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 A  %%IEF 
 
 EXPLICATION 
 
 of  the  firft  ftfty 
 
 PSALMS: 
 
 T>AVIT>   pICKSOXCg 
 
 Profeflbr  of  Divinity  in  the  Col-, 
 ledge  of  Edmburgji. 
 
 AT*? 
 
 9* 
 
 p  S  A  L.     1 06.  4- 
 
 %'  Remember  me  O  Lord^ith  the  favour  that  thon  beareft  »g£ 
 «0?o  tAj  />«>/>/*  -'  O  vipe  me  with  thy  falvation,  g£ 
 that  I  may  fee  the  q;oodofthy  chofen,  that  1  may  re-  g^ 
 ;oj«  ft  thegladnefe  of  thy  Nation,  that  I  may  glory  g^ 
 With  thine  inheritance.  fgy. 
 
 Imprimatur^ 
 
 Edmund- Calamy,  Nov.!1}.  i6$2. 
 
 -sen 
 
 sen 
 
 2,0   N  DO  N, 
 
 Tinted  by  7*.  ^  for  Ralph  S  m  i  t  h  ,  at  the  gji 
 Bible  in  Comehill,  neer  the  %<*/- 
 Exchange,  r  6  5  3. 
 
 'HI 
 
 mimwi 
 
 «£f   qg»    *j$*    «$ 
 
 J. 
 
*m       ~i*m% 
 
 X         I 
 
To  the  truly  Honourable  and  c]fo- 
 
 ligious  Ladies ,  my  Lady  Marquejfe  of 
 Argyle,  and  my  Lady  Anne  Camp- 
 bell her  eldeft  daughter  :  Grace  and  Teace 
 through  Jefus  Cnrift. 
 
 T  is  the  good  and  wife  way 
 of  God  ,  in  matters  con- 
 cerning this  temporal  life, 
 to  make  manifeft  his 
 bounty  and  kindneffe  to 
 all  men,  how  unkind  and 
 wicked  fbever  they  be,and 
 not  leave  himfelfe  without 
 a  witnefle  againft:  complainers  :But  in  the  mat- 
 '  ters  of  falvation,  and  things  which  doe  belong 
 to  eternall  life  ,  he  ufeth  not  to  extend  his  fpe- 
 ciall  love  fo  largely  5  for  even  the  external! 
 meanesoffaving  knowledge  are  beftowed  up- 
 on few  Nations  and  People  >  in  comparifon 
 of  the  whole  race  of  mankind,  pfal.  147.  19, 
 20.  Hefhewetb  his  word  unto  Jacob,  and  his  fla- 
 mes and  his  judgements  unto  Ifrael  5  he  hath 
 not  dealt  fo  with  any  Nation,and  as  for  his  judge- 
 ments, they  have  not  known  them.  And  though 
 the  people  be  few  to  whom  the  offer  of  falva- 
 A  3  tioss 
 
The  Mpiftle  Dedicatory. 
 
 tion  is  made,  in  comparifon  of  the  reft  of  the 
 world  5  yet  are  they  many  in  comparifon  of 
 thofe  who  finde  grace  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord, 
 to  accept  the  offer  of  Grace  tendred  unto  them 
 in  Chrift  Jefus  ^  for  many  are  called,   but  few 
 chofeny  Mat.  22.14.  And  albeit  it  be  true,  that 
 Gods  calling  and  ele&ion   hach  place  iq  all 
 rankes  and  eftates  of  perfons,  higher  and lower, 
 learned  or  unlearned,  rich  and  poor-,  yet  doth 
 this  grace  ftretch  itfelfe  to  many  moe  of  the 
 meaner  fort  of  people  then  of  the  wife,  weal- 
 thy and  honorable  in  the  world,  1  Cor.  1.26* 
 Tee  fee  your  calling  brethren  ,  how  that  not  many 
 wife  men  after  the  fiefh  ,  not  many  mighty^  not 
 many  Noble  are  called  $  but  God  hath  ch  of  en  the 
 foolif)  things  in  the  world,  <jrc.  Therefore  fo 
 much  the  greater  is  the  favour  of  God,  which 
 your  fouls  have  found,  mofi  Honorable  jhzx  you 
 are  made  fome  of  thofe  few',  yea  afteffo  com- 
 fortable a  manner ,    that  the  daughter  finding 
 her  felfe  led  by  her  Mothers  hand,  in  her  tender 
 youth  unto  Chrift  the  Saviour,  looketh  on  her 
 as  her  mother  t wife  5  and  the  Mother  having 
 power  and  place  to  draw  the   vaile  of  her 
 daughters  virginallmodefty,retirednefTe,  and 
 prudence,  which  concealeth  much  of  the  luftre 
 of  accompliiliments  from  the  fight  of  others 
 who  ftand  at  a  greater  diftance,  doth  look  up- 
 pon  her  notable  endowments,  arid  growing 
 graces,   asmorethena  recompence  of  all  the 
 
 paines 
 
The  Epiftle  Dedicatory. 
 
 paines  fuftained  in  bringing  forth,  and  beftow^ 
 ed  upon  education  of  fuch  a  plant,  fo  well  fitted 
 for  that  which  is  mod  defireabkin  earth  and 
 heaven  \.  And  thus  much  I  have  reafon  for  me 
 to  fayl,  not  only  becaufe  it  is  my  partes  I  have 
 occafion,to  ftir  up  parents ^to  ftudy  to  havetheir 
 children  timoufly  engaged  to  the  Lord, in  hone 
 to  have  the  more  early   and  abundant  com- 
 fort by  them  in  their  owne  time -,  but  alfb  be- 
 caufe I  have  been  witnes  of  the  Chriftian  beha- 
 viour of  both  your  Ladifhips,in  no  fmall  try  all 
 of  your  faith  &  patience  by  the  troubles  of  the 
 times,  both  publick  and  private ,  for  a  number 
 #of«  years  together-,    which  experience  hath 
 now  goodufe  to  fit  and  prepare  your  honours 
 for  a  further  exercife  true  beleevers  are  (ubjecfi: 
 unto  in  this  life,  and  for  what  this  prefent  time 
 doth  call  unto  all  to  be  prepared  for.     This 
 conditioh  being  m  all  ages  incident  to  the 
 godly,  fhould  not  be  looked  upon  in  our  time 
 as  if  fome  ftrange  thing  did  befall  us  :  for  it  is 
 the  Lords  ordinary  way  of  dealing  with  his 
 children,~by  changes  of  their  condition  out- 
 ward and  inward,  by  vififfitude  of  flraits  and 
 outgates  ,    by    intercourfe  of   CrofTes  and 
 Comforts,  and  by  much  variety  of  feverail 
 conditions,  powerfully  to traine,  advance,  and 
 fettle  their  faith,  andtoincreafe  the  growth  of 
 all  graces ,  accompanying  falvation  in  them  5 
 for  what  we  cannot  con-certe  at  one  leflfon,  be- 
 caufe 
 
the  EfifiU  Dedicatory. 
 
 caufeweare  dull  ,  he  teachethus  by  parts,  in 
 many  &  fundry  inftru&ions^all  tending  to  bring 
 us  to  a  further  meafure  of  humiliation  ,  and  felf 
 denyal  on  the  one  hand,and  of  fubmiffion  unto 
 God,&  faith  in  Chrift  on  the  other  hand:  And 
 this  way  of  God  is  made  plain  by  the  pra&ice 
 of  the  Saints,and  laid  open  before  usin  the  book 
 of  the  Pfalmes  5  whereof  at  this  time  I  have 
 onely  taken  a  third  part  to  handle  by  way  of 
 EfTay,  thereby  to  finde  the  advice  of  judi- 
 cious brethren,  how  to  fatisfie ,  and  edifie  the 
 Reader  more  in  what  is  behind  to  be  handled, 
 if  God  be  pleafed  to  give  further  employment 
 andafliftance  in  this  fervice  $  And  this  which' 
 hese  is  offered  to  the  edification  of  the  Lords 
 people,  I  have  put  forth  under  your  Honours 
 name,becau(e  of  your  conftant  affe&ion  to  the 
 ftudyof  the  Scriptures,  and  refpe&to  all  the 
 meflengers  of  Truth,  and  to  me  for  the  Truths 
 caufe  ,   for  which  I  w  ill  ftill  remaine 
 
 Jour  Honours  much  obliged f errant 
 in  the  Gofpell. 
 
 -  David  Dickson. 
 
T  O 
 
 The  READER. 
 
 ?^jlHriJlian  (Reader,  In  this 
 EJfay  on  the  Tjalmes,  as 
 in  other  like  pieces  on 
 ,  fome  other  Books  of  Scrip- 
 ture ,  fent  forth  to  tfa 
 world  from  me,  a  part  of 
 my  dejigne  is  jl ill  the  Jame,  that  hereby  I 
 may  try,   if  it  may  he  the  Lords  will,   to 
 
 £irre  up  fome  more  able  injiruments  to 
 y  open  briefly ,  in  this  mould,  or  any  o- 
 ther  they  pleafe  better  y  the  chief e  Do.- 
 tlrines  treajured  up  in  the  ftore-houfe  of 
 
 holy 
 
To  the  Reader. 
 
 holy  Scripture^  whereby  the  Lords  people 
 may  be  folidly  informed  in  the  know- 
 ledge, and  ejlablijhed  in  the  faith  of  true 
 Religion,  by  the  mofi  near  and  immediate 
 "way  of  draining  their  light  from  the  foun- 
 tain of  the  Lords  owne  word  :  for  this 
 were  a  mean  (as  I  humbly  conceive)  to 
 cut  off  many  medleffe  difputes  wherewith 
 the  world  is  filled  ^  a  mean  to  refute  ma- 
 ny errours,  which  the  ignorance  of  Scrip- 
 ture and  of  the  power  of  God  hath  bred 
 and  fojlered  in  the  Chriflian  Church  -. 
 a  mean  to  prevent  many  mijlak.es  where- 
 in well-meaning  %eale  doth  oft-times  fall ± 
 for  lack,  of  a  brief c  manuduflion  into  the 
 true  fenfe  and  intent  of  places  mijlaken. 
 And  I  am  not  altogether  out  of  hope, 
 that  the  Lord  fhall  hearken  to  my  defire, 
 and  fet  fome  of  his  fervants  on  work., 
 ere  it  be  long,  '  to  entertaine  this  moti- 
 on, and  to  take  a  pare  alfo  in  the 
 task-  Mean  time,  1  pray  let  my  aime 
 and  endeavour  be   acceptable   unto  theei 
 
 and 
 
To  the  Reader. 
 
 and  do  not  take  exception  that  fo  much 
 is  left  un.faid  upon  fo  pregnant  paffages 
 of  Scripture     as    I  go   through  briefly y 
 and>  that  fo  much  good  matter   is    hinted 
 aty   and  paft  by  fo  quickly  ,    and  fome 
 times  fo  abruptly  y  nor  that  the  deductions 
 of fundry  doBrines  from  the  groundy  poin* 
 ted  at  in  the  text,  are  of t- times  not  fo  con- 
 vincingly   cleared  as  you  would  ^  But  take 
 this  confederation   along  with  theey  That 
 any     longer     in  fifing     either    in     ex- 
 plication   of    the  grounds    of    the  T)o~ 
 Brines   pointed   at   in    the   texty    or  in 
 amplification  of    the   DoBrines     deduced 
 from    the  grounds  y  would  have    marred 
 much  the  intended  brevity  of  the  mouldy 
 wherewith  both  the  learnedy   and  fuch  as 
 have  leffe  leifure  to  read  longer  difcour- 
 fesy  pofsibly    will  be  "well  pleafedy  mainly 
 for  this  caufe  that  .they   are  not  much  ta- 
 ken off  their  fiudiesy  or  from    their  other 
 neceffary  imployments y  by  this  manner  of 
 writing  :  And  wherewith  alfo    charitable 
 
 cenfu- 
 
To  the  Reader. 
 
 cenfurers ,  will  be  content  happily  when 
 they  perceive  that  in  this  plaineffe  and 
 brevity ,  every  Reader  fhall  quickly  meet 
 with  good  matter  of  meditation  at  leafly 
 whereby  the  fmalleft  graines  of  found 
 truth}  feen  by  this  means  among  Rea- 
 ders ,  may  by  Gods  blefsing  get  root , 
 waterings  and  increafe  in  a  good  and 
 honeft  heart  :  which  blefsing  that  it  may 
 be  very  largey  fhall  be  the  hearty  prayer 
 
 Thy  Servant  in  the 
 work  of  the  Golpel, 
 
 David  Dickson. 
 
^7  \p  ^7  \^T  <£>  i^7  4§?  \jy  \^  49?    **jy  \|?  <^7  ^  ^  ^^  ^  ^ J  ^7 
 
 A  BRIEF 
 
 EXPOSITION 
 
 Of  the  firft  Fifty. 
 
 T  S  ALMES, 
 
 Lbeit  the  Book  of  the  Pjalms 
 be  not  cofnpofed  after  the 
 manner  of  Humane  Wri- 
 tings^ in  fome  fuch  Method 
 of  Parts,  <is  Htfiory  or  Art 
 could pofsibly  prefcribe^  yet 
 it  is  fo  digeftedin  Divine 
 Providence,  as  the  Order  it  hath,  is  far  better 
 then  humane  Artifice  could  have  given  unto  it : 
 For  the  fcope  of  this  Book  being  not  only  to  teach 
 us  the  Grounds  of  Divinity,  for  our  Informati- 
 on, but  alfo  to;  direct  w  how  to  apply  faving 
 Doctrines  practically  to  our  felfe,  and  to  make 
 ufe  thereof  for  Reformation  of  our  Affections \ 
 and  Actions,  and  to  help  us  by  the  Example  of 
 the  Practice  and  JSxercife  of  Gods  dear  chil- 
 dren, to  go  after  their  footfieps^  being  led  by  this 
 
 B  Dire- 
 
(?) 
 
 Directory  all  along,   as  by  the  hand  unto  the 
 fruition  of  Felicity,   in  higher  and  higher  De- 
 grees thereof,   till  we  be  perfectly  pojfejfed  of 
 it  in  Heaven.     The  Pfalmes  in  relation  to  this 
 fcopeare  fo placed,    as  the  frjl  Pfahne  having 
 divided  all  men  in  two  Ranks,  in  order  to  the  way 
 of feeking  Felicity,  doth  give  direction  to  as  to 
 chafe,  not  the  counfel  of  the  Wicked,  but  the 
 Word  ofGodfdrthe  Rule  whereby  to  walk  unto 
 true  Blejfedne[fe :    And  the  fecond  Pfalm  giveth 
 us  God  in  Chrijl  for  a  Captain  and  Leader  to 
 m,    who  is  able  to  maintain  his  Church ,  and  all 
 thofe  who  jhall  follow  this  Rule,   againfi  all  the 
 Oppofition  which  can  be  made  againfi  them  by  the 
 Power  and  Multitude  of  the  Wicked  y  who  will  not 
 be  bound  by  the  bonds  and   cords  (a*  they  e- 
 jleem)  of  this  Rule  of  the  Lords  Law:     And  the 
 rejl  of  the  P films  do  hold  forth  the  Examples  of 
 Chrifi  and  his  Followers ,  yoaked  in  Conflict 
 with  their  Perfecuters  for  Righteoufnefs  fake  • 
 in  all  Afjaults  making  ufe  of  their  Covenant 
 with  God7  and  prevailing  by  his  Power  which  up- 
 holdetb,  direct ethy  comforteththemin  all  their 
 Troubles,  and  giveth  Viffory  and  Delivery  unto 
 them  out  of  them  all :   to  the  intent  that  every 
 onewhofhallchufetobe  truly  bleffed  in  the  way 
 prefer ibed  of  God  {who  only  can  give  and  main- 
 tain Felicity)    may  refolve  and  prepare  them- 
 
 felves 
 
ft) 
 
 f elves  for fuch  a  life  as  the  Saints  have  had  in 
 all  Generations  before  them  5  that  isy  a  life 
 mixed  with  Crojfes  andftveet  Comforts  5  a  life 
 tvherein  they  fhall  be  pit  to  make  ufe  of  their 
 faith  in  God  by  Prayers 5  and Jh all  not  w ant  for 
 their  anfvoery  in  dm  time,  matter  of  Zpoy  and 
 Praifesto  God$  a  life  compofed  of  Variety  of 
 Godly  Exercifes^  and  alternating  vicifsitudes  of 
 Conditions ,as  the  bulk  ofthisBook  reprefenteth  - 
 but  clofmg  as  this  bundle  of  P\  alms  clofethy  with 
 fix  times  pure  Praifes,  w hereunto  now  and  then 
 the  Lord  frameth  the  heart  of  the  Believer^ 
 with  Zfoy  unfpeakable  and  full  of  Glory  :  That 
 endlejfe  and  uninterrupted  Thanksgiving  and 
 Praip  being  referved  to  the  Generall  Ajfem- 
 bly  and full  meeting  of  Chrift,  and  all  his  Re- 
 deemed ones  ^  at  the  great  day  ofonr  Lords  fecond 
 coming. 
 
 B  2  PSAL, 
 
..*- 
 
 A 
 
 U) 
 
 PSALM    I, 
 
 ^His  Pfalm  teacheth ,  that  no  tyigodly 
 man  is  blefFed,  but  the  godly  man 
 onely,ffr.i,2.  Which  is  proved  by 
 three  reafons :  The  firft,becaufe  God 
 doth  bleffe  the  godly  even  in  this 
 life  with  grace  to  bring  forth  good  works  profi- 
 table to  themfelves  and  others,  in  every  ftate 
 of  life,  ver.  3.*  But  all  that  the  wicked  do  for 
 making  themfelves  happy,  fliall  be  blafted,  and 
 found  to  be  meer  vanity,  ver,  4.  Another  reafon 
 is,  becaufe  after  this  life  the  wicked  (h  #'1  be  fe- 
 cluded  from  the  prefence  of  God,  and  focietie 
 of  the  godly  at  the  day  of  judgment,  v.  5.  The 
 third  reafon,  confirming  both  the  former,  is, 
 becaufe  God  approveth  the  way  of  the  godly, 
 and  will  make  the  end  of  the  way  of  the  ungodly 
 deftrudion,wr.6. 
 
 Ver.  I.T)  Le(fed  is  the  man  that  walketh  not  in 
 J3  the  counfel  of  the  ungodly ,  nor  fland- 
 ah  in  the  way  of  [inner  $y  nor  Jitteth  in  the  feat  of  the 
 fccrnful. 
 
 2.    But  his  delight  is  in  the  law  of  the  Lord^  and 
 in  his  law  doth  he  meditate  both  day  and  night. 
 
 P Rom  the  pronouncing  of  the  godly  man  to  be  the  bleffed 
 man^and  Got  the  ungodly;  Lmn  i  .Though  fin  and  mifcry 
 
 abound 
 
PSA  L.    I.  5 
 
 abound  among  men,  yet  bleffednefl'e  may  be  attained  5  for 
 God  here  pronounceth  iome  to  be  blejfed.  2,  In  relation  to 
 the  fceking  of  bleffednefl'e,  all  men,  within  and  without  the  vi- 
 fiblc  Church,  arc  divided  in  godly  men,  that  feck  to  be  bleffed 
 in  Gods  way  J  and  ungodly  men,  who  feeke  bleffedneffe,  buc 
 not  in  Gods  way  •  for  To  are  they  here  all  ranked.  $ .  To  de- 
 termine the  Queftion,  who  is  the  bleffed  man,  is  competent 
 to  Gad  one!y,in  whofe  hand  alone  ic  is  to  make  a  man  bleffed  > 
 for  hcrehetakethituponhim,to  pronounce  the  godly  man  to 
 kklb*  blejfed  man.  4.  The  ungodly  do  think  themfelves  very 
 wllefh  following  the  counfell  of  their  own  heart,  and  of  others 
 like  themfelves  ,that  they  may  be  bltfledj  But  this  is  not  the  way 
 of  the  bleffed  man,  He  walketb  not  in  the  counfel  of  the  un- 
 godly. ?,  The  ungodly  do  obftinately  continue  inthecourfe 
 of  finning,  but  the  bleffed  man,  if  he  be  overtaken  in  a  fin, 
 doth  not  defend  his  fin,  nor  perfift  ink  :  He  ft  and  etb  not  in 
 the  my  of  [inner s.  6.  The  ungodly  may  come  to  that  height  at 
 length,  as  to  mcckgodlineffejas  meer  folly,  and  to  fcorn  ad* 
 monitions  and  reproofs :  But  the  bleffed  man  doth  never  bar- 
 den  his  heart  fo,  as  to  mock  piety  mothers,  or  inftrudion 
 offered  to  himfelfe,  He  fittctb  not  in  the  feat  of  the  fcornfull. 
 
 7.  The  bleffed  man  maketh  the  word  of  God  in  holy  Scripture 
 to  be  his  Counfeller  concerning  the  remedy  of  fin  and  mifery, 
 and  to  be  the  rule  to  walk  by,  till  his  bleffedneffe  be  perfected 
 for  the  Scripture  to  bim,foi-  the  obedience  of  faiih,is  a  Law>and 
 that  fenced  with  fupreme  authority  :  It  is  the  Law  of  the  Lord. 
 
 8.  In  thatmeafure  that  a  man  is  godly  and.bleffed,  he  ma- 
 keth the  word  of  God,  which  holdeth  forth  the  way 'of  recon- 
 ciliation with  God  through  the  MefFiab,  Chrift,  the  way  of 
 growing  in  communion  with  Gcd  through  him,  the  matter  of 
 his  chiefe  delight,  and  contentments  His  delight  is  in  the 
 Law  of  the  Lord.  9.  In  that  mcafure  that  a  man  delighteth  in 
 the  Law  of  the  Lord,  he  verfeth  himfelfe  therein  upon  all 
 occafions.  In  hU  Law  doth  he  meditate  day  and  night. 
 
 Ver.3.  Andhe  fhall  be  like  a  tree  planted  by  the 
 rivers  of  water  %  that  bringeth  forth  his  fruit  in  his 
 feafsn  :  his  leafe  alfo  fhall  not  wither,  and  whatfo- 
 ever  he  doth  Jball profper, 
 
 B    3  \Qt.f 
 
6  P  S  A  L.   I. 
 
 Ver.4.  The  ungodly  are  not  fo  :  bat  are  likf  th 
 
 chaff  which  the  winddriveth  arvaj. 
 
 This  is  the  firft  reafon  proving  the  Godly  man  to  bee  the 
 only  Bleffed  nun,  and  not  the  ungodly  ;    Hence  learn,  i.In 
 thatmeafure  a  man  ftudicth  holy  Communion  with  God, 
 by  delighting  and  meditating  in  his  word,    be  flull  be  fixed 
 and  f  urniflied  with  the  influence  of  Grace  from  Chrift,    for 
 the  entertaining  of  Spiritual  Life  in  him  *  He  Jhall  be  li\t  a 
 tree  flamed  by  the  rivers  of  water.      2.  The  man  that  mi- 
 keth  the  word  of  God  his  delight*  fhall  be  made  fruitfull  in  e- 
 very  good  work,  as  opportunity  is  offered  to  him  J    He  Jhall 
 he  Ufa  the  tree  that  bringeth  forth  bis  fruit  in  bisfeafon.  3.  This 
 man  (hall  be  inabled  to  bear  out  a  holy  profeffion  of  his  faith 
 in3  and  obedience  to  God3in  adverfity,as  well  as  in  profperity; 
 Hi*  leaf e  alfo  Jhall  not  wither.  4.  Whatsoever  Duty  or  Service  to 
 God  this  man  goech  about,    (hall  not  want  the  affiftance  of 
 God*  nor  fuceds*  nor  acceptance  at  bis  bands  *  JVbatfoever  be 
 doth  Jhall  prefper.      5.  The  ungodly    man    (whatfoever  he 
 may  feem  to  be  before  the  world)    yet  he  is  deftitute  of  all 
 Spirituall  Life,  and  alien  from  the  fellowship  of  Gods  grace* 
 unfit  for  every  good  work,    ready,   when  tempted  hard,    to 
 quit  his  counterfeit  profeffion  of  Religion,    and  is  curfed  in 
 all  that  he  doth  5  for  what  the  bleffed  Godly  man  is  here  faid 
 to  be,  the  wicked  is  the  conrrary  j    The  ungodly  are  not  fo. 
 $.  Wnatfoevsr  appearance  of  godlineffe,  or  temporal  profpe- 
 rity,  or  hope  of  happinefs  the  ungodly  man  feemeth  to  have, 
 it  (hill  be  found  but  counterfeit,    and  (hall  ftand  him  in  no 
 ftcad  inhisgrcateft  need  :  Tbc  ungodly  are  life  the  chaff  which 
 the  wind  bldweth  away. 
 
 Ver.5.  Therefore  the  ungodly  Jhall  not  flandin  the 
 judgement^  nor  [inner $  in  the  congregation  of  the 
 righteous. 
 
 The  fecond  reafon  proving  the  Godly  man  to  be  the  B/e/- 
 fedmavy  and  not  the  ungodly,  is  a  conference  of  the  firft  : 
 Wbence  learn,  1.  Not  only  (hall  all  that  the  ungodly  man 
 fowech  to  his  fiefhly  Felicity,  prove  chaff ,  but  alfo  for  his 
 pains  hefhailanfwer  to  God  in  the  day  of  Judgement,  and 
 l-herc  be  condemned  ;  for  it  is  faid,  Therefore  the  ungodly  fhall 
 
 not 
 
P  S  A  L.    I.  7 
 
 dctftandintbe  judgment.  2.  Howfoever  the  Godly  cannot 
 enjoy  one  anothers  fetlowmip  in  this  life,  for  many  rofons  ; 
 yec  at  laft  :hey  mall  meet  in  a  generall  Affcmbiy  of  all  Saints, 
 in  the  full  fellowship  of  God,  for  there  is  a  day  of  Judgement 
 to  be,  wherein  they  fhall  ftand,  and  not  be  caften  or  con- 
 demned, but  fliall  be  fully  abfolved,  and  remain  in  the  ftand- 
 ing  Congregation  oftbe  7{igbteous.  3. Albeit  now  the  ungodly 
 and  Godly  do  live  together,mixcd  in  one  Kingdcm,  City,  In- 
 corporation, vifible  Church,  Family,  and  B:d,  poffibiy,  yec 
 there  fliall  be  a  perfect  feparation  at  laft,  or  the  one  from 
 the  other,  for  finners  (or  fervanrs  offing  Jlull  not  (t  and  in  the 
 Congregation  of  the  Rigbuoia. 
 
 Verf.6.  For  the  Lord  kjtoweth  the  way  of  the 
 Righteous  :  buttheway  of  the  ungodly  fhall  peri/h. 
 
 The  third  reafonconfirmeth  the  former  two:  Whence  learn 
 x.  Albeit  there  be  no  man  that  Itveth  and  ■finnccb  not,  yet  the 
 godly  man,  being  juftified  by  faith,  and  carefull  to  bring 
 forth  the  fruits  of  faith,  is  not  a  (inner  in  Gods  efteem  >  for 
 he  is  here  called  7{igbteous.  2.  However  there  be  many  im- 
 perfections and  failings  of  the  Godly  mans  aliens,  yet  the 
 courfc  he  kecpetb  and  way  which  he  endeavoiu'etb  to  walk  in, 
 is  holy  and  acceptable  to  God  5  For  the  Lord ttfiowetbi  ox  ap- 
 proved the  way  oftbe  7(jghteous.  2.  let  the  men  of  this  world 
 pleafe  themfelves,  ana  applaud  cme  another  in  their  Godlefle 
 carriage}  yet  the  end  oftheii*  courfe  mall  be  everlafting  de- 
 ftrudion  5  for  tbt  way  oftbcuvgodiyjhatl  ferijb. 
 
 P  S  AL.   II. 
 
 That  this  pfalme  doth  mainly,  if  not  only,  concern 
 Chrift,  appcarcth  firft  by  this,  That  it  hath  not 
 (o  much  as  Davids  name  in  the  Infcription,  al- 
 beit be  did  write  it:  and  by  ^^.4,25,26-  where  it 
 is  appropriate  to  Chrift.  This  Pfalm  hath  two 
 parts;  in  the  former  is  fet  down  the  ftability  of 
 6  4  Chrifts 
 
8  K5AL..H 
 
 Chrifh  Kingdome,  againft  all  the  enemies  ther- 
 of,  w.1,2,3.     Firft,  Becaufe  God  the  Father 
 taketh  part  with. his  Son,  againft  all  hi^Enemies, 
 and  will  eftablifh  Chrifts  Kingdome,  maugre 
 them  all,  wr.4,5,6.     Secondly,  Becaufe  in  the 
 Covenant  of  Redemption,  the  Father  hathpro- 
 mifed  to  the  Son  enlargement  of  his  Kingdome, 
 and  Viftory  over  all  his  Enemies,  wr.7,8,9.     In 
 the  later  part  of  the  Pfalme  the  Prophet  deliver- 
 eth  the  ufe  of  this  Doftrine  in  an  Exhortation  to 
 great  and  fmall,  to  repent  of  their  fins,and  to  be- 
 leeve  in  Chrift,  ver. io,  1 1, 1 2. 
 
 V^r.i.  \j\THj  do  the  Heathen  rage,    and  the 
 V   V     people  imagine  a  vain  thing  ? 
 
 2  The  Kings  of  the  earth  fet  themfelves,  and  the 
 Rulers  take  counfel  together,  again  (i  the  Lord,  and 
 againft  his  Anointed,  faying, 
 
 3  Let  us  breaks  their  bands  aftinder,  and  caft  a- 
 way  their  cords fromfts. 
 
 HTH  E  Prophet  fliswetb,  Tfa.n  in  vain  mall  Cbriftsene- 
 -*  miesoppofe  his  Kingdome  :  Whence  learn,  i.  That 
 the  angodly  world  being  ftrangers  from  the  life  of  God,  are 
 incenfed  in  a  mad  mood  againft  the  Church  and  Kingdome 
 of  Chrift  in  the  world,  The  Heathen  rage,  faith  be,  to  wit, 
 againft  the  Vifibje  Government  of  Chrift  in  his  Vifible 
 Church,  asappeareth  vcr.z,-$.  z.  Their  Opposition  is  al- 
 together unjuflo  without  caufe,  and  reafonlefs ;  for  being  af- 
 kcd,they  cannot  render  a  reafon  Why  ?  3.  Though  Chiift's 
 Bnemies  promife  to  themfelves  fuccef*  in  their  oppofition  to 
 Chrift,  and  that  they  dull  furely-overturne  his  Kingdome, 
 yet  (hall  their  imaginations  prove  folly  y  they  (hail  not  pre- 
 yai\  for  they  Imagine  a  vain  thing,  which  is  impoflible  to.  be 
 eff  ftuace.  4.  The  chief  Inftrument  that  Satr.n  ftirreth  up  a- 
 gai nit  Chrift,  to  be  Heads  andXeadtrs  to  Heathen  and  god- 
 
 letfe 
 
PSA  X.  II.  9 
 
 lcfle  people  in  oppofing  and  pfrfecuting  Cbrifts  Kingdom^ 
 and  Church,  are  the  Magiftrates,  Rulers,  and  States-men, 
 that  he  may  colour  his  malice  wich  the  fliadow.  of  Authority 
 and  Law  $  for  the  K^gs  of  the  earth  and  7{ulers  fetthemfelves, 
 to  wit,  in  oppofidon  to  him.  5.  In  this  attempt  the  great 
 ones  among  men  agree  more  eafily  together,  then  in  any  thing 
 clfc  >  tbcy  fix  their  refolutions,  communicate  their  counfels 
 and  conjoin  their  power  5  The  lyings  of  the  earth  jet  themfelves9 
 and  the  Rulers  t^ecounfel  together.  6.  Howfoever  the  Per- 
 fccutcrs  of  the  Church'conccive  themfelvcs  not  to  oppofe  God, 
 but  men  only,  when  they  trouble  his  people  and  fervants  for 
 Righteoufncffe,  yet  becaufe  the  Quarrel  is  the  Lords,  there- 
 fore their  oppofition  is  declared  here  to  be  againft  the  Lord* 
 and  bis  Annotated,  or  his  Chrifty  who  is  diftinguifhed  here 
 from  the  Lord,  in  regard  of  his  Incarnation,  Mediation  and 
 Offices,  being  otherwise,  in  refped  of  his  God-head,  one  in 
 Eflence  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit.  7.  Though  the 
 Law  and  Ordinances  of  God  be  moft  Holvjirioft  Equitable, 
 moft  Harmlefle,  yea,  a!fo  moft  profitable  5  yet  the  Wicked  e- 
 fteemofthem,  as  they  call  them  here,  Bands  and  Cords,  be- 
 caufe they  curb  and  crofl e  their  carnal  Wifdome  and  Licenti- 
 oufneffe  of  life.  8.  It  is  not  enough  to  the  wicked  to  difobey 
 and  reject  the  Law  and  Ordinances  of  Chrift,  for  their  own 
 part,  but  they  will  alfo  have  them  abqiifhed,  that  God  in 
 Chrift  fliould  not  have  a  Church  at  all,  at  leaft  in  their  bounds 
 or  where  they  have  power  s  Let  us  hrea\  their  bands  afunder  and 
 faft  away  their  cords  from  us. 
 
 Ver.  4.  Hee  that  fitteth  in  the  Heavens  /ball 
 laugh  :  the  L  0  RD  /ball  have  them  in  derifi- 
 on. 
 
 5.  Then  Jhallhefpea^  unto  them  in  his  wrath,  and 
 vex  them  in  his  fore  difp  leaf  are. 
 
 6  Tet  have  Ifet  my  King  upon  my  holy  hill  of 
 Sion. 
 
 The  firftreafon  of  the  liability  of  Cbrifts  Kingdome  is9 
 becaufe  God  fcorne^h  mens  eppofing  thereof,  and  will 
 vex  bis  enemies,  and  fettle  Chrifts  Kingdome  in  his  vifible 
 Church,  in  the  fight  of  bis  enemies;  Hence  learn,  i- Though 
 
 tbe 
 
io  PSAL   II. 
 
 tbe  Church  Wfible  s  and  the  Ordinances  of  Cbrift  beimong 
 the  feet  of  Potentates,  and  Chrifts  fubje&s  want  wifdom 
 and  power  on  earth,  to  defend  themfelves,  yet  their  main- 
 tainer  is  omnipotent  God,  judge  over  all,  even  he  that  fittetb 
 in  Heaven.  2.  All  the  devices  and  confpiracies  of  men  a- 
 gainft  Chrifts  Kingdom, (how  terrible  foever  to  Gods  people,) 
 arc  bur  ridiculous,  and  foal ifti  attempts  in  Gods  fight  j  The 
 J{ing  that  fittetb  in  Heaven  jbatl  Uugb  at  them  att>  and  expofe 
 tbem  to  mockery  before  men:  Hcjhall  have  them  in  derifion0 
 3.  After  the  Lord  hath  mademanifeft  the  intent  of  his  ene- 
 mies* and  brought  their  foolifti  and  madd  purpofes  to  light, 
 be  will  not  fail  to  manifeft  his  mind,  and  juft  indignation 
 againft  them  $  for  then  Jhali  he  fpea\  to  them  in  his  Wrath. 
 4*  The  Lord  bath  his  appointed  time  wherein  he  will  arife, 
 and  vex  the  enemies  of  bis  Church,  partly  by  difappointing 
 them  of  their  hopes,  and  partly  by  infli&iqg  fore  plagues 
 upon  them  5  Then  fhall  he  vex  them  in  his  fore  difpleafurc. 
 f.  When  the  Lord  arifeth  to  judge  the  enemies  of  his  Church, 
 then  doth  he  give  a  furcher  manifeftation  of  his  purpofe  to 
 eftablilh  his  Church,  and  the  vifibleKingdome  of  Chrift  in 
 the  World  ,  maugre  all  oppofition  :  fet  have  I  fet  my^ing 
 upon  my  holy  bill  of  Zion.  6.  Though  all  Kings  and  King- 
 dom? belong  unto  the  Lord,  yet  he  owneth  tbe  Church  (  re- 
 prefented  by  the  hill  of  Zion  )  and  he  owneth  his  Son  Chrift 
 the  King  thereof,  in  a  fpecial  manner,  as  his  peculiar  pro- 
 perty, wherein  he  glorieth  more  then  in  all  his  works  5  there* 
 fore  faith  he,  J  have  fet  my  l&ng  upon  my  holy  Hill  5  this  is 
 tbe  Speech  of  God  tbe  Father,  fpeakmg  by  his  Spirit  in  the 
 Prophet  concerning  Chrift  his  £on. 
 
 V.7.  /  will  declare  the  Decree :  the  Lord  hath  [aid 
 unto  me ,  Thou  art  my  Son,  this  day  have  I  begot- 
 ten thee. 
 
 ■  8.  Ask^of  me^  and  1  Jhall  give  thee  the  Heathen 
 for  thine  inheritance^  and  the  utter  mo  ft  parts  of  the 
 earth  for  thy  potfejfion. 
 
 The  fecond  reafbn  of  the  ft  ability  of  Chrifts  Kingdomo 
 is,  the  decreed  agreement  between  God  tbe  Father  and  the 
 Soibin  the  Covenant  of  Redemption  $  fomc  Articles  where- 
 of 
 
P  SAL.     II.  ii 
 
 of  Chrift  by  bis  Prophet  doth  here  reveal »  For  this  is  the 
 fpeech  of  Chrift  the  Son  of  God5  to  be  incarnate,  fpeaking  by 
 his  fpirit,concerningthe  liability  of  the  Church,  &  his  King- 
 dome  over  it  .-Whence  we  learne.    i  The  faith  of  the  Saints, 
 in  time  of  the  perfecution  of  the  Churchy  may,  and  mould  reft 
 perfwad^d  of  the  ftability  of  the  Church,and  of  Chrifts  King- 
 dome  in  it,  becauie  it  is  grounded  upon  the  myfterious  and 
 unchangeable  decree  of  God*  which  here  is  brought  to  light, 
 I  will  declare  the  decree,  faith  Chrift  ,  not  as  yet  incarnate. 
 t  It  is  Chrifts  office  as  Prophet,  to  revcale  the  fecret  coun-» 
 fell  of  thcTrinity,being,the  fubftantiali  word  of  the  Father  I 
 and  who  before  the  world  was  created  ,  was  with  God ,  and 
 was  God,  $obn  1.1,2.  1  will  declare  tbe  decree,  faith  the  Son 
 of  God.  3  The  Son  of  God  as  he  is  a  pcrfon,  concurring  in 
 the  decree  of  eftablifhing  of  the  Church  >  and  Kingdomc  of 
 God  in  it,  againftall  oppofition;  So  is  he  party  contrafter 
 in  tbe  Covenant  of  Redemption :  Apd  as  he  is  the  promifer, 
 and  undercakerto  pay  the  price  of  the  Redemption  of  his 
 people  5    fo  alfo  is  he  tbe  receiver  of  promifes,  made  in  fa- 
 vour  or  bis  Church  and  Kingdome  :  It  is  be  to  whom  the 
 Father  dtre&eth  bis  promife  concerning  bis  Churchy  FirftSt 
 immeiiatly^or  the  Son  in  declaring  tbe  decree,faitb,rfo  Lord 
 faidtome*   4  It  is  one  of  the  Articles  of  tbe  Covenant  of  Re" 
 demption,That  the  promifed  feed  of  tbe  woman,  the  Redeem- 
 er of  his  people^  the  promifed  feed  of  Abraham  ,  tbeM^fliah 
 and  Saviour  of  the  Eleftyhe  promifed  fon  of  David,  and  true 
 King  of  Ifrael,  afer  his  incarnation^  mail  not  bedifowned 
 of  the  Father  5   But  in  and  after  his  deepeft  humiliation  and 
 fufferings,  as  he  (hall  be,  and  remaine  really  the  very  Son  of 
 God5  fo  (hall  he  really  at  tbe  fet  d3y,  be  ncknowledged  by  the. 
 Father,  to  be  the  onely  begotten  Son  of  God,  which  day  ,  is 
 the  day  of  Refurrection  of  Jefus  Chrift  from  the  dead,  as  the 
 Apoftle,  Rom,  1.  4.  doth  teach  us,  faying  3  He  was  declared  to 
 be  tbe  Son  of  God  wit  b  power,  by  tbe  refurreftion  from  tbedcad$ 
 For  the  Refure&ionof  Jefus  Chrift  was  a  reall  fpeech,  fay- 
 ing to  Chrift  in  tbe  audience  of  all  the  world,  in  efHA  as 
 much  as,  I  declare  tbee  this  day  to  be  my  Son ,  my  only  begotten 
 Son,one  infubflance  with  me  eternally.   ?  Tbe  declaration  of  the 
 decree  of  manifefting  of  Chrift  to  be  the  Son  of  God,    is  a 
 fufficient  demonftration  of  the  impregnable  ftability  of  tbe 
 
 Church  , 
 
12  P  S  AL.    II. 
 
 Church ,  maugre- all  the  oppofition  of  all  the  power  in  the 
 world  jfor  to  this  very  end  is  the  decree  of  revealing  Chrift 
 to  be  the  Son  of  God:,  here  declared.  Thou  art  my  Son  whom 
 Ibave  begotten,  is  proof  abundant,  for  this  is  the  Rock  where- 
 upon Ghrift  undertaketh  to  build  his  Church,  agatnft  which 
 the  gates  ofhell  (hail  not  prevaile,  Mat.  16.16.  18.  andwfeo 
 isbe  that  overcometh  tbc  world,  hhh  John,  favc  be  that  falie- 
 vetb  that  Cbrift  is  the  Son  of  God,  1  $obn  ?.?.  6  Another 
 article  of  the  Covenant  of  Redemption  here  declared  is,  That 
 after  Chrifts  Refurrc&ion ,  and  declaration  of  his  formerly 
 over-clouded  God -head ,  he  fhould  continue  in  the  office  of 
 bismediationjand  interceffionj  and  by  vertuoof  his  payed 
 ranfome  of  Redemption,  call  for  the  enlargement  of  his  pur- 
 chafed  Kingdome  among  the  Gentiles  5  for  this  is  the  Fa- 
 thers compad:  with  the  Son,  faying,  As\of  me,  and  I  will 
 give  thee  the  Heathen.  7  The  oppofition  which  the  world 
 inallmaketo  the  Kingdome  of  Chrift,  (hall  not  hinder  the 
 enlargement  and  fpreading  thereof  $  but  by  the  imerceffion 
 of  Jefus  Chrift,  the  Heathen  Jhal  be  bis  inheritance,  and  tbcut- 
 termoft  parts  of  the  earth  bis  poffeffion;  not  his  by  a  (hort  tack* 
 or  leafe  for  fome  few  years,  but  a  lafting  inheritance,  and  con- 
 ftant  p offejfion.  8  The  neceffity  of  prayer  is  pointed  out  to 
 all  the  Lords  people  by  this,  that  the  poffeflion  of  the  purchafe 
 which  our  Lord  hath  made  by  his  precious  blood,  is  to' be 
 drawne  forth  by  a  fort  of  Prayer  and  Inter ccfflon  fuitable  to 
 Ouifts  perfon5  As\ofme, faith  the  Father,  and  lwilgivethee 
 the  Heathen,&c. 
 
 9.  'thou  fhalt  break?  them  with  a  rod  of  Iron, 
 thou  fhalt  dafh  them  in  pieces  like  a  Potters  Vef- 
 
 id. 
 
 A  third  article  of  the  covenant  of  Redemption,  is,  a  pro- 
 mife  made  to  Cbrift  ,  of  full  vi&ory  over  all  his  and  his 
 Churches  enemies,  ver.  9.  Wherein  obferve,  1  That  Chrift 
 foall  not  want  enemies,who  will  not  onely  for  their  own  parts, 
 refufe  falvation  offered  by  him ,  and  (iibjcftion  to  be  given  to 
 him;  but  alfo  will  oppofe  him,  and  make  head  againft  him* 
 cill  hedeftroy  them  ',  for  thefe  Kings  and  Rulers  fpoken  of 
 ver.  2,5.  will  not  ceafe,  till  he  hrea\  \btm,  and  dafiy  them  in  pie* 
 ccs$  and  thefe  are  here  understood*  as  repeated  from  v.  1,2^. 
 
 1  Though 
 
PSAL    II.  15 
 
 *  Though  Cbrifts  Church  be  weake  and  unable  to  help 
 it  fclfe  againft  perfecution3  yet  Chrift  will  own  the  quarrell* 
 and  fight  againft  all  the  enemies  thereof  himfelfe^  whereunto 
 he  is  fufficiently  f  urnifhed3  for  bejhall  break,  tbem  in  pieces  with 
 an  Iron  rod.  3  Though  the  enemies  be  numerous  and  ftrong, 
 being  compared  with  the  godly,  whom  they  doe  perfecute,  ye* 
 compared  with  Chrift  or  looked  upon  by  him^  tbeyarebuc 
 weake^brittle  and  naughty  th'wgs.Tbou  Jbalt  dajl)  tbemin pieces 
 asapottersvcjfd. 
 
 Vcrf.  10.  Be  wife  now  therefore  ,  O  yee  Kings  i 
 be  inftr  titled,  jee  fudges  of  the  earth. 
 
 1 1  Serve  the  Lord  with  fear  f  and  rejoyce  with 
 trembling. 
 
 1 1  Kiffe  the  Son  left  he  be  angry,  and  jee  ferijb 
 from  the  way,  when  his  wrath  is  kindled  but  a  lit* 
 tie  :  bleffed  are  all  they  that  fut  their  trufi  in  him. 
 
 This  is  the  later  patt  of  the  Plalme,  wherein  the  ufes  of  the 
 former  Do&rine  are  fet  down.  Whence  learn  5  1  The  more 
 clear  advertifement  is  given  concerning  the  fin  and  danger 
 of  oppofing  of  Chrifts  Kingdome  5  caute',  wcrke  or  people  5 
 the  more  wary  mould  all  men  be^and  namely  Potentates  5  as 
 they  love  their  places  or  foules,  to  efchue  this  evill  j  for  he 
 hath  faid,  Be  wife  now  tberef ore >0  yee  Kings  tnd  fudges  of  the 
 Earth.  %  Though  it  may  leem  wifedom  to  make  and  execute 
 lawes  in  prejudice  of  Cbrifts  and  bis  caufe  ,  rather  th^n  venc 
 their  malice  without  a  pretence  5  yet  ic  is  more  wifdom  to  ceafe 
 from  oppoficton,  and  take  laws  from  (Thrift*  for  fo  the  Lord 
 doth  reckon,  faying.  Be  wife  now  therefore,  Mid  inftruBed.$*  If 
 any  be  guilty  of  this  fin,  and  not  as  yet  fmittcn  for  ir,  the 
 goodnes  of  God  offcreth  to  him  mercy  in  time^  and  fteppetb 
 in  timoufly  to  take  off  the  (nares  of  flatterers,  who  ufeto  har- 
 den men,  and  efpecially  great  men /in  this  finne  :  Be  wife 
 now  faith  the  Lord,  Oyee  Icings.  4  It  is  no  difparagemenc 
 to  the  greateft  Monarchs  ("but  a  mean  for  them  to  efchue  the 
 wrath  of  God)  to  be  fubjed  to  Chrift  Jefus,  toftandinavf 
 of  him,  to  fubmit  themfelves  to  him,  and  prcmove  his  fer- 
 vice  to  their  power  $  for  the  command  to  all,  and  to  them  in 
 fpeciall,  is;  Serve  thi  Lord  in  fear.     5.  As  there  is  matter  of 
 
i4  P  SAL.    II. 
 
 feartoChrifts  Subjefts,  left  they  provoke  feim*  fo  tberefs 
 matter  of  rejoicing  for  them  to  be  under  his  Government, 
 and  tbefe  two  affe&ions  may  well  confitt in  bis  fcrvice  :  Re- 
 joyce  in  trembling  :  yea  there  is  no  right  rejoicing  in  any  thing 
 without  fome  mixture  of  fear  to  offend  him.  6.  Becaufe 
 Cbrift  Jefus  the  Son  of  God,  is  a  lovely  King,  bringing 
 Righteoufneffeand  Eternal  life  to  all  his  true  fubjects,  hee 
 (hould  be  fubmitted  unto,  and  imbraced  ("when  he  offe- 
 reth  graced  very  heartily;  To  this  end,  Hjjfe  the  Son, 
 or  do  him  homage,  is  added  5  for  to  kifle  is  a  figne  of  religi- 
 ous adoration,  Hof*  13.1.  and  a  fign^  of  homage  and  beany 
 fubjeftion,  1  Sam.  10.  1.  7  Where  grace  offered  by  Chtift 
 Jefus  is  refufed,therefufin2;  of  mercy  mail  procure  morcan- 
 ger,then  all  former  fins,-  l^ijfe  the  Son  left  be  be  Angry.  8.  When 
 Cbrift  taketh  a  refufallof  a  man  ,  to  whom  grace  k  offered, 
 wrath  will  follow,  to  the  cutting  offofthe  refufcr  from  all 
 means  iof  bappineffe,  both  temporal!,  which  he  hunceth  afters 
 and  eternall,  which  is  offered  in  Chrift  untot  him,  and  to  the 
 bringing  upon  him  utter  perditions  for  iris  falds  Kjffethe 
 Son  left  he  be  angry,  and yee  per ifh  from  the  way.  9  Untpeake- 
 able  muft  the  wrath  of  God  be,  when  it  is  kindled  fully,  [ince 
 perdition  may  come  upon  the  kindling  of  it  but  a  title.  10. 
 Remiffion  of  fin,  delivery  from  Wrath,  communion  with 
 God,  and  life  cverlafting,  are  the  fruits  of  im bracing  of 
 Chrift,  of  doling  in  Covenant  with  Chrift,  and  refting  on 
 Cbrift  s  For  bleffed  are  all  they  that  put  their  truft  in  him. 
 
 PSAL.  III. 
 
 A  Pfalm  of  David  when  he  fled  from  tAbfolom  his  (on. 
 
 This  Pfalcn  holdeth  forth  a  notable  proof  &  bene- 
 fit of  faith  in  "Davids  experience;who  when  his 
 own  fon  Abfolom  rebelled  againft  him, and  forced 
 him  to  flee  for  fear  of  his  life,  did  firft  lay  before 
 the  Lord  his  pitiful  condition,  w.  i^  Second- 
 ly 
 
PSAL.   III.  15 
 
 iy,  He  ferled  his  faith  on  God,  prayed,  and  ob- 
 tained a  comfortable  anfwer,  was  quiet  and  re- 
 freshed in  foul  and  body,  and  made  confident  a- 
 gainft  Jill  fears  pgflible,  ^^.3,4,5,6.  Thirdly, 
 He  continueth  in  prayer ,  confirming  his  faith 
 from  former  experience,  ver.  7.  And  laftly, 
 he  giveth  forth  the  ufe  of  his  experience  to  the 
 Churches  edification  in  a  general  dodrine.  ver.2* 
 
 pRomthe  Infcription>  learn^How  great  calamity  may  befall 
 the  beft  of  Gods  children,  and  that  from  thofe  perfons, 
 from  whom  they  could  leaft  expe&  to  be  troubled  .•  for  Vdvid 
 was  deferted  of  his  own  fubjeds,  and  chafed  from  his  Palace 
 and  royall  State  by  bis  own  £on,Abfolom.  2.  Although  the 
 Lord  do  not  follow  the  fins  of  his  children  with  vindictive 
 jufticc,  yet  by  the  (harp  rods  of  fatherly  corre&ion,  hee  can 
 make  bis  own  children,  and  all  the  beholders  of  their  fcanda- 
 lousfins  fee  how  bitter  a  thing  it  is  to  provoke  him  to  wrath, 
 asoncc  Daviddid*  3.  Even  when  fin  hath  drawn  on  judge- 
 ment, God  muft  be  dealt  with  for  relief,  no  ieiTe  then  if  it  had 
 been  fent  for  triall  onety  5  as  David  doth  in  the  cafe  ot"  the 
 correcting  and  purging  of  the  pollution  of  ki$  family,  by 
 the  infurrection  of  his  Ton  againft  him, 
 
 Ver.l.T   Ord,  how  are  they  her ea fed  that  trouble 
 jLjme  ?  many  are  they  that  rife  up  againft  me. 
 2.  Many  there  be  which  fay  of  my  foul.   There  is 
 no  help  for  him  in  God. 
 
 pRom  his  laying  before  God  bis  pitifull  condition:    Leara  ' 
 
 1.  The  man  who  believeth  in  God,  bath  an  advantage  z- 
 bove  whatfoever  any  ungodly  man  can  have  in  the  time  of 
 trouble:  he  bath  the  Lord  to  go  unto  for  comfort  and  relief, 
 of  whofe  kindneffe  he  may  make  u(e  as  David  did  here,  laying 
 out  his  trouble  before  him,  and  faying?  Lord,  bow  are  they 
 increafed  that  trouble  me  ?  &c.  2.  The  world  counteth  a.  mans 
 eafe  defperat^  when  they  fee  no  worldly  help  for  biqa.   £Mavy 
 
 fa* 
 
16  PS  A  L.  III. 
 
 fay,  There  is  no  help  for  bim  in  God.  3.  Mercilefle  beholders  of 
 the  corrections  of  Gods  children  for  cheir  (ins,  think  and  fay 
 alfo  oft  times  *  that  God  is  following  them  with  vindi&ive 
 juftice,  and  is  deftroying  them  boch  in  regard  of  their  fouls 
 and  bodies,  &c.  without  mind  of  mercy  to  them.  Many  fay 
 efmyfoul>TbereUno  help  for  bim  in  God.  4.  Tentation  to 
 defpair  of  relief,  doth  accompany  unexpected  and  fad  trou- 
 bles 5  and  this  is  more  grievous  then  the  trouble  it  ielf  $  Trier- 
 fore  David  prefenteth  this  tentation  before  God  in  the  laft 
 room,  astheheavieftpartof  his  exeicife3  with  a  note  of  up- 
 lifting the  mind  and  voice*    Sehb. 
 
 Verf.3.  But  thou,  O  Lord.ut  a  Jhield  for  me ?  my 
 glory,  and  the  lifter  up  of  mine  head. 
 
 In  the  fecond  place  he  (lieweth  how  he  made  ufe  of  faith  in 
 prayer  J  and  what  fruit  he  received  thereby:  whence karne, 
 ft;  The  nature  of  true  faith  is  to  draw  the  more  nearetoGod 
 the  more  it  be  driven  from  him,  Many  fxy>  no  help  in  God;  but 
 thouartmy  jbield.  i.God  is  a  counter-comrort  in  aUcalamity, 
 ourfhield  in  danger,  our  glory  in  mime,  the  lifter  tip  of  our 
 fc&ziindeje&ion.  $.  Asthere  is  relief  in  God  ouccfalle- 
 tilt*  fo  faith  fecthin  God  fufficient  belpe  from  all  evill,  and 
 in  fpeciall  that  the  {word  of  the  enemie  cannot  be  fo  neare,  but 
 be  can  interpofe  himfelfe,  as  a  Jhield  to  ward  off  the  blow  : 
 But  thou  O  Lord  art  a1  Jhield  round  about  mc>  &c.  yea  faith  feeth 
 in  God  matter  of  rejoycing  and  gloriation  in  the  midft  of 
 all  the  (hamc  and  difgrace  which  men  can  caft  upon  the  be- 
 liever, and  can'make  a  man  fay  to  God,  Thou  art  my  glory. 
 In  a  word,  faith  feeth  goodnefs  and  power  in  God  to  raife 
 the  Beleever  out  of  the  loweft  condition  wherein  he  can  be  ; 
 Thou  art  the  lifter  up  of  my  bead. 
 
 **  Ver,4.  /  cryed  unto  the  Lord  with  my  voya,  and 
 he  heard  me  out  of  his  holy  hill.  Selah. 
 
 5 .  I  laid  me  down  and  fief  t  $  /  awaked^  for  the 
 Lordfufiained  me. 
 
 6.  I  will  not  be  afraid  of  ten  thoufands  of  -people 
 that  havefet  themfelves  againfi  me  round  about. 
 
 From  the  cxccrcifc  of  faifcb,  and  the  fruits  of  it,  inthefe 
 
 three 
 
PSAL.     III.  17 
 
 three  verfes  :  Learnfaft>  TheconfcienceTjf  feeking  God  by 
 prayer  3  is  an  eafe  to  a  man,  noc  onely  for  the  time  prefent, 
 while  be  is  in  prayer  pouring  outhisbcartj  bin  refrefhfull 
 alfo,  when  \is  looked  back  upon:  therefore  by  way  of  gra- 
 tulation*  faich  David  here  >  Icryed  totbe  Lord.     z.  Faith  in 
 a  ftraic  ftirreth  up  affe&ion  and  earneftnes  in  prayer,  and, 
 maketh  the  whole  man  be  taken  up  about  it:   lcrycdtothe 
 Lord  with  my  voice,  faith  he.      3.  The  prayer  of  Faith  mall  -.. 
 noc  want  an  anfwer,  and  the  return  thereof  is  worthy  to  be 
 attended,  and  marked,  when  ic  is  obtained;  Icryed,  and 
 bebeardtne.     4.  The  prayer  of  Faich  trufteth  God  in  Chrift, 
 as  the  propitiatory  and  mercy  feat ,  and  feeketh  audience  and 
 anfwer  onely  for  Cbrifts  caufe ,  whole  facrifice  and  media- 
 tion ,   and  benefits  were  fhadowed  forth  in  the  Tabernacle  : 
 And  the  believer,  as  he  ihould  take  heed  that  his  prayer  go  up 
 to  God  through  Chrift  ,  fo  ihould   he  obferve  how  it  is 
 anfwered  ,  and  returned  alfo  through  Chrift,  reprefented  by 
 the  Ark  in  the  Tabernacle  ,  pitched  on  the  holy  hill  of  Sion  : 
 He  beard  me  alfo  out  of  bis  holy  Hill.     5.  Intbe  greateft  extre- 
 mity of  danger  ,  a  believer  may  have  his  mind  quieted,  and 
 his  body  refreshed  alfo ,  after  that  in  faith  he  bath  had  his 
 recourfe  to  God,  and  hath  caften  his  care  upon  him  :  llaii 
 me  done  and  Jlept ,  I  awaked,     6.  The  quietnefs  and  fet- 
 lednefsof  a  mans  heart  by  faith  in  God,  is  -another  fort  of 
 work  ,  then  the  natural  refolution  of  manly  courage  $  for 
 it  is  the  gracious  operation  of  Gods  fpirit  upholding  a  man 
 above  nature,  and  therefore  God  ought  to  have  all  the  glory 
 of  it :  The  Lordfuftainedme.     7.  When  the  Lord  will  anfwer 
 the  believer  to  his  comfort,he  can  not  only  fatisfie  him  in  the 
 particular  which  he  prayeth  for ,  but  alfo  furnim  him  with 
 confidence  againft  whatfoever  evil  can  be  apprehended  by 
 him  for  time  to  come:  1  mil  not  be  affray  d  cfmiliom  of  people, 
 that  have  fet  themfelves  againft  me  roundabout.     8.  When 
 faith  finds  it  felfe  welcome  to  God/tis  able  to  give  a  defiance 
 to  all  adverfarics  ;  more  or  fewer,  weaker  or  ftronger  ene- 
 mies, all  arc  alike  defpifed :  I  mil  not  be  affray  d  of  thou. 
 fands  of  people. 
 
 Vcrf.  7.  Ari[e%  O  Lord,fave  me,  O  my  God,  for 
 thou  haft  [mitten  all  mine  enemies  upon  the  cheek* 
 bone  :  thou  haft  broken  the  teeth  of  the  ungodly. 
 
 la  the  third  place  he  continue^  to  pray  againft  the  evil, 
 C  which 
 
18  P  S  A  L.    III. 
 
 which  might  thereafter  follow  :  whence  Learn>  i.  Faith  in 
 God  is  not  a  bragger  ,  nor  confident  in  the  mans  own 
 ftrength  ,  or  imagination  5  but  humbly  dependeth  on  God, 
 and  continued)  in  prayer,fo  long  as  the  danger  remainctbi  as 
 David  doth  here  after  delivery  received,  t.  The  cove- 
 nant of  grace  ,  wherein  the  believer  is  entered  with  God, 
 furnifheth  him  with  confident  prayer,  and  hope  of  ialvation  : 
 Saveme>  0  my  God.  3.  When  faith  is  fixed  upon  Gpd 
 covenanted,  then,  by-gone  experiences  do  come  upaspin- 
 nings  in  the  bigging  of  a  wall,  to  bolfter  it  up,  and  con-  . 
 firmeitj  For  thou  haft  fmitten  dlmine  enemies  upon  the  cbeeke 
 lone ,  thou  baft  broken  the  teeth  of  the  ungodly.  4.  G  od  fm  ites 
 che  pride  of  perfecuters  with  a  fliamefuil  ftroke,and  their  beaft- 
 ly  cruelty,  with  breaking  th#ir  power  ,  Thou  haft  (mitten  mine 
 enemies  on  the  cheek  bone,  thou  haft  broken  the  teeth  of  the 
 ungcdly. 
 
 Verf.  8-  Salvation  beiongeth  unto  the  Lord : 
 thy  blejfing  is  upon  thy  people.    Selah. 
 
 From  the  laft  part  of  thePfalme,  wherein  be  gtveth  forth 
 from  his  own  experience  a  general  Doctrine,  for  the  com- 
 fort of  all  the  Lords  people,Lfc*r»  :  1.  The  u(e  of  tbe  ex- 
 perience of  the  Godly  ,  ftiould  be  tbe  confirmation  of  the 
 faith  of  all  others,  as  well  as  of  their  own;  as  here  is  feen. 
 2.  Tbe  fiuitof  the  Lords  putting  his  own  in  ftiaits,  isto 
 make  them  and  all  men  fee,  that  he  hath  wates  of  deliverance, 
 more  then  they  know  of  5  and  that  he  will  fave  his  own, 
 when  men  do  count  their  cafe  defperate  ;  F or  Salvation  be- 
 iongeth to  the  Lord.  g.  Whatsoever  mixture  his  people  do 
 find  ofcroiles  and  comforts,  or  vkiflkude  of  danger  and 
 delivery  ,  2dverfity  or  profperity,  ftill  the  courfe  of  ble fling 
 -  of  them  itandeth,  which  now  and  then  they  are  forced  to 
 acknowledge  co  the  Lord  :  Thy  blejfing  is  upon  thy 
 People. 
 
 p  s  AL.  IV. 
 
 To  ihe  chief e  Mufician  on  Heginotb.   A  Pfalm  of  David. 
 
 Another  experience  of  David,  as  an  example  of  a 
 Chriftian  fuffcr^r,  onjuftly  perfecuted  and  fcor- 
 
 ned 
 
PSA  L.    IV.  19 
 
 iied  for  his  piety  by  his  profane  enemies,  fuch 
 as  Saul,  and  his  Courtiers  were:  wherein  firft 
 he  fetteth  down  his  prayer,  ver.  i.  Then  being 
 comforted  in  God,  he  infulteth  over  his  ene- 
 mies, and  gloriech  in  Gods  favour,  ver.  2,  3. 
 Thirdly  he  exhorteth  his  enemies  to  repentance, 
 and  faith  in  God,  ver,  4,  5.  Fourthly,  He  pre* 
 ferreth  the  blefTedneffe  of  his  eftate  above  what- 
 foever  the  worldly  man  can  enjoy,  ver.  6,7,8. 
 
 pRom  the  Infcription  of  this  Pfalm,which  is  the  firft*  where- 
 in mention  is  made  of  chief  Mu(icians,or  mulicall  inftru- 
 ments:  Lexrny  1.  Thepraifeof  God,and  the  joy  of  bis  Spirir^ 
 allowed  on  his  people,do  furpalTe  all  expreffion  which  the  voice 
 ofwords  can  make  5  for  this  was  fignified  by  the  plutalicie, 
 and  diverfirie  of  muficall  instruments,  (fome  of  tbem  foun- 
 ding by  being  beaten^  fome  of  them  by  being  blown,)  In- 
 peradded  t©  the  voice  of  finging  in^the  paedagogie  of  Mo(csy 
 z.  Albeit  the  ceremonially  iigurative,and  religious  ufe  of  mu- 
 ficall inttruments  be  gone,  with  the  reft  of  the  Levitic3ll  ilia- 
 dowes,  (the  naturall  ufe  of  them  ftiil  remaining  :)  yet  the 
 Vocall  ringing  of  Pfalmes  in  the  Church  is  noc  taken  away, 
 as  the  pra&ife  and  do&rine  of  Cbrift  and  his  Apoftles  makes 
 evident  5  and  fo  the  voice  of  a  Odufician  in  cfae  publick  worfhip 
 ilillisufefull.  $.  The  Pfalmes  are  to  be  made  ufe  of  with 
 difcretion,  as  the  matter  of  the  Pfalm,  and  edification  of  the 
 worlhippers  doth  require.  And  in  the  public^  it  is  the  called 
 Minifter  of  the  Congregation  his  place,  to  order  this  part  of 
 the  worfhip  with  thereftjfor  this  the  direction  of  the  Pfalmes, 
 To  the  chief  Muficun,  givech  ground, 
 
 Ver.  1 .  \"\Ear  me  when  I  call*  O  God  of  my  righ- 
 I    L  teottfneffe :  thou  haft  enlarged  me  when 
 I  was  in  diftrejfe,  have  mercy  upon  me$  and  hear  my 
 prayer. 
 
 pRom  his  prayer,  Learn,   i.  Though  there  bee  many  and 
 
 divers  troubles  of  the  jodiy>  yec  there  is  but  one  God  to 
 
 give  comfort  and  seliefej  and  one  way  to  draw  it  from  God$ 
 
 C  i 
 
so  P  5  A  L.    IV. 
 
 to  wit,  by  prayer  in  faith,  Hear  me  when  1  call.  2.  Albeit 
 the  confcience  of  much  fin  be  oppofed  to  the  prayer  of  the  be- 
 liever, yet  the  everlafting  rigbteoufneffe  of  faith,  (whereof  the 
 Lord  is  God,  author  and  maintaincr  for  ever )  doth  open  the 
 waytothefuppliant,  fpccially  when  he  cometh  to  God  in  a 
 righteous  caufe,  Hear  me,  0  God  of  my  rigbteoufneffe.  3 .  Ac- 
 knowledgement of  by-paft  mercies  in  former  experience  is  a 
 good  preparation  for  a  new  mercy,  and  a  mean  to  ftrengthen 
 our  faith  to  receive  it,  Tbou  baft  enlarged  me  wbenlwto  indi- 
 ftrejfe,  have  mercy  upon  me,  and  bear  my  payer.  4.  "Faith  is  a 
 good  Oratour  and  a  noble  Difputer  in  a  ftrait  >  it  can  reafon 
 from  Gods  readineffe  to  hear,  Heare  met  when  I  call,  OGod. 
 And  from  the  everlafting  righteoufneife  given  to  the  man,  in 
 the  juftification  of  his  perfon :  0  God  of  my  rigbteoufneffe :  and 
 from  God?  conftant  juftice  in  defending  the  righteoufnefle 
 of  his  lervants  caufe,  O  God  of  my  rigbteoufneffe :  and  from 
 both  prefent  diftreflis,  and  thoie  that  are  by-palt>  wherein  he 
 hach  been  :  and  from  by-gone  mercies  receive3 ,  Tbou  baft  en- 
 Urged  me  when  I  wot  in  diftreffe ;  and  from  Gods  grace,  which 
 is  able  to  anfvver  all  objections  from  the  mans  unworthineffe, 
 or  ill.defei  ving  :  Have  mercy  upon  me,  and  bear  myprzyer. 
 
 Verf.  2.  O  ye  fons  of men ,  how  long  will  ye  turn 
 my  glory  into  fhame  ?  how  long  will  je  love  vanity, 
 and  fetk^  after  leafing:  Selah. 
 
 3 .  But  know  that  the  Lord  hath  fet  apart  him  that 
 is  godly  for  him f elf e :  the  Lord  will  hear  when  1  call 
 unto  him. 
 
 In  the  next  place,  after  comfort  received,  he  triumpheth  in 
 Gods  good  will  over  all  his  enemies.  Wbenctlcarne,  1. 'Though 
 a  godly  man.  when  he  is  both  perfecuted  for  righteoufneffe, 
 and  mocked  for  his  piety  ,  may  bang  his  head  in  his  trouble 
 for  a  little^  till  hec  go  to  God  with  his  complaint  >  yet  after 
 that  he  is  comforted,  bee  will  be  able  to  Ipeak  a  word  to  his 
 mockers,  and  hoiily  toinfult  over  them,  time  about  $  as  after 
 prayer,  Pdz//rf  here  turncth  him  to  fpeak  to  the  fons  of  men. 
 2.  Mockers  of  piety,  when  pious  men  are  under  afflidion,  do 
 bewi  ay  tbemfelves  to  be  ftill  in  the  ftate  of  nature,  and  dtfti* 
 tutefor  the  prefent  of  the  Spirit  of  regeneration:  For  David 
 calleththem,  in  relation  t«  their  finfull condition,  O  ye  fons 
 of  men.    3,  Though  faith  in  God,  ajid,  calling  on  him  in 
 
 trouble, 
 
PSA  L.    IV.  2i 
 
 trouble,  and  innoqcncy  of  life  under  perfection,  be  the  high- 
 eft  commendation,  and  glory  of  a  man  5  yet  the  wicked, 
 (though  oft  convinced  of  Gods  goodnefle  tofuchperfonsj  do 
 not  ftand  to  reproach  piety,  as  a  matter  of  fcorn,  fo  oft  as 
 God  doth  fufFer  the  godly  to  fail  in  calamity,  How  long  will 
 \yetwrnmy  glory  into  fhame  ?  4.  Meer  natural]  men  cannoc 
 be  made  wife,  neither  by  the  word  of  God,  nor  by  experience 
 in  rheir  own,  and  others  perfons,  to  confider  that  things  of 
 this  earth,  as  temporarie  riches,  honour,  and  pleafure,  are 
 nothing  but  vanity,  and  deceiving  lies,  which  prom ifefome- 
 ihing,  and  pay  nothing  but  vexation  of  fpirit ,  becaufe  of 
 guiltineffe  and  mifery  following  upon  the  abufe  of  them.  How 
 long  will  ye  love  vanity,  and  feefi  after  leafing  ?  5.  The  moft 
 fatisfa&ory  revenge,  which  the  godly  can  defire  of  their  pei- 
 fecutors  and  mockers,  is,  to  have  them  turn  converts,  to  have 
 them  recalled  from  the  vanity  of  their  way,  and  brought  to  a 
 right  undemanding  of  what  concerneth  their  faivation ,  wbere- 
 unro  the  godly  are  ready  to  offer  themfelves  admonifhers  of 
 them,  and  inftrufters,  as  here  the  Prophet  doth,  0  ye  Sons  of 
 men,  bow  long?  (?c.  But  finow,&c.  6.  The  caufe  of  the 
 worlds  defpifing  of  piety  in  the  perfons  of  God's  nffliuted 
 children,  is  the  grofle  ignorance  of  the  precious  priviledges  of 
 the  Lords  fincere  fervams  :  the  world  cannot  think  that  the 
 godly  in  the  midft  of  their  calamities  are  Gods  peculiar  jew- 
 els, chofen  and  called  out  of  the  world,  for  honouring  of 
 Gods  admitted  to  fellow/hip  with  God  in  this  life,  and  ap- 
 pointed to  dwell  with  him  forever.  Therefore,  \now>  faith 
 David,  asfpeakingtoignorants,  that  God  bath  (ei  apart  for 
 bimfelf,him  that  is  godly.  7.  This  is  one  of  the  priviledges  of 
 the  godly,  that  bow  oft  foever  tbey  are  put  to  their  prayers, 
 by  trouble  or  tentation,  fo  oft  they  get  audience,  upholding, 
 comfort,  and  delivery  >  as  their  croffes  do  abound,  fo  do  their 
 confolations-as  the  Prophet  teftifletb,faying,rkL0rd  will  bear 
 me  when  I  caU  upon  bim.  8 .  The  experience  of  one  of  the 
 Saints  concerning  the  verity  of  Gods  promifes,  or  the  cer- 
 tainty of  the  written  priviledges  of  the  Lords  people,  is  a 
 fufficient  proof  of  the  right  which  all  his  children  have  unto, 
 and  ground  of  hope  for  their  partaking  in  the  fame  mercies 
 in  their  need,  therefore  "David,  to  prove  his  generall  docVine, 
 fet  down  in  the  firft  part  of  the  verfe,  he  faith,  The  Lvrd  will 
 hear  me  whw  I  call  unto  bim* 
 
 C  3  Vcr./i 
 
 .a. 
 
aa  P  S  A  L.  IV. 
 
 Ver.4.  Stand  in  awe  and  fin  not ;  commune  with 
 3mr  own  heart  upon  jour  bed, and  be  fiill.  Selah. 
 
 5.  Offer  the  facrifices  of  righteoufnejfe,  and  put 
 y°ur  truft  in  the  Lord. 
 
 In  the  third  place,  he  exhorteth  his  enemies  to  repentance, 
 and  faith  in  God  5  wherein  as  he  laid  down  the  coin fe  which 
 they  mould  keep  ,  "to  wit,  to  have  their  judgment  well  inform- 
 ed in  the  principles  of  Religion,  in  the  former  verfe  5  fo  here 
 in  this  verfe  he  will  have  their  heart  and  affections  reformed  ; 
 and  in  the  following  verfe  bee  will  have  their  aUions  alfo  re- 
 formed in  relation  to  the  duties  of  the  firft  and  fecond  Table, 
 and  their  aftionstoflow  from  their  faith  in  God.  Whence 
 learn,  Repentance  is  not  reall  and  found ,  till  the  heart  be 
 affe&ed  with  the  fenfe  of  fin  by-paft,  and  fear  of  finning 
 hereafter,  and  be  brought  infubje&ion  under  the  dreadfull 
 Ma  jeftie  of  God  :  therefore  after  inftru&ion,  zer.  2.  $.  Hee 
 faith  here,  Stand  in  aw  and  Jin  rot.  z.  The  mean  prefcribed 
 of  God  for  to  make  the  heart  fenfible  of  its  condition,  is  the 
 ferious  and  daily  examination  of  the  confeience,  pofing  it 
 to  anfwer  all  interrogatories  concerning  the  mans  conformi- 
 tie  to  Gods  law*'  and  that  in  (ecret,  in  the  night,  without  di- 
 fira&ion  :  for  a  man  had  need  to  have  his  wits  about  him, 
 when  hee  goeth  to  examine  a  deceitfull  thief:  to  this  pur- 
 pofe  faith  he,  Commune  with  your  hearts  onyour  beds.  5.  The 
 fruit  of  daily,  ferious  examination  of  the  confeience,  concer- 
 ning fin  committed,  is,  to  make  a  man  bumble,  quiet,  and 
 fubmiffive  to  the  Lord  ;  this  he  infimiateth  in  foretelling 
 them  that  thus  they  Jhall  be  ftill,  or  filent ,  not  opening  the 
 mouth  to  excufe  their  fins,  or  to  mock  the  godly.  As  for  re- 
 formation of  their  Lives  in  relation  to  the  Taw  of  God^ver.$. 
 heteacheth,  1.  That  the  formall  difcharge  of  the  external! 
 ceremonies  of  Religion  will  nor  prove  a  man  to  be  a  true 
 convert,  or  a  fincere  penitent  $  but  the  true  ("orifice  of  Chrifts 
 pbedience  unto  the  death,  fignified  by  the  external!  facrifices, 
 mull  be  looked  unto  5  and  the  factifice  of  thankfgiving  and 
 welldoing,  and  the  dedication  of  the  whole  man  to  the  fer- 
 vice  of  God,  muft  teftific  the  truth  of  repentance.  There- 
 fore in  oppofition  to  the  ejxternall  ceremonial!  facrifice,  he 
 commandeth  to  offer  the  facrifices  ofrigbteoufneffe.  2.  When 
 a  penitent  hath  for  evidencing  the  finceritie  of  his  turning  to 
 God,  brought  forth  fruit  futable  to  repentance,  he  muft  not 
 lay  weight  upon  his  works,  but  lay  all  his  confidence  upon 
 
 Gods 
 
PSAL.    IV.  23 
 
 Gods  free  grace,  who  juftifieth  the  true  convert  by  faith  only  : 
 Therefore,  after  commanding  them  to  offer  the  facrifices  of 
 rightcoufnefle,  he  direftetbthem,  faying,  put  your  truft  in  the 
 Lord. 
 
 Ver.  6.  There  be  Many  that  fay ,  Who  will  fbew  us 
 any  good?  Lord,  lift  thou  tip  the  light  of  thy  coun- 
 tenance upon  us. 
 
 7.  Thou  haft  put  glad&cfs  in  my  hearty  more  then 
 in  the  time  that  their  come  and  their  wine  increa- 
 
 fed. 
 
 8.  I  will  both  lay  me  down  in  peace,  and  Jleep  : 
 for  thou,  Lord,  only  make  ft  me  dwell  injafttj. 
 
 In  the  laft  place  he  commendeth  his  own  bleffed  cfb.te,  and 
 to  enforce  the  former  exhortation,  he  con^.pnreth  the  happi- 
 nefs  which  the  worldling  doth  feeke  after  ,  with  the  IpTrftuall 
 joy  which  is  granted  to  the  godly,  and  preferred*  the  lail  far 
 before  the  other.  Hence  Le am.  i.Thc  blind  worldlings,  ig- 
 norant of  what  is  truly  good*  are  taken  with  infaciable  wish- 
 ing, and  ieeking  for  fom?  earthly  thing,  whereby  they  con- 
 ceive they  may  be  happy.  Of  thofe  fpcakeih  be,  laying,  There 
 be  many. that  fay,  who  will  fherv.us  any  good*  2.  The  rruely  god- 
 lyjoyne  one  with  another,  in  Peking  their  felicity  in  Gjds 
 favour,  and  in  the  fenfe  of  his  reconciliation,  and  not  in 
 fecking  the  worldly  mans  choice:  for  in  the  oppofuion  to  the 
 worldlings  wifhes,  David  with  the  reft  of  the  godly,  faith, 
 Lordylift  thou  up  the  light  of  thy  countenance  upon  us,  j.  The 
 comfort  of  Gods  Spirit,  and  fenfe  of  a  mans  reconciliation 
 with  God  in  Chrift,  is  greater  then  any  worldly  joy  can  be, 
 and  is  able  to  fuppiy  the  want  ofrkhes,  honors,  and  plea- 
 fures  worldly,  and  to  feafon,  yea  and  fwallow  up  the  fenfe 
 of  poverty,  difgrace,and  whatfocver  other  evill.  This  David 
 teftifietb  by  his  own  experience,  faying,  Thou  baft  put gladne fs 
 in  my  heart yncre  then  in  the  time  that  their  come  and  wine  incrca- 
 fed.  4.  Faith  in  God,  asitbringeth  joy,  fo  alfo  peace  un- 
 fpeakable,  and  paffing  underftanding,  in  the  midft  of  trou- 
 ble: This  Davids  experience  teachcth  alfo.  I  will  bath  lay  me 
 down  in  peace  and  jlccp,  notwithstanding  of  all  the  oppolitions 
 the  tons  of  men  made  untohim.  5.  WhetherGod  do  give 
 means  of  fafety,  or  none  at  all  which  can  be  feen,  preserva- 
 tion and  fafetie  is  his  gift,  and  the  making  a  man  obferve  the 
 
 C  4  benefit 
 
24  PSAL     V. 
 
 benefit  of  prefervation  is  another  gift  alfo :  wherefore,  VaviH 
 giveththe  glory  of  both  unto  God3  Thow  onlj  m A^c ft  me  dmU 
 in  fafetj. 
 
 PSAL.  y. 
 
 To  the  chief  Mufichn  upon  Nebiloth<  tA  Pfalm  of  JXavU. 
 David  as  a  typeofChrift,  and  one  of  the  number 
 of  his  afflided  followers,  fee  forth  in  his  affii&i- 
 on,  as  an  example  of  exercife  to  others,  in  after 
 ages,  doth  pray  for  himfelf  and  againfl:  his  E- 
 nemies,  ufing  fundry  arguments  to  ftrengthen 
 himfelf  in  his  hope  to  be  heard  :  Firfl^from  the 
 grace  of  God  beftowed  on  himfelf  to  ufe  the 
 means,  ver.  1,2,3.  Secondly,  From  the  juftice 
 of  God  againft  his  wicked  enemies,  ver.  4,5,6. 
 Thirdly  j  From  his  own  ftedfaft  purpofe  and 
 defire  to  continue  in  Gods  fervicc,  and  to  walk 
 fo  uprightly,  as  the  enemie  fhall  not  have  ad- 
 vantage of  him  by  his  mifcarriage,  ver.  7.  8. 
 Fourthly,  From  the  ripeneffe  of  fin  in  his  ad- 
 verfaries,  which  did  prepare  them  for  fudden 
 deftruftion,  ver.g.io.  Fifthly,  From  the  cer- 
 tain hope  of  joy,  and  defence,  and  fpirituall 
 bleffing  to  be  beftowed  on  himfelf  and  all  belie- 
 vers ,  out  of  the  free  love  and  and  favour  of 
 God  toward  them,  ver.  11,12. 
 
 In  his  ftrengtbeningof  his  hope  to  be  heard ,from  the  grace 
 of  God  beftowed  on  him,  toute  the  means  for  obtaining  a 
 good  anfwer,  Ltarny  1.  When  the  Lord  givetb  us  a  mouth 
 toipcaktobim,  there  is  ground  of  hope  he  will  grant  aneare 
 
 to 
 
PSAL.  V.  25 
 
 to  us ;  for  fo  rcafonech  David,  Give  ear  to  my  words,  0  Lord. 
 1.  In  time  of  trpuble,the  heart  hath  more  to  fay  to  God,tben 
 words  can  utter  J  and  what#  man  cannot  exprefs,  the  Lord  wil 
 take  knowledg  of  it,  no  fefs  then  of  his  words  $  This  the 
 prophet  faopeth  for,  faying,  Confider  my  meditation.  3.  When 
 extreamity  of  danger  forceth  a  way  to  the  Lord,  the  belie- 
 vers ncceffity  hatha  voice,  towdcr  then  his  expreffed  words, 
 and  whereunto  the  Lord  will  give  care  5  hearken  to  the  votes 
 of  my  cry.  4.  It  is  a  point  of  fpirituall  wifedomefor  thehelpc 
 of  our  faith,  to  take  hold  ofthofe  relations  we  have.to  God, 
 whereby  we  may  exped  what  we  pray  for,  as  David  doth  here, 
 when  he  would  have  protection  and  delivery,faying,  My  king* 
 &myCjod.  $.  Faith  kneweth  no  other  to  pray  unto  for  helpe, 
 fave  God  alone,nor  any  other  way  to  be  helped,  favc  by  perfe- 
 verance  in  prayer  ;For  unto  thee  will  1  pr<jy,faich  he.  6.Refol  ved 
 Importunity  in  prayer  muft  be  joyned  with  taking  hold  of 
 the  firft  and  fitteft  opportunity  offered  for  prayer  :  My  voitf 
 jball  thou  heare  in  the  morning,  0  Lord/aitb  he.  7.  Calling  on 
 God  in  trouble,  with  dependence  on  him,  doth  give  hope  of 
 audience,  and  deliverie  by  him,  by  way  of  a  convincing 
 Syllogifme,  whereof  the  promife  of  deliverie  made  tofuch 
 as  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord  in  the  day  of  trouble,  is  the 
 firft  propofition  5  the  conference  of  refolved  calling  on  him 
 maketh  the  affumption  or  fecond  propofition  5  and  faith  con- 
 cluded the  expe&ation  of  deliverance:  for  the  prophets  rea- 
 foning  is  this  in  efFecl:,  wbofoever  they  be,  that  pray  to  the 
 Lord  in  their  trouble,  thou  wile  heare  them  :  But  I  doe  pray 
 tothee,anddo  refolve  to  continue  praying::  Therefore  thou 
 O  Lord  wilt  beare  me, 
 
 Ver.  4.  For  thou  art,  not  a  God  that  haft  pleafure 
 in  wickednefs  :  neither  /hall  evill  dwell  with  thee. 
 
 5 .  The  foolifh  Jball  not  Jfahd  in  thy  fight  :  thou 
 hatefl  all  workers  of  iniquity. 
 
 6.  Thou  Jbalt  dejlroy  them  that  fpeak^  leafing  : 
 the  Lord 'will abhorre  the  blood}  and  deceitful  I  man. 
 
 Tn  the  fecond  place,  he  reafoneth  from  the  jufttce  of  God 
 againft  his  enemies:  Whence  learn,  1.  The  worft  qualities 
 intheadverfaries  of  the  s;odly,  doth  furnifh  good  matter  cf 
 Faith  a^d  Hope  to  the  belecver  to-be  rid  of  them  :  for  this  ufc 
 doth  Tfivid  make  of  the  wickedneiTe  of  his  enemies  in  tbefe 
 
 liirct 
 
26  PSA  L.    V. 
 
 three  verfe*.  i.  Such  as  take  pieafure  in  fin,  God  cannot 
 take  pieafure  in  them  .•  Thou  art  mt  a  God  ,  faith  he  ,  *&<** 
 bajt  pieafure  in  wicfadnejfc  :  And  fuchaswill  not  part  with* 
 fin,  God  fhall  feparate  them  from  his  companie  5  for  it  is 
 faid,  Neither Jhallevill  dwell  with  thee.  $.  Let  wicked  men 
 feem  never  fo  wife  Polititians  among  men,  yet  (hall  they  be 
 found  mad  fools  before  God5  felling  heaven  for  trifles  ot 
 the  earth,  holding  war  with  the  Almighty,  and  running  upon 
 their  own  deftrudion  in  their  felf-plea(ing  dreams,  to  the 
 lofle  of  their  life  and  ftare,  temporall  andeternall.  For  the 
 foolijh  (faith  he)  Jball  notftattd  in  thy  fight.  4.  Such  as  make 
 intquitte  their  work,  fhall  have  the  effeds  of  Gods  hatred  foe 
 their  wages :  for  Thou  hateft  all  the  workers  of  iniquity.  5.  The 
 enemies  of  Gods  people,  whiles  by  flanders  and  lies  they 
 murther  the  innocent,  do  draw  upon  themfelves  fwift  damna- 
 tion from  God  .•  Thoujhalt  deftroy  them  thatfpeak  leafing,  faith 
 he.  6.  Falmood  and  cruel  tiewhich  are  the  charaders  of  the 
 foes  of  the  godly,  are  abomination  to  the  Lord,  which  he  can- 
 not endure  ;  Thou  wilt  abhor  the  bloudk  and  deceitfull  man. 
 
 Verf.  7.  "But  as  for.  me ,  I  will  come  into  thy 
 houfe  , ,  in  the  multitude  of  thy  mercy  :  and  in  thy 
 feare  will  I  worjhip  toward  thy  holy  Temple. 
 
 8.  Lead  me  ,  O  Lord,  in  thy  righteoufnefs  ,  be- 
 eaufe  of  rhine  enemies \  make  thy  way  (Iraight  before 
 my  face. 
 
 In  the  third  place,  he  refolveth  that  what  ever  the  enemy 
 fhall  do,he  will  walk  as  God  bath  commanded  him;with  refo- 
 lution  toferve  God  in  fincerky*  as  alfoa  profeflion  of  hope, 
 to  enjoy  the  fociety  of  his  Saints  in  Gods  publick  Worfhip  : 
 and  to  this  end  he  praycth  he  may  be  kept  ftraight  in  his  walk- 
 ing ,  that  the  enemy  might  have  nothing  wherewith  to  re- 
 proach him.  Hence  Learn  ,  1.  Though  the  Godly  want  not 
 the  confeienceof  their  own  fins,  when  they  fpeak  of  the  fins 
 of  their  enemies,  yet  there  is  a  difference  betweem  them  and 
 the  wicked,  in  refped  the  Godly  are  humbled  in  the  fenfe  of 
 their  fins,  are  brought  to  the  acknowledgment  of  their  need 
 of  mercy,  and  do  flee  to  God  for  raving  mercy,  nnd  to 
 the  multitudes  of  mercies  ,  as  they  fee  the  multitude  of  their 
 fins  :  And  therefore  faith  he  of  himfelf,  in  oppofition  to  the 
 wicked  >  But  as  for  mc  I  will  come  into  thy  houfe  7  in  the  mul- 
 titude 
 
PSAL.  V.  27 
 
 tit  die  of  tby  mercies.  2.  The  faith  which  the  Godly  have  in 
 the  mercies  of  God  ,  doth  encourage  them  to  follow  the  fer- 
 vice  of  God  >  and  in  fome  cafes  doth  give  them  hope  to  be 
 loofed  from  the  reilraints  >  which  do  hinder  them  from  en- 
 joying the  publick  Ordinances ;  I  will  come  into  tby  boufc  ,  in 
 the  multitude  of tby  mercies..  $.  The  right  temper  of  the  hearc 
 of  a  true  Worftiipper,  is  fear  before  God  :  In  thy  fear  will 
 iworjhip.  4.  Under  the  fenfe  of  finfulncfs  and  unwarthi- 
 nefs,  faith  muft  be  fupported  by  looking  toward  Jefus  Chrift, 
 prefigured  by  the  Tabernacle  and  Temple :  In  tby  fear,  faith 
 he  ,  I  will  wcrjbip  toward  tby  holy  Temple.  5.  When  the 
 Godly  are  under  trouble  from  their  enemies,  and  under  tryal 
 by  other  forts  of  excrcife,  they  are  no  lefs  feared  for  their  mif- 
 carriage  and  offending  the  Lord  3  then  they  are  feared  for 
 wbac  their  enemies  can  do  againft  themj  Therefore,  Lead  mey 
 O  Lvrdjintbyrigbteoufnefsy  faith  be.  6.  So  much  the  more 
 as  the  Godly  are  fesitible  of  their  own  blindnefs*  and  weak- 
 ness, and  readinefs  to  go  out  the  right  way  ',  fo  much  the 
 more  do  they  call  for  ,  and  depend  upon  Gods  dire&ing  of 
 then).  Lead  me ,  faith  be ;  As  one  that  fceth  not,  or  as  one 
 who  is  not  able  to  hold  a  right  courfe  ^without  a  guide.  7.  If 
 the  Godly  man  take  a  finfull  courfe  to  be  relieved  from  his 
 trouble,  the  enemy  is  hard ned  in  his  wicked  courfe  ,  by  this 
 means  to  blafpheme  the  profeffion  of  Piety,  as  me  ere  hypo-, 
 crifie,  and  foGcd  is  provoked  to  let  the  enemy  prevail,  be- 
 caufcthemifcarriageoftbe  Godly  bath  made  way  to  him  5  for 
 avoiding  of  which  inconvenience, he  praycth  :  Lead  me,  in 
 tbyiigbteoufnefs,  bee  aafc  of  my  enemies.  8.  The  deceicfulncfs 
 of  Gn  ,  the  ignorance  of  what  is  expedient  and  lawfull  in  a 
 particular  cafe^themift  of  private  aff^&ions,  and  the  example 
 or  ill  counfel  of  rhe  World,,  are  ready  to  make  a  man  rniihke 
 the  right  way,  except  the  Lod  make  clear  what  is  his  duty  ; 
 Therefore  faith  he ,  Ma^e  tby  way  fir  tight  before  my  face. 
 
 Verf.  9.  For  there  is  no  fahhfulnefs  in  their 
 month  ,  their  inward  part  is  very  tyickednefs  :  their 
 throat  is  an  opev/epulchre  ,  they  flatter  with  their 
 tongue. 
 
 10.  Defiroy  thou  them ,  0  God ,  let  them  fall  ly 
 their  own  counfels  :  caft  them  out  in  the  multitude 
 of  their  tranfgrejftons ,  for  they,  have  rebelled  a- 
 painfl  thee.  jn 
 
2g  P  S  A  L.  V. 
 
 In  the  fourth  place  he  ftrengtheneth  his  hope  to  be  helped* 
 becaufe  bis  enemies  fins  were  ripe  for  judgement.  Whence 
 learn,  i .  Among  other  motives  to  make  the  godly  take  heed 
 of  their  carriage  in  time  of  triall  ,  this  is  one,  they  have  to  do 
 with  a  falfe  world,  and  hollow  hearted  men,  who  will  make 
 falfe  pretences  of  what  is  not  their  intentions,  and  will  make 
 promifeof  what  they  mind  not  to  perform,  and  will  give  none 
 but  rotten  and  poyfonablc  advice,  fairdedwith  falfe  flattery, 
 and  all  to  deceive  the  godly,  and  draw  them  in  a  fnare.  This 
 is  it,  be  faith,  For  there  isnofaithfulnejfe  in  their  mouth,  their 
 inward  part  U  very  mcfadneffc,  their  throat  is  an  open  fepul- 
 chre,  they  flitter  with  their  tongue ;  and  this  is  the  nature  of  all 
 carnall  men,when  it  cometh  to  the  point  of  defending  Gods 
 caufe  in  time  of  triall.  z.  Though  this  prayer  bee  not  to 
 be  drawn  in  imitation  againft  particular  perfons,  by  us  who 
 have  not  fo  infallible  revelation  of  mens  ftate  before  <jod, 
 yet  is  it  a  prophefie  againft  all  the  irreconcilable  enemies  of 
 Goij  and  of  his  people,  againft  whom  the  Spirit  of  God  ma- 
 keth  imprecation  here,  faying^  Deftroy  thou  them,  0  God. 
 3.  There  is  no  need  of  any  other  means  to  deftroy  the, Lords 
 enemies,  then  their  own  devices;  The  very  courfe  they  take 
 toeftablifli  themfelves,  will  ferve  for  their  own  ruine.  Let 
 them  fall,  faith  he,  by  their  own  counfel.  4.  The  certain  caufe 
 of  the  ruine  of  the  perfecuters  of  Cjods  people,  is  the  ripenefs 
 and  full  meafure  of  their  fins.  Caft  them  out  ("faith  he)  in  the 
 multitude  of  their  tranfgreflions.  5.  The  oppofing  of  truth, 
 and  of  the  Ordinances  of  God,  in  the  perfonof  bis  fervants 
 who  ftand  for  the  fame,  is  not  fimply  the  oppofing  of  mortall 
 men,  but  the  oppofing  of  Gody  whofe  quarrel  it  is  $  There- 
 fore, faith  he,  They  have  rebelled  againft  thee. 
 
 VerC  11.  Hut  let  all  thofe  that  put  their  trufi 
 in  thee,  rejoyce:  let  them  ever  Jhout  for  joy,  becaufe 
 thou  defendtft  them:  let  them  alfo  that  love  thy 
 Name,  be  joy  full  in  thee. 
 
 13.  For  thou,  LORD,  wilt  blejfe  the  righteous, 
 with  favour  wilt  thou  compaffe  him,  as  With  a  Jhield. 
 
 Inthelaft  place,  hemaketh  prayer  for  all  the  Godly,mi- 
 litant  in  this  warfare  with  himfelfe,  that  they  may  ftiare  to- 
 gether in  the  Lords  fayour.  Hence  learn  1.  Perfection  for 
 rizhtcoufnsfs  is  a  caufe  common  to  ail  believers^  wherein 
 
 they 
 
P  S  A  L.   II  29 
 
 they  fhouldalljoyn>and  pray  one  of  them  for  another,  and 
 feck  for  a  joy  full  out-gate  each  to  other  in  their  own  time. 
 for  this  caufe,  after  prayer  againft  enemies,  he  faith  >  But  let 
 til  that  truft  intbee  rejoyce.  2.  The  manifefted  care  of  God 
 for  his  people,  in  preceding  and  delivering  them  from  their 
 enemies^  is  matter  of  exceeding  joy  to  his  people,  becaufe  he 
 is  glorified  herein,  and  bis  church  is  preferved  :  Lettbem  ever 
 fboutfor  joy  ,  becaufe  tbou  defendeft  tbem.  3.  Such  belie- 
 vers as  have  gotten  grace  to  love  Cjods  name,  (  albeit  it  be 
 not  yet  given  unto  them  to  fufFer  for  his  Name,)  are  allowed 
 to  ftiare  in  the  joy  of  vi&orious  fufferers.Let  tbem  alfq  that  love 
 *&y  2sJjM»e,  faith  he,  be  joy full  intbee.  4.  The  perfon  who  is 
 juftirled  by  faith,  and  itudieth  unto  holineffe,  is  an  heir  of 
 Gods  bleffing,  whether  he  be  leffe  or  more  taken  notice  of  by 
 the  world,  whether  entred  in  the  conflict  with  perfecutcrs  or 
 not:  For  tbou,  O  Lord ,  wilt  bleffe  the  righteous.  5.  The  fa- 
 vour and  good  will  of  God  toward  hisownj  is  aftrong  and 
 glorious  defence  to  them  5  it  is  a  crowning  fhield,  a  fhield 
 compaffing  a  man  round  about  like  a  glorious  Diadem,  a 
 fhield  very  handfome  and  ftrong,  which  the  believer  ought  to 
 gripe  well,  and  hold  faft,  and  manage  warily,  and  oppofe  ic 
 to  every  affault  of  the  adverfary :  a  crowning  fhield,  which 
 circkleth  the  man  round  about,and  keepeth  offthe  dine  of  the 
 adverfaries  weapon,  even  when  the  pur(ued  beleeyer  is  noc 
 aware :  With  favour  wilt  tbou  compajfe  him  as  with  a  fhield. 
 
 P  S  AL.  VI. 
 
 to  the  chief  Mupcianon  tieginotb  upon  Sbeminith>  A  Pfalm 
 of  David. 
 
 Another  experience  of  David,  ufcFull  to  be  known 
 by  all  the  children  of  God,  who  anefubjedto 
 the  like  exercife  ;  wherein  David  being  under 
 the  fenfe  of  the  Lords  heavie  hand,  upon  his 
 body  and  fpirit,  prayeth  for  the  removall  of  felt 
 wrath,  ver.  1,2,3.  Next  prayeth  for  the  renewed 
 feeling  and  experience  of  Gods  mercy  towards 
 
 him, 
 
3o  PSAL.    VI. 
 
 him,  laying  forth  his  lamentable  condition  be* 
 fore  the  pitifull  eye  of  God,  ^.4,5,6,7.  A^er 
 which,  being  heard  and  comforted,  in  the  third 
 place,  hee  defyeth,  and  triumpheth  over  all  his 
 enemies,  ver.%£. 
 
 Verf.  I.  ^\  L&rd,  rebuke  mee  not  in  thine  Anger, 
 \^J      neither  chafien  mee  in  thy  hot  dif- 
 fleafure. 
 
 2.  Have  mercy  upon  mee  ,  O  Lord ,  for  I  am 
 weak^,  O  Lord  heal  mee  ,  for  my  bones  are  vexed. 
 
 3.  My  foul  is  alfo  fore  vexed  :  but  thou  5  O 
 Lord ,    how  long  f 
 
 From  his  prayer  for  removal  of  wrath,  Learn,  i.'Icis 
 poffible>  that  a  true  believer,  who  hath  been  oft  times  re- 
 freshed with  the  fenfe  of  Gods  favour,-  may  by  fome  fad 
 exercife,  have  his  confeience  fo  wakened  in  the  fenfe  of  fin, 
 as  he  can  feel  nothing  but  wraths  and  fear  of  cutting  off*  as 
 this  experience  of  David  maketh  manifeft.  2.  There  is  no 
 relief  in  fuchcafe3  fave  to  fet  faith  on  work,  whatfoever  be 
 felt  or  fearcd,and  to  feek  mitigation  and  deliverance  of  God, 
 as  the  Prophet  doth  here.  3.  Even  the  fatherly  wrath  of 
 God  ,and  far  more  the  apprehenfion  of  hot  difpleafure  of  an 
 angry  Judge  ,  is  unfupportable  to  a  foul  that  knoweth  God3 
 and  hath  ever  tafted  of  his  favour  before  :  Rebuke  me  not  in  thy 
 wrathjaith  he;  4*.  There  is  as  much  ground  of  faith  holden 
 forth  in  the  Lords  Name  •jpe^wytf ,  (importing  his  unchange- 
 able being,  and  his  conftancy  in  his  promifes  )  as  to 
 ground  3  prayer  upon  it,  for  obtaining  the  change  of  a  mans 
 ca(e  to  the  better,  in  the  hardeft  condition  imaginable  i  O 
 Lord,  or  O rfehovt,  (  faith  he, )  Kebu\e  me  not  in  thy  wrath. 
 5.  Though  fenfe  feel  wrath,  and  fee  nothing  but  hot  difplea- 
 lurej,  yet  faith  can  pierce  through  clouds,  and  befpeak  mercy, 
 Have  mercy  on  me  ,  0  Lordfiiih  'David,  in  the  mid  ft  of  this 
 fad  condition.  Though  fin  doth  provoke  anger,  yet  the 
 mifery  and  inability  to  fub(u%  prefented  unto  God,  is  the  ob. 
 je&of  mercy,  and  a  motive  to  faith  to  expedcompaflion3 
 Have  mercy  on  me>  faith  he,  for  I  am  ma\{*  7.  When  iin 
 bath  <kawn  ob  fieknef$>  or  .any  other  danger,  let  pardon  of 
 
 fin 
 
P  S  A  L.   VI.  31 
 
 fin  be  firft  fought,  and  after  that,  the  removing  of  the  ftroke  J 
 for  firft,  he  faith,  have  mttcy  on  me,  and  then,  heal  mc. 
 8.  The  Lord  can  make  the  ftrongeft  and  moft  infenfible  pare 
 of  a  mans  body,  fenfiUe  of  his  wrath,  when  he  pleafcth  to 
 touch  him,  for  here  Davids  bones  are  vexed.  9.  Anguifli 
 of  Spirit  and  torment  of  conference,  is  heavier  then  any  torture 
 of  body,  as,  my  foul  alfoisvexed  ,  doth  import,.  10.  The 
 Lords  apprehended  abfence  in  trouble,  and  delaying  to  an- 
 fwer  the  iupplicant*  putteth  a  load  above  a  burthen,  and  fur- 
 pafleth  all  expression  of  words  5  for  here  his  fpeech  is  cutted, 
 But  thou  0  Lord,  bow  long. 
 
 Vcr.  4.  Returney  O  Lord,  deliver  my  foul :  O 
 fav  erne  for  thy  mercies  fake. 
 
 5.  For  in  death  there  is  no  remembrance  of  thee  : 
 in  the  grave  who  ft  all  give  thee  thanks  ? 
 
 6.  I  am  weary  with  my  groaning,  all  the  night 
 wake  1  my  bed  to  ftoim ,  /  water  my  couch  with 
 my  tears. 
 
 7.  Mine  eye  is  confumed  becaufe  of  grief ;  it  wax- 
 eth  old,  becattfe  of  all  mine  enemies. 
 
 In  the  next  place  he  prayerh  lor  a  renewed  fenfible  experi- 
 ence of  Gods  mercy  to  him,  becaufc  of  his  pitifull  condition. 
 Wherein  learn,  1.  A  renewed  Wenk  of  the  Lords  countenance 
 will  fatisfiea  foule  in  greareit  diftrefle  :    Therefore  David 
 waveth  this  for  a  remedie  of  atl  his  forrowr   Return,  0  Lord. 
 2.  If  defertion  continue,  fear  of  periflitne  utterly  doth  pre- 
 fenc  it  felfe  3  as  this  prayer  infinuaterh,     O  Lord,  deliver  my 
 foul.     3.  The  onely  time  to  fpread  the  praife  of  God^  by  ma- 
 king mention  of  him  before  rhem  that  know  him  not,  is  rbe 
 time  of  this  life:    For  in  death  there  is  no  remembrance  of  thec. 
 4.  TbeChriftians  love  of  lite,  fhould  procetdfrcm  rh^  love 
 of  honouring  of  God  in  this  lite, (where  it  may  inlarge  Gcds 
 glory,  before  them  who  may  be  profi.fd   by  pleaching  of  bis 
 praife)  &fhould  be  preferred  to  our  own  contemmet  for  a  time 
 in  heaven,  (o  long  as  God  pleafetti  to  take  fervice  of  us  here. 
 For  this  is  the  force  of  the  J  rophets  reafoning,  In  the  grave 
 who  Jhall give  thee  thanks  ?  Our  place  waiteth  far  us,&  no  man 
 can  take  it  over  our  head,  while  we  on  earth  are  induring  toy- 
 ling  and  trouble,  to  bring  more  to  heaven  wich  us.     ?.  A 
 true  defire  and  purpofe  to  glerifie  Gcd  in  this  life,  to  the  edi- 
 fying 
 
32  F5AJL.    VI. 
 
 fyitkg  of  others,  may  give  hope  of  fome  prolonging  of  life, 
 and  affurance  of  not  pcrifhing  for  ever:  for  7)avids  hope  to 
 be  heard  doth  run  here  upon  this  ground.  7.  The  moft  la- 
 ftingj  prefling,  and  piercing  forrow  that  ever  foul  felr,  is  from 
 the  fenfe  of  fin,  and  of  Gods  difpleafure  for  it,  as  the  prophets 
 exprefsion  here  doth  give  evidence. 8. The  exercife  of  the  god- 
 ly under  the  fenfe  of  Gods  difpleafure,  may  be  very  heavy,  and 
 of  long  continuance  :  The  prophet  is'weary  mtb  bis  groaning, 
 &>  hfs  eys  confwned  mtb  grief.  9.N0  delaybf  comforc,no  fenfe 
 of  fin,  no  fear  ofGodsutcer  difpleafure  can  be  a  reafontotbe 
 believer  to  ceafe  from  prayer,  and  dealing  with  God  for  graces 
 for  the  prophet  is  wearie,  but  giveth  not  over  5  onely  his  con- 
 dition is  the  matter  of  frefh  mourning  to  him  night  and  day, 
 and  po  wring  out  of  tears  in  the  Lords  bo  fome :  All  the  night 
 malietb  be  his  bed  tofwim,  and  vpateretb  bis  couch  mtb  bis  tears. 
 10.  The  infulcing  of  enemies  over  the  godly  when  the  Lords 
 hand  is  heavie  upon  them,  becaufe  it  refle&eth  upon  Religion 
 and  upon  Gods  glory,  is  a  main  ingredient  in  the  forrow  of 
 the  godly  :  Davids  eye  had  waxen  old  and  dim  mib  griej r,  be- 
 caufe of  all  bis  enemies. 
 
