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Books Printed for Ralph Smith, at the Bible in Ccfrn-
hill, neer the Royal Exchange.
y: TK 7Eemj\woiks in four Volumes «
V V Rogers Pra&icai Catechihtie on the Sacraments.
Dc&or Stougbtons works.
Matter Edwards Gangrena c'ompleat. His Antipologia.
Litbgorvs Travels,
Simpfon on the Penitent Pfalmes.
Byfields Touchftone of a Chriftian.
Devenfhire l^iniftcrs Teftirnonya^ainft the errors of the times.
A learned Treatife of the Godhead of the Holy Ghofl ; by Mailer
Eftmck.
Ainficvortbs Communion of Saints,
Dodor Stxughtons Heavenly convention.-
Ovid de Trijitbus in Englirfi.
Bifhop Downam of the Covenant of Grace.
7{pbin fons Eflayes.
A Teftament in twelves, of a large Roman print.
Matter Vixons Expofition on the Gofpel or M&ttfaito.
Mr. Brinjley againft Schifme. His Antidote againft Separa-?ori.-
Two TreatifeSjChi'iftsMediatorfhip^ndthe SjuIs Implantation
Tht Myftical Brazen Serpent 3 and Chriits Member fhip.
Matter IVaffons Charter, (hewing the priviledge of believers in .
this life., and in the life to coma.
SS A BRIEF IS
^EXPLICATION!!
**6 Of the other fifty h&,
I Pfalmes, |
-O^ From /y". jo. to /Y- t oo l7 &
3§ BY §£
&DJFID DICKSONM
^^ ProfeiTour of Divinity in the N*»
•>b* Colledee of Edenbitrgh; c^*»
**>i Nv
gfc ~~ : — : . . 9«»
_"r^ Blrffed is tbcnim wbomibcv cbufcji , j«<i c -njfc/f ro dp r 9^*
*T^ froMbiimo thee, that be mxy dwell in thy Count: wejhjf ~^*t
2$ be fatitfied with the gwdneffcof thy boufe, even of thy ^**
^g^boty Temple. Plal.6f. 4.' g<*»
jj^g ■ — '$£
■o^ T rwv
«ot> Imprimatur, r-+c~
*>o* fab* 6 - **$$' Edmupd CJv*a#V; -§S
«ot> ~~ — r+o»
«*>-^ r.on^ow, Printed by T.R.&E.M. fcr Ralph Smith, at FK&»
^^b the Bible in QornbilL near the 2(j>ju! Exchange,' 9^f.
«Ots 1 6 ,- j. £rt»
t$r> Q& fjljj --& A <S> «5? . A C$i <g>ta>*St(fe A
T O T H E
RIGHT HONOURABLE
The E a r L of
EG LINGTON,
Mercy and Peace through tfefus Chrift.
tJMy right Noble Lord,
|H E reafon of my fending forth of this
piece,under yourLordfhips name,is,
that by this means I may pay home
before I die , the old debt which I
owe to your Lordfhip, and to the
whole nohle family, for countenan-
cing and encouraging me openly in my Miniftery,
all the while I was in Irwin near your Lordfhip,
full twenty yeares.
And the reafon why I do confefle my debt now,
and go about todifcharge fome part of it, at this
time of your Lordfhips reftraint in EngUnd , is, be-
caufe when I call to minde the time of my reflraint
about fome thirty yeares ago, (when the High Com-
miffion Court of Prelates procured my confinement
within a little village in the North beyond Aberdein^
in regard I could not give them fatisfaftion by recei-
ving the yoak of fome Popifli ceremonies, impofed
A 2 then
The Efifite Dedicatory.
jhen upon the Miniftery, ) I cannot forget how
comfortable your Lordfhtp wa9 to me then , and
what paines and travel you endured fummerand
winter without wearying , untill they who at that
time had power to loofe me from my confinement,
beingmadefenfible, fomeoftbem of the iniquity,
and all of them of the inexpediencie of keeping me
in bonds , I was reftored to the free and full ufe of
my Miniftery. Wherefore I do efteem it a part of
due gratitude , todowhatinmelieth , to be com-
fortable to your Lordfhip in this your prefent con-
dition ; and do heartily pray to God that your ex-
ercife and trouble, may prove a meanes of your
happineffe. It is true indeed , that happinefle with-
out this meanes were to be wi(hed , if fo it were
Gods pleafure; but unto God onely (in whofe
hands alone it is to make men bleffed , and iq
whofe friendfhip and favour through Chrift on-
ly men are really blefled) it doth belong , as to
choofe the m^n fo whom, fo alio tochoofe the
meanes whereby , and the manner how he will
communicate the right and pofTeftionof trueblef-
fedneffe. If happinefle were at mens wifh and
carving, no man would choofe God for his chief
good, nor Gods way to bring his felicity about;
for the multitude of men do fay, PfaL^.6. who
yvi// fhew us any good t
1 he good which God doth (hew unto them,
and the way how by reconciliation with himfelf,
and walking humbly and uprightly before him,
they may have God to be their rich reward. , is not
the thing they love to have; but corn and wine
and oi!e , and whatsoever may beft pleafe their
flefhly fancie , is their defire. And of this the
Lord i
The Epiftle Dedicatory.
Lord doth complain, <P/i/.8i. n. Afypeop/e,hhh
he , Would not- hearken to my voice , and Ifrael
would none of me. And what was it which they did
preferre unto God ? they loved to have their
own will in this world, whatsoever (hould befall
them after death; they loved rather to have their
own earthly defires fatisfied , then to have the
friendship of God : and their choice was givefj
unto them to their owne deftrudion. So ( faith '
the Lord ) / gave them over to their owne hearts
/uff , and they talked in the counfell of their cftcne
heart. Few , when they look upon the courfe
which the world doth runne after , yea very few
do preferre the fellowfhip of God reconciled to
them in Chrift , before riches, honour, and fen-
fual pleafure : For , who Will fhe-w m any good ? is
that which many do fay , 7/al^ 4. 6. but , Lord,
lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon tu , is
the petition of the few oppofed to the multi-
tude 5 and even thofe few godly would wifh to
go to heaven with eafe , and to be free from
trouble in their journey, if it were the Lords will,
as we may fee in the prayer oijabez,, 1 Chron.
4. 10. Who called on the God of Ifrael faying , Oh
that thou wotildcft blejfe me indeed , and enlarge
my coaft , anh that thine hand might be with me y
and that thou roouldefl keep me from cvill 9 that it
mayn't grieve me. But our loving and wife God,
who knoweth perfe&ly what is fitteft for every
man 9 doth crofle and correft thofe? natural de-
fires of his children. And howfoever he will now
and then poffibly grant the prayer of Jabcz, to
fome of his people , yec he hath appointed this
to be the ordinary road-way to heaven , which
A 3 the
The Epijile Dedicatory.
the ApoRle pointeth forth to us, ASs 14, 22.
We muft through much tribulation enter into the
Kingdom of God*
And this courfe of carrying of Gods children
through many afflictions, doth no wayes hinder
their happinefle; for how many foevcr their crok
fes be, yet this holdeth alwaycs fall, Pfaf. 65.4*
. Ttleffed is the man -whom thou cboofeft, and canjeft to
approach unto thee. If therefore by plurality of
chaftifements , the Lord ftiall draw and drive
them to feek remiffion of finnes and reconcilia-
tion with himfelf, and the renewed fenfe thereof
through Chrift , and (hall by the rod hedge
them within the way of walking with him in a
friendly communion ; they !ofe nothing except
their lufls , and do gain eternal blefledneiTe. And
certainly there is fo much reliques of natural cor*
ruption , fo ftrong inclinations unto finne, fo
many a&uall outbreakings , and grofle tranfgref-
fions to be found in the moft precious Saints,
that there is no wonder the Lord fhould vifit
their trefpaffes with the rod, and their iniqui-
ty with ftripes; but all the wonder is , that he
will not take his loving kindnes utterly from them.
There is alfo fo great need of loofing their affe-
ctions from what feemeth love-worthy in this
world j fo great need of railing the hearts of the
heires of Salvation unto the feeking of a King-
dom, which cannot be lhaken , and of a crown
uncorruptible; as all reafondoth call forthemix-f
ture of troubles with earthly comforts , left the
fweetnefle of temporary vanities fhould prove un-
to them poyionable. Moreover, the experience
of the Saints fee down in Scripture, and efpeci-*
ally
ally in the Pfalmes, doth make it manifeft, that
by the variety of outward and inward troubles
the faith of Gods children hath been tried > and
trained to farther ftrength. Tbeir love , hope,
and patience , and all other fpiritual graces in
them have been to foftered and augmented , as
they have been made joyfully and thankfully to
fubferibe this truth , Pfal. 94. 12. B/ejfed is the
man whom thou chaftenefi^ O Lord , and teachefi him
cut of thy Lato. This is the language of the Lords
prefent difpenfation toward his people , and the
leflbn which his Providence doth recommend to
us all , that we may learn it to our good : where-
unto if this piece (hall contribute any thing for
the edifying of thofe who (hall be pleafed to read
it ; and in fpeciall , if it fhall be acceptable to
your Lordfhip , this (hall do much more then re-
compencc the labour of
Tour Lord/hips obliged fervant
in the Go/pe/J,
David Dickson.
THE
TheEpiftle to the Reader.
Thriflian Rei^c-,
I He acceptance which the former fifty PfalmeJ
hue found, doth give me encouragement [uf-
1 cieitt to offer thefe other fifty to thy view alfo %
and to give thee the laft fifty fofoonas the
Lor d fall enable me : I am ft ill [paring of
1 thy time, and do fir he to point forth , not alt'
1 the Vottrincs which may be deduced from the
words 5 but fo many oncly as being joy ned to-
gether and compared with the Text, may give unto tbee both tbefenfc
and the life thereof. It is not poffible to expreffe grave purpo fes fuf-
ficiently without a volume , nor to open myfteries in few words
unto thy fatis fact ion^wbo can ft not chufebut wiflno have more of the
purpofCy whereof thou loveft to hear much) andfindeft but a little of
it hinted at. No fort of writing, except that of the Scripture^ hath
all perfections ; but this advantage thou Haft- by this mould , thou
fait not read long till thou meet with muter worthy of thy medita-
tion j and whensoever thou meeteft with a wordfpofyen in fafon,or
fit for thy condition , thou may eft clofe thy reading for the time*
without lofmg any long difcourfe , and feed upon what thou haft
found till it be digefted , and then rcturne when thou wilt& fee^.
fgr as much as may be another morfelL For the reading of many
diver fc doctr ines, without fome interlaced meditation jslilie eating
cf ma-row witvom bread, and cannot but cloy tine for the tfrac, or
give thee a fur f tit of whole fome food \ which evil if it befal thee,
may be helped for after-time by fart ejaculations of a word of prayer
while ft thou art reading , a cording as the purpo fccallctb thee to
fceli the Lords blejfing unto that which thoureadejt ,wbofe prejencc
that thoumay eft findc comf or tablets the prayer of
Thy fervant in the Gofpel,
VAFID TUCSON.
, The mift kes in tKc printing which have cfcaped the Picffe m
the former piece, and may paffiMy alio efcapc it hereafter^ I pray
theeexaife ; becaufe I a<H at uich adiftance , as I can neither
timoudv prevent them , nor mavkc them as Errata that thou'
mi^hrUVcorrecVthcm;- A v
(i)
$8*
A Brief
EXPOSITION
Upon the other fifty
PfalmeS'
PSAL. Lt.
To the chief tiiuficia*. A Pfdmeof £>a^ , when Nathan ibi
Vrophct cxme unto hrm, after he Hdgonc in to Bathiheba.
H E PfaimiiUnthefadfenfe of hU giiil-
tinefle : praycth for remiflion of finne,vvith
an eye to trie Lords large rilercy, ver. . i, t.
and followed his petition with a deep a'nd
hcart^ confeflion of his finfulnfle^ ver.
J 4j *>£• He praycth the fecond time
tor remiflion of linHe, with an eye toward
the blood of the Mefliah, ver. j. and fol-
lowed it with another petition for comfort to his afflifted fpi-
rit, ver. 8. He prayeth for remiflion of fins the third time^cr.
9. and folloWeth it With another petition for renewed comfort of.
the holy Spirit 3 and for removal of felt wrath, with aprcmifc of
making nfe thereof, to the edification of Gods people, ver. 10, •
1 1 , 1 1 , 1 3 . He prayeth for remiflion of fihne the fourth time,
an namely of that particular linnc , wherewith f6r the prefenc
hisconfeiencewasrnoft troubled, ver. 14. and' he foUoweth it
with another petition, for enabling of him for a morefpirituar 8c
& finccra
2 PSAL. LI.
fincere manner of ferving God hereafter, renouncing all confi-
dence in the external ceremonies of the Law', wr. 15,16, 17,
And laft of all, he prayeth for mercy to the Church, ver.
18, 19.
From the Infcription, Lcam, 1. How foone the moft morti-
fied luft may be kindled and break forth like fire in the embers,
when it meeteth with powder i how fraile the ftrongeft of the
Saints are in themfelves, when rhcy are tempted to finnej and
what need he who ftandeth hath to take heed left he fall ; for the
holy Prophet, the fweet finger of Ifrael is here foully defiled by
bis going in to Batbjheba. 2. Howfaftafleep infinne,evea
the moft watchful watchman may fall, and that he cannot at all
awake, of himfelf, till God of his grace (who in love purfueth fu-
gitives) by fome means 01 his own chufing, ftir up his confid-
ence, as here is evidenced in the cafe of the Pfalmift, who did lie
ftill in his fin fecure, till Httbin the Prophet came unto hint.
3. How faithful Minifters ought to be in their proper charges,
reproving finnCj even in greateft perfonages^when God doth call
them unto it : and how acceptable their reproof mould be to the
honefj heart, as Natbxn the Prophet, 'Davids Seer , his coming
unto David, and rebuking him after the open knowledge of his
finne 5 and Davids acceptance of this office at his hands 5 and
the honourable mention made of his fidelity here do teach us.
4* How little a true penitent doth ftand to fhame himfelf, when
his fin hath difhonoured God, and he fceth that the confeflion
of it may glorific God j and how far the Pen-men of holy Scri-
pture do differ in this point from the writers of humane hifto*
ries,, as J) Avid, in the Infcription of this Pfalme giveth proof.
Ver.j.TT Ave mercy upon me. §od, according to
XjJ thy loving kjndneffe : according unto the
multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my tranfgref*
pons.
2. Wafh me throughly from mine iniquity , and
cleanfe me from my (in.
In this firfi affedionate prayer for remiffion of fins, Learn, 1.
Asthecontcience, till it be awakened by God, cannot appre-
hend how difpleafant fin is to God J how it meriteth wrath, and
tow unfupportable a burden it is to the (inner , when he is char-
ged '
1>SAL. LI. $
gc<i with it:So after it is wakened, it can fee no refuge till it con*
Edcr that mercy may be had in God, and then the more it \i
prefled by the Law, or fear of wrath , the more it feeketh after
Gods mercy, as here we fee ; Hdve mercy on me, God. 2. The
confidcration of the Lords loving kindncfle , and readineile to
forgive the finner that comith unto him, ftiould keep the finner^
( how grievous focver his offence hath been) from running away
from him, yea mould give him hope to meet with mercy, what-
soever may bt his demerits: Have mercy, God on me, according
to thy loving \indneffei J. Sin is a debt obliging a mart to a
penalty which he cannot pay, but mufl be forgiven, otherWaycs
heperifheth,as blot out my tran[grejfions doth import. 4. All
doubts arifing from the multitude of fins forgiven before , and
from the abufe of many mercies already received , and from the
deepdefervingsof melt hainous fins, arc folved, when Gods lo*
vingkindnefle, and the multitude of the mercies of God are op-*
pofed to thefe doubts 3nd fears, and are put in the balance over
againftthem; according to thy loving fyidncjfe, according totht
multitude of tky mercies, blot out my tranjgrejjions. 5. When
a Saint now juftined doth any thing againft the Law of God,
his fin is fo rarre from being extenuated or made leflc, as by the
Contrary it is multiplied fo much the more, and found to have
in it a plurality of fins, when it is rightly confidered; blot out
(faith he) my tran[greJJions> in the plural number. 6.Sia,as it
bindeth a man over to punifhment, till he be forgiven 5 fo it de-
fileth a man , and puts an abominable deformity on Him, which
his illuminate confcicnce cannot look upon, without loathing*
till it be by pardon and purging wafhed away > wajh me and
cleanfc me from mine iniquity ana my fin. 7 . The pollution of
fin goeth through the whole powers of the foul and body 3 which
have been ferviceable to itj through minde, will, afteftions,
fenfc* bodily, and all> and nothing can quiet the foul here, except
k finde pardoning mercy, and fandifying mercy, going after all-
hefoulefootftepsof fin, and doing away the :filthinefle thereof,
wajb me throughly % and cleanfc me.
Ver. 3. For I acknowledge my tianfgrejjions^ and
toy fin is ever he for& me.
4. %AgainSl thee, thee ontly have I finned, and
ione thii evil in thy fight , that thou might* ft be jufii-
JB 2 fled
4 -,; PSAL. LI,
fied -when thou fyeakeft , and be clear -when thou
judge ft.
5. Behold j J was fliapen in iniquity : and in Jlnne
did my mother conceive me.
6. Behold, thou deft reft truth in the intyari pmi ;
And in the hidden part then fhdt make me to know
wfdome*
Here he maketh confeffion of his (in and GnfulneiTc, and ag-
gravated his guildnefle, from the very root of original finncymct
fubferibeth whatfoever God hath fpokenof mans finful nature,
and deierved punilhmcnt in the Scripture, approving himfelf for
the fincerity of his conic (Hon unto God. Whence learn>
1 . Whofcever would have mercy and pardon of his fin from
God , mull acknowledge his fin and debt ; and muft take part with
God, and with juftice a gain ft himfelf, becaufe the Pfalmift here
givcth this for a reafon ot his hope of pardon, for 1 acknowledge
my tranfgrejfon. . z. Albeit God hath pardoned fin to a peni-
tent foul, and albeit his Minifters have made declaration of the
pardon to him, yet the confeience will not pronounce the fen-
tence of absolution, but ftillprefent the (m as unpardoned, till
God make it quiet by his immediate intirr.ation ;for David after
that l^athan had told him irom the Lord, that his iniquity was
pardoned, itill flndeth the conference purfuing for the guilt, my
Sprit is ever before me. 3. The dividing of the grant of pardon
irom the tffe&unl intimation thereof unto the confcience,isdone
in Gods wifdorae and mercy towards his childc for good :for here
it ripeneih repentance, and bringcth forth this deep confeffion,
J acknowledge mine iniquity, and my finne is ever before me.
4. Itismcft fuitable for true repentance, to pitch upon fome
particular in, in the vileneffe whereof the e v il of other Its
may be taken up and lamented again ft thee have 1 done this
evitt > he meancth the particular whereof Nathan charged him in
the matter of Uriah. <. The material injury and hurt of a
fnful action may refolve upon a creature, but the formall obli •
cjuity of the adion refolveth upon the law or command of God,
and upon his fovereigne authority which gave the law ; againft
ibee, thee kai'e I finned. 6 . If the injury done to the creature,
could be fevered from the ofYcnce done to God, the conlcience
would net be fo much troubled for the firft as for the laft 5 or
-it
P SAL. II. 5
if the injury done to G?d againft fo many obligations, be com-
pared with the injury done to the creature; the injury done
to God isfohigh as it comprchendethall the challenge which
the creature couW make for its part, and leaveth nothing to the
crearurc tofaybeWes : Thereto e faith he > againft tbee, thes
incty have I finned, and done this cvill in thy fight, y . Albeit no
man mould challenge for a wrong done by one man to another,
and in particular for a wrong done to a fubject by a Prince or
Ruler, yec will the Lord challenge for it, and bring the man to
an accompt for it, agaiitft thee, thee oncly have I finned. 8 How
clofely (bevcrthe circumflances of a /infill action be conveyed L
that men mould not fee the vilcnefle th ::eof yc- before God all
the muter is plaine : / have done this evill in thy fight, faith he.
<*• Theconfcience rightly wakened in the feme or' -nycannot
tut juftifie what God hath fpoken in his Word of mans -nful-
nefle, and of the merit ofj n and o whatsoever God hath done,
or mall do in the puniming of fin : for David makcth tluv.ieep
confcfTion of \m againft himfelf, that God way he juftjfied rvhejt
befpcalictb, and dare when he u judged, i o. Ahhou s h p-efumptu-
9*man will not ihnd to examine, judge, and pailc feme nee up -
o^fcod, andhis words, and his works, yec flail ito m.m be ab]e
to blar a blot upon God > but every confcienc.e when awake, (lull
be found to blame the man, and to juitine God infill his words
and proceedings, zs f David is forced to blame himiVt here,
■that God may be juflificd wben be fpeaketb, avd clear when be
is judged. 1 1. As original (mis common to al! men by natu-
railprcpagation from their parents, fo is it not abolillied out of
the moil holy in this life, and as it is found to utter it felf by
actual tranfgrifTions, in the children of God, fomuft the evill
thereor be acknowledged by them, and that not to extenuate, bat
to aggravate their fin thereby, as David fheweth here, faying,Bc-
hclij was fl^apcnin iniquity, and in fin did my mother conceive
me. r. No confcfTion of f n, nor any other part of G ods wor-
iliip givcth eafe totheminde, or is acceptable to God, except it
be done in linccrity and truth, and when it is done in fpirit and
truth . it is acceptable to God, and.giveth ealc to the confeience;
lkhold/faith 7 avid after his deep confcttienjibou defircft truth
in the inward partu i $, The bit operation of Gcd* gr ce in uk,
is worthy to be oblcrvcJ, acknowledged, and made nfc of, as an
evidence that God huh fomewo^k in us, wherein he takctli
plca!iirc.2c/;0/<i(faithP^cr4toGo
inuh intbeinwurdpms. i* Whcnamanhaihicundi'oa.eiW>k
B 2 of
$ PSAL. LI.
pfgraccinhimfelf,hemayexpe&tofindeyet more grace from
God, as Ddvid after thisobfervation of grace given unto him,
10 make^a fincere conkflion of his f?n , doth expect that God
ftiall efte&u^lly teach him more wifdome, or wiic bthayiour in
his light. In the bidden fart thou wilt ma\e mc to lyiow wifdom^
that is, thou wilt make rfly confeience judge yet more impar-
tially of my native (infulnefle, and wilt teach me to walk more
eircurnfpeftly before thee, in the fenfe of my (infulnefle.
Ver. j. Targe me with hjfope and \ fball be clean:
ypafb me and l fhall be whiter then [now.
§• Ma^e me to hear jo\ and gladnejfe : that the
( hones whicb thou haft broken may re Joyce,
Heprayethforremifficnof nnthe fecondtime, with an eye
to the bloud ohheMefliah Chrift, and joynethwith it, a peti-
tion for comfort to his afflicted fpirit. Whence learn, i. No
iieflfeloathfomethenleproiieisthe hghtof /In, when it is looked
upon as unpardoned $ and nothing leflc then the bleud of Chrift
fignified by the bloud of the clean bird llainc to cleanfe the lcjtfr,
car} purge a man of it, for David doth look unto the mannjgpf
cleanfing the leper, as it is let down, Levit. t 4. Where two mfas
were taken, and one of them fiaine,and the living bird icing
dipped with hyfope in the bloud of the flaine bird, was let flie
away, to (ignifie the leprous fmners deliverance from perdition
|by the bloud of that cleanly bird Jcfus Chrift: purge me with by*
(ope, faith he. z* Whatfoever application hath been made to a
'irianoif Chrifts blood in juftifiqation of hisperfon, it doth not
hinder, but rather doth open a way unto the renewed afts of ap-
plication thereof, according as new (ins do draw on new guilti-
neflc : for here juftified David pvayeth to be yet again purged
withhyfope. 3. Renewed acts of remiffion pf fin granted, by
new application of the vertue of Chrifts blood, cleanfah the
confeience of the guilt of fin, and cleareth the man before Gcds
juftice, purge me with hy/opc, and I fhatl b: clean, faith he.
4. Howioever remifsion of the guilt for Chrifts fake, be infe-
parable from the imputation of lighteoufhefife for Chrifts
lake,yetm3ythefe^wobediftingui(hed, and diftin&ly looked
upon for the beleevers comfort y for here Tiavid looking on the
removing of the guiltinefle of (in by C hrifts death, faith, purge
piewitb (>yfopc,4ndIJhaU be cleane : and looking upon the im-
putation of Chrifts righteoufneflc, 01* obedience even unto the
death, he faith, Wa\h me and I flail be whiter then [now.
Now
PSAJL. LI. 7
Now thar thefe two branches of this mercy are diftin^uifhable*'
may appear from this, that as to be freed from eternal torment
is one benefit, put cafe a man were annihilated inhisloofing from
it; andtobe % not onely freed from eternal torment , but alfo
made blcffed by the gift of eternal life, is another and a greater
benefit: So removing the guilt of fin, in relation to the remo-
ving of punimmentisone thing, and the affignation of Chrifts
righteoufnefle in relation to eternal life is another thing , and
thele two benefits both of them are pu/chafed by Chrifts perfect
obedience unto the death, and are holden forth, Lcvh. 14. for
after the delivery of the leper from death (figured and fymboli-
2ed by the letting go of the living bird, dipped in the bloud of
the flaine bird) the cloathing of the leper with righteoufnefle, is
figured and fymbolixed by the warning of the man, and putting
clean cloathsupon him. Now it is not the mans perfonal fan-
ctification inherent, (which in every man is joyned with much
pollution) that maketh him clean, but the imputation of Chrifts
righteoufnefle 5 This maketh him whiter then [now* ?. As~
we muft not neglect the Ordinances of God, but muft ufe them
cjefully for obedience unto God, and for ftrcngthening of our
jB), fo we muft not reft upon them, but feek in unto the figni-
fifc^pn, fubftance,andendof them, which is Chrift s as here
David feekeih perfect pardon by Chrifts blood, perfect purging
and clean : ng through him under the tetmes of purging with
byfopc and waflnng* 6. The grief and torment which followcth
finne,and is felt by a wounded fpirit, even in the children of
God, in the time of their repentance , is greater then ever the
pleafure of fin was to them, as David fheweth here, who fpeafc>
eth of his vexation, and wounded fpirit , as of the painfulleft
trouble which can fail upon the body: for by the bones-which thou
hajlbro^en^ he meancth the chaftifement of his fpirit, inflicted . .
ojfGod. 7. Nothing can heal this wound of the fpirit, fave
the hand that made it > nothing but Gods lively application of
his word of Grace and pardon to the guilty (inner can do it ; for
*Z)avid wxll not reft with what Nathan had fpoken, till God fpeak
the fame effectually unto him ; mi\\e me to hear )oy and gladncs.
3. Asthcreisnoforrow fb deep, as the fenfe or Godsdifplca-
fure, fo there is no joyfo rcfrefhing as the inward confolation
of Gods Spirit y for T>.ivids broken benes will rejeyce, if God ,
will fpeak peace to his foul : ma\e ire to hear J oy and ^ladncflc, tb:u
y he bones which thou lujl brolien^may rejoyec.
B 4 Ver.ft
g PSAL. LL
Vcr. 9. ffldt thy face from my fns J and bio oh*
all mine iniquities. .
Jo. Create in me a clean heart, Q God 3 andrenew^
a right jpirit within me. •
1 1 . (fa ft me not aftv*} from thy f re fence ; and take*
not tby holy Spirit from me*
12. Reft ore tint me the jo} of thj falvAtion^ and
uphold me with thy free (ptrit.
13. Thtnmtt I teach tr anfgre {fours thy w/tjes, and
ftnners fhall be converted unto thee.
He prayeth for remiflfion of (in the third time, vcr. 9.. And
joyneth therewith a petition for rectifying his fad condition; firfl:
by renovation of that grncc which was decayed, and as it were
loft in his fenfe vcr. • o Secondly ; by preventing his deferved and
feared leparation from God, & from communion with his Spirit,
V&h u. Thirdly, by repairing and reftoring of his fome- time
gracious condition, and fctling him therein by the Spirit oi^L'
dOption, vcr. u. And then he promifeth to makegoodjW
thereof for the comfort and edification of other finners, v^pj.
Wlwtcc leant , 1. Sinisfoone committed, and guilrinefie and
mileryfoone drawn on, but not foone and eafily removed; many
a cry to God may be uttered in the fenfe of felt difpleafure of"
Gotland fear of more and more evill following on it, before
the foul finde frcedome from it; as this frequently repeated peti-
tion for pardon, and thefe expreffions here let down do make e-
videntv ;z m EarneftnciTe of affection maketh often repetition
not to be babling , and when that which moft prciTcth us, is
moft prefled, and in fi fled upon by us in our prayer, it is no
vaine repetition g 1 * idle multiplication of words, as here is to
befeene. j. Sin feen in its own (hape, is a loathfome Tight to,
God, and horrible to the finners which loathfome fight nothing
can remove, lave the Lords voluntary forgiving qT it, and his not
fetring u before his own face, to bepurfuedinfevcre jtiftice,
Hide thy face from my fins. 4. As one fin doth waken up the
conference of many other fins, fo nothing can quiet the confer-
ence about that one ' : n, except both it and all other fins be for-
given , theeforc faith he , Blot out M mine iniquities. ' $. A
tmcere penitent is no lcfFe de rous of renovation and fan&ifica-
tjon thenheisofforgivenefleof iTns for with blot out all mine
iniquities
PSAL. LI. 9
iniquities , he joy net h create in me a clunc heart , and renew a
hit within rnc. 6. Albeit fin againit the confoence
dim- eft] th it throughly, and defoccth the work
ofcho holy Spirit, openerh the flood-gate of natural corruption,
to the pollution of the whole frame of a holy heartj openech the
way unto, and iVengrhcns the work of an cvill and deluding
fpiiitjyet no principle of grace in the renewed man is able to
remove this evill ; but the removing and 'remedying of it muft
be by the immediate work of Gods own omnipotent hand. This
work is nolefle then creation, therefore f :ith ht>Creatc in me a
tkanc hearty and renew a right fpirit within me ; that is, it u not
in my power to dear my confcicncc, and my polluted heart, or
to fee my perverted fpirit in a right frame again, but thy creating
and renewing power, which borrovverh nothing fpm the crea-
ture, muifc do it: create iu witfimporrcth this. 7. Albeit a re-
newed foul cannot be utterly call off from God, nor be bereft
utterly of Caving grace once beftowed on him; yet U he grieve
the Lords Spirit byprefumptuous finning, his aifurance of ftand-
ing in God$ favour may be mightily branded, and he put in fear
of lolmgthepofleflionof what is behinde of the laving work
of *Gock Spirit in him, especially when he confidercth that hi?
pro votibtion doth defervc no leife at Gods hands Therefore faith
hcyCajl me not away from thy pre fence •, and ta\c not away thy ho-
ly Spirit from me. 8. Nothing is fo terrible to a renewed foul
which bath been fometime fenfible of Gods favour, arid lure of
theprclenceof his Spirit, as to be (hut out from Gods favour,
and fever'd from the communion of his Spirit, as .this prayer te-
iiihz:h,CaftmenQtaway,&c. 9 As a bclecverm^ycome to
ailurancc ot his own ialvation, and when he keepeth a good con-
fidence, may fwecrly rejoyce therein 5 fo when lie feeth that
the pleafurc of fin harh marred this joy unto him, he cannot relt
nor be quiet till ho recover the aflu ranee he hid, and his wonted
joy be joyned therewith, rcjloreunteme the joy of thy fal'j..tio/i^
10. The ^odly by their fall , mould learn fenfibiyto acknow-
ledge ihcir.own weaknc(le, and their need ot the fuppouiaj
iircngthof Gods Spirit, and to account the bqnds of Gods Sprv-j
rit, kcepingihem in orders and in Gods obedience, to l>: their
only freed o me. Therefore David aft er payer to have the joy
of Gods falvation rcftorcd unto him, fearing left he mould lofe
it again if he were left to himfcif, doth adde another prayer, Up-
hold me with thy free Spirit. 11. As the end o;V^e.kin^ mer-
cy to our fclves, fi)Quld bcths,tlu: we maybe enabled to be in-
iV:uinc:ns
io PSAL. LI.
ftruments of glorifying God, and faving of others: fo the falli-
ble feeling of mercy which is fought after, doth greatly encou-
rage a man to the work : Then will J teach tranfgrcjj'ours thy
Wayes. T/;en, that is, when the joy of Gods falvation isreftored
to mc, and I confirmed fomewhat in the grace of God. 1 2, As
the way which God keepeth in manifefting his juftice againft
tranfgreflburs, and his mercy to felf-condemned finners. flying to
hirninChrift,isnotknown by nature to finners, (o long as
they go on in their evil courfe,or before thry be effectually taught
to know both; fo none is fo fit to teach and perfwade them of this
myftery,as thef who by frequent experience are acquainted with
the wayes of God: Then will I teach trail fgeffo+rs iky wayes*
x $. The communicating the knowledge, and experience of Gods
juftice and mercy, according to every mans place and calling, is
a good means 0: converting of others who know n) fuch thing:
J will teach others thy wayes , ajid finners Jball be converted
unto thee.
Ver. 14. Deliver me from Wood-guUtinefie^ God^
thou God of my falvation : and mj tongue fhaUJing <a-
loud of thy righteoufneffe.
He prayeth the fourth time for remiflion of fin, and namely
of that fearful and bloody tranfgreflion in the matter of Urab y
which now did moft trouble his confeience Whence learn, 1 . As
the confcicncedcKhpafle upon particulars inthe midft of con-«-
fufed challenges for multitudes of fins: fo doth it preffc fome
particulars more eagerly tL.n other fome, according as it is fet
on work : as here the guiltincfiein the matter of '"Batbjbeba and
Uriah preffethD avid '.deliver mcfiOta blood-guilt ineffe . 1. Though
finfeeme plcafant at the beginning, yet at length it is found a
devouring enemy, from which none can deliver a foul fave Gcd
atone: 'Deliver mc from blood-guiltine(fc y God. $ Upon the
general grounds of the Covenant of Grace made with us for
falvation through Chrilt,muft a foul fetkto have particular mer-
cies; Deliver me y tboit Cjod of my falvation 4 . The righreQuk
neffe of God, which ftandeth in the remiiTion of fin, and impu-
tation of (Thrifts obedience unto us, through faith according to
Godspromifc, is the matter of our joy and long of praife to
God : which fong, a foul being in thraldome by felt guihincfie
can hardly lings but after the intimation of pardon will fing it
chear fully*
P SAL. LI. ii
chcarfully: Deliver me from blood-guiltfncjfci then fhMmy tovgtut
fing xloud of thy rigbtcoufncjfe.
Ver. 15.O Lord open thou my lips, and mj month
Jhallfbev forth thy praife.
1 6. For thou de fire ft not facrifce % elfe would I give
it ; thou delight eft not in burnt -offering,
17. The facri fees of God arc a broken (pint: 4
broken and contrite heart , O God, thoH Veitt not dfi-
tfife.
Hepurfueth this fourth petition for remiffionof fin, with*
rcqueft for enlarging of his hearty and furnifliing him with mat-
ter and ability for praifing of God , Wherein he fincerely re-
nounced all confidence in external ceremonies of the Law, or
in any thing elfe which he could performs fVhenceletrnj.Hovi-
foever proud fpirjts think that they can do any thing they pleafe
in Gods fervice,yet a humbled foul under exercife, knoweth that
it is God that givcth both to will and to do of his good plea-
sure ; fuch a man knoweth that the habit of grace is a gift, and
the bringing forth of the habit to exercife, is another gift, he
knoweth that when one hath gotten grace, to will to praife God;
he mud have grace to put this will to a& eftc&ually : This the
Pfalmi ft doth acknowledge and Jprayet h, opett thou my lips; *and
my tongue fbillfeto forth thy praife. j.Whatfcever holy ordi-
nances and outward fervices God doth prefcribe to his Church ,
they are not required for fatisfaction of his juftice, nor are they
the maine thing he is plcafed with, but they are meancs oncly to
lpad men to himfelf in Chrift, in whom onely juftice findeth
fatisfaclion,and man findeth ftrength to go about the worihip,
thatfo God himfelf may have all the praife of our fervices:
Therefore 'DrJdgivtih it for a reafon of his former petition,
for thou dcfireft n;t, (or thou haft not pleafure in) facrifec.
4. That which God aimeth at, we fhould moft intend; and
what he is well pleafcd with, we fhould moft endeavour ; Thou
defireftnot facrifee, elfe would I give it. 5. The main intent
ot the facri fices under the Law was,that a man in the fenfe o r his
fin and deferved judgement, and in bility to fatisfic for his faults,
fliould come and empty himfelf before God, and betake him
to that oncly one 'propitiatory facrifice , reprcfented in thole ex-
ternal lacrifices: The fzcrifcesef God arc 1 broken fpirit> that
,12 PSAL. LI.
is, the right wayof facrificing^is that a minsfpirit be emptied
of its own felf- confidence when it comcth ro offer unto God
the external facrifices , which othcrwayes God rega relet h not.
6. The man who moil rcnounceth his own work$,worth, or .me-
rits, and defpifeth all his own doings, as a broken earthen vtffdf*'
is moft acceptable in his approaches to Gods free grace in the
'Mz&'wouv: a broken and a contrite hart, God, thou wilt not
defpife ; and that not for any worth in the matter of contrition,
but becaufe by contrition is expelled all conceit of klf-worth,
and fo the man is moft tit for receiving grace and Tee pardon
from God.
Ver. 1 8. 'Do good in thj good flcafun unto
Sion^ build thon the Walls of Jerufalem.
Xq.l'hen /halt thou be flea fed with the facri frees
cfrighfeoufneffe, with burnt- offering, and whole burnt -
offering : then /ball thej offer bullocks upon thine
Zdltar.
In the laft verfe David prayeth for the Lords people ; that
what breach had been made in the walls of Gods protecti-
on about them, by his (ins and theirs, might be repaired, and
God more holily and heartily worshipped, both by himielf and
by them in rime coming. Whence learn, i. As every true mem*
ber of the Church iliould bear in heart the condition of fhe bo*
dy» and put it up to God, whatfocver be the mans own private
condition^ fo in Ipecial he that hath by his fins provoked God
to withdraw his protection frcMii the incorporation wherein he
is,fliouldrnoitearneft!y intet cede for the good of the body, as
David doth here: do good in thy good pleasure unto SionfbuiU
tboutbe walls of rfcrufilem. 2. The rich grace of God, his
free love and unchangeable good will tc* his people is ,the caufe
of all the welfare of the Church: do good in thy good plcafure
unto S ion. 3. Whofoever have been moft i n ft ni mental in the
building of Gods Church, nniil lome way be emptied of the
glory of this work, that it may be all afcribed unto God alone,
who is the oncjy builder of his own Church; as2Xtt'/i here em-
ptieth himfclf ot this honour, & afcribeth it toGod/aying.Sfli/^
thou up the walk ofrfcrujalcm. 4. When God pcureth out up-
pn hit, people his Spirit of grace and implication, and other
proper
PSAL. LII. 13
proper cfR ft 5 of his good will to them, then, and not till tffen,
rfrethcy fit to do him fervice acceptably : do good in thy good.
pla\ure to Sion; then fait ihoubcplcafcd with the fieri fas ,(^c.
5 No facrifice is acceptable to God, fave the facrificcs of righ-
reoulneiTc; Now the facrificcs of righteoufneffe are firft, the
propiti -tory facrifice of Chrift, whercunto every beleever muli
have re fpeft, as offered in his Name when he cometh to Gods
and next the facrificcs of thankfulnefTe and new obedience of-
fered up by venue of Chrifts facrifice, to be accepted : The firil
fort of facrifice was reprefentcd moft fpecially by burnt-offering,
and whole burnt-offering 5 and the other fort by peace-offer-
ings and other oblations: Then Jhalt thou be flcajed rvitb the
Sacrifices of rigbtcoufncjfc, rvitb burnt-offering, and whole burnt-
offering . then jhuli they offer bullet fci upon thine Altar.
PSAL. LII.
To the chief Jdufuian 3 MafcbiL A Pfalme of David : whcnDc.e*
the Edomite came and told Saul and [aid unto bim> David is
come to the bou[c of Abimclecb.
THefcopeofthe Pfalmiftisj to mew that Docg his enemy
had no reafon to glory in the favour oi the Court, purcha-
fed by his falfeand ciuel cilumnicsagainft him and the Loids
Priefts which he proveth by four reafons ; Firftj because Gods
kindnefle could not be taken away by Doegs cruel calumnies.
v.i. Secondly ,becau'~e God mould root oui'Doeg cut of the world
for his wicked calumnies^cr. 2,3 } ; 4, 5 Thirdly, becaufe Doeg
mould be made a laughing- ftock and matter of dcrifion to the
godly, "jer. 6. 7. Fourthly, becaul'cma'igre his malice, David
mould be blellcd as a believer in God, and- a true wormipper ot
himyver. 8. Whereupon he condudeth with praifc to God, vcr. 9.
From the Inscription, Learn, 1 . It is no new policy of wick-
ed men, to leek to be great in Court, and in the favour of Prin-
ces, by maligning the godly, and foftcring the difpleafure of
Princes ag; inlt them, for D, eg of old did climbe in Court this
way. 2. Such practices are meft fuit~b|eto falk brethren ; for
ihisDccg is an Edomite of the pc'tenry ofE/iw. $. When the
wicked come to be in power and credit with Kings, for their
rcry
14 PSAL. LII.
very enmity againft Gods people, it is a narrow trial , and a
fore tentation to the godly, as here in Davids cafe with Doeg is
to be fesn. 4. In this eafe there is nothing fo needful as to go
to God for dire&ionand confolation 3 for fo David did, and
came back with a Mafcbil, or Pfalme for inftru&ion to himfelf
and others, f . It is no advantage to a claw back Calumniator j
to pretend that he fold nothing but truth, and faid no more
then what he faw : for it is true, that "David came to the houfe
of Abimelecb, but the telling of this to Saul, imported much
mifchief upon the matter, even all the evil which fell forth, and
alt this is laid on Doeg, prefuppofing he had faid no more then
is expreffed here, that is, that he told Saul, "David is come to the
hoitfeof Abimelech.
Ver. !• Why boaftcft thou thjfelfe in mifchief, O
mighty man f the good'icffe of Qoi endtireth conti-
nually.
David chargeth Doegmih the vanity of his gloriation, that
he was n®w made fo mighty a man, for his ill fervice done a-
gainft the Lords fervants, and refuteth his folly, becaule he
would not take the kindne fle of God from the godly fo eafily
as he might ileal their good eftimation from them among
men. Whence learn, 1. Profperity and fucceile following upoit
a wicked courfe, doth hide the fin and mifchief which is in it
from the (inner, as we lee here, how the favour which foolifh
Doeg found at Court for his calumniating David and the Lords
Priefts, did puffe him up. 2. There is fmall reafon for a wick-
ed man to glory in his wickednefle, whatfoever profit or prefer-
ment it doth bring unto him, for after examination he will not
be able to give a reafon of his vain boafting 5 Why boajieft ibou
thy fclf of thy mifchief, thou mighty man? J. Albeit the
wicked do think that God forgetteth his fimple and filly fer-
Yants, yet it is not fo ; and albeit the Lord doth alter the excrcife
©f the godly, and changeth their profperity into adverfity,yet he
changethnot his afk&ion to them, this remaineth faft forever,
whatfoever feem to the carnal fpe&ator,of the Lords dealing with
his people $ The goodticffe of God enduretb continually. 1. So
long as Gods unchangeable kindneile enduretb/ the wicked have
nocaufetoinfukovcr the godly, nor have the godly caufeto
faint or be difcouraged J- for this goodnefle of God Vavid doth
oppofe, both to Doegs boafting, and to his own tentation $ The
\indneffc of the Lord enduretb for c vcr.
for*
PSAL. LII. 15
Ver. 2. Thy tongue devifeth mif chiefs : like a Jbarp
rafour forking deceitfully.
3 . Thou love ft evil more then good.and lying rather
thentofpeakjighteoufneffe. Selah.
4. Thou love ft all devouring wordifi thou deceitful
tongue.
The next Argument of refuting Vocgs folly, is, becaufe this
cruel calumny mould bring Gods vengeance on 'Doeg, and root
him out from all felicity* and here he firft fets down his ditty
in thefe three yerfes, before he fets down his doom, ver. f.
iVhence learn, 1. The tongue when ic is abufed, is a work!
of wickedneile , fetting the world on fire, as it felf is fct on fire
from hell by Sana: for whatfoever mifchief the devil can [ug-
geft, or a wicked heart can devife, the tongue will ferve to vent
it; therefore is the tongue charged with devifingof mifchief:
Thy tongue devifeth mifchief. 1. The fmcoth convey of a wick-
ed device doth not hide the mifchief of it from Gods fight,
nor extenuate the mans fault, but rather doth help on the mif-
chief more cunningly and powerfully : Ufa a Jbarp rafour word-
ing deceit fully. 3. When a man fpeaketh no more of a tale of his
neighbour, but what may ferve to the mans hurt and prejudice,
andkeepethup the relation of that part of the tale which
might clear the mans innoceney, or might give a right con-
ftruftion of his doing, albeit that part of the tale told be true,
if all the reft of the tale had been told with it, yet being told
alone as if it were the full hiftoiy, it is evil, is is falfe lying.
It is a munhering and devouring fpeech, and full of deceit £
and doth argue the Speaker fuch a one as Vocg was, in the par-
ticular atleaft, 10 whom V avid faiths Thou loveH evil more
then good, and lying rather then tofpea\ right eoujncjfi ; Thou to-
veji all devouring words , O thou deceitful tongue. 4. The
more wit, deliberation and affection is in a fin : the heavier is
the guilt, and challenge for it more juft. Vocgs devifing mif*
chief, Doegs chufing evil, and not good ; chufing lying, and nop
rigbteoufnejfe ; loving tbcje evil and aU-devouringwords , ma-
keen his ditty moil fearful.
5* God Jha.ll likewife deftroy thee for ever, he
JhaU t^kfi the away , andpluck^thee out of thy dwe I*
ling plac*> And root thee out of tfo land of the living,
Selah.
Hon
16 PSAL. LI I.
Now followeth his doomilVfiencc learn, i .As any wicked man
is inftrutnental for bringing temporal deftruction on the godly,
to is he initi umental in drawing everlafting^ deftru&ion upon
himfelf from Gods hand, God fhall lHiert>ife dcflroy thee for
ever. 2. He tha: feeketh to fettle himfelf, to inlarge himfelf,
to root himfelf in the earth, and to prolong his ftanding in
the World, by wrong means, and in fptcial, by hurting the god-
ly, mi their good name and caufe. fhall finde the event quite
contrary to his defire , defigneand expectation, asPocgdidj
whofe doom was deftru&ion, for his evil offices done at Court
aguinft David and the Lords Miniiters. God fhall ta^e tbee away
andpluclz tbee out of thy dwelling place> an I root tbccoutoftbe
land of tbc living.
Ver. 6. The righteous a/fo fhall fee anh fcare, and
fhall laugh at him.
7. Lo y this is the man that made not God hii
ftrength) but trufled in the abundance of his
riches , and ftrengthened himfe'f in his wicked*
neffe.
The third Argument of refutation of Vocgs vain-boa fting*
is, that his wifdome fhould be lcento be ridiculous folly > *rid
his boafting to be the matter of his fiiame anddifgrace. Whence
lcarn>iJT\\± notable enemies of Gods children and fervants may
expert to be notably punifheiand that they who did fee their fin*
fhall fee alio Gods vengeance on them : The righteous fhall fee it.
2.. As the godly are the only wife obfervers of Gods work, and
d fpcnfationof his mercy and juftice: foalfo are they the only
perfons that do make fpi ritual advantage thereby: The rigbte-
ow fhall jee itandfexr. $. As the good of godlinefleis \^txi
and felt by the godly in their cwn experience of Gods blcfling
upon themfelves, fo is it feen and obferved alfo in the contrary
evils which btfal the ungodly \ Lo, ibi is the man that made not
God bis ftrcngtb, (Lay they) but trufled in the abundance of
biS rj\ bes 3 and ftrengthened himfelf in his tvicl{edne(fe.
Ver. 8. But I am like a green Olive-tree in the
houfe of God, I truft in the mercy of God for ever
and ever,
^ The fourth Argument for refutation oiDocgs foolifb boafling*
is.becaufej, fairh Vavid,(hM RQm'iih in Gods favour, inde-
ipireoiPflfg} IVhencc learn, 1. Whatfcever may befall th6
godly
PSAL. Ltl. i 7
godly by the malice of their enemies, it (hall not hinder t/ieir
felicity, when their enemies are running to their cwn defini-
tion, it fhall be well with the godly, they may be perfwaded of
it, for the Pfalmifls example doth encourage to it: But I ant
lii{c a green Olive-tree. 1 As the Olive-tree* being planted in
a fertile ground, drawcrh in moiftu, c> whereby it is neurifhed and
growcth up: fo doth the belcever, being planted in the Church >
draw fpirit and life trom God by the holy ordinances, whereby
he growcth up: I am li^c a green Olive-tree in the houfc of God.
3. The wifdom of the gedly, and the ground cf their true blef-
fednefleisthis, they make fail work of their evcrlafting felicity
by faith in God, and this maketh them like green Olives all the
dayes of their life; for I truft in the mercy of God for ever and
ever y is given here for a reafon of his happy growing in the
hoafeof God.
Ver. 9. / will prat ft thtc for ever^ becanfe thou
haft dove it: 4nd 1 Will wait on thj Name* for it is
good before thy Saints.
He ciofeth the P A alm comfortably, witn rcfolution to praife
Gcd, and to depend upon him. Whence learv, 1 . Victory c ver
tentations obtainedi by faith, is very glorious* for faith doth
make a man as fure of what is to come, as if it were pcrfeftecf,
and filleth him with praife for the certain hope of the perform-
ance of Promifes ; I will praife thee for ever (Tafth J) avid J be- K
caufc thou haft done it. t. Faith being folidly fixed, bringeth
forth hope and quiet expectation of what is promffed, 1 will
wait on thy Name. $.AstheChriftian patience of one of the
Saints, is a marter of good example, and great encouragement
unto ail the reft that behold it: io the confideration of the good
which may redound toothers, who ihall.be witneflcs of onr pa-
tient attending upon God, mould flu it e us up to this duty of
patient hope in God, I wilt wait on tbee, for it is good bej ore
thy Saimr.
PS At.
i8 PSAL. LIIL
PSAL. LIIL
To the chief Mufidm upon M&aktb Mafcbil, A Pfalme
of David.
AS in the fourteenth Pfalrri, fo here Tuvid comforteth him-
felf, and the reft of the godly in their fad fufterings which
they felt from godlefle men lying inthemiferable condition of
nature, vet. i, 2, 3: The grounds of comfort are three; the
firft , becaufe God was engaged in the fufferings of his own,
and would plead their controverfie againft the wicked, ver.$>
The next, becaufe Gods judgements were to come on all the
perfecutors of the godly, vr*%. and the third, becaufe there is
hope of full falvation of the gedly in Chrift, ver. 6. Com-
paring this Pfalme with 'Pjdme! 1 4. wherein, the enmity of
the wicked againft the godly, and the comfort of the godly in
that cafe, in this place are the fame which are fet down there)
We learn. That as the godly may fall oftener then once, in one
cafe, under one and the fame tentation, fome fort of hard exer-
cife and grief : fo may they, and mould they make ufeof the
fame comforts, and bring to memory the fame doctrines for
that end, as the Church is taught to do , Pfdme 14. and here
in this Pfalme.
Verj. T^Hi? foole hath faid in his heart /There
JL is no God; corrupt are t bey t and have
done abominable iniquity ; there is none that doth
good.
Z God looked down from Heaven upon the children
of men f to fee if there were any that did under ft and ^
that did feek God.
3. Everyone of them is gone back^ they are altoge-
ther become filthy ; there is none that doth good \ no
not one m
From the defcription of the miferable condition, wherein the
world and eyery unrenewed man within the Church vifible do
lie;
P5AL. LIU. i 9
lie; Learn 3 i. All unrenewed perfons are fools before God, how
wife ibever they may feem to men 2 All unrenewed men arc
inwardly in their affections and rcfolutions Atheifts in eftect,
and fuc has do not regard God in any things whatsoever they
may feem to themfelves or others outwardly, They fay in their
heart , There is no Cjod. 3, All unrenewed men arc altogether
rotten in their principles and motives of their actions : They are
corrupt. 4. The actions of the unrenewed will be found abo-
mination before God, and will prove them to be corrupt: They
have done abominable iniquity . 5. Among all unrenewed men,
whether without or within the vifible Churchy not fomuch as
one man ihall be found to hive done fo much as one good acti-
on , which can ftand for good in Gods accompt : There is none
that doth good. 6. The truth of this doctrine is put to trial
and prcot by God himfclf, and fentence is pronounced of all
mens natural a verfenefle from God, and impotericy to do good.
God looked down from Heaven upon the children of men } to fee
if there we e any that did good, and he found none. 7. As it is
impoflible they can do any good, or be wife who feek not Godj
fo the proof and tiialof this naughtinefle of all men, fo long
as they lie in feature unrenewed, is found by their not undcrftand*
ingi not leering of God ^ The Lord looked to fee if there were
any that did underjiand y that did, fceliGod. 8. Everyman by
nature is a Revolter from God, and from the {late wherein once
God made man, 'Everyone of them isgon^bach^ 9. There is
nothing clean or unpolluted in foul or body of the unrenewed
man; but the longer he livcth in nature, the viler is he : They
are altogcthct become filthy. 10. Seeing all men by nature are
concluded under fin, wkhout exception, And there is none that
doth good \ no not one ; It is no wonder, that the image of God
appearing in his children, be ill entertained by natural men ,
and ih it Gods children expect no good fruits from fuch ill trees,"
as all men are by nature, tor this doctrine is delivered to quiet,
the hearts of the godly, when they aremolcfted by the men of
this world. 1 1 • It fhbuld yield corafoi t to the godly, to behold
the mifcrable condition wherein all men are by nature, and
themfclves called forth of this miferable eftatc, and converted}'
for this doctrine offereth ground for the comparison and confo-
lation.
Ver. 4. Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge ?
Who eat up toy pcopkte they (rate bread j they have
note died Upon God, C 2r - . The
20 PSAL.LIII. .
The full di:cct Argument for the comforting of the godly
under their perfccution by the wicked amonp whom they live,is.,
■th.uGod anftdeieih their cale, and will plead their caufe.
Whence kirn, i. The Lord obferveth every point of enmity
which the world carrieth againfl his People; he taketh their
cafe to heart, and will plead their caufe, and this is a foHd
ground of comfort to his People in all their fufferings; Have
the workers of iniquity no knowledge? that eat c up } &c.
2. Grounds of drftlirences between the unrenewed, and the re-
newed or reconciled, offered in this oppofuionof the one fort to
the other-are thefe:Firft,:he unrenewed, all of them are called
workers of iniquity; but they that arc reconciled, howfoever
they are not free of fin, yet they are not counted by God to be
workers of iniquity. Again, the Lord doth own the regenerate
and call them his own People, but doth difclaim the other, as
in efteft not his people, but his enemies* And laftly, the unre-
generate do notcallujonCjod, town, in earneft, or in truth,
but the regenerate by the oppolition made arc prefuppofed here
to call on God, and to depend upon him in truth. j< Nothing
doth more evidence the blindneflc and beaftly befotting of the
confeience of linners, then the periecuting of the Saints ; it
Will notfuffice the ungodly to live a sodlcflelife themfclves,
except they maligne and moft unreafonably oppofe Piety in o-
thers; Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? that' they eat
up my People^ as they eat bread. 4« To vex, bear down, and de*
ftroy the godly, is as great a pleafure to the wicked, as to eat
t heir meat $ They eate up my People as they eat bread.
Ver. $. There Were they in great feare, where no
feare Was ; fer Cod hath festered the bones of him
that encamped againft thee : thou haft fHt them
tofhame^ becaafe God hath defpfeh them*
The next ground of comfort to the godly againft perfecution,
fs, becaufe Gods judgements mall overtake the troublers of Gods
People, when they do leail fearc it. Wl)encc learn , i. As per-
fecution doth cauterifc the confeience, and maketh it fenfe-
leife of fin; fa alfo doth it make the Perfecutors fearleficof
judgement, when they do cat up the People of God as bread
without feae; For there, faith he, no fearc was. 2. The more
fecure a finner is, and in fpeeial a Perfccucor of Gods People,
the
PSAL. JLIII. 21
jhe more terrible (hall his wakening be, when Gods judgement
cometh on him j There were tbey in great jcare where no f care
was. 3. The enemies of Gods Church make it their ftudyanj
main work, to overthrow thegodly, and to.compaflc them as
it were by way of laying (lege about them, Miat they efcape not;
Tbey encamp Again ft, thee, iaith the Pialmiit, fpeaking as it
were to everyone of Gods People. 4. Wra h purfueth the
Persecutor, both living and dead, and ccaicth not to follow him
fo long as there is any thing of him capable of puniihment;
for God not only rsifcth the (lege, and deftroycth the encmie 3
and confumethhisflelTi, butaifohc hath fcattcred the bones
tf him that cnampeth again ft thec. 5. When there is nothing
left of the Persecutors fubftancc unpuniflicd in the world, the
wrath of God purfueth his name and memorial and the wrong
done to the innocent, is the Perfecutors greateft difgrace: Thou
haft puttbemto flmmc* 6 As true honour, and the conferring
of refpeft from men upon any, is the gift of God, who honour-
eth them that honour him ; fo deferved iTiarr.c and difiJiacefor
fin committed, when it is poured out, as the eflfcet of Gods j ti-
ll ice maketh them who dilhonourhimto be lightly iflxeirtfd *
Thou baft pit them to flume, becaufe Goi hath defpifed them.
Ver. 6. O that the falvattonoj ffi&eii were come
cut of Sior. ! Vrhev God bringeth back the captivity
of bis people, Jacob /hail rejoyce , and Jjh'el [hall
be glad.
Thelaft ground of comfort to the perfecuted g-dJy, is tire
hope of complcat falvation to the Church of God, and of every
true member thereof inChrift. Whence leame, I, There is
no folid confolation againft perfecuticn, or any ether grievance,
lave in the falvnion which is to be I ad in CJrifl; Hcistbs
Saviour and jalvation of Ifraci. 2. As Chrifts coming to ac-
complish falvation by part and part, in his own order and time.,
is mofl certainly to be belecvcd and hoped for: fo is it moft eat-
neflly to be wiihed, longed after, and prayed for; as the ex-
ample of the Lords People here(longing for his coming to fiffe
in his incarnation and manifeftatien of his grace 5 and then
in the fpreading forth of his grace and falvation out of Sion to
Gentiles andjewesj doth teach us 3 that the falvatjonof If-
raci were come out o/Sion. 5. As the captivity of Gods People
doth remain in any degree and meafurc, which may make
Chrifts coming to b<; Co much the more dcfircable, and to be
$ 3 the
is PSAL. tlv.
theobje&of wifhes, and matter of Prayer 5 fo fhall every fort
and degree of captivity at laft be removed from Gods People,
iill Redemption be compleatly fulfilled ; God (hall bring back
the captivity of his People. 4. As of all People, whoever had
the name of Gods People, the miferies and captivities of the IP?
raelites. becaufe of their provocation againft God, have been
themoftconfpicuousand fignal: So of all the People on the
eartb> and of all the Nations which have been honoured with
the title of CjodsTeoplc, the deliverance of Ifrael from cap-
tivity fliall be moft eminently and confpicuoufly comfortable;
for when God fhall bring bacfi the captivity of bis People, then
jfacobJ2?4// rejoyce, <ztf<f Ifrael fall be glad*
PSAL. LIV*
*fo the chief Mufician on Neginoth Mafckil. A Pfalme of Da-
vid, when the Ziphims came and [aid to Saul, 'Dotbnot Da-
vid hide himf elf with m ?
DAvid being betrayed by the Ziphims^ Fir{l,dqth make his
Prayer to Qod for delivery, ver, 1, 2. Secondly, he
ftrengtheneth his faith by fome reafons, ver. 3 Thirdly, he is
confident of his own delivery, and of Gods judgement on the
Ziphims, whereunto he fubferibes, ver. 4, ?. And laft of al!j
he promifeth praife to God for his own allured deliverance,
ver. 6 3 7-
From thelnfcriptionj learn, I. Particular ftraits and particu-
lar deliveries rtiould be particularly remarked, as David here
remembereth the danger he was in by the treachery of the Zi-
phims. 2. Mighty men will finde readily more friends in an evil
caufe, then the godly do fjnde in a good caufe: As Saul hath
the Ziphims to ofter their fervice to his cruelty, when David was
in ftraits. 3. The wicked are very hearty to do an ill turn,
and' glad to finde occafion of it: Doth not Efevid^ (fay
they) hide himfelfwith usl as if this had been good andblef-
fed newes.
Ycr.
PSAL. LIV, 23
Vcr. I. QAve me,0 God, by thy Name, and
& judge mt by thy ftrength.
2. Heare my Prayer, Cjod, give tare to the
words of my mouth.
"From Davids Prayer; Learne, i. The godly can never be
fo furprifed with trouble, but they fhould fiie to God forde*
livery, as David doth here; and it is a rare vertue not to forget
this relief in depth of diftreffe. i. When men beleeve that
God isall-fufficientandanfwerable to what is fpoken of him,
they hive great encouragement to go to him in difficulty. Save me
by thy Name, faith David: Gods name gave him ground to
Pray and hope for deliverance, g. Albeit no man fhould rafhly
call God to give ,udgcment,y£t in a good caufe,igainft a ftrong
Party^ an upright man may call for and expect affi fiance from
Cod ; $ii'1gc me by thy jlrcngtb, faith he. 4. Tn fervent prayer,
the very voice hath ufe,as with the fupplicant to expreffe his ear-
ncftnelfe, and his faith in God, and to ftir him up, and hold
him fixed to his fupplication $ fo with Godalfo hath ic ufe in
regard it is an expreffe invocation of him, and a figne of depends
ance upon him, and of expectation of a good anfwer from him ;
Heare my Prayer, Cjoi, give eare unto the words of my
mouth.
Ver. 3. For fir angers are rifm up agamft
me*, and opprejfours feek^after my foule^ they have
notfet Cjod before them. Selah.
The reafons fupporting his faith in his Prayer ,are taken from
theunkindnefle,' unnaturalneffe and cruelty not only of his
Countrey-men, but alio of his father in law, and of his old ac-
quaintance, flippery Courtiers, who fometimc profefled friend-
ship. Whence learn, 1. No ftrangers are more itrange then
they who call: off the bands of civility and nature, wherein they
were bound ; falfe Countrey-men, falfe brethren , falfe friends,
falfe alliance, arethofe cf whom men may expect leaft in their
need, forZ^j/^findethfuch men to be his g ; e ate ft enemies ;
Strangers arc ri [en up again ft me, faith he. 2. When they who
fhould protect a man, do him moil wrong, God will hear the
plaints put up againft fuch men: opprejfours fccfi afler my foul or
Jifc. 3. When the fear of God is laid alidc^ there is nothing to be
C 4. expected
24 PSAL. LIV.
pqpe&ed of thegodLefie man but the worft of evills which he
is able to do, there is no aw band to reftra : n him, for they bive
-not fet God before them. 4. The lefTe hepe there be of mans
mercy, the more hope is of Gods help $ the more unkinde and
crimen be, who mould be friends, the more may the Lords
kindnefle and comfort be expected for fupply of inlacks 3 as here
t he drift ol7)avids argument holdeth forth,
Ver* 4. r £ekold^God is mine helper : the Lor A is
Vtitb them that uphold my foul.
5. He Jbatt reward evil VMo mine enemies : cut
ffrem off in thy truth.
In the third place he is affurcd of help to himfelf , and to his
friends, and of vengeance to his enemies. Whence learn , i • Few
yem prayer hath readily a fwift anfwer, and fometimes wonder-
fully tjvifg, even bef®re a man have ended ipeech, as here Pavid
Ipth in experience, 2?e/;oM f&ftfc he J God is my helper^, The
fight of faith is v,ery clear, and piercing through all clouds, when
God holds, fprtji the light of his Spirit unto it, it can de-
monstrate God prefect in an inftant, ready to help in greateft
Straits: Behold, god is myhelpar. 5. There is more joy in
<3ods felt prefencc, then grief, in felt trouble $ for, Behold, God
is Thy helper, is more comfort then his friend $ unkindnefle , and
grangers malice was grievous. 4. Such as do comfort and
help a man in time of his tentation , are not onely helpers
unto him in the matter of his temporal life, but alio inftruments
to fave his foul, which by tentations is like to be drawn into fin,
and fo to deftcuclion ; for David faith of fuch men, they uphold
my foul. 5. Such as take part with the persecuted Saints, God
\yill talce part with them: The Lord is with them that uphold my
foul. 6. As God is a friend to the friends of his difireffed chil-
dren, fo is he a foe to their foes, and their foes {hall (mart for
their enmity in due time: He Jhall reward evil to my enemies
7. The doome of the wicked enemies of Gods children, is let
down in Gods word, his truth is the wicked mans terror , and
the godly mans ftrength: Qui them off in thy mtf 6.8, Albeit we
may not without clear warrant pray againft particular perfons,
yet we may lubferibe to. Gods Word fet down in Scripture a-
gainft his obftinate enemies, and our enemies for his. caufe: Cut
tbemoffinthy in^th. "
Ver. 6. / will freely ftcifice un(o thee^ I tyi8
fraift thy N<\me (O LQJiD) for it is good. %
PSAL. LV. 25
y. For he hath delivered me ont of all trouble ; and
mine eye hath feen his defire upon mine enemies.
In the laft place Ije proinifeth praife to God for the
Certainty he had of his deliverance, whereof he w;s no lefle
aflurcd, then if he had feen it with his , eyes. Whence
learn y i.PiOmi fed and hoped for deliverance is able to affect
the heart, as a mercy prefent and already pa/l , as here it doth
Vivid: I will facrtfice totbee> and praife tbce. 2. Readinefle
of heart to glorifie God, and liberty of fpiric, with occafion
granted to praife him for a benefit, is another new benefit fupcr-
added,and greatly to be efteemed of,as 'David doth account of it:
I will freely facrificc unto tbec and praife thy %ame,for it is good;
that is, not only is thy name good, but to have a heart fincercly
to ferve thee, and liberty to exprefl'e thy praife before others is
good. j.Then is an actipn good, when it is done, becaufe it is a
good aclion,ind is not gone about for by-ends ; I will praife bis
namejorit Ugoodfahh he. 4. In one experience of bn£ delivery
man m y have a forefight ofa ful del very out of every evil or trou-
ble wherein he can fall, as here David fpeaketh of hopes for
full delivery, be hath delivered me out of all troubles. 5. The
fame light of Gods Wori 3 made lively by Gods Spirit, i$
able to mew a man, both the deft ruction of his wicked enemies ,
is own deliverance from them; and as a man may rejoyce
in Gods mercy towards himfelf, fo alfo may he rejoyce in,
Gods juftice againft his enemies, provided he be free of pri-
vate revenge : mine eye bath fecne tby judgements upon mine
enemies,
PSAL. LV.
To tl c chief Mufician on Ncginotb, MafchiL A
Vhlme of David.
THis Pfalme containcth this doctrine, That albeit Chtift
and his followers may be in great {traits by the treachery of
their pretended friends, yet through Gxls favour they (hall be
delivered, as David felt in experience. The ufe of w'hkh Do-
ctrine is fubjoyncd in the end of the PfahnCj which well agree-
cth with the P/al mi fts condition in the time of Abf4ms and A-
chitophcls con\pi\acic.
The parts of the Pfalme wc m.iy make thefe three. In the
tuft is let down his forrcwtul Uipp!ica:jon.toi/cr.i6.Inthe ncxi.
his comforting of himfelf in the Lord hi. deliverer, to vcr ti«
In
26 PSAL. LV.
In the thirds the ufe of this experience, in the two Lift verfes,
In his fupplkation he prayeth id the fir ft -place for a gracious
hearing, becaufe of the calumnies and cruelty of his enemies,
ver. i >i,$ . In the next place he fetteth down his pitiful condi-
tion of minde , vcr 4, 5. making him to wifh to be farre from
the company of thefe confpirators, which were combined againft
hirr vcr. 6,7, 8. In the third place, he praycthto God to con-*
found their counfels,becaufe the whole City was in an uproare
againft him, fceking how to execute their mifchievous plot, ver,
9, >o, 11. In the fourth place he condefcends upon a more par-
ticular reafon of his prayer for confounding their counfels, be-
caufe the plotter of the confpiracy had been moft intimate in
his familiarity, and deep upon his counfel , ver. 12, 13, 14,
Whereupon in the laft place by way of prayer he prophefieth of
the curfe of God 1 come upon them, vcr % I $ .
Inthefecond part of tne Pfalme he comfortcth hirnfelf in
Godi Firft, by his refolution conihntly to depend upon God,
and hopefully to pray, ver. 16, 7. Secondly, by his former ex-
periences of deliverances granted to him before, vcr. 18.
Thirdly, becaufe he was affured God ftiould take order with his
enemies for their treacherous breach of Covenant, and plaifter-
ing oi their malicious defignes with fair pretences, and deep
difrimulation, vcr* 19, 20, 21.
In the third part of the Pfalme are the ufes of this ex-
perience, ver. 1 i^i 1,
Ver, 1 ♦f^ Iveeare to my prayer | God y and hide not
VJ thy felf from my [application.
2. Attend unto me> and hear me : I mourne in my
complaint , and make a noife.
3. Becaufe of the voice of the enemies > becaufe of
the opprejpon oft he wicked : for thej cafl iniquity upon
me } and in wrath they hate me.
From his addreflc unto God for relief in this, as in his other
fad conditions; Learn, 1. Many grievances are the godly fubject
unto, but in none of them all is there any eafe for them, till they
go to God and lay oat their cafe before him: Give care to my
prayer, God. 2. As it is eafe of heart to fupplicants to have
anyfignc of the acceptance of their fupplication 5 So not to
finic
PSAL.LV. 2 7
UmWccefle in prayer doth adde much weight to their trouble.
bide not (faith he) tby felf from my fupplication. 3. When a
fad heart is fixed on God, anal findeth what to fay to him, it may
expect that its words /hall not be rrwfregarded of God, but
punctually taken knowledge of: attend unto me, and bear me.
4. Though a childe of God were never fo ftout-hearted mm*
rally, yet when God exercifcth his fpiric with trouble, he mall
be made to weep before God as a childe,and muft not be amamed
to be thus humbled before him : I mouru in my compl.;iiu y f faith
he) And make anoifc. $, A mourning fupplicant rtiall neither
lole his prayers nor his teares, for I mournc> is brought for a rea-
fon of his hope, that God mall mend and bear bim. 6. When
the godly fall into perfecution and trouble from men, their lives,
their eftate, and their good name, readily come altogether to be
in danger at once J as it befell David 5 when the con fpi raters
made headagainft him, they traduced his former governmenr,
as if he had been a wicked man, and fought to bear him down,
and to have his life; becaufe of the voice of the enemy , there is
their railing, becaufe of the oppreffwn of the wicked, there is their
violent robbing him of his eftate; tbey cafi iniquity upon me 3
there are their Ilanderous traducings of him, and charging him
with faults falfely 5 In math they hate me, there is their cruel!
feekingtokillhim.
Ver. 4. My heart id fore pawed whhin me : and
the terrours of heath are fallen upon me.
5 . Fearfulneffe and trembling are come upon me, and
honour hath overwhelmed me.
In this pitiful condition of nninde; Learn, j. It is not a
thing inconfiftent with godlineflfe to be much moved wi.h fear
in time of danger 5 natural afte&iqns are not taken away in cpa "-
veifion,butfandirledand moderated : My bean is (ore pained
within me. 2. Natural wit, and courage are not fuificient to
bear a man out in a great ftreffe, for they will fail him, and if a
man have not ftronger fupporters then his natural parts , he is
undone, for here tbeterrours of death are faUen upon me , aid
honour bath overwhelmed me. J . The godly have an au vintage
above all natural men:tor when natural itrength and courage doth
fail them, they have nothing behinde, but the godly have faith
in God, to cpen a fountain of frefh fupply of ui [dome, courage
and ftrength to them, when parts natural do fail them; for Pi -
vid being now emptied of natural furniture, hath wifdomc and
il-cn-th
j8 PSAL. LV.
ftrength to go to God, and hope of heart to be helped by him.
Ver. 6. And I faid, that I hadwings like a Dove*
for then would I fist a\\ay, and he at reft.
7. Lo y then would I wander fare off, and re-
main fa the Vcilderneffe. Selah.
8, 1 would haften my efcape from the windy forme
and tempefl.
Whcreashewiftied to have been out of the reach and foci-
ctyof inch wicked enemies; Learn 1, When a manmayefcape
a prefent hazard of life, with a good confcience,he may lawfully
flie and efchew the danger, as Vivid here wifhed he could have
efcaped; if I had wings, then would I flie away, z. A god*
iy man may be in fuch peril as it fcems to him he cannot with-
out a miracle be delivered, as David faw no waytoelcapc the
confpiracie, fave fthis way; that I had the wings of a T*ovC',zn&
yet God may fo difpofe, as he may be delivered in an ordinary
way, as here T>avid was. %. It is better to be in the Wilder-
ncfle in fome cafes, then to be in the company cf the wicked: Lo,
J would wander farre off, and r ermine in the wildcrncjf'c. 4. The
way to efchew the fury of a fudden inlurre&ion of a tumultuous
multitude, is not to come forth and appeafc them with wotds,
but to decline their prefent furie by going out of the way.if God
offer occafion: I would haften my cf cape from the windy flormc*
and tempeft.
Ver. f. <De(?roy, O LORD, and divide their
tongues : for I have feen violence and flrife in the city.
10. Day and night they go about it upon the walls
thereof :mifchiefalfo anciforrove are in the mid ft of it.
1 1 . Wickednefft is in the midfl thereof, deceit and
guile depart not from hcrjlreets.
In the third place he prayeth to confound the counfcl of the
enemies, becaufc they had put the whole City in a confufion? and
let the citizens upon a courfe of cruelty and violence. Whence
learn, 1. A vilible Church may at fome time be in fo finful a
condition, as a godly man mall not know what to do, or to
whom he may Inve iccouiic,or where to hide him S as here the
condition of the holy City, the City of tfenifdem isdefcribecL
x The prayers of the godly are movable to difappoint the
plots
PSAL. LV. 79
plots of Cruel enemies, then all humane policy: T)cftroy,0 Lord y
and divide their tongues. 3. The beleever fhould make ufc
of fuch courfes as God hath taken before for difappointing
wicked enterprises, for fupporting of his faith in his need, as
here *David maketh ufc of Gods difTolving the conlpiracy of
Coral), Dathan and Ahiram, and of the proud enterpiife of the
wicked in building Babel ; 7)eflroy, Lord, and divide their
tongues. 4. A man iliould be very fine, that fuch as he doth
prayagainft, and complaineth of unto God, are in a wicked
condition^ and upon a mifchievous courfes for David givcth for a
reafonof his imprecation, that he had feen violcn c andftrifc
inthecity. The Rulers of the city diligently watching for his
lifctodomifchief; day and vigln going about the walls, mif-
cbief fo row , rviJiedncjfc, deceit, guile in the mi dji of it, and
openly avowed in the fircets.
Ver, 12. For it W2S not an enemy that reproached
me, then I could have borne it ; neither was it he that
bated me thai did magnifie himlelf againft me, then
I would have hid mj [elf from him.
13. Hut it was tboti y a man, mine equal, mj
guide, and mine acquaintance.
1 4. We took^ftveet connfel together ,and Walked tint
the houfe of God in company.
In the fourth place he condefcendeth upon a more fpecial
reafon of his imprecation, becaufe Mhitofbel and other like
Traitors, (fir types oi^udM) had treacheroufly abufed their
trail and familiarity which they had with him, whofe ingrati-
tude g-ieved him more then the injuries of others 5 Whence
learn, 1. It is not a itrange thing for the godly to finde fuch as
1 fhould 6e their friends to become their grcatcft foes ,efpcci ally in
I a good caufe 5 this doth Davids experience make cvidenr.i-Thc
worft that a profelfcd enemy can do a'gainft the godly in a good
caufe, is more tolerable then treachery againft us, or the forfa-
king of us byaprofeffed friend; for that importcth a reproach
in the Party forf.iken, as having an evil caufe, or being un-
worthy 'to be afli (led ; It was not an enemy that reproached me ,
then I could have borne it. $. The injuries of a fufpeded e-
neruy, are not fo unavoidable before" they be done, no; fo pier-
cing when they are done, as the injuries of one whom a man
fafpeftcth not, or as the injuries aouefo us by a profelfcd and
truftci
3o PSAL. LV.
trufted friend $ Neither was it be that hated me, then I could
have hid my f elf from him. .4. The di [appointing of us by a
friend in a good caufe, much more the open oppofition, and
moft of all the treachery of a trufted friend againft us in a good
caufe, doth carry with it a vilifying and defpiling of our per-
fon and caufe ; and imponcth our ill deferving at their hand,
our ill carriage in the caufe, and our deferving to be forfaken,
and faith in effect, that the falfe friend or traitor hath reafon
to be avenged on us , and to oppofe us in that caufe > and what
can be heavier to a godly persecuted perfon ? for this is a very
exalting of the Traitor againft us : Neither was it he that
hated me that did magnife himfelf againft me. 5. Amongft
many friendly neighbours, it hath been the cuftom of godly and
wife men to chufcoutfome to be their moft intimate friends,
whom they would ufe meft familiarly and freely, whofe coun-
fel they would take, and moft readily follow j It was thou, O
man, mine equal, my guide, and my acquaintance. 6. To finde
a godly and wife man, with whom we may be free in all cafes of
minde or confcicnce, wherein we may fall, to whom wc may
ireely cpen our minde, and be ftrengthened by him in the
fer vice of God, it is a notable refremment, and part of happi-
neffe and contentment : We tooli facet counfel together, and
walked unto the houfe of God in company. 7. A godly and
wife man may be deceived in his choice by the clofe carriage
of an hypocrite, who becaufe he hath no found principles of
ftedfaftnefle in a good caufe, may both difappoint his friend,
and deceive himfelf alfo , and fo do that which he did not at
firft intend to do. This difappointment to the godly is a very
heavy affliction : But it was thou , a man, mine equal, my
guide.
Ver. 1 5. Let death feife ufon them, and let them go
down qmckjnto hell \ for mckedneffe is in their dwel-
lings, and among them.
From his Prophetical imprecation againft his cnemies,fuch as
Achitophel was to David, znAtfudat to Chrift, and fuch like,
together with their followers and complices; Learn, 1. Swifc
deftruftion is the reward of the enemies of Gods fervants,
and fpecially of treacherous Apoftates from a good caufe, as A-
chito^heVs and Judaass latter end gave example : Let death feife
upon them', and let themgo down quicfi into bell. z. Such as give
entertainment and lodging to wickedneffe, mall have hell for
their % I
PSAL.LV. $i
their lodging, where wicked neffe lodgethj for here it is given
•for a rcalon why the wicked mall go down to hell , Becanje
widicdneffeisin their dwellings, and among them. 3. What
the Lord hath revealed to be his righteous decree, the godly
may warraruably fubferibe unto it > Let death feife on them,
Vcr. 16. As forme, 1 will call upon (jod: and the
Lordfia/l fave me.
17. Evening and morning, and at noon will 1 pray
and cry aloud> and he fhall he are my voice.
Inthefecond parr of the Pfalme, he comforteth htmfelfin
his refolution, conftantlyto depend on God, and his confi-
dence tofinde accefle in worftiip. Whence learn, 1. The right
life of Gods judgementson the wicked, for their wickeJnefle is
to draw near to God, to worfhip him and depend upon him, as
7) avid here refclved ; As forme, I will call upon God. 2. A
man may be furc to be faved in drawing near to the Lord what-
ioever mail befall the wicked, I mil call on God, and the Lord
Jhallfave me. $. He who refolveth to live upon Gods good will
and furniture, and hopeth to be faved at laft, muft reiblve alfo
•to be conftant, fervent and importunate in his daily worihip and
attendance on God y Evening and morning will £ pray and cry
aloud. 4. As it is needful upon all occafions to watch unto
Prayer, and to entertain a frame of Spirit fit for i implication ;
fo is it fit for giving of our felves more fpecially and fully to this
work, to have (albeit not fixed canonick houres,) yet fee times
everyday, at or about which we may follow religious worfhip,
fuchasarcflZ0r»/wg, evening and noon, or any other time molt
fitting for the work ', all circumftances being compared, as here
Vtvias refolution and example doth teach us.
Ver. iS. He hath delivered my foule in peace
from the battel that was againtt me: for then Vpcrc
many with me.
His next encouragement is taken from the experiences of for-
mer deliveries given to him by God. Whence learn , l. Then
1 <lo we make good ufe of experiences, when we ftir up our felves,
thereby to belecvc the more for them in God, and to call on
him in all conditions, as David here givech this, He bath dclu
vered my foul, asareafonof his former refolution. z- In the
midft ot war the Lord can keep a man as iafe as in the time of
p*^Ci
2i PSAL. LV.
peace, and in extreme perils preferve him from danger > Ji e both
deliver A my foul in peace from the battel that was again ft me.i He
that depends upon God in the time of trouble., albeit he had an
liofte againft him, yet hath he more with him when God is with
him, then can be againft him : He bath delivered my foul, for
there are many with me.
Vcr. 19. God /ball he are and affli&tkcm* even he
that abideth of old- Selah : becaufe tbey have no
.changes-, therefore they feare not God*
20. He hath put forth his hands againsl fttch as
be at peace with him : he hath broken his Cove-
nant*
21. The words of hit mouth were fmoother then
buttery but war was in hii heart: his words were
fofter then oile, yet were they drawn fftords.
His third encouragement is taken from aiiurance, that God
fliould punifh his enemies for their godlefle feCurity, breach of
Covenant, and deep diflimulation* Whence learn, 1. Upon the
complaint of thcoppreilea fervantsof God, not only are they
delivered thcmfelves, but alfo theit enemies are punimed ; God
fall bear and afflict them* 2. Gods eternity and immutability
is a fufficient ground of the manifestation of his mercy to his
own people, and juftice againft their enemies from generation
to generation; godjhall bear me, and afflici them, even be thai
abidctb of eld. Selah. 3. The more gently the Lotxudeales
with the wicked in not exercifing them With fo many erodes^
outward and inwayd, as he doth his own 5 the more godlefs are
they , the more fecure are they; and the more godlefs and fe-
curethcy are, the more certain is their vexation coming. He
willaftlift them fore, becaufe they have no changes ; tbercfere
they fearc not God. This is one reafon of the Lords purfu-
ing the wicked. 4. Whoever he be that maketh a breach in the
peace between himfelf and others, mail have God for his Party;
who mall not faile to afflift the Peace-breaker, he fhall afflict
them, and namely the chief Ring leaders > Wbobave put forth,
their bands againft. fucb as be at peace with them: and this is
another reafon of the Lords punifhing of the enemies of his
People. 5* The Lord will make a quarrel, and purfue for the;
breach of Covenant in fpecial, becaufe this is a moft folemn
confirmation of peace> and wherein God hath ipecially intereft
to
PSAL. LV. is
to fee h performed, or the breach of it punifhed • He bfcb
broken his Covenant ,• and this is the third rcafon of Gods pu-
nifhing f/Jfe brethren , pretended friends to Gods people, but
in effect moil pernicious foes. 6. The bofome-enemiesof the
Churchy and undermineis of the Lords people, and of his work
in their hands, do make faireil pretences j when their vileft
plots arc in hand, then they are at Haile Mafter, and at offer-
ing of kifllsj when they are about to betray i The words of bis
mouth were jmootber then butter, butwarrewas in bis heart:
bis words were foftcr then oilc> yet were ibey drawn (words •
and this vile diflimulation is the fourth reafonof the Lords a-
venging the perfecution of falie brethren.
Ver. 22. Cafi thy burden upon the Lord> and he
/ball fuftain thee : he (hall never ju^tr the righteous to
be moved. y
23. But thou y O God, /halt bring them doftn into the
pit of deftruftion • bloody and deceitful men Jhatl
not live out half their dajes ; but I will trusl in
thee.
The ufe of this experience he fetteth forthj firft, by giving
counfel totheopprelled, to caft their burden upon the Lord;
when they are over- burdened, and by making promifes for en-
couraging them thereto. Secondly, by giving afTuiarice of the
perditionof the treacherous enemies of the Church. Thirdly,
byfettingforthhisownrefolutionto keep confidence in God;
Whence learn, 1. The ule of the expedience which godly per-
sons have had, of comfow in, and adiverie out of trouble, is
the encouragement of us to take the fame courfe , which the
godly followed before us in feeking our relief in God only!
{Jajl tbjf burden on the Lord, 1 . Whofcever do roll over them-
j.elvcs upon God in their weighty troubles^ fhall never fink un-
der ihem i Caftthy burden on the Lor J, and be fall fit ft ain thee.
|. Though the godly be troubled and tolled, yet bjcaufe they
:ontinue to feek God, and to walk in the way of righteoufneffe,
hey fhall never be driven from their anchor-hold, the v ihall riot
jeloofedatthe root, their building (hall be found ftillin its;
mn place, upon the rock s Hcjball never fuffcr the righteous to
x moved, 4. As on the one hand the Lord mall hold up the be-
.iever, how-low foever he (hall be brought jthat he perifh not i fo ;
'•hall the Lord ftill bringdown the wicked to pei'dition, hoW
B highi
34 PSAL. LVI.
high foever, how fixed foever his ftate appear, beleeve this who
vvitl : God will not (uffcr the righteous to be moved, but thou,
Godyfiait bring them dovoninxo tbepit of definition. 5, Trea-
cherous and and ad ver fades of the Lords people ftull be cut
oft, before t hey accomplifli their bloody plot s, they (hall never
die-full of dayes, but wrath fhali take them away, when they
would leaft 5 BlooJy and deteitful men Jball not live half their
dayes. 6. Whether fuch as do trouble the godly live longer or
fliorter, they will breed exercife to the godly, fo long as they
live ; and the only reft that godly hearts can have againft all
the trouble they feel or fear from their enemies,or other waves, is
toftaythemfelves on the Lord > for fo refolveth the Pfalmift }
Tint I will trufi in thee, faith he, and fo dofeth.
PSAL. LVI.
^o the chief MuJIc'an upon fonath Elem, Rccbo^im, ZMichtm
of David, when the Ibili {lines toofihim in Gath.
DAvid flymg from Saul to the countrey of the Philiftines ;
fas we read, 1 &z#z. 21. 13.) is apprehended, heprayeth
to God, and is delivered. There are two parts of the Pfalme;
In the former part there are three conflicts of Davids faith with
his trouble and tentation , and three victories. The firft con«
flic! is in prayer, laying forth his enemies carriage againft him^
vcr.1,1. And his full victory by faith, ver. 3,4. The fe-
cond conflict is in his complaint he maketh againft his enemies,
ver. <$,6. And hisfecond victory byfaith^ ver . 7. His third
conflict is by laying forth his mournful condition before God,
with hope to be regarded, ver. 8. And his third and greateft
victory by faith, ver. 9, 10, 1 1 . In the latter part of the Pfalm
is Davids obligation, thankfully to acknowledge his merciful
delivery, with a petition for grace to perfevere in the Courfe of
obedience, under Gods protection, ver. 1 2, ij.
Prom the Inscriptions Learn, i-Wheti once Gods children
are entered on their trials, they meet with new and unexpected
difficulties, asD«nwiheie flying from one enemy, falls in the
hands of another enemy. 2. Thefe means of fafety which
Gods children do devife themfelves, readily prove fnaresj David
flying out of the holy land, doth fall in the hands of his adver -
larks ; The Ubilifiines tafa him in Garb. Ver.
PSAL. LVL 35
Vcr. I. TD E merciful unto me > O God, for man
fu) would j wallow me up> he fighting dai-
ly oppreffeth me.
2. Mine enemies would daily f^aUow me up;
for they be many that fight againfi me , O thou
mofl High.
His firft wraftling in prayer is with the check of his confer-
ence, whether tor his daily fins, or in particular for calling him-
felt in fo apparent danger, as to have ventured without probable
fecurity had, to feck fhelter among the enemies of the people of
God, whofe blood he himfelf had flied abundantly 5 for this
ra/hncflc or other /ins he beggcth mercy, and layeth out before
God, the picflingtentationtrom.S\J«/ and his C6\intrey-mens
cruelty, which di ave him to this poor /hift. Whence learn,
1. There is no fence for challenges of confeience for by-gone
fins meeting with trouble drawn on by our folly, but flying to
the mercy and rich grace and pity 01 God, as 'David doth
here: Be merciful to mc 3 God. 2. When all men and means
do fail us, and we fee none but wolves and lions ready to chveur
us, there is hope of help in Gods mercy > 2c merciful to me, O
God, for man would fi» allow ?, c up- 3 . Continued tentations
and renewed dangers, do over-fee theftrength of a fi ail man,
till he go to God to have relief from the tentation, or new
ftrength 5 He fighting daily oppreffeth me. 4. Whatfoever in-
conveniences the godly do fall into by flying from perfecution*
they are all charged juftly upon the Perfecutor, and the chief
Authors of their trouble : He fighting daily oppreffeth me 5 faith
'David of Saul, who drave him to thefe ftraits. ?. Bloody
pcrfecutors follow hard after the chafe of Gods iervants, with-
out intermiffion, as dogs or lions do their prey, with as great
defirc to have their blood, as hungry beafts have after their
foods Mine enemies would daily fw allow me up. 6. One ring-
leader in the perfection of thegodly^ willfindea multitude to
runwithhim; ZMany arc they that fight again ft me. 7. There
is one above all, who can and will take order with a'l the ene-
mies of his people, who only can eafe their hearts, when they do
complain of their foes : Many arc they that fight againfi me % d
tbon moft High*
ly x Ver.
3 6 PSAL. LVI.
Ver. 3. What time I am afraid, I will truft
in thee.
4, In Cod I will praife hhVpord, in Qod I have
put my truft y 1 m>l not feare w hat ftefb can do unto
me.
Here faith gets the victory, by fet ting Gods Word agafnfi
all difficulties, within or without him, whereupon he defieth
what man can do unto him. Whence learn, 1 . Albeit the godly
be not fo ftout in their trials, as not to feel their own infirmity,
or not to be afraid, yet they are kept from fainting in their
fear, by faith in God 5 What time I am afraid, I will truft ht
thee. %. Albeit faith doth not alwnyes put forth it felf, yet
when feare doth affault moft, then faith in God doth moft evi-
dently m3nifeft its force; for then efpecially by directing of the
mans eye towards God,it fetleth a troubled minde, ftrengtheneth
weak courage,and relieveth the oppreffed hzwvJVhat time I am a~
fraidj will truft in the:. 3 .The experience of the fweet fruit of
faith endeareth theLord to a foul, and ftrengtheneth a man to the
employing of faith,come what can come, as Davids affectionate
refolution here teacheth us : What time I am afraid, I will truft
in thee. 4. Faith groweth valiant in fight; albeit it begin like a
coward, and ftagger in the firft conflid, yet it groweth ftout :
incontinent, and pulls its adverfaries under foot; In God 1
have put my truft, I will not fear what flejhc m do unto me,
5. When faith prevaileth, fear ceafeth, and all oppofition of ene-
mies is-defpifedjf will not fear what flcjh can do unto me. 6.The
beft hold that faith can have of God, is to take him by his
Word, however his difpenfation feem to be, this will give fatisfa-
ction at length j for. In Cjod I willfraifc his Word 3 \s as much
asjalbeit he withhold comfort and deliverance from me, that
I cannot finde what I would, yet let me have his Word 3 and
I will give him the glory of all his attributes.
Ver. 5. Everyday they vpre ft my VPords : all their
thoughts are againfi me for evil.
6, They gather themfelves together : they hide them*
f elves, they mark^ my fieps when they watte for my
foule.
His
PSAL. LVI. 37
His fecond conflict is with the maKce of his crafty and cruel
enemies; of whom he complaincth that they mifconftrued his
actions, words"and deeds, as fmclling only of treafon and re-
bellion, whether he ihyed in the countrey , or fled out of it,
and whatfoever expreffions fell from him at any time for his
own clearing, all was svrefted to another meaning. 2. They
devifed each of them how to bring mifchicf upon him. $. What
they could not make out feverally , they fought to ripen by con-
futing one with another. 4. They covered all their plots with
' faire pretences, and diflembled their intentions. 5. Theyob-
ferved narrowly every one of his fteps, to make out fomething
I againft him by their obfervations, for which it might feem ju-
ftice to kill him. 6. They thought to double out their courfe,
by more and more iniquity againft him, for which he prayeth
the Lord to execute juftice againft them. Whence learn, i.Let
I the godly fay or do whatfoever they can, how juftly, how inno-
cently foever they carry themfelves, yet their adversaries will put
another face upon their words and deeds, then what is rights
Every day they wreft my words. 1. The Perfecutors of Gods
people do fpend their wits in deviling fome harme or other a-
gainftthem, dU their thoughts are againft me for evil. 5. What
the wicked cannot make out againft the godly by themfelves fe-
verally, they labour to make out by mutual counfel and concur-
rence } They gather themfelves together. 4. Tliotigh the wicked
reveal themfelves one to another in their plots and defignes a-
gainft the godly, yet before others they ufe to put a veil e over
their malice, and fome faire pretence what they minde todo>
They hide themfelves. ?. The wicked take occafion of forging
their Pre:ences from obfervation of fome paffage of the carriage
oTthe godly, that they may make them odious, and cut them oft
They mar \my fteps , they wait for my foul.
Ver. 7. Shall they e/cape by iniquity ? in thine
anger caft down the people , O Cjod ?
The fecond victory of faith, is in his forefight of the pu-
nimment of his enemies approaching, how foever they feared
no fuch thing. Whence learn, 1. Sinners fee no way to hide
the mifchicf of their actions, fave by doing more mifchicf, and
in fyecial by colouring their injuries with calumnies againft the
^r Ions whom they injure, and by pretending law for what they
• D 3 doi
3 S PSAL. LVI.
do 5 They think to cjcape by iniquity, z. Howfoever the wicked
may by their falfe pretences deceive their own eyes,& others like
themfelves, and fo efcape mans punimmcnt, yet mall they not
efchew the vengeance of God, but rather be fo much the more
liable unto it, as they do multiply iniquity, to hide iniquity $
Shall they efcape by their iniquity 2 caft them down. 3 . Neither
high place, nor multitude of people following wicked men in
an evil courfe againft Gods fervants, mail fave them from the
wrath of God.* In thine anger caft duwn the people ,
jgtf.
Vcr f 8. Thou telle ft my wanderings > put thou mj
testes into thy bottle ; are they not in thy bookj
The third Conflict, wherein he layeth out his mournful con-
dition before God, with hope to find pity. IVhenct learn, 1 . When
faith hath gotten victory,it will finde new aflaults: though faith
pyercom a tentation, the Tempter will make head again* though
faith overcame one tentation,another wil enter the lifts,& fet on,
as conflict after conflict here maketh evident, z. Many a tear may
the godly fhed before their trial be ended, when once it is begun,
and many uncouth pathes may they tread, who are forced to
iflie the cruelty of Perfecutors, before they finde reft ; multitude
of wanderings had David, and large meafure of tcares fhed he,
before he was delivered. 3. The looking back upon many and
long continued troubles, being laid together in a heap, or put
in order one after another, do mufter terribly, and make a greac
afTault againft a mans faith and patience, as here the multitude
of 7)avids wanderings andteares did mew themfelves together
before him/ 4. God hath fo great companion on his fervants in
trouble, that he doth reckon even the fteps of their wandering
and pilgrimage, and doth number all their teares, and keep the
count thereof, as it were in a regifter; and therefore every trou-
bled fervant of God, when they look upon their fufferings,
(hould look upon God alio, taking as particular notice of their
troubles, as they themfelves can do : Thou tcllcft my wanderings^
put thou my teares into thy bottle , are. they not in thy book l
Vcr, 9. whwlcry unto thee, then [hall mine e~
nemies turn back*' this I l>non> 9 for God is for
me. lodn
PSAL. LVL 39
10. In God mil I praifehis word : in the Lord Kill
' I praifehis word.
ii . In God have I put my trufi: I will not be a-
[raid what man can do unto me.
The third and compleat victory of faith. Now he is confix
J dent to rout all his enemies by prayer, and to defie all mortals
I by faith in Gods Word. JVljence learn, i. Laying forth our
cares and fears before God in prayer, is a way to get a fatisfa-
ctory delivery by faith, before the bodily delivery do come ;
When I cry unto thee , then fall mine enemies turn back- t. Faith
goethuponfolid grounds, and is not a fallible conjecture : buc
a fure knowledge y This I fyiow, faith he. 3 A reconciled man
praying to God in a good caufe, for victory over his Perfecu:ors ,
may beaflured that God will own his quarrel, and give him.
the victory; This I finow^bccaufc God is forme. 4. The ipe-
cial attribute of God, wherewith faith doth meet 3 and whereby
it attatneth unto reft and contentment in God, is his truth and
fidelity in his promifes : In God I willpraife bis Word \ albeit
there be no appearance of performance^ Gods Word is lure e-
nough to fix upon. 5. The grounds of faith are the more
fweet and fatisfactory, the more they be examined and looked
upon, and compared with their effects} for David is not con-
tent once to fay, In Cjod I willpraife bis Word > but with com~
fort and confidence reneweth the commendation of Gods
Word, and the benefit he hath by it 5 I will not be afraid what
man can do unto me. 6. As it is neceflary for our juftitication
to beleeve in God ; fo is it neceflary for our confolation to ob^-
fcrve that we have beleevedjfor then may we promife to our felvs
all the bleffednefle which belongs to the beleever : In god I
have put my trufi, I will not be afraid ; for when we thus refo-
lutely do fet to our feal to Gods truth, beleeving, and affcrtiflg
our bcleeving : then he fetteth hislealc to our faith, in comfort-
ing and relieving us.
Ver. F2 # Thy vowes are upon me, OGod; 1 will
render praife unto thee.
13. For thou hafl delivered my foul from death :
Vvilt not thou deliver my fet from falling ? that I may
walk^ before God in the tight of the living.
D 4 In
40 PbAL. LV1.
In the latter part of the Pfalme, having now obtained deli-
yery in his fpirit by faith, he obliges himfelf to thankfulnefle,
wifhing to be preferved and enabled of God for that end .
Whence team, i. As God puts the duty of glorifying him upon
the fupplicant, when he promifeth delivery to him: fo may the
fupplicant put the obligation of glorifying G©d upon himfelf,
when he is praying for delivery out of his trouble, as David gi-
veth us to underftand he did, while he faith, Thy vow es
are upon me. 2 t An honeft heart is no leffe defirous to per-
form the duty of praife to God after delivery, then he was
ready to make his vow and promife before his delivery >
yea the conference of the twofold obligation, is a burden up-
on his fpirit, till he go about the payment of his twice due
debt; Thyvowes are upon me, God, 1 will render praifes
to thee, 3 . As deep gangers do ferve to difcover our weaknefle ,
and our need of Gods help; fo a well-fecn danger maketh clear
the greatnefle of the delivery $ and the greatneffe of the delivery
deciphers the wifdom, power and goodneffe of God to us, and
of our obligation unto him ; 1 will render praifes unto thee, for
thou baft delivered my foul from death. 4. The right ufe of
by-paft dangers and deliveries, is to prepare for new dangers
and difficulties, (for when one danger is paft, all perils are net
paft,) and to renounce our own wifdom and ftrcngth as ineffi-
cient to preferve us from mine either of foul or body, and to
give up our felves to Gods guiding and prefervation , and to
depend upon God, and ftedfaftly to hope to be directed and
preferved by him, all this is imported in ZXfuiix words ; Thou
baft delivered my foul from death, wilt thou not pre ferve my feet
from falling? 5. The end of our defiresto have deliveries and be-
nefits from Gbd,fhould be, that we may fpend our life, and the
gifts beftowed upon us fincerely in the fervice of God, for the e-
dification'of his people; Wilt thou not prcferve my feet from,
falling} that I may walk before God in the light of the li-
ving.
PSAL.
PSAL. LVII. 41
PSAL, LVII.
To the chief Mufici m M-ttfchitbJdhhtm ofVavid,n>b:n bzflcl
fron Saul in the cave*
THis Pfalme of Z2*vii, as many other his Palmes, doth rc-
prefent the condition of hisipirit, both in the time of his
trouble, and after the delivery: what was hisexercife in the
Cave, and what was his condition after he was delivered out of
that danger, whereot we read, 1 Sam. 24. There are two
parts of the Pfalme, the firft containeth his prayer for deliver-
ance, which is prefled by fix arguments, all ferving to ftrength-
en his faith \ the firft, becaufe hetrufted in God, ver. -1. The
fecond, becaufe he refolved to infift in prayer till he were heard,
ver. 2. The third, becaufe he hoped certainly to finde notable
delivery from this extraordinary danger, vcr.$. The fourth,
becaufe his enemies were beaftly cruel, ver. 4. The fifth, be-
caufe this mercy might contribute much to the glorifying of
God>ver. 5. Thefixth is, from the low condition whereanto
his fpirit is brought, by their crafty and cruel purfuit of him,
ver. 6. In the reft of the Pfalme is his thankfgiving, confifting
of five parts ; The firft is the acknowlegement of the mercy and
del i very granted, zer* 6. The next is his fixed resolution to
praife God for it, ver. 7- The th'rd is the upftirring of tongue
and hand, and the whole man to praife God, vcr.S. The fouth
is a promife to tranfmit the knowledge of Gads mercy unto o-
ther Nations, i;e/\ 9* The fifth is the acknowledgement of the
glory of this mercy, with a wifh that it might be more and more
ieen and acknowledged by giving new experience of it, ver.
10, if.
From the Infcription, Learn % The godly may be i nvolvcd in
a deadly danger (as Pavid was when he fled horn Sard in ttu
Cave; and yet notperifh. Now he was nsa man ready to be
buried quick j for the Cave was as a grave, and the army of
Saul at the mouth of the Cave, was as the gt*2ve-ftonc; let
then the army of Saul know only that he is thee, and keep him
in,ind he is gone ; yet God blinded them,brought David out,an<J
Jo delivered him.
Yum.
42 P-SAL. LVIi;
Ver. I. \y E merciful unto me, Cjod y be mer-
iLJ-ciful unto me^ for my foul trufteth in
thee : jea % in the Jhadow o^ thy wings trill I make my
refuge, untill thefe calamities be overpafi.
"From his prayer for deliverance, and fir ft argument taken
from his turning in God, Learn, i . The onely refuge of a
man in trouble, is the mercy of the Lord ; be it fin, be it mifery,
be it peril or preffing evil > in mercy onely is the relief of one
and all fad conditions : and in this cafe muft a foul double its
petition in the Lords bofome ; Be mcrctful to me> God , be
merciful tome. z. As it is not trouble fimply which maketh
prayer to be fervent, but folid faith preffed with trouble, which
cloubleth petitions unto God : fo where faith in trouble, flieth
unto God, it cannot but fpeed $ Be merciful, O God, fori
truftintbee. The force of the reafon is, the Lord cannot for-
fake the foul which hath committed it felf to him. $ . The Lord
offereth relief and protection in Chrift to miferable finners, in
as warme a manner as the fimilitudc of a hen gathering her
chickens, or the type of the ftretching of the wings of the Che-
rubims about the Mercy-feat could cxpreffe > and faith doth
creep no leffe warmly in unto this offer in time of ftraits, then
this (imilitude doth import; yea, in the Jlw.low of thy wings
will I make my refuge. 4. The ufe of Gods protection and
warme love, is beft known in time of trouble, and faith alfo is
beft fet on work, to make ufe of Gods love and protection in
time ot troubles : In the foxdow of thy wings will I mah t c my
refuge, untill theft calamities be overpafi .
ver. 2. / will cry unto God mofi High : unto Qod
that performeth all things for me.
From the fecond argument which he ufeth for ftrengthening
his faith; Learn, 1. Faith in God and invocation of his name,
are graces infeparable, and resolution to petfevere in beleeving is
unfeparablefiomrefolution to perfevere in praying unto God :
and he that findeth in his heart fuch refolutiohs , may alfo be
confident to fpeed in his requefls made to God : for the
Pialmiflo as he did refolve to beleeve in the former verfe ; fo here
he addcth, I wiU cry unto God : and hereby expeð tint God
(hall be merciful unto him. 2. It is needfull for the fup-
plicant in his ftraits, to keep in his fight the Lords Supremacy
and
PSAL. LVII. 43
ani Onnipotency , for incouiaging himfelf in hope to
fpeed ilmllcry to Godmoft Hig/;,fairh he. 3. The coniidcra-
tionofthe Lords conftant going on in the perfe&ing of the
work of grace, which once he beginneth gracioufly in us or for
us 3 doth ferve much to ft lengthen our faith in prayer: I will cry
to God whoperformetb all things for me.
Ver. 3. He flail jend from heaven, and [ave me
from the re} roach of him that "toould frva/low me
up. Selah. God/hall fend forth his mercy and his
truth.
From the third argument and prop of his prayer, taken
from his hope to be helped* Lcwa, *f. Albeit faith pe no help
on earth 3 yet it looketh for help in heayen; and if ordinary
means do fail, itaflureth itfelf of Gods working wonders, for
perfecting of his promifes 5 He Jhall [aid from heaven, andfave
me. z. The godly mans making God his refugees a matter of
mccking to the wicked ; which mocking God will certa nly re-
fute, by making the godly finde the fruit of their flying to him 5
be will five me from the reproach of him that would [wallow me
up* 3. The mercy and truth of God, whereupon faith doth fix it
felf, do remove all impediments, and fet on work all the means
of the falvation of the beleever,and that erTed u ally :Godjl:ali fend
forth his mercy and his truth*
Ver. 4. My foalis among lions , and / lie even
among them that are fet on fire : even the fons of mem
ypbofe teeth are fyeares and arrowes, and their tongue
a fharp ftiord,
Frorr* the fourth reafon of his prayer taken from the bcaftly
cruelty pi his enemies} Learn, 1. The condition of the people of
the Lord in this world may be o\r-tines like fheep in peril of
their lives, compaffed about with ravenous beafts; My foul is
among Lions. 1. Yea, they may be fo defolate, as having no al-
fiftance from without themfelycs to Hie or fight, they mall be
forced like darned birds, chafed by the hawke s or like bound
fheep, to dap clofe down to the ground: I lie, faith he, among
them- 1. The defolate condition of the godly, doth not move
their perfecutors to pityrdeadly malice is moft ready then tobreak
forth, and to devour; I lie even among them that arc fet on fir:.
4. G.-aceleflemcndeftituteof thefcaicof God, are fit enough
inftiumcnts for the perfecution of Gods children, and his dear
kvvanrSj
44 PSAL. LVII.
fervants ; if they be no more, but yet in nature, even the chil-
dren of men* 5. The flanders, moc kings, lies, calumnies, re-
proaches and afperfions caft upon the godly by godlefle men, are
no little part of their cruel perfecution, of cutting and piercing
the Lords people very deeply: rvkofc tceib are (pears and arrowes^
and their tongue afiarp [word.
Ver. 5. Be thou exalted, O God> above the hea-
vens : let thy g ! ory be above all the earth.
From the fifth reafon of his petition; Learn,i. When the god*
ly are born down, and the wicked do carryall matters before
them, the glory of the Lord is obfeured and eclipfed in fome
fort among men, therefore faith he ; Be thou exalted, O Cjod.
2. In what meafure Gods children are helped by him , and his
enemies are born down ; in that meafure is he glorioufly manifeft-
ed to be the ruler of heaven and earth; Be thou exalted above the
heavens, and thy glory above all the earth. 3. However the wick-
ed do obfeure the glory of the Lord, and how little evidence fo-
ever Gods children do fee of his appearing tor their relief, yet
they ought to glorifie him in their hearr , and not onelybeleeve
his iovcreigne power, able to fet all things in order ; but alfo to
profefle their hope thathefhall maniftft himfelf from heaven,
to be Lord over all his enemies and adversary powers of the
world ) "Be thou exalted above the heavens, and thy glory above all
the earth.
Ver. 6. They have prepared a net for mj fieps y
my foul is bowed down : they have digged a pit before
me, into the midft whereof they are fallen themfelves.
Selak
From the lafl rcafon of his ifupplication, Learn, 1. Great
flight and fubtilty do the wicked ufe to overtake the godly in
fome fnare,one or other ; They have prepared a net for my ftcps.
2. The godly mansflrengih will foone tail him in time of ftrait$
if the Lord do not give Uipply 5 yea, the Lord for the clearer
manifeftation of his glory, both before the godly and before the
wicked alfo, doth fufrer his children to come to fo low a condi-
tion of fpirit,that they are ready to fuccumbe, if he do not help*
My foul At bowed down. 3. When the enemies are at the higheft of
their plots, and the. godly at the loweft ftep of their humiliation,
then is the Lords time to turne the chafe, and to fall upon his
cnemies 3 and that oft times by that fame very mems wherby they
were
PSAL. LVII. 45
were about to make all faft for their own power, and the oppreili -
on of the godly ; They have digged a fit before me , in the midjl
whereof they arc fallen ihcmfclvcs. And this laft fentence is the
firft part of his thankfgiving, in acknowledging the Lords won-
derful mercy and juftice, in changing up-fide down the fcales c;f
his low condition > and the enemies lofty perfection on a
fudden.
Ver. 7. Afj heart is fixed, God , mj heart is
fixed) 1 Wi// png and give praife,
In the reft of the Pfalmehe profecntcth histhankfgiving, and
thisisthefecondpartofit, wherein he profclleth his fixed pur-
pose to praife the Lord for his delivery : Whence learn, \ . Re-
newed fenfe of Gods fivour, and ficfh experience of his mercy
towards his children, and of his juftice againft his and their ene-
mies, doth much rcfrelh, quiet,, and fettle the hearts of his peo-
ple, and confirme their faith 3 My heart is fixed, 2. It is a part of
our thankfgiving unto God, to acknowledge the fruit of his gra-
cious working for us,, felt upon our fpirits,whenfoever our hearts
are chcared up by him, after any fad exercife: My heart is fixed, O
God> my heart is fixed. .3. As it is needful to labour on the heart,
that it maybe fitted and prepared, fixed and bended for Gods
worfhip : foin fpecial, for the work of praife, whereunto natu-
rally we are mod dull and indifpofed j then (hall the work go on
mo;e chearfully: My heart U fixed, I will fing and give
praife.
Ver. 8. AWake up, my glory : awake^ pfaltery
and harp; I my felf will awake early.
From the third part of this thankfgi ving, wherein he ftirs up
himfelf by all means within and without himfclf, tofct forth his
Tenfc of Gods mercy, and of Gods glory in beft owing of iXyLcarn,
1. A well-imployed tongue fot praifing or God, and edifying o-
thers, is indeed a mans commendation, and glory above other
creatures: Therefore David directing his ljpeech toward his
tongue, alter the manner of Orators affectionate fpeaking, faith,
Aw ahf) my glory. 1. Albeit the abolition of the Ceremonial
Law hath taken 4 away the roome, which muficalinuruments
once had in the {lately, publickjinftituted worfhip of God in the
congregation, yet neither is the natural private ufc thereof taken
away, nor the bonification of that typical ordinance to be for-
gotten; to wit, that we of our felvcs are dull and unapt to holy
things,
4 6 PSAL. LVIL
things, and that the Lords praifes are above ov power to reach
unto them or exprefl'e them : and that we (hquld ftir up all the
faculties of our ibul unto this holy fervice, as David hereinfi-
nuateth to be the moral fignification thereof 5 for after he hath
fa id 3 AwJie^Tfaltery and Harp, he fubjoyneth, I my felf will a-
wriic 3. As he, who in earned is wakened up to glorifie and
praiie God, will finde himfelf fliort in abilities to difcharge this
work of praife: fo will he finde the choiceft time of the day,
when the body is beft refrefhed, molt defervedly beftowed upon
this cxercife: I my [elf will awa^e early.
Ver. 9. 1 will praife thee, O LORD> among the
'People 5 1 will jing unto thee among the nations.
From the fourth part of his thankfgiving, wherein he pro-
mifeth to let all the world know the mercy beftowed upon him>
Learne y 1. The Spirit of God, who indited this Scripture, made
his Pen-man know, that the Gentiles fhculd have the ufe of his
Pialmes > I will praife thee amongft the People, 2. David was a
type of Chrift in fufferings , cxercifes fpiritual, and in recei-
ving of deliveries,- fcr this promife is fulfilled in Chrift and
this undertaking is applied unto Chrift, Rom 11.$. 3 . Then
do we ledouily minde the praiie of God, when according to our
place we labour to make others alfo know God, as we know him;
I will praife thee among the People.
Ver. 10. For thy mercy is great unto the Heavens^
and thy truth unto the clouds.
