of those prementioned grounds in their order First First Argument Saints accomplishment Described what it is Of the Saints accomplishment from their dependance upon God in trouble The Saints accomplishment is their gracious qualification becoming their Interest adding nothing to their Essence but to their Ornament Phil. 4.13 putting a fitness upon them to serve God in that condition Note The decency of the Saints accomplishment in adversity Psal 97.8.10 11. That this accomplishment is very suitable to the Saints and ariseth to them in trouble from their dependance upon God is easie to finde out if we seriously consider the Particulars following First The grounds of accomplishment in trouble Troubles are the Saints tryals and there is nothing more becoming them in that estate then to act like themselves Psal 13.1.2 3. that by their carriage they may confute their calamity 1 Pet. 2.12 2. Ground and the abetters of it Secondly There is a dextrous activity necessary in trouble which at other times is uselesse The Mariner in a Tempest must stand to his Tackling when in a calm he may sleep Thirdly Ground 3 It is one of the truest Characters of worth to manage every condition with advantage not that gain is the honor of our actions Preoccupation but that thus all our actions are gainers of honor Now as to these the Saints should come eminently short if they were not fixed upon God and therefore they cleave to him for accomplishment when in such a season they have none in themselves Dependance upon God necessary and profitable And they finde their dependance upon God is not labor in vain God hath ingaged his promise more then once or twice for the profit of this posture Isaiah 26.3 With an assured purpose wilt thou preserve perfect peace because they trusted in thee Here is peace designed by God to a depending soul upon him the like is promised often elsewhere Deut. 11.22 If ye cleave to him then will the Lord cast out the Nations before you Here we may read Israel will be too hard for his enemies if he can be happy in holding fast his truest Friend The God of Israel is the giver of every good gift Jam. 1.17 There is no fear of Provision if he be our Steward Psal 84.11 12. Hence it comes Grace the Saints riches and the Saints are happy in trouble by their Graces the Saints are richer in adversity then are the wicked in their prosperity they have more precious furniture in one corner of their hearts then the wicked in the whole Store-house of their spirits 2 Cor. 7.4 The godly have not onely the exercise Graces great in adversity but the increase of their Graces in trouble for they resting upon God Note Inlargement of Graces in affliction they are recruited and enlarged by him Hence it comes their Faith is more lively their hope more heavenly their Love more fervent their Wisdom more vigilant their Patience more permanent their Prudence more provident their Piety more prevalent whilest they labor in that estate These distinguishing Characters of accomplishment Graces manifested by trouble have been written upon the Lords worthies in the days of their difficulty that they might shine as so many memorial Monuments to posterity of future observance that as it is the Saints lot to be troubled Saints no losers by trouble so it is their happiness to be no losers in that estate by their dependance upon God it seems it is the Saints communion with God that sweetens that condition No leaning upon our selves in affliction The godly should be hardly put to it if they did lean upon themselves David was a great deal more happy by cleaving to his God then Saul and all his favorites trusting upon man David out-wits his enemies by his dependance upon God And herein he was wiser then all his enemies which complotted his ruine he knew he was not onely out of their reach when he rested upon God but fully accommodated with all things befitting his condition he was with such a Friend who would spare no cost in his keeping To close with God is the Saints security in trouble and therefore to keep close to him was his surest and sweetest course he could take in trouble Psal 73 ult It is the excellency of Davids spirit that he is contented to be any where with God The godly are contented to be with God any where He can digest the wearinesse of a Wildernesse by the comfort of his company Gods presence makes every place alike and is instead of all Injoyments to the godly and it is no wonder they should be so satisfied with him seeing he is so precious or profitable to them Psalm 37.39 40. Let this piece of Davids and the godlies practice bear witnesse Applica ∣ tion that it is not a matter indifferent to depend upon or cleave unto God in the evil day but that it is an act of singular advantage both in respect of themselves and their adversaries it seems both are gainers and losers in this very thing First Saints are gainers by their dependance upon God It is the Saints gain to depend upon God because of their furniture They should be as other men in trouble if they were not happy in those things which they receive from God Psalm 31.19 How great is thy goodness which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee and done to them that trust in thee before the sons of men Here the Spirit of God will have us take notice of two things First The Saints mercy is expected by them That the godly have more then ordinary favor in trouble Secondly They are such as depend and attend upon that goodnesse Secondly Note The wicked are losers For the Saints adversaries That they are losers it cannot otherways fall out if the godly be gainers But so it is the godly being joyned to God they are accurately fitted by God to encounter their enemies Divine dependance doth strengthen the Saints Through God we shall do valiantly It is not for the enemies of the Lords people to ingage against God Me thinks all this Application in trouble and much more might give warning to the Saints to fear none of their enemies when they have the Lord upon their side Rom. 8.32 If God be for us saith Paul who can be against us I have observed the godly to be patient in their Afflictions Note An observation of the saints deportment in trouble whilest depending upon God Prudent in their transactions Pious in their persecutions Peaceable under injuries Humble under indignities and hopeful of their deliverances All which as so many extractions from their dependance upon God It is the worst of non-sence Note to say we can be close by the fire and not finde warmth and by the sea and not finde water Such may be the folly of those who imagine a
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A STAY in TROUBLE OR THE SAINTS REST IN THE EVIL DAY Exactly discovered from their Cordial dependance upon God and comfortable assistance by him Shortly digested as the SAINTS MANUAL In the worst of Times The FIRST PART By Alexander Pringle a worthless Servant to Christ in the work of his Gospel Thou hast known my soul in adversities 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Psal 31.8 The Lord was my stay 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Psal 18.19 I said thou art my God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Psal 31.14 London Printed by Anne Maxey for William Weekly at Ipswich and are to be sold by John Rothwel at the Fountain in Goldsmiths-Row in Cheap-side 1657. To the most accomplished READER WOrthy Friend if such thy Personall Character will easily discover the Mystery of this Manual Seeing the wise Mans eyes are in his head Eccles 2.14 and the spiritual Man discerns all things 1 Cor. 2.15 Piety and Prudence as they are of a sacred Extraction so they are of a searching Discretion I confess here is multum not multa My Genius being accustomed to speak rather much in a few then little in many words Thou hast objected to thy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a stay in trouble together with the sacred Sympathie of the Saints Vnsealed in that Estate If there be any thing seeming amiss in the Draught of this Emblem look again There may be a dimness in the Optick as a blemish in the Object The Eye and Color being often guilty of their active and passive distempers Let me only tell thee seeing Wisdom is justified of her Children The truth of this Compendious Tractate is more then ordinary careless of the trivial Censures of many But if any hath a Cordial appetite to peruse it I shall intreat them to befriend it with a few of the choicest acts of their Intellect otherwise they may beat the Bush but never catch the Bird. It shall facilitate somewhat the Exercise of their Fancy to keep close to the Subject charging nothing more of a second Notion upon it then what the Being of the first will bear Otherwise if they trouble themselves with an over-sensing Non-sense they may build Castles in the Air but no way reaching the minde of the Author I have Candidly contrived a short System of sound words for the ease of Troubled Spirits if the gracious Sollidity of such sweetning Materials can settle their Condition he hath his end who zealously studieth their Spiritual Establishment in Truth and Peace As Christs meanest Servant in the Ministry of the Gospel ALEX. PRINGLE From my Study in Harwich Jan. 1. 