to deliver for foure reasons The first because it was his law and words of his mouth directed to his covenanted people ver 1. The next because this doctrine was mysterious and full of â—…id wisdom ver 2. The third because it is an ancient doctrine delivered to the Church of old and transmitted unto them that succeeded ver 3. The fourth because it must be known and transmitted to the succeeding posterity and following generations of the Church for the glory of Gods wonderful working for his Church v. 〈◊〉 Whence learn 1. Such is our dulnesse and slownesse of heart to understand and beleeve what the Lord doth say unto us that we have greâ—… need to be admonished and stirred up to attention and hearing with â—…aith Give eare O my people saith the Spirit by his Prophet 2. The authority of divine doctrine should tie ouâ—… cares to hear it reverently beleevingly and obediently it is the Lords law and the words of his mouth speaking by his Prophet to us Give eare O my People to my law incline your â—…ares to the words of my mouth 3. Albeit the Word of the Lord be plain to the attentive beleever yet to the unattentive misbeleever it is a hid mystery and for this reason we have need to hear attentively and beleevingly I will open my mouth in a parable I will utter dark sayings 4. The Word of the Lord hath true antiquity with it divine doctrine is no new doctrine and for this reason should we hear it attentively and beleevingly I will utter dark sayings of old 5. Albeit the Word of the Lord be a mystery and dark sayings to the misbeleeving multitude of the world yet it is understood received and beleeved by the true members of the Church from age to age therefore the Prophet speaking of himself and of the godly in his time saith of their parables and dark speeches Which we have heard and known and our fathers have told us 6. Those are worthy of the name of Fathers in the Church in relation to posterity who transmit to posterity the truth of God contained in Scripture such as is here set down in this Psalme and this is the only infallible sort of tradition which delivereth to posterity what God delivered to the Prophets or their Predecessors by Scripture such as is the doctrine delivered in this Psalme Which we saith he have heard â—…d known and our fathers have told us we will not hide them from their children 7. The godly in every age ought to have the same care to transmit the Word of truth to their posterity which their ancestors had to transmit it unto them and to pay the debt they owe to their faithful Ancestors unto succeeding generations We will not hide them from their children shewing to the generations to come c. 8. The subject matter of sound and saving doctrine is the setting forth of the glory of God in his attributes and wonderful operations for his people Shewing to the generations to come the praises of the Lord and his wonderful works that he bath done Ver. 5. For he established a Testimony in Iacob and appointed a Law in Israel which he commanded our fathers that they should make them known to their children 6. That the generation to come might know them even the children which should be borne who should arise and declare them to their children 7. That they might set their hope in God and not forget the works of God but keep his Commandments 8. And might not be as their fathers a stubborn and rebellious generation a generation that set not their heart aright and whose spirit was not stedfast with God After the Preface he bringeth forth a notable evidence of the Lords care of his Church in giving them his Scriptures and revealed rule of faith and obedience to be transmitted from one generation to another ver 5 6. that they might have faith and hope in God and obey his commands ver 7. and not be like such of their Predecessors as were rebellious hypocrites and backsliders from their covenanted duties v. 8. Whencelearn 1. One of the chiefest mercies that can be bestowed on a people is the giving of the holy Scriptureâ—… unto them and revealing unto them the way of salvation and of Gods service which he requireth this is put in the first room here For he established a Testimony in Iacob and appointed a Law in Israel 2. Gods words and ordinances appointed in Scripture are witnesses for him of his wisdom power holinesse mercy and justice against such as do not make use thereof and a fixed rule for mens faith and obedience therefore is it said He established a testimony in Iacob and appointed a Law in Israel 3. The Scriptures were not appointed for a rule only to those to whom they were first directed but for the use also of the Church in all ages following which every man must both study to understand and obey himself and also teach his children and those under his charge to understand and obey according to his place he gave a testimony and a law to the fathers That they should make them known to their children thâ—…t the generation to come might know them even the children which should be borne who should arise and declare them to their children 4. The end of revealing and teaching of Gods Word is to beget and increase mens faith in God and dependance upon him as here is set down the Word was to be declared to their children That they might seâ—… their hope in God 5. The way to foster saith and hope in God is to mark and consider and keep in a sanctified memory how God hath alâ—…eady confirmed his Word by his works and by pawnes and pledges both of his power and purpose to perform what he hath said therefore doth he joyne unto the duty of setting their hope in God the duty of not forgetting his works intimating that if his works were forgotten his Word would not be beleeved and faith and hope in God would not remain constantly fixed on God 6. The faith and hope which God craves of his people to be fixed on him is such as may bring forth obedience to his precepts therefore unto hoping in God and not forgetting his works he addeth But keep his Commandments So this is the summe of true religion to have faith in God upon the termes of grace offered unto us through a Redeemer and to hope for and expect the accomplishment of all his promises and to foster our faith and hope by the consideration of what he hath done for his people and uprightly to set our selves to keep his Commandments 7. The example of fathers is not to be followed except wherein they followed the Lord where their practice is not conformable to Gods Word we must not be like them therefore saith he And might not be as their fathers were stubborn 8. This is the natural inclination of corrupt mankinde to go on in our finful