11. Be thou exalted, God, above the Heavens :
let thy glory be above all the earth.
"From the laft part of his thankfgiving, wherein he confefleth
that the excellency of the glory of God doth tranfeend his reach
and capacity, and that he can follow it no further then by wim-
ing the Lord to gloririe himfelfi Learne, 1. The matter of the
joy of the Saints, and of their fweettft Songs, is the goodneffe of
God, which appointed and promifed fuch and fuch mercies unto
them: and.thefaithfulnefle of God, which doth bring to paffe
his gracious purpofe and promifes made unto them ; For thy mer-
cy is great, and thy truth, faith he. 2. There is no poflibility of
taking up the greatnefle of Gods mercy and truth, they reach fo
fiirre as our fight cannot overtake them > Thy mercy is great un-
to the Heavens, where mortal eyes cannot come to fee what is
there :' And thy truth unto the cloudsy through' which mans eye
cannot
PSAL. LVII1. 47
cannot pierce. 3. Seeing the Lords glory is greater then hea-
ven or earth can contain, and God himlclf only can manifeft his
cwn'glory j it is our part when wc have faid all we can, for glo-
rifying of God, to pray him toglorific himfelf, and to make ic
appear, to all that his glory is greater then heaven or earth can
comprehend ; Be thou exalted above the Heavens, and let thy glory
be above all the earth.
PSAL. LVIII.
To the chief Mufician AU tafchhh, Mich tarn of David.
TH e Pfalmift being opp: effed by the calumnies of the Cour-
tieisof King Said, and by the Senators of the Courts of
Juftice, who fhould have provided againft the oppreflion of
ihefubjetts, chargechthem in the fir ft part of this Pfalm, as
nv ft guilty of injuftice done tohim, ver* 1, 2,3,4, f. In the
iecond part ; heprayeihagainft them, thatGdd would execute
judgement upon them, ver. 6, 7, 8. And in the third part, he
pronounceth the fentence of their deferved deftruction, ver. 9,
io y 11, From this experience of the Prophet, we may fee what
ftvong Parties, and hard oppohtion the godly may meet with
in the defence of a good caufe, and how neceffary it is in fuch
trials to exercifcour faith, and to exalt God above all oppofite
powers, that we may be borne out, and get ccnfolation and
victory in the Lord.
Ver. I, r^\° ) e indeed fpeal^righteoufneffe , O
1 J Qongregation ? do ye judge uprightly ,
j Oje fonnes of men*
2. Tes, in heart yottVvorl^txickedneffe : y oh weigh
the violence of jour hands in the earth,
3. The wicked are eftranged from the wombe^
they go aft ray affoone as they be borne , [peaking
lies.
. 4. Their poifon is like the poifon of 4 fetpent 9
they
4 8 PSAL.LVIIL
they are Uk* the deaf Adder , that (toppeth her
tare.
5. which will not hearkfn to the Voice of Qharmers^
charme never fo wifely.
In the firft part he cfnrgeth the Councel and Senste, or Con-
gregation of the Judges > firft, foe not giving out righteous de-
crees or fentences, ver. 1. Secondly, for their refolved, violent,
.oppreffing decrees, ver. z. Thirdly, for their inveterate wick-
edneffe, and fal (hood from the wombe, ver. 3. Fourthly, for
their incorrigible wickedneffc, which they will not for any ad-
monition or" advert! fement amend, ver. 4, $. Whence learn %
1. There is a Congregation of Rulers, whofe office it is to admi-
nifter juftice to the people ; who prefuppofe they be the fupreme
Court in authority and place, above the body of the peoples yet
are they fubject to Gods challenge, which he do th fend unto
them by the hand of his meffengers, when they do wrong, as
here we fee 5 Do ye indeed {peak riglHeoufncjfc, O Congregation?
2. When the juft caufe of the righteous cometh before the
JaJge, whofoever bepurfuer, were he as great a Party as King
Saul purfuing 'David , the Judge mould defend the righteous
and abfclve him, without fearing mans face : and if he do not, he
lliall be called to a reckoning for it before God : Do ye judge
uprightly y O ye fons 0/ #zetf?$.TheLordlooketh to the afTedions,
purpofes and conclulions of a mans heatt,and what ill turn a man
is refolved to do, for that is a done work before God:and the man
is fo much the more guilty, as his fin is deliberate : T£i, in heart
jouworfiwk['edncjfe* 4. A wicked JuJge doth not ftand to
give out a decree for as much oppi effion as he is able to put in
execution ; Ton weigh the violence of your hands in the earth ;
and when he is thus opprefling men, he will labour to fcem to
make his decree no lerTe agreeable to the law, then the equall
fcales of the Merchants balance do in a juft weight anfwer one
to another 3 You weigh the violence of your bands. $. An un-
renewed man is a born ftranger to God, to good men, and all
goodnefle s The wicked are estranged from the wombe. 6. Men*
wkked actions do prove the wicked neffe of nature, or mens ori-
ginal tin doth augment the ditty and condemnation of unrenew-
ed men for their adual ims .- They are eftrdnged from the wombc,
is made here a part of their challenge. 7.Errour, falfhood and
lies arc kindly iinncsto men, they break out early, and contimie
long*
PSAL. LVIII. 4 P
long, anddodraw on guiltineiVe he longer, the more; rbcy
go fftray ajfoon as they be borne> [peaking lies, 8 There is as
great natural enmity in the wicked agar ft the godly, as thv.^ is
in w penes againft mankinde, and they are as ready tc vent
iheir deadly hatred againft them, as ferpents arc to fpue foi-h
their : deadly venom :~ Their poi foil is iietbepoifon of afcrpsKt.
y. That which fillcth upthemeafure ot the tins of thewuked
is this, they are obdu.ed in their fins, they are incorrigible,
and will not receive inftrudion, admonition or correction
from the Word of God : They are lir^c the deaf Adder that
ftoppetb her earc. 10. Albeit holy Scripture ufe r h to compare
the beft things in fome poinrs unto the worft things, for clear-
ing the purp'clc in hand by a, fimilitude, yet uoth it not there-
fore juftifie the wicked thing* by borrowing a limilitude f om
ir, as here the admonition and reproof of linners is compared
to charming of an Adder, and yet for that comparifon the
damnable :nof charming is not the lefl'e damnable ; nor is the
duty of reproof and admonition of fmne s theworfc.or lefle
laud . ble for r he comparifon, for it is a challenge : They are ti^e
the deaf Adder that ftoppeth her care y which will not hcarh v e?i ;<n-
to the charmer , charming never fo wifely.
Vcr. 6. Breakjheir teeth, O God^ in their mouth I
ireak^ out the qreat teeth of the young lions ,
lord:
7. Let them melt away as "hater's which run
continually : When he bendeih\\\$ bowe to (hoot
his arrowes^ let them be as cut in pieces.
8. As a fnaile which metteth, let every one of
thempaffeaWay : like the untimely birth of a woman
that they may not fee the Sun,
In the fecond part of the Pfalme he maketh imprecation a-
gainft them, by fpecial warrant of the Spirit of God, who
endited this Pfalme unto him, that judgement might be execu-
ted againft them unto deflation. Whence learn y 1. The Lord
fhall in due time di fable the wicke i from doing the harme hey
intend to do againft G dispeople ; for this prayer is aprophecte
and promile to the Churches comfort: Brcali their teeth. 6
God, intheir month, a. Were the wicked never fo potent and
E rcfoiutc
5o PSAL. LVIII.
refolute to execute their cruelty, God (hall break their power
in pieces : Bre^out the great teeth of the young Lions •, Lord.
3. When once God entercth in judgement with theenemiesof
his people, he fhall bring upon them a conftant daily confumpti-
on and wafting of their power and abilities till they be abd-
lirtied : Let them melt away lib^e water that runs continnjly.
4. The chief plots of the wicked (hall mifcarry in the very
point of their putting them in execution : When be bendetbbU
bom tofboot bis arrows, let tbem be as cut irtrpieces. 5. How
ftrongfoever the foundation of theenterprifesof the wicked a-
gainftthe gocfly feemtothemfetves to be, yet the event (hall
prove them to be weak, feeble and effectlefle devices ; As a fnailt
which mcltetb let tbempafle away, as the untimely birth of a wo-
man, that they may not jee the Sun.
Vcr. 9. Before your pots can feele the thornes y he
fhall take them away as with a wbirln>inde } both living
and i*his wrath.
10. The righteous fhall rejoyce When he feeth the
vengeance : he fhall wajh his feet in the blood of the
wicked.
ir. So that a man fhall fdy^ Verily there is a re-
ward for the righteous \ Verilyheua God that judg-
eth in the earth.
In the hft part of the Pialme he pronounceth thefentence of
deferved definition upon the wicked and unrighteous Poten-
tates, opprcflbrs of the godly, as an anlwer from God . to the
former imprecation agaihft them, and that for the conlolation
cfthe godly, and clearing of Gods juftice among men. Whence
lcarn y i -Howfocvcr the ungodly do hope to make themielves good
cheer by their works of iniquity, and do rejoyce a while in
fheir hopes, yet before they finde any ripe fatisfa&ion by their
ill deeds, fuddenly are they deftroyed, and as it were fwallow-
cd up quick, and taken away by the fierce wrath of God againft
them : Before your pots canfceltbc thorncs, be fhall take them
away as with a wbirlewinde, both living and in his wrath. 2. It
is lawful for the godiy to rejoyce in Gods juftice agajnft the
obftinate enernies of his people : provided their py be indeed in
Cods juftice, ncfcinthedeftmftionof the creacurej but in the
mani-
PSAL, LIX. 51
manifcftarion of Gods juft avenging fund : The righteous Jhall
rejoycewbenbtfeeththevengeme. 3, The puniftunent ot the
' wicked ftiouLd teach the Lords people to be more holy in all
their wayes, for this is one of the ends of Gods punching the
wicked in their fight 5 The righicw Jhall wajk bis feet in tbc
blood of the wicked- 4 When the Lord execuceth judgement
' againft the wicked, then men who knew not what to think of
* Gods providence, when they faw the godly ^pprefled, and the
1 wicked high in power fliallcbmc to a right judging of matters:^
that a man Jhall fay, Ferity there is a reward for the r/gtw«».5.No
J man fervetb God for nought, in following the courtc of friend-
ship with God, and walking in obedience unto him, fruit cer-
tainly will be found: Verily there is a reward for the righteous*
6. Albeit the Lord doth not let down his Court for executing.
I jufticefofoon as men would, yet hcfailesnot to fliew himfeff
Huler of the arlairs of men, and a righteous Judge, a$ to relieve
the opprcflcd, lb alfo to take order with oppreffors : Verily he is
a Godthajudgethin the earth*
«— . - j — _
PSAL. LIX.
To the chief Mufkian Al-tafcbhb, CMkhtam of 'David: when
Saulfent, and they wjtch't the houfe to #11 him.
DAvid in prtfent danger of his life by Saul, (who having
David inclofed within the Cky and within his own houfe,
thought lurely to have killed him, as we read, 1 $am ; 19, x i.J
he prayeth to God for deliverance, ver. 1,2, and for a reafon of
his prayer, maketh a complaint againft his enemies, ver. 3, 4*
In the next place, he prayeth the Second time for delivery to
himfelf, and judgement againft his enemies, w. ?. andcom-
plaineth of them the fecond time, ver. 6, 7. In tfce third place,
he dcclareth his confidence to be delivered, ver. 8, 9, 1 o. In the
fourth pbec, he maketh imprecation againft his enemies for
their wickedneife, ver. 11,12, 1$, 14, tf. And in the hA
place, he promifeththankf to God for his delivery, whereof he
Was affured before it came, ver. 16,17.-
From the Infcriptton, Learn, 1. No common bands of na-
ture or civil relations can lecure the godly from the pcrfecution*
£ % of
5i PSAL. LIX.
of the wicked ; for Saul, Davids father in law fendetb to \M
David. 2,. Gods children cannot be in fo great ftratits , nor the
diligenceof the wicked be- fo great to ovei rake the godly in a
ftrait, but God can deliver a. i'upplicant } They watched the
bou fete kiU him, yet he efcaped and did write this P/alme : by
whatmeanes he- efcaped he doth not tell here, for he a:tii-
buteth the delivery to God, from whom he did leek it by
prayer.
Ver. I. 1 "\ 2 liver me from mine enemies my
JL^fGod : defend me from them that rife
up againft me.
2. "Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and
fave mejrom bloody men.
From his prayer > Leame, i. Whatfoever means God mall
offer foreleg ping out of a trouble, Prayer is our beft weapon
againft our enemies, and the beft of all meanes, and fii ft of all
to be ufed for a delivery ; Deliver me from mine enemies, x.Time
of trouble and difficulty doth put beleevers to makcufe of the
Covenant of grace, and: of Gods friendmip and power for their
deliverance ; my God, defend me from them that rife up a-
gaivflme. 3. When wicked, and powerful, and blood-rhirfty
men do turn Perfecutors of the godly, no power but divine can
be looked unto for a reliefs Deliver me from the workers of ini-
quity, and' fave me from bloody men.
• ■
Ver. 3. For lo, they lie in wait for my foul: the
mighty are gathered againfl me, not for my tranfgrtf*
fion> n^rfoxmy finne } Lord*
4. They, runne and prepare themf elves without
my fault : a^a\e to help me 3 and behold, '
From his complaint againft hisenemies, and reafon of his
pvaycr } Learne^ i. Defperate-like dangers arifing from the pow-
er and crnftinefle of enemies, muft not diicourage the godly, but
(harpen their prayer to God, with whom is power and wifdome
to deliver them : For lo, they lie in wait for my fouL 2.1t is no
new thing, to fee them who are in ereateft power, to be the
Olefin the persecution ©£ Gods children * The mighty are ga-
thered
PSAL..LIX.' x
xhcrcd together dgainfltne* $. A good confeience, cfpecially in
*he particular for which a man is purfued, giveth greateft com-
fort in the time of trouble^ Not for my tranjgreJfiou y nor my fiu^
OLord, 4. Albeit the Pcriecutors of the godly cannot finde a
fault in them, for whith they may pnrfue them, yet will they de-
vife fome cha\teii£e, and make a great bufmefle to accompli ill
their defigne ; they run and prepare tbemfrtves , not for my fault.
f . The Lord will let the plot go on, and the danger of the god-
ly grow, as if he minded not to take notice of it, that he may
firlt puc his children to prayer, and then appear in the fit time;
/Iwafa to help me, and behold.
Ver. 5. Thou therefore, LORD God of hofies f
the God of Ifrael , awaks *o vifit all the hea-
then : be not merciful to any wicked tranfgrt flours.
SeUh.
6. They return at evening, they make a notfelikf
a dog, and go round about the City.
7. Behold ^ they belch out Vvhh their mouth y
(words are ih their lips : fir who^ fay they, doth
he are?
.
From his repeated piayer and complaint prefentedthc fecond
time; Learne, 1 . In time of ftraits we mould fet our eyes moft
upon thofe ftilesof God, which moft ferve to flreagthen cul*
faith, efpecially fuch as hold forth his power and good will to
employ his power for us ; Thou therefore, Lord God ofboftes y
the God 0/ Ifrael, awa^e. 2» Counterfeit P/ofeifors, and pro*
felled Pagans are all one before God ineffeer, and the counter-
feit Profeflor will be as ready an tnftrument to perfecute the
godly as a profefkd enemyj for fo is Saul and his followers na*
medhere; Arva^e to vifit all the Heathen. $ Although the
Lord beare with the wicked a while, he will at laft take order
with hypocrites, and obftinately malicious tranfgreffors * A~
wake to vifit all the Heathen , he not merciful to ahy wicked irauf~
grejfor. 4. From the time that P.rfecutois have once refolved
cruelty, they ccafe not to purfue their purpofe, but like bloody
dogs they run to and fro till they catch their prey i they are
buhe all the day, and fet warches in the night to-hurt the man
they would haye 3 They return tt evening, they m^e a noife
like
54 PSAL.LIX.
lily a dog, and go round about the City. ?. Refolved obftinacy
in finne taketh awayallremorfeofconfcience, allfeare of God,
and (hame before men, and rnaketh men openly avow their
wickednefTe 5 yea and their cniel hearts will vent their bloody
Jmrpofe, when they think they are fure to accomplish their der
igne ; heboid, they belch out with their mouth, (words are in
their lips ; for who (fay they) doth hear* . ?
Ver. 8, BmthoH,0 LORVtfbattUHghAttbem;
fhonjbalt have all the heathen inderifion.
9. Becaufe of his Strength mil I wait upon thee:
for God is m f defence.
I o. The god of my mercy Jhall prevent mt :
God Jhalj let me fee my defire upon mine enc«
wies.
In tjie third place,hedeclareth his confidence to be delivered %
and doth make fwect ufe of his 'faith for keeping up his heart
under his trouble. Whence learn, 1 . . The firft fruit of an humble
Prayer, is a fpiritual delivery o f a mans oppreffed fpirit, grantr
pd to him by faith and affurance of an outgate, as here, and ma-
ny times eUevvhere appeareth. i. When faith feeth God to be
i friend, it fcorneth all oppofition of whatfoever enemies , few
or many, all is one to the clear-fighted beleever; But thou,
f.ord,flalt laugh at them, thou flalt have all the heathen inde<?
rifion, 1 . How weak foever the btleever finde himfelf, and how
powerful foever he perceive his enemie to be, it is all one to
fiim,he hath no more to do, but to put faith on work,and to wait
till God work ; becaufe of his (that is, the enemies,) ftrength^
I will wait upon thee, faith he to the Lord, for God is my de-
fence. 4. When faith gets up the head, it feeth its own deliver-
ance, and the overthrow of the enemy, both at once in the pror
percaufe thereof to wit, the fountain of over-running mercy,
engaged unto it by Covenant ; The God of mynxeny. There is
the fountain of evcrlafting inercy* whereof God is called God,
becaufe he is the beleevers God for ever, and therefore the God
of all mercy, confolation and falvation to the beleevcr 5 fi e (faith
ht) flail prevent me i that is. he (hall give manifeft deliverance
before I fuccumbrit fhall come fooner then I could fet it a time,
Then, for his enemies, he faith, God flail let tnefte upon mine
"" ' tne-
enemies; to wit, what I couid lawfully defire ; or wha:lhou!d
fatisfie me.
Ven 11- Slay them not, left mj people forget:
Scatter them by thy power, and bring them down, O
Lord, ourfbield*
12. For the finne of their month, and the words
of their lips, let them even be taken tn their
pride: and for curftng and lying which they
fpeakc
13. Confume them In wrath, confume them, that
they may not be : and let them know that God rule th
in Jacob unto the ends of the earth, Selah.
14. And at evening let them retume % and let
them makeanoife lil>eadog, and go round about the
City.
15. Let them wander up and dotyn for meat : and
grudge if they be not fatisfied.
In the fourth place, he prayeth to God to glorifie himfelf in.
the manner and meafiue of his juft judgement on hisobftinate
enemies; which in effect is a Prophecy of the punifhment of
Perfecutors of the righteous , and of the wrath to come upon
the enemies of Chriu, ofwhom David in his trouble and unjuft
fufterings was a type. Whence learn, 1 . Sometime the Lord will
delay the cutting oftof wicked enemies of his people, for a curfe
to them, and a benefit to his people: Shy them not, left; my people
forget, 2. The Lords people are fubject to forget the Lords do-
ing for them, and puniftiing of their enemies, except the Lord
did renew the evidence of his care he hath of them, by often re-
newed, or long continued judgement on their enemies, whole
mifery is made more to them, by lingwng judgements in the
light of men, then if they were cut oft* more fuddcnly ; Slay
them not, left my people forget ; 5 . Tn praying againft our wick-
ed enemies that pcrfecute us, we mull take heed that we be found
pleading, not our own particular revenge, but the common caule
of the Church, and the Lords quarrel 5 Slay them not, left my
people forget > y fcattcr and bring them down, Lord, our wield-
E 4 It
56 PSAL, LIX.
It is the good of ihe Lords pe: pie, and the glorifying of God
which is in his eyes. 4 Albeit the Lord do not at firft cut (ft
the troub'ers of his Church, but do fuf&r them to live for the
exercife of his peoples yet it is mercy worthy to be prayed for ,
if God di fable them, and beak their power, that they prevaile
nor over the righteous; Scatter them by thy power, and bring
them down, Lord, our Jhield 5. Albeit the Periecutos do
not accompiiih their purpo.e agai.ift the righteous; yet rheir
pride, their brags their lies, the-ir flinders, their 'cur.es againft
the godly, are a Efficient ditty to; .iamn^tion, and wrath to
cme upon th in ; For the fin of their mouth, and the words of
their lips > Let them even betaken in their pride, and for cwfing
ani lying ^bicbthey jpe k 6 After the keeping alive of the
wicked tor a time, to the enc effing of their mifery, at length
litre- -MVu&ion come h upon them. Con fume them in wrath,
con fume them, that they may not be 7. By the judgements of
God upon the adveriaries of his people, the knowledge o* c his
Coy. rejgnty over, and Kingly care for his Church is made more
known to the wo^ld, the encreafe of which glory or the Lord
fhouldbethe fcopeof the prayers of the Saints agai ft their
foes' ; And let them- know that God ruleth in rfacob unto the ends
of the earth* 8»" It is luitable to Gods juft ce, and no ftrange
thing to fee fuci as have b en meflcngers, fervants, officers of
perfecting powers, or fearchers ou: of the godly,, as beagles or
felood hounds, to be ma e beggars, vagabonds, and miferable
fpe&acles of Gods wrath before hey die, roving to and fro like
hungry and mafterlefle dogs ; At evening let them return, and
let them mx\e a noije li^e a dog, and go round about the City ; let
them wander upand down for meat, and grudge if they be not fatis-
fed.
Ver, 16. "But 1 Will fin g of tby poVver-> yea, I
wil Jing aloud of thy mercy in the mornings for
thou haft been my defence and refuge in the day of my
treuble.
£7. Vnto thee 9 O my ffrength, Will I Jing; for,
God is my ciefence y and the God of my mercy.
Inthelaft place, he promifeth thankfgiving for the mercy
which he felt in the clay of his trouble, and'fixeth his faith on
God, as his merciful Protector, and only ft rength , whereon he
was
rjj t\ jl,. x- a. 57
jfasto lean in every condition wherein he could tall. IVhenct
learn, i . Wha focver mif, hief fall upon the wicked ,the Lord*
children whom they maligne, mall have rea(on to rejoyce and to
p:ai'e God or fuppor r ingthem in their trials, and delivering of
them out of toubles ; But J will fin g of thy power, i. When
the gedly do compare the Lords putting difference between hem
and the reft of the wicked world , pitying them and pardoning
their fins, when ho juftlypurfueththc fins of others, they cannot
but it jovce and proclaim Gods mercy with earneft affections
Tea, I willfmg aloud of thy mercy in the morning. 3. The (hi-*
ning light of cne late experience of Gods care of a man, ferveth
to bring to remembrance, and to illuminate the whole courfe
©ft Gods by paftcare, and kindncfTe to him, andtoraife a fong
of jcy and praife to God for altogether; For thou hi(i been my re-
fuge mi defence in the day of trouble 4. What God hath been
unto us /'being looked on rightly) may ierve to certifie us what
God is unto us, and what he ftiall be to us , and what we map
expect of him/Fo; f; om,*/;o« haft been my defence and my refuge,
he inferre.h hope of joyful experience of the fame mercy for
time to come ; Unto thee, my flrength y will I fing. f When a
man is lure of God engaged to him by good will and Covenant,
and proof given for letting out to him protection and mercy, as
his tou needeth, he cannot choole but have a heart full of joy,
and a mouth full of joyful prai es unto God ; Unto thee, my
ftrcngth, will I fing, for Cjod is my defence, and the God of my
mercy.
PSAL. IX
To the chief Mufician upon fbufian-Edutb Michtam ofDavid, to
teach When heftrove with Aram Haharaim, and with
AramZobab, when Joi^ returned and (mote of
Edom in thcvallcy of (alt, twelve thoufani.
THis Pfalme is a prayer for the victory of ifrael over their
enemies in iited unto the Prophet when Israel was fight-
ing with the Syrians ana Edomites. It may be divided into three
}>arts ; in the firft whereof the PlVmift praycth for help more
argely,v. 1,1,3,4. 5 In the fecond parr David is -^ade confident
of the victory, w. 6,7,8,0, 10. In the third part he repeated his
prayer
5 3 PSAL. LX.
gi^er more briefly, and bis confidence of having the victory,
ver. it, i*.
From the Inscription; Lcarne, I. The children of God muft
not think it ftrange 3 to be put to wraftling, ftrivine and fight-
ing for a promifed~Kingdome, before they befetledinpoflefli-
on, as David was \ yea, the Church of Chrift muft refolvefor
fuch like exercifes j lor this Pfalm is given to the publike Mini-
fies of theChurch for ufe in all ages. i.The Church muft make
ufcof her prayers, as well when (he is furnimed with aregular
army, as wnen fhe wanteth bodily armes, asP^/itcacheth the
Church here. Ji There is hope of victory, when God by prayer
is more relied upon, then the army in the fields; for with the
Pfalme the mention of the victory of the Lords hofte is fet
down , and the daughter of the enemy tecorded > That $oab
fmote of Edom twelve thou find.
Ver.r. /^\ God, thou haft caft us of, thou haft
K_J featured us, thou haft been difpleajecl,
O turne thjfelfto us again.
Of the larger prayer there are three branches $ the firftisfor
reconciliation with God, ver. i . The fecond for reparation of
the decayed ftate of the Kingdom^ ver, i, $. The third for de-
livery and victory in the conflict with rhc enemy 3 ver.
4'$-
In the fir ft branch of his prayer he acknowledgeth by-gone
judgements, as the fruit of Gods dif pleafure, and of the peoples
provocation of God to wrath, and fo he prayeth that God would
turn again and be reconciled to his- people. Whence karn, 1. Ter-
rible evils may befall the Lords people, or the vifible Church,
when they by their finne do provoke him to wrath, as was feen
in the time of the Judges, and in Saulsiime; Cjod thou buji
taft m off, thou baft featured us. 2. When God doth plague a
whole Ktngdome, or the body of the vifible Church, it is no: a
matter of hmple exercife or trial (as when he bringeth trouble
on fome of his dear fcrvants, in the time of their upright carri-
age,) but it is for their (ins, and provocation of the eyes of his
glory ; Thou baft, been difrleafed. 3 . Such as would have plagues
removed, muft acknowledge their (in, and feck to be reconciled
with God; and in this way may they expect to finde favour j O
turn
turn thy fclf to us again. 4.Whatfoeverfins the viable Church
and incorporation of Profeflbrs have done againft God , c^
whatfoever injuries they have done againft the godly, inafllft-
it\° of perfecuting powers againft them j yet the godly muft not
only not feparate from them, but alio be ready to receiver hern
into favour, be reconciled with them, forgive their former inju-
ries, joyne in Church and Camp-fellcwfhip with them being
reconciled , (hare With them by companion in calamities , in*
terccde with God for them, as for themfclves, as being all of
one incorporation, as VavU, the type of Chiifts moderate and
merciful governing, and a paternto all the godly, did forgive
thofe that perfecuted him, fought againft him under King $atd 9
and flood longeft out againft him when Saul was dead, for2>*-
vid here doth fay with,and for the people $ God, thou baft {cat-
tercd us : turn thy felf again to us.
Ver.2. Thou haft made the earth to tremble, thou
haft broken it : heale the breaches thereof, for it
Jhaketh.
3. Thou haft /hewed thy people hard things*
thou haft made m to drinl^ the wine of aftonijh-
ment.
Wfyen Saul did reigne, all things went wrong, the wicked a*
bounded, and vile men were exalted, and God plagued the
land; therefore in the fecond branch of his prayer, he pray cb
for reftauration of the dejected ftateof the Kingdome ; the ca-
lamities whereof he layeth forth, both before and after the pe-
tition. Whenceleam, i.VVhen people will not ftand in awe
of God, and fear him, he will ftrike them with the fear of his
wrath, and fenfe of fore judgements; Tbouhaft male the earth
to tremble. 2. Warre, and in fpeciall civil and inteftine war,is
moft able to ruine a Kingdom, and like an earthquake to make
ruptures and breaches in it, to the renting of it in pieces: Thou
haft made the earth to tremble, thou haft broken it. 5. It is a
Chriftian and royal venue, to feek the union of the fubje&s a-
mon? themfelves, and to remove divifions. of the Kingdom,
without the removing whereof the Stare can nevei be fetled :
But it is a divine power to work this union effectually : there-
fore doth he pray to God for it: Heal the breaches thereof, for
it Jhaketh. 4. When people will not fee nor take, knowledge of
their
60 PSAL.LX.
their fins againflGod, and their obliged duties to him, he will
let them fee fad fpectacles of bloody warres, forreign and inteft -
ine: Tkoubaft fare, d thy people bard things. .$. When people
have befotted them! elves in their fin, and have not beleeved what
God hath threatened againfl: them, no wonder they know not
what hand to turn them unto, and be ftticken with aftonifh-
ment in the execution of his judgements, which when they fall
upon a people, cither fuddenly or more heavily then they could
have expected, they put mens mindes in a confufion, as if they
were drunk 5 for fudden, fore and lafting judgements confound
the thoughts of fecure finners, fo as they can make little ufe of the
Word of God, or of their wit, or any other means of relief, more
then a drunken man overcharged with wine i Thou baft made v&
to drink the wine of aftonijhment.
Ver. 4, Thou haft given a burner to them that fear
thee : that it may be d» [played, becaufe of the truth.
Selah.
<.That thy behved may be delivered, fave with thy
right hand, and heare me.
In the third branch of his prayer, he feeketh delivery and vi-
ctory over the enemy, and that becaufe God had begun to' give
fome hope of changing the face of affairs* by railing a banner
in ^Davids hand for the Lords caufe and people 5 \V\Knce lcarn y
1. When the godly are opprefied , the truth of Religion, and of
Gods promifes do lie at under, like a fallen Standard > and when
God raifeth up inftruments of their protection and comfort , as
here he did in bringing David to the Kingdome, it is like the
lifting up of an Entign in the hand of a valiant flandard- bearer*
Thou haft given a banner to them that fear thee. 1. It is for the
godlies caufe that mercy is ihewn to a whole land, Thou baft gi-
ven a banner to tb em that fear thee. $. When the godly get up
their heid, all their endeavour, according to the u:moft of their
power, fhould be to advance true Religion and the practice of it;
'Thou bdft given a banner, that it may be displayed, becaufe of the
truth. 4. As nothing is refpeded by God in a land fomuch as
his Hied that fear him: fo nothing can encourage us to feek and
hope for mccy to a land, fo much as the Lords love to them thai
fear him in it: that thy beloved may be delivered, [ave. ?. When
pod hath begun to appear for his Church, then in ipecial fhould
we
PSAL. LX. 6\
wc follow a begun blefling with prayer, that God would work out
rfri benefit y Thou hat given a banner to them that fear thee, that
thy beloved maybe delivered , fave. 6. Whatfoevcr difficulties
appear in the way of the churches deliveiy, we mu(l oppofe the
omniporency of God to them all, and fuftaine our faith in pray-
er by looking to his love towatd his Church, and power to do
for her > That thy beloved may be delivered , fave rvhb thy right
hand, and bear me.
Ver. 6. God hath ffpokeninhis holineffe y I will re-
joyce : I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of
Snccoth.
7. GilcaA, is mine, and Manaffeh is mine : EphrA*
im alfo is the ftrength of mine head; fudab is my
L, are— giver.
Inthefccondpart of the Pfalme is fet Aovm'Daviis confi-
dence to have the vidory over his enemks,and to have his King-
dome both feded at home, ver. 6, 7. and enlarged abroad, ver<
3,9,10.
By Davids prayer, the word of promife that he fhould be efta-*
bl idled King, is made lively unto him y whereupon he is com-
forted, and made confident of the accomplishment thereof in all
poinsj Whence lcarn y 1. As faith helpeth up prayer , fo by
prayer raith is fctled and (lengthened , as here is evidenced.
2. Tlic word of promife is a more fure evidence then begun pof-
feflion, for David was not fo fure of the Kingdome now, becaufe
he had begun to reigne, as becaufe Qod had frozen. 3. Then is
the Word of Qod refted on, and rejoyced in, when it is received
as his Word, when his holineffe is taken as a pawn for perform-
ance ; God hath fpofen in his holineffe, I will rejoyce. 4. What-
foevee 1 dteth unperfeded, of what is promifed to us by God r
fhall bcfulLy put in our poffeillon,as 'David here afiureth him-
fclt, to exdcife the fuprcme government in thofe parts of his
Kingdome, on the one, or other fide of Jordan , which yet were
not brought unto fubjedion, or fetled under him J I vpM divide
Shechem, and mete out the valley of Snccoth ; &c. ?. Whatso-
ever ilrength or encreafe of number the Kingdome of Ifrael was
to have from the plurality of Tribes, and their ftrength, yet the
union cf the fonnesof 4brabam, and liability of the Kingdome
or rfraely con): (led in their joynt fubjedion to the Law-giver,
and government otjudab, ou: of which Tube Chad came, who
is
6i psal. lx.
is the true Law-giver and King of J fuel > towards whoni the
Church cf old wr*s o direct their eye,, through their typical ga-
vetfnours, 'fudah is my Lxw giver.
Vcr. 'd. Moab is my Voajhfot^ov^r Edom mil I caft
ent my fhoe : PhiUftia triumph thou bccxnfe of me.
9. Who mil bring jftttntO the lirong city ? who mil
lead me into Edom?
1 o. Wilt not thou, God, which had ft cafi to off?
and thou , O God, Which didft not go out with our
armies?
Here he is allured by the Lords Word , not bnely of the efta-
WifhmentofhisKingdomeat home, butalfo of the enlarging
of it abroad; by the lubduing of fuch as had been enemies to
J/wZ before. Whence learn, 1. When the Lord doth unite his
people under the government of fndab, and giveth them grace
to take the true Ruler of the Tribe of Judab for their Law •
giver, then fliall the enemies of Ifrael be brought low, and either
ufed contemptibly, as they did fometimesufe the Lords people,
or clfc fh ill profeffe themfetves happy in their fubjedion to the
King of Ifraety for after that David* as the type of Chrift, had
endited a Song to the Church, wherein they ihould acknowledge
zfudah their Lawgiver, then he as the type of Chrift, doth give
them tofing this alfo ; Moab is my mjhpoi, that is, Odoab mall
fervc me in the bafeft fervice I mall put them unto > Over Edoni
will I caft out my Jhoe 3 that is, I ftiall fubdue them, and trample
them under my feet as I paffe through them 5 Pbilifth triumph
tbou, beexufe of me 5 that is, inftead of thy triumphing over my
people ; thou /halt be made to profeffe thy joy, to be under my
government. 2. The beleever when he promifeth to himfelf
great things, muft neither be fenfeleffe of the difficulties of oppo-
sition which he is to meet with, nor of his own inability to over-
come difficulties, but being fenfibie of both muft look to God
for afliftance , and furniture to overcome; for When David con'
fidered the ftrength of the fenced royal Cities of the enemy, he
faith, Who will bring me into tbeftrong city ? Who will led.
meinco Edom I Wilt notthou God ? 3. It is Gods abfence
from, or gracious pre fence with a people,which maketh the uk>"
cefle of the warres of his people againft their enemies worfe or
better, and their bad fucceffe in former time, or by-paft judge-
ments on thcm> for iinne muft be fo farre from- marring the
con-
confidence of a ffcople turning home to God 3 and feeking to findc
**clp from him, that on the contrary, the judgements infli&ed
upon them in their impenitency , ieiving for confirmation or
the thrcatnings of Gods Word, and evidence of his ju-
ftice, muft be made arguments of confirmation of faith in Gods
promifes, of merciful afliftance, when they are turned towards
God* for fo reafoncth <David, Wliowill Iring mezntoEdcm?
Wilt not thou, God, -which hadfi caft us off, And, thou, Gad,
which didft not go out with our armies f
Ver. 1 1 . Give m help from trouble :for vain is the
•help of mam.
1 2 . T hreugh God we/ha/l do valiantly : for he it is
tbat /hall pull doWn our enemies.
In the laft part he briefly refumcth his prayer, and confidence
tobeheirds Whence turn, 1. The certainty of hope fliould
not make us the more flacky but rather the more earneft and fer-
vent in prayer, for after this profeffed aflurance, David infifteth
in prayers Give m help from trouble. 2. Seeing God onely is
the ftrength and furniture of his people, and he cannot endure
that they fhouldrelie upon any means,which they may and muft
ufe 5 but upon himfclf onely ; Therefore the lefle confidence we
put in the creature, the more may we be confident of help from
God 5 Give us help from trouble, for vxinc is the help of ' mxti.
3. A feif-denying and humbled beleever may go with courage
and hope of fucccfle to the uie of the meanes, and may encoun-
ter with whatfocver oppoficion of enemies; Through God we
flnU do valiantly . 4. The praife of valour and gallantry of vido-
- rious fouldiers muft not be parted betwixt God and the victcur :
but whatfoevcr God doth in us, or by us, muft be no leffe wholly
afcribed unto God, then if he had done all the work without us;
for both the valour of the inftiument, and the victory nre the
works of the Lord, the motions of body and foul of the viefcor arc
the work and upftii ring of Gpd within him, and the operation
and effects wrought by the inftrument, are the works of God,
without the viftor ; for he it is that [ball tread down ozr enemies.
P$At,
* 4 PSAL.LX.
, ^ . . _ ^ c
PSAL LXL
To the chief Mufcian upon Ncginah, A Pfalm ofDevid.
DAvid now in his exile maketh his addrefle to Hod in a
fad conditioner. 1,2,3. And is comforted in the Lord,
and perfwaded of his prifent and future happindfe, vtr 4, ?.
And of the perpetuity of the Kingdome of Chrift , rcp> elented by
him, to the comfort of allChtifts fubje&s in all ages, ver*
V cr - *• T J Ear my cry, God: attend unto my
in prayer.
2. From the end of th& earth will I cry unto thee *!
rthen my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rockjth&t
is higher then L
3 . For thou haft been a falter for me % and a (Irong
tower from the enemy.
In his fad fupplicication he prayeth for a comfortable .recei-
ving of his requeit, and for a comfortable reft of his foul on God
him felf through Chrift, hoping to be heard, becaufe he was re-
folved to look toward God, and to continue praying, whatfocver
condition of fpirit he mould be in , and in what oeverpart he
fhould be ; and alfo becaufe he h d experience of Gods help in
his {traits in former times > Whence learn, 1. The beft expe-
dient for a fad foul, i s to run to God by prayer for comfort, and
toinfiftearneftly. albeit God mould feeme not to attend; Hear
mycry,OGod> attend unto my prayer. $ When the godly arc
driven from their countrey, and fellowship with the Saints , and
from exerci fe of the publ ike ordinances, no wonder they fall in
perplexity of fpirit, tor David forced to flee to the ends of the
land finds his heart overwhelm d within him. 4.L is exile indeed
to be fecluded from the liberty of publike ordinances, and it is
our home, to be where God is publikcly worfhipped, for David.
counteth himfel: < alt out unto the ends of the earth s when he is
debirrcd from the Temple of the Lord. 5. Albeit a man were
never fo farre banifhed from the free fociety of the Church, and
communion 1
communion with Go Is people in ordinances,yct he is ftill witfr
in cry unto God: from the ends of the earth will I cry unto thee*
6. There is a rock of refuge fo< i cutty and com.ort (O ;he cx : ^ed
and perplexed Saint, which is jble tq fupply all wants, and to
fweeten all forrows, and this is the 2tyo£ of G o,;s felt f.icndfl-dp
in Chrift frcm heaven, repreiented by the vifible rockofi/c/7/,
where the Tabernacle and mercy-feat was fituate, the appointed
trufting place, whert God did receive the pravevs of his people,
and did anfwer them from heaven; when 'Druid coul - noi c ne
to the typical mount oi ro.k , he prayeth to have acafle to he
thing fignified:/edi me to the Rocfi that is higher then I ? .S; nhble
and comfortable communion with God, isamyit ryfpi t d ;
which mans wifdome or power cannot difcover, n-.»r btkig QiUQ
him : but God himfelf muft reveal, and muft renew the reveal-
ing of himfelf to a foul in trouble, and muft make a mans foul to
apply it fclf to him powerfully, elfe a man cannot /eel this < pm-
fortable fellowship with God, mere then a blinr'e man can finJe
out what is removed from him, or a weak chiUk can go nor b> ng
led y or a man can reach up to a fteep high place, not being lifted
upumoit; Therefore muft the Lord him.eifviraw us nc jto.
himfelf, and lift us unto fiimEelf:/ed<i me to the rocl< t! at u H?ber
thenl. 8. This fpiritual felt co rt munioji wi h letd
put a man fane from the reach of any enemy, tn : irrh n-tke a
foul quietly to reft it ieif from fear ot rrouble, how g
foever the external danger c n be, as David mmy times jot by
expc^iencc/for thou haft: been a jhelter w to mc> and ajirong tower
from the enemy. 9 \ be!eeve;s efohn >n tor depending n
Gou, and praying to him in hardeft conditions, and his'f tcfent
ijfe making of fo mer expe iences, as. thevd; e v. much ;or
ftrengthening of his faith in p. aver: fo hey are 1 he neareft means
tjut can be tor coming by a renewed fenhbie corrtfort, ns here wc
fee: for Davii teiblvcth,/rowz the ends of the earth I will cr\
prayeth, Lead me to the roc^ and faith , Thou h ft been a jirorig
tower to mc,and io comfort doth follow quickly after this pie-^
paration, as the next verfe doth mew.
Ver. 4» / mil abide in thy Tabernacle fot ct>cr i I
will tru(t in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
5. For thoti) O God, haft beard my vowei*
thou haft given me the heritage of thofe that feare ify
Nam* .
Here he is comforted in his exile, and made to be at home in
96 PSAL. LXI.
his fpiritj by reafon of the prefent fenfe of Gods favour to him,
and of his confirmed hope of the performances of the promifes
made unto him 5 WlKnce learn, s* The Lord can give fuch
fatisfaction to a fad heart hi the time of is trouble, that the
trouble may turne to be no trouble, even whil it lierhonftill,
as here is to be feen in ^Davids comfort > who fpeaketh as if he
were reftored, while he is yet in exile. 2. Spiritual confolations
in temporal tro<bles 5 do both give fatisfaftion to a foul for the
present, and for time to come, for eyerlaftinghppineffe; I will
abide in tby Tabernacle for ever: his hope is 5 that not only he ftiall
fee refiored to the fellowship of the Saints, at the Tabernacle in
fferufalern, bur alfo that he (hall be in Gods company, in heaven,
reprefented by the Tabernacle, and that for ever $ . True con-
folation ftandeth not in earthly things, butin things heavenly,
and things having neareft relation thereto, for Davids comfort
was not (0 much that he (hould be brought to the Kingdome, as
that he fhould be brought to the Tabernacle, and to heaven by
that means it will abide in tby Tabernacle. 4. Sincerity fetteth no
term-day to Gods fervice, or to the fe.king of communion with
him; I will abide in tby Tabernacle for ever. $. The ground of
all fpiritual confolations is jn the mercy and grace of God offered
to us in (Thrift, reprefented by the wings of the Cherubims
firetched out over the mercy-feat 5 There faith findeth a reft
and folid ground, able to furnifh comfort abundantly j I will
truftintbe covert of thy wings. 6 Accefleto Gad in prayer,
and approbation of the confeience. and the fincere pouring forth
of the hem, melting with prefent felt fenfe of Godslove, do
ftrengthen greatly the affurance of everbfting communi-
on with God > fortbou^OGoA, bajf heard my vowes. 7. As
fpiritual comfort in time of trouble granted to a beleever, is in-
deed 4 earneft of everlafting life , fo fhould they to whom fo-
ever ihe heirlefle is given,make reckoning thai by this heirlefs the
inheritance is confirmed unto them by way of poffeffion begun*
thou baft given me the heritage oftboje that fear thy Name- 8 .The
inheritance of the chief of Gods fervants , and of the meaneft
and weakeft of them, is one 5 the right of every beleever is alike
good, albeit the hold laid upon the right by all, is not alike
ftrone, and what the ftiongeft of the godly do beleeve for their
own confolatin and falvation, the weakeft may beleeve the fame
to belong to every beleever that feareth God, as /-avid doth here*
Tbou b*jt given me the heritage oftbofe that fear thy Name.
ir o rv jl.. jlai • v /
Ver. 6. Thou wilt prolong the Kings /if e : and his
y tares as many generations.
7. tie {hall abide before God for ever: prepare
mercy and truth^vjhich may preferve him.
8. So will Ifing praife unto thy Name for everjthat I
may daily perform mj vowes.
In the third place , he prophefieth not fimply of the ftability
of the Kingdom in his own perfon and pofterity , bin under the
type namely he fpeakcth of the perpetuity of the Kingdome of
Chrift, the true King of Ifrael > for which end he prayeth that
mercy and truth may be forth-coming to the fubjc&s of Chriftj
that his Kingdom may be prolonged^ and ioPuvid-in his time,
and all the Saints in their time, may joyfully praife God conti-
nually. Whence) learn i. It is notnnufual with God> together
with prefenc confolarion , and the light of future falvation in
Chrift, to reveal alio and give aflurance of great things con-
cerning Chrifts Kingdome , as here and elfcwhere in the Scri-
pture is to be teen : fhon wilt prolong the flings life>dnd his years,,
as many generations, z. The glory of Chrift , and perpetuity of
his Kingdome is every fubje&s good and comfort, for this is
comfort to David, that Chrift mail live for ever, that he fall
abide before God for ever. 3, The Kingdome of Chrift, and
government of his fubjects ; in his Church (hall be allow-
ed of Go&i and be protected of God, and blefled of God
for ever , however it be oppofed by men' in, the world : he
/hall abide before God for ever. 4. The perpetuity of Chnftsr
Kingdom^and preiervation of rhe fubjects in this life^till they be
poflei&d of heaven, is by the merciful remedying the miie-y,
and removing of the fin which they are fubje^t unto, ardby
performing of what he hath piomifed and prepared th'rou ;h
Chi iff to beftow upon them 5 prepare mercy and truth, which
may preferve him. 5. Thebcft retreat that can be made after
wreftling and victory over troubles, is prayer and praiies, as here
David after his exercife prayeth, Q prepare mercy and truth , and
then faith, unto thee will Ifing. 6 As the main matter of our
vowes is the moral duty ofiejoyciug in God, and hearty prai-
(ingofhim : to renewed experience of Gads mercy and truth
towards his people in Chrift , is the main matter of our joy in
him and praife unto him; prepare mercy and truth, &c. fo will
ifing praife unto thy Name> that I m.iy drily perform my vowes.
V z _ PSAL,
68 PSAL. LXIL
PSAL. LXIL
To the chief ZMufician , to Jedutbun. A Pfalm of David.
THis Pfalme is the iffue of a fore conflict , and inward corn-
bate, which David felt from the ftrong oppofition of his ir-
rcconciieable adverfaries, and from the lafting troubles which
he fuftaine by their peufecution and by his friends forfcking of
him, whereby he W3s put hard to it what to think or what to do:
at length faith in God giveth him victory , and makefh him firft
to break forth in avowing of his faiths and hope in God, ver.i.z*
Next 3 to infuit ever his enemies as dead men > becauic of their
finful courfe , ver. 3, 4. Thirdly , to ft: engthen himfelfe in his
faith and hope , ver. $ 3 6, 7. Fourthly , to exhort all men to
truft in (joe, and 'o depend on him , for reaions fet down , ver.
9 3 9 And not to truft in oppreffion and robbery, for reafons fet
down, ver, 10, n 3 2.
Ver. 1 . "" p* Rulj my font waitetb upon God :from him
JL cometh my falvation.
7. Heonyxs my rock^ and my falvation: he is my
defence , 1 fhall not be greatly moved*
Prom this abrupt beginning of the Pfalm , declaring that he
hathhad a fore deputation and wreftling with tentations within
him 3 ?ndout of which this is the firft coming forth j Lcam, 1.
Albeit ft ong faith be put to a conflict , wher. trouble and tenta-
tions 00 let on 3 yet when it lo< keth on C^od and his piomifes,
it gets the victory , and putreth the foul to? fubmiffive attend-
ance on God , and a quiet hope of compleatjdelivevance : Truly
my foul rvaitcth upon god; from him cometh my falvation. a.Then is
faith well led and app:oved,when bein:^ ftriptof all fupporters
except God, i 1 doth content it fclf with him alone) as all-iuma-
em 3 be weljis my rock and my fdvation. 3. Fai h findeth as many
anfwers in Qois fufficiency 3 ?s temptations can make objections
againftii.* be is my roc^and my falvation : be is my defence. 4. As a
;»aarelol\reth to believe and follow she courfe of found faith ; fo he
may
may aflTure himfelfe of eftablifhment and vi&ory over all tem-
ptations , notwithstanding his own weaknefle : I Jhafl not ,
greatly be moved , doth David conclude from his refolution to
reft on God. ,
Ver. 3. HoVe long will ye imagine mtfehief againfi a
man? ye fall be jlnin all of you : as a bowing wW/ftiall
yc be , and as a tottering ftnee.
4. Thej onely confult to cafi him down from his ex-
cellency \ they delight in lies \ they bleffe ftiffc their
mouth, but they curfe inwardly. Se ( ah.
In the fecond place, he infulteth over his enemies , and hyeth
before them the danger of their wicked wayes. W, er.ee learn,
1 . So foon as a man hath fattened himfelfe on God, he may rec-
kon with all adverfary powers,and infuk over them, for the feeing
of Gods help difcovers to theBdiever the vanity of all oppofition,
ho rv long will ye imagine mischief again ft a man ? 2. As the godly
when they fall under perfecution,may lie long under it 5 and muft
refolve patience al the while on the one handjio on the other hand,
peifecutors are unreasonably carried on in the courfe of persecu-
tion, like madmen, who cannot give over the purfuit, albeit they
fee God againft tbemfelves , and with the godly whom they pur-
fue; bow long wilt ye imagine mi (chief againft a man ? 3. Perlecu-
tors mail not have their will againft the godly, but by their per-*
fecution mall draw upon themieives compleat fudden and irre-
coverable deftru&ion :yejhall bejlainallofyou y as a bowingwall,
and 1 tottering fence ; that is, you ftrll pefifh fuddenly , as when
a bowing wall and tottering fence ruftieth to the ground in a
moment. 4. As the Handing -fail in the faith and ferviceoF
God in a good caufe , is the excellency of the Believer 5 fo is it
the eye- fore of his adversaries, which they pf all things can leaffc
endure in the godly , and therefore do bend all their wit and for-
ces moft unto , to break them off their holy carriage and courfe;
they onelyconfult to cafi him down from his excellency. 5. Not
truth andli^ht, but darknefle , error, falftiood and decei^is the
pleafure of the wicked* They delight in lies. 6. When the wick-
ed do minde their worft againft the godly , then will they fpeak
faireft words unto them, to fee whether by fal/hood pr force they
can prevail moft, to draw them offtheir good courfe : they bleffe
with their mquti?, but they curfe inwardly.
?3 Vcrfc.
7 o PbAL. JLXII,
Ver. <J. Afy foul \r? ait thou onelj uponGodt for my
expectation is from htm ,
6. He onely is my rock^ andmj fiitvathn? he is my
defence, 1 fhall not be moved.
7. In Godxs my falvation and my glory : the rock of
my flrength , and my refuge is in God.
.In the third place , he ftrengtheneth his faith and his hope,
that he may be able to endure trouble till /the fin cf the wicked
be ripe 3 and their judgement be executed ; Wlwtcc learn > 1 Our
refolution patiently to keep filence , in waiting on God, and our
putting of refolution to practice., do differ; our pradifing is fo
fhort of our refolution 5 that we had need to be ftirred up , and to
ftirre up our fclves to our duty. And as Satan is ftill moving
new perturbations s fo have wc need of 3 and mull ftudy to have
new confirmations 3 My foul, wxh thou onely upon God 2. They
that do expect their help from Cod , muft not expect help
frorw anv other art , no not when tfiey (hall ufc all means lawful
for theit delivery, but the fucceffe muft be without hafle making,
patiently waited for from God alone; Wait thou onely on God, for
toy expectation is from him. 3 The grounds of confidence arc
able to abide new aiiaults,an<1 muft be brought forth and averred,
fo oft as tbey are oppok. : for he eunto the new ftirrings of the
fime tenrations,he opp. iuh this over '-gain: He only v my rock : he
is my defence an i my falvxtion. \nd whe-eas he laid before I mall
not greatly be moved j now he faith more confidently: Ijhall not
be moved : and yet more, he triumphs in tlu Lord : he is my fal-
vxtion and glory $ which he fpcaketh in regard of hope ii) have
all good which he needed. And laftly in regard ot fupply in
whatloever wants , and delivery from all evill : he faith s He U
the roc\ofmy ftrengtb>andmy refuge is in God : andfojiis fai h
doth fettle it fclf , and tentations arc overcome*
Ver. 8, Trufi in him at all times p ye people, poure
out your heart before him : Go& is a refuge for hs. Selab.
9. Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of
high degree zxtaliet to be laid in the balance , they
4?-~ altogether lighter then vanity.
In the fourth place, he exhortech all men to place confidence
upon
PSAL. LXII. 71
upon God, partly becsufe God is able to give deliverance, as a
place of refuge 5 and partly becaufc men whether great or fmall,
Few or nuny, cannot but deceive , and disappoint the man that
trufteihinthen. Whence learn, 1. The duty of the comforted
and victorious believers, is to communicate the fruit of their ex*
perience, for ft engthening their brethren, and edification of
others,as their calling permitteth them, as Vavid doth here: Truft
in him at all times, ye people. 1. Whatfoever condition, how hard
foever, we fall into ; the grace of God, and grounds of confidence
in God muft not be loft , but alwayes made ufe of; Trufl in
him at all times. $. As a guilty confcience 3 h.avy trouble, mif-
beliefe and fufpicion of Gods good will, do lo^k up the heart in
forrow : fo any meafure of faith in God , going to him by prayer,
doth eafe the heart and layeth the burden of grief down berorc
the Lord ; ye people ^poure out your heart before him : God is a re*
fuge to us. ?. The way to place our confidence in God, is to lift
our confidence ofTall creatures , and in fpecial offmen of fupe«
rior or inferior ranks : and the way to lift our confidence offthe
creature, is to con'der the inability of men to help us, except
God make them do ic ; and that without God they are nothing
worth to us : men of low degree are vanity. 6. Whofoever do
truft on men higher or lower, are fure to be deceived of their ex-
pectation, and of wh.itfoever mans help can promiie : and if we
will not be deceived, the voice of God 3 and experience of his
Saints may give ns certainty of the truth of the doctrine; for out
of experience David faith, Surely men of low degree are vanity ,
(?c. 7. Carnal confidence is not oncly unable to help a man,
when he hath moft need, but alfo bringeth damage unto hit^and
makes him to finde God in hisjealoufiejan adverfary and juft
Judge to plague and to curfebim; and foifthe matter be well
weighed, crea:ure-help, and creature-comfort, when it is relied
upon, is worfe then no help 5 "Being laid in the balance , they arc
altogether lighter then vanity.
Ver. 1 o. Truft not in oppreJfion 5 become not vain in
robbery : if riches increafe , Jet not your heart upon
them.
11. Goh hath fpoken once ; tmce have I heard thh f
that power bclongeth unto GoL
12 Alfo unto thee, O Lord, , belongcth mercy : for
thou render eft to every man according to his Worl^.
F4 Tb»
72 PSAL. LXII.
Toother part of the exhortation doth forbid totruftinop- |
prcflion or riches, o p< wcr, or g<'eatnefk of place, becuife God
djipofeth of all ihur^s s he pleatcth,fliewing mercy to fuch as do
truit. in hi n and tendering to every man according to his work,
Whence learn i . There are many more idols then one to dvaw a-
way a mans heart UomGod.for when trufting in men of high de-
gree and low aegreie is call down^hen oppreltion^ robbery P riches
iland up 3 .md cake Gods room in the heart 3 as here we fee. 2. It
is more hard to uivert a man from confidence in himfelfe, and
What is in his own p">wer , then to draw him from confidence in
men ofhighe! or lower degree. Therefore after c fting down of
carnal confidence in men, hisui or low; he difchargeth confidence
in whatfocver a man is able to do by himfelfe , as might , and
riches , and authority of high plac.- : Truft not in opprejjion 5 //
riches increajc (?c. $.Whi toever is confLen 3 by his own ftrength
and might to ueba e his bufinefle againft any man, and to do his
adverfa y two wrongs tor one , mail finde himfelfe to have difo-
beyed G ;d,and to have been proud in a matter of nothing : Trujl
not in oppre(fwn> become not vain in robbery. 4. It may ftand with
godlinefie aid t uftm^ in God, to be rich ; but not to have our
ije.irt fct upon riches 5 either to gather or keep them , either tQ
rejoyce in them , or to be proud becaufe of them ; If riches in*
crcafc fet not thy heart thereon. 5. Nothing is able to fettle mans
continence in Goj,and cc keep his heart from idols,or carnal con-
fidence in creatures j or to bear in upon others this twofold duty,
fave the powerful impeffion ofthe unchangeable Word of God>
therefore faj h he, god hath fpoh^en once. (>. Albeit one teftimony
of Scripture for?, g ound oi faith, or rule oi life^righ ly confide-
red be bundanrly fufficicnt, to fettle our faith in that point, and
to warrant cut obedience 5 yet God will inculcate that truth oft-
tKf 9 and have us to receive it oftner, and more firmly} and as it is
the Lords kindneife to us, and care of us. to caufc his once fpoken
Word, to be oftner repeated unto us 5 oftner cleared , and con-
firmed unto us by repeated experimental evidence^ of the cer-
tainty thereof : fo it is our duty, to receive it more and more
heartily, fo oft as it is repeated and inculcated , and to meditate
and confidcr oi it, and to take a deeper and a deeper impreffion of
it : God hath fpofon once, twice have I heard it. 7. The propri-
ty o r authority and power to do alland everything , is the Lords
onily : and as for thepower of the creature, it is but lent, and de-
rived to it. at Gods pleafure. The creature can neither hurt us,
nor help it feifeorus, but as GoJispleafed toufe it as an in-
ftrumentj
PSAL. LXIII. 73
ftrument ; twice have I heard this, that forcer belongeib to Got*
S. To induce a foul to truft in God only, it is neceiYary, that
it (• look to his power, as it alio look to his me cy, and lay hold
on both* frith hath need of both, as or two wings, to cany it
up to God above all vain enticements, andtetrours, and ten-
tations, and as props whereon to fettle and fix it felf joyntly %
Alfo unto thee, l ord, belongctb mercy, ^o. As the man that
puts his truft in God, and ftudieth to obey his Word., thaU finde
Gods merc'y to pardon his tranfgreffion, and Gods power to fu-
ftain him in all his difficulties, and to perform all the promifes
made to his fervants : fo the man that tvufts not in God, but in
himfelf, or in fome creature without him. elf, thinking to work
bis own happineffe by his own wayes, (h 11 finde the fruit of his
wicked courfe, according as God hath forewarned : For tbou
renderefi to every man according to bis wor^s.
PSAL. LXIII.
A Tfalme of David, when he was in the wildernefle of
$udah.
W£ have in this Pfalme Davids cxercife in his banifli-
ment, when he was hiding himfelf from Saul in the wil-
derneffe of Judab \ wherein is fet down his lingring and prayer,
after the benefit of the publike ordinances, ver, iji. And the
fruits of a gracious and comfortable anfwer given to his prayer,
in number foure. The firft, isartfolu:ion to follow fpiritual
duties, and in fpechl to praife God, ver. $. and to be aconftant
fupplicant depending on God, ver. 4. and to take his content-
ment in God, and in his praifes, ver, ?, 6. and joyfully to truft
in Gods mercy, ver. 7. The fecond fruit is the acknowledge-
ment of Gods power, fuftaining him in his adherence unto
G)d, pra&ifed by him for time paft, and puvpofed for time to
come,itfr. 8. The third fuit, is confidence of the dcftrucYion
of his enemies, ver. 9, 1 o. The fourth, is aflurance that he (hall
receive the Kingdorae promifed unto him , to the confuiion of
all fuch as did flandev him as a traitor.
Vrom the Inscription- Learne, t- Such of Gods children as
dwell moil ftuely and commodioufly among iheir neighbours.,
may be diivenfonKtimes to hide thcmfelves in a wildtrneile, zs
' Vavid
74 PSAL. LXIII.
P^viiwas. ^. Baniihment from among friends cannot baniffr
a man from God, bur may ferve rather to drive him toward
God. j. Troubles are grievous when they are prefent, but
may prove a matter of a joyful fong, when called to remem-
brance: A Ffalme of Vavid 3 when he was in the wilder neffe of
Judah.
Ver. i. /^\ God y thou art my god\ early Vcill I
\*~J [ee\ thee I my foule thirtieth for
thee, myfiefh longeth for thee, in a dry and thirfty
land, where no -water u.
2. To fee thy power and thy glory, /<?as Ihwefeen
thee in thy fanttuary*
From his prayer; Learnc, I. The Lord is the onlyeafe of a
diftreffed minde^ and here is no fpeedier relief then to go to
God in prayer, as the Pfalmift did, faying, God. 2. When
ive would fpeak unto God to purpofe, we mould faften our hold
on the Covenant ; OGod, thou art my God. f. Troubles will
fharpen a man in the ufe of the means, and rouie him out of
naftyfecurity 5 Early will 1 fcc\thee. 4. It is good to faften
dutiesonour felvesby refolution, and toftiengthen our reso-
lution by (hewing it to the Lord ; Early will I feck. thee. ?.A
lively foul will be no leffe deSrous ' of fpiritual comfort from
God, then the body for natural food after long failing ; My foul
tbirfletb for thee. 6. Spiritual affj&ions, when they are ftrong,
will aftt ft the body with impreflions anlwerable thereto > My
flejh longeth after thee. 7. It is a barren place to a godly foul,
where the publike cxercifes of Religion cannot be had : for this
caufe mainly did God call the wildei neffe, A dry and thirfty land y
where no water is. 8, Becaufe the power and glory of God is no
where fo clearly feen, as in publike ordinances, therefore mould
the ordinances beloved, fought aker, and haunted, that we may
finde communion with God in them ; My foule thirfletb to fee
thy power and thy glory. 9. The more good a man hath found in
the publike exercifesof Religion, the more will heefteem of
them, and in fpecial when he is deprived of them > My foule
thirfts to fee thy power and glory : fo as I have feen thee in thy
fancluary.
Vcr. 3. Becaufe thy loving ktndneffe is bitter then
Tfe : my lips (ball praife thee. %.Thm
PSAL. LXIIL 7 j
4. Thus will I bleffe thee while I live : I will lift Up
fttine hands tn thy Name.
5. My fo*le jhall be fatisfed as with marrow and
fatnejfe: and my mouth /ball praife thee with joyful
lipf.
6. when I remember thee upon my bed, and medi-
tate on thee in the night- watches.
7. Becaufe thou hafl been my help j therefore in the
Jhadoto of thy wings will I re Joyce.
Here the Lord giveth to his feryant a gracious anfwer, and
fweeteneth Ms condition in the wildernelTe, making hi;n no leffe
glad then eve'- he was in the publike exercise of Religion, by
granting him the comfort of his holy Spirit, as the fruits of the
anfwer ot his prayer do make manifeft. The firit whereof is
ihewen in fundry holy rcfolutions,to praife the kindnes or God 3
to blcffe God, and to call on his Name in all conditions, to take
contentment in God, and to truft in him. Whence learn 9
1. When a man, who lovcththc publick ordinances is debarrrd
from them and maketh ufe of private exercnes ot Religion,
God can and will fupply unto him what he wanteth, and be a
little fanctuary unto him, as here appeareth. 2. The felt kind-
nefle or God , and {heading abroad of his love in the heart of a
believer, is joy unfpeakable and glorious, able to fupply all
wants unto him, and to fweeten all troubles unto him, and to
give him more com.ort, then whit is moft comfortable in this
worl ., yea, to make life it felt without the feeling, or hope or"
feeling 1 his love to be little worth tohmj Thy loving kjndneffe is
better then life. g.Rich experiences of the felt love of God in the
ufe of the meanes, deferve to be brought forth to the praife of
God, when it may glorifiehim 5 Becaufe thy loving \indneffe is
better then life, my I >ps (lull praife thee. '4. Oneproofof ^ods
loving kindnefTe towards us, is reafon abundant ror us to blefle
God for ever thereafter, and to acknowle Age him the fountain of
bleffinos, even to our felves, whi:fcever change of difpenfations
we (hall meet with 5 Thus will I blcffe thee while I live. f . As
our aflurance of Gods love unto us, and of his purpofetobleife
us, doth ferve to prepare us for (traits and difficulties hereaftci:
fo alio for praying to G-">d with confidence to be helped, in what-
focra change of condition we may fall into afterwards 3 Thus
will
76 PbAL. LX1II.
will I bleffe thee while I live, I will lift up my hands in thy
Name, to wit, as a man engaged to depend upon thee, to call
upon thee as my need requireth, and a man particularly encou-
raged by thee, and confirmed by experience from thy former
helping of me, that I mall have a good anfwer from thee, who
haft manifefted thy felf unto me b/ Word and works. 6. The
fpiritual life of the foul hath its own food, as well as the bodily
life of nature : and the life of the godly is not fo barren, fo fad
and uncomfortable as the world doth beleeve : They have their
hid Manna, and the water of life, folid and fat is factory confo-
lations, and joy in the holy Spirit, wherewith ftrangers do not
intermeddle, of which joyes the fwecreft morfels of delicate
banquets are but (hadowes* My foule jhall be fatisfied as with
marrow and fat?iejfe. 7. Such as do hunger and thirft alter
communion with GodinChrift, anddovefolve to fpend their
life in Gods fervice, may promife to them felve^r hat they mail
feelfweet fatisfa&ion in this courfe, and with David fay,
My foule Jhall be fat i fie d as with marrow. 8. Spiritual joyes
are not like carnal joyes, which end in fadneiTe, but they re-
folve in glorifying, and do make the vevy outward man parta-
ker of the benefit ; therefore doth the Pfalmftaddc : And my
mouth Jhall praife thee with joyful lips. 9, The way to finde re-
frefliment fpiritual, is beiide publike ordinances, to give our
felves to fpiritual exercifes iu fectet, at fuch times as oar necef-
fities civil and natu al may beft fpa e, and then and there to re-
call to minue what we have heard, feen or felt of Gcd> Word or
working, and to keep up our thoughts upon this holy fubjed,
by prayer, foliiocmie and meditation, as David fheweth to us
the example : When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate
en the in the night- watches. 1 o. As one experience mould call
another to remembrance, fo the calling cr experiences to cur
memory mould oblige and encourage us in all conditions, joy-
fully to make uie by faith, of Gods ilanding ofter of grace to us
in Ch'ift, ftiadowed forth by the wings of the cherubims
fti etched out alwayes over the mercy- feat j Becattfe thouhafl
been my helper, therefore in the Jhadowof thy wings will I re-
jo)ce j for here^ and here only is the remedy of all iinne and mi-
fery .
Ver. 8. My. foule followetb hard after the : th}
right kaxd upholdeth me.
From
PSAL. LXITT 77
From the fecond fruit of the gracious anfwer given to Datids
prayer, that is, from his giving the glory of the ads of grace
which he did unto God the furnifher thereof; Learne, i. The
Lord ufeth to exercife the foules of his own children with fenfe
ofdefertion, and withdrawing of his ptefence one way or other.
This is prefuppofed in uavits following after the Lord, when
he felt him retiring himfelf, as it were. 2. A believer in (Sod
cannot endure a thought of feparation from God, nor forbear
to leek after God, when he mifleth his prefence, but will ufe
all meanes to recover the fenfe of his prefence which he hath
felt before; My foule followetb hard after thee. 5. It is our
wifdom to reflect upon, arnd acknowledge the grace of God in
us, and upon the ads of our faith andlove toward God, for
our own ftrengthening, as David doth here, faying, My foul
follorveth bard after thee. 4. Although the exercife of graci-
ous habits be our acts, yet the enabling of us to bring thefe
ads forth, is the Lords work, who giveth us both to will and
to do of his own good pleafu ejand as it is our duty to acknow-
ledge this, fo is it the fruit of our feelings of G^ds help to
profefle it > My foul foliowetb hard aftertbee . but by what power,
itrength and Furniture dothhetlnVr/;; rignbandupboldeth me.
9. But thofe that feekmj foul to deftroy it, /ball go
into the lower parts of the earth.
10. Thejfba/l fad by the fword: they fhdl be 4
port ton for foxes.
The thi'd fruit of the anfwer of his prayer, is affurance
given thaj^ his enemies (hall be deitroyed, for it is revealed to
him, xhitSanl (hould be flain by the fword > he knew by reve-
lation that his carcafie ihouldliein the fields, a p-ey for foxes
and wilde beads. Whence learn, 1 . The deadly and un :econcile-
able enemies of Gods people, hating them for a good caufe, do
draw deftrudion on thcmfelves ; Thofe that feefi my foule to de-
ftroy it, fball go down to the lower parts of the earth, z. It is
agreeable with Gods jaftice that bloody enemies of Gods
people be puniflied by their bloody enemies*} God can ftin e up
the wicked againft the wicked, to avenge the wrongs done to his
children: They fball fall by the (word, they full be a portion for
. the foxes. 3. The Lord, to eafe the hearts of his opp.-effed chil-
dren, doth fometimes before hand make them forefc; :hc dell u-
78
PSAL. LXIII.
fti6n of their adverfaries, whether by teaching them in an or-
dinary way to anpythe general fenten;es of theScriptare unto
them, or in am vc fpeci.il way revealing his minde, ashefeeth
fit, as here: They Jhall fall by ibefmrd, (?c.
II. But the King Jhall rejojee in God : every one
that fweareth by him Jhall glory : but the month of
them thdt fpeakjies Jhall be flopped.
The laft fruit of his prayer, is affurance that he (hall be
King , and that all the godly (hall be comforted by this means ,
and that hisrighteoufnefle iliall be cleared againft all the ca-
lumnies of the wicked. Whence learn, i. Howfoever it may go
hard with the righteous, and their enemies may profper for a
time, yet their lot (hall be changed to the better at length : and
when their enemies are born down, their head fliall be lifted up;
and whatfoever is promifed unto them, they may be as fure of in
asifthey ha.ip {f-ffionofit, yea they may ftile themfelves by
the title whhh Gjds Word haih given unto them, as *Davil
doth in his particular, calling himielf King, now when he was
abani'V.ed man in the wilaeoieffe of tfuaah ; The d^ing Jhall
rejoyce, faith he. 2. The true ground of a beleevers joy, is not
the gift he receiveth from God, how great focver it may be, but
the good will of the giver, even God himielf 3 The J^ing Jhall
rejoyce in God. 3 Every true worfhippcr of God, (whofe pro-
perty is truly to feare the true God, and the cognifanceof
whofefincerity is his .onfeience making of an oath) ftiall have
matter of gloriation, after a whiles patient fuffering in time of
trial: Every one that fweareth by him Jhall glory. 4. The born-
down righteoufnefle of the godly, and of their caufe, by the lies,
(landers and calumnies of the wicked, fhall be brought to light
induetime, and the wicked made afhamed of their lies j The
mouth of them thatjpeai lies Jhall be flopped.
PSAL*
PSAL. LXIV. 79
PSAL. LXIV.
To the chief Mufician. A Pfalme of David.
THis Pfalme fiath two parts : In the former is TZavids heavy
complaint unto Godagainil his deadly enemies, laid forth
before God in fundry particular evidences of their malice, ver. I,
*j 3>4j ^6« And in the latter part is the Lords comfortable
anfwer u uo him, by giving him allurance of Gods judgement
coming on them, to their own and others aftonifhmenc, and to
the comfort of the godly, ver 7.8;9jio.
Ver. I . tJtare my voice, Cjod, in my prayer : pre-
ferve my life from feare of the enemy.
2, Htde me from the fecret counfel of the wicked*
from the infurreUion of the workers of iniquity.
In his prayer he requefleth firft in general, for delivery of his
life from the fecret plotting and ofien-p/aclifing of his enemies
againft him Whence learn y i .Prefent danger is able to force out
cryes to God, and ftu;h earneft prayers poured out in extreme ne-
ceflity, (hall not vv,ant an anfwer ; Hexre my voice, God 3 in my
payer* 2. The danger cannot be fo great, wherein help may noc
be had from God S he is fo near to a fupplicant, fo powerful,and
fo ready to fave the man who hath made God his refuge 5 L re-
serve my life from fear e of the enemy. 3. God can fo overrule
and outwit the devices of our enemies, that they (hall ei:her
not light upon the meane whereby they might overtake us,
or fhall make them miifeof their intent in cafe their device be
probable > Hide me from the fecret counfel of the wicked. 4.Whac
the wicked cannot do againit the righteous by craft, they will
purfue with open violence • but God, as he is wifer in counfel
and able to befool them, to is he ftronger in power, and able to
break them : Hide mcfrom their infuneftion. 5 . That we may
have the greater confidence to be delivered from our enemies,
we had need to be fure we are in a good ciufe, and that our ad-
verfaries have awrongcaufe: Hide me from the workers of ini-
quity,
Ver.
SO l^tXLi. JL.A1V.
Ver. 5. who whet thetr tongue like a fword, and
bend their bowes to (hoot f £*/r axrovpcs, even £/«*r
bw^ :
4. That they may (boot in fecret at the perfe&:fud-
denly do they /hoot at him, and fear not.
5 # They encourage themfelves in an evil matter:
they commune of laying fnares privily y they faj, Whd
Jball fee them ?
6+ They fearch out iniquities, they accompUJh a
diligent fearch : both the inward thought of every one
of them, and the heart is deep.
Here he complaineth of his enemies, and layeth forth feveral
deg ees of their defperate wickedneflfe before God, as fo many ar-
guments -o ftrengthen his faith , and hope for delivery from
them. Whence learne, 1. The benefit of a good cau:e , and of
a good confeience appea e^h bell in a ftrait, when nothing can
help a man againft his enemies , fave God alone, as here appear-
eth in Davids cafe. 2. Caluim ies and ilanders againft the
godly are very cruel weapons: for not only hurt they the efti-
mation of their good cau e, and perfonal good behaviour,but alfo
do flit re up all men to take their lives. They whet their tongue as a\
fword,and bend bend their bows to (hoot their arrows fitter words.
3. There is no fear againft a privy (lander , a man is woundei
ere he is aware, and no mans innocency or integrity of life can
be a guard againft the mot or a Calumniators tongue, ihey jhoot
in ferret, at the perfect, fuddenly do they fliootatbim. 4. e-
caufe onlv God can heal the wound of a (lander . and fuftainc
the man in the confeience of his good caufe and carriage, till he
clear him, the righteous muft content himfelf to referre the
matter to God, as Vavid doth here- 5. G« dlefle men are dan-
gerous enemies, for they fear not god, and fo have no powerful
reftraint within them from doing anymifchief, and the. more
they finne, they take he greater boldncffe to mine more j they en-
courage them felvts in an evil otter 6. The wit and wicked-
neflcwhkij lswrhin rhemlclves, will not fuffice their devillifh
intention, the efdre they leek ail' help they can finde from with-
out; They commune cf laying fnzres privily. t 7. They feek how
they may overtake the mans perfon, after they have killed his
good name and caufe with calumnies and bi:terafperfions. Yea
Satan
PSAL. LXIV. 8r
Satan fo blindeth them, that they neither look to God the aven-»
ger of fuch plots and practifes, nor do they confider that God
lceth thcm,and they think their pretences before men arc fo thick
a covering, that no man can fee through them 5 T bey fay, Who
Jhallfce them ? 8. If there hath been any flander of the upright
mans mifdemeanour in any former time, which for. the falfhood
of it is evanimed, they make fearch after it, to waken it up a-
gain : and if there be any poffibility to devife new inventions,
With any probability, they go about it btifily, yea they fearch hell
itfelf tofindeout how to bring a milchief upon the upright;
They fearch out iniquities , they accomplijl) a diligent fearch.
9. Laftofall their wickedneiTe isunlearchable, the uncontrol-
led bent of their wicked wit and will affifted with what Satan
can fuggeft, {urnifh and ftirre up, all is imployed, and it is hard
to fay whether their wit or will be moft wicked, and do draw,
lieareft to hell , but it is fure to fay cf both, Both the thoughts of
every on oftbem, and the heart is deep.
Vcr. 7. But (fed fhall Jfjoot attherh*. with an ar-
row fuddenly fhall they be wounded.
8. Sotheyjball make their own tongue to fall upon
them/elves : all that fee them, /hall flee a\\ay.
9. And all mtnfixll fear , and fhall declare the work
ofGod\fot they ft all Rifely confider of hi< doing.
I O The righteous {hall be glad in the LORD and
(hall truft in him ; and all the upright in heart (hzll
glorj.
In the latter part of the Pfalm is fet down his prayer and con-
fidence of juftice to be executed againit his enemies, and mercy
to be /hewn to him , and to all the godly. Whence learn , 1 . The
godly want not a fiiend to avenge their quarrel : God will fhoot
againft wicked archers, and not miffe the mark, But God flmll
Jbootattbem; with an arrow Jhall they ic wounded, z. Where
defperate malice is feen, there fudden mifchiei may be forefcen,
that it mall light upon the malicious; fiddcvly flail they be
wounded. $. The wicked adverfaries of Gods people are de-
nroyers of themfelves, by their oppofition unto them; for as
1 iJ ey jf 10u S ht t0 do unt0 Gods children, God doth to them ; So
thy fhall maltf thzir own tongue fall upon themfelves. 4. Some-
G times
8z PSAL. LXV.
times God will make the wicked fpectacks of his judgement to
the afVrightment of all that knew them , and do fee their plague j
tAll ibat fee them fiall flee away. 5. The judgement of the wick-
ed fhould be all mens leflbn, and all forts of people fhall learn
by their plagues to know Gods juftice and terrour j And all men
Jhal'fcare and declare the worlds of God. 6. Not every fpe&a-
tor of Gods workgiveth glory to God, but they only, who com-
pare Ifis Word with his works, and through the vaile of means
and inrtuments do look to God the righteous Judge of the
world 5 They JIM declare tbervorf^ of god, for they Jh all confidcr
wifely of his doing. 7. When wo and wrack doth come upon
the wicked, then doth joy and comfort come to the godly, not
fo much for the dammage of the wicked, as for the maniieftati-
on of the glory of God r The righteous, fhall he glad in the Lord.
8 As the Lords mercies do confirm the faith of the righteous,
fo alfo do the works of his juftice ; They fhall he glad in the Lord,
andjhall truH in.bim* 9. The delivery of one of the godly, is
a pledge of the like delivery to :11 in the like cafe ; and as one
fo all and every one of the righteous and upright in heart fhall
triumph at length over all enemies,and make their boaft of God:
All the upright in heart Jhall glory .
PSAL. LXV.
To the thief Mufician. A Pfalmeand Song of TaviA.
THis Pfalmeis all of Gods praifes. The Propofition, that
he is to bepraifed, isfetdown, vcr. 1. Thereafons of his
piaife unto the end, arc nine. The fit ft whereof is, becaufe he
heave, h prayer, vcr. 2- The fecond, becaufe he mercifully par-
dorethiins, ver. 3. The third, becaufe of his gracious purpofc,
and powerful prolecution of the decree of election of his own re-
deemed on^Sj ver. 4. The fourth, becaufe of his defending of
his Ch rch in all pin cesser. 5. The fifth,is from his ftrength ma»
nifeftcd in the framing and feeling of the mountains, ver.6.
The fixthjfrom his wife and powerful over-ruling of all unruly
and raging creaturesyi/er.7. The feventh,is from his preventing
of trouble*., which are coming to his Church, by terrifying all
Nations at the beholding of the tokens of his difpleafure a-
gainil the enemies of his people^wr. 8. The eighth argument
is taken £om the joyful peacc 3 granted fomedme tohispeopV,
ver
PSAL. LXV. 85
vet. 8. The ninth Argument of Gods praife, is f omtherich
plenty of all necefTuy rood from year to year 3 which God pro-
videthfor maintenance of man and^beait, and ipecially of his
people Ifracl in their land, iw.o, idjiiyia* 13,
Ver, I. Tf^Raife wait eth for the? y OGod, in Si-
IT tftf : ^»^ ##f0 thee > fi all the vow be
performed.
From the Ttopcficion, concerning his purpofe tofpendthis
Pfalm only inpraifing of God; Learnt, 1. Although prayer and
praife s do alwayes agree weil, yet feme time may call foi
ies, and for the work of praife only, and may take up the whole
man for a time, as here. 2. How mourniul a condition fdevcr
the Lords people may be in, yet God is preparing thereby mat-
ter for his own glory • Praife waitetb for thee. And whatfoever ,
matter of praife be feen, or whatfoever meafure of p.aife be
given unto God by his people, more is due to him, and more is
making ready for him; Praife xvaitcth for thee. ' $. Although
the reft of the world be fenielciTe of Gods benefits, ye: his'
Church muft fet about the work of his praifes, and fha^l be en-
abled to give him praife 5 Praif write lb for tbee, OGod, in
Sion. 4. As it is the duty of every man, who doth feck deli-
verance from trouble, or any other benefit from God ; to oblige
himfeif, to praife God for it: fo it is the Lords manner to gaine
rohimfclf praife by granting prayers, and topurchafe the per-
formance of praifes prcmiied unto him $ Unto thee fall the vow
be performed*
Ver.2. Othou that hare ft prayer! unto thee /ball all
flejh come.
From the firft reafon of the Lords praifejLcur^i.The hftu-irg
and granting of prayer is the Lords property, and his ulual pra-
clice, and hispleafure, and his nature,an<J his glory* thou that
hear eft pro} er! 2.Thereadinefleofthc Lord to hear prayer,doth
open the door of accefle to all forts of people, who are fenfible of
their own frailty and neceffitics, and do know his readinelle
to relieve them, Gentiles as well hs Jewcs fhall come unto him;
thou that beat eft prayer ! all flcfi [kJt erne unto tbte.
G z far;
84 PSAL. LXV.
Ver. 3. Iniquities prevaile againfl me • at
for our tranfgrcjfionst then Jhah pmge them <t-
From the fecond reafonof the Lords pralfcj tedrn, 1. Sin
is a fore advecfaiy, and many times prevails over us, and
drawes on troubles on us, which makes us know the ill of it
better, then we knew before the committing cf it 5 Iniquities
p cvailc agaivft me, a. Wharfoever be the ins cf the people we
live amongft, let us make fpecial accompt of our own giiiltincfs*
in the point of cenfeffion, as .David doth here, whenhefaith,
Iniquities fr civile ag.iin(t me. 3. Our fins mould be looked up-
on, not to chafe us horn God, but to humble us, and drive us
to feck pardon arid purgation frcm the Lord, whofe freeerace
only can take fins awdyj Iniquity prevails over me : as for our
tranjgrcfons , then fialt purge tb cm away. 4. The holy Pro-
phets and Pen-men of Scripture have no grounds of hope for
pardon cf fin, fave rhole which are v common to the meanefi
of Gods people; foe T>..vui in his'confeflion ccmcth in by
himfelf alone aggravating his own fins moft j Iniquities prevail
aguiuft me, faith he. But in the hope of pardon, he joyneth with
the reft of Gods people, faying, As for our tranfgrefwns^thoii
Jhalt purge them am ay.
Ver, 4. Tie fed is the man whom thou choo-
fefl, anh caufeft to approach unco thee, that he may
dwell in thy Courts :' ire Jhall be fatisfied with the
goodtiefe of thy houfa even of thy holy Temple.
From the third reafonof the Lords praife S Lcarne> i.God
hath made election of fonie out of the reft of mankinde, on
whom he doth effectually beftow bleffednetfe; %lcjfed is the
wan whom thou choofeft. 2. All thofe whom God dorh effectu-
ally call, and reconcile to himfelf, and draweth into communi-
on and fociety with himfelf, are elected and blefiedperfonss
^Blcffcd is the man whom thou choofeft, and caufeft to approach
untothec. 2. It is the free good will of God, whieh putteth
the difference an ong men, and makethfome to be partakers of
b'efie ; ncde,and not other fome j Blcfled is the man whom thou
tbtofeft. 4. The power and glory of the work of convenors
r.ciliation, and drawing near to God., for communion with
him*
PSAL. LXV. 85
him.of Co many as are converters the Lords powtr an i glory.n
Iefle then elation is his free choice and glory 5 Blcfjed is the man
whom thou cboofefty and whom 5 thou caufcfl to approach unto rbce.
$. The, man elected, eff.61 ual I y called, reconciled and drawn in
foci.ty with God, is a true member of his Chin ch, a ccnilant
member thereof in this life,and one who (hail be a member of the
Church triumphant, in the life to come, and fo effectually blefc
fed ; He fhall dwell in thy Courts, faith the text in the c riginrl.
5. Whatfoever is fufficicnt for begetting and entertaining the
life of grace, and of true blefll'dnefle in Gods elect , is to re found
bythemeanes of publick ordinances in die Church of God - 7
We frail he jatisfi ed with the goodvefje of thy boufe 3 even of thy
holy Temple. 7. Whofoever do finde in them feives the proper
effects or confequents of election, in fpccial, a powerful drawing
of them to the Covenant with God, and unto a nearc. ani
nearer approaching unto God, in the way of obedience unto the
publick ordinances of his houfc, may be a flu red of their ele-
ction , of their effectual calling, of the blcffcdiufle, and of their
intcreft in all the goodnefleof Gods houfe to their full con-
tentment, for after the general doctrine, hcapplierh, \Ve fiall
be fatisfied with the goodies of thy houfc, even ofiby holy Temple.
Ver. 5. By terrible things in right eou'neffe wilt
thon anftyerus, Goh of our jalvation , who art the
confidence of all the ends of the eninb % and of them that
are afar off upon tbefea.
The fourth reafon of the Lords praife is taken from the de-
fending of his Church in all ages and places ; and laving of his
people by giving terrible anfwers to their prayers againft their c -
nemies, for the performance of his own word , and confirmati-
on of the faith of his own people, in whatfocver part of the earth,
unto the end of the world. iVheneelexm, 1 .As the !ovc of God
to his people doth not exempt them from th?moUffa f ion of ene-
mies, becaufe the Lord will have the faith-of his people by this
means exerciiedj and them put to pray unto him, and complain
of the injuries done unto them J fo his love to them will not fuf-
fer their prayers to want an a nfwer in their troubles, to the ar
mozemeat of their adversaries > By terrible things rvilt thou an *
fiver u$. 2 In the L-rds relieving of his people, anddeftroying
their enemies, he will have the work looked upon as the perform-
ance cf his Word, wherein he hath prom i fed to be a friend :o
G 3 frienes
friends ofhis people, and a foe to their foes; 'By terriole thing*
hi r-gbtcoujiieJ]c, wilt, thou anfwer us. 3, The realon of particu-
lar deliveries ot rods people horn their enemies, is,becaufe thefe
deliveries a:e appendices of the Covenant cf grace, eftablifhed
them everlasting life. Thou wilt anjwer us God of
.ilv.uiou. a . What the Lord huh promi fed and done to his
Ghurcfc . . oldjisa lufficient gtound of confidence to the people
CiGj ,in alt times and places, to expect and finde the like mercy,
unto that whieh they of old did exped and finde; God of
our fdlvation , the confidence of ail the ends of the earth > and of
ib:m that are afar off\iaon tbejca i that is , thy people, whether
dwelling in the Continental' in ifles; or failing on the fea.
Ver. 6. Which by his flrength fetteth faft the
mountain's , being girded with power.
The fifth <eafon of the Lords praifeis, from his ftrong power,
whereby he is able to do all things, as appcareth by his framing
and fetiing the .mountahas ; Whence learn , 1. The power of
G xl mani:eited in the work of Creation , is a prop to the faith of
his people to believe the promifes , and a pledge of the perfor-
mance thereof unto them; By bis ftrength he fetteth faft the
r.ionntaines* z . Whatfoever great work the Lord hath done , he
is able and ready to co a greater work , if need, be for his people}
f{Q is girded with \.ower .
Ver. 8. Which ftillfjt the noife of the feas : the
tiQife of their ^Xaves^ and the tumult of the people.
F'om the fixth reaLon taken from his wife and powerful over-
ruling all commotions ot" unruly creatures of whatfoever fort;
Learn , 1 . There is nothing to turbulent and raging , and rea-
ilc in the whole world, which God doth not rule and bridle,
and make quiet as he pleateth : HcftiUctb the noife of the feas 3
the noife of their waters. 2. As the commotions of people , their
feditions , their in furred ions and confpiracics againfl Gods
people, within and wiihout the viable Church, are no leffe rage-
{ng and reafpnlefle ihen arc the commotions of- the fca : fo God
hath the ruling of them, as well as of the feas 2 and by his ftilling
tbcnoijc of the feas , the noife of the waters thereof^ he giveth
in evidence or his power and purpofe to bridle the fury and r3ge
ofrealonlcffc men, who rhreten trouble and deftrudion to his
people ; Hcflilktb their waves , and the tumult of the people.
Ver, S. They Jjo that dwell tn the mtermoji parts \
■ are
PSAL. LXV. 87
Are afra'dat thy tokens : thou makefl the outgoings of
the morning and evening to rejoyce.
From the fcvcnth reafon of Gods praife,taken from the aftHght
ing of all the world by his judgements againft the enemies of
his people, left they fliould attempt the likes Learn , 1, As the
Lo:d can {till the tumults of the people, when they rage moft 5 fo
he can by his tenor prevent their commotions againft «his
Church , by (hewing them his terrible judgements executed on
others,which are the tokens of the power ofhisdifpieaiure againft
all who fliall dare to be ad vet faries to his people ; They alfo that
dwell in the uttcrmoji pins, arc afraid at thy tokens.
The eight reafon of Gods praife is, from the joyful tranquilli-
ty and peace , which he when he pleafeth , giveth to his people,
after he hath fetled their enemies rage and power againft them;
Whence lemi , As the Lord doth fometime excrciie his people,
with trouble and perfecution from their enemies ; fo alfo he can,
and doth give them fome breathing times , fome comfortable
felons, as it were fait* dayes from morning to evening 5 yea fun-
dry full fair dayes, one after another , fo that his people are made
to rejoyce before I: im from day to day i Thou ma\e{t the outgoings
of the morning and, evening to rejoyce.
Vcr. 9 Thou vi fit eft the earthy and water eft it 5
thou greatly enricheft it with the river of God which is
full of Water : thou prepar eft them corn, when thou haft
fo provided for it.
IO Thouwatereft the ridges thereof abundantly :
thou fetleft the furrorves thereof: thou make ft it foft
withfhwres, thou bleffcft the $ ringing thereof.
1 1. Thou croWneft the jeer With thy goodneffe , and
thy paths drop fatneffe.
1 2. They drop upon thepaftures of the wilder neffe :
and the little hills rejoyce on every fide.
13 . The paftures are clothed with ftock^\ the valleyes
alfo are covered over With corn ; thej /bout for joy^ they
alfo ring.
^ The ninth' reafon of the Lords praife is, from his plentiful fur-
nishing of food yearly for man and beaft , tut in fpecial for his
G 4 making
SS PSAL. LXV.
making thepromifcd land fruitful unto his people Ifracl , when
he fhall give them reft from their enemies , and peace therein, af-
ter their being exercifed with troubles. What may be propheti-
cal, in this whole Pfalme,as touching the Ifraditcs, we will not
here enquire 5 nor how Jar the Prophet did look beyond his own
and Solomons time, when he faid, Praife wiitetb for thee inSion^
&c. Only , Hence learn general doctrines , 1. The Lords blef-
ling of the ground 3 and making it fruitful , is his coming as it
were to vifn it ; Thou vifiteft the earth, and voxtertft it, 2. Gods
providence is then heft feen, when particular parts are looked up-
£>n one after another; Thou watereft it, thou evricbeft it, thou fre-
pdreft them corn, &c. 3. The fending of timely rain, and plenty
of it, and after that abundance of victual, mould not be {lightly
pafled over, but well and carefully marked j for the husbandry is
all the Lords : Thouprcpareft them corn , when tbou haft fo provi-
ded for it. 4. Second caufes , and the natural eourfe of convey-
ing benefits unto us, are not rightly feen, except when God , the
fir it and prime caufe , is feen to be neareft unto the actual difpo-
fingof them for producing the eftyct : Tbou watereft the ridges
thereof abundantly 3 &c. Tbou ik(feft the fpringing thereof .
5. From the one end of the year to the other God hath continual
work about the bringing forth of the fruits of the ground , and
glovioufly doth perfect it once a year ; Tbou crowneft the year by
thy goodnejfe. 6. Every onejsf the footfteps of Gods providence,
for t he p'ovi (ion of his peoples food, , hath its own bleffing 5 as
appeareth in the profitable u'e of the ftraw and ftubble and
chaffe, and multiplication of the feeds Thy paths drop fatneffc.
y. The Lord hath a care to provide food , not only for man, but
alfo for beaftsj and not only tor tame beafts , which are moll ule-
fui for man, but alio for wilde beafts in the wildcrnefle , making
his rain to fall on all parts of the ground : They drop upon the pa-
stures of the wildcr?ieffc , 4nd the little hills rejoyce on every fide.
S. Albeit temporal benefits be inferior to fpiritual, yet becaufe
unto Gods children they be appendices of the fpiritual , they are
worthy to be taken notice of, and that God fhould be praifed for
them; as heiethe ^Pajlmijl fheweth , prailing God for fpiritual
fclefTings, in the beginning of the Pfalm; and here in the end, for
temporal benefits. 9. The plurality of Gods creatures , and the
comparifen of Gods benefits fet before our eyes,are the fca!c,mu-
(ick book , and noted leflbns of the harmony and melody which
We ought to have in our heart s, in praifing him : yea thefe bene-
fits do begin and take up the fong in their own kinde^thac we may
fellow
follow them in our kinde 5 Thepaftures are clothed with flocks, the
vatlcyes alfo arc covered, over mtb corn } they Jhout for joy, they aljo
ifafr
T
PSAL. LVI.
To the chief Mufician, A fong or Tfalmc.
jHis Pialm being all of praifes, may be divided into three
t pins In the Brit, the Pfalmift exhorteth all the earth to
praife God, ver. r, t,^4- and that becaufe of the works which
God did of old for his people , ver. 5> 6. and becaufe he is able
todothelikewhenhepleafeth,^er.7. In the fecond part, he
exhorts the Church of lfrdel living with him in that age t to
praifeGod for the late experience of Gods goodneffe towards
them , in the delivery granted to them out of their late trials,
troubles, and fore vcvations,w. 8,9,10, 11, ii. In the third
place, the Prophet exprefleth his ownpurpofe of thankfulnevTe
unto God for the large experience which he had in particular
of Gods mercies to himfelfe, from xurrM^to the end.
Ver. 1, \ /T^% a J°jM no *f e mt0 Go ^ * a ^ 7 ee
iVl lands.
2. Sing forth the honour of his Name ; wake hid
praife glorious,
From this urgent exhortation to praife God: Learn, 1. As the
dutyof praife is moit^eceflary, and moil fpiritual : fo are we
more dull 3 and indifpoied thereto, then to any other exercife
{piritual , and had need to be (lirred up thereunto; therefore faith
he , Make a wife, fing forth , &e 2. The Prophets of old
had it revealed unto them, that the Gentiles fhould be brought
to the knowledge of God, and made to worfhip him; as, SHake a
joyful noifeunto God, all ye lands, importeth. $. The praife of the
Lord is a task for ail the world to be imployed about , and a duiy
wherennto all are bound/eeing they all do fee his works,and all do
hold whit they have of him ; but (pecialiy thofethar hear of him
by his Word. to whom moft 1 pecialiy the Word doth fpeak ; Make
a joyfulnoifc ally c lands. 4. Men ought to go about the work
of p railing God lo cheerfully fo wifely and fo avowedly , as they
who do hear his praife fgoken of, may under ftand his Mi icily,
magnifi-
9<5 PJ>AL. LXVI.
magnificence, goodncfTe, power, and mercy : Ma\i a noifc untd
Cjohfingfortb the honour of bis Name t n.afy bis praife glorious*
Ver. 3. Say unto God , How terrible art thou in
*J!?j nw^r ? through the greatneffe of thy poster Jhall
thine enemies fnbmit themf elves unto thee.
4. All the earth fhall worjhip thee\ and Jhall (in g unto
t hee y they Jh all fing to t hj Name. Selab.
Here the' Pfalmift, as the Lords pen-man, doth fuinifh matter
and words of praifing God nnro the hearers , and prophefieth
that the fulneffc or the Gentiles fhall concurre in his worfhi'p,
and take part in the fong of his praife > Whence learn 3 1. Bc-
caufe we can do nothing of our felves in this work of the Lords
praife,God muft furnifh to us matter & words$5ty unto God,How
terrible, &c % i, As the wo k of the praife of God mould be done
in love and confidence, and fincerky, and in his own ftrcngth : fo
may it be dir-ected to him immediately, and that without flattery;
fotherwayes tlien men are praifed) for praife properly is due to
God onfy, and no man can fpeak of him , except in his own au-
dience; Say unto God , How terrible art thou i>i thy works?
1* The works of the Lord, every one of them being rightly ftu-
died y are able to affright us , by discovering the incomparable,
dreadful, and omnipotent Majeily of the worker thereof y How
terrible art thou in "thy -wor\\s? 4. When the Lord ispleafedto
let forth his judgements on his adverfaries 3 and to let them fee
what he can do, none of them dare ftand out againft him 5 but if
they be not converted, yet will they be forced 10 feign fubmiflion
unto him 5 Through the greatneffe of thy power Jhdl thy enemies
fnbmit themselves to them? f. Over and above what is already
accomplished of thispropheeie concerning the converiion of the
Gentiles, a higher meafure is yet to be expected in the bringing
in of that number of them, which the Scripture callerh the fid-
neffe of the Gentiles y and the making all the l^ingdomes of the
earth to become the Lords , and his Sonne Chrijls 5 for this word
in a greater meafure then yet is come to pane , muft be fulfilled;
^ // the earth Jhdl warjhip thee, they full fing unto thee ; they full
fine unto thy Name: Which word doth import the revealing of
the glad tidings of Jefus Chrift nnto them , and their joyful ac-
ceptation of the Gpfpel , and glorifying of God for it. 6. As
it
l J 5AL, LAV1. $1
it is the Lords glory to have many praifing him : fo mould it be
the joy of all that love him, now to forefee the fuccefTc or Chrifls
Kingdomc , as well as it was of old , when it was the Charches
fong; All the earth Jballworfbifthcc.
Ven 5. Come let us fee the work* cf God: he is
terrible in his doing toward the children of men.
6. He turned the fea into dry land: they went
through the flood on footy there did toerejoyce in him.
7. He ruleth by his porter for ever , his eyes behold
the nations ; let not the rebellions exalt themfelves.
Selah.
He pointeth out in fpecial the Lords works , 'already wrought
for his people 3 Whence learn , 1. Albeit the Lord doth work
for the delivery of the Church, and his own glory, yet men are io
carelefle, to obferve his works / that they can neither make ufe
thereof for their own profit, nor for Gods praife 5 fo that there is
much need to ftirre up our dulnefle , to cbferve them and make
right ufe thereof; Come and fee the worly of God. 2 . Whofoever
do obferve the works of God, which he hath wrought for his peo-
ple, they mail be forced to fear and admire his wonderful ACts
for them, and his refpeft unto them; He is terrible in his doing
toward the children of men. J* The work of redemption of his
Church out of Egypt , is a work one for all worthy to b: made
afe of to the end of the world j and fufficient to mew, that if
leed be, God will invert the courfe of nature for the good
Df his people , and for their delivery out of difficulties ; He turn-
ed the 'ea into dry land.. 4. As the Lord will work wonders for
he delivcsy of his people out of mifery : fo will he work wonders
"or performing of promifes to them, and for bringing them to the
)offeffion of what he hath given them right unto ; for the drying
)f the river Jorte, that his people might go in to poffcflc the pro-
niled land , was a pawn and evidence of this his purpofe for all
ime coming ; They went through the flood on foot. 5. As all
he people of God are one body , and that which is dem in one
tgetoone generation doth concern all and every one to make
ne of it in their generation : fo every one in after-ages mould
eckon thcmlelves one body with the Loa's people in former ages,
.ad make ufe of Gods dealing with them., as if ibey had been gre-
• ' feat
gz PSAL, LXV.
fcnt then wkhthem 3 as here the Church in the Pfalmifis time
joyneth it felfe with the Church in Jojlwabs time , rejoycing in
God with thenrat their entring fr\toCanMU;Therc did we rejoycc
in him y fay they. 6. Whatfoever the Lord hath done for his
people in any time by-paft, he is able and ready to do the like for
bis people in any time to come; He ruleth by his poacr for ever,
and for this caufe his former Ads , are perpetual evidences and
pledges of like Ads to be done hereafter , as need is, 7. No--
thing is done in any place , which the Lord is not witneiTe un-
to; no plot or motion againft his people,which he feeth not: His
eyes behold the Httions. 8. Albeit there will be from time to
time a generation , who will not fubmit themfelves to this for
vereign Ruler, but will ftand out againft him , and maligne his
Church, yet fhall they not long profper, nor have caufe of glorx-
ation in their rebellion > Let not the rebellious cxrft themfelves.
ver. 8, O bleffe our God, ye people y and make the
yoke ojhk praife to be heard.
9. Which holdeth our foul in life , and fuffereth not
eur feet to be moved,
I a. For thoUy O God ; hafl proved us : thou hafl
tried us, asfilver is tried.
1 1 . Thou brought eft m into the net-, thou layedft af-
fliction Upon our loines.
1 2. Thou hafl caufed men to ride over our heads, rce
went through fire 9 and through water : but thou
brought eft ta out into a wealthy place.
Inthefecond part of the Pfalm , the Pptlmift exhorts the
Church in his time, to praife God for preferving them from ex-
tirpation in the time of their fiery trial , and fore afflidion un-
der the tyranny and oppreffion of their enemies. Whence lexrv,
I, The Lords people in every age, befides all the reafons they
have to praife God for his former works, want not their own
particular reafons for his care , providence , and kindnelfe to
themfelves in their own time to ftirre up one another to bleffe
hisMajefty; O blejfe our God, \c people. 1. It is the Churches
proper priviledge , and her glory, above , all other incorporations
and focieties befide, to have fpecial intereft in God , as her own ;
O bleffe our God . 3. It is not fufficient that the Lords people
ackn«w-
PSAL. LXVl. 93
acknowledge inwardly the mercies of God tothcmfelves; but it is
their duty in an orderly way to bring others on to the knowledge
of God, and to fhew to others how praife-worthy he is : mab^e the
voice of btipraifc to be heard. 4. Albeit the Lord takes many
things away from his people, when he is pleafed to exercife them,
yet he keeps life in their foul; fome fweet communion offpirk
between himfelf and them : and doth notfuffcrall his people to
be extirpate, aud rooted out from the earth j Which boldetb our
foul in life, $. It is great mercy to be kept from defperate
courfesinthetimeoffad calamities, and to be tup ported under
burdens , that we (ink not , and to be prevented from denying
of God, or of his truth in time of pevfecution: He fufferetb not
our feet to be moved. 6. One end of the troubles of the Church,
among others is, the trial of the graces of his people, and purging
them from their corruptions : for which caufe the Lord ufeth to
bring on one trouble after another , as mcttal is put in the fire
oftner then once; For tbou y Cjod, haft proved us , thon baft tried.
Ui , as filver is tried. 7. When God doth bring his Church
into trial, there is no efcaping; we muft look for afflicti-
on, and not dream of declining it by our own wit or skill 5 Tlmt
brougbteft m into the net , thou lay cdft affliction upon our lines.
8. It iswifdomeand jufticeand goodnefie in God, to make his
people know fome time , whether his fervice or mens- fer-
vice be moll earTe 5 Thou baft caufed men to ride over our beads.
9. When Gods ferviceand mens fervice are compared , the fer-
vice of men is a beaftly bondage in comparifon : for the enemies
of the Church will abufe Gods people like beafts, when they fall
under their power 5 Thou baft made men ride over our beads.
10. There is no fort of affliction , nor extremity of affliction,
from which the godly may fecurc- themfelves , after the time of
their entring into their trials, till Gods time come, wherein their
trial! is to end; We went through fire 3 and through waters. 1 1. Af-
ter troubles and trials, the Lord giveth ever an event, and a gracu
ous delivery to his own, which bringeth as much comfort with
it, as their triall had grief in it 5 But thou brougbteft m out into A
wealthy place.
Ver. £3. IVcillgoimo thy bonfeVeith bhrnt*offcr~
ings : 1 toi/Ipay thee my Vo\X?er.
14. Whicbmy lips have uttered , wJt mj mnith
hath fpoken, when I was in trouble,
15, In
94, PSAL. .LXVI.
i -r. / *W// ^rr ##/<? f^tf burnt-facrifices of fat -
TwgSy Witft the ivcenfe of rams ; 7 wi/l offer bullocfy with
goat si Selab,
In the third and laft part of the Pfalme , the Pftlmift fliew-
eth forth histhankfulneile for the favours (hewed to himfelfe in
particular : and firft, he promifeth to acknowledge his obligation
to God in the place of publick worfhip , as the Lord had required
in the ceremonial hw, vcr.13, 14,15. Secondly, he declareth
his particular experience of Gods mercy, teftifying his hearing of
his prayer by his acceptance of it , iter. 18^ 1 9. And laft or all*
he blefleth the Lord for the gracious anlwer of- his prayer,
ver. 20.
From the promife, which he maketh of publick acknowledge-
ment of the mercy according to the prefcript of the Lords ap-
pointment 5 Learn , 1. In common favours and deliveries grant-
ed to the vifible Church , each true member have their own fpe-
cial mercies beftowed upon them., befide the common : for which
in particular, and for the common mercies alfo , they ought pub-
licity to be thankful, as the ^Pfalmift is here, faying 3 I to ill go
into thy boufe with burnt-offerings. 2. As it is a token of lively
faith in defperate troubles totruftinGod , and to hope for his
deliverance, and to promife him praife before the delivery come :
fd is it a token of an upright heart ., to be as willing to perform
promifes afcer the benefit received , as it was ready to make pro-
mi fes, before the benefit received 5 I will pay thee my vowes which
my lips have uttered , and my mouth hath [pollen when I was in
trouble. 3 . As our perfons and belt fervice arc polluted, except
they becleanfed by the facrifice of Ghrift : fo in our approaches
unto God we mould acknowledge the finfulneflc of our perfons
and performances , and the need we ftand in of Chrifts medi-
ation, and the riches of grace beftowed upon us through him,
who perfumeth our perfons, and prayers, and praifes , as was fha-
dowed forth in the ceremonies of the law 5 for this was the Pro •
phets meaning,when he faid, I will offer unto thee burnt- facr if ce$
offatlings , with the incenfeoframs : I will offer bullucfis witfr
goats, which were appointed in the law to be offered , partly for
lin, and partly by way of thanksgiving.
Ver. 1 6, Come and hear all je that fear God, and I
mil declare What he hath done for mj Joule.
if 1
PSAL. LXVI. 95
17. / cried unto him With my month : and he was
extolled with my tovgw.
From his declaration of his lately felt experience of Gods mer-
cy to him ; Learn, 1 . A fpiritual manias he will not neglcd out-
ward rites of commanded publick woniiip : fo will he not reft on
them, but will go about the real glorifying of God belore others*
as the Pjalmift doth here; Qome and bear what the Lord bath done
for my foul. 1, The true difciples of Gods grace , who can beft
difcern of Gods works, and of the experience of others 3 and who
will be moft ready to praiie God with us, are rhofe that fear God;
Come and bear, illyc that fear God i I will declare what be hath
done for my foul. 3. It is no lefle needful for the glorifying of
God, and edification of others , to make the way of our coming
by a benefit manifeft to others, chat it was by the ufe of holy
ordinances, then to make mention of the benefit it felfe ; I cried
unto him, faith he; that is, I was inftant in prayer for the benefit*
4. There are cafes wherein the uttering of words in prayer > da
ferve much, not only for our own up-ftirring, and fixing of our
mindes, and for others edification; but alfo concerneth Gods glo-
ry, on whom we profeflc dependance , and in whom we acknow-
ledge power and goodneflc to dwell 5 And be was extolled with
my tongue*
Ver. 18. If I regard iniquity in my heart : the Lord
will net hear me.
1 9. But verily God hath heard me ; he hath attended
to the voice ofmj prayer 4
From the clearingof his fincerity in prayer; Learn, i. Since-
rity of heart (hould be joyned whhthe iupplication of the mouthy
and with felte examination - that we may be fure wc pray fin-
cei cly : for, Ifl regard iniqnity in my bean , imports fo much in
the PfdmijU practice, 2. He is an upright man in Gods ac-
compt, who doth not entertain affection to any known fin > but
doth oppofe it fincerdy in Gods fightf for this the Pfalmift bring-
eth for the proof of his fincerity, that he did not regard fin in bk
heart. 3. Thole onely are the linners , whole prayer God will
not hear; who live in the love of known fins , and pray for having
fatisfaclicn to their corrupt lulls. If I regard iniquity in my
heart, the Lord will not bear me* 4. The lawful prayer of the
upright
9 6 PSAL. LXVII.
epright heart, mall be granted in fubftance, and ic may be juft as
it was deGredj which as ic is no (mall mercy, fo mould ic be well
marked, as the return of our prayer ', 'But verily Cjod bath beard
me, be bath attended to the voice of my fupplication.
Ver. 20 Tileffed be God) Which hath not tHrneh
away mj prayer, nor his mercy from me.
He dofethwith thanksgiving for this particular experience, as
an evidence of the running of the fountain of Gods mercy toward
him. Whence learn , 1. As it is no fmall mercy , that our pray-
ers are not rejected of God > albeit he mould delay to anfwer us
for a long time* fo when he delayeth not to anfwer us , the mercy
is the greater , and ought to be acknowledged in both refpeds :
Bleffed be God, which batb not turned away my payer. 2. The
gracious anfwer of an upright fupplication, evidenceth ready ac-
cefie prepared yet mo.e for the fupplicant , to the fountain of
Gods mercy 5 and this is yet more mercy : He hath not turned
away my prayer, nor bis mercy from me.
PSAL. LXVII.
To the chief Mufician on Neginotb. A FfJm or Jong.
THis Pfalmis a prophetical prayer for ablefling upon the
Church of the ewes, for the good of the Gentiles , and en-
larging oftheKingdom of Chrift among them. The petition is
propounded, xw. 1 } z In the next placets an acclamation with the
Gentiles, glorifying of God at their in-bringing , now forefeeri
that it mould come moft certainly^er. 5,4. In the third place jthe
Church ofthejewes do applaud the fecond time the converfion
of the Gentiles, and their praifing of God, promising ro them-
felvcs that by that msanes the increafe of Gods bleffing on
chem mall follow , and the enlarging of the Kingdom of God,
through all the world, vcr. 5, 6 } 7.
Ver I. f~> 0*D be merciful unto m 4 andblefft m:
VJ and caufc hi* jace tojhine t*pon usJSelaL
2. That
PSA!. LXVII. 91
2. That thy fray itoay be kyorvn Upon ear ih j thy f^
i'lna health among all k aiior.s.
This is the blcflin:: which the Lord commanded the childieri
of Aaron to pronounce upon the people of lfrad.Hnfnb.S, 2 2,2j.
which here the people do turn into a prayer , for the drawing, in
of the Gentiles untc Gods fer>ice. Whence learn , i. Iris lafti
turning of Gods offers, promiks ,' and forms of blcffing of his
people into prayers; we are lure fo to pray according to Gods willy
is the Church doth here* i. It is the duty of every citizen of the
Churches lively members of that body , to pray for the blcffing
)t God upon all his peoples God be merciful unto *£, and caufebis
hec to flrinc upon us. 5. Then are the Lords people bleUed 3
vhenGoddo;h make them iriftrumentai Xc enlarge his King-
lome, and to propagate the tut Religion J that is , the doctrine
)f mans falva-.ioii, and Gods fervice : and this mould be the aim
ve mould Jboo't at. in fceking any blcffing v his people. That the
,ord may be known upon earth, thy ftoing health among all the na-
ions 4. The world is ignorant of true Religion , till God by.
:is own -inftrufments rcveale it j and no way of Religion will
leafc God, nor profit men, fave Gods way only , wherein he will
tave men to walk in the conrfe of feith and obedience, and
'herein he rcvealeth how he will deal with us, and how wemuft
ehaveour fclves toward bitty Therefore fay they , That thy way
lay be known upon earth, thy jaj?ig health amoug all nations,
f er. 3. Let the people praife thee • God j let all the
eople praife thee.
