will I make the horne of David to bud I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed 18. His enemies will I cloath with shame but upon himselfe shall his crown flourish From the promises made in favour of Christs Kingdome Learn 1. As Sion in the type was the place where Christ manifested himselfe King of Israel so also the Church mainly signified by it is the place and incorporation wherein Christ is to be seen manifestly to be King There will I make the horne of David to bud 2. The glory of typicall Davids Kingdome was revived in Christ the true David the budding of Christs Kingdome in Ierusalem was the budding of Davids Kingdome in a more glorious way then ever his temporal Kingdome flourished There will I make the horne of David to bud 3. This is the Crown and accomplishment of the Churches felicity that she hath Christ for her King There will I make the horne of David to bud 4. How low soever Christs Kingdome can be brought in the world yet it is fixed as a well rooted tree it is rooted as the horne of an Unicorne although it may seem gone or so weak as it cannot subsist yet it shall bud and grow in despite of all opposition There will I make the horne of David to bud 5. It is no wonder to see adversaries opposing Christs Kingdome for it is here foretold and presupposed His enemies will I cloath with shame 6. Albeit the enemies of Christ do promise to themselves advantage by their opposition made unto Christ and hope to overturne his Kingdome yet have they all been and shall be ashamed for ever of their expectation whosoever do hate his Kingdome His enemies will I cloath with shame which they shall not be able to hide but must put on and walk therein as a man doth in his garments 7. The more Christ is opposed the more shall his splendor and glory grow in the world But upon himselfe shall his crown flourish PSALME CXXXIII Ver. 1. BEhold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity 2. It is like the precious ointment upon the head that ranne down upon the beard even Aarons beard and went down to the skirts of his garments 3. As the dew of Hermon and as the dew that descended upon the mountaines of Sion for there the Lord commanded the blessing even life for evermore This Psalme doth fit the condition of Gods people in Davids time when after their civil warres they were brought to an happy unity in Religion and civil Government This sort of concord and communion of Saints is here commended to the Church as both pleasant and profitable The goodnesse of it is spoken of v. 1. The pleasantnesse of it v. 2. The profitablenesse of it v. 3. Whence learn 1. Those are most fit to put a price and right estimation upon peace and concord who have seen and felt the evil of discord and contention as Davids experience proveth for this is a Psalme of David who had proofe both of warre and peace 2. The fruits of peace in the reformation of Religion and of civil Judicatories do so redound unto the comfort of all families and private persons as the good of concord may be demonstrated sensibly Behold how good it is 3. Such a concord is true concord and worthy of the name which doth unite the members of the visible Church as brethren or children of one Father in the true Religion for the mutual discharge of all the duties of love How gâ—od is it for brethren to dwell together in unity 4. Some things are pleasant and not profitable and some things are profitable and not pleasant but the concord of Gods people or holy peace within the visible Church in any place is both pleasant and profitable Behold how good aâ—d pleasant it is for brethren to dwâ—ll together in unity 5. This blessing is not to be expected by any but through Christ on whom the oile of gladnesse and all the graces of the Spirit are first poured out and then from him are carried to the meanest member of his body as Aarons head being anointed with oile the benefit of it extended it self to the uttermost borders of his garments for the similitude borrowed from Aarons anointing as the type of Christ doth teach us so much It is like the precious ointment c. And this similitude representeth the pleasantnesse of concord the sweet smell whereof refresheth all that have any spiritual sense 6. As dew maketh the herbs and trees to flourish for the utility of man so is concord profitable to the Church and State As the dew of Hermon or dew that descended upon the mountaines of Sion 7. Where holy concord maketh its residence among brethren dwelling together in unity there the blessing of the God of peace in this life and for the life to come makes its residence also There the Lord commanded the blessing even life for evermore 8. This blessing of brethren living in the unity of the spirit and bond of peace is not promised only but also there is an everlasting order given forth from the Supream Ruler of all things for the forthwith applying of the blessing effectually to those