the chief Musician upâ—…n Mahalath Maschil A Psalme of David AS in the fourteâ—…nth Psalm so here David comforteth himself and the rest of the godly in their sad sufferings which they felt from godlesse men lying in the miserable condition of nature ver 1 2 3. The grounds of comfort are three the first because God was engaged in the sufferings of his own and would plead their controversie against the wicked ver 4. The next because Gods judgements were to come on all the persecutors of the godly vâ—…r 5. and the third because there is hope of full salvation of the godly in Christ ver 6. Comparing this Psalme with Psalmer 14. wherein the enmity of the wicked against the godly and the comfort of the godly in that case in this place are the same which are set down there We learn That as the godly may fall oftener then once in one case under one and the same tentation some sort of hard exercise and grief so may they and should they make use of the same comforts and bring to memory the same doctrines for that end as the Church is taught to do Psalme 14. and here in this Psalme Ver. 1. THe foole hath said in his heart There is no God corrupt are they and have done abominable iniquity there is none that doth good 2. God looked down from Heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any that did understand that did seek God 3. Every one of them is gone back they are altogether become filthy there is none that doth good no not one From the description of the miserable condition wherein the world and every unrenewed man within the Church visible â—…o lie Learn 1. All unrenewed persons are fools before God how wise soever they may seem to men 2 All unrenewed men are inwardly in their affections and resolutions Atheists in effect and such as do not regard God in any thing whatsoever they may seem to themselves or others outwardly They say in their heart There is no God 3. All unrenâ—…wed men are altogether rotten in their principles and motives of their actions They are corrupt 4. The actions of the unrenewed will be found abomination before God and will prove them to be corrupt They have done abominable iniquity 5. Among all unrenewed men whether without or within the visible Church not so much as one man shall be found to have done so much as one good action which can stand for good in Gods accompt There is none that doth good 6. The truth of this doctrine is put to trial and prooâ—… by God himself and sentence is pronounced of all mens natural aversenesse from God and impotency to do good God looked down from Heaven upon the children of men to see if there weâ—…e any that did good and he found none 7. As it is impossible they can do any good or be wise who seek not God so the proof and trial of this naughtinesse of all men so long as they lie in nature unrenewed is found by their not understanding not seeking of God The Lord looked to see if there were any that did understand that did seck God 8. Every man by nature is a Revolter from God and from the state wherein once God made man Every one of them is gone back 9. There is nothing clean or unpolluted in soul or body of the unrenewed man but the longer he liveth in nature the viler is he They are altogether become filthy 10. Seeing all men by naâ—…ure are concluded under sin without 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 that Gods children expect no good fruits from such ill trees as all men are by nature for this doctrine is delivered to quiet the hearts of the godly when they are molested by the men of this world 11. It should yield comfort to the godly to behold the miserable condition wherein all men are by nature and themselves called forth of this miserable estate and converted for this doctrine offereth ground for the comparison and consolation Ver. 4. Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge who eat up my people as they eate bread they have not called upon God The first direct Argument for the comforting of the godly under their persecution by the wicked among whom they live is that God conside eth their case and will plead their cause Whenâ—… learn 1. The Lord observeth every point of enmity which the world â—…ieth agninst his People he taketh their case to heart and will plead their cause and this is a solid ground of comfort to his People in all their sufferings Hâ—… the workers of iniquity no knowledge that caâ—… up c. 2. Grounds of diâ—… between the unrenewed and the renewed or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in this opposition of the one sort 〈◊〉 the other are thâ—… First the unrenewed all of them are caâ—… workers of iniquity but they that aree reconciled howsoevâ—… they are not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sin yet they are not counted by God to be workers of iniquity Again the Lord doth own the regeneâ—… and call them 〈◊〉 own People but doth disclaim the other as in â—…t not his people but his enemies And lastly the unâ—…generate do 〈◊〉 call upon God to wit in earnest or in 〈◊〉 but the â—…ate by the opposâ—…ion made are presupposed hâ—… to call on God and to depend upon him in truth 3. 