 Verf.  8.  Depart  from  me  all  ye  worses  of  iniqui- 
 ty :  for  the  Lord  hath  heard  the  voice  of  my  weep- 
 ing. 
 
 9.  The  Lord  hath  heard  my  fupplication  ,  the 
 Lord  Will  receive  my  prayer. 
 
 10.  Let  all  mine  enemies  be  ajhamed  and  fore 
 vexed  :  let  them  return  and  be  afhamed  fuddenly . 
 
 In  the  third  place  David  defyetb  all  his  enemies ,  being 
 comforted  by  the  light  of  Gods  countenance,  and  lifted  up 
 in  his  fpiric.  Whence  Learn,  1.  Tbe  Lord  can  fhortly 
 change  the  chear  of  an  humble  fupplicant,  and  raife  a  Soul 
 trembling  for  fear  of  wrath,  to  a  triumphing  over  all  fort  of 
 adverfaries,  and  over  all  tentations  to  fin  arifing  from  them, 
 for  the  return  of  the  Prophets  prayer  makethhim  fay,  now  y 
 Depart  from  me  alt  ye  workers  of  iniquity.  2.  Tbe  Sacrifice  of 
 a  contrite  Spirit  5  offered  by  a  believer,  the  Lord  will  not 
 defpife ;  For  the  Lord  beard  tbe  voice  of  tbe  Prophets  weepings 
 $.  The  hearing  of  our  prayer  fhould  be  thankfully  obferved, 
 and  made  ufe  of,  for  ftrengthening  our  faith  in  prayer  after- 
 ward :  For  after  the  Prophet  hath  ini  /  Tbe  Lord  bath  beard 
 
 my 
 
P  S  A  L.     VII.  33 
 
 my  fupplicxiion  5  Headdetb,  The  Lord  vpill  receive  my  prayer 
 4. The  enemies  of  the  Godly  lhall  all  of  c  hem  be  difapp'oinud 
 of  their  hopes,  and  aflumed  for  their  attempt*  againft  them, 
 and  filled  with  vexation  for  their  pains  5  for  this  prayer  fut- 
 nimed  by  the  Spirit  (  verf.  1  o. )  to  one  of  the  Godly  againft 
 his  wicked  enemies  ,  is  a  prophecie  againft  all  the  reft  of  the 
 enemies  of  the  Godly,  in  all  ages- 
 
 PSAL.     VII. 
 
 Sbiggaion  of  David,  wbkb  be. fang  unto  the  Lorl>  con- 
 certing the  words  ofCuJh  the  Bevjamiu. 
 
 The  Prophet  as  a  type  of  Chrift  myftical ,  and  art 
 example  of  Chriftiansfuffering,  being  flandered 
 of  treafon  againft  his  Princely  one  of  the  cour- 
 tiers, firftfleeth  to  God  for  delivery,  verf.  1,  2* 
 Secondly  cleareth  his  innocencie,  verf  3,  4,  5. 
 Thirdly  requefteth  the  Lord  to  judge  between 
 him  and  his  enemies ,  verf.  6,7,8,9'.  And  fourth- 
 ly in  prayer  is  made  confident ,  that  the  Lord 
 will  plead  for  him1  againft  his  enemies ,  verf.  i<\ 
 11,  12,13.  an(*  w*"  return  their  devifed  mil- 
 chief  againft  him,  upon  their  own  head,  verf 
 14,15,  16.  Whereupon  in  the  laft  place  he  pro- 
 mifeth  praife  to  God  for  his  righteous  judge- 
 ment, verf  17. 
 
 Verf.  1.  /^\  Lord.,  my  God,  in  thee  do  I  pttt  my 
 \^J     truft  :  fave  me  from  all  tloem  that 
 perfecute  me  ,  and  deliver  me  : 
 
 2.  Lefi  he  tear  my  foul  like  a  lion  ,  renting  it 
 
 in  pieces ,  while  there  is  none  to  deliver. 
 
 ASto  thefirftp2rc,  wherein  be  fleetfa  to  God    to  be   de- 
 
 liyered  from  the  bloody  tongues  of  calumniators  3  Learn  ■ 
 
 D  i'li 
 
34  PSA  L.     VII. 
 
 i .  It  is  a  part  of  the  exercife  of  Chrift  fervaats*  to  be  Hin- 
 dered as  Traitors  to  their  lawfull  Magistrates,  as  Dxvil 
 was  by  CuJI)3  a  flattering  courtier.  a.  God  who  is  able  to 
 clear  the  innocent  and  to  defend  them  from  malice,  is  in 
 this  cafe  to  be  run  unto3  and  ufe  is  to  be  made  of  faith  in  him, 
 and  our  Covenant  with  him ,  for  rekife  from  all  adverfaries, 
 as  the  Prophet  doth  here.  3.  If  God  do  not  interpofe  him- 
 ftlfj  for  defence  of  his  unjuftiy  flandered  Servants,  there  is 
 nothing  to  be  expected  from  wicked  enemies  inraged  3  bu: 
 mcrciieis  beaitly  cruelty  ,  as  is  fhowen  in  Davids  expe- 
 rience. 
 
 Verf.  3.  0  Lord  my  God ,  if  I  have  done  this  ,  if 
 there  be  iniquity  in  my  hands. 
 
 4.  If  I  have  rewarded  evil  unto  him  that  was  at 
 face  with  me  ,  (  yea  ^  I  have  delivered  him  that 
 without  catife  is  my  enemy.) 
 
 5.  Let  the  enemy  perfecute  my  foul  ^  *wd  take  it; 
 yea\  let  him  tread  down  my  life  upon  the  earth  , 
 and  lay  mine  honour  in  the  dtifi .     SeUh. 
 
 In  the  fecond  place,  wherein  he  clearetb  his  own  inno- 
 cencyjjLcartf.i  Though  innocency  cannot  exempt  a  mau  fvom 
 being  unjuftiy  fhndered  3  yet  it  will  furnifli  him  with  a  good 
 confeience,  and  much  boldnefs  in  the  pa'ticuiar  ,  before 
 Godj  as  here  is  (cct),verf.  35  4.  2.  The  more  a  mr.n  doth 
 ,  render  for  evil  good  3  t«he  more  confidence  fhall  he  have, 
 when  he  cometh  to  God  $  for  innocencie  ferved  David  for 
 this  good  ufe  ,  That  be  bud  delivered  Saul,  wbo  without  caufc 
 wm  hu  enemy,  verf  4.  3  .He  that  is  confeicus  of  dom^or  in- 
 tending injary  to  his  neighbour;,  will  have  his  own  confeience 
 againfthim,  in  the  time  when  he  meeteth  with  a  greater  in- 
 jiuy  dont  to  him  ,  and  in  that  cafe  will  be  forced  to  juftific 
 Gods  rijiucoufnefs  a&ainft  himfeif,  as  Da*vids  conditional 
 prayer  doth  here  import  verf.  5. 
 
 Verf.  6.  Arife  ,  O  Lord ,  in  thine  anger ,  lift 
 hp  thy  felf,  becaufe  of  the  rage  of  mine  enemies  :  and 
 awake  for  me  to  the  judgment  that  thou  haft  com* 
 manded* 
 
 ji  So 
 
P  S  A  L.    VII.  r> 
 
 7.  So  /ball  the  Congregation  of  the  people  cow- 
 paffe  thee  about  :  for  their  (akes  therefore  returne 
 thou  on  high. 
 
 8.  The  Lord  Jhall  judge  the  people  :  judge  w<% 
 O  Lord  ,  according  to  my  right  eoufntfs  %  and  accord- 
 ing to  mine  integrity  chat  is  in  me. 
 
 9.  Oh  let  the  wickednefs  of  the  Voided  come  to  an 
 end  ,  but  ejlablifi  the  jufi  :  for  the  righteous  God 
 trieth  the  hearts  andreines. 
 
 In  the  third  place ,  he  prayeth  that  God  would  judge  be- 
 tween him  and  his  enemies  :  Whence  learn,  1.  Though  the 
 Lord  for  the  tryal  and  cxercifc  of  bis  children  ,  it  ftill  as  ic 
 were,  for  a  time,  when  men  are  about  to  opprefle  them  J  yec 
 will  he  in  due  time  manifeft  himfeif  to  be  no  idle  fpe  ft  a  tor 
 •f  wrong  j  but  a  juft  defender  of  the  opprefTed  ,  and  avenger 
 of  the  injurious,  He  mllarife  in  anger,  andli]tupbim(elf 
 z.  When  our  enemies  are  defperatly  malicious,  and  nothing 
 can  mitigate  their  fuy;  let  the  confederation  of  Gods  juftice 
 mitigate  our  paffion  :  For  be  will  arife  in  anger  Again ft  them* 
 3.  There  is  no  lefie  ju'tt  zeale  in  God  >  to  defend  his  own 
 oppreffed  people,  then  there  is  malice  in  the  wicked^  to  wrong 
 them:  For  bis  rifing  in  anger \  is  here  oppofed,  to  the  rage  of  tbp 
 enemies.  4.  Albeit  judgment  againft  the  oppreilour  be  not 
 at  the  firft  executed,  yet  God  in  his  Word  hath  given  out  fen- 
 tencc  againft  them  ,  and  in  hisa&ive  providence  ,  hath  pre" 
 pared  meanes  and  inftrumcn:s  for  execution  thereof  indue 
 time  ;  When  he\hallawa\\e  to  execute  the  judgment  t»bub  he 
 hath  commanded,  or  given  order  for.  5.  When  the  Lord 
 arifeth  to  judge  his  enemies,  then  the  Lords  people  will  draw 
 warmely  unto  him,  and  as  it  were ,  compajfc  him  round  about. 
 6m  In  calling  for  juftice  upon  the  wicked  enemies  of  Gods 
 people ,  we  mould  not  be  led  with  private  paflicn  ,  or  defire 
 of  revenge  j  but  with  defire  of  Gods  glory  ,  ^nd  edification 
 of  his  people:  for  their  fakes  prayeth  he,  return  thou  on  high,  or 
 afcend  to  thy  Tribunal  Seat.  7  Principles  of  Rciigion, 
 whereof  we  may  have  ufc  in  our  exercifes ,  mould  be  folidly 
 digefted  ,  that  we  may  apply  them  readily  to  tife  ,  as  need  re- 
 qiiiretb,  for  Strengthening  of  our  faith,  and  prayer  to  God* 
 for  tiben  the  Prophet  bath  fettled  his  faith  Upon  the  Do&rine, 
 
 a  %  hi 
 
2  O  JL       «J     JTX      J-i«  Y      X    X. 
 
 of  GWj  judging  and  executing  jufticc  in  favours  of bit  people, 
 in  the  general,  he  applyeth  it  to  his  own  particular,faying, 
 judge  me  0  Lord.  8.  When  a  man  hath  made  peace  with 
 God  about  all  his  fins,  upon  the  terms  of  grace  and  mercy,, 
 through  the  Sacrifice  of  the  mediatour,  he  may  in  comparifon 
 with  his  injurious  enemies  ,  in, a  particular  cauCe,  appeal  to 
 Gods  juftice  to  decide  the  controverfie  j  as  here  the  Pro- 
 phet doth,  faying  ,  fudge  me  according  to  my  rigbteoufnefs, 
 O  Lord^  and  mine  integrity  that  is  in  me.  o.  When  a  proceffe 
 hath  been  lying  long  before  God  ,  and  the  contrcverfie  be- 
 tween the  godly  and  their  perfecu:ors  is  not  yet  decided,  the 
 godly  may  put  in  a  bill  for  puffing  the  decree,  and  executing 
 of  the  fentence,  as  here  is  done  :  Ob'let  the  wicfadnefs  of  the 
 voiced  come  to  an  end  ,  (<fc.  1  o. !  The  upright  man  needs  noc 
 to  fear  that  his  enemies  ihall  obtain  a  decree  in  their  favours, 
 or  fufpcnlion ,  or  reduction  of  the  fentence  pronounced  : 
 For  the  rigbteom  §od  tryetb  the  heart  and  ibe  retries. 
 
 Verf  10.  My  defence  is  of  God  ,  which  faveth 
 the  upright  in  heart. 
 
 1 1.  God  judgeth  the  righteous  '  and  God  is  angry 
 with  the  wicked  every  day. 
 
 12.  If  he  turn  not ,  he  will  whet  his  f word  ;  he 
 hath  bent  his  bow ,  and  made  it  ready. 
 
 13.  He  hath  alfo  prepared  for  him  the  inftru- 
 ments  of  death  j  he  or daineth  his  arrows  againfl  the 
 pcrfecutors. 
 
 14.  Behold ,  he  travelleth  with  iniquity  ,  and 
 hath  conceived  m.if chief \  and  brought  forth  falf- 
 hood* 
 
 15.  He  made  a  pit  and  digged  it  >  andis  fallen 
 into  the  ditch  which  he  made . 
 
 16.  His  mif chief fhall  return  upon  his  own  head^ 
 and  his  violent  healing  fhall  come  down  upon  his  own 
 pate. 
 
 In  the  fourth  place  is  the  anfwer  of  his  prayer,  [fi^.]  af- 
 furance  given  of  delivery  to  him,  and  of  judgment  on  his 
 enemies:  Whereupon  the  fupplicanc  giveth  thanks  to  God. 
 
 Wbmz 
 
P  S  A  L.     VII.  37 
 
 iVbenccLcam,     x.  Tbe  fruit  of  faith   joynd  with  a  good 
 confcience,  is  accefle  to  God  in  prayer,  confidence,  peace  and 
 .tranquillity  of  mind,  mitigation  of  trouble,  protection  and 
 deliverance  ,    as  tbe  Prophets  experience  here  doth  prove. 
 2.  Victory  granted  unto  faith,after  wraftling  with  darknefsj 
 is  fatisraftcry  to  the  fonl  of  the  godly  ,  as  it  all  that  the  be- 
 liever did  hope  for  were  perftded  ;  for  he  is  now  clear  to  fajj 
 CMy  defence  is  of  God  ,  (<fc.     3.  Wbatfoever  we  do  think  in 
 the  time  of  tentation,  neither  jufticeagainft  tbe  wicked;nor 
 mercy  coward  tbe  godiy  is  idle  5  for  Gods  Word  and  Works 
 do  fpeak  mercy  to  the  one5  and  wrath  to  the  other ,  every 
 day  ;   all  things  are  working  for  the  ones  good  ,  and   for  the- 
 others  damrm^e  continually  5  For  God  judgetb  tbe  righteous, 
 and  is  angry  with  the  wicked,  every  day.     4 .  Goi  delay eth  the 
 execution  of  bis  judgment  on  tbe  wicked  ,  to  lead  them  to 
 repentance  5  for  here  God  hath  whet  his  [word  to  ftrifie  ,  //  the 
 wicked  turn  not.     5.  If  repentance  intervene  nor ,  the  de- 
 ftrudion  of  the  wicked  is  inevitable  :  If  he  turn  not.  the  inftru* 
 mentsof  death  are  prepared,  and  tbe  arrows  directed  towards  the 
 perfecuters.  6  It  is  a  matter  of  no  i'mall  pains  that  the  (inner  is 
 put  unto,  to  ferve  the  Divil  and  his  own  corrupt  affedions^fcc 
 travelleth  as  with  a  childc^he  digs  a  pit,one  of  the  bardeft  pie* 
 ces  of  work  to  Haves.     7.  When  once  the  wicked  hath  con- 
 ceived mifebief 3  he  cannot  reft  till  he  bring  his  purpofc  to 
 a&ion  ,  that  his  finfull.  thoughts  may  be  wrought  in  e  fife  ft  : 
 He  conceivetb  mifebief  and  travelleth  with  iniquity .     8.  The 
 adverfary  of  Gods  people  ftull  have  no  profit  of  all  his  la- 
 bour, but  (hall  be  me:  wi:h  difappcintment  ,  He  brivgeth 
 forth  faljhood ,  and  the  evil  which  is  moft  contrary  to  his  hope 
 and  intention  (hall  befall  him  :  He  is  fallen  in  the  ditch  which 
 be  made,  and  his  mifebief  fball  return  upon  bis  vwn  bead ,  &>c. 
 as  a  ikone  thrown  up    againft  heaven  >  returneth   upon  the 
 head  of  him  who  did  throw  it. 
 
 Verf.  17./  will  praife  the  Lord  according  to  his 
 right eoptfyiefs  :  and  willfing  praife  to  the  name  ef  the 
 Lord  moft  high. 
 
 In  the  laft  place  he  promifeth  praife  ,  and  clofeth  his  fong 
 fo,  Whence  Learn.  1.  The  iffue  of  tne  hardeftexercife  of  the 
 godly  is  comfort  to  their  fouls,  and  praife  to  God,  as  here  wc 
 fee.     2.    When  faith  is  fenfibly  fatisfied  ,  andfetledinaffu- 
 
38  PSAL     VIII. 
 
 ranee  of  what  waspromifed,  it  will  be  glad  and  give  thanks 
 for  what  is  to  come,  as  if  it  were  in  poffeflion  already  :  fo 
 fpeakechthis  conclufiorb  1  will  praifs  the  Lord,  and  1  will 
 fing  praifeto  the  l^jimc  of  the  Lord.  3.  Let  the  party  op- 
 poler  of  the  g'^diy  be  never  To  powerful!  and  violent,  and  his 
 place  in  the  world  never  fo  high,  faith  may  fet  to  its  feaU 
 that  God  fliall  mantfeft  himfelfa  righteous  Judge  in  power 
 and  authority  above  the  higheft  opprefling  powers  on  earth  : 
 1  mil  fing  prxife  to  the  Tsljme  of  the  Lord  mofi  high. 
 
 PSAL.  VIII. 
 
 Tp  the chief  MluficUn  uponGitteth,  A  Pfalmc  of  David. 
 To  the  end  the  prophet  may  commend  the  glory 
 of  Gods  grace  toward  man,  he  firft  admireth 
 his  glory  in  the  works  of  Creation  and  Provi- 
 dence, which  are  able  to  flop  the  mouths  of  all 
 blafphemous  Atheifts,  ver.  1,  2.  In  the  fecond 
 place,  he  admireth  the  Lords  love  to  man  above 
 all  other,  even  the  moil  glorious  creatures, 
 ver.^q.  Thirdly  he  fetteth  out  this  grace  of  God 
 to  man,  in  the  Incarnation,  humiliation,  and 
 exaltation  of  Chrift  for  mans  caufe,  and  for 
 reftoring  of  redeemed  man  in  Chrift,  to  their, 
 right  unto,  and  over,  the  vifible  creatures,  ver. 
 5,6,7,8.  and  cldfeth  the  Pfalme„  with  the  ad- 
 miration of  Gods  glory  in  all  theEarch.^.9. 
 
 Ver.   1.  £~*\    Lord  our  Lord,  how  excellent  is 
 \^s    thy  Name  in  all  the  earth  !  who 
 haft  f^  thv  glory  above  the  heavens. 
 
 2.  Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes ,  and  [ticklings  haft 
 thou  ordained  ftrengthbecaufe  of  thine  enemies Jthat 
 thou  might  eft  (iillthe  enemie  andthe  avenger. 
 
 From    bis   admiration  of  Gods  glory   in  the  works    of 
 
 Creation 
 
P  S  A  L.   IV.  39 
 
 Creation  and  Proridence,/c4rff,  i.  The  godly  are  not  al  waves 
 born  down  with  trouble  >  Sometime  c^jey  Invc  liberty  ro 
 go,  and  delight  themfelves  in  the  beholding  of  gods  glory, 
 and  goodncfs  towards  tbemfclves,  as  rhe  whole  Pfalmc  ih:w- 
 ech.  2.  The  myfteryof  the  glory  of  God,  in  his  \vo  ks  of 
 Crea:ion,  and  Redemption,  is  inch,  as  none  fave  the  eye 
 fpiritualiy  illuminate  by  his  Lpivicj  can  fee  it:  And  he  that 
 feeth  it  cannot  but  be  ravilhed  therewith,  when  he  doth  dit- 
 cerne  it  5  and  none  can  fufficiently  comprehend  it,  or  take 
 k  up  fully,  lave  God  himfclf.  Therefore  the  prophet  direcV 
 cth  his  fpecch  full  of  admiration,  wholly  to  the  Lotd,  through- 
 out all  the  Pfalme.  3.  The  glory  of  the  Lord  is  grea  - 
 lyfweetned  unto  the  godly,  in  the  time  of  their  prayfing  of 
 bismajeftie,  when  they  confider  their  own  Ihtereft  in  him, 
 as  in  their  own  propriety.  Therefore  faith  he,  O  Lord  our  Lord* 
 bow  excellent  is  thy  Name  I  4.  No  words  are  fuffirient  to 
 fetoutthe  glory  of  the  Lord,  not  only  a" »  i>  in  it  feif,  hue 
 even  as  it  is  difcoveredto  a  fpiriruall  underft  ending  •,  There- 
 fore by  way  of  admiration,  muft  he  cry  out,  How  excellent  U 
 thy  Name  \  ?.  The  heavens  and  celeftia!  lights  mining  from 
 above,  doc fpeake  muchof  Goes  gloryj  burin  ifted  his  glory 
 is  greater  then  they  can  ho(d  fonh  5  for  bis  glory  is  fa  above 
 the  heavens.  6.  Albeit  the  glory  of  the  Lord  doth  Mil  the 
 world,  yet  hath  be  enemies  of  his  glory,  to  wh,  profane  and 
 god/efs  perfons,  Atheiits,  Epicures,  and  persecutors  of  his 
 people  and  truth  5  For  here  are  enemies  (poken  of,  2nd  aven- 
 gers, opening  blafphemous  mouths  ffgatnft  him,  and  his  peo- 
 ple, as  if  God,  and  his  people,  had  injured  them.  7.  No: 
 only  the  Providence  of  God  in  new  born  babes,  Framing 
 tbem  in  the  belly,  Providing  nourishment  unto  hem  when 
 they  are  born,  and  making  them  to  fuck  the  brcflsj  but  al- 
 fo  the  giving  of  faving  knowledg  to  feme  of  them,  in  their 
 tender  years,  is  able  to  refute  all  Atheifts  and  profane  defyi- 
 ks  of  rhe  glory  of  the  Lord  :  for  out  of  the  mouth  of  babes  and 
 fuellings  be  hath  ordained  ftrengtb,  or  ftrong  convi&ion,  to 
 (till  the  entmie  and  the  avenger,  and  put  him  lo  iilence,  Mattb. 
 21 .  16. 
 
 Vcr.  3.  JVhen  I  confider  the  heavens,  the  worh^ 
 ef  thy  fingers  ^  the  Aloon  and  the  Stars  which  then 
 haft  ordained  ; 
 
 4.  What  \$  man,  that  thou  art  mindfull  of him  ? 
 D  4  md 
 
4o  P  S  A  L.    VIII. 
 
 and  the  fon  of  wan  that  thou  vifteft  him  > 
 
 From  his  admiration  in  Gods  refped,  and  love  to  man  a- 
 bove  all  other  creatines,  ledrne,  i.  The  weaknefs  and  un- 
 worthinefs  of  man,  confidered  both  in  bimfelf,  and  com- 
 pared with  the  glorious  creatures  made  for  his  ufe ,  do  com- 
 mend the  bounty  of  God  to  man,  and  make  it  a  matter  of 
 great  Admiration.  For  when  the  prophet  confidereth  the  glo- 
 rious heavens  &c.he  z$kztb,Wbat  it  man?  &o  *•  Man  of  all 
 the  creatures  is  moft  efteemed  and  taken  care  of  by  God. 
 For  he  is  mindfullof  man,  and  daily  vifitethhim- 
 
 Ver.  5.  For  thou  haft  made  him  a  little  lower 
 then  the  angels,  andhaft  crowned  him  with  glory  and 
 honour, 
 
 6.  Thou  madefl  him  to  have  dominion  over  all  the 
 work/  of  thy  hand ;  Thou  haft  put  all  things  under 
 his  feet. 
 
 7.  All  Jhcep  and  exen,  yea^  and  the  beafts  of  the 
 field. 
 
 8.  The  fowl  of  the  ayr^  aed  the  fijh  of  the  fea3 
 and  whatfoever  paffeth  thorow  the  paths  of  the  fe  as. 
 
 In  the  third  place,  helookethon  man  confidered  in  bis 
 Creation  before  the  fall,  and  as  he  is  in  his  head  Chrift  (who 
 is  God  incarnate,  humbled  and  exalted  for  mans  caufe  after 
 tbe  fall,)  rcftored  to  what  he  ioft  by  the  fall.  Whence  learn* 
 1.  Look  unto  man  in  his  creation,  and  God  hath  given  him 
 the  place,  in  order  of  dignity,  above  all  the  creatures  vifible, 
 next  unto  heavenly  Angels,  Thou  baftmadebim  a  little  lower 
 then  tbe  Angds.  z.  Look  unto  man  after  his  fall,  reftored 
 by  Chnftumo  his  place,  andinthis  refped  he  is  dtablifhed 
 in  that  dignity  to  be  next  unto  the  glorious  Angels :  Thou  baft 
 madebim  a  tittle  lower  then  tbe  Angels.  $.  Look  unto  man 
 in  our  Head  Chnft  Jefus,  God  incarnate,  and  there  man  is 
 wonderfully  exalted  in  regard  that  for  refpeci  and  love  to 
 man,  the  Man  Cl;rift  being  very  God,  is  bumbled  unto  the 
 death  of  the  crofTe.  And  in  this  (enfe  doth  the  Apoftle^  Hefc. 
 %.  7,  o.  take  this  place,  Tboumadeft  bim  a  little  lower  then 
 the  A v gels-  for  tbe  fuffering  of  death.  4.  Look  unto  man  in 
 Chriit  Jcfus,  after  his  refurredion,  and  in  his  glorifications 
 tied  bath  crowned  bim  with  glory  and  Majeftie.     <.     It  is  no 
 
 final! 
 
PS  AL.  VIII.  41 
 
 fmall  point  of  dignifying  man  ,  chat  all  beleevcrs  have  by 
 Cbrift  this  tide  of  Hdrfhip,  with  lawful!  ufe  and  pcffeffion 
 of  the  creatures  recovered  and  reftored  unto  him  :  Tbouma* 
 deft  bim  to  have  dominion  over  the  wor\{s  oftbine  bands.  6  As 
 there  is  nothing  which  may  do  man  good  fervice>  which  God 
 hath  not  granted  man  dominion  over  in  and  through  Cbrift, 
 fo  there  is  nothing  can  barm,  but  bee  hath  puriinder/Chrifts 
 feet,  and  under  beleevers  feet  in  and  through  Chrift,  to  wit, 
 fin  and  Satan*  and  all  our  enemies,  and  Death  the  laft  ene- 
 my 5  He  bath  put  all  things  under  bis  feet,  as  the  Apoftle  ga- 
 theretb,  1  Cor.  15.  26.  7.  Chrift  (hall  not  lay  down  bis 
 kingdom  which  he  hath  in  his  Cburcb,  and  over  all  her  ene- 
 mies, till  hee  hath  put  down  all  rule  and  authority  and 
 power  againft  him  and  his  Church,  and  have  fubduedall 
 enemies  under  bimfelfe.  For  be  muft  reign  till  be  bath  pat: 
 all  things  under  bis  feet ,  as  the  Apoftle  colle&eth,  .1  Cor. 
 1  £.25.  8.  Nothing  is  excepted  or  exeemed  from  being  Tub-  * 
 jed  to  Chrift>  a?  man,  no  not,the  holy  Angels  (who  are  made 
 miniftring  Spirits,  to  ferve  believers)  but  only  Gcd,  eflen- 
 tially  confidcred,  he  only  is  excepted.  For  be  bath  put  all 
 things  under  bis  feet  >  but  when  he  faith,  all  things  are  put  under 
 bim,  it  is  manifeft  that  be  is  excepted  who  did  put  all  things  un- 
 der bim,  as  the   Apofth  proveth  from  this  places  Cor.  15. 
 
 Ver.  9.    O  Lord  our  Lord,   ho^Q  excellent  is  thj 
 Name  in  all  the  earth. ! 
 
 He  clofeth  the  Pfalme  as  he  began  it  with  admiration: 
 Whence  Icarne,    1.  The  prayfes  of  our  Lord,  and  the  excel- 
 lency of  our  covenant  right,  and  Imereft  in  him,   are  wor- 
 thy again  and  agairf  to  be  confidered^  and  that  God  mould  be 
 proclaimed  Lord  of  us  whom  he  hath  lifted  up  to  fo  high  a 
 Dominion.  Therefore  is  this  verfe  repeated  again.  2.  When 
 a  man  hath  begun  to  declare  fome  reafon  of  his  wondring 
 at  the  glory  of  God,  manifefted  in  the  whole  world,    and 
 fpecully  in  his  Church,   he  muft  give  over  the  full  explicati- 
 on of  this  glory,    and  clofe  as  he  begun*    with  wondering 
 ftill,  as  here  the  fame  exclamation  of  wondring  at  the  ex- 
 cellency of  (jods  glory  concludeth  the  Pfalme,   as   it  did  be. 
 gin  it,  OLord  our  Lord,  bow  excellent  is  thy  K&mein  all  the 
 earth  1 
 
 PSAL. 
 
42  P  S  A  L.    IX. 
 
 PSAL    IX. 
 
 To  the  chief  Mufician   upon    Mutb-Labbcn.    A  P/alme  of 
 *D&viL 
 
 Here  is  Davids  fong  of  praife  to  God,  firft  for  his 
 own  experience  of  Gods  goodnefs  towards 
 himfelf,  and  Gods  righteous  Judgment  againft 
 hts  enemies,  ver.  1,2,3,4.  Secondly,  for  the 
 Lords  readinefs  to  do  the  like  work,  in  favours 
 of  all  the  godly,ver.  5,6,7>8,9,io.  Thirdly,  he 
 exhorteth  the  godly  to  praife  God  with  him,  ver. 
 11,12.  Fourthly,  he  prayeth  for  his  own  deli- 
 verie  outof his  prefent  diftrefs,  vei|i3,i4.  Fifth- 
 ly, be  hath  afluranceofthe  overthrow  of  all  his 
 enemies,  ver.  15,16,17,18.  And  laft  of  all,  for 
 the  excecution  of  this  overthrow,  he  heartily 
 prayeth,  ver.19,20. 
 
 Veni.T  Will  praife  thee,  O  Lord,  with  my  whole 
 X    heart,   1  will  Jhew  forth  all  thy  marvel- 
 lorn  worlds. 
 
 2  J  will  be  glad  and  re  Joyce  in  thee  :  I  will  fmg 
 praife  to  thy  name^  O  thou  moft  high. 
 
 3  When  mine  enemies  are  turned  back^,  they  Jh all 
 fall  and  perijh  at  thy  pre  fence. 
 
 4  For  thou  haft  maintained  my  right  andmycaufe% 
 thou  fate $1  in  the  throne  \udging  right. 
 
 FRdm  the  firft  part  of  this  Song  of  praife,  lam,  1.  The 
 exercife  of  the  Saints  in  variecy  of  troubles,  doth  occafion 
 the  fctting  forth  of  the  glory  of  God  in  all  his  Attributes,  as 
 iftthisPfalm  is  ftlevrn.  2.  VVhen  the  hean  is  enlarged  with 
 thefenfe  of  Gods  goodnefs,  the  wok  ofpraifing  God  will 
 be  more  heartily  undertaken,  and  a  lar^e  heart  will  make  a 
 
 looted 
 
P  S  A  L.    IX.  43 
 
 loofed  tongue  and  an  open  mouth,  to  fee  forth  his  glory.    Da- 
 vid will  now  praife  the  Lord  with  hU  whole  heart.     $.  One 
 work  of  Gods  wonderfu'l  goodnefle  ufeth  to  call  for  anotber> 
 tbat  they  miygo  forth  together  in  each  others  bands  to  fe<:  forth 
 his  excellency  5    as  here  L  avid  mil  Jlxw  forth  ail  hU  wonderful 
 irorfcy.    4.  A  lover  of  the  glory  of  God^cannot  reft  till  he  com- 
 municate with  ethers  what  hce  icnowethofthc  Lo:  ds  won- 
 ders :   bewil  Jhew  forth  (for  others  upftirring^  all  the  Lords 
 marvellous  voor  fa.      5.     Not  any  benefit* or  gift  received  of 
 God,  but  God  himtelf,  and  his  free  favour  is  the  matter  of 
 the  beleevers  joy  :  David  will  be  glxd  and  rejoyce  in  God  him- 
 felfe.     6.     It  is  not  enough  to  have  joy  in  our  heart  in  the 
 Lordj  but  it  is  his  glory,  that  the  joy  which  we  have  in  him, 
 be  openly  known  as  occiflon  pffereth  :  Therefore  wilVavii 
 fing  praifes  to  the  name  oj  the  Lord  moft  high.     7.     The  way 
 of  giving  God  the  glory  in  every  a&ion,  and  in  fpeciall  of 
 our  victories  over  our  enemies,  is  to  acknowledg  him  to  be 
 the  chief  worker  thereof  and  the  creatures  to  be  but  inftru- 
 ments  by  whom  be  turneth  the  enemie  back  ;  for  the  enmic 
 falltth>and  perijhetb  at  hU  pre  fence.  8.  As  for  time  by-gone  God 
 fhould  have  the  giory  of  what'is  done,  fo  muft  we  confecratc 
 the  jlory  of  what  dull  be  done,  and  of  what  we  would  have 
 done^altogcther  to  the  Lord  >  therefore  alfo  for  time  to  come 
 D&vM  fpeakech,  When  mine  enemies  are  turntd  back,    (to  wit, 
 by  thy  power,)  they,  fh  alt  fall  at  t  by  pre fence.     9.  Wereacaufe 
 never  fo  right  and  juft,  it  recjuiretb  Gods  power  for  keeping 
 it  on  foot :  The  juiineffe  of  the  caufi  muft  not  berelyedon, 
 but  God  muft  have  the  rruft  of  the  caufc,  and  the  glory  of 
 maintaining  of  i:  :   Pav/i/acknowledgetb  God  the  maim ainer 
 of  his  right  and  cauje.     1  o.  What  Judge  foever  Hull  condemn 
 us  unrightecufly,  there  is  a  higher  Judge  to  jud^e  the  caufe 
 over  again,  and  the  parties  alfo  ;  who  when  he  fhewethhim- 
 felf,  fhould  be  glorified  in  his  juftice  by  usj  Thou fittefl  in  the 
 throne  judging  right,  fai:h  Davids  after  he  was  he  was  condem- 
 ned ot  the  Judges  of  the  Land. 
 
 Ver.  5.  Thou  haft  rebuked  the  Heathen ,  thou  hafl 
 deftrojed  the  Wicked  ;  thou  haft  put  out  their  name  for 
 ever  and  even 
 
 6  0  thou  enemy ^deftruB ions  are  come  to  afcrfetx- 
 all  end  :  and  thou  haft  deftrojed  Cities,  their  memo- 
 
 rial  is  verified  with  them. 
 
 r  7   But 
 
44  PSA  L.   IX. 
 
 j  But  the  Lord /ball  endure  for  ever :  he  hath  pre- 
 pared his  throne  for  judgment ; 
 
 S  Andhee  (hall judge  the  world  in  right  eoufnefs, 
 hee  (ball  minister  judgment  to  the  people  in  upright- 
 mffe. 
 
 9  The  Lordalfo  Veil  be  a  refuge  for  the  opprejfed, 
 a  refuge  in  times  $f  trouble. 
 
 io  And  they  that  know  thy  Name  will  put  their 
 truftin  thee :  for  tkouy  Lord,  haft  not  forfakfn  them 
 thatfiel^thee. 
 
 In  the  fecond  place,  he  forefeeth  in  the  fpirit  what  (hall 
 become  of  all  Gods  enemies,  and  adverfaries  of  his  peopled 
 and  prophefreth  concerning  them,  to  the  praifeofGod,  and 
 comfort  of  the  godly,  who  were  to  live  after  his  time  :  JVhence 
 le&rn-,     i.     Although  the  confeience  of  the  perfecuters  of 
 Gods  people  be  filentin  their  fecurity,  yet  (hall  Gods  judg- 
 ment againft  them  awake  their  confeience  at  laft,  whether 
 they  be  enemies  wichout  the  Church,  or  within  it ;  yea,  the 
 Lord  mall  deftroy  them :  For  thou,  0  Lord,  haft  rebuked  the 
 beatben,  thou  haft  deftroy ed  the  wicked,     i.    Although  the  e- 
 netmes  have  a  great  name   in  the  world ,    yet  mail   their 
 glory  be  Wafted,  and  their  renown  vaniin,  as  if  ic  had  ne- 
 ver been  heard  of :  for  thou  Lord>  haft  put  out  their  name  for 
 ever  and  ever.    '2.     The  deftru&ions  of  the  Lords  people, 
 and  of  their  dwellings  ,    intended  by  the  wicked  ,  mall  be 
 charged  upon  their  enemies,  though  they  have  not  executed 
 and  brought  their  malice  topaffe,   even  when  the  enemies 
 themfelve  s  know  and  think,  they  have  not  attained  their  pur- 
 pofe :  Their  intended  deftrutt ions  (hall  come  to  a  perpetual  end. 
 
 4.  The  time  mall  come,  when  the  godly  fhall  triumph  over 
 all  their  opprefiours;  yea,  in  the  midft  of  the  enemies  info- 
 lencies?  the  godly  by  faith  may  triumph  over  them,  and  fay  as 
 here,  O  thou  enemy,  deftrUclions  are  come  to  a  perpetual  end 
 
 5.  As  the  enemies  of  Gods  Church  have  deftroyed  the  earth- 
 ly dwellings  of  the  Lords  people  5  fo  the  Lord  hath  deftroy- 
 ed, and  will  deft rcy  their  cities  and  their  dwellings,  and  ma\c 
 their  memorial  ceafe  with  them.  6.  The  reign  of  the  wick- 
 er adverfaries  of  Gods  people  is  very  ftiort,  and  in  a  few  days 
 they  are 'cut  off,  but  the  Lord  fliall  endure  for  ever,  to  defend  his 
 people  from  a^e  to  age.     7-     Courts  of  Juftice  among  men 
 
 are 
 
PSAL.    IX.  54 
 
 are  not  alwayes  ready  to  bear  plaintiffs  5  but  the  Lord  hold- 
 ctb  Court  continually,  the  taking  in  of  no  mars  complainc 
 is  delayed  lo  much  as  one  hour  ,  though  tbouiards  ihculd 
 come  at  once,  all  of  them  wiih  lundry  Petitions;  Hee  bath 
 prepared  bis  tbtone  for  Judgment.  8.  Albeit  in  the  Courts 
 of  men  jufiice  be  not  alwaycs  found,  and  very  rarely  in  any 
 matter  concerning  Ghtift  5  yet  the  L&id  fball  judg  the  world 
 in  rigbteou{ne§e>  and  minifter  judgment  to  the  fecpie  in  upright- 
 neffe  :  the  injuries  done  to  his  people  mall  be  all  of  tfacm 
 righted  by  him.  9.  Although  the  Lords  children  have  no 
 reiidence,  but  be  chafed  from  place  to  place,  and  know  not 
 whither  to  go  in  the  earth,  yet  there  is  an  open  Citie  ot  re- 
 fuge unto  them,  where  they  (hall  finde  fhelter  ;  Fcr  tl;e  Loid 
 alfo  mil  be  a  refuge  to  the  of  preffed.  10.  The  Lords  re- 
 lief which  he  givetb  to.his  people,  is  referved,  till  other  i nfe- 
 riour  reliefs  do  fail ,  till  rhe  godly  man  te  bumbled  and  em- 
 ptied, and  then  will  he  help  ;  Unto  the  opprefltd  he  ml  be  a  re- 
 fuge in  time  ef  trouble*  1 1.  The  way  of  the  Lords  helping 
 and  comforting  his  own  people,  is  by  lifting  up  the  believer 
 above  any  thing  which  can  overtake  hirn  5  above  the  reach 
 of  ail  creatures  5  7  be  Lord  mil  be  an  bigb  nweryzn  high  place, 
 as  the  word  irpportttb,  whence  the  beleever  may  lock  down 
 and  defpife  whai  fkfhcan.do  untohim.  12.  Theignorance 
 of  the  Lords  goodnefs,  mercy,  truth,  and  other  bis  attributes* 
 isthecaufeof  making  fo  little  u(e  of  God  in  profperitie,  and 
 fo  little  believing  in  him  in  time  of  trouble. For  lb()  who  foow 
 bh  Name:willtruft  in  him.  13. They  to  wbcm  the  ipirnuall 
 knowledg  of  God  is  revealed,  will  ceicainly  truft  in  him  ;  and 
 they  that  tiult  in  bim  will  fe\  him  :  and  they  that  feekfcim, 
 will  finde  him  to  be  what  be  is  called:  for  the  man  gnawing 
 God,     trujiing  in  God,  and  ftt{ivg  Gody  is  the  fame  here. 
 
 14.  The  Lord  may  for  a  time  hide  himlelf,  or  delay  to 
 manifeit  himfelf  to  a  believer  that  feekcth  him  (which  he  doth 
 fometimes  for  the  beleevers  tryall>  exercife,  and  prctutir.g^ 
 yecno  age  can  give  an  in  fiance  of  his  rejefiing  fuchafup- 
 plicant :  for  tbou  Lord  baft  vet  fcrfaken  them  that  ftc^  thee. 
 
 15.  As  many  experiences  as  are  pa  ft  of  Gods  grace  to  bc- 
 leeving  Applicants  before^this  day,  a*  many  confirmations  of 
 Faith  are  given,  and  as  many  encouragements  to  all  beleevers 
 tofeek  his  face  in  thrift ;  For  bw  new  forfoo\  tbcm  that 
 fought  bim. 
 
 Ver.  11 
 
46  PSAL    IX. 
 
 Ver.  ii.  Sing  praife  to  the  Lord,  which  dfoel- 
 leth  in  Zion  :  declare  among  the  people  his  doings. 
 
 12  When  hee  maketh  inqnifition  for  bloody  hee 
 remembreth  them:  hceforgectethnot  the  cry  of  the 
 humble. 
 
 In  the  third  place,  he  cxhorteth  the  reft  gf  the  godly  to 
 praifeGod  with  him.  Whence  learn ?  i.  It  is  the  duty  of  all 
 beleevers  to  joyn  chcmfelves  chearfuliy  in  the  fetting  forth  the 
 Lords  care  over  them^  and  whatfoever  may  make  his  lovely 
 Majeftie  known  to  the  world  :  for  fo  requiretb  the  prefenc 
 precept  and  example  :  Singpraifes  to  the  Lord.  2.  The  on- 
 ly true  God,  and  the  righ:  object  of  our  joy  and  praifes,  is 
 he  who  did  manifeft  nimfelf  to  the  Church  of  the  Jews  of  old, 
 who  gave  his  Scriptures  and  his  Ordinances  to  them  ;  and 
 among  whom  he  took  up  bis  rehdence  in  jerufalem,  in  Sioit> 
 in  the  Temple,  in  the  Mercy  feat,  betwixt  the  Cbe;ubimS, 
 ( which  was  a  figure  of  the  Incarnation  of  the  Son  of  God  > 
 in  whom,  as  the  onely  Mediator,  is  rhe  tryfting  place  bttween 
 God  and  Beleevers,  for  accepting  their  perfons  a;:d  worrhip) 
 for  fo  doth  the  defcription  of  the  true  God  hee  teach  us  : 
 Singpraifes  to  the  LordD  who  dvpcUab  in  Sion.  $.  The 
 ads  of  the  Lord  for  bis  people  are  fo  damped  wuhthe  irn- 
 preflion  of  his  divinity,  that  they  are  able  to  purchafe  fclory 
 to  God  even  among  the  Nations  that  are  without  the  Church, 
 and  to  draw  them  to  him  ;  and  fo  it  is  not  a  needleflc,  fruit- 
 lefle,  or  hopeleffe  work,  to  declarebU  doings  among  the  Na- 
 tions. 4.  If  the  Lord  be  pleafcd  to  honour  himfelfc  with 
 the  martyrdome  of  any  of  bis  fervants,  it  is  not  for  difrefpedfc 
 to  their  perfons,  for  they  remain,  even  when  dead,  honou- 
 rable in  his  eftimation,  and  high  in  bis  affc&ibn  5  for  he  re- 
 membreth them  in  a  fpeciall  manner.  5.  There  is  a  time 
 appointed  of  God  for  bringing  to  judgment  every  fin,  and 
 especially  rhurther ;  and  of  ail  murthers,  to  avenge  moft  fe- 
 verely  the  laughter  of  his  fervants,  concerning  whom  it  is 
 here  (aid,  When  he  ma\eth  in quifition  for  blood,  he  remembreth 
 them :  Precious  in  his  eys  is  the  death  of  his  Saints.  6.  There 
 is  not  a  loft  word  in  the  carneft  prayers  of  the  humble  belee- 
 ver,  poured  forth  in  the  day  of  his  neceffity  :  every  petiti- 
 on (kill  have  a  full  anfwer,  partly  in  this  life,  partly  in  the 
 life  to  come  1  For  fydforgetteth  not  the  cry  of  the  hmble. 
 
PSAL>    IX.  47 
 
 Ver.  13.  Have  mercj  upon  me,  O  Lord,  confider 
 my  trouble  which  I  fuffer  of  them  that  hate  me^  thou 
 that  lift  eft  me  up  from  the  gates  of  death. 
 
 1 4  That  I  may  (hew  forth  ad  thy  praife  in  the 
 gates  of  the  daughter  of  Sion  :  I  will  re  Joyce  in  thy 
 falvation. 
 
 In  the  fourth  place,  bee  cometh  to  his  own  particular  and 
 prefent  cafe,  and  prayetb  for  a  new  experience  of  the  truth 
 formerly  fct  down  ,  believed  and  fealed  by  him.  Whenu 
 learn,  1.  When  new  troubles  befall  experienced  believers, 
 they  muft  betake  them  to  their  old  refuge,  and  to  the  former- 
 ly biefled  means  of  prayer  >  as  here  David  doth  :  Have  met- 
 ric,  0  Lord,  upon  me.  z!  Never  a  word  of  merit  mould  be 
 in  the  mouth  of  a  true  believer:  For,  Have  mercy  on  me,  O 
 Lord,  is  Davids  oncly  plea  -y  any  good  in  us,  is  but  a  iandy 
 ground  to  build  on.  3.  itfufficeth  a  believer  acquainted 
 with  God  ,  to  preienc  before  God  the  trouble  hee  fuff.reth 
 unjuftly  from  his  enemies,  and  toexped  deliverance  from 
 the  Lords  grace  towards  bimfclf,  and  from  his  juftice  in  re-  . 
 lation  to  the  adveriary  :  for  this  is  the  argument  here  ufed, 
 Confider  m)  trouble  which  I  fuffer  of  them  that  bate  mi.  4.  Ex- 
 treme danger  of  prefent  death,  fliould  not  dafh  nor  difcourage 
 the  believer  to  pray  for  deliverance,  becaufe  experience  b3rh 
 proven,  that  the  Lord  can  lift  a  believer  up  from  the  gates  of 
 death*  ?.  Life  fhouid  not  beloved  fo  much  for  it  ie!fs  as 
 that  wee- may  glorifie  God  in  our  life,  and  edifie  others  ia 
 theknowledg  of  God  5  For  deliverance  frcm  death  is  here 
 asked  of  GoJ,  that  bee  may  (ex  forth  allthcpraifes  of  god  in 
 the  gates  and  moil  open  places  of  the  daughter  of  Sion:  that 
 is,  in  fhe  aud  ience  of  the  people  of  God.  6.  He  gets  a  fatiu 
 fadory  anfwer :  which  teacheth  us,  That  in  a  moment  the 
 Lord  can  perfwade  the  fupplicant  of  the  grant  of  his  prayer, 
 and  fill  him  with  joy  j  as  here  in  one  breath,  ere  the  prophec 
 could  clofc  his  prayer,  he  is  made  to  joy  in  the  falvation  or 
 deliverance  which  he  was  perfwaded  God  was  to  give  to  him  : 
 1  will  rejoyce  in  thy  falvation. 
 
 Ver.  15.  The  heathen  are  funk^  dctfon  in  the  pit 
 that  they  made  :  in  the  net  Which  they  hid,  is  their 
 own  foot  tak?r>i 
 
 16  The 
 
48  P  S  A  L.   IX. 
 
 1 6  The  Lord  is  known  by  the  judgment  which  he 
 executeth:  the  wicked  is  fnaredin  the  work^ofhis 
 ervn  hands.    Higgaion,Selah. 
 
 17  The  kicked  Jhall  be  turned. into  hell,  and  all  the 
 Nations  that  forget  God. 
 
 1 8  For  the  needy  fh all  pot  alway  be  forgotten  :  the 
 expectation  of  the  poor  /ball  not  perijbfor  ever. 
 
 In  the  fifch  place  is  fee  down*  how  with  confidence  of  his 
 own  delivery,  he  is  made  fure  of  the  overthrow  of  the  enemy. 
 Whence  learn)     1.  Ordinarily,  the  delivery  of  the  perfecuted 
 people  of  God,  is  joyned  with  the  overthrow  of  their  op- 
 preffors:    And  certainly,  the  wicked  cannot  take  a  readier 
 way  co  mine  themfelves,  then  to  feek  the  overthrow  of  the 
 Lords  Church  and  people  ;    For  here,  The  heathen  are  f\m\ 
 down  in  the  pit  that  they  made  ;    and  their  crafty  counfell  a- 
 gainft  the  godly  is  the  trap  to  take  themfelves  into  ;    In  the 
 net  which  they  hid,  their  own  fee t  are  ta\en.     z.  No^e  of  Gods 
 judgments*  and  fpecially  none  of  thofe  judgments  whereby 
 he  pleads  thecaufe  of  his  Church  againft  he:  enemies,  mould 
 be  lightly  looked  upon  :  For  the  Lord  is  known  by  the  judgments 
 which  he  executeth  :    His  judgments  bear  the  impreflion  of 
 his  wudouie  and  jufticej  foas  the  (in  may  be  read  written 
 on  the  rod.     3.     Amongft  orher  marifeftacions  of  Gods 
 wifdom  and  juitice  in  pumlhing  his  adverfaries,  this  is  one, 
 The  Lord  makes  the  works  of  the  wicked*  and  fpecially*whac 
 they  do  againft  his  people,   to  be  the  very  means  to  undoe 
 them  :  The  wicked  isfnarcd  in  the  worfa  of  his  own  hands.  4.  As 
 the  devices  of  the  wicked  do  come  from  he'll,  fo  do  they  re- 
 turn thither,  and  draw  the  dtvi(trs  with  them :    Though  they 
 cry*  Peace,  peace*  and  pur  the  fear  of  hell  far  from  them,  yet 
 all  the  wicked  jhall  be  turned  into  hell.     5 .     As  they  who  give 
 themfelves  to  fin,  and  fpecially  ememies  to  peace,  do  caft  a- 
 way  the  knowiedg  of  God  out  of  their  mind  and  afte&ions  $ 
 fo  mill  God  caft  them  away  far  from  his  prefence  :   AH  the 
 nations  that  forget  god,  flail  be  turned  into  bcU.      6     Albeit 
 the  Lord  do  not  prefently  execute  judgment  on  tbegodleffe 
 oppreffors  of  his  people*  yet  for  refped  the  Lord  doth  bear  to 
 his  people,  their  deftru&ion  mail  certainly  come  :  They  jh  all 
 goc  down  to  hell  *  for  the  needy  foill  not  alwayes  be  fwgot- 
 ;en  i    The  cry  o£ the  needy  and  oppceflkd  (hall  bring  judg* 
 
 mens 
 
P  S  A  L.     IX.  49 
 
 merit  upon  the  oppreffours.  7.  The  Lords  people  are  an  hum- 
 bled people,  affl&ed,  emptied,  fenfiblc  of  their  need,  driven 
 to  a  daily  attendance  on  God,  daily  begging  of  him,  and  living 
 only  upon  the  hope  of  what  ispromifed,  for  lo  are  they  hena 
 defcribed  needy,  poor,  fupplicants,  and  expectants  of  the  per- 
 formance of  what  ispromifed.  8.  Albeit  the  Lord  fcem  to  lay 
 afide  the  prayers  of  the  oppreffed  godly,  and  forget  them  :  and 
 albeit  the  godly  mans  hope  doth  feem  for  a  time  vain,  yet  Jhall 
 be  not  almyes  be  forgotten,  nor  his  expectation  perijb  for  ever,  and 
 fpecially  the  expectation  bee  ha:b  of  things  everlafting,  (hail 
 not  be  difappointed,  but  (hall  be  Satisfied  for  ever. 
 
 Ver.  19  Arife^  O  Lord,  let  not  70a??  prevail :  let 
 the  heathen  be]ndged  in  thy  fight. 
 
 20  Put  them  in  fear,  O  Lord :  that  the  nations 
 may  knoVv  themf elves  to  be  but  men.  Selah. 
 
 In  the  firlt  place  befolloweth  this  condemnatory  fentence 
 of  the  wicked  with  prayer,  that  the  Lord  would  put  ic  in  ex- 
 ception, even  in  his  own  time.  Whence  leamey  1.  The  Lord 
 dochnotfo  delay  to  excecuce  judgment  on  the  oppreffors  or bis 
 people,  but  be  may  be  intreated  to  make  fpeedy  difpatcb,  and 
 as  need  requireth  toarife  and  fall  to  work,  a  The  time  of 
 Godsarifing  is,when  the  caufe  of  God  which  the  godly  do  main- 
 tain is  like  to  be  loft.  Arife,0  Lord,  let  not  man  prevail.  There 
 ishisreafon,  why  he  would  have  God  to  arife.  3.  When  God 
 arileth  for  the  godly,  be  makcth  it  appear,  that  they  are  his  peo- 
 ple, and  that  their  adveifaries  are  in  efFcd  before  him  but  hea- 
 then, and  ftrangers  from  the  inward  covenant,  and  common, 
 wealth  of  his  people,  whether  they  be  within  the  viiible  Church* 
 or  nots  fovhcfvayzzhXetthebeatbenkcjudgedinthj  fight.  4.  So 
 long  as  the  Lord  dothfpare  his  adversaries,  they  do  mifdeem 
 themfdves,  and  God  alfo.  Sin  doth  To  befott  ignorant  and 
 gracelefs  people,  that  chey  forget  that  they  are  mortal  I,  and  that 
 God  is  their  judge.  Therefore  David  defireth,  that  the  nations 
 may  ^noj»  tbcmfeliestobe  but  men.  5.  Where  there  is  any  hope 
 or  poifibility  of  the  falvation  ofenemies,  the  godly  mansde- 
 firc  is3  they  ihould  be  brought  in  fubje&ion  to  God,  and  bum- 
 bled before  him  S  and  that  judgments  might  be  fo  tempered  as 
 the  enemic  might  profit  thereby,  and  God  be  glorified;  Pitt 
 them  in  fearjhat  they  may  \nw  tbemfelves  to  be  but  men. 
 
 E  PSAL, 
 
50  r  o  n  ju#      a* 
 
 PSAL.  X. 
 
 This  Pfalme  wantcth  an  infcription,    and  that  in 
 Gods  wifedome,  that  being  lefs  reftrifled  to  a  par- 
 ticular mans  cafe,  it  may  be  of  more  gencr all  ufe, 
 whenfoever  the  godly  find  themfelves  in  a  condition 
 whereunto  this  prayer  maybe  futable  :  andfpeci- 
 ally  in  time  of  generall  perfecution.  The  prophet 
 here  compiaineth  to  God  and  craveth  juflice  a- 
 gainft  the  perfecuters  of  his  people,  becaufc  of  the 
 intolerable  wickednefs  of  the  oppreflbr,  ver.  1,2,3, 
 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11.    Secondly,  he  prayeth  for  haft- 
 ning  of  the  deliverie  of  the  Lords  people,  and  for 
 haftening  of  judgment  upon  the  perfecuters,  for 
 vindication  of  the  glory  ofGods  juflice,  againft 
 his  enemies,    and  of  his   mercy    to  his  people. 
 Ver.  12,13,14,15.   Thirdly,  be  profeffeth  his  con- 
 fidence that  he  (hall  be  heard,and  fo  glorifieth  God, 
 ver.  16,17,18. 
 
 Ven  1.  \J\J Hy  ftandtft   thou  afar   of  0 
 V     V     Lord ;  why  hideft  thou  thy  felf 
 in  times  of  trouble  ? 
 
 2.  The  wicked  in  his  pride  doth  perfecute  the  poor  : 
 them  be  taken  in  the  devices  that  they  have  imagined. 
 
 3.  For  the  wicked  boafteth  of  his  hearts  dtfirc :  let 
 and  blejfeth  the  covetous,  whom  the  Lord  abhorreth. 
 
 4.  Ths  wicked  through  the  pride  of  his  countenance 
 will  not  feekjiftct  God :  GWis  not  in  all  his  thoughts. 
 
 5.  His  wayes,  are  alty ayes  grievous,  thy  judgments 
 Ere  far  above  out  of  his  fight :  as  for  all  his  enemies^  he 
 pxjfeth  at  them. 
 
 6.  He  hat hf  aid  in  his  heart,  I  JbaU  notbemovtd: 
 for  1  (hall  never  be  in  adverjitr. 
 
 7  His 
 
P  S  A  L.  X.  yi 
 
 7.  His  mouth  is  full  of  curfing,  and  deceit,  and 
 fraud  :   under  his  tongue  is  mif chief e  and  vanity. 
 
 8.  He  fitteth  in  the  lurking  places  of  the  villages  : 
 in  thefecret  places  doth  he  murder  the  innocent :  his  eyes 
 are  privily  Jet  again fi  the  poor. 
 
 9.  He  lyeth  in  wait  fecretly  as  a  lyon  in  his  den,  be 
 lyeth  in  wait  to  catch  the  poor :  he  doth  catch  the  poor 
 when  he  draweth  him  into  his  net. 
 
 10.  Hecroucheth,  and  humbleth  himfelfe^  that  the 
 poor  may  fall  by  his  ftreng  ones. 
 
 IT:  He  hath  f aid  in  his  hearty  God  hath  forgotten  : 
 he  hideth  his  face  i  he  will  never  fee  it. 
 
 In  this  complaint  he  fpeakcch  co  God  after  the  manner  of 
 men,  inthetermesof  fenfe,  and  as  matters  did  feem  to  him  in 
 outward  appearance.  Whence  team ,  1.  How  far  contrary  to  the 
 word  of  promife,  may  Gods  work  and  difoenfation  feeme  to 
 fpcak :  the  word  faith,  He  will  ever  be  with  his  own,  and  not  for- 
 fa\eibcm  5  and  here  his  dealing  wich  them  feeaieth  to  fay,  That 
 heftandethafaroffy  and  hideth  himfelfcin  time  of  trouble.  Stnk 
 may  fometime  fpeake  contrary  to  faith.  2.  In  this  cafe 
 the  fpeech  of  fenfe  i$  not  to  bee  fubferibed,  but  the  truth 
 of  the  word  mould  be  relycd  upon?  and  the  objeftion  made 
 by  fenfe  3  or  fuggeiiion  againft  cue  word,  is  to  bee  brought 
 before  the  Lord  in  prayer,  that  it  may  bee  difcuiTed  :•  a* 
 here  the  Prophet  dochr  Why  ftandefi  thou  afar  of,  &c  ?  3.  Ob-  < 
 ferve  how  homely  an  humbled  foul  may  be  wich  God*  and  how 
 far  the  Lord  will  be  from  miftaking  of  his  people,  when  faith 
 doth  borrow  fenfes  tongue  5  The  Lord  wilt  fuffcr  fucb  fpeechesi 
 and  not  take  them  in  ill  part,  knowing  that  they  proceed  from 
 faith  and  love,  wraftling  with  fenfe  $  yea,  and  he  will  fuffer 
 them  to  be  regiftred  in  his  Book,  as  here  we  fee,  for  prudent  ufe 
 making  of  them,  though  they  appear  to  challenge  him  for  (lan- 
 ding aloofe,  and  hiding  himfelfe.  4.  Of(-rime$  it  cometh  to 
 pafle,  that  the  godly  are  in  a  mean  condition  in  the  worlds 
 when  their  adverfaries  are  in  high  places  and  power,  and  fo  be 
 abletoopprefle  them  as  their  underlings.  The  wicked  in  bk 
 pride  doth  per  fecute  the  poor.  5.  In  refped  that  pride  difdain- 
 eth  what  is  apparantly  goddinamein  perfon,  and  overvalueth 
 its  own  worth,  therefore  pride  is  cafily  coupled  with  oppre  (lions 
 
 E   %  z?A 
 
52  P  S  A  L.    X. 
 
 and  pride  is  able  to  raife  perfection.  The  melted  in  bis  pride 
 doth  per fecute  the  poor.     6.  What  perfecutcrs  do  devife  againit 
 Gods  people,   may  with  good  grounds  be  expe&ed   ihali  turne 
 to  be  a  fnare  unto  themfclves,  Let:  them  be  ta^en  in    the  devifes 
 ibcy  have  imagined .     7-  All  the  Politicians  on  earth  cannot  dc- 
 fcribe  the  rilcnefTe  of  the  wickedj  fo  well  as  the  Spirit  of  the 
 Lord  doth  poinc  it  our,  for  he  fettetb  him  forth,     1.  He  is  an 
 arroganr>  (elf- confident  man,  tbreatning  to  bring  to  paflc  what 
 be  would  have  done,  as  if  he  were  able  in  defpite  of  God  to 
 effj&uaceit:  He  boafisofbis  hearts  defire.      2.  He  accounts  of 
 no  man,  but   fuch  a  one,  as  by  hook  and  crook  is  able  to  in- 
 bance  honour  and  riches  5  He  blcjfetb the  covetous  man.     3.  He 
 valucth  not  what  God  judgctb  of  a  man,  whether  he  be  a  man 
 whom  God  lovcth,  and  rei'pccfcs,  or  not :  be  fetteih  his  opinion 
 in  oppoluionto  Gods  judgement  of  men.  He  biejfetb  the  man 
 whom  God  abborretb.     4.  The  wicked  man  hath  fuch  a  conceit 
 erf  bis  own  ability  and  perfection,  as  his  countenance  and  car- 
 riage doth  teftifie  that  bee  fcorneth  to  imp-oy  God  by  prayer  for 
 anything:  Through  the  pride  of  bis  countenance  be  will  not  fccli 
 Godm     5.   For  the  rule  of  his  life,  he  confukctb  not  what  may 
 plealV,  or  diipUaic  God,  what  m3y  honour,  or  dilhonour  God. 
 He  troubles  not  himielfe  with  fuch  thoughts.  God  is  not   in  all 
 bis  thoughts-   That  is,  as  the  Hebrew  phrale  doth  mean,  all  bis 
 thoughts  are,  that  there  is  no  God,  or  none  or  his  thoughts  are 
 upon  God.     6.   His  wayes  are  ever  noyfome,  tending  efpeci- 
 aily  to  hurt  the  godly.  His  wayes  are  aire  ayes  grievous ;  or  as  his 
 wayes  profper,  they  do  vex  others.     7.    Hefeareth  not  G  ;ds 
 judgements,  he  bclicveth  not  that  they  (hall  ever  come;  hee 
 puttcth  them  far  away  in  his  conceit ;   yea,  and  what  the  Lord 
 hatbfet  down  in  his  word,  as  his  judgement,  he  apptehendeth 
 it  nor  5  he  is  not  capable,  of  fpirituali  wifdorne.     The  Lords 
 judgements  are  fir  above  out  of  bis  fight.     8.  He  neither  feareth 
 God)  nor  man,  All  bis  enemies  he  puffeth  at  them  :  as  difdaining 
 what  they  can  doagainft  him.     9.   The  wicked  do  promife  to 
 themfclves  perpetuity  of  profperny,  and  do  not  fear  evill,  to  fee 
 a  change  to  the  worfc,  He  ajfuretb  himfclfc  never  to  be  moved, 
 nor  to  be  in  adverfity.     10.  For   his  words,  he  fhndcth  not  to 
 biafpheme  God,  to  lie,fwear,  andcurfe,  if  it  may  purcbafe  him 
 credit,  and  mav  help  him  to  deceive  others.  His  mouth  is  full  of 
 turfing,      ix.  His  fair  promifes  are  but  vanity  j  and  when  he 
 minds  amifchicfe,  he  hides  it  with  pretences  of  beft  intentions, 
 Under  his  tongue  is  mifebiefe  and  vanity,     ix.    As  thieves  and 
 
 cu:- 
 
P  S  A  L.    X.  53 
 
 cut-throats  lie  in  wait  about  villages,  to  catch  the  ftragling 
 puffcngers,  where  there  arc  few  to. help  them,  fo  do  the  wicked 
 watch  where  they  may  oppreflethoie  who  have  few  to  do  for 
 them:  He  fittetb  in  the  lurking  pUccsoftbc  village?,  in  feoet 
 places  doth  be  murtbtr  the  innccoit.  13.  As  an  Archer  in  the 
 hunting  of  his  prey,  fo  doth  the  wicked  mark  and  fpie  out  a 
 poor  man,  to  make  advantage  of  him  :  His  eyes  are  privily  fet  a- 
 gunfl  tbc  poor.  14.  As  a  Lion  in  his  den,  or  Tome  lurking 
 place,  liech  frill  till  the  prey  come  by,  and  then  he  leapeth  ouc 
 upon  it,  when  he  is  able  to  take  i: ;  Co  doth  the  wicked  diffem- 
 ble  his  malice,  till  he  be  Mailer  over  a  man,  and  then  doth 
 what  he  can  againft  him.  He  lierh  fccretly  inxoait  as  a  Lion. 
 15.  As  a  crafty  hunter  fpreadeth  bis  net  for  a  prey,  and  mif- 
 kenneth  it,  till  the  prey  be  intangled,  fo  doth  the  wicked  lay 
 fomedevile  to  carch  the  poor,  andtakcb  bim.  He  doth  catch 
 tbc  poor  veben  be  draws  bim  in  bis  net.  16.  As  the  Lion  liech 
 low  in  the  duft,  ss  if  he  minded  to  do  no  harme  at  all  >  fo  do 
 the  wicked  men  prctencf  thomfeives  the  meft  reafonable  men 
 that  can  be,  and  moft  obiervant  of  Lnw  ard  equity,  till  by 
 their  power  they  may  have  their  intent  of  t  he  poor  He  crtucb- 
 etb  and  bnmbleth  bimfclfe,  that  tbc  poor  may  fail  by  him,  or  hU 
 affociates.  17.  Prefent  profperi  y  joyned  with  impurity  ma- 
 kttbhimperfwadebimfelte  tha:  God  will  never  take  notice  of 
 him  hereafter,  or  call  him  to  account,  or  punifh  him.  He  bath 
 (aid  in  bU  heart,  God  bath  forgotten,  be  bidetb  hi*  face,  he  will 
 never  fee  it. 
 
 Ver  12.  Arife  0  Lord^O  God,  lift  up  thine  hand: 
 forget  not  the  humble. 
 
 13.  Wherefore  doth  the  wicked  contenwe  God?  he 
 hath  [aid  in  his  hearty  Thou  wilt  not  require  it. 
 
 1 4.  Thou  haft  feen  it,  Jor  thou  beholdefi  mifchiefe 
 ^nd  fpite,  to  requite  it  with  thy  hand  :  the  poor  com- 
 mitteth  himfelf  unto  thee%  thou  art  the  helper  of  the  fa* 
 therleffe. 
 
 15.  Breaks  thou  the  arme  of  the  tricked,  and  the 
 evil  I  man:  feek.out  his  rvickedneffe  till  thou  find  none. 
 
 Thus  he  hath  given  tbc  character  of  the  enemies  of  G  ds 
 people,  and  fo  made  a  Dittay  for  them.  Now  in  the  fecond 
 place,  he  prayetb  againft  them ,  that  their  Doom  may  be  given 
 ouc,  and  may  be  executed.  Whence  learn,  1.  The  more  we  fee 
 
 8  3  Amelia* 
 
54  P  S  A  L.    X. 
 
 Atheifme  in  the  wicked,  the  more  wee  fhoulj  draw  near  to 
 God  :   And  albeit  the  godly  conceive  God  to  lye  eff,  and  fie 
 ftil  from  executing  of  juftice ;  the  godly  being  tempted  with  the 
 tentations  which  overcome  the  wicked,  yet  they  mud  not  yecld 
 to  the  tentation,  but  pray  againft  it,  as  here  is  done,     Arife  O 
 Lord,  lift  up  tby  bund.   2.  The  mercifull  refped  and  love  which 
 the  Lord  bath  to  his  afflided  people,  will  not  fuffer   his  juftice 
 againft  thefe  perfecurers,  to  be  long  quiet,  For  be  will  not  for- 
 get thchumble,     $.  As  the  Intereft  which  God  hath  in  bis  own 
 people,  doth  engage  him  to  fall  on  their  enemtes  5  fo  the  vin- 
 dication alfo  of  his  own  glory  from  the  contempt  which  they  do 
 to  his  Name,  doth  ingage  him  againft?tbem  5   for  wherefore  doth 
 the  wicked  comemne  God,  &c  ?    4.  The  Godieffe  enemies  of 
 Gods  people  do  deny  Gods  providence,  and  deny  Gods  ju- 
 ftice, yet  bis  people  are  comforted  under  their  faddeft  fufferings 
 by  the  Lords  feeing  and  marking  thereof  5  for  the  godly   fay 
 here,  Tboubaft  feenit,  and  beholdeft  mifibief     5.  Gods  judg- 
 ments on  the  wicked  (hall  really  refute  the  Atbeifme  of  the 
 yricked,  and  requite  their  eppofition  made  to  the  godly.  Hebe- 
 bolds  mifchief  and  fpite  to  requite  it  mtbbk  band.    6.  When 
 a  man  hath  laid  forth  his  defire$,and  poured  out  his  heart  before 
 God,  hefliould  quiet  himfelfe,  and  caft  himfelfe  with  his  bur- 
 den upon  the  Lord  5   for  here  the  poor  committetb  himfelfe  to 
 God.     And  when  an  humble  believer  bath  caften  his  burden 
 on 'he  Lord,  the  Lord  will  not  faile  to  take  care  of  what  he  is 
 trufted  with,  it  is  an  engaging  of  Gtd,  that  the  poor  hath  com- 
 mitted himfelfe  to  htm,   7.  As  the  Lords  Office,  Cuftome,  and 
 Nature  is,  fo  is  his  reall  work  to  do  for  them  who  imployhim, 
 and  are  not  able  to  do  for  tbenuelvcs  J  He  U  the  helper  of  the 
 fttbcrleffe.      8.   The  power  of  perfecuters  canno:  be  fogrcar, 
 but  God  lhall  weaken  and  breake  it,  fo  as  they  ftnll  not  be  a- 
 blc  to  trouble  his  people.  'Brczk?  thou  the  arme  of  the  wicked. 
 9    Though  the  Lord  reckons  nor  with  his  enemies  for  their  fins 
 at  firft,  yet  he  reckons  tor  all  at  laft  j  for  lefle  and  for  greater, 
 for  one  and  for  all,  and  doth  not  paffe  a  farthing  of  the  debt 
 of  puniihment  un-exa&cd  •    But  fecfath  out  their  fin's  till  he 
 find  none.     O  how  fearfull  a  reckoning  muft  it  be,  .which  the 
 Lord  maketh  with  the  impenitent,  who  die  unpardoned,  and 
 unreconciled  with  God,  through  the  Mediator  Cbrift  Jcfusl 
 
 Ver- 1 6  The  Lord  is  King  for  ever  and  ever  :    the 
 heathen  are  peri/hed  out  of  his  land. 
 
 17  Lord 
 
PSAL     X.  55 
 
 17  Lord,  thou  haft  heard  the  defire  of  the  humble*, 
 thou  wilt  prepare  their  hearty  thou  wilt  caufe  thine  ear 
 to  hear. 
 
 18  To  judg  the  father leffe  and  the  oppreffed,  that 
 the  man  of  the  earth  may  no  more  oppreffe. 
 
 In  the  laft  place,  thcanfwer  of  the  petition  followeth,  in  a 
 comfortable  pcrfwafion  of  the  fuppllcanr,  concerning  the  grant 
 thereof:  Whence  learn,  1.  That  the  prayer  of  the  perfecuted 
 /hall  not  be  reje&ed,  becaufe  the  kingdom  of  Cbrift  in  bis 
 Church  is  perpetuall :  earthly  Kings  cannot  live  ftill  to  help 
 their  friends,  followers,  or  flattereis,  or  to  perfecure  and  mo- 
 left  Gods  Church  :  But  Cbrift  is  the  Lord  and  }$jng  for  ever 
 i  and  ever,  to  defend  his  people,  and  punifh  his  foes.  2.  The 
 wicked  within  the  vifible  Church,  howfoever  they  have  the  ex- 
 ternall  priviledges  of  Gods  people,  yet  if  they  continue  unre- 
 concilecb  and  dooppofe  piety*  they  mail  be  in  Gods  eftimati- 
 on,  and  in  the  day  of  his  judging  of  them,  counted,  as  tbey  are 
 here  called,  heathen,  and  flia.ll  be  feparate  from  the  fellowship  of 
 God  and  Gods  people,  The  heathen  Jhall  pcriJI)  out  of  bit  Und. 
 3.  Its  the  Lords  way  to  cxerciie  his  children  with  trouble,  till 
 be  humble  them,  and  make  them  fenfible  of  their  need  of  his 
 help,  till  he  turn  their  fenfeof  need,  into  a  defire  of  his  relief, 
 and  their  defire  into  a  prayer,  and  then  he  will  in  due  time  give 
 anfwer;  Lord,  thou  bafi  beard  the  defire  of  the  humble.  4.  Grace 
 to  pray,  and  the  fixing  of  the  heart  in  prayer  on  the  Lord,  is 
 his  gift,  no  leffe  then  the  anfwer  of  the  prayer ;  and  where  the 
 Lord  doth  give  the  one  grace,  be  will  alio  give  the  other  ;  Thou 
 wilt  prepare  their  bearhthou  wilt  caufe  thine  ear  to  hear.  5.  When 
 God  beginneth  to  fhew  his  refped  to  the  prayers  of  his  people 
 aj»ainft  their  oppreflors,  then  the  belplefs  and  weak  fervants  of 
 God,  fhall  have  deliverance  from  the  power  of  oppreffours,  and 
 their  oppreffours  (hall  not  be  able  to  do  any  more  harm,  when 
 the  Lord  caufeth  his  ear  to  bear  their  prayer  :  the  fatberleffe  Jhall 
 be  judged,  yea  declared righteous,  abfolved  and  delivered  5  and 
 the  opprejfmir  fhxll  no  more  oppreffe.  6.  If  there  were  no  more 
 comfort  to  the  godly  oppreffedj  yet  this  may  fuffice,  that  their 
 life, inheritance,  and  bappinefle  is  in  heavens  and  thac  their 
 oppreffours,  in  oppofition  to  them  are  declared  here ,  to  be  {but 
 men  $f  tbU  earth ,  whole  portion  is  no  better,  then  what  tbey 
 have  here,  in  this  World. 
 
 E  4.  PSAL, 
 
56  P  S  A  L.   XI. 
 
 PS  AL.  XI. 
 
 To  the  chief  Mufician,    *A  Pfalm  of  David. 
 
 2)avid99s  an  example  of  a  Chriftian  under  the  tryaH 
 of  his  faith  in  time  of  trouble,  and  tempted  to 
 defperation,refifted  the  temptation,  how  defperate 
 foever  his  condition  fesmed :  ver.  if2.  anddifpu- 
 tcth  for  the  confirmation  of  his  own  faith,  verf.  3, 
 
 Ver.i.  mWN  the  Lord  put  I  my  truft :  how  fayyee  to 
 
 X   wyfouly  Flee  as  a  bird  to  your  mountain  ? 
 
 2  for  lofhe  wicked  bend  their  bow J hey  make  ready 
 
 their   arrow  upon  the  firing  9  that  they  may  privily 
 
 Jhoot  at  the  upright  in  heart. 
 
 gEfore  the  Prophet  difpute  and  produce  his  reafons  againft 
 the  tentations  unto  unbelief  he  aflerteth  and  avowetb  his 
 faith,  and  prefenteth  the  danger  he  is  in5  before  God.  JVbenct 
 learn,  i#  Its  the  fureft  method  in  our  fpiricuall  combate  a- 
 gainft  Sathan,  and  his  fiery  darts,  to  hold  up  the  fhield  of  faiths, 
 and  to  fix  our  felf  in  resolution  never  to  loofeour  gripes  off  the 
 Lord  >  As  *David  doth  here,  In  the  Lord  put  I  my  truft.  2.  Ha- 
 ying once  fixed  our  foot  on  the  rock,  we  may  the  more  effectu- 
 ally rebuke  our  adverfarie*  for  mocking  of  our  confidence  :  As 
 David  doth  here,  fay  in  &Hor#  (ay  you  to  my  foul ,  Flee.  3.  God 
 is  a  ftrong  refuge  to  his  own3  wbereunto  they  fliouldflie  like 
 birds,  chafed  to  th:ir  ftrengtb,  in  nil  neceflities^  for  he  is  our 
 rocfiot  mountain.  4.  The  wicked  world  do  fcorn  the  godly 
 mans  confidence,  and  the  avowing  of  his  faith  in  God,  when 
 they  fee  no  vifible  help  for  him  on  earth.  Take  up  your  faith 
 now(fay  they )  when  they  fee  the  man  befer  by  apparently  in- 
 extricable troubles;,  as  here  they  fay  to  David,  flee  now  m  A 
 hird  to,  thy  mountain.  5.  The  believer  is  not  ftupid  in  time 
 9/  danger*  nor  fenfelefs  of  difficulties^  when  bee  afferteth  bis 
 
 faith: 
 
PSAL    XL  57 
 
 faith :  For  lo  (faith  be^  the  wicked  bend  their  bow,  they  have  me 
 as  it  were  under  the  vine  of  their  flint.  6.  The  Lord  for  the  tx- 
 ccrcifeof  the  faith  of  his  own,  and  for  difcovericof  the  plots 
 of  the  wicked  againft  them,  and  for  (hewing  of  his  own  glory 
 in  protecting  them  more  cleerly,  doth  fuffer  the  wicked  to  make 
 all  ready*  even  unto  prefent  excecution  of  their  cruelty,  as  here, 
 they  mafe  ready  their  arrow  upon  the  firing  tojboot&c. 
 
 Ver.  3.  If  the  foundations  be  defiroyedr  what  can 
 the  righteous  do  ? 
 
 4.  The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  Temple,  the  Lords  throne 
 is  in  heaven :  his  eyes  behold^  his  eye  lids  try  the  chil- 
 dren of  men.  *     * 
 
 5.  The  Lord  try eth  the  righteous  ;  but  the  wicked 
 and  him  that  loveth  violence^  his  foul  hateth. 
 
 6  Upon  the  wicked  he  fhallraine  fnaresyfire  and 
 brimftone9  and  an  horrible  tempeft  :  this  (hall  be  the 
 portion  of  their  cup. 
 
 7.  For  the  righteous  Lord  loveth  righteoufnefs  : 
 his  countenance  doth  behold  the  upright* 
 
 In  the  next  place,  he  difputeth  for  the  confirmation  of  his 
 own  faich  by  fundry  reafons  or  feverall  confederations.    The 
 firftreafonto  confirmehis  faun,    is  from  the  abfurdity  of  the 
 tentation,  tending  to  the  overturning  of  the  very  foundation 
 of  religion,    whereunto,  if  the  believer  fhou Id  yeild,  be  is  loft 
 and  gone.  iVhence  learn  y     1.    Faith  in  God  and  flying  to  him 
 in  all  ftrairs   for  relief,  is  the  foundation  of  all  religious  and 
 righteous  perfons,  whereupon  they  build  their  hope  and  happi- 
 ness fetidly  5  For  David  had  layd  ic    for  a   foundation,,    that 
 God  was  a  Rock,,  or  mountain  of  refuse  for  men  to  fl?e  unto 
 inftraics.      2.   A  tentation  to  miftruilGod,  and  notto  fleero 
 htm  in  all  rnzirds,  is  moft  dangerous,  and  destructive  of  all 
 true  Religion,  for  it  is  the  deftroying  cf  the  very  foundations 
 of  righceoufnefs  and  happinefs  5  and  the  refitting  of  this  ten- 
 tation is  fo  neceffary,as  in  what  meafureit  is  yeild'etJ-  unto,  in 
 that  meafure  the  righteous  man  is  put  to  3  ftand,  and  to  a  com- 
 fort lefs  perplexity,  and  Ihould  defpair  cerrainly  if  he  went  from" 
 it.  For  if  the  foundations  be  deftroyed,  what  Jhall  the  righteous 
 tnando?  If  ic  be  in  vain  to  flie  to  God,  righteous  men  31  e  loft 
 men,  which  is  abfurd. 
 
 The- 
 
58  PSA  L.    XL 
 
 The  next  reafon  to  confirme  his  faith  is  the  cftablifhment  of 
 a  Mediator,  fee  forth  in  the  word  of  God,  and  other  holy  ordi- 
 nances, concerning  the  covenant  of  grace,  and  the  benefits  of 
 ir,  and  duties  required  in  it,  all  to  be  fcundin  the  Lords  holy 
 temple,  or  Tabernacle,  reprefenting  Cbrift  Jefus  and  his 
 Church,  and  the  mutual  I  relations  between  God  and  his  peo- 
 ]>\c. Whence  learn,  $.  The  way  to  rcfrefli  and  ftrengthen  faith, 
 is  to  look  to  God  in  Cbrift  the  mediator,  Reconciling  the 
 world  tobimfelf,  according  as  he  was  (hadowed  forth  in  the 
 Temple  of  Jerufalem,  and  as  he  is  ftill  holden  forth  in  the 
 Churcb,inhis  word  and  other  ordinances.  Firft  and  laft  Chrift 
 is  the  tryfting  place,  where  God  is  conftantiyto  be  found  on 
 his  mercy  feat  5  for  the  Lord  is  in  bis  holy  Temple,  did  fpeak  fo 
 much  to  the  Church  in  typical!  terms. 
 
 4. The  third  reafon  is,  becaufe  God  is  a  perfeft  judg  to  take 
 order  in  due  time,  both  with  them  who  oppofe  his  work  and 
 people,  and  with  thofe  who  will  not  make  ufe  of  his  mercy. 
 The  Lords  throne  is  in  heaven.  $.  The  Lords  knowledg  of  all 
 mens  carriage  is  perfed  :  His  eyes  behold.  6.  When  the  Lord 
 doth  not  make  manifeft  by  his  work  that  he  feeth  mens  carriage, 
 but  feemetb,asit  were,  to  winksnd  clofe  bis  eyes,  he  is  then 
 about  to  try  the  hearts  of  men,  and  to  bring  their  thoughts  to 
 light.  His  eye  His  (when  eyes  feem  clofedj  do  try  the  children  of 
 men.  7.  The  troubles  wbercunto  the  Lord  doth  pat  his  chil- 
 dren, in  times  of  tentation,  are  nor  to  be  exponed  as  ads  of 
 difplcafure,  or  meer  juftice,  but  as  ads  of  wHedome  and  love, 
 to  try,excercife,and  frame  them  in  obedience.rfo  Lord  tryeth  the 
 righteous  5  at  fuch  times  as  he  fendetb  trouble  fpecially.  8. How 
 ever  he  giveth  the  wicked  and  violent  perfecuter  to  have  a  feem- 
 ing  profperity,while  the  godly  are  in  trouble,yet  that  is  no  ad  of 
 Jove  to  them :  for  the  melted  and  him  that  loveth  violence,  his 
 foul  batctb.  9.  All  the  Teeming  advantages  which  the  wicked 
 have  in  their  own  profpericy,  are  but  meanes  of  hardening 
 of  them  in  their  ill  courfe,  and  holding  them  faft  in  the  bonds 
 of  their  own  iniquities,  till  £od  execute  judgment  on  them. 
 Upon  the  wicked  be  Jbailrainefnxres.  10.  Whatsoever  be  the  con- 
 ditionof  the  wicked  for  a  time,  yet  at  length  fuddain,  terrible, 
 irrcfiftible,  and  remedilefs  deftrudion  they  flvll  not  efc3pe:j£re 
 and  brimftone  and  an  horrible  tempeft  is  the  portion  of  their  cup. 
 
 The  4.  reafon  for  confirmation  of  his  faith  is  from  the  Lords 
 love,  fetded  upon  his  upright  fervanrs  ,  in  the  midft  of  their 
 troubles,  while  theyfuffcr  for  righteoufnefs  fake.  Whence  learn, 
 
 1 1.  The 
 
PSAL.    XII.  59 
 
 Ii.Thc  refpeft  tbatche  Lord  hath  to  tbecaufe  for  which  his  fer- 
 Vantsdofuffcr,haftnetb  on,  and  faftnech  wrath  upon  theif  ad- 
 versaries. Vot  the  righteous  Lordlovcth  right  coufnefs,  isgirenas 
 areafonof  tbefemenceintbepreceeding  verfe.  12.  The  clouds 
 do  fometime  hide  the  expreffions  of  the  Lords  refpeft  and 
 love  towards  bis  people,  yet  ftill  his  love  is  (ct  upon  them,  for 
 continually  hU  countenance  doth  behold  the  upright. 
 
 t—  -        —   ...... 
 
 PSAL.   XII. 
 
 To  the  chief  Mufician  upon  Sheminith,  4  P film  of  David. 
 The  Prophet  having  obferved,  as  is  fet  down,  ver.  8. 
 how  wickedneffe  liftech  up  the  head  in  all  the 
 Land,  when  the  places  of  power  and  truft  do 
 come  in  the  hands  of  naughty  and  vile  men,doth 
 give  direftion  by  his  own  example  unto  the  god- 
 ly ;  firft,to  have  their  recourfe  to  God  by  prayer, 
 while  they  are  born  down  by  the  wicked  in  fuch 
 an  ill  time,  ver.  1,  2.  and  next  how  to  comfort 
 themfelves  by  the  word  of  God,  pronouncing 
 the  fentence  of  juftice  upon  all  loofe  tongued 
 men,  ver. 3, 4.  And  promifing  delivery  to  the  op- 
 preffed  godly,  and  prefervation  of  his  Church 
 in  all  generations,  *«n,5A7«  Howfoever  he  fuf- 
 fe,r  wicked  men  to  bear  rule  fometimes,  and  wic- 
 kedneffe to  abound  by  that  means,  ver.S. 
 
 Ver.  I.  XJ[£lp  Lord,  for  thegodlj  man  ceafeth  : 
 A.  A  for  the  faithful  fail  from  among  the 
 children  of  men. 
 
 2.  They  fpeak^  vanity  every  one  Vpith  his  neighbour  : 
 with  flattering  lips,  and  with  a  double  heart  do  they 
 
 fpeak- 
 
 J) Avid  finding  no  friend  at  court,  nor  any  place  or  power, 
 who  either  would  fpeak  a  word  in  bis  favours,  or  give  him  any 
 
 friendly  ' 
 
So  P  S  A  L.     XII. 
 
 friendly  counfell,  turnctb  himfelf  to  God.  Whence  learne>  I. 
 The  face  of  the  vifible  Church  may  fometimc  be  fo  far  defaced, 
 that  there  cannot  be  a  man  found  to  (how  bimfelf  openly,  for  a 
 goodcaufe,  as  here  is  noted.  The  godly  man  ceafetb,  the  faithful 
 fail  from  amongthe  children  of men.  i.  In  fucb  a  cafe  God  can 
 and  will  fupply  the  in-lackof  friends  and  counfellers  to  hi* 
 own,when  they  feek  to  him,  Help  Lord  :  the  Lord  will  help-  j.At 
 fuchatime,  a  godly  perfon  may  not  think  upon  feditious  prac- 
 tices againft  thofe  tbac  are  in  lawfull  authority,  but  take  him- 
 felf to  prayer  5  for  Pivirf  who  had  a  fairer  prctenfe  for  fuch  a 
 pra&ice  then  any  private  man  or  men  can  have,  becaufe  be 
 was  defigned  fucceifour  to  the  kingdome,  hegoetb  to  God  ia 
 this  cafe,  and  cryetb,  Help  Lord. 
 
 He  proveth  the  in-lack  of  godlincfs  and  faithfulnefs,  becaufe 
 there  was  no  upright,  nor  honeft  dealing  among  the  people,  but 
 falfhoodand  flitterie.  Wlxnce  lame,  4.  Where  true  godlinefs 
 is  out  of  requeft,  the  common  bonds  of  neighbourhood,  (in- 
 cluding bonds  of  blood,  alliance, and  acquaintance^  will  fail  al- 
 fo,and  every  one  will  go  about  to  deceive  his  neighbour*  fo  that 
 a  man  cannot  truft  what  another  faith  fovTbey  fpe a(i  vanity  every 
 one  with  hk  neighbour.  5.  When  ungodly  men  intend  moftto 
 deceive,  then  rhey  are  lure  to  fpeak  faircft,  giving  pleafant 
 words  j  with  infinuacion  of  refpe&s  in  abundant  complements. 
 They  fpea\  vanity  to  their  neighbour  with  flittering  lips.  6.  Vain 
 talk ,  coufening  fpeeches,  flattering  words,  are  unbefeeming 
 honeft  men,  and  do  argue  in  fo  far  as  men  affed  them,  un- 
 godlinefs,  unfaithfulnefs_,  and  deceitfulnefs  in  a  man  5  for 
 when  with  flatter  ivg  lips  they  fpea^with  a  double  heart  tbcy\pca\. 
 
 Ver  3  The  Lord I /hull  cut  off all  flattering  lips  rand 
 the  tongue  that  fpeaketh  proud  things. 
 
 4  Who  have  faid^  With  our  tongue  will  Vce  prevail, 
 cur  lips  are  our  own  :   who  i$  Lord  over  u*  ? 
 
 He  letteth  down  in  the  nexc  place  the  comforts  of  the  godly^ 
 which  are  three;  The  firftis  from  Gods  juftice  in  pumfhing 
 calumniators  of  the  gedly,  and  proud  boalltrs-  Whence  karne^ 
 x.  Although  pick^tbanks  ,  and  flatterers  of  great  men  ,  in 
 prejudice  ofShe  godly,  doe  hope  to  ftand  by  their  flitterie,  yet 
 the  Lord  JljxU  cut  off  all  flattering  lips.  2.  Albeit  men  in  power 
 and  place  do  threaten  to  bring  about  great  things  againft  Gods 
 people,  yr*  rhey  ftnli  not  be  able  to  do  what  they  have  faid, 
 for  God  fiuUcut  off.  alfothe  tongue  that  fpcalietb  proud  things. 
 
 3.  Wick- 
 
PSAL.  4Xn  61 
 
 5.  Wicke d  men  arc  confident  and  do  affure  themfelvcs  to  dou- 
 ble out  tbtir  courfc  by  thci'-  falihood,  flattery  5  and  calumnies 
 agaiuft  the  godly  >  TBtj  have  (aid,  With  9ur  tongue  wil  we  pre- 
 vail. 4«  Wicked  men  make  no  conscience  to  ule  well  the  gifts 
 which  tbey  have  gotten  of  God  >  lucb  as  arc  wit,  or  language, 
 or  any  other  thing >  for  they  fay  ,  Our  lips  are  our  writ. 
 <.  Wicked  men  ft  and  not  in  awe  of  God  >  tbey  fear  not  pu- 
 nimmcncfrombim,forincff.&  they  fay*  Who  is  Lord  over 
 use  But  we  muft  learne  from  [heir  fau!:s  three  contrary  leflbnsj 
 to  who  1. That  nothing  which  we  have  is  our  own. But  2.  What- 
 foevcr  is  given  to  us  of  God  is  for  fervice  to  be  done  to  him.  3. 
 That  wbatfoever  we  do,or  fay,  we  bave  a  Lord  over  us,to  whem 
 we  mutt  be  anfwerable,  when  he  cailcth  us  to  accounts. 
 
 Ver.  5.  For  the  oppreffion  of  the  poor  for  the  fighing 
 of  the  needy,  now  will  I  arife(faith  the  Lord)!  wil  fa 
 him  in  fafety  from  him  that  puffeth  at  him. 
 
 6.  The  Words  of  the  Lord^xt  pure  Words  :  as  /*/- 
 ver  try  e  din  a  furnace  of  earth  ^purified  (even  times. 
 
 7.  Thou  fhalt  keep  them  (  O  Lord)  thou /halt  pre- 
 ferve  them  from  this  generation  for  ever, 
 
 Tbefecond  comfort  of  the  godlie  in  an  ill  time,  is  from  the 
 promifeof  God  ,  to  deliver  the  godlie  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
 wicked.  Whence  learne,  1  When  the  Lord  hath  cxercifed  the 
 Godly  for  a  while,  with  the  oppreffion  of  the  wicked  ,  be  will 
 not  fail  to  make  manifeft,  th3t  he  hath  heard  their  fad  replica- 
 tions, and  feen  their  oppreflion  5  for  the  oppreffion  of  the  poor, 
 for  tbefighing  of  the  needy, now  will  1  arife/aith  the  Lord.  z.  The 
 proud  perfecuter  doth  chink  little  of  the  Godly,  or  any  power 
 that  can  defend  bim,  but  doth  mock  the  hope  be  hath  to  be  hel- 
 ped 5  yet  god  will  fct  the  gtfly  in  fafety  jrom  him  that  puffeth  at 
 him. 
 
 This  promife  the  Prophet  commendeth  to  the  Church  ,  as  a 
 precious  truth,  which  will  be  found  forth-coming  to  the  full ,  in 
 experience.  Whence  leane,  3.  To  the  end  that  the  word  of 
 promife  may  be  comfortable  to  us  ,  till  new  experience  comes, 
 we  muft  confider  whofe  word  it  is,  and  that  there  is  no  vanity 
 in  promifes,  but  all  contained  in  them,  (hall  be  found  very  folid, 
 like  the  refined  filver,  or  gold,  which  is  purged  from  all  'drofli, 
 and  the  oftner  it  is  put  in  the  fire,it  is  the  more  f air>and  of  grca  • 
 ur  value,  for  the  words  are  the  Lords  words,  and  pure  wordily ed, 
 
 irac 
 
6z  P  S  A  L.    XII. 
 
 true  in  experience ,  as  filver  tryed  in  a  furnace  of  earth  [even 
 times,  and  clear  from  all  drofle. 
 
 The  third  comfort  of  the  godly  is  from  aflurance  given  of  tbc 
 perpetuation  of  the  Churchy  cuftody  of  it  by  God, in  all  ages. 
 jVhencelearne.  4.  Lee  men  pcrfecure  the  godly,  as  much  as  God 
 pleafetb  to  fuffer  them,  yet  ihall  God  preferve  a  Church  of  god- 
 hrperfons  at  all  times  to  the  end  of  the  world  :  F or  God  Jball pre- 
 ferve the  godly  frm  this  generation  for  ever.  5.  Albeit  the  dif* 
 comforted  godly,  under  perfecutors,  are  not  a!  waves  able  to 
 draw  prefently  comfort  from  this  promife,yet  it  is  a  truth  which 
 Goi  will  own,  which  God  will  keep  in  his  hand  to  us,  when  we 
 come  to  him,  and  which  every  beleever  muft  own ,  though  no 
 man  mould  take  k  offhis  hand.  Therefore  doth  7)avid  turnc 
 himfelf  to  God,ifi  delivering  this  Charter  of  the  Churches  fafe- 
 ty,  Thouy  faith  he,  fhalt  t(eep  them, 
 
 Verf.  8.  The  wicked  Walloon  evefy  fide,  rvhtn  the 
 vileft  men  are  exalted. 
 
 In  the  clofe  of  the  Pfalme,upon  his  own  experience  5  he  draw- 
 cth  up  a  genera!!  obfervation  of  what  mav  be  expected  ,  when 
 the  moll  wicked  are  moft  advanced.  Whence  lexrne,  1.  God 
 fometimes  (o  difpofeth  in  his  Wifedom  and  Juftice,  for  puniih- 
 ing  of  wicked  people,  and  exercifing  of  the  godly,  that  the  pla- 
 ces of  government  in  a  Kingdome,  are  filled  notwirh  the  beft 
 men,  but  with  the  vileft  dftbefonsof  men  ;  For  in  Davids  ex- 
 perience it  was  fo,  and  be  prefuppofeth  it  might  fall  tobefo, 
 that  the  vi left  of  men  mould  be  exalted,  z.  The  wickedneffe 
 of  the  ungodly  doth  in  this  cafe  break  forth  moft,  and  fpreadic 
 felfe  among  the  Subjects,  being  hearcned  thereunto  by  the  Ru- 
 lers toleration,  cennivance,  or  inftigation,or  example,  and  coun- 
 tenances For  when  the  vileft  men  are  exaltcdythen  the  wicked  wdi( 
 on  every  fide.  Turne  you  where  you  wil!,  you  lhall  meet  with 
 them,  at  fuch  a  time    as  the  vileft  are  exalted. 
 
 PSAL.    XI 11. 
 
 To  the  cbiefe  Mufician>  a  Pfalm  of  David. 
 Another  Chriftian  experience,  wherein  "David  un- 
 der the  fenfe  of  defertion,  layeth  forth  hre  Jamen- 
 table  cafe  More  the  Lordz^r.  1,2.  prayech  for 
 
 relief 
 
P  S  A  L.   XIII.  *3 
 
 releif,  wr.3, 4.  and  by  faith  is  refrefhed  and  com- 
 forted, ver.  5,6. 
 
 v.l.TJTOwlong  wilt  thou  forget  me(0  Lor d)f or  ever} 
 JL  JLhow  long  wilt  thoti  hide  thy  face  from  me  ? 
 2.  How  long  (ball  I  take  counfel  in  my  fonl  ,  ha- 
 ving forrow  in  my  heart  daily  }    how  long  Jhull  mine 
 enemy  be  exalted  over  me  ? 
 
 In  laying  forth  his  grief,he  beginneth  at  his  apparantdcferti- 
 on  5  then  fpeaketh  of  the  perplexity  of  minde,  arifing  herefrom} 
 and  laft  of  all  he  mentioneth  the  continuance  of  bis  outward 
 trouble  from  his  enemies.    Whence  learne >    i*  Trouble  out- 
 ward and  inward?  of  body  and  Ipirit,  fightings  without  5    and 
 terrors  within,  vexations  from  heaven  and  earth,  from  God  de- 
 ferring, and  men  puriuing,  may  fall  upon  a  child  of  God  at  one 
 time,  and  continue  for  a  time  long  enough,  as  here  >  How  long 
 wilt  thou  forget  me,  bm  long  fhali  mine  enemy  be  exalted  over  mc? 
 2.When  trouble  is  continucd,and  appearance  ofaieans  of  deli- 
 very is  not, and  God  both  wiibholjeth  inward  &  outward  help, 
 fenfe  callcrh-thib  the  Lords  forgetting  and  biding  ofbisfsce.How 
 long  wilt  thou  forget  me  and  bide  thy  fucei    3.  The  Lords  chil- 
 dren in  their  refolution  for  faith  and  patience,  dofcttothem- 
 felves  a  (horter  period  ufually  then  the  Lord  doth  ,  for  making 
 them  have  their  perfect  work;   therefore  when  their  hope  is  de- 
 ferred, it  makes  their  hea:  t  lick,  and  co  cry  cur.  How  long  ?  bow 
 long  i  4.  When  comfort  tryfteth  not  with  our  time,  fear  of 
 eternal  1  off  cafting  may  readily  Aide  in  :  and  this  fear  >  a  foul 
 acquainted  with  God,  or  that  lovc.cn  him  in  any  rneafure,-  can- 
 not endure.   Wilt  ibou  for  get  me  for  tveti  faith  hi*     5.  W  bat- 
 foe  ver  fenfe  do  fpeakj  or  iuggtflcd  centations  do  fpeak,    faith 
 will  relate  the  bufineffe  to  the  Lord,  and  expe &  a  better  fpcech 
 from  him;   For  in  this  condition  the  Prophet  goeth  to  God, 
 faying,  How  long,  0  Lord?  6,   A  ioul  finding  defercion*  multi- 
 plycthconfultationSjfallech  in  perplexity^cbangeth  conciiiiions, 
 as  a  lick  man  doth  his  bed>  falleth  in  grief ,  aid  cannot  endure 
 .,  to  live  by  its  own  finding,  but  runneth  upon  God  for ;  direction 
 as  here  we  fee  it  $  How  long  fir  dl  I  tilee  counfel  in  my  (out, having 
 forrow  in  my  beart  dailyi  7.  The  enemies  taking  advamage,(by 
 the  continuance  of  trouble  upon  tu  G^dly,)  againft  bis  caufe 
 and  religion:  and  3gainft  God,  dcth  augment  both  the  griefe 
 
 and 
 
64  PSAL      XI!  I. 
 
 and  temptation  ot  the  godly  *  How  long  fiat  mine  enemies  be  ex- 
 alted over  me  ? 
 
 Verf.  3.  Coufider  and  hear  me/)  Lord  my  God: 
 lighten  mine  eyes,  left  Ifteep  the  fleep  of  death. 
 
 4.  Left  mine  enemies  fay^  I  have  prevailed  againft 
 him  ;  atld  thofe  that  trouble  me  >  rejoyce  when  I  am 
 moved- 
 
 Now  foiloweth  bis  prayer  for  fome  comfortable   anfwer, 
 left    both    be  mould    perifh  ,  and    God    be   diihonoured  : 
 Whence  learn,     1.    Tbe  edge  of  tentations  is  blunted,  and 
 griefe  affwaged,  when  the  fweiling  of  tbe  foul  doth  vent  ic 
 (elf  to  God  :  and  certainly  complaints  are   then  beft  eafed, 
 when  they  arcdiffolved  in  humble  fupplications ,  as  here  ,  con- 
 flier  and.  bear  me>  0  Lord  my  God.      *  2.     Albeit    faith    belii- 
 veth  that  God  coniidcreth  and  beareth  alwaies  ,  yet  it  cannot 
 reft  till  it  feele  by  fome  effed  that  be  doth  bear  and  contider,  by 
 his  giving  fome  real  lupporc*  or  help  inneed3according  to  co- 
 venant 5  This  is  imported  in  his  praying  *    and   words  of 
 prayer,  confider,  hear  me.     $.     If  the  Lord  think  it  not  good 
 to  give  an  outward  delivery  ,  faith  will  be  content  of  a  bicnk 
 of  Gods  countenance  far  the  prefent  ,  lighten  mine  eyes  ,  faith 
 he,  that  is,  Ut  me  have  fome  immediate  comfort  to  uphold 
 mc  in  the  hope  of  my  delivery.       4.  Its  a  'death  to  the  godly 
 man  who  bath  feen  him  that  isinvi(ible  ,  to  be  long  without 
 thefenfeof  Gods  love  5  fenfe  of  fuccumbing    and  peri (hing 
 in  trouble  ,  doth  in  this  cafe  ufually  fet  upon  tbe   Godly  ,  as 
 here ,    lighten  mine   eyes  ,   left    I  fleep  the  fleep  of  death* 
 $ .  Tbe  enemies  of  the  godly  do  feed  themfeives  with  the  trou-  . 
 ble  of  the  godly    ,    and  rejoyce  the  more  they  fee  them  in  di- 
 ftreffe  ,    and    difcoura^ement  >  which  two    inconveniences* 
 tbe  Lord  ufetb  to  prevent  5  for  he  cannot  endure  long    to   fee 
 the  pride  and  rejoyctng    of  the  enemy    to  feed  it  felt  on  the 
 mifeiies   of  his  children  5     and  this  the  Prophet  infinuateth, 
 when  he  feeketh  relief  3  left  the  enemy  glory  that  he  hath  pre- 
 vaUedy  &c. 
 
 Verf.  5.  But  I  have  trufted  in  thy  mercy  ,    my 
 heart  fhall  rejoyce  in  thy  falvation. 
 
 6.  1  will  fing  unto  the  Lord   ,  becaufe  he    hath 
 dealt  bountifully  with  me. 
 
 Here 
 
PSAL     XIV.  6$ 
 
 Here  the  Prophet  is  raifed  up  unco  comfort  by  degrees  : 
 firfthe  fetleth  bimfdf  upon  the  tried  grounds  or  faith,  then 
 protuifeth  tobimfelf  delivcrance5and  thirdly  findeth  comfort: 
 lVbtnakarny  i.  Albeit  we  find  noc  preient  reliefe,  or  com- 
 fort when  we  prayj  yet  we  muft  refolvc  ro  adhere  to  God  by 
 faith  :  when  we  have  powred  out  our  foul  in  bis  boforhe  by 
 prayer  jwe  mult  refolve  to  fetle  our  feet  on  the  ground  of  fai;b> 
 before  we  can  expect  to  be  comforted  ;  For  here  Vivid  re- 
 lyed  on  Gods  mercy,  and  ratifieth  his  former  refolution  and 
 pra&ifc  of  retting  on  bis  mercy,  1  have  trufted  onib)  meny. 
 