1656. READER BE pleased take notice that the Escapes of the Press are neither the Mind of the Author nor the Design of the Printer and therefore let it be thy Civility to both to excuse the absence of the one and correct the unwilling Errata of the other Errata in the first Part. Page 7. line 11. read as p. 6. l. 1. r. Signing p. 7. l. 1. r. as p. 9. l. 20. r. say p. 36. l. 1. r. but by him p. 39. l. 11. r. tedious Errata in the second Part. Page 5 line 13. r. viris p. 9. l. 21. r. affectu p. 10. l. 19. r. serie p. 17. l. 13. r. Indemnity p. 28. l. 15. r. Gallios p. 38. l. 3. r. affectus p. 39. l. 11. r. a me p. 47. l. 9. r. it p. 4◠l. 22. r. holy p. 62. l. 7. r. manu Imprimatur March 7. 1656. EDM. CALAMY 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A STAY in TROUBLE OR THE SAINTS REST In the Evil Day Psal 63.8 My Soul cleaveth to thee Thy right hand upholdeth me Introduction IN the Composure and subject matter of this Psalm Hic Psalmus est exgenere mixtorum Pareus ad loc we have a true account of the exercise of Davids Spirit whilest he was in the Wilderness of Ziph 1 Sam. 23.14 Psal 57.2 3. It seems that place to him whatever it was in it self was a solitude of Prayer and Meditation Gracious Spirits can make the best of the baddest places Animadversion Isai 26.3 Act. 5.41 2 Cor. 6.10 fair weather in the foulest storms they can turn raging troubles into Religious tryals and a barren Wilderness in a Sanctuary of worship Psal 57.7 8 9 10. Psal 42.5 Psalm 73.28 Isai 40.29 31. It was Davids cross to suffer but his comfort and Crown to serve God in that estate He had a malicious Saul for his implacable enemy 1 Sam. 24.15 1 Sam. 26.1 Psal 52.8 9. but a merciful God for his intimate Friend he will not gratifie the one to dishonor the other he will glorifie God wheresoever he sojourn let the Devil and Saul do what they can Psal 54.6 Psal 57.2 they may banish him from the Tabernacle and force him to the Wilderness 1 Sam. 26 19 20. Psal 56.2 3 4 5. but not from Gods worship they may afflict his body but they are not able to pervert his Spirit Rom. 8.35 36 37. Psalm 56.11 12 13. For saith he My soul cleaveth to the Lord his right hand upholdeth me In which words we have two things materially considerable of Davids Spirit as it is now engaged in this disconsolate condition First Its dependance upon God The Text divided My soul cleaveth unto thee Secondly Its assistance by God His right hand upholdeth me In both which parts Note Saints spiritual communion in trouble with God we may discern what a comfortable correspondence is kept betwixt the Lord and David in this sad time his heart cleaves to God and the Lords hand upholds him we shall consider his words The Text opened 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 My soul my whole Spirit my life Plura autem hoc vocabulo fignificantur 1. Spiritus 2. Vita 3. Anima rationalis 4 Homo corpore anima compositus 5 Per synecdochen personam fignificat Saints careful of their spirits in trouble Psal 56.3 Psal 7.2 3. Amos. 6.8 Gen. 17.21 Lev. 19.28 the whole man as the root 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 originally import Gen. 17.14 Doubtless David had nothing but what he had cast upon God in the case wherein he was but especially his person which was more precious to him then all his other enjoyments and it is the Saints custom to speak by their Spirits all things else that being their unum their onely thing precious if this be well placed all things else are well preserved So David speaketh nothing here but his heart and its establishment upon God Heb. Non simpliciter adherere significat sed amantem conjugali affectu quare Rabbi David in radicibus per associari ex ponit My soul cleaveth to God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Adhaesit adherescit anima mea post te My soul cleaves after thee as do things which hang by another the root is of so great frequency in Scripture as of inquiry amongst Criticks it importeth here the posture of
Davids spirit and speaketh it close to God and so depending upon him as nothing could loosen it from him Satans subtilty Sauls cruelty his own personal loss and indemnity are not all of them of any force or dexterity to cut asunder or unty the Gordian knot of this unity * Expremitur hac voce arctissimum indissolubile vinculum quale est inter conjuges Gerh. loc com The cleaving of Davids spirit was a glewing of the Lords spirit a marriage of the Lords making is altogether incapable of the Divels breaking It is no wonder Davids words report him so much devoted to God Dependance seeing with the same breath they speak him supported by God Assistance Thy right hand saith he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dextra tua Thy right hand This is a humane member feigning a Divine Power Psal 118.16 Rev. 1.17 Psal 138.7 Psal 139.10 Psal 80.18 it is ordinary for the Spirit to speak low 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for our infirmity that we may conceive 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in a Divine decency according to our capacity Right hand In Scripture Language when attributed to God sometime signifieth God himself Isai 48.13 His word Isai 62.8 His present aid and assistance Psal 74.11 All which may be understood by this right hand upholding David in this juncture of time 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sustentat me Exprimit ad jumenta omnia adminicula quibus pollere sibi videtur A word signifying not onely the strēgth of body but also of minde He often or always upholdeth me This seems to be a Phrase of Davids experience he had tasted that the Lord was good in that and other his suffering seasons The Saints are sensible of their supplies and resent them The vessels of mercy are all so thankful Note Psal 116.3 4 5 6 7. as faithful observers of Gods favor Deut. 8.11 Psal 119.16 Psal 103.2 they vent none of their receipts but in respective acknowledgements It is not with them as it is with those hollow Cisterns of this degenerous Generation whose worthless Genius speak them such as they are under the most eminent kindnesses all so sensless as thankless Psal 9.17 David it seems is of another more refined Spirit Note The thank fulness of the Saints he will professedly publish those mutual out-goings of Spirit and power betwixt the Lord and himself and tell the world that his enemies may hear his soul cleaved to God and the Lord did uphold him Such Religious tidings might cool the courage of his adversaries they hearing he was joyned to so strong a party who was able to support him and bear him up 1 Sam. 18.13 17. 