that thus live together There the Lord commanded the blessing even life for evermore PSALME CXXXIV In this short Psalme the Spirit of the Lord by the mouth of the Psalmist exhorteth the Lords Ministers to go about the exercise of their publick Ministery in praying preaching and praising God v. 1 2. and blessing the congregation met together v. 3. Vers. 1. BEhold blesse ye the LORD all ye servants of the LORD which by night stand in the house of the LORD 2. Lift up your hearts in the Sanctuary and blesse the LORD From the exhortation to the Lords Ministers Learn 1. The publick worship of God is to be carefully looked unto and all men but especially Ministers had need to be stirred up to take heed to themselves and to the work of Gods publick worship when they go about it for so much doth behold in this place import 2. The scope and special end of publick worship is to set forth the blessednesse of God in himselfe and in his operation for and toward his Church for all the parts of publick worship and service in prayer reading of Scripture preaching praising and thanksgiving singing of Psalmes and blessing of the people do aime at this Behold blesse ye the Lord. 3. The discharging of the publick worship of God requireth that there be publick Ministers appointed by God and separated unto this holy function Blesse ye the Lord all ye servants of the Lord. 4. It was commanded in the Law Exod. 27 20 21. that so soon as day-light began to fall at even lamps should be lighted and shine all night in the Tabernacle till the morning and that the Priests and Levits should by course waite upon his service that there should not be darknesse in the Lord house but light
21 22 23 24. And from the works of the fifth day Fishes greater and smaller v. 25 26 In the third place he bringeth arguments of Gods praise frâ—m the preservation specially of living creatures v. 27 28 29 30. In the fourth place is the conclusion of the Psalme with some further reasons for praising of GOD v. 31 32 33 34 35. Ver. 1. BLesse the LORD O my soul O LORD my God thou art very great thou art cloathed with honour and majesty Here is the scope of the whole Psalme wherein he stirreth up his own soul and by his own example all others that have ears to hear to glorifie our God for his greatnesse and Majesty manifested in his works of Creation and Providence Whence learn 1. The Lord is to be praised by his children not only for his benefits bestowed upon them but also for his own glorious Majesty and greatnesse not only is he to be praised for the works of Redemption and Grace to his Elect children but also for the works of Creation and what he hath bestowed upon the creatures as this Psalme compared with the former doth teach us 2. Because men have oft-times the words of praise in their mouth and do care little to have their affection suitable to the work in their heart therefore when we go about to praise God we should stir up our spirits unto a Religious disposition as David doth here saying Blesse the Lord O my soul. 3. When we go about the work of â—ods praise we should consider his Majesty how great he is and worthy to be praised O LORD thou art very great 4. Then is the heart best fitted for Gods praises when the soul that is about the work of praise doth apprehend its interest in God and looketh upon him as reconciled and in Covenant with it self O Lord my God thou art very great 5. The praises of God do not depend upon tbe man that praiseth him but are fixed in God and flow forth from himself so clearly that none can be excused of ingratitude who do not acknowledge his glory Thou art cloathed with honour and Majesty Albeit God be invisible and unsearchable yet his honour and Majesty may be seen in his works which are as a garment both to hide him in one respect and hold him forth in another to be seen Thou art cloathed with honour and Majesty Vers. 2. Who coverest thy selfe with light as with a garment who stretchest out the heavens like a curtaine 3. Who layeth the beames of his chambers in the waters who maketh the clouds his charet who walketh upon the wings of the winde 4. Who maketh his Angels spirits his ministers a flaming fire In the second place are set down the Arguments for praising of God taken from the works of creation such as were wrought the first and second day whereof only so much is spoken as may lead us unto what is said more thereof in the History written by Moses Whence learne 1. The works of creation besides their natural use do serve for spiritual uses also to wit to furnish unto us the knowledge of God to edifie us in faith and stirre us up to glorifie the Maker as here doth appear 2. Among all the sensible creatures of God the creation of the light hath the first place for manifestation of his glory whether we look unto the brightnesse and admirable purity of it which cannot be polluted by any filthinesse whereupon it shines or the use it