 2.  So  loon  as  faith  is  fixed,  and  rtfoluce  to  adhere  cb  cove- 
 nanted mercy  5  hope  doth  lift  up  the  head  j  and  this  anker 
 ofthetoffed  ihip,  ftayeth  the  foul  from  being  driven  s  The 
 believer  lookerh  out  tor  Gods  faNation,  by  feme  way  of  de- 
 livery^  which  God  thinks  good  to  give,  and  aifureth  himfelf 
 it  fliall  come,  and  that  be  (hall  finri  joy  in  Gods  *yay  of  deli- 
 verance ^  My  bean  (faith  he)  flull  rejoice  in  thy  falvaiiotii 
 
 3.  When  the  believer  is  rcfolved  to  reit  on  Gods  mercy  by 
 faith,  then  foiloweth  peace  at  leaft,  and  readily  more  comforc 
 of  Gods  Spirit,  then  for  the  prefent  he  expected  co  have,  yea1 
 as  much  as  (hall  iatisfic  him  ,  and  make  him  count  bimfclf 
 richly  dealt  with  ,  as  here  David  acknowledge:^  faying,  He 
 bath  dealt  bountifully  yoixb  me.  4.  Frefti  experience  of  fa- 
 vour from  God,  in  the  renewed  fen  ft  of  his  good  will  to  a 
 foul,  is  a  matter  of  great  joy^  in  the  midft  of  trouble  J  and 
 rhe  right  fruit  of  it,  is  a  renewed  refolution  cheerfully  to  praife 
 
 .  God  as  here  we  have  the  example,  7  will  fing  unto  the  Lord, 
 becaufe  be  baib  dealt  bountifully  with  ms. 
 
 PSAL.     XIV* 
 
 To  the  chief  Mufician.   A  Pfalme  of  'David. 
 
 David  looking  on  the  confutation  of  the  vifible 
 Church,  and  feeing  the  great  body  of  the  peo- 
 ple lying  in  their  naturall  ftate  ,  working  ini- 
 quity and  hating  the  truely  Godly  amongft 
 them,  even  to  the  death,  verf.i,z,  3.  com* 
 F  fortcth 
 
66  PSA  L.     XIV. 
 
 fortcth  the  Godly  ,  firft  by  the  care  the  Lord 
 hath  of  them  ,  in  pleading  their  caufe  againft 
 the  ungodly;  verf.  4,5,6.  and  next  by  giving 
 hope  of  better  daies  for  the  godly,  when  after 
 fore  plagues  come  on  that  people  ,  Chrift 
 (hould  manifeft  himfeli  unto  them,  verf,  7. 
 
 Verf.  r.  *T"**  HE  fool    hath   faid    in  his  hearty 
 JL     There  vs  no  God  :   they  are  corrupt, 
 they  have  done  abominable  Vvorkj  9  there  is  none 
 that  doth  good. 
 
 2.  The  Lord  looked  down  from  heaven  upon  the. 
 children  of  men ;  to  fee  if  there  were  any  that  did  un- 
 derft and  ,  and  fee ^  God. 
 
 3.  They  are  all  gone  aftde  3  they  are  all  together 
 become  filthy  :  there  is  none  that  doth  good  ,  no  not 
 cne. 
 
 The  Prophet  dividetb  all  thefe  who  were  in  the  vifiblc 
 Church,  into  un-regenerate  men  on  the  one  hand,  3nd  Gods 
 true  people  con verted  inwardly  unto  him  on  the  other  bands 
 and  doth  argue  all  the  un-regenerate  to  be  practically 
 Atheifts,  without  God  in  the  World,  by  the  fame  proofe 
 whereby  the  Apoftie  convinceth  all  men  in  nature,  to  be  in 
 the  ftate  of  fin,  Rom.  $.13.  iVbence  learn,  1.  Every  man 
 fo  long  as  he  lyeth  unrenewed,  3nd  unreconciled  unto  God 
 ( how  wife  fo  ever,  or  of  how  great  parts  fo  ever  he  may 
 feem  to  betohimfelf  or  the  world)  is  nothing  in  effect  but 
 a  mad  man,  running  to  his  own  deftru&ion  in  lofing  his 
 foul  and  eternal  life,  when  he  feemeth  moft  to  gain  the  world, 
 therefore  he  is  called  the  fool.  2.  It  is  not  heeded  by  God 
 what  a  mans  mouth  faith  of  God,  or  of  himfelf ,  but  what 
 his  heart  faith,  The  fool  bath  faid  inbis  heart.  3.  It  is  not 
 the  word,  or  outward  profeflion,  which  truely  doth  exponc 
 the  heart,  but  the  current  of  a  mans  life  anda&ionss  for 
 here  tt  is  proved ,  that  the  heart  is  full  of  Athcifme  ,  by  this, 
 that  they  are  corrupt  in  their  converfationy  and  do  Abominable 
 mrfe*  4.  God  is  onely  the  right  Judge  of  regeneration 
 and  unrcgencration,  and  the  onely  true  fearcher  of  the  heart: 
 
 Its 
 
P  SA  L.    XIV.  67 
 
 Irs  he  who  loofah  down  from  kuvcn  ,  to  fee  if  any  of  the  Sotit 
 cfmtn,  or  any  in  the  ftate  of  nature,  have  any  wifdome  in 
 them ,  oraffe<ftion3frcr  God  :  ifa:yofthem  h<ve  imderftan- 
 dingy  or  do  fe\  After  God  :  For  be  that  dotn  not  leek  God ,  bath 
 no  underftanding  ,  nor  principle  of  Spintua'  life  in  him. 
 5.  Wbatfoever  may  be  the  odds  among  unrenewed  men,  Tome 
 more,  fome  leffe  grofle  in  their  outbreaking,  yet  God  pro- 
 nounceth  of  them  ail  ,  that  they  are  all  of  them  gone  out  of  the 
 way,  to  wic  of  holinefle  and  happinefle  ,  they  are  altogether  be- 
 come  filthy,  that  is,  all  their  aftions  flowing  forth  from  their 
 corrupt  hearts  a*e  vile  and  ioathfome  in  God*  fight  ,  and  they 
 are  all  in  one  rank  in  this,  there  is  nove  of  them  that  doth  good | 
 none  of  them  being  unreconciled  to  God  ,  door  can  do  any 
 thing  at  a!  1  commanded  of  (j°d  >  as  commanded  ,  from  right 
 principles  ,     and  for  right  ends. 
 
 Verf.  4.  Have  all  the  workers  of  iniquity  no 
 knowledge  ?  who  eat  up  my  people  as  the]  eat  bread* 
 and  call  not  upon  the  Lord. 
 
 5.  There  were  they  in  great  feat  :  for  God  is  in 
 the  generation  of  the  righteous. 
 
 6.  You  have  Jhamed  the  ccunfel  of  the  poore  •  be~ 
 caufe  the  Lord  is  his  refuge. 
 
 In  the  next  place  he  corrifortcth  the  people  of  Godjlivin^  in  to- 
 day of  the  vihble  Churcb3with  the  unrenewed  multitude.  Firft, 
 by  this,  that  the  Lord  doth  plead  the  caufe  agaiuft  the  ungodly. 
 Whence  learn.  That  the  nature  of  all  unrenewed  men,  is  to  bear 
 deadly  enmity  againftthofe  that  are  really  Gods  people,  and 
 delight  to  undothe  godly,  as  contemners  of  alt  that  live  noc 
 as  they  do.  They  eat  up  my  people  M  ibey  do  bread,  fai:h  the  Lord. 
 2.  The  Lord  owns  the^uarrell,  and  wrongs  done  to  the  godly, 
 as  done  to  him,  in  wbomloevsr  his  image  is  hated  or  perfecuted. 
 They  tat  upmy  people,  faith  he.  3 .  The  caufeleffe  hatred  of  the 
 godly  is.amoft  unreasonable  thing,  and  argueth  admirable  ftu- 
 pidity  in  wicked  men,  who  maligne  the  innocent,  by  whofe 
 life  they  are  admonifhed  of  their  duty ,  and  taught  the  way  to 
 felicity-  Have  all  the  workers  of  iniquity  nolyiowledgef  4.Ttfe 
 mif-kenning  of  God  ,  and  working  of  iniquity,ani  perfecting 
 of  the  godly,  are  three  conjunct  properties  of  a  man  in  nature^ 
 
 F  i  tioi 
 
68  PSA  L.     XIV. 
 
 not  reconciled  to  God>  For  to  be  worltfrs  of  iniquity*  And  cater* 
 up  of  Gods  people  as  bread,  and  not  ailing  on  god,  arc  put  for 
 the  marks  and  properties  of  the  lame  fore  of  ungodly  men. 
 
 Upon  the  challenge  of  the  ungodly  the  Prophet  interretb  the 
 conlequence  of  certain  and  fad  judgements  to  follow  on  the 
 wicked,  becaufe  God  is  nearly  concerned  in  the  quarrell  of  his 
 people.  Whence  learn,  5.   The  persecution  of  piety  in  the  god- 
 ly, provoketb  God  to  mrli&thc  moft  fearrull,  and  moft  tuddain 
 judgements.   For  therein  fpecially  were  the  ungodly  put  to  fear* 
 where  they  bad  vo  fear  at  all.     6.  The  near  conjunction  wbicn 
 God  hath  with  the  godly,  is  the  reafon  of  the  greatneile  of  the 
 fn  of  persecution  of  them  for  god  line  ffc  :  for  here  it  is  ^iven 
 forar:afon3  why  there  they  were  in  fear,  why  they  were  to 
 tremble  when  God  came  to  avenge  the  oppreflion  of  th?  god- 
 ly, which  the  wicked  feared  never   to  be  queftioneds    Bccauft 
 God  u  in  the  generation  of  the  rigbteout,     7.   Perfecting  of  a 
 man  for  piety,  were  it  but  in  Jelling  ac  a  man,  or  mocking  ot 
 him  for  piety,  is  the  turning  of  piety,   which  is  a  mans  glory, 
 into  a  matter  of  reproach  to  him  j  and  a  means  ro  drive  him  .ind 
 others  from  fecking  of  God,  Ton  have  fl)*mid  the  conn  fell,  nr  re- 
 tolu-ion  oftbepoor>  when  you  icorn3  becaufe  he  hath  made  ©jd 
 his  refuge. 
 
 Vcr.7.  O  that  the  [Ovation  of  Ifraelwzxz  come  out 
 ef  Sion !  when  the  Lor d  bringeth  bac\^  the  captivity 
 cfhif  people,  Jacob  /ball  rejojee,  and  Ifrael  Jbdil  be 
 glad. 
 
 The  next  comfort  of  the  godIy>  is  from  tbc  hope  of  Chrifts 
 coming,  in  whom  the  red«*eiling  of  chi*  evil  1,  and  ofa'l  other, 
 is  to  be  found,  for  whole  coming    he  wilv.th.    It  is  true,  the 
 lending  of  deliverance  unro    the  diftreifed  people  of  God  in 
 Sauls urnti  by   bringing  David  to  the  Kingdom^  was  worthy 
 to  be  wiihed  for :  but  this  could  net  Mil  up  the  meafure  of  the 
 wifh  here  (tirred  up  by  the  Spirit.  Therefore  we  muft  look  to 
 the  lubltance  in  Chrift,  in  whom  this  wifh  and  prayer  hath 
 full  accompUihment,  which  in  efFe&is,  0  that  Chrift  the  Savi- 
 our of  ffracl  were  come  out  of  Sion.     And  this  fame  wilh  clo- 
 icth  the  hfty  third  Pfalm  alfc5  where  falvations  of  ifraelin  the 
 plurallmumber  is  fetdown,  tonote  the  perfection  of  (alvaiion 
 which  cometh  oncly  by  Chrift,  at  whom  the  very  forme  of  tbc 
 H  brew  wilbing  doth,  look  as  pointing  at  the  perfon  which  mal 
 
 dye 
 
PS  AL     XIV.  69 
 
 give  all  fort  of  falvarion  to  Ifrael,  Wbo  JI) all  give ;  Now  there 
 wai  a  coming  of  Chrift  in  the  flefh  unto  Sion,  foretold  by  the 
 Spirit,  Zacb.9.9.  and  this  is  prciuppolcd  in  this  wiiTi,  for  Chrift 
 muft  be  in  Sion  before  he  come  out  of  it.  But  not  by  this  com- 
 ing were  fo  many  Israelites  faved   as   here  is  wiihed  for:   not 
 by  this  coming  was  the  body  of  ifrael  brought  bick  horn  cap- 
 tivity here  propbcfied.     There  is  alio   //i*.  2.?.  1  coming  of 
 Chrift  om  of  Sion  to  the  Gentiles,  and  this  coming  is  prcfup- 
 pofed  here,  before  that  ifraels  captivity  be  looted.     There  is 
 J/ai.50.20.  compared  with  T[om.  11.26.  a  coming  out  of  Sion 
 for  the  bringing  falvation  to  the  body  of  the  now  mif-beheving 
 Nation  of  the  captive  ifraclites,  lym*  in  captivity,  icatrcred  a- 
 mong  the  (jcntiles',  and  this  is  directly  prayed  for,  and  longed 
 after  in  this  place.  O  that  the  falvation  of  ifrael  were  come  out  of 
 Siony  even  the  time  when  the  Lord  (hall  bung  back  the  cap  ivi- 
 ly  of  his-  people.  Paul,T{om.  11.26.  calkin  tins  tbeBdieveis 
 coming  out  of  Sion,  in  regard  of  tbe  time  when,  and  the  con- 
 dition wbcrien  Chrift  is  to  find  the  ifraclites,    to  wit,  out  of 
 Sion,  out  among  the  Cjentiles,  fcattered  among  tbe  Gentiles,   ' 
 to  whom  Chrift  came  when    bee  left   fudea*     And    Ifaiah 
 callethit  a  coming  to  Sion^  in  veipcCt  of  rhe  benefit  10  be  tiven 
 to  the  %ex»s>  who  are  defigned  ore  by  Sion.     Whence  /came, 
 i.Cbrift  is  the  falvation  oi  Sion,  borh  figuratively  ant/  properly 
 called  fo,  as  well  before  became,  as  after  ;  for  here  he  is  looked 
 on  as  the  Salvation  of  Ifrael)  in  whom  all  our  falvation,  tfcxvs 
 or  GenitleSy  is  founded.      2.  Whofoever  ieeth  bim,  ('from  how 
 far  oft  foever)  he  cannot  chufe  but  long  for  a  further  mani- 
 feftarionof  him,  for  perfecting  of  the  bleffednefTe  of  his  peo- 
 ple, 0  that  tbe  falvation  of  Ifrael  were  come  out  of  Sion  I      $.  It 
 was  revealed  to  the  Prophets,  that  Chrift  was  io  come  to  the 
 Church  of  tbe  $ews9  and  from  thence  to  manifeft  himfelfe  co 
 the  G  entiles, z^ing  offthe  Israelites  for  a  time,  fcattering  roem 
 among  the  Gentiles,  and  then  to  come  about  again  towards  the 
 •fews  in  their  fcattciing  and   captivity,  wirhcut  cafting  off  of 
 the  Gentiles,  and  this  laft  turn  is  in  the  Prop  hers  eye,  and  aim- 
 ed at  by  the  Spirir,  when  he  wifhetb  that  tbe  falvation  of  Ifrael 
 •were  come  out  of  Sion.     4.  It  was  revealed  alfo  to  the  Pro- 
 phets, and  to  David,  that  before  the  conftitution  of  the  Church 
 of  Ifrael  (hould  be  freed  from  the  perfecution  ot  domt  ftick  c- 
 nemies,  vexing  the  hearts  of  tbe  godly5  or  delivered  from  fuch 
 mens  power,  as  are  defcribed,  vcrf  1,  2,  5.     that  fore  plagues 
 were  to  be  poured  out  upon  that  people,  and  that  the  Ifraclites 
 
 F  3  were 
 
7o  P  S  A  L.    XV. 
 
 were  to  be  driven  out  of  their  own  Land,  and  led  in  captivities^ 
 as  the  words  here,  and  Pfrfm  5$.  6.  doimportj  for  they  who 
 were  to  be  brought  back  from  captivity  after  Chrifis  coming 
 out  of  Sion  unto  the  Gentile sy  are  prefuppofed  to  be  in  captivi- 
 ty, when  Chrift  comah  to  give  falvation  unto  them.      5.  Be- 
 caufe  of  the  large  pouring  out  of  the  Spirit  upon  the  body   of 
 the  converted  Jews  or  1 [ratines,  when  the  time  /hall  come  of 
 their  turning  Cbriftians,  prophefied  of  here,  and  I/d*.  59.  20. 
 and  2£?wi.  n.2^26.  as  their  mourning  in  repentance  for  the 
 injuries  done  by  them,  and  their  progenitors,  to  Jefus  Chrift, 
 (hall  bee  as  the  mourning  of  Hadadrimmoniy  in  the  velley  of 
 Megiddon,  Zacb.iz.  io,ii.  So  here,  joy  in  Jefus  Chrift  recon- 
 ciled unto  them,  frull  be  greater  then  any  that  ever  that  Nation 
 faw,  whether  in  Davids  time,  or   Solomons  :  for  then  ibe  Lord 
 jhall  bring  back  tbe  captivity  of  bis  people,  here  prophefied  of,  to 
 be  under  the  time  of  the  Gofpel,  (whether  by  looting  their  cap- 
 tivity bodily  as  well  as  fpirituall,  whether  they  (hall  return  to 
 their  own  Land  or  not,  or  what  rhe  Scripture  doth  fpeak  to 
 this  purpofe,    his  place  is  not  for  the  determining  of  it.)    Then 
 Jacob  fhalrejoyce,  and  Ifraet  jhal  be  glad}  when  the  Saviour  of 
 Ifraeljbal  come  om  of  Sion  to  them. 
 
 PSAL.  xv. 
 
 cA  Pfalm  of  David. 
 
 The  Prophet  for  diftinguifhing  of  the  true  members 
 of  the  Church  from  thofe  who  were  only  out- 
 wardly profeffors,  asketh  of  the  Lord,  how  the 
 one  may  be  known  from  the  other,  ver.i.  and 
 receiveth  no  anfwer  to  the  queftion,  ver.  2,3,4,5. 
 
 Vei\  I  •  T    Ordy  who  fball  abide  in  thy  Tabernacle  ? 
 
 I  j  vphofh:ill  dwell  in  thy  holy  hill} 
 
 The  qucihon  is  propontu  about  the  marks  of  the  fincere 
 believers,  the  tow  Covenanters  wuh  God,  the  true  Profeffours 
 of  true  religion,  -,ru  they  arc  who  mail  not  be  caft  out  from 
 the  fociecy  of  Gvds  true  Church.  Whence  learn,  1.  The  Ta- 
 bernacle pi:chwd  by  &lofesy  r.nd  the  hill  of  Sio?tj  where  the  Ta- 
 bernacle 
 
PSAL    XV.  71 
 
 bernaclc'and  the  Temple  was  at  laft  Ceded,  was  3  Type  of  the 
 true  Church,  and  of  Communion  with  God  in  Chvift  the  Me- 
 diatour,  a  type  of  God  incarnate^  dwelling,  andexercifingall 
 bis  offices  in  his  Churchy  and  of  the  heavenly  condition  of  his 
 people^  called  out  of  the  worlds  and  lifted  up  toward  bim,  de- 
 iigned  under  the  name  of  Gods  Tabernacle^  and  Gods  holy 
 bill.  2.  Some  of  thofe  who  profeffeto  be  of  his  fellowihip, 
 may  bethruft  out  from  it  a  time,  and  delivered  from  all  com- 
 munion with  God,  when  other  fome  fhall  remain  in  this  ftate, 
 and  not  be  removed.  For  the  queftion  is  moved^  What  are  the 
 matksof  the  members  of  the  Church  invifible  t  and  who  they 
 are  wbojhall  abide  in  Gods  tabernacle,  and  dwell  in  bk  holy  hill? 
 3.  Only  the  Lord  who  fcarcheth  the  heart,  can  put  the  diffe- 
 rence between  the  true  and  the  falfe  5  for  this  caufe  the  que- 
 ftion  is  proponed  to  God,  Lord,  who  Jhall  abide  in  thy  Taber- 
 nacle? 
 
 Ver.2.  He  thatwalketh  uprightly,  and  worlptb  righ- 
 teoufnejfe,  andfpeakjth  the  truth  m  his  heart. 
 
 3 .  He  that  backbiteth  not  with  his  tongue  y  nor  doth 
 evil  I  to  his  neighbour,  nor  taketh  up  a  reproach  a- 
 gainfl  his  neighbour. 
 
 4.  In  whofe  eyes  the  vile  per f on  is  contemned^  but  he 
 honour  eth  them  that  fear  rfcLoR  D  ;  he  thzifwea-^ 
 reth  to  his  own  hurt,  andchangeth  not, 
 
 5.  He  that  putteth  not  out  his  money  to  ufury^  ncr 
 ta\eth  reward  again  ft  the  innocent.  He  that  doth  thefe 
 things,  Jhril  never  be  moved. 
 
 The  Lord  anfwereth  in  the  reft  of  the  Pfalm,  by  (hewing 
 the  fruits  of  faith  manifeited  in  obedience  to  Gods  commands^ 
 both  morall  and  judicially  in  the  fight  of  all  men  :  The  fince- 
 rity  of  which  faith  and  truth  were^o  be  certainly  known  to 
 God  only,  and  to  the  confeience  of  every  mans  felf  j  which  was 
 fufficienttofatisfictbequeftion,  quieting  and  comforting  of 
 the  upright  ones.  Whence  learn,  1.  That  fincere  indeavour  of 
 univerfall  obedience  in  a  mans  convcrfation,  is  a  fruit  and  evi- 
 dence of  true  faith,  and  a  mark  of  a  true  member  of  the  Church 
 invifible>  He  walfatb  uprightly y  and  doth  rigbteoufnejje.  2.  Ano- 
 ther fruit  of  true  faith,  is  confeience  making  of  what  a  man  fpea- 
 keth,  ruling  his  tongue  fo,  as  his  heart  and  his  tongue  do  agree 
 
 F  4  in, 
 
7*  P  S  A  L.     XV. 
 
 in  the  truth:  he  (pejketb  the  truth  from  the  hart.  J.  A  third 
 fruit  of  unfained  faith,  is  making  confcicnce  in  all  his  dealings  a 
 that  he  harm  not  his  neighbour,  neither  in  his  name,  nor  in 
 his  perfon,  nor  his  goods,  and  making  confciencc  not  to  receive 
 readily  aialfe  report  of  his  neighbour,  when  it  is  devifed  by 
 ai. other,  He  bae\{bitetb  not  with  his  tovguc,  nor  dttb  evill  to  his 
 neighbour,  nor  tafath  up  a  reproach  againft  bis  neighbour.  4.  A 
 1  u  :ih  fruit  of  found  faith,  is  the  low  eftimarion  of  any  worldly 
 excellency  wherewith  a  wicked  man  can  be  bufied  >  to  whom, 
 add  jugh  the  godly,  according  to  duty,  will  give  civill  honour, 
 as  his  place  reguiretb,  yet  he  counteth  him  a  poor  miferable 
 man  for  all  his  honour  and  wealth,  becaufe  hee  wa'ketb  in  a 
 godUflc  way:  but  where  he  feeth  one  that  feareth  God,  he  e- 
 {tcemeth  highly  of  him  in  his  heart,  whatfoeverexrernall  ex- 
 preffions  thereof  he  find  fit  to  give,  becaufe  of  the  honoura- 
 ble way  of  holineffe,  wherein  the  godly  walketh  5  for  in  bit 
 eyes  a  vile  perfon  is  contemned^  but  be  honouretb  him  that  feareth 
 the  Lord.  5.  A  fifth  fruit  of  found  faith,  is  tender  refpeft  to 
 the  Name  of  God,  and  care  to  keep  lawfu'i  promifes,  cove- 
 nants, and  oathes,  whatfoever  civill  inconveniences  may  fol- 
 low upon  the  ft  rift  keeping  of  them  *y  Though  be  [wear  to  bis  own 
 dmage>hecbatigetbnot.  6.  A  fixth  fruit  and  evidence  of  faith, 
 isdilpenling  with  commodity,  when  God  by  a  fpeciall  reafon 
 calleth  for  (o  doing,  albeit  other  wayes  a  man  might  take  rea- 
 fonably  more  gain.  Many  of  fnch  fort  of  cafes  do  accrue  in 
 merchandife,  and  in  ex 3 ding  ot  rents  anddebrsj  as  circum- 
 ftanccs  may  teach,  when,  and  where  God  calleth  for  moft  mo- 
 deration 5  fuch  was  the  judicial!  difpenfing  with  commodity, 
 put  upon  the  Jews  for  loofing  the  yoke  of  a  bought  fervant, 
 beinga  Jca^  at  the  end  of  fix  years;  and  quitting  otboufes  and 
 lands  bought  from  a1  $cw  at  the  year  or  ^ubik^  how  dear  fo- 
 everi:coft  the  buyer;  and  nottaking  ufury  of  a .?ew;  wherein 
 the  $tw  was  privilcdged  above  men  of  another  Countrey  :  for 
 in  all  thefe  three  pircicularfij  it  was  lawfull  for  the  Jew  to  do 
 otherwife  with  other  coumrey-men,  to  wit,  in  buying  a  fervant 
 from  a  ftranger,  and  not  letting  him  loofe  all  bis  dayes,  and 
 buying  land  from  a  ftranger  of  another  countrey,  and  trans- 
 mitting it  to  his  own  pofterity,  and  taking  ufury  of  a  ftranger? 
 according  to  the  rate  which  was  acknowledged  on  sll  hands  to 
 ftand  with  equity  ;  which  commodity  if  an  Israelite  did  notdif- 
 penfe  with  toward  an  Ifraclitc,  it  made  him  fhort  of  this  com- 
 mendation oi  the  true  Ifraclite,  yboputtetb  vox  bU  moneytoufu- 
 
 rie. 
 
PSAL.    XVI.  73 
 
 rje.  7.  The  fcventh  fruit  and  evidence  of  faith,  is  frtedcme 
 from  briber ie,  withlove  of  juftice,  which  the  believer  will  not 
 pervert,  to  the  detriment  of  the  man  who  hath  a  good  caufe, 
 for  whatloever  bud  or  reward  man  can  give  him.  This  is  the 
 upright  mans  lait  property^  He  tafctb  not  a  reward  agaviji 
 the  innocent. 
 
 Having  numbred  out  the  evidences  of  a  found  convert  and 
 true  believer,  who  fhall  never  be  thruft  out  of  Gods  fel- 
 lowship, he  concludetb,  That  vbafctver  dotb  tbcfc  tbingi,  or 
 ftudieth  to  do  thcm3  Jhatt  never  be  moved.  That  is,  be  that 
 fhall  evidence  bis  faith  in  God,  by  a  fincere  indeavour  to  do 
 the  duties  of  the  firft  and  fecond  table  of  Gods  Law,  fhali  not 
 be  removed  from  Gods  houfe,  bur  (hall  abide  in  his  Taber- 
 nacle, and  dwell  in  Sion,  in  the  iellowfhip  of  C/od  and  his 
 faints  for  ever. 
 
 PSAL.     XVI. 
 
 DAithum  of  David. 
 
 David  inthisPfalme,  finding  himfelf  in  the  ftateof 
 grace,  prayeth  for  prefervation  in  generally  in 
 relation  unco  all  dangers,  and  evils  of  body  and 
 foul,  and  whatfoever  other  evill,  from  which 
 a  godly  man,  with  allowance  of  Gods  word 
 might  pray  to  be  preferved.  His  only  reafon  to 
 affure  himfelf  to  be  heard,  isbecaufe  he  had  got- 
 ten grace  to  truft  in  God.  The  fincerity  of  which 
 faith  in  God,he  proveth  by  fundry  evidences,,  ver. 
 1,2,3,4.  In  the  fecond  place  he  climbeth  up  to 
 the  comfort  and  joy  of  believing  ;  And  all  the 
 grounds  of  joy  whereupon  he  goeth  ,  do  ferve 
 60th  to  confirme  his  faith,  and  to  give  him  aflii- 
 rance  of  the  granting  of  his  prayer,  vet/.  6, 7, 
 8,9,10,11. 
 
 Ver.   1, 
 
74 
 
 PSAL.    XVI. 
 
 Vcr.  i.  TyReferve  me,  O  GOD :  for  in  thee  do 
 Jl    If  tit  my  truft. 
 
 He  findeth  bimfclf  in  a  good  condition,  and  all  the  prayers 
 beprayetb,is  in  one  word,for.prefcrva:ion.  Whence  learn,  i.As 
 our  being,  livings  and  moving  naturall,  and  our  bringing  into 
 thefpiritualland  bkffcd  eftate  of  grace,  is  of  the  Lord,  fo  is 
 our  keeping  therein  of  the  Lord  alfo.,  and  our  duty  is  to  ac- 
 knowledge God  in  both,  and  to  live  unto,  and  pray  for  bis 
 upholding  ofus>  and  not  to  leanc  upon  our  own  wifedome, 
 fbrengtb,  or  holinefs ;  For  David  teaeheth  fo  to  do.  Trc- 
 fervemeO  God.  z.  The  grace  of  God  having  granted  to  us 
 lively  faith,  fctlcdonGod,  is  a  fuffictent  ground  of  our  hope, 
 and  afluranceto  perfevere,  and  to  be  ftill  preferved,  for  this  is 
 the reafon  whereby  David  confirmeth  his  prayer,  Forinthecdo 
 1  fut  my  truft. 
 
 Ver.  2.  O  my  foul,  thou  hafi  [aid  unto  the  Lord, 
 Thou  art  my  Lord  \  my  goodnefs  extendeth  not  to 
 thee  : 
 
 3.  But  to  the  faints  that  are  in  the  earth,  and  to  the 
 excellent,  in  whom  is  all  my  delight. 
 
 Becaufc  be  hath  made  bis  faith  in  God,  the  reafon  of  bis  hope 
 of  perfeverance,  and  of  his  having  his  prayer  granted,  he  pro- 
 veth  the  fincerity  of  his  faith  by  five  Evidences  or  fruits  there- 
 of. Whence  learn,  i.  The  firft  folid  evidence  of  the  fincerity 
 offaving  Faith,  is  the  teftimony  of  theconfeience,  bearing 
 witnefs  to  a  man,  that  he  hatb  layd  hold  on  the  covenant  of 
 grace,  and  bath  chofen  God  for  his  proteftour,  and  mafter, 
 and  that  he  isrefolv'd  to  depend  upon  God;,  and  to  ferve  him 
 as  David  did*  faying,  0  my  foul,  thou  haft  fail  unto  the  Lord>thou 
 art  my  Lord.  2.  Another  evidence  of  the  fincerity  of  faith,  is 
 renunciation  of  all  confidence  in  a  mans  own  works,  and  the 
 rejecting  of  all  conceit  of  any  poffibility  of  merit  at  Gods 
 band,  who  cannot  be  profited  by  our  goodnefs  5  for  we  have 
 what  we  have  of  him,  and  can  never  put  an  obligation  on  him 
 by  any  thing  which  we  can  do.  My  goodnefs  doth  not  extend 
 to  thee.  3.  A  third  fruit  and  evidence  of  faith,  is  love  and 
 kindnefsto  the  godly,  and  bellowing  of  our  own  goods  for 
 fupplying  their  need,  joyned  with  a  high  eftimation  of  their 
 precioufnefs,  above  the  godlefs  world,  and  with  pieafure  ta- 
 king in  their  fellowfliip:  fo  reckoned  the  prophet,  frying,  my 
 
 good*; 
 
P  S  A  L.   XVI.  7j 
 
 goodnefs  extendetb  not  to  tbee,  but  to  the  Saints  that  ate  on  the 
 tar  thy  and  to  the  excellent ,  in  whom  is  all  my  delight:  where,  by 
 chc  way*  lee  us  obferve,  He  knew  no  faints  to  whom  he  could 
 be  profitable,  fave  onely  the  Saints  who  are  upon  the  earth. 
 
 Ver.4.  Their  forrows  (hall  be  multiplied>  that  haften 
 after  another  god :  their  drink-offerings  of  blond,  will 
 I  not  offer*  nor  take  up  their  names  into  mj  lips. 
 
 A  fourth  fruic  and  evidence  of  faith,  is,  the  hating  of  falfe 
 rcligion3  and  counting  all  followers  of  idolatry,  or  worfhip  of 
 another  god,  then  the  true  God,  to  be  accurfed  5  fuch  a  ba- 
 :  ting  of  falfe  religion  as  is  accompanied  with  the  difcountenan- 
 ,  cing,  open  difcrediting,  and  abhorring  of  all  idoll  fervice, 
 I  as  David  exprefleth  here  in  the  whole  verfe.  Wbencelearne% 
 1.  Men  as  they  are  naturally  averfe  from  following  the  true 
 God,  and  the  true  religion,  fo  are  they  naturally  bent  to  all 
 idolatry,  and  zealous  in  following  idols*  and  any  falfe  religi- 
 on. They  haften  after  another  god.  z.  The  more  men  do  haften 
 after  felicity,  in  the  way  of  idolatry,  they  have  the  worfe  fpeed. 
 For  tbeir  [orrows  Jhall  be  multiplied  that  baftcn  after  another 
 God.  3.  The  more  madly  the  world  run  after  idolatry,  the 
 more  (hould  the  faithfull  mm  teftifis  his  abominating  thereof, 
 zsDavid  doth.  Their  drin^-offerings  of  blood  will  1  notoffery 
 norta\eup  their  names  into  my  lip.  He  cannot  fpeak  of  them 
 without  difdain. 
 
 Vcr.5.  The  Lord  is  the  portion  of  mine  inherit ancey 
 and  ofmj  enp:  thou  maintainefi  my  lot. 
 
 A  fifth  fruit  and  evidence  of  faich  in  God,  is  delight,  and 
 fatisfa&ion  in,  and  refting  on  God,  3S  al-fufficient  for  the 
 believers  compleat  happineffe,  as  the  whole  ver/e  holdeth  forth. 
 iVbenceleirn,  1.  The  believer  hath  as  fure  right  unto  God,  as 
 any  man  hath  to  the  patrimony  whereunto  he  is  born  ;  or  any 
 Tribe  ever  had  to  his  ftme  hi  the  Land  of  Canaan.  The  Lord 
 u  the  portion  of  bk  inheritance,  z  The  Lord  is  the  believers 
 lot  and  (hare,  when  the  world  are  feeking,  fome  one,  fome 
 another  temporail  good  5  The  Lord,  and  the  light  of  bis  coun- 
 tenance, is  the  believers  compleat  goods  whatfoever  meafure  of 
 earthly  things  is  given  to  the  godly  befide,  Levies  portion  is 
 his  portion-  The  Lord  is  the  portion  of  bk  inheritance.  $.  The 
 Lord  is  the  believers  livelihood,  and  the  f urnifher  of  his  daily 
 bread,  He  tithe  portion  of  bis  cup.     4.  The  Lord  giveth  bim- 
 
 felfc 
 
7*  PSAL  XVI. 
 
 felfetotbe  believer  for  his  felicity,  as  be  alfo  maincaineth  the 
 believer  in  the  right  unto,  and  pofl'eflionof  bimfelf:  He  main- 
 tained bis  lot :  and  foj  as  the  believer  comecb  to  his  right  he 
 hath  unto  God,  noc  by  his  owne  pnrcbafe,  but  by  fpirituall 
 birth-rigor,  as  a  child  ot  Chritt  by  faith,  or  by  free  donation 
 of  this  inheritance,  received  of  God  by  faith;  fo  he  may  claim 
 to  God,  and  enjoy  the  poffcffionof  God,  as  firmly  as  his  in, 
 hcrhance^  as  fully  as  if  God  were  his  particular  property  and 
 portion  -,  as  fmttly  as  his  daily  food,  and  the  portion  of  his 
 domeftick  cup  :  and  with  as  great  quietnejfc  andfecurity,%s  the 
 immediate  vaflal  of  the  mighcieft  Monarch,  being  willing,  a- 
 ble,  and  ingaged  mod  deeply  to  maintain  his  lot. 
 
 Vet.6.The  lines  are  fallen  unto  me  in  pleafant  places^ 
 yea,  I  have  a  goodly  heritage. 
 
 Inthefecond  place  heclimbeth  up  to  the  joy  of  faith,  ari- 
 sing from  the  certain  perfwalion,  and  prefent  lenfe  of  bis  being 
 in  the  ftite  of  graces  The  reafons  or  grounds  of  his  joy  are 
 fix,  Thefirft  reafonof  bis  joy,  is  founded  upon  the  properties 
 xnd  (elf-lufficiency  of  God,  compared  to  a  goodly  and  pleafant 
 heritage,  which  wanteth  no  commodity  within  ic  felf.    iVhenct 
 learny   i.   PI c a fu re  and  profit,  and  all  commodities  of  life  are 
 abundanily  to  be  found  in  God$6c  whatfocver  can  be  reprefented 
 by  any  goodly  herita^c,lying  in  moft  pleafant  places,is  buca  fha- 
 dow  of  what  is  to  befonnd  in  him,as  the  companion  taken  from 
 lower  rbifi£s  hereimporteth.     z.  The  more  the  believer  con- 
 fidereth  what  the  Lord  is,  and  what  are  his  perfections,    and 
 tvfnt  is  the  believers  own  inrereil:  in  God,  the  more  is  he  fatif- 
 fied, and  ravifhed  in  the  beholding  of  God,  and  his  own  feli- 
 city in  him    No  wonder  therefore  if  David  fay,  for  the  meafu' 
 ring  out  of  this  fhare  to  him,  that  bit  lines   are  fallen  out  to  him 
 in  pleafant  places y&c.     3.  Toe  believe*  hath  liberty  to  appro. 
 priate  God  in  am  inner  co  him'dfe,  and  in  coroparifon  with 
 the  (hare  of  the  worldlings  to  preferre  his  own  portion  above 
 all  others :  This  dorh  David,  when  he  calleth  God  his  *wn plea- 
 fant places ,  and  bk  own  heritage. 
 
 Ver,7.  /  Will  blelfe  the  Lor  A  who  hath  given  me 
 eounfel :   my  reins  alfo  inftrntt  me  in  the  night  feaf on. 
 
 Tbefccond  reafon  and  ground  of  joy,  is  bcc^uie  God  hath 
 perfwaded  him  to  believe  in  the  ZMcfJub,  or  thrift  to  come,  as 
 is  clear  by  the  next  verfe,  and  that  God  had  takm  the  directing 
 of  bim.     Whence  learny  1.  As  ic  is  the  work  of  God  only,tu 
 
 give 
 
PSAL   XVI.  77 
 
 give  effe&uall  counfel  to  any  man  to  believe  in  Chrift  j  Sj 
 alfoebe  way  of  perfwafion  of  a  foul  to  truft  in  God,  is  away 
 of  working,  proper  only  to  God  >  for  it  makech  the  men  fo  free 
 an  agent,  in  tbe  ad  of  believing^  as  if  Gods  work  were  coun- 
 fel only,  and  the  work  of  a&ive  perfwafion  fo  invincible,  as 
 the  work  is  effectually  wrought,  and  infallibly  :  for  be  calleth 
 the  beftowing  of  faving  faith^or  grace  to  confent  to  the  covenant 
 of  grace,  a  giving  counfel :  He  bath  given  me  counfel.     z.  Tbe 
 glory  of  truiting  in  God,  is  not  a  matter  of  gloriation  of  the 
 believer,  in  his  own  difpofing  ot  himfelf,but  a  matter  of  thanks- 
 giving to  God,  and  glorifying  of  him,  who  fivetb  the  counfel 
 to  believe,  and  maketb  tbe  counfel  ro  him  effrctuaii :  For  JPi- 
 vid  faith,  1  mil  blefie  tbe  Lord  who  hath  given  me  counfel,  to  wit, 
 effectually  >   for  faith  is  not  of  cur  felte,  it  is  tbe  gift  of  God* 
 wherein  flax'animous  power  and  voluntary  confent  are  fweetly 
 joyned  together.      $.  This  mercy  of  powerfully  pcrfwading  a 
 foul  to  make  choice  of  God,  to  clme  covenant  with  him,  and 
 to  truft  in  him,  doth  put  a  perpetuall  obligation  ot  thankfgiving 
 unto  God  upon  the  believer,  to  snake  him  lay  in  all  time  com- 
 ing, and  for  ever,   I  will  ble(fe  tbe  Lord,  who  bath  given  me  coun- 
 fel*    4.  With  the  gift  of  faving  faiths  or  perfwaiive  counfel  to. 
 believe  in  God,  is  joyned  the  fwcet  guiding  and  directing  of 
 the  Lords  Spirit,  how  to  order  the  wayes  of  tbe  believer ;     For 
 hereinftru&ion  of  him  in  theni^bc  feafon,  is  joyned  with  the 
 former  OKrcy,and  is  tmde  a  reafon  of  ihankfgiving,and  blefsing 
 of  God.  For  bee  addeth,     My  reins  alfo  JbaU  inflrucf  me  in  tbe 
 night  feafon.      5.   The  framing  of  tbe  will,  defiic,    appetite, 
 affedons,  inclinations,  thou^nrs  ,  and  fecret  mediations,  is 
 foinwad,  fecrft  and  deep  a  work,  as  tbe  Spirit  of  C^°d  thinks   . 
 good  to  cX  pre  fie  this  bis   giving  discretion  fecrctly  to  David, 
 in  the  terms  of  the  teaching  of  the  reins,  becaufe  ttuy  are  the  bid- 
 deft  parts  of  the  body,  and  ueareft  to  the  back  of  any  of  tbe 
 inward  rtcble  parts  j  and  becaufe  of  tbe  narure  of  the  reins., 
 which  have  much  affinity  with  tbe  affc&ions ,  and  have  for 
 their  office  the  difcrctive  purging  of  the  blood,  the  natural  fur- 
 niture of  life,     My  reins  alfo  inftruft  me  in  tbe  night  feafon. 
 Ver.  8.1  have  fet  the  Lordalwajes  before  me:  becaufe 
 he  is  at  my  right  handy  I  /ball  not  be  moved. 
 
 The  third  reafon,  and  ground  of  joy,  is  the  gift  of  the  grace 
 of  God,  making  him  alwayes  keep  his  eye,  (for  getting  af- 
 fiftance,  direction,  and  comfort,)  to  good  purpofe,  upon  Je- 
 fus  Cbrift,  the  Lord,  of  whom  cbis  place  is  cxponed  AS  *•  2  ^  • 
 
 irhcna 
 
78  PSAL       XVI. 
 
 Whence  learn,  i.  The  duty  of  tbe  believer,  and  the  way  for 
 him  to  have  and  retain  joy  in  the  Lord,  is  to  fix  the  eye  of  faith 
 alwaies,  in  all  eftates,  on  the  Mediator,  the  promifed  Mefiab, 
 the  Lord  Jefus,  for  diredion,  affiftance,  comfort,  and  de- 
 liverie.  For  this  was  Davids  way,  I  have  fet  the  Lord  alway 
 before  my  face.  2.  Such  as  implore  JefusChrift  for  all  things 
 in  all  eftates  /hillbefure  to  have  his  effeduall  p  re  fence  nee  r 
 hand  to  help  him  in  time  of  need-  For  be  is  at  fuch  a  mans 
 right  bandy  at  aU  times.  $.  Faith,  kept  in  excercife  by  em- 
 ploring  of  Jefus  Cbrift,may  have  affurance  of  pcrfeverance,  and 
 enjoying  conftantiy  tbe  ftate  of  grace,  what-ever  alterations* 
 and  commotions  come,  their  ftate  fhall  ftand  fixed*  theyfhall 
 ftand  in  graces  for  upon  this  ground  the  prophet  faith,  Ijbdll* 
 never  be  moved. 
 
 Ver.  9  Therefore  my  heart  is  glad,  andmy  glory 
 rejoyceth  ;   my  fiejh  alfojhallrefi  in  hope. 
 
 A  fourth  reafon  of  joy  abounding  in  his  heart,  and  breaking 
 forth  in  his  words,  is  his  victory  over  death,  and  the  grave,  by 
 faith  in  Jefus  Chrift.  Whence  kirn,  1  Faith  m  Chrift  is 
 able  not  only  to  give  peace,  that  paffeth  understanding,  but' 
 alto  to  fill  the  heart  with  joy,  and  to  make  the  tongue,  which 
 is  a  mans  glory,  above  all  other  creatures,  fometirhe  tobieak 
 forth  in  expreffions  of  joy,  for  therefore  faith  he,  my  heart  U  glad 
 and  my  glory  rejoyceth.  2.  So  great  vi dory  over  death  and  the 
 grave,  is  gotten  by  faith  in  Jefus  Chrift,  that  a  believer  can  lay 
 down  his  body  in  the  grave,  as  in  a  bed,  to  reft  it  there,  in 
 hope  of  the  refurredion,  and  here  an  inftanceand  example  for 
 ir,     My  flejh  alfo  Jhall  reft  in  hope. 
 
 Ver.  10  For  thou  wilt  not  leave  my  foul  in  hell, 
 neither  wilt  thou  [nffer  thine  holy  One  to  fee  corrup- 
 tion. 
 
 Tbe  fifft  reafon  of  his  joy,  is  the  affurance  of  t|be  refur- 
 redion  of  Jefus  Chrift  his  head,  through  whom  he  hopeth  to  be 
 raifed  in  bis  own  order  and  time.  Whence  learn,  1.  A  believer 
 is  fo  neerly  joyned  with  Chrift,  that  he  may  give  w>  him  the 
 ftyles  of  what  is  neareft  and  deareft  to  him,  and  call  him  his 
 very  life  and  fouly  as  here  David  faith  of  Chrift,  who  behoved 
 torifcagain,  Ad.2.  2?.  Thoumltnot  leave  my  foul,  or  my  life 
 in  grave  :  and  by  this  means  he  alfo  is  affured  of  his  own  refur- 
 redion  in  due  time  5  for  our  life  and  foul  is  bound  up  in 
 Chrift :  Our  Life  is  hid  with  God  in  Chrift/pecially  in  refped 
 
 of 
 
PSAk.   XVH.  7p 
 
 of  that  wherein  he  ftanckcb  in  our  room„>fuch  as  bis  differing,  ri- 
 fingjrcig'ningasour  Surety  and  Atturncy.^.Tbe  body  of  Chrift 
 noc  onely  was  to  rife  from  tbe  deacb  but  aifo  could  not  fo  much 
 as  putrifie  in  tbe  grave  :  For  of  Chtift  he  faitb  ,  Thou  wilt  not 
 fujfer  thy  holy  One  to  fee  corruption. 
 
 Ver.  1 1 .  Thou  ftilt  jhtvp  me  the  path  of  life  :  in  thy 
 prefence  there  is  life,  at  thy  right  hwd  thtie  are  piea- 
 fures for  evermore. 
 
 The  laftground  and  reafon  of  his  jov,  is  the  aflurance  bee 
 hath  of  blefkdneffeandofetcrnalllife  :  Whence  learn ,  i.  The 
 believer  who  is  fixed  by  faitb  on  Cbriit,  may  be  affured  of  bis 
 perfeverance  in  tbe  way  leading  to  life  :  Thou  wilt  Jbew  nit  the 
 my  to  life  :  that  is,  thou  wilt  point  out  the  way  that  I  mould 
 walk  in,  thou  wilt  go  alongft  with  me5  and  make  me  effectual- 
 ly finde  thy  help,  to  walk  in  it.  z.  The  fruition  of  Gods  im- 
 mediate prefence  is  noc  like  tbe  joyes  of  this  world,  which  nei- 
 ther do  feed  nor  fill  a  man  :  but  when  we  (hall  enjoy  Gods  pre- 
 fence fully,  we  fliall  have  full  contentment,  andcompleat  fell— 
 citie:  For  in  his  prefence  is  fulncjfeof  joy.  And  the  felicity  of 
 beleevers  is  not  like  tbe  pieafures  of  this  world,,  which  pafle  away 
 fuddenly  as  a  dream:  but  it  endurecb  for  ever:  At  his  right 
 hand  are  pieafures  for  evermore. 
 
 p  s  A  L.  XVII. 
 
 A  Prayer  of  'David. 
 
 This  Pfalm,  according  to  the  Infcription  thereof,  is 
 a  Prayer  of  Davids,  mixed  with  fuadry  reafons 
 for  helping  :  wherein  firft,  he  cravech  in  genera!!, 
 juftice  in  the  controverfie  between  him  and  his 
 oppreffors,  ver.  1,2,3,4.  Secondly,  more  fpecial- 
 ly ,  he  requefteth  for  a  wife  carriage  of  himfelf 
 under  this  exercife,  vtt/f3  6-  Thirdly,  prayech  for 
 protection  and  prefervation  from  his  enemies,  ver. 
 7,8,p,io,n,  12.  Fourthly,  for  difappointment  to 
 his  enemies ,  and  for  delivery  of  himfelf  from 
 
 them 
 
So  PSA  L.  XVIL 
 
 them,  ver.  ig>  14.  and  clofet  h  comfortably,  in 
 confidence  of  a  good  anfwer  ,  and  hope  of  fa- 
 tisfadory  happinefle,  ver.  15. 
 
 Vera.TT Ear  the  right ,0  Lord,  attend  unto  my 
 JL  Xcrjygive  ear  unto  my  prayer  that  gocth 
 not  out  of  feigned  lips. 
 
 2.  Let  my  fentence  come  forth  from  thy  pnfence  : 
 lev  thine  eyes  behold  the  things  that  are  equall. 
 
 3.  ThoH  haft  proved  mine  heart, then  haft  vifited  me 
 in  the  night, thou  haft  tryedmei  and  fhalt  finde  no- 
 thing :  I  am  purpofed  that  my  mouth  fhall  not  tranf- 
 greffe. 
 
 4  Concerning  the  workj  of  men,  by  the  ivord  of  thy 
 lips  I  have  k^pt  me  from  the  paths  of  the  Deftroyer. 
 
 The  firft  pare  of  the  prayer  is  unco  God, as  a  ri^hrcou^  }udge, 
 to  hear  hUpiainc,  and  co  decide  in  his  favour,  according  to 
 bis  juft  caufe,  and  rigteous  carriage  in  relation  to  his  enemies. 
 Whence  learne,  1.  As  righteous  men  are  fubjed  unto  inju- 
 ries and  oppreffions^as  well  others  are,  and  are  o\iven  by  trou- 
 ble to  feeit  relief  of  God  :  So,  in  this  cafe,  it  is  a  fpeciail  xom- 
 for- ,  to  have  God  a  righteous  judge  to  hear  them,  and  a  righteous 
 ciujeto  bring  before  him,  that  the  man  may  fay,  Hew  the  right 
 0  Lord.  z.  The  confeience  of  earneft  and  boneft  dealing 
 with  God,  in  the  fingkneik  of  our  heart  in  prayer,  is  a  gocd 
 reuon  to  helpe  our  faith  in  prayer,  when  wee  may  fay  j 
 We  cry,  and  pray  y  not  with  feigned  lipps.  3.  When  wee 
 are  unjulily  condemned  by  men  ,  we  may  appeale  to  God, 
 and  call  the  appellation,  and  feek  and  expect  a  more  juit 
 fentence  pronounced  and  executed  by  God.  We  may  fay, 
 Let  my  fentence  come  forth  from  thy  prefence.  4.  Although 
 men  call  our  true  defences,  which  we  make  againft  falfe  Li- 
 bels, and  doe  not  refped  equity;  yet  God  will  take  notice  of 
 che  whole  proceffe,  his  eyes  ml  behold  things  that  are  equal,  z.  Sin- 
 cerity of  heart  giveth  boldneflc  to  a  man  to  prefenc  bimfelfe  to 
 God,  to  be  examined,  after  chat  the  confciencc  in  its  private 
 tryall  of  the  nuns  carriage  coward  ths  adverfary*  bath  in  the 
 light  of  God  abfolvedhim  J  as  here  the  Propbec ,  inrelatian  co 
 his  carriage  toward  che  oppreffor,  doch  fpeak  to  God,    thou 
 
 haft 
 
P  S  A  L.    XVII.  81 
 
 haft  tryed  me  in  the  night ,  and  haft  found  nothing.  6.  Sincerity 
 of  carriage  for  time  by-paft,  muft  be  joyned  with  a  purpofe  °* 
 flnceriry  in  time  coming,  ttut  he  may/ fay  with  'David,  inre* 
 Lit  ion  to  his  part,  1  am  purpoftd  that  my  mouth  flialt  not 
 tranfgrejjh  5  thatis,  nortoipeak  a  wrong  vvoid  againft  him* 
 7.  Naturall  mens  manner  of  dealing,  when  they  are  injured,  is 
 to  recompenfe  evifl  for  evil  I.  For  the  wor\s  of  men  art  to 
 follow  the  paths  of  the  deftroyer.  8.  There  is  no  way  to  keep 
 the  children  of  God  from  thefe  paths  o^  the  deftroyer,  when  they 
 are  provoked  to  injuries,  excepc,in  the  fear  of  God,  they  look  to 
 what  Gods  word  dire&eih  them  to  doe-  Thus  did  David  efcape 
 an  ill  courfe,  when  his  nature  might  have  tempted  him  to  it.  By 
 the  word  of  thy  lips  have  1  \ept  me  from  the  paths  oj  the  deftroyer. 
 
 Ver..  ^.  Hold  up  my  goings  in  thy  paths,  that  my 
 footfleps  flip  not. 
 
 6  I  have  called  upon  thee ,  for  thou  wilt  hear  me, 
 O  God  :  incline  thine  ear  unto  me,  and  he  are  my 
 fpeech. 
 
 The  fecond  pare  of  the  prayer,  wherin  he  requefteth  for  grace 
 to  be  kept  ftill  in  a  righteous  and  holy  way;  Whence learne , 
 I. The  moftholy  man,thou^h  he  haveft ood  fait  formerly,is  moft 
 feared  to  offend, and  moft  (ufpicious  of  fcimtclfe,  and  moft  tat- 
 neft  with  God  to  beholden  up,  that  he  fall  not  in  time  to  come* 
 and  giveth  all  the  glory  of  his  (landing  in  a  good  caufe  ,  unto 
 GoJ,as  is  evidently  holden  forth  in  this  petition  of  David^Hold 
 up  my  goings  in  thy  paths,  that  my  footftepsjlip  not.  z.  The  beft 
 way  to  have  deliverance  from,  and  vi&ory  over  adverfaries  3  is 
 tokeepaftraightcourfe  of  carriage  in  the  fear  of  God,  Qoing, 
 inGods paths,  that  is,  as  God  bath  prefcribed  our  way  in  his 
 word.  $.  Our  prayer  fliould  be  fuch,  and  foputup,  as  we 
 may  be  fure  to  be  heard  5  and  when  we  have  prayed  unto 
 God,  according  to  his  will,  we  may  be  confident  of  a  good  an- 
 fwer  with  David,  That  he  will  incline  his  ear,  and  hear  our  fpeecb. 
 4.  Confidence  to  be  heard,muft  not  flacken  our  hands  in  pray- 
 ttj  but  hearten  us  to  pray,  as  this  example  teacheth  us. 
 
 Ver.  7.  Shew  thy  marvellous  loving  ktndneffe, 
 O  thou  that  favefi  by  thy  right  hand^  them  which  put 
 their  truft  in  thee,  from  thofe  that  rife  tip  againf! 
 them. 
 
 G  S .  Keep 
 
%%  P  S  A  L.    XVII. 
 
 8.  Keep  me  as  the  Apple  of  the  eye  :  hide  me  under 
 thefhadow  of  thy  wings. 
 
 The  third  part  of  his  prayer,   is,  for  a  mercifull  prote&ioq, 
 and  prefervation  from  his  enemies-     Whence  letrne,    i.  The 
 Beleevermuftholdhiseyein  time  of  dangers  and  ftraits,   ef- 
 peciaUy  upon  Gods  good  will  and  kindneffe,  as  a  counter-bal- 
 lance  of  all  the  malice  of  men :  and  here,cbough  his  ftraits  were 
 never  fo  great,  he  (hall  read  a  poffibility  of  wonders  for  his  deli- 
 very, as  here  is  feeni    Shew  thy  marvellous  loving  lyndneffc  O 
 lord.  Befide  common  favors,God  hath  other  mercies  in  keeping 
 for  his  own,  andthofeare  marked  even  with  fame  wonderful- 
 neffe,  either  in  the  time,or  manner,or  meafure,  or  mean,  or  fomc 
 other  refped.  i.  The  Lords  power  and  his  office  of  Saviour/hip, 
 and  hiscpnftanr  manner  of  dealing  for  beleevers,are  the  pillars 
 of  the  pcrfwfion  of  help  to  be  bad  in  God.  So  reafons  Davtd&y- 
 ing,0  thou  tbatfavejl  with  thy  right  hand  them  which  put  their  trufl 
 inibee.:  for  Gods  Nature,  Chrifts  Office,  and  his  manner  of 
 dealing,  are  equivalent  to  promifes,  when  they  are  looked  unto 
 by  a  beleever.     3 .  Such  as  trouble  unjuftly  them,  of  whom  the 
 Lord  hath  taken  the  maintenance,  do  in  a  fort  engage  God  to 
 be  their  party,  and  to  defend  his  fervants,  for  they  rife  up  againft 
 not  only  Gods  fervants,  but  againft  God  who  faveth  by  his  right 
 banj     4.   The  care  God  hath  of  his  poor  children,  that  depend 
 upon  him,  \s  unfpeakable  ,   and  the  tender  love  he  bearech  unto 
 them  3 no  one  limilitude  canexpreffe,  as  plurality  of  fimilkudes 
 joyned  here,,  doe  give  evidence  5  for  Gods  care  of  them  is  com- 
 parable  to  mans  care  oftheapple  of  bis  eye  $  Gods  love  to  them 
 is  comparable  to  the  love  of  the  Bird-mother  toward  her  young 
 ones, whom  me  warraierh,&  hideth  under  the  Jhadow  of  her  wings. 
 O  wonderfull  goodneffe,  and  mfedorn  of  God  ,  who  admitteth 
 Himfclfe  to  be  compared  to  fuch  low  fimilttudes,  that  he  might 
 lift  up  our  faith  above  all  objedions  of  mif-belief. 
 
 Vet\  9.  From  the  wicked  thatoppreffe  mey  from  my 
 daily  enemies,  who  compare  me  about. 
 
 10.  They  are  enclofed  in  their  own  fat :  with  their 
 mouth  they  fpeak^  proudly. 
 
 1 1 .  They  have  now  compared  us  in  our  fieps  ,  they 
 have'fet  their  eyes  bowing  downe  to  the  earth. 
 
 i  z.  Lil^e  as  a  Lion  that  //  greedy  of  his  prey,  and  as 
 
 it 
 
P  S  A  L.    XVII.  8$ 
 
 it  were  ayoung  Lion  lurking  infecret  places. 
 
 The  reafon  of  his  prayer,  is  taken  from  the  deadly  malice  of 
 his  enemies,  v.  9.  from  their  pride,  v.  1  o.  from  their  confidence, 
 v.i  1. from  their  beaftly  cruelty^.  \i.lVhencc  learn,!.  The  ene- 
 mies of  Gods  people  are  ordinarily  wicked,  oppreffors?  deadly 
 enemies  to  them,  proud  of  their  wealth  and  power,  boafters  , 
 crafty  Foxes,  cruel  Lions,  and  the  more  of  tbefe  evils  doe  break 
 forth  againft  Gods  people,  the  more  (hould  the  danger  be  layd 
 before  God,  not  for  information  of  him  J  but  for  the  exone- 
 ration of  our  griefs,  tentations,  fears  and  dangers  before  God* 
 and  laying  of  our  care  upon  him  :  and  fo  much  the  more  alfo  is 
 vengeance  on  the  enemie,  and  the  delivery  of  the  godly  near 
 hand,  and  hopes  ofanfweringthe  prayers  put  up'againft  them, 
 are  the  more  made  certain,  as  the  ufc  of  the  wickedneffe  of  the 
 enemie  made  by  the  Prophet  here  doth  teach. 
 
 Ver.  1 3 .  Arife,  O  Lord,  dif appoint  him,  cap  him 
 down  :  deliver  myfvttl from  the  wickfdt  which-is-t^jr 
 Sword  : 
 
 14.  "From  men  which  are  thy  hand,  0  Lord  ,  from 
 men  of  the  world,  which  have  their  portion  in  this  life, 
 andwhofe  belly  thou  filleft  \fc/'r&  treafure  :  they  are  ful 
 of  children,  and  le  Ave  the  reft  of, their  fubftancero 
 their  babes. 
 
 The  Fourth  part  of  the  prayer  is,for  fruftrating  the  intention 
 of  the  enemy,  and  fetting  the  fupplicant  fre.e  from  the  danger. 
 
 1  Whence  lexrne,  1.  When  danger  is  moft  nigh  ,  God  is  more 
 nigh ,  and  he  can  fliortly  interpofe  himfelf ,  to  the  overturning 
 of  the  defigne  of  the  enemy,  and  to  the  ruine  of  the  enemy  him- 
 felfe:  he  can  quickly  arife,  and  dif appoint  b\m>  andcaft  bim  down. 
 
 j  2.  The  power  of  the  enemy  ftandeth  in  the  Lords  imploying 
 
 I  of  him  y  he  cannot  ftrike,  except  God  ftrike  by  him  $  therefore 
 he  is  called  Cjfods  fword.  3.  The  fhorteft  way  to  be  fafe  from 
 what  the  wicked  can  doej    is  prayer  to  God,    to  over-rule  him. 
 
 1  Therefore  faith  David,  Deliver  my  foul  from  the  wicked,  which  is 
 thy  fword.  4.  The  Lord  ordinarily  for  execution  of  wrath, 
 and  for  bard  tryals,  and  troubles  of  the  godly,  doth  in  bis  pre- 
 
 I  vidence  make  ufe  of  the  wicked  s  deliver  we,  faith  he,  from  men 
 which  are  thy  hand.  5.  The  wicked  neither  have,nor  doe  feek  any 
 felicity^    but  what  may  be  had  in  this  life ,  they  are  men  of  this 
 
 G  z  world? 
 
84  P  S  A  L.     XVIII. 
 
 wrld,  and.bxve  their  portion  in  tbk  life  ,  they  need  look  for  nq 
 more  good  then  they  finde  in  the  world,  and  tbat  is.,  a  poor,  and 
 lorry  happineffe.  6.  The  belly  full  of  fenfuallluft,  and  rareft 
 dimes,and  belt  meats  which  Gods  ftore-houfc  can  afford,  is  the 
 height  of  the  happineflc  of  a  poor  rich  worldling.In  bis  ownper- 
 fonjit  is  all  that  God  giveth  him  for  his  portion7',  and  which  the 
 Fool  bath  chofen,  even  the  filling  of  his  belly  with  Gods  hid  trea- 
 fure,ot  of  fome  rare  mear,  which  meaner  people  cannot  have, 
 and  therefore  it  is  called  Gods  hid  treafure.  7.  All  the  felicity 
 which  t6e  worldling  can  have,  in  the  point  of  honour  and 
 riches  to  himfelfe ,  and  his  poftericy,  is  worldly  wealth, 
 while  hee  liveth  ,  and  a  number  of  children  to  enjoy  his 
 wealth  after  him,  whether  they  fball  live  and  inherit  it,  whether 
 they  fliall  prove  wife  men  or  fools,  be  knowcthnot;  this  is 
 his  all;  for  in  Gods  favour  he  hath  no  intcreft  ;  heaven  he  hatb 
 nothing  to  doe  with  5  and  at  the  heft,  They  are  full  of  children 
 and  leave  the  reft  of  their  fubftance  to  their  babes. 
 
 Ver.15.  As  for  ipe,  I  will  behold  thy  face  in  righ- 
 teoufneffe:  1  jhall  be  fatisfied ,  when  I  awake  >  with 
 thy  likeneffe. 
 
 He  cioferh  his  prayer  comfortably,  with  the  hope  of  true  fe- 
 licity, in  fellowfliip  with  God.  Whence  learnc,i.  In  the  midft 
 of  whatfoever  worldly  trouble  the  godly  can  be  in,  his  hope  is 
 far  better  then  the  worldly  mans  poiTeffion  >  and  the  Prophet 
 here,  for  thiscaufe  doth  preferre  bis  prefent  condition*  being  in 
 danger  daily  of  his  life,  to  ail  his  enemies  profpnity,  faying, 
 by  way  or  oppefition,  As  forme,  I  will  behold  thy  face*  x  The 
 injoying  of  the  prcfence,  and  fenle  of  the  loving  kindneffe  of 
 the  Lord,  is  the  felicity  of  the  godly,  in  that  mealure  they  attain 
 ft ;  the  hope  whereof  upholds  the  belveevers  heart  in  the  dark- 
 eft  times  of  trouble.  As  for  me,  faich  he,  /  will  behold  thy  face:* 
 
 3.  The  enjoying  of  Godis  proper  only  unto  the  man  juftified 
 by  Raich,  and  endeavouring  to  live  righcecufly  ;  and  it  is  ri*h- 
 teoufneffc  with  God,  that  fucb  a  man  be  brought  to  the  enjoying 
 cf  his  hope.     I  will  behold  thy  face  in  rigbtcoufneffe  ,  faith  he. 
 
 4.  There  is  a  flcep  of  deadneffe  of  fpiric,  out  of  which  the  mi- 
 ning of  (jotss  loving  countenance  doth  awakeajbeleever ,  and 
 revive  die  fpiric  of  the  contrite  ones;  and  there  is  a  fbep 
 of  deaui  bodily,  out  of  which  the  loving  kiridnefle  of  the  Lord 
 Hull  awake  all  his  own,  in  the  day  of  the  refurrcdion  ,  when 
 he  fUall  fa  change  them  into  the  firmlicude  of  his  own  holine'flc 
 
 and 
 
P  S  A  L.  XVIII.  8f 
 
 and  glorious  felicity,  as  they  (lull  be  fully  contented  for  ever  • 
 and  this  fi:ft  and  fecond  delivery  out  of  all  trouble*  may  every 
 belcevercxpedand  promise  tohimfelfce*  Ijballbcfarisficd&ben 
 lamfe,  with  tby  liieneffe. 
 
 PSAL.    XVIII. 
 
 To  the  chief  Mufician.  A  Pfalm  of  David,  tbefervan  of  the  Lord, 
 who  (p*kc  mt0  %bz  Lord  the  words  of  this  fongjn  the  day  rhac 
 the  Lord  delivered  him  from  the  hand  of  all  his  enemies  ,  and 
 from  the  hand  of  Saul.  And  he  {aid. 
 
 David  in  thisPfalme,  as  a  Type  of  Chrift,    and  fel- 
 low partaker  of  the  fufferings  of  Chrift  in  his  my- 
 fticall  members,    and  of  deliveries  and  victories 
 over  his  and  their  enemies,  being  now  fetled  in 
 the  Kingdome,  praifeth  God  for  his  marvellous 
 mercies,  and  as  a  Type  of  Chrift,  he  propheciech 
 of  the  enlargementiand  ftabibity  of  his  own  King- 
 dome,  and  of  Chrifts  Kingdome,  reprefenccd 
 thereby;  and  firft  obligeth  himfelf  thankfully  to 
 depend  upon  God,  whatfoever  enemies  he  lhaj! 
 have  to  deal  withT  ver.  i,  2,  3.  Secondly,  he  gi- 
 vetha  feafon  of  his  refolution ,  from  the  experi- 
 ence of  rhe  Lords  delivering  of  him  out  of  his 
 deepeft  diftrefies,  ver. 4,  5.  to  ver.  19.  Thirdly  > 
 He  amplifieth  this  mercy,  acknowledging  that  this 
 was  a  fruit  of  his  faith  ,   and   righteous  dealing 
 with  his  party  adverfary  ;    the  like  whereof  eve- 
 ry beleever  might  expetf,  as  well  as  he  for  time 
 comming,  by  rcafon  of  this  bis  bygon  large  expe- 
 rience, from  ver.zo.  to  ver.  30.    Fourthly,  he  prai- 
 feth  God  in  particular,  for  the  experience  he  hath 
 had  in  time  bygone  in  warfare,   and  victories  in 
 battel,  to  ver. 43 .  Fifthly,  As  a  Type  of  Chrift,  he 
 G  3  pre* 
 
 * 
 
86  PSA  L.    XVIII. 
 
 promifeth  to  himfclfe  the  enlarge  merit  of  his  own 
 Kingdom,  and  prophefieth  of  the  enlargement  of 
 Chrifts  Kingdom  among  the  Gentiles,  for  which 
 he  praifeth  God  unto  the  end  of  the  Pfalme,  ver* 
 43, 44, 45, 46, 47' 43,  49,  5o. 
 In  the  Infcriptiop,  hetelleth  the  time,  and  occafion 
 of  his  writing  of  this  Song,**^^  learne,  1.  That 
 after  long  trouble  ,  theXord  will  give  his  chil- 
 dren reft  at  lad,  one  way  or  other ,  and  deliverie 
 from  all  tfceir  enemies,  as  here  is  given  to  David, 
 from  Saul  and  all  his  enemies.    2 .  When  the  Be- 
 leever  getteth  relaxation  from  trouble,  hie  (hould 
 fet  himfelf  to  glorifie  God  for  his  delivery  ,  and 
 give  evidence  of  bis  thankfulneffe ,    as  T)avid 
 doth  in  penning  of  this  Song,  when  God  delivered 
 him.  3. It  is  a  greater  honour  to  be  a  real  fervant 
 of  the  Lord  in  any  calling,  then  to  have  the  ho- 
 nour of  being  a  King,  noc  being  his  fervant:     fo 
 efteemed  David  when  he  made  this  Infcription  , 
 A  Pfalme  of  David  the  fervant  oj  the  Lord. 
 
 Ver.  1;  X  Will  love  thee^  O  Lord,  my  firength. 
 
 JL   2.  The  Lord  is  my  roc^  and  my  fortrefs,, 
 and  my  deliverer :  my  Cjod,  my  (Irength  in  whom  I 
 will  trufi,  my  buckler^  and  the  horn  of  my  (alvation^ 
 and  my  high  tower. 
 
 3.  I  will  call  upon  the  Lord,  who  is  worthy  to  be 
 praifed:  fo  (ball  I  be  favedfrom  mine  enemies. 
 
 In  the  firftpait  of  the  Pfalm^  he  fetletb  bis  refolution  yet 
 more  to  love  God,  to  believe  in  him?  and  to  worfhip  him  ftill 
 in  all  difficulties*  knowing  by  experience,  this  to  be  the  way 
 to  be  faved  from  all  his  enemies.  If  hence  le/trn,  1.  The  chief 
 fruit  of  faich,  and  end  of  C/ods  mercies  to  us>  is  to  grow  in 
 eftimation  of3  and  affo&ion  toward  God ;  for  fo  doth  7)Avtt, 
 faying?  1  will  love  thee,  O  Lord.  2.  Whatfoever  a  believer  ba.h 
 need  of,  that  will  the  Lord  fupply  3  that  will  the  Lord  be  him- 
 fclfe 
 
P  S  A  L.     XVIIL  87 
 
 felfeunto  him  according  to  his  need,  as  here  hee  is  David* 
 ftrength  in  weaknefie,  bis  rock  of  refuge,  when  he  ispurfucd* 
 his  fortretfejwhen  beiieged  •>  and  his  deliverer  when  in  txtrcam 
 danger.  3.  Experience  or"  the  Lords  faithrulnels,  andkind- 
 nefletous,  fhould  ton  firm  c  us  in  the  covenant  of  grace,  and 
 ftrengthen  our  refolution  to  believe  in  hm  ;  for  upon  this  ac- 
 count DaiWcalletb  the  Lord,  My  God,  my  ftrength,  in  whom  1 
 will  truft.  4.  When  the  believer  is  yoked  in  fight  with  whac- 
 foever  adverfary,  he  fliall  be  fure  to  have  defence  in  it,  delivery 
 out  of  it,  andjprefcrvation  after  it.  Therefore doth  David  glory- 
 in  God,  as  a  Buckler  to  beoppofed  to  all  biowej,  and  tbrowes 
 of  darts  from  adverfaries,  as  chejforw  of  bis  (alv Mien,  powerfully 
 fighting  for  his  delivery  and  vidory  :  And  as  bis  high  Tower* 
 whence  he  might  look  down,  and  defpife  all  the  wit,  malice,and 
 power  of  his  enemies.  5.  Prayer  and  invocation  of  God,  fhould 
 be  alwayes  joyncd  with  prayfes  and  thankfgiving^  and  ufed  a$ 
 a  means,  whereby  faith  may  ex:rad  the  good  which  it  knoweth 
 is  in  God,  and  of  which  he  hatb  made  prcmife,  1  will  call  upon 
 the  Lord  who  is  worthy  to  be  pray  fed.  6.  Delivery,  fafety,  and 
 peace  may  the  believer  exped,  as  the  anfwer  of  his  invocation 
 upon  God.  Sofhallbcfafe  from  mine  enemy. 
 
 Ver.4.  The  forrows  of death  compared  me ,  and  the 
 Jlouds  of  ungodly  men  made  me  afraid* 
 
 5.  The  forrovces  of  hell  com  faffed  me  about :  the 
 fnares  of  death  prevented  me, 
 
 Inthefecond  part,  he  bringech  forth  his  experience,  where" 
 by  he  was  encouraged  unto  the  forefaid  duties.  Whence  learn s 
 1.  Although  the  word  of  God  be  infinitely  fure,  and  true  in  ic 
 felfe,  yet  expeiie  nceoftbe  truth  thereof,  helpeth  much  to  ftreng- 
 then our  griping  thereof,  3nd  toebcriih  hope,  as  here  is  decla- 
 red. 2.  The  believer  in  his  cxeicife,  may  be  put  hard  to  it, 
 and  brought  in  fight  of  apparent  peri  living,  of  foule  and  body$ 
 while  men  feek  his  life,  God  for  a  time  hidetb  his  face  :  for 
 7) Avid  felt  deadly  fears,  and  wXcream  torment  of  foul  5  even 
 tbeforrows  of  death,  tbeforrows  ofbelL  and  the  fnares  of  death 
 pHventinghim^  that  be  could  not  get  free  from  them. 
 
 Ver.  6.  In  my  diflreffe  J  called  upon  the  Lord,  and 
 cried  unto  mj  God:  he  heard  my  voice  out  of  his  temple, 
 and  my  cry  cartie  before  himy  even  into  his  ears, 
 
 0  4  He 
 
88  P  S  A  L.    XVIIL 
 
 He  hath  fet  down  the  ftrait  he  was  in;,  now  he  fettetb  down 
 the  mean  be  ufecftobe  relieved,  to  wic,  prayer  to  God,  as  in 
 covenant  with  him  5  and  how  he  was  mercifully  heard  through 
 Cbrift.  Whence  learn,  i.  No  ftrait  is  fuch  but3  God  can  de- 
 liver out  of  it,  no  cafe  is  fodefperate,  as  to  make  prayer  need-, 
 lefle  or  ufelefle  :  for  'David  faith  in  bis  deepeft  diftreffc,  1  called 
 on  the  Lord.  z.  It  is  neceffary  not  to  give  over,  when  help  is 
 delayed  j  yea,  it  is  neceffary  to  grow  more  fervent,  and  for  this 
 end  to  lay  hold  on  the  covenant  of  reconciliation,  and  upon 
 God  in  covenant  with  us  :  for  hee  addeth,  1  cried  to  my  God. 
 3.  By  vertue  of  Chrifts  facrifice,  and  bis  interceflion,  notice 
 is  taken  of  prayer  gracioufly,  and  anfwer  comech  to  the  belie- 
 ver 5  for  he  addeth,  He  beard  my  voice  out  of  bit  temple,  and  my 
 cry  came  before  bim}  even  unto  his  ears  5  He  pointeth  at  the  Tem- 
 ple, in  regard  of  the  Ark,  and  other  figures  reprefencing  Chrill 
 in  his  interceflion  for  us  in  heaven. 
 
 Vct.yJThenthe  earth /book  and  trembled-,  the  foun- 
 dations uljQ  of  the  hils  moved  and  were  fhakeny  becavfe 
 he  Was  wroth. 
 
 8.  The  re  went  up  a  fmoakjut  of  hid  noflrilsy  and  fire 
 out  of  his  motfth  devoured,  coles  were  kindled  by  it. 
 
 9.  He  bowed  the  heavens  alfo,  and  came  down  : 
 and  darkneffe  was  under  his  feet. 
 
 10.  And  he  rod  upon  a  cheruby  and  didfiie  ;  jest, 
 he  didfiie  upon  the  wings  of  the  wind. 
 
 11.  He  made  darkneffe  his  fecret  place.-  his  pa- 
 vilion round  about  him,  were  darkj^aters^  and  thicks 
 clouds  of  the  skjes. 
 
 12.  At  the  brightneffe  that  was  before  himy  his 
 hick^clouds  paffedy  hail-Rnnes  and  coales  of  fire. 
 
 j  3.  The  Lordalfo  thundred  in  the  heavens ,  anh  the 
 Higheft  gave  his  voice ,  hail  (tones  and  coales  of  fire* 
 
 14.  Tea,  he  fent  out  his  arrows,  and fcatteredthem^ 
 andhefljot  out  lightnings ,  and  di [comfit ed  them. 
 
 1 5 .  Then  the  chanels  of  waters  were  feen,  and  the 
 foundations  of  the  world  were  difcovered :  at  thy  re- 
 
 buke^ 
 
PSAL.  XVIII.  8p 
 
 &&ktt  OLord,  at  the  bl a  ft  of  the  breath  if  thy  m- 
 firils. 
 
 The  manner  of  his  delivery  is  fee  downc  in  comparative 
 fpecches,  alluding  to  the  moft  glorious  manifeftations  which 
 ever  God  gave  of  himfelfc,  inMounc  Sinai,  or  in  the  dayes  of 
 $ojbua,  or  in  the  dayes  of  the  fudges,  or  Samuel,  all  which 
 glorious  manifeftations  of  God  to  his  people,  David  efteemeth 
 co  be  re-a&ed  in  the  wonderfulneffe  of  his  delivery  j  fo  as 
 he  thinks  he  may  juftiy  compare  the  wonders  lhewn  in  bis  pre- 
 lervacion  from  bis  enemies,  to  any  of,  or  to  all  Gods  former 
 wonders,  in  faving  his  people.  Whence  learn,  i.  Although 
 our  naturall  ftupiaity,  unbdiefe,  and  enmity  againft  God, 
 do  extenuate  tru  works  of  Gods  providence  about  his  children* 
 yet  the  believer  fhouid  look  upon  them  with  a  fpirituall,  and 
 difcerning  eye,  and  ihould  fo  fet  them  forth  to  others,  as  David 
 doth  here*  2.  The  moft  fenfible  mutations  in  heaven  and 
 earth,  are  not  fo  obferved  by  the  blind  world,  as  a  loul  illu. 
 minate  with  fpirituall  light,  will  obferve  Gods  fpirituall  provi- 
 dence in  his  works  towards  his  people,  and  toward  himfelf,  as 
 here  'Davids  example  doth  fhew.  3.  The  biftory  of  the  Lords 
 redeeming  of  his  Church,  fee  down  in  Scripture,  and  by  David, 
 alluded  unto,  may  be  iecn  in  Gods  particular  dealing  with  his 
 children,  as  very  like  to  the  fame,  and  as  appendicles  of  the 
 fame  work  repeated.  This  is  imported  in  ^Davids  re-calling 
 comemory  what  is  faid,  Exod.9.  23,24.  and  9.18.  zfojb.io. 
 11,  $tldg.  5.  4.  1tfdOT.12.18.  concerning  the  Lords  manife- 
 fting  ot  bimfelfe.  4.  The  terribleneffc  of  (jod  coming  to 
 judge  his  enemies,  is  a  mitter  of  confolation  to  the  believer, 
 and  of  praife  to  God  :  as  here  is  fet  down. 
 
 Ver.  1 6-  He  fent  from  above ,  he  tool^  we$  he  drew 
 me  out  of  many  waters. 
 
 17.  He  delivered  me  from  mj  ftrong  enemy,  and 
 from  them  which  hated  me  :  for  they  were  too  ftrong  for 
 me. 
 
 18.  They  prevented  me  in  the  day  of  my  calamity  : 
 but  the  Lord  was  my  (lay. 
 
 19.  He  brought  me  forth  alfo  into  a  large  flact : 
 he  delivered  me,  becanfe  he  delighted  in  me. 
 
 Now 
 
96  PSAL,     XVIII. 
 
 Now  he  drawcth  forth  his  delivery  in  lower  companions, 
 and  more  proper  words,  for  the  more  clear  capacity  of  the 
 Church  j  to  wit,  that^C/od  delivered  him  as  one  in  perill  of 
 drowning,  vsr.  1 6.  As  helping  a  weak  man  fromaftrong  pat- 
 ty, w.i  7.  As  upholding  a  man  circumvented*  and  ready  to 
 fall  and  fail,  ver.iK.  And  fetting  a  man  free  from  all  dan- 
 gerjiw.x?.  Whence  learn,  1.  Our  weakneffe  in  the  time  of 
 our  delivery*  commendeth  Gods  power,  as  Davids  delivery  is 
 magnified,  becaufe  it  was  as  a  drawing  of  him  out  of  many  wa- 
 ters, where  hew  as  li\c  to  drown,  z.  Whether  God  ufe  means 
 or  not  in  our  deliveries,  the  work  muft  ever  be afcribed  to  him 
 alone.  Hcfentfrom  above,  and  uoJi  me  out.  3.  Power  of  ad- 
 verfaries  will  not  hinder  Gods  helping  band  J  he  can,  and  doth 
 ufually  deliver  his  own  from  them  that  are  too  fir ong  for  them. 
 4.  Afoulfenfibleof  Gods  merciful!  work,  cannot  fatisfie  it 
 felfe  with  exprcflions  about  it.  And  as  many  new  confiderati- 
 ons  as  a  believer  hath  of  the  circumftances  of  a  mercy,  as  ma- 
 ny new  mercies  doth  he  fee  5  therefore  is  iz  that  David  repeater  h 
 the  fame  work  of  deliverance  in  moe  and  moe  new  cxpreffions, 
 and  cannot  expreffe  himfelfe  in  one  word,  with  fatisfadion  to 
 himfelfe.  $«  When  a  man  is  inclofed,  and  prevented  from  e- 
 fcaping  out  of  trouble,  faith  would  faiie,  and  then  dafpairc 
 mould  follow,  if  God  did  not  interpofe  himfelfe,  and  did  not 
 furnifh  ftrength  in  this  difficulty.  David  being  thus  circumven- 
 ted, faith,  But  the  Lord  was  my  flay.  6. The  Lord  doth  not  leave 
 his  work  about  bis  own^til  he  perred  it, but  he  complcateth  their 
 delivery  ere  he  ceafe,  and  dotb  crown  his  mercy  with  joy  :  To 
 exprefs  tbiSjPawffaitbjHe  brought  me  forth  alfo  imo<a  Urge  place. 
 
 Vcr.  1 9.  He  brought  me  forth  alfo  into  a  large 
 place  :    he  delivered  me,  becaufe  he  delighted  in  me. 
 
 20.  The  Lord  rewarded  me  according  to  my  righ- 
 ieoufneffe :  according  to  the  cleanneffe  of  my  hands 
 hath  he  recompenfed  me. 
 
 21.  For  I  have  kept  the  wayes  of  the  Lord%  and 
 have  not  -wickedly  departed  from  my  God. 
 
 22.  For  all  his  judgments  were  before  me:  and  I 
 did  not  put  away  his  Statutes  from  me. 
 
 23.  /  was  alfo  upright  before  him  ;  and  I  kepi  my 
 felfe  from  mine  iniquity. 
 
 14,  Thtrei 
 
P  S  A  L.    XVIII.  91 
 
 24.  Therefore  hath  the  Lord  recompenfed  me  ac- 
 cording to  my  rigbteovfncjfe yac  cording  to  the  righteouf0 
 nejfeof  mj  hands  in  his  eye  fight. 
 
 The  third  part  of  the   Pfalme  ,    wherein  hee   goeth  on 
 to  amplifie  mercy  fundry  waves ,  and  firft   from  the  caufe 
 of  it,  which  is  the  mecr  good  will  and  love  of  God.     Wbenct 
 learn,  1.  That  the  caufe  of  any  mercy  fhewn  to  us,  is  not  to  be 
 found  in  us,  but  in  Gods  free  love*  He  delivered  me,  becaufi 
 bedeligbtedin  me.  2.  The  belief  of  Gods  love  fweetnetb  an4 
 commendeth  the  mercy  exceedingly :  The  delivery  here  is  greats 
 but  this  word,    becaufe  be  delighted  in  me,  is  far  more  fweec* 
 verfio.     There  is  another  puint  of  amply fying  the  mercy  of 
 hisprefervationand  delivery,  in  the  cleaving  of  his  innocency* 
 and  freeing  of  him  from  the  flinders  «rf  ungratitude  ,  rebel- 
 lion, treachery  againft  his  Father  in  law,  and  his  Prince,  whidi 
 was  the  fruit  06  another  grace  of  God,  given  unto  him,  to  wit, 
 righteoufneffe  and  innocency,  in  relation  to  his  enemies,  verf* 
 20.  and  a  ftudy  to  keep  Gods  commands,. vcr  21.  and  the  fear 
 of  God  faftening  him  to  Gods  StacureSj  vzr.  22.   and  iineene 
 and  tender  walking  with  God?  and  watching  over  the  fin  whka 
 did  moftbefec  him,  ver.13.  where  his  delivery  from  his  ene- 
 mies, and  clearing  his  innocency  from  calumnies,   was  a  gra- 
 cious rewards  ver.zq.     iVhevce  learn,  1.  In  a  good  caufe?  it  is 
 neceiTary  we  have  a  good  carriage,  left  we  marre  cur  caufe,  and 
 our  com  fort  alfo:    For  David  itudied  righteoufneffe  and  clean* 
 ncjfe  ofbands,in  relarion  ro  his  enemies,  when  he  was  moft  un- 
 juttly  perfected.     2.  A  godly  behaviour  in  a  good  caufe  Hull 
 not  want  the  frui: :  F-r  :he  free  love  of  God  rewarded  David 
 according  to  bis  righteoufneffe.      2.   The  cmfcience  of  a  gcdlj 
 behaviour  in   time  of    perfecution,  is  twice  profitable  :  once 
 under  the  criall  and  trouble,  it  do:h  fupport :  a^atn,  after  the 
 delivery?  the  looking  back  upon  it,  di^.h  comfort,  as  here  is 
 fhewn.     4.   As  we  nVuid  at  all  times  take  heeu  to  our  conver- 
 fation,   fo  in  fpecull,  when  by  perfecution  we  are  troubled; 
 for  a  good  caufe  ;   For  now  we  arc  upon  the  triall  cF  our  faitfi^ 
 patience?   wifedome ,   and  other  graces,  as  David  was  :    and 
 fhoulddo  as  he  doth  here.      ?.  We  have  fpeciali  rules  of  good 
 behaviour  fet  down  in  Davids  example  5  firft,  we  mutt  be  furc 
 to  follow  fuch  wayes?  as  Gods  word  dach  allow,  that  we  may 
 fay?  I  have  £ep*  the  wayes  of  the  Lcrd.     Secondly,  if  in  our  in- 
 firmity, we  be  tnilcamed  at  any  time,  wemuft  notperfift  in  a 
 
 wrong 
 
9*  P  S  A  L.  XVIll. 
 
 wrong  courfe,  buc  return  to  the  way  of  Gods  obedience?  Tha* 
 we  may  fay,  1  have  not  wickedly  departed  from  my  God,  neither  I 
 /  in  the  point  of  belief,  nor  pi  adticall  obedience.      Thirdly,  we 
 muft  fee  all  the  commands  of  §rod,  and  his  written  judgements 
 before  us,  to  beobferved,  one  as  well  as  another,   and  muft 
 have  refped  to  Gods  tbreatned,  and  executed  judgments  sjfoj 
 that  we  may  fay  with  *Davidy  Alibis  judgements  were  before  mey 
 and  J  did  not  put  away  his  flames  fromme.  Fourthly/  We  muft 
 ftudy  fincerity  in  our  carriage,  doing  good  adions  well  from 
 right  principles,  and  for  the  right  end,  that  we  may  fay,    I  was 
 alfo  upright  before  him.   Fifthly,  We  muft  keep  fhid  watch  o- 
 ver  our  wicked  nature,  and  moft  raging  paffions  and  a  fled  i-? 
 ons,  left  they  break  our*  that  our  confeience  may  not  contra- 
 did  us,  when  we  fay,  1  have  \{tpt  my  fitifc  frm  mine  iniquity. 
 6.  Ic  is  wifdome  to  joyne  one  mercy  with  another,  in  our  rec- 
 koning, that  we  may  fay  that  we  have  gotten  grace  for  grace,  as 
 David  doth  acknowledge.   That  as  God  h 'd  given  to  him  grace 
 to  itudy  rigbteoumefle  and  innocency ,  fo  hxd  he  rccompenfed  htm 
 according  to  his  rigbteoufnejfe.     j.  When  the  world  would  bury 
 our  innocency  with  flanders,  u  is  lawfull    and  expedient    to 
 defend  our  own  good  name,    and  tofpeak  andwiitc   in  de- 
 fence of  it,  as  David  doth  here. 
 
 Ver,  25.  With  the  mercifnll  then  wilt  jhew  thy 
 felfe  mercifully  with  an  upright  man  tho  wilt  {hew  thy 
 felj e  upright. 
 
 2d.  With  the  pure  thou  wilt  [hew  thy  felfe  pure,  and 
 with  tbefroVPard  thou  wilt  /hew  thy  felfe  fr award. 
 
 27.  For  thou  wilt fave  the  affiled  peoplei  but  wilt 
 bring  downe high y  looks. 
 
 From  his  owne  experience  he  draweth  up  a  generall  dedrine, 
 concerning  the  Lords  holy,  juft,  and  wile  manner  of  dealing 
 with  all  men,  according  :o  their  carriage  cowards  him.  Whence 
 learne,  1.  The  experiences  which  any  of  the  Saints  have  ,  of 
 the  efFeds  of  Gods  Word,  are  proofs  of  the  certainty  of  Gods 
 promifes  and  tbreatnings,  and  pawns  of  the  like  effeds  to  fol- 
 low unto  othen  >  For  here  David  draweth  a  generail  dodrine 
 from  his  particular  experience.  2,.  As  a  man  would  have  a 
 meeting  from  God, fo  muft  he  ftudy  to  behave  himfelfe  to- 
 ward God  and  man,  for  Godscaufe  5  for  with  the  bountifully 
 mercifull,  upright  and  pure,  he  will  deal  accordingly.  3.  Who- 
 mever (hall  walke  contrary  unto  God?  and  drive  wito  him  t  or 
 
 will 
 
P  b  A  L.    XVIU.  93 
 
 will  not  fubmit  themfelves  unto  him,  he  (hall  walke  contrary 
 ,  |i  unto  them,  and  punifh  them  feven  times  more,  becaufe  of  theic 
 v  flubberneffes/cr toward thefroward be wilfhewbimfelffroivarA, 
 4.  Albeit  the  godly  be  for  a  while  affii&ed,  and  ihe  wick- 
 ed do  profper,  yet  after  the  affliction  of  the  godly,  falvation  (hall 
 come  to  them  5  and  after  the  profperity,  vaine  and  proud  glo- 
 riation  of  the  wicked,  their  deftru&ion /hall  follow,  For  be  will 
 five  the  afflifted  people,  but  will  bring  downe  high  looofe- 
 
 Ver.  28.  For  thou  wilt  light  my  candle  ,  the  Lori 
 my  God  Will  enlighten  my  darknejfe. 
 
 From  bygon  experience  he  ftrengthens  his  own  hope  of  fur- 
 ther experience  thereafter^  need  mould  require.  Wlience  kirn* 
 1.  Beleevers  being  delivered  out  of  many  bygon  tvoub!cs,muft 
 not  promife  to  themfeftes  exemption  from  new  troubles  here* 
 after,  but  rather  make  tbemfelves  ready  for  new  exercife  ,  and 
 more  fad  paffages  of  Gods  difpenfadons  towards  them.  For  Ptf- 
 ij/Wprefuppofeth  here,  that  he  may,  yea,  and  that  he  (hall  be 
 thereafter  in  darfyiefle,  and  want  for  a  while  the  Candle  light  of 
 confolation.  2.  As  the  godly  man  may  exped  croflks,  fo  may 
 he  be  furealfoof  as  many  confolations,and  fweet  feafoningsof 
 his  troubles,  and  deliverances  out  of  tbtm  ;  fo  that  hemayfay, 
 both  before  trouble  come,  and  in  the  midft  of  ic,  The  Lord  Vfill 
 light  my  Qandle*  and  my  God  mil  enlighten  myjarlyiejfe. 
 
 Ver.  29.  For  by  thee  I  have  runthrough  a  trcuf  :  and 
 by  my  God  have  I  leaped  over  a  wall. 
 
 Here  is  another  part  o^bis  experience,  concerning  bis  vido- 
 fies  and  good  fucceffe  in  battel,  the  glory  whereof  he  afcribes  al- 
 together to  God-  Wbenceleaxne,  1.  Although  the  courage,  va- 
 lour and  fucceffe  of  all  fouldiers  is  from  the  Lord  ,  yet  only  the 
 beleever  doth  give  Grd  the  glory  thereofas  Vivid  here.  2.Na- 
 turall  courage  ,  and  whatfoeyer  mtaCure  a  man  may  have  of  it, 
 now  and  then,  may  faint  and  fail  altogether ,  when  it  meetetb 
 with  very  ilrong  oppefkion  5  But  the  fpiruuall  courage  which 
 is  from  Faith,  is  from  a  more  fure  ground  ,  and  will  not  faile, 
 when  faith  fetreib  it  on,  whacfoever  be  the  apparent  difficulty, 
 for  by  Faith  in  God  David  was  made  to  run  through  a  troupe,  or 
 leap  over  a  wait  into  a  Town,  full  of  his  enemics,wnh  afiurance 
 of  vidory. 
 
 Ver.jc  As  for  Gcdjjis  way  is  ferfeVt;the  word  of  the 
 
 Lord, 
 
S>4  PSAL     XVIII. 
 
 Lord  is  tried :  he  is  a  Bnckjcr  to  all  thofe  that  truft  in 
 him. 
 
 31.  For  Who  \s  Godfave  the  Lord  ?  or  who  is  a  roc k^ 
 fave  our  God  ? 
 
 The  Fourth  part  of  the  Pfalme,  wherein  he  praifeth  the  Lord 
 exprtfly,  for  what  he  had  found  in  him  $  and  in  this  he  is  a  fpc- 
 /tialltypeof  Chrift,  in  his  conqueft  and  vi&ories.  Therea- 
 fons  of  his  piaifing,  are  four,  fet  down  in  order.  Wbentt  learn, 
 I,  The  conftant,  equable^  and  old  way  of  Gods  dealing  with 
 tbofetbat  beleevein  him,  is  a  matter  of  Gods  praife,  and  a 
 reafon  why  the  experience  of  one  beleever  may  be  a  ground  of 
 hope  for  another,  to  finde  the  like,  becaufe  ic  is  faid  here  ,  tAs 
 for  Goiy  bis  way  is  perfeft.  This  is  one  reafon  of  his  praife*  and 
 of  the  beleevers  hope.  2.  In  all  times  by-gon3  experience  hath 
 proved  the  word  of  the  Lord  to  be  moft  folidly  true.  Which 
 ferveth  for  the  fecond  reafon  of  praifing  God,  and  grounding  of 
 our  hope  5  the  word  of  the  Lord  is  try  ed.  3.  There  is  none  of 
 the  beleevers  excepted  from  the  benefit  of  his  promifesj  which 
 is  a  third  reafon  of  Gods  praife,and  of  our  hoytyforbe  is  a  buck- 
 ler to  all  tbofe  thai  truft  in  bim*  He  is  a  defence  which  we  may 
 tonftantly  carry  along  with  lis,  where  ever  wegoe3  and  make 
 ufeofbispower  and  love,  as  of  a  buckler  in  all  conflicts.  4-  A 
 fourth  reafon  of  Gods  praife,  and  ground  of  our  hope  is  ,  that 
 as  there  is  no  true  Religion,  nor  true  Faith  fave  one,  fo  there  is 
 no  true  God  fave  oneiy  one,  whofe  true  and  tryed  word, is  with 
 his  true  Church  and  Saints,  who  beleevc  in  bim  ;  For  who  is 
 god  fave  the  Lord,  or  who  is  a  rock  fave  mr  Cjed  i  f.  There  is 
 no  fountain  of  comfort,or  of  ftrength  or  delivery,fave  the  Lord, 
 of  whomonely  all  things  have  their  being:  for  who  is  God 
 fave  the  Lord  £  6.  There  is  no  ground  to  build  our  confi- 
 dence and  felicity  upon,  fave  God  alone,  who  is  in  Covenanc 
 through  Ghrift  with  us ;  who  is  a  rock,  few  our  G°d  ? 
 
 Ver.  32.  It  is  God  that  girdethme  with  ftrength , 
 and  mak?th  my  way  perfefL 
 
 33.  He  maketh  my  feet  like  hindes  feet,  andfetteth 
 r/;e  upon  my  high  places. 
 
 34.  Be  teachethrny  hands  to  War 9fo  that  a  bow  of 
 ft  eel  is  broken  by  mine  arms. 
 
 zf9    ThoH  haft  alfo given  me  thejbield  of  thy  falva- 
 
 tion^ 
 
PSAL.  XVIII.  95 
 
 tion\  and  thy  right  hand  hath  holden  me  up ,    and  thy 
 gentleneffe  hath  made  me  great. 
 
 36.  Thou  hafi  enlarged  my  fiefs  tinker  me ;  that  my 
 feet  did  not  (lip. 
 
 He  gocth  on  to  reckon  the  furniture,  and  ability  for  warre, 
 which  the  Lord  did  give  to  him.  Whence  team,  1 .  The  man  of 
 God  muft  refolve  to  be  a  man  of  war,  and  to  yoke  with  adverfa- 
 ries  of  one  fort  or  other  5  Such  as  was  David,  and  Chrift  ,  and 
 his  followers  reprcfented  by  him.  2.  The  man  whom  the  Lord 
 fendeth  out  to  fight  his  Battels,  he  will  arme  him  compleatly 
 from  head  to  foot  $  He  will  gird  him  with  ftrength,  and  mafa  hi  s 
 myplaineandperfcft  *  he  will  make  his  feet  fwift,  hewitlfurnijh 
 him  with  a  retiring;  place  on  high,  he  will  furnijh  him  with  a  Bow  of 
 (teely  and  with  all  armes  ofFenfive  ,  and  will  enable  him  with 
 more  skill  and  ftrength  then  to  make  ufe  of  them  jhe  will  furnifh 
 him  alfo  with  aflneld  0//j/xuti<m,whichfhalfave  him  in  effc&;& 
 with  all  arms  defenfive,  and  uphold  him  by  his  right  hand,whert 
 he  is  like  to  be  overcomejand  by  his  tender  care  of  him,wil  make 
 him  a  great  man,  a  valiant  man  of  war,  and  held  him  on  his  feet, 
 that  he  fall  not  in  his  fervice.  Whereof  David  here  bath  ex- 
 perience in  his  warfare,  bodily  and  fpirituall.  3.  What  God 
 hath  done  for  a  man3  will  be  better  (een  after  the  trouble  is  end- 
 ed, then  in  the  mean  time.  The  back-look  upon  the  Lords  af- 
 fiftance  is  molt  clear.  As  here  T>avid  giveth  the  cleaieft  compc 
 of  Gods  afiiftance,  when  his  experience  is  reviewed.  4.  Aj]  the 
 furnitures  of  fpirituall  armour,  in  our  fpirituall  warfare,  which 
 Jiere  is  chiefly  aimed  at,  is  oniy  from  the  Lord  $  for  he,  even 
 be  only  is  here  declared  the  fi|mi(her  thereof ,  and  without  him 
 the  man  is  altogether  weak,  wuleffe  and  naked* 
 
 37.  I  have  purfued  mine  enemies  and  overtaken 
 them  :  neither  did  Iturne  againe  till  they  were  confu- 
 ted. 
 
 38.  /  have  wounded  them  that  they  were  not  able  H 
 rife :    they  are  fallen  under  my  feet. 
 
 39.  For  thou  haft  girded  me  with  ftrength  unto  the 
 battel :  thou  haft  fubdued  under  me  thofe  that  refe  up 
 again  ft  me. 
 
 40.  Thou  haft \alfo  given  me  the  necks  of  mine  ene- 
 mies j  that  I  might  deftroy  them  that  hate  me* 
 
 Here 
 
96  psa  l;  XVIII. 
 
 Here  he  maketb  mention  of  the  vi&ories  which  God  gave 
 to  him,  as  a  Type  of  Chrift,  over  all  bis  enemies.  iVbence 
 learn,  i.  Ic  was  revealed  ro  David,  that  as  he  himfelfehad,  fo 
 alfo  Chrift  mould  have  many  enemies,  and  mould  fight  againft 
 them,  and  prevaile  over  them,  and  make  all  his  followers  vi- 
 ftorious  over  them  all ;  That  he  mould  purfue  his,  and  their 
 enemies,  in  every  age,  and  net  turn  again  till  they  flail  be  cpw- 
 fumed,  as  is  ver  ^7.  till  he  cajt  them  down,  that  they  be  not  able  to 
 fifetverf.1%.  till  he  hath  fubdued  [hem  all  under  his  feet,  and 
 ours,  ver.  5  9.  till  he  have  ta\en  them  captives  and  deftroyed  them, 
 vcr.40.  For  Chrifts  vi dories  are  common  to  him  and  his  fol- 
 lowersy  in  as  far  as  their  welfare  is  for  him,  and  he  is  ingaged 
 to  fight  our  battels  for  us,  or  by  us,  as  he  fees  fit. 
 
 Vcr.41.  They  cried.but  there  was  none  tofave  them : 
 even  unto  the  Lord,  but  he  anfrveredthem  not. 
 
 42.  Then  did  I  beat  them  fmall  as  the  Auft  before 
 the  wind:  I  did  caft  them  out,  as  the  dirt  in  the 
 fireets. 
 
 In  the  type  of  fome  paffages  of  fome  fevere  juftice  which 
 David  did  execute  againft  his  enemies,  he  fettetb  forth  the  cer- 
 tain deftrudion  of  Chrifts  enemies,  in  judgement  mercileffe. 
 Whence  learn,  1.  That  whofoever  do  look  for  releafe  out  of 
 their  trouble,  and  that  not  through  Chrift,  fhal(  have  no  releafe - 
 at  all.  Though  they  cry,  there  flail  be  none  tofave  them.  z.  Ic 
 may  be  iome  may  think  tbcmfelves  i^iends  to  God,  and  God  a 
 friend  to  them,  and  pray  to  him,  albeit  they  be  enemies  to 
 Chrift  J  but  that  prayer  which  is  put  up  to  Cjod  without  recon- 
 ciliation made  through  Chrift,  foil!  be  rejeded-  Though  they 
 cry  to  the  Lord,  he  flaUnot  anjmrthem.  $.  If  menpurfued 
 by  Chrift  for  their  enmity  againft  him,  (hall  nor,  under  the 
 rod  at  leaftjXurn  to  him,  there  rcmaineth  nothing  for  tbein, 
 but  that  they  Be  utterly  deftroyed,  and  as  it  were  beaten  as  (mat 
 as  the  du ft.  4.  The  obiHnate  enemies  of  Chrifts  Kingdome 
 fliall  periftiftiamefully,  and  as  they  have  defpifed  the  blood  of 
 Chrift,  and  of  his  fcrvanrs,  fo  (hall  the  Lord  defpife  them-; 
 .  He  flail  aft  them  out  to  the  dirt  in  the  fireets. 
 
 Ver.  43  -  Thou  hs.ft  delivered  me  from  the  firivings 
 of  the  people^  and  thou  haft  made  me  the  head  of  the 
 heathen :  a  people  whom  /  have  not  known  jhall  ferve 
 me. 
 
 44.   Affoon 
 
PSAL    XVIII.  9j 
 
 44.  Affoon  as  they  hear  of  n?e,  they  Jhall obey  me  s  m 
 the  ftrangers  Jljall ftibmh  themfelves  unto  trie. 
 
