The wisdom of God appearing in the fabrick of heaven as it is worthy to be praised because it is of so large a compasse as the motion of it shall be no wayes troublesome to man the stars so glorious an ornament so useful to man and so regular in their motion as is wonderful To him that by wisdom made the Heavens 6. It is the mercy of God that the Heavens do continue in their service to sinful men For his mercy endureth for ever 7. The earths standing up above the wâ—ters which by course of nature should be above the earth is a standing miracle for the use of man that he might have a pleasant dwelling while he is in the world To him that stretched forth the earth above the waters 8. It is the mercy of God that the waters do not return to their natural course to cover the earth as they did in the flood of Noah For his mercy endureth for ever 9. The illumination of the world by so great lights as might at once shine upon the one half of the earth which otherwise should be in darknesse for the most part is a matter of Gods praise and mans profit deserving thanks from man unto God To him who made great lights 10. It is the Lords mercy that he hath not changed this course nor removed this much abused benefit from us For his mercie endureth for ever 11. The making the Sun to be the fixed fountain of day-light rather then to have served the world with the light which shined the first three dayes of the Creation is for the greater benefit of man as for many other reasons so for this that every part of the day might be better distinguished according to the motion of the body of the Sun The Sun to rule the day 12. That God hath not discharged the Sun to shine upon sinful men who deserve to live in darknesse is a proof of his endlesse mercy to his own For his mercy endureth for ever 13. The tempering of the darknesse of the night by the Moones light and by the light of the starres in their courses is a matter of Gods praise and of mans comfort and the continuing of this favour still is the evidence of his mercy to his people He maketh the Moone and Starres to rule by night for his mercy endureth for ever Ver. 10. To him that smote Egypt in their first-borne fer his mercy endureth for ever 11. And brought out Israel from among them for his mercy endureth for ever 12. With a strong hand and with a stretched out arme for his mercy endureth for ever 13. To him which divided the Red-sea into parts for his mercy endureth for ever 14. And made Israel to passe thorow the midst of it for his mercy endureth for ever 15. But overthrew Pharaoh and his hoste in the Red sea for his mercy endureth for ever 16. To him which led his people thorow the wildernesse for his mercy endureth for ever 17. To him which smote great Kings for his mercy endureth for ever 18. And slew famous Kings for his mercy endureth for ever 19. Sihon King of the Amorites for his mercy endureth for ever 20. And Og the King of Bashan for his mercy endureth for ever 21. And gave their land for an heritage for his mercy endureth for ever 22. Even an heritage unto Israel his servant for his mercy endureth for ever In the reasons of Gods praise taken from the work of delivery of Israel out of Egypt convoying of them through the wildernesse and planting them in Canaan Learn 1. The Lord should be praised for the works of Creation as by all men so especially by those who are partakers of the benefit of Redemption and those only who are sensible of the benefit of Redemption will give him praise for the works of Creation and common Providence as the fastening of the duty of praise especially upon Israel here doth teach us 2. The Lords preserving of his Church from the beginning doth concern the true members of the Church in all times after to be thankful for it no lesse then for the continuing of the course of the Heavens Sun Moon and Stars as the context of the Psalm doth hold forth 3. The Lords punishing of the enemies of his Church in Egypt is an obligation on the Church to praise him for ever and his constant mercy giveth assurance that he will avenge the quarrel of his oppressed people in all ages To him that smote Egypt in their first-borne for his mercy endureth for ever 4. The delivery of Israel from the bondage of Egypt is a matter of Gods perpetual praise and it is a pledge of Gods mercy to his Church in all ages He brought out Israel from amongst them for his mercy endureth for ever 5. As the work of the Churches delivery is more difficult so doth the Lord put forth more clearly his Omnipotency for perfecting of it as appeared in Israels bringing forth out of Egypt with a strong hand and out-stretched arme 6. One proof of Gods power manifested for his Church is a pawne of his purpose to give so oft proof as need shall be of his power for his peoples relief For his mercy endureth for ever 7. The most improbable deliverances from danger are very possible to God who can turn the sea into dry land for his peoples escaping To him which divided the sea into parts 8. The constancy of Gods mercy to his Church maketh his dividing of the sea a pawne of his power and purpose to deliver his Church how great soever their straits shall be For his mercy endureth for ever 9. It is a work of no lesse mercy and power to give his people grace to make use of an offered meanes of delivery then to prepare the deliverance for them but the constancy of Gods mercy doth not only provide the meanes but also giveth his people grace to make use thereof in all ages He made Israel to passe through
