thunderings may be meant tokens and testimonies of Gods wrath and displeasure against men who have not received his Truth and Gospel witnessed and preached by his servants the elders spoken of in ver 4. The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against such as reject their word and against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness 2 Chron. 36. 15 16. Jer. 7. 25 29. Mat. 10. 14 15. Râ—m 1. 16 18. To them who are contentious and do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath tribulation and anguish c. Rom. 2. 8 9. And so these lightnings and thunderings may be the issue and accomplishment of the prayers and imprecations of the elders against such as are enemies to Christ and his Gospel as Psâ—l 83. so it is said The smoke of the incense which came with the prayers of the saints ascended up before God out of the angels hand and the angel took the censor and filled it with fire of the altar and cast it into the â—arth and there were voices and thundrings and lightnings c. Rev. 8. 4 5. So when Mâ—ses streâ—ched forth his hand toward heaven the Lord sent thunder c. Exod. 9. 22 23. By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us O God of our salvation saith the Prophet Psal 65. 4 5. and 3. 3 7 8. And by lightnings and thunderings may also be meant preparations to and fore-runners of greater wrath if men will not turn nor consider his work and the operation of his hands Psal 7. 12 13 14. and praemonitions and forewarnings which God gives unto the Inhabitants of the world that they might repent and fear before him So when it is said There were voices and thunderings c. then immediately after is declared Gods execution of judgments The seven Angels which had the seven Trumpets prepared themselves to sound The first angel sounded and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood c. Rev. 8. 5 7 8 c. see also Rev. 16. 18 19 21. And indeed usually God doth give warning before he executes severe judgments and thunders before he sends hail or orders a storm and lifteth up his hand in the view of men that they might see it before he strikes Isa 26. 10. Psal 7. 6. He puts men in fear that they might know themselves to be but men He persecutes them with his tempest and makes them afraid with his storm that they might seek his name and know that he whose name alone is Jeâ—ovah is the most High over all the earth Psal 83. 15 18. in this order the Psalmist thus imprecates Arise O Lord O God lift up thine hand to wit to give them warning And then after Break thou the arm of the evil and wicked man Psal 10. 12 15. Lightnings to give light to the world and to let them know and give them to understand that there is one that sits upon the supreme throne of government and rules in the army of heaven and amongst the inhabitants of the earth and that though his throne be in heaven yet verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth that they might fear and tremble before him and depart from iniquity Dan. 6. 26. with Prov. 16. 6. so it is said The lightnings lightned the world the earth trembled and shook Psal 77. 18. and again his lightnings enlightned the world the earth saw and trembled Psal 97. 4. and by his lightnings he is discomfiting and scattering his and his peoples enemies and testifying displeasure against such as will not kiss believe in and submit to his Son as witnessed and revealed by his servants the Prophets and Apostles So it is said He shot out lightnings and discomfited them Psal 18. 14 15. His judgments and the preparations thereto and forewarnings of greater are as the light that goeth forth to shew that God is angry and to discover mens sins that they might repent of them and turn from them Hos 6. 4 5 7. The just Lord will do no iniquity every morning doth he bring his judgment to light Zeph. 3. 5. And these lightnings are lightnings of the thunder as here thunderings are joined with them and as they are called Job 28. 26. and lightning of thunder to cause it to rain on the earth Job 38. 25 26. and lightnings â—or the rain Psal 135. 7. to signifie that there is a stoâ—m approaching And thundrings of his power Job 26. 14. in which his wonderful power is sounded forth and discovered Hence that challenge or demand Hast thou an arm like God or canst thou thunder with a voice like him Job 40. 9. By his thunderings he makes such stout-hearted ones as was Pharoah to be afraid and tremble and to humble themselves before him Exod. 9. 23 33. Job 40. 