 In  the  fifth  and  laft  part  of  tbc  Pfalm,  he  promifetb  to  binr 
 fclfe  the  fctling  and  enlargement  of  his  own  Kin^d'jme^  and 
 prophefietb  alfo  of  Chrifts  Kingdome  reprefenred  thereby. 
 JVbmce learn,  1 .  As  was  Davids,  iois  Chrifts  Kingdom,  iub- 
 jc&tointcftinecommotionsyiumulcs  and  diffentions  j  as  in  the 
 one  there  was,  fo  in  the  other  hith  been,  and  will  be  conten- 
 tions, and  ftrivingsof  tbc  people,  raifed  by  Satana  foftercd  by 
 wicked  hypocrites,  and  by  the  corruption  cf  the  Lords  chil- 
 dren. 2.  Such  ftriving  and  difiention  do  put  our  Lords  King- 
 dome  inafortof  hafcird,  if  we  look  to  fecond  caules,  fo  as 
 '  there  will  be  need  of  Gods  help  for  a  delivery  from  it.  But  the 
 Kingdome  of  Chrift /hall  ftand  for  all  thatj  notwithstanding 
 tbcfe  contentions,  that  it  may  ftill  be  faid  of  his  Kingdom,  2$ 
 :  it  is  fiid  here  of  the  typicall  Kingdome,  and  is  propbelied  of 
 1  Chrifts  Kingdome ,  Thou  baft  delivered  me  from  tbc  ftrivings  of 
 the  people.  3-  To  the  Pipphec  it  was  revealed,  that  Chrifts 
 Kfngd^riewas  nottoremaine  ftraitned  within  the  bounds  of 
 •fudea,  but  to  be  extended  to  the  Gentiles,  over  whom  Cbrift 
 was  to  rtlgn,  and  now  hath  he  a  long  time  rcign'd.  The  Father 
 as  he  made  David  the  Type,  (ohath  he  mxdc  Chrift  head  of  the 
 heathen.  4.  The  wickedneffe  of  a  peifon  or  people*  whofe 
 !  works  have  been  moll  loathfome  to  the  Lord,  cannot  hinder 
 1  him  to  ihew  mercy  to  them  through  Chrift,  when  hce  plea ^ethi 
 i  to  convert  then.  For  be  hath  faid,  A  people  whom  I  have  not 
 known,  Jhall  ferve  me  :  which  hath  oft-times  come  to  pafl'e,  and. 
 j  will  yet  more  bee  ken  effectually.  J.  The  word  of  the 
 Lord  is  the  Scepter  of^is  Kingdome,  the  fword  whereby  he 
 fubdueth  people  to  bimfelf  5  asfoon  as  they  hearofmc,  faith  the 
 Lord,  in  the  mouth  of  his  Type,  and  Prophet,  thfiy  Hull  obey 
 me.  6.  The  more  room  the  word  gets  in  a  mans  heir  t5  and 
 the  fooner  it  bee  believed  and  obeyed,  after  tignitkation  of 
 Gods  will  to  him  by  his  word,  the  more  kindly  istheconverli- 
 on,  aud  the  more  of  the  Lords  power  is  evidenced  :  as 
 here  is  imported  in  affoon  as  they  hear  of  me.  7.  When  Chrift 
 fubdueth  Nations  to  bimfelfe  by  his  word,  and  doth  convert 
 the  eled,  or  his  own  redeemed  ones:  ftrangers  in  heart  will 
 come  alfo  outwardly  unto  the  fociety  of  his  Church  and  King- 
 dome,  though fainedly.  The  ftrangers  jhall  fubmit  tbmfc'vcs 
 tome9,  fainedly  as  che  word  imporeeth      8,  Eycn  this  outward 
 
 H  effcr 
 
9%  P  S  A  L.    XVIII. 
 
 offer  of  fubmiffion  to  Onfts  Kingdome*  made  by  ftranaers, 
 coming  to  the  vifible  Church,  is  not  refufed,  but  received  pro 
 tanto,  and  made  a  mi  tcr  of  glorifying  of  Chrift.  The gran- 
 gers fhall  faincdly  fubmit  tbemCelves  to  me.  For  it  is  no  Imall 
 glory  to  Chnft  ihat  cbe  Maj  ftyof  his  Word  and  Ordinan- 
 ces, doth  make  many  ftoop  before  him,  who  are  not  turned 
 trutiy  unto  him.  Mean  time,  albeit  by  encring  into,  and  fub- 
 mitting  to  the  externall  covenant,  a  man  be  admitted  into  the 
 vifib^  Church,  and  outer  Court  of  Gods  boufe,  yet  not  with- 
 out ivall  converfion  is  a  man  made  a  member  of  the  invifiblc 
 Church,  and  admitted  into  the  inner  Court  of  heaven. 
 
 V rer>45  .The  fir  angers  jhall  fade  away \and  be  afraid 
 out  of  their  clofe  places, 
 
 \  He  prophefieth  what  mail  become  of -drifts  enemies  ac 
 length  Whence  ham.  i.  As  Come  Grangers  flull  come  into  the 
 outward  fellowihip  of  ChiiiU  Ktr.gd  m,  fo  others  of  them  fliali 
 remain  pro fefled  ftungers,and  dif-aftlftcd  to  his  Kingdomjand 
 whither  ftrange-s  wi  hin,or  wirhout,inal  con  i'  uetobe%anger$ 
 ftil,bothof  them  Shall  penfh.  For  ftr anger s  Jbal  fade  away?  i.  Al- 
 beit Chrift  at  full,  may  have  many  enemies,  and  unfriends, 
 where  heconv  h  to  let  up  bis  K  n^Jome,  yet  where  and  when 
 he  pleafethtoft  -y,  and  keep  up  his  Kingdom,  his  op<n  enemies 
 mall  grow  fewer.  The  fir  anger  s  fh  all  fade  avsxy  :  to  wit,wbtrebe 
 minds  toftay,  and  for  whai  end  thinks  good  to  dJminim  rhtm. 
 j.  Whether  the  Lord  be  pleafed  to  convert  ftran^rs,  or  not, 
 their  ft. ong  holds,  fwherher  their  high  imaginations,  or  their 
 earthly  power,)  fhail  not  be.able  to  ftand  before  him;  let  bim 
 come  to  convert  them  outwardly  or  inwardly  aho,  or  ckftroy 
 therrb  as  he  (hall  be  pleafed,  his  tefrrbur  mall  affii^hr  them  y  For 
 the  firangcrqfbdort  him)  fhall  be  afraid,  out  of  their  clofe  pU* 
 
 CCS. 
 
 Ver,46".  The  Lord  liveth,  andbleff-ed be  mj recl^: 
 and  let  the  God  of  my  falvation  be  exalted. 
 
 47.  It  is  Cjod  that  avengeth  mey  and  fubdueth  the 
 people  under  me. 
 
 48.  He  ddivereth  me  from  mine  enemks  :  yeaA 
 thou  Ifftefi  me  up  abovethofe  that  rife  up  againft  me  : 
 then  haft  delivered  me  from  the  violent  man. 
 
P  S  A  L.    XVIIL  99 
 
 Vcr.  49.  Therefore  veiil  1  give  thanks  unto  the? 
 (0  Lord)  among  the  heathen :  and  fwg  praifes  unto 
 thy  name. 
 
 50.  Great  deliverance  giveth  he  to  his  King,  and 
 Jbcwethmtrcy  to  his  anointed,  to  David,  and  to  his 
 feed  for  evermore. 
 
 He  concludeth  the  Pfalme  with  thankfgtving ,  and  prai- 
 fcth  the  Lord  for  his  perfonall  prefcrvation  unto  eternal! 
 life,  vcrfe  46.  for  overthrowing  of  his  enemies,  verfe  47. 
 for  delivery  of  him  from  them,  ver/i  47,48.  and  in  Chriits 
 name  he  fectcth  forth  the  Lords  glory,  before  the  Gentiles , 
 for  the  mercies  following  the  Kingdomc  of  Chrift,  and  his 
 ownKingdome,  the  type  thereof,  icr.  f  o>  50.  Whence  leane3 
 1.  The  end  of  allourfpeeches,  concerning  what  we  have  been 
 imployed  into,  and  have  done,  or  have  bad  fuccefle  in,  mould 
 be  to  mew  forth  the  glory  of  God  to  others,  and  to  offer  praife 
 and  thanks  to  him  :  for  this  Bleffei  be  my  roc\,  (&C.  is  the  end 
 vrhercunto  Davids  example  doth  drsve.  2.  Life,  and  bleffei 
 life>  qwe  faring  life,  the  only  fountain  of  .life,  is  the  proper  fhie 
 of  God,  of  whom  moll  properly  and  dtlcrvedly  we  may  fay, 
 Tbe  Lord  livetb.  3.  Becaufe  God  is  the  Fountain  of  all  blef- 
 fedneffe,  to  Angels  and  men  5  therefore  mould  we  acknow- 
 ledge him,  and  proclaim  him  bleffei,  that  the  hearer  may  feele 
 bleffedntffe  in  him  alone,  4,  The  perfciftion  of  God  in  him- 
 felfe,  the  out-letting  of  bis  goodneffe  to  the  creature,  his  im- 
 mutability in  his  love  to  his  own,  his  making  hiinfelfc  to  be 
 as  it  were  the  proper  good  of  the  believer  by  covenant ;  and  his 
 giving  the  certainty  of  falvation  to  the  believer,  eftablifhed  by 
 covenant;  Tbefe  and  other  perfe&ions  mould  exalt  tbe  Lord 
 highly  in  the  cftimation,  and  affe&icn  of  the  b^iever,  and  do 
 make  the  believer  heartily  wim  the  Lord  may  be  known  to  bis 
 praife:  for  thttcaufe  faith  the  Prophet,  tbe  Lord  livetb,  and 
 bleffei  be  my  roc\,  and  let  tbe  God  of  my  falvation  be  exalted. 
 4.  sDavid}2s  a  type  of  Chrtft,  in  name  and  bchalfe  of  Chrift, 
 doth  give  unto  God  the  glory  of  taking  order  with  his  enemies, 
 for  preferving  and  propagating  his  Kingdome,  and  for  de- 
 livering his  people  from  cruell  persecutors.  It  U  God,  faith  he, 
 that  avengethme,  and  jubduttb  tbe  people  under  me.  Hedeliyeretb 
 me  from  mine  enemies,  yta,xboulifteflmeup  above  tbefc  that  rife 
 wp  agmft  me :   Thou  baft  delivered  mee  from  the  violent  nun. 
 
 H  2  Ycr.49* 
 
*oo  PSAL    XVIII. 
 
 Vcr.  49.  Therefore  will  I  give  thanks  unto  thee 
 {0  Lord) among  the  heathen:  andjing  praijcs  unto 
 thy  name. 
 
 Befidc  prefent  praifing  of  God,  he  pro-nifeth  to  infift 
 in  praife  and  thankfgiving.  This  the  Apoflle  Rom-  1  5.  9. 
 (heweth  to  be  tbe  fpeecn  of  Cbrift,  and  a  prophefie  of  che  con- 
 version of  the  Gentiles.  Whence  learn,  1.  Befide  allthevi&o- 
 ries  giv*°n  ro  the  Church  in  Davids  time,  as  a  pledge  of  promifes 
 it  was  foretold  chat  the  Gentiles  (hou Id  fee  many  vi&o'ies  over 
 the  enemies  of  the  Chu/cu  of  Cbnft,  after  his  coming,  and  that 
 tbey  ftlould  joyne  with  the  Jews  in  thankfgiving  to  Gid  for 
 the  f;mej  for  upon  account  of  the  Lords  lifting  up  Chrift 
 above  his  adverfaries,  and  cruell  perfecutors ,  Tbanfa  Jhallbe 
 given  unto  tbe  Lord  among  tbe  beatben.  z.  The  facrifice  of  praife 
 offered  up  in  the  Church,  as  it  is  the  work  of  the  Saints  in  one 
 refped,  fo  it  is  the  work  of  Chrift  in  another  refped,  becaufe 
 he  raifeth  by  his  Spirit  the  fong  in  their  hearts,  and  offereth  up 
 the  facrifice  of  thanks  unto  the  Father :  For  it  is  Chrift  who 
 h  :re  faith,  I  mil  give  thanks  unto  tbe  (0  Lord)  among  tbe  heathen, 
 dndfing  praifes  to  thy  name.  m 
 
 Ver.  50.  Great  deliverance  giveth  he  to  his  King  : 
 andjheweth  mercy  unto  his  annointed*.  to  David,  and 
 his  feed,  for  evermore. 
 
 David  as  a  Type  of  Chrift,  giveth  a  reafon  of  perpetuall 
 praifing  of  Go  ;  to  wit,  the  conftanc  courfe  of  Gods  mercies 
 ihewn  to  him,  and  his  houfe,  and  to  be  iriewn  to  Chrift,  and 
 bis  children,  and  houfe,  for  e verm o-e.  Whence  learn,  1.  As 
 difficulties,  enemies,  and  dangers  of  the  Church,  are  many 
 and  greaf  J  fojliall  their  victories  over  thefe  evils  b^  great  alio  > 
 For  great  deliverance  giveth  he,  in  acqnunuaii  trad  and  courie, 
 as  it  were,  one  after  another,  as  need  is.  2.  All  che  delive- 
 rances are  given  to  Chrift  principally, 3nd  in  him  to  hiiCnurcb, 
 and  particular  foules  through  him.  For  it  is  faid,  Great  delive- 
 rance giveth  be  to  bis  tiding.  3.  Tbe  chufing  of  a  man  for  a 
 ferVice,  lhall  by  the  calling  of  him  ro  ir,  and  qualifying  him 
 for  it,  and  fuftaininghim  in  it,  be  confirmed  to  him,  and  by 
 the  courfe  of  mercy  following  him  i n  all  his  difficulties,  which 
 ke  (lull  meet  with  in  his  calling:.  Therefore  fignificantly  doth 
 fae  fay,  Great  deliverance  giveth  he  to  his  K*n&>  l0  D*vid,  a  cho- 
 
 fen 
 
p  S  A  L.  X  I X;  ioi 
 
 fell  Type,  and  to  his  annointed  Chrift ,  rcprcfcntcd  by  him  : 
 Hejhcvteth  mercy  to  bis  anointed,  Chrift  his  feed.  4*  It  is  mecr 
 mercy  whereof  Chrifts  followers,  Cbrifts  children  and  feed  do 
 ftand  in  need  :  and  mercy  by  courfe  constantly  /hall  follow 
 them,  not  for  a  fhort  time,  but  world  without  end  >  for  the  Lord 
 Jhewetb  mercy  to  'David  and  bis  feed  for  evermore. 
 
 PSAL.  XIX. 
 
 To  the  chief  Mufician,  tA  Pfalm  of  David. 
 
 This  Pfalme  is  z  fweet  contemplation  of  the  glory  of 
 Gods  wifdom,power  arid  goodnefle,fhining  in  the 
 works  of  Creation,?/.  1,2,3,4,  J,  6.  and  of  the  glo- 
 ry of  his  holines,and  rich  grace,fhining  through  his 
 word, and  Ordinances  in  his  Churchy.  7, 8, 9,  10- 
 whereof  the  Prophet  having  proofe ,  prayeth  to 
 have  the  right  ufc  and  benefit ,  ver.  11,  12,13,14. 
 
 v.l.**Y*He  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  C/od;  and  the 
 J,  firmament  Jheweth  his  bandy-workfj, 
 Albeit  the  whole  earth  be  fuil  of  the  glory  of  the  Lord  ,  yet 
 the  Prophet  contentetb  bimfelfe  to  pitch  his  meditations  on  the 
 heavens  alone?  and  the  vicifficisde  of  day  and  night,  and  upon 
 '  the  courfe  of  the  Suns  light.  Whence  Uarn>  1.  Albeit  the  glory 
 of  the  Lord  fliine  in  all  his  works,  yer  any  portion  tberercof  will 
 take  up  a  mans  meditation,  when  he  beginneth  to  think  upon  it, 
 as  here  the  heavens  are  the  Prophets  Tbeam  and  fubje£fc  matter 
 of  meditation.  2.  The  iavifible  things  of  God  ,  even  bis  e- 
 ternall  power,and  Godhead?  and  glorious  attributes  of  wifdom, 
 and  goodncfle>  and  Ma jefty  arc  to  be  feen  in  the  works  of  Cre- 
 ation, from  the  beginning  of  the  world.,  the  heavens deciare 
 the  glory  of  God,  and  the  firmmentjhmetb  bis  bandy -worfa. 
 3.  Though  his  glory  be  (he wen  to  all  men,  yet  it  h  ttu  :ilumi- 
 nate  child  of  God  that  can  obferve  it  ;  for  he  that  fetteth  it  forib 
 to  others,doth  it  by  the  inspiration  of  the  Lords  own  fpirit :  He 
 is  a  Prophet  who  here  is  itirred  up  to  point  unto  us  this  leflbty 
 ixioft  Worthy  of  onr  obfemuono    For  in  fubftanc*  the  heavens 
 
 H  3  dsclarl 
 
io*  P  S  A  L.     XIX. 
 
 declare  that  they  are  not  their  own  maker>but  that  they  are  made 
 by  one*  infinite,  incomprehenfible,  omnipotent,  everiafting  y 
 good,  kind  and  glorious  God.  And  che  firmament  ( taking  it 
 for  tbe  region  of  the  aire,  and  place  of  the  ftarsj  declares  how 
 curioufly  he  can  adorne  the  worke  of  his  hands,  and  how  power- 
 fully he  can  put  glory  abundant  on  the  creature ,  chough  it  have 
 no  matter  in  it  to  make  it  glorious. 
 
 2.  <D ay  unto  day  utter eth  fpeechy  and  night  unto 
 night  Jbeweth  knowledge. 
 
 3.  There  is  no  fpeech  nor  language,  where  their 
 voice  if  not  heard. 
 
 4.  Their  lint  is  gone  out  thoroVv  alt  the  earth  ,  and 
 their  words  to  the  end  of  the  world  :  in  them  hath  he 
 feta  tabernacle  for  the  Sun. 
 
 He  looketh  next  upon  the  vicifficudc  of  night  and  day  3  and 
 as  he  faw  what  the  heavens  gave  him  co  read  ,  fo  he  harkeneth 
 and  heareth  what  the  day  and  the  night  did  fpeak  3  and  he  com- 
 prifcth  all  their  fpeech  in  the  Dodrrine  of  knowledge.     Whence 
 Umie,  1*  The  right  obfervation  of  the  vidfli^udeofthc  nighc 
 and  day,  may  give  inftru&ion  unto  us  to  be  wife  3  for  day  unto 
 dayy  in  their  revolution,  utter  fpeech  to  the  obferving  ear  3  *And 
 night  unto  nighty  in  their  vicifsicude  jheweth  to  the  underftand- 
 ing  man  tyw*fc4ge*  £°*fa  fubftance,  the  ricilsitude  of  day 
 after  day,  doth  ferve  to  teach  man, that  he  liveth  in  time,  and  that 
 hisdayes  arenumbred,  thacbisdayesdo  goc  quickly  away,  and 
 that  time  is  precious,  and  cannot  returne  when  it  is  gone  3  and 
 that  fo  long  as  it  (hall  iaft,   it  (hall  ferve  man  to  view  the  works 
 of  the  Lord*  and  to  goe  about  his  own  neceifary  labours  3  and 
 fiich  like  other  fpeeches  doth  it  fpeak  :  Alfo  the  night  faith,That 
 mm  in  himfelfe  is  weake,   and  cannot  endure  long  toyling  in 
 labour  5  that  as  fome  little  fliort  reft  and  recreation  of  the  labou- 
 rer is  neceifaty,  fo  it  is  prepared  for  him,  that  he  may  lie  under 
 a  curtaine,  and  flcep  a  while  ,  and  fo  be  fitted  for  more  worke, 
 if  more  time  be  lent  unto  him  3  and  that  he  may  now  quietly  ex- 
 amine, whathe  hath  been  doing,  may  commune  with  his  heart, 
 arid  be  ftillj  ind  that  if  he  doe  not  what  he  hath  to  doe  in  time, 
 the  night  comtih  when  no  mm  cMiTCorty :  By  which,  and  fuch  like 
 fpeeches,  men  may  learnc  knowledge.     2.  There  is  no  people 
 nor  country^  but  as  much  of  the  fpeccb  of  the  creature  is  fpoken 
 convincingly  unto  them,  as  may  make  them  inexcufable  3  and 
 
 albeit 
 
PSAL    XIX.  ioj 
 
 albeit  all  doe  not  lcarnc  wifedomc,  yec  the  voice  of  the  Works  o* 
 creation*  and  providence  h  everywhere  in  fome  meafurc  heard 
 their  line  and  dire&ion  is  gone  out  through  the  earth. 
 
 5.  Which  is  as  a  Bridegroom  comming  out  of  his 
 chamber  i  and  rejoyceth  as  aftrong  man  to  run  a  race* 
 
 6.  His  going  forth  is  from  the  end  of  the  heaven  ± 
 and  his  circuit  unto  the  ends  of  it :  and  there  is  nothing 
 hid  from  the  heat  thereof 
 
 Hecontra&cth  his  thoughts  from  the  highnefs  of  the  heaven*, 
 and  pitcheth  upon  the  Sunne,  and  beholdeth  Gods  glory  in  it. 
 Whence  learn,  1.  AH  the  glory  to  be  feen  in  the  Sun  belongeth 
 unto  the  Lord  $  for  he  hath  made  it,  and  let  it  in  its  place,  09  hi 
 a  Tabernacle,  for  a  time,  fo  long  as  he  hath  ufe  and  fervicc  of  it, 
 2.  The  beauty  of  the  Sun  when  it  arileth  in  the  morning  %  the 
 wonderfuil  fwift  and  regular  motion  of  it ,  fo  tempered  by  the 
 huge  diftince  thereof  from  the  earth,  that  it  cannot  be  fecn 
 moving,  when  it  it  is  running  in  a  circle  in  the  heaven  mod; 
 fwiftly:  Theconftancy  of  the  motion  of  it  from  day  to  day  , 
 from  year  to  year,  without  wearying  or  failings  the  vaft  circle 
 which  it  maketh  every  twenty  foui  hours;  the  heat  and  vertue, 
 and  powerfull  operation  upon  allinferiour  crcaruresare  all  ad* 
 mirable,  and  matter  of  manifefting  the  glorious  perfection  of 
 God,  who  made  it,  and  movcth  it  5  As  the  Bridegroom  he  rifctb, 
 corhpaffeth  the  Circle  of  heaven  and  earth >  and  nothing  is  hid  from 
 the  heat  thereof. 
 
 7.  The  Law  of  the  Lord  if  per  feft,  converting  the 
 foul :  the  teftimonj  of  the  Lord  is  jure  .making  wife  the 
 Jimpie. 
 
 8.  The  Statutes  of  the  L<rd  fright,  rejojeing  the 
 heart  :  the  commandment  of  the  Lord  is  furct  eniight* 
 ning  the  eyes 0 
 
 9.  The  fear  ef  the  Lord  is  clean^  enduring  for  ever : 
 the  judgements  of  the  Lord  ViZ  true p  and  righteous  al* 
 together* 
 
 10.  More  to  be  de fired  we  they  then  gold^  jea$  then 
 much  fine  gold  zfweeter  alfo  then  the  honey 9  and  the  ho* 
 nej  combe. 
 
 Hi  T« 
 
io4  PSA  L.    XIX. 
 
 Tbe  next  pare  of  his  contemplation,  is  concerning  the  glory 
 of  tbe  Lord,dedared  in  his  word  and  ictipture,  which  light  as  ic 
 ismorenecefftry  for  our  blcffedneffc  then  the  Suns  light  for 
 our  bodies,  fo  he  commendetb  this  point  of  Gods  glory,  (  far 
 above  that,  which  fliineth  in  the  worke  of  creation)  trom  the  per- 
 fection, cfficacic,  infalli biliry,and  fundry  other  properties  of  it. 
 Whence  learn,  i.  The  DoSrineof  life  and  falvation,  fetdowne 
 to  us  in  Gods  word,  as  a  law  to  us,  and  a  rule  of  faith  and  obe» 
 dtence,  needcth  no  deck  of  humane  traditions  s  it  is  fufficient 
 in  h  felfe,  and  wanteth  nothing  ncceflary  unto  falvation  ;  For 
 the  Law  of  the  Lor  its  perfeB.  z.  Nodo&iine,  nowordfave 
 this  divine  truth,  fee  downe  in  fcripture,  is  able  to  difcovtr  the 
 fin  and  mifery  of  man,  or  the  remedy  and  reliefe  from  it  j  no 
 do&rine  fave  this  alone3  can  effectually  humble  a  (oul>  and  con- 
 vert  it  to  God,  or  make  a  foule  fenfiblc  of  the  loffe  it  hath  by  fin, 
 and  rcftore  ic  to  a  better  condition  then  is  ioft  by  fin*  for  it  is 
 the  property  of  this  law  or  doftrine,  to  be  converting  offoules. 
 3.  Wbofoever  hcarkneth  to  this  word,  mall  be  fatisfied  about 
 what  is  the  Lords  mind  and  will  in  all  matters  of  religion,con- 
 cerning  Gods fcrvice, and  mans  falvatior  5  for  his  the  teftimony 
 of  the  Lord,  wherin  he  giveth  forth  his  will,  concerning  what  he 
 approveih,  and  what  he  diiallowetb.  4.  This  word  being  un« 
 derftoodrighdyjas  it  may  beunderftood  when  it  is  compared 
 witbitfelfe,  one  part  of  ic  with  another ,  and  other  means  alfo 
 ufed,  which  God  hath  appointed^may  be  fafely  relyed  upon :  it 
 wilt  not  difappoint  a  man 5  for  tbe  teftimony  of  the  Lord  is  fure. 
 J.  Albeit  there  be  many  deep  myfieries  in  this  word;  which  may 
 excrcilcthe  greateft  wits,  yet  for  the  points  neceffary  for  the  fal- 
 vation of  every  foul,  it  is  fo  plaine  and  clear,  that  it  may  be  un- 
 derftood  by  perfons  of  mean  wits,  and  may  make  thofe  who  are 
 otberwifedullofunderftanding,  w ife to  falvation  $  foritisa 
 teftimony  making  wife  tbefimple.  6,Notbing  is'commanded  by 
 God  in  his  word,  but  that  which  the  illuminate  foul  muft  fub- 
 fcribe  unto,  as  equitable  in  it  felf,  and  profitable  to  us.  For  the 
 ftatutes  of  the  Lord  are  right.  7.  Th*  approving  and  following 
 of  the  Lords  directions  given  to  us,  in  his  word^'s  a  fure  mean 
 to  get  comfort  and  joy  rais'd  in  our  confeience.  For  the  flatuses 
 ofihe  Lord  rejoyce  the  heart.  8.  There  is  no  mixture  of  crrcur, 
 no  droffe,  nor  refufe  dodrine,  no  deceit  in  the  Lords  wordj  for 
 the  Commandment  of  the  Lord  is  fure.  9.  By  tbe  word  of  God  a 
 man  may  clearly  fee  bimfelfe  in  bimfelfe  blind  and  naked,  and 
 wretched  and  mii'erab!e,and  by  coming  into  the  grace  and  mer- 
 
PSAL.  XIX.  105 
 
 cy  offered  in  the  Mefsiah,  Chrift,  may  Tee  himfelfe  entred  in  the 
 only  fafc  way  of  falvation.  By  the  word  of  God  a  man  may  fee 
 every  thing  ic  its  own  colour*}  vertue  to  be  vertue ,  and  vice  to 
 be  vice  and  vanity  ;  For  the  word  illuminates  the  eyes.  10.  The 
 way  of  worshipping,  fearing,  and  ierving  God,fct  downe  in  his 
 word,  is  holy^and  in  fubitance  the  fame  in  all  generations^  and 
 alwayes  unalterable  by  man  for  ever.  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is 
 chatty  enduring  for  ever.  11.  The  do&tinesfet  downe  in  the 
 word  of  Godj  are  all  of  them  decrees  of  the  almighty  Law-giver, 
 given  forth  in  his  own  Court  with  authority  uncontrolable: 
 all  of  them  are  true  and  worthy  to  be  obeyed^  for  the  judgements 
 of  the  Lord  are  true,  and  righteous  altogether.  1  2.  The  word  of 
 God  is  able  to  enrich  a  man  more  then  all  the  richr s  in  the  world, 
 becaufe  it  is  able  to  bring  bim  to  an  everlafting  Kingdomejfor 
 Gods  judgements  being  as  judicial!  fentencesj  to  determine  all 
 neceffary  truths  and  controversies,  about  faving  tiuth  ,  are  more 
 tobedefired  then  gold ,  yea  then  much  fine  gold.  ij.  There  is 
 more  fweet  comfort  and  true  pleafure  to  be  round  in  the  Lords 
 word,  then  in  any  pleafant  thing  in  this  world.  They  are  fweter 
 then  the  honey,  and  the  honey  combe. 
 
 11.  Moreover ,  by  them  is  thy  fervant  warned :  and 
 in  keeping  of  them  there  is  great  reward. 
 
 The  Prophet  fubferibetb  this  commendation  of  Gods  word, 
 by  his  owne  experience  ,  and  feeketh  to  make  good  ufeofit. 
 Whence  learne>  1.  That  man,ofallotherj  is  molt  meet  to  com- 
 mend the  word  of  the  Lord,  who  in  himfelfe  hatb  felt  the  expe- 
 rience of  the  effects  and  good  ufe  thereof,  as  the  Prophets  ex- 
 ample doth  (hew.  2.  As  the  w  o:d  of  God  is  able  to  make  a 
 man  wife  to  falvation,  fo  alfo  to  make  him  prucent  in  his  carri- 
 age, to  efchuc  not  onely  fin,  butaito  inconveniences,  and  to 
 warne  bim  of  fnarcs,  wherein  he  may  fail  by  imprudency.  For 
 I  befide  all  the  former  commcndation;he  ^dtih^Monover  by  them 
 it  thy  fervant  -warned.  $.  When  a  man  hath  layd  ail  he  car.,  in 
 commendation  of  the  word  of  Godj  he  mall  no:  be  able  to  fay 
 all,  but  muft  clofe  in  fome  generall,  becaufe  the  benefit  of  ob- 
 serving of  the  Lords  Statutes  and  Commands,  dctb  pafle  his 
 reachifor  thus  the  Prophet  dofctb,lB  keeping  of  them  there  is  great 
 reward. 
 
 12.  Who  can  mderftarid  his  errors  I  clranft  then  we 
 fromfecret  faults. 
 
 Leaft 
 
106  P  S  A  L.     X I X. 
 
 • 
 
 Leaft  he  mould  fcem  to  fpeake  like  one  who  feeks  to  be  ju- 
 ftified  by  his  works3  he  acknowledged  himfelfe  a  man  chat  clea- 
 veth  not  to  his  owne  rightcoufneflk,  but  to  the  founcaine  of  free 
 grace,  and  to  the  expiation  of  (in  made  by  Chrift,  figmfied  un» 
 der  the  ihsuiow  of  ceremonial  cleanfing;  Whencelearne,  i.  The 
 moft  hoty  mm,  after  converfion,  mutt  make  ftill  ufeof  the  law 
 for  his  humiliation,  and  for  driving  of  him  to  Ch  ift  continu- 
 ally* and  when  he  compareth  bimleif  with  the  Law  of  *3od,he 
 will  be  forced  to  blufli  and  acknowledge  hi  nfdf  and  every  other  ! 
 man  unable  to  condefcend  upon  the  particulars,  and  the  multi- 
 tude even  of  his  a&uallfins.  Therefore  faith  he,  Who  canun- 
 derftand  his  errors?  a.  Sins  of  ignorance  jfins  pift  out  of  me- 
 mory* doe  leave  guiltineffe  upon  the  man*  and  muft  be  count- 
 ed for  in  heap  at  leaft  :  and  mercy  through  the  blood  of  clean- 
 fing muft  be  requefted  for,  as  here.  CUanfe  thou  me  from  fecrtt 
 fins. 
 
 13.  Keep  bacl^t hj  ferv ant  alio  from  prefurnptu- 
 ous fins,/?/"  them  not  have  dominion  over  me  :  thenjhal 
 I  be  upright ,  and  I  fhjllbe  innocent  from  the  great 
 tranfgrefftm* 
 
 He  puts  up  another  petition*  to  wit,  That  he  may  be  prefer* 
 Ved  from  prefurnptuous  fins.  Whence  lexrn>  1 .  Hoheft  men  are 
 moft  fcnfible  of  their  bygone  fins,  and  fo  alfo  of  their  naturatf 
 finfulneffc,  and  readincffetofall,  whereof  the  Prophet  here  is 
 iu  fear ,  faying3  J{eep  bac\  alfo  thy  fervant  from  prefurnptuous  fins. 
 2.  Even  the  regenerate^  the  Lord  doe  not  keep  them  from  ten- 
 tation,  or  if  be  leave  them  in  tentation,  unto  their  own  will  and 
 ftrengthjthey  may  fal  into  moft  fcandalous  fins,againft  the  light 
 of  their  conscience*  and  be  slaves  thereunto  ;  Therefore  pray- 
 tth  he  to  be  kept  back  from  prefurnptuous  fins,  and  that  €jfod  would 
 notfuffcr  fuch  fins  to  have  dominion  over bim3 inCmumaghls  own 
 weakoeffe,  it  God  did  not  prevent  did  not  aflift  and  help  him 
 to  prevail  againft  them.  j.  Uprightneffe  and  integrity  in  Gods 
 obedience  may  ftand  with  fins  of  infirmity  ,8c  fins  of  ignorance, 
 but  cannot  ftand  with  prefurnptuous  fins,  againft  the  light  of 
 confidence;  for  if  the  Lord  (hall  fave  him  from  prefurnptuous 
 fins,  tben^ht  faith,  Hefball  be  upright.  4.  Prefurnptuous  fins, 
 and  letting  fin  reigne  in  a  mans  mortal!  b-dy  y  is  the  high  way 
 to  the  fin  unto  death,  or  finning  malicioufly,  with  defpight  a- 
 gainft  God}  and  he  that  makes  coafcteocc  ai  fecrct  fins ,  and  is 
 
 fearel 
 
PSAL.  XIX.  '.  107 
 
 feared  to  fall  into  prefumptuous  (ins,  and  flieth  to  God  to  bee 
 cleanfed  from  the  one^  and  preferved  from  falling  into  the  o- 
 ther,  may  be  fure  not  tofaliinto  the  finneagainft  the  Holy 
 ^boft.  For  the  Prophet  having  prayed  to  be  cleanfed  from  hi* 
 fecrec  fins,  and  kept  back  from  prefumptuous  and  reigning 
 fins,  afiureth  himfclfe*  That  fo  bcjUll  be  innocent  from  the  great 
 tranfgrejjion. 
 
 Vcr.  14.  Let  the  words  of  my  mouthy  and  the  medi- 
 tation of  my  heart ,  be  acceptable  in  thy  fight ,  O  Lord 
 myftrengh,  and  my  Redtemer. 
 
 The  third  petition's,  for  thr  acceptance  of  his  fervice  in 
 his  prayer,  and  purpofe  of  titan.  Whence  learn,  i.  As  par- 
 doning graces  and  preventing  grace,  and  re  ft  raining  grace,  muft 
 be  prayed  for:  fo  alfo  poweifull  fanftifyifig*  or  enabling 
 grace,  both  for  inward  and  outward  fervke  >  yea,  and  grace 
 accepting  the  fervice  when  it  is  offered,  muft  be  fought  for  by 
 prayer  from  God.  For  as  the  Prophet  hatb  p  ayed  for  the  for- 
 mer ads  of  grace,  fo  affo  he  prayeth  here  for  the  latter  fort,  fay- 
 ing, Let  the  words  of  my  mouth,  and  meditxtion  of  my  heart ,  be 
 acceptable,  i.  As  all  our  prayers,  and  ail  our  holy  indeavours* 
 and  abilities  to  ferve  God,  muft  be  furiiimed  unto  us  by  our 
 Redeemer,  who  is  Jefus  Chrift  $  fo  alfo  every  other  grace,  and 
 the  acceptance  of  our  perfons  and  fervices,  muft  come  through 
 bim$  and  we  may  look  for  alLthefe  by  vercueof  the  Covenant 
 |of  grace,  whereby  Chrift  is  made  our  ftrength  and  Redeemer 
 in  all  refpeds  .•  Therefore  layeth  he  all  the  weight  on  this,  0 
 \Lord  my  ftrength,  and  my  Redeemer. 
 
 PSAL.     XX. 
 
 To  the  ebiefMuficUn.  A  Pfalm  of  Vivid. 
 
 ThisPfaJme  was  dited  to  the  Church  infotme  of 
 a  prayer  for  the  Kings  of  Ifr'ad  ■  but  with  a  fpeci- 
 aH  eye  upon,  and  relation  unto  Quifr,  the  King 
 of  Ifrael ;  in  refpeft  of  whom  this  prayer  is  a 
 prophefie,  and  a  forme  of  blefling  of  Chrift,  and 
 
 pray- 
 
io8  PSAL  XX. 
 
 praying  for  his  Kingdom,  whereof  the  Kingdom 
 of  Ifrael  was  a  type,  and  the  Kings  thereof  arc 
 types  of  Chnft.  Not  that  the  Kingdorae  in  eve- 
 ry condition  was  figurative,  or  every  King  a  type 
 of  him,-  But  as  che  Priefts  6eing  taken  not  fe- 
 verally,  one  by  one,  but  together,  (hadowed  fortfi 
 in  fomething,  Chrift  in  the  Office  of  his  Prieft- 
 hood  ;  fo  the  Kings,  not  every  one,  but  taken 
 together,  fhadowed  forth  in  fomething  Chrift, 
 in  hisRoyall  Office,  and  their  Kingdome  refem- 
 bled  his  Kingdome  in  his  vifible  Church  in  fome 
 things,  and  in  his  invilible  CHurch  in  other  fome 
 things,  leaving  room  to  fome  perfons,  both  a- 
 mongthe  Priefts,  and  Kings,  to  be  more  fpecially 
 types  then  any  of  the  reft  in  their  common, ver. 
 1,2,3,4,5.  After  which  the  Churches  confidence 
 to  be  heard  is  fet  down,  and  thtir  gloriation  in 
 God  over  their  enemies,  with  dependance  on 
 God  for  falvation  in  all  difficulties  and  ftraits, 
 ver.  6  j,  8,9. 
 
 Ver.  1. 'HT^ Hip  Lord  hear  thee  in  the  d*y  of  trouble^ 
 JL  the  Name  of  the  God  of  Jacob  defend  thee. 
 
 2.  Send  thee  help  from  the  SanEluary^  andftreng- 
 then  thee  out  of  Sion. 
 
 3.  Remember  all  thy  offerings y  and  accept  thy  burnt- 
 facrifice.    Selah. 
 
 4.  Grant  thee  according  t  0  thine  own  heart*  ana 
 fulfill  all  thy  counfel. 
 
 5.  Wee  will  re  Joyce  in  thy  falvation,  and  in  the 
 Name  of  our  God  we  will  fet  up  our  banners ;  the  Lord 
 fulfill  all  thy  petitions. 
 
 f  ram  this  prayer  of  che  Church  for  che  King  of  Iff ael. 
 Lum  1.  It i%  the  duty  of  all  the  godly*  where-eyer  they  live; 
 
PSAL   XX.  ioA 
 
 iO  pray  for  the  wall  of  their  Kings,  Rulers,  and  Magiftrates, 
 as  this  example  tcachcth.  2.  Gieateftmen,  though  they  bee 
 alfo  gracious,  are  fubjed  to  trouble;  for  even  the  be  ft  of  the 
 Kings  of  lfracl,  and  Cbrift  typified  by  them,  were  not  ex- 
 empt therefrom.  The  lord  bear  tbee  in  the  day  of  trouble, 
 ^.  Itistbe  part  of  fuchasdefi  e  the  prayers  0/ others  to  bee 
 made  for  thenb  to  pray  alfo  tbcmfelves,  were  they  never  fo 
 oreat  Kings  >  and  prayer  muft  be  counted  their  beft  weapons 
 in  trouble  3  The  Lord  bear  thce}  faith  he,  in  the  day  of  thy  trouble. 
 
 4.  No  defence  to  be  cxpe&ed  from  Gcd,  but  when  he  is  loo- 
 ked upon,  and  believed  in  asheis  manifefted  to  us  in  his  word* 
 Therefore  he  faith,  The  <l{amc  of  tbe  Godof  Jacob  defend  thee. 
 Or  God  who  in  bis  word  bath  revealed  bimfelfe  tolfrg- 
 f/,     and    cntred  in    covenant    to  bee  his   God    defend  thee. 
 
 5.  Ic  is  by  vertue  of  Gods  dwelling  amongft  men3  and  his  ta- 
 king on  mans  nature  in  the  perfon  of  Cbrift  (reprefented  by 
 Godsprefence  in  Sion  and  the  Sanftuary)  that  help  muft  be 
 expected  from  God.  Therefore  faith  be.,  Tbe  Lord  fend  thee 
 help  out  of  tbe  Sanctuary,  and  fircngtben  tbee  out  of  Sion.  6.  Kings 
 and  all  for  whom  the  godly  may  pray  with  confidence,  muft  be 
 worfliippers  of  God,  believers  in  Chrift,  relyers  upon  the  mer- 
 cy of  this  only  once  offered  facrifice,  reprefented  by  ofren  re- 
 peated typical  burnt  offerings.  For  this  is  imported  in,  Tbe  Lord 
 remember  all  tby  offerings,  and  accept  thy  burnt  facrifices.  For  k 
 is  for  Chtifts  faenfice  that  we  are  accepted,  and  that  any  grace 
 is  granted  to  us.     7.  A  believer  in  Chrift,  praying  according 
 
 j  to  the  revealed  will  of  God,  ask  what  be  will,  it  mall  be  gran- 
 
 teds'ie  who  ftudieth  to  walk  fincerely  before  Godjftudying  to  do 
 
 I  what  is  pleafant  to  Gods  heart,  dial  receive  fat  isfc  dory  snfwers, 
 
 (according  to  his  own  hears  wilh.  Upon  this  ground  the  prayer 
 
 I  goeth  here,  The  Lord  grant  tbee  according  to  thine  crcn  heart,  ani 
 
 I  fulfill  all  tbycounfcL     8.    Wbofoever  do  partake  wirh  Cbrifts 
 
 i  Subjedsin  trouble,  fliall  fh.ire  wirh  them  alfo  in  che  jjy  of  their 
 
 1  deliverance  $  therefoie  it  is  faid,  We  wiUrejoycc  in  thy  falvati- 
 
 cn.     9-  When  it  goech  well  with  the  King,  and  chicfe  Magi- 
 
 ftratt:s>  i<  goeth  rhe  better  with  a!]  the  fui  y  ct  5  and  the  praife 
 
 I  of  delivery,  and  welfare  redounderh  to  the  glory  of  God  who 
 
 is  the  fountain  of  all  felicity}  for,  In  the  Name  cf  our  god)  tve 
 
 Jhall  (et  up  our  banners  3  faith  the  Church,   ifG>d  lhall  bieffe 
 
 tte  King. 
 
 Ver.<5.   Noyp'know  7,  that  the  Lord  faveth  his  <■- 
 
 nointeA . 
 
no  PSAL.    XX. 
 
 minted ;  he  will  hear  him  from  his  holy  heavw,  Vvith 
 the  Javing  ftrength  of  his  right  hand. 
 
 7.  Some  cruu  in  charets,  and  fome  in  horfes  :    but 
 tye  will  remember  the  Name  of  the  Lo'd  our  God. 
 
 8.  Thry  art  brought  down  and  fain  :  but  we  are  ri- 
 feny  and  ft  and  upright. 
 
 9.  Save,  Lord;  let  the  King  hear  us  when  We  call. 
 
 Thi  i ;  the  Churches  confidence  to  be  heard,  and  her  glori- 
 ationinC^od,  and  dependence  on  God  for  falvation.  JVbenct 
 learn,  1.  A  believer  may  be  fure  he  hath  his  requeft  granted, 
 when  he  hath  prayed  according  to  Gods  will?  in  fpeciall  when 
 he  prayeth  for  fafety  to  the  6'hurch,  and  Kingdomc  of  Chrift. 
 I  \now  f  faith  he)  that  the  Lorifavetb  bk  anointed.  2.  He  that 
 feeketbGod  by  the  means  appointed,  in  fpeciall,  he  whofeek- 
 eth  God,  and  help  from  him,  through  Chrift,  in  whom  the  ful- 
 nefle  of  the  Godhead  dwelleth,  (hall  have  the  grant  of  bis  pray- 
 er from  heavens  for  help  fought  to  come  from  the  Sanftuarj,  vcr.  2. 
 is  granted  from  bk  holy  heaven,  ver.6.  3.  Whatfocvet  be  the 
 ftraits  of  Gods  Church,  or  any  member  thereof,  faith  feeth  fuf- 
 ficiency  in  God  to  relieve  out  of  it,  and  doth  lay  hold  on  it. 
 For  be  bearetb  with  the  fxving  ftrength  ofbU  right  hand.  4.  Weak 
 man  cannot  chufe  but  have  fome  confidence  without  bimfelfe, 
 *in  cafe  ot  apparent  difficulties  s  and  naturall  men  do  look  firft 
 to  fome  earthly  thing  wherein  they  confide.  Some  trufi  in  cbarets> 
 and  fome  in  horfes,  fome  in  one  creature ,  fome  in  another. 
 $.  The  believer  muft  quit  his  confidence  in  thefe  things,  whi- 
 ther he  have  them,  or  want  them,  and  muft  rely  on  what  God 
 bath  promifed  in  his  word  to  do  unto  us.  Bat  weyill  remem- 
 ber the  Name  of  the  Lord  our  God.  6.  That  which  terrifietb  the 
 believer  in  the  firft  affault  of  a  tcntation,  before  he  go  to  his  re- 
 fuge, is  contemned  by  the  beiiever  when  he  looks  to  the  Lord, 
 his  true  defence  5  Cbarets  and  horfes  when  tbey  are  invading 
 Gods  people  are  terrible;  but  now  when  the  Lord  is  remembred, 
 they  are  here  fet  at  nought  .in  comparifon.  7.  The  condition 
 of  the  worldly  man  and  of  the  enemies  of  Gods  people  fcems 
 to  be  the  better,  ar  the  fiift,  and  the  condition  of  the  Church 
 the  worfe.  Buca  (hirt  revolution  cometb,  which  determinctb 
 the  qucftion  in  the  end  5  the  ftanding  of  the  ungodly  is  follow- 
 ed with  a  fal»s  and  the  low  condition  of  the  godly  hatha  bet- 
 ter condition  following  upon  it.   The  worldly  man,  and  ene- 
 
P  S  A  L.    XXI.  in 
 
 my,  is  brought  down,  andfalteth.  Buc  the  godly  are  made  to 
 fay,  Wi  are  rifen  and  ftand  upright..  8.  True  confidence 
 ftrengthcnsicfelfc  by  prayer,  Save  Lord.  9.  That  which  is 
 prayed  for  in  the  type,  is  perfected  in  Chrift,  who  is  thetruchj 
 falvation  is  granted  to  all  hisSubj^&s,  whenfoever  they  call, 
 Let  the  King  bear  u*  vfben  we  call.  10.  And  when  the  Lord  is 
 relycd  upon  for  fafcty*  the  means  (hall  have  the  promifed  blef- 
 fing.  The  Kings  of  Ifrael  were  to  be  the  more  ufcfull  to  the 
 people  whenfafety  was  fought  from  the  Lord.  Firft,  they  pray* 
 Save  wi  and  then,  Let  the  %jng  bear  us  when  mcall,  or  im- 
 plore him. 
 
 p  s  A  L.    XXI. 
 
 To  the  thief e  Mufician,  A  Pfalm  of  T>xvid. 
 
 A*  the  former  Pfalm  was  a  prayer  for  the  preferva- 
 tion  of  the  Kingdome  of  Ifrael,  in  relation  to  the 
 Kingdome  of  Chrift,  reprefemed  by  it :  So  this 
 Pfalm  is  a  forme  6f  thankfgiving  unto  God  by 
 the  Church,  for  bleffing  of  the  Kingdom  of  If- 
 r^/,  reprefenting  the  blefling,and  caufe  of  thankf- 
 giving,  to  be  found  in  Chrift,  and  his  Kingdome, 
 .wherein  a  number  of  good  things  are  fet  forth, 
 heaped  upon  the  King,  ver.  1,2,3 ,4,5,6,7.    And  a 
 number  of  miferies  let  forth,  heaped  on  ihe  head 
 of  hisenemies/W.8,9,10,11,12.  For  both  which 
 the  Lord  is  glorified,  ver.  13.  The  reafon  why  the 
 former  Pfalme  and  this,  are  referred  info  many 
 particulars  unco  Chrift,  is,  becaufe  the  verity  of 
 thefe  things  here  fpokenof,  is  to  be    fought  in 
 Chrift,   and  his  Kingdome  :  for  but  in  fomefew 
 onely  of  the  Kings,  and  infome  few  times  of  the 
 Kingdome  onely,  was  the  fhadow  of  what  isfcere 
 fpokenof,  to  be  found,  whence  whole  biftory 
 is  confulced.  Ver, 
 
ii2  PSAL.   XXL 
 
 Vcr.  I .  ^T^He  King  /hall  joy  in  thjftrength^  O  Lprd: 
 X  and  in  thy falvation how  greatly /hall  he 
 rejoice  ! 
 
 2  Thou  haft  given  him  his  hearts  defire^  and  haft  not 
 mthholden  the  requeftofhis  lips.,  Selah. 
 
 5  For  thou  prevented  him  -with  the  bleffmgs  of 
 goodnejfe  :  thou  fetteft  a  Crowne  of  pure  gold  en  his 
 head. 
 
 4  He  asked  life  of  thee  and  thou  gavefi  it  him,  e- 
 yen  length  ofdayes  for  ever  and  ever. 
 
 5  His  glory  is  great  in  thy  falvation  i  honour  and 
 majeftj  haft  thou  laid  upon  him. 
 
 6  For  thou  haft  made  him  moft  blejfed  for  ever  : 
 thou  haft  made  him  exceeding  glad  with  thy  coun- 
 tenance. 
 
 7  For  the  King  trufteth  in  the  Lord^  and  through 
 the  mercy  of  the^moft  high  hee  fbxll  not  be  moved.  ! 
 
 The  benefits  bcftowed  on  tbe  King,  and  his  Kingdome, 
 are  feven or  eight,  which  are  fo  many  reafons  of  thankfgiving. 
 The  firft  is  joy  in  the  Kings  heart,  for  ftrengtb  and  falvation 
 given  unto  him.  Whence  learn,  i.  As  prayer  is  neceflary,  fo 
 alfois  thankfgiving*  and  the  ofF.-rin j  or  both  to  God,  as  ic  is 
 our  duty,  fo  it  is  his  due  $  and  as  we  fhould  feek  tbe  concu  - 
 renceoF  others  in  prayer,  fo  ill  juld  we  feek  their  concurrence 
 in  praifes  :  And  he  thac  off^reth  prayer  one  day  ,  (hall  have 
 mactet  of  prai.e  to  offer  another  day,  as  here  wee  are  taught. 
 2.  Chriftj  and  all  his  true  Subjects,  arc  fure  to  be  furniined 
 with  furniture  of  ft  ength  from  God,  for  every  imployment, 
 and  to  be  delivered  out  of  every  danger  by  GoJ,  and  to  have 
 j  >y  and  rejoycing  in  the  experimenca'l  feeling  ciereof.  For, 
 ThtYjng  fhalljoy  in  thy  ftrengb,  0  Lord,  and  in  thy  falvation 
 bow  greatly  Jhall  be  re  Joyce  i  This  is  the  Eft  reafon  of  praife 
 and  chanks,  for  this  firit  benefit.  The  fecond  benefit  bcftowed 
 on  Chrifbto  be  forthcoming  to  his  true  Subjects,  i>  this,  Si- 
 tisfa&ery  anfwers  mill  be  given  to  all  the  articles  of  thrifts 
 truerceifion,  an/1  all  tbe  artie'es  of  the  Saints  wjrranrable  fup- 
 pika  ions.  Thou  haft  given  bimbk  hearts  defire,  and  baft  not 
 mthholden  the  requeft  of  bk  lips.    Tbe  third  benefit  is  this, 
 
 There 
 
P  S  A  L,  XXl.  i  /J 
 
 There  (hall  be  a  ready  out-giving  of  liberall  gifts   for  Chrifts 
 fubjeds,  and  fruits  of  Gods  love,  before  the  need  thereof  be 
 felt,  orobfervedi  Tbou  freventeft  him  mtb  the  blej sing  of  gocd- 
 neffe :  The  fourth  benefit  is  right,  and  tide,  and   pofleffion 
 given  to  Chriftj  a  name  of  glory,  or  the  gift  of  a  glorious 
 Kingdome,  wherein  Chrift  (hall  give  all  his  fubjeds  crowns 
 of  glory,  xboufetteft  a  crown  of  furc  gold  upon  bis  bead.    The 
 fifth  benefit  is  right  toeternalllifc,  as  the  fruit  of  Chrifts  inter- 
 /ceffion  j   He  asfadlifeof  tbec,  and  thou  gaveftbim  even  length 
 of  days>  forever  and  ever.  The  fixth  benefit  given  to  Chrift, 
 1  and  bis  fubjeds,  is  growing  honour,  and  growing  weight  of 
 glorv,  a  load  of  it,  even  before  menj  for  nothing  can  make 
 men  more  glorious,  even  before  the  world,  then  Gods  own- 
 ing them  before  the  world,  and  putting  refped  upon  them  J 
 yea,and  the  world  (hall  more  and  more  fee  and  admire  the  glory 
 I  which  Goa  mall  put  upon  Chrift,  and  his  Kingdome  ;  HUglch 
 ry  is  great  in  thy  falvation;  honour  andmajefty  baft  thou  laid  up- 
 on him.    Thefeveotb  benefit,  is  a  begun   poffeflRon   of  ever- 
 lafting  blefiedneffe,  and  joy  unfpeakab.'e  $  partly  fom  the  feeh 
 ing  of  the  firft  fruits,  partly  from  the  hope  or  a  full  harveft. 
 For  God  will  never  make  c?n  end  of  bleffing  whom  he  will 
 bleffe.    Tbou  baft  made  bim,  and  his  followers  mo  ft  blc(fed  for 
 ever  5  tbou  baft  made  him  exceeding  glad  with  thy  countenance. 
 t  The  eighth  reafon  of  thankfgiv^ng,  and  the  laft  benefit,  in  rela- 
 tion to  the  giving  of  what  is  good  to  Cbrift,  and  to  his  (ub- 
 jjeds,   (among  whom2)<twi  and  every  one  of  the  godly  come 
 in  to  (hare^  is  the  uncbangcableneffe  of  C^ods  mercy, and  power- 
 |  full  love  towa;d  the  believer^  who  hath  clofed   in  covenant: 
 with  him,  and  doch  truft  in  him.  He  Jhall  not  be  moved.     And 
 whyfo?    Tbe^ingtruftetbintbeLord:  What  then  t  The  co- 
 venanted mercy  or  the  moft  High  is  unchangeable,  and  maketh 
 iall  bleffedncffe  faft  to  Chrift,  and  to  every  believer:    through 
 lUhe  mercy  of  the  mo  ft  High  be  fball  not  be  moved.    Chrifts  King- 
 jldomeinhis  Perfon,  and  his  Subjeds  with  him,  (hall  ftand, 
 iwben  all  the  kingdoms  on  earth  (hall  ft  agger  and  fall. 
 
 - 
 
 1      Ver.  8.  Thine  hand  (hall  find  out  all  thine  enemies^ 
 thj  right  hand  {hall  find  out  thofe  that  hate  thee. 
 \     9.  Thou  Jhalt  make  them  as  4  fiery  oven  in  the  time 
 >cf  thine  anger:  the  Lord  fball  [wallow  them  up  in  hti 
 tvrath^  and  the  fire  fball  devour  them, 
 
 I  Vrtf 
 
ii4  PSA  L.     XXI. 
 
 Vcr.  10.  Their  fruit  fbalt  thou  deftroy  from  the 
 earthy   and  their  feed  from  among  the  children  of  men. 
 
 In  the  zd.place  there  is  a  prophccic  of  Gods  vengeance  on  the  e- 
 netnies  of  Cbiift,&bis  Cburch,under  the  type  of  the  enemies  of 
 Davids  kingdom.  Whence  learn>  i .  All  the  enemies  of  Chrift,and 
 bis  Church,  ilia)  be  purfued  by  C?od,and  overtaken,  and  none  of 
 them  fhal efcape  his  handsneither  open  enemie$,nor  clofe  lurking 
 traitors.  The  Lor  is  hand  jballfind  out  all  the  lyings  enemies,  and 
 bh  right  hand  jhall  find  out  all  thofc  that  hate  him.  z.  All  the 
 enemies  of  Chrift,  and  his  Kingdome,  howfoever  they  may 
 poffiblybe  fparcd  and  forbom  for  a  while,  yet  there  is  a  fet 
 time  for  puniiliing  of  them  ,  here  called  the  time  of  Gods  an- 
 ger.  3.  When  the  time  is  come,  their  judgement  is  inevita- 
 ble, horrible*  and  compleatiy  full.  Thou  jbalt  ma^eihem  as  a 
 fiery  oven,  wberttbe  burning  is  extream  hoc,  the  heat  ftricking 
 upon  what  is  in  it3  from  all  hands,  above,  below,  and  about, 
 on  all  bands,  and  the  door  clofed  trom  going  out,  or  differing 
 any  coole  refreshment  to  come  in.  4.  There  is  no  poflibility 
 to  apprehend  the  horrible  punifhment  of  Chrifts  enemies  :  for 
 afcer  their  calling  in  a  fiery  oven5  they  are  fet  down  here  as  few- 
 ell,  to  fuffer  what  God's  being  incenfed  in  anger3  as  a  confu- 
 ming  fire  fwailowing  tbemup*  and  devouring  them  in  bis  in- 
 comprehensible wraths  doth  import.  5.  After  the  Lords  ven- 
 geance is  come  upon  the  enemies  of  thrifts  Kingdom,  his  curfe 
 mall  follow  the  works  of  their  hands^  3nd  upon  whatsoever  they 
 fought  to  make  themfelves  happy  by  in  their  life:  and  his 
 vengeance  fhall  follow  upon  their  pofterity,  till  he  have  rooted 
 out  their  memoriall  from  among  men.  Their  fruit  f\) all  he  deflrey 
 from  the  earth,  and  their  feed  from  amongft  the  children  of  men. 
 
 Ver.  11.  For  they  intended  evil  again  ft  thee  :  they 
 imagined  a  mifchievom  device^  which  they  are  rmt  *+ 
 ble  to  perform. 
 
 For  evidencing  the  Lords  juftice*  he  giveth  a  reafon  of  this 
 from  the  defigne  which  the  enemies  have  to  root  out  the  Lords 
 anointed,  and  his  feed,  vcr.i  1 .  Whence  learn,  1.  The  malici- 
 ous enemies  of  Chrifts  Kingdome,  (be fide  all  the  hatred  they 
 b-ivefhewn,  and  evil  which  tbey  have  done^  are  ftill  upon  plots 
 and  defignes  to  overturn  Chrifts  Kingdome,  and  work  Tbey  in- 
 tended evil  again ft  thee.    The  enemies  of  Chrifts  Kingdome 
 
 may 
 
PSAL    XXI.  ii j 
 
 may  poffibly  conceive  tbey  ondy  oppofe  fuch  as  do  trouble 
 mens  interefts,  andnojas  they  arc  the  Lords  children:  yet  ic 
 is  found,  that  what  they  do  againft  tbem,  they  doit againft  the 
 Lord  J .  becaufe  they  do  it  againft  hi$  children  and  fubje&s,  for 
 hiscaufcandfcrvicc.  2.  Plot  what  the  wicked  pleafe  againft 
 thrift  and  his  Church  ,  they  (hall  not  be  able  to  accQmplifh  their 
 defigne  or  defire  ;  Tbey  have  imagined  a  mifebievous  deviceywbhb 
 they  are  not  able  to  performs  3.  The  evill  which  the  wicked 
 would.do,  and  do  fet  tbcmfelves  to  do,  ftial  be  mack  their  dittay, 
 and  the  reafon  of  their  doom  and  deftru&ioa,  as  well  as  the 
 cvill  which  they  have  done,  if  they  repent  not.  For  tbey  inten- 
 ded, is  here  given  as  the  reafon  of  the  judgement. 
 
 Ver.  1 2.  Therefore  {halt  thou  make  them  turn  their 
 6acl^,  when  thou  Jbalt  make  ready  thine  arrowes  upon 
 thy  firings ,  againft  the  face  of  them. 
 
 He  cleareth  their  dittay  and  judgement  yet  more, verf.  1  i« 
 reaching  us,  1.  That  the  Lord  will  fuffer  his  enemies  to  ma- 
 nifeft  themfelves  in  open  oppofition  ofc-times,  before  he  fall 
 upon  them  :  for  here  they  are  found  in  the  pbfture  of  purfuers, 
 andoppofersof  God,  fetting  their  face  againft  him,  when  he 
 cometh  to  execute  judgement  on  them  :  Thou  jbalt;  mafe  tbem 
 turn  their  bac\.  2.  When  God  falletb  upon  his  enemies  to  be 
 avenged  upon  chem,  he  ufeth  to  make  them,  and  the  beholders 
 fee,  that  he  hath  fee  tbem  up  as  a  mark  to  (hoot  at :  for  He  will 
 mafy  ready  bis  arrows,  one  after  another,  againft  tbeface  oftbem* 
 3.  The  Lords  wrach  flial  fo  meet  his  enemies  in  the  teetb,where- 
 ioever  they  turn,  that  they  (hall  be  forced  to  fgrfake  their  pur- 
 fuing  of  the  Church.  Tbou  Jbalt  rha\{e  tbem  tqffi  thek  bae\. 
 
 Ver.  1 3.  Be  thou  exalted,  Lord^  in  thine  ownftrength: 
 
 fo  will  we  fing  andpraife  thy  power. 
 
 Hecloferh  thePfalroe  with  giving  glory  to  God,  including 
 j  alfo  a  prayer.  Whence  learner,  1.  When  the  Lords  Church  is 
 'preferred  from  perfecutors,  then  the  Lord  is  exalted.  "Betbon 
 I  exalted,  faith  he.     2   When  the  Church  is  delivered*  it  is  not 
 
 by  her  own  ftrengttb  but  by  the  power  of  the  Lord.     Be  thou 
 
 exalted  inthine  ownftrength.     3.    Albeit  the  godly  be  put   to 
 I  mourn  for  a  time,  yet  when  the  Lord  appearetn  for  them,  tbey 
 
 get  matter  of  joy  to  themfelves,  and  praife  to  God.   So  will  we 
 \  fing}  and  praife  thy  power. 
 
 I2  PSAL, 
 
n6  PSA  L.    3&XIL 
 
 P  S  A  L.    XXII. 
 
 To  the  chief  mufichn  upon  jjijehtbshibar,  A  Pfdme  ofPavid. 
 
 This  Pfalme  is  a  Prophecy  of  Chriftsdeepeft  Offer- 
 ings, whereof  "Davids  exercife  is  a  Type.  The  A- 
 gonyof  fpiritinChrift,  and  wreftling  of  Davids 
 faith  as  the  Type,  isfet  downe  to  'v.  22-  and  the  vi- 
 ctory, and  the  outgate  to  the  end  of  the  Pfalme. 
 In  the  exercife  there  are  three  corflids  between 
 fenfe  and  faith.  The  firft  conflict,wherein  thefenfe 
 of  trouble  is  fetdown,  v.  1,  2.  and  faiths  wreft- 
 ling againft  it,  ^.3,4,5.  Thefecond  conflict,wher- 
 in  is  the  fecond  affault  of  fenfe,  ?>,6,7,&.and  faiths 
 wreftling  againft  it,  ^.9,10,11.  The  third  conflid 
 wherein  the  third  affault  of  fenfe  is,  v4  1 2,13,14,15, 
 16,17,18.  and  faiths  wreftlingwith  it.  v.  19,20,21. 
 Then  followes  the  victory,  fct  forth  in  a  promife 
 of  praife,  f.22.  Secondly,  in  exhortation  to  all  the 
 godly,  to  praife  the  Lord ,  with  a  reafon  from  his 
 experience,  v.  23,24.  Thirdly,  in  a  renewing  pro- 
 mife of  praife  and  thanks,  to  the  edification  of  the 
 Church,  v.  25.  Fourthly,  in  a  Prophecy  of  the 
 encreafe  of  Gods  glory  in  the  earth,  as  a  fruit  of 
 Chrifts  fuffering  and  victory,  ver.  26,27,  28,29. 
 30,31. 
 
 v.i.'\JfTGodymy  God,  why  haft  thou  jorfaken  me} 
 XVJLwhy  art  thou  io  far  from  helping  me,  and 
 from  the  words  of  my  roaring  ? 
 
 2.  0  my  God,  I  cry  in  the  day  time,  but  thou  hear  eft 
 notiAnd  in  the  night  feafon,  and  am  not  filent. 
 
 In  this  exercife  of  David  the  type,  and  of  Cbrift  represented 
 here,  both  doe  agree  in  chefe  four  things.     1.  Both  are  under 
 
 the 
 
P  S  A  L.    XXII.  117 
 
 the  fenfe  of  wrath  ,  and  of  oppreflfing  trouble.     2.  Both  arc 
 tempted  to  doubting  and  defperation.      $.  Both  wreftlc  againft 
 the  testation, and  againft  trouble,  the  occafion  thereof  y  And 
 4.  Both  get  the  vidory.    But  they  differ  in  thefe  four  thingsv 
 1.  In  themeafure  of  the  trouble  5  Davids  trouble  was  little  in 
 cornparifon  of  Cbrifts  trouble  j  David  laid  not  downe  his  life 
 under  trouble  j  but  Chriftj  trouble  was  incomparably  more, 
 and  his  foul  made  heavy  unto  death,  and  the  trouble  tookc  his 
 life  from  him.       2.     In  the  manner  of  the  trouble  theydif- 
 ;■  fer  5  for  Davids  trouble  was  only  a  probatory  exercife3wi:houc 
 vindictive  wrath,  not  acurfe3  but  a  croffe,  for  trying  of  him, 
 and  training  of  him  to  beleeve  againft  fenfe  ,  which  trouble  of 
 bis  paid  no  debt,  neither  his  owne,  norany  othe  s  >  but  Cbrifts 
 trouble  was  a  vindidive  and  avengefull  punilhment  5  for  reall 
 wrath  was  againft  him,  as  he  was  bearing  our  fins,  and  the  bit- 
 ter curfe  of  the  Law  was  caft  upon  him  :  for  he  was  made  a  curfe 
 'for  us,  and  his  punifliment  paid  our  debt,  and  was  expiatory 
 and  fatisfadory  to  juftice.  Thirdly,  though  both  David  and 
 Chrift  were  tempted  to  doub-ing  and  defperation,  yet  Davids 
 tentation  could  not  be  finlefle,  becaufeof  his  fin  fa  It  imperfecti- 
 ons, common  to  him,  tand  all  the  reft  of  the  godly  5    The  ten* 
 tation  got  fome    advantage  of  him,  becaufc  of  the  imperfc- 
 dion  of  his  knowledge,  faith,  love,  and  abilities  i    and  be- 
 'caufs  of  the  power  of  the  body  of  origtnall  fin  in  him.     But 
 ;  Chriftspaffive  tentation  was  altogether  finleffe,  and  could  not 
 i  have  any  fin  at  all  on  his  part  5  for  albeit  he  was  tempted  in  ail 
 things  like  unto  us,  yet  it  is  faid,  without  fin.  Becaufe  when  the 
 I  Prince  of  this  world, Satan,came  ar>d  took  effay  of  him,he  found 
 none  of  his  ownituffein  Chrift  ;  he  had  nothhginbimto  work 
 upon,  and  it  was  impoffible  that  fin  could  be  in  him  ,  being  the 
 bolyoneoflfraelour  fanftifier.  Holy  Lord  God  Almighty,  and 
 man  alfoinoneperfon,  J [(1*6.3,  $ob.  12.  41.     Fourthly,  they 
 differ  in  their  wreftling,  and  vidory  J  for  David  w  eftied  not  in 
 bis  own  ftren  ;th,  got  not  the  vidory  in  bis  own  ftrengtb,  but 
 in  and  through  Cbrifts  ftrengtb,  who  gave  'David  a  tafte  onely, 
 or  a  fmell  rather,  of  the  cup  which  he  was  to  drinke  ouc,unco  the 
 dregs,and  wichtbe dregs ,  and  who  helped  him  to  wreftle  by 
 Faith.     But  Chrift  wreftled  and  go:  the  vidory  in  his  owne 
 ftrength,  which  is  one  with  the  ftrength  of  the  Father.   For  he  is 
 Jehovah  our  righeeoufneffe.     In  all  the  Pfalme  we  fliaR  look 
 upon  every  paffage,  notfo  much  as  it  concerneth  Vaviiiht  typeV 
 !  ;s  wherein  it  concerneth  Chrift  the  truth.   In  the  firft  conflid 
 
 1 3  *         of 
 
n8  PSAL  XXII. 
 
 of  the  fenfe  of  trouble  with  faitb;  Learn  from  the  words  as  they 
 arc  Chrifts  words,     i.  God  is  Chrifts  God  $  be  being  confide- 
 rcd  as  God  and  man,  in  one  perfon,  entred  in  the  Covenant  of 
 redemption  with  the  Father  as  Mediator  and  Surety  for  men, 
 That  he  (hall  fatis fie  juftice*  and  doe  all  the  Fathers  will  in  be- 
 halfe  of  the  Eled,  and  that  God  (hall -be  bis  God,  and  the  God 
 of  all  the  Eled:  redeemed  by  him.  Therefore  doth  he  here  fay, 
 My  God,  my  God.    2.  Faith,  as  it  is  a  vertue  giving  perfect  truft 
 and  credit  unto  Gods  promifes  made  to  his  Son  the  Redeemer, 
 is  a  part  of  that  original  holineffe  in  the  m an  Cbritt,and  a  point 
 ofhispcrfonallperfe&ion,  futableto  his  imployment.    This 
 faith  he  profeffeth  while  he  faitbjM)  Godyny  God.  g .  Chrift,  as 
 man  lying  under  the  curfe  of  the  law  for  us,  was  really  deftr- 
 ted  and  forfaken  for  a  time,in  regard  of  all  fenfible  consolation: 
 for  it  behoved  him  to  bear  the  wrath,  or  effc&s  of  wrath,   due  to 
 our  fins  real ly,fo  far  as  might  fatisfie  for  us,  and  relieve  us  from 
 yvrath.  Its  true,the  man  Chrift  could  no  more  be  forfaken  ,  in 
 regard  of  divine  prefence    fupporting  him,    then  the  perfonall 
 union  of  the  two  natures  could  be  diffolved  :    But  in  regard  of 
 fenfible  con  fol  at  ion,  he  was  by  way  of  punifhmentfor  our  fins, 
 and  by  way  of  curfing  our  fin  in  him,  really  in  our  ftead  for  a 
 while,  deprived,  as  man,  of  the  fenfe  of  the  comfort  of  his  own 
 C?od-head.  The  fenfe  of  wrath  filling  now  the  foul  of  the  man, 
 to  the  brim,  and  running  over.  Therefore  ("peaks  he  of  his  for- 
 faking,  Why  baft thou  for fa^cn  mc\     4.  As  fenfe  and  reafon 
 can  exprefle  themfelves  in  feeming  contradictory  tearms  ,  and 
 ycx  without  contradi&ion  can  very  well  agree  in  their  feeming 
 oppofit,  and  inconfiftent  expreflionss  fo  c*n  faith  and  fenfe  ex- 
 prefle themfelves,  in  feeming  contradictory  termes,  and  yet  ve- 
 iy  well  agree  5  for  as  fenfe,  and  paine,  and  ikkneffe  in  the  p3ti- 
 enr,  can  in  its  owne  language,  and  ftvle  of  naturall  feeling,  fay 
 to  the  Chirurgion,  cutting  and  lancing  the  fleftband  to  the  Phy- 
 fician  who  hath  given  a  bitter  poiionjou  have  burt  me ,  you  have 
 made  mtfic\ :  when  indeed  in  the  IHIe  of  reafon  and  wit,he  hath 
 been  healing  the  man,  and  recovering  him  from  ficknefle.     So 
 fenfe  of  forrow,gricf,  paine,  and  affliction,  defertion,and  wrath 
 cm  fpeak  in  the  tearmes  of  naturall  feeling,  that  which  may  feem 
 to  croflc,  but  doth  not  indeed  croffe  faith  fpeaking  in  the  tearms 
 and  language  of  fupernaturall    Theological    truth.  Therefore 
 My  God,  my  Gody  fpokeninthe  perfc&ton  of  faiths  language, 
 can  very  well  a^ree  with,  IVbybafi  thou  forfik.cn  mctvtfby  art  thou 
 fo  far  from  helping  of  me,  and  from  the  words  of  my  roaring*? 
 
 fpoken 
 
P  S  A  L.     XXII,  up 
 
 fpoken  here  in  the  language  of  perfect  naturall  fenfe  >  for  per- 
 fect faith,  and  perfc&naturall  fenfe  were  incur  Lord  Cbrift, 
 very  God, and  very  man,  and  compleatly  boly.  5*  Bitter  was  the 
 Cup  of  Divine  wrath*  which  Cbrift  did  drinke  :  great  was  the 
 price  our  Redeemer  paid,  co  ranfome  us ,  when  the  fenfe  thereof 
 drew  forth  of  his  Majefty  fuch  expreffions.  Thus  faith  and 
 feeling  may  both  fpeak,  each  of  them  their  owne  language  to 
 God  in  one  breath  ,  as  here  they  do.  Now  as  tbcfe  words  are 
 Davids,  who  bad  in  him  finfull  corruption  of  nature,  Learne  1 . 
 Senfe, and  tentation,  and  corrupt  future,  may  rcprefen:  God 
 inhisdifpenfationstohis  own  children,  as  if  he  bad  forfaken 
 altogether,  and  regarded  not  their  bard  condition  ,  and  would 
 nothelpe,as  here  is  fhewen  in  Davids  experience.  2.  Faith 
 mould  corred  fenfe,  and  refute  tentations ,  and  bridle  affecti- 
 ons, and  not  fuffer  their  words  to  goe  forth,  exprefsing  fenfe  or 
 appearance  of  doubting  of  Gods  favour,  till  firft  faith  fpeak5and 
 goe  before,  and  faften  its  gripes  on  the  Covenant  5  as  here  faith 
 gocth  formoft,  and  calleth  the  Lord,  My  God ,  my  Cjod>  before 
 that  fenfe  utter  a  word.  5.  Atone  time,  2nd  in  one  exercife, 
 thefe  three  may  concur ;  1.  Defertion  in  the  point  of  comfort. 
 2.  Growing  trouble  without  help  feen.  ami  $.  Apparent  re- 
 jecting of  prayer:  And  thefe  three  joyned  together  do  fet  fore 
 upon  the  faith  of  a  child  of  God.  For  continuance  of  trouble 
 *  it  a  fore  tentarion,  albeit  comfort  be  now  and  then  mixed  .• 
 want  of  fenfible  comfort,  mixed  <  with  trouble,  doubieth  the 
 burden,  and  difquieteth  the  mind  much  :  but  to  feem  to  lofe  la- 
 bour in  prayer,  made  for  either  help  or  comfort,  is  the  heavieft 
 part  of  the  exercife,  /  cry  dxy  and  night,  and  thou  heareft  not,  is  a 
 fad  condition.  4.  In  this  cafe  it  is  the  beft  remedy,  to  lay  the 
 worft  of  our  thoughts  fingle  before  the  Lord ,  and  to  tell  him 
 wbatfocver  is  fuggefted  to  us,  and  not  to  be  Secretars  to  Satan; 
 but  to  rcVfeale  our  felves  fully  to  God,  and  fix  our  felves  on  the 
 Covenant  of  Grace,  wherein  we  have  clofed  with  him  5  yea,  and 
 to  double  and  treble  our  gripes  of,  My  God. 
 
 3.  But  thou  art  holj^  O  thou  that  inhabitefi  the 
 praifes  of  Ifrael. 
 
 4.  Our  Fathers  trufled  in  thee :   thej  trufted  ,  and 
 thoudidft  deliver  thept. 
 
 5.  They  crjed  unto  thee ,  and  were  delivered  :  thij. 
 trufled  in  thee,  and  were  not  confounded. 
 
 I  4  T  Now 
 
120  P  S  A  L.     XXII. 
 
 Now  Faith  having  fpoken  wibScnfe,  and  grapled  with  the 
 tcntation,  fpeaketb  alone?  that  it  may  prevail.  Whence  learn,  J. 
 Were  tentations  never  fo  black,  Fauh  will  not  hearken  to  an  ill 
 word  fpoken  againft  God, but  will  juftifie  God  alwayes  >   This 
 (hould  be  our  part  in  time  of  greateft  perplexity, to  fay,  But  tboti 
 art  holy.     2.  It  is  wifedqme  for  a  foul  in  a  fad  exercife,  to  take 
 fide  and  pate  with  Faith,  to  gather  arguments  to  ftrengthen  ir, 
 to  divert  the  minde  from  thinking  ftinonitscalamity?  and  to 
 fet  it  upon  the  comemplation  of  Gods  perfections  in  himfelfe, 
 and  toward  us  in  hisGofpel,  and  of  the  paffages  of  his  provi- 
 dence toward  his  people*  whereby  he  bath  purchafed  conftanc 
 praifes  at  their  hands  :  In  the  right  of  which  praues  and  poffef- 
 fion  whereof,God  is  rcfolvedto  keep  himfelf  and  to  dwel  there- 
 in as  in  a  habitation  wherein  he  delights  to  remain.     O  tbou 
 tbit  inbMtefi  the  praifes  of  IfraeL     $.  It  is  wifedome  to  look  to 
 the  carriage  of  the  Godly  in  former  times :  Our  Fathers  trufted 
 intbee.  To  their  trufting,  and  rrufting  in  God  conftandy  in 
 their  trouble  ;  they  trufted  in  tbee^tbey  trufted,  and  the  third  time 
 they  trufted  :  and  to  look  upon  their  patient  depending  on  God, 
 doubling  their  diligence  in  calling  on  bim  5  as  their  ftraits  did 
 gtow  jhey  cryedjtbey  trufted :  and  to  remember  that  they  did  ne- 
 ver feek  Cjod  in  vain5but  every  one  of  them  were  delivered,  and 
 not  confounded;  for  this  direction  is  holden  forth  to  us  in  this 
 example^  which  our  Lord  Jefus  could  well  make  ufc  of  for  our 
 confolation,  and  whereof  David  made   ufe  for  his  owne  up- 
 holding. 
 
 6.  Btttlzmawormeandno  man,    a  reproach  of 
 men,  and  defpifed  of  the  people. 
 
 7.  AH  they  that  he  me, laugh  me  to  fcotn:  they  /hoot 
 cut  the  lip,  they  Jhake  the  head,  faying, 
 
 8*  Hetrufiedon  the  Lord  ,  chat  he  would  deliver 
 him  1  let  him  deliver  him,  feeing  he  delighted  in  him. 
 
 The  fecond  conflift,  wherein  the  fenfe  of  trouble  h  fet 
 forth  as  a  new  aflTaulting  of  Faith.  Whence  learn,  1.  Never  was 
 any  child  of  God  before  Chrift>  under  fo  much  mifcry  as  Chrift 
 was  himfelf;  His  own  heavens?  his  own  Father,  his  own  god- 
 head did  hide  their  face  and  confolation  from  him  ;  Our  (ins 
 willingly  taken  on  him,  and  Gods  wrath  preffed  the  weight  of 
 puniftimenr  with  the  full  power  of  Juflicr,  both  upon  his  foul 
 smd  body:  Thefc  for  whom  he  dyed  defpifed  him,  he  himfelfe 
 
 being 
 
P  S  A  L.  XXII.  lax 
 
 beinj  emptied  of  all  things  which  make  men  refpeded  to  the 
 world,  and  depiefled  lower  then  ever  any  man  was,  as  a  worme 
 to  be  trod  upon,he  was  made  a  matter  of  common-  Talk, and  re-. 
 p  oach  in  all  mens  mouths  >  fet  at  nought  by  the  bait  ft  of  the 
 people  J  derided,  and  fcorned  inbismoftboly  behaviour  >  fporr* 
 and  matter  of  laughter  was  made  of  his  fuffsrings  >  malice  feed- 
 ing it  felfe  with  pleafure,  upon  his  paine  and  mifery  ,  and  ex- 
 pressing it  felfe  with  the  bafeft  fignes  ot  difgrace,  which  difdain 
 could  devife,  for  flouting  of  bim,  mocking  of  his  faving  do- 
 drine^andfaichfuli  teftimeny  given  unto  it  5  infulting  over 
 him,  as  if  he  bad  been  neicher  Gods  Son,  nor  an  boneft  man: 
 and  all  this  was  counted  little  enough  for  fatisfadion  tcjuftice, 
 exa&ing  of  him,  as  the  due  puniftimen:  of  our  fins  ,  wbatfoever 
 is  imported  in  the  fad  exprefsions,  let  down  in  the  Text.  2.  As 
 the  more  mifery  the  children  of  God  are  under,  the  more  doth 
 tentation  make  their  mifery  feem  weighty,  for  bearing  down  of 
 
 j  their  confidence  inGod:So  the  more  that  mifery  fecmeth  to  grow, 
 and  the  world  to  turn  their  back  on  Gods  children  in  their  tryals, 
 the  more  fhould  they  draw  neer  to  God,and  1  ay  ouc  their  cafe  be- 
 fore hinb  as  here  we  are  taught  by  this  example.  3 .  Let  no  man 
 wonder  to  be  defpifed  of  men,  and  mocked  for  religion  >  for  fo 
 was  the  man  according  to  Gods  own  heart, and  Cbrift«our  Lord 
 mocked  more  then  any,  in  his  fad  fufferings  .    Let  Cjod  deliver 
 
 i  bim>  feeing  be  deligbtetb  in  bim,  faid  his  enemies. 
 
 9.  But  thou  art  he  that  took^me  out  of  the  wombe; 
 j  thou  didflmakeme  hope,when  I  was  upon  my  Mothers 
 ■  hrefis. 
 
 10,  1  was  caft  upon  thee  from  the  wombe  :  thou  art 
 my  God  from  my  mothers  belly. 
 
 ll  Be  not  far  from  me ,  for  trouble  is  neer\  for  there 
 jS  none  to  help. 
 
 Here  faith  oppofeth  wbatfoever  the  complaint  could  imporr, 
 to  the  prejudice  of  confidence  ,  and  labouretbto  itrengthen  it 
 felfe  by  all  arguments.  Wbencelearn,  1.  As  Satan  maketh  af- 
 fault  after  affault,againtt  Faith,  upon  new  reprefentations  of 
 calamity  and  mifery  $  fo  we  fhould  raife  bulwark  after  bulwark 
 for  defences  and  after  we  have  looked  upon  other  mens  experi- 
 ences before  us,we  fhould  recount  our  own  experiences  of  Gods 
 care  towards  us,  and  fhould  make  ufe  of  all  that  the  Lord  hath 
 done  unto  us,  for  ourftrengthnlng  $    forfo  dcth  this  example 
 
 teach 
 
122  PSAL.     XXII. 
 
 teach  us.  2.  Albeit  meninafit  of  misbelief,  will  admit  no 
 proofe  of  Gods  refped  unco  them,  except  Angularities,  and  will 
 queftion  alfo  fpeciall  grace,  when  it  is  given  ;  yet  the  humbled 
 belcever  is  fo  wife,  as  to  make  ufe  of  the  moft  common  benefit 
 which  the  man  hath  received  from  God  for  confirmation  of  his 
 owne  faiths  even  the  ordinary  work  of  our  conception,  frame  of 
 body,  birth,  and  education  mayfufficcus  to  draw  in  to  God 
 who  made  us,  and  hath  done  fo  much  for  us  (  ere  we  could  im- 
 plore him,  or  doe  any  thinj  for  our  [elves) as  may  incourage  us 
 to  come  to  him, and  feek  his  favour^  wbatfoever  objection  can 
 be  made  to  the  contrary,-  for  this  example  teacheth  us  fo  to  doe, 
 3.  Seeing  the  Lord  doth  many  things  for  us,  which  in  the  time 
 when  he  doth  them  for  us,  we  doe  not  obferve  5  it  is  our  duty  to 
 look  upon  them  afterwards,tbat  they  may  fuinifli  us  with  matter 
 of  praife  to  God  and  faith  in  himjfor  fo  doth  this  example  teach 
 us.  4.Whatfoever  inftruments  &  means  the  Lord  makeh  tufe  of, 
 the  ipirituall  eye  pierceth  through  them,  'and  looketh  on  God  as 
 worker  of  all  things,  for  and  upon  them,  from  their  cradle. 
 Thou  toofyft  me  out  of  my  mothers  mmbe.  5.  Children  borne 
 within  the  Covenant  have  God  for  their  God,  from  their  nativi- 
 ty,and  may  lay  their  reckoning  fo  y  and  wbenfoever  they  would 
 draw  neer  to  God,  to  make  ufe  of  the  Covenant,  they  may  fay, 
 Thou  art  my  God  from  my  Mothers  belly.  6,  The  approaching 
 of  trouble,  and  neernefle  of  danger  mould  draw  us  neer  to  God, 
 whoin  aninftantcan  inrerpofe  himfelfe  between  us  and  the 
 efill:  and  the  leffe  help  we  have  befide  the  Lord  himfelfe,  the 
 more  hope  may  we  have  to  be  helped  by  God  5  This  is  the  Pro- 
 phets plea,  Be  not  far  from  me,  for  trouble  is  neer,  &c. 
 
 12.  Many  Buls  have  compared  me  :ftreng  buls  of 
 rBaJhan  have  befet  me  round, 
 
 ly  Thej  gaped  upon  me  with  their  mouths  ,  as  a 
 ravening  and  roaring  Lion. 
 
 From  ver.i  a.to  22.  is  the  third  conflld  of  Senfc  with  Faith, 
 upon  the  consideration  of  the  multitude,  power  and  cruelty  of 
 his  enemies,  compared  with  his  own  infirmity,  now  emptied  of 
 all  ftrengtb  to  refift  tbemjand  tbefe  are  mixed  one  with  another. 
 The  enemies  terriblenefie  is  firit  fet  forth,  then  bis  emptineffe 
 and  weakneffe  by  turnes,  to  v.  1 9.  unto  all  which  faith  oppofeth 
 it  felfe,  by  prayer  to  God,  to  v. 22.  He  compareth  (v.12,13.^ 
 bis  perfecucors  to  Bnlsjnavj  buls>  ftrong,  cruel  ^gaping,  roaring, 
 
 devouring 
 
P  S  A  L.    XXII.  1x3 
 
 devouring;  Lions.  Whence  ktrnji.  The  perfecutors  of  Chrift 
 and  his  people,  are  but  beaftly^  fenfuall  bodies,  fold  to  this  pre- 
 fent  world,  and  deftituteof  grace  and  humanity  ;  more  like  in 
 their  rage  to  favagebeafts  then  toracionall  mtn  j  commonly 
 alfothey  are  men  of  riches,  and  worldly  power,  fed  unlfatBuls^ 
 and  many  in  number,  all  of  them  ready  for  an  ill  turne  ,  and  fo 
 cruel,that  nothing  leffe  will  fatisfie  them,tben  blood  and  Slaugh- 
 ter, as  they  are  here  described.  And  no  wonder  that  Chrifts  fer- 
 vantsihall  finde  it  forn  their  cafe,  feeing  Chrift  himfelfe  and 
 bis  fervants  before  us  have  had  experience  of  fuch  enemies. 
 
 14.  I  am  poured  out  like  V?  at  errand  all  my  bones  ar? 
 out  ofjoynt :  my  heart  is  like  wax,  it  is  melted  in  the 
 midft  of  my  bowels. 
 
 15.  My  ftrength  is  dryed  up  like  a  ptjheard :  axd 
 mj  tongue  cleaveth  to  myjwaes  j  and  thou  hafi  brought 
 
 1  me  into  the  daft  of  death. 
 
 What  the  Lord  wrought  upon  his  body,  and  naturall  fpirits* 
 and  ftrengthj  is  here  fet  downe.  Whence  learn,  1.  It  was  deter- 
 mined  by  £od,  that  with  outward  perfceution  of  Chrift  ,    by 
 bis  cruel  adverfaries ,  the  Father  fhould  bruifehimand  breake 
 him  inwardly  alfo,  and  punifh  him  with  all  feverity  :  for  here 
 bis  fuffering  is  in  body  and  minde,  in  flifti  and  bones  3   in  his 
 natural!  fpirit^and  natural  courage,in  beart,and  whole  ihengtb, 
 that  in  nothing  he  mould  be  unpunished. wherein  we  linners  arc 
 found  polluted  ,  to  the  intent  that  he  being  fully  emptied  3  the 
 ranfome  might  be  full  j  he  is  poured  out  Ufa  inter,  and  empti- 
 ed of  ail  that  the  created  humane  nature  could  furnifli.   The  ter- 
 rourof  Divine  Juftice  and  wrath  did  in  a  manner  loofe  all  the 
 foynts  of  his  body,  fo  that  natural!  courage,  before   the  dread  full 
 avenger  of  fin,did  fail ;  his  heart  was  made  (oft  Ufa  vpjlx  to  receive 
 and  keep  the  impreiTion  of  Divine  terrour,  till  juftice  vhould  be 
 I   fatisfiedj  and  was  diffolved  like  wax,  in  the  point  of  refolution 
 ;   to  withftand  iu      It  is  melted  in  the  midft  of  kis  bowels,   his  na- 
 I    turall  ftrength  is  dryed ,  burnt  up  like  a  potflieardy   baken  in  the 
 fire3bis  mouth  was  ftopped  from  all  defence  and  apology-  for  he 
 was  content  to  be  holdenas  guilty,ftanding  in  our  room. rberc- 
 prehis  tongue  cleaved  to  his  jaws.  And  in  a  word,  the  hand  of 
 God  exa&etb  the  full  price  of  hm  ,  and  .brings  him  downe  fojr 
 i   ss  there  is  not  a  bit  of  him  free  of  the  punifhmenr.  Tboujaiih  he, 
 baft  brought  me  into  the  dufi  of  death.  This  PavU  bad  but  a  tafte 
 
 of 
 
124  PSAL.   XXII. 
 
 of  in  his  deepcft  trouble  ;  Vht  verity  and  weight  of  this,  is  to 
 be  found  only  in  Cbrift,of  whom  this  was  prophecied,  that  it 
 fhouldcome,  and  indeed  is  come,  done  and  ended,  and  foit 
 behoved  to  be- 
 
 16.  For  doggshave  compajfeA  me  ,•  the  ajfembly  of 
 the  wicked  have  inclofedme :  they  pierced my  hands  and 
 iny  feet. 
 
 Againe  be  bringethfonh  his  enemies  part,  to  mew  us  that 
 Orifts  enemies  were  to  prove  but  bloody  doggs,  when  they 
 fhould  be  let  loofe  upon  him,  whom  nothing  but  Crucifie  him, 
 crucifie  bim,could  fatisfie  •  and  fucb  will  they  be  itil}  who  per- 
 fecute  his  Cburch.  Next,to  fbew,tbat  although  his  enemies  were 
 to  be  the  aflkmWy  of  the  vifible  Church ,  for  open  profeffion, 
 yet  byreje&ingof  his  grace,  and  oppofing  of  him ,  in  Gods 
 fight  and  eftimacion,  ttiey  were  holden  for  the  ajfemblyof  the 
 wicked.  Tbirdiy>to  forefhew  the  death  of  the  Croffe  to  be  ap- 
 pointed for  Cbrift,  it  ii  faid,  They  pierced  my  bands  and  my 
 feet. 
 
 17.  I  may  tell  all  my  bones  :  they  look^  and  ft  are 
 upon  me. 
 
 1 8.  They  pan  my  garments  among  them  ,  and  caft 
 lots  upon  my  veflure. 
 
 Another,  and  further  point  of  Cbrifts  fore-propbecied  fuf- 
 fering,  is  bis  nakednefle  on  the  Crofie,  and  the  difcovery  of  his 
 Lane  body  (being  wafted  with  decreed  forrows)  and  the  gating 
 of  his  enemies  upon  him  hanging  on  the  Croffe,  and  the  part- 
 ing of  his  garments  among  the  fouldiers,  and  the  cafting  of  lots 
 for  his  upper  garment,  becaufe  it  was  woven,  and  could  not  be 
 divided.  Whence  learn,  1.  All  that  out  Lord  Jefus  fuffered,  was 
 before  decreed  and  agreed  upon,betwixt  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
 and  foretold  by  Cbiift  bimfelfe  long  hefore  his  incarnation, 
 fpeaking  by  his  fpirit  in  his  Prophets^  as  here  appearetb,  by  the 
 defcription  of  our  Lords  death  and  paflion,  fo  plainly  and  par- 
 ticularly, as  if  it  were  a  Hiftory,  and  not  a  Prophecy.  2.  Befide 
 paine  of  body,  leanneffe  of  flefli,  with  daily  forrows  and  trouble 
 of  fpirit,  thdeaft  dif^race  done  to  our  Lord,  the  lead  wrong 
 took  unto  him,  the  leaft  injurie  in  the  matter  of  bis  cloatbing, 
 are  all  reckoned  up  in  his  fundings,  all  counted  up  in  the  price 
 of  redemption,  that  there  may  be  nothing  inlacking  in  the  pu- 
 niftiment  of  our  cautioner,  whereby  Gods  juitice  might  be  ia- 
 
 tisfied, 
 
PSAL.  XXII.  125 
 
 risfied>  or  our  confciences  quieted  for  the  expiation  of  our  fin, 
 by  his  iuffering  in  body,  foule,  fame,  apparell,  and  every  other 
 thing  elfc,  wherein  juftice  could  overtake  the  guilty. 
 
 Ver.  19.  But  be  not  thonfar  from  me,  O  Lord,  O 
 myftrength,  haft  thee  to  he  If  me. 
 
 Unto  this  laftaffaulr,  faith  oppofeth  prayer  for  divine  a fli- 
 ftance,for  ftrength  to  bear  out,  and  tor  delivery,  in  all  which  he 
 was  heard.  Whence  learn,  1.  Faith  is  made  victorious  over  all  af- 
 faults,  by  opening  of  its  tentations  to  God*  and  putting  up 
 prayer  to  him  for  help,  as  here  is  feen.  2.  If  God  mall  nor 
 withdraw  his  fwect  prefence  for  fupporting  a  foule,  albeit  ic 
 mould  not  find  his  prefence  for  comforting  of  it,  fupporting 
 prefence  mayfuffice  in  a  time  of  fad  exercife;  for  this  mucb 
 did  fatisfie  our  God  in  his  agony.  Be  net  thou  far  from  me,  0 
 Lord.  3.  Faith  findeth  God  to  be  is  ftrength  when  the  be- 
 iliever  is  emptied  of  bis  own  ftrength  5  0  wy  ftrength,  faith  Dam 
 vid  the  type  >  and  Chrift  as  man  by  him  represented*  4.  As 
 the  haft  of  our  necefsity  doth  require,  we  may  without  limita- 
 tion requeft  the  Lord  to  hafte  ;  Hafte  tbee  to  help  me* 
 I 
 
 Ver.  20.  Deliver  my  foul  from  the  [word:   my  dar- 
 ling from  the  power  of  the  dog. 
 
 2 1.  Save  me  from  the  lions  mouth  :  for   thou  haft 
 heard  me  from  the  horns  of  the  unicorns. 
 
 He  prayeth  to  be  delivered  from  the  violent  blood-fhedder, 
 jand  bloudy  deggiih  perfecutor ,  and  from  the  crueil  lion-like 
 oppreflbur,  and  then  faith  prefemiy,  that  be  h  beard  and  deli- 
 vered from  the  power  of  the  enemies  which  were  letting  upon 
 him,  as  Unicorns.  Now  concerning  David  the  matter  is  dear; 
 for  he  was  delivered  fo  from  his  enemies,  that  they  got  not  his 
 life  :  But  of  Chrift  thequeftion  may  be,  how  he  was  deli— 
 vercd3  feeing  his  life  is  taken':  For  anfwer,  (^twiR.  here  doth 
 fay,  that  he  was  delivered  J  and  fo  it  was  indeed  5  for  when  he 
 had  payed  the  price,  he  was  not  holden  by  the  bonds  of  death, 
 and  the  grave,  but  rofe  again  the  third  day.  Whence  learne, 
 1  •;  Chrift  was  no  leffe  delivered  from  dogs,  lions,  unicorns, 
 his  perfecuting  enemies,  by  bis  refurre&ion  after  death,  then 
 if  he  had  been  taken  out  of  their  hands,  when  they  came  to  ap- 
 prehenihim  in  the  Garden  5  yea,  this  delivery  out  of  the  grave, 
 was  a  farre  greater  delivery  then  if  be  had  not  been  flain  at  all ; 
 
 For 
 
iz6  P  S  A  L.     XXII. 
 
 For  then  be  had  deliverd  himfelfe  onely,  and  not  us :  Bat  now 
 by  the  laying  down  of  his  life,  he  bath  difcharged  himfelfe  of 
 bis  furetilhip  for  us,  and  delivered  us  with  himfelf,  and  fo  hath 
 faved  bothnimfelfe.  and  us  *  yea,  by  bis  rifing  out  of  the  grave, 
 he  is  demonilrace  more  fully  to  be  the  Son  of  God,  then  by 
 any  of  hfc  miraculous  efcapings  oucfrem  the  hands  of  the  mul- 
 titude, when  they  were  about  to  apprehend  him-  Thou  baft  beard 
 me,  that  is,  delivered  me.  2.  To  get  vidory  over  trouble,  is 
 a  no  leffe  glorious  delivery  from  trouble,  then  to  be  preferved 
 from  falling  into  trouble  $  yea,  its  a  more  glorious  delivery* 
 For  the  troubles  are  broken,  by  falling  on  the  believer,  like 
 waves  of  the  fea  on  the  rock,  and  the  believer  remainecb  vi- 
 ctor, and  fetled  as  a  rock.  3.  Ic  is  a  notable  argument  of 
 confidence  to  be  heard  by  way  of  delivery,  when  a  man  can  fay 
 be  hath  in  extreamity  of  danger  prayed,  and  bath  been  heard 
 as  a  Supplicant ;  Save  me,  for  thou  baft  beard  me  from  the  horns 
 of  the  unieorns. 
 
 Ver.  22.  /  rvitl  declare  thy  name  unto  my  brethren  : 
 in  the  midfi  of  the  congregation  will  I  praifethee. 
 
 After  the  conflict,  the  vi&ory  and  out-&ate  by  way  .of 
 thanksgiving  is  (et  down,  to  the  end  of  the  Pfaime,  wherein 
 Davids  part  is  but  a  little  fhidow,  and  is  fwallowed  up  here  in 
 Chrifts  glory,  mining  in  the  fruits  of  his  paflion  and  re* 
 furre&fcm.  Learn  from  Davids  part :  That  delivery  forefeen 
 by  faith,  worketh  in  fome  fort  the  effefts  of  the  delivery  paft 
 in  tScd  ?  to  wic,  quietnefle,  peace,  joy,  and  thankfgiving  $ 
 $s  here  is  tobefeen.  From  thrifts  part  promifing  and  pro- 
 phecying  of  the  fruits  of  bis  death  and  refurre&ion,  Learn 
 1.  Chrift,  though  he  be  God  Almighty,  yet  by  reafon  of  his 
 incarnation,  for  the  redecmeds  (ake,  he  is  not  aihameed  to  call 
 them  Brethren.  2.  The  preaching  of  the  Goipellof  Chrifts 
 fatisfadion  for  our  fins  by  death,  and  of  his  refurreclion  for 
 our  jultificarion,  is  the  matter  of  great  praile  to  God*  and  com- 
 fort to  the  redeemed  :  Ivoili  declare,  faith  Chrift,  thy  name  to 
 my  brethren.  3.  In  the  right  preaching  of  the  Gofpel,  the  Mi- 
 nifters  are  in  effed  but  Cbriits  voice.  Chrift  himfelfe  it  the 
 principall  Prophet  and  Preacher:  ForI>  faith  he,  will  declart 
 thy  name  in  the  miift  of  the  gnat  Congregation  5  to  wir^  of  the 
 whole  Cathoiick  Church  on  earth. 
 
 Ver.  23.  Te  that  fear  the  Lord,  praife  him  j  all  ye 
 
 thz 
 
PSAL.  XXII.  127 
 
 the  feedof  Jacob, glorifie  him%  and  fear  him,  all  je 
 the  feed  of  IfratL 
 
 24.  For  he  hath  not  defpifed,  nor  abhorred  the  affile 
 Elion  of  the  afflitted  :  neither  hath  he  hid  his  face from 
 him,   but  when  he  cried  unto  him,   he  heard. 
 
 Heexbortethall  that  fear  God,  to  praife  and  glorifie  God, 
 bccaufe  of  Chrifts  vi&oric,  and  Gods  hearkening  unto  his  in- 
 terceffion  made  for  the  redeemed.  Whence  learn,  1.  Such  as 
 are  macle  partakers  of  the  benefit  of  Chrifts  pafston,  and  re- 
 furre&ion,  are  chiefly  called,  and  bound  to  praife  God  for 
 their  redemption,  and  to  fear  God  more  and  more,  that  tbey 
 may  be  more  and  more  fitted  to  praife  and  glorifie  him;  for  of 
 a  fan&ified  mouth  onely  will  God  accept  praife.  Te  that  fear 
 the  Lord,  praife  bim-y  All  ye  feci  of  Jacob,  glorifie  him;  and  fear 
 hmyallyt  the  feed  of  Ifrael.  i<  The  Fathers  hearkening  unto 
 Chrifts  intercefsion,,  and  delivering  of  him  from  ouriin,  and 
 our  deferred  puniihment  laid  upon  him,  is  the  common  benefit 
 of  all  the  redeemed,  the  matter  of  their  common  thankfgiving 
 and  praife,  and  the  matter  of  their  aflurance  of  their  delivery 
 from  fin  and  death;  Of  the  certainty  of  which  delivery  Chrifts 
 deliverance  is  both  a  caufe,  and  apawn,  F or  he  hath  not  hid  his 
 facefrembim,  but  when  he  cried,  he  heard  him.  3.  Neither 
 jthe  ienfe  of  a  mans  own  meaneffe,  and  defpicableneffe,  nor  the 
 mean  eftimation  that  the  world  hath  of  him,  will  prejudg  him 
 when  be  is  fupplicant  at  the  Lords  band.  For  be  hath  notdefpi- 
 fed,  nor  abhorred  the  afflictions  of  the  afflified. 
 
 25.  My  praife  (hall  be  of  thee  in  the  great  congre- 
 gation :  I  will  pay  my  voices  before  them  that  fear 
 him. 
 
 He  renewetbthe  promife  of  tbankf^iving,  which  as  it  con- 
 cerned David,  teacheth,  1.  That  the  purpofe  of  praiiing  of 
 Qfod,  is  no  light  motion  in  the  hearts  of  bistbildren*  when 
 the  Lord  hath  given  them  experience  of  bis  refpeel  to  them, 
 'but  a  fixed  and  folid  refoiution  to  (?t  forth  thegoodneffe  of 
 God  before  others.  For  bene  berencwetb  his  promife  to  praife. 
 2.  The  Lord,  and  the  Lord  only,  is  the  Theme  which  the 
 believer  handleth  in  point  of  praife  J  no  other  fubjeft  of  praife 
 acknowledged  be;  ZMy  praife  jhall  be  of  rbce^&c  $.  The  op- 
 portunity of  time,  place  and  perfons,  offered  for  praifing  of 
 !9°d>  ought  to  be  taken,  and  made  ufe  of  bf  every  one,  accor- 
 ding 
 
128  PSA  L.  XXIf. 
 
 ding  to  their  calling :  My  praife  Jhall  be  of  thee  in  thegieat  con- 
 gregation. 4.  Durics,  fpcciaily  when  lying  upon  us  by  voir 
 6r  oaths,  ought  to  be  the  more  heeded,  and  made  conscience 
 of :  J  mil  pay  my  vowes  before  tbem  that  few  him.  As  this  con* 
 cerns  Chrifts  undertaking,  it  teachcth,  1.  The  Son  of  God> 
 and  promiled  Son  of  David.,  Chiilt  Jefus,  by  all  the  work  of 
 redemption,  ftudietb,  as  to  bring  falvation  to  his  elect,  fo  to 
 honour  the  Father,faying  htxz.fMy  praife  fhal  he  of  thee  in  the  great 
 ^congregation,  z.  Albeit  our  Lord  harh  finifhed  all  his  under- 
 taking for  the  payment  of  the  price  and  ranfome  of  redempti- 
 on, yec  hath  he  not  yet  performed  all  which  he  h3th  under- 
 taken for  making  ufc  of  his  purchafed  falvation,  unto  the  en- 
 larging of  the  glory  of  his  Father,  and  gathering  into  the  great 
 congregation  all  his  redeemed  ones  to  be  wcrfhippers  of  the  Fa- 
 ther in  Spirit  and  truth  :  But  as  he  is  ftill  upon  this  work  from 
 generation  to  generation,  fo  is  he  willing  ftill  to  lie  under  this 
 engaoemenr,  and  thefe  vowes,  till  he  perform  them  to  the  full  : 
 1  will  pjy  my  vowes  before  tbem  that  fear  him. 
 
 Ver.  26-  The  meek^  Jhall  eat  and  be  fatisfied:    they 
 
 /ball  praife  the  Lord that  feek  him^  jour  heart  flail  live 
 
 forever. 
 