hath in operation upon and setting forth of the beauty of the râ—st of the creatures therefore he beginneth at it here 3. Our thoughts of God should be higher larger more purified from bodily apprehensions and all imperfections then our thoughts of created light are when we look upon the light iâ—â—uâ—inated all the world at once For as the garment of a King sheweth his Majesty and yet is no part of his substance or essence and in its nature is much inferiour to his worth so is the light nothing but Gods creature serving to shew forth his glory and is infinitly inferiour unto him Who covereth himself with light as a garment 4. As light filling the world is nothing but as the garment of the glorious Creator manifesting himself wirhin the compasse of the world to his creatures so the Heavens in their largest circle are but the Canopy cast about the seat of a King for he stretcheth out the heavens like a curtaine 5. This world is like a stately house which is divided in upper or lower roomes by joysts beames and plankes puâ— between the lower roomes and the higher and the firmament sustaining the clouds is the first division Who layeth the beames of his chambers in the waters Or in the second region of the aire where the waters in the clouds are gathered and stored up as it were in thâ—ir distinct chambers for the severall uset which God hath for them 6. As the glory of Kings is to be seen when they go iâ— Coaches and their train is following them or when they ride on hâ—â—â—e-back with their followers attending theâ— so is the glory of the Lord seen when he maketh the weighty clouds having in them flâ—uds of water to move from place to place as charets abâ—ve our heads and not fall down at once He mâ—keth ehe clouds his chariot 7. The swift and unperceivable motion of the windes being raised by God from all parts in all places of the world doth serve as a shadow to point out the everywhere-presence of God Who walketh upon the wings of the winde 8. The Angels are the Lords creatures and do serve him at his pleasure as the winds and flaming fire do swiftly going where he commandeth them and in the fervour of their love to him dispatching every businesse committed to them Who maketh his Angels spirits and his Ministers a flame of fire 9. Great and glorious must our Lord Jesus be who is the Creator and Lord of Angels And maketh his Angels spirits Ver. 5. Who laid the foundations of the earth that it should not be removed for ever 6. Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment the waters stood above the mountaines 7. At thy rebuke they fled at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away 8. They go up by the mountaines they go downe by the valleyes unto the place which thou hast founded for them 9. Thou hast set a bound that they may not passe over that they turne not again to cover the earth From this to the 19th ver he describeth the third dayes work of the Creation prepared for the use of man and beast which were the sixth dayes work The preparation of the dwelling house of man and beast and other living creatures above the earth is set down in these five Verses Whence learn 1. The setling of the earth in a like distance on all hands from the circle of heaven compassing it round about and hanging of the earth in the midst of the
say that his mercy endureth for ever 3. Let the house of Aaron now say that his mercy endureth for ever 4. Let them now that feare the LORD say that his mercy endureth for ever The exhortation is unto the visible Church in general to thank God for his everlasting mercy and to the house of Aaron and to those that fear God more specially to praise him for that same cause Whence learn 1. Upon all occasions we ought to glorifie God and stir up others to do so especially when we consider what God doth for the Kingdom of Christ and here let us say O give thanks unto the Lord. 2. Albeit the wisdom power and justice of God be glorious matter of praising of him yet none can heartily glorifie him for these reasons till they first have experience of the sweetnesse of his goodness and mercie Give thanks for he is good for his mercy endureth for ever 3. Such as are partakers of the goodness which is purchased by Christ may lay hold on everlasting mercies and give thanks for those Because his mercy endureth for ever 4 Albeit all the elect have interest in Gods praise for mercies purchased by Christ unto them yet the elect of Israel have the first room in the song for Christ is first promised to them and came of them according to the flesh and will be most marvellous about them Let Israel now say that his mercy endureth for ever 5. Men who have more gifts higher place and in special they who are Ministers of Gods house should go before others in glorifying Gods mercy manifested in Christ Let the house of Aaron now say that his mercy endureth for ever 6. Whatsoever otheâ—s do such as worship God in