9 12. and by both expressions to wit lightnings and thunderings there is signified to us that it was a black day a gloomy day portending and preceding a storm that men might prepare to meet him Amos 4. 12. so when the Prophet saith A day of darkness and of gloominess a day of clouds and thick darkness it is afterwards added Therefore also now saith the Lord turn ye even unto me with all your heart c. Joel 2. 2 12 13. and to the same purpose it is also said by another Prophet That day is a day of wrath a day of trouble and distress a day of wastness and desolation a day of darkness and gloominess a day of clouds and thick darkness and then he exhorts Gather your selves together yea gather together O nation not desired Before the decree bring forth before the day pass as the chaff seek the Lord c. Zeph. 1. 14 15 18. and chap. 2. 1 2 3. And voices to wit loud and awakening calls in and with his judgments to the nations to awaken them and excite them to â—epentance Bâ—â—ause he is not willing that any should perish but that all should come tâ— repentance 2 Pet. 3. 9. Rev. 9. 20 21. Isa 26. 10. The Lords voice cryeth unto men in and with his judgments that they should do justly c. Miâ— 6. 8 10. Isa 33. 10 11. Hence when it is said His lightnings enlightned the world the earth saw and trembled the hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth then this voice presently follows and this monitory imprecation and good counsel is given Confounded be all they that serve grâ—ven images that boast themselves of idols worship him to wit the Lord Christ all ye gods Psal 97. 4 5 7. with Heb. 1. 4 6. And these lightnings and thunderings and voices proceeded out of the throne To instruct and teach us 1. That all preparations to and executions of wrath and judgments are ordered to us by him whole throne is established in the heavens and whose kingdom ruleth over all Psal 103. 19. He forms the light and
Chap. 14. 13 14-16 6. Seeing he took the Book in order to the opening it and did afterwards open it Chap. 6 c. So it shews unto us unto whom we should go that we may see and understand the contents of it namely unto this Lamb of God Indeed if the same had been said concerning this Book which the Voice said from Heaven Chap. 19. 4. viz. Seal up those things or as was said to Daniel Shut up the words and seal the Book And again The words are closed up and sealed Dan. 12. 4 9. then it had not been for us to have inquired into it As our Saviour said to his Apostles It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power Act. 1. 6 7. The secret things belong unto the LORD our God Deut. 29. 29. But the whole Book of the Revelation and that contain'd therein generally was given unto Christ to shew unto his Servants Rev. 1. 1. And this Book particularly was opened by Christ as afterwards followeth And those things that are revealed belong unto us and to our Children for ever Deut. 29. 29. Therefore let us come unto Christ the Light of the world that he may open our eyes that we may behold these wondrous things of his Law and not go to the worldly wise and prudent ones nor lean to our own understandings Matth. 11. 25-28 To him are we directed by God for upon him he hath put his Spirit that he may bring forth judgment to us Gentiles Isai 42. 1-6 7. And he calls upon us and invites us to come unto himself and there is that in him which may encourage us so to do for he is meek and lowly in heart and will not reject us or refuse to teach us because of our dulness and untractableness He will not strive nor cry nor cause his voice to be heard in the streets A bruised reed he will not break and smoaking flax he will not quench till he bring forth judgment unto victory Isa 42. 1-3 with Matth. 12. 19 20. and Chap. 11. 28 29. Vnto him the Lord GOD hath given the tongue of the Learned that he should speak a word in season to him that is weary Isa 50. 4 5. and he invites us to let him see our countenance and hear our voice Cant. 2. 14. John 14. 6 7. and Chap. 16. 