 He  alludeth  to  the  manner  of  offering  of  peace  off.ringSj  where 
 the  godly  friends  concurring  intbethankfgiving,had  aihare  in 
 the  feaft  of  what  was  facrificed.  Whence  learn,  1.  The  mercy 
 bellowed  upon  one  of  the  godly,  fervech  to  rtfrefti  the  fouls  of 
 the  reft  s  and  in  fpeciall  there  is  a  banquet  prepared  for  the 
 fouls  of  the  redeemed  by  the  purchafe  of  Chrifts  fact  ifice,whcre- 
 of  the  humbled  believer  is  made  pa  taker  •  The  metlfi  fball  caty 
 and  be  fatisfied.  2.  Albeit  the  believer,  at  all  times,  do  riot 
 find  the  (weetneffe  of  this  feaft,  but  be  put  to  work  a  ter  a 
 meal  received^  put  to  fight  after  a  fcait,  and  made  hungry  af- 
 ter a  new  meal^  and  be  made  to  pray  ror  i:>  and  to  feck  after 
 the  Lord  in  the  ule  of  the  medns5  yet  fha!l  he  eat  a^ain  in  due 
 time,  and  be  fatisfied:  For  they  fh all  praife  the  Lord  that  fccfi 
 bim>  is  as  much  as  they  .that  leek  him,  fhall  find  fomuch  as 
 (hall  make  them  both  to  have  caufe  of  praifing^and  alfo  in  efTeft 
 to  praile  him.  3.  Waatfoever  alterations  or  vicifsitudes  of 
 things  be  in  the  condition  of  humble  believers,  feeking  more 
 and  more  communion  wuhGod,tbey  may  be  fure  of  eternal  life, 
 befide  what  they  get  by  way  of  earneft  in  this  life.  For  the 
 Spiritof  theLord  directing  his  fpcech  to  thenljhath  faid,T0«r heart 
 jhall  live  for  ever.  Ver* 
 
PSAL.    XXII.  129 
 
 Vcr.  27.  All  the  ends  of  the  world  jhall  remernber* 
 and  turn  unto  the  Lord ;  and  all  the  kindreds  ofth* 
 nations  Jhall  w  or  [hip  before  thee. 
 
 28.  For  the  Kingdome  is  the  Lords ,  and  he  is  the 
 Governour  among  the  nations. 
 
 Now  folbowetb  fpeciall  prophcfies  of  the  enlargement  of 
 Chrifts  Kingdom:  wherein  the  lJrophet  by  the  Spirit  of  pro- 
 phefie  dothfpeak,  and  teach  us.  t.  That  the  calling  of  the 
 Gentiles  after  Chrifts  refurre&ion  ,  was  a  concluded  matter 
 with  God,  whereof  he  gave  warning  long  before  ic  came,  which 
 though  it  be  come  to  pafle,  yet  not  in  lo  ample  ameafure,  as 
 may  be  yet  further  expefted,  becaufe  for  the  making  of  thefe 
 woeds  yet  more  clearly  feen  to  be  fulfilled,  icihallcome  to  pafs 
 that  all  the  ends  of  the  world  Jhall  remembet.  i-  So  long  as 
 men  (hall  lye  unconverted,  they  know  not  what  they  are  doing, 
 they  are  as  men  fleeping,  or  diitra&ed,  not  making  ufe  fo  much 
 as  of  the  very  principles  of  truth,  which  by  the  light  of  com- 
 mon reafon  from  infpeclion  of  the  creatures  may  be  learned, 
 concerning  the  invifible  things  of  Gods  But  when  the  light  of 
 Chrifts  Gofpel  fhineth  in  upon  their  heart,  They  are  made  to 
 remember  and  turn  to  the  Lord.  3.  Such  as  are  converted,  do 
 make  God  the  objed  of  their  worfliip,  do  imbrace  his  ene- 
 mies, and  fubje&themfelvestohis  lawes  and  difcipiine;  For 
 they  worjhip  before  bim>  become  fubjefts  to  him,  and  that  by 
 che  powerful!  fubduing  of  them  to  himfelf  :  For  the  J&ngdomi 
 ii  the  Lords,  and  be  is  Governour  among  the  nation* \ 
 
 Ver.  29.  All  they  that  be  fat  upon  earth  Jhall  eai 
 and  worjhip  :  all  they  that  go  downe  to  the  duft  Jhdl 
 fan?  before  himy    and  none  can  \rep  alive  his  own  foul. 
 
 30.  Afeedfhallfervehim:  It  Jhall  be  accounted  to 
 the  Lord  for  a  generation. 
 
 31.  'They  Jhall  come,  and  declare  his  right eo h) nejfe 
 unto  a  people  that  Jhall  be  born ,  that  he  hath  done  this, 
 
 A  further  clearing  of  this  Propbefie  of  Chrifts  JCingdome? 
 enlarged  among  tb?  Ckmiks%     iVhencc  lexm2    1.  That  Kings, 
 
 K  %& 
 
130  PSA  L.    XXIL 
 
 Rul ers,  and  Magift races  fhallhave  nocaufeof  jealoufie  from 
 Chrifts  Kingdom,  and  bis  governing  over  nations.  For  fo 
 many  of  tbem  as  fhall  im brace  Jefus  Chrift,  not  only  may  brook 
 tbeit  places,  honours,  riches,  and  all  lawfull  benefits,  wherein 
 tbeir  fatnefle  and  worldly  welfare  feemeth  toconfift,  but  alfo 
 Jhall  be  made  partakers  of  the  delicaus  of  che  Lords  houfe,whieh 
 (hall  fo  fatisfie  their  foules,  as  they  (hall  count  bis  Gofpel  tbeir 
 choice  chear,  and  (hall  bleife  God  for  his  confolations  >  for  ic's 
 promifed  to  all  Cbrifts  true  fubjeSs,  who  are  in  high  place, 
 Ait  they  that  be  fat  upon  earth  Jhdl  eat  and  worjhip.  2.  As  the 
 higheft  condition  worldly  fliall  not  be  hurt  by  obedience  to 
 Chrift,  but  helped,  for  the  benefit  of  the  true  believer  ',  fo  be- 
 lievers in  the  meaneft  condition  they  can  be  in  on  earthy  (hall 
 find  reliefe,  com  fort, and  making  up  of  all  their  in-lacks  in  Jefus 
 Ctirift,  and  (hall  fall  down  and  worfhip  their  rich  and  boun- 
 tifull  Lord  :  All  that  go  down  to  the  duji  Jhall  bow  he- 
 forebim.  $.  Wbofoever  fliall  not  come  to  Chrift  to  be  faved 
 by  him  ihall  perifli,  and  tb$y  that-  come  unto  him,  (hall 
 bee  forced  to  hold  their  falvation  of  him.  For  none 
 cm  \etp  alive  his  own  foule :  This  is  the  proper  work  of 
 the  only  Saviour  Jefus.  4.  Albeit  every  particular  perfon,  in 
 every  Nation,  andKingdomc^  be  no  converted  unto  Chrift  ; 
 yet  fo  many  pcrfons  of  all  ranks,  out  of  all  nations,  (hall  be  con- 
 verted ,  as  (hill  make  evident  Chrifts  power,  and  Soveraignity, 
 to  conquer  fubje&s  to  himfelfe  at  bis  pleafurc,  even  as  many 
 as  may  perpetuate  his  Kingdom,  and  the  fuccefsion  of  wor- 
 fltippers  of  him  from  one  generation  to  anothei  5  For  a  fecdjhal 
 ferve  him,  it  Jhall  be  accounted  to  the  Lord  for  a  generation:  He 
 will  make  Utile  reckoning  of  the  reft,  whom  he  conveneth  not. 
 .5.  Albeit  there  be  little  appearance  of  accomplifhing  proprie- 
 ties and  promifes  of  the  propagation  of  Chrifts  Kingdom  from 
 age  to  age,  yet  the  promife  and  prophecie  (hail  be  fulfilled.  They 
 Jhall  come,  who  (hall  receive  the  Do&rine  of.  Chrifts  righteouf- 
 neffe  by  faith  in  him,  and  jhall  declare  this  righteoufnejfe  of 
 faith,and  Gods  faichfulncffe  in  promife  keepings  another  gene- 
 ration3unto  a  people  tbatjhal  be  born*6. The  wholework  of  redemp- 
 tion, converting  of  fouls,comfoiting  of  fouls^propagation  of  the 
 do&rine  of  righteoufnefs,&  manifeftationof  Gods  glory  there- 
 by, (hall  from  age  to  age  be  declared  to  be  the  work  of  God 
 himfelfe,  which  he  doth  by  his  inftrumentsj  and  means.  They 
 Jlull  declare  to  tbeir  children,  and  fucccflburs,  that  Goihathdont 
 
 this; 
 
P  S  A  L.  XXIII.  iji 
 
 tbk'y  to  wit,  all  that  is  fpoken  of  here,  or  elfewhere  in  his 
 word :  [To  a  people  that  JhaU  be  born,  tbat  be  bttb  dm  tbk. 
 
 PSAL.  XXIII. 
 
 t/i  Pfalm  of  David, 
 
 ThisPfalme  is  theexpreflion  of  the  Prophets  confi- 
 dence in  Gods  grace,  wherein  from  the  fctling 
 himfelfin  the  belief  of  our  covenanted  relatioq,be- 
 tween  God  and  hiip,he  doth  draw  fundry  eomfor* 
 table  conclufions  and  confirmations  of  faitht  from 
 it,  concerning  the  Lords  furnifhing  every  necef- 
 fary  good  thing  to  him,  ver.  1,2.  for  recovery  of 
 him  from  every  cvill  condition,  wherein  he  may 
 fall,i>fr.  3.  And  for  afllfting  and  comforting  birri 
 in  the  greateft  danger  he  could  fall  into,  ver.  4. 
 And  for  making  him  blefled  in  defpite  of  bis  ene- 
 mies, ver.  5.  And  for  his  continuing  in  Gods 
 grace,  and  fellowfhip  for  ever,  ver.  6. 
 
 Verf  i.'Tpffr  Lord   is  mj  Shepbeard,  I  /ball  not 
 JL  Vvant. 
 
 He  layeth  down  for  a  ground  his  relation  to  God,  and  tber.$s 
 confirmech  his  affurance  to  have  the  fruits  thereof.  Whence  karn> 
 i.  The  Lord  is  content  to  demit  himfelfe  to  be  compared  unto 
 any  thing  which  may  import  his  love,  and  refpect  and  care  of 
 bis  own.  As  here  for  our  comfort  he  is  pleafed  co  be  called  a 
 Sbtpbc&rd.  1.  The  grounds  of  our  faith  in  God*  making  us  to 
 have  right  unto  him  by  covenant,  fhould  be  foiidlylaid,  and 
 thefe  being  firmly  laid,  then  comfortable  conclufions  mayjand 
 ftiould  be  drawn  from  thence^  as  here  the  Prophet  doth.  3.  Ir^ 
 fpcciall  whatfoever  fweet  relation  the  believer  ftandeth  in  wiife 
 God 3  he  may  affure  himfelfe  of  all  the  fruus,  and  good,  which 
 
 &  a  that 
 
132  P  S  A  L.     XXIII. 
 
 tbat  relation  can  import.  As  here  having  faid,  The  Lord  is  mf 
 Sbepbe&rd,  heaffureth  himfelfe  then,  bejlmllnotrfiint^  co  wit, 
 what  fuch  a  Shepherd  Teeth  neceffary  for  fuch  a  iheep. 
 
 Ver.  2.  He  mctketh  me  to  lie  down  in  green  pafiures ; 
 he  leadeth  me  befidethe  flill  Waters. 
 
 Ver .  3 .  He  refiereth  my  foul :  be  leadeth  me  in  the 
 paths  of  righteottfnejfe,  for  his  Names  fakf* 
 
 He  goeth  on  numbring  the  benefit  following  from  the  fore- 
 faid  relation,panly  mewing  what  experience  he  bath  had,  partly 
 '  aifuring  himlelf  what  further  to  find.  Whence  lent n,  i.  As  the 
 Shepherd  provideth  good  and  wholefome  pafturage  for  his 
 fheep,  and  a  place  of  fafety  and  reft,  with  the  commodity  of  all 
 needfull  refrefhment  ofcalme  running  waters:  So  doch  the 
 Lord  furnifti  the  food  of  life  ro  the  believer  with  quiet  reft, 
 and  fatisfaftion  of  timous  coniblation,  by  his  word  and  fpirit : 
 Hemaketb  me  lie  down  in  green  paftures  ,&c.  i-  In  is  poflible 
 through  #the  evill  that  is  in  us,  we  fall  in  decay  of  graces,  in 
 ficknefles  of  divers  forts  ;  yea,  and  that  we  wander  away  from 
 the  Shepherd,  and  fociety  of  the  flock  iometime.  In  which  cafe 
 we  fhould  perifh,  if  our  carefull  Lord  did  not  apply  himfelfe  to 
 our  neceffities,  to  relieve  us  5  for  it  is  be  that  reftoretb  our  foul. 
 It  is  he  that  reclaimeth  us  from  our  wandrings  :  it  is  he  that  dt- 
 re&etb  uc,  arid  keepeth  us  from  going  on  ftill  in  by-paths.  He 
 leadetb  me>  faith  he,  in  tbe  paths  of  rigbteoufneffe.  $.  It  is  not 
 for  any  good  we  deferve,  or  have  done,  or  can  do,  for  which  he 
 taketh  fuch  care  of  his  weak  and  fooliih  children.  It  is  for  the 
 glory  of  his  free-grace,  conitant  love,  and  fworn  covenant,  even 
 for  bis  own  Barnes  fa^e. 
 
 Ver.  4.  Tea  though  /  walk,  through  the  valley  of 
 thefhadow  of  death + 1  will  fear  none  evill :  for  thou  art 
 with  me  1  thy  rod  and  thy  ftaffe  they  comfort  me. 
 
 He  prefuppofeth  he  may  fall  in  new,  and  harder  troubles, 
 then  ever  he  fell  in  before,  and  yet  hopes  to  be  delivered  there- 
 from. Hence  learn,  1.  The  believer  in  hhbeft  condition  msy 
 not  promife  to  bimfelfq  immunity  from  trouble,  cr  perils  > 
 
 but 
 
PSAL  XXIII.  133 
 
 but  muft  prepare  for  the  worft,  even  to  be  put  to  extream  dan- 
 ger of  periling,  and  in  fucb  darkneffe  as  were  moft  like,  and 
 near  ("unto  death.)  To  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  JhadovP  of 
 death,  where  (beep  may  fall  in  the  pit;  or  be  fallen  upon  bye- 
 very  devouring  beaft  in  the  dark.  1.  The  fruit  of  former  deli- 
 very  out  of  trouble,  mould  encourage  us  to  hope  for  deliverance 
 out  of  whatfoever  new  troubLe  we  may  fall  into,  as  the  Pro- 
 phets example  doth  teach.  3.  Faith  after  a  victory  is  very  ftout, 
 and  hath  warrant  indeed  to  be  fo,  and  may,  and  mould  refolve 
 to  beftout  by  Gods  grace  J  howfoever  when  trouble  cometh 
 
 I  (which  is  the  touch-ftone  ofthe  ftrength  of  faith)  it  may  dif~ 
 difcover  weakneffe  for  a  time.  For  here  David  faith,  I  ml  fear 
 
 ;  no  evils  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  Jhadowof  death  ^ 
 4.  The  consideration  of  Gods  covenanted  prcfence  whh  his' 
 own  in  trouble,  and  of  bis  power  to  protect  and  deliver  them, 
 
 ;  and  of  his  wifdomeand  goodneffe  to  make  bis  own  profit  by 
 
 I  troubles,may3and  mould  comfort  the  believer  againft  the  fear  of 
 perilling  in  whatfoever  trouble.  For  7)avid  givech  this  as  a  rea- 
 fonof  not  fearing  evill.  Thou  art. with  me,  thy  rod  and  thy 
 ftaffe  they  comfort  me. 
 
 I 
 
 ^  5.  Thou  prepare^  a  Table  before  me  in  the  pre  fence 
 ;i  ef  mine  enemies -y  thou  annointefl  my  head  with  o]l\  my 
 \  C#p  runneth  over.    ■ 
 
 From  the  grounds  of  his  Faith,  confirmed  by  'experience,  he 
 feeth  flill  fatisfa&ion  from  God  3  wbogivetbthe  banquet  to 
 him,  as  it  were  in  his  enemies  fight.  Whence  learn,  Albeit  iome- 
 thne  the  beleever  may  be  put  to  hardship  and  hazard,  for  trying 
 and  training  of  his  faith  5  yet  fometimes  alfothe  Lord  will  give 
 him  rich  evidents  of  bis  love  and  kindneffe  unto  him,  if  not  in 
 both  outward  and  inward  benefits,  yet  at  leaft  in  (pirituall  con- 
 folations  comparable  to  a  royall  feaft,  as  here,  Tbou  preparcft  a 
 Table  before  me.  2,  Although  the  enemies  of  the  godly ,  are  not 
 few,  both  bodily  and  fpirituall,  all  concurring  to  mar  the  Felici- 
 ty, of  tbe  Lords  children,  yet  mail  they  not  be  able  to  hinder 
 their  fenfe  now  and  then  of  fatisfa&ory  bleffedneffe ,  maugre 
 them  al,for  as  ofc  as  God  teeth  fit,he  giveth  his  ownthe  banquet, 
 in  the  prcfence  of  his  enemies.  3,  Whenitpleafeth  the  Lord  to 
 comfort  a  bclecver,  and  to  give  him  the  banquet/here  is  nothing 
 
 K  J  wanting 
 
154  P  SAL.  XXIII. 
 
 wanting  during  the  time  of  the  Lords  comfortable  entertaining 
 of  him,  which  may,  ftrengthen  him,  or  re  Joyce  him  $  but  as 
 much  given  unto  him  fenfibly,  as  may  make  him  fay  ,  Thou  an- 
 nomteftmy  bead  with  oyl.andmy  cup  runneth  over,  Pfalme  91. 
 10.  104.  if* 
 
 6.  Surely  geodneffe  and  mercy  fball  follow  me  all 
 the  days  of  my  life  :  and  I  will  dwell  in  the  houfe  of 
 the  Lord  for  ever. 
 
 He  ftieweth  that  in  his  former  fpeeches,he  meant  not  of  earth- 
 ly benefits,  although  thcfe  alfo  be  worthy  of  acknowledgement^ 
 and  of  tbankfgiving  for  tbem  $  But  of  fpirituall  mercies,  by 
 this,  that  be  is  allured  of  the  continuance  thercof,in  this  life,and 
 in  the  life  to  come.  Whence  learne.  1.  The  delight  and  fatis- 
 fa&ion  of  the  beleever  is  not  in  any  earthly  portion,but  in  Gods 
 good  will  and  pity  toward  him  5  Gods  goodnefTe  and  mercy  is 
 the  matter  of  his  contentment.  2.  An  humble  beleever,  who 
 in  bis  own  eyes  is  like  a  weak  witleffe  fheep,  and  yet  doth  fol- 
 low the  Shepherd  ,  may  aflure  himfelf  from  the  Covenant  re- 
 lation between  God  and  him,  of  the  conftancy  of  Gods  good 
 will  5  and  a&uall  our.letting  of  liberal!  gifts  of  good  thingf 
 unto  him,  and  of  removing  of  evils,  both  of  fin,,  and  of  the 
 fruits  of  it,  and  be  perfwaded  of  his  own  perfeverance  in  the  way 
 to  falvation  ,  all  the  dayes  of  bis  life  $  for  here  is  an  inftance 
 for  it ,  Surely  goodnejfe  and  mercy  Jhall  follow  me  all  the  days  of  my 
 life.  $.  As  a  beleever  may  be  allured  of  the  conftant  courfe  of 
 pods  love  to  follow  him,  and  of  his  own  perfevering  in  the  way 
 of  life,  fo  may  he  be  perfwaded  of  eternall  life  ,  and  everlafting 
 communion  with  God  in  heaven.  And  this  perfe&eththe  feli- 
 city of  the  beleever  j  and  no  lefi'c  can  doe  it  then  this- I  mlldvel 
 in  the  boufe  of  the  Lord  for  ever. 
 
 PSAL. 
 
PSAL,  XXIV.  135 
 
 PSAL     XXIV. 
 
 tA  ? [aim  of  David. 
 
 The  Pfalmift  having  in  thefirft  place  fet  down  Gods 
 Lordfliip  in  the  world,  that  he  may  thereby  com- 
 mend the  fpeciall  Prerogative  of  the  true  Church, 
 ver.1,2.  defcribeth  in  the  next  place  the  true  Citi- 
 zens of  this  fpirituall  Kingdome,  ^.3,4,5,6.  And 
 exhorteth  in  the  third  place  all  Incorporations, 
 and  in  fpeciall  the  vifible  Church,  to  accept  the  of- 
 fer of  a  more  intire  communion  with  God  in 
 Chrift,  that  they  may  enjoy  the  fpirituall  privi- 
 ledges  of  the  fub  jefts  of  the  invilible  and  fpirituall 
 Kingdome,  ^.7,8,9, 10. 
 
 v.i.*mT*KHe  Earth  is  the  Lords  ^  and  the  fulneffe  there- 
 X  of-jhe  world,  and  they  thav  d.well  therin. 
 2.  For  he  hath  founded  it  upon  the  feas^nd  eftahli- 
 Jbed  it  upon  the  floods. 
 
 From  the  Lordfhip  and  Soveraignty  of  God  over  all  the 
 world.  Learne,  i,  The  Lords  power  and  authority  over  the 
 Saints,  confidered  in  their  naturall  condition^  is  no  leffe  rhen  o- 
 ver  the  reft  of  the  worlds  and  the  Lord  is  no  more  bound  to 
 one  then  ro  another,  laying  afide  the  decree  of  his  owne  good 
 will  and  pleafure  i  The  earth  is  the  Lords  and  the  fulnejje  thereof, 
 the  world  and  they  that  dwell  therein.  2.  The  earth  is  fo  full  of 
 the  riches  of  Gods  bounty  toward  man  as  it  can  hold  }  and  the 
 (landing  miracle  of  the  dry  land  ,  lifted  up  contrary  to  the  na- 
 ture of  that  element*  which  is  to  be  above3and  much  hi  gher  then 
 the  element  of  water  *  is  a  ftanding  evidence  of  Gods  power 
 and  care  imployed  to  make  a  habitation  for  man  5  For  be  bath 
 founded  the  edrtb  upon  the  feas,  and  eftablijlxd  it  upn  the  floods  , 
 commanding  the  element  of  water  to  goe  down  below  the  earth  , 
 as  if  it  were  the  foundation  thereof. 
 
 X  4  Who. 
 
iS$  P  S  A  L.    XXIV. 
 
 3.  Who  Jhall  afcend  into  the  hill  of  the  Lord  >  and 
 Who  Jbjllfland  in  his  holy  place  ? 
 
 4.  He  that  hath  cleave  hands,  and  a  pure  hearty 
 rrho  hath  not  lift  up  his  foul  unto  vanity, nor  fworne  de- 
 ceitfully. 
 
 5.  He  Jhall  receive  the  blejfing  from  the  Lord:  and 
 righteonfnejfe  from  the  God  of  his  [Uvation. 
 
 6.  This  is  the  generation  of  them  that  feek^  him  : 
 xhatfee\  thy  face,  O  Jacob.  Selah. 
 
 'In the  fecond  place  he  cometh  to  the  fpecuil  dominion  of 
 God  and  Chi  ill  in  th$  Church,  and  asketb  for  the  marks  and 
 priviledges  of  the  true  fubje&s  of  this  Kingdome.  Wbenof*' 
 learn,  1.  God  hath  chofen  a  Church  out  of  all  the  earth  ,  to  be 
 bis  peculiar  people,  with  whom  he  may  converfe  ,  and  to  whom 
 be  may  give  priviledge  of  communion  for  ever  with  himfclfc  > 
 he  bath  his  own  holy  &  high  fo7/,De>bath  his  own  holy  place .toWuy 
 a  holy  unrverfal  Chuicb^reprefented  by  the  bill  ofSion,  lifted  up 
 above  the  inferiour  valleys  5  he  hath  bis  holy  Tabernacle,  where 
 he  giveth  the  fignesof  his  prefence,  Feparate  from  the  common 
 multitude  and  worldly  affairs 5  who  jl) all  afcend  into  tbc  bill  of the 
 Lor  i,  and  who  jhall  ft  and  in  bis  holy  place  ?  He  compareth  the  in- 
 visible Church,  to  a  hill  or  mountains  and  the  holy  place ,  becaufc 
 Gods  true  Church  indeed  for  firmeneffe,  durabienefle  3  dignity 
 above  all  other  Incorporations,and  fpirituall  fublimity,  is  like  a 
 bill  above  the  plaine,  1  i f  tcvd  up  above  all  the  world,  a  holy  Socie- 
 ty, wherein  God  delightetb  to  dwell.  2.  Not  every  one  who 
 is  a  member  of  the  vihble  Church,  but  only  true  Converts,  who 
 make  uptheinvifible  Church  ,  have  the  honour  and  bappinefle 
 of  afcending  unto  the  fpirituall  ufe^  end,  meaning  and  profit  of 
 the  Ordinances  of  God  in  his  Church,  and  of  keeping  conftanc 
 communion  with  God  in  heaven,  reprcfented  by  ftanding  in 
 ibe  holy  place.  Therefore  forftirring  up  of  outward  profeflors  of 
 religion,  to  examine  themfclves,  leaft  they  be  miftaken  and  fo 
 
 Jeriih  >  the  queftion  is  here  made  to  God  to  fhew  who  Jhall  a- 
 cendtobisbiiiy  and  who  JbaU  ftand  in  bis  holy  place.    3.  The 
 marks  of  a  Citifcert  of  the  inviiible  Church  and  Kingdome  of 
 God,  are  fuch  onely,  as  God  arid  a  mans  own  confeience  can 
 loundly  judge  of  5   to  wic3   faith  in  God,  manifefted  by  en- 
 deavoured 
 
PSAL.  XXIV.  137 
 
 dcaroured  fan&ity  of  thoughts,  words,  and  deeds  ,  by  way  of 
 obedience  to  the  Fir  ft  and  Second  Table,  in  fincerity  :  for  he 
 
 •  muft  after  Covenanting  with  God  by  Faith,  which  makes  him 
 
 '  afubjeft,  ftudy  alfocleanneffe  of  hands,  or  innocency  of  life  , 
 and  that  out  of  a  pure  beart,deanfed  by  the  blood  of  fprinkling 
 fcr  j uftification  j  and  by  the  clean  water  of  begun  fan&ificati- 
 on  y  And  therefore  he  muft  not  any  more  look  upon  the  deceit- 
 full  baits  of  fin,  with  a  longing  defire  to  have  them  ;  for  that 
 were  to  lift  up  bis  foul  unto  vanity.  Neither  muft  he  mif-regard 
 an  oath,  whether  in  or  after  the  taking  of  it  5  for  that  were  to 
 fwear  deceitfully ,  feeming  to  ftand  in  awe  of  God,  when  he  dotb 
 not  fear  him  at  all.  4-  Every  belcever  who  fetteth  himfelfe  to 
 bring  forth  the  fruits  of  bis  faith,  in  obedience  to  Gods  law  5 
 mall  have  a  gracious  reward,  be  fbal  receive  tbcble(fing  from  the 
 Loib.  5.  The  holy  life  of  the  true  beleever,  isnoc  thecaufeof 
 his  juftification   before  God,  by  reafon  of  the  imperfe&ion 
 
 itheieof,  andimpoffibility  to  fatisfie  the  Law  thereby  >  But  he 
 fhall  receive  juftification,  and  eternall  life  ,  as  a  free  gift  from 
 
 !  God,  by  venue  of  the  Covenant  of  grace  :  therefore  it  is  Paid 
 here,  That  h efhall  receive  righteoufneffe  frcm  the  God  of :his  fj.\vi. 
 iion.  6  Whofoever  they  be  within  the  vifible  Church,  who 
 have  the  marks  of  true  Covenanters,  fuch  as  are  here  defcribed, 
 yea,  whofoever  are  feeking  God  ,  to  make  them  fuch  5  whefoe- 
 
 tver  are  feeking  reconciliation  with  God,  and  communion  with 
 him,  whether  they  be  $ev*s  or  Gentiles ,  bound  or  free,  male 
 or  female  5  they  are  the  generation,  that  (hall  afcend  and 
 dwell  in  Gcds  holy  place  *  for  this  is  the  feneration  of  them 
 that  fee\  him.     The  generation  that  feek  thy  face  (faith  he  to 
 
 ,God).    This    is    the  true  Jacob,  the  true  heir  of  the  pro- 
 
 jmifes. 
 
 Ver.  7.  Lift  up  your  hands ,  O  ye  gates ,  and  be  ye 
 I  lift  up  ye  everlafting  doors ,  and  the  King  of  glory  fhal 
 come  in. 
 
 8.  Who  it  this  King  of  glory  ?  the  Lord  fir  ong  and 
 mighty ,  the  Lord  mighty  in  battel. 
 
 9.  Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates,  even  lift  them 
 up  ye  everlafting  doors,  and  the  King  of  glory  fhall 
 come  in. 
 
 10,  Who 
 
138  PSAL.     XXIV. 
 
 10.  Who  U  this  King  of  glory  ?  the  Lord  ofhoftes, 
 he  is  the  King  of  glory*  St  lath. 
 
 In  the  third  place  having  described  thefe  perfons  who  (hall 
 furely  dwell  in  heaven  with  God,  he  exhorceth  all  the  mem- 
 bers of  the  vifible  Cburcba  to  the  intent  they  may  receiftrigtw 
 coufnefic  and  falvation  from  Gcd>  ( who  is  in  covenant  wkh  his 
 Church,)  heartily  to  welcome  Chrift  Jefus,  the  King  of  glory, 
 and  Lord  of  hofts,  dwelling  in  the  midft  of  them  in  the  Ta- 
 bernacle, (hadowing  forth  and  fignifying  bis  coming  in  the 
 fljfti,  by  his  giving  oracles  from  the  Ark  of  the  covenant,  de» 
 fending  tbem,feeding  them,  and  fighting  their  battels  and  at 
 length  in  Davids  time  afcendingon  Mount  Sion,  he  and  the 
 Ark  of  the  covenant  triumphantly,  to  Let  them  fee  in  a  ftiadow, 
 bow  after  his  great  battels,fougbten  for  our  redemption,hefliould 
 afcendto  heaven,and  mak  e  way  for  his  fubje&s  to  come  up  after 
 bim>to  dwell  with  him:  He  exhortethj  I  fay,  patent  doors  to 
 be  made  unto  him,  where  ever  be  offcreth  himfclfe  to  King- 
 domes,  Cities,  Incorporations,  vifible  Churches,  Families,and 
 hearts  of  men  in  fpeciall.  JVbeneelearn,  i .  The  way  to  make 
 men  true  Converts,  true  believers*  true  Saints,  and  inheritours 
 of  heaven,  is  to  receive  Chrift  heartily  and  honourably,  to  caft 
 up  doors  in  hearty  confent  of  faith  and  love,  like  triumphant 
 Arches  for, welcoming  fo  glorious  a  conquerour  to  be  their 
 gueft  j  Lift  up  your  beads,  0  ye  gates,  &c.  z.  Whofoever  (hall 
 receive  the  offer,  and  open  the  heart  tobim,  he  fliailclofe  cove_ 
 nant  with  him;  Beye  lift  up  ye  ever  I  j fling  doors,  and  the  Kin& 
 of  glory  fbatt  come  in,  g.  He  is  an  unknown  King,  till  he  be 
 manifeftedtous;  andiuchasare  wife,  when  they  hear  of  him, 
 will  feek  to  know  him  .  Who  k  this  %ing  of  glory  ?  will  be  their 
 queftion.  4.  Such  as  feek  to  know  Chrift,  H 1  a  1 1  indeed  have 
 experimental!  knowledge  of  him  :  That  he  is  able  to  fave  them 
 to  the  uttermoft>  to  work  all  their  work  for  them,  to  defend  them 
 from  their  adverfaries>  and  to  give  them  compleat  vi&orys  He  is 
 the  Lord  flrong  and  mighty, the  Lord  mighty  in  battel,  5.  We  have 
 need  again  and  again  to  hear  the  offer  of  Cbrifts  grace*  and  to 
 be  wakened  up  to  obfervc  Chrift,  and  his  glory  :  need  to  be  ex- 
 horted again  and  again  to  open  our  hearts  wide  to  him*  Lift  up 
 jour  beads  negates,  the  fecond  time.  6.  Chrift  i$  indeed  glo- 
 rious and  a  glorious  Kingj  in  all  the  paffages  of  redemption! 
 
 and 
 
P  S  A  L.    XXV.  139 
 
 and  falration  of  his  people  >  albeit  the  ignorance  and  unbelief, 
 and  the  croffe,  and  troubles  following  his  Kingdome  in  this 
 world,  doobfcure  his  glory  to  the  carnal!  eye  :  And  therefore 
 no  wonderj  that  men  do  ofcner  move  rhe  queftion  about  his 
 Kingdom  and  Glory,  asking  Who  U  the  l&ng  of  glory  }  7.Chrift 
 Jefus  (fthoCt  afceation  was  prefigured  by  the  afcending  of  the 
 Ark  upon  Mount Sion, convoyed  mthDavid,  and  ail  Ifrael^ 
 as  he  is  true  man3  fo  he  isalfo  very  God  Almighty,  one  with 
 the  Father,  and  Holy  Spirit,  in  his  God-head  :  for  The  Lord  of 
 bo  fts  he  u  the  Hsjng  of  glory . 
 
 psal.  xxv. 
 
 A  P[alrn  of  David. 
 
 In  thisPfalm  the  Prophet  6eing  in  danger  of  his  life 
 |  by  his  enemies  without,and  troubled  with  the  fenfe 
 of  fin  within,  maketh  his  prayer  for  reliefe  from 
 both,  mixing  meditation  with  prayer  along  the 
 Pfalm,  for  ftrengchening  of  his  faith  :  So  firft  he 
 prayeth  from  ver.i.to  v.$.  then  meditateth,<z/.8,9, 
 10.  In  the  third  room  he  prayeth  again^r.  1 1 .  In 
 the  fourth  is  a  new  meditation,  ^.12,13, 14,1 5.  In 
 the  laftroom  is  a  prayer  from  vtr.  16.  to  the  end. 
 
 Ver;  1. 1  1  Nto  thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  lift  up  my  foule. 
 LI  2. 0  my  God,  I  truft  in  thee>y  let  me  not 
 be  afbamed ;  let  not  mine  enemies  triumph  over  me. 
 
 3.  Tea,  let  none  that  Vvait  on  thee  be  afbamed  :  let 
 them  be  afbamed  which  tranfgrejfe  without  caufe. 
 
 la 
 
X40  PSAL.  XXV. 
 
 In  the  entry  of  his  prayer,  hedraweth  his  eye  off  ail  reliefe 
 fave  God  alone,  and  fixethhis  truft  upon  him,  and  chen  pray- 
 eth:  Whence  turn  i.  Ic  is  neceffary  for  a  Supplicant,  if  he 
 would  have  help  from  God,  to  Uofe  his  confidence  off  all  crea- 
 ture help,  and  fee  his  eye  and  heart  on  God,  as  David  here 
 lifietbup  bis  foule  toGoi.  2.  Faith  in  God,  fixed  on  the 
 covenant,  giveth  wings  to  the  foul,  as  misbelief  caufetb  it  to 
 fink :  0  my  Goi>  faith  he,  1  Lift  my  up  my  foul ,  I  trujt  in  tbee. 
 3.  It  is  not  enough  to  aft  faith  in  time  of  a  ftrait,  but  it  is 
 profitable  to  obferve  alfo  the  leaft  meafurc  of  faith  bellowed  on 
 us,  and  to  entertain  it,  were  it  never  fo  little,  and  to  avow  it* 
 that  ic  may  be  fixed  when  wc  go  to  pray  :  for  before  David  put 
 up  any  petition,  heprefixah,  I  lift  my  foule  to  tbee,  1  trujt  in 
 tbee:  forotberwife  the  prayer  of  the  Supplicant  can  find  no 
 footing,  4.  The  believing  Supplicant  ihall  never  be  difappoin- 
 ted  of  promited  help  ixigr  (hail  the  hope  and  expectation  of  the 
 enemies  of  ^?d  befatisficd:  He  will  not  fuffer  the  believer  to 
 bt&fhmeiy  nor  the  enemy  long  to  triumph.  ?.  Th^  godly  in 
 their  prayer  are  not  felfi ill,  nor  fuiters  for  Angularities,  to  be 
 granted  unto  them,  but  are  content,  yea,  and  defirous,  that 
 all  other  believers  may  (hare  in  their  mercies  :  Tea  Jet  none  that 
 •wait  for  tbee  be  ajhmed,  faith  he.  6.  The  godly  (hall  not 
 want  enemies,  albeit  they  give  no  offence  to  the  world:  for 
 carnall  hope  and  expe&ation  to  obtain  worldly  gain  by  op- 
 pofing  of  the  godly,  may,  and  ufually  dotb,  fet  the  wicked  on 
 work;'again(t  chem,  but  they  that  look  to  have  advantage  that 
 way,  flull  be  ciofe  difappointed  y  for  the  godly  (hall  efcape 
 their  fnare,  and  they  (hall  lo  >fe  their  hoped  advantage,  and 
 ihall  gain  tothemfelves  nothing  fave  fliame,  and  a  mifebief: 
 For  let  them  be  afiamed  that  tranfgreffe  without  a  caufe>  is  an 
 'induring  petition,  2tnd  a  granted  petition  againft  them. 
 
 Ver.  4.  Shew  me  thy  wayesy  O  Lord,  teach  me  thy 
 paths. 
 
 Jo  Lead  me  in  thy  truth,  and  tench  me :  for  thoti 
 art  the  God  of  my  falvation ;  on  thee  do  I  wait  all 
 the  day. 
 
 6,  Remember ,    O  Lord,  thy  'tender  mercies^  and 
 
 thy 
 
P  S  A  L.   XXV-  141 
 
 thy  loving  kjtdnejfes :  for  they  have   been  ever  of 
 
 0 
 
 U 
 
 Here  he  prayeth  for  grace  to  behave  himfelfe  holily  under  his 
 exercife,  and  to  have  renewed  experiences  of  mercies,    fuch  as 
 he  had  felt  formerly.     Whence  learn,    1.  The  underftanding 
 of  the  way  how  the  Lord  ufeth  to  deal  with  bis  children,  fcr- 
 veth  greatly  for  patient  bearing  of  affliction  >  and  the  beft  way 
 to  efchew  the  [nare  of  adverfaries,  is  to  carry  our  felves  holily. 
 Therefore  prayeth  David  four  times  to  be  inftrudted,  andtffe- 
 dually  taught,  ana  guided  in  thewayes  and  paths  of  Gods 
 5    truth,  or  fait h/ull  word.    1.  Becaufe  the  Lord  in  covenanting 
 with  us,  lakeththe  work  of  our  falvation  in  hand  ,  not  to  lay 
 it  down  till  be  hive  perfected  it  j  he  alio weth  his  children,  in 
 :    all  particular  difficulties,  to  hold  this  ground,  and  conftantly 
 :  !to  exped  the  accomplifhmenc  thereof,  wbatfoever  ftrait  they 
 1     fall  into:  and   to  waic  for  diredicn   how  to  behave  them* 
 felves,  till  it  be  perfected  :  for  2)avid  givztb  this  for  a  reafonof 
 his  prayer,  Thou  art  the  God.  of  my  falvation  $  on  thee  do  1  xeM 
 all  the  day  long,     3.  Though  the  courfe  of  kindnciteand  mer- 
 cy fcem  to  be  interrupted  by  affliction,  and  temporall  defer- 
 tion,  and  to  be  forgotten  cm  Gods  part  5  yec  faith  muft  make 
 ufeof  experiences,  and  read  them  over  unto  God  out  of  the 
 1  regifter  of  a  fan&ified  memory,as  a  recorder  to  him,that  cannoc 
 ;  forget  ;  Remember  thy  tender  mercies  0  Lord}andthy  lovivgkini- 
 neffes.     4.  Mercies  and  kindneffes  fomtimes  felr,  may  be,  and 
 I  mould  be  followed  up  into  the  very  fountain  of  erernall  love, 
 and  election,  from   which  jthey  came*  Co  mall  the  channel  be 
 opened,  and  run  clear  with  fremconfoiation  fo  much  the  foo* 
 ncr  5  Remember  thy  mercies  to  me,  for  ^bty  have  been  ever  of  old. 
 
 Ver.  7.  Remember  not  the  fins  of  my  youth,  nor  my 
 tranfgrejftons  :  according  to  thy  mercy  remember  tbta 
 me,  for  thy  goodnejfefake,  O  Lord. 
 
 Hee  laboureth  to  -.have  his  fins  removed  ,  as  the  chfefe 
 impediment  of  the  granting  of  his  prayer  :  Whence 
 learn,     1.   New    afflictions     may  cafily  renew  the   fenfe 
 
 of 
 
i4*  PSA  L.    XXIV. 
 
 of  old  fins,  even  from  the  time  of  youttb,  albeit  forgivei 
 of  God,  and  forgotten  by  the  believer,  and  the  tempter  can 
 make  ufe  thereot  againft  faith  in  the  day  of  trouble  ;  in 
 which  cafe  the  believer  without  lofle  may  read  over  blotted 
 accompts,  and  renew  petitions  for  pardon  :  Remember  not 
 faith  Vavid,  the  fins  of  my  youth*  nor  my  tranfgreflions.  a.  As 
 God  holdeth  two  Courts  in  a  mans  confeience,  concern- 
 ing fin;  one  of  juftice,  according  to  the  Law,  or  Cove- 
 nant of  works*  another  of  mercy,  according  to  the  Gofpe!* 
 and  Covenant  of  grace  offered  in  the  Mediatour,  which  is 
 pofteriour  to  the  other  Court  >  wherein  the  man  who  hath 
 glbrified  juftice,  and  acknowledged  his  fin,  and  deferved 
 perdition,  is  pardoned  5  ffor  the  ranfomc  paid  by  the  Mef- 
 fiab  Chrift  Jefus  the  Mediatour,  to  whom  the  (inner  is  fled 
 for  refuge  :)  So  the  believer  hath  two  reckonings  with 
 God,  about  his  (ins.  One  according  to  juftice,  and  another 
 according  to  mercy  5  and  albeit  the  believer  will  never  re- 
 fufe  to  read,  acknowledge,  and  fubferibe  again  and  again, 
 the  firft  reckoning  to  be  juft,  yec  he  will  not  ftand  to  that 
 reckoning  for  payments  but  will  hold  him  to  the  iaft  bar- 
 gain of  grace,  and  mercy,  and  goodneffe,  which  cleareth 
 the  claim  of  the  firft  accompt:  for  this  is  Davids  pra&ife 
 here,  that  the  firft  accompt  maybe  forgotten:  Remember 
 not  the  fins  of  my  youth.  And  that  the  laft  accompt  and  re- 
 koning  may  ftand,  and  be  held  in  memory,  faying,  Ac- 
 cording to  thy  mercy ,  remember  thou  me.  $<.  For  eviden- 
 cing the  ftability  of  the  accompt  of  mercy  for  pardoning  of 
 fin,  the  glory  of  Gods  goodneffe  is  laid  in  pawn  in  the  co- 
 venant $  and  that  holdeth  all  faft  unto  the  believer:  There- 
 fore* faith  he,     Remember*  for  tb)  goodnejfe  fa^e,  0  Lord. 
 
 Ver.  8.  Cjood  and  upright  is  the  Lord:  there- 
 fore will  he  teach  fwners  in  the  way. 
 
 9.  The  meek„  will  he  guid  in  judgement  :  and 
 the  tneek^  will  he  teach  hi*  way. 
 
 10.  All  the  pathes  of  the  Lord  are  mercy  and 
 truth^  unto  fttch  m  keep  his  covenant ,  dnd  his  t- 
 ftimonies: 
 
PSAL.  XXV.  143 
 
 In  the  fccond  place  after  praying,  he  fallcth  upon  a   me- 
 dication of   the  grace  and  good  will  of  Qod  co  a  believer, 
 and  of  bis  mercifull  dealing  with    him   in  every  condition* 
 Whence  learn,     1.    In  the  fecret  exercife   of  the  Saints,     a 
 paufc  may  be   uiefully  made  in    prayer,   and    a  meditation, 
 or  foliloquie   offer  maybe  fallen  upon,  when  the  Lord  dotb 
 fit  matter  for  tottering   faith,    and  furthering  of  prayer,  as 
 here   we  may  in   Davids  pra&ice  obferve.     2,  The  good- 
 neffe  and  faithfulncffe  of  God  in  his  promifes,     and  faisrea- 
 dineffe  without  refpeft  of  pcrtons,     to  be  gracious  to  ever/ 
 one  who  cometh  unto  him,  is  the  fountain  of  the  believers 
 Arcngth,  hope,   and  confolation :     Good   and  upright  k  the 
 Lord,  is  here  a  Well  of  comfort  to  the  Supplicant.     $.  The 
 confeience  of  fin    mult  not     keep  the    believer   back  from 
 confidence    to  be  beard   in  his    prayer,    when    he  cometh 
 1  to  Ceek  direction :    for  from  this  ground,    That  the  Lord  k 
 good  ,   the    Prophet   draweth  this  confequence  ,      Therefore 
 i  will  he  teach  ftnnm  in  the  way.    4.   Gods  juftice    will  noc 
 hinder  his  mercy  to   be    bountiful],  nor  will  former  break- 
 |  ing  of  commands,  prejudge  the  finner5  who  being  weary  of 
 bis  wandring,  doth  feektobe  directed  hereafter  in  the  Lords 
 way  j    He  will  teach  finvers  in  the  way.     5.  When  by  affli- 
 i  dion  a  man  is  humbled,  and  brought   to  fubmit  himfclf  co 
 j  God ,  he   (hall    not  want  a  guide   to  lead   him  out  of  his 
 ;  trouble,  to  direft  bis  pathes,  till  the  delivery  come  j  for  (Joi 
 I  will  guide  the  mee\  in  judgement,   moft  wifely   and   difcrcec- 
 ly,  as  bis  good  requiretb,  and  teach  him  in  hkwiy.     6.  The 
 property  of  the  believer,  is  to  cleave  to  the  covenant,  andco 
 what  the  Lord  hath   fet  downe  in  his  word  3    Tbej  \tep  hk 
 covenant,  and  hk  teftimonies  5    and  will  not  part   wich  them 
 j  wbatfoever  come.     7.  Wbofoever  do  hold  faft  the  covenant 
 j  of  grace,  and  do  make  confeience    of  obeying   Gods  word, 
 they  may  be  fure  that  all  their  troubles,  and  variery  of  ex- 
 ;  ercife  is  nothing  but  Gods  way,  to    make  them   partake   of 
 j  Gods  promifes  5  for  unto  fuch  all  the  pathes  of  the  Lord  arc 
 1  mercy  and  truth. 
 
 Ver.  11.   For  thy  Names  fak*>  0  Lord,  pardon  my 
 iniquity  :  for  it  is  great. 
 
i44  PSAL.  XXV. 
 
 In  the  third  place?  hiring  laboured  toftrengthen  his  faitb, 
 be  fallethto  prayer  again,  for  remiffion  of  fin.  Whence  learn 
 i.  The  conference  of  fin  will  ofcener  affaulc  our  faith  then 
 once,  and  fo  oft  as  it  affaulcetb,  ic  is  to  be  anfwered  with- 
 renewed  prayer  to  God;  OQod,  faitb  he,  pardon  my  iniqui- , 
 ty.  2.  The  honour  of  the  Lord  is  ingaged  by  covenant  for 
 remiflion  of  fin  to  the  penitent  believer,  and  the  Lord  counts 
 it  a  glory  to  be  merciful!  5  Therefore,  faith  he,  For  thy 
 Names  fafe  pardon.  3.  Faitb  can  make  advantage  of  mif- 
 beliefs  arguments  to  retort  them  againft  it,  and  can  plead 
 for  pardon  from  the  very  multitude  and  gticvoufneffe  of 
 fin  5  as  here,  Pardon  mj  iniquity ,  for  it  U  great.  For  the 
 greaterjin  is  acknowledged  to  be,  the  more  is  the  objed  of 
 pardon  made  clear,  for  it  cannot  be  payed  for  by  the  (in- 
 ner, and  the  more  is  the  Lords  pitty  letten  forth,  that  the 
 believer  befenfible  of  the  weight* 
 
 Ver,  12.  What  man  is  he  that  feareth  the  Lord} 
 him /ball  he  teach  in  the  way  that  he  Jhall  choofe* 
 
 15.  His  foul  /hall  dwell  at  eafe  :  and  his  feed  {hall 
 inherit  the  earth. 
 
 14.  The  fecret  of 'the  Lord  is  Vtith  them  that  fear 
 him  :   and  he  Will  flew  them  his  covenant. 
 
 In  the  fourth  place  there  is  another  meditation  of  Gods  good- 
 neffe  to  a  believer,  for  ftrengtbening  of  his  faith  yet  further, 
 wherein  he  layeth  down  three  gencrall  promifes,^made  to  them 
 that  believe  in  God)  and  do  ftand  in  aw  to  offend,  ver. 
 ii>*$y  *4»  and  by  way  of  Syllogifme  he  aflumetb  of  him- 
 felfe,  that  be  is  a  believer,  whereupon  he  inferretb  the  eon- 
 clufion,  ver.  15.  Whence  learn  1.  The  fear  of  God  (im- 
 porting care  toferve  God  according  to  his  word,  and  to  {tan  J 
 in  awe  to  offend  him)  is  the  neceffary  property  of  a  true 
 and  lively  believer  $  Therefore  it  is  made  the  believers  cog- 
 nisance, and  mark  to  difcerne  bimby:  What  man  U  he  that 
 feareth  the  Lord  ?  2.  The  believer  walking  in  the  fear  of 
 Cod,  may  expeft  from  the  Lord   diredion  and  light,  how 
 
 rj 
 
P  S  A  L.  XXV.  147 
 
 to  carry  bimfelfe  in  all  perplexities,  fo  oft  as  he  in  his  need 
 rtiall  feek  ic  of  God  >     for  in  dubious  cafes,  God  Jhall  teach 
 him  in  the  way  that  be  Jhall  cboofe.     5.  Albeit  the  believer  be 
 put  to  trouble,  and  hard  excjcile,    yet    (lull    he  have  placa 
 alwayes  with  God,  as  a  man  reconciled  K>  him5    ami  peace 
 in   his  confcience  alfo,  as  his    good    dotb  require ,     and  be 
 (hall  have  contentment  in  hts  lot  5     for^  his  foide  Jhall  dwel 
 \  at  eafe.     4.  Thefureft  way  to  tranfmit  inheritance*  to  a  mans 
 ]  children/  and  to  make  houfes  to  ftand,  and  however  macters 
 ';  go,  for  a  man  to  be  fure  of  rhe  Kingdom  of  Heaven,  (fig- 
 1  nified  by  an  inheritance  in  the  Land  of  Canaan)  is,  that  the 
 •  parents  feare  God*     and    that   the  children  do    follow    their 
 \  footfteps,     and  fear  God  alfo*     For  the  feed  of  the  man  fe a* 
 1  ring  God  Jhall  inherit  the  Land.     5.   The   man  that  feareth 
 1  God,  (hall  know  more  of  Gods  mind  then   others  fhat'j    he 
 fhall  know  the  good  and  acceptable  will  of  God    for  his  di- 
 rection in  dangerous  contraverfies,  and  for  his  fatisfa&ion  a- 
 bout  Gods  difpenfarionSj  both  toward  himfelfe,   and   others* 
 C  and  for  his  confolation   in  all  affliftions  s    For  the  fecret  of 
 the  Lord  it  with  tbemtbat  fear  him.    6.  Albeit  the  Lords  co- 
 j  venant  with  the  vifible  Church  be  open,  and  plain  in  it  felf 
 !  to  all  men,  in  all  the  Articles  thereof,  yet  it  is  a  myftery  to 
 I  know  the  inward   fweet  fellowfhip  which  a  foule  may  have 
 j  with  God,  by  vertue  of  this  covenant  5   And  a  man  fearing 
 Godj  ftiall    know  this  myftery,  when  fuch  as  are   covenan- 
 |  ters  onely  in  the  letter,  do  remain  ignorant  thereof  5   For  to 
 the  fearers  of  god  onely  is  this  promiie  made ,      That  to  them 
 the  Lord  mlljhew  hU  Covenant. 
 
 15.  Mine  eyes  are  ever  toward  the  Lor  A ,    and  he 
 \fljjtll  fluck^rny  feet  ont  of  the  net. 
 
 Having  laid  the  ground  of  his  reafon  in  the  former  verfes, 
 which  h  in  fumme  this.  To  every  beleever  God  will  be  graci- 
 ous, as  his  need  is :  now  he  affumetb>I  am  a  beleever  5  For  mine 
 eyes  are  ever  toward  the  Lord.  Therefore  to  me  God  will  be  gra- 
 cious in  my  need,  and  (oplnck  my  feet  out  of  the  net5  as  my  need 
 now  requireth.  Whence  learn,  1.  The  beleever  can  read  his 
 ownename,  and  his  ownebletfedneffein  the  promifes  made 
 to  beleevers,  andean  draw  out  the  extrad  of  Qods  decree  of  ab- 
 
 L  folution* 
 
x4<5  PSA  L.     XXV. 
 
 folution,dire&ion,  confolation,  and  falvation  in  his  own  fla- 
 vours, for  where  the  generall  is  written,  there  all  the  parties 
 lars  are  alfo  written  in  effect  :  And  fo  the  beleever  may  read 
 his  name  written  in  the  book  of  life>  as  here  David  doth  read  his 
 owne  deliverance  ,  in  the  Charter  of  Belecvers  >  Mine  eyes  are 
 ever  towards  the  Lord,  therefore  be  willpluckmy  feet  out  of  the  net. 
 2.   The  beleever  is  not  a  little  helped  to  bcleevc  ,  and  to  draw 
 fweet  conclufions  from  infpired  Scripture,  to  ftrengthen  himfclf 
 by  avowing  bimfelfe  to  be  a  beleever^  or  to  have  the  true  proper- 
 ty of  a  beleever,  as  here  David  doth,  faying,  Mine  eyes  are  ever 
 toward  the  Lord  5  Firft,heavowetbhis  Faith  ,  and  then  draw - 
 Cth  this  conclusion  from  it,  be  fh ill  pluck,  my  feet  ont  0]  *be  7!€tu 
 3  .  To  depend  on  God^  for  the  fupply  of  alf  neceflities,  and  for 
 deliverance  out  of  all  ftraits,  is  the  property  of  true  Faith}    for 
 the  Prophet  to  prove  himfelfe  a  beleever,  and  to  have  an  intereft 
 in  the  mercies  formerly  fet  downe,  ver.  12,13,14.  be  faith,  ver. 
 i$.  Mine  eyes  are  ever  toward  the  Lord*    4.  Though  the  godly 
 walke  among  fnares,  and  nets,  fet  by  their  enemies  ,  bodily  and 
 fpiricuallto  entrap  them,  yet  God  will  either  dired  their  way, 
 toefchue  thefe  fnares  and  nets  ,  or  will  pluck  their  feet  out  of 
 them  5  For  this  is  the  Prophets  comfort,  Tboujhalt  pluck  my  feet 
 put  of  the  net, 
 
 16.  Tnrne  thee  unto  mer  and  have  mere]  upon  me: 
 for  I  am  defolate  and  ajflifted. 
 
 17.  The  troubles  of  mj  heart  are  inlarged :  O  bring 
 thou  me  out  of  my  difireffes. 
 
 After  meditation,  he  condudeth  his  exercife ,  with  petitions 
 for  himfelfe,  and  for  the  Church,  The  Petitions  for  himfelfe 
 are  fix,  info  many  verfes.  In  the  firft,/^r«e,  1.  Naturall  fenfe 
 and  fuggeftion  of  Satan  j  faith,  that  God  doth  turne  his  back 
 on  us,  when  he  doth  not  fcnfibly  by  outward  workes  mew  him- 
 felfe for  us  as  we  could  wift;  But  Faith  maketb  advantage  ofl 
 the  tentation,  by  adhering  to  God  in  time  of  a  feeming  defer- 
 tion,  and  prayeth  for  his  manifefting  of  bimfelfe  unto  us$  Turn 
 ibee  unto  me^and  have  niercy  upon  me.  2.  A  felt  ,  and  acknow- 
 ledged miferablejhelpleflej   and  defperate  condition ,  is  to  the 
 
 beleever 
 
P  S  A  L.  XXV;  147 
 
 beleever  halfe  a  promifc,  and  a  whole  rcafon  ,  to  expeft  rcliefe 
 from  God  >  Turne  thee  unzo  me,  and  have  mercy  on  me,  for  1  am 
 de folate  and  affliftcdy  vcr.  1 6.  and  fo  aifo  in  bis  fecond  Petition 
 The  troubles  of  my  bean  are  enlarged,  0  bring  me  out  of  my  diftref- 
 fcs.  As  bis  troubles  were  mulciplyed  and  enlarged,  his  heart  was 
 ftraitned,  and  hisdiftreflesmulriplycd,  and  this  be  bringetb  tor 
 a  reafon  of  his  hope  to  be  brought  out  of  thefc  {traits. 
 
 1 8.  Lookjtfon  mine  afflittion  ,  and  my  paine,  and 
 forgive  all  mj  fins. 
 
 From  the  Third  Petition,  Learne,  1.  How  fad  snd  fearfull 
 troubles,   a  believing  and  beloved  foul  may  be    brought  into, 
 
 ,  no  words  can  fufficiently  exprefle,  he  is  defilate,  Miked,  tbc 
 troubles-  of  his  heart  are  enlarged^  is  in  moe  diftreflks  then  one  $ 
 he  is  in  affliction  andpaine3  which  no  eye  can  fee,  por  any  behol- 
 der judge  of,  fave  God  only  >  therefore  faith  he  to  God,  Lool^ 
 
 1  en  my  affliction,  and  my  painc.  2.Sore  trouble  will  waken  up  the 
 confeience  of  fin  afrefli,  and  call  to  minde  forgiven  and  buried 
 fins  j  which  new  challenge  cannot  be  anfwered,  but  by  prayce 
 
 :  for  a  new  application,  and  intimation  of  remiflion  of  fins  5  As 
 
 '  here,  forgive  all  my  fins. 
 
 i 
 
 19.  C onfider  mine  enemies  ;  for  they  are  many  %  and 
 they  hate  mee  with  cruel  hatred. 
 
 20.  O  keep  my  foul,  and  deliver  me  :  let  me  not  he 
 afhamed^  for  I  put  my  truil  in  thee. 
 
 Prom  the  Fourth  and  Fifth  petition,reIat!ng  to  the  bayard  of 
 his  life,from  his  bodily  cnemie,  Learn,  i.  The  multitude,  pow- 
 ,j  er3  rage  and  cruelty  of  the  enemies  of  the  Lords  people,  is  a 
 ground  of  hope  to  the  belcever,  to  be  delivered  from  them.  Con- 
 fiier  my  enemies  for  they  are  manyytyc.  2.  There  is  no  furcr 
 evidence  of  deliverance;,  then  faith  in  God,  fetled  on  a  promife, 
 Let  me  not  be  a(bamed,  for  I  put  my  truft  in  thee. 
 
 ' 
 
 2 1 .  Let  integrity  and  uprightnejfe  preferve  me :  for 
 I  tv ait  on  thee. 
 
 h  *  The 
 
i4S  PS  A  L    XXV. 
 
 Tbe  fi*t  Petition  is,  for  thefruv  of  his  innocent  behaviour 
 toward  bis  enemies.  Whence  ledrn,i.  Albeit  a  man  be  burdened 
 with  tbe  fenfe  of^many  Cms  againft  God  ,  yet  he  may  have  the 
 confeience  of  innocency  toward  his  enemies  >  And  here  a  good 
 confidence  giveth  great  boldneffe  before  God,  to  hope  for  deli- 
 very* Let  integrity  and  uprigbtnetfe  preferve  me.  z.  Integrity 
 of  life,  or  a  good  behaviour  after  prayer,'is  as  needfuil  as  before 
 it,  yet  neither  integrity  before,  nor  after  muft  be  leaned  upon, 
 but  Gods  goodneffe  and  mercy  only  5  Let  uprigbtneffe  preferve 
 me,fo  Vivid  teafonetb,/ir  I  writ  on  tbee. 
 
 22*  Redeem  lfrael9  O  Gody  out  of  all  his  trou* 
 hies. 
 
 Heclofethhis  excrcife  with  a  prayer  for  the  Church.  Whence 
 le<trney  1.  Ic  is  the  common  lot  of  all  the,  Saints  to  be  exercifed 
 with  plurality  of  troubles;  and  as  tbe  troubles  of  each  par- 
 ticular member  ftiould  nocfwallow^up  the  fenfe  of  the  troubles 
 of  the  Church,  but  ratber  private  trouble  mould  make  every  one 
 fenfible  or/the  like  or  greater  troubles  of  the  reft  o£  the  body  > 
 So  mould  tbe  delivery  ofl  the  whole  Church  be  fought  after,  as 
 our  own,  yea  and  more  then  our  owns  and  as  ourlaft  petiti- 
 on, and  however  the  matter  ftiall  goe  with  our  felves,  let  us 
 pray,  7(edeem  Ifuel  O  Lord,  out  of  all  bis  troubles. 
 
 PSAL. 
 
PSAL,    XXVI;  177 
 
 PSAL  xxvr; 
 
 t)avU  being  opptefTed  by  the  Judges  of  the  Land^ 
 bis  powerful  adversaries,  and  being  exiled  from  the 
 houfeofGod;  heappealeth  to  God,  thefupreme 
 Judge  in  the  teftimony  of  a  good  confidence,  bear- 
 ing him  wirncfle,  firft  of  his  endeavour  to  walk  up- 
 rightly as  became  a  beleever ,  yer.  jy  2,  3.  And  fe- 
 condly,  of  his  keeping  himfelf  from  the  contagion 
 of  tbeevillcouncel,  finful  courfes,  arid  example  of 
 the  wicked,  ver.  4,  *.  Thirdly,  Of  his  pnrpofe  ftiil  to 
 behave  himfelf  holily  and  righteouily  >  out  of  love 
 to  be  partaker  of  the  publkk  priviledgesof  the  Lords 
 people  in  the  congregation,  ver.  ty,%  8.  Where- 
 upon he  prayeth  to  be  free  of  the  judgement  coming 
 on  the  wicked>#<?>\  5) .  j  o  According  as  he  was  pur- 
 pofed  to  efchew  their  finnes,^r,  11. Arid  he  clofetft 
 his  prayer  with  comfort  and  affurance  to  be  heard, 
 vtr.  12. 
 
 Vef.l.  T  Vdge  faey  0  Lord,  for  I  have  talked  in  ntirie 
 J  integrity :  1  have  truftcd  dfo  in  the  Lord'. 
 therefore  I  fhallnoijlide. 
 
 2*  Examine  me ,  0  Lcrdy  and  prove  hie  •  try  mf 
 teinesdnd  my  heart. 
 
 3.  For  thy  loving  kjndnefte  is  before  mme  eye si  and 
 J  have  walked  in  thy  truth. 
 
 FRom  Davids  appellation,  from  the  injufi  fent£nce  of  rneri 
 againft  him  in  their  courts  and  el  fe  where,  calumniating  him 
 and  burying  him  under  ftanders  >  from  which  God  and  his  owrf 
 co.ifcicnee  knew  he  was  fic$iLcarv>  x.   G:ds  children  maybe 
 
 H  for 
 
178  PSAL.    XXVI. 
 
 or  a  time  unjuftly  in  their  caufe  and  name  ,  Co  born  down  with 
 calumnies  by  Judges  and  others,  that  they  muft  content  them-   . 
 felves  with  the  approbation  of  God,  and  ol  their  own  conscience, 
 as  T>avid  doth  here.    2.   When  no  remedy  is  fecn  on  earth  for 
 GoJs  opprefled  children  >  remedy  may  be  had  from  God,  the  fu- 
 preoie  Judge,  who  can  redrefle  all  matters  abundantly.    This  did 
 *Dxvid,  when  he  faid,  -fudge  mc>0  Lord,  that  is :  do  the  part  of  a 
 juft  Judge  to  me,  in  this  controverfie  between  my  adver  fades  and 
 me.    3 .  He  who  appealcth  to  God  had  need  of  a  good  caufe,  and 
 a  good  confcience,  for  his  carriage  in  it,  that  he  may  fay  with  V&~ 
 vid,  I  have  wdl&diii  my  integrity.    4.  A  good  carriage  in  any 
 controverfie  is  then  only  comfortable  and  commendable,  when  it 
 is  the  fruit  of  faith  in  God,  therefore  'David  addeth ,  I  have  truft-* 
 cd  alfo  in  the  Lord.     5 « He  that  in  obedience  to  God  doth  carry 
 himfelf  righteoufly,  may  be  aflured  he  fhall  ftand  and  prcvaile  * 
 for  this  conclufion  doth  the  Prophet  draw  from  thefe  grounds, 
 hying,IJballnotJlidc.    6.  Not  only  muft  a  mans  hand  be  freer 
 from  injuring  his  party,  but  his  affe&tens  alfo :  In  which  cafe, 
 the  upright  man  is  content-the-Lord  ihould  try  him,and  tell  him 
 what  is  wrong,  that  it  may  be  amended  hereafter  5  for  here  fince- 
 rity  faith,  Examine  and  try  my  reins.     7.  Sincerity  of  behaviour 
 may  abide  the  triall  of  the  confcience,  and  expcd  the  approbation 
 of  God,  when  the  word  of  God  is  the  mans  rule,  and  fear  of  in- 
 terrupting of  the  fenfe  of  fweet  communion  with  God,  is  the  aw- 
 &and  to  keep  him  to  his  rule,  for  fo  doth  David  prove  his  fincerky 
 het-e  for  th)  loving  kindneffeis  before  mine  eyes,  and  I  have  wal^ 
 cd  in  thy  truth,  to  wit,  looking  to  thy  precepts,  threatnings,  and 
 promifes.' 
 
 Verf.  4.  I  have  not  fate  With  vaine  ferfons, neither 
 will  1  go  in  with  diffemblers. 
 
 5 .  I  have  hated  the  congregation  ofevill  doers  :  and 
 tW5  not  fit  with  the  wicked. 
 
 The  fecond  part  of  the  teftimony  of  his  confcience,  that  he  had 
 rajefted  the  courfe  of  wicked  men,  and  their  ill  counfel,  and  that 
 he  would  neither  follow  the  way  againft  his  enemies,  which  they 
 followed  againft  him,  nor  hearken  to  the  evill  ad vice,which  wick- 
 ed men,  under  whatfoever  pretence  of  goodwill  to  him,  did  offer 
 to  him,  for  a  finful  tranfattion,  or  private  revenge  JVbtnce  learn, 
 Though  innocency  may  feem  to  make  the  godly  aprey  to  their 
 enemy,  yet  it  will  promote  their  caufe  more  before  God,  and  give 
 Skater  contentment  to  the  confcience,  then  witty  wicked  plot- 
 
 liag 
 
PSAL.    XXVf.  17^ 
 
 ung  againft  witty  and  wicked  enemies ;  for  this  doth  Davids  ex" 
 ample  teach  us.    2,  A  godly  man  may  take  the  fcrvice  of  man/ 
 in  a  cafe  of  Law-bufinefles,  and  civil!  matteiswhofe  counfell  he 
 mull  refufe  in  a  moral  dutie  •  as'when  Davids  followers  counfel- 
 led  him  to  flay  the  King,  when  he  had  him  in  his  power  in  the 
 Cave  5  In  fuch  a  conization  or  debate,  he  will  not  fit  nov  go  iii 
 tvitb  the  wicked.    2 .  He  that  giveth  ill  counfell,  whatfoever  pre- 
 tence  of  friend fliip,  or  advantage  be  made  to  commend  the  coun- 
 felh  wich  he  offer eth;  yet  in  that  point, he  is  a  vain  man  and  a  dif- 
 kmbler.  So  doth  the  Prophet  ftyle  him  here.     4.  It  is  necef- 
 fary  to  hate  and  abhor  every  wicked  courfe,left  if  we  donor  hatq 
 it,  but  can  hearken  unto  it,  we  be  drawn  over  to  embrace  it:  X 
 bate  (faith  hej  the  congregation  cftbeevill  doers. 
 
 Verf.  6.   l^illwafb  my  hands  ininnocencj  :  fb  \Tritt 
 
 Icompajfe  thine  Altar,  O  Lord. 
 
 7.  1 'hat  I  may  piblifh  With  tiie  voice  of  thdnkfgivitogi 
 tindteUofaitthy  tvondrom  work**. 
 
 8.  Lord,  i\ave  loved  the  habitation  of  thy  houfe; 
 Anh  the  place  \Wm  thine  honour  dwelletb* 
 
 The  third  part  of  theteftimoriy  of  his  conference,  is  concern- 
 ing his  refolution,  to  behave  himfeif  righteoufly  and  godlliy  cur 
 of  love  to  honour  God,  and  to  be  the  fitter  for  worshipping  of 
 God, and ferving him, as  he fhould be  employed,  whence  learn, 
 1.  The  man  whofe  hands  are  not  clean  from  injuries  done  to 
 men,  his  conference  fliould  tell  him,  that  he  is  not  meet  to  offer 
 wormiptoGqd  :  and  where  guiltinetfe  is,  it  fhould  be  taken  a- 
 way,  left  the  worfhipbe  refufed  :  So  refolveth  Vdvii>  I  will  wafb 
 my  hands  in  innocency,  and  fo  compare  thine  Altar.  2  <  Whatfoever 
 was  the  ceremony  of  the  godly  with  their  friends,  in  comparing 
 the  Altar  with  longs  of  praife,  when  they  offered  their  peace-of- 
 ferings, it  yeeldeth  a  fit  direction  for  every  wormipper ,  and  of- 
 ferer of prayer'j or  praife to  God,-  to  do  it  wi  h  an  eye  to  Jefus 
 Chrift,  the  true  Altar  that  fanctificth  our  offerings,  and  maketh1 
 our  perfons  and  fer vices  acceptable  for  the  comparing  of  the  AN 
 tar,  wLhaneyeonit/ignified  this  duty.  J.  The  Lords  rnercies* 
 to  his  own  are  marvellous  in  effect ,  when  all  circumftances  are 
 Well  confidered)  Therefore  are  they  here  called  rvondrovA  rvor\s: 
 4.  To  love  the  fellowship  of  the  Saints  in  the  publick  worfhip  of . 
 Godjisatoken  of  oiirintereft  in  Godj  and  the  confeience  of 
 this  tove  is  refremfulU  as  here.  Lord,  I  have  loved  the  habitation. 
 
 N  x  of 
 
180  PSAL.    XXVI. 
 
 ofthyboufc.  5.  The  meetings  of  the  Kirk  fliould  be  to  prcr- 
 claimethe  Lords  glory  in  thccxcrcifeof  all  his  ordinances)  and 
 where  this  is  endeavoured,  there  will  God  dwell,  for  fuch  holy  af- 
 feiriblies,  are  the  place  where  his  bmour  dwelletb, albeit  many  of  the 
 members  of  the  Kirk  be  fuch  before  God,  as  they  were  in  Sauls 
 time^  whercunto  this  Pfalm  relateth. 
 
 Verf.  9.  Gather  not  my  foul  with  finners  y  nor  mj 
 life  with  bloody  men : 
 
 1  o.  In  Vpfofc  hands  is  mlfcbief:  and  their  right  band 
 is  full  of  bribes. 
 
 II.  But  as  for  me,  1  mU^alk^in  mine  integrity  ; 
 redeem  me^  and  be  mercifnl  unto  me. 
 
 Now  he  prayeth  to  be  exeemed  from  the  company  of  the  wick- 
 ed in  their  punifhment,  feeing  he  hath  gotten  grace  to  refolve,not 
 to  walk  in  theeirfin  .Whence  Icarn^u  The  Lord  hath  aharveit  8c 
 a  gleaning,  time  alfo,  fet  for  cutting  down,  and  binding  together 
 in  the  fellowship  of  judgements,  Gods  enemies,  who  have  folow- 
 ed  the  fame  courfe  of  finning  :  for  here  we  are  given  to  under- 
 stand, that  God  will  gather  their  fouls  ,  and  fo  will  let  none  e- 
 icape.  2*  Such  as  teparate  themfelvs  (not  from  the  lawful  focie- 
 ty )  but  from  the  finful  wayes  of  the  world  ;  mall  alfo  be  feperate 
 from  the  fociety  of  their  punifhment  5  The  foul  of  the  one  and 
 the  other  fhall  not  be  gathered  together.  Gather  not  my  foul  with 
 finners.  3.  Ungodly  men  will  never  {land  to  confent  to  the  ta- 
 king of  the  life  of  the  godly,  if  by  a  fit  tentation  they  be  put  to  it, 
 a  bribe,  or  fear,  which  is  all  one,  will  do  the  turn  s  for  finners  here 
 are  declared  bloody  men,  in  vobofe  hands  a  mifchicfis^  and  their 
 ri/bt  hand  Ufull  of  bribes.  4,  It  is  the  mark  of  a  wife  and  god- 
 ly foul,  not  to  be  di vetted  from  his  God  or  godlineffe,  by  the  ten- 
 tationof  lofle  or  gainc,  which  overturneththe  worldly  manj  for 
 David  refolveth,  go  others  where  they  will,  as  for  me  I  will  walfi 
 in  my  integrity.  5.  Amanfo  refolvedj  that  is,  who  hathcho- 
 fen  God  for  his  Redeemer,  and  Gods  wayes  for  his  rule,  may  be 
 furt  to  be  borne  thorow  all  difficulties,  all  troubles  and  temptati- 
 ons, and  to  meet  with  mercy  in  the  courfe  and  clofe  of  his.  life> 
 for  David  after  refolution  of  faith  in  God,  and  refolution  honeft- 
 ly  to  endeavour  obedience  to  God  in  his  courfe,  he  prayeth 
 (which  is  as  good  as  a  promife  to  us)  7{$cdtcmtne}and  be  merciful 
 $9  m. 
 
PSAL.    XXVII.  i'8t 
 
 Verf.  12.  My  foot  ft  andeth  in  an  even  place  :  in  the 
 
 Congregations  rtill  I  b/ejfe  the  Lor  A. 
 
 Heciofesthe  Pfalm  comfortably;  Whence  learn,  I.  The  be- 
 liever j>  refolving  obedience  to  God^and  wreftiing  in  prayer  with 
 God3  mall  not  want  a  comfortable  anfwer  i  his  conicience  (hall 
 fpeak  good  to  him.,  and  God  fhali  ratifie  the  teftimony  of  it,  with 
 his  teftimony ;  and  thus  (hall  the  man  be  cftabliftied  in  that  fweet 
 courfe  of  faith  and  obedience ,  and  have  caufe  to  ivf^My  foot 
 ftaudetb  in  an  evenpl.ee.  i.  Such  a  man  may  be  allured  to  blefle 
 God  effectually,  for  the  performance  of  promifes,  and  that  in 
 good  company  either  in  this  life,  or  in  the  next;,  or  in  both$  and 
 in  this  life  with  aiTurance;  he  may  fay  with  Vivid,  In  the  Congre- 
 gation will  I  blcffe  the  Lord, 
 
 PSAL.    XXVII. 
 
 In  this  Pfalm  David fetteth  down  what  ufe  he  had 
 of  his  faith  in  God,  in  the  time  of  his  trouble,  and 
 firflhowheftrengthened  his  faith,  verf.  1,2,  3,4  5» 
 6.  and  next  how  he  prayed,  upon  the  forefaid 
 grounds,  verf.  7,8,9,10,11,12.  And  third ly,what 
 advantage  he  had  by  beleeving  in  God,  in  the  time 
 of hisexercife,  verf,  13.  Whereupon  he  exhorts  ali 
 the  godly  to  follow  his  example,  under  hope  to  be 
 helped,as  he  was  helped,  Verf  \ 4. 
 
 Verf  I .  rTPH<?  Lord  is  my  fight,  and  myfafoatio**, 
 JL  rvhomJhaU  I  fear? the  Lord  is  tkefirength 
 of  mj  lifey  of  whom /ball  I  be  afraid  f 
 
 THe  grounds  of  ftrengthening  of  his  faith  are  three.The  firft 
 is,  That  God  by  vertueofthe  Covenant^hath  obliged  him* 
 -felfto  givedire&ion,  and  comfort  in  troublc3and  deliverance  out 
 pt  it ;  from  which  he  inferreth,  that  he  needcth  not  feat  his  ene- 
 mies. Whence  learn,  1.  When  we  are  to  wraftle  in  prayer,  a* 
 gainft  the  doubts,  which  trouble  and  tentation  may  raife  'in  our 
 Keatts,  to  man*  our  confidence  in  prayer.  It  is  wifdomctoaime 
 
 N  j  oar 
 
jU  PS  AX.    XXVII. 
 
 our  felves  by  faith  againfl  thefe  doubts,  before  .we  pray,  for  fo: 
 doth  the  Prophets  example  teach  us.  2.  He  who  is  in  Cove- 
 nant with  God,  hath  (olid  ground  to  expect  from  God,  directi- 
 on and  comfort  in  every  trouble,  and  deliverance  out  of  it  j  for  by 
 vcrtue  of  the  Covenant  of  grace  T>xvid  faith,  The  Lord  it  my 
 light  and  rny  falvrtion.  j.Whenwc  have  fattened  our  faith  cnGod, 
 we  may  then  with  reafon  deiie  our  enemies.,  and  fay  with  the  Pro- 
 phet, of  whom  fall  I  be  afrM?  4.  When  our  enemies  do  appear 
 ftrong,  and  we  know  our  felves  to  be  but  weak,  we  mould  eppofe 
 the  Lo  ds  ftrength  to  our  tentation^that  we  may  refill  all  fear;  for 
 fo  teacheth  Vavidffhe  Lord  u  the  ftrength  of  my  life,  of  whom  fall 
 %  be  afraid? 
 
 Verf.  2.  when  the  wicked,  even  mine  enemies  and 
 my  foes  came  upon  me  to  eate  up  my  flefi,  thejftttm* 
 if  led  and  fell. 
 
 The  next  ground  of  confidence  is,  that  he  hath  proof  and  ex- 
 perience of  the  fruit  of  the  Covenant  ,  when  he  was  in  great-eft 
 danger  to  be  overtaken  by  his  enemies,  Whence  learn,  1.  When 
 the  rage  of  the  wicked  again  ft  the  godly  doth  break  forth,  then 
 no  iefle  then  the  precious  life  of  the  godly  can  fatisfie  their  beaft- 
 ly  cruelty  $  they  hunger  even  to  eate  their  flefb.  i.  God  can  ea- 
 fily  make  the  wicked  in  their  hotteft  purfuit  of  the  godly,  to  come 
 fliort  of  their  purpofe,  as  here,  to  (tumble  and  faUi  3.  Experi- 
 ence of  Gods  power  is  very  forcible  to  confirme  our  faith,and  to 
 erect  our  hope,  as  it  did  'Davids  faith. 
 
 Verf.  3.  Though  an  hoftefhould  encamp  again ft  me 9 
 my  heart  {hall  not  fear :  though  xvarre  fbould  rife  again  ft 
 pie,  in  this  will  I  be  confident. 
 
 After  fetling  of  his  faith,  he  puts  on  a  refolution  to  ftand  to  his 
 point,  in  refilling  ailauits  of  fears,  from  whatfeever  tentation. 
 Whence  learn,  1 .  It  is  a  means  to  ftrengthen  faith,  to  refolve  by 
 the  grace  of  God  to  put  faith  in  act,  in  whatfoever  difficulty,  and 
 in  a  manner  to  lay  hands  on  our  felves^  to  hold  up  this  fhield  a- 
 gainft  whatfoever  fiery  darts,  albeit  poflibly  when  itcomethtq 
 pufh  of  pike,  we  b  lot  found  fo  Arena  as  we  are  flout ,as  here  Da- 
 vid doth.  J  ie  Lord  being  ours  by  Covenant,  and  the  Lord 
 proved  to  be  ours  in  experience  is  warrant  and  reaim  fufficient 
 for  us  to  put  on  Rich  a  refolution ,  Though  warrc  be  raifed,  in 
 this  (that  is  upon  the  forefaid  ground  )  will  1  be  confident  3 
 faith  he, 
 
 Verf,4o 
 
PSAL.    XXVII.  i$$ 
 
 Verf/  4  One  thing  have  I  dejirtd  of  the  Lord ,  that 
 Vrill  Ifeek  after :  that  1  may  dwell  in  the  houfe  of  the 
 Zord,  all  the  dayes  of  my  life,  to  behold  the  beauty  of 
 the  Lordy  and  to  enquire  in  hi*  Temple. 
 
 A  third  ground  of  confidence,  is  the  confcience  of  his  purpofe 
 to  ftudie  to  have  conftant  communion  with  God,  in  the  ufe  of 
 the  meanes,  and  the  confcience  of  his  very  earneft  defire  to  have 
 the  benefit  of  all  the  publick  ordinances,  in  the  fellowfhip  of  the 
 Kirk.  IVbence  learn,  i.  Hearty  refolution  to  fubject  ourfelves 
 to  all  Gods  ordinanc€S,and  to  follow  the  appointed  means  of  com- 
 munion-keeping with  God,  is  a  found  mark  of  folid  faith,and  the 
 confcience  of  this  refolution,  ferveth  much  to  confirmc  our  con- 
 fidence in  God,  If  we  can  fay  with  the  Prophet,  Thh  one  thing 
 have  I  defired,  &C.  1,  In  the  ufing  of  the  means  and  ordinan- 
 ces of  Gods  houfe,  the  glory  of  the  Lord  may  be  feen,  counfeI> 
 and  direction  in  all  things  may  be  had  with  comfort  andfpiritu- 
 all  delight  to  our  fouls  £  for  in  the  ordinances  David  was  to  be- 
 hold the  obedience  of  the  Lord,  with  delight,  and  to  enquire  in  kit 
 holy  Temple.  $.  The  defire  of  communion  with  God,  and  love 
 to  his  ordinances,  where  it  is  fincere,  fhould  have  the  chief  place 
 in  the  heart,  above  all  earthly  defires  and  delights  whatfoever.  One 
 thing  have  I  define  L  4.  A  fincere  defire  mult  not  be  fuftered  to 
 go.away,but  mould  be  purfued  refolutely,  and  recommended  to 
 'God  daily.  This  Iwillftill  feefi  after }  faith  he:  and  the  mean? 
 of  communion  with  God  in  the  publick  fellowship  of  the  &irk> 
 muft  be  conftantly  continued  in,  even  all  the  dayes  of  our  life. 
 
 Verf.  5.  For  in  the  time  of  trouble  he  JhaU  hide  me* 
 inhis  pavilion  :  in  the  fecret  of  his  tabernacle  fhall  he 
 hide  me j  he  fhatl  fet  meup  upon  a  rock,* 
 
 He  giveth  a  reafon  of  hi$  fo  earneft  a  deiire  to  have  fellowfhip 
 with  God,  entertained  by  the  ufe  of  all  Gods  ordinances,  becaufe 
 in  this  way  he  was  fure  that  faith  fhould  draw  all  neceflary  com- 
 fort and  protection  from  Qod,  as  need  fhould  require.  Whence 
 team,  1.  Faith  keeping  communion  with  God,  find  cth  him  all— 
 fufficient  in  all  ncceflities,  to  fupply  every  inlack  of  the  creature, 
 whereof  the  belcevev  ftandeth  in  ntcd;HeTvill  be  a  pavilion  in  xcar^ 
 fare 3  and  a  bidingplace^nd  a  rock  of  refuge^hzi  is^  G  xl  will  make 
 a  man  as  quiet  by  faith,  in  himfelf,  as  if  thire  were  no  hazard  j 
 In  the  time  of trouble  he  fhall  hide  me  in  bU  pavilion;)!  ,i  the  far  ep 
 of  bfsTabcrnaGlC)  jhull&ibidem^he  (hall  jet  meup  uponaroi^ 
 
?fc 
 
 PSAL.    XXVII. 
 
 |.  The  godly  cannot  promife  to  themselves  the  influence  of 
 Gods  grace  in  time  of  need,  oiherwayes  then  by  following  di- 
 vine ordinances,  both  private  ami  publick,  fo  far  as  they  may  be 
 had ;  for  the  Prophet  promifeth  to  him felf  this  protection,  as  a 
 fruit  of  his  faith,  foftered  by  theufeof  the  ordinances.  I  defire 
 faith  he,  to  dwell  in  thyboufc,  and  to  enquire  in  thy  holy  Templet 
 for  in  the  time  of  trouble  bejbril  bide  me>  ($c, 
 
 Vcrfe  6.  And' now  Jhall  mine  head  be  lifted  up  a- 
 faove  mine  enermes  round  about  me  \  therefore  W///  / 
 pffer  in  hi*  Tabernacle  facrifices  ofjoy\Iwi/lJing)yea9 
 J  Vvillfing  praifes  unto  the  Lord* 
 
 After  thiswrafllingoffaith  he  obtaineth  victory,  and  aflu- 
 jrance  of  fatisfa&'ion  to  his  defire,  and  the  grant  of  all  that  he  was 
 
 !o  feek  in  his  Prayer.  Whence  learn,  The  Lord  can  give  a  be* 
 eever  affurance  of  wha.  he  would  have,  and  make  him  fo  clear 
 of  the  polfcffion  of  the  Promife,  as  if  it  were  in  his  hand,  as  here 
 he  is  fure  to  prevail e  over  his  enemies,  fure  to  come  to  the 
 Temple  even  as  he  wifhed ,  And  now  fhal!  mine  head  be  lifted  up 
 above  mine  enemies,  I  will  offer  Sacrifices  of  joy  in  bis  Tabcr* 
 pole. 
 
 Verfe  %  Hear,  0  Lord,  when  I  cry  With  my 
 voics  .  have  mercy  al(o  upon  me,  and  arfwer  me  ♦ 
 
 8.  When  thou  iaideft,  Seek  ye  my  face ;  my 
 bean  faid [unto ^  thee, Thy  face,  Lord,  W;7/  I  feek* 
 
 In  the  fecond  place,  having  thus  f]rcngthcned  his  faith,he  en- 
 tcreth  the  lifts  with  his  prefent  trouble  and  tentations,  and  en- 
 countreththem  by  Prayer  to  God  upon  the  forefaid  igrounds,  in 
 three  Petitions.  In  the  firfthe  prayethrbr  the  fenhble  experi- 
 ence of  Gods  faVour,  as  his  prefent  condition  required,  wherein 
 fie  ftiengthens  his  faith  by  three  confidetations.  The  fiift  is, 
 becaufe  he  had  gotten  grace  to  clofe  w  ith  the  Word  of  God,  in* 
 yiting  him  to  feek  vyhat  he  fought,  per.  8.  Whence  learn ,  i  .Con- 
 fidence in  GoJ,  is  diligent  in  Prayer,  and  defpifeth  not  the 
 meanes,  whereby  th;j  mercy  hoped  for  may  be  brought  about  > 
 But  by  Praye.  it  m  keth  particular  application  of  the  LorJsgcod" 
 will  offered  to  all,unto  it  feli)  that  it  may  be  helped  in  the  prefent 
 peed,  as  here  David  doth,  Hear  me  when  f  cry,  have,  mercy  on  me, 
 tnfwcr  we.  a.  As  the  Lords  Word  encourageth  us,  to  feek 
 things  of  Gp Jj  Yyhich  without  a  warrant  wcduril  not  feek  5   fo 
 
 wheri 
 
PSAL.    XXVII.  i*5 
 
 when  we  have  gotten  grace  to  embrace  Gods  warrant  given  to 
 us  by  Precept  or  ^romife,  we  may  ask  with  confidence  to  obtain* 
 Hear  me,  an  fiver  me,  why  ?  When  thou  faidefl,  Seek  )€  my  face* 
 pty  heart  anfwrcd,  I  » ill  jeek  thy  face,  0  Lord* 
 
 Vcrfe  9.  Hide  not  thy  face  far  from  me,   put  not 
 thyfervant  away  in  anger:   thou  hafi  been  mj  help 
 leave  me  not,    neither  forfake  me,  0  Cod  of  my  fal- 
 vation. 
 
 He  meets  here  with  an  objection  from  his  fins  and  mif-defer/ 
 vings,  and  prayeth  it  down,  adding  another  confederation  td 
 confirm  his  faith  from  by-gone  experience  of  mercy,  not- 
 withftanding  of  his  unworthinefle  Whence  learn*  1.  Though 
 (when  we  would  draw  near  to  the  Lord)  fenfe  of  fin  and  unwor- 
 thinefle, and  fear  of  wrath  do  flee  inoui  throaty  yet  faith  clea- 
 ving to  Gods  goodnefle,  and  to  the  prom ifes  of  mercy,  and  to 
 our  relation  unto  our  God,  may  cry  down  the  tentation,  Hide 
 not  thy  face,  put  not  away  thy  fenant  in  anger.  2.  The  former 
 experiences  rvhich  we  have  had  of  Gods  being  gracious  to  us,  ac- 
 cording to  the  tenor  of  the  Covenant  of  falvation,  fhould  con- 
 firme  our  faith,  that  God  will  never  caft  us  off,  nor  any  man 
 that  cannot  endure  to  be  feparate  from  him:  T  hus  David  ici - 
 (ons.  Thou  haft  been  my  help,  leave  me  not,  neither  for fahvc  me,  O 
 God  of  my  falvation* 
 
 Verfe  1  o.  When  my  father  and  mj  mother  for- 
 fake  me,  then  the  Lord  trilltakemeup. 
 
 A  third  confideration  to  confirm  TDavids  faith,  is  a  nearer  re* 
 luion  between  God  and  'David,  then  between  David  and  his 
 Parents. Wbe nee  learn^Thz  bands  between  God  and  a  bdeevin'g 
 foul,  are  more  ftrait  and  intimate,  and  more  ftrong,  then  any 
 fcand  civil  or  natural  between  him  and  any  creature  5  and  they 
 are  appointed  to  hold  faft  when  natural  bands  do  faile,  as  here  is 
 aflerted.  When  my  father  and  ny  mother  forfake  me,  then  the 
 Lord  will  ta\e  me  up.  This  is  for  the  firft  petition. 
 
 Verfe  1 1  *  Teach  me  thy  way,  0  Lord,  and  lead  me 
 in  aplaine  path, bee  aufe  of  mine  enemies* 
 
 The  feeond  petition  is  for  Direction  in  a  holy  and  wife  car? 
 yiage,  that  his  enemies  get  no  advantage  againft  his  behaviour 
 or  perfon.  'When  tlexrn,  1,  There  is  danger  of  defertion,  or 
 pf  Gods  leaving  us  p&  the  will  of  our  enemies,  if  we  carry  not  a 
 good  caufc,  in  a  lawful,  holy,  tender  way,  and  therefore  we  h%d 
 
 need 
 
iS<5  PSAL.    XXVII. 
 
 need  to.  feck  our  dire&ion  from  God,  to  bctmgbt  in  bis  way, 
 andUdina  plainepatb.  2.  Becaufc  the  enemies  of  the  godly 
 are  ready  to  calumniate  their  caufe,  and  their  intentions,  and  to 
 take  advantage  to  calumniate  them  upon  the  leaft  occalion  of  a 
 queilionable  practice,  we  had  the  more  need  to  be  circumfpect, 
 and  to  pray  to  be  directed,  in  a  plaine  patb3  becaufe  of  our  ene- 
 mies. 
 
 Verfc  I  2*  ^Deliver  we  not  over  unto  the  trill  of 
 mine  enemies :  forfalfe  mtnejfes  are  rife/;  up  againft 
 rne^  andfuch  as  breathe  out  cruelty. 
 
 The  third  petition  is,  to  be  delivered  from  the  power  of  the; 
 cnemic,  profecuting  their  falfe  calumnies,  and  raging  in  cruel- 
 ty. Whence  learn,  I.  The  godly  have  reafon  to  pray  with  fub- 
 miflion,  that  they  may  not  fall  in  the  hands  of  men,  becaufe 
 of  their  cruelty,  and  to  fay  to  God,  Deliver  me  not  over  unto  the 
 yv 11  of  mine  enemy.  i.Becaufe  it  is  eafie  for  the  Lord  to  mitigate 
 the  enemies  fury,  or  to  break  their  power,or  to  elude  their  craft 
 and  power ;  Let  us  pray  73 Oliver,  and  let  God  chufe  the  way  of 
 delivery.  $•  When  the  good  caufe  of  the  godly,  and  the  pcrfons 
 alfo  are  left  to  fuffcr  both  together,  there  is  ground  that  God  in 
 that  cafe  will  intcrpofe  himlelf  in  due  time  :  for  this  is  'Davids 
 reafon  of  hope  to  be  helped,  becaufe  falfe  witnefles  reiblved  to 
 ppprelfe  him  in  name,  and  breathers  out  of  cruelty,  fet  to  have 
 his  life,  fiver  rifvig  agatnfi  him,  and  here  he  is  a  clear  type  and 
 example  of  the  fufferingot  Chrift,  and  his  followers. 
 
 Verfe  1 3.  I  had  fainted,  unleffe  I  hadbeleeved  t* 
 fee  the  goodnejje  of  the  Lord  in  the  land  of  the  l$~ 
 
 ving* 
 
 1 4.  Wait  on  the  Lord :  be  of  good  c our age ,  and  he 
 fhall  firengthen  thine  heart :    wait  9   I  fay}  on  the 
 
 Lord. 
 
 In  rhe  third  place  he  cometh  10  fhew,  and  to  make  ufe  of  the 
 benefit  he  had  by  beleeving,  that  he  may  encourage  others  to  fol- 
 low his  example  in  their  tryals«  Whence  learn,  i.Difcourage- 
 ment  under  trouble,  is  a  fort  of  quitting  of  our  caufe,  and  of  all 
 comfort  in  it,  but  faith  keepcth  a  man  dole  to  his  caufe,  and 
 from  being  overcome  with  troubles ;  it  holds  up  his  heart  in 
 his  duty,  "till  the  Lord  fend  an  out-gate,  wherein  he  were  not 
 able  tc'fubfift  oJierwifc  :  Unlejfe  I  hadbeleeved  I  bad  faimci. 
 2.  Our  experiences  of  the  good   of  beleeving  in  the  time  of 
 
 ftraitSj 
 
PSAL.    XXVIII-  187 
 
 ftraites,  ihould  be  communicated  to  others,as  our  calling  may 
 fuffer  to  encourage  them;  for  fo  doth  the  Prophet,  faying,  Wait 
 on  the  Lord,  and  be  of  good  courage.  $.  The  ftrivingto  take  cou- 
 ta°e  from  the  ground  of  faith,  iball  be  followed  with  ft  length 
 from  God  to  go  under  the  trouble,  and  to  findc  comtort  now  and 
 then,  and  full  delivery  at  hi\,  He  (hdl  comfort  tbybcm.  4.  Al- 
 beit the  Lord  let  the  trouble  lie  on,  and  ftrong  tentations  to  iri- 
 creafe,  and  griefe  of  heart  to  grow,  yet  muft  we  ftill  wait  for  the 
 duetime,  the  out-gate  (hall  come,  writ  I  fay  on  the  Lord. 
 
 PSAL.  XXVIII. 
 
 In  the  firft  part  of  this  Pfalme,  we  have  the  Pro* 
 phets  conflift  againft  his  enemies,  fueh  as  in 
 the  former  Pfalm  is  to  be  feen,  wherein  he  pray- 
 eth  for  audience,  ver.i ,  2.  and  delivery  to  him- 
 felf,  ver.  3.  and  that  God  would  vindicate  his 
 own  juftice  againft  his  difdainful  enemies,  ver. 
 4,5. In  the  latter  part,  the  Prophet  having  gotten 
 comfort  in  his  Prayer,  doth  glorifie  God,  ver.  6. 
 and  ftrengthens  his  own  and  the  reft  of  the 
 godlies  faith,  ver.  7, 8.  and  prayeth  forablef- 
 fing  to  the  Kirk,  ver.  $. 
 
 Verf.  XTNtothee  will  I  cry,  O  Lord  my  rock^  he 
 
 1 .  V  not  filent  to  me ;  left  if  thou  be  ftlent  to 
 me,  1  become  like  them  that  go  clown  into  the  pit. 
 
 2.  He  are  the  voice  of  my  [applications  when  I  cry 
 unto  thee :  when  I  lift  up  mine  hands  toward  thy  holy  Q- 
 racle. 
 
 IN  his  conflict  with  trouble,  he  runneth  to  God  for  a  com- 
 fortable anfwer,  with  reafons  to  help  his  hope  to  be  heard. 
 iVbence  Icarv,  i.It  is  good  to  pray  in  time  of  trouble,  and  to 
 be  inftant,  and  refolved  to  be  inftant  5  For  unto  thee  xeill  X 
 try ^ioih  import  thefe  three.     2.  A  fcul  in  great  (traits is  not 
 
 able 
 
tto  PSAL,    xxvra. 
 
 Able  tcfufpend,  and  want  comfort  long  :  it  muft  lwc  fotn 
 comfortable anfwer,  becaufe  of  what  God  is  unto  it  by  Covee 
 nant,  My  mkjbe  notfiknt  unto  me.  $;  It  bringeth  deadnefle  of~ 
 fpirit  on  a  fapplicant ;    when   his   Prayer  is  not  taken    off 
 his  hand,  which  albeit  it  be  by  no  reafon,but  aconfequcnceill 
 inferred  from  the  Lords  not  anfwering  of  us,  yet  we  are  fub- 
 jccYtothis  evil,  and   ihould  pray  to  have  it  prevented  :  Re  not 
 plenty  faith  he,  left  1  become  It \e -them  that go  d  wn  into the  pit. 
 4.  Though  the  heart   be  in  bonds  in  time  of  Prayer,   under 
 trouble,  yet  the  Lord  wiil  not  deipife,  t  he  voice,  nor  the  faces 
 bowed y  nor  the  bands  lifted  up,  nor  the  leaftexpreffionsof  a  fup- 
 plicants  define,  to  be  helped  by  him:  Hear  my  voice  when  I  cry, 
 and  the  lifting  up  of  my  hands,  faith  he.     '■$-.  Seeking  of  God  in 
 ChrinV  and  tryftingths  fulnefleof  the  Godhead  in  the  Perfon 
 oftheMediatour,  reprefented  by  the  Tabernacle" and  Oracle, 
 3nfwereth  all  objections,  from  the  fupplicants  unworthinefle, 
 and  giveth  encouragement  to  expect  a  good  anfwer  from  God, 
 for  to  this  purpofe  doth  he  mention  his  lifting  up  of  his  hands 
 towards  the  Lords  holy  Oracle* 
 
 Verf.  3.  Draw  me  not  away  with  the  kicked,  and 
 with  the  workers  of  iniquity  :  ^hich  /peak,  peace  to 
 their  neighbours,  but  mifchief  is  in  their  hearts . 
 
 Now  he  prayeth  God  would  deliver  him,  and  not  deal  with 
 him  as  with  an  enemy.  Whence  learne.  Albeit  there  be  fin  in 
 the  jjodly*  yet  are  they  not  workers  of  iniquity,  nortreache- 
 roufly  difpofed  towards  their  neighbours,  when  they  pretend  to 
 have  friendfliip  with  them,  and  therefore  may  the  godly  expect 
 from  God,  not  to  be  dealt  with,  asobilinately  wicked  and  im- 
 penitent finnerss  for  this  he  meaneth,  laying,  VrarpmcnGtaway 
 with  the  workers  of  iniquity ,&c 
 
 Verfe  4.  Give  th?m  according  to  their  deeds,  and 
 According  to  the  Vvickedneffe  of  their  endeavours  : 
 give  them  after  the  worl^of  their  hands,  render  tq 
 them  their  deferts. 
 
 5.  Becaufe  they  regard  not  the  worses  of  the  Lord, 
 nor  the  operation  of  his  hands ,  he  fhMl  defiroj  them, 
 and  not  build  them  UP. 
 
 He  prayeth  now  againft  his  enemies,  not  out  of  private  re- 
 venge $  but  being  led  with  the  infallible  Spirit  of  Prophecy,lock-     ! 
 ipt*  through  thcis  men  to  the  enemies  of  Chrift,  aM  of  his 
 
 People  , 
 
PSAL.    XXVIII.  i%$ 
 
 People  in  all  ages*  Whence  learn y  i.  Albeit  imprecations  muil 
 iiot  be  ufed  againfi  our  own  enemies,  nor  for  any  injury  done 
 to  us,  noragainft  any  in  hatred  of  their  perfons,  nor  againfi  e- 
 very  enemy  of  God,  but  only  againft  defperate  finners,  and  that 
 in  general,  rather  then  with  an  eye  to  this  man  or  that  man  m 
 Jfpeciais  about  whom  we  may  be  miftaken;  yet  the.  imprecation 
 of  the  Spirit  of  God  {landing  in  the  Scripture,  cryeth  ftill  a-* 
 gainft  obftinate  finners ,  although  we  cannot  condefcend  par- 
 ticularly upon  their  names;  God  (hall  give  them  acccordingt? 
 their  deferts.  In  the  ccntroverfie  between  the  godly  and  their 
 enemies,  notonly  doth  God  fliewby  his  word,  which  parry  hfc 
 alloweth,  butalfobythe  works  of  his  providence,  in  favours  of 
 the  godly,  and  againft  their  enemies,  he  doth  give  forth  his 
 minde,  according  to  what  he  hath  faid  in  his  Word  to  be  ob^ 
 laved,  but  when  both thefe  are  mifregarded,  he  will  deftroy  tke 
 wit  ked,  and  net  fuffer  them  to  carry  on  their  purpofe  3  for  betaufe 
 they  regard  not  the  worses  of  the  Lord,  nor  the  operation  of  hit 
 hands,  be  fhall  deftroy  them,  and  not  build  them  up. 
 
 Verfe<5>  *B/etfed  be  the  Lord,  becaufe  he  hath 
 heard  the  voice  of  my  [applications. 
 
 7.  The  Lord  is  my  fttength  and  my  jhield,  my 
 heart  truftedin  him,  and  I  am  helped  :  therefore  my 
 heart  great  Ij  rejeyceth^  andwith  my  fong  wll  I  praife 
 him. 
 
 8.  The  Lord  Is  their  ftrength  %and  he  is  thefaving 
 Strength  of  his  annotnted. 
 
 The  other  part  of  the  Pfalme,  wherein  he  maketh  ufe  of  the 
 good  anfwer  given  to  him  ;  firft  honouring  God  for  its  then 
 itrengthening  his  own  faith  by  it  j  and  thirdly  ftrengthenirtj 
 the  faith  of  others  alio.  Whence  learn,  1  The  beleevrng  topple 
 cant  fhall  not  feek  God  in  vain  >  he  fhall  not  fail  in  due  time  to 
 finde  fuch  fruir,as  /{hall  make  him  bleffe  and  praife  God'  for  the 
 anfwer ;  for  in  the  entry  of  the  Pfalme  it  was,  Bt  not  fdent  tt 
 mc,0  Lord,  left  I  become  lil{Cthem  that  go  down  to  the  pit;  and 
 hcvcBlcjfed  be  the  Lord  J  ccaufc  he  bath  heard  the  voice  of  my  fup~ 
 plication  .z.What  faith  to  faithGod  in  wraftling>it  mall  be  made 
 tofubferibe  it  victorioufly  and  experimentally  rhcrafter,Aty  roc\, 
 faid  he,  hear  me,  ver .  1.  And  here,  The  Lord  is  my  ftrcngth  and. 
 my  Jhield  ;  to  furnifh  me  within  and  without.  3.  It  is  a  good 
 uic  made  of  experience  to  confirme  our  faith  thereby,  and  to 
 
 com-- 
 
ipa  PSAL.    XXIX. 
 
 commend  the  couvfe  of  beleeving  in  God,  as  here  David  cfcth, 
 My  hearttrufiedin  him,  and  I  am  helped.  4.  The  joy  of  faith 
 and  ot  fenfe  alio,  will  be  given  fometime  together  to  the  godly, 
 for  the  increasing  of  their  joy,  as  here  he  fheweth,  Therefore  my 
 heart  greatly  rejoyced.  ?.  Albeit  we  muft  praife  God  in  what- 
 foever  condition  we  can  be  into  >  yet  fpiritually  rejoycing  doth 
 ipecially  call  for  finging  a  Pfalm  unto  God,  Therefor*  mthmy 
 fong  will  I  praife  bim}  faith  he.  6.  What;the  Lord  is  to  one 
 of  the  godly  calling  on  him  in  the  fenfe  of  need,  he  is  unto  them 
 all  the  lame:  as  he  was  Davids  jlrengtb,  ver.  7.  fo  is  he  their 
 firength,  to  wit,  all  his  peoples  itrength.iw.  8.  7. Allthe  blef- 
 fings  which  beleevers  get  do  belong  unto  Chrift,  firit  as  to  the 
 annotated  of  the  Lord  in  chief,  and  to  his  fervants  as  partakers 
 of  his  annotating;  for  the  Lord  is  the  faviug  fttengtb,  or  the 
 ftrengttoffalvation  to  bis  anointed,  or  to  his  Chrift,  and  thofe 
 that  are  true  Chriftians,  partakers  of  his  Unftion,  or  holy  Spirit; 
 What  concerneth  David  is  but  a  fhadow,  and  as  one  who  is  a 
 partaker  of  the  holy  Unction  through  Chi  ift. 
 
 Verfecp.  Save  thy  Teople,  andbleffe  thine  \nbe~ 
 ritance-,  feed  them  alfo,  and  lift  them  t$p  for  ever. 
 