〈◊〉 doth more evidence the blindnesse and beastly beâ—… of the conscience of sinners then the peâ—…ecuting of the Saints 〈◊〉 will not 〈◊〉 the unâ—…dly to â—…ve a godlesse life themselves except they mâ—…igne and most unreasonably oppose Piety in 〈◊〉 thers Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge that they 〈◊〉 up my People as they eat bread 4. To vex beâ—… down and destroy the godly is as great a pleasure to the wicked as to 〈◊〉 their meat They 〈◊〉 up my People as they eat bread Ver. 5. There were they in great feare where 〈◊〉 feare was for God hath scattered the bones of him that encamped against thee thou hast put them to shame because God hath despised them The next ground of comfort to the godly against persecution is because Gods judgements shall overtake the troublers of God People when they do least feare it Whence learn 1. As persecution doth cauterise the conscience and maketh it senâ—…clesse of sin so also doth it make the Persecutors fearlesse of judgement when they do eat up the People of God as bâ—… without feaâ—…e For there faith he no feare was 2. The 〈◊〉 secure a sinner is and in special a Persecutor of Gods People the more terrible shall his wakening be when Gods judgement cometh on him There were they in great feare where no feare was 3. The enemies of Gods Church make it their study and main work to overthrow the godly and to compasse them as it were by way of laying
the ewes for the good of the Gentiles and enlarging of the Kingdom of Christ among them The petition is propounded ver 1 2 In the next place is an acclamation with the Gentiles glorifying of God at their in-bringing now foreseen that it should come most certainly ver 3 4. In the third place the Church of the Jewes do applaud the second time the conversion of the Gentiles and their praising of God promising to themselves that by that meanes the increase of Gods blessing on them shall follow and the enlarging of the Kingdom of God through all the world ver 5 6 7. Ver. 1. GOD be merciful unto us and blesse uâ—… and cause his face to shine upon us Selaâ—… 2. That thy way may be known upon earth thy sâ—…ving health among all nations This is the blessing which the Lord commanded the children of Aaron to pronounce upon the people of Israel Numb 6. 22 23. â—…hich here the people do turn into a prayer for the drawing in â—…f the Gentiles unto Gods service Whence learn 1. It is safe turning of Gods offers promises and forms of blessing of his people into prayers we are sure so to pray according to Gods will as the Church doth here 2. It is the duty of every citizen of the Church as lively members of that body to pray for the blessing of God upon all his people God be merciful unto us and cause his face to shine upon us 3. Then are the Lords people blessed when God doth make them instrumental to enlarge his Kingdome and to propagate the true Religion that is the doctrine of mans salvation and Gods service and this should be the aim we should shoot at in seeking any blessing to his people That the Lord may be known upon earth thy saving health among all the nations 4. The world is ignorant of true Religion till God by his own instruments reveale it and no way of Religion will please God nor profit men save Gods way only wherein he will have men to walk in the course of faith and obedience and wherein he revealeth how he will deal with us and how we must behave our selves toward him Therefore say they That thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all nations Ver. 3. Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee 4. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy for thou shalt judge the people righteously and govern the nations upon earth Selab The Psalmist foreseeth by the revelation of Gods Spirit that the Gentiles shall be converted and shall rejoyce in God and praise him and therefore will have the Church of the Jewes to welcome them and to joyn in acclamation of praise to God with them because of Christs reigning among them and ruling them by his most holy lawes Whence learn 1. The manifestation of Gods freely gifted salvation in Christ and the revealing of his manner of dealing with people and how he will have people deal with him and one with another is a matter of unspeakâ—…ble praise to God and joy to men to whom this grace is revealed that thy saving health may be known among all nations let the people praise thee O God 2. True converts unto Christ besides the joy they have of their own salvation have also daily new accession of joy at the conversion of others as they come in and ought to blesse and praise God heartily with them when they behold their conversion Let all the people praise thee do they say twice and hereafter also the third time 3. The conversion of the Gentiles was not a thing only wished for by the Church of the Jewes but also prophesied of unto them clearly O let the nations be glad and sing for joy for thou shalt judge the people righteously c. 4. The Spirit which did endite the Psalmes did not degrade the promised Messiah Jesus Christ from his Godhead for his future incarnation but speaketh of him and to him as God blessed for ever that is the true God to the Jewish Church before his coming and true God to the converted Gentiles after his coming in the flesh one with the Father and holy Spirit for sixe times in this Psalm he is called God and acknowledged here to be the fountain of mercy and blessing to men and of manifested reconciliation with men and the object of all divine honour and praise