24.22 in opposition to all their designed stratagems complotted or executed against him HAving thus shortly taken a survey of Davids words I finde they present the singular deportment and incouragement of his own The result of the words or any other gracious spirit in trouble and thus in two eminent considerations First Conclus 2 Such a gracious spirit hath its total dependance upon God Secondly It hath a comfortable assistance from Cod. In these two streams flow all the substantial sweetness of Davids words in this place First They give us in the testimony of Davids spirit cleaving to God Secondly They report his experimental assistance in the evil day by him we shall speak to each of these in their order I. Of the Saints Dependance FIrst That a gracious spirit hath its total dependance upon God in trouble seems to be Davids case and qualification in this estate He was sharply assaulted by Saul but strictly united to God My soul cleaveth to God Adhaerendi verbum says Calvin significat David cor suum firma perseverantia semper affixum fore Deo Cal. ad loc Troubles lay hold upon David Davids custom Psal 11.1 Psal 25.1 and Davids Spirit lays hold upon his God It is worth Animadversion he casts not of his burthen but casts himself and his burthen upon God My foul such as it is my persecuted troubled soul cleaveth to the Lord Here David expresseth an absolute dependance upon God Diodate says Diodate in loc Temporal sufferings for God Troubles unite and not divide saints from God are spiritual sodderings of the Saints Spirits to him Such an Antiperistasis begets a Religious heat in a gracious heart burning their corruptions and melting their affections upon God Psal 119.28 Afflictions work kindly upon the Spirits of the Godly Note it was good for me said David that I was afflicted Note Afflictions work diversly upon Saints and Sinners Crosses are Corasives to some but Cordials to others There is no stomack can down with calamity Gal. 6.14 2 Cor. 6.10 Psal 56.10 11. Psal 56.3 so well as that which is appetized with mercy such spirits are more the Lords then their own The Saints rest in affliction Isa 54.11 12 13 14 15 16. and therefore in storms can rest upon him like the Dove upon the Ark or the Ark upon Arrarat he is the highest and surest mountain and can settle us in the deepest deluge Note Whether afflictions send or lead the Saints I confesse I have observed the Scriptures speak much of the Saints motion and tendency of their spirits in trouble and I have always seen them turn into this City of refuge and take hold of the horns of this Altar I read David praising God Psalm 18.2 By the Phraseology of a Rock Fortresse Strength Trust Shield and horn of his Salvation And elsewhere Psalm 23. he priseth his presence so much that although he should walk in the valley of the shadow of death he feared no evil he was with him his rod and staff comforted him Bt it seems there is no love lost betwixt the Lord and his servants in trouble Note The sweet correspondence betwixt the Lord and his people for he is with them whilest they are with him 2 Chro. 15.2 Saints more happy then the wicked every way Thus the Saints are happier in their crosses then the worldlings in their comforts the first may be enjoyed with God the second without him But to winde up all what is here reported of David Note Davids practice and all the Saints the same I finde it is the Language and Learning of all the godly in his case as they are of the same spirit and interest In affection so they are of the same practice and profession to depend upon a gracious God in trouble There be three reasons amongst many Note Hence the arguments of the Saints dependance upon God in affliction obliging the Saints to a dependance upon God in trouble First Their accomplishment Secondly Their incouragement Thirdly Their establishment in that estate It seems as the Saints cannot be troubled without God so they can confidently look upon him for all their supplies and furniture in that their sad condition We shall take notice
soul united to God and not qualified in trouble suitable to its estate I confess The saints singular carriage in this world when I see the Saints deportment in the world I am apt to admire at their singularity that they are neither in Principle or Practice like the world and when I see they are no more strangers to some of the wickeds persons then to all of the wickeds practice and carriage in trouble I consider that there is something more then ordinary acting in them whilest they are in that estate and when I have made a serious inquiry I can finde nothing but their cleaving to God Union with God makes the Saints of asweet behavior in the world to the good example of all that establishment of their spirits upon him rendreth them not onely considerable in the eyes of their enemies but eminently profitable to themselves and others of their Interest For the nearer they are to God the more accomplishment they have from him Dependance upon God delivers us from distractions So that the godly are eased of all their inconvenient Incumbrances if they rest upon him The consideration of which moved Peter when he writ to all the Saints 1 Pet. 5.7 To counsel them to cast all their care upon him for he cared for them words of singular use for the godly in trouble to attend provision in such a season Help to be expected from God when there is none visible when there is none to be seen When the black curtain of calamity is drawn about them and all secondary helps separate from them 2 Sam. 22.19 Such was Davids case in this desert wherein he had no reserve but his God and therefore his soul cleaveth to him My soul cleaveth to thee Secondly 2 Argument Of the Saints dependance upon God there is another considerable ground of Davids dependance upon his God and this is his incouragement in trouble David had need of incouragement in his now sad condition Incouragement in trouble it seems he had many cruel enemies but few cordial Friends and therefore he thought it best to make sure of God Saints sure of comfort if they depend upon God in trouble and then he knew to be sure of continued comfort whatever should betide him This was not onely an act of Davids Piety but of his singular Prudence and Policy He was no stranger to the Lords tendernesse over him and all the godly acting for both The Lord saith he is amongst them that uphold my soul Psalm 54.4 It would seem the Lord makes a party for David in the midst of his Enemies It had gone hard with him if Satan had got his minde Saints should be in a sad condition if the Lord did not own them in trouble he would not onely have stript him of all his accomplishment but also of all his incouragements By the first Unfitting him to suffer By the second Undoing him in that estate But I finde Davids dependance upon God dispels all such discouragements he was certain that Satan or any of his Instruments could not wrong him if the Lord did stand his friend I trust in God saith he Psalm 56.11 I fear not what man can do unto me David had an enemy which in respect of his place and pravity of spirit Davids enemies of a cursed and cruel spirit and bent to undoe him as the times presented might have dampt his courage he being then in a capacity to do him a great deal of mischief but this sealed Saint being in league with God he valued not his wrath for he apprehended his security from that unity betwixt God and his spirit My soul saith he cleaveth unto God his right hand upholdeth me The Saints dependance upon God in trouble doth afford various incouragements to them in that estate The Saints incouragements in trouble but especially First His presence with them Second His Providence over them Third Honor to their Friends Fourth Shame to their Enemies Fifth Shortness of their troubles Sixth Sweetnesse of Deliverance First 1 Incouragement The Saints dependance upon God assures them of his presence I am always with thee saith David I have set the Lord at my right hand Psalm 16 8. It is not hard to finde out Gods presence with his servants in trouble by their dependance upon him And I conceive the Lord is pleased to incourage his servants thus by countenancing of them that they may relish his favor which they account better then life Gods presence the Saints preservative Thus he will not have his servants to be troubled at the fury of their Adversaries whilst they have him to be friend Hence it is that the godly do so much prize him God the alone help of the Saints that they look after no assistance with him his presence is such a cordial preservative to secure them that they are almost careless of any power whatsoever to oppose them This incouragement I conceive may prove profitable to all of Davids interest if they ingenuously desire the Lords presence with them Saints dependance is blessed with the Lords presence they must