 He  clofeth  his  Prayer  with  interceflion  for  the  Kirk. 
 Whence  learn,  1.  Sach  as  finde  acceffe  in  Prayer  to  God  for 
 themfelves,  fhould  fpeak  alfo  a  word  forhisKiik,  and 'pray, 
 Lord,  fave  thy  Pecplc.  2. The  Priviledges  which  the  godly  have, 
 are  common  to  them  alL  The  godly  are  all  Gods  p co.  le3  his  inhe- 
 ritance, his  flock. '  and  as  the  benefits  imported  under  theie  titles 
 are  common,  fo  are  the  duties  due  from  us  to  God,  imported 
 thereby  common  alfo,  and  to  befoftudied,  that  we  may  dif- 
 chargethem,  as  we  would  finde  from  God  the  benefits  of  pro- 
 tection and  deliverance,  as  fubjetfs  whom  ta  will  fave;  of  be- 
 ing watered  and  warmed,  as  his  inheritance ,  fed  and  led  on,  as 
 his  flock,  and  exalted  over  all  our  enemies,  or ,  being  lifted  up 
 forever. 
 
 ■'•' 
 
 PSAL.  XXIX. 
 
 David  exhorteth  Princes  and  great  men,  to  humble 
 themfelves  before  God ,  and  to  worfhip  him 
 (as  he  hath  commanded)  in  his  pobJicfc  ordi- 
 nance^ 
 
PSAL.    XXIX.  ipi 
 
 »ances,  verfe  i,  2.  Firft,  becaufe  he  is  infinitely 
 higher  then  they,  and  more  terrible  to  all  men, 
 then  they  can  be  to  their  fubje&s  or  inferiours, 
 as  theutteriug  of  hi*  majcftyand  power  by  thun- 
 der doth  make  evident,  vet.  3,  4, 5,  6, 7, 8, 9. 
 Secondly,  becaufe  he  oflfereththe  meanesof  fa- 
 ving  knowledge,  even  all  his  ordinances,  there- 
 by men  may  heartily  glorifie  him  in  their  af&m- 
 blies,  ver.  9.  Thirdly,  becaufe  he  isaneverlaft- 
 ingKing,  and  Ruler  of  all  the  creatures,  ver.io. 
 And  fourthly,  becaufe  fuch  as  do  humbly  fubmic 
 themfelves  to  him,  and  worfhip  him  as  his 
 People  fhould  do,  fhall  be  furniflied  with  abili- 
 ties for  every  good  work,  and  (hall  be  abun- 
 dantly bleffed. 
 
 Verfe  i./^Ive  unto  the  Lord,  (Oje  mighty, y give 
 \jmto  the  Lord  glory  and  Strength. 
 2.  Give  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  dneuntohti  Name^ 
 worjbip  the  Lord  in  the  beauty  ofho/inejfe. 
 
 HE  dire&eth  hisfpeeeh  and  exhortation  co  the  Potentates 
 of  the  earth,  that  they  may  humble  themfelves  before 
 God,  and  give  him  the  glory  of  all  power,  and  authority,  and 
 excellency  above  themfelves,  and  above  all  other  creatures. 
 Hence  leirv,  1.  Of  all  men  Princes  ihould  be  moft  careful  to 
 glorifie  God,  and  yet  it  is  moft  rare  to  fee  them  humfciethem-' 
 (elves  before  him  :  for  natural  corruption  is  as  ftrong  in  them 
 as  mothers :  Their  education  doth  breed  them  to  high  and 
 ftately  thoughts  of  themfelves,  their  riches  and  power  pufteth 
 them  up,  and  flatterers  ordinarily  following  them?  doth  make 
 them  forget  themfelves  and  God  alfo.  Therefore  are  they 
 here  thrice  exhorted  to  give  glory  to  God.  i.It  ismoftnecef- 
 fary  that  Potentates  do  humble  themfelves  before  God,  and  be 
 particularly  dealt  with  to  that  parpofe,  becaufe  their  example 
 and  authority  doth  move  many  outwardly  to  fubmit  to  God  * 
 or  ftand  out  from  his  fervice,  therefore  he  fpeakcth  to  them  in 
 their  grandour,  Give  glory  to  God,  0  yo  mighty,  j,  As  men  arc 
 
 great 
 
I9i  PSAL.    XXIX, 
 
 great  ift  the  world,  fothey  are  ready  to  think  much  ofjfieif 
 own  ftrength,  of  what  their  power  is  able  to  reach  to,  and  what 
 honour  is  due  to  them?  but  if  they  reckon  rights  ftrength >  and 
 glory  belongetbtoGod.  And  according  as  he  is  above  them  in 
 power  and  excellency,  fo  fhould  he  proportionably  be  magni- 
 fied. Give  wuo  the  Lord  glory  and  ftrength,  and  give  unto  the 
 Lord  the  glory  due  unto  his  name.  4.  He  will  have  no  glory  of 
 men,  but  as  he  hath  prcfcribed  to  men  in  his  own  ordinances, 
 given  forth  iri  his  Word  to  his  Khk,  JVorfhip  him  in  the  beau- 
 tyof  bolincffey  that  is,  iri  the  glorious  fancluary,  the  place  of 
 jmblick  meeting  >  beautiful  indeed,  not  for  timber  or  ftones 
 fomucb,asbecaufe  the  holy  and  beautiful  means  oforaeetb 
 men,  and  Gods  worftiip  Shewing  forth  his  glory  was  there  to 
 be  found. 
 
 Verfe  %/fhe  voice  of  the  Lord  is  upon  the  waters  : 
 The  God  of  glory  thundcrtth  %  the  Lord  is  upon  many 
 Waters, 
 
 4>  The  voice  of  the  Lordis  powerful,  the  voice  of  the 
 Lord  is  full  of  Afajefty* 
 
 He  proveth  that  ftrength  and  glory  belongeth  to  the  Lord, 
 by  one  only  woik  of  thundering,  and  kindling  fire  in  the  mrdffi 
 cf   waiery  clouds,  that  he  may  make  thunder  in  the  conflict 
 of  water  clofing  In  the  fire,  and  fire  breaking  through  the  cloud? , 
 how  oft  foever  he  pleafeth  to  fhew  his  power  to  the  children  of 
 men.  Whence  larn>  i.Though  the  ftanding  works  of  Creation 
 ipeak  meft  of  God,  yet  fuch  is  our  foolifhnefle,  that  we  are  leaft 
 atpprchtntivc  of  that  which  is  daily  fecn,  and  a  leffe  work  more 
 rarely  occarrirm  will  move  morcj  as  for  example,  the  thunder 
 or  the  Eclipfecf  the  Sun  or   Moon,  will  move  more  then  the 
 making  of  heaven  and  earth.     2.  No  work  of  the  Lord  is  right* 
 ly  taken  up  till  hehimfelf  be  looked  unto,  as  the  immediate 
 Worker  of  it,  therefore  he  points  out  the  found  of  the_  thunder, 
 as  the  voice  of  the  Lord  upon  many  waters.    3 .  Though  the  Lord 
 tfiould  be  obferved  as  the  worker  of  every  work,  yet  not   at  fir  ft 
 is  he  feen  in  his  work  to  any  purpofe,  till  we  by  oftner  review- 
 ing his  operation  about  it,  be  fomewhat  affe&ed  with  his  glory 
 and  power  therein,  therefore  he  repeateth  the  fecond  time,  The 
 God  of  glory    thunderetb-,  And  the  third  time,  The  Lord  is  up- 
 cn  mxny  rcxters.    4.  When  the  thunder  or  any  work  of  God  is 
 Well  confidered,  fome  invifible  thing  ot  God  will  appear  ther  ein? 
 *s  for  example^  his  powei  and  majefty  will  be  evidenced  in  the 
 
 thunder^ 
 
PSAL.     XXIX.  i<?3 
 
 thunder*  for  the  voice  of  the  Lord  is  powerful  and  full  ofmdr 
 
 jefty- 
 
 Verfc  5.  The  voice  of  the  Lorhhreaketh  the  Ce- 
 dars, j7a%  tte  Lord  bredketh  the  (fedars  of  Le~ 
 btinon.    k 
 
 6.  Bemahcth  them  alfo  to  skip  like  a  Calfe:  Le± 
 banon  and  Syrion  like  a  youngVnicome, 
 
 j.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  divideth  the  flames  df 
 fire. 
 
 8.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  fhaheth  the  wldemeffe  3 
 ths  Lordjhaketh  the  Wilder neffe  of  Kadefh. 
 
 Vcrfc  9.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  makgththe  lo'mdes 
 to  calve ,  and  difcovereth  the  forrcfts  :  and  in  his 
 Temple  doth  every  one  fpcakj>f his  glory. 
 
 He  infifteth  in  his  fubjeel:,  and  (heweth  the  cffe&s  thereof 
 on  trees,  ver.  5.  on  mountains,  irr.  6*  on  the  fire  of  the  thun- 
 der, parting  it  in  lightening,  vet.  7.  on  the  wafte  wildernefle, 
 ver.  8.  on  the  beafts  and  woods  where  "they  haunt,  ver  $> 
 Whence  learn,  1.  Trmtheftupidity  and  fenfelefneffc  of  man 
 is  greater  thenthat  of  the  brute  crcarures,  which  are  all  more 
 moved  with  the  thunder;  then  the  hearts  of  men  for  the  molt 
 part,  as  here  may  befeenin  the  companion,  2.  One  work  of 
 God  dwelt  upon,  (hall  (hew  more  of  God  then  many  of  his 
 Works  being  {lightly  looked  on,  and  parted  over,  as  for  example, 
 this  one  of  the  thunder,  corifidered  with  the  effects,  faith  more 
 then  trfany  •.  yea  one  fenfible  and  undemanding  man}  will  difce- 
 ver  more  of  God  in  one  work  ofGod,then  many  in  their  ordinary 
 mood,  either  in  that  work,  or  in  any  other,  or  in  all  his 
 Works. 
 
 Verfe  9.  The  voice  of  the  Lord  makeththekindes 
 to  calve  y  and  difcovereth  the  forrefis:.  an  A  in  his 
 Temple  doth  every  one  fpeak^  0/ his  glory* 
 
 He  givethafecondreafonof  his  exhortation  10  the  mighty^ 
 t0worjhip(jod  in  the  beauty  of  bolincffe>  becaufe  in  his  Temple 
 every  one  doth  fpeak  of  his  glory.  Whence  learn,  1.  The  glory 
 of  the  Lord  is  (hewn  forth  in'all  theearth,  and  in  all  his  works, 
 but  in  his  Temple,  in  his  Kirk,  his  works  are  holden  forth  more 
 exprefly  and  fully,  forthe;e,by  his  Word,  his  counfel  is  'open- 
 *V  his  holineffe,  his  ?oodne(Te;  ju'ftice3  mercy,  arid  all  his  ' 
 ©  ^  tribute^ 
 
194  PSAL.    XXIX. 
 
 tributes  arc  declared.  Without  the  Kirk-men  are  impelled  to 
 Acknowledge  glory  now  and  then,  but  in  his  Kirk-men  do  de- 
 clare his  glory  diftinftly  and  willingly.  In  bis  Temple  doth 
 every  onejpea\  ofbU  glory,  all  men  there  do  confeiTe  his  praife, 
 and  every  thing  in  the  Temple  holdeth  forth  fomething  of 
 Chrift  and  his  benefits,  to  the  glory  of  Gods  mercy,  and  this  is 
 more  then  the  world  underftandeth. 
 
 Verfe  I  o.  The  Lord  Jit tetb  upon  the  flood :  yea,  the 
 Lordfitteth  King  for  ever, 
 
 A  third  reafon,  to  move  Princes  to  give  to  God  glory  and 
 ftrengthj  is,becaufehis  Kingdome  reacheth  to  the  ruling  of  the 
 waters,  and  becaufe  he  is  a  King  immortal.  Whence  learn,  i,As 
 the  itrength  of  the  Lord  appeareth  in  all  his  works,  fo  cfpecial- 
 ly  that  he  ruleththe  raging  lea,  whereby  once  he  did  drown  the 
 world,  and  now  bindethitup,  that  it  mould  do  no  more  fo  a* 
 gain,  The  Lord  fitteib  upon  the  floods.  2.  No  King  is  King 
 over  every  Kingdom  and  King,  but  God  is  King  above  all 
 Kings ;  No  King  is  of  long  continuance,  but  the  Lord  is  the 
 evertafting  King,  Hefittetb  J^ing  for  ever  5  and  therefore  every 
 mighty  man  mould  do  him  homage,  as  his  King,  his  Lord,  and 
 fupream  Superiour. 
 
 Verfe  II.  The  Lord  will  give  flrength  unto  his 
 People  :  The  Lord  will  bleffe  his  People  with 
 'Peace. 
 
 The  laft  reafon  to  move  Potentates  to  give  all  glory  to  God, 
 and  to  joyne  with  his  People  in  glorifying  of  him,  is,  becaufe  of 
 the  bleffedneffe  of  his  People,  who  worlhip  him  in  his  holy 
 Temple.  Whence  learn,  1.  The  power  of  the  Lord  is  not  a- 
 gainft  his  people,  but  for  hispecp'e  againft  his  and  their  e- 
 nemies,  He givctb  ftrcngtb  to  bis  People,  to  wit,  againft  their 
 enemies,  and  for  iurniming  them  to  every  part  of  his  fervice 
 whereunto  he  calleth  them ;  The  Lords  People  do  give  the 
 glory  of  power  aud  ftrength  to  the  Lord,  *And  the  Lord  will  give 
 ftrengtb  to  his  People,  j.  The  true  worftippersof  God,  what- 
 foever  may  be  their  exercife  in  the  world,  may  be  fure  of  recon- 
 ciliation with  him,  and  of  true  blefledneffe,  For  the  Lord  wilt 
 bl-ffe  his  People  with  Hexce. 
 
 PSAL, 
 
PSAL.    XXX-  i0j 
 
 PSAL,  XXX. 
 
 A  7  fulme  and  Song  at  the  dedication  of  the  boufe  of  David. 
 
 2)dz//Wpraifech  God  for  his  late  deliverance,  frorri 
 the  hand  ofAifahm,  ver.  i,  2,  3.  And  fecondly2 
 beexhorteth  others  to  praife  God  alfoforhig 
 mercies,  ver.  4,  5.  Thirdly,  he  confefTeth  his  car- 
 nal leeurity,  and  how  he  was  corrected  for  it, 
 ver.byj.  Fourthly,  hefheweth  how  he  prayed 
 for  mercy,  ver.  g,  9,  tej  And  fifthly,  he  praifeth 
 the  Lord  for  his  gracious  anfwcr,  ver.  11,12. 
 
 HTHe  Infcription  of  the  Pfalrne  fheweth,  that  it  was  endited  at 
 
 the  dedication  of'Duvids  houfe,  after  it  w:;s  polluted  by  ^6- 
 
 filoms  vilcnefle  with  his  fathers  Concubines,  as  Davids  fecuri- 
 
 ty  and  trouble  alter  that  herein  dcfcribed,    giveth  us  to  under- 
 
 .  ftand.  JVtttnceleirn,  1.  That  no  benefit  or  acature-comfort  is 
 lawful  and  pure  to  us,  except  it  be  fanclihed  by  the  Word  and 
 Payer,  except  we  dedicate  our  felres  and  the  creatures  alfo  to 
 Gods  fervice;  and  more  fpeci  ally  the  dedication  of  a  mans  houfe, 
 with  the  Ceremonies  ot  the    law  uied   about  the    dedication 
 
 J  there  :f,  teachethustoconfiderandto  acknowledge  before  God; 
 
 1  That  we  are  the  Lends  Tenants  at  will,  received  by  him  iji  his 
 lodgings,  to  be  entertained  by  him  during  our  abode  on  earthy 
 It  teacheth  us  alfo  that  our  houtes  mould  be  holy,  both  for  the 
 Pcrfons  in  our  company,  and  for  the  exercife  of  Religion  tie  e- 
 in  daily,  before  and  after  our  lawful  daily  refrefhmcaus  and  em- 
 ployments therein;  and  that  the  Lord  only  is  the  Preferver  of 
 us,  and.of  ourhou;es,  againfl  what  evii  might  cthenvayes  befall 
 us,  by  men  or  devils,  cr  any  other  accident ;  and  that  the  houfe 
 is  polluted,  ©fpecialiy  when  God  is  openly  dishonoured  there- 
 in :  in  which  cik  we  are  to  feek  mercy  to  ourfelvcs,  and 
 to  our  families,  and  to  pray  to  God  for  the  continuance  of  his 
 guard  about  us,  and  his  grace,  to  make  a  right  ufe  of  our  houfe 
 hereafter,  which  is  the  fubfiance  of  the  eld  Ceremonies  ufed  ifi 
 dedication  of  a  mm  houfe, 
 
 O  2  Vcrfc 
 
196  PSAL.    XXX. 
 
 Vcrfe  I.T  Will  extol  thee \o  Lord  fort  hod  haft  lifted 
 Xme  up  ;  and  htfl  not  made  my  foes  to  re' 
 jojee  over  me* 
 
 .2,  O  Lord  mj  God,  Icrjed  unto  thee  and  thon  hafl 
 healed  me. 
 
 5»  O  Lord,  thou  haft  brought  up  my  foul  from  the 
 grave  :  thou  hafl  kept  me  alive >  that  1  fhould  not  go 
 down  to  the  pit. 
 
 Hcpraifeth  Gcd'for  a  number  of  mercies  concurring  toge- 
 ther in  his  deliverance,  out  of  the  hazard  qf  lofing  both  his  life 
 and  his  Kingdome.  Whence  learn  >  i.Thc  more  the  Lord  exalts 
 us,  we  fhould  humble  our  feives  the  more  before  him,  and  mag* 
 nine  his  bounty  :  for  David  will  extol  the  Lord,  here,  becaufc  the 
 Lord  bad  lifted  him  up.  2.  The  difappointment  of  our  enemies 
 is  a  new  mercy,befide  our  delivery  from  their  cruelty,  and  a  rea- 
 fon  of  thank  fgiving  to  God,  when  he  makes  our  foes  not  to  rc- 
 joyce  over  us,  3 .  When  God  feemeth  to  defert  us  and  expofe  us 
 to  hazards  5  readily  our  ipirits  grow  fick,  and  deadneffe  of  fpi- 
 rit,  (with  inability  to  go  about  any  point  of  our  calling,  or  of 
 his  fer vice)  dofeifeon  us;  but  when  after  the  prayer  of  faith 
 grounded  on  the  Covenant,  the  Lord  fendeth  relief,  it  is  a 
 reviving  of  us  again,  as  we  fee  in  Davids  cafe,  O  my  God>  1  cried 
 unto  thee,  and  tboubaft  healed  mc>  prcfetvation  from  evil,  and 
 delivery  out  of  evil  are  mercies  equivalent  j  refcuing  a  man  from 
 iiiffarrt  death,  mould  be  looked  upon  as  refurre&ion  from  death, 
 and  acknowledged  Co  to  be  in  our  thankfgiving  to  God  ;  for  Z)a- 
 vid  here  faith,  The  Lord  bath  b, ought  up  his  foul  from  the  grave, 
 bccanfe  be  bad  \ept  him  alivey  that  be  fhould  not  go  down  into 
 the  fit, 
 
 Verfe  4.  Sing  unto  the  Lor d^  (O  ye  Saints  of  his) 
 &nd  give  thanks  at  the  remembrance  of  his  holi- 
 neffe. 
 
 5.  For  his  anger  endureth^  a  moment^  in  his  fa- 
 vour is  life  :  weeping  may  endure  for  a  nighty  but  joy 
 cometh  in  the  morning. 
 
 The  fecend  part  of  the  Pialme,  wherein  he  ftirreth  up  o- 
 thers  to  praife  God  for  his  mercies.  Whence  learn,  1.  Dwel- 
 ling a  while  upon  the  conftderation  of  mercies  flxewen  unto  us3 
 fcringe-th  with  it  1  ejoycing  in  God*   and  a  (ingingdifpofition, 
 
 where* 
 
PSAL.    XXX.  *P7 
 
 I  ^hereunto  when  we  are  once  wakened  and  warmed,  we  will 
 |  think  that  one  mquth  to  praife  God  is  too  little,  as  here  we  fee  in 
 'David,  who  not  only  praifeth  God  hhnfttf,  butJfo  letteth  all 
 the  Saints  on  work  to  the  fame  purpofe,  faying,  Sing  to  the  Lord 
 all  ye  Saints  of  bis.  2.  Albeit  we  had  no  prefent  fcnfe  of  lately 
 received  remarkable  mercies,  yet  by-gone  experiences  ot  the 
 Lords  faithfulnefle  and  holinefle,  mould  give  matter  of  thanks 
 and  praife,  on  all  occafions,,  fpecially  in  the  Congregation, 
 where  his  works  arc  called  tominde:  G ivc  thanks,  hhh  he,  at 
 the  remembrance  of  his  bolincffc.  $.  Albeit  we  were  not  upon 
 the  thoughts  of  any  other  particular  experience,  yet  the  known 
 pcrfe&ions  of  God  fhould  furnifh  matter,  and  infpecial,  be- 
 caufe  howfoever  we  be  finful  and  do  provoke  the  Lord  often, 
 yet  he,  at  he  is  flow  to  anger,  fo  is  he  foon  pacified,  his  anger  en- 
 durethbut  for  a  moment.  4,  When  reckoning  is  rightly  made, 
 the  tokens  of  Gods  difpleafure  are  but  (or  a  moment.  But  the 
 evidence  of  his  favours  to  beleevers  is  a  life-time,  for  in  the 
 midit  of  wr3:h  he  rcmem'bererh  mercy,  .and  the  tokens .  of  his 
 favour  arefarre  more  then  of  his  diipl.afure,  and  wrath  loon 
 goeth,  and  favour  fliinethlateft,  and  is  of  longeft  continuance* 
 Wrath  is  but  temporary  at  the  longeil,  but  favour  en  dure  th  fee 
 .ever  :  His  anger  is but  for  a  moment ,  but  in  bis  favour  is  life,  yea 
 life  everlafting,  5.  When  the  Lord  fheweth  himfelf  angry  at 
 a  foul,  it  is  dark  and  cold  night  with.it,  and  what  can  it  do,  but 
 weep  or  walk  heavily  in  this  cafe,  when  the .  bridegroom  is  as 
 abfenc ,  Weeping  mxy  abide  for  a  night.  6.  Unto  the  belecvcr  the 
 longeft  winter-night  hatha  change  to  the^hetter  following  it : 
 confolation  is  certain  after  a  mournful  tondition ;  Weeping  may 
 endure  for  a  night,  but  joy  cometb  in  the  morning. 
 
 Verfe  6/  And  in  my  profperity  I/ai^  lJbaS  never 
 be  moved. 
 
 7.  Lerd^bjthj  favour  thou  haft made  my  mountain 
 to  ftandftrong  :  Then  didfthide  thy  face,  and  I  was 
 troubled. 
 
 In  the  third  place,  he  cometh  to  his  late  experience,  which 
 gavcoccafion  and  matter  of  this  Pfalmi  he  aSufed  his  profperi- 
 ty, not  remembering  that  becaufe  his  {landing  was  by  grace 
 'therefore  he  Ihould  have  flood  in  awe,  and  feared  to  forget  him- 
 felf,and  therefore  hewaschaftifed  foriz.Whencclearn,i^Achi\dt 
 of  God,  after  long  trouble  may  have  a  time  of  outward  reft  and 
 £  ofperit-yi  for  example  David,  whefe  troubles  were  many,  doth' 
 Q  I  gckrm* 
 
1^8  PSAL.    XXX. 
 
 acknowledge  here  that  he  was  in  profperity.  2.  As  men  in 
 trouble  do  tear  they  fhall  never  be  rid  of  it,fo  then, God  granteth 
 a  change  to  the  better.they  think  never  to  be  fo  troubled  again  > 
 This  tiefhly  fecurity  is  a  foul-  Tick ncife,  attending  profpcrity, 
 and  the  moil  holy  men  may  cafily  be  overtaken  with  it,  for  Da- 
 vid confeiieth,  1  [aid  in  my  projpcrily,I  (hall  never  be  moved. 
 3.  The  consideration  that  our  {landing  in  any  good  condition, 
 is  of  Gods  meer  favour,  and  grace,  fhould  ktcp  us  in  fear,  and 
 trembling  to  offend,  and  prevent  our  falling  in  carnal  fecurity. 
 This  David  acknowledged  for  aggravating  of  his  fault,  Lord,  by 
 thy  favour  thou  haft  made  my  mountain  ftrovg,  4.  The  Lord  will 
 not  fufter  his  own  to  lie  ftill  in  carnal  fecurity  ,  but  will 
 withdraw  the  bolfter  and  pillow  of  thefe  benefits  whereon  they 
 clo  fleepe ,  and  together  with  that  will  withdraw  alfo  the 
 fweet  fenfe  of  reconciliation,  and  put  his  own  in  trouble 
 to  waken  them  :  'Davids  experience  tcacheth  fo  much  , 
 Thou  diddeft  hide  thy  face,  and  1  rvat  troubled.  5.  Men 
 underftand  the  folly  of  their  finful  way,  and  of  their  carelefle 
 entertaining  of  Gods  favour,  not  fo  well  in  the  time  of  profpe- 
 rity,  as  after  they  have  fmarted  for  their  folly,  and  have  found 
 the  fruit  of  their  forgctfulneffe  of  God,  and  of  their  too  much 
 embracing  and  refting  on  proiperity  to  be  nothing,  fave  fore  and 
 fad  troubles,  both  bodily  and  fpiritual  5  for  this  is  taught  us  by 
 the  reckoning  that  David  now  maketh,  as  a  Pilot,  difcovering 
 a  rock,  to  forewarn  others  to  beware  of  fecurity,  and  this  reck- 
 oning is    all  after  his  trouble,  and  after  his  victory  alfo  over  it* 
 
 Verf.  S.I cry<?dto  thcep  Lord,  andunto  the  Lord  I 
 made  fa f plication . 
 
 9  What  profit  is  there  in  my  bloodivohen  J  go  do^Cn  to 
 the  pit?[hal  the  duft  praife  thee?fhal  it  declare  thy  truth? 
 
 1  o.  Hear,  0  Lord>  atdhaie  mercy  upon  me :  Lord, . 
 he  tboti  mj  helper. 
 
 In  the  fourth  part  ofthis  Pfalmehe  fheweth  his  recovery  out 
 of  his  trouble,  and  out  of  his  finful  fecurity  which  drew  it  on; 
 he  prayed,  difputcd  and  dealt  with  God,  till  the  Lord  delivered 
 him.  JVbence  learn,  1.  As  the  fire  and  the  hammer,  and  the 
 files  do  ferve  to  put  off  the  ruft  offiron  :  fo  doth  afeclion  to 
 roufe  a  godly  foul  out  of  fecatity,  and  drive  him  to  earned 
 Pravcr,  for  after  trouble  is  come,  David  cryed  to  the  Lord.  2.AI- 
 fceitamanhath  mifcarriedj  and  proved  ungrateful  to  God  in 
 
 his 
 
PSAL.     XXX.  199 
 
 I  his  profperity,  and  unmindcful  of  hisrefolutionsandpromiies 
 made  to  God  in  his  low  efhte,  when  he  came  to  profperity,  yet 
 when  trouble cometh  to  waken  him  up,  and  call  him  to  a  reck- 
 oning, hemuftnot  defpaire  nor  fit  down  in  difcouragement, 
 in  the  confcience  of  huge  guiltineffe.  But  becaufe  the  Lord  is 
 angry,  and  no  remedy  but  Gods  grace,  he  muft  layhimfelfat 
 Gods  feet  a  fupplicant :  Unto  the  L$rd  David  made  fupp lie at ion. 
 3.  Faith  in  God  is  very  argumentative,  and  will  diipute  well 
 for  the  mans  life,  having  the  Covenant  of  grace  as  a  ground  to 
 go  upon;  It  will  takeareafon  to  ftrengthen  it  felf  from  Gods 
 
 I    nature,  who  doth  not  delight  in  the  death  of  a  penitent  (inner, 
 
 i  and  a  reafon  from  no  advantage  unto  jufticc,  by  the  mans  de- 
 ftrudtion^  whenjuftice  may  have  fatisfa&ion  in  the  Redeemer, 
 and  the  man  may  be  faved  alio  ;  What  profit  U  there  in  my  blood* 
 when  I  go  down  into  ths  pit?  and  a  reafon  from  the  mans  pur- 
 pofe  to  glorifie  God,  to  the  edifying  of  others  in  his  life  ,  if  he 
 fhould  be  fpared  :  from  which  mercy  if  he    fhould  be  cut  oft', 
 
 I  it  would  be  more  bitter  to  him  then  death;  Shall  the  duftpraijc 
 thee  ?  fhall  it  declare  thy  truth  1  4.  When  faith  hath  faid  to  God 
 that  it  hath  tp  fay,  it  will  wait  for  a  good  anfwer,  will  relie  on 
 
 his  mercie,  and  expect  relief  from  the  Lord.as  here  David  doth, 
 Hexr*0  Lord*  have  mercy  on  me*  be  thou  my  helper . 
 
 Verfe  Ii#  Thou  haft  turned  for  me  my  mounting 
 into  dancing  :  thou  haft  pat  off  my  facecloth,  and  gird* 
 ed  me  with  gladnejfe  : 
 
 13.   To  the  end  that  my  glory  may  Jing  p^aife  to 
 thee^  and  not  b*  ft  lent :   0  Lord,   my  God,  I  Voiti  give 
 1  thankg  unto  thee  for  ever. 
 
 In  the  laftpart  of  the  Pialme  he  thankfully  .prai let h  God, 
 for  granting  unto  him  all  he  defired,  and  obligeth  himfelf  to  a 
 more  careful  carriage,  and  fetting  forth  of  Gods  g'ory.  Whence 
 learn*  1.  It  become. h  the  childe  of  God  to  weep  when  he  is 
 beaten,  and  to  humble  himfelf  in  the  exercife  of  Prayer  and 
 Fading  *  for  Davids  mourning  and  fack-dotb  *  meweth  hi? 
 exerciie  into  his  former  trouble.  2.  As  fecurity  turneth  all 
 our  joy  into  trouble,fo  fincere  feeking  of  God  in  trouble,  is  the 
 way  to  turn  all  our  trouble  into  joy,  Thou  hafi  turned  for  me 
 all  my  mour ning  into  dancings c  and  great  is  that  joy  which  a 
 reconciled  foul  findethin  Gjd,  after  renewed  feeling  of  the 
 interrupted  fenfe  of meixy.    3.  A  well  ordered  tongue,  watch- 
 
 P  $"  ir>g 
 
*o<?  PSAL.    XXXI. 
 
 ing  all  opportunities  to  glorifie  God,  and  edifie  others,  is  a 
 main  point  of  a  mans  excellency,  not  only  above  beaits,  but  aU 
 fo  above  all  men ,  who  do  not  ufe  their  tongue  for  God, 
 and  tor  good  to  others  5  Therefore  David  callcth  his  tongue 
 \m  glory.  4.  The  very  intent  of  Gc  ds  fhewing  mercy  to  men, 
 is  to  oblige  them  to  give  praife  and  glory  to  himCelf  before  the 
 wo;  Id,  7  bou  baft  girded  me  with  gUdncjfc,  faith  he,  To  the  end. 
 my  glory  may  [ing  praife  to  tkee,  and  not  bcfilcnt.  5.  The  right 
 pfe  of  our  experiences  of  Gods  mercy  to  us,,  is  firft  to  fallen  our 
 faith  in  God,  and  to  ftand  faft  to  the  Lords  Covenant,  made 
 with  us  in  Chrift,  next  after  acknov/ledging  that  this  is  cur 
 4uty,  tobe  thankful  to  God,  to  engage  our.  hearts  to  the  dis- 
 charge thereof  conftantly  :  The  firft  of  thefe  the  Prophet  doth 
 here,  by  calling  God,  The  Lord  my  God  >  the  next  he  doth  in 
 fhefe  words,  I  will  give  thanks  to  thee  for  ever. 
 
 PSAL.   XXXI. 
 
 To  the  chief  Mufrcixn.  A  Tfalme  of  David. 
 
 Another  exercife  of  David,  wherein  he  being  in 
 great  danger  to  be  taken  by  his  enemies,  pray- 
 ed! for  delivery,  ver%  i\  2, 3, 4,  5,  6.  Secondly, 
 heflrengtheneth  his  faith  by>his  by- gone  experi- 
 ence, ver.  7, 3.  Thirdly,  in  Prayer  he  layeth  out 
 his  lamentable  condition  before  God,  ver.y^  10, 
 1 1 3i2yi 3.Fourthly,he  wraftleth  on  in  Prayer  for 
 comfort  and  fafety  to  himfelf,  and  confufionto 
 his  enemies,  ver.  ?4, 15,16,  it,  18.  Fifthly,  be- 
 ing delivered  and  comforted  by  a  new  experience 
 of  Gods  merciful  prefervation  of  him,he  maketh 
 good  ufe  of  it,  by  praifing  God  for  it,  and  cx- 
 horteth  the  godly  to  love  God  and  relie  on  him, 
 WM 9,  20,21,22,23,  24* 
 
 Verfc 
 
FSAL.     XXXI.  aoi? 
 
 N  thee.O  Lorihio  1  put  my  trufi}  lit  me  ne~ 
 ver  be  afhamcd  :  deliver  me  in  thy   righ- 
 
 icoufneffe. 
 
 2.  'Bow  down  thine  ear  to  me,  deliver  me  fpeedily  : 
 be  thou  my  firongroik^for  an  houfe  of  defence  to  fave 
 me. 
 
 3.  For  thou  art  my  roch^and my  fortrejfe  :  there* 
 fore  for  thy  Names  fake  lead  me  and  guide  m\ 
 
 FRom  his  intercft  in  God  by  Covenant,  he  ftrengtl  c  is  him- 
 felf  in  Prayer  for  delivery.  Whence  learn,  1.  Faith  avowed 
 and   maintained,   furnifheth  prayer,    and  giveth  hope  to  be 
 heard,  for  Vivid  haviug  firft  (aid,  lntbee,0  Lord.do  I  fut  my 
 triift;  he  fubjoynerh,  La  me  vcverbeajliimcd,  for  this  much 
 may  a  believer  expect,  that  albeit  he  be  put  to  hang  down  the 
 head  for  a  little,  yet  he  mail  not  at  laft  be  afhamed.    2.  As  the 
 Lordfendeth  inhiswifdom,  trouble  after  trouble,  uponabe- 
 leever,  io  he  fendeth  in  his  juftice  and  faithfalnefie,   promifed 
 delivery  after  delivery  from  oppreflbis,  Deliver  me   in  thy  rigb* 
 teoufnefje.     3.  Where  the  danger  is  prefling,  and  the  aftbdion. 
 is  ardent,  the  Petition  may  be  repeated  without  babling,  and 
 fpeedy  help  may  be  craved  without  limitation  of  God,    and 
 hearkening  to  a  poor  fupplicant,  as  it  weL'e,  with  a  bowed  down 
 eare,  may  be  prayed  for  without  abafing  of  Gods  Majefty,  as 
 here,  "Bow  down  thine  care  to  mc>  deliver  me  fpeedily;    4.  Were 
 there  but  a  moment  betwixt  us  and  perifhing,  and  our  enemies 
 ftuonger  then  wc,  were  ready  to  lay  hands  on  uss  faith  feeth 
 that  God  can  interpofe  himfelf  fpeedily,  and  lift  us  up  above 
 our  enemies  reach,  Be  thou  my  fir  on  g  rock,  for  abovfe  of  de- 
 fence to  five  me,    5. What  the  Lord  is  engaged  to  be  unto  us  by 
 Covenant,  we  may  pray  and  expect  to  finde  him  in  eftccl:,    2te 
 thoumy  ftrong  Roc^faithhe,  for  thou  in  my  2fyc£.     6.  When 
 trouble   and   uncouth  paflages'difcovcr   our  ignorance,    our 
 blindneflc  and  weakneffe  unto  us,  we  have  God  engaged  for 
 his  glories  caufe,  to  take  care  of  us,    and  to  bring  us  through, 
 for  the  Prayer  of  the  beleever  is,  For  thy  names  fa\e  lead  me  and 
 guide  me. 
 
 Verfe  4.  Pull  me  out  of  the  net  that  they  have  laid 
 privity  for  me,  for  thou  axtmyfirengtb* 
 
 5.  Into 
 
202  PSAL.    XXXI. 
 
 5.  Into  thine  bands  I  commend,  my  fprit :  thoti  haft 
 re&emedme^O  Lord  Cod  of  truth. 
 
 6»  I  have  hated  them  that  r egard  lying  vanities  1 
 but  I  trtift  in  the  Lord. 
 
 He  cometh  more  particularly  to  his  danger5and  prayeth  for  deli- 
 very,and  ftrengthening  his  faith  by  fundvy  reafons^jHtf we  learn, 
 1.  As  the  children  of  this  world  are  more  wife  in  their  genera- 
 tion, then  the  children  of  the  light:  fo  Jo  they  hunt  and  overtake 
 the  godly,  by  their  crafty  devices  againft  him.,  They  laid  their 
 nets  privily  againfl  David,  and  enfnarcd  him.  2.  Though  the 
 godly  be  both  weak  and  fimple-witted ,  yet  they  hive  a  wife 
 and  ftrong  God  to  call  upon,  who  is  able  to  break  the  fnare,  and 
 fet  his  own  free,  whofe  help  David  imploreth  here ,  Putt  me  out 
 of  the  net  for  thou  art  my  ftrength.  $.  The  way  to  quiet  our 
 mindes,  in  the  hazard  of  our  mortal  life,  (which  is  loon  and 
 cafily  taken  away,  and  we  cannot  our  felves  preferve,)  is  to 
 put  our  foul  over  on  Gods  care  and  cuftody.  Into  his  hands 
 committing  ourjprits.  4.  The  Word  of  God,giving  affurance 
 to  the  believer  of  his  Redemption,  is  a  ground  futficient3  to 
 make  him  confidently  commit  his  foul  to  Gods  keepings  for  he 
 may  fay  with  warrant,  Thou  h  aft  redeemed  me^O  God  of  truth* 
 5(«  Worldly  men  that  beleeve  not  in  God,  have  fome  other 
 thing  wherein  they  truft  befide,  as  riches,  friendfliip,  their 
 own  wit,  &c,  which  carnal  confidences  are  but  lying  vani- 
 ties, whereof  the  true  believer  muft  be  aware,  and  hate  the  way 
 of  fuch  as  follow  them ;  for  David  hated  them,  that  regarded  ly- 
 ing vanities ,  becaufe  he  trufted  in  god. 
 
 Verf.  7*  I  Witt  be  glad  andrejoyce  in  thy  mercy  9 
 for  thoti  haft  confidered  my  troub'e  1  thoti  haftl\nown 
 my  foul  in  adverfities  ; 
 
 8 .  And  hafi  not  fiat  me  af  into  the  hand*f  the  ene- 
 my\  then  haft  fet  my  feet  in  a  large  room. 
 
 In  the  next  place  he  ftrengtheneth  his  faith  by  his  former  ex- 
 perience., andpromifeth  himfelf  after  thisprefent  forrow,  joy 
 and  gladneffe,  whereof  he  hath  fome  prefent  fenfe,  ftirred  up 
 by  calling  to  memory  his  experience  Whence  leamc>  1.  In  the 
 imidft  of  trouble  faith  will  furnim  matter  of  joy,  and  promife 
 to  it  felf  gladncfTe3  especially  from  the  memory  of  by-paft  ex- 
 periences of  Gods  mercy  5  as  here,  I  will  rcjoyceand  be  glad  in 
 thy  mercy*    a.  When  abdeever  is  in  adverfity,  the  Lord  will 
 
 rut 
 
PSAL.    XXXI.  203 
 
 not  misken  him,  he  will  make  him  know,  that  even  then 
 he  hath  an  eye  upon  him,  and  friendly  affections  to  him, .  Thou 
 haft  knmnmyfoulin  adverfity.  3.  Adverfary  power  (hall  not 
 get  their  will  of  a  fixed  beleever,  but  he  (hall  have  delivery  from 
 them,  and  victory  over  them,  cither  temporally  or  fpiritually, 
 cr  both  waves ;  for  here  is  the  experience  of  it,  Thou  baft:  not 
 jhut  me  up  in  the  band  ofthz  enemy,  thou  baftfet  my  feet  in  a  large 
 room.  4.  The  ground  of  our  gladntfle,  when  we  have  found  a 
 proof  of  Gods  kindnefletous,  (hnuldnot  be  in  the  benefit  fo 
 much,  as  in  the  fountain  of  the  benefit;  for  this  givcth  us  hope 
 to  drink  again  of  the  like  experience,  from  the  fonntain  which 
 did  fend  forth  that  benefit.  Therefore  David  fayes,  I  will  be 
 glad  and  rejoyce  in  thy  mercy  for  ever. 
 
 Verf,  9.  Have  mercy  upon  me>  O  Lord;  for  1  am  in 
 trouble  :  mine  eye  U  confumed  with  grief,  yea,  mjfoult 
 and  my  belly. 
 
 1 0.  For  my  life  is  [pent  with  griefs  and  my  ye  ares 
 withfigbing  ;  my  ftrength  faileth,  becaufe  of  mine  hm 
 qpnty^  andmy  bones  are  confumed. 
 
 1 1 .  I  re  as  a  reproach  among  all  mine  enemies ',  but 
 efpecUllj  among  my  neighbours ,  and  a  feare  to  my  ac- 
 quaintance :  thy  that  did  fee  me  without,  fled  fr$m 
 me. 
 
 12./  am  for  gotten  as  a  dead  mnn  out  ofminde  :  I  am 
 ;  like  a  broken  vejfel. 
 
 13.  For  I  have  heard  the  flander  of  many,  feare  was 
 cneery  fide  :  while  they  took  counf el  together  agaixft 
 me  they  devifed  to  take  away  my  life. 
 
 Inthethirdplacehelayethout  his  lamentable  condition,  in 
 tegardof  perplexity  ofminde,  and  decay  of  natural  ftrength,  by 
 grief  and  forrow  of  heart ,  and  in  regard  -of  the  con- 
 tempt of  his  adverfaries,  and  neglect  of  his  friends,  and  hazard  of 
 his  life  joyned  with  the  fenfeof  Gods  difpleafure  for  his  finnes, 
 wherein  he  is  a  type  of  Chrift  fuffering  for  our  finnes  imputed  to 
 him,  and  an  example  of  the  hard  exercife  of  the  Saints.  IVbcncc 
 learn,  1.  Great  and  of  long  continuance  may  the  troubles  of  the 
 godly  be,  great  may  their  grief  and  heavineflfe  of  heart  be,  before 
 ijiey  get  comfort,  as  the  example  of  this  meek  man,  fo  holy  in  his 
 
 way, 
 
2©4  PSAL.    XXXL 
 
 way,fo  fubdued  in  his  aftec'Hons,  doth  mew  by  fundry  expreflions* 
 
 2.  Albeit  the  Lord  needs  no  words  to  informe  him  of  our  condi- 
 tion, or  to  move  his  affection  to  his  children  in  trouble,  yet  he 
 hath  appointed  us  for  evidencing  our  faith  in  him,  and  depend- 
 ance  upon  him  for  relief,  to  come  and  tell  him  what  ailethus; 
 and  indeed  it  is  an  eaie  to  thcgodJy  heart,  to  have  the  Lord  to 
 fpeakunto,  and  lay  out  their  cafe  before  him,  ?s  here  we  fee. 
 
 3 .  The  confeience  of  finne  joyned  with  trouble,  is  a  load  above  a 
 burden,  and  able  to  break  a  mans  ftrength  more  then  any  trouble; 
 for  here  he  faith,  my  ftrength  failcth  becaufe  of  mine  iniquity,  and.^ 
 my  bones  are  confumed.  4,  When  the  godly  have  many  and  pow- 
 erful enemies,  then  their  acquaintance  and  neighbours ,  and  the 
 multitude  of  the  people  will  readily  believe  that  all  mifreports  of 
 them  are  true,  and  this  maketh  the  grief  of  the  godly  the  greater,as 
 here,!  wo/sa  reproach  among  all  mine  enemies, but  fpccially  among  my 
 neighbours.  $.  When  the  godly  fall  under  persecution  and  trou  - 
 ble,their  worldly  friends  for  fear  of  danger,or  burden  by  them  wi'l 
 turn  their  back  on  them,  and  forget  acquaintance,  yea  and  natural 
 bands  with  them  alfo,  and  then  muft  the  godly  leanc  toGod,and 
 expect  comfort  from  him.  This  is  holdcn  forth  in  this  type  of 
 Chrift,  and  example  of  beleevers  under  tryall,  I  am  a  fear  to  my 
 acquaintance,  &c.  6.  Long  lying  in  trouble  will  make  a  man  to 
 be  forgotten  of  hjsfriends^asif  he  were  dead^and  make  him  to 
 lofe  all  eftimation  at  their  harids,as  if  there  were  no  worth  in  him  . 
 at  all.  I  am  forgotten  m  a  dead  man  out  of  mind,  I  am  like  a  broken 
 veflell.  7.  It  is  Satans  policy  to  draw  great  men  and  Councel- 
 lorsof  State  in  tops  with  the  godly,  becaufe  commonly  whar 
 great  men  efteem  ot  the  godly ,t hat  p  lfleth  for  curratitj&  it  is  Sa- 
 tans policy  firft  to  laden  the  godly  with  (landers,  and  then  to  per- 
 fecute  them  to  death,  I  beard  thejlanders  ofmanyjhcy  toofi  conn- 
 fell  together  to  lx\e  away  my  life,  8.  In  a  (harp  triall  a  foul  may 
 be  aflaulted  with  terrible  tentations  on  all  handstand  feel  terror 
 and  fighting  within  and  without,  fear,  faith  he,  row  on  every 
 fide. 
 
 Verf.  1 4.  But  1  trufiedin  thee,  0  Lord^  Ifaid^thou 
 art  my  God. 
 
 1 5.  My  times  are  in  thy  hand  xdelivtr  me  from  the 
 hand  of  mine  enemies  >  and  from  them  that  ferjtcme 
 
 1 6  Make  thy  face  to  fh'me  upon  thy  fervant :  faz? 
 me  for  thj  mnitsfakg*  17.  Let 
 
PSAL.    XXXI.  205 
 
 1 7.  Let  me  not  be  afbamed,  0  Lord,  for  I  have  called 
 1  upon  thee  :  let  the  wicked  be  ajhamed.and  let  them  be  (i- 
 lent  in  the  grave* 
 
 1  8.  Let  the  lying  lips  be  put  to  Jilence,  which /pea^ 
 grkvotu  things  proudly  and  contemptuously  againft  the 
 right  eon*. 
 
 In  the  fourth  place  he  wreftles  by  faith  for  delivery,  and  com- 
 fort in  the  mean  time  till  delivery  come  to  himfelf,  and  difap- 
 pointment  to  his  enemies.  Wence  learn ,  1.  It  is  the  nature  of 
 faith,  and  it  is  the  believers  duty,  to  oppofe  help  from  God,  unto 
 all  tentations,  were  they  never  fo  many,as  here  'David  did,  "But  I 
 truftedintbee^Lord.  i.  Except  we  hold  faft  the  grip  of  our 
 Covenant  with  God,and  avow  it  before  him  truft  will  faile,and 
 tentations  readily  prevail :  much  ufc.made  David,  of  the  Co- 
 •  venant  in  his  ftrait,r  faid^h ou art  my  QW.  3, Faith  can  make  good 
 chearofthe  general  grounds  of  Gods  providence,  by  making  ap- 
 plication thereof  to  its  prcfent  ufe.  The  ditpenfations  of  all  mens 
 comforts  and  troubles,  life  and  death  are  in  G^ds  hand,  and  not 
 in  mens  power,  tfzy  times  are  in  thy  bandy  faith  David.  4.  Be- 
 caufe  all  power  is  in  Gods  hand,  prayer  to  him  will  prevaile  more 
 for  delivery  from  enemies,thenany  means  ^  '  zs^Veliver  me  from 
 the  hand  of  mine  enemies ^and  them  that  per '  ae  me4  5 .  When  tire 
 cloud  of  trouble  hideth  the  Lords  favour  th  knoweth  h  may 
 fhinc  again,  and  therefore  praveththi^.^n  the  cloud  for  diflol- 
 Ting  of  it,  ma^c  thy  face  to  Jhrne  upon  me.  6\  As  we  muff  #11* 
 dy  to  approve  our  felves  to  be  the  Lords  fcrvants,  by  ttudying  o- 
 bedience  to  him  ;  So  muft  we  make-grace  and  nothing  elfe,  fa\  e 
 grace,  the  ground  of  cur  hope  to  be  helped,  comforted,  or  faved. 
 Shine  upon  thy  [ervant>  faith  he,  fave  me  for  thy  mercies  fa\e\ 
 7.  As  the  humble  prayer  of  the  perfecuted  godly,  mail  be  granted 
 and  have  efted ;  So  the  proud  brags,  coloured  calumnies,  and 
 threatnings  of  flanderOus  and  cruel  adverfaries,  (hall  be  Shame- 
 fully refuted  and  difappointed  s  and  if  the  enemies  fh&ll  no:  ti- 
 moufly  ccafetopetfecute,  they  ihall  be  made  to  ceafe  in  their 
 graves,  Let  me  not  be  afhamed,  for  I h ave  catted  ontbcc$  tet  the  roic- 
 k?d  be  afiamed,  and  made filcnt  in  their  graves},  let  lying  lips  be 
 -put  to  filencc.  which  fpcati  grievous  things  proudly  and  contempt 
 tuoujly  againfl  the  righteous. 
 
 Veri.  19.  O  how  great  is  thy  goodnejfe^  which  thoti 
 haft  laid  up  for  them  that  fear  thee  ;  which  thoti  haft 
 
 y*rou(rh$ 
 
206  PSAL.    XXXI. 
 
 wrought  for  them  that  truft  in  thee  before  the  fonnes of 
 men  ! 
 
 20,  Thou  /halt  hide  them  in  the  fecret  of  thy  prC- 
 fence.from  the  pride  of  man  :  thottjhalt  keep  them  fe- 
 cret ly  in  a  pavilion  >  from  the  Brife  of  tongues. 
 
 2f.  Blefjedbt  the  Lord,  for  he  hathJbeVeed  me  hii 
 marvellom  kindneffe,  in  aflrong  City. 
 
 Comfort  and  deliverance  being  the  anfwer  of  his  prayer,  he 
 praifeth  God,  and  ftirreth  up  the  godly  to  fet  their  hearts  on 
 God,  and  truit  in  him  at  all  times.  VVbence  learn,  u  The 
 bounty  of  the  Lord  to  his  own  people  feen  in  the  Word,  obferved 
 in  the  Lords  ordinary  difpenfation  towards  them,  and  felt  in  a 
 mans  own  experience,  is  able  to  ravifh  the  heart  with  admiration 
 of  the  blefledneffe  of  Gods  people,  as  here,  O  !  bow  great  h  thy 
 goodnejfel z.Befide  what confolation  of  fpint  theLord  gtveth  to  his 
 own,theLord  fometimes  will  manifefl  h  much  refped  in  his  pro- 
 vidence to  his  fervants,  that  not  only  the  godly,but  alfothey  who 
 are  but  children  of  men  will  be  forced  to  acknowledge  the  Lords 
 lingular  refpeel:  to  them,andbeude  what  theLovd  belfoweth  either 
 inwardly  or  outwardly  upon  his  own  in  this  life;  there  is  yet  more 
 laid  up  for  afterward,  for complcating  of  the  bleffednefle  in  the 
 life  to  come,  How  great  u  thy  good?ie(fe,  which  thou  haft  laid  up 
 for  them  thxt  far  thec.whicb  thou  haft  wrought  for  them  tint  truft 
 in  thee  before  ibefons  of  men  I  34  How  great  peace  of  confeience 
 before  God,  and  comfort  in  the  holy  Ghoft,,  the  Lord  can  give  a 
 believer  when  he  hath  to  do  with  proud  open  perfecuters,  and 
 privily  whifperingftandererS;  It  is  a  fecret  and  hidmyfteryto 
 the  worldly  man:  This  David  defcribeth  in  a  fimilitude  taken 
 from  warfare,  Thou  fbdt  hide  them  in  the  fecret  of  thy  prefenec 
 from  the  pride  of  man,  thou  fbalt  ^ecp  them  fecret  ly  in  a  pavilion 
 from  tbeftrife  of  tongues.  4.  As  every  beleever  having  gotten  a> 
 jiy  experience  of  GodsgoodneiTe,  fliould  read  it  as  a  particular 
 proof  of  fome  general  promifc  made  to  the  godly;  fo  fhould  he 
 fubferibethe  truth  of  that  promise,  in  favour  of  all  beleevers, 
 and  blefle  God  for  his  own  particular  experience  of  it ;  for  fo 
 doth  the  Prophet  here,  faying,tfe  hatbflxwed  bu  kindneffe  to  me, 
 that  is,  how  kinde  a  God  he  is  to  his  own,  asinaftrong  Qityy 
 that  is,  preferved  me  inche  wildernefie,  as  if  I  had  been  in  the 
 beft  fenced  City  in  the  world,  furnifhed  with  men,  viftual  and 
 ajnunition  in  abundance, 
 
 Verfe 
 
PSAL.    XXXI.  207 
 
 Verf.  22.  For  I  faidinmine  hafle ,  /  am  cut  of 
 
 from  befere  thine  eyes  :  N evert he  lejfe  thon  bear  deft  the 
 voice  ofmyfupplications^ ^hen  I  criedunto  thee. 
 
 Heconfeffeththegreatdiftrefshewas  in,  and  how  weak  his 
 faith  was  under  the  tentation  5  this  he  doth  to  his  own  fhame  ac- 
 knowledge alfo,that  he  may  give  the  greater  glory  to  God.Wbence 
 learn,  1.  The  faith  of  the  godly  maybefhaken,  and  the  ftrong- 
 eft  faith  may  fometime  fhew  its  infirmity.    I  fiid  intnyhajtejam 
 cutoff  from  before  thine  eyes.    z.  Though  faith  be  fhaken,yet 
 it  is  fixed  in  the  root,as  a  tree  beaten  by  the  winde,keeping  ftrong 
 grips  of  good  ground ;  Though  faith  feemeto  yield,  yet  it  fail- 
 eth  not,  and  even  when  it  is  at  the  wcakeft,  it  is  uttering  it  fclf  in 
 fomc  ad,  as  a  wreftler;  for  here  the  expreffion  o(Z)avids  infirmi- 
 ty in  faith  is  directed  to  God,  and  his  carneft  prayer  joyned  with 
 it,  I  am  cut  off  from  before  thine  eyes,  ytt  thou  bear  deft  the  voice  of 
 my  fuf plications.    $<  Praying  faith,  how  weak  foever,  mall  not 
 bemifregardedofGodjfor  neverthelefs  faith  he,  tbdu  bcardeft 
 the  voice  of  my  fuf  plication  +   4.  There  may  be  in  a  foul  at  one 
 time  both  grief  oppreffing,  and  hope  upholding  :  both  darknefs 
 of  trouble;  and  the  light  of  faith,  both  defperately  doubtingr 
 and  ftrong  griping  of  Gods  truth  and  goodneis,  both  a  fainting 
 and  a  fighting  >  a  fceming  yeelding  in  the  fight ,  and  yet  a  ftri- 
 ving  of  faith  againft  all  oppofition;  both  a  foolifhhafte,  and  a 
 fettled  ftayednefs  of  faith,  as  here,  I  [aid  in  my  bafte,  &?c. 
 
 Verf,  23.O  love  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  Saints  *  for  the 
 Lord  pre ferveth  the  faithful ,  and  plentiful^  rewarded 
 the  proud  doer. 
 
 24.  Be  of  good  courage ,  and  he  fhall  ftrengtheny out 
 \heart :  all  ye  that  hope  in  the  Lord. 
 
 Now  he  maketh  farther  ufe  of  his  experience,  in  exhorcing  alt 
 the  godly  to  follow  his  example,  encouraging  them  yet  with  hope 
 of  like  fuccefs.  Whence  learn,  1 .  The  gracious  dealing  of  God 
 with  believers,  mould  glew  their  own  hearts,  and  all  ether  Saints 
 (hearts that  hear  of  it,  unto  God  in  faith  and  Jove.  O  love  the 
 Lord  all  ye  bis  Saints,  Re  \>uitcth\ove  for  faith,  becaufe  it  is  in- 
 separable from  faith,  and  iaithworketh  by  love,  and  loveproveth 
 1  the  fincerity  of  faith,  z  The  faithful  man  mall  not  want  an  up- 
 holder, albeit  he  had  no  friends :  for  the  Lord  prefervetb  the  faith- 
 ful. 3.  The  proud  man  fhall  not  want  a  purfuer,  and  one  to  be 
 avenged  on  him  for  hispride  and  oppreffion,  though  all  the  world 
 
 timti 
 
ao8  PSAL.    XXXII. 
 
 fliould  let  him  alone,  for  the  Lord,  doth  plentifully  reward  the 
 proud  doer.  4.  Albeit  oppolition  be  made  unto  a  believer,  yet 
 muft  he  refift  every  thing  which  might  put  him  back  from  fruit- 
 ing in  God  5  for  it  becometh  a  believer  to  be  flout.  Be  of  good 
 courage.  ? .  Who  fo  aimeth  at  courage  in  the  Lord,  fhall  be  fur- 
 niflied  with  ftrength  to  double  out  his  undertaking  of  faith,  2?e 
 0/  good  courage ,  and  be  Jbatl  Jireugtben  your  heart.  6.  Hope 
 grounded  on  the  promife,  muft  be  fixed,  that  our  courage  be  fo 
 founded,  not  our  felves,  but  on  the  word  of  God,  Be  of  good  cou- 
 rage My  e  that  hope  in  the  Lord. 
 
 PSAL.    XXXIL 
 
 Ttavid  in  this  Pfalm  defcribeth  the  blefTednefTe 
 of  the  man  juftified  by  faith  by  way  of  general 
 Do<3rine,fet  down,verf.  1,  2.  Which  he  cleaN 
 eth  by  his  own  experience,  verf.  3,4,5.  Then  he 
 fheweth  the  ufes  both  of  the  genera}  do$rin,&  of 
 his  own  experience;  Firft,  for  inducing  the  godly, 
 to  go  to  God  by  prayer  in  trouble^.6.  Secondly, 
 for  confirming  of  his  own  faith,  verf.  7.  Thirdly, 
 for  teaching  all  men  fubmiffion  to  God,  and  not 
 to  ftrive  with  him  when  he  doth  corred  or  exer- 
 cifethem,  verf.  $.9.  Fourthly,  for  believing  in 
 God  in  all  conditions,  verf.  10.  And  fifthly,  for 
 making  the  Lord  the  joy  and  delight  of  the  juftifi- 
 ed man. 
 
 MAfchil  is  put  in  the  infeription  of  the  Pfalm  ,  fignifying 
 inftru&ion,  to  teach  us,  That  the  Do&rine  of  juftification 
 hy  faith  is  a  leflbn  which  all  men  had  need  to  learn,  and  to  learn 
 more  and  more  folidly  5  becaufe  falvation  and  daily  confoladon 
 Jnall  the  exercifesof  a  mans  foul  dependeth  on  it. 
 
 Verf.  1.  O  Lefedis  hevihok  tranfgreffion  U  for- 
 
 O given ,  whofe  fin  U  covered* 
 %  •  Blefedls  the  mm  unto  Whom  the  Lord  impttteth 
 
 not 
 
PSAL.     XXXIL  20^ 
 
 ftdt  iniquity  :  and  in  who  ft  fpirit  there  is  no  guile. 
 
 IN  the  Doctrine  fe:  down  in  the  two  venes ;  Leim,  1.  That 
 finne  draweth  on  a  debt  which  no  rrian  can  fatisfie  for  :  fuch  ^ 
 debt  ,as  a  nian  muft  perim,  if  i:  be  rtot  forgiven.  1.  Sin  is  a  fil- 
 thinefk,  which  neither  God  can  behcla,  without  abominating 
 the  (inner,  nor  the  guilty  confeience  can  look  upon  without  hor- 
 ror, accept  it  be  covered.  $.Sinne  draweth  on  a  guiltineHe,which 
 may  draw  men  to  damnation  if  it  (hail  be  imputed.  4.  There 
 is  no  juftification  of  a  (inner  by  his  good  works  before  God,  but 
 only  by  the  fdrgiveneife  of  his  evill  works,  as  the  Apoftle,  Rom. 
 4.  6}  7 ,  8.  citing  this  place,  proveth,  Blcffedis  he  wb'ofe  tranf- 
 greffioii  is  forgiven.  5.  Juftification  by  faith,  or  remiflion  gf 
 fins  is  accompanied  with  right  urito  falvatidn,  becaufe  it  is  writ- 
 ten, Blejfed  is  the  mm  wbofe  tranfgrejfibn  is  forgiven.  6.  Juftifi* 
 cation  by  faith,  or  abfolution  from  fin,  is  accompanied  ilfp  with 
 the  upright  endeavour  of  fan&ification  $  for  of  die  jultified  man 
 "  t  is  faidj  Blejfed  is  the  mm  in  wbofe  fpi  it  there  is  kg  guile*  7-  Al- 
 beit nb  man  liveth  and  finneth  not,yet  God  hath  away  to  cleanfe 
 the  confeience  of  the  upright  man,  who  honeftly  and  without 
 guile.,  endeavdureth  to  walk  before  God,  by  bringing  him  to  give' 
 account  of  his  d^bt,  and  to  acknowledge  his  filthinefte,  and  his 
 guild  nefie  before  Godj  and  then  for  Ghriils  fake  forgiving  bim, 
 and  with  Ch.ifo  righteoufnefle  covering  him,m&  for  Chrifts  me* 
 diation,  not  imputing  iniquity  unto  him. 
 
 yerfij}.  When  I  kept  fierce i  my  bones  Waxed  old\ 
 through  my  rooting  all  the  day  long. 
 
 Verf.  4*  For  day  and  night  thy  hand  Wat  heavie  up* 
 tin  nte  :  my  moyfltire  ti  turned  into  the  drought  of  Sum- 
 rner.  Selah* 
 
 He  declareth  this  Doctrine  by  his  own  experience,  how  Gbd$ 
 wrath  never  left  perilling  of  him,  till  he  came,  to  iriake  ufe  of  this 
 doc"fcrine,acknowledging  his  fin,&  fleeing  to  the  benefit  of  reaaif- 
 fionof(in,for  the  blood  of  the  MefTxah,  the  Lamb  flain  from  the 
 beginning  of  the  World,  in  the  fymbole  of  the  expiatory  facrifice 
 then  daily  offered  for  (in.  IPlience  leirn,  1.  That  man  is  fitteft 
 to  fpeakof  the  Doftrine  of  mans  (in  and  mifery,  and  of  Gods  free 
 grace  and  mercy,  who  hath  felt  the  bitte'-nefle  of  fin  and  wrath, 
 andthefweetnefieof  Gods  grace  by  experience  of  Gods  pardon, 
 therefore  is  'this  Doftrine  recommended  to the  Kkk  by  25*W X  V 
 
no  PSAL.  XXXII. 
 
 Who  had  felt  both.  2.  Ajuftified  man  who  knoweth  the  Do* 
 ftrine  of  Juftification  by  faith  inChrift,  poflibly,  yea  readily, 
 may  forget  to  make  ufe  of  this  precious  truth,  when  he  hath  moft 
 need  of  it,  being  under  guiltinefTe,  and  the  prenure  alfq  of  Gocls 
 fatherlywrath  for  it ;  for  'David  for  a  while  being  in  this  con- 
 dition, was  Clients  and  came  not  effat  firfl  to  feek  relief,  the  right 
 way  :  for  he  kept  lilence.  and  did  not  come  to  the  acknowledge- 
 ment of  his  fin,  but  was  taken  up  only  with  the  fenfe  of  the  Rod, 
 3 .  When  the  Lord  is  about  to  make  his  childe  fenfible  of  his  fins, 
 and  of  the  acceflity  of  a  free  remiffion  of  them,  through  the  Me- 
 diat.au*,  he  can  awake  the  confeience  of  (in,  by  the  fenfe  ot  fad 
 affliction,  and  can  encreafe  the  heat  of  the  furnace ,  and  make  his 
 childe  roare  for  iorrow  and  paine,  and  thereby  weaken  his  natu- 
 ral ftrength;and  wafte  his  fpirits  and  his  flefh,  and  his  bones,  and 
 4ri  ye  him  to  deaths  dorc,till  he  make  ufe  of  the  Doctrine  of  Jufti- 
 fication, or  remiffion  of  fin  by  faith  in  God  the  Redeemer ;  This 
 was  Davids  cafe,  when  he  \cpt  fiiencc,  bis  bones  waxed  obd^  Godf 
 band  w 06  beavie  upon  him.  night  and  day,  and  the  fap  of  his  body, 
 wasdriedup  as  a  piece  of  moift  earth  is  dried  in  the  drought  of 
 Summer. 
 
 Verf.  5.  I  acknowledged  my  finne  unto  thee:  and 
 mine  iniqmtj  have  I  not  hid  :  lfaid^  I  will  confejfe  my 
 tranfgrejfions  unto  the  Lord,  and  thouforgaveft  the  ini- 
 quity of  my  fin.    Selah. 
 
 At  laft  the  Lord  led  him  to  the  right  remedy, points  out  rthc 
 way  unto  him  of  humiliation,  and  confeffion  of  fin,  and  feeking 
 of  mercy,  as  it  is  prefcribed  in  the  Word,  and  fo  he  was  relieved. 
 Whence  learn,  1.  Before  the  Lord  let  his  chiide  go  from  under 
 the  Rod;  after  he  hath  given  him  an  efiay  of  himfelf,  and  of  his 
 own  way  how  unprofitable  it  is,  he  will  brins;  him  about  to  the 
 right  way  of  relief,  as  here  »ve  fee.  2, .  The  onely  way  to  quiet  the 
 conscience,  to  pacific  wrath,  and  remove  judgement,  is  ingenu- 
 ously to  confeUe  fin,  and  to  aggravate  it  fincerely  (laying  afide 
 extenuations,  excufes,  and  fubterfuges  ,  for  juiWying  of  Gods 
 dealing  with  us,  and  for  humiliation  of  our  own  felves  before 
 him,,)  and  to  fiie  to  Gods  mercy,  laying  out  all  before  him,  as 
 before  a  gracious  God,  who  doth  purfue  controverfies  with  his 
 own,  only  to  th'intetlt,  that  they  may  make  peace  with  him  in  the; 
 Med  lap  our,  and  fo  be  reconciled.  So  did  David,  b  e  acknowledg- 
 ed his  fin,  and  that  unto  God,  be.  not  hid  bis  iniquity.  3.  Re- 
 conciliation with  God,  and  renewing  our  peace  is  ready  at  hand* 
 
 when 
 
PSAL.  XXXII.  iii 
 
 Men  We  take  the  right  way  (asisfaico)  to  be  delivered  ,  for  fd 
 foone  as  David  refolved  upon  this  coune>and  faid,  be  would  cm- 
 fcffe,  it  followeth,  Thou  jorgxvefl  the  iniquity  ofmyfih. 
 
 Ycrf,  6.  For  tbisjhall  everv  one  th.it  m  godly  fr^ty 
 untathee^  in  a  time  when  thou  maicft  b*  found  \  furely 
 in  the  floods  of  great  waters^  they  Jhall  not  come  nigbun- 
 to  htm, 
 
 The  Gift  ufe  of  this  Doctrine  and  of  Davids  experience  is  to 
 teach  othc1 s  how  to  behave  thcmfclvcs  in  their  trouble.  Whence 
 team,  i.  The  Doctrine  of  Juitirication  by  gracious  forgiving 
 iniquity,  is  the  ground  of  all  the  goalies  approaches  to  God,  and 
 right  Worfhipping  of  him^  for  to  {hew  the  life  of  this  Doctrine, 
 thus  tried  by  experience,  he  faith,  Every  goiy  one  ftall  pray  unto 
 tike*  z.  There  is  a  tims  when  God  may  be  found,  to  wit,  fd 
 long  as  God  is  offering  grace,  and  fparing  extremky  of  wrathj 
 which  time  men  ought  to  lay  hold  on,  not  knowing  how  fhorn 
 while  it  may  laft.  They  mall  pray  in  a  time  when  thou  maye/t  be 
 
 I  found.  3 .  It  is  poffible,  that  a  godly  man  may  be  in  the  middeft 
 of  the  waters  of  fore  troubles,  and  yet  theie  troubles  not  come  near 
 Unto  him,  becaufe  God  can  furnilh  the  man  an  Arke  in  Chriitj 
 whereby  he  (hall  fwim  above  the  delug.e  :  and  when  God  keep- 
 
 I  cth  off  trouble,  that  it  proveth  not  hurtful,  (much  more  when  he 
 maketh  trouble  a  means  of  fpi  ritual  good  to  a  man,  andgiveththe 
 man  true  peace  and  contentment  in  himfelf)  it  is  verified  wh3t 
 
 (  ispromifedherc,  Surely  in  the  floods  of  great  waters  they  jhall 
 
 ,  Tioi  come  near  him. 
 
 Verf*  J.  Thouatt  my  hiking  pLtce,  thou  Jh.ilt  pre- 
 serve me  frorh  trouble :  thou  fhdt  cotnpaffe  Me  about 
 
 1  with  fongs  ofddiverance*   Selah. 
 
 From  the  fecond  u'e  wherein  T>avid  conflnr-eth  his  own  faitti 
 for  time  to  come.  Learn,  i .  Experience  of  Gods  mercies  by-gone 
 fhoyld  faftcn  refolution,to  make  ufe  of  faith  hereafter  in  all  trou- 
 
 'ties,  as  here.  2,  The  godly  after  one  trouble,  mould  prepare  for 
 another,  after  one  delivery  expect  another,  as  here.  3.  What 
 God  hath  proved  himfelf  torbe  to  us  before,  we  may  promife,  he 
 fhall  be  the  fame  to  us  in  effect  hereafter,becaufe  he  is  that  by  Ccv 
 venant  and  promife  to  us,  what  in  practice  we  have  found  him  to 
 
 be;  for  D<ra"rf  reafoneth  thus,  Thou  art  mine  hiiing  pla;c,    thou 
 
 f;alt  prefcrve  me  from  trouble,  that  is,  I  fhall  have  no  dammage 
 
 by  trouble,  as  is  {aid.   4    A  juilinedfoul  refolving  to  make  ufe 
 
 P  x  of 
 
Hi  PSAL,    XXXII. 
 
 of  God  in  every' condition  that  can  come  unto  him,  accordi  ng  to 
 the  Covenant,  may  piomile  to  himfelf  a  comfcrtable  out-gate  of 
 all  his  troubles,  and  matter  of  praife  and  joy  from  God  on  all 
 hands,  yea,  he  may  confidently  fay  with  Vavid,  Tbou  fait  com- 
 pajfe  me  about  with  joyful  deliverance. 
 
 Verf.  8.  Iwiilinjirtillthee^  a<d  teach  thee  in  the 
 way  which  thou  fh.ilt  go  \  I  will  gtiide  thee  with  mint 
 eye, 
 
 p.  He  ye  not  as  the  horfe  >  or  as  the  mule  which  have 
 nounderftaxd'wg:  whofc  month  muft  be  be/din  With  bit 
 and  bridle^  left  they  come,  neer  unto  thee. 
 
 From  the  third  ufe  of  teaching  others  to  be  wife,  by  his  exam- 
 ficpLeaniy  1.  The  right  me  of  experience  is  to  edifie  others  as 
 our  calling  requirethj  when  we  are  converted,we  fhoula  ftrength- 
 cn  our  brethren,  tor  this  Vavid  doth,  I  will  inflnitt  thce,'tyc* 
 2.  When  we  have  he.ud  how  others  have  been  afilicled,we  fhould 
 be  wifer,  and  take  infttudion  by  their  example,  that  we  ftrive 
 not  with  God,but  fubmit  cur  felves  under  his  hand,  acknowledge 
 our  fins,  and  feeiV  mercy  of  him  :  Be  not  m  the  horfe  or  the  mule, 
 "^.Whofcever  will  not  fubmit  unto  God,  and  feek  unto  his  favour, 
 fliall  finde  them  felves  fo  much  the  more  hardly  dealt  with,  as  horfe 
 and  mules  are  bound  in  with  bit  and  bridle. 
 
 Verf.  io»  Many  for  rows  (hall  be  to  the  Vvicked-.but 
 he  that  truftethin  the  Lord ,  mercy  Jhall  compare  him 
 about \ 
 
 ¥rom  the  fourth  ufe  of  maintaining  a  courfe  of  adhering  to 
 God  in  all  conditions,  becaufe  it  fhall  be  better  with  the  belie- 
 ver, then  with  the  wicked 5  Lcarny  1.  There  is  no  advantage  to 
 be  had  by  repining  againft  God,  only  the  multiplication  of  for- 
 rows  mall  follow  thereupon,  (in  upon  lin,wrath  upon  w:ath,judg£- 
 ment  upon  judgement ;  nr.d  after  temporal  evils,  everlafting  mall 
 follow,  for  miv.y  [orrowsfall  be  to  the  wicked.  2.  Not  repining 
 againft  God,  taking  with  our  chafti  fern  ems,  acknowledging  of 
 our  fins  in  our  affliction  5  feeking  in  to  Gods  mercy,  and  leaning 
 unto  him,  putteth  difference  between  the  wicked  and  the  godly; 
 for  here  the  believer  is  fct  in  oppofition  to  the  wicked,and  to  the 
 man  that  is  like  a  horfe  or  mules  for  he  is  called  the  man  that. 
 truftetb  in  the  Lord.  $.  Whatfoever  temation,  trouble,  or  oppo- 
 fition, ftiall  make  affault  againft  the  believer  >  mercy  (hall  make 
 
 the 
 
PSAL.    XXXIII.  213 
 
 the  defence,  and  (hall  give  the  deliverance  on  all  hands., /or  mercy 
 Ji?all  compajfebim  about. 
 
 Vcrfe  II.  Be  glad  in  the  Lord^  and  rejojc  yye 
 righteous  :  andftom  for  joy^all  jt  that  are  upright  in 
 heart. 
 
 From  the  lafi  ufe  of  making  God  oik  joy  and  delight;  Learn% 
 
 j.  Such  as  underihnd  the  way  of  J  uftirkarion  by  grace,  and 
 
 have  fled  to  Goi  tor  pardon  of  tin,    and  fo  are  juftified,  have 
 
 great  matter  of  rejoycing,  and  fiiouM  make  crinfeience  to  ue- 
 
 1  Joyce  in  God :  for  to  them  it  is  h[d,Rcjoyce,yc  righicom.  1. The 
 
 juftified.  man  is    no  counterfeit  u\  :he  marter  cf  Religion, 
 
 nor  hypocrite  .in  the  mat- cr    of  outward  obedience    to    the 
 
 Lords  Law,  He  is  a  righteous  min,  be  is  upright  in  heart'.  $.The 
 
 matter  of  his  joy  and  triumphing  ii  the  Lo.d  nitnfelf,  his  grace, 
 
 •  his  good-will^  his  Covenant,  hispromiie,  and  cor; A .1  at  kindc- 
 
 ,ncfle  and  mercy,  for  it  is  (aid  to  them,  Be  gtai  in  tbe'Lord. 
 
 PSAL.    XXXtH. 
 
 ■  This  Pfalm  in  Gods  Providence  hath  no  Xnferipti* 
 on,  as  alfo  many  others  have  none;  that  we  may 
 look  upon  holy  Scriptures  as  altogether  indirect 
 ofGod,  and  not  put  price  upon  it,  for  the  Wri- 
 ters thereof,  whether  their  name  be  expreiled  or 
 not.  In  it  there  is  firft  an  exhortation  to  praife 
 God,  ver.  1,2,3.  for  his  powerful,  wife,  and 
 righteous  government  of  all  things  in  general, 
 2w.  4, 5.  and  more  fpecially  for  his  powerful 
 guiding  the  works  of  Creation,  ver.  69  7.  Se- 
 condly, an  exhortation,  as  to  praife  God,  fo  alfo 
 tofearehim,  for  his  Omnipotency,  and  hispow* 
 frful  over-ruling  and  difappointing  all  the  devi- 
 ces of  men  againft  his  Kirk,  and  his  powerful  exe- 
 cuting all  his  own  will,  ver.  g,  9,  1  o,  11.  Thirdly, 
 a  proclaiming  the  bleflednefle  of  the  Lords  Kirli 
 and  People,  and  of  Gods  praifes  in  reaching  his 
 Providence  over  all  the  wpcld,  in  favours  of  hi§ 
 P  3  People, 
 
214  P5AL.    XXXIIL 
 
 people,  vzr.  72,13, 14,  1-.  InfpeciaLfordifap- 
 pointing  and  evacuating  a$l  vainc  confidences  of 
 men,  great  and  fmall,  who  do  not  truft  in  him, 
 ver.  16, 17.  and  taking  care  of  fucb  as  fear  him, 
 and  truft  inhim,to  deliver  them  from  all  evil,wr. 
 18,19.  Fourthly,  the  ufe  is  fet  down  which  the 
 godly  do  make  of  this  do,ftrine,  and  fong  of 
 praife?wr.  20,  21,  22. 
 
 Verfe  I.T3    Bjoyceinthe  Lord,  0  je  righteous :  for 
 JLv  praife  is  comely  for  the  upright. 
 
 2.  Praife  the  Lord  tyith  Harp  :  fing  unto  him  with 
 $he  I [alley y ,  and  an  inflrnment  of  ten  firings* 
 
 3.  Sing  unto  him  anew  Song,  play  skilfully  with  4 
 loud  noije. 
 
 FRom  the  exhortation  made  to  the  godly  to  praife  God, 
 Leirne^  1  ♦  That  to  rejoyce  in  God  is  a  point  of  praifing  of 
 him  tor  it  is  here  expounded  to  be  praife ;  3{pjoyce  in  the  Lord, 
 faith  he^  for  praife  h  comely,  2.  Albeit  all  be  bound  to  praife 
 God}  yet  none  will  do  it  chearfully  and  acceptably,  fave  only 
 the  godly;  7{cjoyce,  ye  righteous.  3.  There  is  no  excrcife  more 
 becoming  the  godly,  thenprailing  of  God,  whether  we  look  to 
 the  object  of  the  praife,  which  is  Gad,  or  whether  we  look  to 
 their  obligation  above  all  People  in  the  world;  For  praife  is 
 comely  to  the  upright.  4.  There  is  no  excrcife  whereunto  we 
 had  more  need  to  beftirrcdup,  then  to  praife  5  fuch  is  our  dul- 
 neiTe,  and  fuch  is  the  excellency  and  neceffity  of  the  work,  as 
 the  Ceremonial  ufe  of-mufical  instruments  in  the  paedagogie  of 
 Mofes,did  fignifie  and  import,  the  religious  ufe  whereof  albeit 
 it  be  taken  away,  with  the  reft  of  the  Ceremonial  Law;  (the 
 natural  or  civil  ufe  thereof  remaining  ftill  the  fame,  both  before 
 the  Ceremonial  Law  and  after  it,)  yet  the  thing  figni6ed3 
 which  is  the^bending  all  the  powers  of  our  foul  and  body  to, 
 praife  God,  is  net  taken  away,  and  this  neceffity  of  our  up-ftir- 
 ring  is  imported  in  a  threefold  exhortation.  $t  The  praifes  of 
 the  Lord,  being  well  confidered,  will  yield  continually  new, 
 matter,  and  frcm  delight  in  the  work.  Sing  unto]rim>  faith  he, 
 4  new  Song,  -  (  Verfe 
 
PSAL.    XXXIII.  si* 
 
 Verfe  4.  For  the  Wordof  the  Lord  is  right :   and 
 all  hid  works  are  done  in  truth. 
 
 5.  He  loieth  righteoufnefe  And  judgement:  the 
 earth  ts  full  of  the goodne jfe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 From  the  arguments  of  praife  taken  from  his  good  govern- 
 ing of  all  thinps  in  the  general.  Lcarnc,  i«The  power- 
 ful appointment  of  what  is  done  in  the  world  ,  and  the  ex- 
 ecution thereof  in  effect,  is  moft  holy,  juft  and  equitable,  that 
 the  creatures  are  fo  ranked  as  they  are,  fome  of  them  fuperiour, 
 fome  inferiour  >  fomeof  them  ruling,  fome  of  them  ferving  S 
 fome  of  them  ftronger,  fome  weaker ;  fome  of  them  agreeing  to 
 other,  fome  of  them  difagreeing  one  from  another  $  fome  of 
 them  feeding  upon,  and  others  of  them  made  food  and  prey 
 toorhers;  all  making  up  a  harmony  of  well  ruled  concords  and 
 iiifcords,  all  is  done  well  and  equitable ;  for,  The  IVord  of  the 
 Lord  is  rights  and  all  his  worses  are  done  in  truth.  ~2 .  The  Lord 
 cannot  but  do  juftly,  becaufe  his  nature  is  fuch,  Helovtthrigh^ 
 tcoufneffe  a?id judgement.  $.  ThcLeisnopartof  thewprld  we 
 can  fee  our  eyes  upon,  but  it  fpeaketh  praife  to  God  for  lis 
 bounty  to  his  creatures,  and  fpecially  to  man.  The  earth  is  full 
 o f  the  goodne ffe  of  the  Lord. 
 
 Verfe  6.  By  the  word  of  the  Lord  were  the  heavens 
 -  made  :  and  all  the  hofte  of  them,  by  the  breath  ofh* 
 j  mouth. 
 
 7.  He  gatherethtbe  waters  of  the  Sea  together  as 
 I  an  heap,  he  layeth  up  the  depth  in  fiore-honfes. 
 
 From  the  Works  of  Creation.    Learn,   i.  The  omni  potency 
 
 and  wifdomofQod  in  creating  heaven  and  earth,and  all  things 
 
 of  nothing  ->  as  they  do  praife  God,   fo  alfo  do  they  prove  the 
 
 power  and righteoufneiTe  of  his  governing  them.  'BythcJVorA 
 
 cf  the  Lord  the  heavens  wcrcmidc.    i.  How  eafie  a  thing  it  is 
 
 ;  to  God,    to  govern  and  guide  the  World  well.,  appeireth  by  his 
 
 making  of  all  things  at  a  word,  He  made  all  the  bofle  of  them 
 
 \fy  the  breath  of  his  mouth ,  and  it  can  coil:  him  no  more  to  up- 
 
 holdand  rule  them  at  hispleafure.    $•  He  is  able  to  ward  off 
 
 whatfoever  evil  can  befal  us ;   lor  he  gathers  the  writers  of  the 
 
 ifcaatanhcapywhich  naturally  would  over-flow  the  earth,  4  Hs 
 
 !  hath  more  bands  over  cur  heads  to  ke:p  us  in  fear,  and  all  b:forc 
 
 |  him,  and  amongft  the  reft,  He  Liyctb  up  the  deep  in  (icrc-houfct^ 
 
 '  to  let  them  loofe,  whbi  and  where*  and  how  fane  he  pka- 
 
 I  fetlu  p  4  ycrU 
 
m*  PSAL.    XXXIII. 
 
 Verfc  8.  Let  all  the  earth  feare  the  Lord :  let  all 
 the  inhabitants  of  the  world  fland  in  afte  of  him. 
 
 p.  For  he  fpake  >  and  it  Was  done ,  he  commanded^  and 
 it  ftoodfaft. 
 
 10.  The  Lord  bringeth  thecomfelofthe  heathen  to 
 nought :  he  maketh  the  devices  of  the  people  of  none 
 tffett. 
 
 11.  The  coHnfeloftheLordflmdethfor  ever,  the 
 thwghts  of  his  heart  to  all  generations* 
 
 In  the  fecond  place,   he  exhorteth  as  to  praife,  fo  alfo  to  fear 
 him.   Whence  learn,  i.  The  right  ufe  of  the  works  of  Creation 
 is,  to  take  up,  how  glorious  and  how  dreadful  the  Creator  of 
 them  is,  and  to  bettj  e  to  offend  him,  Let  all  the  earth  feare  he-* 
 fore  the  Lord.    i.  ^Jo  man  on  earth  is  exempted  trcmGods 
 judgement,  when  he  -a^fgrcifah  Gods  Law,  albei'hebe  with- 
 out the  Kirk:  Let  all  the  inhabitants  of,  the  world  ft  and  in  arc  e 
 of  him.     j.  His  omnipotency  manifefted  in  framing  and  fee- 
 ling the  frame  otthe  world  at  a  wo;d :    fhould  move  men  to 
 feare  him  i  fojc  it  is  given  for  a  reafon  to  fcare  him,  Becaufc 
 heffdhpy    an<t  it  was  done  >   he  commanded?  'and  it  ftoo  \  faft* 
 4.  Such  as  feare  not  God,   hive  many  devices  of  their  owne, 
 laowto  make  themfclves  bletfed,  and  how  to  overturn  his  Kirk 
 and  People;  but  Goddifappointeth  them  of  their  defigne,  both 
 i  n  the  one  and  in  the  other ;  He  bringeth  the  counfel  of  the  Hex  - 
 then  to  nought ,  and  he  maketh  the  devices  of  the  people  of  none 
 effect,  and  therefore  all  ihouid  feare  him.    5.  The  whole  woik 
 o£  the  Lards  Providence,  from  the  beginning  of  the  wovld  to 
 the  end  thereof,  is  all  at  once  before  his  eyes,  and  all  the  Lords, 
 work  is  deliberately  fixed  by  him  $  Tbccounfel.of  the  Lord  (land- 
 cth  for  ever.    6 .  T4ie  Lord  goeth  on  in  executing  of  his  deter- 
 minate refolution,  from  nne  generation  to  another,   without 
 being  fruftrateof  his<purpofeinany  thing,  kfle  or  more  at  a-? 
 nytime:  The  counfelof  the  Lord ftandctb  forever,  the  thoughts, 
 of  his  I.  art  to  all.  generations.    7.  Such  as  follow  Gods  dire-, 
 ttion,  do  obey  his  revealed  Will*  do  take  thecourfe  let  down 
 by  him  in  his  Word,  for  their  reconciliation  with  him,  through 
 the  Tylcfliah  Chrift,  anddofet  his  Word  before  them,  to  be  the 
 rule  of  their  faith  and  obedience,  cannot  be  difappointel  of 
 what  is  promifed  byGodin  his  revealed  m\\,FortbccounfclofthQ, 
 Lord,  fiandcthfer  ever,  and  the  thoughts  of  his  heart  tQ  allgeneri- 
 thus.  «  -Verfi 
 
PSAL.    XXXIII.  217 
 
 Verfc  12.  Bleffed  is  the  Nation  whofe  Cod  is  the 
 Zord :  an&the  Teop'e  whom  he  hath  chofen  for  his  oVvn 
 inheritance. 
 
 1 3  -  The  Lord  looketh  from  Heaven :  he  beholdeth 
 all  the  fonnes  of  men. 
 
 14.  From  the  f  lace  of  his  habitation,  he  looketh  up^ 
 on  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth. 
 
 15.  He  fafhioneth  their  hearts  alike ;  he  con  ft- 
 dereth  aU  their  Works* 
 
 In  the  third  place  he  fheweth  the  blefTednefle  of  Gods  people3 
 in  order  to  his  pnife  who  hath  chofen  them,  and  wno  doth  dif- 
 pofcof  all  things  tothei<:  behoof.  Whence  learn,   u  Of  all  the 
 people  on  the  earth,   the  Lord  hath  only  entered  in  Cove- 
 nant with   his  Kirk,  to  be  their  God  in  a  peculiar  way  j  for  here, 
 There  is  a  Ration  whofc  God  is  the  Lord.  2.  Such  as  dc  lay  hold 
 on  God  as  their  God,  are  the  only  bierTed  peopicin  the  wc  rid; 
 foritisfaid,   Blejfed  utbat  Union,  who fc  God  U  the  Lord, 
 3-Suchasinthefenfc  of  their  own  fin  and  mifery,  and  consi- 
 deration of  the  vanity  of  all  things  befide  God,  have   chofen 
 Gad  for  their  God,  to  live    in  Communion  w  th  him,  they 
 have  evidence  of  their  Election,  for  they  are  here  called*,   The 
 people  whom  he  kith  chofen*   4«  Such  People,  as  is  faid,    are 
 that  peculiar  portion  of  the  world,  which  God  hath  lee  apart  for 
 himfelfto  draw  the  rent  of  his  glory  in  the  woild  by  them,  and 
 from  them  in  a  fpecial  way,    and  whom  he  will  keep  in  his 
 poffeflion  for  ever,  and  not  fuffer  him  felt  to  be  bereft  of  them; 
 For  they  are  the  People  whom  he  huh  chofen  for  his  inheritance^ 
 $.  Though  the  Kirk  be  the  only  inheritance  cf  God,  yet  the 
 reft  of  the  world  is  the  object  of  his  wife*  holy  and  powerful  pro- 
 vidence, no  lefie  then  the  Kirk,  The  Lord  loofah  down  from 
 heaven),  and  beholds  all  the  fonnes  of  men.    6.  There  cannot 
 be  a  plot  on  earth  againft  G:ds  Kirk,  but  God  is  privy  to  it,  and 
 knoweth  it  perfectly  *  for  from  the  place  of  his  habitation,  be  look- 
 eth on  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth    7.  The  L  id  cannot  be 
 ignorant  of  the  moftlecret  device  ofmen,  bene:  or  worfe,  be- 
 caufehe  is  the  Miker  of  the  hearts  of  all  men,  He  fafiionetb  their 
 hearts  alike,  (trut  is,  the  heart  of  one  as  well  as  of  another)  be 
 govfidcreth  all  their  wor^s,  that  he  may  make,  of  them  what 
 ne  will,     8.  Men  had  necJ  tocoofider  ^hereupon  their  heart  is 
 fetj,  and  what  couife  they  are  upon,  and  what  work  they  are  a- 
 
 bout, 
 
m8  PSAL.    XXXIII. 
 
 bout,  for   he   knoweth  the  heart,   and  confidemb  every  mans 
 work* 
 
 Verfc  1 6.  There  u  no  King  fayed  by  the  multitude 
 cj  an  hofie:  a  mighty  man  is  not  delivered  by  much 
 ftrength. 
 
 17.  Ankorfeisa  v*ine  thing  for  fafety  ;  neither , 
 fh.tllhe  deliver  any  by  his  great  ftrength. 
 
 1 8.  Behold  the  eye  of  the  Lord  is  upon  them  that 
 feare  him  :  upon  them  that  hope  in  hU  mercy : 
 
 19.  To  deliver  their  foul  from  death,  and  to  keep 
 them  alive  in  famine. 
 
 Here  he  fets  at  naught  all  the  carnal  confidence  of  men,  that 
 his  People  may  neither  feare  their  enemies,  nor  truftin  then- 
 own  furniture,  and  preferreth  milling  in  God,  to  all  carnal 
 confidence  whatfoever.  Whence  learn,  t.  Trufting  in  meanes, 
 (fuch  as  a  mans  ftrength,  and  the  afliftance  of  other  mentor  0- 
 ther  creatures,)  is  an  errour  fo  natural,  and  fixed,  as  it  had 
 need  to  be  refuted  by  God,  who  hath  fair1,  that  they  are  a  vaine 
 confidence  tolcane  unto,  which  cannot  deli  ver  a  man.  There  U 
 no  King  faed  h  the  multitude  of  an  hiflc,  a  mighty  mm 
 is  not  delivered,  by  much  (ircngtb,  and  a  horfe  is  a  vaine  thing  for 
 fafety  :  And  the  actual  fruftrating  of  mens  hopes,  to  be  helped 
 by  authority,  ftrength,  or  external  helpes,  mould  teach  men  not 
 toleaneto  them,  when  they  are  making  ufe  of  them.  2.  The 
 man  that  beleeveth  in  God,  and  fearethhim,  is  in  a  more  fafe 
 condition,  then  the  wicked  in  all  their  power  and  riches:  Be- 
 boldy  the  eye  of  the  Lord  is  upon  them  that  feare  bim,  and  hope  in 
 his  mercy  to  deliver  them*  3.  The  whole  perfection  of  a  Chri- 
 ftian  life  is  comprised  in  thefe  two,  trufting  in  Gods  mercy, 
 and  fearing  him  :  for  this  is  the  defcription  here  of  the  Elect, 
 and  blelfeaman.  4.  The  godly  cannot  fecure  thcmfe}ves  from 
 being  brought  in  ftraits  and  neceffities,  but  may  be  five  that 
 God  mail  have  a  care  of  them  in  their  necefliues,  and  give 
 them  ableffed  out- gare  out  of  them  all,  For  bis  eye  is  on  them 9 
 to  deliver  them  from  death ?  and  to  bLeep  them  alive  in  famine. 
 
 Verf.  20.  Our  foul  waiteth  for  the  Lord  3  he  is  our 
 help  and  curfhield. 
 
 2 1 .  For  our  heart  fhall  rejojee  in  him  j  becaufe  we 
 have  ttufted  in  his  holy  Name. 
 
 22.  Let 
 
PSAL.    XXXIV-  219 
 
 II.  Let  thy  mercy  {0  Lord)  be  upon  us  -.according 
 as  rre  hope  in  thee. 
 
 In  the  laft  place  is  fet  down  the  ufeof  this  doctrine,  which 
 the  godly  fhould  make  of  it.  Whence  learn,  1 .  All  the  points 
 of  the  Lords  piaifc,  are  props  of  the  Saints  faith,  and  grounds 
 of  their  hope,   as   this  Conclufion  drawn  from  this  long  of 
 
 Eraife,  doth  mew  :  Our  foul  waitcth  for  the  Lord ,  (pc.  2.  Every 
 elcever  may  rejoyce,  and  promife  tohimfelfcaufe  ofrejoycing 
 through  faith  in  his  name.  Our  hearts  ft  all  re)oyctin  him,  bc- 
 caujc  voe  have  trujled  in  him.  3 .  Faith  alwayes  diflferenceth  it 
 fe  If  from  preemption,  by  praying  for  what  is  promifed,  /  et  thy 
 mercy  be  uponvA,  fay  the  Believers.  4.  Bccaufe  the  hope  of 
 the  godly  is  grounded  upon  Gods  promifes,  therefore  it  (hall 
 not  be  disappointed,  But  Gods  mercy  ft  all  be  on  them,  according 
 as  they  hope  in  him. 
 
 PSAL.  XXXIV. 
 
 A  V>*\me  of  2)avid,  when  he  changed  his  behaviour  before  A- 
 bimclecb)  and  he  drove  Hmmay^andhc  departed. 
 
 In  this  Pfalme  David  praifeth  God,  for  his  delivery 
 from  the  King  of  gat  h9  and  exhorteth  others  to 
 praifeGod  with  him,  for  his  experience  of  Gods 
 mercy,  ver.  I,  2,3,4.  5,£.  Then  for  making 
 farther  u(e  of  this  mercy,  he  gives  out  general 
 do&rines  concerning  Gods  prote&ion  and  care 
 of  his  children,  with  the  ufes  thereof,  wr.7,8, 
 9,10.  Thirdly,  he  givcth  counfel  how  to  lead 
 ableffed  life,  wr.  1?,  12,  13,  14.  Fourthly, 
 he  enforceth  his  counfel  by  promifes  to  the  god- 
 ly, who  obey  Gods  counfel,  andthreatnings  to 
 the  wicked  man,who  obeyeth  notyzw.  15, 16, 1 7, 
 18, 19, 20,21,22. 
 
 FRomthc-Infcription  m  learn,  1.  That  it  is  to  *ood  pur- 
 pofe  toobtevcfpccial  mercies,  in  a  ipecial  manner,  and  to 
 
 note 
 
mo  PSAL.   XXXIV. 
 
 note  the  circumftances  thereof  as  here  is  done,  2.  And  that 
 men  in  a  prepofterous  fear,  flying  from  onhanger,  may  fall 
 in  another  worfe,  as  David  did,  when  he  fled  into  an  unhallow- 
 ed place,  amongft  Gods  enemies  for  fear  of  Saul,  he  fallcth  in 
 Abimckcb  or  Acbifh  hinds.  $.  And  that  God  pitieth  the  in- 
 firmity of  his  children  and  gives  fucceile,  whiles  to  weak  and 
 unthrifty -mitts,  as  hcYtwhenTlavid  changed  his  behaviour y  he 
 efcaped.  4.  That  God  can  and  doth  difpoje  of  mens  hearts, 
 as  he  hath  a  mindeto  work  by  them,  for  he  dad  move  the  heart 
 of  Acbijh  not  to  take  notice  of  David,  otherwife  then  of  a  di- 
 ftracted  man. 
 
 Verfe  I,T  Will  blejfe  the  Lord  at  all  timet:    his 
 \praife{h&\\  continually  be  inmymwth. 
 2.  jMj  foul  jbdl  make  her  boajl  in  the  Lord :  the 
 humble  Jbdlheare  thereof  and  be  glad. 
 
 HEpromifeth  here  for  his  own  part  to  praife  God  for  the 
 mercy  received  :  Whence  learn,  1.  As  no  mercy  mould  be 
 mifregarded,  fo,  notable  mercies  mould  be  fpecially  remember- 
 ed, and  God  blefled  for  the  fame,  2.  It  is  a  point  of  thank- 
 fulneflc,  to  take  all  occafions  to  fpeakof  God  toother,  His 
 praife  Jhall  be  continually  in  my  mouth.  J.  Whatfoever  be  our 
 condition  in  our  felves,matter  of  gloriation  in  God  fliali  never  bt 
 wanting  to  the  believer,  and  this  gloriation  is  a  duty  and  a  point 
 of  praifing  G  od,  My  foulejball  maf^e  bc^boafi  in  the  Lord.  4. On- 
 ly humble  fouls  fenfiblc  of  their  own  weaknefs  are  the  people 
 who  doreap  benefit  by  Gods  mercies,  beftowed  on  others  and 
 themfclvcs  :  The  bumble  Jhall  bear e  and  be  glad. 
 
 Verfe  3  •  O  magnifie  the  Lord  with  me%  and  let  us 
 exalt  his  Name  together. 
 
 4.  1  fought  the  Lord,  and  he  heard  mey  and  deli- 
 vered me  from  allmjfeares. 
 
 He  exhorteth  others  to  praife  God  with  hirn,magnifying  him 
 for  his greatnefs,  and  exalting  him  for  his  highneffe.  Whence 
 Uarn5  i.The  Saints  are  obliged  to  help  one  another  in  praifesas 
 well  as  in  prayer:  albeit  it  cometh  to  pafie  that  many  do  crave 
 the  aide  of  others  prayers,  who  call  not  for  their  help  to  praife  ; 
 for  here  it  is,  Let  m  exalt  bis  name  together.  2.  B  y  Prayer  the 
 £ord  is  fought  and  found5  and  it  is  no  fmall  matter  of  comfort  to 
 
 ttS 
 
PSAL.    XXXIV.  m 
 
 as,  and  glory  to  God,  that  our  prayer  is  regarded  :  I  fought  the 
 Lord,  faith  he,  and  he  beard  me.  3 .  The  fear  of  what  is  like  to  be, 
 fliould  not  hinder  prayer,  for  the  fears  of  the  godly,  are  not  cer- 
 taine  prophecies  :  for  God  can  deliver  cut  of  them  all,  He  deliver- 
 ed mean  of  all  my  fcarcs. 
 
 Verf.  5.  They  looked  unto  him  and  were  lightened : 
 and  their  faces  were  not  ajhwud. 
 
 6.  Thi4foor%an  cried,  and  the  Lord  heard  him, 
 andfavedhimout  of  all  his  troubles. 
 
 He  is  glad  and  commendetb  Gods  goodneflc  to  him  for  the 
 fruit  of  this  mercy  to  other  believers.  Whence  learn,  r  »One  mans 
 experience  may  be  an  encou'  agemenc  to  many,  to  run  to  God  for 
 the  like  sinus.  This  David  rbrefeeth  mall  be  the  fruit  of  Gods 
 mercy  to  him,  when  men  f.cing  him  delivercd,fhail  look  to  God, 
 and  take  comfort,  and  confidence  by  this  m:ans.  Tbcy  loo\eio%t 
 him,  that  is,  on  D avid,  and  fo  may  we  on  Chrift  (reprefented  by 
 him)  and  at  the  fulnelTe  of  the  Godhead  dwelling  in  Chrift  J  So 
 they  were  lighrened,  and  thus  comforted  in  the  middeft  of  the 
 darknefTe  o;  their  troubles :  and  their  faces  roere  not  ajlumed  5  be- 
 caufe  of  confidence  raifed  by  this  experience,  rhat  they  fhoukl 
 finde  die  like  mercy,  when  they  ftcod  in  need.  2.  The  way  to 
 make  belt  ufe  of  the  example  of  Gods  mercy  to  anyperfonfet 
 down  in  Scripture,  or  which  fall  forth  in  our  time,,  or  are  made 
 certainly  known  to  us  any  way,  is  to  look  upon  them,  not  as  they 
 differ  from  us  or  cur  condition,but  as'they  draw  ncareft  in  fimili- 
 tuctetous,  and  unto  tbe  mean  condition  we  are  into,  for  fo  do  the 
 Saints  look  on  David,  laying,  Not  this  ra<  e  Saint  David  or  this 
 great  prophet  David,  or  this  holy  man  David,  who  was  according 
 to  Gods  heart;  but  this  p;or  man  David  cried,  and  the  Lord  heard 
 bim,and  faved  him  out  of  all  bis  troubles. 
 
 Verf,  7.  ^heiAngel  of  the  Lord encamfeth  round 
 About  them  th^tjfear  htm,  and  deliver eth  them. 
 
 8.  0  tafle  and  fee  that  the  Lord  is  good :  bleffed  is 
 the  man  that  trufieth  in  him. 
 
 In  the  next  place  are  fet  down  general  Doctrines  concerning 
 Gods  care  of  believers,  to  £iote&  and  feed  them;  and  tbeufcs 
 thereof;  To  trull  aad  fear  Cod.  Whence  learn,  1,  A  right 
 fight  of  Gods  dealing  with  a  mans  own  feif,  will  give  him  great 
 light  about  the  Lord*  manner  of  dealing  whh  others,  his  chil- 
 dren-/ 
 
422  1>SAL.    XXXIV. 
 
 dren,  as  here.  2.  Though  the  godly  walk  among  foes,  and  be 
 in  a  continual  warfare,  yet  they  are  well  looked  to  and  guarded. 
 The  Angel  of  the  Lord  encampeth  round  about  them.  3 .  The  fenfe 
 of  Gods  mercy  and  goodneile,  is  the  fweeteft  thing  that  ever  was 
 felt,and  is  able  to  feafonthc  bittereft  cup  that  ever  a  believer  drank 
 o(:  Tafte  and  fee  that  the  Lord  is  good,  4.  By  faith  is  the  tafte 
 of  this  fweetnefle  gotten:  for  blcffed  is  the  man  that  trilfts  in  him* 
 5.  All  that  the  believer  can  attain  to  in  this  life  of  (piritual  con- 
 solation, whether  by  faith  or  experience  fweetened  with  lively 
 comforts  of  the  holy  Ghoft,  is  but  a  tafte  in  comparifon  of  what 
 is  to  be  had  hereafter,and  yet  that  tafte,  O  how  fwecc  a  joy ,  un- 
 speakable and  full  of  glory  is  it  !.  0  tafte  and  jce  that  the  Lord  is 
 good.  6.  Affliction  purgeth  the  tafte  of  the  believer,  and  a  foul 
 driven  from  all  worldly  helps,  is  but  fitted  for  exercifing (piritual 
 fenfes,  as  here  we  fee,  Ttavids  tafte  is  purged  well  after  trouble. 
 7.  As  God  is  very  communicative  of  his  goodneife,  and  offereth 
 himfelf  to  men  to  be  taken  a  proof  of :  fo  alio  gracious  fouls  do 
 wifti  and  invite  others  to  fhare  with  them  in  whatfoever  grace 
 the  Lord  doth  bellow  on  them,  as  David  doth  here,  faying  to  alii 
 •C  tafte  and  fee.  8.  Albeit  this  Iweetnelfe  be  not  found  at  the 
 firft  out-putting  of  faiths  yet  let  faith  reft  on  God,  and  it  Shall 
 feel  in  due  time^  for  bleffed  is  he  that  putteth  his  truft  in  God$  yea, 
 faith  it  felf  is  a  tafte  of  that  grace  that  is  in  God, 
 
 Verf.  c*  O  fear  the  Lord  ^je  his  Saints  -for  there  is 
 no  want  to  them  that  fedr  him. 
 
 lo4  The  young  lions  do  lack,,  and  f&jfer  hunger i 
 hut  they  that  fee^  the  Lord,  Jha/l  not  want  any  good 
 
 thing. 
 