and God the Lord and Law-giver of the converted Gentiles Thou shalt judge the people righteously and govern the nations upon earth 5. The doctrine and discipline of Christ whereby he judgeth and governeth his Church is most holy and righteous and in as far as particular Churches and Christians submit themselves to his Lawes Doctrine and Government they are his true subjects and shall finde the fruit of his governing and judging For these shall he judge righteously unto these shall he do the part of a Governour even on earth He shall govern the nations upon earth Ver. 5. Let the people praise thee O God let aâ—… the people praise thee 6. Then shall the earth yield her increase and God even our own God shall blesse us 7. God shall blesse us and all the ends of the earth shall fear him In the last place the Jewish Church giveth a second acclamation to the incoming of the Gentiles and do promise to themselves by that meanes Gods blessing more abundantly upon themselves as now being one body with the Gentiles in the same Covenant of grace with them Whence learn 1. As the conversion of the Gentiles was esteemed by the Jewes a matter worthy to be oftner presented to God and prayed for and earnestly pursued by all that loved God so was it foreseen to bee a matter of growing and lasting joy to men and growing and lasting praise to God and to Christ who is God the Converter of them and the Governour and Teacher of them effectually to know his Name and salvation Let all the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee 2. The Spirit of God gave the Church of the Jewes to understand that the conversion of the Gentiles especially the conversion of the fulnesse of the Gentiles which here is prayed for when he saith Let all the people praise thee was to be a means or a mercy antecedent unto or nearly joyned with the bringing in and blessing of the Jewish Church and possibly in their own land Then shall the earth yield her increase and God even our own God shall blesse us for by the earth he meaneth the promised land of Canaan which hath been and is accursed during the time of their ejection out of it 3. When God shall be gracious to the Jewes after the conversion and bringing in of the Gentiles and shall renew the Covenant with them in Christ it shall fare the better with true Religion and with the Christian Churches among the Gentiles it shall be to them as a resurrection from the
and comforts given to any one beleever are not proper to him only but common to all beleevers and the man who can apply these promises to himself is the fittest man to bear witnesse of the interest which others have therein for what the Psalmist hath applied to himself he extendeth to all in substance The righteoâ—…s shall flourish 2. The godly shall get up their head notwithstanding of whatsoever weight of troubles laid upon them and they shall constantly grow up to the full stature of perfection whatsoever opposition be made They shall flourish like the Palme-tree he shall grow like a Cedar in Lebanon 3. The Lords children are like trees which do not grow in every soile are not nourished with every moisture the place of their planting growth and flourishing is the house of the Lord where the Word and Spirit of the Lord joyned with the holy ordinances may be had for food They are planted in the house of the Lord and flâ—…rish in the Courts of our God 4. Not every barren tree or weed not every one who is in the visible Court of Gods Church doth grow and flourish or is made partaker of the spiritual grace and blessing of the ordinances but only planted ones that is such plants as the heavenly Father hath planted for to those only who by Covenant have embraced God is the promise made Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the Courts of our God 5. True beleevers shall still persevere and the decay of the outward man shall not hinder the renewing of their inward man day by day and their last works shall be better then their first They shall still bring forth fruit in old age they shall be fat and flourishing 6. The end of the Lords destroying of the wicked and of his blessing of the true beleever with the growth of grace and perseverance to the end is the glory of Gods righteousnesse singlenesse in Covenant-making and of his constant affection to uprightnesse for these threatenings and promises shall be made good To shew that the Lord is upright 7. Whosoever neglect to give glory unto God the beleever will not faile to lay his own weight upon God and build all his felicity on him being assured that he will neither flee from nor faile the godly He is my rock 8. Lâ—…t the Lord do what he pleaseth let the wicked prosper for a while and the godly be troubled for a while yet God is wise and just and holy and that man hath profited well in the school of God who giveâ—…h this glory unto God constantly as the Psâ—…lmist doth here He is my rock and there it no unrighteousnesse in him PSAL. XCIII IN this Psalme for the comfort of Gods people against the multitude and power of their enemies and the greatnesse of Kings and Potentates in the world who oft times are like to overflow devoure and drown the Church the glory of the Lord is described in whom is the Churches defence comfort and victory For this end fâ—…st the praises of God for the Churches comfort are set down absolutely ver 1 2. Then the opposition of the enemies of the Church is compared to the growing flood or raging sea ver 3. And thirdly the praiâ—…s of God are set down in opposition to their power ver 4 5. with the use of this doctrine ver 7. Ver. 1. THE LORD reigneth he is clothed with Majestie the LORD is clothed with strength wherewith he hath girded himselfe the world also is established that it cannot be