4. let the nations be glad , and fin g for joy : for
hu /bait judge the people righteouflj , and govern the
ationstipon earth. SeLk
The P falmi ft tore fe[h by the revelation of Gods Spirit, that
le Gentiles (hall be converted , and (hall rejoyce in God , and
•aife him , and therefore will have the Church of rhc Jewes to
elcomethem, and to joyn in acclamation of praife co God with
lem, becaufe of Chrifts reigning among them, and ruling them
rhismbft holy lawes. tfbence learn, 1. The manifeltaubri
: ijod's freely gifted falvation inChrift, arid the revealing pi his
anner of dealing with people , and how he will have people dcaL
ithhim, and one with another, is a matter of unfpeakable praife
H to'
**
PSAL. LXVII.
to God, and joy to men, to whom this grace is revealed , that thy
faving health may be Ipiorvn among All nations ; let the people praife
tbee.OGod. i True converts un:„Chrift,be(ides the joy they h:\ve
of their own falvation, have alfo daily new acceffion of joy at the
conveilion of others > as they come in and ought to bleffc and
praife God heartily with them , when they behold their convei-
fion j Let all thepeople praife thee: dotheyfay twice, and here -
afte;- alfo the third time. ?. The conversion of the Gentiles
was. not a rhing only wifhed for by the Church of the Jew<s ; but
alfoprc pheficu of unto them clearly : let the nations be glad>
&d fing for joy ■ for thou Jh< judge the people rigbteouJly i ^c.
4. The Spnit which did enditc the Pfalme*,did not degrade the
promiled Meffiah Jefus Chrift from his Godhead, for his future
incarnation; but fpeakethof him, and to him, as God blehed for
ever; that is, ;he true God, to the Jewifh Church before his
coming : and true God * to the converted Gentiles after his
coming in the flefh,one with the Father and holy Spirit} for fixe
times in this Plalm he is called God^and acknowledged here to be
the fountain of mercy, and blefling to men , and of manifested
reconciliation with men > and the object of all divine ho-
nour and praife * and God the Lerd a and Law-giver of the con-
verted Gentiles'; Thou fbalt judge the people rigbteoufly , and go-
vern the nations upon earth, U The doctrine and difcipline of
Chrift , whereby he judgeth and governeth his Church, ismoft
holy and righteous , and in as far as particular Churches and
Chriftians fubmit themfelves to his Lawes , Doctrine, and
Government , they are his true fubjec~ts, and fhsdl finde the
fruit of his governing and judging ; For tbejcjball he judge rigb*
teoujly, unto thtfe mall he do the part of a Governour , even on
earth j He Jball govern the nations upon earth.
Ver. 5. Let the people praife thee ,0 God , let all
the people praife thee.
6. Then /hall the earth yield, her increafe , and
God, even our own Godfhatlbleffeus.
j, God [hall bleffe us , and all the ends of the earth
fhall fear him.
In the laft place , the Jewifh Church giveth a fecond accla-
mation to the incoming of the Gentiles , and do promiie
to themfelves by that meanes Gods blefling more abun-
dantly
PSAL. LXVII. 99
dantly upon themfclves , as now being one body with the
Gentiles, in the fame Covenant of grace with them. Whence
learn y i. As the converlion of the Gentiles was efteemed
by the Jewes , a matter worthy to be oftner prefented to
God , and prayed for , and earneftly purfued by all that lo-
ved God 3 fo was it forefcen to bee a matter of grow-
ing and lading joy to men , and growing and lafting
praife to God , and to Chi ill , who is God , the Con-
verter ot them , and the Governour and Teacher of therri
effectually , to know his Name and falvation J Let all the
people prAije thee , God , let all the people puife thee.
2. The Spirit of God gave the Church of the Jewes to
under ftand , that the converfion of the Gentiles , efpecially
the converfion of the fulneffe of the Gentiles, ( which here
is prayed for , when he faith, Let all the people puife thee)
was to be a means or a mercy antecedent unco , or nearly
joyried with the bringing in and bleffing of the Jewim
Church, and poflibly in their own land; then jhalt the earth
yield her increafe , and God even our own God Jhall bhjfe
us: for by the earth he meaneth the promifed land of C&+
ttaan , which hath been , and is accurfed , during the time
of their ejection out of it. $. When God mall be gracious
to the Jewes , after the converfion and bringing in of the
Gentiles , and fhall renew the Covenant with them in
Chrift, it (hall fare the better with true Religion , and with
the Chriftian Churches among the Gentiles > it fliali be id
them as a refurre&ion from the dead , in regard both of the
purity of Doftrjne and Worfliip , and of the multiplica-
tion of perfons converted unto Chrift in all places,- God
(hall blejfe us ffaiti he then, ) and what more ? And all tb$
ends of the earth jhall fear him.
■ ■
a i fcsAi*
ioo PSAL. LXVIH.
PSAL. LXVIII.
>
To the chief tin fie tot. A Ffatm or fong of Ttxvid.
THis Pfalm is very fuitable to that time, when T>xvid having
gotten the victory over his enemies round about,did afiemble
all lfrxel , and carried the Ark of God, now returned frorri
the land of the Pbi lift tries > triumphantly out of the houfecf
Obed-Edom , into the City of David, as a type of Chrifts afcen-
fion afttr the work of Redemption in the world. In which
PiMm after the manner that ZMofcs prayed unto God , or to
Chvift who was to be incarnate, when the Ark did march i Z>j-
vii praycth here firftagainft the Lords enemies , ver. i, z. And
then tor the Lords people , ver. $. In the next ptace , he exhert-
cthall the Lords people to praifc God , ver. 4. and giveth twelve
or thirteen 1 eafons for it 5 Fii ft, becaufe of his mercy to the defo-
late and afflicted , ver. 5,6. Secondly, becaufe of his wonderful-
nefle and tcrribteneffe in delivering of his people out of bondage,
as appeared in his bringing of his people out ofEgj^and through
the wilderneiTe , ver. 7, 8. Thirdly, becaufe of his fatherly care
to entertain his redeemed people & s did appear in his nouriming
of his Church in Camxn^ver. 9, io. Fourthly , becaufe of the
victories which he giveth ufually to his people , when their ene-
mies do invade them^ ver. 1 1, 11. Fifthly 3 becaufe of the deli-
very which he will give to his p^jple out of their moft fad cala-
mities, as he hath oftentimes givjjrt proof, ver. 13, 14. Sixthly,
becaufe his Church is the moft glorious Kingdome in the world,
being compared therewith , ver. 15, 16. Seventhly, becaufe
Chrift the King of the Church , hath all the Angels at his com-
mand to ferve him : and having ended the work of Redemption,
was to afcend glorioufly, for fending down gifts to his Church,
and ruling of it , ver. 17, 18. Eightly, becaufe of Gods bounty
to his people, in daily renewed mercies, till he perfect the work of
their falvatien. ver. 1 9, 20. Ninethly, becaufe of his avenging
of himfelf upon all his enemies, ver. n» Te nt hi y , becaufe God
hath undertaken to work over again in effect , as need lhall re-
quire, what he hath done in bringing his people out of Egypt,
and in giving them victory oyer the Canaanitcr, ver.ii,i$.
wherereof
PbAL. L.XV11I. ior
whereof the experience of his power , already manifefted .for
Jfrael, was a proof and pledge fufficient , ^v r. 24, 25,, 26, 27.
Eleventhly , becaufe it was decreed by God . to eftablifh his
Church, and to make her ftrong , by making Kings to become
converts, ver. 28, 29 and that partly by treading down fome of
her enemies, ver. 30. and partly by making others, even fome of
her grearc ft enemies,, to feek reconciliation with God , cveii her
God. ver* 31. Twelfthly, he cxhorteth to praife God, becaufe
of his omnipotent power, in converfion of Kingdomes , ready to
be let forth for the defence of his people, ver* $ 1, 52, 3 2, 34,
and ready to overthrow their enemier , and all lor the ftrengthen-
ing ofhisChuch: for all which he exhorteeh all to blefie the
Lord, ver. 35.
Ver. r„ 1 Et Godarife^ let his enemies be fcattered:
I jf't them aljo that hate himifiee before him.
2. As fmohe ii driven ds^aj^ fo drive them away ;
as waxe m?lteth before the five ^{o let the wicked pcrijb
at the prefence of God.
3 . 72 ut let the righteous he glad : let them re Joyce
before Cjod' } yea let them exceedingly rejojee.
In Davids prayer agninft his enemies , and for Gods people;
Lexrn , i . Such prayers as the Spirit hath endited unto the Saints
in Scripture, i: is lawful and expedient for ftrengthening of
cur faith, to ufe the hme or the like words in the lite cafe^ for
T>avid prayeth here., as Mofcs prayed at the marching of the
Ark, Numb, to. $ ?. Let Godarifc , (?c. i. As the Ark was
amongft the Ifraeiites 9 \o is Chrift amongft his pecplc : and what
ground of confidence the Church had , becaufe of that pi dec of
Gods prefence at t' e Ak; we have the fame , and a more lure
ground of confidence in Chrifts incarnation , reprefented there-
by ; that upon every appearance of his beginning to ftirre againft
the enemies of his work , we may lay, Let God arifc. $. Thr
enemies o^ the Church are the enemies of God, and eikemed
haters of him, becaufe they are harers of his people ; with whom,
albeic the Lord doth be;r for a while, yet will he take order,
when he pleafeth J it will not coft him much labour : on y, Let
God arije, and let hU enemies b; [entered 4. Although all the
enemies of God make head againft his people , yet will they noc
H 3 p eyaile,
prevaile, when God appeareth, they will turn back; Let them al-
fo that hzte him, flee before him- $• Whatfoever ftrength of for-
ces or number the enemies of Gods people hive in appearance,
it is nothing before God , but like fmoak before the winde, and
waxe before the fire ; As fmoak # driven away , as waxe meltetb
before the frt: fo let the wicked per ijh at the pre fence of God.
0. Albeit the Lord exercife his people with affliction , and with;
grief ior a while , yet he alloweth unto them comfort and joy,
whatfoever become of their enemies : But let the righteous be
glad. 7. The only true matter of the Saints joy is God him-
feife, and his manifefted presence ; and he will not be pleafed,
except his children lift up their hearts , and comfort; themfelves
in him above and againft :\U grief and fenfe of whatfoever ene-
mies oppofition ; Let them re joyce before G od y yea let them ex-
ceedingly rcjoyce.
Ver. 4. Sing unto God 9 fmg pratfet to bis Name :
extollhimthat rideth upon she heavens , by his Name
J A H , and rejoyce before bins.
From his exhortation of the Church >.o praife God with the
joyful voice of finging; Learn , 1 . Vocal fingine of praifes unto
God> is a moral duty, and a part of his holy wormip > frequently
called for in Scripture^ Sing unto God } fing praifes to hU %ame.
%. Qur thoughts o God mould not be bafe , but high andjiea-
venly,lifting his Name up above the moft glorious creatures ; all
they being but his fervants , as he pleafeth to make ufe of them :
Extotlbim that rideth upon the heavens. 3. The Lordisonely
and properly worthy of praife, becaufe he onely hath his being of
himfelf , and givetb being to all things , which arebefide him-
felfe \ His Hame is J A H« 4- The Lords praU'cs aie his
peoples advantage , and the true matter of their confidence
and joy j Sing praifes to him , md rcjoyce before him.
Ver, 5. A JF ither of the fatherleffe, and a Judge of
the mdowes is God in his holy habitation.
6. God fetteththe folitarj in families * he bring*
fth out thofe that are bound with chainesfiut the rebelli-
pffi dwell t$ a dry land.
From
PSAL. LXVIII. ioj
From the firft reafon of the exhortation topraife Godj Learn*
i. The Lords highneflie above the hcavensdoth not hin ierhim
from taking notice ofthe lowed ofhis poor pcoplcj yea the mo$
helpl^flc and defolate among men, are the fivfl objects of hi?
warmed love >A Fatbcrof the father leffe , and a Judge cf the
mdovps is God. 2. Albeit the Lord be infinite and iiicompre :
hentible by anyplace* yet hath he appointed a trifling place
where his people fhall findc him by his own ordinance., to wit,
the ailcmbly of his Saints, his holy Temple , fhadowing forth
(Thrift to be incarnate., who now is in heaven., no.* is incarnate,
and fitting at the right hand of God , in whom dwells the God-
head, here, here is God tc be foimd: God in hU boly. habitation.
$. It is the Lords nature 4 , pleafure, and ordinary pradife/to
makeup the wants, and to change to -he better the difconfolatc
condition of his own humbled and emptied children; Cjod fettetb
the folitary in families. 4. The fouls that are mod ienfible of
bonds and bondage, do lie ncared the feekingcf the fruit of his
redemption j yea, none in bonds have made oi fhall m?.ke ufe of
God the Redeemer, but his bonds and fetters hindering him
from freedome of Gods fcrvice, and from attaining cf felicity,
have been artd {hall be loofed offhimrte bringctb out ibofe wbiri?
are bound inchaincs. 5. Such as will not be ruk-d by his* Word,
according as they are difloyal rebels to him, fo fhall they be dealt
with as rebels; that is, they fhall neither have Gods bleffing
joyned with any benefit which they fecm to poiTcile , nor any
fpiritual comfort in their affliction*, when their calamity conv
eth upon them: but the rebcUiom dwell in a dry land.
Vcr. 7. OGod^hen thuwenteft forth bej or 6 th j
peoplcjvhen thou diddefi march through the ivi/dernejfe.
Se/ah.
8, The earth pjook^ the heavens alfo dropped at
the pre fence of Ged,e\en Sinai it fe/f was moved at
the prefence ofGod y the God oflfraeL
From the fecond reafen of praifing God, Learn, 1. It is ex-
pedient for our up-ftirring unto thankfulncffe , to cad our eye
upon fome particulars wherein the Lords goodneffe to us, and
our obligation to his love, may appear, as here the P.almift doth
lead us by the hand unto the Lords particular work of redempti-
on of Tfracl out of Egypt. 1. That one woik of the Churches
deliver y out ofEgyp^rcprefcnting the redemption cf his people
H 4 from
from the roifecy of fin. and Satans bondage, is a fufficient proof
lb? ever oi the Lords lovc,care powcr,ind faith fulnefle,to deliver
his o\vn out of ail their mifery>whkh the . hutch and every mem-
ber thereof ftidiiW a w ayes make uie of unto the end of the world j
v.'he he: we lock upon that work in the type fmgly. or as it is a,
representation or pawne of the fpiikual. delivery of his peo-
ple, this wqi k flioiud we often look upon, nnd ftill hold it up un-
to* God ; God, when thou wcntql forth before thy people 3 when
ibeudidde march through the wildcrncfje. 3* In the woks of
the Lord it is needful net only lo lcok up^n that which may
fofter faith in God., and love toward him; but alio to let before
'us, what may fcrye to keep our hearts in fear and awe of his
drea.'ful Majefty ; The earth Jhoo^y the hercens dropped, at th?
frcfcTiccof God., even Sinai it felf was moved at the prefence of
God t .cz'cnthcGcdof7fraeL
t .,
Ver, o m Thou. QGod % didfl fend a plentiful raine>
whereby thou didft con fir me thine inheritance, rvhen
it was weary.
10. Thy r cngrtgation hath dwelt therein: thou,
God,, haft prepared of thy goodneffe for thi
poor.
from the third reafon of Gods prajfe ; Learne., 1. The or-
dinary fuftainrng of Gods people bodily and Spiritually in the
pofieffion of 'kt& benefit temporal or spiritual given unto
the ru fhould be observed, as well as the bellowing of any be-
nefit in ah extraordinary way, as here the ordinary fuftainin^
of" ifraclin Canaan, is made a part of the fong of praife, no lcfti
then their miraculous delivery out of Egypt ; Thou, Lord
didft fend a plentiful rain whereby then didfi confn me thine inhe-
ritance when it was wc ry. z. The people who are in Cove
nant with God externally, are the Lords own peculiar, mor<
pearly and properly then any other lociety in the world} theie
fcrc Ifracl here is called by the Prophet (peaking to God , Th
Congregation. 3. It is for the Churches caufe, that the lan<
wherein his people dwellcth, is blelTed at any time by God 5 Th
Congregation hath dvoclx in it. 4. The bleffing bellowed upoi
the Church or the place wherein they dwell, is not given for a
nygoodncile in his people, but for the goodnefle, grace 3m
good will of God to them; Thou. god, haft prepared of ih
goodneffe for the poor. ' Ver
PSAL. LXVIII. 105
Ver. II. T hi Lord gave the Vcord: great rras the
company of thofe that publifbe&k.
i 2. Kivqrs of armies did fire apace : avd fhs that
tarried at horns divided the fpoile.
From tie founh reafonof praife j Team, 1. The Lord will
fometimcexercife his Church with WJrresnfTlidtions and trials*
when he doth not intend to pupifh therm bn: to give them the
victory over their enemies, ana that for his own glory, as in ^Dt
foual)s time and lavids, whereunto the text doth relate • The
matter of joyful newes, or the word of the Chinches victory o-
ver her foes-, whenfoever it is, proceeds from the Lord, who
fuimimeth matter for, and words, and utterance of joy to his
people, and praife to him'clt : Tbt Lord gave the word. 2. When
God will glorifie hxmfelf by Comforting his Chuch, he fliall
no: want Herauldsof hispraife $ Great was the company oftb&fc
that publifhcd it. 3. Were the enemies of the Church never fo
powerful, and Gods people never fofane inferiour unto their
enemies in pewer, yet (hall the enemy not be able to ftand,
when God begins to fi^ht for his people .* lyings °f Armies did
flee apace. 4. It is caiie for the Lord to make them a prey to
the weakeft of his people, who do let themfelvts to make ha-
vock of the Church, yea and to inrich his people with rhe fpoil
of fuch adverlaries : she that tarried at borne, divided the
fpoilc.
Ver I ?. thongl) ye have lien among the pots, yet
(hall ye be as the wingt of a l^ove^ covered with fil-
ver, and her feathers -with yellow gold
I y When the Almighty fcattered Kings in it^ it was
White as /now in Salmon.
From the fifth reafon cf praife ; Learn, 1. As the Lor J fome-
times doth pcautifie his people with viftbries and wcahh: fo alio
at other times roi juft reafons, hewilldaken all their outward
glory, and make them look :s blacked fculK^ns in the kirchir;
though ye have lien among the pots, &c. :. Th_ Lord after the
trial and hard cxercifesof his people for a time, will :,ive them
fo glorious an event and delivery, as fhail take (rfFalhhi igno-
miny of their former affliction, and make np all thciL lofiesr y.ea
he
io6 PSAL. LXVIII.
hewillcaufe their formerly deforming afflictions, to ferve for
waihing-balls of tope, to make them fo much more beautiful;
7bougb}e have lien among the pots, ye fl)all be as tbc wings of a
'Dove, covered with filvcr, and her feathers with yellow gold.
3 . Experiences of mercies fhewen to the Lords people, are pawns
and evidences of like mercies in time to come, as here. When
the Almighty fcattered Things in the land, it wa? made white y
is mideaproof of the Promife made, ver. i$. 4. As a dark,
duskie mountain, whereupon groweth no green thing, but black
heath, is made white, when covered withfnow: foisadilgra-
ced, fhamed, impoverished, inflaved land made glorious a-
gainby a merciful manner of delivery manifefting the Lords
kinde refpe&s unto it $ When the Almighty fcxttercd lyings in
tfudea, it was made white as fnow in Salmon.
Ver. i<$. The hill of God is as the hill of ^afhart,
an high hill as the bill of Bafhan.
16. Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which
Goddefirethtodwellin: jea, the LOKT) will dwell in
it for ever.
"From the Gxth reafonofpraife; Learne, j. The Kingdom es
of this world, efpecially fome of them of more eminent fort,
dofeem very rich and glorious in comparifon of the outward
appearance of the Kingdomeof Chrift in his Church, as the
great, high, and fruitful hill of Bafian feemed to be more glori-
ous then the hill of S ion $yct all things being compared, in fpeci-
all the fpirkual priviledges of cheone with thetemportl privi-
ledges of the other, the Church of God will outreach the
moft elorious Kingdom on the earth : The bill of God is at the
bittof Bafian> an high bill as the hill of Baflw*. 2. Although
the Kingdomcs of the world rejoyce in their Prerogatives, and
defpife the Kingdom of Chrift in his Church, vet nave they no
caufe to exalt themfelves : Why leapyc, ye high bills? 3 . This
onepriviledgeof the Church, that it is the place of G'ods resi-
dence, wherein he will manifeft himfelf familiarly and com-
fortably to his own, mayoverfwayall the excellency of all the
Kinfrdoraesof the world 5 no Kingdom which hath not Gods
Church in it, can fay the like; Tbi% is the bill which god
defiretb to dwell in\ yea, the Lord will dwell in it for
ever*
Ver,
PSAL. LXVIII. 107
Ver. 1 7 k The chariots of God are twenty thou*
*»d> even thmfands of Angels : the Lord is among
bem^s in Sinai, in the holy place*
Ver. r8. Thou haft afcended on high % thou haff led
activity captive, thon haft received gifts for men;
ea, for the rebellions aljo^ that the Lord God might
] well among them.
From the feventh reafon ofpraife* Learn, i.NoKingdome
nth fuch defence, fo potent and fo numerous armies to fight
heir battels as the Church hath 5 The chariots of God aretwen-
y tboufand, even tkoufands of Angels, z. The defence of An-
;els is made faft to his Church, and their power nude fure
o be for her, becaufe God is in his Church, even the Lord
vhom all Angels do ferve and attend upon, is in his Church,
is at his giving of the law upon {Mount Sinn did appear;
the Lord is among them, m in Sinai. 3. The Lord is no leflc ter-
ible againfthis foes in Sion, then in SinaU and whatfoever
errour the Lord did mew to his Church in Sinai againft the
riotaters of his law , he will mariifeft it for the comfort and de-
ence of his people, who heartily embrace his Gofpel : The Lor A
s among them, to wit, thefe chariots and Angels, as in Sinai, fo
In the holy place. 4. The Ark was not more glorioufly convey-
dfrom the houfe of Obed-cdom unto the city of 'David, then
Sod, that is, Chrift, who is God, who defcended to aiTume hu-
nane nature, that he might therein perfect the work of Rc-
lemptton, did glorioufly afcend into heaven, afrerthe price of
Redemption was paid by him > Thou haft afcended on high 9
Eph. 4. 8 3 o, 10. $, The praifes of God, and joy of the
Church are perfected in Chrift ; no fatisfaclion in the fhadows^
ill Chrift the fubftance be looked unto; therefore here the
Lords Spirit led his people to look through the fliadow of the
tfcending of the Ark toward the city of David, unto the a-
"cending of God incarnate (rep relented by the Ark) into hea-
ven ; ffyou baft afcended on high. 6. Chrift did not en^er into
bis glory without a battel going before, and that with ftrong
md many enemies : and in his fighting he carried the victory,
ind after his victory hedid triumph, firft in the Croffc, and
:hcninhis Afcenfion , over fin, Satan, the world, hell, grave
mdall: He led captivity captive. 7, Chrift as Mediatour and
King of his Church, was fully furniilKa wiJi all things need-
ful
108 PSAL. LXVIIL
ful 5 for gathering his Church, for edifying, governing and per-
fecting of it : fbov baft received gifts for men ; even thofe gifts
which the Apoftie fpeaketh of, tor the gathering and edifying
of the body of the Saints, Eph.$. ii y ij. 8. 1 he gifts which
Chrift hath received and given forth; are not forthe Jewes on-
ly, or Gentiles only ; for the poore only, or rich only $ but for
men indefinitely: Thou haft received gifts for mtit. 9 As ha
hath received gifts for bringing on to life thofe that are recon*
ciled: fo alio to conquer, lubdue and bring in rebels, and to
reconcile enemies: Tbou baft received gifts for men, yea, and for
the tebeUious alfo. 10. The end of (Thrifts' Afcenfipn, and re-,
ceiving and fending down gifts among men, is to eathcr and
prcferve, and eftablifti unto God a Church in the world, where-
in he may make himfelf manifeft 5 and dwell and rule in the midfi
of his enemies: Thou baft received gifts for men, that the Lord
might dwell Among them • 1 1 . Yea what oevcr gi fts are beftowe i
upon unregenerate men within the vifible Church or without it,
which may any way be ferviceable to the Church, they are all
beftowed on them in favour of the Church, that God may
dwell in his vifible Church, which by thofe gifts is edified 5 Then
baft received gifts for men, yea for the rebellious alfo, tha the
Lord God might dwell amongtbem.
Vcr. 19. B/effed be the Lord, ^ho daily loadeth
us with benefits, even the God of our falvation.
Selah.
20. He that is our God, is the God of fafoa~
tion\ and unto GOD the Lord belong the Jffaes
from death*
From the eighth teafon of praife s Learnt, 1, Where the
Lord will be merciful, he will be merciful, and not weary in
doing good to his people in a current courfc of bounty; theob-
fervation whereof fhould ftirre up our hearts to th:mkfulneflc:
Tleffed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits. 1 . The
favours and benefits which God doth beftow upon his people,
do come in greater number and meafure unto them, then they
are able to acknowledge, make ufe ot, or be thankful for, and
loin a fortdo burden the fpirits of the truly godly : Plcjjed he
God, who daily loadeth us with benefits. 3. As all benefits do
flow unto Gods children from the covenanted kjndncfle of
Gocf
PSA L.L XVIII. 105?
God for giving unto them eternal blvation ; fo mould all be-
nefits confirm their faith in the Covenant, and lead them to the
hope of receiving after all other benefits, falvation alto $ Blcffei
be the I ord, who daily loadeth pa with benefits, even the God of
our falvation. 4. Albeit the Covenant of falvation befure and
folid in it fclf,yct are we flow to beleeve it, & weak in our laying
hold of it; :nd have need to have the ftamp and impreffion of
it let deep upon our hearts, as here the Pfalmift teacheth the
Church by inculcating this point : He that is ourGod 3 is the
God of jalvation. 5. Temporal things which men do idolize,
may ferve a man in this life; but at death, in death, and after
death he can have no good by them 5 It is God only who can
deliver from death , and give an ifluc out of it : Unto God the
I ord belong the iffucs of death. 6 . Let a man be once fetled in
(he faith oi his falvation, then he fliall be comforted againft all
the troubles and dangers wherein he can fall, yea even againft
death it felfj ifhecanlay, He that is our God, is tbc God of fa4-
vation , he may alfo fay with confidence and application to him-
fel^ andcomiort , Unto God the Lord belong the ijfues from
death.
Vcr. 21. But God toill wound the head of his ene-
mies'- and the hair y [calf of (uch a one as goeth on
fiill in his trefpajfes.
From the ninth reafon of Godspraife; Learnt^ 1. How
great fcever be the majefty of God, and the riches of bounty and
grace offered in Chrift, yet will men be found even within the
vitible Church, who will wickedly refufe his grace i and oppofe
his Kingdom, but all to their own Ihame and drjjaage ; 'But
God (hall wowid the head of bis enemies. 2. The e^ra&et of
Gous irreconcileable enemies is, that they ceafe not to >Uo\ * the
courfcof fin: he goeth on fiill in bis trefpajfes. 5. Though
God fpare his enemies long, andfuffer themtoerow old in the
courfe of enmity againft him, yet (hall flnmeful, fudien and
irrecoverable judgements overtake thern in their old dayes > Hut
God [hall wound the hoary feilp of fuck a one as gocth on (till in
his trefpjjfcs. ^]j3l
•
Ver, 22, The Lord f aid ^ Jwili bring* gain from
no PSAL. LXVIII.
Ba/ha?t r I mil bring my people again from the depth's
of tie fea,
2$. That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of
thine enemies, and the tongue of thj dogs in the
fame.
From the tenth reafon of praife, wherein the Prophet promi •
feth in the Lords Name, that God (hall work over again fuch
works of delivery to his people, and fuch works of victory o-
ver their enemies, as he had wrought before; Learn, 1. The
Lords Word is certainly fufficient ior performance of his pro-
mifes, and gtound of comfort and confidence, andthankfgi-
ving and praife to Gd even before the work be wrought 5 The
Lord [aid, I will bring again , ttfc . 3 . As the Lord wilF have the
memory of former dangers and deli veries of his Church kept
in remembrance for his own glory : fo will he have former dan-
gers for his peoples good to be looked upen as advertifements
of what ftraits his Church may be caft into, and his former
merciful deliveries looked upon as pledges and pawns of the
promi fes of like mercies in time to come, as need fhall require :
I mil bring again from Bajhau, I mil bring my people again from
the depths ofthcfea>doth import thus much. 3. As the Lord will
give as great deliverances to his Church, when they are in ftraits
as ever he did before: fo wil he give as terrible blows to his adver-
faries as sver he did, according as the Churches need or good ihal
require; I will bring again from Bajhan, (<rc. that thy foot may be
dipped in the blood of thy enemies. 4. Albeit neither the Lord
nor his people do delight in bloodfhed, yet will he let his people
and all men fee, in the bloodfhed of their enemies, how terrible
heisin juftice, efpeciallyagainft the enemies of his Church,
and how dear his people are to him, and that rather then they
fhouldbe overthrown, he will deftroy Nations for their fafety;
and give unto his people in their own defence againft their op-
preffors, notable victories j So that thy foot may be dipped in the
blood of thine enemies. 5. When the Lord thinks it fitmot to make
his own people inftrumental in their own delivery, then can
he yoke the enemies among themfelves, or raife up profane dogs
like themfelves to avenge the quarrel of the Lords people upon
their enemies : That the tongue of thy dogs may be dipped in the
fame s that is 3 in the blood of thine enemies;
Veiv
PSAL. LXVIII. in
Ver. 24. They havejeen thy goings, god, even
the goings of my God y my King^ in the fanUttary.
25. The fingers went before \ the flayers on inflrn-
ments followed after \ amongfi them were the dam -
f els flaying with timbrels.
To confirme what is promifed, he brin^erh forth old experi-
ences acknowledged by the enemies, regiftred in the Word of
the Lord , and read in the Temple. Whence learn, i.The Lord
ufeth to work to evidently for his people, and againft his ene-
mies, that both his people and their enemies are made witnei-
fes, and are forced to acknowledge the Lords work) They have
fcen (by goings, God. 2 . It is the glory of a people, when God
fo worketh, as he is feen to be their God, their leader, their de-
fender, and all as in C ovenant with them : They have fcen thy
goings, God, even the goings of my God, faith he. 3. Thac
Gods honour may be feen, mans honour mould be laid down
at his feet ; and put cafe a man were the gi cateft King, yet is it
greater glory and matter of contentment to have God for his
Kmg, then to be a King without God j 7 bey have feen thy go-
ings,0 my God-my 1^'7/g, (faith David, now fetled in the King-
dom. ) 4. The meft dear, lure and profitable fight of the Lords
work and wayes, is to be had in the ufe of publick ordinances,
where his Name, Nature, Covenant and courle he keepetri
with all men, togerher with the caufes, ufe and ends of his works
are to be feen 5 They have feen the goings of my God intbefan-
ctuary. 5. Where ail the people receive a benefit, it becometh
all the people publickly andfotemnly, and with their beft ex-
predion of affection, as God doth appoint, to praife God, and in
his worfliip to ice that all things may be done orderly, as Israel
did, when they came through the red lea, and at othertimesas
the Lord gave occafion : The fingers wan before, the players on
inftrumeius followed after , amongfi them, in the middle- ward,
the Vamofels playing with timbrels \ 6. Ail the powers of our fouls
and bodies ihould concurre each of them in their own order
with the beft harmony of knowledge, afteclions and expreflions,
which can be attained unto, for ferting forth the Lords praiies,
and our obligation to him for his goodnefle to his people, and
fo mould wemarchonall thedayes of our pilgrimage and war-
fare, till we come to the promifed reft : for this did the external
ceremonies uled under the pedagogic of the Law, teacht Whicfe
eere-
ii2 PSAL. LXVIII.
ceremonies although they be abolished nowj yet the fubftance
and intended duties painted at in them, befng moral, do {till
remain; The fingers went before, players on infirwnents follow-
ed after, &c.
Ver. 26. Bleffe ye god in the Congregations : evert
the Lor d from the fountain of lfraeh
2 j. There is Utile Benjamin with their Ruler , the
Princes of Jud«h, and their CoUncel^the Princes of
Zebulun, and the Trinces ofNaphtalL
As the Pfalmift did clear the doctrine of Gods dealing for
his Churchy and againft their enemies by experiences of oh:
fo he poinrs here at experience later, as was to be feen by all,
st the glorious triumphing of Ifraelowcc all their enemies, when
they were now afiemblcd in their feveral tribes, the leaft as well
as the greateit, the moil remote tribes/ as well as thofe that were
neareilhand 5 all of them conveyingthe Ark of God unto the
City of "David, which was the type ot Chrift. God incarnate,
aicending after his victories into heaven. Whence learn, i.The
mercies of God to his people, in ipecial the gteat work of Re-
demption> and victory overall enemies obtained by Chrift in
favour of his people* are abundant matter and caufe topraife
God, and to blefle him in all the aflemblies of the Church; for
here it is a commanded duty : Bleffe ye God in the Congregate
ons. 2. Whatfoever be the part of others in di charging of this
duty, it is expected moft at the hands of every kindly Israelite,
who draw their original from the fountain of ifraely whether
they be of thenatuial flock of tfacob, defended of him, as wa-
ter out of a fountain, or have their defcent of the fame Spirit of
regeneration with him ; Bleffe ye God, even the Lord from the
fountain of Ifrae!. 3. Examples and practices of Gods children
at any time, are the encouragements of his people at all times
thereafter : There is little Beniamin with their Rulers , &c %
fet forth here for example. 4. The Piety of Governors, and
their precedencie before or joyning with others in the Lords
fcrvice, is more honourable unto them then their places of dig*
nity,or their gifts of wifdom and power : There were the Trinces
of judah. with their Councel, the Princes of Zebulun, and tke
Princes of Naphtali, 5 . In the exercile of Gods worfhip, and
in privileges fpiruual, the Lord doth joyne the fmallcft with-
the
PSAL. LXVIII. 113
the treated, the lowcft with the higheit, that the lowcft may glo-
vy t in their exaltation, and the higheft in their humiliation: There
was little Benjamin with fudab , the people with their Princes
Rulers
Ver. 28. Thy God hath commanded thy firength'
ftrengthen, O God, that which thou haft wrought for w
2 ?. Becaufe of thy temple at Jerttfalem^ /hall k^ngs.
bringprefents unto thee.
From the eleventh reafon of Gods prai.e; Learn ? 1. Not
fn Kings, or Rulers , or any thing eile , but in the Lord and
from the Lord , is the firength of his Church , which fhe
imy expeft al waves to be furnifhed with by vertue of the
Covenant i Thy Cjod hxth commanded thy firength > faith 2)i-
vii to the Church. 2. As the Lord hath decreed to efta-
b.'i/h his Church : fo hath he meancs and inftruments in
every age and place prepared for this purpofe 3 and ha:h gi-
ven out order by actual providence; which is- alwayes going
about the work in all ages ; thy God hath commanded thy
ftrcnjb. 3. The Loi\ J s decree and the order given forth to
accomplish it, confifteth well with the Churches ufing of all
lawful meanes to further that end 3 an J in Ipecial mould
bejoyned with thankful acknowledging of what the Lord hath
begun to 60, ordone already for it > and with earneit prayer
for accomplishing of what is to be further done: fo teach-
eth Davids example ar.d prayer here : Strengthen , Cjod,
that which thou haft wrought for m. 4. The Lords knowne
prcfencc in his Chuch , maintaining and bleffing of his publick
Ordinances * fhall move kings at tail to do homage to God in-
carnate > that is , to Chrfft reprefented bv his dwelling in the
Temple ofrfcrufalem : Becaufe of thy temple at ferujalem , jhall
yin** bring pre' fonts unto thee.
Ver. 30. Rebuke the company of (peartnzn ,~ the
malt it tide of the built, -with the calves of the people \ till
every one fttbmtt himflfwith pieces of fiver : jcatter
thoH thtyeople that delight in)todrre.
31. Princes full come out of Egypt , Ethiopia Jhall
foonftrctchotit her hands unto Gcd,
I . Ho?/
riow tins man luiiic t j ^ajit , uv, mcwcui i lu wit , paruy oy
breaking the power of fome of them, when they make oppofitipr. >
partly by powerful converfion of other fome. Whence learn ,
I « It is not againft the precept of love , to pray again!! publick
enemies of the Church , when private fpleen is not the motive,
fcut 7.eal to the glory of God > Rebuke the company of fpearmen.
2« The leaders of armies, parties, and fadions againil Gods
Church and caufe,and the followers of fuch leaders , are all of
them a company of beafts> Rebuke the multitude of the bulls jtvitb
the calves of the people* 3 . God is adverfary to all who do oppofe
his people, and his caufe in their hand , and can as eafily repulfe
them really, and overturn them, as reprove them verbally : 7£c-
bu\ethe jpearmen , tyc. 4» The end of the Churches prayer
againil her enemies, is,that God may be glorified , and people at
leaft brought to outward obedience unto God, which may be a
means to real converfion in Gods time ; l\cbu\e them , ($c. till
every one of them fubmit themfelves, with pieces offdver j that
is, till they offer to contribute to Gods fervice. 5. The punifti-
ing of fome of Gods enemies, may be a meanes to move others to
offer obedience , and fubmitto God , when people that delight
in warre are fcattered ; For Princes Jhatt come out of Egypt.
6. God will draw into fubjeftion unto himfelf, fome of his moft
open and inveterate enemies ; Princes fhall come out of Egypt 9
Ethiopia jball foonjtyetcb out her bands unto thee.
Ver. 32. Sing unto Cjod^ je kingdomes of the earth:
O jing praifes unto the Lord* Selah.
33. To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens^
which were of old : lo , he doth fend out his voice > and
that a mighty veue.
34. Ajcribefe firength unto God: his excellency U
over Ifrael, and his firength is in the clouds.
35. O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places :
the God of I frae lis he that give th firength anil power
unto his people : hie fed be God.
From the taft reafon of praifing of God , taken from his Al-
mighty power, in converfion of Kingdomes of Gentiles, ready
to te put forth for the prefervation of his Church gathered,
and for the overthrow of his enemies. Learn , I. The time
mail
-
PSAL. LXVIII. 115
ftiallcome, when thekingdomes of the earth mall turn Chri-
ftians in profeflion, in a greater meafure then yet hath been
feen v for, Sing unto Got, ye \ingdon\cs of the earth : is not a fim-
pic telling of their duty , buta prophecieoftheir joyful joyning
in the worfhipofGod; and that they (hall have caufe of joy
within themfelves to praifc him; O fivg praifes to ihe Lord.
2. True Converts will renounce Idols and falfe gods^ and reve-
rently worfliipthe omnipotent Creator and Governour of hea-
ven, the eternal God : Sing praifes to God that rideth upon the
I heaven of beivens, that were of old. 3. As thc-glorious govern-
ment of heaven doth fhew the Lords power 5 fo the thunder
alio doth fhew his power and terror , the consideration where-
of is needful to diipofe our ftupid mindes to Jhraifc him;
Lo , be cloth fend forth his voice, even a mighty voice. 4. The
right ufe of Gods great , and ienfible , and daily ken worksy
is to make us to glorify the power of God , who is able to
work wharfoever he pleifeth ; Afcrihe Jlrength unto the Lord.
5. The Lords glory in his Church is more excellent then all
that is to be feen in the works of Creation: His excellency is
ever Ifrael. 6. The true worfhipper mult itudy the power, and
all other properties of God,both by what he hears in the fociety of
the Church,and by what he feeth in his vilible works-as well dai-
ly tranfient works, fuch as the cloud s arenas conltantly enduring,
works, fu:h as the hravens are : Hts excel ency is over ifrael, and
his (irength is in the clouds. And forely it is no fmall power,
which doth bear up fuch weight ofmoimtain.es of fnow, and feas'
of water , and doth make them faile as it were , and flee wka
wings in the aire, which God doth diflolve by (ittleandlittle,as
we daily behold. 7. Where foe ver God fheweth his preience,whe-
ther in heaven, or in his Church, in any place of the earth, there
and from thence doth he fhew himfelf a dreadful God to fuch as
fear him not ; God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places.
8. Albeit there were no man to hear us glorifie God, or no man
to take hispraife of our hand, we mould acknowledge M> great-
nefle in our heart, and before himfelf, who will take true worfhip
of our hand; for 'David here turneth his fpeech to God in the
end of the Pfalme, faying to him, O God, thou art terrible out of
thy holy places . 9. The Lord hath an evei lafting intereft in the
people of ifl-ael, and they in him, for the elections caufe 5 and
every true Ifraelite hath an everlafting intereft in God, he is the
God of Ifrael. to. Wilat the Lord hath, is forth-coming to
his peoples furniture; as they have need : Tk$ God of ifrael is he
I x that
1 16 PbAL LXIX.
tbxx givelb flrcngtb and power to bis people. 1 1. It is reafon that
at all the feveral remembrances of Gods mercy to us;, we mould
acknowledge his blefledneffe , and his ble fling of us, and this is
all we can do, and that alfo can we not do except he ftrengthen
and enable us for praife ; for, blefftd be Goi, faith the Prophet,
for this very reafon, after he hath fpoken of his giving power to
his people*
PSAL. LXIX
To the chief mufiewt upon Sbofbannim. A Pfalm of Vivid.
DAvid> as a type of Chrift , earneftly dealeth with God for
a delivery from his perplexed condition , and from the ma-
lice of his adverfaries 5 and doth finde a comfortable even*.
There are three parts of the Pfalm. In the firit, is his prayer, fix
times prefrnted , and ftrengthened with new reafons, to vcr. 22.
In thefecond part of the Pfalm, is his imprecation often plagues
againft his enemies, with fome reafons added for the juftice ot
the inflicting the plagues, mentioned to vcr. 29. In the third
part, arc four evidences of his vi&orv, from ver. 19. to the end.
In all which, whatfoever is proper to the type, is to be referred
to the type only ', and whatfoever is fit alfo to be applied unto
Chifl the Antitype, muft be referred to him only, in thatfenfc
which is fuitable to his Majefty.
His prayer at firit, is propounded in few words > Save me: the
reafons are foure. The firit, from the danger he was in, ver. 1,2 .
The next rom his long and patient waiting for an anfwer to his
prayer, ver 3. The third from the multitude, and malice, and
iniquity of his enemies , ver 4* The fourth is by way ofattefta-
tion of God, that he was innocent of that whereof he was char*
ged by his enemies , joyned in with his humble acknowledging
©fwhatfover other fins juftice could charge upon him in any
ether refpeft , ver* 5.
Ver. 1. Q^weme^oGod; for the waters are come
\3 in unto mj foul.
2 . 1 fink in deep mire*, where there is no {landing : I
am come into deef Waters, when the floods overflow me.
PSAL. LXIX. 117
His Brft Petitiou is to be faved , and the firft rcafon ofiti 5 ,
becaufe of the danger he was in j Whence learn , 1. A childc
of God may in his own fenfe be very near to perilling , and
yet muft not in the mod defperate condition ceafe to pray,
nor ceafe to hope for delivery prayed for : Save me , God.
z . With danger of bo.lily death , a childe of God may have in
his fpirit a fore conflict with the fenfe of wrath , like to fwallow
up his foul, as deep waters do a drowning man s The waters arc
come in unto my foul, j, The condition of a foul exercifed with
the fenfe of wrath j thieateneth nolcflethen perdition, certain,
inevitable, without any event , and endleUe ; whereof the bodily
danger of a drowning man isbutafhadow : I finfi in deep mire,
where there U no (landing ; I am com into deep waters > where the
floods overflow me,
Ver. 3. I am weary ofmj crying.mj throat is dried:
wine eyes faile while I wait for my God.
The fecond reafon of the firft Petition is, becaufe he had long
and patiently waited on God. Whence learn, j. Faith in hard exi-
gences doth not give over for appearances of perdition , knowing
that what is impoflible to mans appearance , is not impoflible to
God; for David, as a believer, and a type of Chrift,prayeth ftill
for all this , although he Gnde no delivery: I am weary of my
crying. 2. Prayer put up in faith to God , kecpeth in life, and
is like a mans drawing breath in the water when the head is lift-
ed up above the floods ; for here , although the floods over-
flowed the Pfalmift, yet he is able to mew this to God, and to cry
till he be weary of crying. $ . For cxercifing of faith, and making
patience to have the pcrtect work, it is no ftrange thing for God
to delay relief unto an earned fupplicant', till he be like to give
over, till his cafe feem defperate , and-Jiis relief hopelefle ; Mine
eyes faile, while I wa ; t for my god. 4. Though the flefh of the
regenerate man be weak, yet the fpirit is ready,and will never give
over calling on God , depending on him , holding fail the
Covenant 3 and the hope of deliverance s for it will make this
a new ground of fpcech unto God, that it is no: able to fpeak any
thing, and a new ground of laying hold on God, and hoping for
help from him , becaufe its hope is failing , as here : I am weary
of my crying, mythrotfis dried ; mine eyes faile, whi'c I wait for
my God.
Ver. 4. They that hate me without a caufe^ are mot
\ 3 then
115 Fb/iL. JLX1X.
then the haWes of my head : they that would deftroy me t
being mine enemies ^Qrongfully^are mighty : then I re-
ft [ ored that which I took not aVay.
The third reafon of the firft Petition is , becaufe his enemies
Were many, mighty, and malicious, WJKnct learn , i . Holinefs,
and integrity cvnn^t ward off the enmity of a \ icked world : for
the enemies of David, who was a well-deferving man, and Chrift
(whofe type he was) much more beneficial to men , had iocs in-
numerable} They that h ate me -without cauje , are moe then the
haires of my head, i . Albei t mam- do aggravate their own j,riefe
foolifhly , wh.ii they fuffer hui t of them whom they did not in-
jure or provoke ; ye: the confidence of harmle'r effe toward fuch
as wi/h harm to them, is a great fupport o their confidence, when
they are injuriouily dealt with; They hate me without a caufe, 3. It
isnoftrangemcjttertofec truly godly men to be out of credit*
and afte&ion with men who are in power and authority in the
world ; They that would deftroy me , being mine enemies wrong-
fully < are mighty. 4. He tnac is moft juft, may be troubled
and hated without a caufe. and may be dealt with as a thief,
being verily an honeft man > Then I reftored that which 1 too^
not away.
Ver. 5. O Cod, thou hnoweft mj foollfhnejfe , and
my fins are not hid from thee.
The fourth reafon of the firft Petition is.,becaufe God was wit-
nefle to his difpofnion *nd carriage. Whence learn , When we
are condemned of men unjuftly > we have God to appeale unto;
and although there may be fins upon us in our private reckoning
with God 3 yet being free of what men do lay to our charge , wc
may appeal co God in the controverfy betwixt cur enemies and
us , an.i when we have ackno^ ledged what finnes are in reckon-
ing 'twixt God and us, our fupplicaticn to God fliall not be caft
back for oul fms$ for this is the force of the Pfalmifts reafoning,
for the ftrengthenirig of his own faith in prayer , faying, Cjod 3
thou finoweft my foolijhneffe, and my fins are not hid from tbety that
is, whether I befofoolifh and injurious to my perfecutors, as
they fay, or not, thou Lord knoweit; and whatfocver other nnnes
may be imputed unto me upon any other fcore 5 I refufe not to
reckon for them, but T am free, thou knoweft, of what I am char-
ged with : and this is applicable alfo in fome fort unto Chrift,
who was moft free of what men did lay to his charge^ although in
another
' another reckoning all the iniquities or the elect were charged
upon him by imputation , according to his tranfa&ion with the
Father about our debt.
Ver. 6. Let not them that wait on thee , O Lord
G OT) of hoftes^ be ajhamed for my fake : let not thofe
that feek^ thee % be confounded for my fakje , O God
of lftaeL
The fecond Petition is , that the godly may not be hurt by his
manner of exercife, which he ftrengthens by four reafons ; Frft,
becaufe his fufferings were for Gods caufe, ver. 7- Secondly, be-
caufe he was call off by his friends , ver. 8. Thirdly , becaufe
he did take Gods honour deeply to heart , ver. 9. Fourthly 3 be-
caufe his holy and religious carriage was mocked : and both by
high and low, by honourable and bafe rafcals he was oppofed and
pei»fecuted, ver, 10,11,12.
From the fecond Petition learn , 1. The property of the god-
ly is to feek communion with God > and patiently to attend his
anfwer for the time, manner, and meafure of its for they are here
defcribed, They that wait on thee, OLord, thofe that feek thee*
2. When one of Gods children is perfecutcd for righteoufnefie*
all the reft are waiting to fee the event, and it cannot chufe
but be a great da(h to them , to fee the righteous lie under , or a
good caufe to lie long opprefled, which inconvenience we fliould
requeft the Lord to prevents Let not tbem that wait ontbee , be
ajhamed -, let not thofe thetfccfi tbee , be afiamed. 5. It is a
kindely mark and property of a godly perfon to be a lover of the
good of all Gods children , and to be careful that no caufe or oc-
cafion of (tumbling be furnifhed unto them by him s Let them
not be ajhamed for my fa\e 5 let them not be confounded for my fafa.
4. Faith fets its eyes in prayer upon thofe titles of God 3 which
dofervemoft for itspurpofe; as here the Pfalmift hath to do
with enemies, Lord god of Hop, will do his turnagainft
them; heisyrayingforthegood of Gods children, and, OGod.
<?/ Ifraelj fpeafatb to that point*
Ver# 7. Becaufe for thy fake I have borne re*
proach : fhame hath covered my face.
The Gift reafon of the tecond PetiVon is , becaufe his fuffer-
ings were for Gods caufe. Whencc{lcarn 3 1. Though differing
I 4 for
for Gods caufe in maintenance of his truths be a glorious fort of
fufiaing , wherein a man may go unto God confidently ; yet it
may be accompanied with fhame from men of this world, and the
godly for a time may be fo delayed in the point of relief 3 that
they know not what to fay to their fcorncrs, but may be iovced to
hang the ik ad for a while 5 For thy caufe I have bore reproach.
2. He jhat fufters fhame for Gods caule^ fhal! neither have caufe
at length to be aihamed of his fufferirig, nor (ball any other have
caufe to be afhamrd for him $ Let them not be con founded for my
fjlie, becaufefor thy ja^e I have borne reproach.
Ver. 8. / am become a fir anger unto my brethren ,
and an alien unto my mothers children,
The iecond reafon of thetecond Petition is^becaufe his friends
had caft him eft) Whence learn , I . In affliction for Gods caufe
friends will more readily foriake a fuffrer , then in his affli&i-
on For a civil caufe s I Am become a ftrangcr to my brethren. 2. The
power of Religion in the godly , is ftrongcr then the bonds of
Bipod with their kinfmen , and it will make them cleave to
God 3 when their kindred do caft them off : J am an alien unto
rny mothers children.
Ver. 9. For the zj ale of thine hoyfe htith eaten me
up : and the reproaches of then? that reproached thee,
are fallen upon mee.
The third reafon of the kcond Petition is 3 becaufe he was
deeply affe&ed with the difhonor done to God. Whence Icarn^ 1 Jc
is not enough to leve Goc\> and his ordinces,and kingdome , jand
his peoples good $ but it is required alfo that we be zealous here :
The ^eale of thy houfe bath eaten me wp. 2; Spiritual affections
and paffioiis will noleflc affect and trouble the body , then natu-
ral affections and paffionj.; The \ex\e of thy houfc bath eaten me.
up. $. Injuries done tc God and Religion, and to the godly,
fhould affect us noleffe nearly , and be laid to heart , then injuries
perfonally conceining us ; The rep/caches of them that reproached
thee, have fallen upon me*
Ver. 10. when I wept ^ and ch&Rened myfculmth
faffing^ that Was to my reproach,
11. Imade fack cloth alfo my garment: and 1 be-
came & proverb to them,
1 2. The j that fit in the gate , [peak agdinfl me , and
I was afong to the drunkards. The
The fourth reafon of the fecond Petition is 3 hecaufe he wis
greatly mocked of all forts for his holy carriage. Whence learn ,
i. Truezeale is ruled with knowledge, joyned with humiliry ia
the mans felf, and tempered with the love to men , even toward
perlecutorsj fuch was Davids zeale : but Chrifts zeale was per-
fectly fuch ; J wept: and cbaftcned my fonk. 2. Fading in earned
is not fo much the abftinence from meat , as it is the afflicting
the ibulc; W)nn I chaftcned my foul with fafting* 3. The
godly b.haviour of the righteous, is fubject to horrible mifcon-
itruction, yet mult they not defift from duties for all this, Falling
was to my reproach. 1 made facecloth alfo my gaxmcai , and I be-
came a proverb to them. 4. It is a fore affliction to the godly > to
be condemned by Magiftrates and Judges^ and yet the truly reli-
gious, even Chrift and his followers were, and are fubjeft to this
exercife j They that ft in the gate (ov in the Courts of Juftice.,
which were erected at the entry of the parts of Cities) do fpeafz
againji me. 5. Righteoufnefle and truth is not the worfe by its
being condemned by civil Judges 5 God will not difclaime his
own caafe for that, but will hear fuch complaints as this is, in
this cafe: they that fit in the gate, fpeakagainft me. 6. When
Magiftrates do discountenance true Religion, then it becometh
amattcrofderifiontorafcalsj and to every bale villain without
controlment , and a table talk to everygtiplers I was a (ong
of the drunkards. 7. The fliame of the Croife is mo.e grievous
then the reft of the trouble of it .• This is the fourth time th3r
the (haw of the Crofle isprefented unto God 5 in thefe foure
laft vcrfes 3 I was a fong of the drunkards : after complaining of
his being reproached* and being-made a proverb*
Ver. 1 3. 'But 4s for me, my prayer \s wto thee,
LORT*, in an acceptable time : O God , in the multi-
tude of thy mercy hear me^ in the truth of thy Jul-
vation.
This is the third petition for deliverance, ov for granting his
pravcr, or the third time he prefenteth it j whereunto he adderh
rcafons taken from the time of ptefenting of it^and multitude of
Gods mercy and truth of his promifes or Covenant of fal vation.
Whence learn, 1. Thebeft way to bear out thepcrfecutionof the
mighty, and the mockage of the bate multitude, is to be frequen t
in prayer to God for our part h But aa for me, my prayer is unto
tbcCjOLofd. 2. So long as God doth offer a gracious eare to
fupplic.mrs,
fupplicants, a man may be confident that petitions of grace mall
have ready acceflc and anfwerj my prayer is unto thee in an ac-
ceptable time. $. The largeneile of Gods mercy is a iufficient
encouragement for the afflicted to^come and take the benefit
thereof 5 In the multitude of thy mercies hear thou me. 4. When
befides the mercifulnefle of God, we have alfo his Covenant and
promifeoflalvation, we may upon thefe two pillars leane and
rollover, and reft our faith : hear me in the truth of thy frt-
vation.
Ver. 14. 'Deliver me out of the mire y and let me
not fmk^: let me be delivered from them that hate me^
and out of the deep waters.
15. Let not the water-floods over- flow me, neither
let the deep [wallow me up, and L t not the pit jhut her
mouth upon me.
The fourth petition for delivery, or fourth time he prefenteth
it, whereunto he addeth reafons taken from the danger he was
in. Whence learn, 1, Faith ufeth to correct the expreflions
of fenfe 1 and as faith doth gather ftrength , a mans condition
groweth clearer ; It was the expreffion of fenfe, ver. z> I fiitk in-
deep mire, and here the fear is fomething leflened , becaufe faith
is fomething more cleared ; deliver me out of the mire, let me not
fin\* 2. The man who loveth truth better then worldly profpe-
rity, and maketh the Lord his refuge, (hall not faint under per*
fecution,but mall be borne through all troubles, and be deliver-
ed ; let me be delivered from them that hate me^ and out of the
deep waters, g. Faith in God giveth hope to be helped , and
is half a delivery, before the full delivery come; for the Pfalmift
is now with his head above the water, and not Co feared as when
he began the Pfalme 5 for here he faith, Let not the water floods
over-flow me 3 neither let the dcepfwallow me up. 4* As the fenfe
of danger fhatpens prayer, fo the greatnefle of it is a ground of
hope, that the evil which is feared frail not prevail e over us$ for
albeit the Lord fufter the danger to be great, yet will he not leave
us in a cafe defpei ate; let not the pit flnit her mouth upon me,
Ver. 16. Bear me^ LORD, for thy loving
klndneffe \s goocl : tume unto me according to the mul~
titude of thy tender mercies.
17. AM
PbAL. LXIX, 123
1 7. And hide not thy face from thy fervant % for I
am in trouble : hear me (pecAilj.
The fifth petition for delivery, or fifth time he prefenteth it,
whereunto he ad. ieth eafo^s taken from the multitude o. Gcds
mercies, confeienceof his uptigbtnelte, and greatnefle 01 his
trouble. Whence learn, 1, Albeit God mould give no anfwer
for a time, faith will ftill preife for an anfwer, for it knoweth it
hath to do wih the hearer of prayer: hear me ^ laid he before,
and hear ove again, Hour mc> LO% . 2. Faith feech what
is in Gods heart, whatfocuei : k doth tinde or miffe in his hand,
it fallens on love, and drawetb hope and life from that: hear me 3
for thy loving faidiicjfc is good. 2, Though a beleeving foul
finde it ielf deierted of Gou in fome refpe&s; yet while it holds
faft on his merciful nature, it may be lure to meet with a
change of difpenfation more comfortable; turne unto me ac-
cording to the multitude of thy tender mercies. 4. When a be-
leever isperfecuted by man for righteoufnefTe,nnd friends and fa-
miliars do turne theii backs upon him; it is not ftrange that
God for the mans trial, mould feemc to hide his countenance
from him alfo, which exercife the beleever ccunteth more heavie
then all the reft, and can be content to want all the creatures
kindneffe, to he may finde the Lords kindnefle; tor he cannot
endure long to want Gods prefence : Hide not thy face from thy
fervant. 5. Thcconfcie. cc of endeavour to fervc God, giveth
hope of comfort in time of trouble and that fo much the iboner,
that the trouble be gieat, and perdition apparently near; Hide
not thy face from try fervant, for I am in trouble: hear me fpeedily.
6, An upright fervant, albeit he be troubled for Gods cauie, and
do mifle comfort from God, yet will he not change his Mailer^
nor defpaire of his favour; Hide not thy face from, th fervant ,
for 1 am in trouble. 7. It is no limitation of God, to preife his
ha fling to help, when trouble preileth us fo fore as we feeme near
toperifh: if he fpeedily prevent not: hear me fpeedily.
Ver. 18. Draw nigh unto my foul , and redeeme
it : deliver me becaufe ' mine enemies.
19, Thou haft l^nown my reproach, and my Jhame ,
and my difhonour : mine adverfaries are all before
thee.
2p, Reproach hath broken my heart- and 1 am full
9
124 PSAL. LXIX.
cf beavinejfe : and I looted for fome to take fitiejbut
there was none ; and for comforters , but 1 found
none.
21. 1 hey gave mi alfe gall for my meaty and in
my tblrft they gave me vincger to drink*
In the fixth petitioner fixth time he prayeth for obtaining de-
livery : whereunto he addeth reafons taken from the inhumani-
ty, and cruelty of his enemies, and defection of his friends, and
want of comfort from all men. Whence learti, i. As ft raits do
ferve to drive the godly more and more neei -hand to God : fo do
they ferve to prepare men for renewed fenfe of communion with
God, or for Gods fenfible drawing more neer-hand to them ;
draw neer unto my foul, faith he. 2. A new manifeftation of
Gods love to a foul, isprefent relief and delivery, whatfoever be
th^ trouble; draw neer to my foul , and redeem me. 3. In the
delivery of Gods children from the hand of perfecutors , the
Lord doth look not onely to the neceffity of his children , but
alfo to the infolent pride of the enemies, in cafe they mould pre-
vaile; deliver me 3 bcc au fe of mine enemies. 4. Theconfidera-
tion of Gods being wit neffe to all the fufferings of the Saints,
is a ground of patience under trouble, and of hope to be deliver-
ed S Tbou baft lyiQvpn my reproached my fame, and my dishonour:
mine adversaries are all before thee. 5 Before a beleever once
entered in fufferings, and put upon his trialls , be delivered, he
fhall be made very fenfible of the weight of trouble, fpeciaily of
reproaches, and of his own weaknefle to bear the burden of the
crofle alone,- l\eproacb bath broken my heart , and I am full of
beaviygffe. 6. Asa perfecuted Saint may poflibiy be deprived,
of all common comfort, pity and help from men ; fo the lcfle
their comfort be on earth, they may look for the more and readier
comfort from God 5 I looked for fom to tak.cpity, and there was
i:one>and for comforters, but I found none. 7. As the wicked
are ready to adde affliction to affliction unto the godly: fo muft
the godly ever look for it : yea, they muft not think it ftrange
to finde the meanes of natural life, and ordinary refrefriments of
the body, made bitter to them by perfecution : They gave me gall
for my meatyhte is, they made my natural refreshments taftelefle,
yea and bitter to me: they gave me caufe of grief, inftead of com-
forting me 8 .As all the fufferings of the Saints are but madowes
of the fufferings of Chrift: lb arc.they all mitigated and fan&i-
fi?4
1 J 5AL. .LXIX. 125
! fied in the fufferings of Chrift , upon whom all the fufferings
1 mentioned in this P(alme,were foretold that they mould fall, for
expiation of the (inland fan&ifying the crofses of all his follow-
ers ; In my thirft they gave me vineger to drvifi , was a Prophecy
of Chrifts fuffering on the Crofsfc, '
Vcr. 22. Let their table become a fnare before
them: and that which flhould have been /<?r their
Welfare, let it become a trap.
23. Let their eyes be darkendthat they fee not : and
make their loines continually tofhake,
24 Pour out thine indignatian upon them, and let
thy wrathful anger take ho! d of them,
25. Let their habitation b: deflate , and let none
dwell in their tents.
This is the fecond part of the Pfalme, wherein the Propriety as
a type of Chiift, by way of imprecation againit his malicious e-
nemies prophefieth of the vengeance of God againft all obfti-
nate adverfaries, and malicious pevfecutors of him , whether in
his own perfon, or in his members S and denounceth ten plagues,
or effe&s of Gods wrath to come upon them for theii wickednefs.
The firft whereof is this, God mall curie all the comforts of this
li-e unto the obilinate adverfaries of Chrift^ and of his follow-
ers : all thefe comforts mall ferve to harden their hearts in finne,
and lengthen their life therein, till they fill up the meafure of their
iniquities 5 Let their table ' ecomeafnare before them. The fe-
cond plague,, all the meanes appointed for mens converfion and
iaivation (hall turne for the aggravating of their finne and juft
damnation : and as all things work together for the good of thofe
that love God, fo mall all hings work for the wo and wrack of
Gods enemies j That which fnould. have been for their welfare,
let it become a tiapi The third plague, they mall not perceive
the true intent oi Gods work> nor confider the day or their vifi-
tation 5 Let their eyes be darkened, that they /c not. The fourth
plague^ there mall be no peace to the wicked , but as even in
laughter their heart (hall be forrowful ; fo alfo their confeience
for fear (hall never dare to abide the light of the Lords. Word,
to be examined by it j and even in their greateft prosperity they
ihall haye perpetu. 1 fecret (ear, fmother it as they will; mxhjt their
U
iz6 PSAL. LXIX.
loines continually to fhahe. The huh plague, the tireatened
wrath of God (hall be fully executed againft them, and never
depart from them when it is once poured out j Ttoure ut thy in*
dignation on tbem> and let thy wrathful anger tx\\e hold of them.
The fixth plague is, the curfe ot God fliall be on their houfes
and pofterity, and the place they have dwelt in (hall be bhurred :
Let their habitation be defokte,andlet none dwell in their tents.
Vcr. 26. For they perfecute him Whom thou haft
fmittenj and they talk to the grtef of thofe Whom
thou hafi Wounded*
Hegiveth are.ifonof thofe fearful imprecations on Chrifts
" adverfaries, becaufe they a e cruel in their perfecutipil of him,
and of the godly, even in the time of th_i. affliction otherwayes
fent by God. Whence lam, 1. It confffteth well wirh the love
of God to his children, (even his only begotten Sonne Jems
Chrift not being excepted) to exercife them with fad calami-
ties, for bringing co pafie the work of mans Redemption by
Chrift, and for perfe&ing of the fan&iHcation and falvatiori of
the redeemed by Chrift; of all of whom now and then it may
befaid to God 3 Tboubaft fmittenhim, and they are thofe whom
thou haft wounded, z vVhatfoever may be the reafon of the
Lords uniting and wouniing his own children 3 yet their
wicked enemies have no juft reafon to maligne them, or to
trouble them, and therefore their troubling of Gods children
is perfection > They perfecute him rvbom thou hafi jmitten*
3. The very talking and venting of ill fpeeches, tothe prejudice
of Chrifts caufe and r ruth, and true holines in his Saints, efpe-
cially when they are under fufterings & afflictions wrntfoever, is
a high provocation of Gods wrath : They talli to the grief of thofe
whom thoubafl wounded. *.The; perfection of Gods children for
righteoufnefle, isafufficient ditty for ail the forenamed dam-
nation in the preceding verfes; this is the reafon of the juftice
of the imprecation: For they perfecute him whom thou hafi
[mitten. ?. The Church withoat breach of duty to men, may
fing and rejoyce in thefe fearful imprecations againft the mali-
cious enemies of Chrift and his Church, firft, as lovers of
God more then of men : fecondly, as followers, not of their own
quarrel, but of the controveriie of the Lord of hoftes, whofe
fouldicrs they are againft all his enemies whatioever : thirdly*
as
PSAL. LXIX. 127
as fubfcribers to the juftice of God, who will not fuffer malici-
ous cruelty to be unpunifhed : and fourthly, as rcjoycers in
Gods love to his people, who ownes the wrongs done to his
Church and fervants therein, as done tohimfelf, and will be a-
ven^ed upon their adyerfaries, and having decreed doom a-
gainfttheadverfariesof his Church, will have his children to
be minifters under the great Judge, to pronounce the (entence a-
gainft his and thjir enemies j and as it were, to give out order
for execution of the fentence, faying, Let their table, let their
eyes> let their habitation be fo and fo difpojed of.
Ver. 27. Acide iniquity unto their iniqnity y and
let them not come into thy right eoufneffe.
28. Let them be blotted out of the book^of the livings
and not be written with the righteous*
The feventh plague of the enemies of Chrifland his Church,
is this: howfoever igno;ant Ze ots, fomeof them may finde
mercy ; yec malicious perfecutors of truth and piety grow worfe
and worfe, and being entered in the courfe of perfecution, can-
not go off, but do draw deeper and deeper in guiltinefle, and
that in Gods righteous judgement, ptiniming fin by fin : Addt
iniquity unto their iniquity. The eigth plague is, they are gi-
ven over to a reprobate fenfe, fo as they cannot lay their owne
fins to heart, and fo cannot fee the necefllty of the remiflion of
fin, nor put a price upon the purchafe of Juftificationunto fin-
ners by Chrift the Redeemer , nor be found among the perfons
juftified by faith in him : Let them not come into thy righteouf-
neffe. The ninth plague is this : albeit the enemies of Chrift
and his people may pretend to be among the number of his
friends, and to have their names written in great letters, in the
Catalogue of the vifible Church} yet God (hall difclaim them
one day as none of his, and thruft them from him as workers of
iniquity: Let them be blotted out of the booliof the living The
tenth plague is this: asthevifible Church hath an open book,
wherein all within tne external Covenant are written, as Saints
by calling, and Covenantets with God for life and falvation, out
of which book Go.l dailies out the nnmes of his wicked enemies:
fo God huh a fecret book & roll as it were,wherin hecnrolleth all
the regenerate, all the juftified s and among the names or this
(on, or among the names of the true members of the invifible
Church
128 PSAL. LXIX.
Church of the regenerate, none of the names of Chrifts malici-
ous enemies mil be written 5 Let tbem not be written with the
righteous.
Ver. 2p. But 1 am poor andforrowful : let thy fal-
vation (0 God) fet me up on high.
Tiie third andlaft paftof thePfalme, wherein is fet down
the glorious event of this fad exercife in foure evidences of vi-
ctory of his faith over this aflault. The firft whereof is in his
confident prayer, not only to be delivered, but alio to be ex-
alted, ver.zg. The fecond evidence is, in his hearty promife
of thankfgiving, ver. 30, 3 1. The third evidence is, in a pro-
phecie of the fruit of this exercife, which the beleevers fhall
have by it , ver. 31,33. The fourth is a thankfgiving for mer-
cies forefeen, which mall come to the Church, and in fpecial to
the Church of Ifhcl, ^r.34, 3^,36. All which, in as farre as
they concern Dxvfi the type, are but little in companion of
Cht ift the Antitype. From the firft evidence of the victory of
his faith, appearing in his confident prayer ; Lewmc, i.Itisno
ftr3nge thing to fee poverty of fpirit and fad afflictions joyn-
ed, the one to help and feafon the other y But I am poor and for*
rowfuK 2. There is as fure ground of hope of an event out
of every trouble wherein the children of God can fall, as there
is ground of hope of the overturning of the moft fetled world-
ly profpei icy of their enemies $ for the fore-named curfes fhall
come on the enemies of the godly, buc the childe of God in the
mean time may expect falvation, and to be let on high, which
heconfidentlvprayethfoij But I am poor and forrowful, let thy
falvation, O God, fet me up. 3. The conscience of humiliation'
under Gods hand, is a great evidence of delivery out of what-
foever trouble, if a man in a righteous caufe be emptied of k[{-
conceit and carnal confidence, and brought down to poverty of
fpirit, and affected with the fenfe o^iins and mi fery following up-
on it, and withal go to God in this condition, he may be fure to
be helped, the poor in fpirit are freed from the curfe 5 But 1 am
poor and forrowful, faith the Pfalmift here, let thy falvation fet
me up on high. 4 The man afflicted andperfecuted for righ-
teoufnefle,humbled in himfelf,and drawn to God for relief/mail
not only be delivered, but alfo mail be as much exalted after his
delivery, as ever he was caft down ; Let thy falvation 3 Cjod^
fet me up on high, y . The kindly fufferir of righteoufnefle, wilt
have
PSAL. LXIX. ii$
have no deliverance^ but fuch as God will allow him, as God
ftall bring unto him: and as he doth not look for delivery an-
other way, fo he doth look for a glorious delivery thi s way j
Let tb) falvatlon, God, fet me up on high.
: Ver. 30. iVvill praife the Name of God with 4
fong y andwillmagnijie him rouh thanksgiving.
31. This alfo Jhall pleafe the Lord better then an
exe or bullock that hath homes and hoofes.
From the fecond evidence of his vidory of faith in his pro-
inifed thankfgiving; Learne^ i. When the Lord comforts the
heart of afufferer for hiscaufe, he can make him glad before
the delivery come, by giving him the ailurancc that it (hall
come, and can engage his heart to folemn thankfgiving in the
midft of trouble ; for poverty of fpirii will efteem the farre fore-
fight of delivery at laft, as a rich mercy, and matter of a long ;
I will praife the Name of God with a fong. 2. The Lord in
the delivering of his children out of their troubles, will give
evidence of his greatnefle,as well as of his goodneflerofhis power,
as well as of his mercy to them, that he may £ave the more glo-
ry & thanks for his work; I willwiagnifie bim with tban\f giving.
3 . Moral worftiip offered in Spirit and truth, in the meant it de-
gree of fincerity, is more acceptable to God> then th: moft pom-
pous ceremonial fervice,which can be done to him without Spirit
and truths This alfo Jhall pie. ife the Lord better then an oxe and
bullock that hath homes and hoofes 5 that is, which is pa fj&
and wanteth nothing in the external part of commanded fei-
vice. 4* That which we know ihall be molt acceptable to God,
we ought to ftudy and follow that moft 3 that we may walk be-
fore God unto all well-pleafing, infpecialto praife him in af-
fliction^ and to praife him from a contrite fpirit : This alfofialt
fleafe the Lord jitter tbeu, <&c.
Vef. 32, The humble Jhjill fee this and be glad: and
jour hearts Jhall live that fee ^ God k
33. for the Lord heareth the poor, and defp^ethnoi
his prifeneru
From the third evidence of the Viftory of his faith, in the pro-
phecy of the fruits of his fufterings, mainly as*hc was a tvpe of
K , , Chrift,
I jo P5AL, LX1X.
Chrift, who here is mod intended 5 Leant, i.Theexercife of
the Saints, fet down in Scripture, and namely the exercife of
*David> and of Chrift reprefented by him, was foretold, that
it mould be of great ufe to the Church of God in after»times,
as now we fee it in effect : Tbe bumble Jhall fee this arid be glad.
2. The humble foul is moft capable of divine knowledge and
comforts The bumble Jhril fee tbis. $. Theefcapeof our Lord
Jefusoutof hisfuflerings for us, andtheefcapc of his afflicted
children out of their fufterings through faith in him, is a matter
of inftiuction, comfort and joy to every humbled belcever :
Tbe bumble Jhall fee this and be glad. 4. As fuch who are pure
in fpirit and truly humbled, do live upon Gods almes, and are
daily at hisdoores for relief of their necefiities, and for commu-
nion with his gracious goodneffe :foihallthey thrive well in
this trade * lour heart jhall live that fee\ God. ?. The Lords
children have a life beyond the children of men, which is able to
quicken them in their deepeft troubles, and to make them blef-
fedin their delivery out of troubles; a life moral and fphitual,
whereby their confcicnce is comforted ; lout bean fall live that
fce\ God. 6. The right way for the godly afflicted to have the
benefit of the troubles and events which Chrift and his follow-
ers have had experience of ,is to comfort themfelves in hope of
the like event and fuccefle in feeking God as they did : The
bumble Jhall fee this and be glad, and your heart jhall live that
feelf God. 7. As the Lords poor men are much in prayer, fo
fhall they be rich in good anfwers - 9 For the Lord bearcth 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 fufterers for God ; they are all prifoners, who how-
foever they be mifregardedby men, fhall be of much price in
Gods eyes : He defpifethnot his prifoners.
Ver. 34. Let the heaven and earth praife him, the
feas 9 and every thing that moveth therein.
35, For God rvillfave Sion 9 and will build the Cities
of fadab, that they ma] dwell there y and have it in
pojfejfion.
3 6. The feed aljo of his fervants Jhall inherit it y and
they that love his Name Jhall dwell therein.
From the laft evidence of the victory of faith; fet down in a
pro-*
PSAL. LXIX. 131
prophetical thankfgiving for the forefcen mercies which were
to come to the Church by Chrifts procurement, and fpccially
to the Jewcs 5 Lear?ie > 1. Large fenfe of troubles maketh way for
large obfervat ion, and fenfe anfwcrable of mercies ; The evil of
dcepeft afflictions the Lord can rccompenfe with higheft con-
folation, as the beginning 3nd ending of this Plalmgiveth evi-
dence. 1. The foul that Iecth the mercy of God toward it felt,
doth fee alfo the mercy of God upon the fame grounds to all o-
tilers, his people in Sion y his Church in every place and time-
andhefeeth the benefits of Chrifts fufterings to bematter of
praife unto God, able to fill the whole world 5 and he feeth his
own infufficiency for the praifing of God alfo, and that all
the creatures are all few enough, when they all concurre in this
Song; Let the heaven and the earth pr rife him, and the fcas and
everything that moveth therein. 3. Whatfoever condition of
Gods people can be reprefented by the various condition, moti-
on, fetdement or commotion of heaven, earth and feas, and
things therein, cannot but furnifh matter of joyful praife to
God, and come up to contribute to Gods praifes * Let the hea-
ven and earthy the feas and every thing that moveth the; e in, praife
bim, 4, Every delivery of every belcever, and above all the de-
livery of Chrift as man from his expiatory fufferings, is ear-
nefts and pledges of the delivery of the Church militant out of
all its troubles; For Gfod will favc Sion, faith the Pfalmift, be
ingnoW delivered out of his trouble. ?. As the Lord will e-
ver maintain his Church, his S ion andhis^M^S fo hath he
a purpofe to give a fpecial evidence of this his care among the
Jewcs, how rarre foever they may at fome times be from all ap-
pearance of his refpect to them; for inthepromife he keepeth
in expreffely the Name of $udah : He will build the Chics of
tfudab. 6. What outward teftimonies of Gods r effect to the
jewesfor Chrifts fake mall be given unto them, after the de-
ftructionof their Cities, here prefuppofecf', we muft leave it to
"God, to be in due time by his own works interpreted , and
to be made out according to what here is faid 5 That the Cities
ef Judahyk// hebuildcdy that the j may dwell there and baveit,
(to wit, thepromifed land J inpofieffion, the feed alfo of his fer-.
vantsjhall inherit it, and they that love his Hame fall dwelt
therein. Only Ictus obferve, that the duty of the true Citi-
zens of the Church is, to tianfmit true Religion to their poftc-
rity, and that this is the beft and only way to tranfmit alio the
Welling of God, and the conftant polk flion thereof unto them:
K r The
i 3 2 PSAL. LXX.
The feed alfo of bis fervantsjball inherit it, andtbey that love
Ms Name, &c.
PSAL. LXX.
To the cbief Mufician. A Pfalme of David, to bring to re-
membrance.
THis Pfalm is almoft one in words with the latter end of
Pfalm 40. wherein David being in prefent danger of his
life by his enemies, prayeth firft, for fpeedy delivery, ver. i. next,
for (hamsful difappointment to his enemies, ver* 2, 3^ and
thirdly, for a comfortable life to all the godly, vcr.^: from
which condition albeit he himfelf was very farre for the prefent,
yet he profeffeth he doth rclie on God by faith, and prayeth for a
timous delivery, ver. ?.
From the Infcription; Lc&rn, 1. Our moft notable dangers
and deliveries mould moft carefully be obferved and remem-
bered, and made ufe of 5 Tbis is a Ufalm to bring to remembrance.
2. What hard condition we have been in before, we may fall
into the like again, and the fame gracious means we have ufed
before^ in feeding our relief of God, we mould ufe again 5 and
what words of prayer we have ufed before, we may ufe again,
without any either needlefle aftl'&ation cf other words, or fuper-
ftitious tying of our felves tc the lame words, as the example
of 'David teacheth us, when we compare the end of the 40. Pfalm
with this Pfalm.
Ver, 1 ♦ A j% Ake v hafte , O God y to deliver
IVJ me : make hafte, to helpe me 7 O
LORD.
Prom the firft petitions Learn, 1. Though death or danger
of it were never fo near , God can come quickly and prevent
its and prayer is a fwiftmeffenger, which in the twinkling of
an eye can go and return with an anfwer from heaven, as this
abrupt beginning of his prayer dorh reach u» ; Lordjo deliver
me. Thefe words, mafabtftcs are not exprefled in the Origi-
nal^
PSAL. LXX. 133
nal; for the hafte was (o great as he could not expreffe it, till
he drew his breath, x. As we have need of help , God will mile
hafte unto our help ; Make b&ftc to help me, LORD.
Ver. 2. Let them be ajhamed and confounded that
feek^ after myfoule: let them be turned backyard^
and put to confuflon^ that dejire my hurt*
3. Let them be turned back^for a reward of their
fhame that fay , Aha> aha.
From the fecond petition 5 Learn, i.The more that the ene-
mies of Gods people do promifc to themfelves certainly to
deftrcy fuch of the Saints as they do pitch upon when their
plot (hall be ripe and fixed, when God doth difappoint them
they are the more confounded and afhamed ; Let them bexfia-
med and confounded, who feel^aftermy foule, or my life. z. All
the enemies of Gods children, (hall at laft think (Lame of their
injuries done to them, and evils which they have wifhed unto
them, to wit, when they fhall know whofe children they are, and
what intereft God hath in them, then at Ia'ft' fhall they flee, and
hide themfelvs for fhame; La tbem betumed backward, and put to
confufion, that defire my hurt. $. The damage of the godly is
the delight of the wicked; and an enemy to the godly, ishethac
laughs and fcorns atthemifery of the godly 5 They fay* when
they fee them in trouble, Ablush 1. 4. Albeit what fhame the
wicked do put upon rhe godly for righteoufnefle, or for their
fufferingsforrighteoufnefs, is not the fhame of the golly, bur
the fhame of the enemies, who do what they can to expofe the
godly to fhame, yet fhall the enemies have fhame yet more tor
their pains, and the terrible wrath of God fhall chafe them out
of Gods prefence ; Let them b: turned bacfifor a reward of their
Jhamc, that fiy, Aba, aha.
Ver. 4. Let all thofe that feeh^ theey rejoyce and
be glad in thee 1 and let fuch as love thy falvation 7 fay
continually , Let God be magnified.
From the third petition 5 Learn, 1 . Whatfoever be our own
hard condition at any time, we fhoull feek the welfare and pros-
perity of the reft of Gods children, and it is the property of
K $ each
134 P SAL. LXXI.
each of the godly in their trouble, towifhallthe reft ; to be par-
takers of the bleiTedneiVe which their own foul doth feek after,
but not to be like to them in trouble or bonds ; Let all tbofc tbat
fee\ thee, rejoyce and be glad in tlxe. 2. If one of the godly be
delivered out of his troubles, all the reft, who did pray for" the
delivery mould rejoyce in God alfo, as for a benefit given to
themfelves; Letallthofe that fecfi thee, rejoyce and be glad in
thee. 3. The godly do not defire deliverance to themfelves or
their fellows except in Gods way, in a cleanly and holy way:
and the more of God is feen in the delivery of his fervants, the
more arc they glad in the Lord 5 Tbey are tbofc that love Gods
falvation. 4. It is a moft fuit able fer vice for the Saints, to be
alwayes praifing God , Let tbofc that love thy falvation, fay con t
timidly > The Lord be magnified*
Verv 5. Tint I am poor andnecdj, make hafte un-
to me y OGod: Thottzxtmy help and my deliverer*
LORD make no tarrying.
From the fifth petition; Learn, r. Albeit we be notinfuch
a condition, as we wifh all the godly were in, yet let us lay out
that condition before a pitiful God, and fubmit our fel\res to
him in the condition wherein we are ', *But 1 am poor and needy,
2. The fenfe of a hard condition, is a preparation and a ground
of hope to be brought out of it to a better $ I am poor and needy,
na\t bafte unto me, O God* 3. Whatfoever difpenfation we mall
meet with, we mould hold faft the claim of faith, and of our
intereft in God; Thou art my' help, and my deliverer. 4. Ha-
ving fetled our dependance upon God , we may without being
miftaken of God, fpeak all our defircs to him 5 and having done
To, mould leave our fupplication and cafe at his feet with con-
fidence ; Lori } make no tarrying.
PSAL. LXXI.
THis pfalm is a Prayer oiVavid in his old age,requcfting for
delivery from the confpiracy of Abfalom,\vh&m he wreftlcth
with the Lord by fervent fupplication; in feven petitions, all
: ■ tending
PSAL. LXXI. 135
tending tothispurpofe/thathe may be delivered, to ver. 14.
and from ver* 14. to the end, we have his confidence to be de-
li vered,fec forth in foure evidences thereof, ^bfalom here is not
named, nor is the particular cafe fet down, otherwife then in ge-
neral expreffions, that fo it may ferve the better forthe larger
ufe of the Church of God, and of the particular members there-
of, in their afflictions.
Ver. 1. T N thee, O LORD, ho 1 put my truft,
I let me never be put to confvfion.
The firft petition is general, wherein he profefleth his con-
fidence in God, and prayeth that he be not put to coafution.
Whence learn, 1. As long as a childeof God doth live in the
world, he muft look for new afflictions, as here the experience
of the Plalmift, tofled in his old age* doth warne us. 2. Look
how many new troubles do befall Gods fervants, fo many new
meffengers are fent of God to call them to him; fo many new er-
rands arc furnifhed unto them ; fo many new petitions are put
in their mouth ; and fo many preffing neceflities are fent to
make them earneft in their fupplication^ and frugal in makin^
ufe of their intereft in God by faith, as here and elfcwhere doth
appear. $♦ He that cometh to God muft bekeveinhim, and
faften his faith on God, and avow it, how weak foever he
findc it to be ; In tbee, O Lord, do I put my tnift. 4. Albeit
fuch as bcleeve in God, may have many tentations to miftiuft
God, and great feares that they fhall be difappointed of their
hopes, and for a time may feem to be difappointed and put to
confufion, yet it mall not be for ever 5 if they do not take fhame
unto them by diftruft, they mall never have caufe tobeaflia-
med s Let me never be put to confufiw.
Ver. 2. Deliver me in thy righteoufneffe, and
caufe me to efcape : incline thine eare unto me and
fave me.
The fecond petition is morefpecial, for fa fet y and delivery
from his enemies. Whence lemi, i.The righteouincfle of God
is apawne unto the godly, that their lawful petitions mall be
granted, and fpecially when they feek delivery from their un-
godly adverfaries j "Deliver me in thy rigbteoufncjj'c, and caufe mc
K| tQ
136 VbAL. UtXl.
to cfcape. 2. When the Lord giveth a heart to a beleeverto
pray, he will alfo grant him audience, and a good anfwer s In-
cline thine ear e unto me, and fave me.
Vcr.j. Tie thou my ftrong habitation, ^hereunto
J may continually refort : tloou haft given command-
ment to fave me, for thou art my rock^ and my for-
treffe*
The third petition is, that the Lord would fhew himfelf to
him in effect, what he hath engaged himfelf to be unto bel.ee-
vers according to the Covenant. Whence learn, 1. What the
Lord is to his people by Covenant, he will be to them the fame
effectually and in deed, as their need fhall recmire i and as they
/hall imploy him > 25c thou my ftrong habitation. 2. The good-
neflc of God covenanted to his people, is not for one goocl turn,
but for every good which they need ; not for one. day, but
for daily ufe- making, and conftant enjoying of it j 2c thou my
ftrong habitation, where <nto continually I may refort. 3 . As. the
Lord' hath all means, all fecond caufes,all creatures at his com-
mand, being Lord of hoftes, to execute whatever he doth give
order for to be done ; fo hath he really fet his active providence
j©n work, toaccomplifh what he hath covenanted to every Be-
liever ; Thou baft given commandment to fave me, for thou art my
vor\ and fortreffe : he giveth his believing in God, who is his
rock, asarealon of hj$ faying, that God was about to fave
him.
Ver. 4. Deliver me ^ O my God, out of ' tht hand
pf the wicked^ out of the hand of the unrighteous and
cruel man.
5. for thou art my hppe y Lord God: thou art my
truftfrom my youth.
6. By thee have I been holden up from the wombe:
thou an he that too\ me out of my mothers bowels, my
fraife (hall be continually of thee.
The fourth petition for delivery i* ftrengthened by reafons
taken from the wickedncfle of the enemy, ver.$. from his own
con-
confidence in vjoa, vcr. 5 : anu uum in* iuiig experience ot
Godskindnefle unto him in timepnft, ver.6. Whence learn ,
1 . It is a great advantage ro be a Confederate with God,
when we have to deal with his enemies and ours in any debatei
Deliver mefi my God y (faith \\t) out of the band of the wicked.
2. The integrity of the beleever in a good caufe, and the iniqui-
ty of their adverfaries in their ill caufe, are good tokens of the
beleevers viftory over them 5 Deliver me out of the bind of the
unrighteous and cruel man. 3. Confidence in God, avowed a-
gainftalltentations in Gods prefence, and fpecially when it is
of long {landing, is fo ftrong an argument of being heard in
a lawful petition, that it may perfwade the beleever he (hall
fpeed; Deliver, me, for thou art my hopc^.O Lord God,
thou art my truji from my youth. 4. True thankfulnefle will not
paffe by common benefits, and true faith will readefpecial love
in common and ordinary favours, and make ufe thereof among
other experiences for ftrengthening of faith ; By thee have I
been boldcn up from the wombe, thou art be that tooh L me out of my
mothers towels. 5. The forming of us in the belly, and the
common jbenefit of birth and bringing forth quick into the
world, is a fmothered wonder, and fo glorious a. work of God,
that hedefervethperpetualpraifc from us for that one woik i
Thou art be that eoo^ me out of my mothers belly.
Ver.7. Jam as a wonder ant many y hntthm art my
Jlrong refuge.
8. Let my month he filled with thy praife, and with
thy honour all the day,
The fifth petition is ftrengthened with rcafons taken from
his hard condition, and from the opportunity of Gods having
glory by his delivery out of it. Whence learn , i.Theexer-
cife of the Lords children is fometimes fo Grange to the be-
holder, as the world doth wonder at them ; I am as a wonder un-
to many. 2. Knowledge of Gods Word and waves, and faith
in his Name maketh a believer not think ftrange, whatioever
fiery trial come upon him, but to reft on God$ will whatfoeyer
befall him 5 I amas a wonder unto many , but thou art my ftrong
refuge : For faith doth not judge of it felf, as the world judg-
eth, but as God hath judged and fpoken ot it in his Word*
3 . The more ft: ange the excrcife of the godly be, the mote glo~
r:ou$
riuus Diut juuiui u^nuiuin^ ui muiJ iii n, aiiu uciiYcrili^ OJ
them out of it, and for the hope of the glory which mall re-
dound to God by fuch exercifes, the hardship mould be the
more patiently born, and the delivery fought and expected more
confidently, that it fhall come when it may be moftfor Gods
praife > I am a wonder unto many, let my mouth be filled with thy
praife, and with thy bononr all the day.
Ver. 9. Qaft me not of in the time of old age, for-
fake me not when myfirength fai/eth :
1 o» For mine enemies fpeak^ againfi me> and they
that lay Wait for my fonle , take tonnfel toge-
ther:
II* Saying, God bath forfafan him, perfecute
and take him 9 for there is none to deliver him.
The fixth petition is ftrengthened with reafons taken from his
own old age and weakneffe,and from his enemies malice. Whence
learn, 1. Such as have been the Lords fe^vants in their youth,
may be fure to find God a good and kind Matter to them in their
old age } Caft me not off in the time of old age. i; Infirmities in
Gods children mall not move loathing and cafting off,' but pi-
tying and cherifhing of them, that they may be fupported in
their weakneffe , For fake me not when my ftrcngthfaileth. 5. The
world conceiveth that God doth caft off his children, when he
doth bring them under any fad calamity, and by this means do
think that they have not to do with Gods children, when they
perfecute his deareft fervants 5 yea, and they encourage them*-
ielves to perfecute themt^e more that God doth afflict them 5
M inc enemies f peak againfi tnc, and they that lay wait for my foul
t&\ecounfel together: faying, Godbath for jakw him, perfecute
And take him, for there is none to deliver him. 4. The mifcon-
ftru&ions of the world, their plots and confpiracies againfi the
gedly, their evil fpeeches of them , their refolved cruelty to un-
do them, are fo many arguments of good hope that God (hall
deliver them s Forfakeme not, for mine enemies fpeakagawft
me , &c.
Ver. 12. Cod.be not fane fromme: my God,
make hafie for my help,
1 1 let
PSAL. LXXI. zs9
I*, Let them be confounded and con[umed> that are
adverfaries to my foule : let them be covered with re-
f roach and difhonour ,that feek^ my hurt*
Thefeventh Petition for delivery and difappointing of his ene-
mies 3 is ftrengthened with reafons taken tromthe Covenant
between God and him 3 and from the glory which God mall
have by learning his enemies. Whence learn, i. When tenta-
tions are moft y dangers are greateft, and the aflault is ftrongeft,
then doth the believer draw neareft unto God, and hold him moft
clofely > God, be not farrefrom me, &c. 2. Relying upon, and
avowing of the Covenant between God and the foul of a Belie-
ver, is able to bear the greateft ftreffe , whereunto tentations and
troubles can drive him* my God>ma\c bjfie for my help. 3 .God
for the glory of his juftice againft the wicked, and the glory of his
grace to his own, (hall pour confufton , coniumption , reproach,
and difhonour upon perfecutors of rightcoufnciVe, and adverfaries
of his fufferins; fervants • Let them be confounded and confumcd 3
that are adverfaries to my foul : let them be covered with rcpr&ub
and difhonour , that fee\myburt.
Ver. 14. But I mil hope continually ^ and will yet
fraife thee more and more 9
1 5. My mouth fball Jhew forth thy righteoufneffc,
and thy fatvation all the day : for 1 k^now not the num-
bers thereof.
16. / will go in the ftrength of the Lord God:
1 will make mention of thy righteoufnejfe , even of
thine onely.
In the latter part of the Pfalm , is the Pfxlmifts confidence to
be delivered, fet forth in four evidences thereof. The firft is his
rcfolutiontoperfevere in hope to be helped , and in praifing of
God, and relying only on the Lords power and righttowftieflk,
and not on his own ftrength. tVhcnec leifu > 1. He that is re-
fol ved to perfevei e in hope, may be fure of a gracious tvent out of
his trouble : but I will hope continually. 2. Rcfoliue hope
comforteth, enlargeth , and ftirreth up rhe heart unro more and
more praifing and thankfgivina , j w m hope continually , and I
mil yet praifc thee more and more* 3. The matter of the con-
tinual
140 PSAL. LXXI.
tinualpraife-of God, is partly his righteoufneflc , whereby he
keepeth his promife, not only according , but alfo above conditi-
on, and giveth alfo remiflion of fins , which did deferve wrath,
and partly his deliverances, which he giveth to his children , out
of danger ofbody and foul > Mymotab fialljhew forth tby r igb-
teoufnc(fc,and thy falvationallthe day; for I J^noiM not the num-
bers thereof. 5« Beciufe in troubles a mans own ftrength will
fail him, and fail him alfo in commanded duties, therefore the
believer muft .• enounce confidence in his own ability in bo^h ca-
fes, and leap to the furniture of God ; I will go in the ftrength of
the Lord God. 6. Becaufe the confeience of fins and finfulnels
ftill doth ftare ihe Believer in the face, and all to difcourage him;
the Believer muft renounce all confidence in his own holineffe,
and relie upon the imputed righteouinefle of Chrift onely, which
is called the righteoufnefle of God by faith , being witnefled un-
to both byrheLaw and Prophets, 7{pm. $. n, I will make
mention of thy rigbteoufnejfe s even of thine onely, for in the
point of j unification, and abfolving of us from fin, this rigbte-
cufejfcofGod only hath place,
Ver. 17. OGodjhouhaft taught me from my youth:
andhitherto have I declared thy Wonderou* work**
18. Now alfo when I am old and gray- headed ,
God, forfake me not : untitt 1 have (hewed thy ftrength
unto this generation , and thy power to every one
that Is to come.
The fecond evidence of the Prophets confidence to be deliver-
ed, is the expeience of Gods kindhefle for time paft, ma-
king him with comfortable aflurance of being heard to pray for
the continuance of that fame kindncfle for time to come. Whence
learn > 1. We are all of us ignorant of God and his wayes , tfll
he teach us by his Word , and by his Spirit, and by his giving to
us experimental knowledge thereof 5 God } thou baft taught me
from my youth. 2. .The confeience of fincere endeavour to
make ufe of Gods gifts to us for the glory of God , and edificati-
on or others, according to our place; is very hveec and comforta-
ble ir the day of trouble, and giveth much encouragement in
approaching to God 5 Hitherto have I declared thy wondrous
wor^s. 5 He that hith had long experience of Gods mercy to
himiclfe., and thankfully doth acknowledge the fame 3 may affure
himfelfe
PSAL. LXXI. 141
himfelfe that the courfe of Gods kindneffe to him fhall not
be broken oft : God, thou haft taught me from my youth , now
alfowhen lam oU and gray -headed for falie me not, Lord. 4, It
is a noble dcligne for a man who ha h received gifts , whereby he
may glorify God and edify his people 3 to deftinate all the dayes
he hath to lwe,to fcrve his own generation , and the pofterjty, in
the communicating to them what he knoweth of the Lords all-
fufficiency> and not to love to live in this world , except for this
end 5 Forfakeme not untill 1 have fiewed thy flrength to this gene-
ration > and thy powa to every one that is to com-.
Ver. 1 9. Thy righteoufhejfe alfo % God , is very
high % who haft done great things : God>who is likg un-
to thee?
20. Thou -which haflfhewed me great and fore trou-
bles j fyalt quicken me again , and fkdt bring me up
again from the depths of the earth.
21. Thottjbaltincreafemy great neffe , and comfort
me on ever j fide*
The third evidence of his confidence to be delivered , is his »
looking to the unfearchable fountain of Gods wifdom, faithful -
neile, and omnipotency, and his expecting from this well-fpring,
that as large confolation mail come foith to him^ as he hath had
a large meafure of troubles. Whence learn , 1.. Albeit the effects
of Gods wifdome, faithfulneffe , and omnipotency, be neer unto
us 3 and do fall under our fenfe in his daily operations , yet the
fountain thereof, which is Gods own perfect ;on, is unfearchable*
incomprehenfible 5 and incomparably great; Thy rigbteoufnejfc>
God 3 is very high, who haft done great things : God 3 who
is lifie unto thee ? 2. That which we fee of the Lords works, may
lead us up to know what is not feen in relation to difficulties, and
power of men, and to fee what he is able to do ; and when we fee
the invifible God, we cannot choofe but admire his Majefty, and
exalt him as Sovereign over all, and then , and not till then that
we give him the honour of omnipotency and faithfulnefle , can
the heart reft and be quiet: Thy rigbteoufncjfe, God, is very
high , who haft done great things ; who is Uh^c to thee ? 3, He
tha- acknowled get h Gods jufticcand wil'dome in his troubles,
may look to fee Gods power and grace no lefie evident in his de-
livery
i 4 2 PSAL. LXXI.
livery and confolation : and he who m trouble hath feen his own
infirmity, emptineffe, and death, may look to fee Gods power and
life in railing of him out of the grave of his trouble ; Thou which
baft fhewed me great and fore troubles y fhaU quicken me again, and
ft) alt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. 4 As trou-
ble humblcth and abafeth a man before ,the world : fo the Lords
delivering of him, and (hewing his refpecl to him, honoureth the
man again, and exalteth him before men ; Thou fhalt incrcafe my
greatneffe. 5. As no trouble doth come alone, but multitudes of
troubles joyned together , when the Lord will humble and try a
man; fo no comfort cometh (ingle or alone , when the Lord will
change the mans exe;cife, but a multitude of comforts joyned to-
gether j Thou wilt comfort me on every fide . 6: Lofles are made
lighter , and comforts weightier, when God is ^cn and acknow-
ledged in them : Thou which haft Jhewed me fore troubles, (it is
but a view of trouble what we have felt when troubles are leen to
come from Gods hand,) thou ftiati incrcafe my greatneffe , and
comfort me on every fide. *
Ver, 22. IvifilUlfo praife thee Vrith the Pfaltery,
even thy truth, my God : unto thee will I fing mtb
the Harp, thou holy One oflfrael.
23* My lips flail greatly rejojee when I fing unto
thee: andmj [oule, which thou haft redeemed.
24. My tongue al/ojhalltalk^ of thy righteoufnejfe
all the day long : for they are confounded ; for they are
brought untofhame thatfeekmy hurt.
The fourth and laft evidence of his confidence , is his promifc
of joyful thankfgiving, by way of a begun fong , and that for the
forefight of his own delivery , and o£ his enemies overthrow.
Whence learn , 1. Faith is fo fatisfied with Godspromile , that
it can piaife heartily for what ispromifedjbeforc it finde perform-
ance : I will praifi tbee with the Ufaltcry, even thy truth. 2. It
as our intereft in the Covenant, which makes us to have interefl
in particular promiis 5 I will praife thy truth, my God. $. A
foul fenfible of Gods kindneile, and furc by faith of the perform-
ance of his faithful prornifes , cannot fatisfy it fclfe in prailing
of God, it hath fo high eft imation of his fidelity , power 3 and
love : Therefore after he hath 1 faid, I will praife thee, he addeth,
Mt9
JJd/Vl-. JLAA1I. I45
unto tbce vill I fing with the Harp. 4. How hardly focver a
foul hath been exercifed with troubles for a while, fo foon as ic
feeth by faith the Lords prepared event ; It will juftify all the
paifages of Gods providence, as juft, and wife, and good, and in
a word, as holy in all rcfpe&s. To thee mil I fing , O holy One of
Ifracl. 5. Singing without* voice unto the Lord, is a part of
moral worfhip, as well as prayer with the voice, when his honour,
and our upftirring , and others edifying calleth for it 5 My lips
fjall greatly re]oyce when I fing unto thee. 6. As the work
of praifing God requireth fincerity, earneilncrle , and cheerful -
nefle; fo the. work thus done , becometh not onely honourable to
God, butallorefreflifultotheworfhipper; uMy lips Jhall great*
ly rejoyce when I fing unto thee , 7. Dangers and diftref-
fes, how grievous foever they be for the time, yet do they furnifh
matter of praifetoGod,and joy to the party troubled afterward
when the delivery cometh : CMy lips fhall rejoyce , and my [ou'e
which thou baft redeemed* 8, Befide, ringing ofPlalmes unto
God, fpeJfcing of his praifc in all companies, and upon all occafi-
ons,is a part of our bounden duty of thankfulnefle,for making his
word good to us in the overthrow of our enemies, -and delivering
of us : My tongue alfo [hall talfi of thy righteoufneffe all the day
long. 9. The overthrow of the enemies of the godly is as cer-
tain to come , as if we faw it with our eyes already come to pafle.
The fame Word of God , the fame light and perfwafion of fpi-
rit, manifefteth the delivery of the godly , and the deftm&ion of
their enemies : F or they are confounded y for they are brought to
fhame , that fceli my hurt.
PSAL. LXXII.
A Pfalm for Solomon.
IN this Pialm under the fhadow of King Solomons reigne,
Chdfts gracious government ispraifed 5 and firft, the Church
is taught to pray for a bleffing on King David and his fonnes
government , including Chrifts , vet. 1. Next , the anfwer is
given by the fpirit of the Lord in aprophecie of the bleffednciTe
of the Reign, and Kingdome of Chrift the Sonne of David, from
ver* 1. to ver. 18. Thirdly , thcuie hereof* is fee down in thanks-
giving
144 PSAL. LXXII.
giving unto God, ver. 18,19. and herein is the accomplifh-
ment of all the deliresof Ptftf/rf 3 obtained by this fatisfactory an-
fwer, ver. 20.
From the inscription and prayer 5 Learn, A King may com-
mand within his kingdom many things , but he cannot com-
mand a bleflingon his own government ; he muft. make fuit for
this to God : He may leave a kingdometo his childejbut becaufe
a kingdo n is nothing without Gods blefling , he muft pray for
this DlefTing,and feek the affiftance of the prayers of the Church
for this intent : and this duty Kings may crave of the Church,
and Gods people mould not refufe it ; A Pfalmfor Solomon.
Ver. 1. /^ Ive the king thy judgements^ God* and
\.Jtthy rightem/nejfe unto the kjngt fort.
Prom the prayer of the Ckurch 5 Learn, i; Gifts from God
are neceffary to fit a man for an office ; and it is n r t ^ery gift,
which doth make fit for a particular office, but fuch giftS Special-
ly as are for the difcharge of the place a man hath, and thole muft
be asked horn, and granted by God , and by this meanes Sancti-
fied; Give tbeKjng tby judgements, OGod. l. Nothing is
more conducible to make a Kings government profpercus and.
blefied, then equity and juft ice, according to the revealed will
of God ; Give the J^ing thy jvdgemetus, and. tby rigbteoufnejfe to
the lyings fori.
Ver. 2. He /ball judge thy people with righteouf-
nejfe, and thy poor with judgement.
3. The mount awes pall bring peace to the people ^
and the little hills by rightooufne/fe,
4. He /hall judge the poore of the people , he [hall
fave the children of the needy, and {ball break* in pieces
the oppreffour.
5. They jhall fear thee as long as the Sun and Moon
endure ^throughout all generations.
6. He Jhall come doWn like raine upon the mowen
grajfe * as /bowers that water the earth m
7. In his dayes /ball the righteous flouri/b.and abun-
dance 0/ peace fo Ing as the Moonendnrcth.
8, Hi
from the river y tint o the ends of the earth*
y. They that dwell in the witaerneffe Jball bow be*
fore him } and his enemies [ball lickjhe dnft.
10. The kings of Tarfbifb and of the Ifles jhali
bring prefents : the lyings of Sheba andScba Jball offer
gifts.
1 1 . Tea, all kings Jball Jail down before hito : dll nai
tions Jball ferve him.
•_. 1 2. For heJbaH deliver the needy when he crieth^ the
poor* a/fa and him that hath no helper.
1 3. He /ball (part the poore and needy , andfhallfave
the joules of the needy,
14. He Jball redeem their foule from, deceit andvio-
lence y (QJ precious JbMl their blood be in his fight 1
1 5 .«>And he Jball live , and to him Jball be given of
the gold of Sheba f prayer alfo Jball be made for him con*
tinually, and daily JbaH he be prai'ed.
1 6. There Jball be an handful of corn in the earth
upon the top of the mount aines ; the fruit thereof Jhalt
Jbake like Lebanon ' and they of the citj fbatl floririfh
lik* graffe of the earth.
17, His Name Jball endure for ever : his Nam*
Jball be continued as long at the Sun: and men Jball be
bleffedtn him^ all nations Jball call him bleflhd.
T^c Prophetical anftver given here to the Churches prayer*
promifeth above twenty. benefics of Chrifts government, all or
them tending to the glory of the King , and good of the fubjeel^
the fhadrow whereof was to be fcen in 'David ,* and Solomons
reign, Joyned with many imperfections • but the red accomplifh-
ment Is onely in Chrift . TheTirft is, Chrifts fubje&s (hall have
good rules how to carry themfclves in all duties, how to behave
therrrfeives righteoufly, and how to be made righteous, by his di-
rection and conduces Hcjhall jtidge thy people witb right coufneffc.
The fecond benefit or commendation is , Chrift vyill fc6 the ne-
Geffiries of his fubjc&s, his humble ones, his affti&ed ones; , to- be
L fupplied*
146
PSAL. LXXII.
fupplied molt difcreetly , and the wrongs done unto them re-
paired; He f)all judge thy poor with judgement , ver. 3. The
third benefit is, Chrift is not to take away civil Governours, nor
Potentates places 3 no r the fever al orders and ranks of greatnefle
of fuperiour and inferiour powers , Rulers and Judges 5 all thefe
are to be fixed rather by him, for the good of the people: The
fuperiour as mountains, and the inferiour as little hills ,(ha\l ftand
in their place for him. The fourth benefit is, Chrift fha'lmake
fuch Magiftrates as do embrace him, for their Lord and Gover*
nour , a bleffing to the people under them 5 for by their righteous
government the people ihall live quiet and fafe in Gods feryice
under them : The mountains Jhall bring peace to the people, and tbc
little hills y but how {hall the mountaines and little hills do this?
By rigbteoufncjfc, ver. 4 The fifth benefit is , albeit Chrift do
fuffer fiis fubje&s to be brought low in the fenfe of their own
weaknefle, and in danger of being fwallowed up by their perfe-
cutors, yet mall he take their controverfie to his cognition , and
deliver his people out of the hands ofjtheir advcrfaries»#e JJjall
judge the poor of the people : bejball fave the children of the needy ;
be Jhallbrcaliin pieces the opprejfors, ver. $♦ The fix: h bene fit >
Chrift the true King oilfracl, mall never want a kingdoms , he
mall never want fubjec'ts , but ihall alwayes have a Church
of fuch as mail worfhip and fear him, and do homage unto him,
fo Jong as the world doth ftand , amidft all changes and revolu-
tions that can come :„ They Jhall fear tbee as longas the Sunne and
Moon endure ', throughout til generations, ter. 6. The feventh
benefit, whatfoever fad condition his people fhall be in, how
farre foever i polled of their luftre and glory in the wqrld , or in
any other refpeclswhatfoever, they fliall be made as a mowen
down medow pofliblyjyei Chrift by his Word, Spirited effectu-
al bleffing fhall revive and recover themras grafle cut down being
watered by rain, is made to j>row again : he fliall come down li\{e
rain upon the mowen grafjc , as jhowers that water the earth,
ver. 7. The eight benefit , all the true fubjec'ts of Chrift are
juftified perfons,and devoted in their hearts to righteoufnefle, in
the obedience of Gods will,and fuch js do endeavour to abound in
the fruits of righrcoufnefle:77;e righteous foall flourifi in bis dayes.
Theninthbcnefit,Chriftsjuftinedfubje»5rsand ftudents ofholi-
nes>ftial have peace withGod,peace abounding and paffing all un-
derftanding,/d/fa>gtertce.,withoutend,in all revolution of conditi-
ons^/^ r/^foeo^Jitf/yfottrz/?;^^ abundant peace ,fo long as the
world endumb.v.j. The tenth benefit ofChrifts government's
the
PSAL. LXXII. 147
the enlargement of the Church, and number of his fubjecls , ac-
cording co the length and breadth of Gods promifes made to his
people Ifrael , whether Ifrael in the letter , or in the Spirit: He
fhall have dominion alfo from fca to fea , and from the river unto
the cuds of the earth, ver. 9. The eleventh benefit of Chrifts go-
vernment is more (pecial; whomsoever he pleafeth to make fub-
jectsuntohimfelfe, howwilde and favage foever they be > yea
how great enemies foever they have been to his Kingdom e * he
fliali tame them , bring them in fubjeftion to himfelfe , and to.
moft humble fubmiffion unto his commands : They that dwell
intbewilderneffe fballbow before him > and bis enemies flail licit
theduft,ver. 10. The twelfth benefit is yet more fpecial 3 The
Kings and Rulers of the Gentiles fhall finde it a bleflingto
themfelves, and to their dominions > to be under Chrifts go-
vernment, and fhall effectually contribute their riches, power,
anal authority, to advance the Kingdome of Chrift , their fove-
reign Ljjtfi and protestor: The fangs ofTarfhifh, and of the Iflcf
full br^gprefents : the fangs ofsbeba and Scba fball effer gifts ,*
vcr. 11. The thirteenth benefit of Chrifts government, is fo
treat an enlargement of his Kingdome, by bringing of all King-
omes and Nations fomeway under his Scepter, that the Picphe-
cie of John the Divine , Rcimi. if. fhall be acknowledged to
be fulfilled ; All the fangdomes of the emh are become the Lords
and his Sonne Chrifts , how improbable foever this may feem i
for anfwerably hereunto is it faid here,T<rrt all fangs fhall frll do^tvn
before him, all nations fhall ferve him, ver. 12,. The fourteenth
benefit ferving for the commendation of his government , is by
way of giving a reafon of the marvellous enlargement of his
Kingdome, from his care of the meaneft of his fubjefts, from his
effectual pity toward them , love and eftimation of them. The
care Chrift hath of his fubjecls is fuch , that there is not one id
mean in all his Kingdome, of whom, and whofe necefihies, and
of whofe particular petitions he doth not take moft particular and
exact knowledge, whofe petitions being prefented in the fenfe of
their need, he doth not grant : He fhall deliver the needy , whcii
he crictb- There needeth no Mediator between him and his fub-
jects s He heareth the needy when they cry m The man that hath :
nothing within him or without him to commend him to Chrift,
to aflift, help 3 relieve, or comfort him in heaven or earth , is not
defpifed by Chrift , but delivered from that which he feareth: He
fhall deliver the foot alfo, and hint tbxt hath no helper, and thitf
be doth by teaching his fubjects to bear troubles , by ftrengthen-
148 PSAL. LXXII.
jug them for the burdens by comforting them in their griefjby gi-
ving a delivery to their fpiritsby faith, and a full delivery at laft,
v 1 3. The fifteenth 6enefit and commendation of Chrifts govern-
rrcnr , he doth not exact any thing of his fubje&s , but that
which he offer eth tofurnifh and enable them to d i (charge : he
lets none be tempted above his ftrengthj he taketh fmall be-
ginnings in good part, he fpareth the rod in a great meafure, mi-
tigates the correc~tion,and in midft of wrath he remembereth mer-
cy : He Jhall fparethe poor and needy ; whatfoever hard exercife
he put them to, he will give them their foul for a prey : They
fhall not perifh 3 who in the fenfe of their need depend upon him :
He flail/aye the fouls of the needy, ver. 14, The fixteenth be-
nefit and commendation of Chrifts Kingdome , albeit the Lord
fuffer his fubje&s to be tried with herefies and feducers , by op-
prcflbrs and perfecutors , yet he will affift them in the trial and
bring them out of it : He Jhall redeem their foule from deceit and
violence , and if for his own glory he put any of them to lay
down their life for his caufe , it fhall be a point of fjjeial ho-
nouring of them, as of precious fonnes,whom he efteemRn much
of,both living and dead }s Precious Jhall their blood be in bit fight,
v*\ 5, The fe/enteenth benefit and commendation of Chrifts go-
vernment is from his everlafting indurance 5 albeit other Kings
die, and leave their kingdom to their fucceffor, yet it is not fo
withChrLft, he indureth for ever: his death for paying the ran-
fom of our fins , did not interrupt his reign, but made way for his
more glorious reigning , after his relurre&ion 5 he hath life in
himfclfe, as in the fountain ; Hejlwll livc> he fhall live conquer-
ing, and bringing in moe fubje&s , who fhall pay tribute unto
him. To bimJhaUbegiuenoftbegoldofSheba* The eighteenth
benefit and commendation of Chrifts Kingdom is this , Chiift
fhall be well beloved of all his fubjetts, whofe exercife it fhall be
to wifh and pray for the profperity of his Kingdome, Church,and
myftical body,and who fhall commend and praife his glorious and
lovely Majefty ; Prayer alfojhalll be made for him continually , and
daily Jhall he bepraijed, vl i6,The nineteenth benefit & commen-
dation of Chrifts government is , that a little feed of his preci-
ous Word fowen among men > of whofe converfion there might be
leaft hope, like a handful of corn fowen upon the mountaines or
moft barf en ground , fhall have a glorious increafe of the con-
verfion of many notable Saints , like as corn in a barren place
fliould grow up like Cedar-trees; There Jhall be ah handful ofoorn
in the earth, on the top of mountains > the fruit thereof Jb&ttJbal&'
ll\c LCUJ.nv/L • «uiu iiiii uicuiugui iiic vjui^ci iic tan itkikc it
to be without prejudice of the manured land of Churches al-
ready planted, which are as cities inhabited ; thofe he can bleffe
and will bleffe at his pleafure, with the abundant growth of
grace amongft them > And they of the City fhall flour ijh as the
grajfe of the earthy ver. 17. The laft commendation and bene*
fit of Chrifts government, fummethup all that can be faid in
thefe foure generals > 1 . That Chrifts Name, fame and honour,
fiiall be perpetuated from one generation to another, for the run*
ning of his benefits to his iubjetts, and for the courfe of his
judgements on his enemies; His name fh ail endure for every
bis Name fhall be continued as long as the Sun, i.HisGofpei
fhall fpread further and furrher among men, to deliver his own
from the curfe due for fin, to make them partakers of the blef-
fing of full felicity ; Menjldl be b'ejfed in him. 5 It fhall be
in vain to feek bleflednefleany where, except in him only, who
is the procurer, applier and maintainer of true blefledneflTe ;
the wa^whereunto is,to come to God in and through Chrift : In
him mmfhxllbeblcffcd. And 4. Such a fulnefle of converted
Gentiles at length fhall be brought in, that the bleffednefle of
the Gofpel of Chrift, and of fpiritual communion with him,
and the riches of his goodnefle and grace fhall generally be ac-
knowledged in all the world 5 AH Nations fall call him
blejfed.