 Another  Doctrine  concerning  Gods  care  to  ked  and  provide 
 for  all  neceffary  furniture,  unto  the  believer,  with  the  itfe  thereof, 
 which  is  to  fear  God.  Whence  learn.  1 .  True  believers  in  God 
 muft  ftudy  holinefs,  for  evidencing  of  their  faiths  for  therefore 
 are  they  called  Saints,  and  his  Saints.  2.  The  fear  of  the  Lord 
 is  the  property  of  the  Saints,  whereby  they  are  fet  on  work  to  do 
 what  the  Lord  commandeth,  and  to  forbear  what  he  forbiddeth; 
 and  no  bonds  of  inclination,  counfel,  example,  lawes,  feare  of 
 fliame,  or  puniihment  from  men,  are  able  to  keep  a  man  in  order 
 when  he  meeteth  with  a  fit  tentation  to  fin,  but  the  fear  of  God 
 reftraineth  the  man  both  outwardly  and  inwardly,  in  fecret,  and 
 oj>en;  alwaye  >  ajid  every  where  j  and  whatfoever  meafure  of  ho- 
 ly 
 
PSAL.    XXXIV.  423 
 
 ly  fear  the  Saints  have  attained  unto,  yet  may  they  be  exhorted, 
 and  rauft  hearken  unto  exhortation,  to  grow  in  this  grace:  O 
 fear  the 'Lord \ye  bit  Saints.  3.  Such  as  fear  God,  need  not  to 
 want  any  neccffary  furniture  in  Gods  fervice,  for  there  is  ?io  want 
 to  them  that  fear  him.  4-  Proud  oppreflbrs ,  wealthy  and  potent 
 Princes,  that  truft  in  their  own  power,  fhall  not  be  fo  fure  of  their 
 own  Handing  and  furniture,  as  the  meaneft  of  true  believers  are. 
 The  lien*  do  lack  Md  fujfer  hunger,  but  they  that  feeli  the  Lori 
 fiall  not  want.  Though  the  godly  may  want  many  earthly  things, 
 yet  fhall  they  have  food  and  raiment,  and  fhall  not  want  any  good 
 thing.  6,  The  right  fort  of  fearing  of  God,  and  labouring  for 
 more  and  more  near  communion  with  him,  are  infeparable  pro- 
 perties of  the  Saints,  for  they  that  are  called  Saints,  are  called  here 
 fearers  of  him,  and  feeders  of  him  alio. 
 
 Vcrf.  it.  Qome^je  children, hearken  mto  me  J  will 
 teach  j  on  the  fear  of  the  Lord. 
 
 12.  what  man  u  he  that  dejtreth  life:  and lovsth 
 many  day es  :  that  he  may  fee. good? 
 
 13.  Keep thy  tongue  from  evill,  and  thy  lips  from 
 freaking  guile. 
 
 14.  Depart  from  evill,  and  do  good:  feek^feaceyand 
 fttrfue  it. 
 
 In  the  third  place,  he  giveth  direction  how  a  man  mall  live 
 blefledly,  by  evidencing  thefincerity  of  the  fear  of  God  inhim,, 
 which  is  a  grace  infeparable  from  faith  in  God,  manifeiling  k 
 feW  in  obedience  to  hiscommand§.  whence  learn,  1.  There  mould 
 be  fuch  mutual  love  and  refpect  between  .the  teacher  and  the  peo- 
 ple taught,  as  is  between  parents  and  children  $  yea,  God  in  his 
 fcrvants  offereth  himfel  fas  a  father  ready  to  ihftfuq  his  vifible 
 Kirk, as  hist hild'venr  Qome,  ye  children,  faith  he,  and  hearken 
 y.ntome.  1.  The  true  tear  of  God  is  the  way  to  live  blefledly  in 
 this  life  5  where  mifery  moil  aboundeth,  and  this  mould  be  a 
 motive  to  feek  after  this  grace,  for  it  is  asked  here,  What  man  is  he 
 that  defirctb  life,  &c?  and  then  the  way  to  attain  to  it,  is  Cqz  down 
 in  fome  paiticulars-of  the  fear  of  God,  as  the  infeparable  compa- 
 nions oi  faith  in  God.  3.  The  true  {tax  of  God  muft- evidence 
 it  felt  by  the  fruits  thercof,fuch  as  are  the  ruling  of  mans  tongue, 
 and  of  the  reft  of  the  outward  man;efchewing  whatioever.theLord 
 forbids,  and  endeavouring  every  good  duty  which  God  corn- 
 nundeth;  and  the  keeping  peace  with  all  men  (0  farre  as  in  us  li- 
 
 cth; 
 
2*4  P  P  A  JU    XXXIV- 
 
 eth,for  fo  doth  the  Prophets  words  bear >verf.  13,  14.  This  is  the 
 evidence  of  the  fear  of  God  in  effect,  when  fuch  outward  works 
 proceed  from  inward  principles  of  faviiig  grace; 
 
 Verf.   15 .  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  upon  the  rights 
 cm :  and  his  ears  are  open  unto  their  cry, 
 
 16  *  The  face  of  the  Lord  is  agAinfi  them  that  do  cviU 
 to  cut  off  the  remembrance  of  them  from  the  earth* 
 
 Inthelaft place  he prefleth this  Doctrine  by  (hewing  the  pr£^ 
 viledges  of  the  righteous,  and  the  miferable  ftate  of  the  wicked* 
 fetting  the  one  againit  the  other,  in  oppofition  thrice;  In  the  fir- 
 terrf.  It  is  a  good  means  to  keep  our  hearts  in  the  fear  of  G  , 
 to  confider  the  gain  of  godlineffej  and  the  dammage  and  danger  of 
 wickednes,  as  here  they  are  fet  in  oppofition .  i.Such  as  have  their 
 eye  upon  God  and  his  word,  for  righteoufneffe  and  life^  may  be 
 fureof  the  watchful  eye  of  God  on  them,  for  their  direction  in 
 their  way,  their  confolation  in  their  grief,  and  deliverance  out 
 of  trouble,*  for,  The  ryes  oft  \  e  Lo.  d  are  upon  the  righteous,  $ .  As 
 the  righteous  lend  their  ea<estoGods  word,  to  his  promifes  and 
 precepts  :  (p  the  Lord  lendeth  his  eare  to  their  fuppli cations 
 And  defires,  Bis  earn  art  open  to  their  cry.  4.  On  the  other  hand, 
 as  the  wicked,  who  feare  not  God,  fet  their  face  to  do  e/il,  and 
 to  tranfgrefle  Gods  commands  fo  God  (hall  fet  his  face  againft 
 them,  to  be  avenged  upon  them,  The  face  of  thd  Lord  is  again  ft- 
 them  that  do  evil.  $ ,  The  only  happinefle  which  the  wicked  man 
 feeketh,  istohaverihes,  honour  and  pleafure  in  the  earthy  and  - 
 to  have  his  own  name  in  eilimation  among  men  thereafter,  and 
 thefe  things  alfo,  befide  the  loffe  of  heaven  (hall  be  taken  front 
 him,  and  his  temporal  life  withal ;  for  the  face  of  the  Lord  /> 
 againfl  them  jto  cut  of3the  remembrance  ftom  the  earth* 
 
 Verie  17.  The  righteous  cry,  and  the  Lord  bear- 
 ith,  and  deliver  eth  them  out  of  all  their  troubles. 
 
 ■184  The  Lord  is  nigh  am  0  them  that  are  of  a  broken 
 heart :  andfaveth  fuchds  be  of  a  contrite  fpir it* 
 
 19,  CMariy  are  the  afflictions  of  the  righuotu  :  but 
 the  Lord  delivereth  him  out  of  them  all. 
 
 20,  He  keepeth  all  hU  bones ;  not  one  of  them  is 
 broken.  -  '   "ft 
 
 21.  Evil  fbaU  fay  the  wicked,  and  they  that  hate  th# 
 right  eow  {hall  be  de folate* 
 
 Another 
 
PSAL.    XXXIV.  «* 
 
 Vcrfe  17.  The  righteous  crie ,  and  the  LOBX> 
 beareth,  and  delivereth  them  out  of  all  their 
 troubles. 
 
 1 5.  The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  them  that  are  of  d 
 broken  heart:  and  faveih  [uch  at  be  of  a  contrite 
 fpirit. 
 
 19.   Many    are  the   afjlittions  of  the   righteous  % 
 hut  the  Lord  deliver  eth  him  out  of  them  all. 
 .    20.   He  keepeth  all  his  bones  :    not  one  of  them  is 
 broken. 
 
 21.  Evil  [hall Jlaj  the  wicked-,  and  they  that  hate 
 the  righteous,  fldll  be  de folate. 
 
 Another  oppofition  ,  of  the  good  appointed  for  the  godly*  and 
 the  evill  appointed  for  the  wicked.  Wherein  learn ,  i.  The 
 Lord  putteth  the  godly  to  trouble  >  and  by  trouble  putteh  them 
 tOthtVr  prayers  3  and  delayes  anfwer  till  the  need  be  great;  and 
 then  they  do  cry  to  the  Lord,  and  then  he  giveth  evidence  of 
 his  hearing3and  iendeth  deliverance;  for,  The  righteous  cry,  and. 
 the  Lord  bear  eth  y  and  deliver  eth  them  out  of  aU  their  trouble?. 
 
 2.  It  is  as  true,  as  it  may  feem  ftrange  ,  that  the  Lord  will  prefs 
 his  owne  fo  long  with  trouble  till  he  break  their  heart  i  and 
 fcill  their  natural  courage  and  confidence  5  fcr  here  are  the  god- 
 ly defcribed  to  be  men  of  a  broken  hearty  and  contrite  [fir  iu 
 
 3.  Though  the  Lord  fo  break  the  naturall  confidence  of  his 
 own  3  and  fo  empty  them  (by  trouble)  of  all  conceit  of  their 
 owne  worth ,  wifdome  or  abilitie  to  deliver  themfelves  out 
 of  trouble,  that  they  may  relic  on  God  only;  yet  will  he  not 
 withdraw  himfelf  from  them  ,  nor  faffer  them  to  perim  in  difcou- 
 ragement.  The  Lord  is  near  to'  them  that  are  of  a  broken  heart,  and 
 faveih  juch  as  be  of  a  contrite  fvirit.  4.  Though  the  righteous* 
 be  the  onely  men  in  the  world  whom  God  iov^th  beft  5  yet  will 
 he  not  only  not  exempt  them  from  trouble  ,  but  alio  will  exet> 
 cife  them  with  multitudes:  and  varieties'  of  troubles  from  his 
 own  hand  immediately ,  from  Satans  temptations  >  from  the 
 malice  of  the  wicked  of  the  world,  &c.  Many  are  the  troubles  of 
 the  righteous  ;  for  thus  will  the  Lord  conforme  the  redeemed  to 
 their  head  3  try,  and  traine  them  up  in  faith,  and  patient  fub- 
 miffion  to  Gods  will ; .  teach  them  to  pray  and  wait  on >  and  give 
 proof  ofthefincerity  of  the  grace  siven  to  ;hem.    5.  The  god- 
 
 &  1? 
 
%tS  PSAL.    XXXIV. 
 
 ]y  are  as  oft  delivered ,  as  they  are  troubled  5  either  by  removing 
 of  the  trouble ,  or  by  giving  ftrength  and  patience  to  bear  it ,  or 
 comfort  under  it  t  and  certainc  hope  of  outgate  from  it  j  or  by 
 ending  all  troubles  to  them  at  once.  His  troubles  are  many  $  but 
 the  Lord  d diver etb  bim  out  of  them  all.  6.  The  Lord  modera- 
 ted, weigheth,  and  meafureth  all  the  troubles  of  his  own,  what 
 they  (hall  fufter  in  their  life  and  death  ,  and  ieavcth  it  not  to  the 
 will  of  the  inftruments  cf  their  trouble.  He  feepetb  all  his  bones; 
 not  one  of 'them  is  broken.  This  was  true  of  Chrift  our  Lord ,  of 
 whom  many  things  were  prefigured  ,  and  prophefied  in  the 
 Pialmes ;  and  in  this  amongft  the  reft,  which  meweth  :  That  I 
 in  the  Pfalmes  as  the  matter  will  fufter;  Chrift  is  much  to  be  eyed, 
 •and  more  then  David  y  of  whom  at  fir  ft  ,  the  fame  ieemeth  to 
 fpeak  chiefly.  7.  As  to  the  oppofite  ftate  of  the  wicked  5  We 
 lexrnCy  That  the  wickedneffe  of  the  wicked,  is  both  the  merito- 
 rious caufe,  and  the  means  alfo  of  the  wicked  mans  deftru&ions 
 For  evil  fliall  flay  the  wicked,  8.  It  is  the  marke  of  a  wicked  man, 
 to  hate  the  righteous,  for  his  righteeufneife ;  and  fo  is  it  kc  down 
 here.  9.  He  that  hateth  the  righteous  ,  or  the  image  of  God 
 in  his  neighbour ,  fhall  be  guilty  of  all  the  confequences  of  the 
 enmity,  andbedeftitute  of  comfort  when  he  hath  moft  need, 
 He  that  hateth  the  righteous,  Jhall  be  de folate. 
 
 Vcrfe  22.  The  Lord  rtdeemeth   the  foul  of  hk 
 
 fervants;  and  none  of  them  that  trufi  in  him  fbatl  be  de- 
 folate. 
 
 The  third  opposition  between  the  righteous  and  the  wicked  , 
 is  in  relation  to  what  is  faid  in  the  former  verfc.  Whence  learn, 
 x.  The  wicked  fhall  perifh  in  their  finne,  and  for  their  finne ; 
 But  the  righteous  fhall  not  perifh  in  their  finnes ,  nor  for  them  » 
 for,  Evil  fkall  flay  the  wicked  5  but  the  Lord  fhall  redeem  the  fouls 
 oj  bis  jervants  3  to  wit,  out  of  finne  and  miferie.  2.  As  the 
 wicked  are  fervants  of  fin ,  and  ferve  an  ill  Mafter  ,  and  get  an 
 ill  reward;  fo  the  godly  are  fervants  of  righteoufnefle  ,  and  have 
 God  for  their  Mafter  ,  and  fhall  have  delivery  and  falvation  for 
 their  reward  ,  as  the  comparison  here  fet  down  fheweth.  g;  As 
 the  wicked  who  are  deftitute  of  faithin  God,  when  they  fall  in 
 trouble,  want confolation  :  So  all  the  righteous,  who  are  no 
 ether  then  fincere  Beleevers  in  God  3  {hall  have  good  company 
 and  confolation  in  all  their  trouble,  and  never  be  left  alone  :  for, 
 The  haters  of the  righteous  fhall  be  defolate }  htt  none  of  them  that 
 trufi  in  GodfhM  be  defglm*  V  S  A  U 
 
PSAL.    XXXV;  'fcf 
 
 PSAL.    XXXv. 
 
 This  Pfalme  is  a  rcprefentation  t)f  Chrifts  hotted 
 concert  with  his  adverfaries,  wherein  they  are 
 about  to  do  their  worft  againft  him ,    and  his 
 
 \  Kingdome;  and  he  denounceth  the  hotteft  wratK 
 of  God  againft  thera  ,  for  their  everlafting  over- 
 throw ,  fet  forth  under  the  fliadow  of  'Davids 
 conteft  with  his irreconcileable enemies.  Wherein 
 he  prayeth  God  to  arifefor  him,  verf,  i,  2,  3.  and 
 take  order  with  his  defpiteful  enemies,  vprfiq j 
 5, 6,  7,  8.  which  as  it  may  comfort  the  fupplicant, 
 folhallit  ferve  alfo  for  Gods  glory,  verf  9,  o. 
 And  a  maine  reafon  of  which  petkiori ,  is  the 
 unjuft  and  ingrate  dealing  of  his  enemies  with 
 him,  verf.  n,  1 2, 15, 14, 15,16.  Whereupon  he 
 
 I  reneweth  his  petition  the  fecond  time  ,  verf.  17, 
 1 8, 1 9.  Preffing  his  former  reafan  from  the  ene- 
 mies unjuft  and  info  lent  difpofition  ,  verf.  20,2 u 
 and  then  reneweth  his  petition  the  third  time  for 
 himfelf  againft  his  enemies,  verf  22^ 23,24,  25; 
 26.  and  for  all  the  favours  of  his  caufe, 
 verf  27, 28. 
 
 I  Verf.  i.T)!><fc/my  caufe  (OLORD)  Vcitk  them 
 JL   that  fir  he  with  the\  fight  againft them  thai 
 I  fight  againft  me. 
 
 2.  Take  bold  of Jbield  and  buckler  ,  and  ft  and  up  for 
 my  help. 
 
 3 .  Dr4vp  ctttatfo  the  fyear  ,  and  (lop  the  way  againft 
 them  that  per fecvte  me  ;  fay  vnto  thy  fotilj  I  am  thy 
 falvation, 
 
 Q-a  Frora 
 
J2&*  PSAL.    XXXV. 
 
 FRom  his  petition  for  himfebj  Learne,  i.  Such  as  take  part 
 with  God  againft  his  enemies,  the  Lord  will  take  part  with 
 them  againft  their  enemies:  If  any  plead  againft  the  Beleever 
 by  verbail  calumnies,  and  flanders ,  the  Lord  will  be  their  party. 
 If  any  will  oppofe  the  godly  with  violence  ,  the  Lord  will  oppofe 
 them  :  For  this  prayer  of  one  of  the  godly  ,  is  as  good  as  a  pro- 
 mife  to  all,  Plead  my  caufc,  0  Lord. ,  with  them  that  ftrive  with 
 me:  fight  againft  them  ,  that  fight  againft  me*  2.  There  is  de- 
 fence abundance  to  be  found  in  God^  againft  whatfoever  the  ene-  . 
 mie  can  do  5  a  fliield  and  buckler  in  Gods  hand,  when  he  plea- 
 feth  to  ftand  up  and  help.  3.  The  Lord  can  terrific  the  enemy, 
 ib  that  he  dare  not  affault  the  man  whom  God  pleafeth  to  defend, 
 and  hold  him  off  with  long  weapons,  giving  the  enemie  fome  0- 
 ther  thing  to  do  ,  then  purfue  his  people  :  He  can  draw  out  the 
 fpear ,  and  flop  the  way  againft  them  that  perfecute  the  godly. 
 4.  He  can  quiet  the  hearts  of  his  own  in  the  midftof  perfecution, 
 and  make  them  fearleffe,  inperfwading  them  of  their  falvatiort 
 everlaftingatleaft,  and  this  may  fully  fatisfie,  if  the  Lord  fay 
 tint  0  their  fou'.e ,  I  am  thy  falvatiom 
 
 Verfe  4.   Let  them  be  confounded  andput  to  fhamey 
 that  feek^  after  my  foul :     let  them   be   turned  bacJ^' 
 and  brought  to  confu[ionjhat  devife  my  hurt. 
 
 $♦  Let  them  be  as  chaffe  before theveindex  and  let  the 
 tstngel  of  the  L  ord  chafe  them. 
 
 6*  Let  their  Way  be  dark^and flipper)  y  and  let  the  An- 
 gel of  the  Lord  perfecute  them. 
 
 7.  For  without  caufe  have  they  hid  for  me  their 
 net  in  a  pit ,  -which  without  caufe  they  have  digged  for 
 my  foul. 
 
 8.  Let  deflruBion  come  upon  him  at  unawares  ,  and 
 1 1  hU  net  which  he  hath  hid  y  catch  himfelf:  into  that 
 very  defirutlion  let  him  fall. 
 
 Vrom  his  petition  againft  his  enemies;  Learn,  1.  Shameful! 
 difappointment  fhall  they  findeat  length  who  intend  todeftroy 
 the  godly  5  Let  them  he  confounded  and  put  to  flame ,  that  jeefc 
 after  my  foul.  2.  Though  the  enemies  of  Chrift  3nd  the  godly, 
 advance  in  the  profecution  of  their  hurtfull  dcyifes ,  yec  fhall 
 
 they 
 
rPSAL.  XXXV.  229 
 
 they  be  forced  to  retire  with  flume.  They  fall  be  turned  bxc\,  and 
 ,  brought  to  confufion^ho  devije  their  hurt.  $ .  As  the  enemy  hath 
 purfued,  fo  ftull  Gods  wrath  puriue  him  3  and  chafe  him  ,  and 
 drive  him  to  perdition,  T,.ey  Jhj.ll  he  M  the  chafe  before  the 
 windc.  4.  Albeit  there  were  no  earthly  man  to  purfue  Chrifts 
 enemies  5  yet  avenging  angels ,  or  evil  fpirits  fhall  be  let  forth 
 upon  them  and  their  families,  to  trouble  them,  Let  the  Angel 
 of  the  Lord  chafe  them.  ?.  The  Lord  fhall  put  them  to  fuch 
 ftraits,  as  they  fhall  not  know  what  hand  to  turne  to ,  what  way 
 to  take  ,  and  in  the  way  which  they  take,  they  ftiall  fall ,  Let 
 their  way  be  dar\  and  Jlippery.  69  When  they  are  fallen  in  a 
 mifchief,  the  hand  of  the  Lord  fhall  be  ftretcbed  out  againft  them 
 ftill  5  Let  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  purfue  them.  7.  Though  the 
 godly  by  behaving  themfelves  innocently,  cannot  efchew  theper- 
 lecution  of  the  wicked  ;  yet  innocent  behaviour  is  a  greac  eafe  to 
 the  confeience  of  the  godly,  a  matter  of  encouragement  to  them 
 I  in  their  addreffes  to  God ,  and  a  great  aggredging  of  the  ditty 
 '  of  the  enemy,  as  here  twice,  he  faith  ;>  Without  caufe  they  hid 
 their  net.  8.  Though  the  enemies  of  the  godly  do  plot  Tecret 
 devices  againft  them,  yet  not  lb  fecret ,  but  God  can  give  warn- 
 ing of  it,  and  make  it  an  errand  for  the  godly,  to  pray  to  him, 
 to  difappoint  the  plot  as  is  here  imported  i  They  have  hid  for  m$ 
 their  netinapiu  9.  The  wicked  know  not  how  to  be  lure  of 
 I  their  prey ,  when  they  hunt  for  the  life  of  the  godly,  They  pre- 
 j  pare  the  net ,  and  jet  it  5  they  bide  it ,  and  they  hide  it  in  a. 
 j  pit.  10.  When  the  enemies  of  Gods  people  do  leaft  exfpect 
 harme,  then  fhall  a  mifchicf  furprife  them  5  TJeftruciion  jhall 
 come  upon  them  unawares.  1 1 .  The  very  courfe  which  the  enemy 
 taketji  againft  Gods  Kirk  and  people  ,  fhall  be  the  neareft  courfe 
 to  deftroy  themfelves :  Let  bis  7iet  that  he  bath  bid,  catch  himfelf; 
 Into  that  very  deftruflion  let  him  fall. 
 
 Verfe  9.  *And  my  foul  fall  be  joyful  in  the  LORT); 
 it  fall  re  Joyce  in  his  falvation. 
 
 10.  All  my  bones  fall  fay,  LORT>^  who  \sli\eunto 
 thee  y  which  deliverejl  the  poor  from  him  that  u  too 
 ftrongfor  him  jea  ,  the  poor  and  the  needy  from  him 
 that  fpoitetb  him  ? 
 
 He  bringsareafonoffcis  prayer  from -the  comfort  which  he 
 fliould  have ,  and  the  glory  which  God  fhould  have ,  by  the 
 
 Qj  meane$. 
 
*3o  PSAL.    XXXV. 
 
 meanes.    Whence  leirn^  i.  It  is  a  good  reafon  to  ftrengthen  our 
 hope  to  be  heard  ,  when  our  comfort  and  Gods  glory  may  both 
 be  promoted  5  by  the  granting  ofourdefire,  as  here  we  finde 
 JRi     2.  The-deftructionofthe  enemies  of  the  Kirk  ,  is  not  a. 
 matter  of  rejoycing  in  mens  deftru&ion;  but  ofrejoycinginthc 
 Lord  ,  and  in  his  wife  manner  of  delivering  of  his  people  :    cSWy 
 foul  floaU  be  joyful  in  the  Lord  ^  it  full  rejoyceinbis  fdvation* 
 3.  In  the  eftimatton  of  the  godly,  the  tongue  is  too  little  to  mag«- 
 njfie  the  Lord  for  his  mercies  ;  for  their  defire  is,  that  all  the 
 powers  of  the  foul, and  that  all  the  parts  of  the  body  ,even  the  bones 
 which  are  !eaft  fenfible  in  their  own  kind,  might  praife  him  5  All 
 piy  bones  fball  fay,  &c.    4.  The  Lord   hath  wayes   wonderful!, 
 others  and  moe  then  ever  man  conceived,  whereby  he  can  deliver 
 his  own  in  their  loweft  condition  from  their  oppreffors ,  when 
 they  are  in  the  height  of  their  power  and  pride.    Lord  who  is  lil\c 
 unto  thee?  -which  deliver  eft  the  poor  from  him  tb&t  h  too  ftrongfor 
 hiwy  &c.     5.  Though   before  deliverance  come,   Faith  has 
 caufe  to  fay  all  that  fenfe  can  fay  of  Gods  praiies ,  after  deliver- 
 ance is  come  $    yet  when  fenfible  experience  of  a  hoped  delivery 
 is  come  ,  there  is  a  more  hearty  and  a  more  cheaiful  manner  of 
 cxprefling  of  the  Lords  praifes,  then- can  be  before  it  come ,  as 
 the  promife  of  the  Prophet ,  to  fay,  to  and  fo,  as  is  in  the  Text, 
 after  the  delivery  is  come,  doth  import      6 j  It  is  3  fort  of  (as  it 
 were)  ingaging  of  God  to  deliver;  when  the  heart  of  the  Beleever 
 ingagethit  (elf  to  glorifie  God  after  the  deliverie  ,  for  here  the 
 Prophet  make:h    ufeofthis,   promifing  praife    towards  this 
 end. 
 
 Verfc  11,  Falfe  witness  did  rife  up  :  they  UiA  to 
 tny  charge  things  that  I  kneW  not. 
 
 1 3.  They  rewarded  me  evil  for  good :  to  the  {foiling 
 of  my  foul. 
 
 13.  'But  as  for  me  9  when  they  ^oere  fick ,    my  cU- 
 thing  was  fackfloth »     1  humbled  my  foul  Vrithfafl-  , 
 ing  y  *#£  ^7  prayer  returned  into    mine  owne  bo* 
 fome. 
 
 14.  I  behaved  my  felf  as  though  he  had  been  my 
 frknd.  or  brother  ;  1 bowed down  heavily ,  as  one  that 
 ^mrmhfoxhis  mother. 
 
PSAL.    XXXV.  231 
 
 15.  Bat  in  mine  adverfity  they  rejoyced,  and  gather- 
 ed themfelves  together ;  yea ,  the  abjetts  gathered 
 them  [elves  together  againft  me^  and  I  knew  it  not ;  they 
 did  tear  me,  and  ceafed  not. 
 
 16.  fVith  hypocritical  mockers  in  feafts:  they  gmfh- 
 ed  upon  me  with  their  teeth. 
 
 He  amplifieth  that  reafon  of  his  petition ,  taken  from  his  ene- 
 mies caMige,  by  laying  before  God    their  falfhood  and  in  gtati- 
 tucfo    Whence  learn,  1.  The  godly  are  fubjeft  ,  not  only  to  be 
 backbitten  ,  and  traduced  privily,  andflandered  more  openly* 
 but  alfo  to  be  charged  unjuftly  before  Judges  ,  and  purfued  crimi- 
 nally for  their  life  without  a  caufe ,  and  to  have  falie  witneiTe  laid 
 againft  them,  that  th.qy  may  be  condemned  under  colour  of  Laws 
 this  was  found  inefteft  by   David,  and  Chriil  rcpr.efented  by 
 him.     Falfe  witneffes  did  rife  up  >  They  Ixii  to  my  charge  things 
 that  l\ncw  not.     2.  No  bonds  of  nature  or    humanity    will 
 binde  up  the  wicked  from  perfecting  the  godly  ,  even  to  death  , 
 how  well  foever  the  godly  have   deferved  of  them,    they  re- 
 rewarded    me  evil    for    good ,     to   the  depriving  me  cf  my 
 life.       3.     True    love    is    beft   known  ,     as    by   rejoycing 
 at  anothers  well- fare  ,  fo  by  grieving  for  his  grief,     IVhcn    they 
 were  fic\>  my  clothing  was  fadi-clorb.    4.  Hearty  prayer  alio 
 for  any  man,   is  a  token  of  unfeigned  love  to  a  man,  (penally 
 when  prayer  and  falling  are  joyned  together  for  them,    I  hum  - 
 bled  mj  foul  by  faftin*.     5    When  the  expreffions  of  grief,    by 
 words  or  teaies  in  prayer  for  any,    waken  up  the  affection,  yet 
 more  to  pray  ardently  for  them  5    It  is  yet  a  farther  token  of  un- 
 feigned love  of  them  for  whom  we  pray.     My  prayer  (Taith  he) 
 returned  into  my  ho fome  1  which  is  as  much  as  my  expreffions  in 
 prayer,  in  fighes^  affectionate  words  and  tpres ,  aftccled.  my 
 heart,   Lament.  3.49*  5 1-    with  new  motions  of  earned  dealing 
 forthem.^  6.  True  Chriftians  affe&ion  to  their  enemies ,  is 
 able  to  affect  the  foul ,  as  much  to  the  feeklng  their  welfare  >  and 
 commiferating  their  mifcrie,  as  the  naturall  affection  of  anatu- 
 rall  man  can  affed  him  toward  friends  and  kinsfolk,  inneareil 
 natural  relations  unto  him  ;  for  David  faith  ,    I  behaved  my  felf 
 as  though  he  had  been  my  friend  or  brother ;  I  bowed  down  heavily, 
 0f  one  that  mourmtbfor  bk  mother. 
 
 <9U  Verfis. 
 
%$%  PSAL.  XXXV. 
 
 Vcrf.  1 5,  "But  in  my  adverjity  they  rejoyced^  and 
 gathered  themfelves  together ;  yea,  the  abjeBs  g*r 
 thered  them/elves  together  againft  mc^and  I  knew  it  not; 
 they  did  tear  me,  and  ceafed  not. 
 
 1 6 .  With  hypocritical  mockers  in  feafis  •'  they  gnajh* 
 fd  upon  me  with  their  teeth. 
 
 From  the  evil  meeting  which  he  received  of  his  enemiesjLftirtf, 
 U  Many  of  thofe  that  pretend  great   friendship  to  the  godly 
 intimeof  pfofperity,may  not  only  turn  their  ^ack  upon  them, 
 intimeofadverfity,  but  alfo  turn  to  be  their  open  enemies,  and 
 re-joyce  in  their  calamity;    But  in  my  adverfity,  faith  he,  they  re- 
 joy  ced.     2.  The  troubles  of  the  godly  do  draw  the  wicked  into 
 a  more  neer  union  amongft  themfelves,  as  it  were  congratulating 
 one  another  in  their  (infill  courfes^atid  ftrengthening  one  another, 
 They  gather  themfe Ives  together.     3.  Bafe  rafcals  who  have  no- 
 thing to  commend  them,  fave  meerly  their  hatred  of  Gods  peo- 
 ple, and  of  their  piety,  will  get  refpeft  amongft  the  enemies  of 
 Chrift,  and  of  his  people,  for  that  very  reafon,  becaufe  they 
 hate  the  godly,  and  will  be  admitted  in  the  fellowfriip of  ring- 
 leading  enemies;    leu  the  abjefts  gathered  themfelv.es  together  a* 
 gainfl  me.    4.  In  the  meeting  of  the  wicked  among  thcmfclves , 
 Chrift  and   his  followers  have  their  name  torne  and  rent  in 
 pieces  continually,  with  calumnies  and  flanders,  which  poffibly 
 come  not  to  their  ears,"  half  of  thcmiThey  gathered  together, and  I 
 \newit  not  :  they  did  tear  me  in  pieces ,  and  ceafeinot.    5.  Sad 
 taunts  and  fcoftisof  pretended  holy  men,  jearing  at  true  p'ety3 
 is  no  lmal  part  bftheperficutionof  Chrift,  and  of  his  followers; 
 for  here  amongft  the  reft  are  hypocritical  mockers.     6.  When  the 
 wicked  without  fear  do  fill  and  ftufte  their  Ixlly  in  their  feafting 
 in  the  time  of  the  Kirks  trouble:  Their  fco&s  and  their  jefts3 
 yea  and  their  bloody  expreflions  of  cruelty  againft  the  godly,  are 
 the  moft  reli filing  fauce  of  their  banquets":  U^ith  hypocritical 
 moc\ers  in  their feaftsjhey  nafl)  upon  me  with  their  teeth. 
 
 Verf*  17.  Lord,  how longVoilt  thou  looken?  re/cue 
 my  foul  from  their  deftrutiion*  my  dulling  from  the 
 Lions. 
 
 1  tf.  7  will  give  thee  thanks  in  the  great  Congregation} 
 I  W/l  praije  1  bee  among  much  people. 
 
 I9»  L*% 
 
PSAL.     XXXV.  235 
 
 I  pi  Let  not  them  that  are  mine  enemies  Wrongfully 
 rejoyceover  me:  neither  let  them  Wink  ftiththeeye% 
 that  hate  me  without  a  caufc. 
 
 20.  For  they  Jpeal^  not  peace  :  hut  they  devifc 
 deceitful  matters  againft  thtm  that  are  quiet  in  the 
 land 
 
 21.  Tea>  thej  opened  their  mouth  wide  agninft  me% 
 and  fati,  Ahayahay  our  eje  hathfeen  it, 
 
 He  repeateth  his  petition  for  delivery  from  his  enemies  the  fe-» 
 condtime,  and  preffeth  the  fame  reafon  taken  from  the  infolent 
 and  cruel  difpofition  of  the  enemy.  Whence  texrn^  1.  The 
 time  of  trouble  and  perfecution  of  the  godly  may  continue  much 
 longer  then  the  godly  did  expect,  in  which  cafe  as  they  mufl 
 waite  on  patiently,  till  the  Lord  put  to  his  hand  to  relieve  his 
 fcirk,  and  punifh  their  enemies;  fo  they  may  eafe  their  hear:3 
 in  laying  their  earneit  longing  to  be  delive>:ed,before  the  Lord,and 
 fay,  Lord,bow  long  wilt  thou  look  on-?  2.  As  it  is  lawful  to  lament 
 the  Lords  feeming  long  delay  to  help  us,  fo  we  muft  not  com- 
 plain too  foon;  for  before  David  uttcreth  this,  bow  long,  he  is 
 long  in  trouble,  and  in  danger  of  his  life,  by  unrcafomble  ana 
 beaitly  w/d  men,  and  is  altogether  deftitute  of  all  means  of  re- 
 liefs hispraycr  teftifieth,  Hffcue  my  foul  from  their  definitions-,* 
 my  darling  from  the  Lions.  3 .  The  godly  by  faith  in  the  deepeft 
 danger,  may  fee  their  delivery,  in  their  iadeft  and  darkeft  forrow, 
 yea  may  behold  the  light  of  confolation  coming  5  in  their  banim- 
 mem,  may  behold  their  liberty, "  and  fee  their  fellowship  with 
 the  Saints  >  and  in  the  midft  of  complaints,  may  promife  to 
 themfelvcs  reafons  of  praife ,  and  the  payment  of  their  vowes 
 made  to  God,  as  here  we  fee  in  the  midit  of  this  fad  conditio^ 
 the  Prophet  faith,  I  will  give  thee  things  in  the  great  congrcgzti* 
 on:  1  will  praife  thee  amo7tgmuch  people.  4.  It  augmenteth  the 
 grief  of  the  godly,  to  fee  the  wicked  take  advantage  of  their 
 trouble ,  and  mockers  of  Religion  to  re  Joyce  over  their 
 fufte rings  in  a  good  caufejand  they  may  heartily  deprecate 
 this  evil,  that  it  may  not  at  leaft,  laft  long  J  Let  not  thofe  tlut  are 
 my  enemies  rejoyce  over  me.  %.  The  lefs  caufe  of  provocation  of 
 pur  enemies  be  given  to  them  by  us,  thejgreater  is  the  hope  of 
 delivery,  and  the  readier  (hall  be  our  help  from  God,  and  the 
 
 lefs  caufe  (hall  be  to  the  enemy  to  wink  with  the  eve^s  witty  well- 
 
 pleafcd 
 
234  PSAL.   XXXV. 
 
 pleafcd  feoSers  do,  when  they  get  their  will  ;  Ndtkct  let  them 
 wink  with  the  eye,  faith  htytbat  hxtc  me  without  a  caufe.  6.  Al- 
 beit godly  mens  quiet  carriage  in  the  land,  where  they  live,  will 
 not  five  them  from  the  hoftile  fpceches,  and  rnaHcious  plottings 
 of  their  adverfaries  againft  them,  yet  mail  their  quiet  behaviour 
 fpeaktoGod  for  them,  and  againft  their  enemies,  and  make  a 
 fpeedy  mifchief  come  upon  them  from  the  Lord  ;  for  to  this  pur- 
 pofe  he  faith,  They  [peaky  not  peace y  but  they  devife  deceitful  matters 
 againft  them  that  are  quiet  in  the  land.  7.  The  enemies  of  the 
 Kirk  are  a  bale  generation ,  taking  pleafure  and  fport  in  the 
 miferies  of  the  godly,  who  do  not  injure  them,  yea  are  a  vain  and 
 tflfolent  generation,  triumphing  over  the  weaknefs  of  the  inno- 
 cent, when  they  arc  in  low  condition,  and  in  the  cafe  of  fuffering, 
 which  common  humanity,  and  ordinary  generofity  doth  abhor, 
 Tlrey  opened  their  mouth  wide  againft  me,  andfaid,  Aba,  ah %  our 
 eyebitbfeeiiit. 
 
 Verf.  22.  This  thou  hasifeen:(0  LORD)  \eep 
 notfilence:  O  Lord,  be  not  far  from  me. 
 
 23*  Stir  up  thy  ft  If  and  <m>ak$  t0  mJ judgement , 
 $ven  unto  my  caufe  %  my  Gody  and  my  Lord, 
 
 24.  Judge  me,  0 y LORD  ntyk  God,  according  to  thy 
 righteoufneffe  , .  and  let  them  not  rejoyce  over 
 ttoe. 
 
 2$,  Let  them  not  fay  in  their  hearts,  «•*£,  fo  Would 
 We  have  it :  let  them  not  fay^  We  have  [wallowed  him 
 uf. 
 
 26.  Let  them  be  afhamedand  brought  to  confujton 
 together,  t  hat  rt Joyce  at  my  h'ttrt :  let  them  be  clothed 
 with  Jhame  anddijhonour,  that  magnifU  themfelvcs  a~ 
 gainft  rne. 
 
 He  reneweth  his  petition  for  himfelf  and  againft  his  enemies 
 the  third  time.  Whence  learn,  r.  Such  as  feed  their  eyes  upon 
 the  miferies  of  others,  and  fpecially  on  the  miferies  of  the  godly, 
 the  Lord  mall  not  wink  at  their  wickednefs,  but  make  it  appear, 
 that  he  hath  marked  their  cruelty,  that  he  may  punifti  k  exem- 
 plar^ for  after  the  enemies  crying  out,  our  eyes  have  feen,  the 
 
 Pro? 
 
PSAL.     XXXV.  235 
 
 Prophet  addeth,  This  thou  bafi  fccn,0  Lord,  be  not f! 'cut.    2.  The 
 hardeft  condition  that  can  befall  a  believer,   is  a  tolerable  cafe  and 
 condition  >  if  God  draw  neer  to  his  foul  though  for  all  the  remedy 
 that  'David  craveth,  till  the  outgate  come,  is  this,  0  Lord,be  not 
 far  f,  Cm  me.     3 .  Though  the  Lord  for  a  time  fuflfcr  his  own  to 
 lie  under  foot  oppreffed,  yet  for  his  juftice  fake,  and  for  his  cove- 
 nants fake,  hewilljuftly  determine  the  controverfie,  and  clear 
 his  own  fervants,  He  will  fiir  up  bimfelf  to  do  judgement,  and  de- 
 cide their  caufe.  4 .  In  the  decifion  of  the  controv  eilie  between  the 
 ?odly  &  their  enemies,the  caufe  of  the  godly  (hall  get  no  wing3but 
 be  declared  to  be  righteous, &  the  enemies  mail  have  no  matter  to 
 rejoyce  in.   HejhaU  judge  the  godly  according  to  their  rigbteoufuefs, 
 and  {ball  notfuffer  the  wicked  to  rejoyce  over  them,  f  .When  the  ene- 
 mies of  the  Kirk  have  laid  their  laft  reckoning  of  the  iflue  of  their 
 bloody  courfe  againft  the  godly,  they  mail  fee  the  matter  to  go 
 otherwayes  then  they  would  or  exfpe&ed  on  both  hands.     They 
 fhall  not  have  caufe  to  fay,^  would  we  have  it,ot  wc  h^-je  [wallow- 
 ed  them  up.    They  are  too  too  pretious  a  moriel  for  them  to  de- 
 vour.   6.  Shame  and  confufion,  di (honour  and  difgracc  on  all 
 hands  mail  be  upon  one,  and  upon  all  ChriuV enemies,  who 
 feek  the  detriment  of  his  caufe,  and  to  have  gain-  tothemfelves, 
 \>y  oppofing  of  him,  and  his  caufe  in  his  peoples  hand  ;  for  this 
 prayer  againft  them  fhali.  ftillfpeak  effectually,  Let  them  be  ajha- 
 med  and  brought  to  confufion  together , and  let  them  be  cloathedwith 
 JhAme  and  dijhouour,  &c. 
 
 Vcrf.  27.  Let  them/bout  for  joy  ,  and  be  glad  that 
 favour  my  righteous  caufe  ;  yea,  let  them  fay  continu- 
 ally, Let  the  LORD  be  magnified,  which  hath  plea* 
 [tire  in  the  profperity  of  his  fervants. 
 
 28.  And  my  tongue  jhall  [peak  of  thy  right eoufnefs, 
 and  ofthypraife  all  the  day  long. 
 
 AsDavid  pr3yeth  for  himfelf,  fo  he  praycth  for  all  the  favour- 
 ers of  his  righteous  caufe,  as  the  type  ot  Chrift ,  whofe  fpirit 
 fpakeby  him, for  the  edification  of  the  Kiik  in  all  times  coming. 
 Whence  learn,  1.  It  is  one  mark  ofgoulinefs  amongft  many  other, 
 to  befriend  the  caufe  of  Chrift,  and  to  further  it  in.theperfon  of 
 his  Saints  fuffering  for  righteoulnefs,  with  their  beft  affections, 
 forkhere  they  are  defc ribed  by  being  the  favourers  of  the  rightcov* 
 caufe.  2.  In  the  pcrfecution  of  the  gndly  for  the  caufe  ot  Gods 
 truth  and  true  Religion,  all  the  godly  aic  concerned,  and  as  they 
 
 p  art  ake 
 
i$6  PSAL.    XXXVI. 
 
 partake  of  the  fufferings  with  others  under  Chrift  the  head,  Co 
 ihall  they  partake  of  the  joy  of  the  victory,  and  outgate  which 
 fhall  be  exceeding  joyful  at  laft;  Let  them  fhoutfor  joy  and  be  glad, 
 (faith  the  type  of  Chrift  )  that  do  favour  my  righteous  caufe* 
 3 .  The  troubles  of  the  godly  are  not  fo  many,  but  room  is  left  for 
 fometimes  profperity;  for  Cjod  loveth  the  profperity  of  his  fervants, 
 to  wit,  as  it  may  conduce  to  his  purpofe,  and  their  good «  4.When 
 any  of  the  godly  are  delivered  from  their  perfecutors,  all  the  reft 
 of  the  godly  arc  bound  as  they  underftand  of  it,  to  fet  forth  the 
 power  of  God,  and  his  love  and  bounty  manifefted  and  forth 
 coming  to  his  people: Let  them  fay,  Let  the  Lord  be  magnified,  who 
 bath  pleajure  in  the  profperity  of  his  (ervint.  ?.  Whatfoever  op- 
 position the  enemies  of  Chrift,and  of  the  godly  fhall  make,Chrift 
 fliall  Weep  up  the  open  profeffion  of  true  Doctrine,  which  mani- 
 fefteththerighteoufnefsof  God>  leading  men  to  eternal  life,  and 
 bringing  glory  to  God;  for  this  is  the  undertaking  of  the  type, 
 and  of  Chrift  reprefented  by  him,after  the  hotteft  conteft  between 
 •him  and  the  wicked-enemies,  9Ay  tongue  fhall  \pea\  of thy  rights 
 cufitefs,  and  of  thy  praife  all  the  day  long. 
 
 PSAL.  XXX VI. 
 
 To  the  chief  titufician.  A  Pfalme  of  David,  thefervantqf 
 the  L  0  2J,P. 
 
 This  Pfalme  hath  three  parts.  In  the  firft  Vavidkts 
 down  the  perverfnefs  of  the  wicked  in  their 
 finful  courfe  and  devices  againft  the  godly  and 
 himfelf,  sw.  1,2,3,4.  Inthe  fecond,  he  com- 
 forts himfelf,  and  doth  fettle  his  faith  on  the 
 praifes  and  properties  of  God,  ver.  $  ,6^  7, 8,  9. 
 In  the  third  he  prayeth  in  the  behalf  of  Gods 
 children,  and  for  himfelf,  to  be  delivered  ftom 
 the  wicked  wrtio9 11,12. 
 
 FRom    the    infeription ,  Learn,   That    to  be  a  fervant  of 
 the  Lord  is  an  honour,    and  a  priviledge  above  all  earthly 
 priviledges;  and  by  giviug  a  Tweet  teftimony  to  the  confciencCj, 
 
PSAL,    XXXVI.  237 
 
 it  doth  feafon  every  condition  of  life,  more  then  any  earthly  ad- 
 vantage can  do. 
 
 Vcrfe   I .  HP  He  tranfgrejfion  of  the   wicked  faith 
 X    within  mj  heart ,that  there  is  no  fear  of 
 God  before  his  eyes. 
 
 2.  For  he  flattereth  himfelf  in  his  own  eyes>  until  hii 
 iniquity  be  found  to  be  hateful. 
 
 3 .  The  words  ofhu  mouth  are  iniquity  and  deceit  1  he 
 hath  left  of  to  be  Wife,  and  to  do  good. 
 
 4.  He  devifeth  mifchief  upon  his  bed,  he  fetteth 
 himfelf  in  away  that  is  not  good :  he  abhorreth  not 
 evil. 
 
 F Rom  his  obfervation  of  the  carriage  of  th«  wicked>  Le&rn> 
 1.  Albeit  all  the  world  cannot  be  difcerned    to  be  gracelefs 
 and  unconverted,  yet  the  lewd  life  of  fome  may  fpeak  their  being 
 in  the  ftate  of  corrupt  nature  unconverted,  to  the  confeienceof  a 
 difcerningman,  For  the  tranfgrejfion  of  the  wicked  faith  in  my 
 heart,  that  there  is  no  fear  of  God  before  his  eyes.    2.  It  is  not 
 the  imperfection  or  fhort  coming  in  the  fear  of  God,  but  the  be  - 
 ing  detiitute  of  it  altogether,  that  proveth  a  wicked  man,,    There 
 is  no  fear  of  God  before  his  eyes .     3 .  A  s  a  man  that  feareth  God 
 is  watchful  over  his  own  wayes,and  cenforicus  of  himfelf  >  fo  the 
 man  that  feareth  not  God  is  fecure  and  well  pleafed  with  his  own 
 doings,   He  flatter eth  himfelf  in  his  own  eyes'.    4«  As  the  man 
 that  feareth  God  laboureth  to  informe  his  conscience  well,  that 
 he  may  not  commit  iniquity}  To  the  man  that  feareth  not  God, 
 doth  gull  and  deceive  his  own  confeience,  till  he  have  gotten  the 
 iniquity  accomplished,  and  it  be  now  made  open  in  its  own  co- 
 lours,   He  flattereth  himfelf  in  his  own  eyes,  till  his  iniquity  wor- 
 thy to  be  hated  be  found,  or  his  iniquity  be  found  te  be  hateful. 
 5.  As  the  man  that  feareth  God  will  difcern  the  fin  in  himfelf, 
 whereot  he  is  in  danger ,  before  any  man  perceive  it  >  fo  the 
 man  that  feareth  not  God,  will  not  fee  his  own  fin;  no  not  when 
 any   that  looks  upon  his  way  may  fee  it.    He  flattereth  him- 
 f elf  in  his  own  eyes,  till  bit  iniquity  be  found  to  be  hated.    6.h% 
 the  man  that  feareth  God  makes  conscience  of  his   fpeeches ,  and 
 will  be  loath    to  coyer  fin  with  Yain  pretences  and  excuses, 
 
 but 
 
t$8  PSAL.    XXXVI. 
 
 but  rather  will  confefs  it.  So  the  man  that  feareth  not  God  ,  will 
 notftand,  what  pretence  he  ufeth  ,  for  doing  of  iniquity,  nor 
 what  excufe  he  maketh  for  the  iniquity,  when -it  is  done,  for 
 deceiving  both  others  and  himfelh  The  words  of  bis  mouth  are  in* 
 iqiiity  and  deceit,  7.  *  As  the  man  that  feareth  God,  by  all  means 
 ftriveth  that  he  may  grow  wifer  and  holier,  fo  the  man  that  fears 
 not  God,  will  mifregard,  ^and  caft  ofYthe  means  of  wifdome  and 
 holinefs,  He  hath  left  off  to  he  wife,  and  to  do  good  £  whatfoever 
 he  teemed  to  have  before,  he  goeth  back  even  from  that  more  and 
 more.  8.  As  the  man  that  feareth  God,  communeth  with  his 
 •heart  upon  his  bed,  that  he  may  not  fin,  no  not  in  his  heart :  So 
 the  man  that  feareth  not  God,  devifeth  how  he  may  plot  and 
 perform  fin  willingly,  He  devifeth  mifchief  on  his  bed.  9.  As 
 the  man  that  feareth  God  doth  abhor  that  which  is  evil,  and  la- 
 boureth  to  be  fure  that  the  way  he  is  upon  is  good  :  fo  the  man  that 
 feareth  not  God,  taketh  no  farther  notice  of  what  he  doth  ,  then 
 what  is  moil  for  his  purpofe,  and  neither  abhorreth  what  he 
 would  be  at,  becaufe  it  is  evil,  nor  aftecteth  it,  becaufe  it  is  goodi 
 but  having  digefted  his  purpofe,  by  meditation  and  refolution,  he 
 goeth  on  obitinately,  He  fetteth  bimfelf  in  a  way  that  U  not  good  5 
 he  abhorreth  not  evil,  and  fuch  weve  Davids  enemies,  and  fuch 
 will  be  the  enemies  of  Chrift  and  his  people. 
 
 Verf.  J.  Thy  mercy  (0  LO  R  <D)  is  in  the  Hea- 
 vens ,  and  thy  faithfuluefj  rcacheth  unto  the 
 clouds. 
 
 6.  Thy  righteoufnefs  is  like  the  great  mount aines  i 
 thy  judgements  are  a  great  deep ;  O  LORD,  thou  pre* 
 fervefl  man  and  beafl. 
 
 7.  HoVp  excellent  is  thy  loving  t^ndnefs  H  O  God  t 
 therefore  the  children  of  men  put  their  trufi  under  the 
 fbadow  of  thy  Wings. 
 
 8.  They  /hall  be  abundantly  {at  u  fie  d  with  ihefatnefs 
 of  thy  houfe  :  and  thou  {halt  make  them  drink  of  the  river 
 efthypleafures. 
 
 9.  For  with  thee  is  the  fountain  of  life  :  in  thy  light 
 fhall we  fee light \ 
 
 Tk  fecond  part  of  the  Pfalm,  wherein  7)m&  comforteth  him- 
 
 felf 
 
PSAL.    XXXVI.  119 
 
 Sell  in  God,  and  fetleth  his  frith  en  the  praife^worthy  properties 
 of  God.    Whence  learn,  i.  The  turning  of  the  believers  eye  of  the 
 wickedness  of  their  adverfarics,and  looking  to  Gods  goodnefs,  and 
 wiledifpenfation,  will  comfort 'his  heart  againft  all  that  the  ene- 
 my can  do>  and  fet  him  on  woi  k  toward  godlinefs  ,  fo  much  the 
 more  as  he  pcreeiveth  atheifme  in  them  j  for  when  David  had 
 painted  out  his  enemy,  he  falleth  to  the  praifing  of  God,  faying, 
 Thy  mercy, 0  Lord  js  in  the  Heavens.    l.  Albeit  the  carriage  ci 
 the  wicked  toward  God,  and  the  godly,doth  tend  to  obfeure  Gods 
 glory,  in  the  point  of  juftice  toward  the  one,  and  point  of  mercy 
 toward  the  ether  J  yet  the  works  of  creation,  and  the  conftant  go- 
 vernment thercofjfhall  bear  witnefs  of  the  conftancy  of  Gods  mercy 
 and  fait  f 'nine />,  and  rigbtcoufnefs ,  and  judgement ,  as  here  is 
 flicwen.    3.  Though  the  effects  of  Gcds  mercy  mould  not  ap- 
 pear to  the  believer  on  earth    yet  flith  will  fee  them  in  their  foun- 
 tain andcaufe,  Thy  mercy  0  Lord  (faith  the  believer)  is  in  hea- 
 ven.    4.  Let  Gods  works  and  his  word  be  compared  together,arui 
 the  truth  of  his  promifes  and  threatnings,  mail  be  fo  traced,  and 
 feem  to  be  true,  as  fhall  facisfie  us,  and  let  us  fee  fo  far  till  one 
 eye  can  follow  no  farther,  Thy  faitlifulnefs  rcacheth  unto  the  clouds. 
 5.  Whatfoever  carnal  reafon  may  judge  of  Gods  difpenfations 
 towards  the  godly,  and  the  wicked  :"  yet  his  holinefi  and  juftice 
 is  firme  and  unchangeable,  Thy  rightcoujnefs  is  iil{e  the  great 
 mountains.    6.  Albeit  we  cannot  fee  thorow  matters,  nor  recon- 
 cile crofs  cogitations,  fometimes  offered  from  the  grounds  of 
 faith  on  the  one  hand,  and  from  the  effects  of  providence  offered 
 by  fenfe  on  the  other  hand,  yet  mull  we  remember  that  God  is 
 wilcrthenwe,  and  his  deep  draughts  are  part  finding  out  by  us, 
 Thy  judgements  are  a  great  deep.    7.  This  one  confederation  of 
 Gods  coiu'ic  of  kindnefs  to  his  own  creatures,  making  his  Sun  to 
 %  (hine,  and  his  raineto  (all  on  his  enemies,  as  on  his  friends, may 
 quiet  our  mind,  concerning  Gods  (paring  for  a  time  the  wicked, 
 and  liberal  dealing  wirh  them,  0  L  or d 3tbou  prefer veft  man  and, 
 baft*  There  is  a  courfe  of  commune  prciervation,  and  kindnefs 
 running  toward  all.     3  Over  and  above  common  kindnefs,  there 
 is  a  more  i  mi  re,  fpecial,  and  precious  love  and  kindnefs  toward 
 believers  in  God,  which  is  inexpreffible  and  wanteth  compari- 
 fon,  How  excellent  or  precious  is  thy  loving  hjndnefs^O  God  I  (aich 
 J)avid>  fpeaking  of  this.    9 .  The  belief  of  Gods  readinefs  to  let 
 forth  this  love,  may.and  fhould,  and  doth  animate  men  todratf 
 necr  unto  him,  albeit  they  have  as  yet  no  experience  of  the  fruitcs 
 of  it,  Therefore  the  children  of  men  that  put  trufl  under  the  lh- 
 
 dew 
 
440  PSAL.    XXX  Vf. 
 
 dow  of  thy  wings.      10.  The  Lord  without  exception  of  any,ti> 
 whom  he  fendeth  the  Gofpel,  and  without  exception  of  any^ with- 
 in the  vifible  Khk,  doth  offer  to  be  reconciled  through  Chrift 
 Jefus, to  every  man  who  (hall  flie  into  the  propitiatory  and  mercy- 
 feat  erected  in  Jefus  Chrift,  who  is  God  incarnate  according  as 
 he  was  holden  forth  in  the  figure  of  the  golden  Ark  of  the  Cove- 
 nant, and  ftretched  forth  wings    of  the  Cherubims,  as  is  here 
 faid_,  Therefore  the  children  of  men  put  their  trujl  under  the  Jha- 
 dow  of  thy  wings.    1 1 .  Such  as  do  not  give  the  lie  to  God,  whefi 
 they  find  not  at  firft,  what  they  hoped  for,  but  do  indeed  believe 
 in  his  word,  and  wait  on  till  he  make  his  word  good  to  them  $ 
 fuch  as  do  not  tempt  or  take  effay  of  God,  as  if  they  would  fee 
 what  believing  may  do,  and  then  do  quit  their  gripes  if  their  ex- 
 pectation be  not  anfwered,  but  do  indeed  truft  God  upon  his 
 word,  and  do  refolve  to  die  with  the  grip  in  their  hand  ,  of  his 
 freely  offered  Covenant  of  grace  inChrift,&of  his  promifesmade 
 to  them  that  flie  to  him  for  refuge,  fhall  be  lure  to  be  in  more  re- 
 fpe&  with  God,  then  common  fubje&s ,  They  fhall  be  Dome- 
 flicks  of  his  houfc,  of  the  houfhold  of  faith,  to  whom  God  fhall 
 keep  a  table  furnifhed  for  fpiritual  lift  unto  them,  he  fhall  make 
 them  now  and  then,  when  it  is  meet  time  for  the  hungry  to  feed 
 abundantly  and  to  be  latisfied,  Tbcy  that  put  their  trufl  undct  tht 
 jljadow  of  thy  wings,  fhall  be  abundantly  (awfieUtwitb  the  fatnefs 
 of  thy  houfc.    1 2.  In  the  ufe  of  the  means  and  hcly  ordinances  of 
 God  given  to  his  Kirk,  God  fhall  make  the  man,  that  indeed 
 giveth  him  credite  upon  the  word  of  his  grace,  fenfibiy  feel  the 
 joy  of  the  holy  Spirit,  to  be  unfpeakable  and  full  of  glory,  and 
 that  there  are  greater  contentments  to  be  found  for  a  mans  foul,  in 
 God  reconciled  through  Chrift,  then  the  world  can  yeeld  befide, 
 *fer  Thou  Jhalt  make  them  drinfi  of  the  rivers  of  thy  pleafures. 
 1$.  Whatfocver  can  be  found  in  the  creature,  even  when  God 
 blcffeth  the  ufe  thereof  to  h's  own  children,  is  but  a  drop  from  the 
 Ocean  ,  is  but  a  little  water  out  of  the  well,  in  compari  loir  of  what 
 a  believer  will  fee  and  feel  to  be  in  God  reconciled    through 
 Chrift,  For  with  thee  is  the  fountaine  of  life.     14.  No  light 
 fave  the  light  of  Gods  revealed  word  in  holy  Scriptures  for  the 
 mirrour,no  light  but  the  light  of  GodsSpirit  illuminating  the  foul 
 looking  upon  the  mirrour,  can  make  a  man  underftandj  or  believe 
 or  fenfibiy  difcern  the  wifdome,  comfort,  and  felicity,  which  is 
 held  forth  to  his  Kirk  in  his  ordinances,  and  felt  in.  himfelf  by 
 experience,  In  thy  light  (faith  he)  fhall  we  fee  light. 
 
 FcrfiiQ 
 
PSAL.    XXXVI .  *4* 
 
 Vcrf.  io.  O  continue  thy  loving  kindnefs  unto  them 
 that  knoifr  thee,  and  thy  right  eoufnefs  to  the  upright  in 
 heart. 
 
 1 1 .  Let  not  the  foot  of  pride  come  againfl  rfie.anh  let 
 not  the  handofthe  wickedremove  me. 
 
 I  2.  There  are  the  wrktrs  (tfirnqnitj  fain  :  they  are 
 caji  down^  andjhall  not  be  able  to  rife. 
 
 Thelaft  pari  of  the  Kalme,wherein  he  prayeth  for  all  believers 
 himfelf  being  included, and  then  for  himfelf  in  particular,  Whence 
 learn,  j.  The  true  mark  of  a  godly  man  ftandeth  in  the  con- 
 junction of  faith  in  God  with  finccre  ftudy  of  obedience  to  him, 
 for.  He  is  the  man  that  fyiowetb  GodD  and  is  up right  in  heart. 
 2.  Albeit  what  the  believer  hath  found  m  God  by  experience,  hs 
 may  exfped  it  fhallbe  continued  unto  hirri.  both  for  his  entertain- 
 ment by  God,  and  defence  and  deliverance  in  hislwghteous  caufc 
 from  his  enemies ;  yet  muft  he  follow  his  confidence  with  prayer,0 
 continue  thy  loving  kjndnefs  unto  them  that  k]\orc  tlge,  and  thyrigb- 
 teoujvefs  to  the  upright  in  heart.  $ .  A;  we  have  no  right  to  any 
 benefit,but  in  To  far  as  we  are  of  the  number  of  up;i^ht  hearted  be- 
 lievers, fo  fhould  we  feek  every  benefit  we  would  have,as  being  of 
 this  number,  and  as  feeking  that  others  may  6e  fharers  with  us,  as 
 tbavid  doth  here  :  It  is  the  Lord  only  who  can  divert  proud  per- 
 fecuters,  that  they  hurt  not  his  children  ,  and  it  is  the  Lord 
 onely  who  can  keep  h's  children  in  the  courfe  of  faith  and 
 obedience,  when  the  wicked  employ  their  power  again  them. 
 The:efore  doth  7)av id  pray,  Let  not  the  foot  of  pride  come  againft 
 vie,  and  let  not  the  hand  of  there  idled;  remove  me.  5.  The  mine 
 ofthe  enemies  of  the  godly  is  as  certain  as  if  it  were  already  paft, 
 yea  faith  may' look  upon  it  through  the  profpeft  of  the  word  of 
 God,  as  if  it  were  to  be  feenand  pointed  out  toothers  to  be- 
 hold with  their  eyes,T/;cre  are  the  Workers  of  iniquity  fain.  6.The 
 fall  of  the  wicked  is  not  like  the  fall  of  the  goldly,  for  though 
 the  godly  fall  fundry  times,  yet  they  recover  their  feet  again, 
 but  a  fall  is  prepared  for  the  wicked,  after  which  they  (hail  not 
 recover  themfelves,  They  are  cdji  down^  and  (hall  not  be  able  to 
 fife.  1 
 
 ft  PSAL, 
 
*4*  PSAL.    XXXVII. 
 
 PSAL.  XXXVII. 
 
 This  Pfalme  tcndeth  to  guard  the  'godly  againft:  the 
 ordinary  tenration  unto  envey,  emulation,  fret- 
 ting^and  difcouragement  in  the  way  of  godlinefs, 
 arifing  from  the  temporal  prosperity  of  the 
 wicked,  and  that  by  eight  directions  or  counfels 
 from  the  Lord,  each  of  them  confirmed  by  rea- 
 fons  :  mod:  of  which  are  comparifons  of  the 
 blefled  eftare  of  the  godly  at  the  worft  ,  with 
 the  eftate  of  the  wicked  at  their  beft.  The  firft 
 direction  or  counfel,  ver.  t, 2,  thefecond,  ver.%, 
 the  third,  ver.  4,  the  fourth,  ver.  5, 6>  the  fifth, 
 ver.jy  the  fixtb,  ver.  8,  9, 10, 1  2, 12,  to  ver.  26. 
 the  feventh,  ver.  27,  to  ver.  33.  The  eight  directi- 
 on, ^<?r.  34,  to  the  end. 
 
 Verfe  l.T^  Ret  not  thy  [elf  becmfe  of  evil  doers^  nei- 
 sT    ther  be  ihon  envivus  againft  the  worker* 
 of  iniquity. 
 
 2.  For  they  fhallfoon  bee  tit  doVvn  like  thegrafs  s  and 
 rehber  as  the  green  herb. 
 
 THe  firft  direction  is  to  beware  of  fretting  at,  or  envying  of 
 the profperity  of  the  wicked,  becaufe  their  profperity  is  but 
 temporal.  Whence  lexrn,  j  •  Wicked  men  may  be  in  a  more  prof- 
 perenjs  condition  in  the  world,  then  the  godly,  and  oftentimes, 
 yea  and  for  the  m oft  part  are;  for  this  is  prefuppofed  here  as  an 
 ordinary  tentation  in  all  ages  and  places.  2.  Albeit  carnal  rea- 
 fonand  fuggeftions  of  Satan  and  corrupt  nature,  do  from  the 
 profperity  of  the  wicked,  and  the  ordinary  troubles  of  the  godly, 
 iurnifh  tcntations  unto  the  godly,  to  be  male-contents  with  Gods 
 difpenfation,  yet  mould  the  godly  take  heed  that  they  be  not  o« 
 vercome  by>  or  yeild  in  any  fort  to  this  tentation,  Fm  not  thy 
 
PSAL.     XXXVIt  tyj 
 
 felfbecnife  of  evil  doers.  $.  As  tentation  to  male-comenrmeflC 
 maketh  aflaults  on  the  one  hand.,  to  reader  the  godly  Weary  of  well- 
 doing, fo  tentation  to  emulation  of  the  wickeds  ccurfe^and  fo  low* 
 ing  of  their  way,  nffaulteth  on  the  other  hand,  but  fhould  noway 
 get  place,  Neither  be  thou  envious  againft  the  workers  of  iniquity. 
 4.  If  it  were  well  confidered  that  alt  the  profperity  of  the  wicked 
 is  but  in  things  concerning  the  outward  mrfns  back  and  belly,  and 
 that  this  profperity  is  but  temporal ,  and  oft-times  of  fliorter  con- 
 tinaance  then  a  mans  own  brittle  life,  there  mould  be  no  ground  of 
 envy  found  therein;  for,  Tbcjjhtlljbon  be  cut  down  W&grift><Lni 
 wither  life  t  he  gucn  herb* 
 
 Verf.  3.  Trtift  in  the  LORZ),  and  do  good ,  fo 
 ft> tit  thoii  dwell  in  the  land^  and  verily  thoti  fhMt  fo 
 fed. 
 
 Rom  thefecond  point  of  Gods  counfel  aricf  direction;  L-C4>»,  ft* 
 Holding  faft  the  Covenant  of  Grace  made  with  God,  through 
 Ckrift,  arid  ftudying  to  bring  out  the  fruits  of  faith,  in  obedience 
 to  Gods  command,  isafovercign  remedy  againft  male-content- 
 ment with  a  mans  own  condition,  and  againft  envying  of  the 
 wicked,  Trujl  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good.  2.  Continuance  in  the 
 fkith,  and  obedience  of  Go  J,  whatfoe/er  tentation  we  meet  with, 
 is  the  fureil  way  to  have  Gods  ble fling  in  this  lifc,and  to  have  hea~ 
 ven,  (reprefented  by  Canaan)  after  this  life;  Trujl  in  thi 
 Lord,  and  do  goody  fo  foalt  thou  dwell  in  the  lad,  3.  The  up- 
 right believer  in  God  is  the  only  man  that  ge:s  the  right  ufeof 
 the  creature,  and  in  whofe  cap  the  true  juice  of  Gods  benefits 
 being  prefled  out,  is  poured,  whofe  bread  is  dipped  in  oil,  and  id 
 whom  fpiritual  life  is  constantly  entertained,  Verily  thcu,  that  is>r 
 fuch  aman,]J^/f  be  fed. 
 
 Verf.  4.  "Delight  thy  felf  dlfoin  the  tORT),  and 
 toe  [hall  give  thee  the  defirts  of  thine  heart. 
 
 From  the  third  direction  to  ward  off  the  tentaticm5  Ledrii,  ri 
 The.godly  man  hath  warrant  to  make  God  the  objed  of  his 
 delight,  who  being  reconciled  to  the  believer  through  the  media-* 
 tour,  is  become  the  believers  own  in  whom  he  may  continually  re- 
 Joyces  but  the  ob]c&  of  the  ungodly  pofpcrousofcan$d<ligkt/isbu» 
 R  i  fob* 
 
244  PS'AL.    XXXVII. 
 
 fome creature  or  temporal  trifle;  for  to  the  believer  it  is  faid,Pr* 
 light  xhyfelfhtbe  Lord.  2.  Though  the  believer  be  rich  in  his 
 rights,  yet  he  is  flaw  to  make  alt  thereof  and  hath  need  to  be 
 *ftr:red  up  to  takepofleffion,  Delight  thyfclf.  5.  if  the  believer  (hall 
 make  ufe  of  his  Covenant  -ri?.hr,  andinteieft  in  God  ,  and  fet  his 
 affe&iors  upon  him,  he  fhall  rinde  fivch  folid  contentment  and 
 fcris  faction  in  God,  as  he  fhall  not  envy  the  condition  of  the 
 moft  profperous  wicked  mm  in  the  worl.:*  for  it  is  laid.,  Delight 
 tbyfdfiutfoLcrd,  and  he  wil  give  tbee  the  defire  of  thy  heart. 
 And  certairdy  the  fo  '.getting  or  not  hearkening  to  this  direction., 
 isthe  caufe  of  our  being  male-contented  with  our  lot  >  and  of 
 eur  envying  of  the  wicked , 
 
 Verf.  5.  Commit  thy  VPay  unto  th  LO  R'D  :  trufi 
 a/jo  in  him,   and  he  fbz. it  btvng  i  t  /  0  pafs . 
 
 6.  And  hejhall  brijig  forth  thy  right eoufnefs  as  the 
 tighiy  and  thy  judgement  as  the  noon- day. 
 
 F;om  the  fourth  direftronjLeyr#,T.When  we  bear  the  burden  of 
 our  own  affairs  our  felves>&  are  chaft  ifed  with  anxiety  and  want  of 
 f  needs,  and  with  envying  the  ungodly  who  profper  better  then  we 
 do,  the  beft  remedy  is  tirft  to  do  our  duty*  as  we  are  inabled  in  the 
 ufc  of  themcans5then  enft  the  care  ot  the  fuccefs  over  on  God  as 
 the  plow-  man  dcth  when  he  hath  harrowed  his  laftd,  and  let  the 
 barden  of  it  reft  on  God,  and  let. us  not  take  it  oft  him  again, but 
 fit  our'mmd  to  reft,  refolvedtotakc  the  hai'veft  in  good  partj  as 
 lit  lhall  fend  it;  Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord  y  trufi  alfo. inhim. 
 a,  The  man  who  follower h  this  di reel: ion, (hall  come  to  fpcei  beft 
 in  his  ai&iresj  becaufe  God  lhall  do  that,wherewith  the  man  fliall 
 have  reafon  to  be  fatisficd*  tor  that  which  lie  would  have  done, 
 or  what  is  better,  fliall  be  efLcled,  Commit  thy  c&uje  unto  the 
 Lord. and  befiullbringil  to  pals  3  It  is  poflible  that  the  godly 
 following  tbiscounfei,  may  be  mhtcportea  of,  ani  both  lole  his 
 labour  and  cftimatibn  ?mong  men  3  yet  it  fliall  not  be  long  Ig> 
 for,  Godjhll  bnng  forth  thy  rightcoufnefs  as  the  light.  4.  Albeit 
 the  gody  and  his  caufe  may  be  obfeured  by  a  flioite:  or  longer 
 winter- night  of  trouble  3  as  fhall  pleafc  God  to  appoint,  yet  fliall 
 he  and  his  caufe  and  integrity  be  found  abiolved  by  God  indue 
 time,  L.efidU  bring  forth  thy  fu'gement  or  decree  of  abfolution 
 as  the  nooi>day, 
 
 Verr, 
 
PSAL.  XXXVII.  245 
 
 Vcrf.   7.    Reft  in  the  LOR  T>,  ami  wait  paticnt'ty 
 for  him  ;  fret  not  thy  fell  becattfe  of  him   who  prcf~; 
 peretb  in  his  rray>  because  of  the  mm  who  bringet" 
 wicked  devices  10  pafs. 
 
 From  the  fifth  dirc&ionj  Lcirn,  1.  The  vi&ory  over  this  ten- 
 tation  to  envy  the  wicked,  is  not  gotten  at  firft,  nor  by  carnal 
 reafon,  bur  by  laith  in  God,  and  patient  waiting  on  him,  3{c(i 
 I  011  the  Lord3ani  waite  patiently  for  him.  i.  As  the  tentition  un:o 
 fretting  is  very  prcfling,  when  we  fee  the  wicked  get  fo  much  or, 
 their  will,  fo  much  of  their  purpole  brought  to  pais  :  fo  we  have 
 need  to  be  preifed  again  an  J  again  to  refill  this  temationj  There- 
 fore is  it  faid  again,  Fret  not  thy  fclf  becaufc  of  him  rvbo  profpcrcib 
 jn  bis-  voxy 3  or  becauji  of  tlw-rzan  thut  briuzeth  wicl^i  devices 
 topaffe. 
 
 Vcrf.  8,  Ceaftfrom  anger,  and  for  fake  Wrath ;  fret 
 not  thy  felf  in  any  nife  to  do  evi\ 
 
 The  fixth  direction  is  to  curb  this  testation,  in  cafe  it  hatha!** 
 ready  defiled  and  fired  a  mans  fpirit,  left  it  break  cut,  and  make 
 the  believer  put  forth  his  hand  to  iniquity.  Wh  ncelexrn,  t.  The 
 infolency  of  the  Wicked  is  luch,  and  their  provocation  of  the  god- 
 ly oft-  tirntfs  fo  great,tlm  their  (pints  are  much  itirrcd  and  kindled 
 with  indignation,  and  thoughts  of  private  revenge,  yet  mull  not 
 this  paiTion  prevaile  with  the  godly,  but  ihould  be  itriven  againit; 
 Cen[c  from  ingcr,  and  for fafa  rprtitji  vengeance  is  the  Lords,  he 
 will  repay.  2.  The  godly  ihould  efchew  the  motions  of  fretting, 
 anger,  envy  againft  the  wicked^  and  if  anger  enter,  he  muitceafe 
 from  it*  if  it  urge  it  felf  on  him  with  pretences  of  reafon  or  vio- 
 lent impulfion,  he  muft  for  [die  it,  but  by  any  means  he  muft  keep 
 this  tentacion  wichin  doors,  that  it  drive  him  noL  to  break  forth  to 
 a  compleated  fin  in  aclion  and  doing  of  wrong,  Fret  nst  iky  fclf 
 inaiiymfctodoevil,  • 
 
 Vcrfe  9.  For  evil  doers  (hall  be  cut  of:  butthofe 
 that  wait  upon  the  LORDs  thej  fJ;all  inherit  the 
 earth. 
 
 The  Prophet  preffeth  this  cu*e<ftion  by  fundry  reafons;  and  in 
 
 ft  S  i^cciaj 
 
fpecial  by  fix  comparifons  of  the  Lords  way  and  purpofe  about  the 
 wicked  and  fhe  godly,  Jiow  profperous foever  the  wicked  may 
 J>e  for  a  time,  and  howfoevcr  the  godly  may  be  affiicled  and  exer- 
 "cifed  for  a  time.  The  firft  comparjfon  is  in  this  vcrfe.  Whence 
 learn,  i.  If  any  who  pretend  to  be  godly,  ihall  by  the  foreiaid  ten- 
 tation  fodake  the  way  of  godlinels,  and  follow  the  way  of  the 
 wicked,  they  (halWiavc  the  reward  of  the  wicked  for  the  chan- 
 ging of  their  way,  For  evildoers  fhall  he  cut  off.  2.  It  is  not  the 
 fcrefent  condition  whereinto  men  are  j  which  is  to  be  looked  unto5 
 tut  what  0--all  become  of  them  at  lengths  for  alt  the  prosperity  of 
 the  wicked  is  Waited  with  this  one  lentehce  of  ihefupream  Judge, 
 'Evildoers  fall  be  cut  off.  $.  Albeit  the  godly  be  kept  in  fome 
 hardmipsforatime  as  young  heirs  in  their  minority;  yet  (hall 
 their  inheritance  in  heaven  (1  eprefented  by  the  land  oi  Canaan)  be 
 rcferved  unto  them ;  and  in  the  meantime  by  their  heirrtiip  in 
 Chrift  ,  they  have  folid  right  to  what  portion  in  this  world  God 
 cloth  allow  them,they  have  the  ufe  thereof  with  a  good  confeience, 
 and  remaine  on  the  earth  as  long  as  God  hath  fervice  for  them, 
 however  the  wicked  vyould  thru  ft  them  out  of  the  world  as  un- 
 ivorthy  of  it,and  if  they  be  baniflied  out  of  one countrey,they  know 
 the  earth  is  the  Lords  and  the  f nine fs  of  it>  and  they  live  more  con- 
 tentedly in  that  condition,  then  the  wicked  do  live  in  their  neft  j 
 foi^  They  that  wait  on  the  Lord  fhall  inherit  the  earth. 
 
 Yerf.ro.  For  yet  a  li'tle  while ,and  the  wicked /hall  not 
 be:  yea  than  fbalt  diligently  confider  his  place,  and  it 
 %hz\\npt  be. 
 
 IT.  But  the  meek  fkall  inherit  the  earth,  andjkall  de- 
 light themfclves  in  the  abundance  of  peace. 
 
 From  the  fecond  comparifon  of  the  wicked  and  the  godly slaznj, 
 I4  We  mull  not  pafs  fentence  fuddently,  to  abfolve  their  way  who 
 are  profpe/ous,  or  to  condemne  their  way  who  are  eroded*  but  we 
 ihouldwait  upon  Gods  word,  till  God  from  heaven  manifeft 
 hisjudgement  about  both, which  (hall  net  hngbe  delayed  in  re- 
 gard of  the  wicked v;  for,  let  a  little  while >&nd  the  mc^cd  fhall  not 
 %cy  yea  thou  fait  diligently  confider  his  place,  and  it  fall  not  be. 
 ±\  Submiffion  unto  Gods  difpenfation  alayethall  troubles,  and 
 enlargeth  the  good  of  every  benefit;  and  a  good  conftrudion  of 
 Gods  dealing  with  us,  bringeth  much  peace  and  quictnefs  of  minde 
 with  it,  and  enricheth  our  portion,  The  meclifall  inherit  the 
 Urtp2  anifall  delieht  themfclves  in  the  abundance  of  petce. 
 
 Vcrfe 
 
PSAL.    XXXVII.  347 
 
 Vcrfc  1 2 .  The  \X>icked  plot  tetb  again  ft  th  ;«j?,  and 
 gnajbeth  upon  him  with  his  teeth. 
 
 13.  The  Lord  JhaR  laugh  at  him;  for  he  fietb  that 
 bis  day  is  coming. 
 
 1 4.  The  Wicked  have  drdftn  out  the  faord,  and  have 
 bent  their  botycy  to  caft  downe  the  poor  and  needy ,and  to 
 flay  fttch  as  be  of  upright  converfation. 
 
 1 5 .  Their  frvord/ha//  enter  into  their  oftnheart ,  and 
 their  bowes  Jball  be  broken. 
 
 The  third  comparifon  of  the  wicked  and  godly  loofeth  a  doubt, 
 when  the  godly  cannot  get  liveiihod  in  their  mean  condition,  ia 
 prefence  of  the  wicked,but  their  life  is  alio  in  peril  by  their  plot- 
 ting,  for  effectuating  the  deftru&ion  of  the  godly.     Whence 
 learn,   1.  The  godly  have  to  do,  not  only  to  wreftie  agaiiift  the 
 thriving  condition  of  the  wicked,  but  a!  fo  with  their  deadly  ha* 
 tred:  The  wicked  plot  againft  the  righteous,  anignjfietb  upon  him 
 with  bis  teeth.    2.  The  godly  muft  make  the  Lord  to  be  part*  to 
 the  wicked,  and  muft  oppofe  his  juftice  ,  power  and  wifdometo 
 the  enmity  of  the  wicked  $    for  albeit  the  godly  be  forced  to 
 mourneat  their  thrcatning  ,  yet  their  plotting  and  pratling  a* 
 gainft  the  godly  ,  as  if  they  could  do  anything  ofthemfelves,  is 
 ridiculous,    The  i  ordjk ill  high  at  them.     $.  If  the  godly  did 
 confidertof  the  wicked,  as  the  word  of  the  Lord  fpeaketh  of  them; 
 they  might  look  upon  their  bodts ,  as  on  theb;ags  of  a  man  up- 
 on the  fctftbld;  ready  to  be  executed:    For,  Gfid  fceth  hU  day  is 
 coming.    4.  The  godly  muft  relolve  to  bear  the  open  violence 
 ai  fo  cf  the  wicked  .  and  to  be  made  as  butts  for  their  arrowes,  and 
 flieathes  for  their  i words  ,  which  if  more  then  their  words :  For, 
 The  wielded  have   drawn  out  their  [word  ,  and  bent  their  bowo* 
 ?.  Before  deliverance  come  unto  the  godly,  they  fhall  rinre  them- 
 felvcs  in  a  weak  condition  ,  for  any  thing  they  can  do  for  them- 
 fclves;  for  here  they  are  poor  and  needy  \   and  the  wicked  thinks 
 to  cajt  them  down.    6 ,  Thofe  are  the  truly  godly,  and  the  otve&s 
 of  the  wickeds  malice;  who  for  their  inward  condition   depend 
 on  God  in  the  fenfe  of  their  poverty  and  needineffe  ,  and  wrh  11 
 are  oi  an  upright  convcr {men  ^    as    they  are   here    defer ijxp  f9 
 7 .  When  the  wicked  are  moft  neet  to  do  a  mifchief  to  the  Lords 
 people,  then  is  a  mifchief  moft  nca;  unto  them;  Their  fmri 
 Jhali  enter   into  their  mn    heart ,  and  t/)eir  bowe   fhall    b$ 
 proven.  R4  yCrf.  ($ 
 
?45  rZ>l\L,.    AAAVU. 
 
 Vcrfc  1(5-  A  little  that  a  righteous  manhnth,  is 
 better  then  the  riches  of  many  tvkt^ed. 
 
 17 .  For  thearmet  of  the  wickgAfhall  be  broken  :  but 
 the  Lord  upholdeth  the  righteoiu. 
 
 The  fourth  comparifonofthe  godly  and  wicked,  loofcth  ano- 
 ther doubt  about  the  wealth  and  power  of  the  wicked.  Whence 
 learn,  1.  The  oddes  between  mens  livings  and  meanes  of  lively - 
 hood  ftands  not  in  more  or  leTie  abundance  of  worldly  goods, 
 but  in  Gods  bleffing  ,  which  becaufc  it  accompanieth  the  provi- 
 sion of  the  godly  3  have  they  lelTe  or  have  they  more  5  there- 
 fore A  'little  that  one  righteommm  hath,  is  better  then  thericbes 
 pfnuiny  wicked.  2.  The  little  fomething  of  thegodlies  provifi- 
 bn  is  made  to  fubfift  for  the  poor  mans  ftanding  ,  white  the 
 power  and  wealth  of  the  wicked  cometh  to  nothing ;  For  the 
 armes  of  the  wicked  JhaU  be  broken :  but  the  Lord  upboldetb 
 the  righteous* 
 
 Verfe  1 8,  The  LORD  faorveth  the  dayes  of  the 
 Upright;     and  their  inheritance  (hall  be  for  ever. 
 
 19.  7  bey.fhall  not  be  afh  amed  in  the  evill  time ;  and 
 in  the  dayes  of  famine  they  Jhallbe  fat  is  fed. 
 
 20.  But  the  wicked Jhall  fer'tfh  3  avd  the  enemies  of 
 the  £0*7}  (hall  be  as  the  fat  of  Lambs  :  they  fhall  con~ 
 fume  intofmoake,  the)  fhall  confum?  away. 
 
 Prom  the  fifth  comparifon  of  the  godly  and  wicked;  Lcmi> 
 J.  The  godly  have  two  advantages  above  the  wicked,  one  in  this 
 life3  another  in  the  life  to  come.  For  the  fir  ft;  all  the  viciffitudes 
 of  danges  and  daily  neceffities  of  the  godly  are  taken  notice 
 of  in  a  fpeciall  way  by  God ,  choofing  and  weyling  to  them  cxtr- 
 cifes  for  *\k\:  condition ,  moderating  thsm  in  their  meafure  and 
 time,  feafoning  them  with  mixture  of  confolation,  turning 
 them  to  their  Left  5  furnifhing  all  necefiaries  to  bear  out  then* 
 excrcifes,  and  fencing  pirticular  deliverances  one  after  another  1 
 'For  the  Lord  lyiowes  the  dayes  of  the  upright.  As  for  the  next  life, 
 he  hath  referved  for  them  an  inheritance  of  conft ant  bleflcdnefle. 
 never  to  be  taken  from  them ;  Their  inheritance  jhall  be  for  ever. 
 Albeit  the  Lord  will  not  exempt  the  godly  frorn -.(baring  in 
 
 common 
 
PSAL.     XXXVII.  249 
 
 common  calamities  with  the  wicked,  yet  fhail  they  have  the 
 evidences  of  Gods  favour  to  them  in  the  time  of  trouble,  and  fhall 
 notbediiappointedofthekindneflepromifed  by  God,  and  ex- 
 pected by  them:  They  fall  not  be  afamed  in  the  evil  time, 
 1.  YVhatfoevcr  fcant  or  inlack  be  of  creature-comfort,  the  god- 
 ly fliall  be  fupplied  to  their  rcafonable  (atisfa&ion  :  In  the  dayes 
 0) r famine  they  [hull  be  fat  is  fed.  4V  When  the  wicked  aremoft 
 liberally  dealt  with ,  it  is  but  a  feeding  of  them  like  beafts  to  the 
 flaugfiter  ,  all  their  glory  fhall  vaniih ,  and  they  themfelves  (hall 
 be  deftroyed  in  Gods  wrath:  But  the  wicked  fall  perifo ,  the  e- 
 nemiesoftbeLord  fall  be  is  the  fa  ofLamis ,  they  fall  con  fume 
 intofmoake,  they  fall  conjume  amy. 
 
 Vcrfc  21.  The  wicked  borrow* th ,  and  pa)eth 
 not  again  :  but  the  righteous  Jberveth  wercy ,  and 
 giveth* 
 
 %1%  Bftt  fuck  as  be  blejfed  of  him ,  Jhall  in* 
 her  it  the  earthy  and  they  that  be  cttrfedoj him ,  Jhall 
 be  cutoff, 
 
 From  the  fixth  comparifon.  Learn  ,  i.  In  the  mid  eft  of  ths 
 wicked  mans  wealth  ,  he  is  oft  times  wanting ,  as  if  he  were  a 
 poor  man  ;  if  he  have  much  wealth,  he  hath  much  to  do  with  it, 
 and  many  times  is  unable  to  defray  his  charges  without  borrow- 
 ing 5  and  when  he  has  borrowed,  he  is  either  unable  or  unwilling 
 to  pay  again  ,  and  fo  is  but  a  mifcrable  wretch  with  all  he  hath, 
 or  he  is  a  profufe  prodigall  and  deceiver  of  his  creditors:  The 
 wicked  torroweth ,  and  pay eth  not  again.  2.  On  the  contrary, 
 the  righteous  man  by  his  godly  behaviour,  manageth  the  little 
 which  God  giveth  him  fo  well,  as  he  needeth  not  to  borrow  5  he 
 wanteth  not  for  any  good  work  which  God  calleth  him  unto,  and 
 is  able  to  fupplie  others  neceflities  :  The  righteous  jhervetb  ncrcy, 
 and  giveth.  3.  Thebleffingo"  God  on  the  godly ,  mr.keth  the 
 oddes  betwixt  them  and  the  wicked  3  for  it  is  to  him  ?s good  as 
 the  inheritance  of  the  whole  earth  s  but  Gods  cuue  rooteth  the 
 wicked  man  out  of  the. earth  ;  for  Such  (faith  he)  a*  be  blejfed 
 of  him  y  fall  inherit  the  earth)  and  they  that  be  cur  Jed,  JIM 
 he  cut  off. 
 
 Verfe  23.  The  fieps  of  a  good  wan  are,  ordered  by 
 
 the 
 
ijo  PSAL.   XXXVII. 
 
 the  Lord :  and  he  de light cth  in  his  Way. 
 
 24.  Though  befall,  hejhall  not  be  utterly  caft  down*, 
 for  the  tORfD  upholdeth  him  with  his  hand. 
 
 25.  I  have  been  young,  and  now  am  old;  yet 
 have  I  not  feen  the  righteous  forfa^en^  nor  hi*  feed 
 begging  bread. 
 
 26.  He  id  ever  mercifully  and  lendeth  ;  and  his  feed 
 id  bletfed. 
 
 He  clofcth  the  confirmation  of  thefixth  direction  with  enume- 
 rating fundry  priviledges  of  the  godly ,    of  fome  whereof,  he 
 •  made  ebfervation  in  his  own  time.     Whence  learn,  1.  The  pri- 
 viledges of  the  godly  are  fo  gre.it  ,  as  mould  content  him ,  albeit 
 his  outward  profperity  and  wealth  be  not  fuch  as  he  conceiveth  the 
 wicked  to  haves  for  God  teacheththe  godly  how  to  behave  him- 
 ielf  in  his  particular  actions,  prudently  and  holily  :    Tbefteps  of 
 a  good  man  are  ordered  of  the  Lord ,  he  approveth  the  courfe    the 
 godly  man  keepeth ;  He  delights  in  bis  way.  Though  the  godly 
 man  through  infirmity  fall  into  a  finne  ,  or  by  his  fin  draw  on  a 
 calamity  on  himfelfj  yet  the  Lord  recovereth  him  again  J  Though 
 be  fally  be  JhaU  not  be  utterly  caft  down;  and  that  he  perifh  not 
 when  he  falleth  ,    the  Lord  mall  preferve  him  by  holding  a  grip 
 cfhim;   The  Lord  upboldetb  him  with  bis  baud.     2.  Albeit  the 
 Lord  will  not  exempt  the  godly  from  poverty ,  nor  yet  their  feedj 
 albeit  we  prefuppofe  the  children  be  godly  alio,  if  he  think  it  good 
 to  exercifethem  fo ;  yet  the  Lord  hath  made  the  examples  of  fuel) 
 miferie  fo  rare ,   as  a  man  of  good  yeares  could  obferve  few  or 
 none  of  them  beggers ;  fpecially  in  the  Prophets  time,  when  God 
 by  external  benefits,  was  training  his  people  to  the  hope  of  fpiri- 
 tuall  things,  as  P/rwrfhereteftificth.     $.  It  is  a  gift  of  God  to 
 ufe  whatfoever  a  man  receiveth  of  God  ,  fo  as  others  be  helped 
 thereby ;    The  godly  is  ever  mecifull  and  lendeth.    4.  The  readir 
 eft  way  to  bring  a  bleflWto  a  mans  houfeandpoftentig,  15 
 to  be  godly  himfelfj  for,  The  godly  mans  feed  is  blcfled. 
 
 Verfe  27.  "Depart  from  eviU  and  do  good%  and  dwelt 
 for  e termor c. 
 
 a8.  For  the  Lord lovtth  judgement    and  forfaketh 
 
 99f 
 
PSAL.    XXXVII.  25 1 
 
 pot  his  Saints  ,  they  are  preferred  for  evsr  :  but  the 
 feed  of  the  wicked  Jhall  be  cm  of. 
 
 29.  The  righteous  Jhall  inherit  the  land  %  and  dwell 
 therein  forever. 
 
 From  the  feventh  dire&ion,  and  the  reafons  thereof  teaching 
 how  to  guard  againft  fretting  at,  and  envying  of  the  profperity  of 
 the  wickedj  Learn,  1.  To  meet  an  injury  with  another  injury, 
 or  to  recompence  evil  for  evil  ,  or  to  forbear  to  do  good  where 
 it  is  not  defer ved  ,  is  not  the  way  to  be  blefled  :  h  ut  by  the  con- 
 trary the  way  of  pofiefling  fetled  felicity,  is  to  dvpxrt  from  evil, 
 a  d  to  do  good ,  fo  jhall  amtn  dwell  fr  ever,  i.  The  love  that 
 the  Lord  beareth  to  right eoufhefie  ,  is  the  caufe  why  it  cannot 
 but  be  well  with  the  righteous :  For,  The  Lord  loveth  judgement. 
 3.  The  Lord  may  well  exercile  his  children  with  trouble,  yet 
 he  will  no&with-drawhimfeh  from  them  in  trouble,  but  will 
 iiay  with  them  ,  and  beaie  them  company  ,  and  iavc  them  to  the 
 uttermoft  ;  Heforfzlietb  %m  his  Saints ,  they  arc  prefer  :cd  for 
 ever.  4.  As  wickedneiic  is  the  ready  way  to  root  out  a  man  and 
 his  family  from  ofTthe  earth  j  fo  isri^hteoufneffe  the  way  to  e- 
 ftablifh a  mans  family  ,  and  to  bring  himfelf  to  a  foli.i  habits 
 tion  with  God  for  ever  ;  For,  The  feed  of  tbc  wicked  Jhall  be  cut 
 of,  The  righteowfoa'l  inherit  the  Lmdyand  dwell  therein  for  ever, 
 that  is,in  Heaven  fignified  by  that  land. 
 
 Verf.  30.  The  mouth  of  the  right eowfpeahjeth  wif- 
 dwe^  and  his  tongue  talketh  of  judgement. 
 
 3  1 .  The  La\V  of  his  God  i$  in  his  heart ;  none  of  hU 
 ftepsfia/IJlide. 
 
 Becaufe  fo  much  is  fpoken  of  the  righteous  man  ,  he  defcribeth 
 him  by  three  properties ;  one  in  his  words  ,  another  in  his  affe- 
 ctions, a  third  in  his  J.eliberare  actions ,  and  courfc  of  his  waves 
 and  life.  Wh dice  learn,  1.  The  righteous  man  ftudicth  in  his 
 fpeeches  to  glorifie  God,  and  edific  thofe  he  fpeakcth  to  ,  and  in 
 allthingshe  istruths  friend  ;  The  mouth  of t'e  righteous  fp:aficth 
 Wifdomc  ,  and  bis  tongue  tiHictb  <.f  judgement.  2.  For  his  affe- 
 ctions ,  he  loveth  that  which  is  commanded  of  God  >  and  hateth 
 that  which  is  forbidden  of  him  ,  becaufc  God  hath  taken  him  in 
 Covenant  with  hirnfelf  to  be  his  man ;  The  Lxw  of  God  U  in  hfs 
 
 tejrti 
 
2$z  PSAL.  XXXVII. 
 
 heart*  i .  For  his  courfe  of  life  9  what;  ©ever  tentation  he  doth 
 meet  with ,  to  divert  him  from  the  faith  and  obedience  of  God  , 
 he  will  not  choofe  another  way,  then  the  Law  of  his  God  $  None 
 of  bkfieps  flail flide. 
 
 Verfe  32,  The  wicked  watcheth  the  righteous  •  and 
 feeheth  to  flay  him. 
 
 33.  The  LORD  will  not  Is  Ave  him  in  his  hand ,  nor 
 condemne  him  when  he  ii  judged* 
 
 For  clearing  ofthefeventh  direction,  he  anfwereth  an  obje- 
 ction from  the  perfecution  which  the  righteous  are  iubjeft  unto 
 from  the  wicked.  Whence  lcame>  1 .  Temporal!  bleflings  or  be- 
 nefits are  not  fo  promifed  to  the  godly  ,  as  that  they  (hall  be  free 
 from  troubles,  croiles  and  perfecutions  .  .For  the  Lord  for  his 
 .own  glory,  for  education  of  his  Kirk  ,  and  for  convidion  of 
 his  enemies,  and  for  perfecting  his  children  in  holinefle  ,  ufeth  to 
 iufter  the  wicked  to  hunt  and  perfecute  them,  even  to  death  j  The 
 wic\ed  w&tcbctb  the  righteous ,  and  feeketb  to  flay  him.  2.  The 
 wicked  may  apprehend  the  righteous  mans  perfon  ,  lay  falfeac-. 
 cufations  to  his  charge ,  and  bring  him  before  Judges  ,  and  not 
 get  his  will  of  him,  to  drive  him  from  a  righteous  caufe  :  For, 
 The  Lord  will  not  leave  biminhU  hand.  $.  Albeit  the  righteous 
 man  by  perfecutions  may  be  judged,  and  condemned  to  death  un- 
 juftly ,  yet  may  "he  be  more  then  a  conquerour  through  God  that 
 loveih  him,  and  careth  for  him ;  For  God  will  not  condemne  him 
 when  he  is  judged.  And  that  may  iuffice  him  againit  whatioever 
 flefli  can  do  to  him. 
 
 VerC  34.  Wait  on  the  LORD>  and  keep  his  Way>anJ 
 he  (ball  exalt  thee  to  inherit  the  land  -y  when  the  Wicked 
 are  cm  off,  thou  fbaltfee  it. 
 
 35.  I  have  fee'n  the  wicked  in  great  power .  and 
 fpreading  him  felf  like  a  green  bay -tree. 
 
 36.  Tet  he paffed away  9  and  lo^hewM not ;  yea,  I 
 fought  him%  but  he  could  not  be  found, 
 
 The  eighth  direction  ,  is  to  wait  on  God  3  and  to  keep  his 
 way  5.  ferving  with  the  former  direction ,  to  guard  the  gedly  mans 
 
 heart 
 
PSAL.    XXXVII.  35? 
 
 heart  againft  all  tentations  of  fretting,  envy,  anger  and  emulation, 
 becaufeof  the  wicked  mans  feemingmore  proiperous  condition 
 in  the  world  then  his  own  ,  and  this  direction  is  confirmed  with 
 fivereafons.    Whence  learn,  i.  Hethatbelieveth  on  God  muft: 
 not  make  hafte ,  nor  judge  rafhly  of  matters  as  they  feem  for  the 
 prefent,  but  muft  attend  till  God  make  his  word  good  ;   Wait  on 
 the  Lord.     z.  True  patient  hope  and  waiting  on  God,  muft  be 
 joyncd  with  the  ftudie  of  obedience  to  Gods  directions  ;  Wait  on 
 the  Lord,  and  l{ccp  bis  way.     3.  Though  the  godly  be  kept  under 
 for  a  while  and  humbled  ,  yet  God  (hall  lift  them  up  to  a  fatisfa- 
 ctory  cft.ue :    He  full   exalt  thee  to  inherit  the    land.    This 
 promife  is  the  fr.  ft  reafon  to  move  us  to  wait  on  the  Lord.    4.  In 
 evciy  age  fome  of  the  wicked  /hall  be  made  fpectacles  of  Gods 
 threatened  judgement,  before  the  eyes  of  the  godly,  to  give  aflu- 
 rance  of  his  judgement;  that  he  fliall  ovetthrow  all  the  reft  in  due 
 time,  and  avenge  on  them  all  the  wrongs  done  by  them  unto 
 the  godly  :    iVbtn  the  wicked  are  cm  off,  thoU  fb ail  fee  it.   And 
 this    is  the    fecond   argument  to   confirme  the    exhortation, 
 ?.  How  the  wicked  have  feemed  very  glorious  in  the  world  for  a 
 while,    and  mortly  both  they  and  their  glory  did  vani/h  ,   every 
 man  in  his  own  time  mould  make  their  owne  remarkes  and  obfer- 
 vations  >   as  the  Prophet  fheweth  here  ,  that  he  had  his  obferva- 
 tions  in  his  time ,  vcrf.  35,  3 6.    And  this  is  the  third  reafon  to 
 confirme  the  direction   taken  from  experience  concerning  the 
 wicked. 
 
 Verfe  37.  CMar\  the  pcrfefi  man,  and  heboid  the 
 upright ;  for  the  end  of  'that  mm  is  peace. 
 
 3b.  lint  the  tranfgreffours  Jhxll  he  deflroyed  together? 
 the  end  of  the  wicked  (hall  be  cut  off. 
 
 The  fourth  reafon  of  the  direction,  is  from  the  happy  clofe  of 
 the  courfe  of  the  godly  3  and  the  certain  perdition  of  the  ^wicked. 
 Whence  learn,  1.  The  Lord  gives  to  many  remarkable  inftances 
 of  the  comfortable  departure  of  the  godly  out  of  this  life,  as 
 may  giveaffurance  of  the  dying  of  all  the  upright  in  Gods  favour. 
 Marble  the  upright  man ,  for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace.  1.  Whe- 
 ther men  be  witneifes  or  not  of  the  departure  of  the  wicked  ,  one 
 andallofthemdiein  a  defperate  condition  >  they  arc  deprived 
 of  heaven  and  earth  ,  and  perifh  foul  and  body  at  the  expiring  of 
 their  breath:  T r an fgrc [fours  frail  be  deftroyed  together;  thc%ni 
 tf  the  wiclydftaU  be  cut  off. 
 
*54  i>SAL.    XXXVIII. 
 
 Verf«  39.  But  the  fahation  of  the  righteous  \t 
 cf  the  LORD;  he  is  their  firength  in  the  time  of 
 trouble. 
 
 40.  And  the  LORD  (hM  help  then*,  and  deliver 
 them ;  he  {hull  deliver  them  from  the  wicked ,  and  fave 
 them  becaufe  they  trttfl  in  him. 
 
 The  laft  rcafon  to  move  men  to  wait  oil  God ,  is  from  his  care 
 of  th e  godlie.  Wbtnu  learn,  ^ .  How  hard  foever  the  conditio!* 
 Of  the  godly  be  >  the  Lord  hath  wayesof  his  own  to  prcferve  and 
 fave  them ;  yea  the  Lord  is  refolvcd ,  and  hath  paficd  his  word 
 that  he  will  fave  them  :  The  (dvition  of  the  righteous  >  is  of  the 
 Lord4  2.  So  locrg  as  GoA  is  pleafed  to  let  righteous  mens 
 trouble  continue ,  he  will  now  and  then  comfort  them,  and  will 
 enable  them  to  bear  their  trouble ,  when  comfort  isfufpended: 
 He  is  their  firength  in  time  of  trouble.  3.  When  the  godly  in 
 their  trouble  feel  their  own  wants  and  weakneffe,  he  will  furnifh 
 what  in  them  is  lacking  >  till  the  delivery  come ;  The  Lord 
 Jball  bclptbcm*  and  deliver  them.  4.  Albeit  man v  be  the  trouble* 
 of  the  godly ,  especially  from  their  wicked  perfecutorsj  yet  by 
 faith  in  God  they /hall  keep  their  con fcience  clean  :  Their  caufe 
 they  maintaine  whole,  and  (hall  have  their  fouls  fafe,  do  what 
 their  perfecutors  can ;  He  fall  deliver  themfromthe  r*icfed>  and 
 five  them  becaufe  they  trufl  in  him. 
 
 PSAL.   XXXVIII. 
 
 A Ttfdmc  of  David,  to  bring  in  remembrance. 
 
 In  this  Pfalme  David  in  trouble.- both  of  foul  arid 
 body ,  as  an  example-  of  the  hardeft  exercifes 
 that  Chrifts  followers  can  fall  intoj  Firft, 
 prayeth  for  the  mitigation  of  his  trouble,  and 
 femovall  of  wrath  5  verf.  1.  And  fecondly, 
 fayeth  out  this  fenfe  of  the  trouble  which  he 
 felt  immediately  from  God  ,  verf 4  t,  3, 4,  5,  6, 
 
 7,8. 
 
PSAL.    XXXVIII.  255 
 
 7,8,  Thirdly,  having  put  up  his  confufed  de- 
 fircs  to  God  ,  for  prayers  in  the  fenfe  of  his 
 inability  to  expreffe  himfelf,  verf.  9,  io*  He 
 layes  out  his  fenfe  of  the  grief  and  troubles 
 which  he  felt  from  men,  and  endured  with 
 great  patience,  <verf.  if,  12,13,14.  Fourthly, 
 be  fets  down  the  wreftling  he  had  in  prayer 
 to  God  ,  becaufe  of  his  perfecution  by  nis 
 adverfaries  ,  vtrf.  i<$,  16, 17,  18,19,  20.  And 
 clofeth  thePfalme,  not  having  gotten  comfort 
 for  the  time,  verf  21,22. 
 
 F Rom  the  Inscription  i  Learn,  that  excrcifes  of  confciencc, 
 the  more  heavie  they  have  been  ,  the  more  fhould  they  be 
 remembered  ,  and  the  paffages  thereof  more  carefully  marked  j 
 when  the  fenfe  thereof  is  moftfrefh  ,  left  they  pafle  without  the 
 fruic  which  may  be  had  of  them  after  deliverie  :  for  thus  much 
 are  we  taught  by  the  Inscription  of  this  Pfalme  ,  wherein  it  is  in- 
 tituled :    a  Pfalme  o/David  to  bringto  remembrance. 
 
 Vcrf.  1  ,f~\  LORD,  rebuke  me  not  in  thy  wrath:  ne't- 
 \Jt  thcr  c  haft  en  me  in  thy  hot  di(p  leaf  fire. 
 
 FRom  hispnvyer  for  mitigation  Gf  trouble  and  removall  of 
 wraths  Learn,  1.  It  is  confiftent  with  Gods  Fatherly  love, 
 and  our  Sonfhip,  to  tafte  of  I^therly  wrath  a^ainft  oar  firtnes,  as 
 this  place  proveth.  2;  Albeit  it  is  not  lawful!  for  us  to  follow  our 
 natural  defires  in  prayer,  or  to  fcek  to  be  free  of  chiftiferEent  >  yec 
 may  we  feek  mitigation  of  trouble  ,  and  tempering  of  our  cup.  lb 
 a-s  we  may  digeft  it ,  and  we  may  pray  for  the  removall  of  Father- 
 lv  wrath  alfo^;  Rebuke  me  not  in  thy  wrafb,  vor  cbaftcn  me  in  tbj 
 hot  dijpleafnrc. 
 
 Verf.  2.  For  thine  arrows  (tickj*aft  in  me ;  and 
 thbx  hand  pre  ffttb  me  fore. 
 
 3.  There  is  no  foundneffe  in  mypfh,  becaufe  of 
 thine  anger  :  neither  is  there  any  reft  in  mj  bones  %  be- 
 caufe ofmyftn,  4,  For 
 
i55  PSAL.  XXXVIII. 
 
 4.  For  mine  iniquities  are  gone  over  mine  head ;    ai 
 an  heavie  burden^  they  are  too  heaviefor  Me. 
 
 5 .  My  wounds  ft  intend  are  corrupt ,  becaUfe  of  my 
 foolifhneffe. 
 