moved 2. Thy throne is established of old thou art from everlasting From the praises of God absolutely set down for the comfort of the Church in all respects and for strengthening of their fâ—…ith specially against all her enemies Learn 1. Howsoever matters concerning the Church or any member thereof shall go whatsoever he be that hath power for troubling of the Church God is he who is great Governour of all and this â—…s one ground of confidence and comfort to the Lords people The Lord reigneth 2. The outward splendor of earâ—…ly Kings and Potentaâ—…s in the world opposite to Christs Kingdom is no small tentatioâ—… to Gods people but the beleever must oppose unto this the gâ—…orious government of God He is cloâ—…thed with Majesty 3 How strong soever the adverse powers of the world do seeâ—… it must not terrifie the beleever in following the Lords cause bâ—… his stâ—…ength must be opposed thereunâ—…o and that so much the more comfortably as Gods strength is not borrowed from â—…y as the strength of the creature is The Lord is clâ—…thed with strength wherewith he â—…th girded himself 4. The 〈◊〉 of the constant guiding of the world sheweth the power and wisdom of God employed much more in setling the work of his Church for whose cause the world was made and is upheld and estâ—…blished The world also is established that it cannot be moved 5 The Lords Kingdom in his Châ—…h is not like the new upstaâ—…ts in this world which are of short standing unstable If any King be kind to his Church his people have reason to thank God but they must not lean to such a King his â—…eign shall be but short and if any King be froward and oppose himself to the Church we must not be too much feared for him because his Kingdom is but lately begun and is of short continuance but the Kingdom of the Lord is an ancient Kingdom and well setled Thy throne is established of old 6. The eternity of God is the ground of the immutability of his Kingdom and of the perpetual comfort of the Church against all opposers Thou art from everlasting Ver. 3. The floods have lifted up O LORD the floods have lifted up their voice the floods lift up their waves In the second plâ—…ce is the tentation of the Church they are like to be â—…ve flowed as with a deluge by the multitude of powerfull enemies whereof the Church complaineth unto God Whence learn 1. It is no wonder to see the world rising up tumultuously to overthrow the Church and as it were a deluge coming upon them to drown and devoure all no wonder to heare the enemies threatening destruction to the Churâ—…h like to the noise of waters after raine coming down the mountains upon them which are not able to flee The floods have lifted up the floods have lifted up their voice and the third time the floodâ—… lift up their waves 2. The best way to encounter threatenings and feares is to oppose God unto them and to lay them forth before the Lord that he may answer them as here the Psalmist doth The floods have lifted up O Lord saith he c. Ver. 4. The LORD on high is mightier then the noise of many waters yea then the mighty waves of the sea In the third place he sets down the power of God in opposition to all the bâ—…ags and malice and power of the enemies as very
farre above the power of the enemies and more mighty for the defence of the Church then the enemie is powerful to oppose it Whence learn 1. Heavenly help and comfort from above is only able to quiet our mindes in time of persecution against the feares of enemies here beneath The Lord on high is here opposed to the roaring of the floods and waters dashing against the Church 2. We can neither glorifie God nor comfort our selves against 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 noise of many waters 3. The Lord is above all terrible things to bridle them at his pleasure and by his power able to terrifie them that terrifie his Church The Lord is mightier then the noise of many waters yea then the mighty waves of the sea Ver. 5. Thy Testimâ—nies are very sure holinesse becometh thine house O LORD for ever The uses of this doctâ—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 sure and true in it self so we should acknowledge it to be sure and should set to our seal unto it as the Psalmist doth here Thy testimonies are very sure The other use is that such as love to have the benefit of the protection which is promised here should labour to be holy Whence learn 1. Whatsoever is said in the Scripture needeth no probation for it is the deposition of God declaring truth in every thing which it determineth therefore are his promises called here His testimonies 2. By giving credit to the truth of the Scriptures or to the Lords testimony expressed therein no man can be deceived for when we have his Word our mindes may be quieted and at rest Thy testimonies are very sure 3. The honour strength and happiness of the Lords people is that they are the Lords habitation and place of residence dedicated and consecrated unto him Holiness becometh thine house that is thy Church and people whereof the Temple was only a shadow 4 God will be sanctified of all that draw near unto him and whosoever do love to enjoy the preservation and priviledges promised to the Church must studie for holinesse which is the duty of the members of the Church also Holinesse becometh thy house 5 The dignity duty and priviledges of Gods people and especially his of consecration sanctification in affection and carriage and vindication from sinne and misery do not belong unto any one time or age but are perpetual belonging to all such as studie to be approved unto God protected and made blessed by God in all times and ages in all places and company all the dayes of their life For holinesse becometh thine house for evermore