Ver. 18. "Blejfed be theLORT> G$d y the God of
Jfracl, who only doth wonderous things*
19. And blefled be his glorious Name for ever*
and let the whole earth be filledtyith his glory* Amefi*
and Amen.
After this gracious anfwer of the Churches prayer in fo glo»
riousaprophecie of Chrift, thankfgiving andpraifcis endited
unto the Church, to be offered up to God for this mercy. Whence
learn, 1. When the heart hath beleeved what the eare hath
heard of the blefledncfs to be found in Chrift, the mouth fhould
te opened to praife and blefle God ; j3le(fed be the Lord God, the
God of Ifracl. 2. As the keeping of the race of David till the
coming of Chrift, diftinft from other families, in fo many revo-
lutions of affairs, as were between Davids reigne and Chrifts
coming, is very wonderful : fo the enlarging of theKingdomc
I. 3 of
I5P PbAL. LXX11.
pfChrift,fincehe came, is full of wonder alfo, whether we look
to the King, or to the fubjects converted or the way of convert-
ing them, by the preaching of his Word, or the piefervation or
continuing of Chrifts Kingdome in the world amongft fo many
Devils and wicked adverfaries, all his fubje&s being fo weak and
finful as they are ; It is a matter of great wonder indeed: Blef-
fed be the God of Ifracl, who onely doth wondrovA things. There
are no wonders like the wonders done in the Redemption of men
by C hi ift, I yea there is no other who can work any wonders, but
Chrift alone. 3. As the bleffings of Chrift are everlafting, fo
fhould the thankfgiving for them be 5 and no lefie can content
the heart of a true beleever, who, the more he thinks of Chriftj
the more glory feeth he in him 5 and blejfed be his gloromMame
for ever^ faith he. 4 . Before Chrift do put an end to his work,
and give up the Kingdome to the Father, his glory (hall (bine in
all the parts of the world, for the prayers endited to the Church,
arenotvanifhingwifhes, but reallpromi fes, and certaine pro-
phecies 5 let the whole earth be filed with his glory. •$. As
faith fets to its feal unto the truth of Gods Word, in fpecial what
co'ncerneth the falvation of men,and the glory of God in Chrift 5
folove to both the glory of God, and falvation of fouls fets
to itsfealalfoj or both faith and love do fubferibe the fame
truth of God in both refpefts, again and againe : Amen and
Amen.
Vcr. 20. The prayers of David the fonne of Jeffe^
are ended.
This clofure of the Pfalm is added by the Pfalmift David him-
felf, and is a part of the text; ferving firft, to fhew that this was
the laft of the Pfalmes, endited by the Spirit to him a little before
his death, when Solomon was now reigning > howfoever in the
order of providence it be not in the hindmoft place of this book
of the Pfalmes* And next, it ferveth to {hew, that in this anf^er
made to his prayer fet down in this Pfalme , all his defires were
granted, both concerning himfelf and his houfe I for he could
wifhnomore. And thirdly, it ferveth tofhew his mean efti-
mation of himfelf, notwithftanding of the Lords lifting of him
up fohigh, that fo the grace of God in him may be the
more confpicuous ; for which caufts he call eth himfelf, The
fonne of Jeffe. Whence learn, 1. As a man liveth, fo readily he
dieth : 'David was a worshipper of God all his life, and now
^yhen he hath given over the Kingdom to his Son, and is go-
ing
Palmes, for Gods glory and edification of his Church. 2. The
meditation of Chrift, contemplation of his glory, fceking af-
ter and forefeeing the inlargement of Chrifts Kingdom^ is a
noble and comfortable clofing of a mans life, as here we fee i:.
$. It is the note of true humility and fincere love to God, to
abafe our felves, and acknowledge cur low condition, wherein
God did finde as when he did let forth his love to us, that there-
by we may commend the riches of Gods goodneflfc and grace un-
to us, as appeareth here in 7)avid.
P S A L. LXXIII.
A Ttfalmc of jfapb.
THe Pfalmift fetteth down here the doctrine of Gods
goodneffe to the faithful, however he feem to deal with
them,itfj\ 1. andcleareth it by his own experience; Wherein
firft, after he had ftumbled to fee the wicked profper in the
world, comparing his own calamities with their prefperiry, ppr.
z >h4> ?>6, 7>8, 9, 10, 11, 12. he was like to be overcome
with the tentation , and to forfake the courfe of godlineffe, ver ,
1 ?j i4.Next, with this tentation he wreftles, vcr. 1 5, 16. And
thirdly hegetteth the victory, by confuting the Word of God,
ver. 17, 18, i0 t 20. In the iaft place, he maketh a fourefold
life of this experience 5 the firft whereof is, the acknowledging
of his own weaknefle under the tentation, ver. 2 1, 21. The nexc
is, the confeffing of Gods kindnefle to him in the time of ten-
tation, ver. i g. The third is, the confirming of his own faith
for time to come, ver. ?4, i$,i6. The fourth is, his reiolution
to draw more near to God hereafter, ver. 27, z 8.
Ver. 1. ^TRnly God is good, to Ifrad, even
X to fucb as are of a clean heart.
The doctrine fet down in this verfe, is the refult of his fad
exercife, after he had gotten the victory of the tentation, which
did call in queftion the bleffednefs of believers, whenfoever
their outward condition mould be found more miferablethen
the condition of the wicked. Whence learn, 1 . As the tentations
of Satan do aimat the weakening of our believing of laving
L 4 do-
15? ro/iii--. JUAAiii.
idoftrine, fo our exercifes, our experiences of conflicts againft
the tentation, and our victories over it, mould ftrengthen our
faith fo much the more, to hold faft that truth which the tenta-
tion did oppofe s After this experience the Prophet not only
holds forth this doctrine, That God is good j but alfo prefixeth
unto ix, truly, jet, or notwithftanding. i. However the Lord
feem to deal more hardly with humble beieevers, and worftiip-
pers of him, then with the wicked, yet ishisdifpenfation to-
ward them alwayes for their welfare : Truly God is good to If-
raeU 3. Thofe perfons airetrue Ifraelites, who not only do
cleanfe their confeience by the blood of the Lamb of God.,
but alfo ftudy to be holy in foul and body in the fincerity of their
heart : This is the eleanncfle of heart which the Scripture teach-
eth ; God is good to Ifrxel, even to fucb 4s are of a deiy,
}nm.
Vct.Bttt at as for me l my feet were almofi gone : my
fteps had Well nigh flipt.
3. Fori was envious at the foolijh, when / fan
the projperitj of the wicked.
The Pi'almift compareth his late carriage under a tentation un-
fo the rule of this doarine, and doth acknowledge-that he did
not hold it fo firmly as he mould have done , but was almoft
driven from the maintaining of it. Whence lemn, 1. In the
time of adverfity a bdeever may prove weak in the faith of that
truth^ which was not queftioned by him in profperity, and be
neer-hand unto the quitting and renouncing of ir$ But as for
me, my feet were almofi gone, my ft cps hid well nigh flip t. 2.A1-
fceit the Lord fo fane decipher the weaknefs of his own chil-
dren, as to let them be brought 10 the very brink of mifbeiieving
of a neceffary and faving truth, yet he preventeth their quitting
of it altogether* they may be very near tfie fall, and not fall
altogether: ZMy feet were almojl gone, my fteps had well nigh
Jtipt. 3 ♦ The godly will not ftand to coniefs to their owne
jfhame their own weaknefs, when it may ferve to ftrengthen o-
thers, and give warning to preven t the fall of others , or any
way prove profitable to others^ as in this example we fee. 4. The
mcaiure of our faith or love to God and to Religion , the rues-*
fure of our faith to obev known truth, is beft known in time of
remation ; when the objeft is in our eye, and the tempter is ma^
kins
king me oi it to minare us : i was envious ai loe joonp, wven
I fawtheprofperityof the wicked. 5. If the profperky of the
wicked, and trouble of the godly be looked upon, inrefpc&of
their outward worldly eftate only, it cannot chofe but trouble
a mans thoughts; I was envious at the fooli}h> when I fan the
prosperity of the wicked.
Ver. 4. For there are no bands in their death?
but their fir ength isfirme t
5. They art not in trouble as other men : neither
are they plagued like other men.
6. Therefore pride compajfeth them about as
a chaine : violence covereth them at a garment.
7. Their eyes ft and out With fatnejje : they have
more then heart could wijh.
8. They are corrupt andfpeak^ Wickedly concerning
ppprejjlon^ they $ea\ loftHj. ,
9. They fet their mouth againft the heavens : and
their tongue Voalketh through the earth.
10. Therefore his people return hither^ and waters of
a full cup are wrung out to them.
What was the profperity of the wicked, which {tumbled him,
he fetteth down in particular inthefe verfes, Whence learn y 1 .Al-
beit the great multitude of the wicked are fubject to fuch out-
ward naileries, as others are, yet to fome of them, yea and to
fome of the worft oi them 3 God for his own holy ends 11 fet h to
give health of body, long life, little (ickneffe, and a quiet death,
when the time of it is come , and in their death to keep
them from many troubles, which others are fubject unto: and
yet God doth not love them, nor approve any Whit more cf
them for this: There are 110 bands in their death, hut their
ftrcngth is firme 5 they are not in trouble as other men, &c.
2. The more liberally the Lord deals with the wicked, they arc
the more infolent and proui, and vain-glorious 5 they are the
moreunjuft and violent opprcflbis of others: their profpemy
dothblinde them, and ferveth to enevcafe their wickednerle }
Therefore pride compajfetb them as a chained -violence cover cth
them
154 PbAL. LXXIII.
them as a garment. They glory in their opprcffion. 3. Albeit
God bellow riches on the wicked, and more then they could rea-
fonably wiih, and do give them health of bodies to make ufe of
their riches as they pleate, fo as they fwell for fatneffe, fwhich a-
bundance ftiould oblige a man to ferve the Lord more heartily)
yet the rccompcnce they render to God is this, they become
more and more vicious in their own perfons, and do threaten
more and more injuries to their neighbours 5 They are corrupt,
and fpeafi wickedly concerning opprejjio* : They fland in
awe neither or GoJ nor man, but openly in their, fpeeches
they defpife all authority over them; They [peak loftily:
They fcofFe and mock religion, and fpeak blafphemoufly of God
and his providence.* They fct their mouth againfl the Heavens :
They fpeak as they pleafe of all things, and all men, not caring
againfl: whom they fpeak , or what they fpeak to any mans pre-
judice 5 Their tongue wal\eth through the earth: not caring
whom it tread upon, or whom it abufe. 4. The profperity of
the wicked, and their thriving in an ill courfe, doth enfnai e ma-
ny inconfiderate people, even members of the viiible Church,
and moveththem tofollow the evil waves of' the openly wicked,
and to make defection from their own profefled duties; There-
fore bis people return bilbcr, faith he. 5. When men {tumble at
righteoufnefs becaufe of trouble, and follow the courfe of the
wicked for love of worldly advantage ; it is righteoufnefs with
God, to give both the bait for a while to fuch changelings, and
the hook ?.lfo, for hardening them in their own wicked choice ;
Andwatersof a full Cup ("faith he) are wrung out unto them:
that is, they finde fome worldly commodity by their defection.
6. There is a threefold tentation to draw a man from the courfe
of holinefs unto loofenefs and profanity ; one, when the wicked
areobferved to profperin the world j another, when multitudes
turn off a good courfe, and follow the example of the wicked:
and a third, when thofebackflidcrs alfo fcem to profper after
their defection, as here. 1. The wicked do calumniate every
good courfe, and they profper. i. Gods people return hither
for love of profperity. $.Tbn waters of a full Cup are wrung
ow unto them. All thefe things may concurre ; and the way mean
time is moft damnable notwithftanding.
Ver. I r . And they fay^ tio'to doth God knoW ? A*A
is tbtrt knowledge in the mojl Sigh 1
12 72 e-
l^AL, 1.AA1U. 155
IZ, "SehoIJj theft zxtthe ungodly : -who projper in
the T»orU^ thej increafe ill riches.
Herehebringeth in the poor deluded people defending theh-
defection, and their following the example of the ungodly, and
hardening themfelves in their evitcourfe, faying in lubftance >
that if God difliked the ungodly, he would not let them prof-
per fo in the world, and heap riches upon them as he doth :
and this is in fubftance to blafpheme God as an ignorant Gover-
nourof the world, or a mifregirder how men do carry them-
felves. Whence learne y 1. When men are once infnared in an
ill courfe, theywiJlfeek reafons to juftifie themfelves; thofe
thoughts which did infnare them, do alfo hold them ; for they to
whom waters of a full Cup are wrung out , do fhy, How doth god
\now* i. Men are ready to reproach the Lord, if he do not
guide the world to their fancy, yea and to blafpheme God, ra-
ther then blame themfelves for their faults, as thefe words do
import : How doth God lyiow? that is, how can it be, that
God taketh notice of fuch mens wayes as wrong, feeing he doth
profper them? 3. To think that God iswell-pleafcd with the
way of the wicked, becaufe they profper; and that he refpefts
not his Saints,6ecaufe he doth afflict them more then the wick-
ed, is as much as in eft'ecl: to fay, The Lord is not wife that doth
fo well to his foes, and dealeth fo hardly with his friends; for fo
here is it interpreted by the Lord : Is there knowledge in the
moft High ? 4. It feemeth very reafonable to carnal reafon, that
if God hate ungodlineflc, he (hould not fufter the ungodly to
profper in the world : and if he will fuffer them to profper, then
he doth not hateungodlinefle 5 and therefore when it is clear to
all men that theungodly do profper, they conclude that God
fcnowetb not 3 taketh no notice of ungodlinefle, or is notdif-
pleafcd with it, for here is their proofs "Behold , (fay theyj thefe
arc the ungodly who pro [per in the world, they increafe in riches.
5. The thing that deceiveth the ungodly and the misbelieving
world about Godsdifpenfation, is, that they look only to that
which is done by God in this worlds no punifhment after death,
or felicity after death do they think upon; Thefe are thcungo 7-
ly (fay they) who profper in the world. 6 In the very tentation
whe- eby the wicked is infnared , the worme of their gourd, and
the ftaine of their felicity is discovered : their felicity is but in
riches, and their profoerity is but in this prclcut world 5 They
frofper in the world, fay they.
VwCi
i5<5 PSAL. LXXIII.
Ven 13. Verily I have cleanfed my heart i* vain,
and wafted my hands ininnocency.
14. For all the day long have I been flagued f and
chaftened every morning.
Here is the well near flipping of the Pfalmifts feet, fetdown,
in his begun gelding unto the devils tenjation, forcibly born in
upon him, and repeated over by him, after the manner of a re-
folute couclufion, condemning all his former courfe of godli-
nefle upon this one poor pretence, becaufe he feemed to him-
felf more miserable then the picked were. Whence learn, 1, A
tentation fometime may be fo powerfully born in upon the fpi-
rit of a childe of God, asitmayfeem to be admitted, yielded
unto, and fubferibed unto as truth, as here we fee; Verily I have
cleanfed in vaine&c. 2. The true courfe of fanftification con-
fills in the ftudy of cleaning a man from all pollution both of
foul and body,or in cleanfing the heart and the hands, as here is fet
down : The heart is cleanfed by the blood of the expiatory facri-
fice laid hold on by faith, and by the begun works of the Lords;.
Spirit manifefted in the hearty refolution, purpofe and ftudy of
hoiinefle the hands are cleanfed by a blamelefs and harmlefs con*
verfation or^courfe or life and actions .• I have cleanfed my bean
and hands in innocency. $. When a man is under a tentation,
or in a fleihly temper of fpirit, for the pi efenc he putteth a high
price upon any good he hath done, and forgetteth by what
ftrength he did' it 5 he forgetteth Gods part, and his glory in it,-
for the Pfalmifts part, was the confenters part, the inftrumenrs
part, and he was in the point of action onlv a fubordinate a-
gentand co-worker at the beft by a borrowed ftrength; and yet a?
if all the work had been his work alone 5 In vain (faith he) have
' 1 cleanfed my hear t, and wafoed my-hands in innocency. 4 That
which is the break-neck of the wicked, may readily be a ftum-
bling-ftone for a time to the godly : that which is the irreco-
verable deadly ficknefs of the wicked, may be the hot fever or
diftemper of the godly for a feafon. In fpecial, as the wicked
man at all times doth look only to this prefent world, and to
what may make him profperous or miferablein this prefent life:
fo it may befal the godly man alfo in a fit, at a time, to look only
upon tempotal prosperity and trouble,as here we fee the Pfalmift
looketh only to his prefent troubles ; For all the day long I have.
bfen plagued s never a word here of his fweet confoiations and
manifold
man- fold benefits beftowed on him. 5. To finde fome new crofic
daily ,eithcr fromGodimmediately 3 or from the world,or fromSa-
tan, oi- ff om our own corruption^ is no ftr ange thing to the god-
ly i Ml the day long I have been fixated .and cbaflened every morn*
ing, faith the Pfalmift ; even while he was daily cleanfing his
heart, and warning his hands: fo doth divine wifdom fee k fit
for the good of his children, and glorifying of his own Name.
Ver. 15. If I fay, 1 mil Jpeal^ thus : behold^
J Jhofild offend againft the generation of thy chil-
dren.
Thus have we feen his tentation. In the next place, we have
his wreftling with it, by bringing this conclufionfuggeftcd^ by
Satan to a further examination : and firft, of humane reafon,
wheiby he perceiveth^that if this conclulion mould be maintain-
ed, then the Church of God in all ages, and all the godly from
the beginning of the world mould be condemned as miferabie
fouls : which confequence he thinketh to be a ram condemning
of the conftant refolution 01 the godly wife .in all ages paft.
Wber.ce learn, i.Tentations driving at the fubverfion of raith
inChrift, and holineffeof life, do finde refiftance in the heart
of a renewed man, how farre foever they feem to prevail at firft :
The feedofGodremainetbin him, the principles of fpiritual
life, the infufed habits of faving graces , the new creature by
Gods up-ftirring do make oppofiuon, as in this example we fee.
2. The way to take up and decipher Satans tentations, is tocon-
fider what they aim at, tend unto, drive at,what may be the con*
fequence thereof; If I fay, I will [peak thus, then fuch a thing
will follow. $. So long as a tentation remaineth un4er dis-
pute, and is not come to a fctled decree and refolved pra&ice,
it hath not obtained full viSory; it is with the Pfaimift here,
for all that was fuggefted and fecmingly yielded, no more yet ,
but, If lfay I will jpeafithus. 4. Whofoever doth condemn
piety and holy converfation , becaufe the world doth fo, or be-
cause trouble doth follow fuch a courfe, he doth a high injury to
all the Saints from the beginning of the world, and to God the
Author of all holinetfe; If Ijhould (peak thus, heboid y I Jbould
offend againft the generation of thy children. 5. The godly arc
not the authors of their own fpiritual being, the making -them
new creatures is the work of God, they are the children of God,
begotten
ij8 PSAL. LXXIII.
fcegottenofhim, by his Word and Spirit, and do refemble their
Father iawifdom and righteoufnefle ; fodoth thePfalmift llile
them, in the time of his hard cxercife here , The generation of
Gods children. 6. In our difputing with tentations by the wea-
pons of reafon, we (hall do well to make God Moderator of the
ciifputants, and to look to God in our reafoning, that we may by
his teftimonies rectifie every thing, left we reafon amifle, as here
thePfalmift dothj I Jhould offend again ft the generation of thy
children. 6. We ought to reference the judgement of the godly,
and the more univerfally their jadgmenr is one, and agreeing to-
gether in a poiut of comroverfie, the more fear fhould we have
to diffent from them, as the Pfalmifts example teacheth us.
Ver. 1 6, when I though to\now thii^ it was too
painful for me,
1 7. Vntil I went into the SanUuary of God , then
under flood I their end.
1 8. Surely thou didflfet them in flipper J pUcesjhou
caftedft them down into deftruQion.
19. How are they brought into defoUtion as in a
moment ? they are utterly confumed with ter-
ror*.
20. As a bream when one awake th : fo, O Lord i
when thou aVvakeft , thou Jbult deffife their i-
In the third place, finding himfelf not yet fuisficd, he con-
fulteth the Oracle of God, revealed in his Scripture and ordi-
nances of his houfe, ana fo he findeth his doubt refolved, and vi-
ctory over his bitter tentation granted unto him. Whence learn,
j. When a man doth fee himfelf in a mift, and out of the
Lords way, he is not able by himfelf to flnde it again; for the
ftrongeft of humane teftimonies will not fettle him and make
him quiet; When I thought to \now this, it was too painful
2. The laft refuge of brangled faith, is God himfelf manifefting
his will in his Word and Ordinances ; no fetiing or fatisfa&ion
of doubts in Divinity, but by the Scriptures 5 It was too painful
for me> until I went into the Sanctuary of God $ thati:, till I
coufulted the Scriptures, and considered what God had revealed
in
PSAL. LXXIII. 159
in his Church by his Ordinances; this did fatisfie and fettle
him. 3. The Lord hath revealed in Scripture what (hall be the
endandclofeofmenscourfe, who ftudie not to walk according
to his direction, how profperous focyer they may feem to be:
and becaufe the felicity of men is not to be known by Gods
outward difpenfation of worldly comforts or croffes, therefore
the mansend muft put the difference 5 Then underftood 1 their
end. 4. Whatfoever alterations and changes the godly man be
fubjeft unto in his temporal condition, bodily or fpiritual, yet
his felicitic is fetled unto him on the rock ; but the felicity of
the wicked is builded on the fand 5 the higher they are lifted up
in that felicity earthly, which only they do aflecl, the more
near arc they to a fall and fearful ruine : Thou haft fet tbcmup-
onjlippery places. 5. Whatfoever may feem to the wicked them-
felves, or to the world, 01 to the godly who look upon the wick-
ed, how little appearance foever there be of their fall; yet it is
decreed it mall be 5 for notwithftanJins; of all appearance it is
faid, Surely thou hi ft fet them in flippcry places. 6. As the
wicked do not arife unto any greatnefTe or power in the world
by themfelves, but the Lord is he that letteththem up for his
own glory; fothey do not fall of their own accord, but the
Lord doth caft them down : befide their own weight* they have
the throw of the right hand of the Lo;d,who iheweth his power
in their overthrow, and doth drive them to more deaths then
ones Thoucaftcft them down into deftruftion. 7. The wicked
periib fuddenly, when neither they themfelves nor others are
looking for their ruine, in a way much more wonderful then
their lifting up was ; They are deftroyed, how are they brought in-
to defo.lation>ar in a moment? 8, The deilruftion of the wicked
is full of terror^ how fenfeiefly foeve; fome of them go away ,
all their riches, honour and profperity is pulled from them, and
in great wrath they are lent out of the world, never to fee any
token of favour again; they are adjudged to irrecoverable per-
dition of foul and body for ever : They are utterly consumed with
terrors, o When the wicked are flourifhing in wealth, eafeand
honour , men do think that God is as it were fleeping ; but the
truth is, both the wicked themfelves^ and all who lock upon
them, and do ju.ige them to be happy, are in a dream, as they
fhall fee when the Lords time is come to execute judgement on
them> for then all their ri.hes, honour, pleafurc and content-
ment (hall be found nothing but a defpicable picture of thefc
things 5 As a dream when one awaJ^eih : faO Lord, when thou
*mkeft> thonjhalt defpife their image. Ver #
Uo PSAL. LXXIII.
Ver. 2 1 . Thus my heart Was grieved i and I waJ
frickedin my teines.
22. So fooii/h was I and ignorant : lw.ts as a be aft
before thee.
In the fourth place , hemakcth a fix-fold ufe of this experi-
ence. The firft is this, that by it he is taught how weak and foo-
lifli he is in himfelf , and how unable to fhnd in time of trial and
tentation, IVbcncc learn , i. Hardly will a man difcern a pow-
erful tcntation, when he is under it. The beft fight to be had of
the danger of a tentation is, when it is overcome and gone and
look how well pleafed a man is, when the tentation is beautified
with fpecious colours of carnal reafon,fo much will he be difplea-
fed with it, when it is feen , anddifcerned bylpiritual light, as
here we fee in the Pfalmi ft s experience* 2,Much trouble do we
bring to our owr fpirits , when we examine Gods difpenfations
by carnal reafon,ani not by the Scripture j and we may thank our
felves for the mifery which we draw upon our felves , as here the
PJalmift doth; Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my
reins. 3 , So foon as the godly can perceive rheir own error, they
will no longer maintain it, and no man will more (harply cenfure
them for their fault then they will do themfelves : This is apart
oftheiruprightnefle, and ingenuous honefty of heart 5 Sofoo-
lifl) was I and ignorant. 4. The fin of envy , and male-content
withGodsaffh&ingofus, and fparing of the wicked, hath its
own judgement bound upon the back of it : for as a fourc- lea-
vened veffel , turner h all things put into it unto fournefle , -fo
doth envy of the profperity of others make all the good th3t
the Lord'doth to our felves, uncomfortable, and unpleafant un-
to us: for the Word My heart was grieved ; is in the force
of the original , My heart was imbittcred , made fourc ,
and leavened f. Perplexity of minde, rifing upon the mi-
staking of Gods providence , is like the pain of the gravel in the
teinesj very troublefome till we be rid of it 5 I was pricked in my
nines , is a fimilitude borrowed from the bodily pain of the gra-
vel. 6. Carnal rcafon not corrected by Gods Word, isbeaftly
ignorance i it may bear fome fticw of reafon among foolifh men,
but indeed it is nothing before God ; but brutifh folly * I t»as as A
bcaft before thee.
Ver. 25. Nevertbetejfe, I am continuattj whb thee ;
ikon haft holden me bj my right band,
The
The fecond ufc of this exercife, is rhe acknowledgment that his
ftandin* in grace, and Gods obedience, depended only upon the
Lord , by whofe powerful fufteining of him he was kept from
bcin2 utterly overcome by the tentationsof Sitan , and from fal-
ling from the way of God by the tcntation. Whence team, i. The
perfeverance of the Saints is not of themfeives , but of the L&rd,
who doth not forfake them, when they of themfeives are ready
roforfakehim, but by his power fecretly uphold them, and keep
them faft to htmfelfe : This doth the Tfalmift here acknowledge?
Neverthe'ejfe I am continuity with thee. i. When we have
gotten proof of our own folly, and weaknefle. and ill deferving*
\then do we moil clearly fee and confefle Gods grace and power
in preferring of us j Thou bxjt bolden meby thy right hand.
Ver. 24, Thoti Jh;rft guide me With thj connfdi
and tfterward receive me to glory.
The third ufe is the confirmation of hi; faith and hope in
God for time to come. Whence learn , 1. The Believer, how
fenhbie foevcr he be of his own weaknefle , may be perfwa"dei of
his own perfeverance^by looking on Gods conftancy, and felt ex-
perience of his work of grace inhimiritimcpaft>r/70j/ wilt giiide
rae with thy couvfcl, &c. z. There is an unfeparable connexion!
between walking by Gods direction inthctime of this life, and
our receiving into heaven after thislife:and he who is refotved ro
walk by the rule of Gods direction, may promiic to himfclfeto
be received into glory immediately after his journey in this life
is ended ; Thou Jlyalt guide me with thy counfel , and afterward
receive me to glory. 3, Albeit the Believer may meet with many
doubts and difficulties in his way, yet hath he a s;uide to direct
him, and a rule to walk by 3 to wit , the Word 0? God revealed
in the Church or Sanctuary 3 whereby he may be advifed effe-
ctually how to walk on hi- way to heaven: Thou wilt guide me
with thy counfel.
Ver. 25. Whom have 1 In leaven but thee ? tini
there is none upon earth that I defire be fides thee.
26. Atj flejh and mj heart faileth : but God is the
firength of my hearty andm) portion forever.
The fourth ufc of this exercife is , the fedin'g of his affefltaW
n a**
i6z PSAL. LXXIII.
ard confidence on God, as the matter of his fatisfaftory content-
ment,. and upholding, when all creatures failed him. Whence
learn , i. As nothing can givetrue contentment , exceptGod:
io God Will have us to loofe our heart from all creatures, and ex-
pect no contentment in any of them, but in himfclfe ; Wfjom
have I in heaven but theel d/?d there is none on earth whom I depre
bcjiJcs tbce. z. He that feet h Gods fufticiency, feeth alfo the
Cmptineile of the creatures, and nothing to be in them, but what
they have of God. A Believer may fee that he needeth nothing
in heaven or earth- but communion with God, to make him ful*
ly bleifed $ Whom bay? I in heaven but thee 3 and there is none on
earth that I defire bepics thee. 3. As to finde all things to faile
\\% } except God, in the time of trial, doth ferve to loofe our affe-
ctions and confidence oft" them : fo to finde help in God when
ail things do faiie, ferveth to tie the heart of a Believer ftrongly
to the Lord 5 My / cart and my flejh faileth me , but God is the
(irengthofmyhea.t, 4. When the Believer hath fecn his own
itrength tail him,and yet net the leiTe doth believe inGod,he (hall
finde bis (ailing heart and fainting outage up hold en , and his
own exhausted itrength fupplied with a greater itrength from
God: My heat and my fiejh fail me , but god is thc^/irengtb
9) my heart. 5. Every man fecketh fomething for his portion*
fome one thing in the creature , fome another , but the believers
portion is the Lord himfelfe, and no idle will content him 1
The Lord h theftrcngtb of my heart , and my portion. 6 . This is
the believers advantage above all that do feek their bleffednefle
in the creatine; for his portion is the eternal God, and he is made
an everlafiing enjoyer of him : God is my portion for ever m
Vcr . 2 7. For fo, they that are farre from thee, (hall
perifh .* thoti haft deftrojed all them that go a -whoring
\rom thee.
The fifth ufe, is his refolution to draw nearer unto Gcd : the
reafons of which refolution are twc$one : becaufethey perifli, who
do not draw near to God : ver.zj. The other is, great advantage
is to be had by drawing near to him, ver. 28. Whence lean,
1. The Lords childe doth profit by hardeft exercifes, and his
tentatiens bdng refined bv faith , do leave him in better cafe
then they did finde him : his knowledge of Gods ways, his faith,
his love toGod^md hatred of wicked couries are augmented,as in
this
PSAL. LXXIII. 163
this example is tobefcen, 2. Theywhofe confidence ^fVe&i-
ons j cotirfe of life and actions do run toward, and cleave un-
to the creature , do depart from God more and more; for here
they are faid to be fan c from God : and they that depart from
God, do draw near to eternal perdition: They that are fa.r re
from thce,fball p.rifb. And howfocver this truth be not believed,'
yet it is as fure and certain, as if it were feen with our eyes > For
to, they that are fane from thee , flull perifh. 3. A chafte foule
hath no choice , no love, to delight it felfe in contentedly , ex-
cept God : no confidence to reftit felr'eupon , but God. And
whofocver do fee k their delight and fatisfa&ion in the creature,
cfpecially if they be members of thevifible Church , in Cove-
nant with God,they are adulterers: They go a whoring from God ;
and they (hall not finde felicity in the creatures ; but perdkion no
lefle certainly, then if it were already paft : Thou haft deftroyei
all them that go a whoring from thee.
Ver. 28. But it is good for me to drAw near to
God : / hive fat mj trufi in the Lord God, that lmay
dtclareallthy works.
In this verfe, he giveth the other reafon of his adherence unto
God, from the advantage he findeth by fo doing , and cloleth
the Pjaim with the fixth ufeof his experience, which is the fixing
of his faith on God, that his experiences maybe more and more
frequent,a«d he may be a fitter inftrument toglorifyGod, Whence
learn, 1. The right ufeof the periftiing of the wicked, is to be
more holy, and to feek nearer communion with God > as our on-
ly blefledneffe , how many foevcr depart from him i They fhall
ferifoivbo are farrc from thee > but it is good forme to draw near
to God. 2. No man is fo near in communion with God in.this
life, but there is a further degree to be aimed at , a.ndpofilbly
to be found; as there are degrees of departing from Gcd , fo alfo
degrees of coming near unto him; and the better for us, the near-
er we draw : It is good forme to draw near to God. 3. The
tifc of all affaults againft our fauh , is more and more to fixe our
faith and confidence on God} for this is trrt ufe the Pfdmijt doth
makeoftheaflaultfpokenofinrhisPfalm: I have put my trufi
in the Lord god. 4. None but a BcLiever can difcern th^ Lords
working,it is only faith that giveth a righrconflxu&ion unto all
the Lords works, only frith makes men lit initruments to glorify
God; Ibwc put mj trufi in the Lo*d GoAjba I may declare all thy
i*4 PSAL. LXXIV.
works. 5. As the Believer isthebeft obfcrver of Gods works,
and litre ft to fct them forth before others 3 fo he is the man of
greateft experience \ and he of all men is filled with moft matter
of Gods pratfe : for the Lord never difappoinrs the believer, but
makes him have new proofs of his wonderful wifdome, power,and
goodneffc fo doth the Pfalmifl, lay his reckoning : I have put my
truft in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy wor^s.
PSAL, LXXIV.
fflafcbil of Afapb.
OF this Pfalm there are three parts. In the firft the pitiful iar
mentation of the Church presented unto God, becaufe of the
deftru&ion of tferujalcm , and burning of the Temple by the
Cbaldeans>to ver.n. In the next is the ftrengthening of the faith
and hope of Gods people, that God would fend a delivery, to
W* 18, In rhe third, there are fundry petitions for relief of his
people, refli.-ution of his ownwork,and fuppreffion of his enemies,
to the end of th j Pfalm.
Ver. 1. r^\ God, Why haft thou caft us of for
V^/ ever ? why doth thine anger fmoaf^
a gain ft the Jhcep of thy pasture ?
2. Remember thy congregation which thou haft
furchafed of old, the rod of thine inheritance which
thou haft redeemed, this monnt Sion, Wherein thott
haft d^elt.
In the firft part of the Pfalm there is a lamentation and prayer
for reliefe in general, ter. 1 ,2. Secondly, a complaint againft the
enemy, laying forth before God the defolation which the Chalde-
ans had made., efpecially in deftroying the Temple, s^M, 4,5,6,
7 ,8,9, And thirdly, a prayer unto God for vengeance upon them
for their paines,xw. 10,1 1.
From the lamentation and prayer for relief in general; Learnt,
I. I nail judgements inflicted by whatfcever inftruments , the
lords people muft look firft to God * and glbek wrath , and fear
of
PSAL. LXXIV. 16$
of utter wrath do fhre them in the face, as hardly it can be cther-
wayes when God putteth hand in his own Temple , and taketh
away all the tokens of his prefence from among a people , and
feemeth to caft them utterly oft; yet mult they make their addrefs
to God, how angry foever he feem to be ; as here the Church un-
der this lad judgement dan, faying, God, why baft tbou caft ta
off? 2. In the point ofcaftingoff, and fear of cutting oft for
ever, the Lord craveth no yielding or fubmiflion to theprcfling
thoughts thereof , but will allow us to call in queftion every ap-
pearance ofanyfuchpurpofcof God, and to debate that point
with him , and not to endure utter cafting off, yea and to fay,
Wbybafttboucaftusoff for ever ? whether it be our own parti- >
cularcafe, or the cafe ofthevifible Church, ours and others
cafe with us, who cannot endure to be ieparate from God.
3 . When the wrath of the Lord is kindled againft his people , all
that they do fee,doth feem to be but the beginning of more wrath,
as fmoak is but the beginning of burning : why d>tb thine anger
[moi'i againft thy fliecp ? 4. A'beit we by our fms have pro-
voked the Lord to fall upon us, as his enemies ; yet muft we not
quit the leaft relation, no not of the external Covenant, between
God and us , but make ufe of it for fupporting of our faith in
him , as here ; ♦ IVby doth thine anger fmoakc againft the Jheep of
ihypafture? that is , thy Church and people, the care of whom*
thou haft taken, as a fhepherd over his flock, f. The Believers
asking,^/?/ ? is no quarrelling ; nor is any fpeech of the Saints
un:o God, a quarrelling , which endeth or refolveth in petition
and fupplication , as this doth wherein after their asking,/^/?/ ?
they turnthemfelvestofupplication, and do pray. Remember thy
congregation. 6. Let the Lord do to his people what heplea-p
feth, they mult pray unto him, and make ufe of all the bonds be*
tween him and them , as here the Church doth, pleading, 7.
That they ai c by outward Covenant his i hurch,con(ecrated un-
to him 5 Remember tby congregation. And 2. That they are his
purchafe by paying price, and conqueft : Thy congregation which
thou baft purchajed. And $ . That they have been in his poflef-
fion tor a long time, IVhrcb thou haft purcbafci of old. And
4. That the Lord had taken them into manuring , as a piece of
land mcafured out by line or rod , and his inheritance not to dif-
pofe, or put away: The rod of thine inberitjiice. And ?. That
he had granted deliverances out of ftrars before; The inheritance
which thou hafl redeemed. And 6. That he had taken up home
amongftthem in his pubiick ordinances: This mouursion where**
iit thou haft dwelt. M $ Ver. j.
166 PbAL, JLXXIV.
Vcr. 3. Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual defla-
tions : even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in
the janEtuary.
4. Thine enemies roare in the midft of thy congrega-
tions : they fet up their enfignes for fignes.
5 . A man was famous according as he had lifted np
axes upon the thicks trees.
6. But noW they break do\\>n tht carved Vcorkjhereof
at once With axes and hammers.
7. They have c aft fire into thy fanEluary^ they have
defiled by carting down the dwelling place of thj
Name to the ground.
8. They f aid in their hearts i Let us deftroy them to-
gether : they have burnt up all the fynagogues of Cjod
in the land.
9% We fee not our fignes , there is no more any pro*
phet ,. neither is there among m any that knoweth
how long. •
In the complaint he defireth the Lord to come and fee , and
to take order with the deflation made by the enemies in his
land 3 and fpecially in the Temple, vcr. $ . What infolent domi-
neering of them was over his people, yea over God himfelfe , fo
farre as their lifted up banner againft him could do, vcr. 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,w\ ?, 6. How they had burnt and de-
molifhed the Lords houfe , vcr. 7, with a relblution to root out
his people , according as they had burnt alt their Synagogues in
the landjver.S. And how there was no appearance of comfort or
delivery from this calamity, vcr. 9. Whence learn, i« All the
evils which the enemy doth unto Gods Church , proceed
from the Lords defertion of 3 and departing from his peo-
ple, who have provoked him to wrath; for this prayer, Lift
uptbyfect, or come and fee, doth import his departure , and
leaving his people naked without his protection. 2. Albeit the
Lord doth feem to turn his back,& depart far away from his own
people, when they do provoke him to anger , and to let their ene-
mies do unto them, what they pleafe; yet will he be entreated fay
his
his people to come again., and iee, and pity tne delolation brought
upon them,and puniili the inftrumentsof ir> Lift: up thy feet unto
tbeperpetud defolations; that is, Lord, come fpee.ily , and fee
what defolations thy enemies have made amongft us , and pity
and relieve Us by thy manifefted prefencc. 3. Among all the
calamities of Gods people, nothing doth afflict them fo much , as
the infolent profanation of the worihip and Name ct God among
them, for here in the firft petition, they lament the abufing of the
Temple , Even all that the enemies- have done wickedly in the San -
3uary> and then do infill moft upon this. 4. When the wicked
are lec loofc upon Gods people, they are moft inlolent, cruel and
favage in their carriage toward them; Tby enemies roare intbe
midji of thy congregations. 5. It will not fuffice the enemies of
the Church to intuit over Gods people , but they will infult over
their way of religion , and over God whom they worfliip ; They
fet up their enfignes for figncs 3 they difplay their banner upon
the mines ot the Temple, asiignes of their victory over that re-
ligion which is profefled there , and over Gods worfliip
there 6. When Gods people do abufe religion, and do mock
God in their profeflion of worfliip , and do di (honour him by
their carnage and converfati on 5 it is juftice with God to^ive
over his people, and all the meanes of religion into the hands of
his enemies, to be abufedby them , rather then to fuffer his own
people to mock him continually y as in this example is to be fcen.
7» It is a matter of a mans commendation , to contribute any
way to the letting up of Gods worfliip and ordinances in a land;
A man was famous according as be bad lifted up axes upon the chide
trees: that is, as he had cut down timber ouc of L-banon
Woodjto build the Lords Temple withalL 8. When the Lord is
provoked by his peoples evil carriage towards him , no wonder i*e
let the work of edification or reformation of religion go as faft
down amongft them,as ever it rofe up,as the Church of the Jewes
did feel by experience, when now the enemies did brex\ down
the carved wo)\ of % the Temple at once , with axes and bammtrs,
much more fpeedily then it was builded ; They have caflfirc into
the Sanctuary, they have defied by cafting down the dwelling place
of tby Name to the ground.T his the Lord chufed to permit,rather
then tofufter his people ftill to mock religion, and ftill to abufe
the Temple , and make it alhelter for them to truft in agair.ft
all Gods threatnings, fa long as it did itand. 9 Abeitthe
Lords minde be onely to correct his people, by letting them fee
their provocation in the judgements brought upon them : ytt the
M 4 enemies
105 F^/\i^. JUAAJLV.
enemies whom he ufeth as instruments in their correction , do
minde their utter deftruclion, and the rooting of them out of the
world; They faid in their hearts .Let us defiroy them, io.When the
enemies of religion cannot kill all the worfhippers of God, yet
will they labour to m~r the means or" their aflembling foi publick
worfhip/o force as ihey can : for after they have faid,Lcf m defray
them together, it is fubjoyncd, They have burnt up all the Syna-
gogues of God in the Ixnd : that is, all the houfes built for the
weekly aflembling or the people unto publick worfhip , in their
feverai divifions, through the land. 1 1. Houfes built for meet-
ing of the Lords people to publick worfhip, albeit they be not ty-
pically holy, as the Temple ofjerufalcm was ;yet cio they belong
to God , as meanes dedicate for maintaining his fervice ,
and when they are marred , it is a wrong done to God,
and a caufe of complaint to «ood againft the facrilegious
fpoilcrs thereof, as hei e we fee. 12. External troubles are much
lighter, when the publick ordinances and fignes of Gods prefence
in a land may be had for fpiritual comfort $ but when thofe are
removed, every trouble is the more heavy : We fee not our fignes,
there is no more any Prophet, ne thcr any among ws , that fooweth
borv long : that is, publick meanes 3 ordinary and extraordinary,
whichmay give us comfort, do now ceafe. If it be asked, how can
this be applied unto the time of the captivity/eeing^crew^E?^
frJeLTtanieljanithe Piopbet who did Write this P.alme byin-
fpiration, were living at the beginning of ihc captivity, and after
theburningof the i emple ? It may be anfwereJ , that Jeremy
was carried away ro Egypt , and the people could not have ufe of
his miniftcry > E\el^iel and 7>aviel were carried away to Baby*
Un , and the poor which remained in the land had none of the
Prophets to comfort them; yea E\e\\iel and "Daniel were but now
and .hen imploycd ofG ;d to utter their prophecies,and the multi-
tude of the captivcs,\vho were to make ufe of thisPfalm,were fcat-
tered in fundry places.and could not have the benefit of their or of
any others miniftcry, as they were wont to have ; and this in fpe-
ciall maketh the lamci-tation to have a ground, that the table
was drawn from the children ; the people had not that* accefle,
which they enjoyed before . unto meanes either extraordinary
or ordinary ; they had not their former allowance;and howfocver
in the copies of Jeremiahs prophecie 3 10. yeares was determined
for the peoples captivity, vet none of the Prophets at the time of
wiiting this, told, cr could tell them, how long time fhouldpafle
before their dc fclation ihculd be repaired; how long it ihould
be
PSAL. LXXIV. 169
be ere the Temple fhould be builded again > and the Prophet, by
whom thisPialm was endited,had no further commiflion then he
fpeakethofj and fo thefe forefaid expreflions , may ftand with
the time of the beginning of the captivity of Babylon.
Ver, 10 O -rod, horv long /hall the advtrfary re-
proach ? (ha I the entmy blafthetne thy Name for
ever ? ,
1 1 , Why mthdrdtoeft thou thy hand , even thy right
hand ? fluent out of thy bofome*
After the lamentation is fubjoyned an imprecation againft-
the enenuLs,that God would notdeferre to punifh them. Whence
learn , 1. Mens patience ismuch/hort of Gods long-furYcring
and forbearance 5 for here it is the fpeech of afuftering people :
O Gody bow long fall the adverfary reproach ? when with God it
is not yet time to tail upon them. 2. The Lords long-fuffering
patience doth greatly harden the adverfaries in their in'olent
mocking of Gocli people; for inftead of faying , Lord, how long
wilt thou bear with them ? he faith, God , how longfhall the
adversaries reproach ? 3. The truly godly can endure their own
troubles better then they can bear the open difhonouring and
blafpheming of God, by occafion of their trouble? Then-
fore this expreffion , from thedeepeft fenfe of his heart , doth
break forth, Shall the enemy blafpbeme thy T^amtfor evir? 4. Al-
beit tentations from carnal fenfe do reprefent Goci as if he
were idle when he fufFers his enemies to trample onhispeople 3
and on his glorious Name 5 yet faith will not admit of iuch a
thought, but dealeth with God by prayer , to let his ftrengthani
power be fo manifeft , that the world may not think his hand is
in his bofome > Why withdraweft thou thy hand , even thy rhbt
hand I pluclt it out of thy bofome. This he belicveth the Lord
fhail do , and giyeth reafons for his hope , in that which
followeth.
Ver. 1 2. For God is mj King of old , wortyg fal-
vation in the midfl of the earth.
1 3. Thou didft divide the fea by thy ffrength : thofi
brake ft the heads of the Dragcns in the Waters.
14. Thou brake ft the heads of Lcviathdn in pieces^
and
170 Pb/VJL, LXXIV.
and gaveft him td be meat to the people inhabiting
thewtfdernejfe.
1 5 . Thou didft cleave the fountain and the flood :
thou dried]} up mighty rivers.
16. The day is thine, the night alfo is thine : thoH
haft prepared the light **h the fun.
1 7. Thou haft fet all the borders of the earth , thou
haft made Rummer and winter*
Inthefecond part of the Pfalme , thc^fdmifl dothconfirme
bis own and other believers faith that God would undoubtedly
deliver his people , and take order with their enemies; Firft,from
the intereft they have in God., and God in them. Secondly jfrom
the experience of fenfible deliveries paft of his people, ver. n #
Thirdly, from the great work of redemption of his people from
Pbaraobs tyranny ver. 13,14. Fourthly, from the Lords feeding
his people in the wildernefle , vcr.ij. Fifthly, from the Lords
lbvereignty,and difpofing of all creatures in the world,vcr. t 6, 17*
Whence leitn , 1. Relations between God and his Church, and
in fpecial this , that he hath made himfelfe King thei eof, are
pawnes of Gods defending his Kingdom and injured fubje&s,
and punifhing of his enemies > for here the Church giveth it for
q reafon of their hope of deliveryjGo^ is my K? n g- *• The more
time is paftfince God did avow himfelfe King of his Church,
the more confident may later generations of the Church be to
finde new evidences of his royal actions for them, and againft
their enemies; Godismy^jtng of old. $. New troubles muft
not make us forget old mercies, but rather call them to memory,
to be made ufe of afreih as pledges that what he hath done before,
he will do the like again 5 God is my }&ng of old, vporbjng falva-
tionintbcemb : that is, fuch deliverances of his Church, as all
the earth was witneiTe of. 4. The delivery of Ifrael out of
E^pMndthedeftai&ion of the Egyptians, is a pawn unto the
Church in every age after , that God will deftroy their enemies
how ftrong and terrible foever they be , and will deliver his
Church : Thou didft divide the fca by thy jlrcngtb , thou brafaft
tbe heads of the Dragons in the waters. $* As all the enemies of
the Church are no lefle cruel and lavage againft the Lords peo-
ple, then unreasonable Sea-beafts, and Sea-monfters : fo can he
make their carcaics a pixy to unreafonable beafts, ?.s he made Pha-
raoh
PSAL. LXXIV. 171
tdob and his Captaines to become food to the beafts of the
wildernefle, when the Sei did caft up their carcales on the ftiore^
like fea-wrackt; Thou bra^efl the heads of Leviathan in pieces , and
gave ft him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wildemcjfc*
6. The Lord will nut fail to provide confolation to his Church
in her neceflity, though no probable means do appear , as he fur*
niflied his people dank from the flinty rock in the wildernefle ;
Thou didft cleave the fountain, 7. The Lord can arid will re-
move all difficulties and impediments out of the way of his peo-
ple, which may hinder them from the polfeflion of promifes , as
he did to Ifrael : Thou didft cleave the fountain and the flood, thou
driedft up mighty rivers. 8. Faith is fo thrifty, as not to let the
works of creation, and common providence paife by, without ufc-
making thereof : The day is thine , the night alfo is thine, &>c.
9. As God hath appointed viciflitudes ot" day and night , lighc
and darknefTe, fummer and winter ; fo hath he no lefferefolvedly,
wifely, and graciouily appointed viciflitudes of dangers and deli-
verances, of grief and confolation to his people , for their good :
The day U thine, the night alfo is thine : thou \rkft prepared the light
and the Sun. 1 o. As the Lord hath fet bounds to the fea^ bounds
and borders to every Kingdome , to fummei shear , and to win-
ters cold : fo can he do, and fo hath he done , and fo will he do
unto all the troubles of his owne, to all the rage, power, plots and
purpofes of their enemies ; Thou haft fet all the borders of the
earth, thou haft made fummer and winter >
Ver. 1 8. Remember this , that the enemy hath re-
froached> O Lord, and that thefoolifh people have blaf-
phemedthy Name.
19. O deliver not the foul of thy turtle-dove unto
the multitude of the wicked : forget not the congrega-
tion of thy poor forever.
20. Have refpett unto the covenant : for the dart^
places of the earth are full of the habitations /if cruelty.
21. let not the oppreffed return afbxmed : let the
poor and needy praife thy Name.
22. Arife , God , plead thine o^ne canfe :
remember hov» the foolifb man reproacheth thee
daily.
23. For get
i 7 2 PSAL. LXXIV,
23, Forget not the voice of thine enemies : the tu-
mult of thofc that rife ftp agai»fl thee , increafeth
continuity.
In the third part of the Pfalm, he returncth to prayer , and re-
doubled his requclts for delivery to the Church , taking argu-
ments ; Fift, from the injuries done to God by the enemy , vcr.
18. Secondly, from the danger and weakneife of Gods people,
vcr. 19. Thirdly, from covenanted help in time of need, ver.zo.
Fourthly, from the Lords intereit in his own quarrel againft the
growing infolency of his defpightful enemies,wr. 22,2$. Whence
learn > 1. Although fins, especially perfecution of Gods people,
and blafphemy againft God, be not prefently puhimed, yet (lull
they not be forgiven: Remember this, that the enemy hath reproach-
ed^ O Lord. 2. All tins, but in fpecial blafphemy of Gods
Name,are aggravated by the naughtinefs of the finner,and excel-
lency of God : Thefoolijh people hav: blafphcmed thy Mame^.Tht
Church of God,incomparifonofhermany and ftrong enemies,
is like a folitary, weak, defolate turtle-dove , harmlelle , meek,
lowly, pr.tient in desolation, and eafing her griefe by hghing,and
expofed to a multitude of ravenous birds* deliver not tbcfoule of
thy turtle-dove* 4.H0W weak foever the Church be, and how ma-
ny and ftrong foever the enemies be, yet cannot they all devoure
the Church, except the Lord fhouki deliver his Church over into
their hands , againft which evill the Church hath ground of
confidence to pray , deliver not the fou'e of thy turtle- love
unto the multitude of tbcrvidicd ; for he harh given his Church
wings, and a hiding place too, as the comparifon imporrethjifhe
pleafe to give her the ufe thereof alfo. $. The Church is
the Lords hofpital, where his poor ones are fuftained upon his
provifion and furniture, and he will not ncgleft them 5 forget
not the congregation of thy poor for ever, 6. Albeit the Lords
people deferve to 6e fccludedmany times from the Covenant of
gtacc, yet the Lord will never de.bare them from their right unto
it, when they in their need draw near to him , and plead for the
benefit of it : Havcrcfpctt, (faith he) to the Covenant. 7. Such
places as want the light of the Lords prefence in his OrAinan-
ccs, are but dark and uncomfortable places, where there is
no Icfie hazard for the people of God to remaine, then for
fheep to be in the midft of the dennes of cruel lions and
ta\-e::ous beafts : And when it plcafah God to call his peo-
PSAL. LXXIV. 173
pie by captivity or exile in fuch places , there is much need
ro make ufc of Gods Covenant for prefervation : Have n-
fpett unto the Qovemnt^ for the dar\plaes of the earth are
full of the hibitations of cruelty, 8. The emptied fupplicanc
coming to God , efpccially when ovcr-loaden with troubles,
fhall finie comfort , and (hall not bee difappointed of his
hope ; let not the oppreffed return afhamed. 9. The fenfe
of need and emptincfle , is the beft difpofition for prayer,
and beft preparation for praifes alfo : and fuch as are poorc
in their prayers, {hall be rich in their praifes 5 Let the poor
and needy praife thy Name. 10. The Churches caufc is the
Lords caufe > for the wicked do not maligne the godly for
their iinnes , but for righteoufneffe , and fo the quarrel is
1 he 'Lords, which he will and muft maintain , though he
feem to fit ftill a while : Ari(e , Lord , plead thine orwt
caufe , 11. The Lords enemies are all fooliih men 9 for
they beat out their braines upon the Churches bulwark; be-
caufe the'. Lord forbeareth for a time, they go on to blafpheme
him daily to hrs face, bat (hall findeat length that God hath
all their reproaches upon record : 2{emembcr how the foolifh
man rcpro cheth thee daily, n. Every finne , and in fpc-
ci,al enmity againft God and his Church is fearful; but open
gloriarion therein is worfe , which God will take know-
ledge of, and punifti : for fo much is imported in this pray-
er, forget not the voice of thine enemies, 13. Sinne , and
in ipecial perfecution gloried in , doth grow daily more
and more ; and the growing of finne , and in fpecial of
perfecution, doth haften the delivery, of Jie godly, and the
deftruSion of the enemies : The tumult of thofc that arife
againft thee ^ increafeth continually*
.
PSAL.
*74 PSAL. LXXV.
PSAL. LXXV.
To the chief Mufcian Al-ufchitb. A Pfalme or Song of
dfapb.
THis Pfalm doth well agree with the time of Davids entry in-
to the Kingdom after Sauls death, before he was eftablim-
ed King over all the tribes, wherein he with the Church >
Firft, doth thank God for bringing him wonderfully to a begun
poffeffion of a part of the Kingdome, vcr. i. Secondly, he pro*
mifeth, that when the Lord ftiall give him the reft of the King-
dom in poffeffion, to imploy his power for righteous governing
and fetling of it,after it (hall be put once in a rightframe,ver.i,$.
Thirdly, he begins to triumph over the wicked that followed
Sauly bringing to their minde the advertifement he had given
them, not to be proud in their places, ver. +> 5. partly, be-
cause God had the difpofing of preferments in his own hand,
vcr. 6 y 7-and partly, becaufe albeit God gave to all his own chil-
dren a tafle of troubles, as he faw fit, yet the dregs of wrath were
referved for the wicked, ver 8. Fourthly, hepromifeth to
praife God continually, for calling down the wicked, and exalt-
ing of the godly, ver* $> 10.
Ver f 1 . T JNto thee, O God, ho we give thank*,
V unto thee do we give thank*:, for
that thy Name is mare , thy ivonderous work* de-
clare.
From his thankfgiving ; Lcarne, i. The Church of God
fhould take out of his hand every beginning of mercies and deli-
verances with affectionate and frequent thankfgiving .• Unto tbce 3
O Lord, do we give thank* 3 unto thee do we give thanks. i< As
the Lord is described in his Word; fo will he be found in his
works, to wit, near at hand, and ready to help his people as they
ftand in need ; We 'do give thanks JoecaH\e thy Name is near; for
this is the neernefle of Gods Name, when his powerful, gracious
felt prefence is anfwerable to what is faid of him in his
Word. j. Whenfoever the Lord doth (hew himfelf for his
Churches
PSAL. LXXV. 17 J
Churches comfort, he doth it in fomc wonderful means 3 in one
vefpect or other, that is, a farre other way then any could have
expeded 5 That tb) Name is near, tbj wondrous rvor^s it*
dure.
Ven 2. When 1 Jball receive the congregation^ I
will judge uprightly.
3. The earthy and all the inhabitants thereof arc
diffolved\ I be are up the pillars of it. Selah.
From Davids undertaking to govern the Kingdom well, when
ic came all in hispower j Lcarnc, 1. Po&ffion in part of pro-
mifes made to us, doth give good hope to have thewholeoi
what is promifed in pofleffionalfo > for, When I JhaU receive
the Congregation, prefuppefeth his certain hope and expectati-
on to have it. 2. He that is advanced to a civil Kingdom, con-
lifting of people in Covenant with God, he hath gotten charge
tonourifhthc Chinch, and to procure whatfeever a King ci-
villy can procure to a Church, that his fubjectsnuybeall of
them Gods Church 5 therefore Vavid faith not , iVben I receive
the Kjngiome> but when 1 receive the Congregation , or the
Church. $. Forefightof a charge, whereunto a man is likely
to be called, fhould make him prepare himfelf, and refolve be-
fore-hand fordoing the duties of that calling, as "David did be-
fore he was poffefled in the Kingdcmej When I fbull receivctbe
Congregation, ifoxll )udgc uprightly. 4. Whin a land is de-
ftitute of godly and gracious Governours, the whole countrey is
left loofe, both in the matter of Religion* and of civil Juftice*
as was feert in Sauls time before Vavid was fetled ; The earth
and all the inhabitants thereof arc diffolved. ?. Kingdomes and
Common -wealths have their pillars whereupon, they fhould
{land, to wit, religious and righteous government! > for, I will
judge upriglndy, in the fecond verfe, is as good as, J mil hare
up tbepillars thcreofrm the third verfe. 6. Thaie that minde the?
reformation of aland, fhouldbe fentibleof thedefolation of it,
and have not only will, but alfo skill and place of powettofet
matters in a right frame, as here the Pfalmift, after faying, Tbe
landaiidxll the inhabitants thereof aredijfolved* addeth, I bear
up', or fall bearc up the pillars of it. And here, whatfoever Va-
vid fpeaketh or could fay, was but a madow of what is to be
found in Chrift, of whom he is a type ; For the Kingdom and
Coun-
i-]6 PSAL. LXXV.
Countrey is ill guided, where Chrift doth not reign; but when
people do fubjett themfelves to him, he fets the Kingdom or
Countrey upon true pillars, and fuftaineth all by his power.
Ver.4. I /aid unto thefooles, <DealnotfooliJhlj:
and to the wicked, Lift not up the home,
5. Lift not up your home on h ; gh: fpeal^ not with
aftiffeneck-
In the third place, he calleth to minde his own prophecy of the
change of affairs, and advertifement given by him before to his
adverfaries, not to behave themfelves fo ihfolently as they tlid.
Whence learn, i.Evcn intimeof trouble, the godly, by the light:
of G ods Word,may be enabled to forefee and prophecie of the 0-
verturning of the wicked from the top of their preferment j
1 fed unto the fool f, Deal not fofoolijhly, faith the Pfalmift.
2. When the prophecie uttered according to Gods Word, islike
to take effect, it is no fmall comfort for belecvers to call to re-
membrance ads of their beleeving bcfore-hand,what they do fee
in their own time $ I faid to the fooliJh,Deal not fo foolijhly , is
a fort of triumph over his enemies here. 3 .Such as are acquaint-
ed with true wifHom, do juftly account all wicked men to be
fooles, forfakers of Gods teaching, and followers of their owne
wit and will, to the mine of their own bodies, foules, houfes and
fame i I faid unto the f 00 les. 4 The fruit of a wicked mans
profperity is pride, vain-glory, audacious bonfting againft the
godly, wherein they grow more and more infolent* againft all
warnings of Gods Word, as this reproof importeth 5 teal not
fodifhly y lift not up the horn ; lift it not on high, fpeak not with A
ftiffe neck
Ver. 6. For promotion comcth neither from the
£afi> nor j rem the iVefl, nor from the South.
7. Bat God id the Judge, he putteth down one, and
fetteth up another.
From the firlt reafon of his admonition unto the wicked ?
Lcarne, 1 . Asthe caufe of mens pride in a wicked eourfe, is the
forgetting of God, and of his government in tfce world on the
one
PSAL. LXXV. 177
one hand, and a ftrong conceit of their cwn ability, tocompafl*
r heir defines by their own wit, power and induftry on the 0-
rfacrbari?: fa the way of wifdom to remedy the evil, is tocon-
fi.ler that God doth govern the wo/1 J., and that men aie nothing
but what he plcafeih to make of them 5 Promotion comctb neither
from tbcEajh nor from the iVfi, nor from the South : that is,
howfoever, or from whence focver preferment to places of pow-
er in the world fceme:h to come, yet the difpofingof places is
from a higher hand, 2. Piaces or power and pi cfcrment are dif-
pofed of only by the wife and righteous pleafure, and determi-
nation of the fupreme Ruler of the world 5 But God it fudge.
He oppofcrh God the Judge his determination unto all the ap-
pearances from feconi c iu.es. 3 . As G)d hath a miride for the
glory of his grace, tony, or to correct, or to comfort and im-
ploy (one men in his fervice, fa he putteth them down,or fetteth
them up, and as he hach a mindc to have the glory of his juftice
on other fome, fohe fe;te:h them up, or putteth them downj
God is fudge, he putteth down onc> and fetteth up another.
Ver. 8. For in the htwJC of the Lord there is 4
tup y and tbervine is red: it is full o c mixture, anA hS
fwretkoutofthefamz: but the dregs thereof all the
y?ick*d of the earth fh*tt wring them oUt 7 2nd drink^
them, •
From the fecorid reafon of the admonition given tb the wick-
ed Learn, u As the Lord doth wifely dift/ibute his benefit
amd temporal comforts among men, to teftifie his goodnefle to
his creatures: fo alio afflictions and ca'amicies are meafured;
out by him unto men, to teftihehis"jaftice and indignation a-
gainftfin 5 For in the bind of the Lord is dCupy that £i, a
meafure of affliction proportioned unto them, for wfyranki*
prepared. 2. This meafure ofc affliction ordained for each man,
is prepared for the time appointed, like drink, ready for the
mouth of him to whofe head the cup mail be put ; It is acup
with wine in it, in tfods hand, ready to be fet to any man^ feea J
he pleafeth. 3. The affliction is like ftrong wine, quickly pier-
cing throughall the mans veines who drinUethit, and cleaving-
faft unto him ; The wine is red. 4. The Lord ha:h as, it were
both hot and cooling w iters, whereby he doth mi:iga:e cheCup
of calamities to fome, and increafesfethc fenfe of his fiery inji^-
N natiorv
J7<> l^AL, JL.AJV V .
■nation unto others 3 It U fall of mixture \ or it is perfectly
mixed ,As the cafe rcquheth. 5. What iseachmans meafure of
calamities, how mixed when it is executed , ail is in Gods dif-
oenfation $ He lourab forth of the fume into the mouth and
oclly of every pcrfon,as hepleafuh.6The calamities of ihe wick-
ed do follow ott-:imcs alter that the godly have drunkthefnft
draughts or* the Lords Cup > It is toward the bottom and dregs
\vhen the wicked drink j the hottcft wrath, and hcavieft indig-
nation is refer ved for theni, and none of them fliall efcape, how
longfoever their judgement fliall be delayed, But the dregs
tixreofalltbcwkJ&duf the earth JIM drin^ 7. The wicked
fliall be no letfe acceilory to the drawing on of their own cala-
mities, then he that wiingeth the dregs, to draw out more li-
quor lot* himielf to drink, is acceilory to his own drunkennefle
and damage ; The dregs thereof all the wicked of the earth Jhall
wring them out^ini drinl(tbem ; their vanity, pride, greedinefie,
luft, ambition, eiwi.e, and plealant coiufes of (Inning, wherein
they delight themfeives, while they are drinking in iniquity as
an oxe doth water, (hall be their dcilru&jon, as in the point of
merit, fo alio in the point' of meanes of their owne over-
throw.
Ver. 9. But I Will declare for ever, I mil fag
praifes to the God of Jacob.
10. blithe homes of the wicked alfo will J cut
ojfjbnt the homes of the rigljteopts /ball be exalted*
In the lafl place, he promifcth to make this holy and wife dif-
penfation of juftice upon the wicked, and mercy toward the
godly, the matter of his fong in Gods praife. Whence learn*
1. However matters feem to. go, how deep foever the godly
drink of the cup of calamities., yet thebeleevcrsin God fliail
ever have matter of joy in God, and praifing of him : Bvt I
tvill declare for ever, (faith the Pfalmiit) I mil fing praifes to
the Cjod of Jacob $ yea fa notified afflict on fliall be a part of
their joy and their praifing of God . 2. It doth delight the god-
ly to be in the fame Covenant', and of the fame faith withtho r e
that are commended by God hi the Scripture; I willfingfrai-
fes, (faith he) to the God of Jacob. 3. As a fincere heart doth
refolve, never to weary in Gods femee, fo may it be affured
ftCvcr to want matter of great joy in Gods fervke j for Aitcr he
hath
PSAL. LXXVI. 179
hathfaidj I will declare for ever : then he addeth, Twill fing
friifcstotbcGodof Jacob. 4. It is the Magiftrates part, as
they have authority in their fupeme or fubordinate places, to
cut (hoi t the power of wicked men ; All the homes of the wick-
ed alfo will I cut off t faith "David i which piomil'e he did no*
ceafe to execute, by turning every man Indiffci ently, whom fee
did not judge to be regenerate, out of his place; but by taking
courfehow every man, whom he found in place, mould be
bound to apply his power for the good of Religion and Juftice;
as the hiftory of Scripture doth fhew j and by this meanes efpe-
cialiy did David reform the Church of Ifracl 5 and this was*
the way of his true policy, to cut oSdU the homes of the wu\ed •
not to kill, or banifh, or forfeit, or put from all place of power
and truft, all thofe leading men, who did oppofe and maligne
him under King Sdul; but by caufing them all to concurre with
him to let up true Religion, and bring up the Ark to Mount Si~
en, and to adminiflcr juftice unto the fubje&s in their feveral
places. Thus by binding all men to Religion and Juftice, and
ordaining that wkkedneffe fhould have no home or power for
it, but all bound to be againft it 5 He cut off all the homes of
the wicked; And becaufe the civil Magiftrate or Ecclefiaftical
Governours are able to do in their Courts externally not fo
much as were need, the real effecting of what here is under-
taken by David belongeth to the And ype Chriftj for he
only can fay, and make his words °ood 4 y All t&e homes of the
tricked will I ait of. 5. The godly (hall be victorious over all
their wicked oppofers, and righteoufnc lie fliall bear them better
out, and mall purchafe more help and power unto them, then,
any courlc the wicked do take to have their power eftablifhed
againft them 5 The homes of the righteous fall be exalted.
PSAL. LXXVL
To the chief Mufimnon Hjginoth;
A Pjrtrne or Song of Afapb.
THis is 2 Pfalme ofpraife, given forth upon occafton of fotne
great deliverance of the Church, fuch as was that when
Scnnacheribs hofte was deftroyed, or fome other like overthrow
given to the enemy.
N t Tfcr
i8o PSAL. LXXVI.
The fummc of the Pfalme is this, the Lord is glorious in hi£
Church, and greatly to be praiied by his pecple, let down, vcr.
i, z. Thereaibns given for this are fix $ the fir ft, vcr. 3. the
fecond, vcr. 4« the third, vet. 5, 6 the fourth, wr. 7. the fi t'l,
fer. 8, 9. the fmh, ut.io. the ufe whereof, with a reafon for
it, is letdown, vcr. u,T2.
Promthelnfcription; Larney 1. The viable Church hath
need to be ftirred up to the work of thinkfgiving unto, and prai-
flnjcfGod, no leife then to any other duty; forthisduty is no
lefle needful, noleflc fpiritual, no leffe difficult and difagrecing
with our carnal and corrupt natural inclination, then any other
duty, an.1 ufually is more neglected and more flighted then any
point of worihip, although frequent occafion and caufe be given
unto it; therefore it is ofiencft called for of any. If we compare
this title w'th others, this is a Sovg y a Pfilme , taught to the
Church, to ftir her up to the praifingof Go*. 2. God had more
Pfalmifts, more fweet Singers in ifrael :hen one ; Davids name
is not prefixed here, and the matter is moftfuitable to a latter
time then his. 3. We are not to he cur ious about the Penmen
of Canonick Scripture. The firft Author is he, to whom we
mull look moft and reft upon him: For concerning all the
fiebrcw Bible, we are taught by Chrift and his Apoftles that it
was all given by infpir.nion , and that the holy Writers fpoke as
they were moved by the holy Spirits for here it is not certain
whether Afipb was the name of the Writer of it, or whether
Aftpb be the name of the order of fuch of y^rflwjpoiterity, as
were Prece n tors unto the Chu ch ; and had the charge of
the Mulick> to whom this P.alme was committed for the
Churches ufe, as many more Pfalmes in Daviis time, and af-
ter it alfo were 5 A Tfalmc or Song of Afipb or to Afxpb: the
words may beare both alike.
Ver. i 4 T NjndahGodis knoton : his Name is
% great in Ifrael*
2. In Salem alfo is his Tabernacle : *ndbts dwel-
ling place in S ion*
From the fumrpe and fcope of the Pialmc ftt down here ,-
Letrne, i. Albeit God be in fo me fort known in all the world,
fcec3ufe of the works of Creation manifefting fomc way the rn-
vifible
PSAL. LXXVI. 181
vifible excellencies of OoJ, yet is hemoft of all made manifeft
to his vifible Church, where his Word doth lbund, .md his
Works are beft interpreted ; In tfudxb God is fiuown. i.Whcre
the knowledge of Gods Name is moil: revealed, there mould he
of duty be molt glorified : for albeit Ifracl many times did not
unde.ftand, did not acknowledge him, but were more ignorant
and neglect ive cf him, then the oxe or affe were of their Own*
crs and Matters crib, yet daily among them he manifefted his
great majefty, and fomctime he made them all acknowledge it ,
and of duty alwayes t hey mould have magnified his majefty, and
fo his Name is great in Ifracl. 3; The Lord doth provide al-
wayes a place, where his Church may vilibly proft fie his Name,
and wor (hip him : he will not want a place, where he rfath a
people in Covenant-bond unto him ; In Salem is bis Tabernacle.
4. It is a great glory to the place where God is wormipped, for
there alio doth he make his refidence :In Salem alfo>or tferufa^
Jem is bis Tabernacle, and h s dwelling place inSion. 5. It is
not for the worthineflcot" any people or place, that the Lord is
among them , or manifefted therej but it is his own free choice,
among whom and where he will refide. The place where the
vile Canaanitehad been, and the place longeft poffefled and a-
btifcd by the Canaanire, will hechjofefor his chief dwelling ;
he will turn the Canaanites Salem to be tferufdem : and the
ftrong hold of the Jcbufites to be the place of his Temple >
therefore, faith he, In Salem, (rather then -ferufalem) is his
Tabernacle t xnd his dwelling place in Sion
Ver. 3. There hake he the arrovecs of the fawe,
thejhitldy and theftpord, and the battel. Sclah.
The fiift reafon of Godspraifeis taken from the Lord 8
fighting at tfcrujxlcm againft the enemies of the Church, and
difcomfitingofthem. Whence learn, 1. The greateft overthrow
given to armies, will be found in their fighting againft Gods
Church : There (in fpecial manner,) braise he the arrowes of
the bowe, &c, 2. In the deliverance of the Chinch the Lord
will be feen to do all the work > There bra\c be the arrowes. $. As
there is no meanes or inftrument fit to dcihoy men which the
enemie will not imke ufc of againft the Church; fo there is no
weapon formed againft her which fhall profper, when (he doth
relie on her Lord : There bra^e he the tirowes of the bowe , the
flrield) a, nd the fword, and the battel.
N 3 Ver.
1S1 PSAL. LXXVL
Ver. 4. Thou art more glorious and excellent then
the mountains of prey.
fhe fecond reafon of Gods praifc is, bccaufe he is more glo-
rious then all the Kings and Kingdomes of the world, wherein
the cruel and beaftly raging enemies of his Church have their
Jl en^th and ftrong hclcis. Whence learn, 1. Thofe Kingdomes
and Powers which do not fubjedthemfelves to God or Chrift
the King of Saints, arc to be cfteemed of as mountains where
wilde and ravenous beafts do lie, every one of them according
as they are more mighty, oppreffing the weaker; for they are
called hcix, Mountains of prey or Powers maintaining allcpprcfli-
bn, as mountains give inciter to ravenous beafts which live up-
on prey. 2 Whatfoever excellency is to be found in the King-
domes of the world, wherein men do glory 5 as whdom, riches,
{trength, multitude, courage, or what clfe can be imagined , 1$
ill nothing to the matter of gloriation, which the Church
liath in Cod ; Thou | faith the Plalmift unto God) art more glo-
rious then the mountains of prey.
Ver.5. The ft out- hearted are fp oiled, they have ftept
their Jleep, and none of the men of might have found
their hands.
6. At thy rebuke, God of Jacob y both the cha-
riot and hcrfe are cafi into a dcakjleep.
The third rcafon of Gods praife is 3 becaufehe did evacuate,
and make of no ufe unto the enemie, whatfoever they did put
their confidence in. Whence learn, 1. Whatfoever ftrength, cou-
rage, wit, or any other point of perfection any man hath , God
who gave it, can take it away when he pleafeth; yea,can make it
a fneanes of hardening his Jieart in carnal confidence, to engage
him in a bufineffe for a mifchief to him, that he may loie all
whereunto he leaned 5 The ftout-hcarted are fpoiled, they have
flept their Jlccp, and none of the men of might have found their
-hands ', that is, God hath made the couragious and ftrong to
pc found feeble and weak, and unable to lave their own goods
or lives. 2. Albeit the Church hath no ftrength in her felf, yet
the Lord can wi:h a word of his mouth do all her work, and de-
feat her cnemier - u At thy rebufa God of Jacob, they are ca(l
PSAL. LXXVI. 1 8}
vt a dccpjlcep. 3. The more powerful, wife" and front the ene-
mies of liocts Church be, rlu m re fhould the Chinch ! die up-
on God, and the more g'ory do'.h the L^rd f£t in ov-m-cuin::
them \ Therefore the fto«t-hcartedmcn of might, eh arias and
bwrfc are here mentioned.
Vcr. 7. Thou % tvtnthcu art to be feared^ ard
-who may (land in thy fight when once thou art
angry?
The fourth reafon of Gods praifc is, becaufe he is fo ter-
rible that none can ftand before him when he is angry. Whence
Uiirn, 1. When the Lord doth finite the wicked, he doth warn
his own-people to ftand in awe ; therefore doth the Church make
ufe of what is fet down before > Thou, < von th u arc to be feared,
2, Only God is to be feared left we cftend him, and no mans
anger is to befeared in comparifon of provoking God to anger ;
Thou, even tbouartto be feared j and no regard unto, nor men-
tion of any other to be feared in comparifon of him. 3 . Man a-
gainftmanmay ftand , and wicked men in the time of Gods
patience may ftand: but when the time cometh of Gods
judging and letting forth his wrath upon his enemies, none can
efcape bis hand j Who may (land in thy fight, when on> c tbo* an
ingry ? 4. The terror of the Lord againft his foes, is the com-
fort of his people, and the matter, as~of his praife, fo of their
finging and rejoycing, as here is to be fecn,
--
Ver. 8, Thou didfi caufe judgement to he heard
from heaven : the earth feared atid was ft ill >
9. when God arofe to judgement , to fave all the
meel^ of the earth. Selab.
The fifth reafon of Gods praife is, from the experience of
fearful judgements on Gods enemies, when he was about to de-
liver his people from their oppreflion. Whence lew, r« Late
mercies aid deliverances given to the Church, fhould renew tie
thankful memory of oLi deliveries, as here is done 2. When or-
dinary mcanes and advertifemenrs do not make die Per.cuito. s
of the Church to ceafe , God hath extraordinary judgements
from hcaYCii;, whereby h$ will fpeak unto his adverfaiies * '/
N 4
1 84
PSAL. LXXVI.
didft caufe judgements to be heard from heaven. $ . If by one fore
or moremildeadvertifementcr rebuke men cannot be brought
in order j by another, and more terrible rebuke they (hall be
made quiet : Thou didfi caufe judgement to be beard from hea-r
ven 5 the earth feared and was jiiU. 4. The property of the Lords
people is to be h acquainted with afflictions, and Co fcnfible of
.their own finfulneile, that they do not impatiently fret at Gcds
difpenfanon, even.when they are opprefled by men; butdoilu-
dy lubmiiTion unto God, and commit their caufe to him; there-
fore are they called The mee\ of the earth. 5. When the Lords
meelc ones areindapger to be [wallowed 1 p> and deftroyed by
their opprcflbrs , the Lord, who is the fovereign Judge to de-
cide controverfies, and to determine who is in the wrong, albeit
he be filent for a while, yet will arffe in due time, and f^eak from
heaven by judgements, to the ttrri tying and (Uencing of proud
epprefibrsj The earth feared and was jlill, when God arofe to
judgement lofavc all the mec^ of the earth* 6. When the Lord
iarifeth to five the meek in one place, and of one generation,
it is an evidence and earneft , that he (hall a rife to favc at length
all and every one of the meek in every place, in all times after 3
for his arifing for his people, which was now paft, is (aid hne
to be for to fave all the meek of the earth*
Ver. 1 0. Surely the wrath of man Jball praife thee,
the remainder of wrath /halt thou reftraine*
Thefixrh.reafon of Gods praife is, that he'' (hall make
the malice .jjf the advcrfaries&pf his people to contribute to
hisgloy^ JFlnme learn, y. A%* r t he rage and cruelty of men
agaiiifi the Lords meek ones, may feem for the prefent to obfeure,
Gods glory, and to tend to his didionoun yet when he hath
humbled, tried , purified his own, and done his work in Mount
Sion j all the rage of perfecuters (hall turn to (-ods glory un-r
doubredly; Surety the uratfwf 'man (hall praife tbee- 2. When
God frath glprijied tymfeli in thc.purging of his Saints 3 and pu-
nching their pe;iecu£or$. yet the enmity of the wicked weld a-
gainft Gods people will not ceafc, there will be Hill, as here i$
prefuppofed, a remainder of wrath* ■-£. Let the wrath ©f dig.,
wj eked againft the godly be never fo grtnt, inveterate, tailing 1
and unquenchable : yet it mall vent iff^f only ?s tlifc.Lord fi?$r
fitting : he (Kill madcratc the cut-lettirigfef it, as hetccth expe-
dient for his pe( pics gocjd ; it (kail not break out totrfc deftru-
PSAL. LXXVI. 185
filon of his people ; The remainder of vora h Jlu't thou re-
fir mil
Ver. it. Vow and pay unto the LORT) your Go J,
let all that be round about him bfmg frefents unto
him that ought to he feared.
12. tit jhallcut off the fpirit of Princes : he is ter-
rible to the Kings of the earth.
The ufe of the former doftrine is, to reach Gods people to give
unto God that refpect and praife which is due to him trom
them ; and to exhort all Nations without the comparTc of the^
vifible Church to fubmit themfelvcs unto him, left he cut eff
fearfully thechiefeft of them. Whence learn, 1. The ufe of
the Lords delivcran-ces of his Church, which the people of God
ftiould make, is to call on God in their troubles , engage them-*-
felvcs to glorifiehim in word and deed for his mercies, and to
entertain ;he confcicnce of their obligation j Vow and pay unto
the Lord. 2. It is not enough to difcharge a promifed duty to
God in outward formality, as the Philiftines made their offer-
ing to the Ark of God, but the godly moil do what iervicc they
do to God, as to their Qod, reconciled unto them, and in
Covenant with them ; Vow and pay unto the lord your God*
3. The Lord is to be feared and honoured of all tint are near to
him in Covenantor Profeflion, yea or in vicinity ot place un-
to his people and Church> where the Lord manifefteth himfelf
in his ordinances $ Let all that be round about him, bring frc-
fents untobim that ought to be feared. 4. How terrible foever
the power of Princes and great men ieem unto the Lords peo^
pie, when they engage them ("elves and their fubje els againft the
Church ; yet ere they bring forth the ripe grapes of their de-
fignes and plots againft Gods people, God can and will cut off
their wiidome, courage and life, as eafilyas the branches of a
Vine-tree; He Ji hall cut off the fpirit of Princes. 5. There is
greater ca ufe why Princes mould be afraid of God, then why
Gods people fliould be afraid of Princes : Princes cannot co fo
much toanyoneof Gods people, as God can do to the higheft
Princes on earth : God can make their fall great according to
the height of their place} he can root them out and their po-
iicriry, not only from all place of power, but alfo from all be-
ing on rhe earth j he can make them a tcrrour to tkcmfelves;
i$* PSAL. LXXVII.
he can deftray them foul and body j yea,heufeth to do this to
bis adverfaries : He is terrible to the lyings of the earth.
PSAL. LXXVII.
Totfo chief Mufichn, totfedutlmn. A Pftlmeof Afapb, . ■
THis Pfalme doth expreflc the deep exercife of the Pfal-
mift troubled with the lenfe of GodsdifplcUure, and
how he wreftled under this condition, and had deliverance from
it, which is fummarily propounded, ver. i. and made plain
more particularly in the reft of the Pfalm ; for firft, he fettcth
down his trouble of minde, ver. 2, $, 4« Secondly, his
wraftlingwiththefenfeof felt wrath, ver. 5,6, 7,$>9* Third-
ly, his begun vi dory by faith , ver. 10, 11,12. Fourthly, the
fetling of hisminde by confidcration of Gois manner of deal-
ing with hi 5 Church of old, to the end of the Pfalm.
Ver. i # T Cried unto Cjod frith my voice : even
Ji unto God with my voice , and he gave
taremtome.
In this fummary Proportion of his fad exercife of fpirit, and
of his delivery out of that condition % Le^rne, That as there
are many troubles whereunto Gods children are fubjecl: (where-
of this is one of the rnoft heavie, to be under the fenfe of the
wrathofGod, andfeareof final cutting off :) fo God hath fee
down examples of this exercife in fome of his dear children,
for preparation of thofe who have not yet been acquainted with
the like, and to teach patience, and furnifti confolation to
thofe who are under fuch exercifes; for here is one of the Saints
telling us , 1 .. That his own trouble in this kinde was fo pref-
fing, as it made him cry. 2. And (hewing the courfe he took;
He cried to God, and did put the whole powers of foul and bo-
dy to abenfal, in his feckingof God; I cried to God with my
voice. And, 3. That he faw there was no remedy for this evil,
fave God above, to whom he made his addrcfle with refolution
rohold unto God only; EvcnuutoGod with my voice 1 cried.
And, 4« Th*t at length he did prcvaile and receive his requcft,
gracioufly granted unto him ; Ani he gave earc to me : and fo
he was relieved. Vei\
PSAL. LXXVH. 187
Vcr. 2. In the day of my trouble 1 fought the
Lord ; my fore ran in the nighty and ceafed not.- my
(oulrtftifedtobe comforted.
5. lremcmbrcd Cjod, and was troubled: I com-
plained, anhmy fpirit was overwhelmed. Sclah.
4. Thouholdeft mine eyes waking : 1 am fo trou*
b'edthat I cannot fpeak*
He dec T areth this his fad exercife more fpccially 5 and firft,
how great his trouble was. Whence learn, 1. The fearing and
feeling of the fenfe of Gods wrath and difpleafure, is of all
troubles the chief, and doth challenge to it felf moft defervedly
the name of trouble, or ftraitening affliction, as if the Pfal-
mift had never known any trouble in comparifon of this. 2 .Al-
beit the (enk of Gods wrath and difpleaiiire while it doth laft,
doth feem a fort of eternity, as, Shall I never be rcmembrei?
and fiich like exprefiions do declare* yet when the trouble is
gone, ir is counted but a fliort time, but a day; In the day of
my trouble, faith he, now being relieved. 5. As in this trouble
moft of any Gods face or comfortable prefence is withdrawn 1
fo nothing in this cafe can content a godly foul, till he finde
the Lord reconci!ed,and his gracious face to (hine again toward
him ; In the day of my trouble I fought the Lord, The wicked
in fuch a cafe they will either not feek God at all, but fome earth-
ly comfort } or but take an eflfay what they can have by calling
on God, they will not make it their work to feek him. 4. The
fenfe of wrath giveth a fore wound unto a mans fpirit, like to a
wound in the body, which is like to bleed unto death » My
foreran in the night. 5. Trouble of conference, as it is like a
deadly wound; fo is it alfo like a filthy boile, venting rotten
iflue; for many are the (ins which the confeience doth call up
in this cafe, which do caufe pain and loathing to look upon.-
My fore , or my plague, my ftroke by a hand, ran in the night,
6. There is no healing of this wound, noeafing of this fore,*
no cleanfing of the confeience, no quieting of a mans fpirit,
till God whom the foul fecketh, fhew himfelf Phyfician j the evil
continued ftilland groweth ; My foreran in the night and cea-
fed not. 7. Where mifery fecmeth remedileffe, there the fad
foulfittcth it felfe to cndleffe foirow : and as it is hopeleflc of
relief, fo it is heartkile to feck comfort, yea what earthly com -
forts
'
i88 PSAL. LXXVII.
forts are offered for the rcliefe of a fpiritual wound, are but a bur-
den to a broken ffirit s £My foitlc rcfnfcd to be comforted* No-
thing can fatisfy a foul which is fenlible of Gods di fpleafure , fave I
the fenfe of Gods favour. 8. A troubled fpirit hath many
thoughts 5 for it runs out in meditation , calleth for the records
of the memory , but canfinde nothing to hxe -upon, fave God
himfclfe 5 I remembred God. 9. It is poflible that the matter
of moft comfort at fome time mav give no eafe $ the fweet
promifes of grace, when a foul is not able to apply them ; yea the
thought of God himfelfe, and his goOv-nefle, may augment grief,
when the conscience doth preient his abufed favours, as thecaufe
of Godsprefent felt wrath : 1 remembred God 3 mi wis troubled.
10. Lamentation and complaints, when vented and not eafed
with following comfort, do but double the grief $ I complained,
and my fpirit was overwhelmed, 11, Redoubled thoughts of a
■perplexed foule , docaftitover in aconfufion , and a fort of
iwound ; / complained, and my fpirit was overwhelmed. 1 2. A
wounded fpirit is able to bereave a man of the nights reft, and af-
fect the body with a /line of its mi ft r able condition ; Thou bold-
eft mine eyes waging. 13 When a foul could poflibly defire to
eafe its grief with a little forgetting of it, and feek a fleep when
*he body is now weary; it may fall out, that even thus much eafe,
may be refufed to a Saint for a time, which mufi: be.looked on as
Gods hand, for the further exercife of the Lords fick childes Tbou
boldeft mine eyes waling. 1 4. Trouble not lenified , not miti-
gated, groweth to fuch a height, as it flops the ufe of natural pow-
ers: I am fo troubled xbgt I cannot fpea\. The forrowes of a
foul fenlible of Gods wrath, are unipeabbie, neither can the
tongue utter them x nor rhemindc enuire to the tongue, what
it feeleth.
Ver. 5. 1 have confidered the dayes of oldjhe jeers
of ancient times. '
6\ I call to remembrance my fong in the night :
1 commune Vcith mine own heart , and mj fpirit made
d'ligent fearch,
7. Will the Lord cafi off for ever ? and will he fo
favourable no mort ?
8. Is his mercy e'ean gone for ever? and doth
\\\S prcmife faile for evermore f
y.Hatb
PSAL. LXXVII. 185?
9 Hath God forgotten to be gracious ; bath he in an"
gerflm up hu tendsr mercies f Selah.
In the fecond" place, he fctrcth down his wreftling,and how af^
; rcr he was overwhelmed, he fell again about the ulin^ of a:l
; means to be relieved , confidering the Lords work of old with
( riie s his children, and his own experience , and what could be
the caaie of the change . vcr. 6. and how the Lords unchangeable*
nefiein his loving kindnefic towards his own , might help him,
vcr 7)S>9 Whence learn, 1. Were our cafe never to defpe-
j rare , yet rhuft we not give over , but gather ihength after
fwouuing , and ufe all meancs ofielicf, as the I'falmil here
doth. 2. I: is one chief means of comforting a troubled Tinner,
: and of ftrcngthening th; faith of a weak wicftler , to caft an eye
I upon the Lords manner of dealing with his Saints, mentioned
in Scrip ure, as the / falmiji did , who had the books of Mofes
ond Job, at leaft to make ufe of; I buvcconfideredtbedayrsof
1 old , and the ycfrcs of ancient times, 5. It is alfo a good means
forgathering ft en^t hand coxfort for a foul under thefenfeof.
wrath , to call to minJ.e his own experiences of deliveries and
consolations received after trouble , and his own obfervations
made upon his cwn experiences : I cull to remembrance my [origin,
the night. 4. It is a third holy mcanes for deliverance from the
ft aits of a troubled confeience, to fearch our waves, and to feek
out diligently, what caufe in us we can finde , which might pro-
cure fuch a defection and fenie of wrah 3 as we do lie under; I
communed with my own heart, anHmy fpirit made diligent fcarcb.
5. Albeit it bepoffible when all the former meanes are ufed, and
diligent fearch is made by our confeience , what may be the rea-
fon of our hard cxercife, that for all that, we finde no congelati-
on , noeafe, nor event; vet the ule cf thefe mcanes will wit-
nefle for our wife and upright dealing , and be evidences of our
. endeavour and diligence in duties 5 as here we fee the Prophet to
make mention of his diligence for this end, 6. Albeititbeno
' ftrange thing for a a wounded fpirit to have fuggeftions caft in
for overthrow of faith , yea to have feme of wrath fpeaking no
■ le'fte then what the tentatiun unto deperation doth alledge 5 yet
the natureof faith is fuch, that it cannot yield, but nauit fight
againft the testation, as a thing whicli cannot be true , cannot be
; admitted, as this .deputation of the Vfalm'jl doth give evidence;
Will the LctX caft off for ever / and will he be favourable no morel
The Lord may fcem xo'caft z Qusi' : eflr> and to ilop the
190 PSAL. LXXVII.
courfe of his wonted favour toward him, bur this cxercifeisonly
for a time: It is not polTiblc that God iliould cafl off for ever
the foul that cannot endure to be thruft from him : It is not pof-
fible that God fhould not be favourable to fuch as have had expe-
rience of his favour,and do long to have new proofes thereof: Will
the Lord caji off for ever ? mil he be favourable no more ? Which
queftion, Will be do fo and fo? is thus much in effect , as if he
had faidjjic is not poffible that th* Lord mould do fo,albek it feem
he will do fo. 8. When the confeience of fin doth make obje-
ction agninft faith , then faith makes its defence in Gods mercy,
and the conftancy of the courfe of mercy, where grace is begun to
runnejyea faith will not yield to a contrary thought : Is bis mercy
clean gone for ever. $. The troubled confeience hungering af-
ter the fenfc of mercy , hath not ohely Gods merciful nature,
and Gods conftancy in his good will , but alfo his promifes to
lean unto , for fupporting of it felfe. Therefore after mention
made of Gods favour and mercy, he mentioneth here his promifc
alfo. io It ispoffible, that for a timenopromife dooccurreto
a wounded fpirit, which is fit for its prefent condition^ or at leaft,
nopromife^ which it dare or is able to apply , yea it is poffible
that the conditional frame of the promifes being made to fuch
as are fo and fo qualified , may fcem to pertain nothing to the
troubled c on fciencc,yet faith will not quit itsintereft in the pro-
prom ife, but will expect good according to the promifc at laft;
Voib bis promife faile for evermore ? 1 1 . As it is the Lords
nature to be gracious to fuch as come to him in the fenfe of their
unworthineiTe; fo faith layeth hold on him, as gracious, and will
never, admit a fuggeftion of any change in him, whatfoever feem
to be in his difpcnlkion; Hath God forgotten to be gracious ? this
is to faith an abfurdity and impoffibUity. 1 2. Thecompaffions
of God toward the miferable when they come before him, arc like
a running fountain; that cannot reftrain it felfe , yet may it feem
to be (hut up, and wrath and difpleafure to run in the place there-
of , when God is pleafed to exercife his childe with the fenfe of
Wrath ^gainft fin \ but faith will not admit this fecming for a
certainty: Hath be in anger Jhut up his tender Mercm ? This is
a faying wnich a Believer muft abhorre ro give way unto , and
yet may be aflaulced with , and branglcd , and Weakened by the
tentation of it.
Ver. 10. And I fed ^ This is mine infirmity : but
I will remember the yeers of the right hand of the
mofi High*
n. i
PSAL. LXXVII. 191
1 1 , / will remember the tvorkj of the Lord ; furelf
I mil remember thj wonders of old.
12. / will meditate alf of all thy works, and ta/t^ of
thy doings.
In the third place is fee down the begun victory of faith, where-
in the believer checketh himfelfe for hearkening fo much unto
fenfe, for admitting the fuggeftions of misbelief to come unto a
difputation, and refolveth to make ufe of the grounds of faith,
and of his former comfortable experiences , xrr. 10. and of the
wonderful dealing of God with others his Saints before, ver. 11.
and to fettle his faith on Gods Word, confirmed by his works, and
to fct himfelfe to give glory unto God , zer. 12. IVljence learn,,
1. In the inward exercife of Gods children, after a whiles dark-
neffe, cometh lights after grief 3 comfort 5 and after wreftling,
cometh victory , as here we fee. 1. The trouble and difquiet-
nclfe which cometh from fear of utter rejection from God , is
from the root of natural unbelief , and in lack of the ftrength
of faith ; This is my infirmity ,faith he, as being now allured, that
matters were nor as they Teemed to him , concerning Gods mer-
ciful affection to him. $ . Weaknefie of faith , and fear or utter
wrath, is a ficknefle whe*. eunto Gods children are fubject ; but a
ficknefle whereof they will certainly recover : a ficknefle not
unto death : This is my infirmity. 4. Our event from inward
trouble, and our victory over it, doth begin at a right fight of our
own weakneffe , of our own faults, and of a right judging of oar
felves for them ; And. I [aid , TbU is my infirmity. 5« The re-
membrance of the experience of former changes , which we have
found wrought by Gods great power, doth ferve to make us both
patient under a fad condition , and hopeful to come out of it :
IxviU remember the yeers of the right b And of GoA. 6. Albeh
we do not fee how our comfort delivery and event, frnm trouble
fhall come , yet may wc finde folid ground to expect that it fhall
come , if we confidcr aright Gods fovereignty 'Over all creatures^
thatheiswjo/iH/gfr, and the omnipotency of his right hand} and
his continuance, being the eternal, unchangeable one,and the lame
from year to year, from age to age ; 1 will remember the y ems of
the right hxnd of xbemoji High ; From this ground he doth ex-
pect, that he fhall have experience yet again of the omnipotency
of a Sovereign and coriftant God , working for his confolation.
f< Wteo faith beginneth tQ recover after its infirmty or
ficknefle,
igz PSAL. LXXVII.
ficknefle, it will make afe of memory, meditation, judgcmentjand
fpeech; which were all bound up before > I will remember, medi-
tate y anitill{. 8. We mult not think to come out of perplexi-
ty, out of ferife of wrath, out of trouble of confidence, out of hard
exercifes of faith,by having great confclations,high and raviming
joyes cf the Spirit at the fruit hand > but muft be content to come
creeping out of our trouble by lirle andlitlcsfor here the PpUmift,
under,the deepeft fenfe of Gods difplcafure , muft life all ordina-
ry meanes, and wreftle with bitter tentations, till he come to fuch
height as is cxprened, ver. 7 ,8,9, and for an event , muft begin
and reprove his owne misbelief difpute for the help of his faun,
taking arguments from his experience from Gods power and
good will, and Gods dealing with others before him. y. The
works of God , when they are locked on curforily 5 or lightly paft
by, canno; be ditcerned, but when they arc well con Weed , they
will be found wondcrfull ; I will remember the wor\s of the Lord,
furcly I will remember thy wonders of old. 10. It is good for a
k>ul In a hard exeixiie,to raifc it felf from thinking of God and of
his woiks,unto fpeaking unto God directly; no cafe or rclkfe will
be found , till addrefie be made unto himfclfe , till we turn our
face toward him a and direct our fpeech unto him , as here the
Pfa mijl doth , from the midft of the eleventh verfe to the end
of the Pialm. 1 1 * Eftimation of any of Gods works , and good
gotten by meditation on fome of his works , is able to engage the
heart to a deeper consideration of all his works ; I will meditate
alfo of ail thy worlds , faith he^ 12. He that would have profit
by Gods works, muft bridle the levity of his own minde , which
cannot ftay fixed in the confederation , till i: be tied in medita-
tion ; I will mediate of all thy worli*. 1 3 . When we have fed
our own fouls upon Gods works, we (hould ftudy to make ufe of
what we have learned thereby to the good of others , and glo-
ry of God : I will meditate of alltby wor^s , andtal^ of alt
thy doings.
Vcn 13. Thy -way , O God> is in thy fanttuary i
who is fo great a God as our God ?
1 4. Thou art the God thit doe ft wonders , thon haft
declared thy ftrength among the people*
In the hft place, he confirmeth his fa^th,and fetleth hfl£rninde,
byconfiderationofthe Lords dealing with his people , recorded
in
PS A L; LXXVII. 193
in holy Scripture, whereof he fpeaketb; firft, in general, vet. i $>
14. Then more fpecially, of the bringing of his people out of
E&yp* through the wildernefle , terribly difcomfiting their ene r
mics , and tenderly leading them, as hfe own flock, by weak and
few inftrurnehts. Whence team , 1. When the heart of 3 man
is turned toward the Lord, then the valleof darknetTe , cdnfufi-
cn, and misbelief is removed ; he can juftify the Lo:d in all
that he doth, as moil holy and juft; as here we fee in the Pfilmift,
who lince he began to dircft himfelfc toward Gcd , cari now lay
to him,, Tbyway,OGod y U in the Santtuary. 2. There « no
underftmding of Gods dealing with us, nor can any rightcon-
ftrufiionbemadeofhisexercifingofus, except we come to the
Lords Ordinances, where his Word, his Oracles of Scripture do
expound his works perfectly; Thy wy.O G^U in theS&nftttiry.
$. When the works and waves of God are looked upon by the
light of the Word,in his Sanftuary,or Churchjand God it looked
unto-jthrou^h his works and Word,then is a foul forced td admire
his holincs,and wifdom,and juftice and power ,and §oodnes,above,
all comparifoni^fcc is (0 great a G od as our God. '4. The cxercife of
the believers eonfeienee with fears and fufpicions of Gods affecti-
on unto him,endeth in admiration of God in exaltation of God,
in believing more firmly in God, in magnifying the grace of his
being in Covenant with God,in acknowledging his own bleffed-
nefie, and the bletfednefle of all other believers , for having God
for their God i Who is jo great a God as our God ? 5. So much
in general may be feenpf Gods dealing with his people , as may
quiet a man in his own particular, who is troubled about Gods
diipenfarion toward him : for when Ifrael inEgypt was put tcr
fuchftraits, as tbev faw nothing but rooting of them out with
cruelty and oppreflion , God did work fo well, fo wifely, fo pow-
erfully, and to gracioully for them , as all their hard •crxercifc was-
turned to their greater comfort , and Gods greater glory; This
in general is the u;e that the Pfalmijl maketh of Gods dealing
with his people, and doth finde it applicable to h's owneancjitioi j
Thou art the God that doth wonders. 6. When we* cannot fee
how i: islikelyor poflible we can be extricated out of thedifficul-
ties we are caft into,efpechlly in our fpirituai condition 5 we are
obliged to give unto God the glory of doing above all things we
can conceive , for the good of thofe that deurc to be his fubjee^s/
Tbou art the god that doc fi wonders. 7. What Sod ha:h* con-
vinced the World of already, concerning what he can do for his*
people, may fatisfic eyeVy particular foal of his wifdom, porter*
ancf
IP4 PSAL. LXXVII.
and goodnefle toward it felfe,when it doth draw in toward him,as
one of his people, for this ufc doth the Pfalmift m ike of Godsdo-
ing for his peopicjTfrcH baft declared thyftrength amongtby people.
Vcr. 15. Thou hafi with -thine arm redeemed thy
people ^the fonnes of Jacob and Jofeph. S/tah,
i6. The Waters faty thee God^ the Waters fax*
thee : they were afraid, the depths aljo were troubled.
1 7. 7 he 1 buds poured out wYter , the 5 -^Jes fent out
a TpfiftL thine an owe* alio went abroad.
1 8. The voice of -by thunder was in the heaven • the
lightnings lightned the -world , the earth trembled and
He defcendeth more fpecially to the confederation of the Re-
demption oflfrael out of Egypt , ('which is 4 reprefentation of
the fpiiritual Redemption of his people) whom at the time, when
they wei -z in the deeptft mifery and Uaft sbleto help themfelvcsj
were moft oppreffed by th£ enemies : and for their owndifpofi-
tion /were in a moft linful condition \ and in a defpera:e mood
sgainft the means and .inftruments of their delivery j God did
deliver and remove ali the difficulties which might hinder hilt
event and efcaping from mifery : from whence the 2'Mmift
might ftrongly reafon for his own comfort, that God would not
failefo deal giacicufly with his foul, who was feeking favour from
God, and a renewed fenfeof reconciliation with him. Heree
learn, 1. That no foul can be under fuch fente of wrath and
defobtion, but he may draw comfort from the great work of Re-
demption of left linnets : for if when we were enemi&s, wc were
rccdnciledcoGodbyihcdeathof his Sonne, much^more being
reconciled, we fliall be faved from wrath by his life. And this
fpi ritual Redemption was figured by the bodily delivery of Ifracl
ouioi-Egypt? Thou baft with thine arme redeemed thy people^
the flints' oftfacob and tfofepb. i. It is by reafon of the Cove-
nant that people receive deliverances, and confolations , and
proofs of Gods power working for them : Therefore doth he ftile
the fonnes of Jacob from their intereft in God , and Gods inte-
reft in them by Covenant : Thou haft redeemed thy people. $. No
obitacle how great fcever , can ftand in the way of the delivery
and comfort of Gcds people, but God can and will remove it$
were
PS AL, LXXVII. 195 '"
were it as the red fth, fo foon as he manifeits himfelfc , it Will get
0Jt of the way as afF ightcd at his Majefty ; The waters f a w thec,
God, the waters fave thee, they were afraid, the d'epihs al'jo were
troubled; 4 Xhe commotions which God hathrmdc fa hcia-
venbyrain, hailftone, thunder, fire, ana ligbliifirfgj when he
would (hew himfelfe for his people , and azalnft their enemies,
do teftify fufficiently what God can and, will do for his owii chil-
dren , who draw near unto him , and how he will icbuki ^very
adverfary power which is againftthem; Tbe clouds poured out
water, the sJ{iesferit out a found $ thine arrowes went abroad , the
voice rftby thunder ways in heaven; the lightnings lightened the
world, the earth trembled andjhook- Whether we referre. thefe
words to what God did in plaguing Egypt) before he brought out
his people, or after when he {hewed his anger in pm filing the.
Egyptians in their flight, when they were feefcing to efcape out of
theredfea : or to what" the Lord did in fighting forhispeople
againft the Canaan ites , they teach the lame do&rine to us.
ver. 19. Thy way is in ike jfo, aridthj p»th in the
great waters : and thy foot ft eps art not known; t
20. Tbott leddeji thy people like a pek : bj the land
of Mofes arid Aaron.
He ciofcth his meditation with two obfervations J one is, that
the Lords wayes are pail finding out, and this he inlinuateth by
mailing a way through the red fca , where' never one went before;
and never one could follow after. The other obfervation is , that
God can Give his people by how few and weak inftruments h« plea-
feth. Whence learn , 1. The Lord diawetii deep in the working
out of] the delivery andjalvation of his own people, bringing them
firft unto' extremity of danger, and then making a plain and clear
efcape from all their ftraits 5 Thy way is iit the jea, where no mart
can wade, except God go before him , and where any man may
walk; if God take him by the hand, and lead him through.
2. What God is in woi king, when he engages his children iri
dangcrs,and which way he is going, when he deads them intoover-
flowing troubles and deep waters 5 they cannot under fiand , till
hehattTdonehiswork: Thy path h fin the 'gre w waters. $. A
particular reafon of every thing which God doth, can no man find
out: for the which caufe the Lord era vet h fubmiflion of 3!! his
children in their exevcifes , as he did of fob; Thy foctfleps ak
O z, not
\$6 PSAL. LXXVIII.
not f^novpn. 4. Wheth:r men do fee rcafons of Gods dealing with
them or not, the Lord hath a care of his weak and witlefle people,
as t ihepherd hath of his flock, and is a gracious leader of his peo-
ple chat follow him : Thou leddeft thy people as a fioc\. $. The
Lord hath his meanes and inftruments of vthofe miniftery he
maketh ufe : and thofe, albeit they be few and wca k , yet (hall he
do his greateft woiks by them, according as hedothimploy
them ; Thm leddefl thy people as a flock > by the band of Mo*
fes and Aaron.
PSAL. LXXVIII.
Mafchil of Afapb.
IN this Pfalm, the Lords Spirit doch ftirrc up his people to
make a rteht ufe of the Lords works of juftice and mercy fee
down inholy Sciipture , and to this end he giveth account of
Gods dealing Yery^jrrertifully with his people, and never in ju-
ftice, but when mercy was abufed ; and he fticweth alfo the peo-
ples dealing with God unthankfully , deceitfully, whether he
dealt mercifully or in juftice with them.
The Pfalm may be divided thus: After a Preface to prepare the
hearer for attention and obfervation of what he was to deliver,
ver.i, 2,3,4. hebringeth forthj firft, the evidence of Gods graci-
ous care he had of his people, in giving them his blefled Word , to
teach unto them faith and obedience , vcr. 1,6,7) 8. Secondly,
the evidence of Gods judgement againft his people, who were put
to flight before their foes, when they did not believe the Lord,and
did not make ufe of his works among them, ^r.9,10,' 1. Third-
ly, he fetteth down how great things God did for them in Egypt>
andinthewilderneflb,ver. 12,13,14,15,16. Fourthly, how they
made no better ufe of thefe mercies, then to tempt God, and
provoke him to wrath, ver. 1 7, 1 8, 1 9,10. Fifihly, howfortheir
tempting of God, he was angry at them for their unbelief, 3nd
notconndering of the miraculous feeding of them with Manna,v.
2.1,21,2 J, 24, 2f% and how in wrath he fatisfied their luft by
fending quailes for them, to eat flefh their fill, ver. 26,27,28,29.
Sixthly, how becaufe they repented not of theit provocation , the
Lord did plague them , and they went on in their misbcliefe and
difobedi-
PSAL. LXXVIII. ip 7
difobedience t and God went on in the courfe of multiplying
judgements on them, and cutting off multitudes of them,
ver. jo, 1 1 , 1 1, $ 1* Seventhly, how they at laft made a falhi-
onof repenting and fceking of God, but proved in effect no-
thing but flattering diflemblers and hypocrites, unconftant in
the Covenant, ver. $4, $ ?, $6, 37. Eighthly, how the Lord in
mercy pitied and fpared them many a umc , notwithftanding
all their provocations of his jufticc againft them, ver: 38,39,
40,41. Ninthly, he fetteth down the prime caufc of all this
their finne and mifery, becaufc they marked not, or made no
ufe of the difference that God put between the Egyptians and
them ; nor how for their caufe he had plagued the Egyptians
with plague after plague, ver. 4ij4?» 4<>4?,46, 47> 48, 49i
50,71. And brought their fathers fafely out of Egypt, when
their enemies were drowned before their eyes, wr.52, jj.
Tenthly, he fetteth down how the Lord perfected their jour-
ney to Canxzn, and brought them to the poflcflion of it, thruft-
ingouc the ^»M#ittt, tnat they migh: have place, ver* ?4>??«
Eleventhly, how they for all this provoked God to anger with
their idolatry and fuperftition, ver. 56, 57* 5 8 , Twelfthly,
how the Lord for this their oft repeated provocation did
mifcrably vex them in the dayes of Eli and Smuel, giving 0-
ver his Ark into the Philiftines hand, and plaguing their coun-
trey with variety of plagues, ver. $9,60,61, 61,6$, 64. Thir-
teenthly, how God of his free mercy put his enemies to fliame,
and reftored Religion and Liberties to Church and Kingdom,
ver .6 $ ,66. And laft of a 11, how he brought them toafetled
condition un&ti David, who was a type of Chrift, veu £7,6$,
*9>70,7t,7Z,
Ver, I. /~^lve eare, my people, to my Lafo\
vJ incline your cares to the word* of my
mouth .
2. / -mill open my mouth in a parable : 1 will utter
dar^fayings of old;
3 Which we have heard and known ; and our fathers
have told us.
4. We will not hide them from tktir children foewing
to the generations to come the praifes of the LORD; and
bis ftrength, and his wonderful workj that he hath
fate. O3 Jq
i#8 P SAL. XXXVIII.
In the Preface, the Spirit of the Lord,calleth for attention un-
to the doctrine which he is to deliver > for foure reafons. The
firft, becaufe it was his law and word? of his mouth directed
to his covenanted people, ver. i. The next 3 becaufe this do-
ctrine wis myfterious and full of hid wifdom, ver.i. The
third, becaufe it is an ancient doctrine delivered to the Church
of old, and tranfmittcd unto them that fucceeded, rer.j.