of the changes which God doth make as well in one case as in another could not be endured if God should not temper them and provide some remedy against them as appeareth in the making of frost Who can stand before his cold 4. Before any change from frost to faire weather can be made a new order must come forth from the Lord and when that cometh aire and water do return to their former course and so it is in any other change in the world especially in the affaires of the Church He sendeth out his Word and melteth them he causeth the winde to blow and the waters flow Vers. 19. He sheweth his Word unto Iacob his statutes and his judgements unto Israel 20. He hath not dealt so with any Nation and as for his judgements they have not known them Praise ye the LORD The sixth reason of the third exhortation to praise God is from the different dealing of God with his Church and with the rest of the people of the world Whence learn 1. The benefit of the Scriptures and the opening up and application of them unto the edification of the hearers is a precious gift of God and this benefit the Lord hath bestowed on his Church called by the names of Iacob or Israel He sheweth his Word unto Iacob his statutes and his judgements unto Israel 2. The benefit of the Scriptures and revealing the Word of life unto the Church maketh Gods people in a better condition and more excellent then any other incorporation can be in He hath not dealt so with any Nation 3. Where the Word of God in his Scripture is not opened up there the Lords dealing with men in justice and mercie and the way which the Lord keepeth in ruling of the world is not understood but people there do live in deadly darknesse As for his judgments they have not known them 4. As the benefits bestowed upon the Church are most excellent so the Church is most bound to praise God both for those mercies and for all other his glorious works Praise ye the Lord. PSALME CXLVIII IN this Psalme the Church is stirred up to praise God because of the incomparable excellency of his glory and majesty appearing first in the heavens above v. 1 2 3 4 5 6. Secondly in the earth and sea beneath and lower parts under the Heaven v. 7 8 9 10. Thirdly in the governing of men and of all sorts and ranks of men but especially in doing for his Church v. 11 12 13 14. In all which as he sheweth how the world is full of Gods glory so he pointeth at matter of his praise whithersoever we turne our eyes Ver. 1. PRaise ye the LORD praise ye the LORD from the Heavens praise him in the heights 2. Praise ye him all his Angels praise ye him all his hostes 3. Praise ye him Sun and Moon praise him all ye stars of light 4. Praise him ye Heaven of heavens and ye waters that be above the Heavens 5. Let them praise the Name of the LORD for he commanded and they were created 6. He hath also established them for ever and ever he hath made a decree which shall not passe In the exhortation to praise God because of his glory shining in the Heavens Learn 1. Howsoever the glory of the Lord doth shine in all his works yet there are degrees of the shining of it and the chiefest glory is from celestial creatures and from the consideration of what is in heaven Praise ye the Lord praise ye the Lord from the Heavens 2. As God is praised in heaven by the blessed spirits that are there so the true worshipper should joyne with those that praise him there Praise him in the heights or high places 3. Albeit the Angels have the first place in the song of Gods praise and need not to be stirred to the work of praise by us yet it is a part of our praising of God to consent unto their song and account their work well bestowed on the Lord their Mâ—ker and to hold the example of them before our eyes aiming to do Gods will on earth as it is done in Heaven Praise him all ye Angels 4. The Lord hath at his hand swift servants not a few to go in what message he pleaseth to direct them and they are ministring spirits for the good of his Church Praise ye him all ye his Angels or his messengers 5. The Lord is also well furnished with souldiers for all his creatures are ready at his command to fight in Gods quarrel in defence of his friends and pursuit of his foes Praise ye him all his hostes 6. The Lords armies are not idle but are still on their work of praising doing the works of peace even in the midst of warre Praise him all his hostes 7. Beside the common song of praise which all things have as they are creatures every one of the creatures have their own proper parts in the Song The Sun in his particular vertue and motion the Moon in hers and the stars in theirs every one by themselves and these also joyntly make up a sweet and harmonious melody to the praise of God Praise ye him Sun and Moon praise him all ye star of light 8. The variety and difference of place and distance from the earth of Sun Moon and Starres some of them being lower some of them higher as the Eclipses of Sun and Moon and the diverse positions of the starres do shew are all matters of Gods praise for the lowest region of the aire is here called Heaven and the place where the Sun Moon and Starres are set is called Heaven and the Heaven of Heavens the third Heaven where Angels and spirits of just men made perfect do remain each and all of them do serve foâ— Gods praise Praise him ye Heaven of Heavens 9. The bottles of waters in the clouds flying above the lowest region of the aire ready to be dissolved here and there as God pleaseth to water the earth do serve as matter both of wondering at Gods work and praising of him Praise him ye waters that be above the Heavens 10. Praise is due to God not only for the making of the Heavens but also for the making them of nothing by the sole word of command which did produce them by saying Let them be let them praise the Name of the Lord for he commanded and they were created 11. The speechlesse creatures have their own way of praising God and men have their way of praising speechlesse creatures praise God in their own kinde when they hold forth as in a table the matter and reason of praising God and men do praise God when they do observe and acknowledge and proclaim one to another the reasons of Gods praise and these exhortations do import both Let them praise the Name of the Lord. 12. The course and appointed motions of the Heavens are so setled during the standing of the world as they shalll not faile to go