PSAL. XCIV THis Psalme is a prayer and a complaint of the Church unto God in the time of her oppression by intestine enemies in special by unjust and cruell Rulers whereunto sundry grounds of comfort to the godly in this hard condition are subjoyned The prayer and complaint reach unto ver 8. The grounds of comfort are foure the first is the consideration of Gods wisdome in the permission of this sore trouble of his people with a check unto the oppressours for their Atheisme ver 8 9 10 11. The second is the consideration of the profit which Gods people shall have by this exercise ver 12 13. The third is from a promise that God shall change the face of affaires to the joy of the godly ver 14 15. The fourth is from the experience which the Psalmist had of GODS helping of him in this case set down at large to the end of the Psalme Ver. 1. O LORD God to whom vengeance belongeth O God to whom vengeance belongeth shew thy self 2. Lift up thy self thou Iudge of the earth render a reward to the proud In the prayer the Church requesteth the Lord to be avenged on intestine enemies her proud oppressours Whence learne 1. The Lords people are subject to trouble and oppression as from forreigne so also from intestine enemies as by-past experience sheweth and this Psalme presupposeth being set forth for her comfort in such cases in time to come 2. The Lords people may finde as bitter affliction from domestick enemies as from forreigne as the doubling of the prayer unto God the Avenger to rise and take order with their oppressours doth import 3. God will not faile to be avenged on the enemies of his peopleâ— for He is the Lord God to whom vengeance belongeth 4. Albeit for a while the Lord suffer the troublers of his people to go on in their persecution yet he will shew himself a righteous Judge in due time O God to whom vengeance belongeth shew thy self 5. The Lord will sometime as it were hide himself and not appear in the execution of his judgements agâ—…inst wicked oppressours till his people come crying unto him for justice as is imported in this prayer â—…ift up thy self thou Iudge of the earth 6. The Lords people are not troubled by humble soules sensible of their own sinfulnesse and frailty but by those who little know how it fares with the Lords hidden ones and afflicted children for the oppressours are here called the proud 7. The Lord will give the proud oppressours of his people a meeting and grieve them as they have grieved his Saints Render a reward to the proud 8. When the cause is not our private quarrell but concerneth God in his glory and the Church in her safety such complaints as are here are lawfull for this Psalme is put in the Churches hand in such cases Ver. 8 LORD how long shall the wicked how long shall the wicked triumph 4. How long shall they utter and speak hard things and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves The Psalmist complaineth fiâ—…st of the long continuance of the insolent triumphing and boasting of these intestine enemies Whence learn 1. When the wicked go away unpunished they think their cause right and the cause of the godly who lie under their feet to be wrong and thereupon do insult over the godly and boast of their purpose to do them more and more mischief foâ—… here They triumph they utter and speak bard things they boast themselves 2. The Lord may delay execution of judgement on the wicked so long as his children may begin to wonder how his justice can endure it Lord how long shall the wicked how long shall the wicked triumph How long shall they utter and speak hard things 3. When the godly are borne down by oppressours being in power all the ungodly of all ranks become insolently bold also against them How long shall the workers of iniquity boast themselves 4. As the injuries done to the godly do force the godly to complaine so the working of iniquity by persecutours provoketh God to punish their oppressours This the Psalmist holdeth forth when he giveâ—…h the adversary this description
Paradise 9. The first and second coming of Christ to shew himself King of his Church is ground and cause of all joy to his Subjects Let them and all the creatures rejoyce before the Lord for he cometh for this for he cometh twice said to judge the earth is given for a reason of the exhortation 10. By Christs government every poor and needy Subject is helped supplied comforted and provided for as their case requireth all the Subjects are justified by the imputation of the righteousnesse of Christ all of them are renewed and begun to be sanctified and made to aime at righteousnesse more and more in their wayes all the proud and adversaries of his Subjects are declared against course is laid down in the Word of truth for a full deliverie of his people from all injuries and oppression from all miserie and sin with the full punishment of their enemies He shall judge the world with righteousnesse and the people with his truth PSAL. XCVII THis Psalme containeth a prophecie of the spiritual glory of Christs Kingdome to ver 8. And the use of the Doctrine to the end of the Psalme The comfort of Christs Kindome in relation to his Church is set downe ver 1 2. And the terriblenesse thereof in relation to his enemies ver 3 4 5 6. with a curse upon image-worshippers ver 7. The uses of the Doctrine they are foure The first is that all excellency and whatsoever is honourable in the world should do homage to him set down in the end of ver 7. The second is that the true Church should be glad at the hearing and the seeing of the execution of Gods judgements upon idolaters with a reason for it ver 8 9. The third use is a direction to the Saints to beware of sin with some reasons for it ver 10 11. The fourth use is that the righteous