The fourth, becaufe it mull: be known, and tranfmittcd to the
farcecding pcfterityjand following generations oftheChurch^or
the glory of \-ods wonderful working for his Churchy. \.Whaic^
Icirh,} Such is our dulneffe and ilownelfe of heart ,to underftancf
arid.belc^ve what :he Lord doth lay unto us r that we have great
need 10 be admonifhed, and {lined up to attention and hearing
with faith > Give earc, Q my people, faith the Spirit by his Pro-
phet. 2. The authority of divine doctrine fliould tie our
eares to hear it revc/emly, beleevingly and obediently ; it is thjc
XiOrdpkw, and the words of his mouth, (peaking by his Pro-
phet to us : giyc cure. my People, u> my law, incline jour cares
to the words of my mouth'. 3,. Albeit the Word of the Lord be
plain to the attentive.beleever, yet to th,e unattentive misbelceyer
it is a hi: myfte -y, and. for this reafon we have need to hear at-
tentively and beleevingly } I will open my mouth in a parable, I
Will litter dark fa) w&s* 4-The Word of the Lord hath true an-
tiquity with it ; divine doctrine is no new doctrine: and for
tjiis reafon fhould we hear }t attentively and beleevingly > I will
litter dark faying? of old,. 5. Albeit the Word of the Loqdbea
xnyftery, and dark ayings to the misbeieeving multitude of the
world, yet it is underltood, received and beleevcdby the true
members of the C hurch from age to age ; therefore tre Pro •
phet,fpeakingofhimfelf5 and of the godly in his time, faith of
their parables and dark fpeeches, Which we have heard and
known, and our fathers have told us . 6. Thofe are worthy of the
name of Fathers in the Church, in relation topofterity, who
tranfmittopofieily the truth of God contained in Scripture,
fuch as is fiere fet down in this Pfalme : and this is the only in-
fallible fo t of tradition, which ddivereth to pofierity what
God delivered to the Prophets, or their Predeceflbrs by Scri-
pture, fuch as is the doctrine delivered in this Pfalme ; Which
yoe (faith he) have heard md\nown, and our fathers have told
gg, we will not hide them from their children. 7. The godly in
every age ought to have the lame care to tranfmit the Word of
twh to their pofterity, which their anccftcrs had to tranfmit it
unto
PSAL. LXXVIII. 199
unto them, and to pay the debt they owe to their faithful An-
ceftors unto fucceeding generations; We will not bide tbem fr$m
their children, fhewing to the generations to come^c. .8. The
fubjeft matter o? found and fi vim; doctrine, is the fetting torth
of the glory of God in his attribures, ana wonderful operations
for his people : Sbewingto the generations to comethepraifesof
the Lord, and bis wonderful wor^s tbi t he bath done.
Vcr. 5. For heejlablifbed a Tejlimony in Jacob ,
And anointed a LaVo in Ifrael, which he commanded
ottr fathers : that they Jbotild make them known to
their children.
6. That the generation to come might ^awthem,
tventhe children which Jbould be borne: who Jbotild
arife and declare them to their children :
7. That they might fet their hope in God, and not
forget the works of God: but fyep his Command-
ments.
8. Andmight not be as their fathers, a ftubborn and
rebellious generation^ a generation that fet not their
heart aright I and whofe fpirit was not Jledfajl with
God.
After the Preface, he bringeth forth a notable evidence of the
Lords care of his Church, in giving themttis Scriptures and re-
vealed rule of faith and obedience, to be tranfmittcd from one
generation to another, ver. f, 6\ that they might have faithand
hope in God, and obey his commands, ver. 7. and not belike
fuch of theis Prcdeceflbrs, as were rebellious hypocrites, and
backflidersfom their covenanted duties,^. 8. wbuice learn ,i .(Jit
of the chrefeft mercies that can be beftowed on a people, is ihe
giving of the holy Scriptures unto them, and revealing unco
them the way of falvatiori, and of Gods fervice which he requi-
reth> this is put in the firft room here : Forbccjlablifiied a Tc-
fiimony in tfacob, and appointed a Law in Ifrael. z. Gods words
and ordinances appointed in Scripture, are witncfl'es for him,
of hiswifdom, power, hoi ineffe, mercy, and jufticeagainft fuch
as do not make wfe thereof, and a fixed rule for mens faith and
obedience ; therefore is it faid , He cflablificd a teftimony in $a-
O 4 cob,
aoo PSAL. .LXXVIII.
rob, and appointed a Law in Ifracl. 3. The Scriptures were not
appointed lot a rule only to thole to whom thfy were fiift di-
rected, but for the ufe alfo oi the Church in all ages follow-
ing, which every man muftboth ftudy to underftand and obey
himfelf, and alfo teach his children, and thofe under his charge
to une'eftand and obey, according to his place: he gave atcfti-
monyanda law to the fathers, That they Jbould maltf them
knpwn to their children, tbrt the generation to come might lyioicv
thw> wen the children which fiould be borne, veboflwuld arifc,
and declare them to their children. 4. The end of revealing and
teaching of Gods Word, is to beget ana 1 increafe mens faith
in God, and dependance upon him, as here is fet 4own : the
Word was to be declared to their children, 7 hat they mi, ht fet
their hope in God. ? . The way to fofter faith and hope in God,
is to mark and coniider and keep in a fan&ified memory ,
how God hath alicady confirmed his Word by his works, and by
pawnes and pledges, both of his power 3nd purpofeto perform
what he hath laid 5 therefore doth he joyne unto the duty of fet-
ting their hope in God, the duty of not forgetting his merits;
intirnating that if his works were forgotten, his Word would
notbebeleeved, and faith and hope in God wou'd not remain
conftantly fixed on God. 6. The faith and hope which God
craves of his people to be fixed onjiim, is fuch as may bring
forth obedience to his precepts : therefore unto hoping in God,
and not forgetting his works, he addeth, But ^eep his Command-
ments : So this is the fumme of true religion, to have faith in
God, upon the ttrmes of grace offered u,nto us through a Re-
deemer, and to hope for and expc ft the accomplifnmcnt of all
his promifes,and to fofler our faith and hope by the confiderati-
on of what he hath done for bis people, and uprightly to fet our
felves to keep his C ommandments,. 7. The example pjf fathers
is not to be followed, except wherein they followed the ]Lord :
where their practice \% not conformable to Gods Word we muf^
not be like then); therefore faith hziAndmight not be m their fa-
thers were, fiubborn. 8. This is the natural inclination of cor-
rupt mankinde, to go on in our finful courfc obiHnately, how •
focver .God cifchjivgc us; tocomecontraiy to his commands,
and flatly to re'fufe to obey him ; and if we at any time feem to
do him (ervice, to doit, from corrupt principles, and for corrupt
ends, ftill remaining unreconciled to him : and wharfc^^er we
fie our elves unto by Covenant, as double- hearted perlons, to
dt 1 deceitful I y therein, and turn back from it: fuch were a}l
the
PSAL. LXXVIII. 201
fhR unrenewed Ifraelites : >A ftubbornandrebcllicut generation,
a generation that fetvot their heart aright, andrvbojcfpiriims
notfiedfajl with God. 9. Nothing is able to bring us off this
our natural courfe and finful inclination except iaith and hope
in God, and obedience ro his commands be begun and entertain-
ed in us by the Word of God, as the connexion of thefe duties
here, and order they are fet down in doth teach. 10. The
Lord will have his people obediently to heat ken to his reproofs,
and not reject his yoke, and meekly to fubmit to his govern*-
merit, and not rebell \ to ftudy imcerity of affection toward
God, and ftedfaftnefle in his Covenant, as his condemning
rhefc carnal Ifraelites for the contrary faults doth teach us.
Ver. 9. The children of Ephraim being armed*
and carrying botocs , turned back^ in the day of
frattel.
10. They kept not the Covenant of God: and rcfe
fed to walk in hi j Law.
1 1. lAndfcrgatc hit works : and his wonders that
he had (hewed them.
Iu the fecond place under thenameofEp&ra/tfj, as the moft
mighty and numerous tribe of all the reft, lie uriderftandeth all
Ifrael, and fliewes that the reafon of the J-ords many a time
deferting of Ifrael from age to age in the day of battel, was
their cirnal confidence in their own ftiength, and their not
bcleeving in God, their not regarding the Covenant thjywere
entered into with God, their di [obedience to his commands, an4
their not making ufe of his wonderful works amon^ft them.
Whence learn, i.When men are under greateft °uiltineffe,and at
ereateft diftance from God, they are leaft fenhble of their fin,
ieaft afraid of Gods wrath, and moft confident of their own
abilities. Ephraim and Ifra I many a time I) ing under breach of
Covenant and rebellion againft God , being armed and carrying
Corves, do think themfelvcs fuffkient to encounter with their
enemies. 2 Multitude of men and arms will not ayajl a people in
the day of battel, wfien God is againft them' God can takp
wifdom, and courage, and ftrength, and good fuccefie from
them > The chit Wen of Ephraim being armed, and carrying Ijowpes,
fumed bac^ in the day of butcl. 3 . The caufe of general cala?
mitics coming upon Gods people, will be found in thejr fins,
which
201 PSAL. LXXVIII.
which have provoked the Lord againft them, whereof God
will convince them by judgements, when they will not be con-
vinccAothciwaycs; They turned back in the day of battel - y how
came this? 7bcyk c P tnott ^ Covenant of God. 4. The Lord
ufethby his Word in the mouth of his mcflengers to convince
his backfliding people of their defection, and to prefleupon
them to return to the rule, and walk in his obedience, but when
this admonition and offer is refuted, then no wonder judge-
ment come : for here, Tbey turn bacfi in the day of battel-, when j
and wherefore ? Tbey refufed to walk in bis Law. 5 . As the fan-
dified aud thankful remembrance of Gods dealing with his
people, is ike way to keep the heart in the love, faith and obe-
dience of God : fo the letting of his works, and fpecially the
moft remarkable and wonderful works, to Aide out of their me-
mory and affe&ion, is the fountain of defection from God, and
caufe of falling unto carnal courfes and confidences, and draw-
ing on of Gods judgements on themfelves ; Tbey forgat bis
mrkfs *nd bis wonders that hebadfawed them.
Vcr. 12. Marvellous things did he in the fight of
their fathers : in the land of Egjpt^ in the field of
Zoan.
13* He divided the fea, and can fed them to pajfe
thoroto , and he mate the Waters to fiand as an
heap.
14. In the daytime alfo he led them With a cloud i
and all the night mth a light of fire.
15* He clave the rocks in the wilder nejfe, and gave
them drinks as out of the great depths.
16. He brought finams alfo out of the rocky and
caufed waters to run down like rivers.
In the third place, he fetteth down fome of th-fe wonderful
works dene foe his people, which foould have tied their faith,
love and obedience unto the Lord; infpccialthe great work of
Redemption and delivery of hispeoplcout ofEgy/tf/reprefent-
ing the fpi ritual Redemption and delivery of his own out of
the bonds of fin, Sitan and wrath,) how God plagued the Egy-
ptians with wonderful plagues* in the fight of their King end
Princes
PSAL, LXXVIII. 203
Princes in loan, the moil famous City of Egypt, vcr, 11.
How he dried the red fea, and made his people go through
between mountains of liquid water on both hands, vcr. 1$.
How he directed them, and refrelhed them by a pillar of fire
iy night, and by a cooling cloud by day, vcr. 14. How he fur-
niflicd them drink out of the flinty rock in the wildernefle^TO*.
.15,16. Whence learn, 1 . The great work of bodily redempti-
on of Gods people out of Egypt, and the lpiritual Redemption
pf his Peopk from the bondage of fin and mifery by Chrift
rcprefentcd thereby, mould be as inducements unto, and props
oi faith in God, to all who feek life in hhn, and a Efficient mo-
tive unto love and obedience unto him , to the worlds endjfor to
this zna did he declare his love, care and power to fave them who
enter in Covenant with him to be his people; Marvellous things
didhcj&c. i. The works of God done for his people in any
former age, do oblige thofe of that age, and all the fucceeding
ages to make ufe thereof, for the increafe of faith in God, and
of love and obedience to God 3 and do anfwerably aggravate
the contrary fins, when they are not fo made ufe of 5 for, M ar-
tous things did he in the fight of their fathers ; is the ground
of challenging of the poftcrity for their defection. $. The
plagues of Egypt, mould fcrve for the comfort of Gods op-
preflevi people ; and for terrour to their enemies in all ages;5W4r-
veUous things did be in the fight if their fathers in the land of E-
gypt. 4* As the Lord avoweth his people^ and owns their
quarrel moft openly in the fight of Kings Courts and royal
Cities; fo mould his people avow their loyalty to God before
all men : otherwayes, the more evidently God hath appeared for
his people, the more heavy is the challenge of unthankful difo-
bedience; as here it is made the challenge of back-fliding If-
r'ael, that God in the moil open theatre of the 'Kingdom or' E-
gypt, ('whereby the fame of his works might go into all the
world) did work for them and their fathers > Marvellom things
did Gcd for them in the field gf loan ; from whence pa flage was
to many countreys. 5. The Lords making of a way through
the red lea for his peoples delivery, is' an evidence and pawn
once for aye, of his power and purpofe to make a way for his
owne to efcapc, how great foe vcr their llraits fhall b: ; He di-
vided the red fea, and caufed them to p.ijfc through. 6.The Lords
cauling theiiquid waters to ftand as a wall,heaped up contrary to
t,he nature therof, is a pawn of his power and purpofe to make the
creaturesjwhich by nature fliould devoure., to be not only harm -
lefle
204 PSAL. LXXVIII.
lefle 5 but helpful aifo to this people, as need requireth ; He
rndc the waters to ft and as an heap. 7. The* Lords bringing of
his people, both out of Egypt arid out of the lea, is a pawnc of his
power and purpofe to bring his people through all hazards what-
soever, wherein others (hall peviflij He caufed his people to
pajfc through. 8, The Lords leading on of his people night and
day, isapawnofhisconftant love to his own people, andofhis
power and purpofe never to leave nor forfake (inch as love to
have his guiding and conduct $ In the day-time dlfo he led them.
9 The Lords covering of the hofte of his people with a coole
and comfortable cloud all the daylong, to keep them from the
fcorching heat of theSwn in the dry and hot wildernefle, is a
pawnc of hiskinde care of his people, and conftant purpofe to
give refreshment in the time of perfection, or whatfoever trou -
bles they fliall be exercifed with : In the day-time alfo he led them
withacloud. 10. The Lords making of a pillar of fire to
bum and fhine all night, for tempe ing the cold of the night,
and directing of Jfraels Heps, when they were to march in the
night, is a pledge of his love, power and purpofe to furniflithe
lighr of direftion and confolation unto his own people, as they
have need 5 He led them all the night with a light of fire. 1 1 .As
the Lords people wanting of water in the wildernefle, through
which their way did lie, doth teach us that we may be redacted
to great ftraits in this life, both bodily and fpiritual$ fo the
Lords furniftiing unto them drink, doth teach, that the Lord
both can and will furnifh his people in their necefli ties, bodily
and fpiritual > He clave the rocks in the wilderneffe, and gave
them drink, as out of the great depths ; he brought ftreames alfo
out of the roc It, and caujed waters to run down like rivers.
Ver. r 7. And they ftnned jet more again fi him : by
provoking the mofl High in the wilder nejfe.
18. Andtbey tempted God in their heart :bj asking
meat for their lust. I
19. Tea, they fpa\e againft God: thejf*id y Can God
furmfb a table in the wilderneffe?
20. Behold^ he [mote the roc^ that the waters gufh-
edout, and the fireamt overflowed : can bt give bread
alfo} can he provide flrjh for his people ?
Jn
PSAL.LXXVIII. aoj
In the fburrh place, he fcttcth down how the people made no
better ufe of the forefaid mercies, then to tempt Cod, and to
provoke him to wrath, by feeking- fatisfaction to their carnal
IuftS) and queftioning whether or no God was able to fatisfic
their defires. Whence lexrn^ i. Unrenewed nature is ftrongly
inclined to meet the Lords goodneflc with more and more ingra-
titude, and to fin oyer and oyer again the fame fins, when new
benefits and old faults being well confidcred, might teach more
wifdom and thankfuinefk ; They finned yet mors Agiinft birn.
2. We arefo foolifh in our 'finning, that we do notconfider
what weour.felve* are, how great a majefty we ofTcnd, and
what maybe the confequents thereof > They finned yet more by
frovofyngthemoJlHigb. O how unreafonable , untircumfpefij
undifcreet and blinde fools arc men in their finning .' $ . Alkit
we have no outward enticements, albeit the place of our fo-
journing here mould warne us as ftrangers and pilgrims to ab-
ftain from flefliiy lufts,albeit we have the Word & works of God,
as witnefles of God, and evidences of his beholding of us ; yet
fo pregnant arc we in wickednefie, fo beaflly. paflionate in our
carnal affections, and ib grojfe in Atheifme, that naturally we
run on in our own wayes , as the horfe rufheth into the bat-
tel! 5 They provoked the mojt High in the wiUerncffc. 4, When
God giveth fufficiently to fupply neceffiries, and we feek to-
fatisfie our lufts ; when God hath faidand done abundantly al-
ready for evidencing his power , juftice, truth and care of our
welfare , and we will not reft on him, except he give fuch other
new and extraordinary proofs of his properties, as we do pre-
fcribe, then do we tempt God, and highly provoke him, by
feeking thus to fubject him to our direction , will and carnal
affc&ions $ And they tempted God in their hearty by asking men
for their luft. 5. When the finful motions of the minde ani
heart arc not controlled, the fin will break forth openly to
outward acts tending to Gods di/honour, and to the evil ex-
ample of others ; They tempted God in their hart) and then
the) 'fpA* 'Againfi God. 6. Words of misbelief, notdifputinga-
gainft tentations, but in effect calling in queftion Gods truth,
power 5 care of us, or his goodwill to us, are in effect flandcring
pf God, and bearing falfe wkneffe againft him ; They fpa^c &-
gunft God : they ftifcan CjodpirniJh y (?c ? 7> The carnal un-
godly man hath no eflimation of God, or any of his fpirituai
benefits, but doth fet him a task of fatisfying of his flefliiy con-
ceits and afteflions, which if Goddonoranivver, he mifregard-
2c6 PSAL. Lxxviii.
eth Gods They faid. Can God furnijha tabic in the wildct-
ncjfe ? 8. Albeit the unbeleeVef be convinced of Gods power
and goodneik to his people by his works for timepaft, yet is
he notthewifer afterward, when it cometh to the giving cre-
dit unto God in another work ; yea, the woik which God hath
wrought, isefieemed by him as nothing, except God do far-
ther as the unbeliever iliall prefcribe ; Behold, (lay they) he %
[mote the roc £, that waters gu(hed out : but em he give bread d+
fo ? can he provide flefh for his people ?
Ver. 21. therefore the LORT> heard this, and
ft as Wroth: fo afire was kjndled agatnlt Jacob, and
anger alfo caifte up again/} Ifrael.
22. Becaufe they beleeved not in God: and trufted
not inhis falvatiom
23 . Though he had commanded the chnds from d-
bove : and opened the doores of heaven.
24. And had rained down Manna upon them
to eate , and had given them 0} the come of he a*
ven.
25 . Man did eate Angels food: he fent them meat
to the full.
In the fifth placc,he fetteth down how God was wroth for their
unbelief, & for their not having a due eftimation cf the miracu-
lous feeding ofthem withMznnaJVhencc leam>i . Sins continued
inland in fpecial expreflions to the difhonouring of God flow-
ing from misbeleefj have a loud cry in Gods cares, and he ta-
keth notice of them for executing of judgement v Therefore the
lord heard this, and was wroth* a. VVhcn God is openly disho-
noured, the Lord by open judgement will fan&ifie his own
Name on the (inner, whatfoever behis priviledge, and though
he were never fo neer to God in external pri viledges | So a fire
was kindled agtinft $acob y and anger alfo came upagainfi IfraeL
5. Misbelief is a more grievous fin then men do efteem of its
for it calleth Godstruth,mercy 3 goodnefie,power,conftancy,and
all in queftion;and even his juftice amongft the reft,which if the
misbelccver did confider , he would hot provoke juftice apinft
himfelf by this fin i Wrath came up again ft ifraelfecaufe they be-
leevei
PSAL. LXXVIII. 207
iievel not in God. 4' They do not believe in God , who
ftudy not to depend upon him for falvation , and for what-
soever is necefl'ary to them for falvation : yea they who do
not believe that the Lord mall bring them out of every ftrait,
in a way moft fcrving to their welfare , and for his own
honour > do not believe in him for falvation , fo folidly as
he requireth of them : They believed not in God , ( faith
he J and trufled not in Gods falvation. $• The more
meanes ,. encouragements, helps and props to fupport a mans
faith are furnifhed of God*, the greater is the finne of un-
bcliefe in him : As the Jfraelltes misbelief was the greater,
for Gods miraculous bringing of water out of the rock, and
Manna from the clouds , as here the Israelites misbe-
lief is aggravated thus i They truftcd not in his falvation,
though be had commanded the clouds , and rained down Manna.
6. Man liveth not by bread, but by the efficacious Word of
God. It is fo eafie for God to r-ain down victuals out of the
clouds , as to make them grow cut of the ground ; let him
fay the Word , and it is done : He commanded the clouds , and
cfencd the doores of heaven , and rainea down Manna on them
to eat. 7. The Lord doth provide well for his own redeem-
ed people j wh.t the earth doth not yield unto them , he ma-
keth the heaven one way or other furniih unto them : as
when the Ifraelitcs wanted the corne of the earth, the Lord
gave them of the corne of heaven , fo that man did eat An*
, gels food ; not that there is cori:e in heaven , or that Angels
do eat any corporal food , but manna is fo called for the
excellency cf the food , that it might have ierved for food
to Angels, if they had any need of food, 8. The more ex-
cellent the benefit is which Gcd giveth , thc> .-greater is tht:
ingratitude of him who doth no*t eftcem of it , and make
I ufe of it as becometh; as we fee in IfrxeU finne , who did
J not eftecm of Manna, as they fhculd have done : had the
1 Lord fed< them with duft of the earth , or roots cf grade,
: or any other mean thing , they mould lme ; had.no reafon
1 to complain : but when he giveth them a new food , crea-
ted every morning for their cauie, fent down from heaven
as frefh furniture every day, of fudi excelienc colour, tafte,
fmell and wholefomenefle : what a provocation of God was it,
I not to be content now 5 in fpecial , when he gave them abun-
dantly of it?. He fent them mcatjto the full.
Vcr. tCr
»o8 >PSAL. LXXVIIIi
Ven l6. He CAufed an Eaft»mnde to blow in the
heaven , And by his power he brought in the South-
winde*
27. He rained fiefh alfo ufen them as dufi, and fea-
thered fogies lity as the fandof the fea.
28. »Andhelct it fall in the midft of their camp-
found about their habitations.
19. So they did *>at and were Well filled: for he gave
them their o&# defire*
- ■
Here the Lord Being tempted by a murihurihg and unthank-
full people, to refute their fufplcion- of his power 3 fendeth therri
the moft delicate rlefti that could be found in the world , qiiailes
Jn abundance, till they were all 'filled. Whence learn > 1. The v
Lord, that he may fl*ew what regard he hath to farisfy good and"
lawful defires, doth fometime grant unto men theft unlawfull and
nmeafcnable defires 3 that holy deiiies may be the better enter-
tained, and conftantly followed till they be granted > as appear-
cth by the Lords granting of the unreafonable defire of the Ifrac*
Ikes after flefh* i. The Lord hath the Commandement of the
windes to make them blow from what aire and in what meafure
be pleafeth r He caujed an Eaft+winde to blow in the heaven , and
by bis power be brought in the South-winde* 3 . The Lord can ga-
ther fo many creatures as he mindeth to make nlV of at his plea-
fore, he can gather birds and fowles, and make their flight longer
or fhorrer as he pleafeth , and make them light and fall where he
plcafeth 3 and can bring near to mans hand 3 what he hath a mind to*
give unto him: He rained flejh alfo upon them at du fl ^and feathered
fowls Ufa as the fand of the fea ; and he let them fatt in the midft of
their camp sound about their habitations.^. As the Lord doth grant
lawful defires in mercy , fo alfo doth he grant finful defircs in
wrath 5 So they did eat and were filled, for he gave them their own
defire. <. When the carnal heart doth meet with the objed of
his luftjhe falleth upon it as a beaft doth without fear of God, or
moderation of affection : Thq did eat and weu well filled, for he
gave them their own defire*
Vcr. 30. They were not eftranged front their tuft :
bnt while their meat was jet in their mwthei+
31. The
PSAL. LXXVIIL 209
31. The wrath of God came upon them, and flew
the fat 7 eft of thtrrt > and [mote down the cho/en men
of Iff Ml
32. For all this they finned ftill : and believed not
for huwondrou* works.
33. Therefore their dajes did he confurrte in vanity j
and their yeares in trouble.
In the fixth p'ace , he fereth doV7n their impeniteney continu-
ed in , and the Lords judgements poured out one after another
upon them. Whence learn , 1. Sinful luft is unfitiable, even
when the body is overcharged with the fei vice of it $ To luft fin-
fully is a fnare, but to continue in the flavery of luft , is a felling
of a rrnns felfe, and a wedding of him unto that luft: fuch was ths
fin of the carnal ifradites- They continued in cheir lulling and
repented nor, albeit they get time to repent j they and thai lull
did not diicoid 5 They were not eftrangedfrom their tuft. t. When
men will not be enemies to their own finful lifts , they d6 pro-*
voke the Lord to become enemy to them' \ and to poure wrath ort
them in the very ad of their finning; While their meat wasyet in
their mouthes i the wrath of God came upon iheni. $• Such* as
. are melt hcad-itrong in finne , and take to themfelves moft li-
berty to fin 3 and do give example moft unto others to fin y fhall
be moft notoriously punifhed. High places and emin^ncy tit
power, as it doth not leflen fin , but aggravate it 5 fodoth it non
exempt from judgment, but procurcththat it mould be augment-
ed rather j as is to be feen here in the punifliment of the Nobles?
and great men in the camp of ifraely The wrath of God came up-
on them, and flew the fxttcft of them 3 dud [mote down the cbofen
men of Ifrael. 4. Such is the perverfencfle of our natural incli-
nation, that neither by Gods gentle dealing with us > nor by his
' fa J judgements on others or on out felv<s , can we be amended,
as is to be feen in unrenewed Ifraelites : For all this, they finned
ftill. 5. Neither extraordinary works of mercy , nor judge-
ment, nor miracles, are able to convert men , or turn them from
their evil wayes , or beget faving fai;h in them , with whom or-
dinary means do not pi evaile 9 For all this they finned ftill y and
Relieved not for his wondrous wor\\ 6. When all meancs are
enayed , and none do prevaile to bring men torepcntai.ee and-
reconciliation with cod through faith , no wonder God in his-
righteous judgement mould cut ofYthe impenitent asan unf ait-*
no PSAL. LXXVIII.
ful and cvill tree is cut down and caft away; Thty finned ftill*
therefore their daycs did he con fume in vanity , and their yearcs in
trouble. 7. By following of lufts, and not feeking felicity in
God, men do both mi He the good they hoped to have by finning,
and finde nothing in their way but vanity ; and alfo meet with
trouble and torment, which they did not fear > They finned ftill,
and believed not, therefore their dayes did Qod con fume in vanity,
and their yeares in trouble.
Vcr. 34. When he flew them , then they fought
him : and they returned , and enquired early af-
ter Cjed.
3 5 . And they remembted that God was their R ock^%
and the High God their Redeemer.
36. Never thtjfe , they did flatter him Vcith their
month : and they lied unto himVvith their tongues :
37. For their heart was not right With him: nei-
ther were they (ledfafl in his covenant*
In the fevemh place, he defcribcth fome fits of their temporary
faith and repentance, vet. $4>35« which in effect proved to be
but flattery or hypccrify, and did rcfolve in back-Aiding and apc-
fla^w. 36, 37. Whentc learn K 1. When men neither by the
Lords liberality* nor lighter chaftiiements can be moved to re-
pent, it is righteoufnefle with God . by fearfull judgements to cut
off a number , and to put the reft in fear of prefent cutting ofY,
and foto waken them out of fecurity; as here, when the carnal J/-
raelites went on in their provocations , The Lord f.crv them.
2. Thefenfe of prefent devouring wrath, and the terror of an
angry God , may drive men to a temporary repentance , and to-
ft eking of friendship and favour with God , for fparing them
from wrath and pre ent plagues, 3nd all this may be without fcri-
ous repenting of fin , without flying to a Mediator by faving
faith , without minding hearty and folid reconciliation : and
may proceed oncly from the naiural principle of fear of death,and
love ot felfe-prefervation 5 as here, When he flew them, then they
fought him. 3. Temporary rcpentance,may make a temporary change
of a mans courfe of lj e and carriage , from the worle to the bet-
ter ; may make him leave off his way of provocation, and feck af-
ter God for a time with fome diligence in the outward forms of
Reli?ionj
t>SAL. LXXVIII. in
Religion; -as here, They teturnci 3 and enquired after God e.rly.
/*. As there \% a temporary Repentance, moving from fin upon
temporary grounds, fo there is a temporary faith in tmny 3 moving
toward God upon temporary confiderations , that is , drawing
toward God, to obtain of him fparing of their life and temporal
benefit^ and making ufeof Gods goodnaffe and bounty, as much
as fetveth to a mans purpofe : as here , They rememhrei that God
was their Roefi. 5 . Temporary faith may make ufe of Redem-
ption , fo fair re as may ferve for deliverance from , or recovery - it
of temporal trouble, and prefent danger of wrath, and plagues 5 *s
here , They rcmembred that the High God was their Redeemer.
£. Ae~b of faith and repentance, extracted by fore judgements,
fear of wrath, artd deiire of temporal deliverance , may be found
to be the fruits of flattery, and not of faving faith ; Nevcrtbcleffc
they flattered him with their lips. 7. Piofeffion of faithandie-
pentance , which doth forfake fin and feck God onely for tempo-
ral realons, is but a lying unto God in effect, ho wfoevee the tem-
porary believer and repenter m?.y judge himfelie found enough} as
here , And they lied unto him with their tongues 8. When the
heart or affecUors of a man are not fee fincetely againft fin , and
for God, or toward God$ all the outward profefiion is but hy-
pocrify in cftcft , and a lie, as here, They lied unto him with their
tongues , for their heart was not right with him. $ % Temporary
faith can produce no ftedfaffiaefle in the Covenant , or covenant-
ed duties, but make a man onely a temporizer therein,- as out- *
waid motives do lead him toward duties , or from them :, Their
heart was not right with God , neither were they Jledfaft in
the Covenant.
Ver. 38. 'But he being full ofcompajjion forgave
their iniquity f and dejiroyed theftl not : yea many a
time turned he his anger away, and did not ftirre up alt
bi$ Vvrach.
39. For he rcmembred that they were but fle/b , 4
mnde that paffeth away , and Cometh not agai»e.
40. How oft did they provoke him in the Wilder-
ne§e : and grieve him in the defer t ?
41. Tea, they turned back^ and tempted God : and li-
mited (be hoi j One vflfrael.
Pi In
212 PSAL. LXXVIII.
In the eighth place, he (heweth the Lords mcrcifull iparing of
his people many a rime, and pitying of their natural frailty, be-
cause if he mould hive killed them , they were not to live again
in this world , vcr. 38, 39. notwithstanding of their frequent
provocations in the wilderneife, their limiting of God 5 and ta-
king upon them to direct God what he mould do unto them, ver,
40, 41. Whence learn, u There is a remiflion of fin 3 in re-
gard onely of temporal judgement, Lev. 4. 20. which is in effect
onely the not inflicting temporall punifhment upon the (inner,
or the notdeftcoying of the (inner presently, the perfons remain-
ing the fame impenitent finners,fuch as was Gods pardoning here
of impenitent Ifrael, flattering and falfe-hearted Ifrxel: Em
be forgave their iniquity, z* It is not any good in the (inner,
but pity in God,which is rhe caufe of fparing finners from prcfenc
perdition, when they provoke the Lord ; But he being full of
companion forgave their iniquity y and deflroyed them not. 3 . The
Lord doth evidence his mercy and pity toward (inners , partly by
his often fparingto ftrike , and turning away of his wrath ready
to break out agiinft them; and partly by his mitigating his anger,
and not fullering it to break out in full force j {Many 1 time he
turned his anger arvjy , and did not ft ir re up all his wrath. 4« Let
men conceit of their own naturall ftrength as they lift , yet the
truth is,their frailty is great ; They are butfleJJ),and a vapour that
paffetb away, an i cometh not again: f . When no good at all is
found in man for which God ihould fpare him , he taketh oc-
casion of his frailty and mifery, whereuntoman is fubject 3 to pity
him : F or he rememhred that they were flefli, a wince thatpajfeth
away, and cometh not again. 6. The oftner fin be repeated , the
greater is the provocation ; and the greater is the mercy , that fo
often doth forbear todefttoy: and when the frequency of finning,
and frequency of fpaiing are numbred, the reckoning will not be
eafily ended , nor the number cendefcended upon > Pi ow oft did
they provoke him in the wilderneife 1 7. The finnes of Gods
people do greatly difplealc him , and that fo much the more , as
they are ottner repeated and committed contrary to what Gods
kindneffe and care requireth of them : How oft did they proio\e
bim in the wilderneffe ? and grieve him in the defoK? whe/e God
gave his daily p< e r ence,led them, fed them, and protected them
miiaculqufly. 3, .'. 1 >ngft other aggravations of fin, this is not
the lea ft, after con viction,and correction, and promile of amend-
ment , rcfolutely -o go back again to their vomit ; yea, they
urr.edfacfii and tempted Cjod, 9* The Lord cannot endure
that
PSAL. LXXVIII. 213
that his people who , ought wholly to depend upon , fubm 1 ^
unto him, and be ruled by him , mould prefcribe, as they pleafei
how and when he fhould help them , or fet bounds unto his pow-
er, truth, wifdom, or mercy 5 as if he could do no more then
they conceive to be probable. Therefore is it pat amongft the
higheft -aggravations of their fins; They tempted and limited the
holy One of I fuel,
Ver. 42. They remembred not his hand : nor the
day rphen he delivered them from the enemy*
43. How he had wrought his fignes in Egypt : and
his wonders in the field of Zoan :
In the ninth place, from this to ver. 54. he fetteth down the
prime caufe of all their fin and mifery , which followed upon it>
to wit, they marked not , nor made ufe of the difference which
God did put between them and the Egyptians , whom he did
plague for their caufe , while he delivered them. Whence leam y
1. When the merciful proofes of Gods refpect unto us , do not
confirm our faith in God , and tie us to love and obedience unto
him ; thefe experiences will foon wear out, if not out of common
memory, yet out of eilimative and affectionate memory : as here,
Tbey remembred not bis band, nor the day^ rvben be delivered tbem
from the enemy. 2. As the right remembrance of former mer-
cies may be a bridle from all finne , and a confirmation of faith
againft all doubtings and fufpicions of Gods good will to us : fo
the not rightly remembring of experiences ofGods refpect /hewed
unto us,doth prove an inlet to many wicked maftakings of God,
and difobediences to him: for here the caufe of the former fins
and plagues, is rendered to be this 5 Tbey remembred not his
handy nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy. $, Not
remembring the Lords Word and Works affectionately, and with
purpofe, and endevour to make right ufe thereof, is in the Lords
accompt no remembrance of him in effect : for of this people,
who could well tell the ftoryof their coming out 0? Egypt , and
fo had a common remembrance thereof, the Lord faith, Tbey re-
membred not his handy nor the day when he delivered tbem from the
enemy. 4 Signes and wonders once done for confirmation of the
doctrine of the true God and his Covenant and true Religion,
fhould fufiice in all times and ages after for that end : and it is
not lawful to tempt God ftill,to do moe wonders to; confirrnati-
V 3 «
2i4 PSAL. LXXVIII.
on of that truth; Thq rcmcmbrcd not 3 how be had wrought his
figves in Egypt , and his wonders in the f eld of loan* 5 . 1 he
X rds plagues on the enemies of the Church , being rightly rc-
membred 3 fhould warne Gods people to ftand in awe of him , de-
pend upon him, fubmit untohim ; and to be wary to contend with
him which ufe, when it is not made, it giveth a ground of chal-
le ige : Thy rcmcmbrcd not hew he bad wrought his fignes in
Eg)i> and his wonders in the field ofZoan.
Ver 44. And had turned their rivers into blood :
and their floods that they could not drinke.
43:. He fent divers forts of flies among them,
which devoured them : and frogs , -which deflroj-
ed thtm.
46. He gave dfo their increase unto the cater pil-
ler ; andthetr labour unto the locuft.
47. He defiroyed their vines with haile , and their
Sycamore-trees withfroft.
4?. He gave up their cat tell alfo to the haile : and
their flocks to hot thunderbolts.
49. hie caft upon them the fiercenejfe of his anger,
wrath and indignation, and trouble , bj fending evill
angels among them.
50. He made a Vcay to his anger ^ he fparednot
their foul from death : but gave their life over to the
pe ft He nee.
5 1. tsfnd fmote all the firft-borne in Egypt: the
chief 0/ their ftrcngtb in the tabernacles of Ham.
He numbereth cut fundry plagues poured out upon the Egypti>
CMS) whereby the Israelites fhould have been wife. From ver. 44.
Ltarv,i .The means of mens life comfort, wealth^and defence can
ftand them in no ftead 5 when God hath a contrcverrTe againft
them; The Lord can deprive them of the benefit thereof 3 and
turn benefits into the meanes of their grief and vexation , as he
* did the waters 0^ Egypt , which were the meanes of life and wealth
unto them : He turned their rivers into blood 3 and their floods >
ib.it they could not drin^. 2. By what means people do fin and
provoke
PSAL. LXXVIII. 215
provoke the Lord to wrath, he can by the fame meanes punifli
them. As the Egyptians had defiled their rivers with the blood of
the infants ofljracl, foGod did make their river fpeak iheirfin,
and threaten their death ; He turned their rivers into blood , and
their floods , that they could not drirAL
Fromx>er45 Learn 1. The meaneft and bafeft of the crea-
tures do declare the power of the Lord, and are fo fane from be.-
ine ufelefie, that they lie as it were in garifon among men,
to be fent out in parties upon fervice, as the God of hofisis plea-
Icd to give orders ; He fent divers forts of flies arftmgtbcm , and
frogs, z. Flies and frogs , and every me^neft verminc . are too
lore for man , when God doth arm them to avenge his quarrel;
He fent out flies which devoured' them, and frogs which defiroyed
them', that is, which were about to deftroy them, and were able
enoug 1 -. for the work, and were acknowledged to be fobythc
Egyptians , who did reckon themfelves loft men , if thefe armies
fliould not be taken ofFthem.
From iw. 46^47,48. Learn, u When God isnotacknow-
ledged to be the giver of corn and cattel, and fruits of the ground,
byarightulingofthem, he will be known to be the giver there-
of, by removing of them ; He deftroyed their increafc, labour,
vines, and cattell. 2. The Lord hath meanes how to deftroy
and take away the fiuits of the ground ,and other ferviceable crea-
tures at- his pleafui e ; The caterpiller, the lociifts, quail, frofl, and
thunderbolts.
From ver. 49. Learn, 1. The plagues of Gods enemies areou?
of mec: juftice, and not trom fatherly love , as the ftrokes of his
own choien are j He caft upon the Egyptians the ferceneffe of hk
anger, i. Trouble of it felfe is not lb heavy, as when indigna-
tion and wrath is joyned with it, or fendethit forth ; He caft up-
on them the ficr cent jfe of his anger, wrath , and indignation , and
trouble. $. As the Lord hath good Angels, bywhomhecaa
work his own will ; fo hath he alfo cvill angels , whofe fervice he
can ufe holily to his own purpofe ; He cafl the fierccneffe sf his
wrath upon them, by feuding cvill angels among them.
From ver. 50, 51. Learn, i. When the Lords judgements
lighting upon mens houfts, corncs cartel, and fruit-trees, do not
humble men, the Lord doth make his judgement light upon their
ownperfons; and when lighter judgements on their perfons do
not yet humble r hem, then God will deftroy their lives, and rheit?
laft plagues fhall be heavier then the fir ft J as here, when for*
mcr pla?ues did not the turn , the Lord hid aiidc former pitying
V 4 the
2\6 PSAL. LXXVIII.
a • : long-fuffering , arid fo /;c w^ic away for his anger , /;* //u~
rei not their foul I ft omr'c atk, but gave their life over to thtpefti-
lai c. i. As he perfecutors of Gods people do finite that which
God -oveth beft , fo doth Gcd fmite that which perfecutors love
beft > He Jmoteall the frft-bonic in Egypt. 3. The curfc of
God coming upon the Egyptians, thepoiterity of Cham, com-
mendcth the grace of God toward the Ifraditcs , the poitei ity of
Sera his brother : Therefore in oppofition ro the tabernacles of
the Jfraelitcs in the land of Go fan , it is faid, He (mote the
chief of their ftrevgth in the tabernacles of Cham.
Ycv. 52, But fnade his owne people to go forth
like Jheep ; and guided them in the mlderneffe like
a flecks
53. And he led them on fafely , fo that they fear *
ed not : but the fea overwhelmed their enemies.
This was the Lords dealing with the enemies of Ifrael,
whereof the Ifraelites made no right ufe. Now hee fetteth
down the Lords different dealing with lfrael, whereof al- .
fo they made no right ufe 5 when hee hath plagued arid
drowned the Egyptia7is 3 hee gave Ifracl fafe pailage and
condud through the fea 5 Whence learn , 1. Whatfoever be
the unworthineife of Gods confederate people , yet the Lord
putteth a difference between them and their enemies . and
tcflifieth his refpect to the one above the other : the Egyp-
tians he did divcrfe waves' plague $ But be made his owne
people go forth like jheep. 2. Though the Lords people be
both weak and witleffe , yet God careth for them 3 as a
ihepherd doth for his fleck •, He made his own people to go
forth a? Jheep 3 and guided them in the wildernejj'e as a flocfy.
3. Albeit the Lord doth put difference between fuch as are in
Covenant with him in the letter onely, and thofe that are
in Covenant with him in the fpirit alio, when he compareth
the fheep with the goats : yet when he compareth the whole
bulk of his people with the reft of the world, and in fpecial
with their enemies, he putteth a peculiar rclpecl: upon them
all j and avoweth his intcreft in them aU above all people
in the world, and doth for them, as for his owne, he n.adt
his omie people to go forth- 4- Whatfoever fear may poflibly
fall upon Gods people when they are following his directi-
ons.
PSAL. LXXVIII. 217
ons, yet their courfe is . fafe and without juft ciufc of fear,
anJ if at fome time fear do fuiprilc them , yet the Lord fo
clcaicth their way after that , that they .are out of feu $ He
led them on fifcly , fo that they feared not. 5. The perdi-
tion of the world and the wicked enemies maketh the fafe-
ty of thofe that are faved fo much the greater benefit : hh
people feared nut 3 but \be fea overwhelmed their enemies.
Vcr. 54. And he brought them to the border of
his Santluary, even to this mountain which bis right
hand had purchafed.
5«J. He caft out the heathen al[o before them^ and
divided them an inheritance hj line : and made the
tribes of Ifrael to dwell in their tents.
In the tenth place 3 hepointcth at the perfecting of their jour-
ney through the wilderneffe, and poiTeffing them in Canaan^ with
the cafting out of the Canaaniics. Whence learn , 1; Whatfo*
ever become of particular perfons in the vifible Church , the
Lord doth follow on the courfe of his care and kindnefle unto
the Church, and encreafeth the obligation of the incorporation
in the fucceeding ages , partly by what he doth for their predecet-
fors , and partly by what he doth for thcmfclves , as we fee in
the Church of Ifrael: whatfoever became of misbelievers in the
wilderneffe, he brought his own people to the border of bis San-
ctuary, a. Albeit we mould fight for the liberty of a place,wherc
Gogs ordinances rany be publickly celebrated 3 and lhed our
blood in coming by its yet is the commodity not our purchafe,but
the Lords purchafe, and the Lo ds gift to us 5 He brought them to
this -muntain which bit right band hath pur chafed. 3. Succcffe
in warre is the Lords work , and fuch as are difpoffeiled of their
inheritance, have God to crave for it ; He caft out the heathen al-
fo before them. It is neither the ftoutneile of the one , nor the
feeblenefle of the other , but Gods hand or pow^r which doth
thebulinefle. 4. The fetUfig of a people in a peaceable pcflefli-
pr\y lo as every manmiy without contention enjoy what is allow-
ed him of God, is no fmall benefit and obligation of a people fo
dealt with by God : He divided them an inheritance by lot , and
made the tribes of Ifrael dwell in their tents*
Vcr. 16.
2x8 PSAL, XXXVIII.
Ver. 56. Yet they tempted arid provoked the mop
High God, and kept not hi* teflimonits H
57. Hut turned back? and dealt unfaithfully Ukje
their fathers : the) mere turned afide like a deceitful
bowe.
58. For they provoked him to anger with their high
places y and moved him to jealoujie ftitb their graven
images.
In the eleventh place 3 hefetteth down, how this people yet
again provoked the Lord to anger with their idolatry and fu-
perftition , their high places and their graven images : for when
God had appointed one place for their folemn worftiip, to wic,
his Tabernacle, where his Ark and Mercy~fe.it was, fignifying
the neceffity of worshipping him, through thepromifed Medi-
atour Jefus Chrift, in whom alone he would be fought and
found, and in whom he would have all his people agreeing, and
ittcndingh ; s appointment, ah/l not to devifewayes of pleafing
of God by themfelves 5 they would have a place of their own for
pnblick worfliip, high places, or hills and groves, which plea-
fed them better then Mount $hn 9 or the place where the Ta-
bernacle was pitched. They would have reprefentations of their
own deviling, and loved them better then the Aik of the Co-
venant, to wit, graven images, which God had forbideeninthe
moral law, and fo they provoked him to anger* Whence
le&rnCy 1. Such is the wickednefle of natural men, that neither
for judgements nor for favour fhewen to them, will they rub-
bed therrifelvcs to Gods direction, but will take upon them to
fet rules unto God one way or other : This the Prophet fhew-
eth in the example of the Ifraelites : let thy tempted and pr 01,0-
kedthemojl High God. 1. When God giveth his Word and
Ordinances for his worfhip to a people, and they will caft away
this rule, and make another to themfelves, it is a tempting of
God, and a ftriving with the mod High God, whether he (hall
direct them, or they mall direct: him in the meanes of his wor-
fhip 5 They provoked the mofl High God; How? Thcj^cptnot
Us tcft monies $ . Altering or changing the forme of worfhip
which God hith appointed, is a relinquifhing of God and his
way, a point of treachery againfl him, and a notable breach of
Covenant
PSAL. LXXVIII. 219
Covenant; They kept not bis tejlimonies, but turned back ^i
dale unfaithfully. 4. Following of antiquity in an errour isfo
farrc from the excufing of finne, that it makes the children
liable to their fathers debt and deferved punifhment, becaufe they
approve their fathers and their deeds, above God and Gods te-
stimonies ; They dealt unfaithfully like tbeir fathers. 5. The
Service of the wicked is like a bowe; they will do nothing com-
manded, but by compulfion; and like a deceitful bowe, which as
it hath a caft or throw in it, and doth fhift the arrow afide from
the mark, whereunto it is directed: fo rhey will aim at another
mark then God doth direct them unto; They were turned afide
like & deceitful bowe* 6. The alteration of the rule of worfhip
prefcribed by God, is a provocation of God to anger, were it
butinacircumftance; They provoked him to anger with their
bighplaces. 7. Such as take liberty to themfelves to depart
from the ordinances of God in the IefTe, will depart alfo from
him in the greater: They provoked God to auger with tbeir high
places, and moved him to ]ealoufie with their graven images.
8 Howfoevcr men do dream that they may make good life of pi-
ctures & graven images,, to further them in devotion and the fer-
vice of God, who is reprefentcd thereby, and that they mindc
not to communicate any of his worfhip to the images, yet the
Lord doth count that religious ufe of images no lefle then adul- .
tery, and matter of bitter provocation 5 as the word imports:
Partly, becaufe it is impoflible not to communicate divine wor-
fhip to the images, before which a man doth bow himfelf, of
purpofe to be ftirred up by it, to worfhip God reprefentcd by it ;
Partly, becaufe the devifer andufer of this fort of relative wor-
fhip, haththruft himfelf in the Lords place, to whom only it
belongeth to prefcribe how he will be worfhipped ; or at leaft he
hath admitted another Lord then God, in the appointing of the
means of Religion j And partly, becaufe the Lor J exprefMy de-
claeth, tha: by graven images he is provoked juftly to jealoufic;
Therefore (faith he) they moved him tojealoufie with their gra-
ven images.
Ver. 5£. when God beard this , he was wrath f and
greatly abhorred Ifrael.
60. So that heforfook the Tabernacle of Shiloh:
the tent which he flaced among mn.
6 1. And delivered his ft rength into captivity, and
his glorj into the enemies ha* ■'. i 2.
220 PSAL.L^XVIII.
62. He gave his people over alfo unto the feorh:
and Was wroth with his inheritance.
63. The fire confumed their yomgmen : and their
maidens were not given to marriage.
64. Their Priejisfellbj the [Word: and their wi-
done 3 made no lamentation.
In the twelfth place, he declareth how the Lords wrath was
kindled,?/. 5 9. and how he took his Ark from Sfc/Vofr .where it was
abufed in Elies time, vet. 60. and gave his Ark (the dgneofhis
ftrength or powerful prefence among them,) into the Philifiines
hands, vet. 61. made his people fall in battel, vet. 6 2. the young
men died in battel, and io maids wanted matches, ver* 63,
their Priefts were (lain, and their wives made no lamentation
forthem, 1 Sam. 4. %z. in comparison of greater loffes,ttfr. 64.
Whence learn, 1. Corrupting of Gods worlhip and ordinances,
is a finne crying for judgement, which voice God will anfwer i
JVbzn God heard this be wis wroth, z. The Lord goeth not
' raftily to judgement;bmt as it were«after perfect underftanding of
thecaufe: when god beard tbtijhe was' wroth, g. Were a people
or perfon never to deare to God, tuperftttionandimagerie, and
abufingof his.publick worihip, will provoke him to jealoufie a-
gainft them, and draw forth fuch judgements as will fpeak
the Lords abhorring them for that (innej And be greatly ab-
horred lfrxcl.
From ver 60 . Leatne, 1. When the pub! ike ordinances, the
tokens of the Lords prefence, are removed from any place, the
Lordremoveth, and forfaketh th at place > So thatbeforfooiitbi
Tabernacle of Shiloh $ where the Ark had been till Elies death,
2. It isinv3infor any to boaft of Gods prefence in anyplace,
when once his publick ordinances are polluted $ lie forfoofi
Shiloh, the tent which he placed amongmen.
From vet- 61. Lcarue, 1. When Gods people abufe Religion,
and pollute his ordinances, no wonder he make their open ene-
mies to deprive them therof,as here we fee. 2.The Lords people
cannot promife unto thcmfelves the continuance of the manifc-
ftation of the Lords ftrength and the Lords glory among them,
longer then they doeftecm of him,and advance him as their glo-
ry and thei'- ftrength ; for when ifracl tempted God. kept not his
lefti monies, and moved him to jealoufie, be delivered over his
ftrcngtb into captivity 3 and his glory )nto the enemies bands.
From
PSAL.LXXVIII. 2ai
fioro vcr. 62. Lear?/, When enemies get advantage againft
Gods people by re'afon of \nk\t provocation of God , and
when the enemies of Religion get?owcr over Gods people, fo
farre as to deprive them of themeanes oi Religion j the Lords
anger will be more againft his people who were the caufesof
this wrath,' then againftthc enemies who were the inftru-
ments of tHe execution of the wrath; and therefore befide the
takin ' away of his ordinances from his people, he will fend bis
vengeance upon them alio ; fie gave his people over alfo unto the
(wordy and was wroth with bis inheritance.
From ver.Cs. Lcarne, i.When the Lord fendeth the fwori
on a land, he can foonconfume the flower of the youth as with a
fires Tiie fire c .nfnmcd the yoUng men. 2. When Religion is
overthrown among Gods people, lee net rhc Common-wealth
think to ftand j when God gave his glory into the enemies
hand , be ijvt Us people ever aljb unto the [word, and the fire
cov famed their young men. 3 . When Gods people by abufing of
Religion do provoke God againft them, it mall be no wonder
if God pivc them fuch fad blcwes by their enemies, that there
(hall be no hepe for one age at Leaft to recover their eftatc; and
no wonder if there be fearful appearance alfo of cutting ofTthepo-
fteiicy : The fire con fumed their young mc?h and their maidens
were not given to marriage.
From vcr. 64. Learn, i.It isamongft the fearful left tokens
o"f Gods difpleafurc againft a land, when he removeth his Mi-
nifters from them, efpecially when the good are taken away with
the bads Their Pricfts fellhy the [word. 1. When the Mini-
ftersare the abufers of Religion, and chief in the provocation,
no wonder to fee them alio txemplarily punimed 5 for as Hephni
an&'hinebas made the facri fleet o be inufted at, fo God made
ther carcafes fall in the battel ; Their Priefls fell by the fwori,
3, When Gods wrath breaks forth againft his own people for
|heir provocations, he can mcke publike calamities fo great, as
they fhall fwallow up domeftick miseries : yea he an make thofc
rhat live, and are referved from thefword, fo weary of their
lives, as they fhall reckon the dead to be more happy then the
living ; Their triefts fell by the [word, and their widows mad$
no lamentation.
Ver. 65. Then the Lor A awakfd** one ont of jlcep:
and lik* a mighty man that jhomcth by reajen of
vine* 66.
sir PSAL. LXXVIII.
66. sAndhe [motehi* enemies in the hinder parts :
be put them to a perpetual reproach.
In the thirteenth place , he fheweth how nctwiijiftanding
of all the former provocations and fore judgements^ the Lord of
his own free grace, by taking vengeance upon his Enemies, re-
ftored his pecple to the priviledges of Church and Kingdom,
Whence learn, j. Howfoevcr the t-ords pecple draw on judge-
ments upon themfelves, and defetv*e to be left in their miferies ;
yet God of his free and conftant love to them,' fendeth relief
when they ieaft expect j, as here is to be l'een> when his people
is in a moft defperate condition , Then the Lordawafitth. 2. As
people do fleep Lecurely in their fin, when God . doth call them
to repentance : fo it is juftice with God to misken them in their
calamity, and to be unto them as one aflecp, as here he is defcri-
bed. 5. God doth not fo farre wink at the troubles o( his own
people, but the cry of their mifery, andtheinfolency of the e-
nemy again ft them, will awake him. When ifwl is now as a
loft people, and their enemies have taken Gods Ark , Tbentbe
Lord awaked as one out of Jleepe, and li^ea mighty man that
flmued becatife of wine. 4. Whatfoever weak Similitude the
Scripture ufeth to make us conceive fomewhat of the Lords
operations, yet muft we alwayes think of him, as befeemeth th€
glory of his majefty, leaving the imperfection of the creature,
(from which the fimilitude is borrowed) as the dregs of the
companion, to reft with the creature it felf, as here we are led to
do, except we mould think blafphemous thoughts of God.
5. Albeit the enemies of Gods people may be at eafe, whenhvs
people are in trouble, and lying under their feet, yec God will
arifc in due time and punifli them $ The Lord awa\ed y and [mote
bis enemies in the binder farts. 6. The difhonour done to God,
and to Gods people, is but for a time, and is fhortly removed*
hut.therecompence of the enemie which do dishonour God 5 is
perpetual and everlafting > He fmotc his enemies intbe binder
farts 5 to wit, with Emerodsand a bloody flux > And jo be put
thorn to a perpetual reproach*
Ver. 6j. Moreover^ he refufed the tabernacle of
fofeph : andebofe not the tribe of Ephraim,
(58. <But
PSAL. LXXVIII. i2 ?
61. Butchofethe tribe of Judith : the Mount Sion
Which he loved.
69. And he built his Sanlluary like high palaces:
like the earthVvhich he hath eftablijhed for ever.
jo. Me chofe David alfo his fervant y and took him
from the ffjeepfolds '
71. From following (he ewes great with youngl
he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Ifrael hit
inheritance.
72. So he fed them according to the integrity of
his heart : and guided them by the faithfulneffe of his
hands.
Inthclaft place is fee down, how albeit the Lord did not
return to Shilob with his Ark ver. 67. yet he flayed in the land
among his people, and placed his Ark in JerHfalem, and built
himfelf a glorious Temple and Sanctuary on Sion, ver. 68,69.
and fetled his people under the government of T^avid, a type
of (Thrift, exalted from an humble and lew condition, to be
King of Ifrael, ver 70, 71. by whom the people were well go-
verned, ver. 72,.
r From, ver. £7. 63. Learnc, f • The Lord can fo temper his
jufticc and mercy in his dealing with his people as the efte&s of
bo h fhall be manifeft : tfecaufe he was fo di/bonourcd in Shi-
lob, bcrwilThave his jufticc feen, in not fuftlring his Ark to
come there again any more; Moreover, be refufed the Tabernacle
cfjofepb, and cbofc not the tribe ofEpbraim \ to wit, for the tribe
that he would moft refpecl, or where he would have the red-
dence of his Ark to be£ there is his juftice. Again., he will
not forfake the land v or the people of Jfrael altogether, but will
dwell in fomc other part ot the land, and will take another tribe
to have the chief evidence of his refpect fhewen unto them 3
Sut he cbofc the tribe of Judab : there is his mercy, with an in*
finuation of the main means of the mercy , which is the coming
of Chrift in theflefh, out of thetribe of tfudab; Thus God
will not depart from Ifrael, and yet he will not be found fave in
the tri be of fudab, oik of which came Chrift, the root and
fountain of mercy, to all Ifrael, who mall feck unto 1 *od through
him 2. Wnatloever be thepriviledge of th: Church univer-
fal, ye: noparticular place is ibpriviled^ed, but Gxi will leave
i2 4 PSAL/LXXVIIX.
it, and take another to dwelUn, when he is provoked in any
particular place to forfake it :fof the difhonour done to his Ma]e-
fty in Shilob, he rcfufed the Tabernacle oftfofepb ; he refilled that
ftis.Ark. the chief figne of his prcfence, mould have its refi-
dence anymore in tho- bounds- of Epbrairn or Manaffeh, the
(onsof tfofepb*- $. The caufe'why God chufeth unto any pri-
viledge, one tribe more then another, oroneperfon rather then
another, or one place rather then^ another, is only his own free
will, grace and love ; He chofv the tribe of fudab, the Mount
Siou which be loved.
Vzomver. 69. Learn, 1. In the type of the building of the
Temple on mount Sion, we are taught that the Church of God
is his own edifice, who ever be the workmen,whom he in his pro-
vidence doth imploy to build it. Therefore is it faid , He built
bit fanftuary Ufa high Palaces. 2. Albeit the Lords Church
may have many troubles and commotions in it , yet fhall it en-
dure and net be overthrown utterly for ever 5 He built bis fan-
ftuary as the earthy which he bath eftablijhd for ever.
From, Kcr. 70, 71. Learn, 1. The Church lhall not want
a King to defend and protect her, for God hath his own cho-
fen fervant appointed for the purpofe. As for the typical King-
dome of Ilrael he had David : io for the Church univerfal, re-*
prefentcd by the type,hehath appointed Chrift the eternal Sonne
of God.who took his humane nature of the lineage of David, to
be King myfticall in Sion for ever ; to be a type of whom, be did
cboefe David his fervant. 2, The Lord to the intent he may not
oneiy fhew his tovereignepowcr,whereby he can raife the mean-
eft of men, and exalt them how high foever he pleafeth, but al-
fo to repreient from how low a degree of humiliation Chrift in-
carnate was to be raifed to the government of his Church and
Kingdome, he fctteth down the mean condition ot life , wherc-
from David wasraifed to the royal dignity of governing Ifrael:
He toofi him from the fheep folds, from following the ewes great
with young* be brought him to feed Jacob bis people, And Ifrael
bis inheritance.
From, Ver- 72. Learn, The duties and properties of a good
King are thcfe.Firft, He mud refolve to be Gods fervant in his
charge,as David was. Seconl . All his iubjects^nd in fpecial the
Lords people, muft be cared for by him in a civil way, as x flock
Oi flieep is cared for by the Pattour: David fed them. Thirdly, A
Kings heart muft be fet uprightly tor Gods honour , and for -the
fttb;e&s welfare in the whole courfe of his government > He fed
' tbm
PSAL. LXXIX. 22 j
tlcm according to the in'cgrityofhk hart, Fourthly, a King
mull deal prudently with his fubjc&s, accomodating the whole
courfe of his dealing with them, as their feveral conditions do re-
quire : He guided them by the sliilfuhicjfc of bis binds. And
whatfoever meafure D*rj/i hid of thofe properties, were but a
jfhadow of the perfections oi Chrift in his Governmenti
Fifthly, neither lawes, nor teaching, nor miracles, norbenefitsj
nor judgments can avail unto the falvation ofa people or perfon>
till they be put under the hand and guiding of Chrift 5 as we
are taught here in the example and repi efentation of the Lords
dealing with Ifrael i:i this Tfdmc , wherein when God hath
tried his people with oft repeated mercies and judgements, they
c>me to no fetled eftate, till they be put under the Government
of ZJ*2vii,w"hointhisis a type of Chrift. For he clofeth with
this, be guided them by the slylfulncjfc of bis hmds.
' PSAL. LXX I X.
A Ffdmc of +*fafb.
THe fcattered and captive people of God , after the de-
ft udion of Jferufdem and of the Temple, do put up
a pitiful comphint unto God, to vcr. 6. and do pray for at
merciful rcliefe to his Church, and for avenging their blood
upon their enemies. As for the complaint , in It they la-
ment four things. Firft, the profanation and defolation of the
Lords inheritance and Temple by the heathen their enemies,
vcr. i Secondly, the barbarous cruelty and inhumanity ufed a-
g.unftthem, vcr 3 2, 3, Thirdly, the contempt and mocking of
their wicked neighbours in their mifery, w. 4. Fourthly, as
they acknowledge this to proceed from Gods difplcafu're j
10 they lament that it is like to be everlafting, vcr. 5.
In their payer, in the latter part of the Tfihtie , thc^
crave: Firft, juftice upon their enemies, vcr. 6. j* Secondly,
Sjardon of their own Cns , and deliverance out of their miicry,
or Tundry rcafons, vcr, 8, 9, io, n. Thirdly., that God
wold reward their inhumane neighbours who movked at their
mifery, ver. 12. And do clofe their petition with a pVomifc
ofpraile and thanks unto God by the Church in all iucceed-
ingages. Whence turn in general, 1. The Church- of Qoi
thay be brought fc low, as here we fee enceit was i- Scrawny
Q_ of
a 15 PSAL. LXXIX.
of Gcds people as Hvc to fee fuchpublike ;;1 .ar.ities ~nd mifcry,
muft not delp M: e ' t a recovery, but fhoi.u n\d may i nn to Jd
ar.d pray for the Church in affliction, expecting order ^e. coti-
fufion, and after difflparion, 10 Ice | gathering o Gp^s P^opl*
agiin , an ^ after appr-cnt cveirhro.v of R 1 gi ....< a ;ftowg
of Gods puMick worfhip, as theexampku .iV: Pfalmjftil this
Pfalm doth teach, whofe courage and confidence \»( o* \.. rJief
of thcLorus people is wonde: ful,as the condition of the Church
at that time feemed to be defp^ratc.A> the holy Ghoft.the en .liter
of this P.alm, doth give warning here to ail Chinches in all
ages, to beware to provoke the Lord unto wrath, kit he ieal
with them, as he dealt with thofe Ifraelitcs : fo doth he ^ive
warrant to all afflicted Churches, to foilow the example of this
afflicted Church, to run to God for help: for which caufe he
huh given this Pfalme to be madeufe of by the Church k A
Pjalmc of Afaph.
Ver. I • f "\ Cod, the heathen are come into thine
\~r inheritance % thy holy fwpte have
they etc filed % thej have laid Jerufalem on heapes.
In the firft part of this Lamentation ; Lexrn, i . Albeit there
be no place nor perfon , h>w near and dear foevcr unto God,
exempted from judgement when they are polluted , yet the
wicked i instruments of the judgement poured out upon the place
and perfons confederated to God, may juitly be compl'inedot 3
as here we fee s God, the heathen arc come into thine inherit-
ance, z* When Gods people, who mould be holy, defile them-
felves and Gods Ordinances; it is no won.'cr that by prophane
perfons theybepunifhed , and their holy things polluted 3 Thy
holy Temple have they defied j that is, they have abufed it, dealt
with it, as a vile and profane thing. $. Albeit people in
Covenant wiih Gcd have difgraced their holy profeflion, and
polluted his ordinances, and be juftly plagued by feeing holy
ordinances pat over in the hands of profane men for their
caufe, yet neither will the Lord diiclaime his inte.cft in his own
ordinances, nor do his people loie right and intereft in God and
in his ordinances, when they take with their punifliment, and do
make their addreife to God for rclicfe J Thy holy Temple have
tbey defiled- 4. When G od giverh over religious ordi nances in
the hands of profane men to be abufed, no wonder if they that
a:e
PSAL. LXXIX. 227
arc theciufcofthis, do fuirer in their civil ftatealfoj no won-*
der the City fuffer with the Temple: -ferujhlem have they laid
9/1 baps.
Ver. 2. The dead bodies of thy fervants have
they given to be m?at unto the fowles of the hea-
ven : the flejh of thy Saints unto the beafts of
the earth.
3. Their Blood have they /bed like water round
About Jerufalem , and there was; nine to bury
them.
From the fecond part of the lamentation and complaint $
Lam, 1. Falling in battel before the enemies mayprovethac
Godhathajuft caufe againft the party overcome, but cannot
prove that the victors caufe is good , pre fuppofc both parties had
appealed to God : for here the heathen do overcome, and the
Lords fervants and Saints are flaine, and they who are left a-
live do complaincofthe victors, and take with their puniih-
. ment at Gods hand, who doth follow his own Quarrel as he
pleafeth , and will not at mens pleafurc fit down and decide
appellations, when they call to him, or ihnd unto the time
fet down by men to him, to determine their controverfie : . 0.
God,tbe heathen arc come into thine inheritance, ,&c. The dead
bodies of thy fervants have they given to be meat to the fogies.
2. Heavy and fearful are the judgements temporal., which may
come upon Gods people, When they have provoked God to
Wrath againft them for their fmnes, even fuch' as are here fet
dovyn, to wit, overcurning of the" outward face of Religion 5
defiru&ion or their lands, cities and cftate, killing of than,
in abundance , and want of burial when they are dead. $• As
not by outward profperitie, fo aTfo not by outward calamities, is
the love or hatred of God to be known j the fame fort of out-
ward difpcn.fation may befall both ; The dca.l bodies of thy [cr- t
v&nts they have given to be meat to the forties of heaven. , 4. No
temporal wrath not calamines what Loe ver can feparate the Lords
children from Gods love and eft'imationof them, nor untie the re-
lations between God and them ; for here , albeit their carcafes
fall,8c be devoured with the fowls of the heaven and beaftsof the
*arth,yet remaine they the Lords fcrvants>and Saints under tfoefe
fufferings:M?e dead bodies of thy fervants &>cJtbcftcjh of thy Saints*.
J; Thirflkughtcr of the Lords people, and the Lca;:cnng : of fuch.
228 PSAL. LXXIX.
asefcape of them may be fo great , when his anger is kindled
againft them, that none may be found to bury the flaine, but the
dead may lie unburied ; Their blood have they jhei Ufa water
round about Jerufalem , and there was none to bury them.
6. Nothing is to be expected of Gods enemies towards Gods
people when they fall in their hands,but favage cruelty and bar-
barous inhumanity , for which they are toanfwemntoGod, to
whom the complaint of the living and the cry of the blood
of the flaine doth call for vengeance, as the experience of
the Lords people in this place doth teach.
Ver* 4. Wt are become a reproach to our neigh-
bours : a fcorne and derifion to them that are round
about tu.
From the third part of the complaint and lamentation* Leam y
1. In the day of Gods difpleafnre againft his people, yea in
the day of the trial of the faith and patience of his people ,, no
wonder that fuch as ihould mod pity our calamity, and be com-
fortable unto us, rejoyce to fee us in mifery , yea and make our
calamity a matter of reproach to us , a matter 01 fcorne and de-
1 ifion of us ; for here it is faid , We are become a reproach to our
neighbours , a fcorne and derifion to them that are round about us.
1. When God doth afflict his people, all their priviledges, and
the Religion which they profeile, do become contemptible and
ridiculous to the ungodly, who do not efteem either of Gods
ordinances or of his people , but when they are adorned with
outward profperity. The Lords people were feared and honour-
ed by them that were about them, when God did fight for them,
and countenanced them; but now they lament , Wc are become &
repoach to our neighbours , a fcorne and derifion to them that are
round about m . 3. To be mocked in miiery, and fpeciallyof
them by whom we fhould be comforted, is amongft the faddeft
paffages of our affliction : Therefore here , is this part of their
lamentation fet down, after the formerly mentioned mifery,
as a load above a burden, and that which did imbitter
their forrow moft of all, becaufe it did reflect upon their Religi-
on, their faith, their intercft in God , as if all had been
ridiculous.
Ven 5. How tong^ Z0R1), wilt thou be an»
£, T J 7 je r *wr ? foatt thyjealoujic burne like fire ?
From
PSAL. LXXIX. 22?
From the fourth part of the lament at ion 5 Learn, 1. The Lords
difpleafure and anger againft his people, is more heavy to them
then all the calamities which have lighted on them; How
long wilt thou be angry? putteththe capftone on their prifon-
hotilc. 2. Guilty confeiences cannot but apprehend wrath ,
when their plagues are heavy, yea they cannot efcape a conflict
with the fear of everlafting wrath, when his hand doth lie long
upon them; How long.Lorif Wilt thou be angry for ever?
5. When Gods people do fall from their matrimonial Covenant
with God, and their heart and eyes do go a whoring after idols,
no wonder the Lord be jealous, and his wrarh for this be moft
hot, and be like to devour unto utter deftr ad ion : Shall thy j ea-
louficburne like fire? 4. W hat foever hath been our calamity,
whofoever have been the inftruments of our mifery, yea how
great foever our provocation of Gods anger hath been : it is
wifdome^asto expound all the malice and cruelty of men to be
theeffe&s of Gods anger and jealouGe, and that his anger
andjealoufie is kinledby ourfinnes: fo to runne to God , and
lament the whole matter before him,and deprecate his wrath >
as the Church doth here ; How long. Lord ? Wilt thou be angry
for ever?
Vet. 6 % Pottre cut thy -wrath upon the heathen
that have not fyioton thte y and upon the kingdomes
have not called upon thy Name.
7. For thej have devoured Jacob , andlatdwajtc
his dwelling place.
In the latter part of the Tfalme Is their prayer; and firft,
for juftice and vengeance on their enemies. Whence learn, 1.
Albeit it be not lawful tor u» in our own quarrel to pray
againft our enemies, yet in the Churches quarrel , in the Lords
quarrel it is lawful to pray in general againft the incorri-
gible and deiperate enemies of God and his people , as here the
Church is taught. 2. Albeit temporal judgements may overtake
Gods vifible Church,when the open enemies ofGods people ?n&
of his true worfhip arc fpared , yet at length the fulnefle of
wrath is referved for the ungodly > one and all : Poure out thy
wrath upon the heathen that have not fyiown thee. $ Prayer to
Gcdpnd invocation of his Name upon all occafions, as Gods
Q^i ' honouy
230 PSAL. LXXIX,
honour and mens neceffities and duties publiek, private > and
fecrct do call' them to come before him , ija maik differencing'
Gods people from the ungodly > whether profeiTed or real hea-
thens , and am a. k of inch as (hall finde mevcy diftinguifhing
them from the object of Gods wrath : Tourc out thy wratb upon
theKjngiomcs that have not called on thy N me. 4. Unto the
right worfhipping of God the true knowledge of God is requi-
red : for how thall men call upon pod in whom they believe
not , whom they know not , or whom to know they care not ?
Therefore fuchas are ft: angers from God here , are 'defcribed by
this, they have not known thce } thy hfee not called on thy 7 }{ame.
5. The members of a viable Church may be fcattered one irom
another, that they cannot in one place joyntlyand profeil'edly
enjey publick Ordinances ; as here> $acob is devoured , and his
dwellingplaceluidrvaftc. 6. The hcavieft article in the ditty
of the ungodly is their being either acccfl'ory to , or active in the
overthrow of Gods people ; Pourc out thy rvratb on tbcntj for they
have devoured Jacob } xnd laid waftc bis dxvcllingplace.
Vcr. 8. remember not againfl m former iniqM-
ties : let thy tender mercies f pee dtly prevent us : for
ive are brought very low. ;
p* Help M , God of our falvation , for the
the glory of thy Name: and deliver tu , and p urge
away our fxnnes for thy Names fakf*
1 10# Wherefore fbould the heathen fay y Where is
their God ? let him be k^owne among the heathen in
hur fight , \>y the revenging of the blood eft hy fer-
vants tyhich is fh'd.
I f. Let ihejighing of the frifoner come before thee>
according to the greatneffe of thy power : preferve thoti
thofe that are appoinisd td die, 7 «
5 econdly, they pray for pardon of their fins, and delivery from
themifery which their fins had pibcurcd i unto which Yt ition*
fundry reafons are added for ftrengthening of the faith of the
Church, tf^w* lcarnc,i.ThQ fenfc of fin maketh the afflicted to
fee patient^ and fubmiffivc unto God without murmuration, and
their
PSAL. LXXIX. 231
their lamentation for 1 hei mifcry AatbrtefolVe in prayer, and in a
praver for remiffion or" fin; remember not again ji us former
iniquities* 2. The onely right way to remedy a miferaolecon-
d it ion, is ro (ire for remifiion of fins , and for the renewed evi-
dence or reconciliation : ror before the Church here do ask any
thing for their outward delivery, rheypray , remember not
agzinft rtr former in; quit id. 3. A peoples long continuance in fin
doth turniih ground of fear of the long continuing of begun
wrath and ju.i^ement upon them, and therefore they pay for the
fbrgtairtg of their fin, that the quarrel being the judgement may
be removed; remem'er not againjl us our former iniquities.
4. When warrh and juftjee are like to confumeus , and quickly
make an end of us, a refuge is open ro us in Gods tender mercies,
who earner deftroy utterly a (inner Acting to his mercy ; Let thy
tc;i:hr mercies ipecdily prevent us , for roe ire brought very low.
5. When the Lords people a-c brought low, let thtm not look
for a lifting up or relieft , except from God oncly , therefore fay
they , hee , Help us. Lord. 6. Such as have laid hold oa
God for falva< io-n promifed in the Covenant , may alfo look for
particular deliveries out ofparticular troubles j as appendices of
the main benefit of f dvation ; Therefore , Help , vs> God of
Our folvation } fay they. 7. When men do ask any thing , the
granting whereof may glorify God , they may confidently expeel
to hive it ; and in fpeciall, when God maybe to glorified , is his
people may al fo be peferved aja/1 comforted : Help us (iiy they)
for tkc glory of thy Njmc , and deliver us. 3. As the consci-
ence of lin ufeth to ftcp in oftner between us and mercy, fo mull
we call oftner for remifiion of finne > for earned affection can
double and treble the fame Petition without babling : Deliver
ics, and purge iway our fins. 0. It is the glory of the Lord to for-
get fin , and when remifiion ofl^nnes is prryed for according
to Godspromife, the Lords glory is engaged for the helping of
faith to obtain ; Furgearvay our fin for thy Name* fahji. 10. Ido-
laters are ready to infult over Gods people and their religion, ar>d
over Godalfo, when the Church is afflicted, and this diftto*
nour of God true Saints cannot endure; 1Vl?creforc Jhould the hex-
then fiyjVhcre is their God ? 1 1 . Howfoever the Lord will pu-
nilh his own people for their fins in the (i^ht of the heathen, yet
will he not fuft'er the heathen long to infult over his people , or
over the true religion > but by fhewing kindneflc to his people,
will have the heathen to know that he is their God , who will an-
swer for himfclf,and fot his pcoplcjind their religion i\[o\Wbcre~
0.4 f or <
43* PSAL. LXXIX.
fore jhould the heathen {ay , Where is their God ? i z. As it dotJ;
belong to Gods honour to deliver his people in their diftreflc, fo
alfo to punifh the perfecutors of his Church and blafphemers
of his Namej Let him be \nown among the heathen in our fight, by
ivengingthe blood of thy fervants. 13. It is a comfort and en-
couragement of living Saints , to fee God avenge the blood of
dead Saints flain by their enemies \ Let him be lyiowne in our
fight y by avenging the blood of thy fcrvants. 14. As it is no
wonder to fee griefe and fighing to be the cheer of Gods people
when the Lord hath fcattered them , and they are captive priib-
neis under their oppreffors j fo may we be fure their tears and
fighingftiall not be mifregarded by God : Let the figbing of the
frifoncr cb~me before thee* 1 $« Albeit it feem impoffible to deliver
Gpds people 3 w hen they are as condemned prifoners^deftlnated by
their enemies unto deftruction, yet faith fceth delivery verypoffi-
bie to Gods omnipotency : According to the gnomes of thy power,
preferve thou thofe that are appointed to die*
Vcr. 1 2 . And render unto cur neighbours feven- \
fold into their bofome , their reproach wherewith they
have reproached thee , Lord*
1 3. So W'e thy people, and Jheep of thy pdfture H
mil give thee thankj for ever ; ree mil feew forth
thy praij'e to &H generations.
Jn the iaft place 3 they pvay for vengeance on their wicked
neighbors , who mocked them and their Religion in the time
of their calamity : and thus they clofe their prayer with a promife
to praife God for the granting of their petitions. Whence icarn^
1. Such as rejoyce a: the calamity ot Godspecple, and mock
them in their mifcry 3 efpecially neighbours who mould be moil
comfortable , as they are infome refpect more guilty then ooen
pppreflbrs; lb (hall they be moft feverely plagued of God for their
cruelty : Render unto our neighbours [even- fold into their be fom
their reproach. 2. The mocking of Gods people in their mife-
ry, efpecially for the JrRelgion., is the mocking of God > and re-
p .-caching of him whofe fci* /ants they are 5 Render them the re-
proach, wherewith they have reproached thee , Lord. $. When,
God taketh Yenge-mce on rhe enemies of the Church 3 then is it
feen what intereft God hath in that defpifed company : for the
Church here is confident, th.it then their relations unto God;, and
Gods
PSAL. LXXX. 233
Gods care of them, (hall be evident > So we tby people and flyeep
of tby pafturefiiall give thee tbunfe : thuis, weihall come outof
diftrefl'ej and gather our felves together, and profciTe our felvcs to
be thy people^ and chafe n flock , and fhall praifc thee* 4. The
troubles ot the Lords people, and their mourning, are but tempo-
ral, and of fhort endurance : but their deliverance and comfort,
when their troubles are ended, is everlafting , and no leffe then
evcrlafting duration can fuffice them to praife God and thank
him for his kindnefie; So we tby people JhM give thee think* fir
ever. $. As the Lords work for his diltrefled pcop'e calkth for
thanks at their hands , fo alio dcth it call for praifc at their
hands , who (haJl hear of it ; and they whofe duty it is to give
thanks , ought alfo according to their power , to ftirre up
others to praife God with themfelves, and to dure up alfo the
pofterity in all fucceeding ages , as the Chinch here promifeth :
IVc will [hew forth tby praife to all generations.
PSAL. LXXX.
To the chief tfiufichn upon Sbojhxnnim Edutb.
A Vfilm of Afapb.
THis Pfalm given to the Church to be made ufe of, is of the
like fad fubjeft with the former , and may be applied to
the time of carrying away the ten tribes out of the holy land,
while /witfbwasyec in poffeflion of it , and the Temple was yet
il.inding , and the Lord was dwelling between the Cherubirm in
th: Sanduary,where the Ark and Mercy-feat vyasyet remaining;
qt to the time of the begun defolation of theland by Hebucbsd-
nc\\Jir 3 or to any other defolation which did threaten their final
rooting cut. The fumme of the Pfalm is a lamenting of the mi-
serable condition of the Ifaclites , and an earneft ent- earing of
the Lord to give them repentance and a delivery. In thehdft
place, the Church maketh her addrefte to God, and propoundeth
the main Petition, iw, i,t,j. In the fecond place, they la-
ment their mi fery, and repeat the fame Petition 5 vcr. 4,5 6,7.
In the third place, they call to minde the Lords cire to plant
his people in the land as a vine-tree, and do lamnt tht dole-
ful change of their Ir.ppy Condition in'O that of their prefcht mi-
fey , vcr.8,9, io>ii,u,T$. In the fourth olace, they pr.iy
to:
234 PSAL. LXXX.
for Gods mercy and pity toward his <iefolate people, ver. 14,15,
16. In the Iaft place , they pray for the ftanding cf the tribe of
$udab > and that tor Chrifts caufe > who was to take his hu-
mane nature of this tribe $ and doclofc the Pfaime with repeating
the third time their fpecial Petition for repentance and delivery
to be granted unto them , ver. 17,18,19.
Ver. 1. /~>lveeare, Ofayheydoflfraei, thou that
Kjjhadeft fofeph like a fioc^ y thoti that
dmlleft between the Chcrttbinis , Jbine forth.
Many fweet fruits hit h the Lord drawn forth from the bitter
affli&ions of his people,and this Pfalme amongft the reft; where-
in firft, the Chnrchbeggeth from God audience , for the relati-
ons between God and them, ver. 1. and then prayeth for falva-
rion,xw. 2, and to this end doth make recjueft for the graci-
ous gift of Repentance to his people, that they might be fa-
ved , ver. $ .
From the firft verfe ; lesrn^ 1* When our heart is full of
grief, or of any holy afte&ion,which we defire to lay forth before
The Lord, we may call for, and exped audience at the Lords
hands, as the Church doth here , faying to the Lord ,' Give eir,
2. He that would fpeak to God in the dny of calamity, had need
to fatten faith on God, and mould go about it, how grievous fo-
ever his rod Teem, as here the Church is taught by the Ffilmift to
do. $. Albeit faith will flnde Khali ftrength from any thing in
the f applicant, yet on Qods part it cannot miife folid ground
to fixe upon, according to the tenour of the Covenant ot grace,
fnch as is Chrifts Prophetical and Kingly office, whereby the
Lord taketh on him to lead and feed his people ; to govern and
protect them, as a fhepherd doth his flock : as here the Church
doth, Ojhcpberd of Ifrael. This is oneconfidcration. Another is,
theconftant experiment and proof given of his actual exerctting
of this office? Thou tbu leadejl^mb as a flock : and Unto the
former they joyn the free offer of grace to all that do feek for
mercy from God 1 hrough the Mediator Chrift ; Thou that dmU
left between the Cbcrubims. 4. Albeit fin doth overcloud the
manifefting of Gods favour and loving kindeflt towards his peo-
ple, yet the prayer of faith upon the grounds of the Covenant
mayexped the clearing up of his countenance again: Ofap*
Ifcrdoflfrael, Jhine firth.
Ver. 2.
PSAL. LXXX. 235
Vcr. 2. Before Ephraim , and r Ben)atn)n % and
i Manajfeh , ftirrc up thy ftrengtb , And come and
• (aV€ W.
Forunderftanding ofithe fccond verfc, wc muft rcmcmbc r »
that when the Ark or the Covenant refted, or marched in the wi^
derneflfe , thcfe three Tribes , Epbraim> Benjamin , andMantf'
fcb, were in the reareward of the hoft of lfrael , or on the Weft""
fide thereof j as is fet down , Numb. 1. 18, 19, &c. when the
hoft marched, and the Ark fet forward , Mcfcs faid to the Lord,
Rife up y l ord , and let thine enemies be fcattcred ; and let them
that bate thee, flee before thee : anfwerable to this, doth the fixty
eight Pialme begin , when the Ark removed and was carried up
to mount Si on "now the people of God being in diftrefle here, do
call thofe dayesto remembrance, and do requcft the Lord, that as
he had in the eye fight of thofc three tribes here mentioned , mi*
nifefted himfelf many a time to be the leader and defender of his
people : fo he would now alfo in this their lamentable condition
itirre up himfclfe for th;n reliefc and fa fet y. Whence learne,
1. The remembrance of the Lords humbling himfelfe to be fa-
familiar with his people , and how fweet and glorious communi-
on his people have had with him,, may and fhould encourage be-
lievers in him to fcek and expect new experience of the like
mercy in their need , as here the Ifracliks do pray for new proof
of that favour, which their ancefters did hnde fometimc j Be-
fore Ephraim > Benjamin, and Manxffib ftirrc up thy ftrengtb,
ind come and fave us. 2.Thepoftcrity of thole who have been in
fellow fhip with God, ihould pray for themfclves,and be prayed for
by the Church, that they may have room in the Lords hoft,
and have God their leader, as their godly fathers had before
them; Before tphraim , Benjamin , and Mxnafieb ftirrc up
thyftrevgth.
Ver. 3. Tttrn us Again ? O God : and caufe thy
face tojhiie, andvp* fia/l be faved.
^ This is the fpecial Petition moftinfifted upon, that God by
giving of Repentance would reclaim his people from their apo-
ftafie, an J grant the evidence of his former favour unto them,and
fo deliver and favc them. Whenclcarne, 1. As the apefhfie of
Gods people from God , is the fountain of all their calamity ; (o
their repentanee and returning unto God , is the firft ilep unto
thci:
2$6 PSAL. LXXX.
their reliefe, and delivery from procured mi fery of captivity, or
any other calamity, as the prayer here importeth : Turn va agmi^
O Lord. 2. CDnverfion of people from their fin unto God, and
leading of them back from the mifery drawne on by (in , is the
work of God, which no man can work of himfelfe, or in himfelf,
or in others, till God begin and enable them to return , and lead
themonin their turning; Therefore faith the P-almift , Tmupa
again y Lord ; thus they fay as unable to turn again of them-
felves. $. When a people or perfon do turn unto God , repent-
ing their fin or back- Aiding from him, they may expect the Lord
ihall (hew unto them evidences of his reconciliation and favour
toward them; Turn u& agtin, and caufe thj fxce to Jlrine upon #$.
4. It is to Gods children very falvation to be in favour with
God, and to be aflured of reconciliation with him: Turn us
agiin , caufe thy fice to Jhine , andfojhallwc be faved.
Ver. 4. LORD God ofhofts, bow long vpHt thou
be angry againfl the prayer of thy people:
5, Thou feedefl them with the bread ofteares : and
give ft them teares to drink^in great me afar e.
6, Thou makeft us aftrife unto our neighbours : and
eur enemies laugh among themfelves.
7, Turn us again ,0 God ofhofis, and caufe thy face
to (bine , and we Jha/l be faved.
In the fecond place , the Church lamenteth the Lords wrath,
manifefleJ firft, in anfwering their prayers with indignation,
ver. 4. Secondly, bymcreaiing of their woful mifery without
confoiation, i;er. ?, And thirdly, by making them the matter of
their enemies ftrifc among themfelves (which of them mould
fhouid have moft Hebrewes to be their flaves,) and the object of
their enemies fport, when they had parted the prey among them,
ver* 6, After which he repeareth the former prayer for Repent-
ance , and for delivery, ver. 7*
From the firft part of their complaint and lamentation , fet
down, -jer.4. Learnc, i.The people of God may in their afflicti-
on put up prayers to God , which he will not accept, to wit,
prayers for removing of judgement, when they have not repent-
ed the fins which drew on the judgements yea they may pray
lon^, and be inftant in fuch prayers , and not receive a comforta-
ble
PSAL. LXXX. 237
ble anfwcr ; yea they may finde their prayers anfwered with evi-
dencing of Gods difpleah'ngfuch prayers ; How long wilt thou
be angry again ft the prayers of thy people i 2. When God doth
not anfwer the prayers of his people in their affliction, the affil-
ed mutt not ceafe to pray en ftill , neither may the truly
ocdly among them ceafe to deal with God for his afflicted
people, joyned in external Covenant with them, but muft
continue and be ftill inftant with God, as here they do 5 For
how long wilt thou be angry again ft the prayers of thy people? is a
part of their prayer, notwithftanding that God feemeth angry
at their prayers. J. As Gods fupremacy over all the hofts of
the creatures maketh his wrath more terrible to the fupplicant*
foihould it make the fupplicant more inftant in prayer, and
more loath to take a refulal to his fupplication , as here it doth 3
O Lord Go d of hofts , how long wilt thou be angry againjl the
prayers of thy people ? 4. We are not alwayes to look after a pre-
fent anfwer to our prayers , but muft wait on fo long as God
pleafeth not to anfwer : yea it is pofltble, that after a believer;
hath begun to humble him felfe , God may fend meffenger after
meffengerof more and more appearance of wrath 5 but we muft
refolve , as to wrelUe with all difficulties , fo alfo with the fenfe
of Gods anger againftus, yea, and that againft cur prayers :
How long wilt thou be angry again ft the praytrs of thy peop'c?
From the fecond part of the lamentation , vcr. 5. Lcarne,
I. When Gods people will norm ourne for finne in time , aspe-
nitents , no wonder he drive them to mourne for the fruit of
their (innein fad affliction : Thou fcedefl them with the bread of
texres.. 2. We are more fenfible of the evill of trouble , then of
the evill of lir\L" 5 the tears of Repentance are very rare, and foon
dried up , bu/t tL'tearesof forrow for affliction do eafily flow,
as affliction 'increafeth or continueth , and that in Gods wife
difpenfation,that worldly'forrow for afflictions , may drive us
to godly forrow for offending of God $ Thou feedejt them with
the bread of tear es. $. The comfort of the creatures, yea of ne-
ceflary food , may be overcome and fwallowed up by trouble and
worldly forrow , and that in Gods wife difpenfation , that men
may learn to hunger and thirft for heavenly and ftrong confola*
tion : as it befell this people, who were taken up lo with weep-
ing, as they forgot their ordinary meales, and when they did
cat and d-ink, did drench their food with tearcs ; Thou feedejt
them with the bread ofteares , And give ft them tearcs to drinfi in
great mcafure.
From
238 PSAL. LXXX.
Prom tbe third part of their lamentation, ver.6. Lcxrnc>
i , It is righrcoulneife for God to make his people fmde the bit-
terneffe of mens hatred and enmity , when they have flighted his
friend (hip and favours as here , he gave Ifrxel over ir\to the hands
oftheir enemies, when they had provoked him : Thou rm\eft us
a ftrifc to our neighbours t and our enemies liugb. 2. When
the Lord lets the wicked world loofe upon his people, they
finde as many neighbours, as enemies , who make havockof
them , and ftrivc amongft themfelves who (hall do them moft
harm, and fervc themfelves moft of their perfons and goods $ and
this is the Lords wile difpenfation, to let. his own know, what-
fais protection is worth j Thou m&kcft us a ftrife unto cur neigh-
bours. 3. The grief and trouble ot the Lords people, is the joy
of the wicked, and it is the property of an enemy to rcjoyce at
their calamity ; and God in his moft wife difpenfation will give
his people a tafte of this, that they may know the fruit of their re-
joycing in that which offended God , and iwhat they may expeft
of the world if they fall out of his favour > Thou ma\eft us aftrife
to our neighbours , and our enemies Uugb among themfelves.
From the repetition of the fame pYayer for giving them repent-
ance, reconciliation, and falvation, vcr. 7. Lexrnc , 1 . Ardency
of affection maketh the repetition of the fame prayer not to be
fcabl i ngi Tur n usagxin t O God, is now the fecond time propounded •
2. The way to remedy all theevill hoth of fin and punimment
lying upon Gods people, is to repent their fins, and to feek recon-
ciliation with God > if his people would repent, then would not
the Lord be angry with their prayers 5 then affliction mould ei-
ther be removed, or made light to them : for to remedy all the la-
mented evils, they pray. Turn usagaifi 3 OGod. $. A praying peo-'
pies cafe cannot be fo dark and defperatc , but looking to Gods
power mall give light and hope of relief. Turn u's#gii#, &>$od of
hofts, faith be; nothing is too hard for him to do. 4. Gods peo-
ple cannot difpenfe with the want of his maniteftcd good will to
them; Turn us. and exufcthy face to fhinc upon us,n their fixed Pe-
tition. { . Salvation may be certainly expected in Gods orders
and if we labour to be lure of our turning to God > and living in
the fenfc of communion with him, wc need not make queftion of
falvation; for that mall follow infallibly on the former two ;
Turn us agxin,0 God of hafts , and caufe thy face to fhinc upon us,
fo full we be fxved. The lift is not put up by way of prayer here,
but promifed to themfelves, and put out of queftion , that it fliall
follow ,- Turn us, fojhxtt we be javed , fay they.
Ver, 8;
Ver, 8. TboH baft brought a Vint out of Egypt :
thorn haft caft out the heathen, and planted it.
9. Thou prepared/} room before- hand : and did ft
caufe it to take deep root^ and it filled the land.
10. The hills were covered with the Jbadow of it %
and the boughes thereof 'tocrc like the goodly Ce-
dars.
11. She fen t out her boughes unto the fea : and her
branches unto the river.
In the thiri place, they renew their Lamentation, by compa-
ring the fometimeblefled condition of the Church of Ifracl
wich the prefent mifcrable elhte they are new in. In former
times I [ml was as a fruitful vineyard, v.$ ; 9,10^1. but now the
Lords protection is removed, and they are made a prey to every
bcaftly enemy, ver. 11,13. Whence learn, 1. Ad ver fity bring*
cthtominde neglected profperity in time paft, and thediftreife
of a Church deprived of former favours putteth a price upon,
and giveth luftre unto abufed mercies locked back upon : as
here, the calamity of the ten tribes, or of the whole twelve
tribes caft out of their land, doth make their delivery out of
Egypt y their planting in Canaan, and the mercies which they
felt in that land to appear very glorious , and ftttethup that
their fometime condition in the iimiltude of a fruitful vinejard.
z. There is no fitter fimilitude then of a vine-tree and of a vine-
yard, to rcprefent the wcakndle of Gods Church and people,
and Gods care of them, to have fruits of faith and obedience from
them : therefore here and elfewhere is this comparifon made ufe
of. 1 . It ferveth much to help the faith of Gods people in theic
calamity, to call to mindc Gods begun work among them, and
in them, and for them .* for when his people do claim to wont-
ed kindnefle, the Lord is ready to make his mercy run in the
former channel. This is the ground of the Churches rcafon-
ing here, in her Amplication to God. 4.1t is not enough light-
lyto mention a courfeof kindnefle (hewen to us of God, but:
every part andpaflageof it is worthy to be marked and prized
highly; as here, 1. ifracls bringing out of Egypt is oblerved,
and compared to the bringing of a noble plant out of a farre
countrey in the Lords own hand 5 Tbo haft brought a line out
ej : Egypt, z. The calling out of the Canaanites , is compa-
red to the purging of the ground from itones, and thornes,
an &
240 PSAL. LXXX.
and blocks in comparifon of Ifrael, to be planted ihcrc;Tbou baft
caft out the heathen 3 and famed it. 3. They obferve the benefit
of cnlargiug their dwelling for commodious habitation : Tbeu
pepare rjt room for it. 4. And their letting in the land j Thou
uufcdft it to take deep root. 5. And their multiplying in it 5 It
filed the land. 6. And their riches, and power, and glory in
the land, comparable to a wood of Cedars ; The bills were
covered with the fiadow of it, and the boughs thereof were like
the goodly Cedars. 7. And the fpreading of their authority and
government, according to the bounds let. to their promifed pof-
feflion, GtfJ. 15.18, horn the Mediterranean fea weftward, to'
the river Euphrates ea&wzrd ; She fent out her boughes to the fva,
and her branches to the river. Thus a well ordeted Church is like
a pleafaht.and fruitful vineyard.
Ver\ 12. why haft thou then broken down her
hedges t fo that all thej which pajfe by the Tray do plucky
her?
15. The boar eoUt out of the wood doth waft e it :
and the Vc'tlde btafl of the field doth devoure it*
After calling tomindethis glorious condition they were in 3
they in a weeping and lamentable manner dp compare their pre-
fent mifery with what happineflc once they had, and do lay it
forth before the pitiful eyes of the Lord. Whence learn , i.As
prefent felt mifery commendeth profperity paft, fo pail profperi-
ty doth augment prcfent mifery, when the two conditions are
eompared,as in this comparifon is held forth. *. The mod g!o -
rious and beil planted Church may for its unfruitful nc lie and
provocation of God by its ill fruits, be plucked up again, and
the hedge of difcipline, the hedge of civil government, and the
hedge of Gods proti&ion may all be removed fuddenly from
it, as here we fee 5 Why haft thou broken down 1 he hedges? 3 . It
is a wonderful and aftonifhing judgement, to fee the Lord caft-
ing down the work of Reformation once begun by him , and
plucking up the plantation of his Church once made by him;
and yet the provocation of a wicked generation may proeure this
evil, which hardly can be bcleeved till it come; and even then
it is wonderful, and fliould fend men unto God, to make them
fee rightly the caufes thereof, as this interrogation importeth ;
Whyhifi thou broken down her hedges I 4, When God remo-
Yeth
PSAL. LXXX. 141
ye Wiis hedges from about hi* people, for their provocation of
him, then anybody thatpleaicth m,iy make ap.eyof.them ; to
tbxt.dUtbey wbop.ijj'e by the way dojpl ic^hcr. 5. if God remove
the hedge of his proceed m from about his people, no wonder
tficy^all into the hands of the molt lavage, cruel and bcaftiy far,
of men,as did bpfal ifracl > The boxre w ofibc vo6oddoib tvajie
it, And the wilde bcajt out of the field dotn devburC it. 6. When
the Lords C hurch is in the wo* ft condition, (Ik is not fo wait-
ed and dcftioyed, but a rcmnani is left to prticnt by prayer her
condition unto God, to deal with him for her reftaurationi as
the cafe in hand hc.e arid elfcwhcic doth (hew.
Vcr: 14. Return ive befeech thee, O (/idcfhbfles-t
loo\ dotin froth heaven, arid bebdid % And itifit this
Vine. J ..,_.,.
15. And tke Vineyard which thy right hand hath
planted t and thebranth that thou madt/f ftrongfor
1 6. It is burnt ftith fire^ it is cut down : the) perijS
dttbertbuk* of thy countenance.
In trie fourth place, they pray that Grjd who was departed
from them, would return and have comp.uTion onthedelbtate
condition oi his Church; Whence learn; i Although' the Lord
feem to depart from his Church, yet he is within cry, and may.
be recalled by prayer, and may by his power let all right again i
fyturn, we befeeel) tbee, God ofboftcs. i. Although no "hop?
ofhclpor poffibility of relief can be fcen on earth, yet there is
hope of help from heaven; Look, diw n from heaven. 3. In the:
leaft degree of Gods.rcfpecl and kindnefle to a defolate Church,
begun to be manifested after pouring out judgements on it , faith
will reawic hope, of relief and.reltaurationol it 3 Bt hold and vi$
fit this Vine : for to come and fee, is a ! l to them w hkh they crave*
4« The labour arid c*re which God hath bcilowpd.on his
Church* for Jetting ttp, and feeling o*f it in any place, .may
give hopeto thofe Who pray for it. , that albeit the Lord affiid
ic heavily, yet he will not Lofe his labour , VifuthU Vin<> ani
the Vineyard rvhicb thy right band bath planted. J. There was
^branch to come of the ftock of ifrael, for whole cauie thi Na-
iiori of the Ifraelite* could not be utterly forfaken and deft ioyecf ;.
2 4 i PSAL. LXXX.
and this was the Mcfliah,'Chrift Jefus(promifed to come of Ah~
rabardJfaac,lacob,Iudub^David,)of whok coming, becaufe God
had 3 fpecial care that the ftock fhould be underpropped and up*
held and made ftrong till this branch came forth, the Church of
Jfrael might be confident not to be utterly caft off, and therefore
in their prayer they make mention of him; Vi fit the Vineyard
and the Branch (to wit, of the houfe of T>avid.) thai thou
mideft ftrong for thy felf : In the Hebrew, it is the Son whom
thou madeft ftrong .even Chrift, who is the true Sonne of God,
the true Vine- tree, John \ <;. i . whereabout the Fathers husban-
dry is in a fpecial way imployed. 6. The vifible Church or
people of God by Covenant, at fame time may be fo farrc from
a glorious - and flour i filing condition of profperity, that on the
contrary in outward appearance (lie may be almoft deftroyed,
and ljke to perifli utterly, as here of the Lords Vineyard , or
the whole vifible Church we read, It is burnt with fire, ft it
rut down: he meaneth Gods people 5 Tbcy perijb f faith the
Pialmift,) at the rebuke of thy countenance. 7. We are to look,
not fo much to inffa umems of the Churches defolation, as to
. the peoples finnes procuring it, and to Gods wrath cauiing it s
Tbcy perifi at the rebuke of thy countenance.
Ver. 17, Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right
hind:* upon the Sonne oj man, whom thou madeft
ft rang for thy [elf.
iS. So will not We go backjrom thee :qpiicke* m 9
ana we Will call upon thy Name.
j 9, Turnm again, LORT) Godofhoftes, caufe
thy face to fane, mdrve fhzllbe faVed*
■
In the laft place,- they put up three requefts. In the firft> they
infift upon that point of their prayeryv. 1 5.which concerneth the
Branch of the Vineyard of Jfrael, the promifedMeiTi ah, Chrift
the Redeemer: and do make requeft over again, that the fiock
and lineage of T>avii> whereof Chrift was to come, might be
kept to the fore, till he fliould afl'ume humane nature and be-
come the Sonne of man, according to the folid grounds which
God had hid down to bring this pramife to paile : Fot the
fubftancc of the prayer is this : Seeing thou haft made one
branch of this Vine, which thou brought eft out of Egypt,
ftiong
PSAL. LXXX. 243
ftrong for thy felf, or for thy own purpofc, namely, the man of
thy right hand 3 the Sonne of man, the promifed Mefliah, God
to be incarnate: Let thy hand or power be imployed for bring-
ing this to pafle, that he who is at thy right hand , thy equal,
niay be made man , the man of thy right hand, the Sonne of
man : So will not we go ba<.ti from tbec; that is, by him
we thy. redeemed fhall be p: eferved from apottalieand feparatioo
from thee. In the fecond requeit, they pray for the pouring
fo;th of the Spirit upon his dead people, thac having fpiritual
life communicated unto them, they may worfhip God in Spirit
and truth: Quicken us , and we will call upon thy Name ', fay
they. In the third requeit, they repeat the third time that pray-
ed tor repentance and reconciliation, to be manifested to hiss
people.
From the firftrequeft, vcr. 17. Learn, 1. The refuge, reft,
confutation and confidence of a diftrefl'ed Church or perfori
isChrift: and toward him muft the arHicled caft their eye for
relief, as here the Church in her deepeft .defolation doth.
2 .Chrift is alwayes at the t\%h hand of the. Father, in regard of
power and glory i and it is to. aim no robbery to be equal with
God the Father, FhiL z. 16. and his humane ndture afliimed
doth not degrade him from the glory which he had with the Fa^
thcr before the world began, John 17. f. He Is the man of
Gods right band, in a lingular manner. 3, Chrift and his
Kingdom are eftabliihed before God for ever, for bringing to
paffe the purpofeand fa-vice of God inihe Redemption or hs
e!ed ; He is the man whom the Father bath mde firong for bim-
fclfe : forhis humane nature is united with his divine nature in-
one peifon; his incarnation Was made fure by the eternaLani
immutable decree of the Covenant of Redemption^ wherein
the eled were given over to Chrift, and grace was granted and
given to them in Chriii: Jefus before the world began, 2 Tim.
i-9- And as his incarnation was made lure by decree, i'o alio'
made fure by many times repeated Promifes in the Law and
Prophets, beginning at Gen. 3.1c. where it is promifed, thac
the feed tf the woman fbould tread down the bead of the ferpent;
all along the Scripture unto, Mahcbi $*Ji where it is revealed,
that Chi iftsmelfenger, to wit, John Baptift in the power of
Elias fhould come before him : and ftraightway, 'after he him-
felf mould (hew himfelf, as did come topaffe,- This is the
Sonne of man (Lath he J whom thou bal made firong for thy fclf;
4. To bring this promifc to efleft and accomplifhmenr/ the Al~
R 2 mighty
544 PSAL. LXXX.
*nghty power of God mall fet on work : and never drew back
from operation, till his purpofe was brought to palfe * tor after
the time th;u the man /Ibrahim was defigncd, ot who e feed he
was to take flcfh ; the Se.ipture fticweth what care the Lord
h:dnf 1'aic and Jacob, and the Patriarchs in Eg)pt : and about
the bringing of their pofterityour of it to C attain, till Vtv is
family is defigned for his lto;k : and when the ten tribes were
fcattei cd abroad , he prefcrved Judab to the fore : and when
thnt tribe aKo was chruft out into captivity, he brought it back
ngatfV and peter ved T)iviii race, and thetiibe of <ftidab under
civil Government till Chriil enme; and this the prayer
here propounded oid make rcqueft for: Let thy band be up*
on the man of thy r igbt band. 5 . Neither the Church, nor any
member thereof needeth any more iecmity for their (lability
and perpetuation, but Chriit: for now when the Vineyard is
burnt, and the vifible Church defaced, the remnant are content
to reft fatisfied with this, which alfo they take for gnnted, ?nd
do fubferibe unto it ; Let iby hand he upon the man of thy right
hand* upon the Sonne of man, nbom thou baft male fir ong for iby
f'clf. 6. The confanguinity of Chiift with thcbeleever and
his humiliation in his humane nature, are ftrcng lupporters of
the faith and comfort of his people that do leek falvation
through him; therefore do the faithful here fixe themfelves on
this, that as he is Gods Sonne, fo he h a branch of their Vine-
yard alfo* that as he is at the right hand of the Father as God,
fo he is the man of bis rifbt band alfo : the Son of man, or of A-
dam, partakv v ot flelh and blood with us, of the \zmc ftock that
we are o(, in all things like to m , except fin: for the
Son tf man is the ftile , whereby Chrift itiled himfelf in
his humiliation. 7. The perpetuity of the Church , and
the perfeverance of the Saints, is rounded upon thcfunScx-
encyof Chriit: and the unfeigned beleever may aflure him-
felf, as of the continuance of the Church, fo of his own
Eerfcvcrance and confiam communion with God through
im : Let thy band be upon the man of thy right band, (?c . fo
will not rvego bacf{ ft cm thee.
From the fecond requeft,v.i8.Lc\jr;/ l I As there is a death of
alienation trom the life of Go I in the unregenerate , and a
death of disability, difcomfort and difcouragement found in the
regci crate in Scripture : fo there is a quickening which giveth
fptritual life to thole that a eyct dead in their nnncs and trcl-
paflls i arid a quickening which giveth ftrength and comfort to
ike
PSAL. LXXX. 245
theweak, difconfo'.ac and diicournged fouls of Gods children ;
tor the lirft Tort of quickening every regenerate man mould p*ay
Inbchalf otall the elect in the vifiWc Church, who ac no: as
yet converted ; and for quickening in o her rcfpCch th;y fhould
pray inhchalf of thcmlelves and other fHiCicJ fpirits of the
£od!y, as lici'c thcbclccrcrsdo pray > ^jjidiCH vs. I* The ho-
nmringof God in Spiritual worihip mould be the • nd o" our
petitions which wc do mike for any good to our klvcs;
^jjuficn us, in.i vot Jhull call upon thy Wjne. $. Albeit the
work p£calling on Gods Name, and worlhipping of GjJ in
Spirit, and truth, be the work of rhc regenerate mai y yet the
fpirit.ual life, and r he motion or ftirring up of the regenerate
man iimo .this work, the enabling of the man un o it, and in
it, and the cheering up of his heart to do it anv&ionately, fs. -he
wot k of the Lord : for thefe doth the Pf Lniil here diitinguiih;
firii, he fees down Gods pan; J^idicn thou ui 1 and then 01 r
p.m : Ani rvc Jhall call upon tby Hxmc.
From the third rcoueft, ver. 19. repeated now the third times
Learn, 1. In what reipects foevtr theChurch of the Jcwilli Rati-
on may feem to be alienated from God, yet there is hope of their
repentance and returning and reconciliation unto God ; for there
is a petition of the Lords enditmg ftmding here, thrice repeat-
ed in their favour to be granted in due time by God, to wham
nothing is hard : and here in this third repetition of this prayer,
the Name of God Jehovah,whercby lie told Ifracl that he would
be known to them to be the performer of promifes, is added ex-
preflfely; Turnmxgiin^ 0$cboiab>God of bojics, i t Albeic
we our felvcs do breed the mill; and clouds, which do hide front
us the mining of Gods favour towards us, and we do build
the partition- walls, we do raife up mountains of tranfgrcfTions,
which feparatc between God and ass vet it is the Lord hiinfeJf
onlv, who of his own free grace, and by his own power doth
difhlvechefe clouds, and remove thefe impediments out of his
own way towards us ; Turn va ojil/i, and cuufe thy fjee tofhinc*
3 . Sc oft as we are burdened with the lame prefllirc, and ftrahen-
ed with the fame neceflity, as oft we may and mould have re-
coorfc to God for relief by prayer ; for this ftafte hath God put
in faiths tand, to help the believer in every ftcp of hi* journey,
till he come home to the Lord, and be part all pcrill ; Turnc m a~
giihy caufc tby face to jhinc. 4. As the fight of our diftance
from God, and fenfe of hisdifpieafurc, and fear of perdition, do
fcrvc tabcafpurre to cur prayer ; fo dci'ure of reconciliation ,
246 PSAL. LXXXI.
ctefire and purpofc of rcpemi r g 5 and hope of Salvation to ferve to
encourage us to perfevere in prayer, till we have what we ask
perfected to us ; Turn m again, caufe thy fuce to Jhinefojhutt we bo
Jtved.
PSAL. LXXXI.
To the chief Mufician upon Gittith.
APhirrx of A fapb.
THis Plalm was appointed to befung in their folemn feafts,
new moones^and feaftof tnbernacles, in fpecial for a tefti-
rnony of Gods gracious and bountiful dealing with his people
on the one hand } and of their provocation of God on the ether
hand, moving him to change his difpenfation toward them, and
to withhold many benefits from them, which otherwayes they
might have had 5 if i hey had not rejected Gods couniel, and
had chofen ffoir own wayes : that by this Pfalme his people
mi ght learn to be wifer.
The parts of the Pfalme are three. The firft is a Preface,
wherein there is a mutual ftirring up of the Chuich-members,
to keep the Solemn feafts, andblowin^of trumpets, W. i, i t 3.
and a reafonof this mutual exhonation,taken from Gods i'nftitu-
tion of this ordinance when he brought his people out of Eg) ft
from the fcrvice of Strangers, vcr. ^^.
In the fecond part is fet down, how God delivered them from
bondage in Egypt, and from troubles in their journey, vcr.6,-j,
and | how reasonable commands the Lord did give unto them:
Which commands are all fummed up in this one ; That CjqA
Jhpuld be their God alone, vcr. S, 9, 10.
In the third part is fet down : Firft, how they rejected God
:md his counfel, ver. 11 .Next, how therefore they were plagued,
by being given over to their own luih, ver. j 2. Thirdly , how
they deprived them Selves oi Gods benefits, which by following
Gods counfd, they might have enjoyed, vcr, 13, 14^ 1 f .
Ver.
9
PSAL. LXXXL 247
Vcr. I. Qlngalond unto God our firength: mak*
^ a joyful noife unto the (?od of Jacob.
a. Take aPfalm, and bring hither the timbrel:
the pie af ant harp With the pfalterj.
3. "Blowup the trumpet inthsne^o Moon ; in'the
time appointed on our folcmn feaft-daj '. %
From their mutual jEtirring up of one. another to rejoyce in
God, commanded here by the Pfalmift in the Lords Name;
Lcir?/, 1. That whatsoever may be our own private condition, it is
our duty ever, and in all things to give glory toGod to 1 x Joyce in
him, tcuprofefle and avow his Name 5 Sing .aloud unto God.
2. The Lords people have the fulfilling* fupplying and iupport-
ing of their emptineffc, wants and weakneile in God, whoft lut—
ficfency they ought to make uie o f 3 and rejoyce therein jj« Sing
unto.Cfod our ftreiigtb*. 3. It is the Covenant 01" grace, whereby
God beccmeth our God, which doth intitle us , and givcth as in-
tercfl in, and right unto his all-fufficieiicy , which we fhonld en-
tertain joyfully in our communion with God, praifing him; aad
thanking him for it, and delighting in his pretence, becaufc ot
it ; Ma\c ajoyfulnoife unto the God of tfacob , for God was
tfuobs God, becaufe God was by Covenant Abraham^ and
his childrens God, whofe children alio we are, who are Ghriits,
Gal. 3.19.
From tbe ufe and variety of mufical ifcftrBments 'call ccf for*
Ver. 2, $. Learn, 1. Albeit the external melody of mu^caiim
ftruments in the Lords publikc worfhip, with the reft Oiiheplpr-
dagogie, and {hadowing dark figures of the Ceremonial Law
be aboljihcd now when the Lord, the S.unne of righteotif-
ncfle,iscomc; yet the moral duties repreiented by them are, ftill.
to be acknowledged and followed by us, towit, that thepraife*
of the Lord are unexpreflTibic by us, and that ,\ve are unluffici-.
entof ourfelves to let 8 forth the fame,: that we have matter of
unfpcakable joy in God our Redeemer, and fliculd ftir up all
the powers of our foul, to this par: of his , ! pi ritual fervice; for
this did thefc mufical ihfiruments teach.: Til$c a *F film } 4?d
bring hither the timbrel, the plcafint harp ivitb the Pfultcry.,
1. We ought ;o acknowledge the {lately magnificence of cur CjH
aired Lord, and our dulnciTe and flowncflc to praife him : and
R 4 what
MS PSAL. LXXXI.
;* v hat need we bad to be (tired up, and to ftjrre up one tnothct
tothisduty: for this was pointed at in the ufe of the trumpets.