23. Verse 8. And when he had taken the Book the four living Creatures and four and twenty Elders fell down before the Lamb having every one of them Harps and golden Vials full of Odours or Incense which are the Prayers of Saints In this Verse and the following Verse of this Chapter is declared to us that which ensued and followed upon the Lambs taking the Book among the Saints and Angels c. What Adoration praising and rejoycing there was amongst them And in this Verse particularly is declared to us 1. The humble Prostration and religious Adoration of the four living Creatures and the four and twentâ— Elders 2. What every one of these holy Ones had when they thus with all humility did prostrate themselves and worship 1. The humble Prostration and Religious Adoration of the four living Creatures and twenty four Elders And when he had taken the Book the four living Creatures and four and twenty Elders fell down before the Lamb. Where we have to consider for our usefulness 1. The time when they fell down and the occasion of their so doing When he had taken the Book 2. The Religious Action it self of the four living Creatures and four and twenty Elders They fell down 3. The Object of their Adoration Before the Lamb. 1. The time when they fell down and the occasion of their so doing And when he had taken the Book Wherein is intimated and signified to us 1. That this great Honour was given unto and glorious Action done by the Lamb in the view and sight of these holy Ones who were by faith or in their Spirits Inhabiters of Heaven or they were informed hereof and acquainted herewith in due season by the seven Spirits which the Lamb hath and which are sent forth into all the earth ver 6. And which are before his Throne Chap. 1. 4. and Chap. 4. 5. These holy Ones who are Inhabiters of Heaven are not in darkness but Children of the Light Eph. 5. 8. They are called out of darkness into his marvellous light 1 Pet. 2. 9. with Rev. 5. 8-10 They have an Vnction from the Holy One and they know all things 1 John 2. 20-27 And this Book in general was given to Jesus Christ to shew unto his Servants that are here below in mortal bodies Revel 1. 1. And much more are they acquainted with the Contents of it who are with the Lord and whose spirits are made perfect Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing but he revealeth his Secrets unto his Servants the Prophets and by them unto them that dwell on high Amos 3. 7. The Secret of the LORD is with them that fear him with the righteous and he will shew tâ—em his Covenant Psal 25. 14. Prov. 3. 32. Our Lord Jesus assured his Disciples That the Holy Spirit should teach them all things guide them into all truth and shew them things to coâ—◠〈…〉 6. and Chap. 16. 13-15 to wit in their keeping his commandments Joâ— 14. 15 17 21 23 26. that he should take of his things and shew unto them even of those heavenly things also or things above which he is now doing and will do Joâ— 16. 14 15. with chap. 3. 12. And these promises were not confined to the Apostles as may be seen in many places and passages of that discourse And the you there spoken of are not opposed to other hearty and unfeigned believers but to the world Joh. 14. 22 23. and chap. 16. 7 8 12 13 15. And though the Apostles were preferred herein yet wherein they were so it was for the especial good of the Churches 2 Cor. 4. 5 15. All things saith the Apostle are yours whether Paul or Apollo or Cepâ—as c. 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. Eph. 4. 8 11 13 14. unto the Believers it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven Mattâ— 13. 11 12. Oh then Blessed are they and blessed are their eyes for they see Matth. 13. 16 18. And how might the consideration hereof provoke us to come unto and follow Christ For he that followeth him shall not abide in darkness but shall have the light of life Joh. 8. 12. and chap. 12. 44 46. And to be led by and filled with the Spirit for the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God And he that is spiritual judgeth or discerneth all things yet he himself is judged or discerned of no man 1 Cor. 2. 9 10 15 16. In that these holy ones fell down and sang as presently after follows when the Lamb had taken the Book and not when they had taken it
but with singing and rejoicing glorifie the Lord and render his praise glorious And this certainly is the proper and direct meaning of the expression here And if we take in both we may truly say the prayers and praises of Saints are Harps such as â—â—e delightful to the Lord and make sweet melody in his ears sweet is their voice therein Cant. 2. 14. Eph. 5. 