should rejoyce and thank God upon all occasions ver 12. Ver. 1. THe LORD reigneth let the earth rejoyce let the multitudes of Isles be glad thereof 2. Clouds and darknesse are round about him righteousnesse and judgement are the habitation of his throne The Psalmist proclaimeth Christ King among the Gentiles and doth commend his Kingdome to them as full of joy full of majesty and full of righteousnesse Whence learn 1. Beside the sovereignty which God hath over all people he hath a speciall Kingdom wherein he reigneth by the Gospel of Christ this is it whereof here he speaketh saying The Lord reigneth 2. Comfort against all grief from sin or misery true matter of joy and full felicity is to be had by the coming of this Kingdom The Lord reigneth let the earth rejoyce 3. The Isles of the Sea are in Christs charter and have their share of the joy which is to be had in Christ Let the multitude of the Isles be glad thereof 4. How despicable soever Christs Kingdome may seem to the world yet it is full of heavenly majesty Clouds and darknesse are round about him 5. The glory of Christs Kingdome is unsearchable and hid from the eyes of the world who cannot take up the things of God except he reveale himself to them and do open the eyes of their understanding Clouds and darknesse are round about him 6. The Kingdome of Christ giveth no liberty unto sin but is altogether for righteousnesse and judgement for therein righteousnesse is taught to sinners and they made righteous and kept in the course of righteousnesse and defended from the harme of their adversaries and rewarded according to their righteousnesse and all the unrighteous are adjudged to punishment according to their works Righteousnesse and judgement are the habitation of his throne Ver. 3. A fire goeth before him and burneth up his enemies round about 4. His lightnings inlightened the world the earth saw it and trembled 5. The hills melted like waxe at the presence of the LORD at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth 6. The heavens declare his righteousnesse and all the people see his glory After the Psalmist hath set down how comfortable Christ is to His Subjects he sheweth how terrible he is to his enemies Whence learne 1. Albeit the Kingdom of Christ be a Kingdome for righteousnesse and a fountaine of joy to all who do receive him yet such is the natural wickednesse of men that he shall not want enemies as here is imported plainly 2. There is no lesse but rather more wrath attending the despisers of the Gospel then did attend the giving out of the Law Heb. 12. 29. A fire goeth before him 5. Albeit the enemies of Christ were never so many invironing his flock round about yet shall he reign in the midst of them and consume all his adversaries A fire goeth before him and burneth up his enemies round about 4. He letteth forth his wrath not all at once but by degrees lighter judgements and foregoing terrours come before destruction His lightnings inlightened the world the earth saw it and trembled 5. Christ shall utterly undo the greatest Potentates on earth if they stand in his way and oppose him The hills melted like waxe at the presence of the Lord. 6. There is no comparison between Christ and his enemies how great Monarchs soever they be they cannot stand before his presence For he is the Lord of the whole earth 7. Our Lord shall not want Preachers of his righteousnesse for beside the Word of God blessings from heaven upon his friends and judgements from heaven upon his enemies according to the Word shall testifie for Christ The heavens declare his righteousnesse 8. The judgements of God upon the enemies of the Church and his blessings upon his Church shall be so evident as beholders shall be forced to acknowledge God in them manifesting himself for Christs Kingdome And all the people shall see his glory Ver. 7. Confounded be all they that serve graven images that boast themselves of idols worship him all ye gods He setteth down Gods curse upon idolaters or image-worshipers and then sheweth the uses of the former Doctrine for further setting forth the glory of Christs Kingdome Whence learn 1. All they who either serve or worship graven images are reckoned by God for enemies to God and to Christ and it is a part of Christs glory to abolish images and all worship and service unto images out of his Church Confounded be all they that serve graven images 2. Albeit such as are lovers of imagery not only do serve images but also will defend the state of images in the exercise of Religion and glory in them yet shall they at length be ashamed of their boasting Confounded be all they that serve graven images that boast themselves of idols 3. God will not have such relative worship as men would give him by serving or worshipping of him in at or before imagâ—… the way how God will be served is by a direct and immediâ—… worshipping of him without the mediation or intervening 〈◊〉 any thing which may