Blow up the trumpet. 5 . We ousht tjo acknowledge that y'e a- c
fubjcc~t to various changes, and alteration of conditions in this
life, and that all thefe changes a e fan&ificd unto the Lords
people, and that new confobtions may be expected from God,
one auer another, tofeafenthe daikneffe and nights of our af-
fliction ; and wc fliould cenjecrate our fclves anew from time
to time to God > and give him t^ic 6rit part and flower of out
time 5 yea, mould ftudy, that all our time, in all changes what-
fcever maybefpen: in his fcrvicc : for thus much did the fo-
lemriities in their new Mooncs hold forth ; Blow up tbeTruWf
fct iti the vxw Moon. 4. Wc ought to acknowledge that wt arc
ftrangers here in 1 he world,' and we. hare no certain dwelling-
place , but that we are in our fojoufning depending upon
Gods provifion for us, and prore&iort of us, expecting the time
when w- ftiall appear before him, and (hall bepminpoftefliorj
cf tboft manGcn-phocspepiredfor us,, wherein we (hall hate
ftilneife of joy, a < ;d God cdnftantly pre.'ent wit h us, and that in
the meantime we ftibuld ftudy^o rtjoyce in the riches of the
Lords gcodneffe to us in our Redeemer ; for this in Tubftance
was held forth in thofe folemn fcafts, a'ncKn fpecial, in the fetrf
of Tabernacles ; Blow tbcTrumpct in the thnc appointed 3 on wr
fclcmn fcifi-daj. ' '
Ver.4. F*r this voasa B.atuf ; e fpr Ijiafli. and 4
/*n* of tie God of Jacob.
5 . This he ordained in Jnfeph for a ttfhrnony^ Vchen
he weni out through the land.ofSgypt : \vtl€re / heard
a language y thill under flood nod
The Church giveth two reaffirm oft he exhortation, cheerful-
ly to glorifie God in theobfervation of nis appointed ordinances,
and folemn convocations : Otic is, becaufe God did inftinuc
and command this folcmri ire joycing in him, ver.4. The other
is, becaufe he appointed it' after the beftowing on them of a
greaVdeliveraficc out of Egypt from their bondage under ftran-
gers, and people of an uncouth language, ver. 5.rVrorh thefirft
reafon ; Learn; \ lit is a fufficient motive for observation of any
religious a&ibn, that God Hath ordained it ; and no lefle autho-
rity then divine can warrant a rjjan in the matters of Religion ;
l# - ' * 'therefore
PSXL. fcXXXT. 24P
therefore it is faid here. Fir this t»M a ftitutefor Ifracl, and 4
Uw of the God of Jtcob. As none may appoint z&% of rtligi-r
ous worfhip, but God: fo alio none may alter nor abrogate them,
crcept God hirtfelf only : For they Arc (lauites and Uwes of the
godofjfacob. 1. The Ordinances of Religion appointed of
God, as thcyare witneflcsof hiswill, how he mall be ferved,
an 1 witneflcs of his gbqd will toward us , and care of us to have
lis laved: foalfo arc they witneflcs of pur faith and obedience,
to tcftirie for us or againft us, as we m ike ufc of them ; This
\t $rdaincd in fofepb for a te(limonj f J. Thcgreatnctic of the
work of Jledemption, the powerful manner of bringing it to
Safic, and the mifei y wherein we were before we were delivered,
lould augment our joy and thank fulncfle to G^d, and ftraijn
our tie to his worftiip arid fervicc, as the force of the Churches
rcafoning here doth teach : for the Lord w^nt through the Egy-
ptians, and over their belly as a mighty Conquerour, when he
revicemei ijis people and delivered them from the fervitude of a
people ot a ftrange language, therefore they were bound joy-
fully to keep his lolemn Qui inances J He ordained this for ate-
ftimony flaith the Church) when be went through the land of E-
gypt, where 1 hejird a Uu^ua^c, which 1 u?\dcrjiood not.
Ver. 6 I removed his {boulder from the burden :
his hounds were delivered from the pots.
7. Thop cailedft in trouble, and I delivered thee \
1 anf^ered the in the ft cret place of thunder , 1 pro-
ved thee *{ the water a; of Jtferikab. Selah.
InthcfeconA part theXord fpeaketh, and putteth Jris people,
in mjn,c|e of hjs kimjncflcto therein their delivery from E-
gypt y ver. 6. and of h}s wife care of ;hem in the wiiderneflc,
vcr. 7 1 And r^ow he craved noting qt them , but that they
mould keep clofeto him, and not go after idols, ver* 8,9.
Firft, becaufe h; is God all fuf&cicnc. Next, becaufe he had
entered in Covenant to be their God\ Thirdly, becaufe he had,
given proof w^nt he could do for them by their delivery out of
Egypt- A^d laftly, because be wa$ ready to make them fully,
bUlfel upo^ their willingneflc tq receive his offered goodncflc,
ver. 10. And then he llicwes vylj.at; an evil meeting they gave
him.
" From the renewing the memory, of their delivery? oijt of E-
251 PSAL.LXXXI.
gypt, ver.6. turn, i. For rkht taking up of the benefit of our
Redemption, whether Fpiritual or bodily, the heavinefleof our
yoke and bafencfle of our {livery muft be called to minder I
removed bis {boulder from the burden, and bis hinds were deli-
vered ft om the pot: j for Ifraclwcre as pioneers and fcullions in
Egypt, bafely employed in carrying draw and morter to make
brick, as moft abject (laves: and this refembleth the condi-
tion we are in by nature; under the (livery and burden of fin
andmifery • 2. God only is the Redeemer of men from what-
foever evil conditions no infttuments which God doth ufc, muft
intercept his glory : none can eafcour burden nor cleanfe our
hands 3 but God only : I (faith the Lord) removed hisjhoulder
from the burden, and bands from the pots.
From the Lords wife care of them, when they were come out
of Egypt, vet. 7- Learn, 1. After delivery of us out of the ftate
of mifery, other particular troublefome pafiages may meet us, as
did meet Ifrael at the red lea, when they came out of Egypt , and
we may fall into new trbuhlei for a Iittle,as they did. 2. God who
delivcreth us from. the ftate of nailery, muft alfo deliver us
from particular miferable cafes or miferable conditions 5 yes,
and being called upon by us in our mifery, he will deliver us as
he did I fuel , Thou cdledft in trouble, and I delivered thee.
5. It is Gods wife difpofing, that new trouble mould bring to
minde our former delivery, and our deliverer , and mould piefle
us to pray to God, and make way for a new experience of deli-
very, as here we fee. 4. The more the Lord dcuh manifeft him-
felf from heaven for us, and again ft our enemiesj the greater is
our obligation, as Tjraels obligation was augmented, when at
their prayer in the red fea, the Lord by thunder out of the black
cloud againft the Egyptians following them, did declare him-
felf for Ifrael : I anfeered tbee in the {ecrct plice of thunder.
5. It is an evidence of the Lords care of his people to put
them to ihe" trial of their hhh and finccrky of afrcflion to
God, that fo- twy may either finde their former profeflion and
opinion of th^nfelves folid and'upright, or finding it other-
waves may be humbled andYepenr, and become more fincere;
therefore is the trhl 01 Ifrxel after their coming out of the red
fea numbered among the evidences of Gods care cf them > I
proved thee at the waters of MCribih. 6. Calling to minde our
misbelief ma& manifeft unto us in the day of our trial, fbould
make us more humble and wary to depart from God there after ;
for thisis the fcfibn, v.hkh Ifracls (hiving wi:h God at the wa-
ters.
PSAL. LXXXI. 250
ters of Meribab, fhould have taught them j I provedtbecat the
waters of Meribab , or waters of ftrifc.
Ver. 8. Heare, O my people^ and 1 Vtill teftifie
unto thee ; O Jfrael, if thou wilt hearken unto
me.
9. There fbdl no firange God be in thee : neither
fbalt thou Voorfbip any ftrange God.
10. /am the LOUD thy God , -which brought thee
out of the land of Egypt: open thj mouth nide 3 and
1 mil fill it.
We have heard of Gods gracious dealing with ifrael, in the
point of doing for them ; Now the Lord declareth, what thankr
fulneffehe required of them, and how rcafonable and equitable
his demands were: unto the confidc;ation whereof he waken-
eth them up , ver. 3. Summeth up all in the fii ft command
cf the moral Law, ver. 9. Giveth rcafons io move them tq
this, ^er. 10.
¥rom his awaking them to hear, itfr.o. Lcxrnc> i.Wher*
the Lords Word is to be delivered unto us, we fliould have our
mindes gathered in, and humbled, and fixed unto a reverent at T
tention, hearty belief, and humbled obedience \ therefore, faith
he, Hear y Ifrael, and I will uftifie unto thee. 2. When the
Lord doth fpeak, whether for conviction of duty to be done,
or duty not discharged, there needeth no other witneflc befide
himfelf, to convince the confeience, his fpeech is fo clear,
fo full of truth and authority: Hear > and I will left i fie unto
thee. 1, Both the Lord and weourfelvcs have juft reafon to
queftioncur willingnefle to hear Gods Word inculcated unto
us: becaufcitwillbe found that we have proved misbelieving
and rebellious hearers before^ and becaufe it is our natural diu
pofition to be averfe from all Gods commands ; therefore,
faith the Lord, ifrael, if thou wilt hearken unto me. 4. The
Lord rcquireth his people to be a willing people, and nothing
can be more forcible to make us willing and obedient to God,
then to unce ftand that Gcd is willing to te ;ch, direct and blcfie
usi Hetr> lfra;l 3 if thou will, or /halt hearken unto mc.
From the lumme of that fervice which Gc^d requireth of us,
ver. 9, Lcuntc, 1. The fumme of Gods Law is comprfie 1 in
the
J 5 % PSAL. LXXXI.
th firft command ; for as GjI is feared, delighted in, fubmhtcd
unto, and ma J e ourGsdin efted' fo are all the Command-
ments kept : There jhM be nojtrange god in thee. 2. As found-
neflc in Religion, and cleaving clofe to our.only one God, (as
h* hath revealed himfelf to be the Father, Sonne, and^Holy
Ghoft, of whom, and through whom, and for wliom are all
things 11 is the fountain of all obedience, and keeping commu-
nion with God:fo the corrupting of Religion,, and departing
from this ground in any fort, is the fountain of all following
misbehaviour, and difcommunion with God 5 There fhill no
ftrsnge god be in thee , neither Jlult thou vorjhip any /fringe
From the reatbns of this duty fet down, ver. 10. Lexm, r.The
confederation of having our life, and motion, and being of God|
and that he will give to all his promile* and threatenings certain
performance, fliould move us to belccvc in him, adhere unto
him, and ferve him only* I Am the Lord J am Jehovah ,i. The Co-
venant of grace, wherein the Lord hath drawn us, who pro-
feflo our felves to be his in Chrilt, fliould move us to depend
on him for rightcoufnefs and life, and to ltudy in his ftrcngth
to pleafe him ; I am the Lord tbj Cjod. 5 . The great work of
our Redemption, and all the beneuts beftowed upon us, in re-
lation toon; bringing out of the fUvery of idolatry and Egy-
ptian dakneffc, to the beholdingof the marvellous light,, and
Kingdom of his dear Sonne, reprcfented by the delivery of his
people out of Egypt* fhould move us to adhere to our Rokemcr,
a nd to ai me at his fer vice fin gly ; I am thy God, who brought
thee out of the Uniof Egypt. 4. The faire allowance which
God beftowcth upon his lervants, to wit, Asti and have, ihould
tie our hearts to huh a potent, all-fufficienc and gracious God*
Open thy mouth wile, and I will fill it. f. It is the narrownefs
of ou; faith, an 1 of our fpiritual defire, which hindcreth our fe-
licity ; we are not ft aittnea in God, but in ou* i elves : for his
cfteris., Opon thy mnch wide, anil will fill it. The Lord will
give grace and glory and will withhold no good thing from them
that w \\k uprightly ; and for this end he calleth for the enlar-
ging ofour delircs, and of our belief to receive fatisfa&ion, that
we may have in him full contentment, and not be allured from
him to vanities which cannot profit us.
Vcr. 1 1 . But my people Would not hearken to my
voice, and Ifrael wofd^nonje of me.
In
PSAL. LXXXI. 353
In the third part of the Pfalm is fet down, how Ifratl to their
own detriment and depriving of thcmfeWesof great happihefs,
did reject the Lords comn and, 3nd the offer of his grace.
10KMC learn, i. The people, to whom the Lord is moil libe-
ral, arc not alwayes moft thankful : Us people by external Co*
venant arc not alwayes obedient to him, but readily do give him
the word meeting J But my people would not fctttrfcw unto my
vtice. i. The caufc of not hearkening to, and obeying of
Godi commands, is our not believing in God, not taking fa-
tisfa&ion, pleafure and delight in God : for how came it, that
Gods people by Covenant did not obey his voice ? It may
ferrc forananfwer; *And Ifuelwauld none of me > or reftcd
not on me, or had no pleafure in me,
Vcr. 12. So 1 gave them up Unto their own
hearts lufl: and they walked in their own conn*
fels.
Here isihewen how fearful was Ifracls plague for their not
delighting in God, they were given over to follow their own
will unto their own perdition. Whence learn, i.The idols '
which come in competition with God, are a mans cwn car-
nal lufts andafteftions, as here appcareth. x. If thcie idols
be adhered unto, when God doth offer himlelf for giving a man
contentment, it is jnftice with God to take a refufe at the mans
hands, and to ceafe to deal with his heart any more, but to give
him ever to the fcrvice of his idol > Tbcy would none of me, fo
I gave them up unto their own hearts lufl. 3 . Whofoever do re-
fufe to ferve God, (hall not efchew to fer've a worfe Matter, to
wit, their ownbeaftly affections, and Satan, who ruleth men by
their lufts; They would brue none of me, fo J gave them up to
their own hearts lufl ; 2nd this of all judgements is thehcavi-
eft. 4. When God leaveth a nun to himfclf, there is no re-
ftrafnt to keep him from going to a mifchief, and to perdition,
as here we fee ; I gave tbem up, and they walked in the counfcl of
their own hearts.
Ver. 13* that my people habhearkenedmtome :
and Ifraet had walked in mj wajes
LaQ
»
254 PSAL. LXXXI.
Laft of all,is fet down by way of Gods lamenting for his people^
what felicity they ail lefe by this their refufing to make God
their delight, and his voice their rule to wnlk by. Firft, if they
had obeyed God, their enemies mould not havebeen their Ma-
iler, but they (hould have been made victorious over their ad-
verfaries, vcr. 13, 14, 1 5. Next, they (hould have been fatis-
fiedwith all contentments abundantly, let forth under the terms
of feeding them with fine wheat and honey. This lamenting of
God for his peoples mifery, is borrowed from thje manner of?
men, lamenting the milery which their difobedieni children
have brought upon .themlelves, and is not to-be taken lb, as if
there were in God any paftion onperturbation, or miferable la-
mentation, but this fpeech is to be conceived,, as other like
fpeeches in Scripture, which are borrowed from theaftlctions
of men, and are f
fuitabletothnt :
litude ; and lb, O that my people
to move his people, ('who iriould hear this expreflicn^ to repent
and lament their not hearkening unto God 5 and toftudiein
all time to come, to be more obedient unto him, even as rrrey
vyould efchew them^e which came upon misbelieving and difo-
bedient Ifrael ; and as tiiey defueto obtain the bkffings 3 where-
of carnal Ifraelkes did come fhort, and did deprive themfelves;
and if it beasked^ what may be imported by this 'fpeech pro-
perly ? We anfwer, that ray people bad hearkened mto me y &c.
fheweth thefe, fix things ; Firft, what order the Lord hath fet in
giving bicflings to his vifible, Church ; namely, that they begin
and bcleeve in him, and ftudyto obey him, and that they by
means appointed by him, fhould look to have Inch b'eilmgsy
as he hath promifed to belccvcis, 'and to obedient people. Next,.
this manner of fpeech fticweth, how acceptable and^eafant un-
to God it is to fee the faith, obedience and welfare of his peo-
ple, all joyned together in his appointed order. .Thirdly, that
the meritorious and culpable caufe of mens miferie, is not in
God,but in man, who by his fin deferveth it, and draweth it on-
himfelf. Fourthly, that God delighteth not in the death or dc-
ftrucYion of his people, but that they (hould repent and live.
Fifthly, that this is his will, that whofocver mail hear of the
evil meeting, which the Israelites did give unto God, and of the
judgement which they did draw upon themfelves, may be made
wife by this lamentation made by God. »f or Ifrads definition,
and fo may rather chufe ro hearken to God> as they did not ; then
to
PSAL. LXXXI. 255
to be given over in his wrath to their own lufts , and to perirti in
his indignation as befell them , Sixthly, that God requiretha
fuitablc meeting ofhis people to his difpenfations, that is, that
they may be fo willing to hearken to his voice, and fo loath to of-
fend him, as he doth manifeft by word and works his willing-
nefie to fay? them , and his loathnctfe to deftrcy them.
From the Lords lamenting, Learn further , 1. As on the one
hand themifcarriage and milery of others before us, fhould make
us wife to efchew the evil which befell them,& to obtain the good
whereof they by their difobedience were deprived : So on the
other hand, the willingneffe of God to blefle thofe who do follow
histiircdion, (hould make us diligent to underftand what courfe
God hath prefcribed, and fhould make us confident to obtain blef-
fedneflc in our endevour to follow it 5 for , that my people had
hearkened unto mc, 0>c. doth teach us fo much. i. They may
be in the number and eftimation of Gods people , by vertueof
Church-Covenant, who for their refnfing to follow Godscoun-
fell may come 'fhor: of Gods bleffings s for, thit ray people had '
hearkened unto me&e^i&kvh this evident. 3. Hewhoheareth
God uttering his wimes for the conver'Gon of his people , and la- .
menting that his Word is not : : believed , and that his offer
of grace is hot received, doth give God an evill meeting, and nei-
ther believeth Gods goodnelle , nor caieth for his'own falvation^ '
except he jcyn with God 3 lamenting his cwn misbelief in time '
paft, and do wifh heartily the fame winh with God for his own '
converfion for time to come} for this fpeech, that my people had.
hearkened unto mc, %ft 9 is framed to this very end , to make the
hearer willing, and fo to convert him, or elfe to convict him , if ;
he rake not holdofths offer. 4. Whatfoever be the .Lords fe-
enc: decrees concerning thefalvarion of fomc, and condemnation .
of other tome in the vi.fible Chui'ch 5 yet the meanes of executi- '
on of thofe decrees, are fo holy and juft s and wifely carried on,
as thofe decrees (hall not be particularly revealed to the ftum- '
bling of any man, but the offer of grace and declaration of Gods
goodneffe is fo laid out in common, that whofoever doth not,,
embrace the fame . is made inexcufable 5 for when God faith, J
O that my people had hardened unto me>he that doth not anfwer the
Lor3 , with O that thou wouldft frame this heart of mine , to the
ebedience of faith > hath nothing to fay if he be damned, for .
his flighting of the offer fo freely held forth unto him , and pref-
fed upon him.
Ver.14.
z$6 PSAL. LXXXt.
Vcr. 14. 1 fbould (oon have fub&ned tleir encfniet,
arid turned my h*nd Againjl their adver [dries.
15. The haters of the LOR'D fhottld have fubmit ted
themfelves unto him : bat their time fhiitld have en- \
dared for ever.
1 6. He Jhould have fed therh alfo Veith the fine fl of the
ypheat : and with hotej out of the rock^ , fhjnld I have
fatisfied thee.
From the good which fhoutd have come to his pcoplc/et dowjij
vcr. HjMj 6 Learn, l. Gods blcffings arc riot to be looked
after, except in the wayes of G<*H and it any man come (hoi t of
Gods bleffing, he beareth the blame himielfe : that lfrael bad
walked in my wayes > tjlmld foon havefubdued their enemies ^c.
2. If the Lords people have provoked him to let loofe their ene-
mies upon them, and to picvailc over tlkm; the onely way
to have affaires changed , is to turn to God , and to walk in his
wayes 3 Ifljracl had walked in my wayes, Iflmld have turned my
hand againjl their adver faries. 3. They that are enemies to the
Lords people 3 arc haters of the Lord : and where the profeflion
of true religion and righecoufnefle is hated , there the quarrell is
common to God with his people; for their enemies are here
called Hater s of Cjod. 4. It is a benefit to Gods people, and a
point of glory to God, when Gods enemies and theirs do fuo*
mit themfclves to God, albeit but feignedly, which good. Gods
people do hinder , when they walk not in his wayes: If Ifracl
had to allied in my wayes, the haters of the Lord fbould have fubtnit-
Zcd tbemfctvesyor lied unto hint; as the Word will bcar.f. There
is no means to perpetuate a vilible Church in any place , but to
tvalk in the Lords wayes : Iflfracl had walked in my wayes, (?c.
their time fbould have endured for ever. 6. Obeying the voice
of God , that is, the embracing of tlic oftet of grace and reconci-
liation with God through the facrifice of the Mcfijan Chrift,
'ana* ftudyingto walk holily asp'erforis reconciled, is the only way
of coming by true felicity , the only way of being furmftied wjth
all things ncceflary for life and falvaticri , the onely way of ha-
ving lirge allowance fro'nl God offweet and fatisfa&'ory food,
for entertaining of fp'iritual fife and communion with Godv pro-
mifed hereunder thcfirnilltude of earthly food ; He flmti have
fed them with the fineft of the wheat : and with the honey out of
the Ruck flmld I have fatisfied the*.
fSAtx
PSAL. LXXXH. 257
PSAL. LXXXIf.
A Pfalme of Afyb*
THis Pfalme agreeth with the time of Davids perfccutloaby
SjiuI and hi j Counfellors, the Peeres of the land , wherein
the Pftlmift comforteth himfelfe in Gods fuprcmacy , and his
judging ot all Judges on the earth ; for exerci'-'ng whereof God
comcth unto their meeting, vcr. 1. Then chiHengeth them for
their in.juftice and opprelfion , vcr u Thirdly , readeth the
law and rule of their duty unto them, ver. 3, 4. Fourthly , coil-
demneththem as guilty, vcr.f. Fifthly, pronounceth fentencc
of doom upon them, vcr.6,7, And then the Pfalmift clofeth
the Pfalm with prayer, ver. 8.
Ver. 1. /^>Od jldndeth in the congregation of the
Kj mighty : he jnigetb among the gods.
From the Lords preferice in the Aflembly of Judges, Lcdr>i>
1. The name of a Congregation or Church, is given in Scripture
to tie orderly meeting of Rulers and Governours, met for
the execution of their office; as here, Godftamietb in the Congre-
gation or Church of the migbiy. i. No Judge is ablolute Lord
over a people, but in fubordination to God , who is Judge above
&U Judges $ and will judge of all the decrees of Judges under
him ; godflandcrf? in tbecerigrcgutidn aftbemigbty ; be jiidgetb.
$. God doth put his Name upon civil Magiftrates, and hath
clothed them with honour ; that as their eminency is a part of his
image, fo their decrees (hould be fucir as God will ovvne's He
judgctb among the gods.
Ver. 2. How long ^iU ye judge ftnjiifllj : dnd ac-
cept the perfons ofthj: wicked ? Selah.
From the Lords challenging of them for their partiality ani
injufticej Learn e , i. Men in honou. and power , readily do
forget God their Mafter and Sovereign Lord 5 and done§le&*c
do juftice according to their office : the (plendour of their powp-
doth make them forget their duty to GoJ above thenx, and .to
drto*
258 PSAL. LXXXII.
their fubje&s under them, as the inftance of the Rulers of Ifrael
fheweth, who had Godsexprefielawinftead of A&s of Parlia-
ment : and Gcd dwelling in the midft of them in a wonderful
manner , for direction in extraordinary cafes , even they did
judge unjuftly. z. Corrupt Judges are inclined to (hew fa-
vour only to the wicked, and are partiall when the caofe of the
wicked cometh before them : 7e accept theperfons of the wicked .
$. Albeit the Lord keep peace for a while, yet will he na: alwayes
be filcnt, but at length will call them to an accompt 5 How long
will ye judge unjuftly I
Ver. 3. ^Defend the poor and father lejfe : do ]u-
ftice to the afflitted and needy.
4, "Deliver the poor and needy : ridde them out of
the hand of thewickfd.
From the rule of juftice which isfuto Magi Urates * Learn,
3. Thetouchftone of Magiftrates juilice is in the caufes and
cafes of the poor.;fatherles,aftti&cd and needy,who are not able to
attend long their fuits of law , have no friends nor money
to deal for them $ to whom therefore the mighty fhould be eyes
to direct them , and a ftafte to their weaknefle , to fupport and
heipe them to their right 5 Defend the foore and fatberteffe m , dv
juftice to the afflicted and needy, z. As the poor and affii&ed
have need of the Judges help, to clear their right, when they
feek juftice : fo alfo when they are unjuftly drawn to the barre,
or any way oppreficd , the mighty or Judges fhould interpofe for
their relicfe, and refcue the opprcflcd from the oppreffour: Z)o
liver the poor * and needy, ridie them out cf the band of the
wicked.
Vci\ 5* They k*ow **<>*> neither mil they under-
Rand* they walhe onindar\nejfe : all the foundations
of the earth are out of courfe.
1
From the condemnatory fentence for their guiltinefle 5 Learn,
tu „I. Ir is a great fault in a Judge, not to know the duty of
milc his office , or not to acquaint himfelf with the folid rules of
f cd Juftice; for upon this ground are they here pronounced guil-
*b* *f. ' Tfay &<w M ts *• & ls a s reat ^ l w ^ cn * J^s e
is
PSAL. LXXXIL 259
is ignorant, to refute inftruction , intornmion , and diiection
offered from :he Lords Word., as here: Neither xoill they under*.
ftand. I- It is yet moft culp.ibie of all, for any man, but to
J udges in fpecial, to go on ftiil in a finful comic ,- They tp.j/^ on
in dar^nefj'c. 4. When jufticc, and judgement- feais ae cor-
rupted, and Judges do net mind juftice. in their places, i hen the
pillars of that land or kingdome muft ftag^er, anil all matters
go to ruine or a perillous alteration : All the foundations of the
earth (or of the land) are out of courfc, faith the Lord > where
theforcfaid injufticc or faults in Governours arc found.
•
Ver. 6. / have [aid, Tc are gocis : and all of joh
are children of the mo ft High.
7. But j e Jb .nil die Ukemen y and fall Uh^e one, of
the princes.
From the fentence of doome pronounced againft them; Learns
I. Princes, Magiftiatcs, chief Rulers and Judges , have allow-
ance from God, of honour, power, and firength, tribute and.
revenues, for the better difcharge of their office under mm; I
havefaidje are gods, and all of you are children ofthemojl High;
that is, I have put the image of my fuperiority on you , :.nd
given you preheminence of place , power, and gifts over other*
in my Name. 2, Great places among men do not exemprafty
man from Godspower, juftice and judgement j but all men, g*eat
men no leffe then others, muft die and come to judgemen; , as
hath be/alien others before them. A Prince among Gods people,
who doth not execute juftice, as becometh Gods fervanr , fnaU
be puniftied, as profane perfons are who rule without the pai
G^ds Church; 'But ye Jhall die li^e men, and fall as one of the
Princes. 3. The meditation of death and judgement following
6n it, is a prefling motive unto amendment of life : for this isr
let before men of high place^who do not Aland in fear of their iub-
jefts : Te fialldie Ufa men, and fall 4s one of the Primes.
Ver. 8. Atif* % god , ]ttdge tfo earth : for thou
/halt inhert all nations.
From the cjofe of the Pfalrrie by this fhorr prayer^ wherein tfre
oppreffed fervant of God prayeth thnt God would put order un-
to the government of his people , and redi eiTe the vvcongs dene to
S % them^
26o PSAL. LXXXIII/
them; LcAtn>\. Albeit the opprefl'ed fetvants ot God cannot finde
jufticeat mens hands, yet there is help to be had from God., and
prayer , fhorter or longer 5 as the Lord furnifheth unto them,
muft they feek their ealc of minde and comfort ; Ari(e, §od>
judge the earth. $. When Magiftrates or Rulers do oppreffe
Gods people, private perfons may. not go beyond their bounds,
but muft have their recourfe to God,; that he may fet matters that
are wrong in a better condition, as here the Pfalmift doth. 4- As
the Church of God among the Jewes was acquainted with the
prophecies of the enlargement of the Church and Kingdom of
God among the Gentiles , and upon this ground prayed that he
. would not fufter his intereft in his people then to decay by the
malice of men : fo may the Lords Church in any place or time
upon the fame ground pray for the like mercy ; for {till the rea-
fon holdeth , that God who is about to enlarge his Kingdome,
will not lofe what he hath already; and fo to pray : Atife O
Lord , judge the earth $ for thou foalt inherit all nations. Amen.
PSAL. LXXXIII.
A fong or Pfalme of Afapb*
THis Pfalme agreeth with fuch acondition of the Church, as
werctdofinthedayesofjF^o/ifto, 2 Qbron. 20. and fer-
vcth to comfort the Church in the greateft confpiracies of her
enemies ngainfl her. The Pialm hath two parts. In the former,
the Church doth cry to God to fhew himfelfe for his people,
ver. 1. and complaineth of their confpiracy and preparation to
come againft her, ver. a, 3 . and of their purpofe to root out the
Lords people , w. 4, f. fpecifying a number of nations, who
were upon the plot, ver* 6,7,8. In .the latter part, they pray
that judgment may fo befall them , as befell other fuch their ene-
mies before 3 who enterprifed the fame enterprife , ver. 9, 10,
Iij 12. In particular , that the whole hoft may be over-
turned and conlumed , ver. i$, 14* and the remnant may
bee chafed and fcattered , ver. 15. and alhamed and con-
founded for ever , ven\6, 17. that fo God may have themroc
glory among them, vtr* 18.
Ver f i,
PSAL. LXXXHI. 261
Ver. I. Y7~ Eep not thou plence y O God: hold noe
JlV./^ peace, and be not Ji ill, OGod.
From his cry to God to let forth a word for his people in this
ftrait; Learn > 1. The Church may be in fuch a ftrait, as if
God do not fpeedily interpofe himlelfe , fhe cannot but be fwal-
lowed up of her enemies quickly , as here we fee. 2. Senfe of
danger putteth an edge on prayer , and kindleth affeftion in it;
J&ep notfilence y O God , hold not thy peace 5 and again, O God, be
7iotftill. $. The Lords uttering a word of comfort to his peo-
ple, and of terror to his enemies in the extremity of danger,
will fatisfy his Church , and do all her work 5 "Be not filent,
bold not thy peace , be notftill, is the fummeof all fhe craveth %
for let him fpeak, and it ftiall be done,
Ver. 2. Tor lo thine enemies make a tumnlt , and
they that hate thee, have lift up the head.
3, They have taken 'crafty counfell agafaft thy
people y and confulted againft thy hidden ones*
From their complaint of their enemies preparation to come
againftthemj Lcarne > t. The enemies 0/ Gods Church arc
the enemies of God , bearing the fame aflfeftion to God and to
them that; are reconciled to him 5 For to, thine enemies that bate
ibec, mafe a tumult, i. The more din the enemy makes,the more
infolent he is the higher he lifteth his head , he is thje more
near to be knockt down by Gods appearing for his people againft
him : l^eep votfilcnce , for thine enemies ma\e a tumult > they have
lifted up the bead. 5 .The chief enemies of the Church are not the
filly and (imple fort of people , but the moft fubtile politicians
ufually , whofe heads arc moft fit for Satans devices againft
Gods people ; They have taf^en crafty counfell againft thy people,
4. The true children of God, his fecietones, who inthe fenfe
of their own wcakneffe do fhelter themfelves under Go.ls wings,
and do glory in him , are the fpecial object of the malice of Sa-
tan, and of his wicked fervants ; They have confulted againft ^tk}
bidden ones. 5. Againft the craft and policy of enemies the
Church hath nothing in her felfe to oppofc , but doth run to
God , who can eafily difappoint all the enemies plots , as here we
fee, Vft.^h
S 3 Ver. 4,
262 PSAL. LXXXIIJ,
Ver. 4. They have Jaid, Come , and let us cut
them off from being a nation : that the name of Jfrael
may be no more in remtipbrana
5. For they have confulted together *ftith one confent:
they are confederate again/} thee.
From their purpofe to root out Gods people ; Learn , 1 . No
lefl'f will fat:3ty the .:r,emies of Gods Church , then extirpation
and abolishing oft UeChurcruLet us cut them off from- being a na-
tion jhzt the name oflfracl mxy be no more in remembrance ,2. When
the C hurch isleaft united , and leaft able to defend her felf, the
wicked encourage and ftrengthen one another in an evill courfe
againfl: her ; They have [aid ,one to another Come, let us cut them
off. 3. Although the wicked be at enmity one againfl: another^
yet they will all agree together to overthrew the Church ; They
have eonfulted together with one confent, (faith he) they are con-
federate agah.ft thee, 4. This consideration, that the confpiracy
a^alhft the Churches a confpiracy againft God^whofe people the
O.urrh jsjs very comfortable in the Churches extremity; They
: v re confederate againft thee.
Ver, 6. The tabernacles ofEdomandthe Ifbmael-
ifCi 9 of Moaby and the Hagarens.
j. Gebaland Ammon and Amele^ the Fhiliftines,
with the inhabitants of Tyre*
<?8. *sifhur alfo is joyned vrith them ; the j have
holp n the children of Lot. Se/ah.
In the reckoning up .of the fcvcral. nations confpired againft
Ifrael, Learn , 1. When the Church looketh upon the-mttlti-
tude of her enemies, and their confederacy , and their refolution
to deftroy her, fhe mould gather grounds of hope ^ to be helped fo
much the more, and fo much the fconcrj for this is the Chur-
ches argument of hope to be helped here. 2* Jn the pei fecution
ofthe Chinch , no wonder to fee falfe brethren to bethechiefe
leaders, whoever be followers and affiftants j for here the Church
complaineth of it : They have he r ped the children of Lot > and im-
porteth, thatMoii and Amnion ftheir baftard^brethren) were
firft in the enmity. 3. It is no wonder, ncr ftrangc thing,
to fee many nations on all hands to invade the Lords people
at
PSAL. LXXXIII. 26$
; at once : for here are ten nations coming all together againft
IfeaeL
Ver. 9. *&(> unto them as unto the Midiamtes :
as to Sifera, as to Jabin at the brool^of Kijhon.
10. Which peri/bed at Endor : they became as
dung for the earth.
1 1 . Makf their nobles like Oreb,and li\e Zeeb : jea
all their princes > *s Ztbah and as Z almunna :
12. fVho faid y Let us take to our [elves the hoti[es
of God in pojfefflon.
In the latter part of the Pfalm , is the Churches prayer to
Godj that he would be party againtt her enemies 3 and plague
them. There are fundry branches of the malediction^ which the
Church doth imprecate againft the enemies. The firfl is, :hat
God would deftroy them, as hedeftroyed others before them.whci
were upon fuch a wicked plot of roo ing out Gods people.
Whence learn, 1. When the Church hath to do with her ene-
mies, (he (hould look what in Scripture the Lord did for her in
times paft; for fo doth the Church look here to what the Lord
did to his enemies, J«rfg.7.z.2. and 4. 1 J,24.and 7-2f. a nd 8.: 1.
1. It is lawful to pray for judgements upon the enemies of the
Church, provided it be out of a publick fpirit, and net out of pri-
vate malice or revenge ; in which cafe the prayers of the Church
are more forcible for the overthrow of their enemies > then all
her external force is : T>0 unto themes unto the Midianitcs % is a
hard charge 3gainft them. 3. Former plagues poured out upon
the Churches enemies , are pledges oi the Lords bringing like
judgements on her enemies afterward , and of giving like prefer -
vation unto the Churchy as before > Do unto them as to the Midi*
anitos in Gideons time , and to Sifcra <md fabin in Deborahs
time 3 when fmall meanes were fufficient for a great overthrow of
the eneniy. 4. The dead bodies of Gods enemies fhall not only be
contemptible before men s which is incident to the bodies of the
Saints fomctimesjbut alfo contemptible beforeGod.as here we feej
Their enemies periled at Endor, and became as dung for the earth,
j.The Noblcs,leaders 3 & chief amongft Gods enemi^may look
for moil eminent judgement : Mafe their gobies, li^e Orcb and
Zccbjcj. all their Princes lih x e Zcbah and Zalmuuna. 6. It is all one
for enemies to refolvc to fpoilc Gods Church* and to rob God of
S 4 hk
ifa PSAL. LXXXIII.
his habitation fpecially ; fo long as Gods people love to have
Cod dwelling among them , for the injuries done to the Church
redound to the contumely of God , who hath taken the mainte-
nance of them > They fay. Let va ta\e to our [elves the houfes of
poAinpojfeJfipn.
Ver. 1 5. my God^make them like a wheel : as the
finbbh before the wivde.
14. As the fire burneth a Wood : and as the fame
fetteth the mountains on fire :
l*) So per fe cute them with thy tempeji , and make
them afraid with thyftorme.
X6. Fill their faces with fhame , that they may (ee\
thyNeme, LORD,
1 7. £et them be confounded and troubled for ever :
yea let them be put to fhame and peri fh : ,
Prom the reft of the branches of the imprecation , wherein
fundry fimilitudes are looked unto , for fhewing forth the eft'efts
Qf Go'ds \vrath upon the enemies of theChurch3Lear?r, ? .Ufe is to
be made of our Covenant with God, fo well againft our enemies,
3s for our felves^ for, O my God, faith he now, when he is about to
curfe the enemy. 2. The enemies of Gods Church have many
a mifchief waiting on them , of which if they efcape one, another
ihall overtake them 5 yea, no ore iimilitude can fet forth what
mi fey is prepared for them: no peace , no reft for them, no
{landing in any ftablifhed prosperity, but they fhall be rolled as a
towle turned upfide-dovyn, or as a wheel ', Make tbcm li^e a wheel,
3 . They fhall have no ftrength to rehft the blah o f God s wrath;
Make them as (lubble, or chaffe, before tbewindc. 4. The Lords
indignation againft them (hall burn them as a flame doth a For-
reft 3 let them be confumed , as fire that burneth a woed, which is
the greateft flame we can eafily conceive 5 or when a mountain
of fulphur or coales is kindled, as the flume fets the mountains on
frc, where fire above the earth and under it do meet together.
5. Iftheyefcape for a while,yet judgements mall follow them,
and overtake them , and toflcthem , and turn them in a circle,
t\\[ they be giAd'ji So perfecute them with thy tempeft , or whitle-
winde, 6. Befu!e what torment their prefent plague fhall bring
unto tl"em ; horror and fear of worfe to come ihall vexe them-,
Make
PSAL. LXXXIII. 26$
I Ma\etbem afraid with thy flormc.- 7. Atlafttluy fliallbcafln-
' med, when both they ftiall be difappointed of what they intended
a^ainft the godly,and alio meet with the mifery which they leaft
feared : Fill their frees roith frame. 8. Ifany of the enemies of
Gods people do belong to Gods election ,. the Churches prayer
a^ainft them giveth way to their conversion, and doth not leek
more then that the judgement fhould follow them only, till they
acknowledge their finne , and do turn and fesk God : Fill ibeir
frees with Jhame, that they may feek thy7{j?mc,0 Lord, 9. For
the reft of the wicked irresonciieable adversaries, when fliarne of
difappointment and temporal judgements are come upon them,
theworft of all doth yet follow, even everlafting perdition: Let
them he confounded and troubled for ever : yea let them be put to
frame and peri fr*
Ver. 18. That men may know , that thou^ wbofe
Name alone is f E HOVAH, art the mofi High
over all the earth.
HeclofeththePfalmewith fhewing the end of ail this com-
plaint and imprecation. Whence learne , i. The end of alL
curfing of the wicked enemies of the Church, is nor to fatisfy pri-
vate revenge , but that God may be glorified; Let them pcrifh t
that men may knorc ,tb <at thou art hewbofcName h $EHOVAR*
1. The Name Jehovah fignifying Gods being of hirnfelf, and the
caufeofthe being of all things created, is incommunicable to any
creature Y an d in Scripture is given only unto the three pe*-
fonsof the Godhead , the Father, the Word , and the Spirit,
whofe eflence is one) as here is taught ; That men m:y \noxc 3 that
thou whofe Name alone is tfcboziab. 3 . If men will not acknow- f
ledge the true God to be the fupremc and only Governour of all'
the world, they (hall by his 'heavy judgements, either upon
others, or upon themfelvcs, be made to know it : for the Church
doth here declare, that they do ufe this heavy imprecation aeaf nft
Gods enemies, that men may ^novo (fay they x that tbouwbofr
%ame alone is tfehevab,art tbemoji High over all the curtb.
P s Al«
266 PSAL. LXXXIV.
PSAL. L XXXIV.
To the chief MuficUn upon Gitthh. A Pfalme for the
fonnes of %ora!).
THis Pfalme is of the fame fubjed with Pfalm 42. and PiUm
63. Wherein the Pfalmift lamented his banifliment fi en
the Temple and the publick Ordinances of Religion, to:
and then prayeth for his reftoring to that priviledge in the eft of
the Pfalme. This Pfalme agreeth well with the time o I ..'.;„
parting with the Ark, when he fled from sAbfdom*
In his lamentation > Firft, he commendeth the place of pub-
lick vrforihip, ver. i % Then fheweth his longing after it , v.r. 2.
Thirdly, he wifheth to be as a fparrow, in the meaneft condition
partaker of that priviledge, ver. 3. Fourthly, he proclaimeth the
blefTednefTe of all the Lords Minifters,who may al waves be there^
ver .$. Fifthly, he calleth them blefled who have liberty to come
on foot from any part of the country , to keep at Ieaft the folemn
feafts, ver. 5,6,7. In his prayer he requefts in igenerall terms , to
be reftored to the Lords wovfhip, ver. 8 , 9 for two reafonsj one
is, becaufe he preferreth the meaneft officers condition in Gods
houfe to the moft quiet dwelling among the wicked, ver. ic. Ano-
ther reafon, becau e felicity is to be found in God , by the means
of his Ordinances, ver. ir. and meantime while his prayer
fliould begranted , he refteth by faith on God, in whom belie-
vers are made blefled, whereever they be«
Ver. 1. TI0W amiable are thy talerndles 5
STlLORT) of hops!
The Pfalmift being now in exile , cafteth his eyes upon his
own countrey, wherein throughout all the land theLord was wor-
(hipped in their feveral Synagogues, but moft folemnly in Sion,
the place where the Ark and the Tabernacle were i and putting a
difference between the holy Ordinances of Gods worfliip,nnd the
multitude of profane mixed among the godly > who did joyn in
thcwor{hip> he beholdeth the glorious beauty of the holy fer-
vice , and places where the occafion thereof was offered , and [o
bveakcth out in commendation and admiration of the lovelineflc
thereof. Whence lexrn 3 1. As God is glorious in all his holls»
which
PSAL. LXXXIV. 267
• which all are very ready as fouldiers to fight for him at his com-
mand: fo is hemoft gloriouj inthe campe of the viable Church
militant : for here his authority, juftice, mercy, grace, wifdom,
and power is moll of all manifefted, for the ovei throwing of the
kingdom of fin and Satan; therefore faith he^Hoa? amiable aretbj
Tabernacles , Lcrdofboftcs ?
2. This beauty of the Lords Churches and places of his refw
dence,as it is not difcerned by the blind world,but only by fuch as
are illuminated with heavenly light : fo is it highly prized, loved
and admired by them only : for it is the fvvect finger of lfrael y who
faith, How amiable are thy Tabernacles , Lord ofbofis > $. Al-
beit the world will not believe what here is faid , nor take this
praifing of the lovelines of Gods publick worfhip from the hand of
the godly,yet the Lord will receive this teflimony unto the beauty
of his Ordinances from fuch as do prefent it before him $ there-
fore doth the Pfalmifi moft confidently direct hisfpeech to God
himfclfe here 5 How amiable are thy Tabernacles y Lord ?
Ver# 2. My foule hngethy jea even faintetb for
the courts of the LORD : mj heart and my fiefi
crieth out for the living God*
In the next place, he profeffeth his longing after liberty to
enjoy thepriviledgesofthe publick Ordinances, albejt he was to
have it no waves, but in the fociete of fuch people , as were then
in the vifible Church,of whofe wickednefle he hid fufficient expe-
rience, they being now in armes againft him, following *Abfalom.
Whence Icarnc , 1. The beauty and lovelineife of Gods publick
Ordinances , is bell difcerned , and love and longing after them
moft ftirred up, when a man is deprived of them for a time;
ZMy foulclongctb , yea even faintetb for the courts of the Lord,
2. Bodily affliction fliarpeneth the fenfe of fpiritual wants , and
thefenfe of wan: of fpiiitual meanes of comfort augmenteth
bodily affliction : My foul faintetb , my bean anl myflejb cryctb
out. $, It is not the publick Ordinances alone , to be enjoyed
in an outward formality, which Saints do fcek after , but it
is to finde God in , and by the meanes ; it is to finde the Lords
lively operation on their hearts, which they long after y My
heart and my flefh crieth out for the living Goi.
i6% PSAL. LXXXIV.
Ver, 3. Tea the fp arrow hath found an houfe % and
the [wallow a nefi for hi rfelf , where fhe may lay her
young ; even thine Altars y LORT> of hoftes , my
King and my Gob.
In the third place,he wifheth to be partaker of the publick wor-
ship, were it in never fo mean and defpicable a condition; fo
he may enjoy Godsprefence in his ordinances, he is content to
creep into any corner of Gods houfe, and go out and feek his
meat, and return like a fparrow or fwailow. iVbcnce learn,
1. A foul which loveth communion with God indeed,will choofe
any temporal condition of life, how poor foever, how defpifed fo-
cver,rather then be deprived of what may make better for his (pi-
ritual condition, as appeareth in the Pfalmift, who wiftied to
have the p lace of a Sparrow , or of a Swallow ; any refidence
near Gods Altar. 2. The foul which craveth lively commu-
nion with God, fliould cleave clofe unto the title and intereft
which he h th in God by Covenant; as the Pfalmift doth here/
thine Altar (lakh he) my l^ing audi my God.
Vcr. 4. IHeffedare they that dwell in thy houfe.thej
will be Fiill praifing thee. SeUh.
In the fourth phce,he proclaimeth thePriefts and Levites, the
Lords M milters to be blefled men, for their priviledge and op -
portunity to ferve the Lord. JVbencc leam 3 1. Albeit many
who have the means and opportunity of profiting by publike or-
dinances, do not confider the day of their vifitation, to make
ufe of the means while they have them : yet the godly who are
deprived of the means, and do behold the fairc occafions of grace
ottered by them, do count them blefled, as here : IBlcjfed arc they
that dwell in tby houfe* 2. It isa blefled thing indeed to have
the occafion of communion with God in publick ordinances, and
to make ufe thereof in fetting forth the Lords glory ; and in this
refpecl: there are no meu in the world more blefled then faithful
Miniftcrs; Blcjfed arc they that dwell in thy bo ufe, they will be
fiillpraifiugtbee.
Ver. 5. B'cjfedisthemanwhofeftrengthisin thee:
in whofe heart are the wajes of them.
6<WhQ
PSAL. LXXXIV. 169
6. Who pacing through the valley of *Baca, make
it a Well : theraine alfo fillet h tbepooles.
7. Theygofrom ftrength to ftrength: everyone of
them in Sion appearetb before Cjod.
In the fifth place, he looketh upon their condition who dwell
fane oft from the Tabernacle, who mightat leaf* thrkeayear
come from the rartheft corner of the land, to keep the folemni -
ties appointed of God ; and he counteththem bleffed, albeit in
their voyage they mould endure never fo much toilein travel-
ling, and mould with difficulty drink their water, either rained
down from the clouds, or drawn from a well or cittern digged
with much labour: for albeit they mould iuftain toile and
drought in their way, yet having rifrefhments one after another,
and renewed ftrcngth for their journey, they mould all come at
laft to the place of publick ordinances in Sion $ and here he de-
fcribeththe true and bleffed Ifraeiitcs, whether Profelytesor
borne Jewes, refolved to come and appear before the Lord in the
appointed folemnities^by thefe fix properties .• Firft, they encou-
rage themfelves for the journey, by hope in God to be furnilhed
with ftrength : Bleffed is the man, (faith he) vobofe ftrength is
in thee. Next, they are refolved in their heart for all the incon-
veniences they may meet with in the journey, to hold on their
couife ; In wh'ofe heart are the rvayes of them. Thirdly, they do
hold on their courfe through dry and comfortlefle places, which
may be called places of Baca, or weeping ', They paff'e through the
valley of Baca. Fourthly, they overcome this difficulty of want-
ing water, either by digging a Well ; where they may finde wa-
ter, or by finding fome already digged ciftern, wherein Gods
providence had referved fome quantity of rain-water for them:
iVbo faffing through the valley of %aca 3 make it a Well : the
raine alfo filleth the pooles. Fifthly, after refrefhment found in
their journey they are encouraged to goon their way, till they
need and finde fome new refrefhment, and reparation of their
ftrength 5 They go from ftrength to ftrength. Sixthly,thefe godly
travellers all come at length to the place they aimed at, to Sion,
where they appear before God in the holy Feait, chearfuland
joyful fouls 5 Every one of them in Sion appearetb before God.
And therefore doth he call them blefled, becaufe at length
they come through all difficulties co have fweet communion
with God,
Thtfc
170 PSAL. LXXXIV.
Thefe two degrees of blcfkd Ifraelites, are fo painted out in
figurative termes, as they may mod eafily lead the fpiritual eye
to the blelTedneiTe which the figure is fit to reprefent, fothat
the typical words cannot well be undei flood, except the fpiri-
tual blcfiidnefs be taken along : for there are two degrees of re-
ally bleiied perfons, fomc are at home already dwelling with
God , of whom it may be moil folidly faid : Bleffed art they
that drvcllin tby foufc , they will be ftill praifing tbce> which is
their perpetual etercife. Ochers are travellers, who are in their
way toward heaven, the Lords houfe ; who indeed defpair of
their own {length to make out their journey, but their confi-
dence is in Gods ilrength, and their encouragement to fet for-
ward is this, that of them it may be well faid , TtleffcA is the
mxn wbofe ftrcngtb u in thee : fuch mens journey doth take up
their heart, the iiream of their affe&icns runs thitherward $ In
wbofe heart are the xvayes of them. Thofe travellers have a wil-
derncfle to go through, a comfortlefle valley wherein they do
fin 'e matter of mourning, and no foiid confolation, favethat
which God doth provide, beyond the nature of the place, which
God one way or "other doth furnifti unto them, that they (hall
not fail to have a timous confolation : Who fxffing through the
v Alley of Bxc:\ make it d Well: tberainc alfof.llctb the poles.
So that albeit God fufFer them to thirft, yet he fuftereth them
not to want a fufficient meafure for bringing them on their way$
aftrengthening them to go rorward : it they miffe a Well, they
(ball have a Ciftern filled with i.-.fn \..om heaven; the meafure
furn i filed unto them, rcneweth their it -ength after wearinefle,
and fuffketl them till they nee i , and meet with another reno-
vation of their itengih; Tbey r frmftrengtbfoflraigtb. Not
one of thofe rcfolute travelers, or i J nying perfpns,- dying on
Gods ftrength and furniture do peri... by the way, all are up-
held and brought forward, till thev coir e where they would be,
to enjoy Gods prefence in Sien which isab: e; Every one of
them, without exception, in Sion appcaretb before God,
Ver. 8. O Lord God of hoftes f hearmypajcr: give
eare^ God of Jacob. SeUk.
9. Behold^ God^ onr jbield :and look upon the face
of thine anointed.
In the latter part of the Pfaline is his prayed wherein he ma-
keth
PSAL. LXXXIV. 271
keth requeft for communion with God, both in the outward
type, and in the fpiritual truth. Whence learn, 1. The godly
mans holy wihhes and dcfires do not vanifh and die, but are re-
commended to God in prayer. What the Pfalmift longed for in
the former part of the Pfalm, in the latter part he piayethfox.
2. The earneft fupplicant hath no will to be reftifed, but faften-
cth his hope to fpeed en Gods power and Covenant, and
doublcrh his petitions in the Lords bofome > lord of hoftcs,
hcjLr my prayer : give care, God of Jacob. $. Albeit the be-
lu-cr be feparate in place from the communion of Saints in
p.^likeworihip, yet he will finde a conjunction with them in
in' pmycr a: the throne of Gods grace, and claim
1 :c eft with them in God for protection and com-
I God, (laithhe) ourfhield* 4. How little ap-
r . mceToever of poifeffion, or performance of promi fes the be-
kevej; h > r .* muft he claim his ri^ht and titles, which
db h o pofleflioa 5 Loi>\upon the face of thine anoint-
ed v le ccuntcth himfelf King in regard of his right to the
Crow • bee :: God had caafed Samuel to anoint him to be
King. », ht Co a pi ncipal mercy, may pray and
look for c • v Kceflbry nercy, which is prefuppofed in the
principal;, <. I i^ as here upon the promife of the
Kingdom, Dxj' 1 1 '<- . vein for the liberty of the Temple, which
behooved to follow upon his rcpofleiLjn in the Kingdom, and
here ai he Iboics >/ough his own anointir^ unto the Mef-
fiah Churl, of wnom he knew. kxtofcU tc be a type : and for the
Mcffiah Chrift he fcekcth cc ha e his petition granted, through
whom alone ev^rygood thing is purchased, and muft be con-
veyed unto us ; Look (faith he) upon the face of thine an-
ointed.
Ver. 10. For a day in thy courts is better then a
thoufand : lhadrathr- be a door-keeper in the houfe
of my God, then to dwell in the tents of wicked*
nejfe.
This is the firft reafon, why he deSreth to have the priviledg-
es of the publick ordinances reftored unto him. Whence learn,
i.VVhatfoever may be a means to.bring us to the ruition of God,
is incomparably better then any earthly thing; and one houre
fpem in the means of eternal felicity, is worth a thcufand fpens
other-
272 PSAL. LXXXIV.
otherwayes ; For a day in thy Qmms is Utter then a tboufxnd.
2. Thelowcfl and molt painful condition of life,, joyned with
anymeafure of communion with God, is better then the moil
quiet, eahe, and plentiful condition of life without communi-
on with God 5 To be a door-fceper in the boufe of the Lord, 'js
tetter then to dwell in the tents of wul{cdnej]e. $ . The godly
man whofe judgement is rectified about things Spiritual, is the
only right *cttimator of eltatcs and conditions of life in this
'world; for that is b'efl to him (if he may choofe) wherein he
maybemoilferviecabletoGod, and beft helped to heaven. He
for his part h3d rather have the meancft condition of life, joyn-
ed with the benefit of the publick ordinances, then live with-
out them more plentifully among the wicked > I hid ruber ffaith
the PfalnpinV be a door -keeper in the boufe of my God, then to
dwell in the tents ofwicf{cdncffe.
if. For the LORD God is flfunne andflneld: the
LORD will give grace and glory \ no good thing will
he withhold from them that wall^uprightlj.
The fecond reafon why he fo loveth the publike ordinances is,
becaule by this means tie getteth accefle to the fountain of all
felicity, who doth ward off all evil from the upright beleever,
and giveth unto him whatsoever is good for his foule or body in
this life and in the life to come. Whence learn, 1. The godly
have need of light and direction, life, vigour; ftrcngth and con-
folation , and ail this is in God, or what more can be imported
in the fimilirude taken from the Snnne 7 in relation to earthly
creatures j For the Lord God is a Sunnc. 2. The godly are fub-
jed to dangers and perils from without, efpecially f:om enemies
bodily and fpiritual , and have need of prefervationand defence
from all adverfe power , malice and craftinerTe : and this
protection only God is able to give : The Lord is a Swine and a
jhield. 3* The beleever is burdened with the body of fin, and
born down frequently with the fenfe of his own unworthineffc,
witleflenefs and weakneis, and in God is the perfeft remedy of
all thofe evils ; The Lord will give grace. 4. Albeit the beauty
of godlinefs be much obfeured in this life, with crofles and af-
flictions from Goij with calumnies and perfections from men ,
and the godly muft He in grave, and fuller corruption of their
#efh , as others > yet the remedy of this alfo (hall be found in
God;
PSAL. LXXXV. 275
6od to the bclecvcr 5 He will give grace and glory : grace irt
this life, and glory after it without fail. $• Albeit the Lord
feem to keep the godly in gVeat fcarcity fometimes of things 6 m -
fortab'e in this life, and of fpiritualconfolations alio for atirhc;
yet dotbhe fo difpofe of their entertainment in all refpects, Hi
every thing fhall wo*k together for their good i For no good
thing will be withhold from them that wal^ ufrijnly .
Ver. 12. 6 LORD of hopes : blejfed is the mxn
that trujtith in thee
. When the P/almi ft hath lamented his exile from the - puUkk
ordinances, and prayed to be reftored to that priviledgejhe com*
fbrtcth himfelf in the mean time, by the conhderation of God> r
grace and power to fupply alLwanrs > even that of p"ublick ord-i-
nances, when it cannot without hazard of lite be had by ttie be>-.
It ever. Whence lam, 1. How hard (never the Lords difpenlati-
on he to his own chikLen,yet muftweever coptinuetotrujl in
God, as the iValmifts ex impU he .e doth teach. . 1. God can
Aipply thewant of the publikc ordinances, and be a little San-
ctuary to his children, and make them quiet y yea, and bieilci
inbelccving in him : Lord of hoftes,, blefled is the man that
trujfctb in thee : for in the beginning of the Flalm his heart
bieakcth for the longing after the pulpllkc ordinances;, he coum-
cth the Mihiftcrs of G^ds (ioufe blefled $ he counreth every man
whomay be inj any corner of 606s Jiou e happy; he" counreth
the travelling I fraclite coming to the ordinances bleiledj and ac>
len?th pronounccth every beleever blei&d, and fo him/clhobc
blefled alfo.
' ■ ■ ; - ■ ■ 1 1 — . ■
PSAL. LXXXV.
To the chief Mufichn. A^Pfalmcfortbefonncsofl^or^h.
i
THi> P.alm agrceth well vvirhthc condition of the Church
of the Jewes , now fallen inco new troubles, afte. their re-
turn from the captivity of Babylon. In the former part where-
of jhey pray for a new proof and cspe ience of G^ds me cy, to.
wr. g, Iathelatie: part-is. Ebj down a com "©ruble nitwit
T
274 PSAL. LXXXV.
thciv piayeiyind for thehelpot their faith in their prjyer. Firft,
thsy make mention of their gracious delivery from the cap:i vi -
ty, vet. r, i 3 3. Nex:, they pray for repentance, and removing
of the tokens of Gods wrath, vc r. 4, fc Thirdly, they pray fo*
reftauration of their miferable and dead condition wherein they
were lying, by fome merciful deliverance, ver. 6 3 7.
As for the anfwer in the latter part, he prepareth himfclf to re-
ceive it from the Lord, and by infpi ration receiverh indeed a
comfortable prophecy of five notable fruits of me:cy: The firft
is, of peace to Gods people, ver. 8. The next is, of deliverance
and falvation to his fervants, ver. 9. The third is, of the grace
of Chriitunto juftification, and the fruits of it, ver* \o, n.
The fourth is, of temporal bleflings, upon the place where the
Lords people do dwell, and that for his peoples comfort, ver. 1 2.
The fifth is, of the grace of Chvift unto ianctification,
ver. 13.
Ver, I. T ORB , thou haff been favourable unto
I ithjUnix thou haft brought back the
captivity of Jacob.
2. *Ihcu haft forgiven the iniquity of thy people,
thou haft covered all tbeirfin. Selab.
3. Tooti haft taken aVcay all t^y wrath ; tkotf
haft turned tby felfe from the fiercenefie of thins
anger.
After the Church of the Jewes had been delivered front cap-
tivity, they fall into new troubles, becaufe of their fins and their
new provocations of God* and in this Pfalme they cry to God
for mercy, and for {lengthening of their faith : They acknow-
ledge the Lords favour in loofing their captivity, ver, r . and
in forgiving their finnes, ver. 1. and in removing all the
tokens of his wrath from them, ver. g. Whence lexm, 1 After
great mercies (hewn to Gods people, new provocations do d raw
011 new judgements, as appearcth in the change of the condition
of the Chu ch here rcprcfented. 2. Neither old finnes nor
late, neither old judgements nor prefently lying on wrath, miift
keep back Gids people from running unto God by prayer, for
obwinin* favour, of God a^ain, as. thccxample of the Church
here
PSAL. LXXXV. 275
here doth teach. $ . As no fins can make the Lord fo forget his
Covenant with his people, as mercy fhould not be let forth to
penitent finnersfuing ior grace; fo no wrath is fo great, as
4hall debarre poor fupplicants from acccife unto God, when
they come to feek mercy. 4. As new neceffities do call to minde
old tupplits received from God ; fo they who would have any
new benefit from the Lord, mould thankfully remember the
old, and take encouragement fromthofe to hope fpr fun her 4
Lord, thou baft been favourable .to thy land ; thou baft brought
back^hc captivity of Jacob. 5. As grace is the only ground of
Gods bounty to his people, fo is it the only ground ot his peo-
ples prayer for new experiences of his grace \ as here, Gods
iavotiris acknowledged to be the caufe of bringing back the
people from captivity, and the ground whereupon the Pralmift
ioundeth his prayer ; Thou baft keen favourable to thy land. o.As
that is a benefit indeed which is given with remiffion of (\ft£i
fo everyone who feckcth a benefit, mould, defire to have the be-
nefit which they come to feek/joyned with remiffion of their fin :
as the P.'aimift here makech the bringing back from captivity a
complcat favour, bfccaufe joyned with remiffion of finnes : with-
out which it had been the lefle comfortable j Thou baft forgiven
the iniquity of thy people. 7. The way of Gods forgiving of
fins is, by not imputing of them, not bringing of them forth to
be reckoned, but hiding them from juftices view, andxovering
them with the imputation oftherighteoufnefle of the Redeemer'
Thou baft covered all their finne. 8. As while fin un cpented
and unforgiven remaineth, wrath alforemaineth ; io when finne
is taken away, Gods wrath alio is taken away* when God.for?i-
veth fin, he takes away the punifhment of fin 5 for ai'ter he
hath faid , Tbouhafl covered all their fin : he fubpyr.eth, Thou
haft taken away all thy wrath \ thou haft turned from the fi create ffc
of thin? anger. 9. As the conscience of fin, and feeling of wrath
lying on, and fearing the growth of it, do much hinder the
guilty from confident approach unto Gjd : fo the ^ccn iirpfrir-
ences of Gods drawing ot rhofe barres in former times, do ooen
the door to afflicted i\ nners, confiden ly to come and feck mercy,
as here the Pfalmiit doth teach us, in his making of this preface
to his following prayer.
Ver. 4. Turn w y O God of our f*\vat\on : andcau[e
thine anger towards tu to ccaft*
T 2 i'Wih
t-j6 PSAL. LXXXV.
S. Wilt thou be Angry with m J or ezer ? wilt tboH
dra\\ out thine anger to all generations?
In the next place, upon the fore laid grounds, the Church af-
flicted praycth for grace to repent/ .that fo remiflion of finy
and removing of wrath may follow. iVheuce learn, i. Whom-
ever iii a Church afflicted are fenfible of their own and .'the
Chinches finnes, mould deal with God for giving repentance
to his back-fliding people, and to encreafe tbeir own repentance,
before they feck removal of the tokens of wrath, as here the
godly do pray in the fii ft place * Turn us, God. i. The Lords
Covenant with his people for cverlafting falvation, is a ground
to pray and hope for temporal deliverance from Gcd, who hath
power and wayes of his own, how to fave, when we fee no event;
Turn us, (fiith he,) OGod of our falvatiov. g When God gi-
veth grace to a people, to repent and turn to him, the tokens of
his wrath will be removed alio : or befo changed, as they (hall
be no more cffe&s of wrath ; therefore joyneth he with, Turn us,
this petition alfo, And caufe thine anger toward us to eeafe.
4 The anger of the Lord toward his people, is but temporal and
for a moment in companion of defervings, albeit it feem to en-
dure long : and the belcevermay be perfwaded, that it malt not
continue pgainft fupplicants long > iov y lVilt thou be angry with
us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations ?
doth import fo much, that his anger could not be perpetual.
Ver. 6. wilt thou not revive hs Again: that thy
people may rejojee in thee ?
7. ShcVo tu thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us
thy falvation.
In tUe third place, hepiayeth for fome relief from the diftrefs
wherein they were for the time, and putteth his petition out of
cju cilion,by this interrogation, becaufe Gods purpofe and plea-
fure was that his people mould have joy in their God, and
thereupon he rcquefteth for new tokens of mercy; from the
ground of his Covenant with them for falvation. Whence learn,
1. As iris a death to be deprived fo much as of the evidence
ar.d fenfe of Gods favejur, fo it is life to be dear that we are in
fifcWtir with Goi : and as fiich who have had the fenfe of Gods
favour,
PSAL, LXXXV. 277
favour, cannot en lure ro want vj fo fliail they Lave it rcfto-
red; Wilt thou not revive us a*iiv ? u f'ecaufe plagu.s and
• wrarh upon Gods people arc temporal, they may lock cenainly
for a change to the better ; and after they have fmai ted for their
fins for a while, yet may expccl to be leftored to >oy and com-
fort again ; Wilt thou not revive us again, tb.it thy people may re~
Joyce in thee? $. When Gad changeththe chear of his peo-
ple, then joy (1 ould not be inthu' gnt, but in the Giver ; That
thy people may rejoyce in thee. 4 Albeit the dear children of
God, for whom mercy and lalvation is appointed, may be defi-
nite of the light and evidence of borh>yer muft they beleeve both,
claim boih ; andh pe for the manilcilationoftath unto them :/?.rw
us thy mercy, OLord, &c. grant m thy falvation. 5 As me: cy is the
caufeof falvation temporal and eternal, and no me it in us 5 fo
muft hewho looks for falvat ion of cither fort, makeme cy hi?
plea, and no good in himfelf$ Shew us thy mercy > Lord, and
grant us thy [alvation.
Vcr. 8. / mil ktjire rphat God the. LoRDwill
fp'tk >' for he mil (peak peace u*to his pe plc^ and tQ
his Saints : but let tbtm not turn again ta follj.
In the latter part of the Pfalm is the anfwer of this prayer,
which the Pfalmift doth expect and receive by way of prophecy,
of five fweet effects of Gods mercy to his people : whereof the
firftis, peace and reconciliation., and removing the tokens of his
Wrath. Whence learn, 1 . The prayer of a belctver put up to our
overliving Lord, is net a vain work of pou. ing ou: wo ds in the
aire, but a profitable exercife of faith, grounded upon Gods
Word and goodnelfc, whe cof he tmy expect certainly a return ;
I will bear what the Lord will jay. *. Comfortable promises
will fufficc the beleever, who if he know what the Lord doth
fay, he will be clear alfo what the Lord will do; 1 will bear
what the Lord will [ay. J . Arbeit Gods people be under r he fenfe
of wrath, yet theLo'd will comfort them after fceking grace
of him : be will fya^ peace to bis pcnplc. 4. Thofc wh ) indeed do
minde true holincffc, are Gods pe^pK'jTO whom the Lord wiU
fpe">k peace; and for /vho'e caufe the fociety wherein they are,
(hall partake of the fruits o f Gods favour to them; be will jpex^e
peace to hU people, and t>hU Saint?. 5. As the interruption of
our peace with Gad is procured by our. fjlly, or fjo'iih io.'.lvv-
T $ ing
278 PSAL.LXXXV.
ing of the vanities which allure unto fin, and divert us from com-
munion with God j fo the reftoring of us to peace maft come by
cur forfaking of thole linful and foolifli courfes which have
procured wrath 5 and the way to keep us in that peace, is not to
return to thefe courfes again^and this is the very end both ofGods
correcting of us, and oi his reftoring of us to peace, that we finne
notasbetore: tie will [peak (eace to his Saints , but let them not
return Again to folly.
Ver. 9. Surety hi* [alvationxs nigh them that fear
kim^ that glorj may dwell in our land.
The fecond effect of mercy to his Saints, is the nearneffeof
free falvation in Chrift, who is the glory of the land of$udea y
where he was borne, and the glory of that land whatfoever it is,
wherein his Saints, and he amongft his Saints do dwell. Whence
learn, 1. The heires of the promifes are only fuch asdo ftudy to
pleafc God, and toefchew provoking of him : for theanfwerof
the former prayer, and the word of Promife and Prophecie here,
hmsde in favour only of them that fear him. 2. The.e is no
faiisfadpry deliverance to the afflicted beleever, labouring un-
der the fenfe of wrath, except Chrift Jefus, who is really the on-
ly compleat falvation of Got : only able to anfwer fully to that
name, & who was known to the Church before his coming in the
fiefh by that name, as we may underftand,L//£c i.from the words
ofsimeojiywho was waiting for the confo.lation of J/Lzc/, and had
a promife that he fhouldnot fee death, before he had fcen the
Lords C hrift, vor. 25, 26. And when he had Chrift in his
armes, he faith : Lord, now letteft thou vby fcrvant depart in peace,
according to thy word, for mine eyes have feen thy falvation s
vciv^o. There is the name whereby Chrift was of old known
to the Church among many o'her titles ^ he is Gods falvation,
as he is called here. 3 Confolation>and deliverance, and fal-
vation in Chrift; is neer-hand to every upright afflicted be-
leever, whether the afflicted do fee it comfortably for the time
©r not } Surely Gods fa'vation is near them that fear him- 4-VVhat
land the true Church of Chrift, the Saints and they that feare
God dodweil in, there doth glory dwell : there God, there
Chrift by his Spirit bringing righteoufnefs and falvation to fuch
a t'ociety. is glorious : and for his prefence the people are glori-
ous : and the land glorious above all other lands whatfoever ;
Surety
PbAL. LXXXV. 279
Surely bk falvition is reir them that fear him, tb.itglorjm.iy
dwell in our land 5 This commendation for many reafuns the
land of Judex might claim, fane above all other.
Ver. I o. Mercy and truth are met together .• righ-
Uoufnefte andpeace have kif'edcach other.
1 1. Truth flail fpring o»t of the earth : and >igb~
teoufneffe /bull look dobn rom heaven.
T he third eftld of mercy, is the grace of Chi in: unto juilifi-
cation, and the fruits thereof bellowed upon them that a, e ju-
ftincd by faith. There are here three conjunctions cr couples
fwectly agreeing together ; one is, of mercy and irut'>\ another
is, of rifbicoufncjfc and peace : an i the third is, of truth and
rigbtcoufneffe For the full couple, mercy and truth, may be
ei.her referred to God, beft owing fome thing on hisp:opIe : and
(0 Gods mercy dcth pity, fpare and pardon his finfol people > and
his truth doth perform all the good things which in his Word he
premifed 1 and this couple indeed did mcfi eminently meet,
when Chrift the falvjition of god, came in the flefh : for (Thrifts
coming is the higheft manifeftarion cf mercy that eve: was
heard tell 0", when God out of love, and pity, and mercy, did
give his Sonne to redeem finncrs; and this a f; was the
molt glorious performance of the richeftand the noblcltpro-
mifes thar ever was made to man ; for in zht fending cf Chrift
promifed, all the promifes are made lea, and Amen ; for the
way is made furc now to perform all the reft of the promifes :or
mercy and truth may be referred ,the one ( namely mercy)zo God >
and the her, to wit truth, may be referred to men,to whom God
will ihew mercysand in this confederation we aregiven to under-
ftand, that as a merciful Ci'oij &"d misbeleeving tinners are fepa-
farcd, & do ftand at a great diftancc, the one departing more and
more from the other : lo a mcrci Jul God and a bclecver are fureiy
reconciled,and do quickly meet togechcrjfor God inCh: ift hold-
eth forth mercy to the linncr,and mercy doth beftow faith upon the
redeemed , and faith layeth hold on mcrcjr, and ib mercy and
truth are met to^tltcr : mer y calleth for faiih. and crcatcth it ;
and faith calleth for mercie, and lb this couple do mecte to-
gether.
As for the fecond couple, of rightconfneffe and peace, they arc
both, of them the cftlfts of the meeting or nicny and truth to-
T 4 gcther-
*So BS^L. LXXXV.
gether : ok o^ mercy and of faith, faying tAmcn to mercies offer -
for p/f/; by in? hold on wm)', bringeth down from Gcd rigb*
icoitjncjfc or juftification by Jfa/fJ>$ and we being juftified by
fikh, iuvebo^h peace with God and our cwn conferences 3 at
le;-ft in the point of right and priviledge : albek fenfe, and pof-
feflionof the fenfe of thisfe^ may be interrupted. Whence
learn, In whemfeever menyjox the offer ofgrace, and faith re sei-
ving theoft'eV do meet, juitificatiortalfo, orimputed righteouf-
ncflc and peace with God do meet : Then righUoufreffe and peace
have kiffed edeh other*
< The, third couple is of truth, or true faith in man on earth,
and rigbtcoufneflc komGod in heaven j faith fpvinging out of
the earth, (as the plantation of mercy,) in the fenfible fruits
thereof, that is, in the true effects of fmcere love to God and
man; andthe righteoufneffeoi God from heaven ihiningdown
as the Sun, for npuviuSing and protecting his own plantation,
and performing all promifes totheHeevcr. IVheuce learn, As
mcrcie in God, and true faith in man meeting together, are fol-
lowed with righteoufneiTe of juftification and peace with God >
fo true faith in man is followed with fruits: for it cannot be idles
hut muft be operative in bringing forth the effects of faith or
truth i Truth fall ffring cut of the earth, and right eou fneffe from
heaven is followed witCadlve influence upon fptinging faith,
for defending, and encrcafing, and bleffing of it, astheSunne
foftereth and rcfreiheth the fruits of the ground; Truth fall
fpring but of the earth, 4nd rigblcoufnejfe^fall look down from
heaven. ... >
Ver.I iSCeafheLORD fhillgive that which ugood %
and our /and fall )ield her incrtafe.'
The fourth fruit of mercy, is of giving temporal beneftsto
the beieevcr, and bie fling the land where belecvers do dwell. 1
Wkcvccie&m, i. The things of this life are Appendices of the
chief mercies of thcGofpeJ, which reconciled people may ex-
pert toreceive of God, as tbeirneed and good doth requite ,-
Tea, the Lord fall give that robich »# good. .2. As the pi ace or.
[arid where the Lo'ds people do dwell, beareththc tokens of Gods
J \\ leaf M-e, when they provoke God: fc mall the land be fenfibly
i)Likd when bis people are reconciled unto him } And our land
ijU'lihcr ivcrcaje: ■ - ■ \ < > •
PSAL. LXXXV1. 281
Ver. 1 3. Righteoufneffe Jhjli go before him : and
fet us in the retj of his fteps.
The fifth fruit of mercy is, the grace of Chrift for directing
and furthering of Believers in the way of fan&ification*
Chrift fhall bee their leader , and righteoufnefle imparted
unco rielievcrs from Chrift ( in the grace of converficn
or holy inclination , and of perfect direction by his Word
and Spirit) {hall make Believers ro follow Chrills wayes and
go on in the paths of his obedience. IVbcnce learn, i. Chrift
is the Captain of his redeemed and reconciled people , or the
ftiepherdof his pure hafed flock : for he and his people here are
walking in one way , wherein he goeth before his people ,
that they may follow his fteps , and behinde them aifo > to
bring them' up > and fet them forward in the way that none
do fall off j as the fimilkude doth import. 2. As Chrift
is the Uader of his people, forighteoufnefl'e is the preparer of his
people to follow him s Firft y in the work of convcrfion or re-
generation , wherein the minde is illuminated to behold , and
the heart inclined to follow righteoufnefle. Secondly, in the
work of daily direction , by his Word and Spririt 5 Rigbtccuf-
Tjcjfc full go before him. 3. As the way that the Keliever muft
walk in , is that whkh isprefcribed by the Lord his leader : fo
the effectual mover of the Believer unto fanc"tiftcation,is the grace
of rightcoufneffe or fan fti neat ion which Chrift the leader doth
fend forth into his peoples Ik ait v to make them follow the di-
rection given unto them : For, Rightcoufneffe 'ftall go before bim y
and fet ua in the way of his fteps.
PSAL. LXXXVI.
A Grayer of VrM.
THisPra'meagreeth we'll with the time when VavU was in
trouble, being perleeutcd by Saul. Thymine of it is a
prayer for reliefe,ccn. r )fting of 7.Paitions;fome oftbem move ge-
nerally; fomeoftP.emmore particularly exprelTing his trouble
nnd his defire of relief: all which Petitions have reafons joyi.ed
unto trRtn, feiving to ttrengthen the fajth of the fupplicanr.
Ver/
aS* ' PSAL. LXXXVI.
Ver. I. TyOrv down thine eare 9 LORD> he Are
jujme: jor I ampocreand needy.
The fivft Petition is for audience , and the region of his hops
to be heard, is , becaufc of his neceffiry to be helped. IVbcvct
team , i. When a believer hath any Petition to prefent unco
God , he may expect acceffe iu to God, and audienee,and accep-
tation of his perfon and prayer : O Lord, bear me. i. Albeit the
iupplicant be on earth , and God to be found in heaven s albeit
thefupplicantbemeanandbafe, both in his own eyes and in ef-
fect, and God be the high and lofty one, that inhabited eternity,
yet will he humble himleife to take notice of the fupplication of a
believing fupplicant; Bow down thine ear, Lord. 3. Of that
whereof misbelief would make ufe unto difcouragement and de?
iperarion , faith maketli a ground of hope to be helped : for
affli&ion,and wcakneffe, and want of all help and comfort from
man* is the Lords forerunner toaalvertife the believer, that the
Lotd is coming : O Lord, bear mc, for I ampw and needy.
Ver. 2. Preferve my foul , for I am holy. O thou
my Godjzve thy fervant that trufieth in thee.
The fecond Petition is for protection cf his lifeVand the rea-
fons of his hope are taken from the qualities of fuch a perfon as,
hath right to expect Gods protection. Whence learn e , 1. The
bodies and foules of Gods children have fnares hid for ihem
by enemies, bodily and fp, "ritual, from which they cannot deliver
themfdves, except they do commit the cuftody thereof unto God,
as the Prophet doth, faying, Preferve my foul: out wit^our prudence
our powetyxir fighting, our fleeing, or whatfoever means we can
ufe under heaven ; arc litle worth, if Gcd do not preferve us.z.That
man hath a ground of hope to be preferred by God , who being
purfued for his life by malicious perfecutors , for falfely alledgcd
wrongs done by him, can atteft God for his innocency,in the par-
ticular whereof he is charged ; as here "David doth ; Preferve my
foule,forI am boty- 3 that is , free from the fault whereof I am^
charged , or I am a favourite of thine , or a man who hath been
bountifull in doing good , to him that purfueth me : for thus
mu£h alfo will the word bear. $. I he confciencc of ftudying to
pleafe God , is very fwcet in time of trouble, and especially when
trouble
PSAL. LXXXVI. 285
trouble falleth on for Gods fervice, my God , favc thy fcrvxrf.
4. Innocency in a particular caufe is no: fufficient to bear u s
out 3 nor yet the conscience of out good fcrvice done roGod , but
wemuft makeufc of the Covenant, and put our truft in Gods
gaodnefle, whenfoever we do expeel any good from God ; my
God, five thyfervxnt tbxt trufletb in tbec.
Ver. 3 Be mercifutl unto me f O Lord\ for I
cry unto thee daily.
The third Petition is for mercy and forgivcnefYe of fin , md
thereafonof hope is, becaufe he is a daily fupplicant. Whence
learn 3 1. Innocency in our carriage toward men , and the
goodnefle of the caufe which we defend , may leave us in the mire
in time of trouble.becaule of our finnes , whereof we are guilry in
other refpects, except we flee to Gods mercy : Therefore when
fin is objected, mercy muft be our refuge and plea 5 c £c mercifM
to my , Lord. 2# Afliduity and initance in prayer doth pro-
mi fe certainly a good anlwer after asking , fecklng , and knock-
ing : Be mcrcifull to mc>for I cry unto ibee dufly/
Ver. 4. Re joyce the foule of thy fervwt \ for un-
to thee (O Lord) do I lift up my foule.
5. For thou y Lord, art good^andready to forgivf: and
plenteous in mercy unto all them that caftupon thee.
The fourth Petition is for comfort ; the reafons of his hope
nre, becaufe he fceketh hiscomfort no where eife but in God.
Next, becaufe God is gracious to all fupplicams. I0>en e Icamc,
1. As the Lord doth burden his own children fometimc. with affli-
ction and forrow, for their humiliation and trial of faith : fo will
he alfo comfort them in due time,and give them caufe of joy in
himelfe, for the ftrcngthening of their faith , and they may pray
for this and expeel it 5 T{c\oyce the foule of thy fcrvanu 2. He
that would have comfort from God, muft let himfelte to feck It
in him onely , apd net look after 1 it elewherc under the heaven :
and in this way he may oray for it, and expect ir, as the Pialmift
doth here j For 1 lift up my foul unto thee y O Lord* $-. The
knowledge of Gods goodneffeand mercy, is the fife of faith, ihc
fountain ofconiolation and ground of prayer, RejoycQtke heart of
thy fenmt; for thou.O Lor dart gcw/,4.Whatfocver evill the (inner
doth
284 PSAL. LXXXVI.
doth finde in himfelfc, there is a remedy in God for it : if be Jack
any good thing, God hath it , and is ready to communicate it ;
For tbou, Lord, art good', If the (inner be fmitten with the confer-
ence of fin, and deferving of wrath : The Lord is ready to for-
give i If a mans (ins do feem fo many a nd heinous, as he dare not
approach; The Lord isplenteom in mercy. 5 He who defireth to
partake of Gods goodnefle and mercy > muft refolve towormip
$h<$Lord, tobelieveinhim , ancTto pray unto him; andwho^
foever taketh this courfe, whatfoever he be, wirhout exception he
fliall finde the Lord , to begood y and ready to forgive^ and plente-
ous in mercy to all them that call upen him.
Vef . 6 . Give ear, LORD, unto my prayer, and
attend unto the voice of my applications.
7. In the d*y of my trouble I will ca'l upon thee, for
thou \W7 aifwer me.
S# Among the^ods there is none lik^e unto thee
(O Lord:) neither a?e there any workj like unto thy
works,
9. All nations whom thou hafl made % JhiR come
and worfhip thee,0 Lord: and fhall giorifie thy Name,
10. For thou art great, and dofi ^ndrous things:
thou art god alone.
The fifth Petition is for reliefe and deliverance out of his pre-*
lent diffcerTe 3 propounded in the general termc* of granting his
fupplicatior. The firft reafon of his hope to be heard, is, becaufe
he is refolded to make ufe of the Lords promife , that he will an T
fwer when one calleth on him in trouble , vcr. 7. The next
reafon is, becaufe there is not a God befile God> and he 3lone is
able to work wonders, vcr, 8. The third, is > becaufe the Lord
ii talet all nations know him ; and to gain them in to his woi>
fliip, by his great power and rwp/iderful working, as thconely
true God, vcr. 9, 10. And therefore able and willing to give
him a new experience of his power. iVncncc lexrne , 1. When
God delayethto ahfwer fupplicants,they rnuft not faint in prayer*
but continue inftantly, and be importunate ; Give ear>0 Lord> to
my prayer, faith he now over again, t. Albeit the fupplicant do
ineet with doubts whether hjs Petition be regarded or n ot , yet
mui\
PSAL. LXXXVI. 285
muft he not yield to thtm, but pray directly a* nnft them 3 as here
we arc taught > Attend uwo thevoice of my application. $. Eve-
ry man mould fo make ufe of, and apply to himfclre the
general command ci God , to call upon nim in trouble, with
a promife of deliverance , as his faith may be molt ftrengthened
by it; for fo the / l falmifl doth he-re : In the day of my trouble I
will call upov thee ; for thou wilt anfwerme. And this retateth
to that which is faii , *Pfd 5©. 15. Call upon me in the day of
tby trouble. 4. He that ha: h found the fruit of true Religion,
and both experience of the gracious work of God upon his cwn
fpiiit, will Let at nought all idolatry and falie Religion ; Among
the gods there U none Ufa unto thee , God. 5 , The works
of God working according to his Word , areiuch as may prove
him to be the true Gcd ; with whofe works > no creatures works
can be compared. Where is fuch a work of power as the crea-
tion of the world , and prefer vat ion of it ? Where is there fuch a
wo.kofgace as the work of Redemption ? And who can work
a>iy thing like unto the leaft of the wo. ks of the Lord, in his ma-
king ana upholding of themeaneft creature ? Neither are there
anyworfalifa thy worlds. 6. The consideration of the large -
neile of Gods grace and power, which he hath manifefted in the
converfionorNa:ions,and is to manifcil yet more and more in his
own due time may encourage any man to come and worship God,
and expect grace from him for his own particular : he will not
rcfufealmes to any begger, who is about to gather all poorbeg-
gcrs to receive ot hisalmcs : All nations foall Qomc and worfoip
before thcc y O Lord y and glorify tby l Iijme. Whatfoever is alrea-
dy done for accomplifhing of this p.ophccie , more is to be done
ere the Lord clofc the courfc of time ; and whatioever (hall be
done by way of convcrfion , before the laft day 3 we are fare
ihu at lealt by way of conviction and extorted acknowledge-
ment, all this fhall be done at the laft day 3 for the Lord.
hath fworne that every hjiecfotU b9# to him, and every to 'gue foall
eonfcjjc to his Name. 7. It is the cognizance of a kindly fub-
jeet of GoJs Kingdome, to delight in the iuc cafe and dory of it:
and he that findeth in his hearc to love the enlargement of Go.ls
glo.y, may expect the benefit cf a kindly fubject , as the Pjalmifl
doth here. 8. The omr.ipotency of God, and the won.irous
wo ks which God huh already done, mayloofeall doubts about
theaccompliflimcnt of all his p omiiis h.w great focver ; .*//
nations foall come and rvorjlip b fore thee: for thou art great (faith
he) and docji wondrout things, y, All l.iols and IiolatrymUlY
at"
286 PSAL. LXXXVI.
tit length be defaced, and be found to be vanity, and God at
lengrhmuft be known to be the onely true God: All Rations
[hall glorific tby Name, for thou art god alone*
Ver. ii. Teach me thy tpaj, O LORD, I -will
walkjn thy truth : unite my heart to jeare thy Name.
1 The fixth petition is, to be kept from following any
finrull courfe, fpccially now in ihis his triall and tentation, ver*
1 1. And this he hopeth (hall be granted to Gods glory, ver. 1 1.
Firft, becaul'e he had experience of Gods mercy before, vcr.il.
Next, becaule he had to do with proud and godiefle encmics,ver 4
14. Thirdly , becaufe God was exceeding gracious and merciful,
ver. if.
As for thepe:ition to be faved from all Gn r ull cburfes, it hath
two branches/ one is, to be inftru&ed in Gods way ; the other,
fhat his heart may be made to follow that way, and to ftand in
awe to offend. iVhence lexrn % 1. The Lords children under
trouble and pcrfecutson, arein'dangcr to be driven by tentation
to fome finfull courfe; and this they mould pray againft, and be
no leffe feared for it, then for any bodily trouble, as heare the ex -
ample of David teacheth us. 2. It is neceffary for efchewing
finne, to know how God ufeth to deale with his own children,
left we think that fomc ftrange thing hath befallen us, when we
fall into trouble jand it is necefl'uy to know alfo how wcought
to carry our felves in every paflage of our trouble and triall, left
we neglect our duty, or do contrary to it: Teach me thy way, O
God. 5. Befide the information of the mi nde concerning the
duty in generally which God giveth by the miniftery of his
Word, and common operation 0? his Spirit, there is amorefpe-
ciali, lively, efficacious teaching of a man, whereby he is fitted
to make particular practicall application of the jjenerall rule to
particular circumftances of time and place ; and for this we muft
pray to God alfo, after we are taught to know the duty in gene-
rail, Teach me tby way, Lord. 4. No man muft count any-
way to be of Gods teaching, but that which is warranted by his
Word 5 and no man can walke fafely, except he thattollowcth
the Lo:ds truth: Teach meruit will walk tn tby truth* 5. Who-
foever would have G ;d to mforme them of his will , muft raft
refolve fincerely to follow his will when he hath (hewn it j for lb
iio±7)ivii: Teach me tby way, and I will walfa in thy truth.
t. To
PSAL. LXXXVI. 287
6 Tonukeinftruftion erY.clualL, not onelymuft the minde
be informed,but the heart alio muli be wrought upon,and framed
unto obedience: Ignite my hart. 7. It is the nat mull difeaeof
finfuil mens hearts, to be loofed from God, and fcactered and di-
itracled about vavkty of vaine objects, which are offered un:o it
to follow y and this ciifeaie oae!y God can cure : Unite nty heart.
8. It is not fufficicnt for a man once to refignc over his heart
unterGod in hisconverfion, bu: this refignation of the heart
muft be renewed upon all occafions into Gods hand, that he may
tie the affections to himfclf, and to his holy Law, and reclaime
rhe heart from ranging and going a whoring from him after fin-
full objefts : for this prayer tor uniting the heart is Davids pray-
er, who long before was converted. 9. Then is the heart united
and fixed, when the fear of God doth rwle it,*that is, when after it
is informed of Gods will, it feareth ro omit what he command-
ed, and to do what he forbiddech: Unite my hart It feare thy
Ver, 12. 1 frill praife tbee^ O Lo^dmj God , rvitb
all my heart : and I wilt glorife thy Name for ever-
more.
13. For greath thy mercy toward me \ and thou
baft delivered my foul from the lorvefi hell.
Here Druid hopeth to be heard, and promifeth praife to God,,
both for his by-pait, and alio for his fore- fecne deliverance, flow-
ing from the greatnefle of Gods mercy to him. ]Vbtt\QC learu y
1. He who prayeth according to Gods will, may promife to
himfelf fatisf action, and unto G 3d thanks for granting his re-
I quells : I will praife thee, Lord my Cjod. z. The thankfgi-
i ving of the godly, efpecially when the heart isenlargcd 3 is very
! hearty, joyned with great delight, and conftant purpofc of glo-
| rifyingof God conftantly: I will praife thee y O Lord my God>
|j with all my heart, and I will glorifie thy Name for evermore.
3. Wheaaman feeth his finnes great, his defeiving great,
his danger and delivery great, he mull a]fo lee Gods
1 mercy toward him great , and his obligation to thank f-
giving great: 7 will glorifie thy Name f.r evermore : for great
is thy mercy toward me. 4. Preventing mercy keeping usfrcm
rhe evill we were in danger to fall into, is to beelteemed of by
us as delivering mercy, bringing us out of the evill wherein we
were lying.The Lords keeping of us from falling.into hell, fliould
! be
2 88 PSAL. LXXXVI:
be accounted by us no Icflc mercie, then it we-fcad been in helK
and had been brought back out of it by him: Thou hafl delivereX
my foul from t\?e towefi hell. The lame may be laid of other
particulars: and when our eyes are cpen to fee the evils from
which the Lord hath kept us> when we were in danger of them,we
fhall be forced fo to judge;
Ver. 14. OCfod* the proud are rifen again fi me^
And the affemblies of violent men have fought after
my foul : and have not fet thee before them.
I >. But t.hou, Lord, arc a God full of compaJfiQn,
dndgraciott* : long-fuffering^ and plenteous in mercy
and truth*
Here are other reafons of his hope to be delivered, taken from
the pride and oppreffion of the cpdlefle enemy, and from Gods
pity and companion. Whence tarn. 1. Proud, violent, cruelly
and godlefle men, are the readied inftuments which can be
found unto. Satan forperfecuting Gods children : Such were the
enemies of David a type of Chrift, and ah example of his peiTc-
cuted followfrs: The proud are rifen again ft mc. i. Whatfo-
ever wicked man pleafeth to make head a^ainft the, godly , he,
will readily finde multitudes to follow him:'' The proiul are rifen
a'gaivft me, and the affemblies of violent men have fought after
my foul. 3. When men do reject the fear of God, there is no
wickedneile fo great , which they will not commir : They have
fought after my foul, and have not fct thee, 6 God, before them\
that is, they neither fear thy judgements, nor care for what may
pleafethec. 4. The more violent, crucll, prophane and ungod-
ly our periccutors a' e the more hope is of Gods pity towards u$i
asthePfalmiftrcafoneth: But thou, OLord, art a god full of
compaflidn 5. Whatfocver objections may arifc from our un-
Worthineflc,from our former finful provocations of God, and the
multitude and greatnefle of our former Fns, to hinder our hope-
that God fha!l pity us in our affliction 5 they are all anfwered and
taken away by confideration of the unfpcakable greatnefle of
Gods goodrieffc; for in God is com'paflion, he U full of cowpajfton,
a God full of compaffwi-y th.n is, infinitely' companionate, and
as it we- e ofhcTcd v\i h our mifeiy ', he it gracious, though we be
unwoithyi Ik u long- filtering, ^\zho\x^y:t be giventoftrife.
aii.i provocation of him ; and how great foevc: our raifikfa> ;
PSAL. LXXXVI. 2S5?
vin^shave been, he is plcntcom in mercy \ and howfoever VfZ
have forfeited our intereft lit his proiViifcs, yot he will not follow
the forfeiture, but will k:ep up our ri^ht unto his promifes f ftiH:
be u plenteous in truth; great is his raiihfuliietfe, who kecpetli
promifes, albeit he mijhc jafttyrejeft them.
Ver. 16. O tmm untomc , and have m^c) upon,
m* ; (five thy flrength unto thy fttvaM : and fave the
[on of thine handmaid.
1 7. Sbety m> a t#k>n r ^r £'W, that they \X?bi b ha>e
me may fee ic> and be afhamrd : hecaufe thou, LOR. D,
tkft hogpen me^ a»d comforted me.
The feventh peition is, (ov ftrehgrlitd (land out , till fuch a
clear delivery flionld come to him from God, as mi^h: pu: his
enemies to confulim, when they mould fee it. H r hcnceleurn y
1. Whofoever do cinder we!! the riches of Gods grace and
g K>dnefle,nr?y c onfi dently p My for a proof of it ', in Lire hang-
ing of a miferable con iition into i better 3 even whenGod f em^ih
angry and averfc : Thou art plenteous in mercy Mil truth, turne
unto mc, and hive mercy upon' rne. z. It is no final mercy to
have ftrength from God to fubfiit under troubles, till the delive-
ry come y and for this tlrength tke manempi;d of felf- confi-
dence rany call , and fboiild be content wich fupportiflig ftength,
till the Lords time of deliverance come. Give thy fif&tgrb unto
thy (crvint. $, The longer courfe the kind rie lie of the Lord
huh hai toward us 3 and the more relations are between G :)d and
us, we may expert the more confidently tor further effects and
fruit of his kindnefle ftr our deliverance : for 7)avid here rec-
k nc:h trom hi:> being born within flu* Coven mt, borne. as a
dorncllick, as achildcofthe Church, who belonged toG^ls
protection and ca e, as the ion of the lundm if J belonged to the
cae otthc m.ilte: of the family : Save the fon of thy hanimaid.
4. As the wicked delight to fee the godly in miLry , that :ney
miy ittfiltt over godl indie 5 fo the go ly dcnVe deliverance, that
inth.irpenbn godlineile may not furfjr, nor wicked men be
heartened in thei iufoLnci _•: Shew me 1 \o\en fvrgwdy tbatthcy
mho hate me ^m ay fee it. $. The good lujccefle and delivery of
fome o» the Saiirs odt of their troubles and mils, is a good to-
ken both to themielves, and to ail other godly perfons, or a b!e;-
fed event unto them from all th ir troubles* Therefore TjxAd
pr.n'::h fur i:, Slxw me a cofyn for goii, 6. As the good event
of the godly from then* -troubles, is a matter o: ley
U" and'
290 PSAL. LXXXVII.
and glcriation unto the godly, to is it ?J To the matter of (name
and confufion to the wicked, who do hate them: Shew >;;>ea toi^n
for gooiLjb.it they who hue me mxy fee t, and be ajJw.ed, be-
exufe tbQU)Lordbdjlbolpcn-mc,4nd comforted me.
PSAL. LXXXVII.
A Pfaime ox [ong for the founes of fyrab.
WHcn God Ioofed the captivity of the Jewes by Cyrta/cw
of them did returne from Babylon ; the work of repa-
ration of Church and S ate , Temple and City had few to af-
fift i f : their enemies were many, they were ftraitned with po-
verty and famine 5 and the herts and hands of the Godly wetc
weakened j they were like to faint and defpaire , that either
Chui ch or State fhouid flourifh any more amonjft them ; for
comfort in fuch a time was this P'alme fi.tcd, leading the Lords
pe' pie to live by faith, and to work on in the building of the
Lords home 3 and reparation of the City , looking to God the
Builder of his Chinch, and maintainer of his people. To which
pui'pofe the Pfalmiftgivcth them feven coniolations oppo/ite to
io many temations unto difcouragement. The fir ft is, that
they fhouid lock to c:od who had founded his owne Temple fo-
lidly, and fo not faint for the weakneflc and fewnefle of the
builders, vcr. 1. The fecond, that they fhouid look to G ods love
and good will, and not be troubled for want of external! power
and riches, vet. z. The third is, that they fhouid look torhc
prophecies concerning the Church, and not be troubled for
what prefent outward appearance and carnall rcafon did repre-
fentj vcr. $. The fourth is, that they mould not be troubled for
the multitude of their foes for the prefent time, but look to the
multitude of friends and converts which they fhouid have here -
a r te; vcr 4^5, The fifth is, that they fhouid not be troubled
with the fcarc of the ruine of the Church, but look to Almighty
God, who would dlablifh her fo, that no power fhouid overturn
her, vcr. f. The lixth is, that t! cy fhouid not be troubled wi-h
the prefent contempt under which they did lie, but look to the
glory and eltimatun which God fhouid put in his owne time
upon the Church and her children, vcr. 6. The feventh is, that
they fliould not be troubled wick their prcfeu* grief tlicy were in,
but
PSAL. LXXXVIL 2pi
bat mould look to the i'pMrual joy and caufes thereof whkh
the Lord was to furnifh to his people ,vcr\ 7.
Ver. r. T J// foundation is in the l:oly mount-
H
Ames.
Thefv.ft comfort of 1 he-afflicted Jcwes, troubled for the hip.-
de ingof the buil Jingof Gods Temple is, that God had by his
decree and prcmiie made the mountains of 5 ion nnr 1 Mcr'ub the
rMace of his reft amengit his people, till the Mefli .h mould
come, in whom thefe types were to be nccomplifhcd , and for
whofe cuifc they were to be preferred till became, who is the
only (olid rock whereupon the C. (lurch is builded. Whence lc&rn>
i. When the builders of the T„ords Church arc few and weak,
his people had need to be comforted a^ainft their feares and
doubts, as here we ice ; and the way to be comforted in fuch
hard times, is to lock by faith to God, ss the builder of his
own houfe, who hath laid the foundation upon folid grounds,
that every believer th3t trufKth in him, may be as Mount Sion^
which cannot be removed 5 Hit foundation is on the hoi) mount*
aincs.
Ver. 2. The LORT) freth the gates of Sion :
wore then all the dwellings of Jacob.
.The fecond crmfort is, that God had choknSion above all o-
th:r places to be his eft , and did love there to dwell rather
then elfewherc. Whence lexm^ 1. The dignity of my place,
gerfonor fpciety, proceedeth not from r.ny thing in the place or,
focicty, but from ; he Lords election and'frcclove \ r bc Lord
love h thcgites of Sion. more then all the dwellings of Jaau.
2. Thciovc of the Lord to his cho.cn Church, is a (ojjd
ground of afl'arancc of her conrinuance : as here in the figure
we a.e taught.
Ver. 3. (jlorious things are fpol^en of thee ^ City
of God. Selah.
.The third comfort is, from the prophecies pift abcut the
Church, and pr cm ills rai/e umo her in figurative terrors. ,
V 1 Whence
spa PSAL. LXXXVII.
Whence lcarn> i . The Cbu ch is the incorporation, in whkh
the Lo.dieigncth, rolcth and lendah 5 It is the City of God.
2. Thep :iviiedges of the Church are vdy glorious , the glo-
ry of Kings, Crowns and Diadems is nothing to tii^m, but bo-
dily and temporal fhadows of what is Ipimually and everlaft-
, in^ly bciVnvc.t on the Church ; Glorious things arefp\cnof
tbu. 1 Albeit glorious things are bellowed on the Church,
yet it is net lo much any thing already done, as what is to be
cione, which makeththv Church bieifci : it is notprefent poi-
feflion , but hope 5 not fight, but faith, which rmketh the
Church bleflcd : and the Scriptures are a funScient ri^ht to us
for all bleiiings which are to come : Glorious things are /pollen
of thee, C"y of Ood.
Ver. 4. / trill make mention of Rahab and Baby-
l on ) to them thai hnorv me ; VehoU, Phi iftia and J ye>
rdth Ethiopia : this man was borne there.
5 . «t^^ of Sion it Jhali be (aid, 1 his and that man
Tea* borne in her: and the higheft himfelf JhMl eft a*
blip) her,
The fourth comfort is, that the Churches chief enemies
fhould be converted to the fai:h ; and mould count it their great -
eft honour fo to be }Vhevcc learn, 1 . It is among the troubles
of the Church that (lie ha h to many enemies, and thofe fo migh- i
ty and potent as the Egyptians and Babylonians; 1 will make
mention of Rah ab j that is, Egypt, ano c JJabylon, and Falc-lvu,
: ni Tyre, and Ethiopia, which arc pctt named as the moil emi -
nent eppreflbrs of the Churchy among all other Kingdomcs.
3.- It mould comfort the Church, that God is able to make her
chicfeft enemies to become Converts, and that he ha:h dene it
Jundry times, and will yet do it more ; and that he can take
order-with thofe enemies which mail no: be converted, as he
did with Rahab and Babylon ; for, I will ma^e menii n of Ra-
hab and Babylon to them that lytow me, figninah a mention-ma-
king o. them 5 vi\. to the edification of the Churches chil-
dren, both concerning what God had done to thofe Nations in
juftice , -md what he would do to them in mercy, or unto oiher
enemies like unto them. 3. As it is the glory arid comfort of
the Church, to have her enemies made Converts: fo is it ho-
nourable
P-SAL. LXXXVII. 291
. iible to the enemies, were tbcv never fo porciit in che
[a ro be Citizc-.s . f the Cirv of God ; / will nuf(€ menti-
on oftbem,tlut this rain wus bom xherefhx is,in theCity ofuod.
4. The convenor! of men from Pa^anifm i.ui Idotatr y u.iio fcfr-
lowihip in rh L Covenant wi h che Church is a fort of new birh
to the cfcteriially converted, f om which th i. new birth an.; n.w
bein^ is to be lecfconerl j This m.iv iv.is borne there* 5. \s wlnt.o-
cve • honour men have in the worldjit is not ro be compa* ed with
th: honour or' regeneration, and being born Ci iz ns ot the
Church: lo wh-irfoevtritfjucmpc the members ci the Chu \h
do lti(fer of' the world, it's mire up by the honour o; being bo 1 n
in the Church : tor, of Sion itlkdlbc fail, This and ihit man
were bor: 111 her. 6. I he e is no rcafon to fearethe mine of
tliv.Chut\h, or the not continuing or hertrorri age to age, to be
a mother and recepcade of Converts; For the hi^hejt bimfelf
/bull cjtdblijb her, wd this is the fifth comfort ot" the favour as
cf .he Chu.ch in the time or' trouble.
Ver. 6. The LORD {hall count when he xvti-
teth up the people: that ihit m*n>Xas borne there.
SeLih.
The G\:h comfort is. from G^s e'timation which he hath of
cve.y one ot" the true Citizens of hi -Church. Whence lcirn>
1. As ail .the elctf all rh: regenerate are uken no; ice of by GoJ,
1 no Idle particularly, then it their names were all written up in
a book one by one: fo there is a time when he imnifefterh his
en o!liog of them ; partly to themielves by his vyitneffirig unto
thcrri that they a; e his Children ; partly to the worl.i, by feftajn -
ingthem in their rials and troubles \ andp r ; y b/ a fal i deli-
very of rhem, and eon fc fling their names before men and An-
gels at the great day * The Lord Jh.dl count when he wriictb up
the prople y that is, inhisowntime when he feet h it ti: ro n a-
nifi fi his refpect to his own. 2. The Converts among the Nar
tions (Tnll be reckoned up anon? the Converts ot the Louis
people cf the Jcwcs i The Lord fail I count when he n riictbup the
people, th.it thi. nun w is bor nc there-, that is, whuloe ver man he
be, who isc onveitcdout of any countrey, ton&ufc or language,
he (hall be counted a memo:; of the Church ot IjhcL
Ver. 7. As well the fingers as the pU;ers on
V 3 i*
25>4 PSAL. LXXXVIII.
irfiruments (lull be there : all wy /prints are in
thee.
The !aft comfort is , from the joy fpiritual, and the everlaft-
ingfpiings, fountains and caufes of joy, which God doth fur-
nifh, ana will furnifh to his Chu.ch. Wh c nee lcmt y i. As the
Church is fubjeft to her own griefs in the world> fo alio is fhe
lure of ahundantconfolationstobehadandlaidupin flore for
her, exprefied here in the termes of typical joy, appointed in fo-
iemn feftivals ; As trell the fingers as tbeplayers on inflrumentj
frail be there. 2. The caufes of the joy of the Saints are ever*-
kfting, compai able to wells and fprings of living water j All
my fp rings jhal! be in thee. 3. Such Saints as have had their
fenfesexercifed, are able to lubferibe the truth of p.omifes by
their owii experience, and in fpecial, that there is no joy or
comfort, no gift nor grace, no refrefliment nor delectation wor-
thy to benamed, except that which they have by Church-privi-
ledges, and communion of Saints, as here the Pfalmift doth
confefle> All my fprings arc in thee, faith he : (peaking to the
Church, or to God dwelling in his Church.
PSAL. LXXXVIII,
A Song or Tfxlme for the founes of J$prxb. To the chief Mufic'm
* upon M&d&tb Lcxnnotb, Mxfchil ofHemxn tin E\rxhite.
THis Hcnun the Ezahite, was one of thofe foure wifc^
men InallJ/w/, nextafcer Solomon^ who is preferred a -
bove them all, 1 ¥jtiff 4« 3 *. The exercife of this wife and ho-
ly man is let down here under the heavieft condition of a wound-
ed fpitit? of any that we rearl of; wherein firft, he prayech for
comfort to his foul, now afflicted under the fenfeof fad wrarh
and long defenion, ver.i, 2!. In the fecond place he poureih
out his foul to God, -and layeth before him a moft pitiful la-
mentation of his diftrefled condition, ver. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,$. In
the thud place, he vvreftleth by faith in his p: aver to God for
comfort, ver. 9, io, 1% n, 13, 14 •' And laft'y, finding^no
comfort, he rcnewcth his lamentation, leaveth his prayer before
the Lord, : and writeth it for the edification of the Church in all
ti incoming, asthematterof ajoytul Song.
u , . • • > : < ' • ' FiOm
PSAL. LXXXVIII. 2^5
From the Infcription; Learn, i. David was not the only ir^n
acquainted with fad cxeidfe ana rffl.ction <,f fpirit, for here is
another , to wit, hcnwi ibcEyahitc, as deep in trouble of fpi-
rit, as he or any other txfidc. 2. They arc not all men of
weak mindes and fh dlow wits, win arc acquainted with trouble
of fpirit, and borne down wi.h the fenfe of Gods wrath; for here
is He?n.in 3 oneamongft the wifeft in all Ijrdd, and inferiour to
none for wifdom, except to Solomon alone, under the hcavieft ex-
c cife we can imagine poflible to: a Saint. 3. When it pleafcth
God tocxercife a man of psfts, of great gifts and graces , he
can make his burden proportionable to his ftreng r h, and give
him as much ro do with the d :ffi:ul:ies he puts him to, as a
weaker man (hall fin de in his excrcifc, as appca'eth in the ex^
perience of Hcman. 4 Wife men in their trouble mult t tkc the
fame courfe with the (impler fort of mcu, that is, they mud run
to God is others d >, and feek relief only in hisgnce ; who as
he diftributech the meafures of trouble, can alio give comfort,
etfe and deliverance from them, as the practice of Hcm&n doth
tea h us. 5. What trouble of a wounded fpirit io.ne of Go is
children h;vc felt in former times, others de.tr to God may finde
the like inafterae.es, and all men ought to prepare for the like,
ftnd fliould not think the excrcifc ftrang-e when it cometh, but
muft comfort themfelves in this, rhitct'ner Saints, whofe names
are recorded in Scripture, have been under like affliction ; for
the Pfaim is appointed to give inftrudion ; it is Mafibil of He-
Willi. 6. What is atone time matter of mourning to one of
Gods children, may become matter of joy and tinging afterward,
both tohimfelf and to others, as this fad anguifh of fpirit in
Hcman is made a fongof joy, unto Gods glory and the com-
fort of all affliftrd fouls, labouring under the kvSc of fin and
felt wrath of God to the worlds end ; It i a * ong, a Pfalm for tJye
fomofl^orab 7. Such as are moil heavily afflicxel in fpirit,
and do flee to God for reconciliation and conlolation through
Ohriftj have no rcafon to fufpecl themfelves, that they are not
eiteem.d of and loved as deir children, bixnufe they feele fo.
much of Godswrath : For here is a Saint who Inth drunken
of that Cup, (as deep as any, who (hall read this Pfalm lw. e is
one fo much loved and ho no 11 re J of God> as to be a Pep- nan
of holy Scripture, and a paten of faith and patience unto 0-
thers , even Hcnun the Eyabite.
V 4 Ver.
i 9 $ PSAL. LXXXVIII.
Ver.i. (^\ LOWV CoA of mj falvation , I
\*J have cneH day and night kefirs
thee.
2. Let my frajcr come kef ore thee : incline \hue eare
hntony c y.
In the fir ft place, he fafteneih his faith and refolutionto pray
o nlhmly to God, till he receive anfwer,and requeftuh foi com-
fort now at laft. Whence learn, i. Whofcever have fled to Gcd
for grace, and have received the cfter of leconciliation mace to
the Chmch in the MeiTiah, are entered in Covenant with Cod
for their everlafting falvation, and ought toftandfaft in the
holding of this Covenant, whatfeever hard condition they may
fall intc, as Uem«n doth here, faying to Gcd, Lord God of my
falvation. i. When a foul hath received the ofl'er of grace made
to the Church, in the common tender of the Covenant of grace,
he is entered into Covenant with God fo particularly, as it the
Indenture weie paft between God and that foul by name, fo
that the beleever may rcade his own name in Gods everlafting
ftilesand titles, and may reace in himfelf the mark of Gods in-
tereft unto him, and the mai kef his intereft in God forever-
more; for, god of my (alvMion, importcth no lefle. 3AVh.cn
a beleever hath laid hold on eternal life, he may by the fame
right ask and expect comfort in, and deliverance out of every
trouble, as an Appendix cf the great faivation , which is com-
ing unto him, as here Hemandoih. 4 God can love a man,
and keep him in faith and exercifeof prayer a longtime, with-
out a comfortable anfvver, and all in love, wife love : I have
cried day and night I cfcrcthec y faith He man, and the anfwer is
not come yU. 5- There is a difference of the lamentation ofthe
worldly man, and ofthe bekevcr : The worldly man fighes and
cries, and he knows not to whom, but the godly do prefent
themfelves in their lamentations to God j I have cried day and
night befcre thee > as his dolour did cleave unto him, or was
renewed upon him, fo hehad hisrecourfe to God at all times.
6. Albeit our prayer* being prefented before God, do fecm to us
roc to have been admitted, yet muft our bill fkftill, and bepr.^
up to Gad again and again, till it be received to our ienfc and
knowledge; L(t my prayer come before $ bee 7- The beleever
may be fure to have a good anfwer at length, but he muft be in -
flant, and deal ilill with God for it, and picfle it hard, and ps-
I. \ . ., ■ ' . tiently"
PSAL. UCXXVIII. 297
riently wait for it 3 as Hcmjn here doth j Incline thine circi.MQ
my cry.
Vcr. 3. Tor my [oule is full of troubles, and mj
life draweth n'gh unto the grave.
In the fecond places hclayeih out his trouble before God in
nine degrees thereof each of them fuperadjing ionuthiijg to
the former: under which he is not only wonder fully upheld, but
altohemakcth u'e of this lamentation and long catalogue ot mi-
feries, as aground of Lis hope, to have a gracious anfwer atlait,
which came to oafle, as the turning of this lamenta. ion into a
Song, tothecomtort of others in the Churchy that mould feel
the like in any meafure thereafter, doth ihcw ; for his condition,
he fetteth it down under the name of trouble, foul-trouble :
more troubles then one or two : and the fir ft degree thereof is,
that his foul is full ok trouble;* rcpltniflicd to as it can hold no
more. Whence I xm. 1. Albeit we h.id nothing to bring before
God buc our grief and mile ie, we want not matter of confidence
to findc tavour from our pitiful God, as this example tcachcrh
us; Incline thine eire, for my feul is full of trouble*-.- 2. Irthe
goaly (hould fmcthcr their grief, and net go toGxi withic,
then forrow were able :o choke them i but this is no fmal^eafe to
them that they h \vc God to go unto_> to whom they may freely
vent their minde, as here we fee. 3. Soul troubks are the
m oil; pi effing troubles, and with ihofe readily will the Lord
exercile hischildrenj when he mindeth to trie their fJth, ma-
king iheir fpirits to [mart with trouble after trouble, with a
number of troubles, which they are neither able to reckon nor
to beare ) My foul is full of troubles. 4. The dolours of the
minde arc able to wafte away the body, which cannot but
(hi i&k and pine away when the foul is fick wi:h anguifh 5 CAly
ljfcdrdWctbncii*totkcgrruc, faith he ; and this is the fecond
degree of his trouble.