conclude to fix their spirits upon him then they need not question but he will hide them privily in his presence Psal 31.20 from the pride of men Secondly 2 Incouragement The Saints have the incouragement of the Lords providence acting for them when their spirits depend upon him it is not the Lords custom to forget or neglect those who are in unity with himself he hath an eye to look out for them as they have a heart to lay hold upon him Psalm 17.7 Hence the godly are not much troubled in adversity for their provisions they conclude seeing the Lord is their Shepherd they cannot want He maketh them rest in green pastures and leadeth them by the still waters so that they may know their unity with God speaketh them happy in the hardship of any estate whatsoever Gods gracious providence over them is such an incouragement to them as both sanctifieth and seasoneth their trouble and their spirits under it Let this incouragement quicken Saints but damp sinners Application of the former incouragements whilst both suffer in the evil day Let it assure the first that they are not alone in adversity whilst the second are desolutely drowned in the fainting fits of their own sinful calamity Third incouragement of Saints Third incouragement depending upon their God in trouble is the honor of their friends The Saints as they are a chosen generation so they are of the same mutual interest and honor It is not so much a matter of private as publick concernment that they depend upon God thus they stand in the face of their enemies Saints stand or falito their brethren to their brethren as to themselves For the Churches credit is common as to all so to each particular member of that body It is no small incouragement
sure to break them by his policy and therefore he is as vigilant as malicious to effectuate their ruine The godly have nothing to prevent him but to close with their God prizing more his presence with them then the enmity of all created powers acting against them This is visibly legible in Davids spirit who is careful in nothing but to own his God and he knew that the keeping of a familiar Correspondence with him should soon ease him of all his adversaries he tels all of them of whatsoever impression they were his soul cleaved to God Afflictions put the Saints to it It was an hard time with David the waves of wickednesse did wash upon his Spirit yet we see this tedoius Tempest did not drive it from its Anchor David is of a stable heart in the midst of those Distractions his enemies could do nothing upon his inward whatever breach they did make upon his outward estate it seems he secures his Soul with God whatever befel him Satan more pleased to pervert the spirits then to impoverish the bodily estates of the godly I confesse it would have pleased the Devil better to have made David a sinful Sceptick in this his Calamity then to see him a suffering Saint to have made him of no Religion as to God then of no Estate as to the World to have stript him rather of the goodness of his Conscience then of the glory of his Kingdom Satan prevented But herein David outwits his Policy and outworks his Power he takes such a Comfortable course with his Spirit as Satan could neither unsettle it or unseal its integrety he casts it upon God and so firmly secures it in opposition to any Change whatsoever let Satan or all of his Instruments do their worst So much we have considered of the Saints Dependance upon their God in trouble according to this pattern of Davids practise My Soul cleaveth to God We shall further inquire into the second Conclusion II. Of the Saints Assistance IT appears by Davids words here and elsewhere Note Saints assistance a fruit of their dependance upon God that the Saints assistance from God is a fruit of their dependance upon him Our father 's trusted in thee saith David and were delivered they trusted in thee and were not confounded Psal 22.4 5. There is an old correspondance of kindness kept betwixt the Lord and his servants as they look upon him for their furniture in adversity so he upon the frame and posture of their spirits expecting it God wil be sought after The Lord is good and a strong hold in the day of trouble but saith the Prophet he knoweth them that trust in him Nahum 1.7 The godly consider the Lords assistance to be the best Gods help the best most precious and therefore as that which is most profitable and precious it is desired by them I find David and others of the godly in the Scriptures to look upon this divine help as abstracted often from means I do not trust in my bow neither can my sword save me but thou hast saved us Psal 44.6 7. As means are not the objects of the Saints confidence so they know without the Lord they cannot be the subject of their assistance Saints rely not upon means If the Lord had not holpen me Psal 94.17 my soul had almost dwelt in silence when I said my foot slideth thy mercy stayed me There is a Caveat put in against all means by the Spirit Caveat that they rob not God of his honour Dependance upon means disparage God and therefore the Saints give no more to them then he hath allotted 〈◊〉 they know they only act in their service Means are acted by God only and not of themselves as they are ordered by God and that there is no more of any ability in them then what the Lord hath dispenced therefore the godly look upon the Lords hand as the hope of their help in trouble thy right hand upholdeth me So then the Lord is the only help As the Saints look upon God so he looketh upon them and grand assistant of his Saints and their eyes in trouble are upon him which aspect as it signifieth the excellency of the Lords favour to them so it sealeth the unity of their spirits with him In the multitude of the thoughts of my heart thy comforts rejoiced my soul Psal 94.19 Here is Davids familiarity with God and his refreshment given in to him in the juncture of his trouble And it may be witnessed by the experience of all the godly that this is not only his Gods help the portion of all the godly but the portion of all the Saints therefore shall every one that is godly make his prayer to thee in a time when thou maist be found Surely in the floods of great waters they will not come neer him Psal 32.6 It seems it is the Lords custom for the Saints exceeding comfort to ingage for them when they entreat him in trouble God wil be entreated for his assistance and therefore he hath commanded them to pray that he might engage for them Psal 50.15 Call upon me There is here somewhat notable that the godly must not fail to cal if they expect the Lord to answer or to do any thing for them Me thinks I need not put the Reader to any further cost of considering many more Scriptures Preocupatio which speak home the truth of the Lords assistance to his Saints in Davids case Let us only take the Affidavit of one Scripture more to this purpose Isai 41.10 Feare not for I am with thee be not afraid for I am thy God I will strengthen thee I will sustain thee with my right hand of Justice Here I conceive the Prophet hath commission to speak the Lords mind fully to his people in order to their comfort and confidence in trouble and that he may do it to purpose he crowds in the vast body of the Lords benevolence to them in a Nutshel And so he is pleased to speak much in little and but a little of much Ingrossing a sum of assurances in the systeme of a few promises for their establishment It is a great comfort which is able to settle the spirit of the godly in trouble when they know what the Lord will do for them And in this very point of the Saints Information It is the Saints comfort to know God to be their friend he is pleased to priviledg them above the wicked in adversity He opens their eyes not only to let them see their mercy but himself the fountaine of it I will lift up my eyes saith David to the mountaines from whence my salvation cometh my help cometh from the name of the Lord. This was Davids distinguishing mercy that in the midst of his misery he could see his remedy and the Lord his Physitian So then the difference betwixt suffering Saints and sinners lieth