18 19 20. And they are also likened and compared to Phials golden Phials because Phials are proper to contain some liquid thing and of these it is said golden Phials full of odours oâ— incense Now here we may enquire and consider what are these odours here spoken of To which we may say they are not properly the prayers of Saints for the word which is of the feminine gender and cannot agree with odours which word is of the neâ—ter but agrees with Harps and immediately and most properly with Phials the Harps and Phials are the prayers the odours something wherewith the prayers are filled or whereof they are full and distinct from the prayers Hence it is said there was given unto the Angel much incense or many odours that he should offer with or add to the prayers of all Saints Rev. 8. 3 4. But we may say there was under the Law direction given by the Lord â—o Moses the Mediator of that first Testament 1. To make an ointment an holy ointment of sweet fragrant odoriferous spices as it is said The Lord spake unto Moses saying take thou unto thee principal or head-spices of pure myrrâ— or myrrâ— of liberty sweet cinamon sweet calamus cassia c. And thou shalt make an oyl of holy ointment And with this the Priests were to be anointed and the Altar Vessels Candlestick c. Exod. 30. 22-23 and indeed this ointment was very sweet and full of odours and would send â—orth a sweet perfume Prov. 7. 17. and is signified in the type and Truth sometimes to be in a box or Phial as here 1 Sam. 10. 1. Cant. 1. 3. And hereby was typed forth the holy Spirit in the gifts and graces thereof wherewith Christ was immeasurably anointed Joh. 3. 34. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me saith he because â—e hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor c. Luk. 4. 18. Act. 10. 38. God his God anointed him with the oyl of gladness above his fellows Heb. 1. 8 9. And herewith also his Saints and holy ones are anointed Psal 133. 1-3 They have an unction from the holy oâ—e and they know all things 1 Joh. 2. 20 27. 2 Cor. 1. 2 1. And it is needful that all their prayers and praises should be anointed herewith with these odours of his Spirit Likewise also the spirit helpeth our infiâ—mities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercession for the Saints according to God Rom. 8. 26 27. Hence the believers are exhorted to pray in the holy Spirit Ephes 6. 18. Jude v. 20 21. and the sacrifices acceptable to God are such as are sanctified by the Holy Ghost Rom. 15. 16 17. with Exod. 30. 23-26-33 and the Apostle thus exhoâ—ts the believers Be ye filled with the spirit speaking to your selves in Psalms and Hymns and spiritual songs singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord c. to signifie that in being filled with this heavenly oyl or ointment their praises would be full of odours Eph. 5. 18-20 Col. 3. 16. And the sacrifices which are acceptable to God by Jesus Christ are such as are directed unto filled and sanctified by the holy Spirit and so made and called spiritual sacrifices 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. Psal 16. 3 4. 2. More directly by these odours may be meant incense as also it is exprest in the Margent and in Rev. 8. 3 4. and herein relation is also had to that incense under the Law that immediately mentioned and directed unto after the holy ointment fore-spoken of as it is said The Lord said unto Moses take unto thee sweet spices Stacte a Gum as is said droping from the Myrrh-tree and Onicha and Galbanum these sweet spices with pure frankincense And thou shalt make a perfume and confection after the art of the Apothecary tempered together pure and holy Exod. 30. 34 35 36 37 38. Which incense or sweet perfume was daily to be burnt as it is said Aaron shall burn upon the altar of Incense sweet incense or incense of spices every morning when he dresseth the lamps he shall burn incense upon it and when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even he shall burn incense upon it a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations Exod. 30. 7 8. And herewith Aaron made atonement and intercessions Numb 16. 46-48 and this incense as it seems was burnt with or when their daily offerings were offered Jer. 17. 26. and 41. 5. 2 Chron. 13. 5. to make them acceptable And suâ—ely this incense was a type of the Intercession of Christ who makes Intercession for transgressors Isa 53. 12. And ever lives to make intercession for them that come to God by him and is therefâ—re able to save them to the uttermost Heb. 7. 25. And as in former times at the hour of prayer to wit as it seems at the time of the Evening oblaâ—ion when the people were praying without the Priest was burning incense within that their prayers might ascend with the smoke of the incense or sweet perfume and so come up with acceptance before God Dan. 9. 