dead in regard both of the purity of Doctrine and Worship and of the multiplication of persons converted unto Christ in all places God shall blesse us saith he then and what more And all the ends of the earth shall fear him PSAL. LXVIII To the chief Musician A Psalm or song of David THis Psalm is very suitable to that time when David having gotten the victory over his enemies round about did assemble all Israel and carried the Aâ—…k of God now returned from the land of the Philistines triumphantly out of the house of Obed-Edom into the City of David as a type of Christs ascension after the work of Redemption in the world In which Pâ—…lm after the manner that Moses prayed unto God or to Christ who was to be incarnate when the Ark did march David prayeth here first against the Lords enemies ver 1 2. And then for the Lords people ver 3. In the next place he exhorteth all the Lords people to praise God ver 4. and giveth twelve or thirteen reasons for it First because of his mercy to the desolate and afflicted ver 5 6. Secondly because of his wonderfulnesse and terriblenesse in delivering of his people out of bondage as appeared in his bringing of his people out of Egypt and through the wildernesse ver 7 8. Thirdly because of his fatherly care to entertain his redeemed people as did appear in his nourishing of his Church in Canaan ver 9 10. Fourthly because of the victories which he giveth usually to his people when their enemies do invade them ver 11 12. Fifthly because of the delivery which he will give to his people out of their most sad calamities as he hath oftentimes given proof ver 13 14. Sixthly because his Church is the most glorious Kingdome in the world being compared therewith ver 15 16. Seventhly because Christ the King of the Church hath all the Angels at his command to serve him and having ended the work of Redemption was to ascend gloriously for sending down gifts to his Church and ruling of it ver 17 18. Eightly because of Gods bounty to his people in daily renewed mercies till he perfect the work of their salvation ver 19 20. Ninethly because of his avenging of himself upon all his enemies ver 21. Tenthly because God hath undertaken to work over again in effect as need shall require what he hath done in bringing his people out of Egypt and in giving them victory over the Canaanites ver 22 23. whereof the experience of his power already manifested for Israel was a proof and pledge sufficient ver 24 25 26 27. Eleventhly because it was decreed by God to establish his Church and to make her strong by making Kings to become converts ver 28 29. and that partly by treading down some of her enemies ver 30. and partly by making others even some of her greatest enemies to seek reconciliation with God even her God ver 31. Twelfthly he exhorteth to praise God because of his omnipotent power in conversion of Kingdomes ready to be let forth for the defence of his people ver 31 32 33 34. and ready to overthrow their enemier and all for the strengthening of his Church for all which he exhorteeh all to blesse the Lord ver 35. Ver. 1. LEt God arise let his enemies be scattered let them also that hate him flee before him 2. As smoke is driven away so drive them away as waxe melteth before the fire so let the wicked perish at the presence of God 3. But let the righteous be glad let them rejoyce before God yea let them exceedingly rejoyce In Davids prayer against his enemies and for Gods people Learn 1. Such prayers as the Spirit hath endited unto the Saints in Scripture it is lawful and expedient for strengthening of our faith to use the same or the like words in the like case for David prayeth here as Moses prayed at the marching of the Ark Numb 10. 35. Let God arise c. 2. As the Ark was amongst the Israelites so is Christ amongst his people and what ground of confidence the Church had because of that pledge of Gods presence at tâ—…e Ark we have the same and a more sure ground of confidence in Christs incarnation represented thereby that upon every appearance of his beginning to stirre against the enemies of his work we may say Let God arise 3. The enemie of the Church are the enemies of God and esteemed haters of him because they are haters of his people with whom albeit the Lord doth beâ—…r for a while yet will he take order when he pleaseth it will not cost him much labour onâ—…y Let God arise and let his enemies bâ—… scattered 4. Although all the enemies of God make head against his people yet will they not prevaile when God appeareth they will turn back Let them also that hate him flee before him 5. Whatsoever strength of forces or number the enemies of Gods people have in appearance it is nothing before God but like smoak before the winde and waxe before the fire As smoak is driven away â—…s waxe melteth before the fire so let the wicked perish at the presence of God 6. Albeit the Lord exercise his people with affliction and with grief for a while yet he alloweth unto them comfort and joy whatsoever become of their enemies But let the righteouâ—… be glad 7. The only true matter of the Saints joy is God himselfe and his manifested presence and he will not be pleased except his children lift up their hearts and comfort themselves in him above and against all grief and sense of whatsoever enemies opposition Let them rejoyce before God yea let them exceedingly rejoyce Ver. 4. Sing unto God sing praises to his Name extoll him that rideth upon the heavens by his Name JAH and rejoyce before him From his exhortation of the Church to praise God with the joyful voice of singing Learn 1. Vocal singing of praises unto God is a moral duty and a part of his holy worship frequently called for in Scripture Sing unto God sing praises to his Name 2. Our thoughts of God should not be base but high and heavenly lifting his Name up above the most glorious creatures all they beiâ—… but his servants as he pleaseth to make use of them Extoll him that rideth upon the heavens 3. The Lord is onely and properly woâ—…thy of praise because he onely hath his being of himself and giveth beâ—… to all things which are beside himselfe His Name is JAH 4. The Lords praises are his peoples advantage and the true matter of their confidence and joy Sing praises to him and rejoyce before him Ver. 5. A Father of the fatherlesse and a Iudge of the widowes is God in his holy habitation 6. God setteth the solitary in families he bringeth out those that are bound with chaines but the rebellious dwell in a dry land From the first râ—…on of the exhortation to praise God Learn 1. The Lords