in this Difference betwixt Saints and sinners in trouble the Lord engageth for the assistance of the one and not for the other So that the wicked are left hopeless and helpless in the evil day when the godly find a favourable and gracious support in that season Thy right hand upholdeth me saith David This is a word of his experience and so much the Scriptures witnesse of all the godly that the Lord doth engage for them But upon what grounds he upholds the Saints against their adversaries Grounds of the Lords assistance for his Saints is the thing further now to be inquired after I find the Scriptures give in ample testimony of the Lords ingagement for and supporting of his people in trouble Eight grounds of the Lords assistance and so do move us to consider of eight reasons of his undertaking for them First We read of an eminently intimate interest he hath in them Ground of the Lords help his interest so that they are honoured with the names of strictest relation union and communion with himself Cant. 5.2 as of his Spouse Children Brethren to his Son Christ Exod. 19.5 his chiefest treasure above all people in the earth and with the characters of greatest worth as can be put upon such as a chosen generation 1 Pet. 2.9 10 a royal Priesthood a holy Nation a people set at liberty in times past not a people but now the people of God in times past not under mercy but now obtained mercy c. By all which we understand those saving rights he hath to his Saints by Election Eph. 1.4 5 1 Cor. 1.30 Vocation Redemption Justification Sanctification and Glory This Interest laid in the bottom Interest the ground of assistance upon it is built the whole Fabrick of the Lords favour both in prosperity and adversity to the godly So that they are put in a more then ordinary security of obtaining whatsoever is necessary for their comfortable assistance and subsistance in any estate I remember David tels us Psal 34.10 That the beasts of prey may be starved when the Saints shall have plenty The interest which the Lord hath in the Saints Interest makes the Saints precious as it is the ground of his acting for them so it renders them precious to him as a seal upon his heart or a signet upon his arme And it is not to be questioned but the Saints find the sweetnesse of it in their sharpest conflicts Saints dearer to God then their parents Though my father and mother forsake me yet the Lord will gather me up Psal 27.10 And therefore the Lord professeth that the case of his people is alwaies before him when they apprehend by their estate that they are neglected by him Isa 49.14 15 16. This interest is the binding bond of matrimonial unity and amity betwixt the Lord and his people Interest the marriage bond of Saints Hos 19.20 I have married thee c. Persons married are cemented with all the soddering and sweetning influences of conjugal correspondence either in prosperity or adversity Hence I find this interest to be very serviceable to the saints in their suffering seasons It is the Altar upon which they sacrifice the Offering of their addresses to God when they are put to their utmost Interest the Altar of our duties to God Isai 63.15 16. Look down from heaven and behold from the dwelling place of thy holiness c. Where is thy zeal and thy strength and the multitude of thy mercies and of thy compassions they are restrained Doubtless thou art our father though Abraham be ignorant of us and Israel know us not Here is a serious address upon interest put up to God It is no wonder the saints should be earnest upon that account Interest the ground of the Saints correspondence seeing the most solid ground of that mutual correspondence betwixt the Lord and his people and therefore to be improved in the worst of times Oh then let this be remembred by all the heires of heaven in the dark day of their danger Applic. Improvement of Interest when the clouds of calamity are dropping over them here upon earth that there may be a spirit of wisdom acting in them Interest the anchoring place of the Saints to anchor their heart in peace upon the ground and cape of this hope I could advise the godly to take that cordial counsel which Christ giveth his Spouse Cant. 2â—7 Christs counsel convenient for the Saints Until the day break or the shadows flee away be like a young Hart upon the Mountains of Bether That however the Mountains of Divisions 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Divisio may eclipse the comforts of the saints prosperity The Saints interest a means of union yet I should wish this Mount of conjunction might dispel the distraction of their calamity in the hour of tryal The godly have a great advantage of all their enemies by reason of this interest They have the benefit of Gods power to support them in spight of their enemies The benefit of interest and therefore we find that it lyes not in the hand of the wicked to ruine the godly I presume it is not for want of malice The Saints interest boundeth the wickeds power but might They cannot do what they would and therefore they do what they can It is the happiness of the godly to be united to God by interest when the wicked are divided from him by their iniquity As the first secureth assistance to the godly so the second prepareth destruction for the wicked But seeing it is certain that the Lords interest in the Saints is the first ground of his ingaging for them me thinks this should fix divers particulars upon the saints spirits Interest doth settle the Saints spirits in trouble worth their serious meditation First they are not to fear their enemies when they have such a friend David is not afraid of ten thousand of the people to trouble him if the Lord did assist him Psal 3. Secondly They must not look upon the Lords service as a piece of difficulty For if the Lord have an interest in our persons he wil have a finger inour practise He is as careful in the time of prosperity to direct and help us to do good as in the evil day to protect and preserve us from danger Thirdly They are not to look upon their enemies as in any capacity to undo them seeing the Lord doth support them Advertisement to the wicked It seems it is to kick against the pricks to fall out with the godly because whatever they are to the world they are dear and neer to God Let them be opposed by any they have a God to take their part I remember David Psal 46.7 tels his enemies that he had God for his friend and so he was strong enough for his stoutest adversaries And this hath put life
in the saints when almost mortified with the sense of their sufferings Fourthly Interest bindeth the Saints to their good behaviour This obligeth the godly to a singular deportment before God beseeming his ingagement for them in the day of trouble As they are above the world in their unity with him so I would have them in the same degree of duty to him Oh how careful should they be to honour him whose principle and gracious practise it is by reason of his interest to preserve them 2d Ground the Saints weaknesse The second ground upon which the Lord is pleased to give in assistance to his Saints in their suffering condition is their weakness to deal with their enemies who are often as mighty as malicious and as numerous as furious 1 King 20.27 Israel marched like a flock of Kids before the Aramites who filled the Country This ground of the Saints weakness doth move the Lord with a great deal of tenderness towards them The Saints weaknesse the object of the Lords pity severity and bitternesse against their enemies that place of Obadiah chap. 10.11 13 14 15 16. is worth our animadversion and serious consideration How tenderly is the Lord affected with Jacobs calamity and how smartly moved against Esau's cruelty For thy crueltie against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee and thou shalt be cut off for ever when thou stoodest on the other side in the day when the strangers carried away his substance and strangers entered his gates and cast lots upon Jerusalem even thou wast as one of them After such like direful and dreadful expostulations he concludes the destruction of all his peoples enemies giving a ground of his ingagement against them Law of retaliation equalis redditio For as ye have drunk upon my holy Mountain so shall the heathen drink continually It seems the Lord will satisfie the temporary crosses of his servants with the continued curses of their enemies and that because they had insulted upon their weakness The strength of the godly is without them The Lord is the Saints strength God is the strength of Davids heart and his portion for ever Psalm 73 26. and therefore in all their engagements they lean not upon themselves although considerable in respect of competent ability even in the sight of their enemies The saints have no confidence in the arm of flesh Jehosaphat professeth for all his numerous army that he knew not what to do We know not sayes this potent Prince what to do but our eyes are towards thee 2 Chron. 