21. with Luk. 1. 9-11 and Act. 3. 1. So now Jesus Christ by the sweet odours and incense of his sacrifice and intercession doth perâ—ume the prayers and praises of the Saints and so makes them acceptable to God Rev. 8. 3 4. 1 Pet. 2. 5. Heb. 13. 15 16. Whereto the Prophet David as it seems refers when he saith Let my prayer be set forth before thee we read as incense but as is put in by the Translators and so we may first thus read it with incense and the lifting up of mine hands with the evening-sacrifice Their incense and evening-sacrifice being as offered together as we have said so a type of the oblation and intercession of Christ who in the evening of the world died yea rather is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us Rom. 8. 34 and so by means of his oblation and interceâ—sion we may secondarily read those words of the Psalmist as they are ordinarily read Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense c. Psal 141. 2. Maâ— 1. 11. 1. Now we may here see how we have in truth and by way of excellency and eminency what they had in the type and figure in former times they had holy ointment incense odours and so have we but ours are more excellent and wonderfully preferred before what they had under the Law 2. We may hence also understand and discern whence it
God and his Father God is Christ's Father his proper and only immediate Father and Jesus Christ is the proper and only begotten Son of the Father Joh. 5. 18. Rom. 8. 32. Joh. 1. 18. and ch 3. 16. and it is only proper to Christ and to no other individual Person to call God my Father Joh. 10. 29 37. and God is Christ's Father immediately by Divine and Eternal Generation Prov. 8. 22 30. and in his Incarnation and taking our nature upon him that holy thing that was born of the Virgin was the Son of God Luk. 1. 32 35. and in his Resurrection from the dead as he saith thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Acts 13 32 33. Unto God and his Father he hath made us Kings namely 1. To rule in due reason unto and for him in Judgment Isay 32. 1. as it is said of Solomon The Lord made him King for or as in former Translations unto the LORD his God 2 Chron. 9. 8. so are these not to reign for themselves or for their own Lusts not to serve them but to serve him and be for and unto him Hos 3 3. Acts 13. 22. And Priests To minister unto him now by Faith and hereafter gloriously not to be like those Priests those Idolatrous Priests whom the Kings of Judah ordained to burn Incense in the high Places nor like them who burnt Incense to Baal to the Sun and Moon and Planets and all the Host of Heaven 2 Kings 23. 4 5. nor like them that kissed and sacrificed to the Calves 2 Chron. 13. 8 9. nor to offer Sacrifice or burn Incense to the Queen of Heaven Jer. 44. 8 15 24. nor to the Virgin Mary or any of the said Saints departed or Angels Acts 14. 15. Col. 2. 18. Rev. 19. 10. and ch 22. 8 9. but unto God in Christ as the only Object of Divine and Religious Worship and Adoration Mat. 4. 10. 1 Joh. 5. 20 21. 2. Or also Kings and Priests unto God and his Father to wit before him and in his account like to that saying Luk. 20. 38. All live unto him though not unto us they are dead to us and in the account of Men but yet they live unto and before him and in his account Rom. 4. 17. so here though Men own them not as nor call them Kings and Priests but look upon them as the vilest of Men as the filth and off-scouring of all things as persons not fit to live yet they are Kings and Priests unto him who judgeth righteously Whosoever serves Christ him will his Father honour now and for ever 1 Sam. 2. 29 30. Joh. 12. 26. To him be Glory and Dominion for ever and ever Amen Namely To him who hath loved us and washed us and made us Kings and Priests c. And upon these accounts also because he hath done so graciously for us and to us 2 Tim. 4. 18. 2 Pet. 3. 18. A clear proof that he is God over all God blessed for ever Amen Rom. 9. 5. and as appears in Rev. 1. 8. Now in this Doxology we may learn 1. Those that know his name and have tasted his graciousness ascribe and render to the Lamb that was slain Glory and Dominion and desire it might be to him for ever and ever to which is added Amen as setting their Seal hereto Rev. 5. 12 14. and ch 7. 10 12. they seek not Glory to be rendred to themselves Prov. 25. 27. but ascribe it to him who hath worthily received it and who is in our nature become the Lord of Glory 1 Cor. 2. 8. Joh. 17. 