Ver. 4. J dm counted nith them that <ro down
into the pit : I am as a man that hath noftrerxrth.
The thid degree of his troub'e is, t' a: in the jucherrent of
them who knew his condition, and pcflibly lamented it, hi was*
ccimtci
2p3 PSAL. LXXXVIII.
counted a loft 'man : yea and he himfelfdid finde no ftrength to
beare out, or to recover himfelf. Whence learn, i. It is no fmall
tenntion and vexation of fpiritta the godly bclecver, to be in
the judgement ot : beholders a loft man, becaufe of the ieemin<*
de r perate condition of his foul, and yet it may befall a dear
childeofGod; 1 am counted with them that go down to the pit.
2. Albeit God hath by grace fevered death from hell unto the
believer, yet the connexion of thefe two, if juftice wer« not
fatisfiei in the Redeemer, mould never be forgotten, as the Scri -
ptures giving the fame name to death, g ave and hdlynay teach
us 5 lam counted with them thit go down to the pit x or grave, or
h:lH J« Whatfcever ftrength of foul or body a man haih in his
pofllffion, lhall be fooji emptied when Go.l puttcch him indi-
ftrefle, except new furniture be fupplied unto him, and that no
lefle then unto the weakeft •> I am as a man that huh no ftrength*
Ver, $• Free among the dead, tike the flaine that lie
in the grave y wham thou remtmbreft no more ; and
they are cm ojf from thy hand.
The fourth degree of his rouble is, that he is like the Le-
per in the hw, (hut out from the living, and put among
the deid, and no more fit for any duty of the livin?;which teach-
eth us, that the bcleever in God may at fome time be fo burden-
ed with trouble of fpirit, as he can neither think,nor fpeak,
nor go about any duty of the living for a time y I am, or I am
counted (faith he,) as one free among the dead , or ihut out,and
feparate among th^ dead.
The fifth degree of his trouble, he is a man whefe life is
violently pi uckt from him i who gets not liberty to die at lea-
lure or in peace, but £s thruft out of the world fuddenly with a
deadly wounds and fuch may the condition of a foul deir to
God, feemtbitfelftobe : I am li\c the Jlainc that tizinihe
grave*
The i?xth degree of his trouble is, hef^emeth to !~e dep:ivei
of the comfortable viciflitude of the common benefits of life,
and of thofc changes which ordinarily Gods vifirariens do make,
as if h" were left under the power of death , there to lie
without a change of thn condition for ever : and fuch may the
cafe of a beloved Saint feem to be, both to himfelf and to others*
1 am as one in grave , whom thou remcmbrejlnomorc 5 yea, the
fcdecver
PSAL. LXKXVIII. i 99 •
beleever at a time may lofc :hc fight of cvcrlailingpromiics, and
feemtohimfelf to be rejected of G->d J lamas they that are an
°ff f rm f fy band.
Ver. 6. Thou haft laid me in the lowefi ph : in
d*rknefftjn ?bc Aeepes.
The feventh degree of his trouble : he fcemeth as a man al;ea*
dy condemned and poflfefled of the torment of hell, in the ex -
tricable mifery of the damned, deprived of all light of confo-
lation,in the gulfe of defparation, wherein a man ennno: findc
ground, nor deliverance from it. Whence learn, i That this al-
io may be the cafe of a beleever in his own fenfc 5 Thou haft laid
me in the loweftpit . in darfinijfc y in the decpes. 2 . Whntfoever
trouble we arc in, or how great danger foever we fecm to our
ftlves to be in ; it is the beleevers wifdom ftill to look to God,
as our party with whom we hive to do, and to lay it forth be-
fore him : for albeit this may augment grief and fear on the one
hand, yet it pieparcth way for the remedy, and kcepeth the bc-
lecver intermes with God on the otjier h md, as this example
doth teach us i Tbou haft laid me in the loweft pit : in darh^tjfe,
in the depths,
Ver. 7. Thy wrath lieth hard Hponmc> and thou
haft afJUEledmc rvith all thy waves. Set ah.
The eighth degree of his trouble is, the felt w ath of God
purfuiwg him, overtaking him., lying heavie upon him, toffing
him with new aft' ightments and aifauits, as the waves of the fea
do, when they come one after another, and do beat with end-
lcQ": dafhing upon wh it they finde in their w \y ; and fuch may
be the cafe of a beloved foul in its own fenfe, which when wc
CJnfider, we may fay, How gentle is the ordinary execife of
weak beleevers, when this exeicifc is looked upon ? rhy wrath
(i<:th hard upon me 3 and thou haft ajflittcd me with all thy
waves.
Ver. 8- Thou haft put aft aj mine arquaintancc
farrefrotn me : thou haft made me a* abomination un-
i*> them : I am Jb:itup } andcAnnot c me forth.
The
5oo PSAL. LXXXVIII.
Thr ninth degree of his trouble ts, that betide all the bui den of
the forefaid vexation, the Lord deprived him ot all com/ort . and
did not b.itow upon him to much as any conioUrion from his
friends 3 or from the fellowship ot the godly wife; but by oods
providence they did leave him as a man defperate , yea as a man
whole condition they were afraid to look upon ; yea they abhor-
red his cafe and for look him : and he being thus in appearance
/hut out from heaven , an.i fallowed with wrath from ood, was
not onely left co.nfortleffe anoug men, but aifo was looke.l
upon by his friends as a damned and abominable reprobates dealt
with as a man mm up for the plague of peftilence, to chat he kept
his chamber and could not come abroad to look any nun in the
face : and this alio may be the cafe of a foul precious in Gods
eyes , beloved and accepted of him in the very mean time o'f all
this hardexercife : Thou ha[i put xvo y my acquaintance fane f. ram
me, thou hill m dc me an abomination to them : I am Jbut up > and
cannot come forth,
Vcr. p. Aline eye momneth byreafon of afflit~lion
LOUD, I have called daily upon thee : I have
firetched ont mj hands unto thee*
In thcthird place, he wreltleth by pnyei* with Go 1 for com-
fort, u mg for this end four reafons to {lengthen his faith, and
hope to be comforted. The firft is, from the confeience of his
earnelt feeking his comfort and iclie : from this his trouble onely
in God. Whence learnc , ?. G^dlinetfe doth not n\ake men
ienfeleileof gricfc, nor doth it hinder tearesor mourning , or any
other effects of forrow to be feen in their body; tf/we eye mournetb
bccaufcofaffliclion. 2. Sorrow mould neither hinder the godl/ to
feek God , nor move them to feek their confohtion elfewhere:
Lord, 1 hive called daily upon thee, 3 . It is poffible that a goJly
man may be inftant daily with God , praying with teares for
comfort, and yet not obtain for a long time, as this example doth
teach. 4. As in ferious prayer, fpccially in fecret, the affections
of the heart do uttey themfelves in the anfwerable gefturcs of the
body> aswellasin the voice and words of the month: fa thofe
vcftnres have their own fpeech unto God, no lelle then the words
ot the mouth hive ; as here, I have ftrctched out my hanh unto
thee , is bfdiignt form to exprefle his fub niili/e rendering up
of himfeifumo God 5 and his dependanee upon hiou
PSAL. LXXXVIII. 3 QI
Ver. 10. Wilt thou flaw wonders to the dead f JhaH
the dctdrilc and praife thee f Selah.
II. Shall thy loving kwdnefie be declared in the
qrave> or thj faithftilnefie in dcftrtitlion?
12 Shall thj \Xohd?rs be kno^n i* the darkj and
thj nghteoitfnejje in the land of for get f nine £e ?
The fecond reafon is,becuife if God do not fhortly anfwe; him ,
(as he thinks) he cannot choofe but die ; and then it wil not be
time to^ivc ananfwer to his prayer, foe the edification of othe:s 5
and glorifying of his Name among men in this world , .by le-
lieving of a poor iupplicaiir 3 fuch *she was. except he would ratte
him up again after he is dead extraordinarily and miraculoufly,
which he cannot look tor , and therefore he hoperh and praycth
to be comforted in time ; wherein he puts it out of queftion, that
he cannot but die quickly , if ihe Lord comfort him not fiiortly.
Here he fpeakcth his own fen.e > and hafterH a little to he
co n forced , asd doth jomewhat indirectly fet a time to the Lords
manifefting o! himieite, and ftiew&th fottu humane jrtfiufttiry, y^c
fuch as the Lord u:eih not to quarrel for with his children in their
lamentations , mean time i A this he (hevVech himfelfe a noble
wrcftler; Firil ; that beafKircrh himfehe (*od would not fails
to comfort him before he died $ and f.gain that the Lord wouid
rather miraculoufly raiie him from the dead, then notgloriy
himfelfe in his deliverance : and in this alio he takith a fate
courfeto feek tor what he might expect, r»t cr in an ordinary
, way 3 then to look tor miracles. IVhinc learn, i. When the
Lord debyeth to comfort a believing fupplicant, lie doth call him
to wrcftle in prayer 3 and w excrcife his faith fo much the more,
as here we hn/.ie this Saint to do jexpour.ding Go. is e.ii'penfation,
and binding his (p rit in h \s fupplication to w. title Eflp coPtiio 9,
as thofc often interrogations do make eviden:. i When faith is
fix:d upon the Covenant, and p omifes and power, and goo .iridic
c f God i it will expect miracles, rather then fear breach of G ds
' Promifc: l^vaiU thou Jhcw while s to the dead ? *do:h tmpo.t.
3. A t ae believer fhoald hve to be co.-nfoie. , ve.i nj 10 live
in the wo 1 i , not fo mu h 1 1 Irij own fatlsraction , as r|iat he
may J nify God in his \iu : 2$;JbaH the Je.id r fc and praife thee <
.doth import. 4« It will nnt content a reliever ro have the u'e
of any bench' u.uo himfelTe 46tlt fiat refolvech to make it rouh-
coming, as to the glory of ccd ; foalio to the e..ificu.i
others :
jci PSAL. LXXXVIII.
othe s : and therefore loveth to hive the benefit which he feekerh
mainly for that end ; as, Shall thy loving {in dncjfc be declared in
the gr avc ? doth import. $. The onely time to glorify God , fo
as others may be edified , is this prefent life , after death a man
may praife God in heaven , but fhall not inft uct any ignorant
perfon there by his example or counfel 5 as, Sbull thy fxitbfii'nrfle
be declared h deftruclion t doth import : and that which follow,
ethalfo iheweth the fame ; Skill thy mnders be l^nown in the
darh^and thy rightcoufnefle in the land of forget julncffe ? 6. There
is no commerce between thelivinjandthc dead , the dead do not •
know what mm arc doing on the earth , for death isthetoi of
forgctfa'neffe , wherein the living and dead fo part and go afun-
der , asthofedo who forget one another. 7. A foul acquainted
with God,, hath' no will to die, till thefenfe ofwrach be remove I,
and the feeling of the [tn(c of reconciliation be granted , as this
examplc^dcth (hew ; and no wonder in this 5 for it is a fearful
thing to hive the terror both of temporal and eternal death to
fct on at once.
Vcr. 1 3 . Bnt unto thee have 1 cried, LORD:
Und in the morning fb*ll mj prayer prevent thee.
The third reafon of hishepe to have his requeft granted is,'
from his resolution never to give over p.aying, but as he had
done before., fo to continue ft' 111 in his fupplication. Whence
learn , 1. Infancy in prayer , and rcfolution never to give over,
as it arguerh folic! and ftrong faith: fo doth it givt gooo 1 ground
of hope to be heard ,as in this example of the Prophet may be iccn.
2. Albeit we do not finde an anfvverto our warrantable prayers
fo foon as wc would , vet we muft not conclude that our by-paft
p ayer hath been amiiVc , but rather muft avow our by-paft ex-
ercifc , and rcfolve to continue as the Pfalmift doth here ; But
unto thee have Icri dfl LorA^and in tbc morning Jball my prayer
prevent thee.
Ver. 14. LORD \ why cafteft thou offmyfoule t
why hide ft thon thy face from me ?
^he fourth reafon is, from the impoflibility of his being a caft-
away > albeit it feemed fo or that God fliould alvvayes hide his
face from him , albeit it feemed fo, as his asking Jffy/in tlje rca-
foning ofraithagaii.ft icpfi and outward appearance; doth mew
PSAL.LXXXVIH. 303
obchismeaning 3 efpecially if thefe words be compared with the
>rc eding w fix. Whence lcarne,i. As the faith of Gods dear children
nay bealfaulted with fuggeltions moving them to fufpect their
\ je&ion horn God ) fo is it the nature ofc faith, and the duty of
believers to rcjed thofc thoughts, to lay them out before God,
ind to difpuw againft them s Lord, rvby cafieft thou of my foul?
a. When God doth hide the (enable figncs of his favour toward
us, we are allowed to deal with Cod to remove the vailcj Wby^
bidefi thou thy f ice from me? $. A glimpfc of Gads face, or of
his ienfible mani fefted love may mitigate the foreft trouble o L 1
fad.foule, and fatisfy the afflicted , as the Petition involved ii\
this fpeech, why hi deft thou thy face from me? doth im-
port : for if he could have found any glimpfe of favour, he
would not have fo complained.
Ver. IJ. / am ajflitledtndready to die > from my
youth tip : while I 'fuffer thy terrors I am d'ftr«llcd.
In the lad part of the Pfalm, the Prophet finding no conf lo-
tion , returncth to his lamentation, by which he made way to his
wriftling in prayer, from ver.$. to the 9. and layeth down
his mifcry at the Lords tcet , as the object of the b:we'S or
his pity : in which mi! cry he is pcriVa led , that he could
not but Snde the eftl&s of the Lords comp flu>n in due time.
The parts of the lamentation arc three. The Si il is, for the long;
continuance of his lad exercise, even from his youth up, wherein
he fheweth firft, that he was afflicted , that is ; put to great ftraits
by calamities. Secondly, that be was ready to die, as a man over-
let and able to bear no more. Thirdly, that he was as much vzy.-
ed with what he feared to come , as he was troubled with whit he
felt j He fuffcrcd the terrors of the Lod. Fourthly 3 that he was
exercifed frequently, and of a long ti ne this way > r rom bis youth
up. Fifthly, that by the hard cxeci!c,and returning terrors ot G >d
r.pon him, he wns fo rent a id pe plcxcd , that oft-times he could
not make ufe of his natural rcafon,as he did reckon JVbcvce learn ,
1. When we have a flayed all memes ror hiving comfort of G cd,
it is lafeft for us to lay cur griefc before G jd, till he be pi .a fed o
(Ikw pity : Tfie cfatlde of God hath no oraro r y but mourn-
i.^e to his Father, as hi e we fee. i. A g' ievcH minde can
reck n all itsamtftiO'iS, and c.dl to remembrance ifiple troubles
that arc lonp hncepait , as he:e we fee. $. It is an o dinary
dott ine, but hardly believed , when it ccmeth to applica ion,
that
304 PSAL. LXXXVIII.
tb.it Cjod loveth them whom be cbajlifctb^ as the Prophets la-
mentation and wreftlings do teach us. 4. In a through trial]
the Lord bringcth the foul to the b ink of death. / am ready to
die. 5. The weight of pr'efent troubles, is a*:companie J readily
wi;h the tear of worle to come, and the fear of eviil to come doth
double the weight of evill that is prefent > tor the Lords terrors
here are reckoned as his faddeft fufferings. 6. Some of G )ds
children are more exercifed in their consciences then other tome,
yea fome foulesmay all their dayes be frequented with the terrors
of the Lord and fears of his wram> as this example of Neman en-
ercifed from his youth «p,doth (hew. j. Sore trials may put faith
fometimes to (tagger with doubting, and by perplexity put a mans
re.ifon to a {land , and make him many times like a man befide
himfelfe \ I am diftraffed. 8. Albeit the godly may be put
to doubt, yet are they not driven todefpairej Albeit they be
caft down , yet they ?re not deflroyei , as here we fee".
Ver. I 6, Thy fierce wrath gocth over me ; thy ter-
rors havo cat me ojf.
17. They came round about me dxilj like water:
they compajfed me about together.
The feconi part of the lamentation , is for the feeling of the
apparent effects of Gods wrath 5 force wrath , overwhelming
wrath going over him, fears and terrors of more & henvier wrath
co ning ; affrighting wrath in appearance , furrounding wrath
and terror comparing about, like deep waters , from which no
event cm be feen. lVl)cnce learn , 1. Trouble hath its own
weight , bat wrath maketh it unfup portable ; the wrath of
a Father , when it is feen, is terrible ; but fierce wra:h of
a Judge , whin it appearech , is unfpeakable : it ovewh.lm-
eth, fwalloweth up , and yet this may be the exerci fe of a childe
of God j Thy fierce wrath gocth over me. z. Albeit the exercife
of a childe of G)d may fee m to himfelfe to be the very cafe of a
damned reprobate , yet in rhe mitlft of it the footfteps of grace
and evidence of faith may be feen by a beholder , as in the expe-
rience of fr'cman^ who in his deepeft trouble adhered to God,
may b: feen : For fiol,the fea- which let upon him, is called the
terror of God, which importeth not only wrath,prefent wrath, but
al(o unrefutable wraih: vea and growfns o'Gods vvra:h, coming
spa c upon him , tor terror importeth this, 2. I ne terrors or
( ?oj in the plural number are upon him, that is, frequent terrors ,
ahda-.uitiplieJ tcrroi*. y. The effect of thole terms as th:y
fcemed,'
P$AL. LXXXVilL 30;
feemed, they were aff igluing terrors , which did threaten to fe-
parate his foul from God utterly > altogether , and for ever to his
fenfennd likelihoods they fpake no telle then that he was to be
found a cafhway : Thy terrors ( faith hcj have cut me off. 4. L it
of all, for the manner of the affault made by thofe tenors upon
his poor foul, they arc compared co waters inclofing a man be-
fore he be aware, compafling him lo about that he can findc no
event ; and like the returning of the tide, comparing him daily*
vea like contrary tides, one or them thru fling another, and fetting
upon him on all hands together $ whereby the inexpreflible
trouble of a foul under the fenfq of Gods wrath is defcr.ibed,. but.
(b as none can undeifand it, except he, who cither in leffcr cr
greater tneafure hath felt ir ; and nil this may befall a childe of
light : Thy fierce wrath gocth over m:>tby terrors have cut pie ojf r
the) came roundabout me daily Mjp water , they compared me about
together.
Ver. 18. Lover and friend hafi thou put far re from
we : and mine acquaintance into darknejfe.
The third and lad part of the lamentation is repeated from
jcr. 8. that there was no man companionate towerdhim , none.
topity hiiBj none to counfel or comfort him , nohe % to whom he
might impirt his minde fully for cafing of him* but hftol-A
friends, and fuch as> loved ivm before , did faile him and forfake
him : and God rri ide it manifeft , that he did thrult them away
from hi:nj lotie were to bear him company,but he demeaned him-
L-lfe to (it iolitary in datknrfle. So then Learn , 1. Abut a
friend b^ made for the day of trouble ; and albeit it would h.ive
been an cafe to hive had any friends company, foi means ofcern-
f > t, vet he could fmde none : God withheld them ail For the rriall
of hisiervant hce: and fuch a heavy and com forded^ co-dii-
on may be the lot of a beloved childe ; Lover and friend lull thou
p.ttfa re from'm^ and mine acquaintance into itjrfcejfc* 1. In that
he endcth the P.alme wi:h nil any comfort for the time ,' it rna-
Jteth this Pialme no lelfe comf);iv;le, then any other Pfolmfc,'
becaufe it flieweth :h it he was fupp ted infenhbi/ for the \\ rte,
arid had comfort given to him the carter, Iq much'as tomakethis.
fad complaint to be tivned into a long bo'h to hfmtMfe,anJiot>c
Churcn . and it teacbeth , th.it (SeiW Go.l can fuftain a foul by,
B&ret fupporting of amansfai h , without comfortable fenfe, yea'
arid that under the fadd.ft fcnfe nf W ;achi ifcrcfbre a bUL
X i'a
So6 PSAL. 1XXXIX.
in God muft lay hold on Go, J s goodneiTc , Promifc , aid Co-
venant , and muft truft ftill in the Lord ; albeit he (hould
feem to flay him } as the example of Hemxn the E\rxbite here
doth teach us.
PSAL. L^XXIX.
CHxfcbil of Etbxn the E\rxbltt.
THis Pfalme is intituled Mxfchil, or a Pfalme written for in-
ftrudtion by Ethan the E\rxhite> who after Solomon was ano-
ther of the four wifeft men in ifrxel: This man furviying the ^lo-
ry of Solomons Kingdome, and beholding the diminiihing ot the
glory of Vxvids houfe , lamenteth the defoiation thereof unto
God.
The Pfalme hath three parts. In the fir ft he fetteth his faith*
uaon God , and laboureth to ftrengthen it aga'inft the testation
which was boyling in his brcaft , to x/er. i 9. In the fecond pare
he expoundeth the fumme of the Covenant of Grace , made be-
tween God and Chrift, typified by Dxvid : wherein indeed, albeit
Vavidhzth his own intereft,yet the fubftancc was to be found only
in Chrift , who came of David according to the flefh > from
ver. ipjto 38. In the third part is a lamentation of the appa-
rent diilolving of this Covenant with Davids pofterity > and a
prayer for repairing the ruines of that Kingdcme , for the glory
of God : which prayer he a flu ret h himlelfe /hall be granted.
From the inferiptionj Lwr?/, 1. Wifdomc doh not exempt
a man from grief and anguifh , from tentation of faith and hard
cxercifcofmindc: for here is another example beiide Hemxn ^
to wit> Etbxn the Eyabitc , a man of the fame family with He-
man* 1. The Lord doth diftribiue unto men their inward excr-
cifesjthat one may have his trouble for one caufe , and another
have it for another caufe/ as it pleifeth' him to meafure out in hit
wifdomejfor Hemxns trouble is made about his own private con-
dition , but Etbxns trouble is about the publiclc calamity of
Cfnirchj and Kingdome Not that we think Heman was infenfi-
ble of thcpublickj or Ethan not acquainted with trouble for his
own particular alfo^but becaufe the Lord will have the one
exemplary in the one fort of exercife , and the other exemplary
in the other fort o( exercife, and will have the exercife of both-"
to
PSAL. LXXXIX. 307
to be the inffrudion of his people : Mafcbil of Hcman > and
Ethan both.
Ver. I. jf Will fing of the mercies of the LO R V
Xfrr ever 1 With mj month vrill I mal^e
known thy fatthf nine jfe to all generations.
■ ■ •
B:fore he utter his tenntion, or bring forth his lamerraricn
frr the apparently diiVolVcd Covenant between God and David*
he obiiguh himfcKc to maintain the glory of the mercy and taifch-
fulncHe of O od , ver.i, ». in relation to the (lability of the Co-
venant made with David particularly , ver. j 3 4. and to this end
te ftrengtheneth his lakh by a nnmbor of reaions to ver. 19 The,-
fir ft is, from hisrefoludonto bold faft the b:liee of OoJs ipefcjf
and faithfulnefle > notwithibnding it did at thistime feem th t
Godhaddiiiblvcd the Covenant with 'Davids houfe. Whence
learn , 1. What foe ver prom ifes the Lord hath made to_ his pco-,
pic, they muft nc\ wonaeV > albeit ibrnetime he makes it very
improbable to carnal! fenfeand reafori,that ever they fnall be per-
formed : for this is needful for the cxcrcifcot faith, as in this ex-,
ample we fee. 2. In the conflict of faith with misbelief, it is.
wifdeme tqr the believer to fupprefle the faggcilions of unbe-
lief 3 to t.^kc part with faith , to break through the throng of de^
fperate thoughts/ and without difputarion dofe with the mercy
ot GocM-^ndwith the fait hfulr.ofle of his: .Word , and to avow.
faich } and to engage himfelfe to maintain faith, befoi e he utter
his tcntation unto misbelief, or fuft'er it to vent it fel.fe > as he: e,
the Pfalmifi doth te^ch by his example, laying , 1 will jing of the
rncrcics of the Lord, for ever , (pe. $. The mercy of God 3 and.
the faithtulrve(Te of G'jd 3 are two ftrong pillars of confidence in
God: mercy to take away fiti and mLery , and faitWalReiitto.'
perform all thepromifcs.of every good umo the. believer :• I pili*
fi?i£of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth villi
ma^c h^towntbj faith fulnejjc to ull generations ,
* ., '• .->
Ver. 2. For I have faid . Mercy flull be hit it yp^
for ever : thy faithfnUe^e fhialt thoa efiabsijh in the
very heavens*
He ad&th areaion of his rcfoiuttenxo give the jfory oftiijcrjjj
3o8 PSAL.LXXXIX;
Perfected and llclea for eve an h ' f ""*' on snd be
WAN! promife mould b2 aSfSS ? ' V f ^ of Gods
i-th rbe mouth to con cil'e „r„, <~ • ,£• , s tuth ' 3nd «""
™> : * wruA/rcics P S 3 *22fi* %£? f "
«™fog *« Redeemers ta'<ii, fvfl h ,7 in ( P«,' al Con -
fMfhta*:-, foundation fc a; vhV kjl r Ilk ^ buUdin ?
»;i heaven in Gods decree J, • ? * " ls t0 be tound
v'-ce it will" no- Si "; Ejj?A RS» 5J f U - hfl,I ' K(le '
nm®M &*^&£^*^ n >
tUvefworneuno D*vidmy frrt^r ' ™ ™-'
tnf tryrone to all generations. Se'ah.
ft%c*,», »l« * • - , h-wit He e doth teach us : for he
E| ( °n^^:. /,C '«*» 2 ^ the qualification
tt££f ,2 ' e ET^^W * j '-WesofChHl
££»/•( vu™ ,ff I /ci y v l cr ^"i, and the nature of the pro-
g*Ly wayc-t Wemn ekM^and the confirmation of ft by an
HfK^ *«* /***? and the fubihnce oc the promise, X"
PSAL. LXXXIX. 309
cme fliouhi come of V Uvid who lLoul . beofcvcr'afling'co .-i-
nuance , ftabliflied by civiie p<w.rforc\c ; 1 • wit , Chiii:
the Lord : and dnc the kiagdom or ff-jcl filial Davids thiom 3
which wase. ccted for governing the peop t of ~>od,as it was no^
Wvll (bunded upon !i ; . od,4nd begun tn beb i!dcd al-
ready, ihoulci hcbuildcd ///),and g ovv unto a perspicuous pcifc^i-
011 j tiom one gene ation to >< other; :na be perpetuated for
ever ; r/7 feed will f cjUblijh for ever, and build up thy t rone to
all gciicr.it ions. When iiflappeii ance of hoped go~d hingsdoth
brangle faith, then the Wostl of God and his pro mi Tea muftbe
called to memory, upon which faith muft 6xd it fvife , as this ex-
ample teacheih. 3 i he mercy and laithfuloefle of God, which
are 'he common grounds of the ft ibilky or" all he Lords promi-
f cs 3 being believe; in he gcnerall , fhoiutl be applied particularly
to every promj e, as we have need thercof,that we may ft.engthcn
cur faith 6y reafoning f r m thi* ground thus ; ' 7 ods mercy ml
fairh uLaeflc do make all hi-. prnmif<s faft., ana rhe efore do make
hit this particular promife alio, whereupon i do row pitch,
as rhe example of (he PfJmift doth teach us 4. As ali the pro-
mifes cf God are worthy to b: taken notice 0; ; fo in p.ciall thefe
p omile^ that are ma. J c to Chrift in favour of Believers , who are
the tubjects of his K income, in whom all th j piomifes are made
Iciznddmen , to the benefit c f the fubjccls : for tin's are we
taught to do by the example 01 the Pfdr$ijl 3 who when defolai ion
was like to fwallow up both v. butch rnd Ringdome } doth make
fail to his own faith the promife of Ch 1ft , and or' the (lability
of his Kingdome j which prcmifc being lure of neceffity , the
tribe of J/d.j/; , and the pofterity oiVrcid behooved to be prefer-
red, and continued till Ch ift came.
Ver. 5. And the heavens frail fraife thy wonders §
LORD: thy faithfulneffe alfo m th? congregation
of the. f nints.
He laboureth to ftrengthen his frith in thh pomi cby ten
rcafons further. The firff whc*cot is this, The heavens are an
evidence both of Gods power to work wonders for his people,
and of his faithfulnefie to perform promifes, unto ihc 'Church 5
rhcrcfo e will he fay, I have reafnn for me ro believe this p.omi c
male to Davii concerning Ch-i ft > Kingdom, iFbo'cc Uirne*
1. The conn" deration 0'' the powes of Gxl rnaiarcftcd in
X 3 w
$lo PSAL. LXXXIX.
woiks of creation , to be able to perform whstfcever he promi-
feth , were it ri*er io wondeaful , may and fhould confirm our
faith in his promife 3 how improbable foever i.t appearc : For
the hdavena flyil praije thy wonders^ O i crd. a. As the heavens
areapawne of Go Js power 3 irirefpe& of their firft framing therri
cut of nothing: \o ate they a patern of Gods faith fulnciVe , in
their conft.int and orderly motion according to his Word
fince their framing; The heavens Jball pratfe thy faith f til-
mcjfe alfo. 3. However the power and faithful neife of God
may be ken and heard in the work and fpcech of 'he hea-
vens by all men , "yet arc they not obferved and hearkened
unto , except in the Church by Gods children j Therefore
faith he/ They fail praife thy faithfulnejfe alfo in the Con-
gregation of the Saints.
Ver. 6. For t*ho in the heaven can be compared
Unto the LORD? who amongfl the fonnes of the
mighty can be likened unto the LO RT>1
The fecond reafon to conSrme his faith is this , God is
above all Angels in heaven and men on earth , and
hath them all under him to perfect by them what woi{c he
plcafeth; and prefuppofe they had aminde to hindet any pur-
j?ofe of God concerning performance of his promife, they
could not hinder him , they being infinitely inferiour in
all excellencies unto God, and no way to be compared with
him : Therefore will he fay , I have reafon to believe his
promife concerning the {tab litv of Chrifts Kingdome.
Whence learne , 1. The height of Gbdg excellency is above
the reach of our thoughts 3 and we cannot take him up
btherwayes then by climbing up upon the fhoulders and tops
of all created cminency, and there to proclaime God to be
greater then them all : for Who in heaven can he compa-
red unto the Loxd ? Who among the fonnes of the mighty
can b" likened unto the Lord f 2. God hath given power
natural ,"mcft of all to Angels \ and power acccflory, moft
of air to Princes and Magiftratcs and Potentates in the"
earth, whom here he calleih the fonnes of the mighty ; in
whofc power and authority we may fee fomewhat of Gcd,
|f they bee for God j and may tec Princes to bee nothing^
PSAL. LXXXIX. 311
ifthrybe againft God > ior , Who in heaven <wi be compare^
unto the Lord ? who among the jon.es of the might) can b c
likened unto the Lord ?
Vcr. 7. God is greatly to bee feared in the
affembly of the Saints : and to bee had in rcve~
rence of all them that are about him.
A third reafon to confirme his faith, is this; God is
terrible , and to bc flood in awe of by all his people , and
it were a fear full injury fos his Saints not to give him
the glory of his power and fidelity > Therefore will he
(ay , I have reafon to believe wha: he hath promi fed con*
cerning the Kingdom? of Chrift. IVhenec Icarne > 1. Ho-
ly Angels and fanctificd men , of nil creatures have
neareft accefle unto God , and are moft like to the dome-
fticks and Courtiers of a King , who attend him daily,
and wait upon him ; for they are here faid to bee about
bim. i. The feare and reverence of God imprinted on
Angels and Saints , doth evidence the great ncfic of Gods
power, excellency, and majefty; God is greatly to be fear-
ci in the Affembly of the Saints. $. The tcrriblcnefle of
Gods holy Majefty * and the reverence due to him from
all his Saints , fhould make us afraid to misbelieve his
Wo-d ?nd Promi fes j for this is made a reafon of the Pjal-
mrfis believing the Lords Word : God is greatly to be fear-
ed in the AJfemh'y of the Saints, and to be had in reverence
by all shem that arc about him.
Ver, 8. LORD God ofhofis^ ftbo is a flrong
LORD like unto thee ? or to thj faith fnlneffe ro»nd
about theef
A fourth reafon to confirme his faith, is this; GOD is
kORDof Hefts, and incomparable inftrength and fait hiul-
ncfie , whereby he is computed on aU hands round about :
therefore will he fay, I have reafon to believe his promife
concerning Chrifts Kingdome. IVhencc learn , j. As the
X 4 Lord
3i2 PSAL. LXXXIX.
Lord only knowcth perfectly his ownc Omnipotency, and his
own Excellency in all perfections* To we know GOD btft
V hen we come to him , and' acknowledge that he only knoweth
himiclf fully , and do give unto him this glory, as the Pfalmift
directing his fpeech to GOD immediately dcth teach us ;
OLORV God bfbvfts, who is a ftrovg LORD ljh v e unto thee i
2. The fame power which ferveth to humble a man by afflicting
cfhim, ferveth alfo to comfort him, and ftrengthen his faith
in affliction , when he doth draw neare unto God : for the
Pfalmift maketh ufe of the fame ftile here , both to direct his
Jaith, and tc keep down hispride, his fretting and repining
againft God, faying, L %D (fed of bops. 3. As the,
Lord is (as it were) compafled about on all hands with power,
and is incomparably flrong in all difference of time paft , pre-
fent, and to come, above all his creatures 5 fo alio firft and Lift,
in aH difference or time , he is incomparably faithfull above all
his creatures ; O LORD God of hop ^ who is a flrong Lord
like ftnto thee ? or to thy faith fulnejfe round about thee ?
Ver. 9, ThoH rulefi the raging of the fca: when
the waves thereof arije , thou Jt ti left them.
A fifth rcafon to ftrengthen his faith, is; The LORD
who doth rule the raging Sea, is able to ftippreffe andcompoie
alii tumults and troubles , whatfoever are raifed, or fhall be
raifed againft his Church) Therefore I have canfc, will he
fay, to believe his promiie concerning Chrifts Kingdcme.
Whence learn , That the power of GOD in ruling and~calm-
ing the raging Sea , may ftrengthen the faith <f his chil-
dren > amidit all the tumults cf people againft Chrifts
Kingdome. ■■
Ver. 10. Thou haft broheft Rahab in pieces * as
we that isflaine; thot* hafi fcattered thine enemies with
ih) jlrongarme.
Tte
PSAL. LXXXIX. 313
Yhe(ixthreafon,isthis; GOD hath'done as much already
;or delivering his Church, by deftroying Ribab, or the Egypti-
ans , and feat re ring of his enemies frcm time to time, as ma/
afture me both what he can, and what he will do for his people,
therefore I may be quiet. Whence karne, u Faith inland
ftiould make ufe of every example of p O D S wcrMng for
his people in all times after , and in fpcciall the overthrow of
the Egyptians, as a perpetual pawne of GODS promife to trend
down and dehVoy all the enemies of his Church and Kingdoms ;
for Thou haft b o{cn Rabab in pieces , is here and el fe- where f c-
(jucntly called to remembrance for this end, 2# Ic is as eafie for
G OD to deft, oy'a Nation of enemies , were they never lo ma-
ny or powerful, as to Wound or kill one man ; Thou baft broken
Rabab in pieces, as one that ujlain ; thou haft fcaticrcd thht ene-
mies with thyftrong hand.
Ver. Ti. The heavens arc thine , the earth affois
thine: as for the world and the fulrtejfe thereof , than
haft founded them.
Vcr. \\Z The North an£ the Soyth , thou haft
created them : Tabor and He) monfia/l rejoyce in thy
'Name.
The feventh reafon for confirmation of his faith , is ' Heaven
nnd earth, and all creatures in all corners of the world, are the
LORDS work fuftaincd by him,and cared for by himyand there
is not a mountaine or hill greater or leflcr , fuchas T;<bor or
HcrmoUj which do bear graffe, or cornc, or herbs., or trees , or
whatfoever may make them 100k as it were cjieartully nnd re-
joyce , but it is by the power of GODS Name; Therefore
I may be furc , GOD will much more care for his C hurch, and
for the (lability of the Kingdome of Chrift. Whence learn, 1.
The heaven and.earth , and tulnefle thereof, belongcth to the
LO^£p) by due right , and are cared for by him as his own pof-
feffion: 7 be heavens arc thine, the earth a! fo 14 thine: as for the
world and fulnejj'c thereof, thou haft founded them. 2. The ma-
king and governing of the world, which was ma^c.and is govern-
ed for the ufe of man , may give atfurance 1 1 tat his Church and
people, ( for whole caufe especially all was made, ) fliajl be con-
tinued from age to age, to long as heaven and<' earth do rcmaine >
and flnll be more particularly cared tor a theq any oilier part or
piece
3i 4 PSAL. LXXXIX.
piece of his wotkmanfhip : for to this end doth the Pfalmift
make mention of other creatures appointed to fervc man.
5. Seeing the Lord maketb the hills and mountaines, after Win-
ter-blaftsoffroftand fnow, to change their countenance > and
as it were look joyfully and rejoyce > we may be perfwaded that
his Church after troubles (hall much more change its counte-
nance, , and reioyce in Gods Name: For to this end is it
faid , that thefe mountaincs Tabor and Hcrmon JIM rejoyce
in thy I Name.
Ver. 13. ThoH haft a mighty arme : jlrong is thy
bandy and high is thy right hand.
The eight reafon is taken from, the exceeding gteat power of
GOD 3 to do more then ever he hath done for his Church.
W\)cnce learnc, If a greater work then the making and uphold-
ing of the world 3 or if a greater work then any thing which is
done by GOD hitherto , were needful to be done for the good
of the Church, there is power enough > infinite power in GOD
to effect it ; Thou baft a mighty arme: (Irong U thy bwd&nd high
ii thy right band.
Ver. 14. J afiice and judgement are the habitation
of thy throne \ mercy and truth /ball go before
thy face.
The ninth reafon for ftrengthening his faith 3 taken from the
properties and attendants of GODS Kingdoms is this: Juftice
and judgement are the fupporters of his throne j and mercy and
truth are his officers, preparing way for the LORD^, when he i$
about to do juftice in favour of his people : therefore I need
not fear that the promife of Chrift; ttingdome /hall faile.
Whence team , 1 . Whatfoever oppreffion or defolation thfl£ords
people may be under , the unalterable tighfeoufneflc of GOD
cannot fiile to execute juftice and judgement for punching of
the opprc flour , and relieving of his people : for fuflice and
judgement are the habitation of his throne : or the bafe whereupon
his throne is fetled. 2- Albeit the finnes of the Lord* people
might ftop the way of relief coming to them, or prejudice them
of having any benefit from juftice > yet mercy and truth are rea«*
PSAL. LXXXIX. 315
dy at hand, to prepare the way by pardon of their fins , and per-
forming all prornifes unto tLem : Mercy and truth f?all go before
hit face.
Vcr. 15. THefedls the people that kpoiv the )oyf*l
found : they /ball wal^ LORfD , in the light of thj
countenance.
1 6. In thy Name /hall they rejpyce all the d*j : and
in thy righteoufneffe Jhall they be exalted.
J7. For thou art the glory of their firen^th : and in
thy favour our home /ball be exalted.
I 8 For the Lord is our defence : and the holy One
of Ifrael it our King.
The tenrh reafen for It-iengrhening of his faith , is taken
from the blellednefle of Believers in GOD, whefc properties
and privileges are fet ("own in order, fix : all ©f them proving
GODS people to be blcfled. V/hcncc lcarn y 1. Whatfoever
are the afflictions cf the LORDS people , and in wh.it danger
and difficulty foever they be in , yet are they certainty blcfled ':
2/cjfci U the people that Iptow the joyful found. 2. Thofe are to
fee accounted GODS people , who with a good heart joyne
with others at GODS command in the worftup and fervicc of
GOD; Blejfc^ is the people tha^now the joyful found : for the
joyful found was the found of the filver trumpets, which were
blowne at the joyning in battel in their wanes, or for their jour-
neys, or gathering of Aflemblics, or intimaticn of folcmne
feafts , and at the offering of the faci ific'e$ of Ifrael, JP/j/.S r«
Numb. 10. $ocl z. Ana the knowing of this joyful found fig-
nifieth the alacricie of Gods people to ferve and obey the Lord^as
he in his Ordinances mould warnc , dircd arid guide them.
3* 3Ehe properties and priviledgcs of B.licvers in GOD, make
fure proof of their bleffcdneffe 5 for they live in grace and favour
with GOD , whether they dofenfibly feell it or not : as theif
perfons, fo alfp their carriage in faith, and upright endeavour to
pi cafe GOD , are alwayes acceptable to G O D : And this.
is the firtt pri viledge of G ODS people , They Jhatt rvalue , O
LORD, in the light of 'thy countenance 4. Believers have mat-
ter and ju ft caiifc to lejoyce in GOD for their intereii in him,
what focyer be their prefeni condhion 5 In V y Name frail they
$i6 PSAL. LXXXIX.
rcpyceafltheday. This is another priviledge of Goes pecple.
*. The joy of Believers is underpropped and en!arged,when they
confider that Gods righteoufneffe fwhich is by faith in Chriil,)
is imputed unto them, and Gods righteoufnefie in performing
hispromifesis ktonwork for their <iiired:!on 3 encouragement,
reformation and defence; And in thy righteoufneffe. f\)dl they
beexilted. This is the third priviledge of Believers. 6. Albdc
the godly finde no power in themfelves, either to do or fufter , no
power either to defend themfelves > or oppofe their enemies 5 yet
they want not ft:ength, either imployed tor them , or furniihed
fastjiey need) unto them, by God in a glorious manners they
will fee , if his helping them be rightly looked upon ; For
thou,Lord, (faith he,) art the glory of their ftrengtb , wherein
they may glory in their weakeft condition. And this is the fourth
priviledge of GODS people. 7. The free grace and love of
GOD gracioufly tendered to Believers , is the ground of their
ftrength, comfort, confidence and gloriat ion , becaue it is the
fountaine of all their felicity ., and well-fp ingof life to them,
to look unto this, that they are in favour with GOD i And in
thy favour our borne Jl?atl be exalted. And this is the fifth pri-
viledge of che LORDS people. 8. Albeit Biievers be defticure
of help from men ; yet they are neither left without protection,
nor without go vernment 3 becaufe God or Chrift who is G xl ,
js the Churches King, to protect , guide and governe her ; for
The Lord is our defence or flneld > and the holy One of I fr act is
cur J^ing : the Original alio will bear of and to, The Lord k our
defence of and to, the holy One of Ifrael Uourl^jng; whereby
what may be faid of the typical King, David, and of the true
King, Chrift, confidered as man , may give affurance that God
would be their defence and King, becaufe T>.wid, ann Chrift as
man, were Gods Kings , and Kings for G}ds ferviqe and ho-
nour, authorized of God, and devoredtohim. And this is the
fixth priviledge of GODS people. A ll which pri viledges areio
many proofes of thcbleflfednefle of the Believers , in wlntfcever
condition they are. 9. It is wifdome for every Believer , wlien
he is about to reckon the riches of G >DS people; an. i to let
forth their priviledges, to make application thereof to himfclr* in
amongft the reft oi that number , as the example of the Pfalmift
here doth teach us j who in the latter part of this computaion
doth Co \ In thy favour our home Jliall be exalted, the Lord is our
defence^ our fyng.
Ver.
PSAL. LXXXIX. 317
Ver. F9, Then thou fpakefl *" vifion to thy holy
One : andfaidft, I have laid help upon one that is
mighty : / have exalted, one chojen out of the
people.
20. / have foundT) avid my fervant } with mj holy
dile have J anointed him.
In the fecond part of the Pfalmift,for the further comfort of the
Church in her faddeft condition , and to ftrengthen yet more the
godly in their troubles, j. He expoundcth the Covenant of
Grace made with thrift , reprefented typically by Lavii, be-
caule he muft be looked upon only as the fhadow , but Cbrift as
the chief party , and as he in whom the reall fubftance is accom-
plished peife&ly. Therefore (hail we fpeak of both, as the word
doth relate uito the one, or unto the other, or to both in feverall
re "peels. And firll of the circumftances of the C ovenant , and
then of the feveral Articles thereof: for the Pfalmift marketh,
1. The time of revealing of the Covenant 5 Tbe.uio wit,wben
ic pleafed God to let it be known, that he puipofed to take a courfe
for the comfo .-table governing of his Church and Pecpk* 2. He
obferveth the way of revealing it, which hefheweth to be by
vifion; he fpake to his holy fcrvint , to wit, Samuel or Nathan.
3 He commendeththe man whowas torule , as fitand ableto
be helpful to his people; 1 have hid help upon one tb at U mighty.
4. He fheweth the caufe of his pic.e ment , to be his ownehee
love and good will ; / have exited onecbofen o.t of the people..
5. He nameth him and his effi.e j / bdve found. David my /er-
vjint. 6. He telLth of his ipiritual furniture , n^uied forth by
anointing; With my holy Oilc have I anointed hm. Wbenct
learn, 1. Albeit the Lord hath alwayes a fpccial care of the go-
verning of his people j yet doth he not at all times alike clearly
make manifeft this care, by giving comfortable Governours he
hath his own times, as to hide his face in this particular, fo hit'
own then alb, when to mew his love; Then thou fpa l itji»
2, The L:rds mindeis not to be found by conjc&iires , bu; by
his Word revealed to his holy Prophets 1 Then thou \px\tfi to •
thy holy One in vifion and jaid 3. As the Lov.s peopU Irani
in need or a good Kin£ , a m in or p jwer, able and wiliiftg tq be
h.lp ul co the fubjecb, and not hurtful : Co G ;d mull be the in-
able, of him, and defigner of him after the wav he pScafech , and
fhe m.iker of him to be ef. dually bclpiul : I have luUbdpupon
one
3 i8
PSAL. LXXXIX.
one that is mighty. 4. It is conducible > to the intent a Ruler
may be helpful to the fubjech, that there be fome natu-
rail tie between him and them : for this God did provide
for in the appointing comfortable Govcrnours over his own peo-
ple y 1 have exalted one> ebofen out of the people,, 5. That one
is preferred before another , or advanced to any place of power
or trufi over others in mercy, it is of Gods grace, free choice
and good will ; I have exalted one, ebofen out of the people. 6. The,
man who muft in his government do good to Gods people , muft
be a man for *5od, Gods fervant, not by office and duty onely,
but of a fct purpole alfo: I have found David my fervant. 7. The
man whom God imployethin Government for his people , muft
tefurnifliecj with gifts and graces of his Spirit, figured by holy
oyle 5 With my holy oyle have J attainted him. 8. As D avid was
in type, fo Chrift is in truth, and in all refpeds more eminently
thcnDxvidyi. ftrong hclper,mighty to lave, appointed of cheFather
to help us in all cafes; and to whom we arc directed to go^that we
* may finde helpe , on whom helpe doth lie , in whom we (hall
furely finde help > he is one of our kinde, taken out from among
the people , acquainted with the meaneft condition his fubje&s
can be in , exalted to be a Pance and a Saviour A chofen and
predeftin ited (as man) for the office before the world was, devo-
ted to the ferviceof the Rcdemption/anSificauon,gov€rnmenr,
and falvation of his people s and filled, as man , with the holy
Ghoft above meafure, that out of his fuineile we may all re-
ceive grace for grace: of whom it is moft really true , With my
holy oyle have 1 anointed bim.
Ver. 21. frith Whom my hand fall be cflablifbed:
mine arms alfo jhalljlrengthen him.
From this ver. to the 58. he bvingeth forth tenrie promifes, a$^
fb many heads and articles of this Covenant, whereof this is the
firft, concerning aflifhncc to be given to David in type, and
to Chrift morefubftanthlly, and in more eminent effects.
Prbcncc learn, 1. As to David in his Kingdome: lb to Chrift'
as man in his Kingdom, God hath engaged his outwardly aflift-
ing power conftmtly: With vohommyb and \b all be eftibliftcd.
i« As to David: fo to Chrift full furniture of power for all the
puts of government is p.omifcd in favour of all tji£ fubjects of .
his Kingdom!: Hike arme alfo' foaW firengtben hiin y as the
work
PSAL.LXXXIX. 319
work is great or difficult , divine ftiength (hall enable him to go
about it and do it.
Ver, 22. The enemy ftall not exatt upon him : nor
the fonne oj wickednejfe afflttt me.
The fecondpromifcis,thatas Davids fubje&s, albeit they
had many battels, yet were they not fubducd in his time , no'c
made tributaries to their enemies , nor made miferable by them:
to fhali Chtifts fubjects and kindly converts unto him , be
found during his time, which is from generation to generation,
and for ever; albeit troubled by the fpiiitual enemies of his King-
dome, yet they (hall not be made tributaries, voluntary fervants,
or miferable (laves to them : for (inne (hall not have dominion
over them , nor (hall Satan or perfecuters have fuch power , as
to drive them away from their liege Lord Jefus Chriii, the true
*Divid , the true King oft he Ifrael of God : The enemy fall
not exift upon bim y nor the fame ofwkkpditejfeafflitfbim, or
make him really miferable: for all things (hall work together for
their good.
Ver. 23. And I will beat down his foes before his
face 9 and plague them that hate him.
The third promife,isof the deftroying the enemies oCDsvids'
and Chriits Kingdome, which albeit trey mould not want e-
nemies, both open enemies, openly envading the Kingdcme ,
oroppo ng it to their power, and alio inward fecret enemies,
who in heart mould wi(h the hurt and barm' of their Kingdom/
yet God (hould deft oy as 'Dj.vids enemies, fo far as might iervc
the type,(b Ghrifts enemies more eminently, and in a more corn:-
pleat manner and meaiurc: I will beat down bis enemies before
bUfdcCy this is for open enemies: I will pLguetbcmthu Lute
bim, this is for fecret iateftine enemies in lpccial : both thele
forts (hall be permitted to cxercife Chrills fubjc&s, bur (hall
ac length be iully deftroyed.-
Vcr. 24. But fhyf4itbfh r *e(fe and mj mercy flu!! be
Wish him: and in my Name Jbati his horr.e be exa ted.
The
po PSAL. LXXXDt.
The fourth promifeis> for removing all difficulties and iov
pcditncnrs which might hinder the growing of Chrifts King-
corn, and of his Objects unto full glory : for here the promise,
as k relates unto the type, hath not the accomplishment clear-
ly and fully. JVbence learn^ i. There arc two things which
iio oppugne aniaffault faith: the one is, the grcatneffc of the
work • and benefit promifed : the other is, the finnes of thclc to
whofc behoof the piomife is made ; but Gods fattbfulncffcznd,
mercy p/omiled to Be w ith C hi ill for the benefit or his fubjec^ts,
doth anfvver both thofe obftades ; for Gods promife muft be ac-
coTplifhed, how great things fdevcr he hath promifed, the. e is
nothing too hard tor him : and Gods mercy takcth away the cb-
ihcleof unworthinefs and ill-deferving by reafon of fin : Mercy
boldeth truth on upon the courfe thereof toward us 3 when juftice
otherways might break it off from us^But ny faitbfidneffe and my
mjrey Jhaltic with him. z. The fubje&s of Chrifts King-
dom want not matter of ploiiation , albeit they have nothing
in them lei ves toboaftof: Gbds puwer, mifdom, good nefle and
mercy manifefted in the Word, is the only ground of their glo-
liation : In my Name Jhall his home be exalted > for when'
Chriils fubje&s elory in God through him , Chrifts glory is
€xaltedin Gods Name.
Ver\ 9$. / wi/I fethh hand a'l/o in the fea, and
his tight hand in the rivers.
The fifth promife maJe to 2) avid in the ihadow, but to*
Chrift inthemeft realfubftancc, is the inlarging oi his King-
dom through the world by fea and land, continent and ifles :*
sn.l.io Chrifts Kingdom muft not be confined to morenarrcw
bounds then his charter doth be -re him unto, but muft be
(fetched cut to the due length and breadth^ even to whitherfo-
ever he fenderh cut his Gofpel : and doth extend his hand
10 fubdue and conquer fubjefts unto himielf, and to bting
them within the vifible Church ; For, I will [a his hand alfo in
the \ca } and hh rign band in the rivers : flieweth, that the King-
c'on muftaach beyond the bounds of (anaan, whethe. we look
to David thetypc> ortoChvift the Antitype j wc areled by this"
f^eech to the largenetfe of this Kingdom.
Yer
PSAL. LXXXIX. 521
\tr.z6,Hepjallcrj unto we, Thou art mj Father :
mj God, and the rock^nf myjalvat/on.
The fach promifc, properly belonging to Chiifr., according
as it is declared by the Apoitle, Hcb. 1.4. from diisptacc> and
from iSam 17. 19. For albeit David and Solomon were Gods
tonnes by adoption office ot Government, and chofen types,
.yet Chrift. who came ot tDrjf J according to the flelh was Gods
Sonne by perfonal union ot the humane nature with the IVqyA
or fecond Perfon of the Trinity. And here he is promifecl 3$
Head and Piinceor the Covenant of falvation, made in favour
of the elect only Ale .iatour and Inter ceilbr for all the redeemed.'
}Vhcnce Icarn^ 1. The Covenant ot" .grace is confoiidated in
Ch iftour Head: and he hath the h\ ft right as man, to :ay un-
to the Father, that which is he.e laid as Intcrccflbr and Media-
tour for the elect ; Hcjhall cry unto meThou art mj Father :my
Oo ' , and the rodi of my falvation. 2.H ereby it is intimated al-
io, that both Chiift in his ownperfoji, and the .per (bus of .his
redeemed ones alio, fin^vhvfe name Chrift tafeeth the eight of
wh.it is promhed to his iubjectsjwas to be cxercifed with trouble,'
and was to be put to i:> to make ufe of the Covenant, and of the
privileges and prcniiies of it for fuftcntation and falvation^
Thou art my F other >m) God, and tie rcch^of my falvatiqn.
Vcr.27. Alfo 1 rrillmak? b m my firjl-borne^ high*
tr then the Kings of the earth.
Thefeventh promifc moft proper alfo to Chrift, who in re-
fpecl of his humane natureperfcnally. united with the divine
feature of the exertjal only begotten Sonne, is made and de-
clared to be the Fathers fiift-born, and more excellent then all,
the Kings of the earth, how dcfpicablc foevcr bis Jrungdom
dothfeemj for all earthly Kings are under his foo iluol , and
of them none can make or prelerve the Irfc or one ot his fub-
jccls,nor his own > *Al[o I will mafic kimmyfrfl-borne, Ifrgb-
cr then the lyings of the earth. 'Davids prerogative above o.h<.:
Kings, w.s but a fhad'ow of this, and ot ll.ort continuance.
Vcr. 28. Mj mercy wi/l 1 kfep for fan f 0Y ever-
more: and mj covenant fhail ft and fail with him.
j
The" cigruh promlfe is of evedafting.. mercy (0 Chwft> fub-
322 PSAL. LXXXIX.
jecls, to be kept in ftorc for Chrifts difpeniing forth thereof;
My mercy will Ifacpforbm for ever; and this is the ground
of the Covenant, arid the fweeteft confolation of the Covenant,
which ihall never he difannuiled, becaufe cttabliAied in Chrift,
and to him for our behoofs My Covenant ft all (land f aft witb
him.
Ver. 29 His feed alfo will Intake to endure for
ever : and his throne as the dayes of Heaven.
The ninth prornife is, of the continuance and Increafe of
hisolV-fpringand Kingdome^ while the world ftandeth, which
cannot be fulfilled but in Chrift. Whence learn, 1. Chrift hath
from aee to age a fucceflion of children, whom he by his Word
and Spirit- begetreth unto a (piiitual life; and this fucceflion
fliali net be cut off, but one generation ihali follow another:
His feed alfo will I mj\e to endure for ever. 2. As Chrift lhall
not want fubjects in any age, fo fhall he not ceafeto govern
his people in any a^e } Hk throne fall be as the ayes of
Heaven.
Vet. 30. If his children for fafy my law, and Walk
not in my judgements:
31. if they breaks my fiatutes y and keep not my
Commandments:
32. Ihentoi/l I vifit their t ran fgreffi on with the
rod^ and their iniquitie frith firipes.
33. Nevertheless, my loving kindnejfe mill I not
utterly take from him : nor fuffer my fait hfulne fje to
fate.
Th: tenth prornife is of a merciful manner of dealing with
Chrifts fubjects, (that is, with perfons regenerate and reconci-
led with God/ by correcting them with temporal rods, when
they break forth into cftcncesjsnd do turn back or go afide from
obediene to Gods law, that being cor reded they may repent,
-md iobefaved. Whence learn, i. The Covenant here mnde
h David in iypc> and with C hriftthe Antitype, i* for the
behoof
PSAL. LXXXVIII. 323
behoof and benefit of the children^* this article mrkcth evident j
if bis children for Mc my law. z. There is a proyilioni.n the
Covenant, againit die hns which may fall out in the pcrfons
covenanted, and might mane ail our comfort if remiffion were
not covenanted > If bis children forf^e my law. 3. If the
Lords children watch r.o: over their own conupt narure, and a-
gainft tcntations, they are in danger or falling, and certainly
will fall into fits of fearful (inning againit. Gods revealed will,
bo:h byway ofcommi (lion and omiffion, io as they may feem
no: renewed, as here is prcfuppofed j If his children for fa^c my
Uw, andw.dli not in my judgments :. if they, bre.ifc my.jlatutes 3 an&
keep not my Qommandmcnts^.i\\Q Lord doth jicm allow, im in his
ownchilctren more then in others>but wilUeftttie his indignation
againit the Mis of his own children with /ad. judgements ; 7/
they h K cep not my commmimcnis } then will I vi fit their tranfgrcf-
fions with the rod, and their iniquity wrthjlripcs.. .5 v The fliarp-
eitrods and lorcll ihip^s, wherewith God doth vilu the chil-
dren of Chrifl;,may itand, and do (land with loving kindnefle
unto them; fo; they are fatherly corrections, medicinal preser-
vatives againft finning afterward, and tokens of Gods .hatmg
of (inne, and not of rejection of their peifans, but rather ef-
fects of his love to the pet-Ions corrected $. 1SI evert bclcffe, my lo~
vingh K indneffe will I not utterly take frcmbim., 6,, "lhe mercy
ihewento the children, is with refped to the. Father with,
whom the Covenant is made in iavour of the children : ^Oi/ly to-
ying fandneffe will I not utterly tufa from bim: that, is, from
David as type, and Chriftas Antitype, to: whole fake the
kindnefle is derived to the clulvit.cn. 7. Except 'the Covenant
of grace had this article in it . for icmiflipn of iinnejand for fa £
thcrly cor,rcc1ion y to drive unto repentance,- that the penitent
pcrfon coining to God by faith, might have Came forgiven him,
and loving kindnefle (hewen to him ; this Covenant mould faile;
us no lcfle then tlje Covenant of works : My loving fyndncfjc I
-will not tafcfrom bim, nor fuffer my faithfulncjfctofailc.
Vcr. 3 !• Mj covenant, will I not br?ak\ nor filter
the thing that is gone out of my lipr.
^ 5 . Once have I [worn by my bolixeffe, that I W ///
not lie unto David.
36. HU(eedfhall endure for ever \ and his throne
as thc'Sunne before me.
y t it;
324 PSAL. LXXXIX.
37. // Jhalhbffftablifbed for tver as the Moone :
find As a faithful ftitnejfe in heaven, Selah.
A'terthe articles of the Covenant, he fubjoyneth the confir-
mation of it j firlt j by the fubfcrib cd Pcomife of God, for c-
videncing of the immutability of it, vcr. 34. Secondly, by ra-
tification of his oath formerly made for the liability of it,
vcr,} 5. Thirdly, by witnefles and pledges of the continuance
of it j to wit, the Sunne and the Moone, ver. $6, 37* Whence
learn, 1. Albeit the finnes df Gods children do break the Cove-
nant on their part, vet do they not diflblve the Govertent on
Gods part, or make God to break his part of the Covenant,
%vhich is to correct and chaflife the finncr, and bring him back
by repentance, and not take away his loving kindneflc from the
iinner ; My Covenant will 1 not hrea\, 2. The Covenant of
grace is that which is revealed in the Gofpel for remedy of fin,
and relief from wrath j and what is revealed we ma^ be Pure
iliall not be altered : My Covenant will I not brca^ nor alter the
thing tlwt is gone out of my mouth. 3. As we arc declared to be
naturally averle- from teleeving God , who do ftand in need of
confirmation byTtis oath: fo God by ratification of his promife
by oath doth declare his will to the uttermoft, that we ihould
beleeve in him, an .1 reft upon this Covenant, and fo make an
end of controverting with him any more, by our misbelief in this
matter > Once have 1 [worn. 4. There can be no greater fecu-
rifjv-then 'the true Chriftian hath for his falvationj for <3od
hath hid frfpaWn his truth and his holincfle, which is the glory
of all his attributes, that he will not take his loving kindnefle
away from any of Chills children: Once bxvel jwornc by my
holincffc, thxtlwill not lie unto David. 5. The ftability of
7)avids feed which is Chrift ; and the perpetuity of his king-
ck>me for the comfort of all his iubje&s, as it is confirmed by an
oath, and by pledges laid down for affurance thereof : fo hath the
Lorcj taken the Sunne and Moone to be witnefles of this Cove-
nant of grace, as the rainboweis witnefle of th.n Covenant for
not deftroying the world with a flood: His feed fhall endure for
<cvcr\ and bis throne as the Sunne before me* 6. As the witnefles
of the Covenant, the Sunne and the Moon, do remaine in hea-
ven, whatfoevar change do feeme in them , and howfoevcr both
of them do difappear every day once , and the Moon every day
ami every moncth feemeth to change ftfmething in riie 'meafure
df
PSAL. LXXXIX. 3*5
of her light, yet is the c no qucition made aJbont them, but t n CV
(hall nppear i<j;ain in due leafon. lb :hc Covenant of grace made
with bis IriCivift) (^hatfoflwc .-derations do fcem to come
thcrin,andhowfoever it doth difappeiE ar fomc timcsyfhould not
be called in queftion, b-u cirjemed faithful as the witneiles of
i: are ; U Jbail be efixblifhcl for ever si tbc Mqjov, aul.is. a
faithful vitneffe in be wen.
Ver. 3 8. Hut thou haft caft off and abhorrtcH ' thoji
baft beenWrotb mfbthi'ie tnointci.
yaiff'jg 40 4* \% 43 <H & *tfl'
In the third par, of the Pfalm: hefallsth upon a. fad Ume*-
tation, and reprefenteth the aftaircs and Kingdome of 7$A\ffl)
as in appearance dole coiinvuy to the Covenant, to v.46 w hero
he takcth up himiilf, and prayeth to Gad for reme iy o ; all thofe
evils, and clofetb the Pfatme wuhthankfgiving and prai e.
In his lamentation he bemoaneth ft. it , as it ieemed to him j
that Druidand his houie were rejc&ed of Gad, and that in
wrath,v.}8.Nexc,that the Covenant wasdiilblved and the King-
dome and C own ruined altogether, vw. ;y;. Thirdly, that
all defences and ftrong holds were removed and thrown down,
vcr. 40. Fouuhly, that he was nude a prey to any that plea fed
to fpoile him, and a reproach to his neighbours, vcr. 4 \ . Fif.h-
ly, that his enemies were afliftcd of ^,-od, and he being deferred
jn battel was put to flight, vcr. 4 *<> 4-? • Sixthly, that all the pri -
viledges and prerogatives of his Kingdome were abolifhed,
vcr. 44, Sevcnth!y,rhat the happinelie of his Kingdom hid taft-
cd a very fhort time, and that nil expectation of hoped tor blef-
fings wcreblafted, and turned to matter of ihame and confu-
lion, vcr. 45. Whence learn , 1. From the order and place of
1 he lamentation; It is not time for us to enter the lifts with Ofts
tatic ns and doubts, till firft we have fixed our hearts by faith in
the Lords promifes againft all tcntations, anddouotSj and
fearcs, and appearances of evil, as the Pfalmift doth he e. 2. The
eila e of Chrifts Kingdom, no lefle then of Vjvfds Kingdom.,
may at fomc times leem to humane lenle in a condition quite
contrary to what is promifed concerning it, as this lamentation,
wherein the hopes of Chrilb Kingdom isqueftioncd by the
Pf dmifts tcntation, doth m ke evident. $ . The only relief of
Gods diftreffed people at fuch a time, is to follow the ex implc
of the Pfalmift, that is, toftecngrhen their faith, contrary to
3 2<5 PSAL. LXXXIX.
what appearcth outwardly to fen r e, and then lay out the doubts,
fearcs and tentations before God,to beanfwercd by hfcjlj as ftttfe
the Prophet doth. 4. Alt thofe calamities might come upon
Davids civil Kingdom, and yet this Covenant made with hirri
as the type of Ghrift not be cMYclved, as experience huh pro-
ved, because the Covenant wss not made to exempt him, or his
family, or Kingdome from the rods of men, in cafe by their
mifcarriage and tranfgreffions they fhould provoke the Lord,
for the kit article in the Covenant, invcr. 30, Jiyir*. cxprefly
holdethout the contrary. Secondly, becaufe the Covenant in
the main fcopc belonged to Chrift and his fpiritual Kingdom >
to Vavid and his children and Kingdom, as to a type and iiiadovV
of Chilli and his Kingdom, or as they were members of Chrifts
Kingdome tor 'their fpiritual good. 5. Senfe and carnalreafon
may mifrcprefent the Lords difpenfation, as if it were contrary
to his Covenant and Prornife, and contrary to what the godly
do belecvt according to Gods Word ; as here we fee, comparing
this lamentation withtheformer part of the Pfalme. 6. lfihc
godly dohcldfaft to the Wo-.d of God, andbelecve what trre
Lord hath fromiied, whatfoever appear in the contrary, then
may they with great freedom* (yea, and they fhould of drty
and wifdom) lay forth all their tentations, and what carnal rea-
fenand fenfe fpeaketh id them before the Lord, who is able
to folve all doubts, and fatisfie faith, without feare of being mis-
taken, as this lamentation compared with what precedeth, ma-
keth manifeft. 7. Whatfoever calamity (hall croffe the be-
leevershcpe* Gcd- ftill muft be efteemed and held the fender
out, of the calamity, as well as the Author of the Prornife,
which the difpenfation feemerh to ■ croffe : that the glory, both
of jvftice wounding his childe, and of mercy healing him, may
be given to lire Lord, as the example of the Pfalmift doth
reach, who in all the complaint faftentth all the branches of the
calamity upon Gods dcing.
Ver. \6. H?>rv long y LOKD y -wilt thou hide thy
felf, for evert Jbtll thy wrkth burr.e lifyfire?
47. Remember how fbort my time is: Wherefore haft^
thou made all men in vain} '
48. What man is he that Iheth^ and fhall not fee
de*tb ? ''fhall he deliver bis fcul from tie hand of the
grave ? St /ah, " 4?.
PSAL. LXXXIX. W
49. Lord, where are thy former loving khidnrj[ff f
which thonftoarcft u *t "David in thy truth}
50. R a mtm'jcr (Lord) the reproach of thy fer-
vanti : how I dobeare inmj b>)jomeK.\\Z reproach of
all the mighty people,
51. Wherewith thine enemies have reproached^
LORD: therewith they have reproached the fjOt flops
of thine anointed
U. Blefed be the WBSD for evcrmrre • tAmcn,
and Amen.
Here he ta;ncth his complaint into prayer for remedy, to
fliew that he did not fret; but b:lccve, that the Lard both could
and would give relief The rcafoas for it en^thenirv* of his faith
are tome. Fiilf, beanfc the wrath of God agaiail his people
cmiot be everlafting, vcr.46. The fecond. becaufctheLo us
afflicted people were of a fhortlife, and did expect comfort be-
fore they died, vet. 47,48. The third, becaufc former experi-
ence, and Go Is fworn Covenant behooved to have eviden: com-
fortable effects 3 vcr. 49 The fourth , becaufc the mockcriccf
the enemie againft Gods people, and Ch'i (Is King. 'on was ir-
fupportable, vcr. ?o ? ji. After which, asking allured cm a
gooi anfwer, hcclofeththc Pfalmc with p aye- and thinkigi-
ving. Wlnncckxrn^ i. From the firft teaforijTbc chiMren.af
God are mo c affected with Gods dffpUafu e, then with tic
rouble they are put u nm \ How lp?ig,Lord 9 viilt thou bidct^y
jicc? This fhewe:h their chief wound. 1. WIntfocvcr be the
Lords pu-poic in afflicting, yet fore trouble doth alwayesfpcA
the wrath of Grd to the apprchenfion of 1 he afflicted ; ^briliby
wntb burnc iib^c fire? 3 . A; God cannot be angry for ever with
his people; fo his people cannot endue any, appearance of ever*
laftin^ wrath, and ut:er deftruction '> How UngyLord, telly ihvi
hide tby ficcfor ever ? Jlull tby wrMb burnc li^efirc f
From the fecond reafon, to confirm hishope to be heard, (et
down, vcr. 47,4 $• Lcirn> 1. Asour life is fliort, an I -.he fnort-
nefle of it mould be a (purrc to feck the \cn\^ of Gods good wilt'
to us while we are in this life: fo may all Gads children exp: :t ,
how (hort foever : heir life be, to finde fen ible p oors in this
life of Gxlslovc to them, and care of them; for, Remember
bow Jhort my time k : do h import lomuch in the iVaimifb
X 4 rcaibuiiag.
i
328 PSAL. LXXXIX.
reafcning. z. Albeit God liath created no man in vaine, but for
his own glory one way or other, yet Gods children have little
or no eitimation o\ this life, except that they therein may finde
God reconciled , and have communion with him in this life. ;
For thus pamonare i.xpicffion, Wherefore baft thou made all men
in vaine? doth import as inucb.; as we count our life in vaine,
and nothing worth to us, i;>hou fhalt not be reconciled unto
lis. 3 . Albeit our words in prayer mould be well weighed, yet
in fcd affliction and grief ct hep.: t, words fomctime may efcapc
a Saint, which cannot be ijhftified, as here this fpcech giveth
us an i n (lance : fortius is a limiting of God to crave comfort
in this Jife to the afflicted, at the time when they fliall prefcribe,
or elfe to make all their formerly received comforts, and life it
fclrto be in vaine given unto them : for prefuppofe a man fhould
fufrcr Gods terror from his yourh up, as Heman did, and be as
S diftrafted roan, becaule of the terrour of God , and fhould end
his life, as Heman doth the preceding Pfalm without comfort 5
fee life eternal might make up the troubles of the wrcftiing of
uch a mans faith, and loon recompenfe the lofle of comfort in
this life : and yet uch is the weakneife even of Champions Tike
Ethan, as to vent fame psflionatc exprefllons in their trouble:
Why bafl thou made all men in vain? ^Mortality and fliortnefle
of life is common to all men: but to be {lined up thereby to the
more earncil feeking of Spiritual comfort, and preparation for e-
tcrnailiie, is thepropcrtie of actildcof God only 5 fuchasthfc
Pfaimift is, who \c this very end, that he might have fpiritual
comfort, draweth in Argument from mortality ; What man k
he that Inctb, and frail wtfec death t
From the third reafonfet down, vcr* 40. taken from the ex-
pei ience cf mercies, and nvorn promiies made to David ; team,
1. Albeit a nian were in never fo hard a condition for his own
cae, or the ca^c of other godly perfons, yet that which God
hath done and promifed ro do unto any belccver, may fuftaiii
him when he miflcih all comfort or appearance of it 3 Lord y
where arc thv former loving liindvcffcs luito David? 2 •When
thebciecver doih mine the comfort which he or any other hath
got en of GiJ) he fhould go to the fame fountain to have fomc
new experience the:eof, as the Piiilmifts example doth teach.
3 The belccver uktth Gods part agninftall doubts, and difap-
pearanrcscf thcper!orming of his promiies, as we fee in the
Pudmift, who when he is 'miffing Gods former loving;
fuiidndfej the continuance whereof . was promifed and Twotn;
- he
PS AL LXXXIX. 529
htfaflertcrh the tru;h of the promife, faying which tim f#i~
reft unto David in thy truth.
From the fourth real on of his hope td have a gracious anfweY
to his prayer, takctl from the reproaching of the enemies, as- ft is
fctdowm ikt. 50, fi. Learn, 1. Bcfuic inward ten rations unro
misbelief in tncday of trouble, the Lords people ufc to meet
u ith the moclfings of the wicked, infoiemly (corning their faith
in God, which as it vcxeth the g'cfdly, to is it taken notice of by
d .• fyrncmbft> Lord , the reproaeh of thy ftrvants. 1. The
mocking of Religion in the thy of the CfturdieV calamity, is Co
much the nnrc a terrible tentation, as the adverfarics who do in-
fill t over Religion, are many and tiowe/ftti to annoy Gods people,
and tread down Religion m y Remember the reproach of all thevnJgb-
' tj people, $. The reproach of Religion and of the godly doVh
lie near, and mould lie near the heart of every lively member df
the Church: Remember the reproach which t do bcare in my
bofome. 4. Such as do reproach Religion and the &odly in their
calamity",are Gods etfernlcs, and againit :hem God is engaged ;
Remember the reproaches, xohercvoith the enemies have reproached,
O Lord. <. The bhfphemie's which do ftrikeagainft Gdcispro-
mifed falvation in Ch ill, and th: progrCile of his Kingdom, are
of all t(?n:arions molt heivic , and are refc-ntcd of God rnoft dctp-
ly ; 7{cmembcr the reproaches, rthCrewith they have reproached
the foot jlcps of thine anointed ; tot ii Ddvlds pofterity ^r\A
fucceflion went on one genei at-ion after another, (0 Clirift made
his approaches nearer to his incarnation ; and when the family
of David feemed to grow weak, the godly were aiTanltcd with
fcarcsand doubts about the coming of the A'leffiah : and the un-
godly mocked the matter of Chritis coming altogether, and re-
proached the promii'e of his progrcJ&.
From the clofc of the PfaUi, ver. fa. Learn, 1. Prcfuppofe
a bclcever ftiould not findeprcfent cqimfbrt in his lad condition,
yet it is an eafe to have poured. out his complaint before the
Lord: and this liberty of fpcech is a gift worthy of thankfri-
>rifip tor, Blcfd hethcUrd, doth the Prophet adde, when
hen-th lakUi he would fay. 4. We ihould dole and leive
our phiytt before God in good tcrmes, however he fliall aniwer
us, or 1: em to difpofe of matters towards us: ane! we fliould
blclTe hrm;db what he p>cafc:h.as the Pfalmift doth here ■ 2fcf-
fed he the lord for evermore. * .The boleever mav be lure to have
his lawiuiicqiicfts graced unto him, anJrnay let to" his ft-1 to
Ooi^s proxies without f:arc,a 5 the Pfalmift tcacheth us in his
faying,
33o PSAL. XC.
faying, Amen. Yea the more tentation doth drive us unto mif -
belief, the more mould faith look for a deliverance, and ad-
here to the truth of Gods Covenant, as here the Prophet doih
by doubling hisfcale, by, Amen, and Amen.
PSAL. XC.
A Prayer of Mofes the man of god.
THis Pfalm agreeth well with the latter end of CMofcs's life,
when he being now to remove, did prcfent this prayer to
God, and delivered it unto the Churchy for their comfort and
direction, how to carry themfelvcs towards God in their fhort
and forrowful life.
The Pfalme may be divided into three parts. In the firft, is
the Churches fourfold comfort againft temporal troubles and
miferies in this world. The firft is taken from the Lords kind-
nefle to his people in all ages, ver. i . The fecond is taken from
the decree of their election, ver. z. The third fronv the hqpe
of their refurre&ion,iw. $. The fourth from the mortnefle of
time unto it, vcr. 4. In the fecond part, the ftiortncffe and mi-
feries of life procured byfinne, are lamentably fet forth before
the Lord, who is full of pi:y, vcr. 5, <S, 7, s > 9> 1 O, 1 1. In the
laft part a e fix petitions, fome whereof are for the right' ufe of
the fhortneffe and forrowesof this life, and fome of them for a
gracious deliverance from them, vcr. n, 1$, 14, ij,
4 6, 17.
Vromthe Infcription; Lam, t. A teacher of Gods people
fliould carneftly intercede by prayer for Gods people, a* Mofes
did 3 This is a prayer of Mofes. 2. He that firtech in Mofes his
chaire mould be furniftied with gifts for the' Mini ftery, called
ok God, confecrated unto God in his heart for this purpofe ,
and altogether fet for God in his pra&icc, for fo Mofes was,
A wan of God. 3. As the conference of being, A man of God,
is a Gngular comfort and encouragement to a Mincer in his
life-time: fo is it a Angular honour to him, living and dead,
before God and men, to be in effect, tA man of God, as here ic
is
PSAL. XG. w
istoMofes, who is called, Aminof Cjody to his commcndi-
Uon, becaufe he was faithful in all the houleof God.
Ver. I. \ Ord^ thou haft been our duelling f lace
J /m all generations.
The firft comfort of the Lor .is people, againft tfacmiftricsof
this life is, from the Lords kindneile to his people in all ages.
Whence learn, i. There is no dealing with God in prayer, ex-
cept we lay hold on the offer of Gods kindntffe, according kq
the Covenant of grace, and do look uponC6d as gracious to
us in Chrift, Therefore here and ejicwhere, ^applicants do
begin with renewed aftsand exprtflions of laving faith. i.Gois
people in every place and age , is one incorporation with
K,cdi people in all ages preceding and following and may
lay claim to all the p/iviled^es or Gods people before th m,
as here the Church in Mofcs time joyneth it' felfc with
all the Lords people in former times, for th:? tie of fnc -
ceedino ages which were to come; Lord, thou l.ujt becne
or dwelling fbee in all generation's. 3. Albeit the Lords
people be ftrangers in the earth ; partly , becaufe they have
no certain residence in this world 5 partly, becaufe they,
are evil entertained by men of this world , but fpecially,
bccaule in their afte&ions they are pilgrims in this world;
yet they want not a refting place, and a dwelling in hea-
ven, even God himfclf, in whom they dwell by faith, and
findc In him reft, and food , and protection, and comfon ;
yea, and in his heart they have bad a lodging in' all ge-
nerations , Lord , tbon haji been our dwelling plate in all
generations. 4 # Troubles and .mileries of this lire do
make the godly to fcarch out their intcrcft in God, and in
another life, as here and elfewhere we may perceive in the
excrcifc of Gods children : their {traits on earth, do make
them feek inlargemcnt in heaven.
Ver. 2. Before the mountnines v:cre brcuoht
forth, or ever thou hadfl jormed the earth and the
World : even from cv?rLfting to cverlafling thou
ivtCjcd*
The
55 2 PSAL. XC
The fecond corafort of the Believer a^ainft the mjferies of this
fliort life , is taken from the decree of their Election , and the
eternal Covenant of Redemption of them felled in' the purpofe
and counfel of the bleffcd Trinity for their behoof , wherein it
was agreed before the world was , that the Word to be incarnate,
fliould bethcSavioutofthcElcct: for here theaffertingofthc
eternity of God, is with relation to his own chofen people y for,
Thoii haft been our dwelling place in all generations , and thou art
God from cverlaftngtocverlafting, is in ftibftance thus much:
Thou art from everlafting to everlafting the fame unchangeable
God in purpafe and affection toward us thy people, and fo
thou art our God from everlafting, in regard of thy eternal!
purpofe of love, Electing us; and in regard of thy appointing
Redemption for us by the Redeemer. JVbence learn , \ . From
Gods good will to us in time, we may arife to Gods good will to
us before time ; and from grace fnewed to us in time , we may
conclude grace and good will pnrpofed toward us , and ordained
for us before time ; Thus doth the Pfalmifl teach us to climb ;
for after he hath faid , From generation to generation , thou \u[l
been our dwelling place , that is , in all time paft thou halt
been our God ; he fubjoyncth , Before the moumaines were
brought forth j ere ever thou hxdfi formed the earth And the world,
thou an God : That is, the lame God unchangeably in thy
purpofe and love toward us before time from everlafting.' 2. From
fpeciall love fhewen to us in time, we may conclude love to-
v/ard us, not oncly before time from everlafting , but alio that
ft mall continue toward us after time for ever; Even from ever-
lafting to everlafting, thou art God , faith he > that is, the fame
itrong God immutable in thy purpofe and love toward us firft
andlaft : and indeed faith cannot Hx it felf , till by the warrant
of Gods Word, and feeling of his gracious woi king in us in time,
it ]oyne Gods work of grace, and his purpofe of grace together.
Therefore the Apoftlc, Epbcf. i. doth lead the Believer in
Chrift, to election in (Thrift before the world was > and to pre*
deftination unto Adoption by Jefus Chrift, according to the good
pleafure of his will before the world was, ver* 3,4,5. And i Tim.
1.9, he lcadcthusto a compleated Covenant before the world
was made, between God the Faiher and God the Son, according
wheretinto all conditions required of the Redeemer are fetlec,
and all the Elect , all the redeemed are delivered over to the Son,
the IVotd to be incarnate , dciigncd Redeemer ; and all laving
grace is given over into (Thrifts hand, to the behoof of the Elect,
to
PSAL. XC. 333
co be let forth unro them in due time : for there it is faid , TbiZ
^race was giz<n to us in Cbrifi $cjits > before the world began*
3. The nature of God which is to be one and the fame, un-
changeable from everlafting to evcrlafting , is the foiid ground
of the rcafonine of faith after this manner ,as here we arc taUght,
from ever Lifting to cvcrlafting> thou art Cjod. 4. The know-
ledge ot Gods eternal goodwill to us, is a fufficient cordiallto
foften and fweeten all our grief and affliction in this life: for
the very end why this Doctrine is prefixed unto what is follow-
ing about temporal mifery , is to comfort the Lords people
againtt ail the troubles of this life.
Ver.3. Thou tumefi man udefiruttion •* andfayefi^
l\eturne y ye children of men.
A third comfort, is from the- refurre&ion of the dead.
Whence learn, 1 Albeit God doth execute the decree , which
hath appointed ail men once to die, yet he hatkappointed alio
« refurre&ion , whereby he is powerfully to recall and make re-
turne from de?th all the pofttrity of AcUm ; Thou tumefi man
to deftruftion ; and fo all men muft die , and fay eft ^ Rcturne, jc
cbi-dren of men, and fo all men muft rife againc. 2. It will
coil the Lord but a word to make the dead to rile againe , or to
make them that ate deftroyed, to rcturne againc j Tkoufaycfty
Rcturne, ye children of men. His Word is already paft forth in
the Doctrine oftheReurreaion, and is altogether operative,
(hall prove fully effectual at length.
Ver. 4. For a thou/and yeares in thy fight, are
but as yeflerda), when it is pa ft : and as a watch in the
night.
The fourth comfort , is from the mortnefle of the time be-
tween a mans deathand his returning from it in the Re Hnec"ti-
on, kz down by way of anfwering an cbjc&ion , which might
be moved concerning the long time fact the Refuneclion was
prormfcd, till the time that it be really accomplished, likaicc
learn, v. Albeit it may.icem a long time between a mans deatfi
and his Refurrcftion, yet is it before God but u mort time : yen
and Jn'cfle& it is nailing in companion oi eremitic : Fir a
that*
134 PSAL. XC.
boufind yearcs in thy fight is but as yefterdy when it it U pjft y and,
asawatch in tbeniebt 2. Except we do reckon time as God doth
reckon it , we cannot but be weary and think lone, and wonder ac
the delay or" 'he performance of ptomiies,.~nd fo to tall in tenration
ofunbeliefe, as wearetaught by the obviating of the objection,
and comparing of a thou fund years in Gods fight with ycftcrday
when it is paft, and with a watch in the night.
Vcr. 5. Thou carriefl them away as with a flood^
the j are M a jleep : in the morning they arc /i& grajfe
which groWetb up.
6. In the morning it flourijheth , and grotyeth up :
in the evening it is cut down and withereth.
In the fecofld part of the Pfalm he fetteth forth the fhortnefle
and naileries of this lifcjnrft in general/J. 5 , 6. and then the mile-
nes of the people of Ifracl'm fpecial, to vcr. 1 2. As for the fir ft,
he fets forth the mortality and n ifeiy of men under the fimili-
tudeof men overflowed with a flood, and in the fimilitude of a
fleep s and of grafle or flowers , which flourish in the day-time,
and at even are cut down and wither. Whence learn, 1. Mor-
tality is like a flood growing greater and greater* compelling
fome footer* others Liter, and at laft overflowing all men withouc
exception; as the deluge in Noahs dayes once did overflow all
the earth, fo doth death : which fimiiitude givcth all men ad vcr -
tifementin time to prepare {or an Ark, that death may not drown
both fcul and body : Thou carricftthem away as r*ith a flood.
l. This mortal life is like a fleep , wherein men do dream that
they haveriches, honour, ftrength, and pleafure ? but when they
do awake, thefc things will be found but dreames and (hadowesj*
and it is like a fletp , whether we look to the time of abiding in
the world , or to the time between death and refurre&iqn ; it .is.
but as a fleep, wherein time is not obferved for (hortneife : They
are (faith he) lilicajlccp. 3. This mortal life is like grafle, or
flowers, which have final! beginnings ; at their beft are but weak,
and after a fhor t feafon do wither ; ~and like grafle and •flowers,
whereup n the mower fallcth with his fitheor hook, andxutteth
it down in ;hc vigour of it They are life grajje wbi:h grower b;
in the morning it* flour jjhetb and growctbup , in the evening it
is cut down and wither ttb m
Ver. 7. For we are consumed by thine anger : 4nd
by
PSAL. XC 335
by thj wrath *rc we troubled.
8. Thou baft fet our iniquities before thee: our fe-
cret Clones in the light of thy countenance .
9. Tot ull our dayes are pa fed away in thy Wrath*
we fpend our ye*rcs a$ a tale that is told.
1 o. The dayes of our years arc thnefcore jeares and
ten , and if bj reafon of ftrength they be fourfcore
jeares , yet is their ftrength labour and forrow : for it,
is foon cut off>andwc flic away.
He defcendeth now to the mortality and calamities of the peo-
ple of Ifrael, which he had obferved inhisewntime j they were
conlumed in wrath for their fins, and had their lives cut fhort
and repleniihed with miferies while they lalted, whereby he point-
eth forth the power of the Lords ringer , which few did confider.
Whence harm , 1. Common calamities and worldly miferies
may be fcurrd as evidently in Gods vifible Church , and among
Gods people, as in any incorporation in the worlds for here is the
theater .of Gods judgements as well as of Gods mercies, and when
Gods people do provoke God , his judgement begin at his own
houfc-JVe are con fumed by thine anger. v.The efteds of G ;ds anger
are very terrible, and able to ;{loniiTuhe beholder J By thy wrath
are we troubled. g.Fn the time of Gods forbearance ufually mens
finnes do lie hid in tttheifme , ignorance , oblivion, and careleflfe
fecurity; but Gods judgements do 'draw them forth to the light,
and do make it appear chat God hath obferved them all $ Tbo'u
baft fet our iniquities before thee , our fecret finnes in the light of
thy countenance. 4. The misbelief and difobedience of Gods vi-
fible Church maketh their life both fliort and mifcrable , as the
experience of the lfraclites doth (hew ; For all our dayes arc paf-
fed away in thy wrath , we fpend our life lih^t a tale that is told.
" 5. The more we ftudy to fee the length of mans life, it appeareth
the fhorter 5 the more we look upon mans ftrength, and beauty,
{ind glory, we finJe him the weaker , the vainer, and the naugh-
tier: The dayes of our jeares are thnefcore y cares and ten, and if by
reafon of 'ftrength they be fourefcore yeares , yet , &c. 6. If our
infancy , and ordinary ticknefles andcafualtics of incident griefs
and forrowes , fometinvs for onecaufc,and fometimes for ano-
ther, be confidered, the life of mm hath little in i: , except #m~
ble and grief; Their ftnngib ■« labour and forrrow. 7. If any
man fecm to have lefle trouble and forrow, 6rmorc ftrength then
* others*
33 6 PSAL. XC.
others , it is nothing to .count .upon, the fhortnefle of it mnkciti
ittoiofewoirh andeitimarioni tor , Itis.fron tut off, andwc
fice away.
Ver. Ii. Who knoxveth the porvcr of thine anger j
even according to thj feare y fo is thy wrath.
In the calamities of the Ifraelites he obferveth how terrible
f he Lords wrath is , which albeit few do confider, yet might men
fee it in his fearful threatnings an d judgements. Whence learn e,
i. Albeit the mifery and fliort life of finful.man doth fpcjfc
fomewlnt of the terribleneile and power of Gods anger, yet is it
taken notice of by few 5 Whoknowctb the fewer of thy anger F
-v. The wr.uh of God maybe known by the fear and terror of
"God j which his feverc juftice, -almighty power , terrible thrcat-
•ntngs , and tearful judgements cxecuted.againft finne do teach
men to know V Even according to thy fear^ fo is thy wrath. Seeing
men know not the power of Gods wrath till it break forth upon
them . it is wifdeme to ftudy his fear 5 that wrath may be prevent-
■ed> and to take the meafure of the power of Gods wrath.,
♦by meafuring his dreadful feare and terrible terror > and to
ftand in awe of him in time : Who linowctb ibe pwer of thine
anger ? even according to thy fear fo is thy wrath.
Ver. iff So teach its to number our d^jes : that
Vve may applj our heartt unto wfdome.
Tn the third part of this Pfalme , he putteth up fix Petitions
for the right ufeandgracioasfeafoning of the fhort and forrow-
ful life of the Lords-people. The firft Petition is for wifdome to
-provide in time for the remedy of. fin and of e vq rl ailing mifery y
fccfoie-this fliort and uncertain life be ended. Wiencc learn,
ct: j Albeit our life be both fhort , and uncertain how fcon it may
enJ 3 yet we look upon the indcfiniteUe of the time of continuance_
of it; as if the duration of it.were infinitc ; and our y'eares were in-,
numerable 5 for, Teach jif to number our dayes 3 importeth fome
acknowledgement of this fault. 2. Albeit it be eafie for us to'
confider how many of ourdayesore already pall, and how few
thefe thit arc tocome muft be by courfe of nature, or may be few .
in the way of Gods bi-din:vrypvov'iae-:ice; yet "this lelfdnj how eafie
fcevLi/
PSAL. XC. 337
foever^muft berauohrofGodbefoe we c^n .profitably confer
of hiSo teacb m to number our days.as we may. apply our hearts mxo
ftijdom. ?. The only remedy ot lin-and of the wra:h or Gotland
mifcry of mortal men for (in . is the witdomwhih is taught of
God in the Scriptiirejro wit,that (inners mould feck reconciliation
wi:h God, through the facrifice and obedience ot Chiift, and ilu-
dy to keep fiiendlnip with God by the power of his Spii ic ; So
teach m to number our day is , as we may apply our hearts unto voif-
dome. 4. The right uft of the fin 3 wrath, and judgcmcnts : whi>h'
we fee in our time m a ni felted, is to deal with God, by prayei\th.*u
not only he would inform us of onr danger and duty,not cnely re-
veal ro «ur mindes the m)ftery of grace and reconciliation . but
alio that he would eft dually move our will , he»rt , andaftldi-
6ns by faith which wprketh by love, to make application of the
remedy of thofe evils to our fdv s : So teaJ? us to number out
dyesy that we may apfly our beans unto reifdom'e .
Vcr. 13. Return (0 JLQRD) how fbngf and
let it repent thee concerning thy fevams.
The fecond Petition is, that God would not onfy remove the
tokens of his difpleafirc againft his p:ople, but alio nowpc
length would mew himfelfe reconciled, by changing his difpen-
fation toward them in a cottrfe of comfort ; Whence learnc^
1. A!6,*itthe Lord do not go away from his people, but > otfy
ever remain with them in l'omeone or other gracious oggrafior*
yet in refpect.of a comfortable pre fence ..he may turn away till his
people reouc ft him to return, as here : Return >■ Lord, 2. Th$
Lords withdrawing of his comfortable p^cfence from his people,
for how (hort a time '.oever , feemcrh a long time to us in this
jhort life j 7(ciimi, Lord, bow long ? 3. Albeit the Lord do
not change his affection and repent like a man, yet he can change
his operation like a father, who commiferares his chillies nffl ijfti*
On, and gocth about to cherim him after correction >s Let i&Cy
pent thee concerning thy [crvants. 4. Albeit we be but verV
flight fervants , and be fore (mitten for oiu'diiobed fence* j ycc
fcouLf we not c^ft pway our calling , nor fnrllr our relations iin-
fo God to be diflolved , bu: |hould adhere unto them by any;
means, as here they call themklves itill fr-Oancs 5 Let it rcpirt
thfe concerning thy fervxnts.
33* PSAL. XC
Ver. 14. fat is fie useayly "frith thy mercy , that
Tve may re Joyce, and be glad in our dajes.
15. Make m glad according to the day es wherein
thoh haftaffMledtu : and theyearei wherein we have
feen eviB-
The third Petition is for fome fpiritual comfort and refrefh-
ment to their fpirits > which might keep them in heart and
hope of eternal falvation. Whence letrn , 1. A foul fenlible of
wrath, hath as great hunger for fpiritual comfort , as a famifhed
man hath for meat { fat is fie us. 2. The renewed intimati-
on of Gods mercy, pardoning fin, and making clear our reconci-
liation , is able to comfort usinour greateft forrow 5 fatisfie
as with thy met y. 3. As bodily hunge cannot fuffer delay y
fo neither can fenfe of wrath , and deflre ofrfavcurable acceptati-
on long endure the want of confolation -, but after a night of
trouble earneftly expecteth a morning of com fort : {atisjk u*
early mtb thy mercy* 4. A poor hungry foul, lyin^ under fenfe of
wrath, will promile to it felfe happincflc for ever , if it can but
ence a^ain finde what it hath fometime felt ; thar is , one fwect
fill of Gods fenfiblc mercy towards it ; fathfy us y that rot may
' re Joyce a?id be glad all our dayes. " 5. Were our trouble never
fo great , and oi: long continuance , the renewed intimation of
Gods reconciliation to us , fh.ll feafon and iweeten all our trou-
ble ,recompenfe all our loffes, and make our condition in this
fhort and mifcrable life tolerable; yea in God very comforta-
ble : Make us glad, according to the dayes wherein thou baft affliclci
US; and iheyeares wherein we have feeneviH*
Ver. 1 £ . Let tly work appear unto thy fervants :
and thy glory unto the if children.
The fourth Petition is, that God would continue the wort
of building and enlarging of his own Church, ana 1 of glorifying
him felfe in their fight, and in the fight of the poiterity from ge-
neration to generation. Whence learn , 1, The building, pur-
ging, enlarging, pifpagating of the Church, and manifeftingof
Gods care tor it, is the Lords own proper work .which he will not
leave oft- but albeit he hide his working for a t ime, yet is he on his
WOik, and his people fliouldpray for , and ma/expeft the mani-
feftation'
PSAL. XC. 339
fcftacion of its let thy work. a PP e * r utlt( > *b) fcrvanu. 2. As ic
is the glory of the Lord to manifeit his £i*ace and mercy toward
Lis people, or vifible Church, (o the defire of his people is to have
the Lord glorified v no idle then to have themfelvcs p efetvedor
comforte 5 Let thy work appear to thy fevants, and thy glory to
their children. 3, The Church in every age (hould have a care/
that thepolkiiiy may be pa, takers of the lame merciful work of
God, which they in their time have had experience of 5 and th.it
their children may profit by the cone&ions of their predeceilbrsj
Let thy work appear 10 thy. j'crv.ints^ and thy glory to their children.
Vcr. 17. And let the beauty of the LORD our
Cod be upon us , and efiaklifb thou the work of our
bands upon us : yea , the XKork^ of our hands ejlabhffi
thou it.
In this laft vcrfe.arc the two laft heads of his prayer ; The fit;
Petition is , thac God w\,uld beautify his people with his holy
Ordinances; with order., and unity and peace > with s. holy con-
vcrfation , and the evidences ot his dwelling among them, as his
own confederate people , proper fubjecls of his Kingdome , ar.c^
domeilicks ot ~h\* own family. V/hcneelearn > 1. As God is thg
glory of his own people, in whom is their beauty and-jornamenr,
whereby they are made honourable in the fight of all Nations, a^
tlu B iJe is, made comely by the attire and ornaments put upai
her : lofTuuld his people ctlcem of him, arlecl and love him , te-
member him,a,nd feek their beauty in him . Lex ibi beauty ofib?
Lord be upon m. i. Then is the beauty of the Lord upon bite.
people , and i'cen to be on them, when they behave therml'lves a$
his covenanted people , walking in fai h and obedience before
him, and he (lieweth himfclfe their covenanted God > pi elect-
ing and Uc fling them : Let thi beauty of the Lord our God be u-
on va 5 and this Petition was granted all thedayes oijojhub,
and of the Elders that outlived tfojhiiah*
The fixth Petition is, that God would bleflc theendevrou, s
of his people tor promoting of Gods work among them, and for
tranfmittiug his Ordinances and his truth to the pofte.i.y.
Jf1)cncc learn y 1. VVhofoev'er do pray for the advancing of the
Lords work in his Church , muft tefolve not to be idle s bu ;
engage themfelves to endeavour in their places and callings , ac-
cording ko their jtower ,' the promoting of bis work /as fc*cc
Z %
34° PSAL. XCI.
crh his fei varus and inftrumcrrs : Eftablijh thou the work* of our
bunds 2. Wholbever go about the building of the Lords
Church, andpromctirg ofRe'igion, mud acknowledge elm
the face ffc of their labour Jcpendeih omly upon G^d, who mull
be emreued for the bUflitr^ : Eflablifi thou the work of our
hands. 3. In refpect that our wok is lb mixei and defiled
With imperfections and fins, that God may juftly withdraw him-
felfe from it, we mult the mere earneftly deal with God, to keep
his own hand about his wo: k, and about our hands in it , asthc
twice repeating of the Petition doth import 3 Teatbcmri of our
hands e j ablijh dmi it:.
PSAL. XCI.
A Lbeit this Pfalm hah ro infeription nor the name of
jfi the penman who did write it , yet Satan could not deny it
to be the Lords Word , for out of this Pfalm he brought one of
his dart* ngainft our Saviour, Manb % 4. and the Promifes which
a e ma<'e here ro the believer, are fo much move ftrongly ours$ as
Ch» ift head of all his people, hath intei eft therein as man , and
h.ith taken them to him in our name,
Ver. I. T J E that dwell thintkefecretfb.ee of 'the
Jt J moft High, fall abide under the fbador*
of the Almtjhtj.
Tlefumme of the Pfalmc is , an encouragement to believe
in God, by nine motives or inducements, moft of them feeing
p c^ious Promi.es , whereunto Chrift cur Loed hath the fiiit
right and tide, and we onely in and through him. The firft
motive is, becaufe the believer (hall have the warme and com-
fortable protection of God Almighty. IVhencc 'earn, 1. Truft-
in£ in God , is the means of ertertaining of co.ftnnt con-
junction and communion with Tod; for he that is a belie-
ver, dwell: th tn the feent p'jee of the moJhHigh. ?. The
un'carchcablc depths of the rkh.s ofGods truth, grace, pow-
er , and goodneffe , r.nd of his other attributes , whereupon
faith doth fixe it iclfe > a:e amyftery to the world , which
carnal
PSAL. XCI. 341
carnal reafon knoweth an , nor how to make ufc thereof :
and therefore is well compared to a fee ct pluce : He that
dwelled) in the fecrct plac: of the mofl High. 3. In the mojl
High is whatfocver the Believer ftande-.h in need of, a habita-
tion , well fiunifhed with ta e , comfort > peace , reficflimem,
protection , and whatfocver el e a foule could wiili ; fcr, the
feact pUce of the mojl High > where the Llievcr may and
mult dwell* is Gods truth and love 5 and uno him that
dwelleth here, is the Promifc made. 4. The Believer is not
exempted bv his f J i : h from trouble (vea , trouble and exer-
cise from hfs erienajjs he may f.irely expeS ) but he is ex-
empted from being taken, overcome, and deft oyed by the.n :
for a refvisje, even the fecrct pUce of the m>Jt High; here i*
provide! for him. 5. He that b:t^keth him clfe unto God
for refuse, and will make his refuge his hibitation, (lull
not be refufed lodging , nor be thru ft out when he is eli-
te ^cd : He JhM abide in the fhxdovp of the Almighty. 6. The
fcorching heat of periecution (lull, not pcvaile ag^inft the
Believer $ for Grjds omnipotencie (hill oe imployed for his
protection and confolation ; He fl:all abide in the fjaiove cf
the Almighty.
Ver. 2. / will fay of the LORD , He i* my
refuge , and m) fortreffe , raj GA , in him Kill
1 trufl.
The fecond motrce is the Pfilmifts example , who in hi?
ownc experience having felt the good of truftin^ in God
in hardeft ftrait;, doth refolve to believe in him ftill. iVbencc
leirne , 1, He that hath experience of the fruit of faith , is
the' futcft man to bear witneffe of it, and m oft abletofpcak
from his own perfwafion to the pevfwafion of others i / Will
fay of the Ltrl , He is my refuge ani my forircjfe^ z. The
duty of the Believer is to go on and grow in faith,
arid the right ufe of his experiences, is the confirmation of
him in the faith of the Covenant , and gefqlution ro grow
therein in meafure of ftrength and fmcc i:y : He U my Goi,
in him wiH I trujU
I I Ver.j.
34* FSAL. XCJ.
Vcr. 3. Surely he (hall deliver thee from the
f*a r c of the foVcler : and from the noifome ptfti-
lencc.
The third motive to beleeve in God, is a promife of deliver-
ance out of danger, which'by humane wit could not be efchew-
efd, which he exprcfleth under the fimilitude of fnares and pefti-
icnce, which do overtake a man before he be aware. Whence
learn, 1. A kindly beleever mould love to have other's belee-
ving inGod, ashehifnfelf doth, and mould leave nothing un-
done to perfwade others to beleeve, ss his calling requireth: for
the example of the Pfalmift teacheth us fo. 2. There are ma-
ny tentations, wheteby Satan (as a fowler laying fnaresj catch-
eth poor foolifli iinners, and there is much contagion of (inne,
whereby albeit men are infe&ed one by a not her, and many do
periih > yet the beleever in God is either preferved from falling
int6 the fnare,and from being corrupted with contagion of others
ill fpeechesand manners, or elfe he is rid and delivered out of
thedapger; Surely bcfiall deliver thee from t be fnareofthe
fowler, and from the noifome peftilence. $ . As there are dangers
an relation to our fpirituai condition unavoidable, if God do
not deliver us 5 (o are there dangers of plots and confpiracies
by wicked enemies in relation to bodily dangers alfo , from
which the wifdom of beleevers could riot deliver them : but
God hath promifed a deliverance, or a good efcape from them
all, fo as the beleever fhall be nolofer. Surely he"Jl)dtl deliver
thee from the fnare of the fowler .fcrc.
-
Ver. 4. He /ball cover thee with hit feathers^ <wd
under his Wings (halt thou trttfl : his truth JiaU be
Zhyfoield and buckler. -
A fourth motive is, a promife of comfortable and fure de-
fence againfl the invarion of the enemies, fet forth under fun-
dry fimiiitudes ufuai in Scripture. Whence learn, 1. The care
and watchfulnefle of God over his own is fuch, as neither Na-
ture -nor Art can yield Efficient fimiiitudes to expreffe it, as
the borrowing of more fimiiitudes, fome frcm one thing, and
fome from another^ doth here fhew. The watchfulnefie of the
* k • - 'pird
PSAL. XCI. 343
bird over he -young ones , and the care that t man hath inb' c -
tel to preferve his own body from hurt-, arc but imperfect (h a -
dowes to reprclcnt the watching care of Gx! for a beleever. i.As
the Lord defcendeth unto our capacity in fuch low fimiiitudef
ofpro r c&ion andcom'ort, fo he rcquirethof us that by thofe we
ftiouldafcend in our f 'ith to rely confident'y and lovingly upin
him* He fiall cover thee with bis father land under his wings
Jhilt thou tntft. 3. Tint which we muft oppofe to all perils ; is
the Word of Gad* lo long as we keep that, and ward oft' dans and
fwords by that mcanes, we mall not be overcome : Hk truth fliall
be thy Jhitld and buckler,
Ver. 5. Thou fhah not be afraid for the terror by
night : nor for the arrow that fleet h by day :
6 . Nor/ir the Pefiilenct that voa^keth in darfyejfe:
JlOr for the deftruEl on that wafteth at noone day,
7. *s4 thottfand Jhall fall at thy flde r and ten thou.
fand at thy right hank ; but it jh^ll not come nigh
thee.
A fifth motive to beleeve, is from a more particular promife cf
fafcty unto the beleeve r from all fort of deadly enemies and cUn-
gers,wherinto when many do fall, the belecver fhall fland. IVIkvcc
learn, 1. The true remedy againft tormenting fear, is faith in
Godrformany terrible things may befall men, when th:y are
moft fecure, like unto thofe that befall men in the night : but for
any harme which may befall the beleever this way, the Lord here
wiileth him to be nothing afraid; Thou flult not be afraid for
the terrour by night, 1. Many fudden accidents may befall men
when they are moft watching, and upon their guard, but the
Lord wiileth the belecver to be confident, that he mall not be
harmed this way: Thou fait not be afraid for the arrow tbatflcctk
by day* }. Many evils are men fubject unto, which come up.
on them they cannot tell how, but from fuch evils the Lord
aflureth the beleever he fliali have no harrae 5 Thou fait no.t be
afraid of the pcftilcncc which wal&ctb in darlyicjfe. a . Men arc
fubject to many evils which come upon them openly, and riot
Unawares, fuch as are calamities from, enemies an,d oppreflbrs ^
the Lord wiileth th£ believer, to be confident, that he ftrit nor
344, PSAL. XGL
be harmed rhis way 5 ThdufoJt not be afraid for the dcftruftio%
wbidp wall{etb at noon-day. 5. When trials and testations
come upo.i the world 10 try the children of men, albeit many
fall by thofe tentarions, ve; the man w ao bcleevcth in God ftiall
ftand : whether the u;r. ion come upon the Lit hand, with
Kile appearance oi good offered in it ^ or upon the right hand,
with tai e pretences 0; lawfulnerTe and hotinelfe in a iinful
tourfe. whereunto the temation doth drive : albeit a thoufand
fliould fall by the temation on \ht one hand, and ten times more
on the other hand vet the beleever inGod,going upon the grounds
Oi Gods Word j ihall not fall : thofe evils whe:cin others fall
and petim (hair not come near him, us to the point of harming
of him, 01 of deftxoying of him* A thoufand Jhall fall at thy fide,
and ten thoufand at thy right band, but itfiatl not come near thee.
6. The Lord will not only one way be helpful to the believer,
but 10 manywayes asbecanbe in danger as the enumeration
of fo many fundry cafes, whe.ein he promifeth deliverance^
doi'h teach us. 7. The only peifons who are hurt by judge-'
ments aid tentarions/ aie luch unfenced fouls as belecve not in
God, are not reconciled with him, and ftand at a diftance oppo-
fite to him, as the object of his wrath, for none have tight to the
former promiles, except the believer only, as all the text hoid-
cth forth.
Y^r. 8. Only with thine ejesjhalt thou behold^ and.
fee the regard of the melted.
J
He anfwercth an objeftion : It may be faid that the former
mentioned evils, tentatibns and calamities, do come very near
iirito the&odlyl for they are ofttiinesno lefle deep in them, then
Others are. He anfweVeth, that the Lord may well acquaint
themwuh the danger, and with the fenfe of their own weak- !
ne(Te,but for 4 the point of harme from thofe evils, or for the point
of deft ruction by'thofc evils, which is the reward of the wickeJ ;
the godly have no more but a difcovcry of it, to fee it, wherein
they might have fallen if God had not prcfe/ved them; and'
wherein the wicked <\o fall and periih . licence learn*,' 1 . Albeit"
the f. mac c'a'amities externa! may befal the beleever and the wick-
ed \ yet the dofc of their cbuife, the reward of their works mail
put'the diffeitnce : for the godly fi) all only behold the reward of
the wic\ed. 2. Albeit the beleever" may be : exercifed with the
rP ;* l v ' ■ <•>.*>.* * f ear ~
PSAL. XCI. 345
fearof defiruftion, yet he flu 11 be free of falling into ii j Only
•pith thine eyes Jhait thou behold and fee the reward of the
wicked.
Ver. 9. *Becaufe thou hail made the LORD %
which is my refuge, even the moft Bi^h % thy habi-
ta''<w:
io. There flail no evil befall thee % neither flail any
fUgne come nigh thy duelling,
A fixth motive to belecve in God, is a promife general to be
delivered from. all evil, tluc nothing Dull harme him, but all
things (hall rather wok together for his good. Whence learn,
i. All bclecvers have oneebjeft of their faith, one relief in their
tioubles, one retreat from the vexations which do aflault them
in this world ; even God: thou haft maictbe Lord, who is my
refuge, even the moft High thy habitation, i. One bckever may
and fhould encourage other bcleevers by the fame motives where-
by he him felt is encouraged, as here ; Bccaufc thou baft made the
Lord, who is my refuge, to be thy habitation : therefore fuch and.
fuch ble (Tings (hall come upon thee, faith he. $ The nature
of true faith is to make ufe of God in all conditions j in peace
and warre, in profperity and advcrlity, as here he is both a r£-
fuge and an habitation. 4. As we have need to have the fame
promifes repeattd unto us, and inculcated upon us, fo flow
and dull are wc to receive themrfo the Lord doth repeat and
urge the receiving thereof, with an inlarging and not abridging
of what once he promiicd,as this general promiie tcacheth: There
Jl?all no evil tefall tbec, nor any plague come near thy tabernacle ,ro
wit, to harm thee : for God; who is the beleevers habitation, in
terpoftth himfjf, and tqineththe calamity to his good } if it be
fuftered to come oh, that it ccmc net near to his dn ad vantage.
Yer. 1 1. For he flail give his Angeli charge over
thee : to t^eep thee in all 1 hi -wayes.
I 2." They flail beare thee t*p in their hands > I ft
thh dafl thjfoot gain ft a ft one.
A feventh motive tobeicevc in CoJj> a promi-fe of making
An-
34$ PSAL. XCI.
Angels wait upon the beleever, and carefully to attend his mo-
tions in all his lawful affaires, left he fhould ftumble and fuftcr
harme ; which promife even Satan doth acknowledge to belong
unto Chiift, and Chrift doth ovwieit, being taken in a right
fenfe, Mat. 4. Whence tar*, 1. Such is the indulgent love of
God toward his ownc, as he doth obviate all doubts, which from
any hand might hinder them to beleeve in him : if the feverity
and juftice of God terrifie, the Lord offcreth himfelf as a bird,
with Jtretcliei out wings ro receive the fupplicant, ver. 4 If e-
nemies who arc tooftrong do purfue, the Lord openeth his
bofome as a refuge, ver. 3. If hischilde bcaffaulted, he be-
cometh a fortreffe, ver, 3. If he be hotly purfued and enquired
after, the Lor&htcomzth a fecret place to hidchis childc; If per -
fecution be hot, Godgiveth himfelf for a Jhadow ; If Poten-
tates and mighty Rulers turn enemies, the Lord interpofeth as
the moji High and almighty Saviour, ver. 1. If his adverfa-
ries be crafty like fowlers or hunters, the Lord promifeth to pre-
vent or break the fnares, ver. 3. Whether evils do come upon the
beleever night or day, fecretlyor openly to deftroy him, the
Lord prefervetli his childe from deflruction ; and if {tumbling
blocks be laid in his childcs way, he hath his inftruments, his
fervants,his Angels prepared to keep the beleever that he ftumble
not : Hejhallgive his Angels charge over thee ; not one Angel
only, but all of them, or a number of t hem. 2. The Angels
are miniftering fpirits, fent forth to minifter for every be-
leever; He Jhall give hti A ngels charge over thee y toficep thee in
aUthyrvayes. $. Promifes are not made to fofter men in their
turning after folly, but to encourage them in the courfe of obe-
dience in their feveral callings i They have charge tofiecp thee
in all thy wayes. 4. Albeit ftumbiing ftones be laid in the way of
Gods chiidc, yet while he behavcrh himfelf as a beleever in
God, he {hall not ftumble; Great pc*ce have they who love
Gods law, and nothing fhali ftumble them, Pfil. 1.19. 16?.