20.12 He will rather lean upon God for the victory and his assistance then to dispute with such a malicious enemy by the strength of a puissant and valiant Army a stronger then which was never any assembled in Judah Note But as there is no counsel or strength against the Lord It is good to have the Lord to our party so is there none without him It is good fighting under the Lords colours if he command and order the battel the victory is certain The Lords presence is the fountain of power Note and the seat of salvation The Lord of Hostes saith David is with us the God of Jacob is our refuge He breaketh the bow and cutteth the spear and burneth the Chariots with fire And so we read of Saints performances in opposition to enemies of greatest abilitie and subtilty so eminently doth the Lord who is their strength act in weakness Not I saith Paul 1 Cor. 15.10 but the grace of God in me * Portus salutis This Land of Rest was in the sight of David when Psalm 125.4 he entreats Gods benevolence for the assistance of his brethren Do well saith he to those who be true and upright in their hearts Oh that this Ground might bring forth something to our spirits in the day of our controversies Applica ∣ tion making our weakness more visible to us in our conflicts with our spiritual and temporal enemies so that we might lean more upon our God and less upon our selves God the best Umpire of controversies we should then sooner have our digladiations more certainly decided and all the contention of our controversies peaceably determined then otherwayes we ever can No finishing of business without the Lords assistance Gods help in our councels to give advice exceeding profitable and necessary we should do more in dispatching the punctiloes of Sacred and Civil differences in an hour with God then all our dayes without him Let him be President of our Councels and then we shal find him the perfecter of our purposes Cast your burden upon the Lord saith David Psal 55.22 This good advise doth teach us the shortest way to ease our selves Commit thy work saith Solomon Prov. 16.3 unto the Lord and thy thoughts shall be directed There is no thinking of any end of that business God must do all our work forus Isai 26.12 wherein the Lord hath not a finger to finish it and therefore in short Let the Lord be more familiar with us and then all our matters shall be a great deal more easie for us there shall be no opposition which can stand against us It is a memorable incouragement which the Lord gave to noble Joshua Josh 1.5 7. There shall not a man be able to withstand thee all the dayes of thy life as I was with Moses so will I be with thee I will not leave thee or forsake thee only be thou strong and of a valiant courage that thou maist observe and do according to all the Law which Moses my servant commanded thee thou shalt not turne away from it to the right nor to the left hand that thou maist prosper whithersoever thou goest These words are directed to Joshua Joshua's Commission comfort belong to all of his interest and Authority and in him to all of his gracious interest Piety honour or Authority of whatsoever magnitude they are that they may cleerly read their assured assistance in the lines of their reliance upon and correspondence with God Quo docemur ita nos demum fore in expugnabiles si ad prestandum Deo fidele obsequium enitamur Calvin ad loc The third Ground of the Saints assistance from the Lord 3d Ground The Lords word is his word He hath engaged his word for their assistance in any of their conflicts whoever be their adversaries of whatsoever place or power God secure his Saints by his word I find the Spirit giveth a large and full account of this promise in many Scriptures but especially in that most excellent Psal 9◠4 wherein we have assurances of the Lords kindnesse in this particular set down almost in every line but especially in the 5 6 7 15 and 16 verses Thou shalt not be afraid of the fear of the night nor of the Arrow that flyeth by day nor of the pestilence which walketh in darkness nor of the plague that
us whilst the rowling of his bowels are able to support us Let this respective kindnesse have a seat in our hearts which hath such an hand in happinesse Applic. Let not the impresse of worldly distraction more affright us to suffer then the promised power of a heavenly refection delight us to bear Afflictions mitigate Let Gods words more secure us with the hopes of our help then all the world unsettle us with the threats of our hurt I cannot think that the vapours of wickedness should so stupidly damp us but that the spirit of grace and godliness should more religiously prompt us to any piece of the Lords service whatsoever Let us consider what we are in prosperity The Saints are the same in prosperity and adversity to God that the same we are in adversity to our gracious God he is in both the strength of our hearts and our portion for ever There may be a little of our condition eclipsed as to us Gods love to his saints unchangeable but not a grain of affection changed as to God the Pleiades of his continued providences sweetly dropping over us send down the same effluential influences of power in all the weakly and sickly seasons of our crosse bearing condition So that there is no fear of ability to bear Saints are carried out by a divine power in affliction whosoever hath laid on the burden if we lean upon him Hence I conceive here is something here worth the exercise of a Saints wisdom in the day of trouble First God the Saints provisor in trouble We are not to consult the Oracle of our owne but of the Lords ability in that estate seeing he beareth the purse of power we need not fear provision under any pressure whatsoever Saints inlargements in trouble We may be more in spending then sparing in improving then retaining what is intrusted to us Secondly To mind our God the subject of our strength Whilst our burdens lye upon us let our weakness warn us where our strength lieth It is one of the greatest Characters of a worthless spirit Stupidity in adversity signs the indignity of a spirit to be a stupid sufferer to merit little and mind nothing of its supplies Such a patient as it hath but little of sense and less of reason so nothing of grace in its deportment The choice government of a troubled Saint is well drawne up in Davids words of his dependance upon God and his assistance by him My soul saith he cleaveth to the Lord his right hand upholdeth me The seventh Ground of the Lords ingagement for his people Ground 7 Pride of the wicked is the pride of their adversaries The Scriptures tell us it is not sufficient for the Saints enemies to afflict them but to insult over them And thus as the godly are put upon all the senses of sorrow so the Lord puts himself upon all the service of their succour and supply in not only opposing the power but the pride of their adversaries Of this we have large testimony from the Lords word The saints know the pride of their enemies and the Saints experience but that there is an insulting spirit predominating in the wicked over the Saints is seen often in the sufferings of the godly under it The Saints complaine of this indignity for case I have heard David in his Psalmes bemoaning this piece of his injuries by the wicked beseeching the Lord to ease him of such an indignity Psal 25.2 Let not mine enemies rejoice over me c. and elsewhere often he entreateth the same favor I take notice of the Churches voice Mic. 7.8 Rejoice not against me O my enemy This kind of iniquity is a blossome of that cursed impurity which naturally in the wicked designeth the