5. and to the Father and Holy Spirit with him one God To Christ they here ascribe Glory Lustre Splendour and Honour this Glory to be our Redeemer that is his name for ever Isay 63. 16. Heb. 29. this Glory to have all fulness in him Col. 1. 18 19. to open the blind eyes Isay 42. 1 6 8. and to be the only head of the Church Col. 1. 18. Heb. 3. 1 6. and the only High-Priest Heb. 5. 5. and ch 7. 24 28. and to be the opener of the Book of God's Counsels Rev. 5. 1 12 13. and he shall appear in Glory Tit. 2. 13. Ps 102. 16. Mat. 25. 31. And Dominion Lordship all Power in Heaven and on Earth Mat. 28. 18. He is now Lord of all Invisibly and Spiritually and Lord of his Church Acts 10. 36. Eph. 5. 30 31. and hereafter he shall have Dominion from Sea to Sea visibly and gloriously Dan. 7. 14 16 27. Ps 72. 8 12. Zech. 9. 9 10. This they give namely ascribe and render what is and shall be his not add any thing really to him Neh. 9. 6. who hath first given to him and it shall be recompensed Rom. 11. 35 36. 2. And they desire it may be given by all others also in the Church Eph. 3. 21. and by all Men the Sons of the mighty Ps 29. 1 2. the kindreds of the People and all Men Ps 96. 1 10. Isay 42. 1 8 12. 1 Chron. 16. 24 30. and he hath died for all and all Judgment is committed to him that all should honour him as they should honour the Father Joh. 5. 22 23 24. yea they call upon all his works in all places of his Dominion to bless him and upon every thing that hath breath to praise him Ps 103. 20 21 22. and Ps 150. 6. see the notes on ch 4. v. 9. and on ch 5. v. 8. and v. 10. Verse 7. Behold he cometh with Clouds and every eye shall see him and they also which pierced him and all kindreds of the Earth shall wail because of him even so Amen In this Verse we have proposed to and set before us 1. Somewhat of great concernment we are called upon to attend and consider Behold he cometh with Clouds 2. We have a Prophetical Account of the visibleness of his coming And every Eye shall see him and they also which pierced him 3. The sadness which shall thereby be occasioned to some And all kindreds of the Earth shall wail because of him 4. The breathing vote and desire of the Apostle Even so Amen 1. Somewhat of great concernment we are called upon to attend and consider Behold he cometh with Clouds This surely takes in and includes first of all his coming in those Judgments which he will execute before he comes personally in which he is hastening his coming personally and thereby coming So Clouds in Scripture oft-times signifie that which is terrible and affrighting A Day of Wrath or Judgment Ps 18. 11. and 97. 2. Joel 2. 2. Zeph. 1. 15. Nah. 1. 3. But surely hereby ultimately is meant his personal coming like the same Phrase used in that visional discovery given to Daniel ch 7. 13. Here consider we 1. The matter we are called upon to behold He cometh with Clouds 2. The Note of Attention prefixed hereto Behold 1. The Matter we are called upon to behold and attend He cometh with
comes to pass that the Saints sacrifices of prayers and praises are so acceptable and sweet in the nostrils of God not because of the absolute perfection of them but because they are sanctified by the Spirit and full of and perfumed with the incense of the Intercession of Jesus Christ Isa 56. 7. Heb. 4. 14-16 Vers 9. And they sung a new song saying Thou art worthy to take the Book and to open the seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation In this Verse we have to consider and speak unto 1. The act or exercise of these Holy Ones And they sung a new song 2. The subject-matter of this new song Wherein we have to considâ—r 1. Their Doxology or ascribing praise and glory to the Lamb saying Thou art worthy to take the Book and to open the seals thereof 2. The Reason or Reasons of his worthiness to do these things and to have this glory ascribed and rendred to him by-them For thou wast â—lain and hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation 1. The act or exercise of these Holy Ones with their Harps c. And they sung a new song Where let us a little consider 1. The persons that sung 2. Their act or exercise it self 1. The persons that sung they the four living creatures and four and twenty Elders ver 8. or the Saints ver 8. These were the Harpers these the Singers here spoken of even the holy and righteous Ones and they are oft called on to sing unto the Lord and give thanks unto him Psal 30. 4. and 32. 11. and 33. 1 2 3. and 149. 