They Jhall beare thee up in their hands, left thou tLJb ty foot a-
gain ft a (lone,
' Ver. 1 3. Thou fh tit tread upon the t*on and aider :the
young lyon and the dragon /halt thoti trample wden
feet.
The eighth motive tci beleeve^ is a pron&iff of victory over c*
vcrf
PS AL. XCI. 347
vtryenemicof his falvation, how fierce, ftrong and cruel foever
they be > how crafty, malicious and dangerous foever they be r
Tboufh< tread upon [be lioi and aider* God ihall put Satan
under his feet; tyrants and bloody pcrfecutors, here: icks and
feducers lhal I not prevaile over the beleever / The young lion and
the dragon jhalt tbuu trample under feet.
Ver. 14. Becaufe he hath fet hit love upon me,
therefore will I deliver him : / will jet him on high,
becaufe he hath knoftn mj Name.
1%. He fhall call upon me^ and I mil anfwer him ;
/willbefri/A him in trouble , I votl deliver him, And
honour him.
1 6. fVtth long life will J fat is fie him : and fitw him
mj falvation.
The ninth motive to beleeve in God, is taken from a bundle
of fiveorfixpromifes, as fpoken immediately by God the Far-
ther of his Son Jelus Chrift as man. and of every beleever and
true member of his myftical body. The firft promise is of de*
liveringof the beleever from what foever trouble or danger he
can be prefuppo'fed to fall into: I will deliver him, faith the
Lord. a. Vor trial of true fai:h, the unqucftionable property
of a beleever, and the evidence of a found and faving faith in
God, is fixed love toward God ; becaufe be bath fet his love upon
me. 3 • As there is a becaufe and a therefore in the procefle of the
zz^/eanda tl
1 for fin, lot
law, in concluding death for fin, fo there is a becaufe and a there-
fore in the procefle of grace, and of the Gofpcl, which doth rea-
fon from one grace given to infer re another grace to be given,
even grace for grace : and fuch is this here ; Becaufe be bath
fet bis love on me, 1 will deliver him. 4. Sound love to God
H< weth from, and is joyned with found knowledge of God, as
his Majefty is declared unto us in Scripture ; The beleever who
hath let his loveufon God,tarb f^nown my Namcfohk he. f. As
the beleever is highly priviledged and honoured of God, being
made a fonne and an heire, and co-heire with Chrift. fo fhslt
he bemadealfo more then a Conqucrour overall his enemks,
through Chrift 5 I will ft him on high, becaufe bebaxl/i^nown
my^ame ; this is the fecond prpmife. 6. The third promifc is,
the Lord will give the Spirit of fupplication to the beleever,
348 PSAL. XCII.
and^alfo a fatisfaSory anfwer unto his prayer; for as when *
man giveth way to misbelief, he cannot pray any more: fo
when ne entertaineth faith, it miketh him eloq uent and inftant
in prayer, till he receive what he feeketh; Hefhallcdlonme^
and I wi I anfwer him. 7. As it is not to be expeded, that the
man who beleeveth in God (hall want trouble, io the r beleever
may be fure, that God who exercifeth him with trouble, (hall
bear him company in his trouble, (hall diieft him how to be-
have Wmfelf in it, ftrengthen, fupport and comfort him under
it, and give him delivery out of all his trouble, and not only
putrefped upon him in the fight of them who did behold his
exerciie, but alfo at laft (hall glorifie him before men and An-
^els ; and this is the fourth promife : J will be with him in
trouble, I will deliver him dnd honour him. 8. While others
do either want fubmiflion unto God at Gods plcafure to live in
trouble , or do want fubmiflion to die at Gods pleafure, if they
be not in trouble 5 the beleever only hath fatisfadion in the
length of his life, to die or live as the Lord liketh, and he only
departeth contentedly,and entereth into a life eveilafting j With
long life will Ifatisfe Waijand this is the fifth promife, 9. When
the beleever hath received of God fatisfadion in the length of
life in this world,God will enter him into the polTeflion of blef-
fednefle, of everlaftine falvation iu the world to come y which
is worthily called thejalvation of God ; With long life will J ja~
iisfichim\ and what then (hall become of him ? y And I w:tt
Jhew him my filvation ; and this is the fixh promife. Above all
which promifes what can be more added, to induce a foul to em-
brace the free offer of g*ace in Chri ft, tendered in the Gofpd
to finne r s, or to more him to entertain friend/hip with God, by
ftill belceving in him, and refting on him?
PSAL. XCII.
tA *2falmc or Sang for xht Sabbath-day.
'His Pfalm is intituled, A Pfalme for the Sabbath-day ;
«_ wherein the Church is f^irrei up co praife God, by fundry
rcafons, ver. I, a . £. but fpecially for thefe. three caufts ; Firft A
for the great work of creation , fuftcntarion and wife govern-
ing of the crcajures, ver. 4, 5 . The fecond ciufe is y forhiswjU
dom
T
PSAL. XCII. 349
'dom and juftice inpunifhing the wicked, ^fl*. 6> 7, 8, 9. The
third is, for his grace and goodnelTe toward beleevers, ver. 10,
From the Infcripcion 5 Learn y 1. The Lord hath had a fpe-
cialcareof fanctifying the Sabbath, as the rppolnting of this
Pfalme for that day may amongft other things give evidence ;
id Pfalme, a Song for the Sabbath-day. 2. For the fandifi-
cation of the Sabbath* it is not fufficient to reft from our own
bodily, fervile, diftra&ive works, boc we muft reft and ccafe
fiom our own works, and be imployedin religious fe; vice and
worfhip, and exercifes fuitable for that day, whereof finging of
Pfalmes to the honour of God is one ; This it a Song for the
Sabbath-fay. $. God hath appointed that the Church fliould
have folemn meetings on the Sabbath, wherein God may be
publickly by his own ordinances honoured, and the Congrega-
tion edified in their mod holy faith: for this Pfalme is given to
the Church with tlis title and Infcription , A Pfalme or Song
for the Sabbath-day 5 to be fung in the Affemblies.
Ver. l.TTi* a good thing to give thank* unto the
1 LORD: and to ftng praiies unto thy Name 9
O moft High.
2. To Jhew forth thy lovingkiidneffe in the worn*
ing \ andthy faith fulneffe every night.
3 . Vpon an inftrvment of ten firings y and upon the
P falter j : upon the Harp with afokmnefotinA.
From the exhortation unto praifing of God and thankfgiving
! with the reafons Thereof; Learn, 1. Albeit we be daily receiving mo
j and mo benefits from God,yet are we flow to a*, knowledg this, oc
j togive thanks unto him,and have need to be flirted up to the dtuy,
as this exhortation importeth. i. Not onely Jo we dii'charge a
piece of our du-y in thankfgiving unto God, bur we alfo receive
! a new benefit by doing of this duty: It U a good things (pleafant
to God, and profitable to u c and others) to give clunks unto the
Lord. 3 Albeit we cannot give thanks unto God as we defire,
or as he deferveth, yec to acknowledge and confciTe to God
our debt , and what we have received of him , (hull be ac-
counted thankfgivinLi for ;he word mihz i^inal doth $iv£
grou a A.
35* PSAL. XCII.
haveptcferredeMrth to heaven, their botfly lufts untothe faK
vation of their fouls and bodies; far when the wicked fpring upas
tbegraffc,and when all the workers of iniquity dofiourifh, n is
that tbey jbxU be deftroyed for ever. 4. The ungodly are fo be-
fotred with the love of the world* and pofleilion of things tempo-
rail, that they neither do know, nor will know, nor tan knew
this myftery^ except God fupernaturally do revealeit to them,
andpive them Tpiritual wifdome : A birutijh man f^owctb nor;
neither doth A foolc under ft and tbk. 5. Albeit the wicked be
in power and high place, there be little appearance of their ove;-
rhrow, yet God is higher then they, arid fo able according to his
place to take order with them : and albeit they feerce to live long,
yet God endureth for ever, and Co able to cut them eff when he
pleafeth, and to perpetuate their torment for ever:Bwf tbou, Lord 3 !
art moft high for evermore 6. To ncknbv\ledge that God is ftf-
preme and everlafting Judge and Ruler of all tilings, is a fuffi-
cient ground tocjuiet our mindes, however matters feeme to
go : for becaufc he is the Sovereigne Ruler of all the world, and
the eternall God , he cannot but govern all things well and wife-
ly ; and will not faile to do as he hath laid in his Word, to pu-
nifli the wicked, how great foever profperity he grant them for *
time : for the beleever doth from this doctrine draw light to fliew
him the myftery of the perdition of the wicked, by the meanes of
their profperity, which the foolifh and wicked man cannot con-
fide* ; 'But tboa ?.Lord 3 art moft. higbfor evermore: for lo y thine ene-
mies > Lordjhall perifl). 7. Workers of iniquity, pretend what
they pleafe ; are Gods enemies,and feeing they are Gods enemies;
they cannot but perifh: for lo> thine enemies , Lord, and the te-
cond time, for to, thine enemies fhalt perijh* 8. The wicked;
who now combine together, fhall be feparatcd from God , and
from the fociety of the bleffed company of the righteous , and!
(hall not be able to help one another in the day that God ilia ll
bring judgement upon them: All the workers of iniquity fhall be
fcittcred; and this is another part of the right fpen.ing of the
Sabbath, to learn this leflbn Well.
Ver. 1 6. "But my home (hJt thon exjiltVike the
horne of an unicorne : I [baUbt anointed with frtjh
01 le.
1 r. A fine eye dlfo fh>\U fee my de-fire on mine
enemies^ and mine eares [ball heare my deiire of t*e
wickf J t but rife up agtiihft we. T h&
PSAL. XCII. 353
The third fpeciall reafon and matter of Gods praifc, is his
grace and goodneik to beleevers , wherein the P/almift doth,
ipeak firft with relation to his own particular, ver. io, 1 1 . And
i then in generall of all the godly, from what he ocleeveth toward
himfelf, as ferving to teach every one to make application of the
doctrine to their own ufe. Lexrn^ \\ The fame fuprcmacie
Of God over all creatures , which giveth afTurancc of the over-
throw of the wicked, giveth alio aflurance of the welfare and fe -
licity of the Godly, tor from ver. 8. he deduceth this alio, But
my borne fbalt thou exalt. 2. The beft condition of the godly;
is not in what they a:e for the prefent, but in what, they fliall be
hereafter ; for albeit they be no<v under, they mail have domini-
on at length , etfprcfied here under the termes of exalting the
borne , which is the emblcme of dignity and power and victory.
My borne fbalt thou exalt like the borne of the uhicorne 3 Thac
generall dod line may be comfortable, it miift be applied, as the
Plalmifts example doth teach here. 4. Whatfoever wcakneflc
or grief the godly do labour under for a while, they mall have in
due time feftivall refreshment, comfort and encouragement from
Gods Spirit and powerful providence , and t,hat renewed unto
them from time to time as need recjuircth $ I fnall be anointed
roiib oile,ve>itb frefb oilc- s.Whatfoever might be the Pialmifts
peifwahonof vicVny over his par:icular eneaiics, yet as a type
of Chiiftj and as one of the Believers having inteueft in Chrift,'
and in all bleffings purchafed by him^ he might by faith fee and-
hear in the Lords Word the overthrow' of all the enemies of
his welfare, and (0 may every beleeve; be perfwaded ; Mine eye,
4l[ofiall fee my defire upon mine enemies, and mine eares fbalt
heare my defire of the wicked that rife up againft me.
Ver, 12. The righteous fall four ifb like the Palm-
tree : be fhM groW like a cedar in Lebanon.
13. Thofe that be planted in the houfe of the
LORD, fall four tjl in the Cotirts of our God.
. 14. They JbJl ft ill bring forth frtiit in o ] d age \
the j fall be fat and fours fong.
1$. To fhew that the LORD is upright, he \s my
focki <wd chcre is no unrighteoufnejfe in him.
A a 1 Froifi 1
354 PSAL. XCII.
From the Lords joodncflc to all beleeveis in general ; Lexin,
i. J he promifes and comforts given to any one beleever, are
not proper to him only, bat common to all beleeveis ; and the
m:\n who can upply thefe promifes to himfelf, is the fitteit man to
bear witneffe of the intend which others have therein ; for
what the Pfalmift hath applied to himfelf, he extendeth to all in
fubftance ; The righteous fall flourrfb. z. The godly fhall get
up their head, notwithstanding of whatfoever weight of trou-
bles laid upon them, and they fhall conftantly grow up to the
fullftature of perfection, whatfoever op pofition be made 5 They
fall flour ijh Ufa the Pdmt-tree, befliallgrow /% a Cedar in Le-
banon. $. The Lords childrea are like trees which do not grow
in every foile, are not nourished with every moifture $ the place
of their planting, growth and floui idling, is the houfe of the
Lord, where the Word and Spirit of the Lord joyned with the
holy ordinances may be had for food : They are planted in the
bottfe of the Lord, andfkarijh in the Courts of our God. 4. Not
every barren tree or weed , not every one who is in the vifible
Court of Gods Church doth grow and flourish; or is made
partaker of the fpiritual grace and blefling of the ordinances, but
only,'planted ones^that is,fuch plants as the heavenly Father hath
planned; fortothofe only, who by Covenant have embraced
God, isthepromifemade; Thofethai be flamed in the boufe
of the Lord, fall flour ifh in the Courts of our God. 5. True
beleevers (hall ftill perfevere, and the decay of the outward man
fhall net hinder the renewing of their inward nun day by day 5
and their laft works fhall be better then their firft; Tbey fall
ftill bring forth fruit in old age, they fall be fat and flourishing.
6. The end of the Lords deftroying of the wicked, and of
his blefling of the true beleever with the growth of grace, and
perfevcrance to the end, is the glory of Gods righteoufnefle,
fingleneffe in Covenant-making, and of his conflant afie&ioa
to uprightness for thefe threatening and promifes (hall be
made good, To jhew that the Lord is upright. 7.Whofoever
neglect to give glory unto God, the beleever will not faile to lay
his own weight upon God, and build all his felicity on him,
being aflnred that he will neither flee from, nor faile the godly*
He is my rock* &• Let the Lord do what he pleafeth, let the
wicked profper for a while, aid the godly be troubled for a
while, yet God is wife, and ju ft, and holy; and that man hath
profited well in the fchool of God, whogiveih this glory unto
God conftantly, as the Pfdmift, doth here 5 tie ismf roc\, and
there it no unrigbteoufnefli in himi PS A L.
PSAI. XCllt 3$i
PSAL. XClII.
IN this Pfalme for the Comfort of Gods people, againft the
multitude and powet of their enemies, and the grer.tr efft of
Kings and Potentates in the world, wh» oft times a; e like too-
vciHgvv, devoureand drown theChuich, the glory cf the Lord 1
isdefcribed ; in whom is the Churches defence, cctnfo:,- and'
victory. For this end ; fill, the praifes of Cod for the Oun'h-
es comfort are fct down absolutely , vtr. i , 2. Then uetppo-
fitionof the enemies oi the Church is compared to the grow-
ing Hood or raging iea, vcr j. And thudly, the praiLs of
God are fit down in oppofition to their power, ver. 4, 5. witti J
the uic of this doctrine, vcr. 7.
■ • • .
Vcr.f . r ^jnHe\LORD r eigne th, he is clothed rruh
X Mtjrfiie : the LORD is clothed nitb
firengfh, wherewith he hath girded himfelfe; the
rPor/d *lfo it ejfabiijbcd, that it cannot be moved*
2. Thy throne is eft ahhjhtd of old: than art from
ivzrlafting.
Fi om the praifes of God abfolutcly fet down for the comfort
of the Church- inall refpeCts, and for fhengthenin^ cf th.ir
taitiif fpeciaily againft all her enemies rLcm^ j.H-owfcever fflfai
ter^ conteming the Church or any member thereof fhall go ;
vvhitfoever he be that haih power for troubling of the Church-
God is he who is giea: Govemour of all ; and this is one groan J
of ccnfiJenceand comfort to the Lords pecple V The Lord rtign\ -,
etb.-. z-. The outward fplendorof earthly Kings and Potentate;
in the world, oppofite to Chr ill's 'Kingdom, is "no fmall tentatio.i
to Gods people, but the beleever mutl oppofe unco this the ejo^
rious governmept of God > He is cloiibcdwitb Mujejty. j He
il'rcng foever the adverfe poWCis of the World do (JentV it . ,muil
not terrific the believer in following the Lords caufc, But iris
frrength muftbe oppofed iheieunto, and that lb much th:
morp comfortably, as Gods tfrength is not borrowed frcm . ny,.
isthc ftrensth of ; the, creature is ■', The. L-ord is. clotted witf,
Ircngb, wbcrcwub be hub girJcfbimfclf 4-, 'Tbe-k&oidiii^
356 PSAL.XGIH.
of iheconftant guiding of the world, fliewefh the power and
wifdcm of God, employed much more insetting the woik of
his Church, for whcfecayf^ the werM wis made, and is up-
held and cfbblifhed j The world aljo is eflMifbcd, that it can-
tiotbcmovcd. 5. The Lords Kingdom in his Church is nGt
like the new upftavts in this woildywhich arc of ftiort {landing &
unftablc.If any King be kind to his Church, his people have rea-
fon to thank Ocd, but they mud lean to duhaKingshis rei°n
(hall be but fhor: ; and if any King be froward and oppofe himfclf
to the Ghurch>we muft not be too much feared for him^becaufe
his Kingdom is but lately begun ,a'nd is.of fhert continuancerbut
the Kingdom of thcLord is an ancient Kingdom and well fetich
Thy throne is eftablijhedof old. 6. The eternity of God is the
ground of the immutability of his Kingdom , and of the perpo
tual comfort of the Chuich againfi alloppofeisj Thou Art from
everlajling.
Ver. 3 . The floods have lifted up, O LORD : the
floods have lifted up their voice : the floods lift t*p
their "to aves.
In thefecond pbee, is the tcntation of the Church ; they are
like to be eve flowed as with a deluge, by the multitude of pow-
erful! enemies/ whereof the Church complaineth unto God.
Whence learn, r. It is no wonder to fee the world riling up tu-
multucufly to overthrow the Church, and as it were a deluge
coming upon them to drown and devoure all ; no wonder to
heare the enemies threatening deftruttion to the Chur.h, like
to the noife of waters after raine coming down the mountains
upon them, which are notable to flee; The floods have lifted up,
the floods have lifted up their voice, and the third time, the
floods lift up their waves, i. The be ft way to encounter threat-
enings and fearcs is, to oppofe God unto them ; and to lay
them forth before the Lord; that he may anfwer them, as here
the PJalmift doth; The floods have lifted up Lonf : faith he, &c.
VeM.7^ LORD oh high is mghtier then the noife
cfmany waters :yea then the might) waves of the fea.
In the third place ; he fets down the power of God, inoppo£-
tionto rll the bags^ and malice, and power of the enemies, 35
very farre above the power of the enemies, and more mighty
for the defence of tie Church, then thecnemie is powerful to
eppofe it. Whence learnt, 1. Heavenly help and cemfortfrom
above r
PSAL. XCIII. 357
;above, is'only able to quiet our mimics in time of pcrfecution
againftthe fearcs of enemies he; e beneath : The Lord on high
is heeoppefed to the roaring of the Hoods and waters dafhing
againft the Church* i. We can neither gloririe God ? nor com-
fort our C Ives again ft the power of the enemies of the Church,
except we lift up the Lords power above them all ; The Lord on
high is mightier then the noife of many waters. $ . The Lord is
above all terrible things, to bridle them at bis plcafure, and by
his power able to tcrrifie them that tcrrifie his Church; The
Lord is mightier then the noife of many waters,yca then the migh-
ty waves of the fca.
Ver. 5. Thy Tc flimsies are very fnre : holncfit
becometh thine hon r e^ LORD^ forever.
The ufes of this doct ine concerning the Lords power, and
good will to defend his Church, are two : the one is, that as the
Word of the Lord is fure and true in it felf, Co we mould ac-
knowledge it to be fure. and friould fet to our feal unto it, as the
Pfalmilt doth here ; Thy teflimonics are very fure. The other
ufeis, that fuch as love to have the benefit of the protection
which is promifed here, mould labour to be holy. Whence learn,
I. Whatsoever is faid in the Scripture, needeth no probation 5 foe
it is the depofition of Cod, declaring truth Jn every thing
which it deiermineth; the-eforeare his promifes callei here,
His teflimonics. 1. By giving c edit to the truth of the Scri-
ptures, or to the Lords teilimonyexp eiildthccin, no man can
be deceived: for when we have his Word, our minxes maj be
quieted and at reft; Thy tejUmonles are very fure. 3. The honou",
ftrength and hippinefs of the Lords people is, that they are the
Lords habitation and place of re{idence,dedicatcd and confea ated
unto him; Holinefs becometh thine houje : that is, thy f hurch
and people , whe eof the Temple was only a Shadow. 4 God will
be fanctifiedofall rhat draw near unto him > and whofocver do
love to enjoy the prefervation and priviledges promifed to the
Church, muft ftudie for holineffe, which is the duty of the
members of the Church alfo; Holinejfc becometh thy houfc. ? The
dignity, duty and priviledges ofGo.U people,and cfpecia'ly his of
confecration, fan 6 if! cat ion in affeftion and carriage, and vindi-
cation from finne and mifery, do not belong unto anyone ti™o
01 age, but are perpetual, belonging to all iuch as ftu.lic to be.
approved unto God, protected, and made bleffed by God, in all
times and ages, in all places and company all the dayes of their
life* Forholinejfe becometh thine boiifc for evermore .
Aaj PSAI<.
353 PSAL. XCIV,
PSAL. XCIV.
Tills Pfaime is a prayer 3nd a complaint of the Church unto
God in the time of her opp.eflionby inteftine enemies, in
fpecial by unjuft and cruell Rulers , whereumo fundry grounds
ij{ comfort tothegodly in this hard condi ion :re fubjoynedi
The prayer and complaint re. Kh unto ver. 8. The grounds of
cbm fort are foure; the firft is, theccnfidevarionof Godswif-
dome in the permiflion of this fore trouble of his people , with
a check unto the opprcflburs for their Atheifmc, ver. 8 ; o, t o,i i„
The fecond is , the confideration of the profit which G ods peo-
ple fhall have by this exercife, ver. • x/ 1 3. The third is, from
a promife that God flull change the face of affaires to the joy of
the godly, ver. 14, if. The fourth is, from the experience
which the Pfalmift had of GODS helping of him in this catc 3
fet down at large to the end of the P.alme.
Ver. *'/^\ LORD God 9 to whom vengeance be-
V~/ longeth : O £jod>to whom vengeance
belongeth , fljew thyfelf.
2. L : fc up thy /elf 9 thoujudge of the earth, render *
reW^rd to the proud.
In the prayer, the Chnrch requefteth the Lord to be avenged
en inteftine enemies; her proud oppreflcui'S. IVhcnce learnc,
t. The Lords people are fubjeft to trouble and oppreffion, as
from for reigne , foalfo from inteftine enemies, as by-paft ex-
perience fheweth, and this Pfalme prefuppofcth , being let fonh
for her comfort in fuch cafes in tiraetoccmc. i. The Lords
people may fin^c as bitter affliction from domeftick enemies, as
from fon eigne, as the doubling of the prayer unto God thcA-
venger, to rife and take order witH their opprefiours, doth im-
port. 3 . God will not faile to be avenged on tlu enemies of his
people • for He # the Lord God to whom vengexnee bclongctb.
.4. Albeit fora while the/Lord fuffer the troublers of his people
to go on in their pei fecution . yet he will ihew himfelf a righte-
ous Judge in due time; Ogod, to whom vengeance bclovgctb,
PSAL. XCIV. 359
fhcwthyfelf *• The Lord will fometime. as it were, hide
himfelf, and not appeal in the execution ofhis judgements a-
giinfl wicked eppreflburs, till his people come crying unto him
forjuftice, as is imported in this prayer ; t if t up thy [elf , thou
x u igeoftbecxrtb. 6, The Lords people are not troubled by
fcumble foules, fenfible of their own finfulneifeand frailty ; but
by thofe who little know hew it fares with the Lords hidden ones*
and afflicted children, for the oppreflburs are here called the
proud. 7. The Lord will give the proud oppreflburs of his peo-
ple a meeting , and grieve them as th.y have grieved his Saints i
Render a reward to tb. proud. 8. When the caufc is notour
private quarrellj but concerned God in his glory, and the
Church in her fafety : inch compluntsas are here, ac: law full;
for this Psalms is put in the Churches hand in fuch cafes.
Ver. 8 LORD, ho^c long /ball the rvic\ed? how
long /hall the wicked triumph ?
4. How long fhall they utter, and fpeak hjrd things}
and all the Workers of iniquity boafi themfehes.
ThePfalmiftcomplaineth; fir ft, of the long continuance of
the inlolent triumphing andboaftingofthefe inteiHne enemies.
Whence turn, I. When the wicked go away unpunished, they
think their caufe right ; and the caufc of the godly . vvholie un-
der their feet, to be wrong 5 and thereupon do infult over the
godly, and boaft of their pnrpofe to do them more and more
mifchiel : fov here, They triumph, they utter , and [peak bard
thing*, they boaft thcnifclycs 2. The Lord may delay execu-
tion of judgement on the wicked , fo long as his children may
begin to wonder how his juftice can endure it : Lord, how long
fall the wicked ? how long fhall the wicked triumph t How long
jhll they utter , and [peak hard things ? $. When the godly are
borne down by oppreflburs being in power , all the ungodly of all
ranks become infolently bold "alio 3gainftthcm : How long
fall the workers of iniquity boajl tbemfelvcs V 4. As the injuries
done to the godly,do force the godly to complainc ; fo the work-
ing of iniquity by pcrfecutours , ptovoketh God to punifh their
oppreflburs : This the Pi aim ill holdeth forth . when be giver h
the advevfary this defer iption 5 How long /lall the itffk e &/ bow
lovg (lull the wicked triump!) ? t and all the workers of iniquity
boaft themfelvcs ?
A a 4, Vef
S6o PSAL. XCIV.
Ver. $4 They break in pieces thy people, LoRDl
and affliS thine heritage.
6. The y flay the mdow and the fir anger, and murder
thefatherleffe.
*y. Yet they fay* The LORD /hall not fee : neither
/hall the God of Jacob regard it.
The wkkednefle of the oppreffours is here defcribed more pari
jicularly, by their cruelty againft fuch as humanity would fpare >
fuch as are the Lords harmleffe people, the widow,fatherlefle 3 and .
ftranger,whom the opp r eflburs abufe without all fear of GOD,
who acth behold them. Whence lear?t> i » YVhen wicked men,
haters of piety within the Church, get power in their hand, they
will be more cruell enemies then men ufe to be , who have only
fiumanity and civility, and want profeflion of Religion ; They
breach pieces thy people ', LORD: arid afflict thine heritage.
They flay the widow and thejlranger , and murder the father leffel
2. The more relations a people hath unto God > it is the more
wickedneffeto opprejfTe them$ and the more dangerous for the
pppreffours : for they have an owner which others have not ,
even the Lord ;' 'tbey break in pieces thy people, and afflift thine
heritage, $ It is net profeflion, but practice which wit neflcth
what impreflion the Deity hath upon mens fpirits ? oppreflioh
of fuch as God hath promifed to protect , fpeaketh blafphemy of
pod in eftcd: > They fay, the Lordjha'l not fee. 4. Oppreffion
of the juft doth cauterize the conference, ex r inguifh the fenfe of
a Deity, and maketh the oppreilour fecure and fearlefle of judge-
ment 5 Yet they fay, The Lord fhxll not fee: neither /ball the
God oj^acob regard it.
Ver, 8. Under f and , ye brut ijh among the people:
andyefooles, fthen will je be wife ?
9. He that planted the ear e\ /hall he not hear? he
that formed the eye, /halt he not fee ?
I O. He that chaftijeth the heathens, ftall not he cor-
reel ? hcthat teachethman kno-wledze. fliallnothe
Jcnow }
1 1 The LORD \nowcth the thoughts of man: th$t
ihejzxz vanity.
PSAL. XCIV. 361
By way of rebuking the Atheifme of the cpprefTour, verf. fr.
he giveth the firft ground of comfort unto the godly from the
attributes of God , as Gods wifdomej ver* 9. and from his
jufticeagainft offenders, and from his care ofinftru&ing his
people to be wife by all means, ver. iq. and from his difeftima-
tion of mens vaine thoughts, ver. 1 1. Whence learn, u The
wifdomcof wicked oppreffours is brutifh iollie, however they
themfelves or othe;s do efteem of them : and whatfeever high
thoughts the wicked have of themfelves , or others have of" them
for their high phc- ; yet they are notwithftanding all their
honour, nothing in Gods eftimation, but asthe meaneft of the
.peoples yea, as the beafts that perifti: Underjland ye briitijt) a.-
mong tbepcople. z. The wicked within the vifible Church have
this advantage overthofe that are without , that in Gods long-
fufhring they have time to repent , and admonition Lobe wife
for gaining of their fouls,or clearing of Gods juftice in their con-
demnation : for here they arc fpoken to ; Tcfooles, when will
yebe^ife? $. The knowledge which wicked men do feemto
have, or pretend to have of God, is nothing but a bale conceit of
God > as if he were a dead Idol> which neither hearcth nor feeth :
for this the Pfalmifts inftruft ion given to them doth import; He
that finned the care, Jhall he not heir I 4, Bcfide what the
Word doth tench of God, his Works alio do teach convincingly
what he is } He that planted the are, Jhall he not he r ? he thlt
formed the ey c , Jhall he not (ce? 5. 1 he Lord ruleth among
the Heathen, and chaftifcth them when they fin ngainft the law
written in their hearts: He chajlifcth the heathen. 6. The
judgements which the £,ord executcth among the Heathen , is a
fufficicnt evidence of hispurpofe to execute judgement, on op-
preflburs within the vifible Church, which driw&B much rearer
unto him; He that chajlifeth the heathen Jlvll be not correct ?
7. Jhediverfcmeafuresofwit, Icarning,prudence,and wifjome,
which God dothbeftow upon men* is fufficient tc prove how in-
cpmpreheufibie his cwn fcurtain-wifdome is ; He that tcacheth
man knowledge, Jbatl be not tyiow ? *, It is a matter of great
confolation to the godly in their opprcflion, to know that their
opprcfloursarefoolesj and that God in his wildome is over-
ruling all confufions, and leading them and thcii 'thoughts unto
wife ends, as nerethe Pfalmift -cached the Chuch; TheLord
fyyvcib the thoughts cf man. o. The enemies of godlintfle, and
perfecuters of the godly, are at a threefold di advantage. Firft,
thty do not put God upon their coui.fd, arid yet he knowcth
their
j6i PSAL. XCIV.
their thoughts. Next, They hope to make their own ft inding
faft, and hereinthcy aredifappointed Thirdly, They think
that they are able to fuppreflc piety , and that by this meanes they
ihall eftablifh themfelvesj and here alio are they fooles, and dq
deceive themfelves j The JLqrd \norcetb the t' oughts of man,
that they are vanity. And this is the firft confolation of the godly
opprefled.
Ver. 12. B/eJfedkthe man whom thou chafleneft,
O LORD : and teacheft him out of thy Urv ;
13. That thou may eft give him reft from the
dayes of adverfity : mt?ll the pi* be digged for the
v*ick*d.
The fecond confolation is, from the benefit which cometh to
the godly by their exercife under the crofle : their temporall
trouble ferveth to prepare them foi everlafting reft. Whence
learve, 1. The perfection of the godly by the wicked, muft be
expounded,as it is indeed, the Lords chaftening of the godly by
fuch a rod* This trouble whereof they complain here is called,
The Lords chaftening. i, Suffering for righceoufneffe is no
token ofGodsdifpleafureagainftaman, nor part ofhismiffry,
if it be well confideved ; hi^Bleffed is the man whom thou cbxftcn*
eft, OLord. 3. The expo'ltion of a mans exercife , and the
meaning of the rod muft betaken from Gods Word , and God
only can effectually teach men to carry them felves in trouble ho-
lily and righteoufly in all patience $ Ble(fed is the man reborn
thou cbafteneft, Lord : and teacheft kirn out of thy law :
4. When God teacheth his chiide by his Word , to poil'efTe his
foul in patience unier the crofle , then doth he alfo give him a
fort of deliverance from the trouble j yea, the Lord'chaftifing
ofhjsown, and his teaching them cut othislaw to make the
fight ufe of it, is the means whereby he doth fave his own, that
they petifli not with the world in his wath ; Whom Ihou cbaftcn-
eft> and teacheft out ofth) law : That thou majeft give him reft
from the dayes of adverfity. $. A9 condemned men are fuffcred
to live till their gallowes and grave be made ready , that after
their execution they maybe thruft into it ; fo are wicked men
fuffered to live till they fill the cup of their iniquity, and till God
have filled the cup ot his wrath for them : and this is the termc-
day of the Saints patience ; That thou may eft give him reft, untill
the fit be digged fur the Tricked/ Ver ,
PSAL. XCIV. 3^3
y^r. Jf For the LORD will not cafi off his
people : neither will heforfake his inheritance,
i J . Bnt judgement Jhall ret urne unto righteoufnefs $
nnitll tht upright in he$rt Jhall follow it.
Thethird.confolationis, that the kords people (hall not be
alvv3ye^ under the feet of oppreflburs : butbecaufc the Lord will
not forfake his people i therefore fuch a change of aftakes (hall
come, as the godly (hall have comfort and encouragement from
authority, which fliall countenance and encourage them unto
rightequfnefle and piety. Whence Icarnc, /« A ! beit men do
pit-times caft oft'Gods people as unworthy to lie mernbers eithei-
cf Chiuchor oi any civil incorporation , yet God will note ill
themqffs The Lord t»iH not aft off bit people, i. Albeit the
JLord may feem for a while to hide himfelffrom his people, when
hefuftereth the wicked to perfecute and eppreffe them ; yet be-
caufc of their relation re him asjns people, and for his imereft
in them, as his own inheritance, lie will not fufter himfelf to be
bereft of chem * He will not cajl off bis people : neither will he
for fate his inheritance. $ % Itcomethtopatiefundry tiTes , that
rightccufnefle and judgement are patted afunder for a whiles part-
ly by earthly Judges, refilling to do juftice and judgement for
{Jods people : and partly by the righteous Judge of the world his
fufpendingforatime to mamfefthis judgement for the godly,
and againit theiroppreffQtirs 5 and that for his own wife and
holy reafons. This was the cafe of the godly in this Pfalnvj,
who were waiting for the 'returning of judgement unto rightcouf-
vejfc. 4, Righreou r nefie. and righteous judgement executed in
favour of it, fhall not long be feperated: for God (hall either raife
up righteous Judges to favour righteoufnefle,or he Aiall make his
righteous judgements teftifie for the godly , and againft their cp-
preilb.urs,orhe mall do both thefei for God will not for fake
his people, but judgement Jhall rcturwe to righteoufneffe. 5. When
the Lord maketh Judges and Courts of juftice to favour righre-
ou'nefFe , then the righteous have a banner lilted up for them, xe
gather them together again , who before were fcattered in perfe-
ction; to encourage and countenance them in their gqdlinefle ,
and righteous waves i tyidgcmnit fbaU rctwrxc to rigbleouf-
vetfe , and all the uprig/?t in heart Jhal follow it,
3% PSAL. XCIV.
Vcr. 1 6*. Who mil rife up for me againft the eviS
doers? or who mil ft and up for me again [I the Worl^rs
of iniquity?
The fourth confolation is from the example and experience of
XhePfalmijl, who in his righteous caufe fought afliftance from
men in a lawful way , when he was oppreffed, vcr* ) 6. but found
none to help him, except God only , who was hi$ fupporter and
comforter, ver. 17. which he thankfully acknowledged, and
praifethGodforit, w £ 18, 19. believing that as God wasdif-
pleafed with unrighteous Judges, and their cruelty againft the
righteous , ver. 20, 21. fo he would certainly defend him againft
their oppreflioni ver. 22. and cutthemoff, ver. 23. andthishis
experience and eximple he propounded to the Church , both to
comfort them in their oppreflion, and to direct them in their bc-»
haviour, till the relief fhould corhe.
From hisfeeking affiftance againft oppreflion j Learn, 1. There
is a lawful defence of the godly , while they are oppreffed by their
fupcriours, which is no wayes injurious to authority, fuch as js to
bear witneffe for the godly , to fpeak and make requeft untb the
Rulers for them, as §07tatban did (ov Vavid,and Ebedticlecb did
for tferemy , to countenance and affift them in their appear-
ances for defence of the truth , as Pauls companions mould
have done , when he was brought before Hero , and fuch as here
was fought after by the Vfalmift j Who will rife up for mc againft
the eviii doers I who will ftand up for me againft the workers of
iniquity. 2. When the godly fuffer injury by their own Rule, s,
who fhould maintain thern , few or none poffibly will be found
to countenance them in their righteous caufejfor this faying, Jffo
rfiillarife for me ? doth (hew that none did offer themfelves : and
he knew none , when he thas did miffc all help. $. Before
the godly complaine of wrongs done to them by their fuperiours,
they fhould be firff fure that they have done no wrong y or any
thing which Rulers may juftly punifh , and that their Rulers are
not onely injurious to them in a particular , but evill doers alfo,
and open enemies to equity $ Who will rife up for me againft the
evill doers ? or ^>ho will flandup for me agiinft the workers of
iniquity ? 4. Rulers fhould be warie that they force not the
righteous to complain to God and man of them > for if they do,
the oppreffed may readily fill upon the Pfalmifts outcry , and
that is not fafe for the Magiftrate , that any fhould have caufe
td
PSAL. XCIV. 3*5
to cry, Who mil rife up for m: again ft the evill decrst
Vet. 1 7. Vnlejfe the L R D had been my help :
mj foule had almojt dwelt infilence.
Heftieweth what fucceffc bis fecking of help from men bad,
and that was none at all j for if God had not helped him 3 he
ftiould have periflied before help had been given to him from
men. Whence turn , 1 . Whofoever do engage in any caufe,
were it never fojuft, with confidence in man , or with hopes to
carry it on and go through with it by mans affiilance , neefl not
wonder if they be difappointed ; Unleffe the Lord had been my
help 3 my foulc bud almoft dwelt infilence. 2. Whacfoever lawful
means the righteous man doth ufe for his own reliefe, they may
fail, if he lean to them , and not to God onely : but if he relie
upon the Lord, he fliall be relieved : Unleffe tbeLord had been my
b(lp> my foulc had almoft dwelt infilence.
Ver. 18. When I [aid % My foot Jlippeth : thy
mercy , LO KD y held me up.
He flieweth how he received help of God, to wit , by acknow-
ledging unto God the danger he was in , and his own weak-
nefle to relieve himfelfc , whereby he found fupport from the
Lorjls mercy. Whence Icarne , 1, Such as are put upon the
trial of tljeir faith and obedience to God by perfecution , are hi
danger either to fall into f?n or prefent trouble, yea poffibly alfo to
lofe their life, like unto men driven unto the edge of a flcep-
down place, as the fimilitude of my foot Jlippeth , doth import.
2. In time of trial and tentation ; as ordinarily God maketh mens
own wifdome , courage;, and ftiength faile chem , that they may
diftruft themfelves and come to him : fo ftiould they acknowledge
their own weaknefle , and lay it out with the danger they are in
before God : 1 faid, My foot Jlippeth. J. The feme of our own
weaknefle prefented to God in prayer, is a forerunner of G~>ds
reliefe coming to us : When 1 faid, My foot Jlippeth , thy mercy
held me up. 4. As it is our duty to acknowledge Gods power and
m&'cy in our fupplications ; fo alfo it is our duty to glorify the
mercy of God attei the felt experience of it r Thy mercy, Lord,
held me up.
Ver,
PS At. XCIV.
Ver. 19. In the multitude of my thoughts i with-
in me thy comforts delight mj foule.
He fetteth down here a further benefit of his faith in God; td
wiryrhat by what he law in God, he found comfort and joy in all
his perplexities. Whence learnt , r. In the time of danger , or
of narrow trial , many que ftions and dcubts, and difcourfesof
mindeufetoarife, which did riot appear in time ofeafe , ancf
thefe multiplied thoughts do breed perplexity • anxiety and'
grief, which call for comfort, as the experience cf the Pfdmrfl
doth teach ; in the multiude of my thoughts within ike , (<?ci
2. No eafe for a perplexed foule till it go to God inGhrift, the
refting ftonein Sion : and in him iupport is to be found under
burdens, and comfort againft whatsoever cauie of griefs yea,
and more alfo, joy and delight (wallowing up rll grievances , as;
the Pfalmift by experience did fincfe ufiiall/ • In the multitude of
my thoughts m bin me thy comforts delight my foul 5 now Gods'
comforts are Gofpel- comforts.
Ver. 20. Shall t he throne of iniquity have fellow-
ship with thee : which frameth mifchief by a law f
21. They gather themf elves together againft the
fonle of the righteous ; and condemne the innocehi
blood.
He flieweh what ufc he made of the oppreflbrs wickedncflc
for fupporting of his own faith 5 to wit , that he was perlwaded
that God allowed not their mifchievous courfes, how foe ver they
pretended to do what they did by a Law ; becaufe not the good
ofthefubjeft, but the overthrow of the godly was intended by
them. Whence learne . 1. The feat of Juftice within the via-
ble Church, may poflibly turn enemies to piety and righteouf-
nefle, and to thofe that follow Gods Words In which cafe, the :
grief, tentation, wtaftling and trial of the godly, is not fmall,,- as
the Ttfalmifts experience doth teach us, who here cometh to God,
with a queltion ; SbM the throne of iniquity have felloxvfhip with
thee ? 2. As the Thrones of Juftice are honourable, are counte-
nanced and protected of God, when they decree and execute rijh-
teoufneflc 5M0 they lofe their reputation, and are denuded of
Godsapprobauon, comfort, arid defence , when they decree and
execute"
PSAL. XCIV. 3*?
eiccufc iniquity; Skull tke throne of iniquity have fclio+Jbip
with tbec 1 3. Albeit wicked men ofttlmes love to have the ap-
peal ;mce and ftudow of equiry, yet unrighteoufneffe , impictf,
oppreffionis not the more juflifiablfc, that it be covered wi-hthe
authority of a law^ but rather God Will abhorre that wickednefle
which is enjoyned by si law, fo much the more as it hath pretence
of law: Skill the throne of iniquity hive fellowfhip wiib tbec>
that forgetk mifekiefby a law i 4. The iniquity bfperfecutors
is tfre matter of confidence for the opprefied ; for if our ad ver fa-
ries be againft God , and againft us alfo, then have we fellowship
with God in a cemmoncaufej Shall the throne of iniquity have
fcllowfrip with thee? faith he. 5. When mifchief is enacted
by Law 5 then ihortly may the godly be pannelled as criminally
guilty 5 and they who allow the, Law > fhall be found ready to fit
upon Aflifes to condemn the righteous 3 as the experience of the,
Pfalfnift doth (hew : They gather tbemfelves together againft tbt
foute of the tighttoia > and condemn the innocent blood.
Ver. 22. "But the LO RD is m} defence 1 and
Cod is the rock^ofmj refuse.
23. And he (ball bring upon them their oven inu
quity , And {haft cut them off in their own Wcked-
neffe ; jen , the LORD vttr Cjbd flatten them off.
From thiscor.fiVeration he draweth two conclusions , one af-
furinghiniofhisownprote&icn> ver. 22. another alluring him
cf the defttuttion of the adverfary, ver. 23. tVbenct learnt,
1. As nothing fave faith in God can uphold a man in time^ of
perfecution : fo by perfecurion and trouble , Cod ufeth to caufe
his own to make uTe of faith,and to draw nearer hand unto him,
as the PfaMnift did finde by experience, faying 3 But God is my
defence. 2. It is netdful that he who would have Gods help and
protection in a particular good caufe, ffiould fee that the recon-
ciliation of his perfon be folidly grounded on the Covenant of
Gods grace: My God is the rodi of my refuge, j. The godly
may from Gods Word give out damnatory decrees againft their
perlccutors, which furcly (hall he executed j as here thrice de-
ftrucVion is pronounced by the Pfalmijt againft theoppreifors.
4. The deftru&icn intended againft the godly by their eppref-
fois , is as re.uty ft any thing to be the trap to take thimfelve$ rfrj
Qoi frail 'bring upon them \ tbtiif c#h iniquity , And frail cut
thern 4
368 PSAL. XCV.
them oft in tbeir own wicficdncffc $ . How li ttle appearance fo-
ever there be of the vengeance of God upon wicked Rulers abu-
ling their power againft the godly for their righteouineffe and
piety, yet the overthrow of them muft not be doubted of , becaufe
of the Covenant paft between God and his fervams, who fcrve
him in fufferin'g for righteoufneflfe > for the repeating ot the kn^
tence of deft ruction the third time againft fuch opprcflfors , doth
teach fo much : 7ca> the Lvrd ourgodjball cut them off.
PSAL. XCV,
THis Pialme is applied to Chrift: by the Apoftle, Hcb. $. 7,$,
o, i o, 1 1, Whereof there are two parrs. In the firft, is an ex-
hortation to worfhip God in Chrift, or Chi iff God with the Fa-
ther and holy Spirit, dwelling among them in the Temple , and
reprefentingunto them his future incarnation , and the execu-
tion of his offices in types and figures. The arguments of prai-
fing and worshiping of him are five. The firft , becaufe he is
tfterockofourfalvation, vcr. 1, 1. The (econd, becaufe of his
greatnefle> vcr. $ . The thirds for his power , vet. 4. The fourth;,
becaufe he created all things, and ushispeopre, vfr. $, 6. The
fifth,' becaufe he is our covenanted God and Paftoi'4 ver, 7. In the
latter part of the Pfalm is another exhortation unto the vifible
Churchy to evidence their obedience of faith, and not to harden
their heart in the time of Gods dealing with them by his Word^s*
their fathers did, whopeiifhed in the wilderneffe for their pro-
vocation, vcr. 8, 9, 10 } iu
Ver. I. /^\ Come let its Jing unto the LORD :
K^Jtet us makf a jojfull noife to the Rock
of our falvation^
2. Let m come before hU prefence With thanks-
giving : and make a joy full noife unto him with
Pfalmes.
From the fi.ft exhortation unto a chcarfal praifmg and wor-
shipping of God, manifeftinghimfelfe in Chrift tohis-Church,
arttf
PSAL. XCV. 169
and unto joyful thmkfgiving for fal vat ion offered , and granted
to us in him, which is the firft reafon to move them to the duty}
Learn y I. A? theneccflity and acceptablcneile of the duty of
praifing G^d 3 and thankfgiving unto him , is very remarkable;
foisour unreadinelle unto the duty , and uncheanulneffc in ic
obfervable alio : for the frequent and prefling exhortations
thereunto do intimate fo much unto us : come, let us ftng unto
the Lori\ letusma^e a noife, let us come before. him. 2. Every
one , but fpecially the Lords Miniilers , mould ftirre up theif
people and o:hers alfo to this duty , to difcharge it not only in
fecret , bat alio publick T y in their Congregations, and that with
cHeanulnefle , with heart and voice 4 , whatever ihall be their
private grievances and burdens 5 Let us come before bis prefence
with thanksgiving , and mx\e a joyful noife unto bim with P films.
$. Whatfoever evil or grkfdo trouble us , there is reafon of joy
and p.aifc and thanks, when we I09X to Jefus Chrifl and his be-
nefits : Muliea joyful noife unto the 7{pcfi of our falvation. From
him is our full deliverance, and upon him lieth our victory over
fin, Satan, death, hell, and all enmity , founded as upon a Rock.
4. It is time to come before Ood for mercy to prevent juftice,
while yet we are fpared ; and he is not come to us in judgement*
for fo the Word in the original giveth ground , fignifying com-
ing fpeedily, and with prevention : Let us fpceiily come before
bis prefence , or preoccupy his prefence. 5. He that cometh to
God in Cbrift, meeteth wiih his reconciled hec 5 for the coming
to the Tabernacle , the Ark and mercy-feat , did fignify and
promife fo much : and therefore it is faid,? Let us come before his
prefence , or before bis face.' 6. Singing of Primes mould be
done as a matter of honouring God p and not as a matter of
pleaung our own eares , ortheeares of 0, hers > Let us come with
thanksgivings or confeffion and praifing, and mj^c a joy full noife
unto bim with Ufalmes.
"Ver. 3. For the LORTj is a are.u God : and
a great King above all gods.
Another reafon of praifing Ch ift , is his greatnefle and fupre-
macie above all Rulers, and above all imaginable excellency.
IVfjcnce learn, 1. He that hacha minde to p.aifc God , mail
not want matter of praife , as they who come before P.inces do;
who for waji; of true grounds of praife iu them, do give ilum rl -t-
B b teiing
370 TbAL. XCV.
tering words: For tbe Lord is agrext Cjod , for power and pre-
heminency , for ftrength and cor.ti mane*. 2. Ex.ep: we put
all things thar bear the name o^exjellency under Gods feet, whe-
thet they be Angels or Princes^ or whaticever the wo.ld makuh
their god , we do not give him his due honour : He is a great
Kjng^above all gods.
Ver. 4. In his hand are the deej> places of ths earth :
the jlrength of the hills is his afo.
A third reafon of hi> praife is this, he is ftrong , fufhining by
his power fea and earih, and all things of height. Whence learn,
1. Whatfoever is moftfecret snd remote from mens power, or
from our fight and knowledge, God hath it at his difpofins 5 for
fcefuftainethit, and makethit fubdft: In hk band are the deep
places of the earth. 2. There is nothing of any ftrengh among
all the creatines jwhich hath not its ftrength borrowed from God:
-Tke ftrcugthof the hills is his alfo.
Ver. 5. Tk fea is his , and he make it • and his
hands formed the dry land.
6. come, let us worflAp and bow doyvn : let ta
kneel down before the LORD out m*\ber.
A fourth reafon of Chrifts praife is-, becaufeheis the Crea-
tour of all things , and to be wor hipped of us as our C e.uou r.
That Chrift as God, or God to be incarnate, one wiih the Father
and holy Spi.it, is here intended, appeareth by the command gi-
ven to the worfhippers to prefent thcmfclves in the Temple, and
to kneel down toward the place of the Al k before God dwelling
between the Cherubirns, that is, before Chrift* God to be incar-
nate. Whence lexm, 1 . All things were made by Chrift, whether
high or low, C°^°lf' u l &- ^nd lt was mcet that our Saviour
fliould be no other then he by whom Tea and dry land were made,
fo great is the woik whUh the Mediator hath in hands. The (ex-
is his , and he mi&it y and his hands formed the dry land.
z> Chrift as he is one with the Father and holy Spirit in great-
nefle and power , in refped- of his Godhead and divine nature :
fo is he one with the Father and holy Spirit in the capacity of di-
vine honoui $ come, let mwo flip and ' t borv down. $. Religi-
ous'
PSAL. XCV. 371
ous kneeling is a part of divine worfhip , whereby we tdtifyour
abfolute fubmiflion anto.and higheit tiding of honour to God in
foal and body j and this honour is incommunicable to any crea -
ture : Come, let m wtrflrip and bow d$wn, let m facet before the
Lord our ma^eu
Vcr, 7. For he is onr (3od, and Vre are the peo-
ple of his paflure , and the fheep of his hand : to
day if ye will hear hU Voice.
The fifth reafon of Chrifts praife is > becaufe he is our God,
and Paftor of his Church, by ofticeof his Mediatorfhip. Whence
learn , 1. God deferveth praife of all the world , but ipecially of
his Church j becaufe of the near relation of Covenant between
God 3nd his Church; Let ta worfhip and bow down : for he is our
tjod. 2. The good rtiepherd of che Church s who layeth down
Jiislife for his fhcepsthe great Doctor and Prophet of theChuechy
the Mediator of the Covenant of grace , and covenanted fpoufq of
the Church , is very God , and was knowne, believed on, and
worfhipped as very God, before his incarnation : He is our (jod>
and we are the people of his pafturc. 3. Chi Hi the Maker 3 the
Govlj the Mediator and P. ftor of the Church , doth not only ef -
fe&ually feed his people by teaching , but alio effectually govern E
e,th and defendeth his Church by his omnipotent power ; We art
the people of his pafture, and the fheep ofhU hand ; whom his Al-
mighty hand and power governeth and protecleth in all ages.
Ver. 8. Harden not your hearty as in the provo-
cation : and as in the day of temptation in the ml-
idernejfe :
9. When jour fathers tempted me : proved me^
And faro my Work.
10. Fonrty years longwas I grieved wi:h this gene-
ration , and, f aid, It is a people that do erre in their
heart : and they have not knowne my waies.
In the latter part of the Pfalme^ which beginner h in the former
verfe. To day if ye will hear his voice , harden not your heart \ foe
giveth another exhortation to his Church vifible ,. to believe and
obey the voice of our great, Prophet Jefus Chrii), asthe Apoftle,.
ticb*}. ffimlM 1 * tcacheth us to expound k, Thenujnaix
Bb 2, &mekt
37* PSAL. XCV.
gument to enforce the exhortation is, left the curfe of God mould
ovevtakcthe difobedient,and they mould be debarred from heaven
andhappineile, as the misbelieving Ifraeiites were fecludcd from
Can/tan j and from heaven iigniticd by it : the uiftory may be
feen } Exod 17 . Whence leirve , i. The voice of God in the
Scriptures, in the Gofpel 3 appointed tc be preached by fent Mi-
nifters , is the voice oi God the Father, God the Son, and God
the holy Spirit ,one God in three perfons: for all who do grant the
Scriptures, to be divine, do acknowledge alfo that the Scriptures
are the voice of God the Father ; and this Pfalme the Apoftle,
Heb.f.7. calleth the faying of the holy Gbofi : and in that fame
place he expoundeth bis voice , of whom this place doth fpeak to
bethevoiceofthc5 , e?z7/c,JefusChrift j and fo the voice ofGod
in the Scriptures, in the Gofpel, appointed to be preached by
fentmeflengers, is the voice of God the Father, Son and holy
Spirit, as David alfo doth teach us , a Sam. zj. 2,3. The Spirit
of the I ord fpake by rnt, there is the perfon of the holy Sfpirit : The
God of I frael faid , there is the ordinary delignation of the perfon
of the Father without fedudingof the V^oriqx Spirit: The Rock
oflfracl jpafa to me , there is The defcripf ion of the perfon of the
Son, who is the Builder of the Church , his houfe, and the foun-
dation whereupon his Church is builded $ againft which the
gates of hell (hall not prevail. 2. The vifible Catholick Church,
which hath the Word of God preached unto them, and are in
Covenant with him, is the people of Chrifts pafture , and flieep
of his hand , whe- ein may be found many fuch. as harden their
heart and perifli, and fo are not all of them elect perfons 5 for, To
day if ye will hear his voice> is fpoken unto all,to whom the Word
of God doth come, and doth bring them in the bond of the Co-
venant to hear his voice. $, Of fuch as are in Covenant with
God in Chrift, to believe and obey his voice, thofe only are actu-
ally true difciplcs, who hnve this property; to love, to believc,and
to obey Gods voice , to yield their heart to the Lords Word: To
day if ye will hear his voice^ is here the probation of their cove-
nanted p ofeflion. 4 Theprefent time only is the opportunity
offalvation, or embracing of the offer of Gods grace, and teftify-
ing of our obedience of faith i we are not fure how long the
Word iliall remain with us, or we with it : 7 dxy if ye will hear
his voice. 5. How ignor 1 nt, weak , and unable foever a man be
by nature, to believe and obey the voice of God , yet feeing God
doth offer hi mfelfe by his Word to cure him of all his evils , he
cannot endure thzt 9 emjq (h^oM witrjn^ly & willingly reject the
counid
PSAL. XCV. 373
counfcl of the Lord , and refolutely ftrengthen himfclf in his
natural misbelief and difcbcdience , tor this were to harde i his
own h:art yet more, which here is forbidden : To day if ye will
hear his votce, harden not your heart. 6. T: e example of other
mens finnes mould be made ufe of to make us wife for efchew-
in j the iike, as here the hift oi y of the peoples murmuring ag.iii.ft
GodandhisMinifters,is for this end recorded fomExct/. 17.3,4.
concerning their tentatio 1 of God , and provocation of him in the
wiUc r iicffe. 5. It is to good purpofe that we look upon the (ins
of our foe-fathers, and upon Gods judgement on them for their
(ins,that we may be humbled & m de watchful againft hereditary
fins', fo this end is the time told them, Wl)en your fa hers tempt-
ed m:, proved me. 8. He that ma- eth queftion ei her ol Gxls
power or good will, after he hath had experience and proof" there-
of, burieth unthankfully the Lords bounty, and do:h draw a gi eat
deal deeper in the (in : for this doth aggravate the provocation of
God by the carnal Ijraclitcs here, that they hid often proof what
G )d could do , They favo my wor^s, faith he. 9. The Lord not
only ma. kcth mens (ins . bur alfo doth reckon how long they con-
tinue inthen : ¥ our ty year es long was I grieved. 10. Misbelie-
ving of God, and not fubmiuingour felves to his government; is
a vexing of his Spirit , and a provocation of him to reject the (in-
ner i Fourty yeares long wx\ I grieved with this generation.
11. The errors of the mink are dangerous} but the errors of the
heart are yet more dangerous : for the faults of the minde (imply
confidered, are ignoiance and error ; but :he fault of the heart, is a
loving of darknes and error : the error of the minde faith, I knew
not, I did noc underftand fuch a duty 5 but the error of the heart
hith no lefie then, i will not know \ I de(i*e not to hear of, I
care not for fuch a duty ; I (aid it is a people that do errc in their
heart, and they have not known my wayes : that is , they have not
regar Jed my wayes, have not allowed of them, or loved them ; for
otherwayes they were not limply ignorant of them ; they heard
his words, and fawh swords. i:# Not to fubject our felves to
fuch and fuch particular hard exerci:*es,diffi:ulties,itrai:s,ikl lad
diipenfationS; as it plenfes God to put us under, is a not knowing
and difipproving of the ways of 3od, which he followed in ,;eiU
ing with his people , an. I is no lefle then if we did take upowtfgtd
be wifer then he, and to coun.el and lircfl h'm h >w to govern the
world and our particulars be.:er then he doth ; They crre in h:art x
And have not known my wayes,
B b J Vto
Ver. ii. Vntovohom I [ware in wj wrath: that
the) Jhould not enter into my reft.
To enforce the exhortation, the Lord lepeateth the doom pro-
nounced upon fuch as harden their own hearts, in their unbelief
and difobedience or" the voice ot' God, to wit, that he fware ,' they
fhould not enter into his reft, that is, they mould not enter into
the reft of reconciliation andpeace with God, which is a part of
the believers reft, whereof the Apoftle fpeakerh, commenting on
this place, Heb. 4.5. nor into the reft of Canaan the type of hea-
ven \ for they died in the wilderneffe: nor into the reft of hea-
ven fignihed by Canaan, fo many of them as continued in this fin
of hardening their heart againft the voice of God, Whence le.>rn,
*t There is a reft of God ordained for Believers , who give up
their hearts to the impreflion of Gods voice , in the obedience of
faith ; to wit, the reft of pftification , reconciliation , and peace
with God; the reft uf begun fan&ification,and ceafing f;om their
own works; and the reft oteverlafting refreshment, be^un in this
life, and perfected in the life to come : for this is the reft which
God calleth here his reft : They Jhall not enter into my reft. 1. As
all Cm hath judgement following after it , as the fhadow follow-
eth the body : fo hardening of the heart againft Godjfl^grd in
fpecial, hath' wrath annexed unto it 3 To whom lfwrnfymy^
Wrath. 3. Obftinate hardeners of their heart in ffKbeUfeiraud
dilbbedience againft Gods Work, are near to the curfo $ and whe-
never do continue to the end, ihall be found reprobates juftly
damned to the eternal torment of reftleffenefs^gainft whom God
ftandeth fworne, to condemn them and deftroy them: Unto
•whom 1 [ware in my -wrath , that they Jhould. not cnt.r into
my reft. 4. The molt fearful curfjs and threatnings pronouncel
a^3init Tinners by God, and the molt terrible judgements which
haveteen executed upondifobedient unbelievers of Gods Word,
are merciful! and fat fie. ly warnings ot Gode children j to efchew
fuch ns as carefully and really , as they abhorre the punifhment ',
infli&c." for them 5 for the Lords making ttfe c f his wrath againft
the misbelieving and dilobedknr Jjraelucs here doth teach us
fo much.
PSAL.
PbAL. X^VI. 375
PSAL. XCVI.
WErn'e, i Chrov. \6. 23. 1 part oi this. P^/m, fung
at the bringing up of the Aik to Sion, to be in lub-
ftance and almoft in words al one and the fame withthts
which is he -c ; tor as the e , (0 here the Prophet forefceth in the
Spirit the fpreadingof the Ki^gdomc of Chrift among the: Na-
tions; And therefore fivft , he cxhortcth all people heartily to re-
ceive Chrift, and propagate his. flory, ver. tj i, $. And gi-
veth reaions for it, vet. 4. ^6, Then he re^earerh and inlar-
geth the ixhomtion to gloiific Godj and to re Joyce in him, be-
caufc Chiift was indeed ro'come among the Gentiles, to reign,
among them righteoufly, v<y. j 9 S, $ y io a n 3 1 : 3 1 3,
Vcr. \. £~\Si»gH»to the LORD a neW fong :
\Jfing Mt° the LORD all the earth.
2. Sing unto the LOR'V, bleffe his Name, JhfM
for ihhULfAlvation from dty to day.
* ?v *&tbUre his glory amovg the. heather) : hh won-
dirs among all people.
Prom the exhortation given xo all Nations to rejoyce for
Chrifts coming among them; Lcame, 1. As fadnefle and
forrow, mifcry and mourning, is the condition of all people, till
Chrift the true Ark of the Covenant come unto them: fo Chrifts
coming among them, isth^nntter of thegrcateft joy that ever
linnets did hear cf> for upon rhi> ground arc all here exhorted
to rejoy:c; Ofing unto the Lord\ 7. As the matter of Toy ia
Chrift iseverlafting, and (hall never decay; fo 'Jve reason of
praifing of Goi for falvation in him, is everlafting atfo^ new and
iYefli matte being alwayes offered of joy to us, andpraife to
God, which fliall never vanifh nor wax eld 5 Sing unto the
Lord a new Song. 3 All the earth hath intereft in this Song,
and is obliged unto the duty of joy and praifc, hecaufe out of
all pecpie, tongues and languages; God is to gather a people to
be laved ; Sing unte the Lord all tbceirtb. 4. We have meed a-
eain and again to be ftirred np to joy in Chiiil, to praife him;
Bb 4 for
foe wea-e dull, and the work excellent, and no man doth dis-
charge the duty lufficiently : therefore is it faid the third time,
S ing unto the Lord. $ . The grace offered in Jefus Chrift, is a
perpetual reafon of declaring the g'oodnefle of God, and that
Chrift is the fountaine of all bleffcdnefl'e to them who do re-
ceive hirh : for, 'Blcffebis Name, doth import fo much. 6, The
falvarion which comerh through Chrift, ought to be commend-
ed as Gods falvation indeed, becaufche devifed it, hepurchafed
it, and he it is that doth apply it to us, and maketh us partakers
of it; Shew forth his falvation. 7. The doctrine of 1'alvjtion
by Chrift, is the common good of mankinde, and ought not to
be concealed, but let forth to all, preached, and proclaimed, and
fpoken of by all, according to their vocation and ability ; Shew
forth his falvation from day to day. 8. It is a part of the Commif-
iiongiven to thelVjiniftersoftheGofpel,not only tote^ch their
Congregations concerning Chrift, but alfo to have a care that
they who never did heare of him, may know what he is, what he
bath done and fufYered, and what good may be had by his medi-
ation : Declare his glory among the heathen. 9. Nothing fo glo-
rious to God , nothing fo wonderful in it felf,as is the falvation
of man by Chrift : to behold God faving his enemies, by the
incarnation, fufFet ings and obedience of Chrift the eternal Sonne
of God y Declare bis glory among the Heathen, his wonders a-
mong all people.
Ver. 4. For the LORT> is great, and greyly to be
praifedi be is to be feared above all gods.
5 . For all the gods of the nations are idols I but the
LOBSDmade thcheavens.
6. Honour and maiefty are before (jijn : Hrength and
fyeauty are in his fantluary.
The reafons of the exhortation are, becaufe God is Sovereign,
above all, ver. 4. and all other gods beiide God are idols,
ver. ?. and whatfoeveris glorious is to be found inhiraonly,
ver. 6. Whence learn, 1. None can pi aiie God till they con -
fider his excellcncie, and that his wifdom , power and empire
is cibove all created or imaginable greatnefie , for The l^ord is
great and greatly to hepraifeL 2. As the Lord is pvaifc-worrhy
lor lis goodnefie and readinefle to communicate ci his riches to
' J - - ; ' cli
PSAL. XCVI. 377
att hi J creatures, and moft of all to his lervanrs: (o is he able to
puniih his adversaries, ind all that contemn his Authority ^which
no creatu.e is able to do ; He is to be feared above all gods.
$. Whofoeverdo not fubmit themfelvcs to God, a 1 ™ vvorftiip
and obey him, (hall be found to ferve idols and vanities, where-
by they can have no good, but difappointmenc of hopes : for,
blithe gods of the ^Nations arc idols. 4. The framing of
heaven and eai th, and the upholding and governing of all the
creatures proveth, that die Maker thereof is God alone., and
that there neither is. nor can be any befide him ; all others who
have the name ofgods are idols: /ill the gods of the heathen are
idols: but the lord made the Heavens.) 5. Before a man can
come to the knowledge of God, he muft firft meet with the
rtiining beams of his honour and majeure in his Word and in
his Works; for thefe are Apparators and Harbingers going before
him ; Honour and majefiy are before him. 6. The power and
gJory of God is not rightly fecn, either to Gods praife or a mans
Talvation, except by his own ordinances in his Church where
he himfelf is both teacher, and the fubftince alio of what is
taught ; Strength and beauty are in his Santtuary.
Ver. 7. Give unto the LORD, (0 ye k'»4 } £#<
of the people, ) give unto tkp LORD glory and
Strength.
Here he repeateth. and dilatcth the exhortation in foure
branches. In-thefirft, he exhorteth to acknowledge, that glory
and power belong to God, both in decreeing wifely,and in execu-
ting timoufly and powerfully his own decrees > in ipecial, the
work of Redemption and Converficn of the Gentiles by Chi i ft-
Whence learn, As it is the finful fuknefle ot natiualmen, to
take to ihemfelves, orto give unto the creatures the g'ory of
every excellent woik, which is properly due to <-od alone; lo i$
it the part of a renewed foul , to give the glory of every thing
which is praife-worthy un/o God alone ; which glory G.cd ex*
pecteth, and fhall have it of the Gentiles bein° reconciled and
inftruftcd by the Gofpel : Give unto the Loid, 0}e fan/ire J \
of the people, give unto the Lord glory and flrcngib.
Ver. 3. Che unto the LORD the gfarj due un-
to
? 7 3 PSAL. XCVL
to his Name , bring an offerings and come into his
courts*
In the feconl branch, he exhorteth all to acknowledge the
Lord, as they who are worfhippers of him, And who are taught
by his Word, fhoulddo. Whence lam, i.It was foretold, tnat
as the Church of l(rael was taught by the Lords Word to know
him: fofhould the Gentiles be to taught alfo 5 for, Giveunta
the Lord the glory due to his Name , prefuppofeth and importeth,
that they (hould have his Name fet forth in his Word, and
ihould be inftruclcd to know him, and how to worfhip him ac-
ceptably. 2.Whatfoever point of glory the Scripture giveth unto
God,itmay not be withdrawn from htm,nor communicated to any
other be de him; for it is his own proper due: Give unto him the
glory due to bis Name. 3. It is the manner of the Scriptures of the
OldTcftimentj to exprefle the fpiritual fervice of the Gofpel in
the termes of the fervice of the Law : Bring an offering, and come
into bis courts. 4. Albeit bodily facrifices and oblations, and
the material Temple of tfcrufulem be taken away; yet the moral
duties fhadowed forth inthem, are (till neceffary to be done :
we muft not come for fafhion , empty and vaine before G"d,
but with the calves of our lips, offering up our felves in a li-
ving facrifice,holy and acceptable to him : Bring an nffcringun-
to hn ?.. The Church of the Gentiles make up one Church
with the Jewes, and are of the fame incorporation and holy fo-
ciety , and partakers of the priviledges of the Church with them :
Bring an offering, and come into his courts.
Ver. o. worfhip the LORD in the beauty of ho-
lineffe : feare before him all the earth.
Inthe third branch, he exhorteth more particularly all the
Gentiles to worfhip and feare the fame God with the Church of
the Jewes. Whence learn , 1. True Converts mult fubmit
themfelvcs absolutely unto Chritts Government, in foul and
body; for, worfhip the Lord, importeth fo much, t. Then
is a mans wo' '<hip Wai fubmiffion fandiGed,and made acceptable
when it is offered in and through Chrift,and in fociety with his
Church reprcfentcd by the Sanctuary, here called the beauty of
holineffe 5 Worflnp the Lord in the bciuty of holineffc. $ . A-
mon* all Gods works nothing fa beautiful as his ordinances,
rightly made ufe of in his Church ; Worfoip the Lord irt the
beauty of holineffc. a . All our worfhip muft be fcaloned with
/ear, [eft we fwervc on either hand from the rule prefcribed by
God ; Fear before him all the earth. V*r.
PS At. XCVI. 379
Vcr. To. Say among the heathen xhn the LORD
r eigne th: the world aljo {hall be eftab lifted ^ that
'it fhall not be moved: be /ball judge the people
righteouflj.
11. Let the heavens rejoyce : and let the earth
be glad; let the Jea roare and the julnejfe
thereof.
12. Let the field be joyfully and all that is therein :
then [ball all the trees of the Wood re Joyce.
I 3 i Before the LORT>, for he comet h , for he Com-
eth to judge the earth : he fiall judge the world with
ri^bteauf.effe) and the people rtnh his truth.
In the fourth place, heexborteth the Lords Minifters , his
called meiicngers every where toprcclaime Chriit, King in his
own Church , and to declare the benefits of his reigning in fpe-
cial thefe three, i. The putting of all things which are in dif-
order and contufion in the world by fin, into their own order a-.
gain > andfetling all things to the perpetual benefit of his iub-.
jects. 2. Chriils righteous governing and de : ending of his fub-
jects. 3. The unexprefliblejoy which Chi ill doth bring to his
people, for letting forth whereot, ^11 the reafonable and under-:
ilanding creatures are unable. Whence learn, i . Where foe ver
tnc Gofpei is preached, there without injuie to Migiflrates.
Chrift may and mould be declared King , lovereigne Lord and
Law-giver in all the matters of Religion , and whatfoever con-
cerned the falvation of men and lei vice of God : Say Among*
the heathen that the Lord rci^netb i. Before Chrift come to x
people, men neither know God,nor themielves, nor what is their
profit , nor what is their loffe : for before Chriil reveale him-
felt to a man , things earthly and temporall are put in the room
ot things heavenly and everlafting : the creitures and lufts ot
men are put in the room ot God, and the finncr is made 2 (lave
to his own lulls and unclean ipiiits ; but when Chnft cometh,
who is the light ot the world, and the life of men , and convin-
ced men otlin and righteoufnefie and judgement, then is the
(inner humb ed, and God exalted, and every thing is put in its
own place, and a lolid Hate of grace and glory is rounded by his
Word and wo. king , and is fetled by his decree tor che benefit of
the
380 PSAL. XCVI.
the world of his Ele& and Regenerate people: for by Chiifts
governing the world alfofball be ejlablijbcd 3. The Kingdom
of Chrift is a Kingdom which cannot be moved , and they who
are his Subjects, do receive this Kingdom in title and right 3 and
begun podeffion^which cannot be taken from them again * The
T99rli alfo Jhall be cftxbljjhed that it cannot be moved. 4. The
government of Chrifts Kingdom is fo well and wifely carried by
him, as right is done to God and man, to friends and foes , and
no injury to any party is allowedjand courfe is taken to give effe-
ctually to every man according as his work (hall be : He (bail
judge thepeoplc rigbteonjly. 5. There is no true rejoycing for
tinners in heaven or earth , except in and through J efus Chrift
alone : all joy of fanners without htm is madnelfe , and in
hjm men have caufe of rejoycing whatfoevei condition they (hall
be in: Let the heaven rejoyce "and let the earth be glad', let the
fea roarc, and the fulneffe thereof 6. The joy which Chrift bring-
eth to his people is fuch, that men and Angels are not able to ex-
prefle it 5 and if all the dumb creatures had mindes and mouthes
to fet it forth, it were a taske and more for them to undertake it :
Let the heavens rejoyce , and the earth be glad y let the fear oar e,
and the fulnejfe thereof j &c. 7. As all the creatures are in 3 fort
of bondage and fubjec~tion u nto vanity through the fins of men jib
have they their own redemption & freedom from vanity in rela-
tion to Chrift, and the fervice which they do unto the Saints,who
make right ufe of them 5 and at length the creature (hall be fully
delivered from the bondage of corruption , and in its. owne kinde
have caufe of rejoycing : Let the heaven , earth, fea and fields re-
joyce, &c. S. All the creatures are at enmity with man, before
he be reconciled to God in Chrift ; but when peace is made by
Jefus Chrift, they look upon man all of them with another coun-
tenance, as fervants unto and children of their Lord , who is Fa-
ther of the reconciled, and govemour of all for their good : Let
the fields be joyful, and all that is therein } then foall all the trees
of the wood rejoyce. They (hall look upon a reconciled man
walking in the light of Gods countenance as a Paradife. 9. The
fitft and fecond corning of Chrift to (hew him elf King of his
Church, is ground and caufe of all joy to his Subjects ; Let them
and all the creatures rejoyce before the Lord, for he cometbjoi' this
for he cometb ftwice Did) to 1 udgc the earth, is given for a reafon
of the exhortation 10. By Chrifts government , every poor
and needy Subbed is helped, fupphed , comforted anJ provided
for, as their caferequireth : all the Subjc&i are juftiried by the
impu-
PSAL. XCVII. 381
imputation of the rightcoufnefle of Chrift,allof them are renew-
ed and begun to be fan&ified , and made to aime at righteouf-
nefle more and more in their wayes^ all the proud and adverfai ies
of his Subjects are declared againft ; courle is laid down in the
Wordofttuthfora fulldcliverieof his people from all injuries
andeppreffion , from all miferieand tin, with the full punish-
ment of their enemies : He Jhall judge the world with righteouf-
ncjfe, and the people with hit truth.
PSAL. XCVII.
THis Pfalmecontainethaprophecie ofthefpiritual glory of
Chrifts Kingdome, to ver. 8. And the ufc of the Do&rine
to the end of the Plalme. The comfort of Chrifts Kindome in
relation to his Church is let downe, vet. 1,2. And the terrible-
nefle thereof in relation to his enemies, vtr % $, 4, ?, 6. with a
curfeuponinage-worfhippers, ver* 7. The ufes of the Do-
ttrine, they are foure. Thefirftis, that all excellency , and
whatfoever is honourable in the wcrld , ihould do homage to
him. let down in the end of vet- 7. Thefecond is, that the,
true Church mould be glad at the hearing and the feeing of the
execution of Gods judgements upon idolaters,with a reafon for it,
ver.Syp. The third ufe is, a dire&ion to the Saints to beware
of fin, with fome reafons for it, ver. 10,11. The fourth ufe
is, that the righteous mould rejoyce , and thank God upon all
occafions, ver. 12,
Ver. 1. nr^He LORD reigneth, let the earth re*
JL jojee : let the multitudes of J (les be .
glad thereof.
2. Clouds and darknefe are round about him :
righteoufnejfe and judgement are the habitation of
his throne.
ThcPfalmift procbimeth Chiift King among the Gentiles,
aad doth commend his Kingdome to them , as full of joy, full
©fmajefty, and lull ofrigrueoufneffe. Whence leum, 1. Be-
fide
328 PSAL. XCVII.
fide the fovereignty whichGod hath over all peopleshe hath a fpe-
ciail Kirigdpm , wherein he reigneth by the Gofpel of Chrifi •
this is it whereof here he fpeaketh, faying, Tht Lord reigneth.
2. Comfort againft all g'Jef from fin or mifery , true matter of
joy and full felicity, is to be had by the coming of this Kingdom;
1 he Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoyce. 3 . The Ifles of the Sea'
arc in Chr Its charter , and have their fhare of rhe joy which is
to be had in Chrift ; Lee the multitude of the IJlcs be glxd there-
of. 4« How defpicable foever Chrifls Kingdome mayfeem to
the world, yet it is full of heavenly majefty ; Clouds and darfc-
nejfeare round about him* 5. The glory of Chrifis Kingdome is
unfearchable , and hid from the eyes of the world , who cannot
take up the things of God, except he reveale himfelfto them,
and do op en rhe eyes of their underftanding ; Qlouds and darfc-
neffe are round About him. 6. The Kingdome of Chrift °iveth
no liberty unto fin,but is altogether for righteoufnefle and judge-
ment ; for therein righteoufnefle is taught to finners , and they
made righteous, and kept in the courfe of righteoufnefle,and de-
fended from the harme of their adverfaries,and rewarded accord-
ing to their righteoufnefle, and all the unrighteous are adjudged,
to punifhment according to their works j Rigbteoiifneffc and
judgement are the habitation of his throne.
Vcr. 3. A fire goeth before him y and burneth up
his enemies round about.
4. His lightnings inlightcned the Vvorld: the earth
Jaw it, and trembled.
5. The hills melted Ufa waxe at the pre fence of
the LORD: at the prefence of the Lord of the
whole earth.
6. The heavens declare his righteonfneffe ; and all
the people jee his glory.
, After the Pialmift hath fet down how comfortable Chrift is to
his Subjects, he fheweth how terrible he is to his enemies.
Whence learnt, 1. Albeit the Kingdom of Chrift be a King-
dome for righteoufnefle , and a fountaine of joy to all who do
receive him i yet fuch is the natural wickednehe of men, that he
{hall not want enemies, as here is imported plainly, xl There
ifc'nolefli, but rather more wiv.th attending the defpifers'ofthe
GbffU/
PSAL. XCVII. 383
Gufpel, then did attend the giving out of the Law, Hcb. 11.29.
A fire goctb before him % 5. Albeit ihe enemies of Chrift were
neverlbmany 3 invironing his flock round about; yet (hall he
reign in the midfl of them, and confume all his adveriaries : *A
fire goeth before him> and burnctb up bis enemies round about.
4. He letteth forth his wrath , not all at once, but by degrees ;
lighter judgements,and foregoing terrours come before deftru&i-
on : his Ugh tnings inligbtencd the world: the earth faw it, and
trembled. 5. Chiift {hall utterly undo thegreateft Potentates
on earth, if they ftand in hisway and oppolehim \ The bills
. melted lil^e rvaxe at the pre fence of the Lord. 6. There is no
comparifon between Chiift and his enemies; tow great Vlo-
narchs foever they be, they cannot fland before his presence > For
he is the Lord of the whole earth. 7. Our Lord mall not wane
Preachers of his righteoufneffe : for befide the WordofGoJ,
bleiTmgs from heaven upon his friends, and judgements fro.n
heaven upon his enemies, according to the Word , (hall teftihe
for Chrift 5 The heavens declare his righteoufneffe. 8. The
judgements of God upon the enemies of the Church, and his
bleltings upon his Church , (hall be fo evident , as beholders
fhall be forced to acknowledge God in them , manit'efting him-
feif for Chriih Kingdomey And all the people fhall fee bis
glory,
Vcr. j. Confounded be all they that ferve gra -
ven images , that boafl thtmf elves of idols : worfhip
him all ye gods.
He fecteth down Gods curfe upon idolaters,or image-woi (hip-
ta, and then fheweththe ufes of the former Do&rine, for fur-
ther fecting forth the glrry of Chriih Kingdome. Whence learn,
I. All they who either ferve or worfhip graven images, ae reck-"
oned by God for enemies to God and to Chiift ; and it is a part
of Chrifts glory to abolilh images > and all worfhip and fervkc
unto images out of his Church: Confounded be all they that
ferve graven images. 1. A beit tuch as are lovers of imagery,
not only do ferve images, but alfo will defend the fhtecf i-
magesinthe exercife ot Religion, and glory in them ; yet (hall
th.yat length be afrnmed of their Drafting; Confounded be all
they that jet ve graven mages , that boait tbemfclvcs of idols
jv God will not have ftuh. thrive woiUiip as men would give
him /
384 PSAL. XCVII.
him, by ferving or worfhipping of him in, at, or before images :
the way how God willbelerved , is by a dired and immediate
worshipping of him, without the mediation or intervening of
any thing which may inte cept his worftiip : for in opposition to
relative worftiip in the fei vice of graven images , he faith, IVor-
jhiphim'i imposing that when images are worftiipped , God is
not worihipped at all, whatfoever the image-worfliipper doth in-
tend. 4. VVlrtfoever creature hath excellency in heaven or
earth , or can pretend to any tmiriency or excellency of whatfo-
ever fort, muft do homage unto Chi ift : Worjhip b:m all )c
gods 3 and this is the firft ufe of the former Do&rine.
Ver. 8. Sion heard, and Veas glad: and the
daughters ofjudah rejojeed, becaufe of thy judgements,
O LORD.
Ver. 9. Tor thou, LORD, art high above all the
earth : thou art exalted far above all gods*
"f" he fecond ufe is to comfort all true wovftiippers 5 partly,be-
caufe they hear Gods wrath threatened and executed againft Ido-
laters ; and partly, becaufe they have hereby a clear evidence of
(Thrifts fupremacy over all creatures^ Whence learn, 1. The
condemnation of imagerie, and of all fervice and worftiip to gra-
ven images, is a Do&rine comfortable to the true members of
the Church ; Sion heard, (to wit, this curte againft Idolatry J
and was glad. i. The true Church confidered in her colle&ive
incorporation , as the Mother Sion : and in her particular
branches and fubdivilions, as Daughters o\<fudab depending up-
on Chrift, the true Vine- tree of tfudab , have the fame realonsr
of joy, and the fame grounds of edification by Gods Word, and
works of judgement , wrought for clearing of true Religion ,
and (naming of falfe worftiip : Sion heard, and was glad •> and
the daughters ofjudah rcjoyced : becaufe of thy judgements , O
L07(T>. $. The maniieftation of the Gofpel ot Chrift , is the
exaltation of God, and manifeftation of his excellency; whofe
difhonour as it fliould be the* matter of our grief j (o his manife-
fted glory fliould be our joy , as the reafon here given of the joy
of the Saints dorhte^ch us > For tbou,Lord, art high abov: all
the earth : thou art cxdtedfar above all god f.
Vciv
PSAL. XCVII. 385
Ver. IO. TCe tfat love the LORD, hate evil* he
preferVetb the fouls of hit Saints: he delivereih them
out of the hand of the ftic ked.
II, Light is fowtn for the righteous : andgU'lnfffc
for the upright in heart.
The third ufe of the Doctrine, is an exhortation to the fakh-
full to ftudie holinefle, and to cfchew the fellowfhip of fin, what-
foever may be the danger -, partly i becaufe the Lord will deliver
his own Out of the hancfs of their enemies: partly, becaufe God
hath appointed comfort unto them, borh in and after their affli-
&ions. Whence learn, 1. A Believer in God , or a true
worihipper of GodinChrift, is alover of God; for thus are
they dekribed here , 7e that love the Lord. 2. The love of
Cod muft be joynedwith, and manifefted by the ftudy of a
holy life, and with not onely abstaining from , but alfo with
hating and abhorring of that which isfinful; Te that love the
Lord, bate evil. 3. Albeit the hating of evil and loving of
God may readily make a man the object of malice and of gerfe-
cutionfrom wicked men, yet ihall the godly have their ioules
faved ; yea, and at length be fully delivered from the harme
which Satin and the wicked intend to bring upon the gedly for
that caufe > He prefcrvetb tbefoules of bis Saints : be deliver eth
tbemout of the band of the wicked. 4. All the exercifes of the
godly> and fpecially their troubles for righteoufnefle, are but the
feeds of their joy and confolation, which God is to bring forth
unto them out ofthefe troubles : Light Ufowen for the rigbtc-
9m. %. The Lords children, who love him, and hate evil,rauft
1 tiot think to have the fruit oftheirrighteoufnefieprefently in
| poffeflion , but muft give a time unto it , as is given to corne
! that is caft into the ground, and as after a time the corne doth
jfpring, and comes to a ripe harveft $ fo (hall the troubles of the
I godly have a comfortable iffue : Light is fowen for the righteous
6. In reckoning of the righteous, the Lord counteth men by
their heart: and fo many as by faith in Chrift have purified
their hearts unto the unfeigned ftudy of holinefle, they are
righteous before God , albeit their infirmities be many ; and
whatfoever fit of grief and interruption of joy fuch men be fub-
jeft unto for a time , yet at length their portion (hall be a full
Cc fiarvcik'
Zte
PSAL. XCVII.
harvcft of gladneiTe; Light k forvcn to the righteous , and
who thefe are lie fhewethj and gladncffe for tbe upright in
heart.
Vcr. 12. Rejoyce in the LO RD , je righte-
ous: and give thanks at the remembrance of hie
kolineffe*
The fourth ufe of the Do^rine > is an exhortation unto
Bclcevers, to be joyfull and thankfull whatfoever be their
condition in this prefent life , bec^ufe of the falyation ma«
nifefted in Chrift. Whence learne, i. Whatfoever may be
the tribulation of the faithful! in the world 3 they have
matter of joy in the LORD, and they mould flirre up
themftlves to rejoyce , and make confeience of the com-
mandment; 7{ey>yce, ye righteous, in the LORD* z. What-
foever can be taken from the godly , their right and intereft
in CHRIST can never be taken from the ti , and
fo there is caufe to give thanks for this gift for ever;
And give thanks at the remembrance of bis bolineJfe 3 nt
confejfetothe remembrance of his holinejfey that is, acknow-
ledge to his glory the benefit which you have by being a
Subjeft to this King. 3, Whatfoever word or work of
CHRIST doth bring us to the remembrance of his Name,
{hould bring us aifo to the confideration and remembrance
of his holinefle , which is the untainted glory oi all his attri-
butes, witdome , juftice , goodnefie , power , mercy, truth,
Sec. and is the untainted glory of his Word, workes, and
purchafe unto us 5 Give tban^es at the remembrance of bit
bolinejfe.
PSALM.
PSAL. XCVIII- 387
PSAL. XCVIII.
I^His Tfalme is an exhortation to Jew and Gentile , to ro
I Joyce and bleflc the Lord for Chrifts comine, to fct up his
Kingdome in the world. The exhortation is thrice prefled.
1. In proper tcrmes> requiring the Church to ling for joy, with
reafonsadjoyned, vet. i/ftj- Then it is repeated, and
mufical inftruments called for , to (hew that by humane voice
the matter of the joy whichis in JeAis Chrift,. isinexpreffible,
her. 4, y,.6. 3. To (hew that neither voice of mm, nor mufical
inftruments are fufficient to exprefle the joy which comeih by
Chrifts j£ingdome : the whole creatures are called unto this
work ofrejoycing, and fetting forth his glory , vet. 7, 8. And
the rcaforiis given, becaufe Chrift cometh to fct up , and exer-
cife his Kingdomc in righteoufneffe, vet, 9.
Ver. l^r\Si'/ig unto the LORD a new fong \
y^J for he hath done marvellous things'*
his right hand and his holy arme hath gotten him
the vittory.
2. The LORD hath made known hisfalvation: his
right eoufneffe hath he openly fbewed in the fight of the
heathen.
3 . He hath remembred his mercy and his truth to"
Ward the houfe of Ifrael: all the ends of the earth have
feen the falvation of our Cod.
The exhortation to ling unto the Lord, who is Chii ft !, hath"
nve reafonsadjoyned, The Bill is, becaufe he hath wrought
the work of Redemption wonderfully. The next is, becaufe he
hath done his work by conflict with his enemies, and hath got-
ten the victory, vet. 1. The third, becaufe he hath caufed to
preach hisfalvation to the Gentiles 3 vet. 2. The. fourth 3 bo
caufe he hath performed hispromifes made to the Jcwes. And
the fifth, becaufe he hath made all the earth to fee the falvation/
\YhichGbd in Covenant with his Church hath wrought for his
Co *
388
PSAL. XCVIII.
people, ver. 3. Whence lame, u The joy which Chrift doth
bring, can never vvaxe old : but becaufe mercies through him
are everlafting , and the perfons who have (hare in this joy, are
made new 3 and all things unto them are made new 5 therefore
the fong and joy alfo fhall be made new : fing unto the Lord
Anew Jong. ?. Salvation brought by Chrift , and the work of
Redemption wrought by him, is a moft wonderful work; for it
is brought about by the incarnation of God , by the painfull
fuffering and ftiamefull dcathof God incarnate; by whole ftripes
we are healed , nnd.by whole death and returreftion we have life,
and immortality given unto us: For he hath done marvellous
things. 5. It is by battel 1 a^ainft the enemies of our falvation
that we are delivered : for On ift hath wreftled with the guild-
nefle, merit, and punifhment of our fins 5 wreftled with the
curfeoftheLaw, with Satan, death and hell J and whatfoever
could hinder our Redemption and Salvation , and hath gotten
unto himfelfe the vi&ory to our advantage; His right hand.
And bis holy arme bath gotten him the victory. 4, No creatures
help hath our Lord ufed in this work, but done all immediately
by his own divine power, being God Omnipotent ; His right
band, and his holy arme bath gotten him tbeviftory. 5. The
glory of the falvation of man, by this meanes is moft juftly to be
afctibed to him alone , and to be called his falvation > becaufe
he devifed it , and brought it about immediately by himfelf, and
caufeth to proclaime it in his own Name to the world by the
pieaching of the Gofpel : fo it is in all thefe refpefts his lalva-
tion; The Lord hath made known bis falvation. 6. The way
how Chrift maketh known his falvation , and maketh us par-
takers of his falvation , is by making known bit rigbteoufncffi 9
ortherighteoufnefte of faith*, and making us partakers there-
of by the preaching; of it among the Gentiles; His rigbtcouf-
neflc bath be openly foewcd in tbc fight of the heathen. 8. What-
soever promife he hath made to the Jewes , he doth not forget it>
but whatfoever cloud is come upon that Nation , all the mer-
cies and promifes made to them^ (hall all be performed: He
hathremembrcd hi* mercy and bis truth foward the boufe oftfrael.
9. The fwlneffe of the Gentiles fhall be made partakers
of the Covenant of Grace , with the true Church of the
Jewes 1 All the ends of the earth bave feen the falvation of
§ut God.
Ver.
PSAL.XCVIII. 385?
Vcr. a. Ma\e & jqful noife unto the LORT) all
the earth : make * lohd noife \ and rejojce, and Jtn£
fraife.
$. Sing unto the LORD with the harp : and the
voice of a Pfaim*
6. With trumpets and found of cornet : make a ]oj»
fnl noife before the LORT> the King.
From the repeating of the exhortation to the whole earth,
Jewes and .Gentiles, and calling formuficalinftruments to ex-
preflfe this toy, whereby the paedagogie of the Church under th«
ceremonial law, ( which now is aboliihedj taught them the
greatneffe of the fpiritual joy of Chrifts coming. Learn, i.The
joy of faith, the joy allowed unto beleevers in Jefus Chrift , is
unfpeakable and full of glory, which cannot be expieffed by
words or humane voice ; tor this the variety of mufical inftru-
ments in Godspraife, at the offering of the faciifices, did fea-
dow forth under the laws and hereit isfigoified by thisexhor-
tation , to fing with the btrp, trumpet and cornet > and that
with fpecial relation to Chrift, as King in Sion : Make a joyful
noife before the Lord the %ing.
Ver. 7. Let the fea roar e, and the fulneffe thereof*
the world^andthey that dwell therein.
8. Let the floods clap their hands : let the hills be
jo) ful together.
In the exhortation direded to tho dumb creatuees, fea, floods
afld hills, that they mould utter Songs of joy ; Lcdrn> i.Thc
fetting forth the pnife of Chrift for the Redemption of (in-
ners , may not only furnifli work to all reafonable creatures,
but alfo if every drop of water in the fea, and in every river and
flood, every fifli in the fea, every fowle of the aire, cvcryliving
creature on the earth, and whatfoever elfe is in the world : if rhey
all had reafon and ability to exprcfic themfelves ; ye3, and if ail
the h ; .lls were able by motion and gefticulation to communicate
their joy one to another; there is work for them all to fet out the
C c 1 p;aife
39o PSAL. XCVIII.
p.aifeot Chrift; for, Let the fear oar e, and the fulneffe there-
of: the world, and they that dwell therein : Let the floods clap
their bands f (?c doth import fo much, i. As the Lord can ne-
ver be furficiently praifed for lalvation through Chrift: fo can-
not any hearers dutifully^ and as becomes them, hear this do-
ctrine without great joy or ftirring up themfelves to rejoyce
therein: for if fenfelefle creatures in their own kinde be called
upon to rejoyce, much more finful men, to whom the grace of
Chrift is offered, and for whom the work of Redemption is
wrought.
Ver. 9. Before the LORD, for he cometh to judge
the earth : With righteoufneffe Jhall he judge the worid 7
and the people with equity.
Thereafonofall this joy is rendered in this, that Chrift is
coming to judge the earth and the world righteoufly, and to
judge his own people in fpecial. Whence learn y 1. All the joy
conceived for the Redemption and Salvation wrought by Chrift,
and all the joy which floweth from his righteous Government,
ftiould be offered unto God in fincerity, as a part of worfhip
and thankful acknowledgement of his gracious gift: for the ex-
hortation is not to rejoyce /imply, but, to rejoyce before the Lord*
2. Chrift is very God, effentially JEHOVAH, before he be in-
carnate : and when he cometh into the world, by afliiming our
nature, he is the fame : Rejoyce before the Lord or tfebovab, for
he cometh to judge the earth : that is, Chrift who is Jehovah com-
eth to judge the earth, 3. It was foretold, that the work of go-
verning the Church, and of ruling the whole earth for the
Churches behoof, is committed unto Chrift incarnate, or to
Chrift coming into the world $ He cometh to judge the earth.
4, Chrift fhall guide the whole world, fo as all wrongs fhall be
condemned, and betaken order with: his own people fhall
have injuries done to them avenged, and themfelves directed,
protected ana comfortrd ; With rigbteoufneffe foall he judge the
world. 5. As Chrift fhall reward every man according as his
Wotks have been, and do no man wrong: fo (hall he make his
own people righteous, and followers of the rule of equity;
JVitbrigbtcouJuefJefiall be judge the world, and the people with
equity.
PSAL.
PSAL. XCIX. 391
PSAL. XCIX.
FOr thecomfort of the Church againft the multitude of e-
nemies round about her, there is in this Pfalm a declarati-
on of the Kingdom of Chrift, reigning as God, one with the
Father and holy Spirit, in the Church of Ifrael, before his In-
carnation: with a fourefold exhortation to all who mall heare
tell of him. The firft exhortation istoftandin awe of him,
becanfe of his great majefty manifefted in Sion, vcr. 1,2. An-
other exhortation is, to praifehimfor his greatnefle, terrible-
neife, holineffe and rightcoufnefle, vcr. 3,4. A third exhor-
tation is> to glorifie andworfhip him for fundry realbns, v&*
U*>7> §• For which herepeateth the exhortation the fourth
time, vcr. 9,
Var. 1. *TFHe LORD reigncth , let the people
X tremble : he fitteth between the Ckc-
rubims, let the earth be moved*
2. The LOVSD is great in Siov, and he is high a-
bove all people.
From the firft exhortation to feare (Thrift, and to ftand in awe
of him ;Larn> 1. Chrift was King in his Church, before his
incarnation, and did reigne in the light or his Saints, from the
beginning of the world : for as the Father from the begin-
ning was inChrift his Sonne the Mediarbur, reconciling the
world to himfeli, no: imputing their trefpaties unto them: (o
Chiift the eternal Soane was in the Father, and with the Fa-
ther and holy Spirit gathering ana governing his Church all
the time before his incarnation : for i: is Chrift of whom here
the Pfalmift fpcaketh , and calleth him 'febovxb, Ring in
Sion ; The Lord rcignetb. 2. Albeit the Church beconipatici
about with enemies, as the lilie among the thornes; yet bc-
c.uife her Lord reigncth in the midftct her, file hath reabn
not only to comfort he: felfe in him, bu: alio hath ground of de-
fying her enemies, and bcafting againft them; The I
reigncth, let the people or Km ions tremble. 3. The Lords
people do no: worfhip an unknown God 3 they know
Cc 4 and
39? PSAL. XGIX.
and where to Bade him, to wit, in his ordinances, on the throne
bfgrice, reconciling himfelf to the world in Chrift j He fitwh
between the Cherub ims. 4. Whofoever do feekGodin Chrift,
iaave the Angels attending on Chrift, to go forth for the fer-
vice and fafety of the bcleever and worfhipper $ for this did the
ceremonial figure fignifie He fitteth between the Chcrubims.
j. As Chrift is attended by Angels to the comfort of his
Church, fo alio for the terrour and punifhment of all ad-
verfaries in the world 5 He fitteth between the Cberubims, let
ibe eirth be moved. 6. Albeit the Lord be great in his works c-
very where, yet is his greatnefle moft manifeft to his Church
by his Word and Works to her and for her ; the Lord is great in
6ion. 7.Thereisnooppoiitioriwhichcanbemade againftthe
Church; nopqwer or multitude of people able to prevail by
counfel, device, plot or practice againft his Sion or his Church;
for, He is high above all people : to diflipate their 'devices,
bridle their fury, and deft roy them at his pleafure.
Ver. 3. Let them praife thy great and terrible
Name, for it is holy.
4, The Kings fir ength alfo loveth judgement \ thou
dgft efiablifh equity : thou executeft judgement and
righteoufneffe in Jacob*
The fecond exhortation is to praife Chrift the King of his
Churchy for his' greathe fie, terrour, holineflc, moderation of his
power, and love of juftice. Whence learn, 1. Whatfoever we
know or underftandof God, we (hould not only by faith Tub*
fcribe to it, and fcale it, and praife God for it our (elves, but
mcuul alio commend it to others, and wimthe like mould be
done by all men: Let them praife thy Name. a. As the
great neffe of God in Chrift on the one hand mould induce men,
io the terrour cf our God, who is a confuming fire to his ad-
verfaries en the other hind, mould prefle men to praife him 5
Lctthcmpraifet'y great and. ten illc Name. $. Whatfoever in
Scripture is fed of Chrift, will be found to be really in him; he
will apfwer to his nunc perfe&ly in all things , without' ftaine
or blot; Let them praife thy great and terrible Name, for it h
holy. 4. Albeit the enemies of Chrift, dclpife the weaknefle
and limplicity of his G venment, yet he is a powerful and
ftrotog King, both inbimfdr, and in and for ail who bcleevein
: * : hiiii?
PSAL. XCIX. 191
Mm i for here the Church praifeth tb e Kings jtrcngtb. j.Chrift
moderateth his power, fpecially ift relation to his fubje&s, and
doth not what he may : dealeth not in the rigour of juflice with
his people, layech no more on them then they are able to beare:
his yoke is eafie and his burden is light; yea, he fuftereth them
not to be tempted above their ftrcngth, but dtaleth difcreetly
with them; moderation and difcretion pleafcth him: The
lyings ftrengtb loveth yudgement. 6. The courfe which our
God hath fet down for comforting the affli&ed, relieving the
opprcfled, taking order with hypocrites and obftinare offenders,
is very equitable, and a courfe which he will not alter or change;
for , He lovetb judgement , andtbou doft cftabiijl) equity , faith
he. 7. Chrifts anions and difpentations are anfwcrable to his
Lawesand his revealed Word ; he teacheth his fubjeftsrighte-
oufnefle ; he makcth thenyighteous, performeth his promifes,
and executes his threatenings in his Church, according to his
facred Word : Thou cxecuteji judgement and rigbteoupicjfe, in
Ver. 5. Exalt je the LORT) our God, and wr»
Jhip at lots jootfiool : for heu holy..
A third exhortation, wherein he prefleth the fame duty of
glorifyngof God the third time, by three reafons ', One is, be-
caufehe is holy, ver. 5. Another is., from the example of the
Lords moft approved fcrvams, who did fubjec~t themielves un-
to the Lords ordinances, to their own and others advantage,
ver. 6,7. A third realon, from the example of the Church
both in the wildernefie and in after-times, who as they found
the benefit of obedience of the ordinances of God, when they
worfhipped God as he commanded them : fo did they imart for
their clifobcdicnce when they followed their own inventions,
ver. 8. whereupon he repcatetb the exhortation the fourth
time, ver. 9.
Whence lexrne^ 1. Then is God rightly acknowledged, when
his Covenant of grace offered in Quirt is embraced, when
men joyr.cthemfclves tothetrucGod of Uriel , and when they
efteemeof God and acknowledge him, as fuprcme Lord and
King over all : Exalt ye the Lord our God 2 # Gad will be wor-
shipped, when, and wheie,and how he pleafcth to commands and
will not be worshipped butinChi-jft, figured by the Temple
and
304 PSAL. XCVIX.
and Ark oftheTeftimony in it.- worjhipat or before bis foot-
ftool. 3* The worfliippers of God under the Old Teftament
were taught to lift their mindes above all earthly things, and
loofe their mindes from all limitation of God unto any cor-
poral prefence in the Sanctuary or Ark, and to wor (hip him as
Solomon did, to wit, as God incomprehenfible, every where pre-
fent, and to be fought in heaven, and adored in a fpiritual man-
ner: for the Temple and Ark were but as his foot ftool, i lyings
18.27. Exalt the Lord our god, and worjhip at bis footftool.
4. Holineffe is the Lords property: he is holy in himfelf, holy in
his appointing of his ordinances, and holy in his receiving of
wormip ; rejecting all worfliip, but what he commandeth and
callethfor, and he will be acknowledged holy by all that wor-
ship him : and worthy is he fo to be efteemed of$for, He is holy :
and this is the fcrft reafon.
Ver. 6. Cfrfofes and ss4aron among his Priefis,
and Samuel among them that call upon his Name:
they called upon the LORD, and he anfwered
them.
7. He (pahe unto them in the cloudy pillar : they
kept bis Tefiimonies y and the ordinance that he gave,
them.
The next reafon is from the example of holy men of God,
Mofcs and Airon , Priefh or chief Officers, and Samuel a
Piieft, Prophet, and Ruler of the Lords people, who all of
them fubjected themfelves to the Ordinances of God j and wor-
fhipped him to their own great utility, and advantage alfo of
them 3 with and for whom they prayed unto God, and worfhip-
ped him. Whence learn, 1. The examples of holy men of God
commended in Scripture unto v.s 3 do fervc for inducement and
encouragement unto us, to beleeve in God, to worfhip, and to
obey him : Mofes and Aaron anong bis Priefts, or chief Offi-
cers, and Samuel among them thai: all upon bis Name. z. Be-
caufe the holieft men of God that ever wetc in the Church, ftood
in need cf the ordinary jtotnn.es of grace an.i wormip, and fub-
jc&ed themfelves unto Ordinance; \ the. Lord will have none
of his people to neglect Ordinances, or lift themfelves above
Ordinances 5 for, CMofcs, Aaron and Samuel were among them
that
PSAL. XCIX. zn
thit call upon his Name. $. Whoever worfhip God, and obey
his Ordinances uprightly , are enrolled in the catalogue with the
chiefelt Saints, woriliippers of God ; Mofcs, Aaron and Samuel-
Among tbcm that call upon bis l^jtme. 4, The prayers of the
faithfull are not fruftrated , but have a good anfwers and the
anfwer of the holieft fupplicants is fct forth to encourage the
meaneft' of believers to call upon God alio j as the impartial hear-
er of the prayers of all that call upon God in truths for he is no
accepter of perfons : and to (hew this , it is faid here, Tbey called
upon the Lord , and be beard tbcm. 7. The more evidences
we have of Gods pretence, and the more familiarly he conde-
fcendeth to teach us , the more humble and obfervant mould wc
beofhisOrdinauces and Commands; He fpa\e unto them in
the cloudic pillar : tbey b K cpt bis tcjiimonics , axd the Ordinances
which be gave tbcm.
Ver. 8. Thou anftveredft them , LO RV our
God : thou waft a God that for gave ft them , though
thon tookeft vengeance of their invent iens.
The third reafon to move all to the duty of vvorfhip and obe-
dience, is from the example of the mercy of God toward fincerc
worfhippers on the one hand, and juitice toward them that fol-
lowed mens inventions in Religion in the wilderneffe or after-
ward on the other hand. IVbence learne , 1. The fame God,
the fame Mediator, the fame Covenant of grace belong to the true
Church both in former & latter ages; Yhou anfvpercdfi tbem,OLord
our God . 2. Albeit the Lord give forth his Ordinances molt holy
and perfect, to dircd men in their worfhipping ; yet fo perverfc
is mens corrupt nature, as from time to time they are deviling de-
vices, and following cheir own inventions , as here is imported.
I 3. As the Lord is very merciful to his people , when they conti-
| nue in his fear : fo is he juft to correct them , wi.cn they pollute
! Religion ; Tboutoofiejl vengeance cf their inventions. 4. Pcni-
I tent (inners j although plagued for their fin, yet were never rcfu-
j fed forgivencfle of fin, when they prayed ::nd fought unto God
• for hyTbou waft a God that for gave!! tbcmjkough thou tovfeftven-
gemec of their inventions. 5. Piagukd iiifliifce ; for fin t'pon Gods
people, are not punifliments fatish&ory biuo juftic$.,&>c means
I of correction, fcrving to d.'ive men to , and to fcekinc;
of mercy, and may well ihnd with forgiv«ic0c of few 5 ior CloJ
can
3p6 PSAL. C.
can both plague finners to drive tliem to repentance, andforgi Te
their fin when they do repent : Thou waft & God that forgaveft
them , though thou tookefi vengeance of their inventions.
Ver. 9. Exalt the LOR D our God, and Wor-
Jhip at his holy hill ; for the L R *D our God
is holy*
The fourth exhortation to glorify God, wherein he doth ex-
pound what he meaneth by the footftool of the Lord fpokenof,
vet* 5; to wit, mount Sion 3 the holy hill where the Ark was;
adding the fame reafon of the exhortation which was before,
becaufe the Lord our God is holy. Whence learn , 1. It is apart
of 3u exalting of the true God , to joync with his true Church ,
and to offer unto him with others, fuch worfliip as he doth pre-
fcribe > Exth the Lord our God , and worjlnp at his holy hill.
2. The Lords holincffe requireth of all men the exaltation of
his Name,and fubje&ion to his Ordinances 3 neither can his ho-
lincffe fufter any other worftiip then what he himfelfe doth ap-
point: IVorjhip at his holy bill* for the Lord our God is holy.
3* TheholinefleofGod 3 and the untainteJ glory of all his at-
tributes , is both the glory and comfort of his people who arc in
Covenant with him, and a motive alfo to them, to invite
all men to the fellowship of his fervice with themfelves : Exalt
the Lord our God, for the Lord our God is holy.
PSAL. C
A Pfalme of pra'fe.
THe title of the Pfalm flieweth the fum and fcope thereof to
be for (lining up of the whole Church to prai(e God cheer-
fully j unto which duty all are exhorted once, ver. 1, i. for three
reafons. Firft , becaufe he is God. Secondly, becaufe we are
his creatures. Thirdly,becaufe we are his covenanted people, or
members of the vifibleChurch.whereof he taketh care as a Pallor
doth of his own flock, ver. J. And again,all are exhorted to thank,
piaifc, and bleffe him , ver. 4. And that for h}s goodneffe, mer-
cy, and truth , ver. j t
Ver. i.
PSA'fc.'C; 397
Ver. I* \ !l*s4ke ajoyftillnoifcunto the LOR D,
lVl4// jt lands.
2. Serv* the LORD with gladnejfe : come be-
fore his prefence With finging.
From the fir ft exhortation to praife God ; Lame , 1. The
duty of the Church vifible, in all her particular meetings in
every place , how largely foever God (hall extend it, is to accept
the offer of the grace of God joyfully 3 and to acknowledge the
glorious riches of the grace of God , which he offercth unto them
in the Gofpel 5 M&\e a )oyfull noife unto the Lord , all ye lands,
or , all tti earth. 2. As we ought to accept of the offer of the
grace of Go J joyfully : fo mould we alfo dedicate our felvesto
Gods fervice heartily , ashecallethforit; becaufe according to
the Gofpel, our perions and fervice are accepted , imperfe&ions
pitied , our fins pardoned , and our holy endeavours are graci-
oufly rewarded ; Serve the Lord xoixh gtidneffe* 3 . Our joy
fliould be ftirred up 3 and expreflcd by Gnging or Pfalmesj efpeci*
ally when we come to the afferablies or publick meetings,wherein
the Lord hath promifed to give his prefence with his own Ordi-
nances 5 Come before bis prefence with finging.
Ver. 3. KnoVo je that the LORD he is Co J,
it is he that hath made m , and not we our (elves : T9C
are hit people y and the Jheep of his paftnre.
From the reafons of this exhortation 5 Lcarne , 1. Such is
our natural Atheifme , that we have need again and again to be
inftru&ed, that the Lord is God 5 of whom , and through whom,
and for whom are all things j ISjiow ye 3 tbxt the Lord be is God.
2* If we did confider well , that we are Gods creatures , it wtrc
a forcible motive unto us, to employ in Gods fervice whatfocver
we have of God, life, motion, being 3 and gifis $ and to beware
to make any thing we have of^God, a weapon of unrighteouf-
mfle for fighting againft him ; and of this confidcration we have
need tQ be put in muide, and to be ftirred up to the duty : He it
istbxtbxtb made us. $. The glory of our regeneration or new
creation bclongeth unto God , no lefle then the glory of our cre-
ation and natural birth : and itis>no lefle madneflc to afciibe the
work of our regeneration to our own power ^ then toalctjbeour
tirft
3p8 PSAL. C.
firft creation to our felves; for in both refpefls here it is faid,
that it is be tbxt made us , and n$t we our [elves. 4. As the
Lords people fhould ftirre up themfelves to more thankful feivice
unto God, as their relations unto God 3 and obligations to him
as their King and Paftor 3 are joyned ; fo may they expect from I
God for their encouragement, whatfoever is needful to a people
or a flock to have from a good King and faithful Paftor j We \
are bis people, andficcp of bis pafture.
Ver. 4. Enter into his gates With thanksgivings
and into bis courts with With prfrfe : be thankful
unto him , and bleffe his Name.
Prom the repetition of the exhortations Learne , i. It is
our duty in our approaches unto God, fpecially for any folemnc
fervice, to confider what rich benefits we have from him , that
thereby we may be ftirred up unto the more hearty acknowledge •
ment of his favours $ Enter into bis gutes with thanksgivings
2« A s the Lords benefits to us fhould be looked upon in our ad-
dieffes unto him: fo aha his glorious attributes, and his workes
anfvverable thereto, fhould be confidered ; whereby we maybe
the better dKpofed to give unto him glory in all refpe&s : Enter
i?itobis courts with praife. 3. Th,e more we look upon Gods
praifes, the more fhall we fee our own riches , and the iblidity of
our bleffednefte in-him , and the reafons to move us to thank and
bleffe him : "Be xbmkfull unto bim, and bleffe bis liame.
<
Ver. 5. For eke L R 1> is good , his mer-
cy is cverlafling: and his truth endureth to all ge-
nerations,
Prorh the reafons fubjoynedtothe fecond exhortation to praife
the Lord; Lexrne> 1. It is a matter of perpetual praife of
God , and of thankfgiving, and bleffing of him , that as he is al-
fufficient in himfelfe : fo he is alfo communicative of his
riches unto his creatureas , and unitp us his own people moft of
all > Bleffe bis Name, for the Lord is good. 2 . Albeit we be fin-
full , and deferve to be cut off in juftice from the benefits
which Gads goednefle might beftow upon us 5 yet the courfe of
his pardoning mercy renewing- the remiflibn of fin to us, as
diV
PSAL. C. 3PP
oft as we come to him in his Chrift, doth keep the channel of his
goodncfle open and clear to us , that it may run toward us for
ever 5 His mercy is cvcrlaftinz. 5, The Covenant of grace fet
down in the Scriptures of the Old and New Teftament, with the
legacieof fo many rich Promi reserving to ftrengthen the faith of
every weak believer, doth make the matter of Gods praife, and
of his peoples joy esfofure, that how fad foever our fpirits may
be, when we look to our felves 5 yet we (hall have matter of prai-
fing, thanking, andblefliugGod, when we look tohisgood-
nefle and mercy , and to what he hath for our comfort faid in
the Word of his cverlafting truth : Be tbanfifull unto bim, and
blcjfe bis Name: for the Lord is good ; his mercy is cverlafting,
And bis truth enduretb to all generations. Amen.
FINIS.
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