disgrace of the godly What this pride is For it is so with that cruel root of bitterness Pride of enemies how it groweth that it never thriveth in any soul but when it is watered with the contempt of the Saints which renders their case the more considerable Saints contented to suffer in that they are objects of their enemies scorn It is the Saints humility to submit to their cross but the wickeds pride and pravity to trample them under it God doth not take it well at the wickeds hand that they should adde affliction to the afflicted he seems to resent it God wil be avenged of his Saints enemies when he promises to make them repent it that ever they medled with his people Isaiah 10.12 he promiseth to remember Ashurs pride after the perfection of Zions peace He tels us The Saints enemies have their time of visitation that he had not done with Ashur when he had made an end with Jerusalem He must lift up the cursed Ephah from Israel Zach. 5.10 11 and place it in the Land of Shinar He will burn the broom which beat his children Me thinks these things considered it is dangerous medling for the devil or the wicked betwixt God and his children I have observed from the Scriptures he vvill have none so much as to laugh at their calamity The Lord will have his children beaten by none but by himself but at their peril of mourning in the day of their prosperitie He looks upon it as a just quarrel against the vvicked that they are so forvvard to set him against his people and to bring faggots to the fire of his fury And are so ready to run upon them in the day of his displeasure Thus we may see what the Lord is in reference to his people How God dealeth with his people and for them He hath love in his anger and anger in his love yet so vvell soddered for their safety as that he acteth the first for the correction of themselves and the second for the destruction of their enemies God must bridle the wickeds malice If the Lords povver did not check the vvickeds pride the vvorld vvould soon be too hot for the godly How happy then are the Saints The Saints happinesse in trouble wherein it stands vvho hath one that can lodg them in despight of their enemies and protect them in opposition to all their pride Let it therefore be the Saints wisdom to value the Lords power above the wickeds pride Applica ∣ tion If this last afflict them let the first support them It is the Saints comfort as they are occasionally objected to injuries so they are providentially attended with the best of remedies The Saints have alwayes their Physitian by them whilst they are on this side of glory Davids dependance and assistance common to all the saints Their position of Davids antecedent assures them of his consequent If they can but win their spirits to the unity of his dependance there is no question of the commodity of his assistance Eighthly Ground 8 The wickkeds malice and lastly the implacable malice of the
Saints adversaries is an eminent reason of the Lords ingagement for them to oppose their fury This the Lord hath comfortably concluded in favour of his servants Determined assistance Because saith he thou hast a perpetual hatred and hast put the children of Israel to flight by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity The wicked threatned when their iniquity had an end I will lay their Cities waste c. Ezek. 35.4 5. As the wickeds malice argue their mischief so its continuance threatneth their ruine Malice the bane of the wicked The wicked would do a great deal better by themselves if they dealt kindly by the godly It hath been observed that malice with continuance What continued malice is is but the devil in disguise who loves rather to be abroad in the hearts of the wicked then at home in hell Therefore to supplant his subtilty and to prevent his cruelty are eminent acts of the Lords kindnesse in favour of the godly I have alwayes observed that the Lord is pleased by the power of his grace An observation of Gods favor to the godly to make the Saints wiser then the vvicked and stronger then the devil So that hovvever both may hate them yet neither can undo them They may be implacable in their malice but incapable in their practise to do them any considerable harm The heat of their hatred may blacken their beauty Malicecannot undo the godly but let Satan and his instruments do what they can the Saints are still comely as the Tents of Kedar and the Curtains of Solomon It is not the staining of the Saints Colours but the stopping of the Saints comforts that is their sorrow The Saints more afflicted with eclipsing of their graces then loss of their good The breathings of malice may deface the first but the gates of hell are not able to obstruct the second For as the Saints have hope in their death so they are blessed with the continued comforts of the spiritual life let the devil and the wicked do what they can The godly were in a piteous condition Satan would undo the Saints if God did not prevent him if they had no more refreshment then what Satan would bestow he would starve them to his service and kill them in it he would feed them with the bread of affliction to prepare them for destruction But it is the Saints happinesse they are not upon his allowance They have bread whereof he knoweth nothing Saints are not spiritually starved the secrets of their mercy is shut up from him and they are not straitned of their provision even in the worst of times It is not Satans malice that can mince their mace Thou hast prepared a table for me saith David Psal 23.5 in the sight of my adversaries The Lord wil let Satan and the wicked know he keeps his servants well that they may conclude there is nothing wanting to them that fear him Psalm 34.9 It is the sweetness of the Lords Spirit The Lords kindnesse comfortable in the sharpest season the sharper the wicked hate his Saints the dearer he loves them and the better they fare For I am with thee to save thee and deliver thee saith the Lord to Jeremy Jer. 15.20 So me thinks Satan and his Clyents are but fools for all their fury Conclus The folly of Satan his instruments they do but befriend the godly by their malice thus melting the Lords affection in a warmer fervency to his Saints The wicked defeat their owne design and so becoming guilty of the death of their own design they shew what they can do but not what they would It seemes they have not so much rope in their posse The wicked cannot execute their malice against the godly as they have scope in their velle Dogs may shew their teeth although they durst not bite Here me thinks it is no loss of time to pause a little admiring that mercy which compasseth the Saints Saints favor great How great is thy goodnesse which thou hast laid up for them that fear and done to them that trust in thee before the sons of men saith David Psalm 31.19 We see amongst all the stratagems of Satans subtilty he is not more restrained in any The wicked cannot but as they have then in this of the wickeds malice that those his emissaries cannot hurt as they hate the Lord having chained up their ferity with the cord of his Commission The wickeds weekness so that there is no stirring for Satan or his servants beyond the reach of their line let them struggle what they can Oh then Applic. how should the Saints love their mighty God whose power is their preservative against such an evil Saints are not given up to the wicked that he will not suffer his Saints to be sacrifices to the will of their enemies they may hunger for their destruction but starve before they obtain it It is not malice can catch the prey when mercy prevents it David is here cruelly hunted by Saul but graciously supported by God It is not his malice can murder him or his plotting that can surprize him for the Lord was with David whither soever he went FINIS 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 BOWELS of MERCIE BREATHING FOR THE SAINTS IN DANGER OR SACRED SYMPATHY UNSEALED BY ALEXANDER PRINGLE A Worthless Servant to Christ in the Work of his Gospel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Col. 3.12 LONDON Printed by A. Maxey for Wil. Weekley at Ipswich and are to be sold by J. Rothwell at the Fountain in Cheapside 1657. LECTORI INTEGERRIMO INter Multifaria