1 2 3. Indeed men generally are called upon to sing unto the Lord as it is said Sing unto the Lord all the earth 1 Câ—ron 16. 23. Make a joyful noise unto God all ye Lands sing forth the honour of his name make his praise glorious Psal 66. 1 2. and 68. 32. and 96. 1 2. and 98. 1-4 5. and Psal 100. 1 2. But how can all men be called upon to sing or how can they meetly do it who believe not the Argument of the Song To which I say 1. There is good reason and cause for all so to do because Christ hath died for all yea rather is risen again 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son c. for God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved John 3. 16 17. and chap. 4. 42. And Christ hath given his flesh for the life of the world and given himself a ransom for all John 6. 51. 1 Tim. 2. 4-6 In which the goodness of the Lord is manifested the love pity and kindness of him that â—its upon the throne and of the Lamb that he is good unto all and loving unto every man and hence all are called upon to come before his presence with singing Tit. 3. 4. Heb. 2. 9. Psal 100. 1 2 3 5. and 145. 8 9 1 Chron. 16. 23 24. Psal 113. 1 2 3. 2. In due time this is made known to all as they come to years of discretion in some measure I mean that the Lord is good to all Psal 50. 1. Prov. 8. 1-4-6 Rom. 1. 19 21. Christ is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into â—he world John 1. 9. and 8. 12. And especially he is discovering his grace and love to all that have the Scriptures amongst them and the Gospel preached to them that all might hear so as it may be said Have they not heard yes verily Rom. 10. 18 19. John 5. 25. Jam. 1. 19. And usually when they are called upon to sing praise unto the Lord the reason and reasons why they should so do are propounded therewith as Psal 47. 1-5 6. and 68. 4. 10 11 18-20-32 and 96. 1-10 and 98. 1-4 5. 3. Herewith God is giving his saving-grace that all might hear believe and sing praise and it is wholly their own fault if they do not these things The grace of God saving or that bringeth salvation to all men hath appeared Tit. 2. 11. The â—our now is when the dead in sins and trespasses â—ear the voice of the Son of God that they might hear in hearing and live John 5. 25. and 1. 6 7. and chap. 6. 27 29 32 33 49 50. Rom. 8. 6 8-13-17 and therefore all may be called upon to praise the Lord for his goodness c. Psal 107. 8-15-21-31 But yet especially and most frequently the Saints and righteous ones are called upon excited and exhorted so to do because 1. They not only may but do know the joyful â—ound and so the good cause and reason why they should sing forth the honour of his name 1 John 5. 20. that the soul be without knowledg it is not good Prov. 19. 2. and God hath no pleasure in fools in such as so remain though he hath pity towards them Eccles 5. 1-4 and 7 5. But the Saints have an understanding they know and believe the love wherewith God hath loved them and all men in sending his Son the Saviour of the world 1 John 4. 14 -16 And therefore they especially are called upon to sing praises as it is said Sing ye praises with understanding or every one that hath understanding Psal 47. 5 6. 7. and 89. 15 16. 1 Cor. 14. 15. 2. And thorow the knowledg and belief of God's Testimony they are made in Christ and he is theirs 1 Cor. 1. 30 31. and 3. 23. they have tasted that the Lord is gracious 1 Pet. 2. 3. and are filled with joy and peace in believing they rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory c. 1 Pet. 1. 8 9 10. though all the days of their afflictions are evil yet they have a merry heart and so a continual feast Prov. 15. 13 15. and is any man merry let him sing Psalms Jam. 5. 13. Blessed are the people that know the joyful â—ound they shall walk O Lord in the light of thy countenancâ— in thy name they shall rejoyce all the day c. Psal 89. 15 17. and 132. 9 16. and 30. 4 5. Hab. 3. 16-19 3. It is a becoming decent thing for them to sing praise as it is said Rejoyce in the Lord O ye righteous for praise is comely for the upright Prâ—ise the Lord with the Harp sing unto him a new song play skilfully with a loud noise Psal 33. 1 3. It 's not comely for â—thers so to do who wilfully abide in their ignorance and disobedience unto the wicked God â—aith What hast thou to do to declare my statutes or that thou shouldst take my Covenant in thy mouth seeing thou hatest instruction c. But whâ—so offereth praise saith the Lord glorifieth me and to him that disposeth his way will I shew the salvation