their spirits sincerely should let forth their thankfulnesse for Gods grace manifested to them through Christ Let them now that feare the Lord say that his mercy endureth for ever 7. As the salvation of the elect is one and the love of God to them one so should their song be one as here foure several times it is said His mercy endureth for ever 8. Christ being come at length into the world in the fulnesse of time and having ended his sufferings and entered into his Kingdome notwithstanding all the provocations of men to move God to cut short this mercy hath given proof once for all of his everlasting goodnesse and mercy therefore is it said Let Israel now Let Aaron now Let them that feare God now say that his mercy endureth for ever And this is one reason of his praises Ver. 5. I called upon the LORD in distresse the LORD answered me and set me in a large place Another reason of this thanksgiving is the Psalmists experience representing Christs suffering and victory he called to God and was delivered Whence learn 1. As the deliverance which David had out of his troubles was a reason of joy to all the Kingdom of Israel because of the benefits which they enjoyed under his Government so the deliverance which Christ had out of his sufferings is a reason of joy thanksgiving and glorifying God to all his subjects I called upon the Lord in distresse he answered me and set me in a large place 2. Albeit the Lord do bring his children into straits yet he will not leave them in distresse but will bring them forth into a large place as this experience of the Psalmist and of Christ our Head both distressed and delivered for our sake doth give assurance 3. The distresse of the Lords children is not so bitter as the delivery and enlargement out of it is sweet For he answered me and set me in a large place is here the matter of victorious joy and of Gods high praises 4 Delivery out of any great danger is a matter of glorifying God especially when it is the returne of prayer as here I called on the Lord and he answered me c. Vers. 6. The LORD is on my side I will not feare what can man do unto me 7. The LORD taketh my part with them that help me therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me A third reason of praise is because the Psalmist hath by this experience received such confirmation of Gods respect to him as made him fearlesse for time to come and assured of the overthrow of his enemies Whence learn 1. Experience of hearing our prayer should confirme us about Gods friendship as here from his late experience he draweth this Conclusion The Lord is on my side 2. Gods favour and friendship believed should free us from the feare of men The Lord is on my side I will not feare 3. Albeit the power of man be an ordinary tentation to divert the godly from their duty yet when Gods favour and displeasure are well weighed and compared with mans hatred and favour it shall be found to be but little which mans either terrour or allurement can do as rhis interrogation speaketh What can man do unto me 4. Faith obtaineth more good by deliveries then it findeth hurt by assaults and then is true saith victorious when Gods friendship is opposed to whatsoever the wrath of the creature can do as here is seen 5. Albeit we have gotten some notable victories against our enemies yet we must know our warfare is not ended for so much doth the Psalmist insinuate when he goeth to make party against his enemies The Lord is on my side the Lord taketh my part 6. Albeit the Lords people do not despise meanes and helpers yet they rely not on them but on Gods help who can blesse the meanes The Lord taketh my part with them that help me 7. Faith in its own victory by Gods assistance seeth also the overthrow of the adversaries The Lord taketh my part therefore I shall see my desire on them that hate me 8. Many good uses may a believer make of one benefit one victory one experience as here the Psalmist doth he confirmeth himself in his reconciliation and friendship with God he encourageth himself against dangers to come he exalteth God and putteth down to nought the hatred and favour of man he resolveth to use meanes and to expect the blessing from God with other sundry good uses which follow hereafter Ver. 8. It is better to trust in the LORD then to put confidence in man 9. It is better to trust in the LORD then to put confidence in Princes A fourth reason of praise and thanks unto God is for blessing the course of faith and making it better then the course of policy or carnal reason Whence learn 1. As faith gathereth strength when it seeth what blessing doth follow on beleeving so God getteth praise by blessing the obedience of faith It is better to trust in the Lord then to put confidence in men 2. Such as beleeve in God in whatsoever mean condition they may be in are in better case then the minions of Kings who lean only to mens favour and time will prove this