blaterantis hujusce seculi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 nulla tam perfrictae frontis videtur nequitia quam est ista in Evangelicae veritatis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Impudens 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Qua dum universa 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dogmata conspurcare studeat 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cruentos quosdam è suis spelaeis excitat Lupos 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sceleratisssimo quorum Ministerio Jurgia non modo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 refertisssima sed Zizania in Domini vinea virulentissima operose disseminat Sic ut mediantibus hisce 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Satanicae hujusce praxeos nefarii 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 non tantum sunt Socinianae 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 satellites Pelagianaeque vafritiae versipelles vaferrimi aut enthusiastici 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Anabaptisticae 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sed alii quam plurimi purae-putae indignantis ignaviae soboles astutissima 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 simulata quorum pietas duplicata evadit iniquitas quibusque aurigatio rustica aut sutrina quaedam civica aptius multo convenit quam ratione ratiocinante de crypticis fidei mysteriis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 disserere aut sacrae paginae digestis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 imponere competit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 verum isti
attendance of the accomplishment of the Promises Neque frustra quia etsi nos sustentet fides quia tamen interea vacillant carnis nostra sensus preces miscenda sunt ad confirmationem Calv. ad loc So much for the words of my Text as they stand in order to their Contexts If we look upon them in themselves we have them here formed to our hand in the Model of an address to him who had formerly given assurance it should go well with the godly in their suffering condition The rod of the wicked saith he shall not lye upon the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the lot of the righteous v. 3. The fitness of my text And thus my Context cometh to hand in season as a sutable subject exciting the Saints this day to an intercession for their brethren in that estate The words be naturally digested in two material members Text divided 1. There is a Supplication Do well O Lord. 2. A Designation of certain select persons for whom the address is tendred viz. such who are good and upright in their heart It seems David puts up a request to God For whom David prays but it is for such as be under the eminent Characters of Piety and Sincerity Neque tantum simpliciter rogat ut bonos benigne tratet Deus sed bonitatem quoque definit quis manat ex sincero affectum Calv. ad loc I apprehend David understandeth here the faithful of the land as he phraseth the godly Ps Note Gracious Magistrates car ful of the godly 101.6 he is very careful of the party that they may be happy in a sweet correspondence with God in the day of trouble And therefore he intercedes in those words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Benefac Jehova So Jerome Tremelius Do good O Lord. To do good is an act primario Firstly from Jehova as the fountain of all Beeing and Goodness Operari sequitur esse he is that Primum bonum summum in esse He is that primitive Supreme Good in being and so from himself doing good in operation All inferior agents are subordinate to his moderation in all their transactions Hence in recta ferre causalitatis in the right case of causality Means productive as influenced by God all means of whatsoever magnitude or qualification are onely productive 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as they are influenced by him to do any good and so the Lord as he is the first so he is the best and choicest of Chymists God the best Chymist to quintessentiate the good of his people from the most malignant materials Saints rest in God for assistance And therefore David in this address doth trouble himself no farther to call in the secondary succurrence of any subordinate instrument whatsoever to befriend the Saints in trouble but here goeth confidently to the Throne of Grace Saints know where to go in trouble Heb. 4.16 for the Lords benevolence to his people in the time of need I presume David was no stranger in heaven and therefore knew with whom to intercede for the Saints on earth He had often experience that the God of Israel was the Lord of Hosts David acquainted with God by experience and the Saints surest and sweetest friend and ever soonest to be found for counsel comfort and all accommodation in the evil day Me thinks Davids practise should be the Saints patern in their addresses to heaven for themselves or others Davids practise should be a copy to us to go to God They must not seek to the second Animadversion but the first hand for incouragements in the day of calamity they are to eye the God and not the Men of Israel Mercy before Means the Fountain before the Streams Gods Favour before humane Fidelity or Ability whatsoever David a good man and a good Magistrate This is the method of David one of the best of men a man according to Gods own heart and one of the choicest of Magistrates that ever did bear principality or charge over the Lords people And so much for his Supplication His Designation is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for the good in the plural The persons designed in this Address It seems the party for whom this address is made are set apart by David as singular for their qualification I conceive it is not necessary I should make any fixed discourse of those Characteristical impressions by which they are illuminate and designed in my Text Animad before onely we take notice that this party is precious both in themselves and Davids account In themselves they are set down to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and those be Characters of such eminent worth The persons praid for are excellent of a choice qualification that they alwayes denominate the subject excellent and above the ordinary size or stature of Professors To be good To be good what is to be of God by participation To be upright To be upright what is to to be of his word by qualification And to be both in heart To be both good and upright what it is doth signe the truth of Sanctification These be the marks of Honor and letters of Religion ingraven and written upon those persons which render them so precious in the eyes of David that their accomplishment gives him incouragement to make a presentment of their condition before the Lord. A gracious people are very dear to a godly Magistrate David is tenderly affected that such precious souls should be afflicted David studieth the happiness of the Lords people and therefore as their Prince and Prophet he is willing to do his utmost for them that it may go prosperously with them by making this serious Address to God that he would befriend them in opposition to all of their enemies whatsoever Do well O Lord. The substance of Davids words may be the comfortable seminary of severall sweet Conclusions The fulnes of this text But for the present I shall briefly take notice of two onely 1. 2 Conclus from the words That there is a special regard to be had of such who be gracious and or godly whilst they are in danger 2. We are to deal earnestly with God to befriend them in that estate Both which Conclusions seem to be the rule of Davids practise and the subject of his prayer in this place The party for which David pleadeth is not of a trivial tincture Who are those who are truly godly but of the deepest ingrain of godliness being clothed with the choicest impresses of inherent holiness True and upright in their heart c. It is worth our observation as we pass along Note Of Davids Spirit that it was one of the eminent ingredients of Davids accomplishment to have his heart affected with and his eye directed upon the honour and happiness of the Saints My eyes are upon the faithful of