 6.  I  am  troubled^  1  dm  bowed  down  greatly :  T  go 
 mourning  all  the  day  long. 
 
 7.  Tor  my  loins  are  filled  with  a  loathfome  dijeafei 
 and  there  is  nofoundneffe  in  myfiefb. 
 
 8.  I  am  feeble  and  j ore  broken j    I  have  roamed  by 
 teafon  ofthedifquietneffe  ofmj  heart* 
 
 He  giveth  the  reafon  of  his  prayer  from  his  pittiful  cafe  both  in 
 foul  and  body.  Whence  learn,  1.  When  it  pleafeth  the  Lord  to 
 make  his  children  fenfible  t*of  their  finnes,  and  of  his  dreadfull 
 juftice;  he  can  make  the  tokens  of  his  difpleafure  againfl  finne 
 piercing  fharp  ,  and  prcfling  heavie  ;  Thy  arrowes  fticfi  f  ft  in 
 rne,  and  thy  handprejfeth  me  fore.  2.  Although  the  Lord  mould 
 fet  usas  a  marke  to  ihoot  at ,  and  lay  the  heavieft  load  of  judge- 
 ments onus  for  our  finnes  >  yet  we  muft  not  feek  the  cafe  thereof, 
 nor  can  we  have  eafe  from  them,  fave  by  coming  to  God  him- 
 felf ,  to  bemoan  our  miferie ,  as  this  example  teacheth  us.  3 .  As 
 the  fenfe  of  trouble  on  our  body ,  or  any  way  elfe  will  waken  the 
 conference  of  finne;  fo  the  confeience  )of  finne  ,  and  feeling  of 
 wrath  due  for  our  fin,  will  make  no  fmall  alteration  on  our  very^ 
 fcodiej :  There  u  no  foundncjfe  in  myflefh,  becaufe  ef  thine  anger, 
 nor  reft  in  my  bones  becaufe  of  my  finne.  4.  One  finne  will  waken 
 the  metnorie  of  moe  finnes,  till  theyprefent  themfclves as  an  in- 
 numerable armie ;  My  iniquities  are  gone  over  my  head.  5 .  How 
 light  foever  finne  may  feem  when  it  is  committed,  it  will  be  found 
 infupportably  heavie,  when  God  pur  hies  for  it :  -As  an  heavy  bur* 
 den  ,  they  are  too  heavie  forme.  6.  When  the  Lord  doth  finite 
 the  confeience  for  finne ,  the  rod  will  not  fail  to  make  a  wound, 
 which  fhall  have  need  of  the  cure  of  the  Phyfician ,  according  to 
 the  bruife  made  by  his  hand,  or  deep  piercing  of  his  arrowes  $  for 
 after  arrowes  and  prefling  hand  he  mentions  wounds  more 
 then  one.  7.  When  a  wounded  fpirit  is  not  timeoufly  by  a  right 
 cure  bound  up  and  healed  3  the  wounds  do  grow  the  longer  the 
 worfe  $  the  longer  the  more  guiltinefle,  filthineflc  and  perplexity 
 of  fpirit  doth  grow :  My  wounds  doftinfi  and  arc  corrupt*  8.  As 
 skrough  our  iixonlideration  of  our  dutie,  and  danger  of  finning 
 
 vvc 
 
PSAL.     XXXVIII.  257 
 
 we  fall  actually  in  fu  ne,  and  do  draw  upon  our  felvcs  wrath:  So 
 by  our  inconfide ration  of  the  light  lemedie,  wc  augment  the 
 meafure  01  both  :  My  wounds  ftin^  and  are  corrupt  ,  becuujc 
 of  toy  foolifineffc.  9.  So  long  as  the  coi  fcience  or'  finne  and 
 feme  of  wrath  kept  on  thereby  do  laft,  the  mans  wit  ?nd  his  cou- 
 rage, and  his  countenance  and  his  joy  a  re  fmitten  j  bcth  betore 
 God  and  men  ;  I  am  troubled,  I  am  bowed  down  greatly  ,  J  go 
 mourning  all  the  day  lung.  10.  To  ad.de  to  the  pace,  and  to  make 
 the  fcnlc  of  finne  more  bitter :  The  Lord  can  lay  his  hand  on  the 
 body,  and  make  the  loathfomnefle  of  the  fickrieffe  reiemble  the 
 loathfomnefle  of  the  finne  whichdrewiton  ,  and  to  fpeak  unto 
 the  conlcience  in  its' own  language  ,  the  caufc  why  it  is  ferit  unto 
 bim  ;  For  my  loincs  arc  filed  with  a  loath fome,  difexfe  5  and  there 
 is  no  {ound.;cffe  inmyflejh.  11.  A  wounded  foirh  will  dam  and 
 beat  down  the  ftcutcit  heart  it  can  meet  with,  J  am  feeble  and  fore 
 broken,  ifc.  If  the  Lord  purfqe  a  mans  conference  for  finne, ar.d 
 intimate  his  dilpleafureagainft  him  ,  and  continue  this  cxercile 
 for  any  time;  it  will  pafie  the  mans  power  to  hide  or  fmother  his 
 grief",  or  hold  in  the  expreffions  thereof ;  I  have  roared  by  reafon 
 of  the  difquietneffe  of  my  heart* 
 
 Vfrf.  9.  Lord,  all  my  define  is  before  thee  $  and  my 
 groaning  :s  not  htdfrom  thee. 
 
 10   My  heart  panteth,  my  ftrtngih  faikth  me  ;  M 
 for  the  light*    of   mint  eyes    it    alfo    i*    gone    from  , 
 me. 
 
 In  tc  third  place,that  he  may  bring  forth  the  trouble  which  he 
 fuffercd  irom  men  y  and  his  patience  towards  them  ,    he  prefent- 
 cth  his  heart  to  God  ,  as  it  was  full  of  confuted  defires,  inftead  of 
 explicite  prayers,    being  now  unable  to  cxprefie  himfelf more 
 largely.     JVbcnce  learn,  1.  As  finne  caufeth  wrath ,  and  wrath 
 fore  ftrokes  and  forrow ;  ib  thefe  evils  looked  upon  ,  mould  waken 
 defires  to  have  them  removed  ,  and  fend  us  to  feck  the  true  reme- 
 die  thereof  in  God,  as  here  doth  the  Pfalmift.      2.  As  defires 
 ani  groans,  if  they  be  prefented  to  God ,  have  their  owne  fpeech, 
 which  we  cannot  cxpreue  in  time  ofour  confuffions  s   fo  fhould 
 we  account  of  them,not  as  of  vanifhing  expreffions  oi'  nature,  bvX 
 as  prayers  iti ned  up  by  God,  and  {landing  before  him  till  ttfey 
 receive  their  anfwer  $  Lord ,  all  my  defire  is  before  tbzc     $ .   1 
 not  wrcftling  with  trouble  within  ou;  felves  :  n  r  venti 
 grief  as  natural!  men  which  cm  give  us  cafe ,   but  pc 
 
258  PSAL.    XXXVIII. 
 
 ,^ne  heart  before  the  Lord  which  muft  doit:  All  my  defire  if 
 hfore  thee.  4.  The  ftrength  of  faith  in  the  godly  is  not  fo 
 great,  as  to  fwallow  up  all  infirmities;  but  fo  great  as  to  wre  file 
 with  them,  and  confefle  them  to  God  ,  who  uleth  to  fupplie  his 
 own  with  his  ftiength  and  wife  directionywhen  their  own  ftrength 
 is  evacuate ,  and  the  man  is  before  God  humbled:  For  here 
 even  Davids  heart  pantetb  and  his  ftrength  fxileth  him  y  and  the 
 light  of  his  eyes  is  gone  from  him  5  not  fo  much  in  regard  of  the 
 bodies  decay  ,  as  in  his  fpiritual  condition  ,  expreffed  in  bodily 
 termes,  and  thus  much  lor  the  troubleSjwhich  he  felt  immediate- 
 ly from  Gods  hand, 
 
 Verfe  11.  My  lovers  andmy  friends  ft  and  aloof e from 
 my  fore  :   and  my  Iqnfmen  ft  and  afar  off. 
 
 1 2.  They  alfo  that  feek  after  my  life ,  lay  fnares  for 
 me  :  and  they  that  fcek^  my  hurt ,  fteak  mtfchievom 
 things  ?  and  imagine  deceits  all  the  day  long. 
 
 1 3.  *Bfit  I,  as  a  deaf  many  heard  not, ;  and  I  was  04 
 adumbeman  that  openetk  not  his  mouth. 
 
 14  Thus  I  was  as  a  man  that  heareth  not ,  and  in 
 yohofe  mouth  are  noreproofes. 
 
 From  the  troubles  which  he  felt  from  men  5  Learn,  1.  A 
 wounded  fpirit  is  ad  ifeafe  which  the  naturall  man  hath  no  skill 
 of,  not  will  to  meddle  with  5  but  flierh  from  it  >  as  from  a  plague 
 cr,  pert ;  My  lovers  and  my  friends  fiand  aloof  from  my  fore.  2.I11 
 time  of  fad  affliction  and  narrow  'trial!  of  our  faith  ,  naturall 
 bonds  between  lis  and  our  kinsfolk  ,  will  {brink  and  faile  us,  fo 
 as  we  iliall  have  little  comfort  in  the  earth  >  My  bjnfmen  ftani 
 afar  off.  3.  In  time  offodexercifes  and  hard  trials,  as  friends 
 rrny  faile  :  fo  enemies  may  make  head  ,  and  by  craft  and  cruelty, 
 by  (landers  and  cunning  poiicie,  open  enmity  and  fecretjplot- 
 tin^  may  confpire  againft  a  mans  fame,,  good caufe  and  life, 
 They  «lfo  ikatfr.e\  after  my  life,  lay  fnares  for  me  y  and  they  that 
 fce\  my  hurt ,  fpea\  mifchievom  things  ,  and  imagine  deceits  all 
 the  day  long.  4.  The  more  emptied,  afflicted,  difconfolate,for- 
 f  ken  of  friends,  purfued  by  foes  a  man  be;  if  he  go  to  God  for 
 reconciliation  and  relief ,  he  hatL  ground  of  hope  to  be  helped, 
 and  to  have  God  engaged  to  him  fo  much  the  more;  for  here 
 David  makcth  this  u(e  of  all  his  troubles,  he  layeth  all  out  before 
 God.    5.  ItispoiTible,  yeaand^ft-timCscomethtopaiTe/that: 
 
 the 
 
PSAL.     XXXVIII.  25? 
 
 the  godly  have  fo  many  lies  made  of  them,  calumnies  and  flan*" 
 ders  devifed  and  vented  againfl:  them  byfo  many  mou'thes ,  tha* 
 they  are  not  able  to  follow  them  ,  or  to  anfwer  and  refute  them  ; 
 but  are  forced  to  misken  them  ,  and  in  patience  hold  themfelves 
 quiet  till  Goi  make  matters  clear  for  them;  But  I  Of  a  deaf 
 min  beard,  not ,  and  as  a  ditmbe  man  opened  not  my  mouth.  6. When 
 the  godly  overloadcn  with  multitude  ofcalumniesj  and  the  mul- 
 titude of  enemies  backing  them,  do  fit  down  in  patient  filence, 
 not  feeing  to  what  purpok  they  (peak:  They  are  taken  readily 
 as  guilty^or  as  fuch  who  cannot  refute  the  thing  which  is  alledged 
 of  them  j  or  maintaine  the  truth  which  they  profefle ,  and  this 
 is  an  addition  unto  all  the  reft  of  their  trouble  $  As  David  im«* 
 porteth,  faying:  TbmwM  I  m  a  man  that  bear  eih  not  3  and  in 
 wbofe  mouth  are  no  reproof es. 
 
 Vcrfe  I  $.  For  in  thee,  0  LORD,  do  I  hope  :  thou 
 Vtilt  bear,  0  Lord  my  God. 
 
 1 6.  Forlfaidy  Hear  me,  left  otherwlfe  they  fhould 
 rejojeeovermei  when  my  foot  ftp feth,  they  magnifie 
 themfelves  againfl  me. 
 
 1 7.  For  I  am  ready  to  halt  9  and  my  farrow  is  conti* 
 nnMy  before  me. 
 
 18.  For  1  will  declare  mine  iniquity^  I  Vvill be forry 
 formjfin, 
 
 19.  But  mine  enemies  are  lively ,  and  they  are 
 flrong:  and  they  that  hate  me  Wrongfully  9  are  mul- 
 tiplied. 
 
 20.  They  alfo  that  render  evill  for  goody  are 
 mine  adverfaries ;  becaufe  I  follow  the  thing  thtit 
 good  i*> 
 
 In  the  fourth  place  he  fetteth  down  his  wreftling  againfthi* 
 perfecutors,  feeking  to  deftroy  both  him  and  his  righteous  caufc* 
 Hence  learn,  i.  It  isaforeand  high  degree  ofthetriall  of  the 
 godly ,  when  at  one  time  God  purlueth  for  fin,  and  friends  with- 
 draw from  them  in  the  duties  of  humanicy,  and  psrfecutors  are 
 likely  to  deftroy  their  lives  5  and  withal!  do  fupprefle  Religionin 
 their  perfon  by  this  means  ;  and  yet  this  hath  been  the  cafe  of 
 many  of  God?  children,  and  may  be  alfo,  as  this  example  teach 
 
a6o  PSAL.    XXXVIII. 
 
 us ;  yea,  $lfo  our  Lord  Jefus,  his  condition  was  like  this* 
 when  he  fuftered  lor  our  finnes.  2. .  Sore  trialls  cannot  be  borne 
 without  holding  faft  the  gripe  of  the  Covenant  of  Grace  ,  for 
 this  fixeth  faiths  and  ftrengthens  hope  ,  and  furniiheth  patience 
 irf~grxateit  troubles,  $  for  J) avid  rendereth  this  reafon,  for  his 
 bearing  patiently  his  forefaid  hard  condition  :  In  thee,  0  Lord, 
 (io  1  hope  5  Thou  wilt  hear.  0  Lord  my  God.  3 .  If  the  Covenant 
 be  nolo  en  faft  ,  whereby  we  may  warrantably  call  God  our  God ; 
 >ve  may  be  as  it  were  ,  furety  to  our  felf  for  a  good  anfwer  from 
 j3od$  Thou  wilt  hear  me,  0  Lord  my  God.  4."  When  the  ene- 
 mies of  the  godly  in  their  righteous  c^ule  ,  are  ready  to  triumph 
 over  the  godly  and  their  caufe  ,  and  the  godly  are  like  to  be  dif- 
 coura.ged  ,  if  the  Lord  help  not ;  then  the  godly  may  be  fure  the 
 Lord  will  hear  and  he'p:  For  !D*£ii  giveth  this  for  a  reafon  Qf 
 his  perfwa(ion,that  God  would  hear  him,  verf.  1  5.  becaufe  the 
 enemies  orherwayes  would  triumph ,  and  he  be  made  to  halt,  and 
 turne  off  the  way,  verf.  16,17.  for  in  this  the  Lords  glory  is  in- 
 terefted.  $.  When  she  outward  urofperous  condition  of  the 
 godly  is  changed  3  and  their  feet  flip  ,  and  the  hand  of  the 
 Lord  lieth  on  foi  e  without  relaxation  ,  even  they  of  ftrong  faith 
 are  readie  to  be  difcouraged  and  faint  j  fo  weak  are  we  in  faith 
 when  a  hard  triall  cometh  :  For,  IVitn  the  enemy  magnified  him- 
 fclfdgainftDvndi  Whenhu  feet  flipped ,  when  hk  for row  was 
 continually  before  him  ^  He  confeifeth  he  was  ready  to  halt;  To 
 >vak.:n  the  godly,  tfyatthey  might  guard  againft  this  tentation. 
 6.  To  keep  our  ielves  from  fretting  under  trouble  ,  it  is  expedi- 
 ent t}iat  we  compare  our  {ins  with  Gods  fatherly  chaftifements  of 
 us  j  and  that  we  take  courfe  rorrcmiflion  of  our  (in  3  and  turne 
 the  forrow  railed  by  affliction  into  godly  forrow  for  fin ;  for  this 
 J) avid  refolved  in  his  diftrefle ,  1  will  declare  mine  iniquitic ,  / 
 will  be  jorrie  for  my  fin.  7.  The  Lord  fodifpofeth  of  the  out- 
 ward condition  of  t^e  godly  and  the  wicked  in  this  life,  that 
 the  godly  oft-times  have  the  mourning  part ,  and  the  wicked  the 
 rejoycing  part,  and  that  fo  much  the  more  as  they  fee  the  head  of 
 the  godly  is  borne  done  :  I  will  be  forry  for  my  fin,  but  mine 
 enemies  are  lively  and  firong.  8.  As  it  is  a  matter  of  grief  to  fee 
 the  affliction  of  the  godly  growing  ,  and  the  enemies  growing  in 
 joy  and  ftrength  and  number ;  fo  it  is  a  matter  of  comfort ,  that 
 the  enemies  of  the  godly  ate  enemies  without  a  juft  caufe  given  ' 
 1:0  them:  They  that  hate  me  wrongfully)  4re  multiplied.  9.  We 
 muft  not  leave  ofTthe  doing  of  what  God  requireth  at  our  hands, 
 albeit  we  fliquld  have  the  hatred  of  the  v\roild>  fck  Pavidfollewed 
 
 tbut 
 
PSAL.  XXXIX.  26x 
 
 that  which wm  good,  albeit  his  advcrfaries  for  that  very  caufe 
 did  render  to  him  evil  for  pod. 
 
 Verf.  21.  Forfakemenoty  0  Lord-,  0  my  God,  be 
 not  far  from  me* 
 
 22.  Make  hafle  to  help  me  ,  0  Lordmj falvation0 
 
 He  clofeth  the  Pfalme  with  prayer,  laying  all  his  weight  on  the 
 Covenant,not  having  gocten  comfort  for  the  time.  VV)ience  learn, 
 i.  We  muft  not  limit  the  Lord  td  give  us  comfort  and  deliver- 
 ance, when  We  think  we  have  grcatcft  need  of  it ,  but  muft  leave 
 our  prayer  at  his  ieet ,  as  the  Prophet,  doth.  2.  The  BeJcevec 
 muft  be  fo  w  aric  to  lean  unto  fenfe  ,  that  he  muft  hold  the  grips 
 of  faith,  not  onely  when  he  miileth  fenfe  of  comfort,  b:it  alio 
 when  Gods  dilpenfation  toward  him,  and  his  fenfe  thereof  dotfi 
 feem  to  fpeak  moil  contrary  to  faith  *  Forfafie  me  not,  6  Lord; 
 be  not  far  re  from  me:  Mlakehaftc  to  help  me  ,  faith  Davids  faith, 
 when  his  fenfe  fpeaketh  what  his  prayer  here  impOrteth,  that 
 is,  p  relent  perdition.  3;  The  bond  of  the  Covenant  of  Grace 
 is  able  to  bear  the  weight  of  the  Beleeversmoft  heavie  burcien,anj 
 by  vertue  of  it,  he  may  lay  claim  unto  God,  as  his  owne  God,and 
 lay  claim  alfo  unto  falvation  in  him;  for  notwithstanding  of  all 
 the  troubles  and  tentations  laid  forth  in  this  PfaJme ,  the  Be- 
 leeverfuftaineth  all  on  this  ground;  0  my CfOd,  0  Lord  my  faU 
 nation ;  And  here  is  the  vi&orie  of  Faith. 
 
 PSAL,     XXXIXi 
 
 to  the  chief  Mufician,  even  to  Jeduthun.  A  Pfalm  0/David. 
 
 Another  fuch  like  hard  exercife  as  in  the 
 former  Pfalme,  wherein  David  acknowlegeth 
 his  infirmity  in  a  paffionate  exprefiion  when 
 he  was  in  trouble,  verf.  1,2,3,4.  Secondly,  he 
 recovered  and  comforted  himfelf,  v*rf.  5^6,7. 
 Thirdly,  what  was  his  prayer  in  this  exercife, 
 verf  8,^10,11,12,  13. 
 
 $3  Ver£ 
 
252  PSAL.    XXXlX. 
 
 Vcrf.  i.T  Said>  1  Will  tak*  herd  ton)]  vrayes\  that  I 
 \  finne  not  with  my  tongue  j  I  Will  ke^p  my 
 mouth  with  a  bridle  3   while  the    wicked   is   before 
 me* 
 
 2.  lwas  dumbt^ith  (ilence^  I held  my  peace ,  even 
 from  good^  anJt  my  forroW  Vpm  ftirred* 
 
 3.  Mj  heart  was  hot  within  me>  ^hlle  I  was  mufing^ 
 the  fire  burned ;   thenjj^*  /  With  my  tongue. 
 
 4.  LOR'D,  make  me  to  knoto  mine  end^  and 
 the  mea(ure  of  m)  dayes ,  what  it  is :  that  /  may 
 know  hoVo  frail  I  am, 
 
 THe  Prophet  for  fear  of  impatient  expreffion  in  his  trouble* 
 refolved  to  keep  filence  in  the  audience  of  the  wicked  3  but 
 was  net  able  to  keep  in  his  paffionate  wifhing  for  death.  Whence 
 learn,  1.  As  it  is  the  Lords  will  that  we  fhould  have  the  infirmi- 
 ties of  the  Saints  regiftred  unto  us  for  our  edification  ,  as  well  as 
 their  vertures :  So  it  is  his  will,  that  when  the  confeflion  of  our 
 infirmity  may  profit  others  ,  we  fhould  not  fpare  to  let  it  be 
 known,  as  thispaffogetcachethus.  2.  Conference  of  our  weak- 
 neffe ,  and  of  the  unrulinefle  of  our  tongues,  ready  to  break  forth 
 Jnthetimcoftentation  ,  fhould  make  us  take  better  heed  to  our 
 felves,  and  to  watch  over  our  fpeeches :  J  faid,  1  will  tx\c  heed 
 to  my  wayes>  that  I  finne  not  with  my  tongue.  3.  Becaufe  the 
 wicked  may  take  advantage  ofthegodlies  mifcarrying  in  time 
 of  their  trouble,  it  is  needfull  to  watch  the  more  over  our  beha-* 
 viour  and  words  in  their  prefence  ;  I  will  keep  my  mouth  with  a 
 bridle ,  while  they  are  before  me.  4*  When  we  are  sbout  to  keep 
 in  our  corruptions,  and  amend  our  own  faults  by  our  own  way  of 
 it ,  our  wrfdome^our  itrcngth,  our  refolutions,  we  do  not  efchew 
 the  evilwe  would  efchew  3  and  we  alfo  fall  in  a  fault  we  were  not 
 awar  of  $  as  here  inftead  of  praying  to  Gcd  to  dived  one  part  of 
 his  fpeeety  after  another  ,  that  he  might  fptak  prudently  in  the 
 audience  of  the  wicked  ,  he  did  not  fpesk  a  all ,  he  did  not  fpeak 
 that  which  he  mi^ht-  and  fhould  have  !pcken  :  I  wm  dumbe  with 
 filence ,  I  held  my  peace  even  from  good.  5.  When  grief  is  not 
 jightly  vented  buc  fuppeiled .  i,  is  no:  'hereby  atfwaged  but  en - 
 creafed  rather  i  I  veld  my  peace ,  and  my  forrcw  wm  ftirred. 
 6.  The  power  of  finftill  nature,  and  imaged  paffionsisfuch, 
 
 that 
 
PSAL.    XXXIX.  -2.6$ 
 
 that  even  when  they  are  opppofed  by  reafon  or  ftrength  of  grace  in 
 us  ,  they  may  eafily  over-power  us  ,  except  God  put  to  his  hand 
 to  help  us  in  the  conflict  ;  My  hexrt  wot  hot  within  me:  while  I 
 was  mufing  the  fire  burned  :  then  [pafe  I  with  my  tongue.  7.  It 
 is  a  natural  evil  in  man  when  he  is  overcome  by  trouble  in  this 
 life  to  wi/h  for  death  ,  looking  to  be  in  a  better  condition  by  the 
 change;  As  the  fick  man  looketh  foreafeby  ch  mging  of  his 
 ted,  and  here  verf.  4.  we  have  the  example  of  it.  8  The 
 fhortnefleofthis  life  is  a  mitigation  of  the  troubles  thereof  un- 
 to the  godly  ,  and  the  fear  that  life  mculd~coritinue  longer  then 
 the  fflicled  man  would  ,  augmenteth  the  trouble;  and  this  is 
 the  fountaine  of  thispaflionaue  and  curious  wifh :  Lord  ma\e  me  to 
 know  mine  end ,  and  the  mcafurc  of  my  day  es  what  it  is  :  that  I 
 may  \\ncw  how  frail  I  am. 
 
 Verfe  <;.  'Behalf  thou  haft  made  my  dayes  as 
 an  hand- breadth  j  and  mine  age  is  as  nothing  before 
 thee;  verily  ever y man  at  his  befl  fiate  is  altogether 
 vanity.  Selah. 
 
 6.  Surely  every  man  Vvalktth  in  a  vaine  fhew\  fure- 
 ly  they  are  difejuieteh  in  vaine^  be  heapeth  up  riches><W 
 knoweth  not  who fhall gather  them. 
 
 7.  ts4nd  noty,  Lord ,  what  -waiie  lfor  t  my  hope  is 
 in  thee. 
 
 In  the  fecond  place,  not  being  anfwered  in  this  curious  que- 
 stion, but  fecretly  checked  for  his  impatient  wifh  3  he  content^ 
 fcimfelf  with  the  known  truth,  That  this  prefent  life  is  but  {hort, 
 how  long  foever  it  mail  laft  ,  and  refolveth  to  wait  on  Gods  time 
 patiently.  Whence  learn,  1 .  For  tempering  our  condition  what- 
 soever it  be  ,  it  fhould  fuffice  us  to  know  ,  that  whether  we  be 
 in  profperity  or  adverfitie,  our  time  in  this  life  is  but  fhort : 
 Thou  haft  made  my  dayes  at  an  hand-breadth^  and  mine  age  U  m  no- 
 thing before  thee.  2.  Not  in  profperity,  but  in  adverfitie,  is  the 
 uncertainty,  weaknefle ,  emptineffe,  and  vanity  of  profperity, 
 and  things  temporall  well  fcen  ;  for  in  troubles  fayes  Vdvid^ 
 Verily  every  man  at  his  be  ft  ftate  is  altogether  vanity*  j.  What- 
 foever  feemeth  excellent  in  the  eyes  of  naturall  men  in  this  world, 
 is  but  the  fliadow  of  what  it  feemeth  j  health,  ftrdngth^profperity, 
 riches,  pleaXure;  honour,  dominion,  power,  "authority  are  bat 
 
 S4   •  *e 
 
254  PSAL.  XXXIX. 
 
 the  fhadowes  of  things  fo  named  -r   Every  man  walkctb  in  avaine 
 fiew.    4.  Too  much  care  and  anxiety  about  things  of  this  life,  is 
 a  fickneffe  and  folly ,   Surely  they  art  difquictci  in  vain.    5.  Ex- 
 perience puttethaceep  flamp  of  the  truth  upon  a  mans  minde5 
 and  caufes  him  to  fet  his  fubfeription  unto  it  without  hefitation  3 
 Verily,  funly,  fur  el)  3   is  the  feale  of  this  truth  here  delivered 
 after  his  experience.     6>  The  too  much  care  which  men  take  to 
 gather  richesj  this  toyling  and  travelling,  this  ip'cnding  of  bodie, 
 of  wit  and  time ,  this  frowning  on  forne^  and  fawning  on  others, 
 this  pleading  and  fighting  with  iome3  and  flattering  of  others , 
 ■with  the  reft  of  other  fhifts  which  men  ufe  to  gather  riches, 
 ("which  they  muft  leave  behinde  them  ^  and  do  not  know  to 
 whom,)   is  a  point  of  great  folly  and  vanity  in  men;    He  heaps 
 up  riches,  and  knoweth  not  whofhall  gather  them.    7.  The  rteht 
 ufe  of  the  perceived  vanity  of  all  things  under  the  Sunne  ,  is  that 
 V/e  (hould  be  knt  by  that  confederation  unto  G  d  to  Veil  on  him  ; 
 Ani  now,  Lord,  what  wait  rfor  ?    8.  That  wjiich  God  hath  pro- 
 mifed  in  the  life  to  come  ,  is  onely  fatisfaclory  and  able  to  quies 
 amansminde,  and  make  him  patiently  wait  on  Gcd  in  all  his 
 trouble ;     What  wait  I  for  ?  •  my  hope  U  in  thee. 
 
 Verf.  %. 'Deliver  me  from  all  my  tranfgrejfiow,  make 
 me  not  the  reproach  ofthefoolifh. 
 
 9.  /  Wat  dumb  e  1  I  opened  not  my  mouth;  becaufe 
 thou  didfi  it. 
 
 10.  Remove  thy  firoke  a^ay  from  me  }  I  dm  confu- 
 ted by  the  blow  of  thine  hand. 
 
 II.  When  thou  wtth  rebukes  doefi  correfi  man 
 for  iniquity,  thou  make  ft  his  beautie  to  confume 
 aWay  like  a  mothe :  furely  every  man  is  vanity. 
 Selah. 
 
 1 2.  he  are  my  prater  ,  C >  LORT)  \  and  give 
 eare  unto  my  cry  :  hold  not  thy  peace  at  my  tears : 
 fori  am**  (IranaerXfitkthee  ,  and  a  jojottmery  M  All 
 my  fathers  were. 
 
 13.O  fpare  merfhat  1  may  recover  Strength ;  before 
 J  %o  hence }  and  be  no  more. 
 
 In  the  third  place,  he  prayeth  to  be  freed  from  his  finnes  ,  and 
 the  fenfe  of  Gods  wrath,  uiing  fundrie  reafons  to  help  jiis  faith. 
 
 Whence 
 
PSAL.     XXXIX.  265 
 
 Whence  learn>  1. Seeing  fin  doth  plunge  us  in  all  perplexities ,  and 
 bringeth  trouble  after  trouble  upon  us;    the   belt  cure  of  our 
 trouble,  is  to  feck  pardon  for  our  fins  •    'Deliver  me  from  all  my 
 tranjgrejfwns.     z.  The  ungodly  are  focles,  let  them,  feem  to 
 themtelves  and  ethers  what  they  pleafe,  for  all  their  way  and  work 
 '  is  to  make  themfclves  miferable ;  therefore  doth  the  Scripture  call 
 them  fookfh.     5.  That  the  wicked  get  no  advantage   of    us  fo 
 as   by   troubling  of  us   to  drive  us  from  theprofeffionofrigh- 
 teoufneffe  ,  for  which  they  do  perfecute  us ,  fliould  be  the  maine 
 care  of  every  Beleever  under  perfecution  :    For  this  is  Davids 
 prayer,  Make  me  not  the  reproach  of the  foolifi.    4.  It  isaifuall 
 to  us  to  fee  our  duty  after  we  have  finned,betterthen  beforejfor^af- 
 ter  experience  of  his  falling,  he  refolveth  it  is  his  duty  not  to  fpeak 
 an  impatient  word,   but  to  be  file nt,  and  not  open  his  mouth,  to 
 wit,  impatiently.     5.  The  confederation  of  God  for  cur  party, 
 with  whom  we  have  to  do  in  trouble,    (hould  humble  us,  and 
 make  us  quiet ;      7) avid  faith  ,  he  fhould  not  have   opened 
 his    mouth;     "Bccaufe   thou   Lord  did  ft  it.     6.    Prayer  for 
 removing  the  tokens  of  Gods  yifplecfurc  ,  efpccially  after  pray- 
 er for  remiflionof fins,  is  not  contrary  to  patience  and  filent 
 .  fubmiflion  under  Gods  hand  $  for  heprayeth  alfc,   %emove  away 
 thy  ftroakfromme.     7.  When  we  feci  the  Lords  hand  heavic 
 upon  us ,  we  m?.y  bemoane  our  feives  to  him  with  fubmiffion  to 
 his  will,  for  he  pitieth  us>  and  will  lay  no  more  on  us  then  we  are 
 able  tobe.u-e  ,  1  am  consumed  by  the  blow  of  thy  hand.     8.  The 
 ftcruteft  and  ftrongeft  courage  will    foon  be  brought  down  by 
 trouble  of  confeiehee  ,  when  Goi  entereth  in  judgement  with 
 him,  man  falls  down ;    When  thou  with  rebukes  do  ft  correct  man 
 for  iniquitie  ,  thou  make  ft  his  beauty  to  confume  away  like  &  mothez 
 jurely  every  man    is  vanity.      9.   When  God  feemeth    to   re- 
 fufe   to   hear  prayer,    true    faith  will  follow  God  with  more 
 fervent  prayer,  and  crying,  and  teares,  and  not  leave  God  with- 
 out a  good  anfwer :    Hear  my  prayer,  0  Lord  5  give  car  unt$  my 
 cry,  hold  not  thy  peace  at  my  teares.    10.  The  more  our  hearts  be 
 alienated  from  this  world,  andconveriant  with  God  by  faiths  the 
 more  we  mi  fie  cur  countrey,  our  parents,  our  kinfmen  on  earth, 
 and  have  our  conveifation  in  hoven  ,   the  more  we  may  be  af- 
 fured   that   God  fliall  avow  himfelf  to  be  our  God  :    I  am  & 
 ftrangcr  and  a  fojoumcr  with  thee.    1  s .  Entering  our  feives  heirs 
 unto  the  godly  ,  who  lived  before  us  in  their  eftrangements  from 
 the  world,  and  feeking  after  heaven  ,  intitkth  us  unto  their  com- 
 forts alio  J    I  am  ajoioiwier  as  all  my  fathers.    12.  It  is  an 
 
 ufuali 
 
266  PSAL.   XL. 
 
 ufuall  tentation  unto  the  godly  in  their  trouble  ,  that  they  fliall 
 never  be  relieved  out  of  it  in  this  life  3  Ofpare  me  before  I  go 
 hence.  13.  Thcgodly  may  pray  for  a  little  breathing  before 
 death  with  fabmiflion  3  that  they  may  the  moxe  quietly  render 
 up  their  fpirits  to  God:  Spare  me>  that  I  may  recover  fir  ength  before 
 Igo  hence  and.  be  no  more.  14.  If  the  Lord  do  not  hearken  to  us 
 when  we  would,  and  as  we  would  leave  our  petition  befide  him* 
 till  he  anfwer  it,  as  here  the  Prophet  dotta 
 
 PSAL.     XL, 
 
 to  the  chief  iMufician,  A  ^ftlme  of  David. 
 
 'David  as  a  type  of  CKrift  in  the  whole  Pfalme, 
 and  as  an  example  of  theexercifeof  the  godly, 
 gtveth  thanks  for  the  experience  of  Gods  de- 
 livering of  him  out  of  a  notable  trouble,  verf. 
 1,2,5,4.  In  the  fecond  place,  he  is  led  on 
 in  his  thankfgiving  for  the  great  work  of  Re- 
 demption by  Chrift  the  Son  of  God  coming 
 into  fhe  world  ,  which  is  the  fountaineof 
 all  other  mercies  to  the  Saints,  verf.  5,6,7, 
 8.  In  the  third  place,  "David  in  type,  and  Chrift 
 in  the  accompliftiment ,  giving  accompt  of  his 
 propheticall  office,  intercedeth  and  prayeth 
 for  the  evidence  of  Gods  favour  to  himfelf  per- 
 sonally and  myfticayy  considered,  verf.  9,  10, 
 1 1  ,  1  a,  1 3  4  and  for  difappointment  of  his  ene- 
 mies, verf.  14,  15.  and  for  the  comfort  of 
 all  the  godly  beholding  his  exercife  and 
 his  delivery ,  which  he  confidently  doth  cx- 
 fpeft,  verf.  16,17. 
 
 Yerf. 
 
PSAL.     XL.  267 
 
 Vcrfe  I T  Waited  patient ly  for  the  LORD,  and  he  in- 
 JL  chned unto  me,  and heardtny  cry. 
 
 2.  He  brought  me  up  alfo  out  of  an  horrible  fit, out  of 
 the  mtrj  clay,  and  fct  my  feet  upon  a  rock^  and  eft  a* 
 blijbedmy  goings. 
 
 3 .  ssin d  he  hath  put  a  neVv  Song  in  my  mouthy  even 
 fraife  unto  our  God :  many  fhallfee  ittandfear,and  fhail 
 truftintheLORD. 
 
 4.  T/ejfed  is  the  man  that  maketh  the  LORD  his 
 truft  :  andrefpefteth  not  the  proud,  nor  fuch  as  turn  a* 
 fide  to  lies. 
 
 In  his  thankfgiving,  Learn,  1 .  As  the  Lord  of  let  purpofc  de- 
 layeth  to  anfwer  the  prayer  of  his  own,  and  fufpendeth  to  help 
 them  out  of  trouble  for  a  time,  that  he  may  try  and  train  their 
 faith  to  a  better  meafure  5  fo  the  believer  mull  refolve  to  wait  on 
 patiently,  1  waited  patiently  for  the  Lord.  2.  Albeit  waiting  for 
 the  time  is  joyned  withlanguour  and  grief,yet  the  remembrance  of 
 it  is  fweet,  and  it  wants  not  a  blefling  following  it ,  I  waited  ^.ni 
 be  enclincd  to  me>  and  heard  my  cry.  5 .  The  godly.may  be  brought 
 in  their  trouble  to  as  defperare  like  condition,  as  a  man  fain 
 in  a  horrible  deep  and  dark  pit,  finking  in  miry  clay,  out  of 
 which  there  is  no  appearance  of  relief,  in  which  cafe  as  the  great- 
 nefsof  the  danger  commendeth  the  faith  of  him  that  calleth  up- 
 on God,  and  waitethfor  him  5  So  doth  it  commend  Gods  wif* 
 dome,  power,  goodnefs,  and  faithfulnefs  in  delivering  the  pa- 
 tient waiter.  To  this  end  faith  the  Pfalmift,  He  brought  me  out 
 of  a  horrible  pit,  and  out  of  the  miry  day.    4.  The  man  who  de- 
 
 (>endeth  on  the  Lord  when  he  is  delivered  out  of  trouble,  is  net 
 ef:  to  himfelf,  but  the  Lords  dfe  attendcth  him  to  guide  him 
 after  his  delivery ;  He  brought  me  out  of  the  miry  clay,  and  fet  n?y 
 feet  upon  a  rock,  and  cjlablijbcd  my  goings.  5.  As  it  is  a  part  of 
 our  duty  to  gloiifie  God  after  every  mercy,  and  in  a  fpecial  man- 
 ner when  the  mercy  is  very  notable  :  So  it  is  a  new  gift  of  God 
 to  enable  a  man  to  give  thanks,  and  praife  for  the  mercy  received, 
 therefore  it  is  put  for  a  point  of  thankfgiving,  He  hath  put  a  new 
 fong  in  my  mouth.  6.  As  the  experience  of  Gods  mercy  to  ont: 
 who  is  in  Covenant  with  God,  is  the  encouragement  of  all  belie- 
 ver* :  lb  fliould  it  be  the  common  matter  of  praife  unto  God  from 
 
 them 
 
268  PSAL.  XL. 
 
 them  all,  therefore  doth  he  call  the  praifes  which  he  did  fing,  the 
 praifes  of  our  God.  7*  The  right  obfervation  of  Gods  mercy,  to 
 his  children,  efpecially  when  he  will  mew  him  felt  eminently,  is 
 able  to  ftrike  a  man  with  much  awe  and  reverence  of  God  who  is 
 fearful,  even  in  his  praifes ;  ZManyJhall  hear  and  fern  8.'  Then 
 do  we  make  right  obfervation  of  Gods  mercy  to  his  children^ 
 when  thereby  we  encourage  our  felves  to  look  for  the  like  mercy, 
 when  we  call  for  it  in  our  need  $  Many  fb  all  bear  and  fear ■,  and  twft 
 in  the  Lord.  9.  As  the  precioufnefs  of 'faith  is  not  feen  in  the 
 time  of  trial  ,fo  well  as  after  the  victory;  fo  the  fruit  of  it  when  it  is 
 feen  is  no  lefs  then  true  bleffednefs :  Blejfed  is  the  man  who  ma\eth 
 the  Lord  bis  tru\\.\  o.  All  true  believers  are  humble  towards  God* 
 and  of  a  high  fpirit  againft  whatfoever  comech  in  competition 
 with  him,  and  will  defpife  every  mans  way  who  regardeth  not 
 him  :  So  the  mif  believer  is  proud  toward  God  and  his  truth,  but 
 a  bafe  fubjeft  of  his  own  fpirit,  and  to  lying  vanities ;  for  the 
 believer  here  is  oppofed  to  the  p roud>  and  to  fuch  as  turn  afide 
 to  lies. 
 
 Verf.  5.  CJWanyjO  LORD  my  tioA,  zxtthjv^on- 
 tlerfultyorksiWhkh  thou  haft  done,  and  thy  thoughts^ 
 which  are  to  us-ward :  they  cannot  be  reckoned  up  in  or- 
 derunto  thee:  if/  would  declare  andfpeak^of  themjhey 
 are  moe  then  can  be  numbred. 
 
 In  the  fecond  place  he  is  led  up  to  the  confideration  of  Gods 
 wonderful  care  and  providence  about  men,  and  in  fpecial  to  the 
 work  of  Redemption  by  Chrifts  coming  into  the  world.  Whence 
 learn,  1.  One  of  the  Lords  wonderful  works  of  providence  well 
 meditated  upon,  may  and  mould  lead  us  jo  the  confideration  of 
 many  other  his  works  of  that  kind,  Many,  0  Lord  my  Cjod,  are  thy 
 wonderful  workh™hicb  thou  haft  donc.z.The  works  of  Gods  provi- 
 dence about  us  mould  lead  us  up  to  the  counfel  of  God,  to  behold 
 his  care  of  us,  his  minde  and  purpofe  to  us- ward,  who  are  brought 
 into  Covenant  with  him,  for  confirming  of  our  faith  in  him ,M any, 
 O  Lord  my  God^are  thy  thoughts,  which  are  to  us-toard.  % .  Albeit 
 the  Lords  deepthoughts  and  works  of  wonder  about  his  own  pec- 
 pele  ,  be  unipcakable,  unfearchable,  and  innumerable,  yet  muft 
 we  not  ccafe  to  look  upon  them,  and  fpeak  of  them  in  heap,  when 
 we  cannot  attainc  to  them  in  tail,  They  cannot  be 'reckoned  up  in 
 order  to  thec :  If  Ifbould  declare  and  [peak  of  the  mjbey  are  moe  then 
 can  be  numbred, 
 
 Verf. 
 
PSAL.    XL.  %69 
 
 Verf.  6.  Sacrifice  and  offering  thou  didfi  not  dejtre, 
 nine  ears  baft  thou  opened;  burnt-offering  and  fin-offer- 
 ng  h/tfl  thou  not  required. 
 
 7.  Then  f aid  \,  Lq^  I  come:  in  the  volume  of  the 
 hookjt\%  written  of  me. 
 
 8.  I  delight  to  do  thy  will)  0  my  God  :jea,  thy  Law  is 
 within  my  heart. 
 
 He  condefcends  upon  a  particular  which  did  overcome  his  de- 
 claration and  fearching,  to  wit,  the  Qozenant  of  Redemption  be- 
 tween the  Father  and  the  Son  coming  into  the  world,  iome  article^ 
 whereof  he  toucheth3  as  they  are  re  hear  fed  by  the  Son  fpeaking 
 here  by  his  Spirit.    Whcnee  learn,  1 .  The  work  of  Redemption  by 
 Chrift,  the  Covenant  betwixt  the  Father  and  the  Son  about  our 
 Redemption,  the  incarnation  of  the  Son  of  God,  andthecourfe 
 of  thefalvationof  the  redeemed,  is  one  of  the  meft  wonderful 
 things  that  ever  was  heard  tell  of,  when  fo  many  wonderlul  works 
 pf  God,  fo  many  wonderful  thoughts  of  God  about  us  do  concur, 
 that  they  can  neither  be  declared  nor  numbred,  nor  fet  in  order  : 
 for  this  work  here  touched  is  fet  down  for  an  inltancc,  cf  what  was 
 |  faid  in  the  former  verfej  now  that  this  is  fpoken  by  Chrift,  the' 
 iVpcftle3H^.  10.  536.&c.  doth  fhew  unto  us.    2.  Albeit  facri- 
 .  fices  and  oblations  were  appointed  to  be  offered  bercreChrift  came, 
 yet  were  they  not  acceptable  in  themfelves,  but  in  refpeft  of  the 
 Sacrifice  of  Chrift  fignified  by  them$  not  they ,  but  Chiift  figni- 
 :  fied  by  them  could  take  away  fin,  Sacrifice  and  offerings  thou  dideji 
 j  not  defire^burnt'Offerings  and  fin-offerings  thou  didejt  not  require, 
 I  to  wit,  for  any  worth  in  themfeives;  or  by  way  o(  real  fat  is  fad  ion 
 1  for  fin.     3.  The  ceremonial  law  was  not  to  remaine  ,  but  to  be 
 I  taken  away  when  Chrift  came  to  offer  himielf  who  was  forefha- 
 dowedby  the  facrifices  and  Levitical  ordinances;  for,  Sscn-:  es 
 and  oblations  thou  didft  not  defircy  but  mine  ears  thou  kafto^. 
 which  prefuppofeth  thou  hafi  formed  a  body  unto  me  ,  asthe  Apcn 
 &\e3Heb.  10,  £.  doth  fhew  ;  and  fo  the  rejecting  of  the  cere.iio- 
 nies,  is  at  the  incarnation^  at  the  forming  of  the  body  of  Chrift, 
 and  bringing  the  Son  into  the  wotld.    4.  The  Son  of  God  in- 
 carnate becomes  voluntarily^  very  capable,difcrcete,  ready  and  obe- 
 dient fcrvant  to  the  Father  for  us:  Mine  ears  haft  thou  opcned,to  wit, 
 for  receiving  of  every  command,  cr  mine  cars  haft  thou  boated,  as 
 the  fervants  ears  were  boared  under  the  Law,  when  hechoofed  to 
 
 ftay 
 
270  PSAL.    XL. 
 
 ftayftill  withhismafter  in  fervice,  Exod.  2T.  ?.  $.  By  offering 
 of  burnt- offering  God  was  not  fatisiied  for  fln^but  only  by  Chrifts 
 coming  and  offering  himfclfa  facrifice  once  for  all,  Burnt  offering 
 and  fin  offering  baft  thou  not  required ;  Then  (rid  I,  Loy  I  come 3 
 faith  Chrift.  6.  Both  in  the  book  of  Gods  eternal  decrees,  and 
 in  the  book  of  holy  Scripture,  this  way  of  taking  away  the  fins  of 
 men  was  eftablifhed,  as  the  only  way  to  efted  it;  for  that  the 
 feed  of  the  woman  by  his  fuffering  fhould  bruife  the  'head  of  the 
 Serpent  was  foretold  by  God,  Gen.  5.  1?.  and  Chrift  was  the 
 Lamb  flain  in  the  representative  facrifices  from  the  beginning  of^ 
 the  world  >  In  the  volume  of  thy  boo\  it  is  written  of  me.  7.  Jefus 
 Chrift  God  incarnate  is  in  Covenant  with  God  the  Fatherthac 
 believers  maybe  in  Covenant  withGod  by  this  means  alfo,therefore 
 doth  he  call  him,  0  my  God  :  as  our  Lord,^a/;.  20. 17.  faith, I 
 afcendto  my  Father  and  your  Father,-  to  my  God  and  your  God. 
 8.  All  Chrifts  fufferings  and  fervice  done  in  our  name  for  us, 
 was  moft  willingly  and  heartily  undertaken  and  difcharged  by 
 Chrift,  I  delist  to  do  thy  will)  that  is,  as  the  Apoftle,He&.  10.10. 
 doth  expound  it  to  perform  whatfoever  might  fan&ifie  us  through- 
 out for  ever.  4 ,  The  way  of  our  redemption  by  Chrifts  doing 
 and  fuffering  for  us,  is  Gods  own  device,  his  very  will  and  plea- 
 Fure  $  and  the  obedience  of  Chrift  unto  the  very  death  of  the  crofs, 
 done  in  our  name  unto  the  Father,  hath  pleafed  the  Father  fully  $ 
 1  delist  to  do  thy  wlU>  0  my  God.  1  o.  The  Son  of  God  incar- 
 natewasperfedly  holy,  fo  as  he  could  aafwer  to  the  law  compleat* 
 ly,  and  give  accompt  of  it  to  the  Father  j  yea,  thy  law  is  within  my 
 heart:  That  thefe  words  may  be  applied  to  David  >  and  made  ufe 
 of  by  every  believer  in  their  own  degree  and  meafure;  there  is 
 no  queftion  but  that  they  are  principally  and  in  the  maine  inten- 
 tion to  be  applied  to  Chrift  fpeaking  of  himfelf,  the  matter  it  felf 
 doth  evidence  s  for  who  but  he  can  afcribe  to  himfelf  the  accom-? 
 jplifhinsofwhat  the  typical  facrifices  forc^fhadowed  ?  who  but  he 
 could  fatisfie  for  fin,  which  the  facrifices  could  not  ?  Again,the 
 ApoftlePdw/,  Hcb*  10,  $,6,&c.  doth  clea:*  the  matter  fo,  as  no 
 ground  of  doubting  is  lefc.  In  all  the  Pfalme,  let  Vavid  be  as  the 
 Shadow,  but  let  Chriit  be  the  fubftance. 
 
 Verfe  9.  I  have  preached  righteoufnefs  hi  the  great 
 Congregation  :  loyl  have  not  tefraimd  my  lips, 0  LORD, 
 thou  knoweft. 
 
 JO.  1 
 
PSAL.    XL.  271 
 
 10.  1  have  not  hid  thy  righteonfnefsmthin  my  heart, 
 lhave  declared  thy  faiihfulnefs  and  thy  falvation  :  / 
 have  not  concealed  thy  loving  kindneft^  and  thy  truth 
 from  the  great  Congregation* 
 
 Inthe  third  place,  as  Chrift  hath  given  an  accompt  of  the  exe* 
 cution  of  his  Preiftly  Office,  in  expiating  of  fin  \  fo  here  he  giveth 
 accompt  of  his  Prophetical  Office,to  make  way  for  his  irtcrceffion. 
 Whence learn,i. Chriti.  did  not  onlyundertake  to  fufter  for  expiation 
 '  for  our  Gnsjbut  alfo  he  undertook  to  apply  to  his  people,by  preach- 
 ing,the  fruits  of  his  fufterings,  for  their  righteoufns  and  falvation, 
 for  juftifyin?  fan&irying,and  faving  the  redeemed  J  have  preacbel 
 righteoufnefs in  the  great  congregation.z.Thc  way  appointed  for  ap- 
 I  plication  of  the  grace  purchafed  to  the  redeemed  ,    is  preaching 
 I  b we  preached  righteoufnefs  in  the  great  Qongregation^m  the  vifible 
 Kirk,  and  in  all  confluences  of  the  redeemed  where  opportunity  is 
 oftcred.    3.  As  Chrift  did  not  conceal  what  might  lave  fouls,  but 
 did  communicate  it  carefully  ;  fo  fhould  they  who  are  trufted 
 by  him  to  preach  without  fear  fincerely,as  they  wil  be  able  to  anfwer 
 God  ,  proclaim  it,  J  have  not  refrained  my  lips,  0  Lerijbon  fi?ww- 
 eft.   4.  The  true  way  of  juftification  of  finners  by  faith,  is  a  Jewel 
 fo  precious  and  neceffary  for  poor  fculs,  that  it  fhould  not  be  con- 
 cealed, I  have  not  lid  thy  righteoufnefs  -within  my  he.rt      f.  One 
 Sermon  on  this  fubjeft  is  not  fufficient,    it  is  Heceflr.ry  to  make 
 this  myftery  plain,  how  by  faith  in  Chrift  the  man  thatfliethto 
 I  him  is  juftified  from  his  fins,  and  faved  according  ^0  the  Covenant 
 paft  between  the  fuffering  Mediatour  and  God~the  faithful  pro- 
 mifer  to juftiGe  and  favebythis  his  own  way,  I  have  declared  thy 
 faithfulncfs  and  thy  falvation.    6.  The  way  of  righteoufnefs  and 
 falvation  purchafed  unto  believers  by  'efus  Chrift,  is  ve/yfolid 
 and  compleat  ;  for  fi  ft  tbis  way  of  forgiving  fins  unto  us,  becaufc 
 of  the  fatisfa&ion  made  by  Chrift  for  us  in  his  obedience  unto 
 the  Father,  even  unto  the  death  of  the  Crofs3  is  of  Gods  own  de- 
 viling, and  his  free-gift  >  therefore  as  it  is  called,  the  righteoufnefs 
 ofGod^om.  $  2i,  iz.  So  here  it  is  called  Gods  righteoufnels,  O 
 LordjI  have  nothid  thy  right  eoufnefi  and  the  falvation  or  eternal 
 life  annexed  unto  this  imputed  and  gifted  righteoufnefs  beftowed 
 upon  the  embracer  of  it,  is  alfo  of  Gods  deviling,  and  his  fiee-.'ift* 
 therefore  it  rs  alfo  called  bis  falvation,  I  have  declared  thy  falvati- 
 on.  Next  the  certainty  and  ground  of  the  believers  aflurance  that 
 this  righteoufnefs  and  falvation  is  made  faft  unto  him,isthe  truth 
 of  God,  and  faithfulncfs  of  God,  obliging  himfelf  to  makaoo^p 
 
 this 
 
27a  PSAL.  XL. 
 
 this  way  of  juftificarion  and  falvation  by  the  Covenant 
 .  of  redemption  made  between  the  Father  and  the  Son  our 
 Media  tour  ,  as  in  the  promt  fes  of  the  Covenant  of  grace 
 is  fet  down  in  Scripture,  which  can  no  more  difappoint  the 
 believer  then  the  truth  and  faithfulnefs  of  God  can  fail,  I  have 
 declared  thy  f&hbfulncj's  and  thy  falvation.  And  laft  of  all,  the  foun- 
 tain,fpring  and  rife  and  unchangeable  ground  of  rtghteoufnefs  and 
 falvaticn  purchafed  by  the  redemption  made  by  Jefus  Chiift^and 
 applied  to  us  by  faith  in  him,  is  the  inhere  good  will  and  pleafure 
 ot  God,  the  free  grace,  the  free  love  and  bounty  of  God,  without 
 any  deferving  of  the  redeemed  5  I  have  not  concealed  thy  loving 
 fiindnefs,  and'tby  truth  from  the  great  Congregation -This  indeed  is 
 a  folid' ground.  7.  The  plain  preaching,  declaration,  andmani- 
 jfeftation  of  this  Gofpel  with  the  grounds  thereof,  is  able  by  the 
 bleffingof  God  to  perfwade  a  uembling  foul  to  lay  it  felf  ever 
 uponJefusChrift,  and  to  reft  upon  the  unchangeable  truth  and 
 lindnefs  of  God  offered  to  every  poor  humbled  linner,  without 
 exception,  for  the  preaching  of  thefe  things,  not  refraining  of  the 
 JipSj  nothiding  of  this  precious  and  laving  truth.  The  declari* 
 tion  and  not  concealing  of  it,  is  given  up  here  for  the  fufficiency  of 
 means,  to  apply  the  purchafed  right  eoufhefs  and  falvation  by 
 Chrift  to  the  redeemed  j  and  this  execution  of  CiKifts  Propheti- 
 cal Office  hath  been  faithful  ly.per formed  by  him,  not  onely  in  his 
 perfonal  preaching  in  the  dayes  of  his  flefh,  bu:  alfo  in  his  Mini- 
 sters both  before  his  incarnation  and  fince,  which  alfo  (lull  be  con- 
 tinued from  generation  to  generation,  to  the  end  of  tho^world, 
 maugre  all  oppofitionj  for  Chrift  fliall  be  able  to  makenolefs 
 perfect  account  of  his  ether  Offices  then  of  his  Kingly  Office, 
 when  he  fliall  give  up  the  Kingdome  to  his  Father,  8.  What  may 
 concern  Vavii  here  as  the  type  of  Chrifl,  or  as  one  of  the  fervants 
 ofChrift,  we  take  it  up  in  one  word,  which  is  this:  The  more 
 faithful  Preachers  be  to  declare  the  Gofpel  to  the  falvation  of 
 fouls 3  the  more  confidence  and  comfort  fhaH  the  teftimony  of 
 their  confeience  afford  to  them  in  the  day  of  their  trouble;  when 
 they  come  before  God,  as  the  Prophet  here  b^  experience 
 findeth. 
 
 Verfe   I 1  -  V/ithhold  not  won  thy  tender  mercies  from 
 me,  O  LORD'.  Lt  thy  loving  kindnefs ,  and  thy  truth* 
 continually  prefcrve  me, 
 
 12.  Fcr  immmtrable  evih  have  compafed  me  about* 
 
PSAL.    XL.  275 
 
 mine  imcjuites  have  taken  hold  upcn  me^  fo  that  I  am  not 
 able  to  look  up:  they  are  more  then  the  hakes  ojmine  heat), 
 therefore  my  heart  fuleth  me% 
 
 1 3.  Bepleafed,  O  LORD,  to  deliver  me  :  0  LORD, 
 make  ha  fie  to  help  me. 
 
 Chrift  having  given  accompt  of  his  performances;,  of  what  was 
 undertaken,  inrercedeth   for  thepromiied  mercies  to  his  Myfti 
 calbody  and  to  hi mfe If,  as.ftandin?;  in  the  room  oftheranfomed  i 
 wherein  David  as  the  type  of  Cbriit  ,  and  as  a  member  of  C  hrifts 
 myftical  body,  hath  his  own  place.     Whence  learn,  x.  Becaufe  the 
 
 [nice  of  Redemption  is  holden  here  as  fully  payed,  and  nothing  is 
 eft  unpayed  by  Chrifl  \  therefore  the  application  of  the  purch  riled 
 \  mercy  muft  be  granted  for  Chrift,  here  fpeaking,  having  declared 
 j  his  performance  of  his  part  of  the  Covenant  frcm  vcrf.  6*  10  vcrf 
 ,ii.  dorh  now  require  the  performance  of  promifed  kindnefsand 
 mercy  to  him  and  his  myftical  body,  faying,    Withhold  not  thy 
 ,  tender  mercies  from  me,  0  Lord  :  let  thy  loving  kindnefs,  and  thy 
 'truth  continually  preferve  me-,  and  this  is  a  {landing  petition  of 
 the   Mediatour,  in  favour  of  his  afflicted  myftical  body  in  all 
 generations.     2.  The  unchangeablcnefs  of  Gods  loving  kindnefs, 
 j  and  truth  of  promifes  made  in  his  Covenant,  is  a  fqlid  ground  of 
 •  aflurance  that  the  Lord  will  not  withheld  his  tender  mercies  from 
 I  the  afflicted  believer ;  for  upon  this    ground,  do  the  parts  of  his; 
 1  petition  run$  Withhold  not  thy  tender  mercies  from  me, and  let\{ind~ 
 j  nefs  and  truth  continually  preferve  me.    3 .  Albeit  the  troubles  which 
 !  are  inflicted,  be  drawn  on  by  fin,  and  be  the  effects  of  juil  wrath 
 for  fin,  yet  are  they  alfothe  object  of  tender  mercies,  when  the  af- 
 flicted  do  prcfent  both  their  troubles  and  their  fins,  which  defer- 
 ved  them  before  Gods  merciful  eyc5  for  here  a  reaibn  of  hoping  io\: 
 tender  mercy;  is  brought  from  both  trouble  and  fin  lying  on  5  for 
 innumerable  evils  have  compiled  me  about,  and  my  hi  qui  ties  have 
 i  ta^eu  bold  on  me.    4.  L»y  vcrtue  ofthe  interccfftoii  of  Chrift,  every 
 i  believer  rmy  take  up  the  lame  ftrppiicarkn  in  C  hriitsname,  and 
 1  prefent  it  in  his  own  behalf  unco  God,  in  the  time  of  trouble  and: 
 neceflity;  for  as  'David  might  make  this  v.ie  of  ft,  as  one  of  the 
 members  of  the  myftical  body  :  fo  may  all  the  reft  of  believers  al- 
 jfo;  beemfe  Chrift  the  Mediatour  doth  own  all  the  fins  of  all  his 
 redeemed  ones  as  his  own,  as  made  his  by  confen:  to  have  them 
 (  imputed  unto  him, and  hath  born  the  pmijfhment  thereof  fo  much 
 '  as  rmy  and  dorh  fatisfie  juftice  for  them.    Therefore  Chiift  in  the 
 
 T  be- 
 
274  PSAL.     XL. 
 
 behalf  of  his  redeemed  ones,  and  every  believer  in  Chrift  for  that 
 refped  may  exped  continual  prefervation  by  the  loving  kindnefs 
 and  truth  of  God  laid  in  pawn  for  it  by  the  Covenant,  when 
 they  have  recourfe  to  God  in  the  time  when  trouble  and  guiltinefs 
 docKboth  fet  on  at  once,  for  the  reafon  of  the  p  ayer;  is  fo  concei- 
 ved, ask  may  fit  both  the  Mediator  interceding  for  his  myftical 
 body ,  and  every  wearied  foul  alio  who  is  fled  to  God  through 
 Chrift  byfaith  in  him,  that  he  may  find  hisoutgate  and  deliver- 
 ance in,  wirh,  and  for  Chrift,  Let  tly  loving  lyndnejs  and  truth 
 cortinuaUy  prejerve  me;  for  innumerable  evils  bavz  covpaffed  me 
 about 3mine  iniquities  have  u\en  hold  on  me.  6.  Nothing  can  fo 
 empty  a  man.and  lay  him  low,  and  fill  him  with  confufion  of  face, 
 as  his  fin  purfuing  him,  Mine  iniquities  have  ta^en  hold  upon  metfo 
 that  I  am  not  able  to  lookup.  7,  When  all  that  is  a  mans  own, 
 as  natural  ftrength,wit,or  courage  doth  fail,  yet  God  doth  not  fail, 
 and  faith  doth  nor  faiU  For  here  when  it  u  come  to  this,  my  heart 
 fxileth  me.  Faith  ftands  up,  and  in  prayer  pleadeth  for  mercy  and 
 kindnefs  upon  this  very  reafon,  becaufe  the  heart  doth  fail.  8.  As- 
 the  ftrait  is  great, and  the  burden  heavy,  and  the  creature  weak:  fo 
 is  the  delivery  and  help  neer  at  hand,  Bepleafed,  0  Lordjo  deliver 
 me :  0  Lordjna\c  bafte  to  help  me. 
 
 Vcrfe  14.  Let  them  he  afhamed  and  confounded  to- 
 gether that  (eek^  after  my  foul  to  deftroy  it :  let  them 
 be  driven  backward,  and  put  to  fhame  that  ^tfh  me 
 evil. 
 
 15.  Let  them  be  de folate  for  a  regard  of  their  fhame, 
 that  fay  unto  me>  zAha.  aha  ! 
 
 From  that  part  of  his  prayer,  which  is  againft  his  enemies  $ 
 Learn,  1.  As  :he  Lord  for  the  interceffion  of  Chrift  will  not 
 fail  to  help  his  people  in  troubles  fo  will  he  not  mifs  to  ciifap- 
 poinr,  And.  bring  mifchicf  upon  the  enemies  of  "his  people,  how 
 many  and  how  ftrongtoever  they  be  y  Let  them  be  confounded  to- 
 gether and  ajfomed  that  [cell  my  foul  todejlroy  it.  2.  Not  only 
 the  open  perfecu'tors-of  the  goaly,  but  all  their  ill  vvillers  and  un- 
 friends, whocouldbecontcii.ro  fee  evil  come  upon  Gods  Kirk, 
 ftiall  be  pur.ifhed  with  the  open  adverfaries  5  They  j%U  be  driven 
 backward  and  pin  to  Jhamt  that  wijh  them  evil.  3.  The  mock- 
 ing of  the  godly  and  putting  them  toihame,  is  the  (hame  indeed 
 of  the  mockers,  and  not  of  the  godly  upon  whom  in  cheir  fuflfer- 
 in^s  the  Spirit  of  glory  doth-reft,  and  therefore  ftiall  the  wicked 
 
 feocner* 
 
PSAL.    XL.  ±7$ 
 
 fcorners  bear  their  own  lhame  and  their  puntfhment  5  Let  them 
 b't  defoki'e,  for  a  rcw.  rd  of  their  flume,  that  fay  unto  me,  Aba, 
 aba ! 
 
 Vcrfe  16.  Let  all  thofe  that  feel^thee  rejoyce  and  fo 
 glad  in  thee :  let  fuch  at  love  thy  Jahation^faj  continual* 
 ly,  The  LO  R  D  be  magnified. 
 
 17.  'But  1  am  poor  and  needy,  yet  the  Lordthinketh 
 upon  me:  thou  art  mj  help  and  my  deliverer, make  no  taf* 
 ryingfimy  God. 
 
 From  this  prayer  that  the  reft  of  the  godly  may  have  comfort  by 
 
 his  delivery,  which  delivery  he  do: h  confidently  expect  ;  Learn, 
 
 t.  As  every  mercy  tc  eve:  y  believer  giveth'  a  proof  of  Gods  readi- 
 
 nefs  to  mew  the  like  mercy  to  all  believers,when  thcyftand  in  neec  \ 
 
 fo  fhould  every  mercy  fliwento  any  of  the  namber^befng  known  to 
 
 the  reft,  be  made  the  matter  and  cccafion  of  magnifying  the 
 
 Lord-,  Lex  all  tbo]e  that  feelithee  rejoyceandbe  lad  in  tkee.i.The 
 
 godly  .whofe  property  it  is  to  be  partakers  of  the  affliction  of 
 
 Chrift  with  ethers,  and  to  feek  God,  and  to  wait  for  the  Lords 
 
 way  of  delivery,  and  do  love  the  fafety  of  his"  people,  fhall  hav^ 
 
 reafon  to  rejoyce  and  praife  God  continually  for  new  cbedienceS 
 
 of  his  mercy  to  his  own ;  Let  all  thofc  that  feefi  thee  rejoyce  and  be 
 
 glad  in  thee  :  let  fuch  us  love  thy  falvation,fay  continually,  The  Lord. 
 
 be  magnified.     3.  It  is   an  ufual  condition  of  the  godiy,  before 
 
 they  be  delivered  out  of  any  difficulties,  to  be  made  once  fenlible 
 
 I  of  their  own  weaknefs,emptinefs,  and  neceflities  5  as  here,  lam 
 
 I  foor  and  needy.    4.  It  is  an  ordinary  exercife  of  the  3ffli&ed>  to 
 
 be  defpifed  of  the  world,  and  contemned,  and  this  alio  is  a  tehta- 
 
 tion  to  move  them  to  miftake  their  own  condition  before  God;  for 
 
 fo  doth  the  Pfalmift  propound  the  matter  before  God  >  But  (faitfr 
 
 I  he)  lam  poor  and  needy.    5.  W hat foever  the  world  or  lenfe  and 
 
 j  falie  fuggeftions  do  fay  of  the  afflicted,  yet  faith  j^ives  ground  of 
 
 I  afllirancc  that  our  bale  and  mean  condition  h  fo  tar  from  making 
 
 [  us  loathfome  to  G^d,  that  by  the  contrary  the  lower  we  arc 
 
 j  b:  ought  the  more  we  are  in  his  heart  and  eftimatfonj  let  the 
 
 Lordthinfietb  upon  me;  and  Gods  rcfpecHngof  us,  mayeafiiy 
 
 make  up  ourlofs  of  refpeft  among  men'.    6%   When  the  believer 
 
 I  hath  faftened  his  faith,  he  may- expect  fhortly  his  relief,  Thou  art 
 
 my  help  and  my  deliverer  >  f3tth,he,  &d  then.^e  no  tarrying,®  m} 
 
 "t  s  FSAL, 
 
ij$  PSAL.     XLI. 
 
 ■=»*— —»—■»—>»-  '■  ■  ■■■■  i "         .■■■■I.  i  — — — , 
 
 PSAL,   XLI. 
 
 To  the  chief  tiiuficun.  A  T!fdmc  of  David. 
 
 p4f/^  as  a  Type  of  Chrift,  and  one  of  his  afflided 
 followers,  after  prayer  comforteth  himfelf  againft 
 the  uncharitable  judgement,  which  the  wicked 
 badofhiminhisaffliftion,  wr.  1,2,3,4.  In  the- 
 fecond  place,  he  complaineth  of  his  enemies 
 curfed  difpofition  againft  him,  and  prayeth  to  be 
 delivered  out  of  his  trouble,  ver.  5, 6, 7,  8, 9,10. 
 In  the  third  place,  he  rs  anfwered  comfortably, 
 and  praifeth  God  for  it,  ver.  n,  12,  13. 
 
 Verfe  l.TYteffed  is  he  that  conftdereth  the  poor    : 
 ID  the  LOBSD  mil  deliver  him  in  time  of 
 trouble. 
 
 2.  The  LOKD  mil  preferve  him>and tyep  him  alive f 
 andhejhallbe  bleffedupon  the  earth;  and  thou  wilt  not 
 deliver  him  unto  the  mil  of  his  enemies \ 
 
 3.  The  LO  RD  will  firengthen  him  upon  the  hed 
 of languiflnng  :  thou  wilt  make  all  his  bed  in  hisfick^ 
 nefs.    1 
 
 4.  Ifaidy  LOTx'Djte  merciful  unto  me :  heal  my  fou  /, 
 for  1  have  finned  against  thee. 
 
 THat  he  may  comfort  the  godly  in  their  afflictions,  and  cor- 
 rect the  common  judgement  of  the  world  concerning  af- 
 flicted people  ,  he  giveth  a  realbn  for  which  it  is  fafe  to  judge 
 charitably  of  every  man  who  humbleth  himfelf  before  God  in  his 
 affliction:'  JVlicncc  learn,  1.  Albeit  it  be  ufual  for  the  world  to 
 jud^e  all  them  that  are  afflicted,  to  be  plagued  of  God  in  wrat"h,yet 
 it  is  a  blefled  courfe  to  ftudy  to  frame  our  hearts  to  a  wife  and 
 diftrcet  judging  of  ether  mens  eftates ,  by  looking  to  a  mans  be- 
 
 havi- 
 
PSAL.  XLI.  577 
 
 haviour  in  his  trouble,  and  to  judge  charitably  of  the  man  wh° 
 is  contrite,  and  humbleth  himfelf  before  God  in  his  affliction> 
 Blejfed  is  be  that  confideretb  the  poor ,  or  giveth  comfort  and  in- 
 duction to  the  weak.  2.  It  is  a  blefled  thing  for  a  man  afflict- 
 ed and  humbling  him felf  before  God,  to  judge  charitably  of  his 
 own  condition,  as  well  as  of  anothers  condition  in  the  like  cafe  5 
 for,  Bleffed  is  be  that  conjidcretb  the  povr>  is  fo  fet  down  as  it  is 
 applicable  tc*  the  patient  in  affliction  judging  of  himfelf,  nolefs 
 then  to  the  beholder  of  another  in  affliction  :  and  for  confirma- 
 tion of  this,  he  giveth  fix  reafons  of  comforting  the  afflicted  and 
 humbled  man,  and  confirming  the  charitable  beholder  and  judger 
 of  him  as  a  fellow-fufterer  with  him.  3.  The  afflicted  and  hum- 
 ble man  mail  be  delivered  out  of  his  trouble,  be  what  it  maybe, 
 The  Lord  will  deliver  him  in  time  of  trouble.  This  is  the  fir  ft 
 reafon  of  the  comfort,  and  withall  a  reafon  of  confirmation  and 
 encouragement  of  him  that  doth  judge  wifely  or  the  afflicted. 
 4.  The  Lord  hath  a  way  of  delivery,not  onely  from  trouble,thar 
 a  man  fall  net  in  it,  and  not  only  of  delivering  from  trouble,  by 
 removing  of  the  trouble,  butalfo  a  way  of  delivery,  when  the 
 trouble  is  yet  remaining,  to  wit,  by  fuftaining  the  man,comfort~ 
 ing  of  him,  laving  of  him  from  any  harme  by  the  trouble,  gi- 
 ving him  good  by  the  trouble,  quieting  his  minde  by  patient  fub- 
 mimon  unto  God  under  the  trouble,#V.  The  Lord  will  deliver 
 him  in  time  of  trouble,  and  this  is  branched  out  in  particulars 
 in  the  verfes  following,  ?.s  fo  many  reafons  of  comfort,  and  chari- 
 table judging  of  his  own  condition  and  others.  5.  Albeit  the 
 godly  be  brought  very  low,  yet  mall  he  not  perim,  The  Lord  will 
 prefcrvchim,  and  keep  him  alive >  and  this  is  the  fecond  reafon  of 
 comfort,  albeit  he  faint,  and  have  foul-fwarfes  now  and  then,  yet 
 fhall  fpiritual  life  be  kept  in  him.  6.  N^neofthe  godly  mans 
 afflictions  (hall  hinder  or  take  away  his  begun  bleflednefs,  even 
 in  this  world ;  He  fhall  be  blejfed  on  the  earth,  and  this  is  the 
 third  reafon  of  comfort  j  if  it  may  be  for  Gods  glory  and  the 
 mans  good,  this  temporal  life  ihall  be  preferved,  and  evidences 
 of  Gods  blefling  (hall  be  feen  upon  him.  7.  No  perfecutor  mall 
 drive  the  godly  man  from  his  point,  and  make  him  forfake  God 
 or  the  wayofgodlinefs;  if  he  flip  in  a  ftep,  God  mall  raifehim 
 up  again;  Thou  wilt  not  deliver  him  to  the  will  of  his  cnmt^firA 
 this  is  the  fourth  reafon  of  his  comfott.  3.  The^Cord'wiU 
 ftrengthen  the  godly  to  bear  whatsoever  trouble  he  putteth  on 
 him  5  The  Lord  will  jirengthen  him  on  the  bed  of  languijhing  And 
 thij  is  the  fifth  reafon  of  tys  comfort.    9.  The  Lord  fhall  miti- 
 
 T  *  sate 
 
2j2  PSAL.    XLI. 
 
 gate  and  moderate  all  the  afflictions  of  the  godly,  and  e.afe  him 
 under  his  trouble,  "as  tenderly  as  when  a  tick  perfons  be«^  is  made 
 the  beft  way  that  can  be  for  his  cafe  3  Thou  (liall  ma\e  all  bis  bed 
 in  bisfickjiefs,  and  this  is  the  fixrh  reafon  of  his  comfort,  i  o/The 
 man  who  may  look  for  all  thefe  confolations,  and  may  be  judged 
 of  charitably,  whether  it  be  himfelf  or  another,  is  the  man  who 
 in  the  fenfe  of  his  fins  humblcth  himfelf  before  the  Lord,  efpeci- 
 ally  when  he  is  afflicted,  and  Hieth  to  Gods  mercy  :  fuft,  to  have 
 fins  pardoned;  and  next,to  have  his  trouble  removed,  as  God  feeth 
 It  fit  for  his  felvation.  This  is  pointed  out  in  Davids  behavi- 
 our under  his  t  ouble,  of  fet  purpofe  that  he  may  give  the  cha- 
 racter ofthe  Lords  poor  man,  to  whom  the  forefaid  comforts  do 
 belong,  and  of  who  fe  eftate  a  good  inftriiciion  is  to  be  made; 
 IfaiA,  Lord,  be  merciful  tome,  bed  my  foul,  for  I  have  finned  a- 
 gainft  thee. 
 
 Verf4  <>.  Mine  enemies  Jpeak^  evil  of  me  :  when 
 fhallhe  die,  and  his  name  perifb  ? 
 
 6.  Jind  if  he  come  to  fee  me,  he  [peaketh  vanity  :  his 
 heart  gather  eth  iniquity  to  it  [elf,  when  he  goeth  abroad^ 
 he  tel let hit. 
 
 7.  All  that  hate  me  tyhifper  together  againft  me :  a- 
 gainft  me  do  they  devife  my  hurt* 
 
 *  8,  An  evil  dijeafe ,  fay  they  ,  cleaveth  faU  unto 
 him  :  and  now  that  he  lieth ,  he  pa  all  rife  up  no 
 more, 
 
 £L  Tea,  mine  own  familiar  friend  in  whom  1  truft- 
 ed  \  which  did  eat  of  my  bread,  hath  lift  up  hi*  heel  a- 
 gainji  me, 
 
 10,  Tint  thou,  0LO.R&)  be  merciful  unto  me,  and 
 raife  me  up  that  I  may  requite  them, 
 
 "From  his  complaint  againft  his  enemies,  let  down  in  the  fecond 
 place;  Learn,  1.  Evil  fpeeches  againft  the  godly  will  be  taken 
 notice  of  by  God,  and  made  a  part  of  the  wickeds  ditty.,  Mine 
 enemies  fteati  evilcf  me.  2.  The  malice  of  the  enemies  of  god- 
 linefs  is  fuch  againft  the  godly,  as  nothing  but  their  utter  over- 
 throw and  rooting  out  from  the  earth  of  fuch  a  fort  of  people 
 can  iatisfie  them,  'Wbenfhall  be  die  and  bis  name  per  if)  I  fay  they . 
 
 j«  Ths 
 
PSAL.    XLI.  279 
 
 ?.  The  godly  have  to  do  not  only  with  open  enemies ,  but  with 
 fecret  falfedifTemblcrsalfo,  who  will  confefs  friendfliip  with  fair 
 words,   when  they  are  following  the  way  of  malice,  from  whofe 
 fal/hood  there  is  no  refuge  more  then  from  the  force  of  the  open 
 enemy,  favetoflieto  God,  the  Judge  of  all  opptefled  people; 
 If  be  come  to  fee  me,  be  fpcaficth  vanity*  many  fair  words,  but 
 none  ofthem  true.    4.  The  tnA  of  the  wicked  mans  pretended 
 kindnefs  to  the  godly,  and  cf  his  infmuating  of  himMf  in  their 
 fellowship  is,  that  he  may  make  obfervation  of  fomething  in 
 their  behaviour  or  condition  or  fpeeches,  whereof  he  may  make 
 advantage  againft  them,  Ifkecometbto  fecme3  b  <  heart  gather- 
 ctb  iniquity  to  it  [elf',  when  be  goeth  abroad  bctelletbii.     ?.  Al- 
 beit the  wicked  can  do  no  more  againft  the  godly    tten    God  will 
 permit  to  be  done  for  the  godly  mans  excrcife  and  good,yet  many 
 are  the  ebnfultations  which  the  wicked  have,  that  they  may  hurt 
 and  deftroy  the  godly,  All  that  hate  me  wbifper  together  again  ft  "me, 
 Againft  me  do  they  ievifc  my  hurt.  6.  When  the  godly  fall  10  ft raits, 
 the  wicked  judge  that  the    godly  fhall  never  get  out  of  their 
 trouble,  and  in  this  hope  do  refrefh  themfelves,  An  cvildifeafc 
 cieavethf aft  unto  him,  and  novo  that  he  lictb,  befall  rife  no  more. 
 7-  The  lot  appoinred  to  Chrift,  and  to  all  the  true  members  of 
 his  myftical  body  as  well  as  to  Davidjs  to  find  in  the  time  of  their 
 trials  a  hard  meeting  in  the  world  from  the  wicked,  how  many 
 bonds  foever  of  nature, frknJiliip,familiarity,or  obligations  of  the 
 wicked  unto  the  godly  intervene  which  orhcrwayes  might  require 
 better  offices  ',  fca'mincown  familiar  friend  in  whom  I  trufted, 
 which  did  eat  of  my  bread,  hath  lift  up  his  heel  againft  me.    8 .  We 
 muft  not  dwel  upon  our  naileries  in  time  o^  trouble,  as  if  we  had 
 nothing  to  do  fave  to  weep  and  mourn,  but  we  fliould  turn  our 
 klvesto  God, and  pray  to  him  for  mercy,  and  expedl  a  delivery,  as 
 the  Pfalmift  doeth  here,  But  thou,  q  Lord,be  merciful  to  the*  and 
 raifemeup.    9.  Albeit  it  be  not  fit  for  every  believer,  to  refolve 
 requiting  of  their  perfecutors  and  enemies,  as  it  was  fit  zo  David 
 as  a  M\giftrate,  and  to  Chrift  who  is  King  of  Kin^s,  here  re- 
 prefented  by  him  5  to  refolve  vengeance,  and  to  execute  the  fame 
 alio  againft  their  enemies  :  yet  every  believer  may  be  afl-redof 
 this,  that  what  injuies  are  done  to  Chrift  in  their  perf:>n3Chrift 
 fhall  requite  their  perfecutors ;  for  be  In  his  myftical  members 
 fhall  n  ever  be  fo  born  down,  but  iKfiTull  be  raifed  up  again  ( as  he 
 was  raifed  upperfonilly  after  his  pcffdnal  LufferingO  Ttyifc  me  ufo 
 that  Imjy  reunite  them. 
 
 t  4  y«fc 
 
a8o  PSAL.  XLI. 
 
 Verf.  II.  By  this  I  know  that  thou  favours  ft  me   ~. 
 becaufte  mine  enemie  doth  not  triumph  over  me. 
 
 12.  And  asformey  thou  uphold? ft  me  in  mine  inte- 
 grity :  andfetteft  me  before  thy  face  for  ever. 
 
 13.  Bleffed  be  the  LORD  God  of  Ifraelfrom  ever* 
 fafting  and  to  everlafting  %   Amen,  and  Amen. 
 
 In  the  laft  part  of  the  Pfalme  is  his  thankfgiving ,  prefuppo- 
 (ing  that  the  Pfalme  was  drawn  up  after  the  delivery  from  the 
 trouble,  which  is  fet  forth  in  the  former  part.     Whence  learn, 
 j.  Albeit  external  deliveries  from  enemies ,  and  fuccefs  external 
 do  not  alwayes  ferve  for  matkes  of  Gods  favour  (ft  r  one  ill  man 
 in  an  ill  caufe  may  have  fuccefs  for  a  time)  yet  when  the  man  is  re- 
 conciled to  God,  3nd  the  caufe  which  the  reconciled  man  de- 
 fendeth  againft  his  perfecutors,  is  the  Lords  caufe,  in  this  cafe 
 3f  God  fhall  give  to  his  fervant  either  fpiritual  vicTtory,  ihatthe 
 enemy  do  not  fo  prevaile  over  him,  as  to  drive  him  from  his  righ- 
 teous caule  or  external  victory,  and  deliverance  alfo  from  the 
 power  of  the  adverfary,  together  with  the  fpiritual  victory  $  in  this 
 caie  (I  hy)  the  word  of  God,  and  the  work  of  God  concurring, 
 do  give  evidence  nor  only  of  Gods  favouring  the  mans  perfon,bnt 
 aifo  of  his  favouring  the  mans  caufe  and  carriage  in  the  caufe,  fo 
 as  he  may  fay,  By  this  I  know  tbxt  tbou  fxvourefi  mey  becaufe  mine 
 enemie  doth  not  triumph  over  me.  1 ,  tlpiightnefs  is  a  fpecial  means 
 to  bring  a  man  through  difficulties,  and  whatfover  infirmities 
 the  believer  be  fubjeel:  unto,  he  mall  not  want  comfort,  if  he 
 keep  the   confeience  of  integrity ,   uprightnefs,  and  fincerity  5 
 for  this  is  the  Pfalmifts  rejoycing,  when  he  lcoksback  upon  his 
 former  exercife  under  trouble,  A s  for  me,  thou  upholdefl  me  in  my 
 integrity.     3.  The  wife  wraftler  with  tentations  ,  is  made  at 
 length  to  fee  and  acknowledge  by  the  experience  he  hath  of  him- 
 felf  and  of  Gods  help  in  time  of  tentation,  that  all  the  glory  of 
 his  ftanJing   and    bearing   out   in  trouble   for   righteoufnefs3 
 doth  belong  co  the  Lord,  Thou  upholdefime  in  mine  integrity , 
 4.  Experience  of  Gods  gracious  bearing  out  of  a  believer  in  time 
 of  triil,  fcrveth  for  a  good  argument  to  make  him  confident  of  the 
 continuance  of  Gods  favour  to  him  for  ever  5  yea  after  expe- 
 riences ani  victorie  God  ufeth  to  give  fome  meafure  of  perfwa- 
 fionof  his  everlafting  love  toward  them  that  have  overcomes  as 
 ficrej,  Thou  fettefl)ne  before  thy  face  for  ever.    5.  He  that  gets  a 
 
 fight 
 
PSAL.    XLII.  281 
 
 light  of  Gods  love  to  him,  may  knit  Gods  felt  favour  in  effect 
 wirh  Gods  evedafting  love  decreeing  to  (hew  favour  and  his  ever* 
 lafting  love  communicating  it  felf  to  him,  and  performing  the 
 decrees  of  love  touchiug  him,  and  may  behold  the  courfe  of  ever  - 
 laftirrgs  bleflings  running  from  eternity  before  the  world,  to  ever- 
 lafting  alter  the  world,  and  the  believer  having  feen  it,  fliould  ac- 
 knowledge this  with  praife  and  thankfgiving;  as  here,  Bleffcd  be 
 the  Lord  God  of  Ifrael  from  cvcrlafting  to  cverlafli?ig,  6.  He  , 
 that  feeth  the  courfe  of  Gods  love  tohimfelf,  fceth  Gods  love  in 
 conjunction  with  the  reft  of  the  Lords  people  alio,  who  are  joyn- 
 cd  in  the  fame  Covenant  with  him  unto  God  in  Chrift,  BlejfcJ. 
 be  the  Lord  God  of  I fncl,  fayes  the  Pfalmift  ,  now  when  he  will 
 blefs  God  for  his  own  particular  mercy.  7.  Frefh  experiences  of 
 Gods  love  in  a  particular  trial,efpecially  when  the  foul  is  lifted  up 
 :  to  the  eternal  orginal,  and  everlaitingendurance  of  it,  will  make  a 
 1  fou!  heartily  with  all  his  ftrength  giveth  cverlafting  praife  toGod, 
 and  feal  it  affectionatly  again  and  again^B  lejfed  be  the  LordGod  of 
 J  fuel  from  evcrlafting  to  evcrlafting  vAmcYi ,  and  Amen. 
 
 PSAL.  XLII. 
 
 To  the  chief  Mufician^Mafcbil,  for  thefoTiscffyrab* 
 
 In  thisPfalme  7)avU{hzwcth  what  was  his  longing 
 after  the  fellowfhip  of  the  Saints  in  their  pub- 
 like worfhip  and  fervice  of  God,  in  the  time  of 
 his  banifhment,  by  the  perfecution  of  Sau/3  ver. 
 1,2,9,4.  and  how  he  wraftled  with  difcourage- 
 ments,  by  checking  hitnfelfforit,  and  by  pray- 
 ing to  God,  whereby  he  was  erefted  unto  hope 
 and  confidence  to  be  anfwered,  ver.  5.  6}  7,  8, 
 ■  9,10,  11. 
 
 Verf.  1.    A  S    the    Hart   fanteth  after  the  water- 
 jf\  brooks:  fo  pmteth  my  foul  after  thee,  O 
 God. 
 
 2.  My 
 
%H  PSAL.   XLII. 
 
 2.  My  foul  thirfleth  for  Cjodyfor  the  living  God: 
 whenfbxll  I  come  and  appear  before  God? 
 
 3,  Aiy  tears  have  been  my  meat  day  and  night : 
 while  they  continually  fay  unto  me ,  where  is  thy 
 God? 
 
 4.  When  1  remember  thefe  things  ,  /  pour  out  my 
 foul  in  me  5  for  1  had  gore  with  the  multitude^  I 
 'Went  with  them  to  the  houfe  of  God^  with  the 
 voyce  of  joy  and  fraife,  With  a  multitude  that  kept 
 holy  day. 
 
 HE  fetteth  down  his  fad  condition  in  his  banifhmentj  efpedf 
 ally  when  he  remernbred  the  folemn  afl'embly  of  Gods  peoplc 
 at  the  Temple,  and  faw  himfelf  either  in  the  wildernefs,  or  a- 
 mong  the  heathen,  deprived  of  the  ufc  of  publicise  ordinances. 
 Whence  learn,   1.  It  is  not  a  bare  formal  ufe  of  the  ordinances, 
 but  communion  with  God  himfelf,  which  the  lively  believer 
 dothfeek  after  in  the  ufeof  the  publike  ordinances,  Vdy  foul  m 
 pantetb  after  thee,  0  Qod.     1.  Spiritual  affections  when  they  are 
 raifedj  and  by  delay,  or  by  outward  reftraint  are  kept  oft  from 
 fatisfa&ipn,  are  comparable  inmeafure  or  in  the  point  of  fincerity 
 to  the  kindly  appetite  of  natural  food,^  tbs  heart  pjmctb  after  the 
 water -brook/ y  fo  panteth  my  foul  after  thccfi  God.    4.  Worfhip? 
 pers  of  the  true  God  do  find,  and  more  and  more  may  finde  lively 
 refreshments  to  their  fouls  in  him,  the  experience  whereof  doth 
 kindle  their  dcfire  of  the  renewing  thereof  by  fuch  means,  as  they 
 have  found  refrefliments  by  before.  My  foul  thirftcth  for  God,  for 
 the  living  God*     ?•  Jtecaufc  the  affemblies  of  the  Kirk,  for  the 
 exercife  of  Religion,  are  the  tryfting  places,  where  God  ufeth  to 
 fliew  himfelf  to  his  people;  therefore  lovers  of  God  are  hearty 
 lovers  of  the  publike  ordinances,   and  moft  defirous  to  frequent 
 ihernfor  that  caufej  Worn  JhaU  I  come  and  appear e  before  God* 
 0.  It  is  not  enough  for  theNvicked  to  fee  the  godly  in  affliction, 
 except  they  impute  rhz  mifery  of  the  godly  unto  their  Religion 
 and  infult  over  them,  cither  as  Atheifts,oras  falfc  worfhippers, 
 or  as  hypocritical  people' forfaken  of  God  5  They  fay  continually 
 •unto  me,  Where  is  thy  God  I  7-  To  finde  Satan  and  wicked,men, 
 and  Gods  fad  dilpenfations  fceming  tofpeaW  rejection  from  God, 
 aad  to  fee  the  glory  of  the  trueReligionpnd  a  mans  own  intercft  in 
 
 God 
 
PSAL.    XLII.  2%$ 
 
 Qod  called  in  qucftion,  and  .-lirufl:  through  with  {lay  darts  of 
 Jnfulting  enemies,  is  a  matter  indeed  of  great  grief,  and  able  to 
 render  all  the  comforts  of  the  earthly  creatures  taftlefs  to  aj*odly 
 foul,  ZMy  tears  have  been  my  meat  day  and  nighty  while  they  fuy  un- 
 to mc ,  Where  is  thy  God?  8.  As  they  who  have  had  moil 
 plenty  of  the  means  of  grace,  may  have  fcarcity  of  them  ere  all  be 
 done  $  fo  now  will  take  the  inlack  of  them  more  heavily,  then 
 they  who  have  reaped  moft  fpiritual  benefit  by  them)  When  I 
 remember  thefe  things ,  J  pour  out  my  (out  in  mc.  9.  The 
 Saints  mould  be  (6  far  from  feparation  from  the  fellowfhip  of  the 
 vifiblc  Kirk  in  the  pub! ike  exerrife  of  holy  ordinances,  albeit  they 
 know  certainly  that  all  are  not  found  profeffors  who  are  to  joyn 
 with  them,  that  it  mould  be  their  joy  to  have  multitudes  parta- 
 king in  the  ufe,  at  leaft  of  fome  of  the  publike  means,  and  fuch  as 
 were  not  publikcly  fcandalous  joyning  in  all  the  ordinances, 
 whereby  God  might  be  openly  honoured,  and  bis  elect  among 
 them  might  in  Gods  own  time  be  converted;  for  David. 
 -went  with  the  multitude,  and  that  to  the  glory  of  Cjod,  with 
 il?c  voyce  of  joy  and  praife,  and  with  a  multitude  that  \ept  holy  day. 
 And  this  was  at  the  time  when  King  Saul  and  his  Curtiers 
 wertjoyned  in  the  publike  ordinanees  with  him  and  with^tftti- 
 than  and  other  fuch  godly  perfons  :  Now  what  the  confliturion 
 of  the  Kirk  vifible  was  in  Sauls  dayes,in  regard  of  the  hypocriiie  of 
 profeffors  known  to  David,  fundry  of  Davids  Pfalmes  do  make 
 evident,  and  yet  for  all  that  he  wilhcth  to  have  the  like  occaticn 
 ofworfhipping  God  again,  and  doth  account  highly  of  what  he 
 fometimes  did  enjoy. 
 
 Verf.  5.  why  art  thou  cafldttvn^O  my  foul,  and 
 why  art  thou  difyuieted  in. me  ?  hope  thon  in  Gody 
 for  I  fha.ll  jtt  praife  him  for  the  help  of  l^ts  counte- 
 nance, 
 
 Inthefecond  part  of  the  Pfalme,  he  wreflleth  with  difcou-* 
 ragements,  and  the  conflicts  are  four.  Inthefiril  he  labourcth  to 
 comfort  hjmfelf  three  wayes;  firft .by  checking  himfclf  for  his  de- 
 jection of  fpirit ,  and  for  difquietnefs ;  next,  by  {lining up  the 
 grace  of  God  in  hirafelf,  namely  faith  and  hope  \  thirdly,  by  ap- 
 plication of  the  word  of  promife  made  unto  him  for  ftrengthening 
 of  both  10  bear  him  out,  till  the  Lord  (hould  manifeft  bispro- 
 mifed  kindnefs.  Whence  learn,  1.  When  fore  troubles  inftcad  of 
 humbling  a  man,  do  prefs  him  down  unto  dejection,  and  dif~ 
 
 courage-* 
 
284  PSAL.  XLII. 
 
 couragement  of  minde }  it  is  a  graciotismans  part  to  check  him- 
 himfelf  for  this  reafonlefs  fit  of  unbeliet^and  to  put  his  confcience 
 to  anfwer  for  yielding  fo  far  to  the  tentation  5  Why  art  thou  caft 
 down,  0  my  foul*  1.  Mil-belief  in  a  child  of  God  is  followed 
 withreftlefnelVof  fpirit.  as  a  chaftifement  drawn  on  by  that  fin, 
 for  which  difquieting  himfelf  the  man  may  juftly  be  challenged 
 alfo,and  will  not  be  able  to  give  a  reafon  for  it,  Why  art  thou  dif- 
 quieted  within  me?  J.  The  only  means  of  remedying  discourage- 
 ments and  unquietncfs  of  minde,  is  to  fet  faith  on  work  to  go  to 
 God,  and  take  hold  on  him,  and  to  caft  anchor  within  the  vail, 
 hoping  for  and  expecting  belief  from  him,  Hope  thou  in  God. 
 4.  The  believer  in  the  midft  of  trouble,  may  promife  to  himfelf 
 new  experience  of  Gods  kindncfs  and  confolation  by  delivery 
 out  of  it,  and  to  God  he  may  promife  praifes ;  Ijhall  yetpraife 
 him  for  the  help  of  his  countenance. 
 
 Verfe  6.  O  my  God9  my  foul  U  caft  frown  -within 
 me  :  therefore  -will  I  remember  thee  from  the  land  cf 
 Jordan^  And  of  the  Hermonites  ,  from  the  hill 
 A/iJfar. 
 
 Inthefecondconflidhe  turneth  him  to  God,  andlayeththe 
 cafe  of  his  difcouraged  heart  before  him,  labouring  to  make  ufe  of 
 old  experience.  Whence  learn,  1.  Albeit  a  deje&ed  and  difcon- 
 folatc  foul  may  and  fhould  deal  with  it  felf  rationally,  to  recover 
 it  felf,  yet  can  it  not  do  it  effeftually;but  as  a  man  fick  and  weak, 
 and  fain  from  his  bed  calleth  for  help  :  fo  muft  it  call  to  God,and 
 lay  out  its  cafe  before  him,  that  he  may  recover  it,  0  my  God,  ny 
 foulis caft  down  within  me.  2.  Albeit  the  power  of  making 
 the  means  efjfe&ual ,  be  not  in  us,  but  in  the  Lords  hands,  yet 
 mufl:  we  not  ceafe  to  ufe  the  meaus  rationally  foil,  whereby  the 
 Xord  ufeth  to  convey  his  efficacious  power,  and  to  call  to  minde 
 experiences ,  as  a  good  means  for  recovering  of  our  felves  >  My 
 foulis  caft  down,0  God,  therefore  will  I  remember  thee  from  the 
 Land  of  Jordan.  That  is,  I  will  aime  at  comforting  my  felf], 
 by  remembring  what  I  have  found  by  experience  in  feverall 
 places  of  $udea  of  thy  goodnefs  to  me  :  and  I  will  look  to  the 
 holy  land,  and  to  the  Temple ,  the  place  where  thy  gracious 
 preience  is  offered,  and  where  thy  honour  dwelleth. 
 
 Verf.  7.  T)eep  GnUtihmtodeep  m  the  noife  of  thy 
 
 Water- 
 
PSAL.    XLII.  28? 
 
 water- [pouts  :  all  thy  waves  and  thy  biUovos  are  gone 
 over  we. 
 
 In  the  third  conflict,  wherein  the  very  remembrance  of  by- 
 eone  experience  ,  which  even  now  was  made  ufe  of  tocomforc 
 tirri,  dothkinulc   afrelhagaine  his  grief,    Learn,   1.  Though 
 the  ufing  of  the  right  and  appointed  means  to  comfort  us,  fhodld 
 feem  to  us  to  have  a  contrary  cffc<fr  to  what  we  intended ,  and  to 
 encreafe  our  grief  by  our  ufing  them,  yet  Ml  mull  we  wraftle 
 on>ufing  ftill  cue  means  after  another,  mixing  prayer  with  all  o- 
 ther  means,as  David  cloth  here,  laying,  Deep  calletb  to  deep  at  the 
 wife  of  tky  waterspouts.    2.    As  the  noife  of  raine  from  the 
 clouds  raifeth  a  noiie  of  the  infoiour  waters  and  floods  \  as  the 
 railing  of  brooks  doth  raife  the  rivers^  and  all  do  fhut  themfelves 
 into  a  fea*  and  as  the  waves  of  the  fea  do  call  one  upon  another  to 
 1  follow  the  former  at  the  backrfo  one  grief  doth  waken  anothc:3one 
 tentation  doth  ftrengthen  another,  one  affii&ion  augmenteth  an- 
 other ,  till  a  fea  of  troubles  raifed  by  a  ilorm  be  like  to  over- 
 whelm  the  man,  eAll  thy   waves  and   tby    billows  are  gone 
 over  me. 
 
 Verf  8.  Yet  the  LOR*D  mil  command  hit  loving 
 kindnefs  in  the  day-time  %  and  in  the  night  hU  fong 
 lhall  be  with  mey  and  my  prayer  unto  the  God  of  my 
 life. 
 
 9.  I  mil  fay  unto  Cjo^  My  rock,  Why  haft  thou  for- 
 gotten me  >  why  go  1  mourning,  becaufe  of  the  oppref- 
 jion  of  the  enemy  f 
 
 To  oppofe  this  new  aflault/akh  puts  forth  it  felf  the  third  time, 
 promifing  to  the  wraftler  what  God  hath  promifed  to  the  believer, 
 whereupon  herefolveth  to  plead  his  canfe  more  hardly,  and  ply 
 God  yet  again  with  prayer  more  earneftly,  that  he  may  prevaile. 
 Wb.ncelearn,  1 .  Faith  teeth  in  Gods  Word  and  in  by-gone  evi- 
 dence of  his  truth  manifefted  in  his  word  as  it.  were  written.  Or- 
 der and  commiflion  ready  to  be  given  forth  in  acls  of  providence 
 foi  fatisfying  the  believer  with  fo  much  frefti  experience,  as  may- 
 fill  him  day  and  night  with  fenfe  of  Gods  love  and  fongs  of 
 p«aife,  let  the  Lord  will  command  bis  loving  limine fs  in  theday- 
 %imez  audintbexigbt bis  fong  fhatt  be  with  :me.  2.  The  care  of 
 our  life iodiiy,  fpirkualj  and  evcvlaftinglieth  upon  Go\>  by  ver- 
 
 rue 
 
i%6  PSAL.    XLII. 
 
 tueofhisCovenantwithustokeepit,  to  feed  it  and  renew  It  irk 
 all  the  decayes  thereof,  till  it  be  pofleffed  of  unchangeable  blef- 
 fednefs,  the  belief  whereof  is  a  ground  of  perfeverance  in  prayer, 
 (My  prayer  [ball  be  unto  the  God  of  my  life.  $.  Faith  may  im- 
 prove its  right  before  God,  and  plead  that  the  believer  be  not  re- 
 jected, and  may  regrate  any  appearance  which  is  effered  tofenfe: 
 of  rejection,  I  will  fay  unto  God,  Why  baft  thou  forgotten  me  I 
 4»  The  believer  in  his  complaints  muft  not  weaken  his  own  faith, 
 but  weaken  his  unbelief  rather,  and  to  this  end  mould  faften  his 
 faith  ere  he  complain,  I  mil  [ay  unto  God  My  fOc\ ,  there  faith  is 
 fattened,  then  followeth  the  complaint,  rob)  haft:  thou  fogottat 
 me  ?  why  go  I  mourning  beeaufe  of  the  opprejfwnof  the  enemy  ? 
 
 Verfe  10.  As  with  afword  in  my  bones^  mine  ene- 
 mies reproach  me  :  while  they  fay  daily  unto  me^  Where 
 is  thy  God? 
 
 11  Why  aft  thou  ca(l  downi  0 my  foul?  and  why 
 art  thou  difqaieted  within  me  ?  hope  thou  in  god;  for  I 
 Jball  yet  praife  him,  who  is  the  help  of  my  countenance^ 
 and  my  God. 
 
 In  the  fourth  conflict  which  he  hath  chiefly  with  the  mockers 
 of  his  Religion,  and  of  his  eaufe,  and  of  his  traft  in  God$  Leant, 
 I.  The  fharpeft  part  of  a  believers  trial  and  affliction  is,  when 
 in  his  perfon  Religion  and  Gods  glory  is  mocked  ,  this  cruel 
 fort  of  perfecution  pierceth  deepeft  in  his  heart,  becaufe  it  tends 
 to  drive  the  man  to  defperation,  and  to  make  Religion  and  faith 
 in  God  out  of  requcft,  As  with  a  [word  in  my  bones,  mine  enemies 
 reproach  me.  2.  Continuance  of  the  reproach  of  godlinefs,  and 
 of  theinfolency  ot  mockers  fcorning  Religion  in  the  afflicted 
 mans  face,in  the  time  when  it  feemeth  that  his  affliction  ipeaketh 
 defperation  of  relief,  doth  greatly  encreafe  the  power  of  the  tenta- 
 tion,and  the  L^odly  mans  giief :  A  (word  in  my  b  nes  while  tley  fay 
 daily  unto  mt3, 'twere  is  thy  God  ?  As  the  battel  againft  difcouuagc- 
 ments  ana  unL  Ifef  ufeth  to  be  ofrtner  renewed  even  after  the  be- 
 liever hath  gotten  the  victory  once  and  again,  and  as  the  wraftlers 
 weaknefs  ufeth  oftener  to  !<e  made  evident:  fo  the  fame  means  and 
 weapons  mull  be  qftener  ufed.  and  we  mull  not  be  weary  to  fight 
 on;  for,  IVby  art  thou  aft  dow'1,0  my  foul,  is  now  repeated  as 
 before  s  themif-beliefand  Hifquietnefs  drawn  on  by  misbelief, 
 muft  be  yet  again  rebuked.,  Why  art  thou  difyuieted  within  me  ? 
 
 Faith 
 
PSAL.    XLIH.  287 
 
 Faith  and  hope  rauft  be  fet  a  work  againft  all  the  difappearances 
 of  help,  Hope  thou  in  God  >  we  rauft  (as  it  were)  be  furety  to  our 
 fclves  for  Gods  promifes  made  to  u$,  that  they  (hail  be  perform- 
 ed, I  Jhll  yet  praifcbim>  4.  As  when  the  Lord  doth  with- 
 draw both  the  cutward  tokens  of  his  favour,  and  alfo  his  inward 
 confolation  for  a  time,  the  countenance  of  the  godly  cannot 
 chufe  but  be  heavy,  call  down,  and  look  fad  like  a  man  that  is 
 fuk  ,  fo  when  God  returneth  to  comfort,  and  to  own  his  own,  ei- 
 ther both  inwardly  and  outwardly,  or  inwardly  only  5  the  mans 
 face  locketh  chef  rful,  He  is  the  health  of  my  countenance.  ?.AL 
 though  the  Lord  for  a  time  (hall  neither  remove  the  outward  af- 
 fliction, nor  yet  inwardly  give  comfort,  yet  faith  will  fuftain 
 it  felf  upon  the  Covenant,  and  lay  its  whole  weight  upon  it,  and 
 may  do  it  confidently  3  for  it  will  not -fink  under  the  man  >  nor 
 under  his  burden,  He  is  my  god. 
 
 PSAL.     XL  III, 
 
 This  Pfalme  tendcth  to  the  fame  purpofe  with  the 
 former;  for  'David  in  exile  complaineth  of  his 
 perfecucors,  and  prayeth  for  delivery,  and  re- 
 gratethhis  fad  condition,  ver.  1,2.  prayeth  for 
 reftitution  unto  the  liberty  of  the  publike  ordi- 
 nances ,  promfing  to  praife  God  at  his  re- 
 turning cheerfully, ver.  3,4,  andwraftleth  with 
 his  difcouragements  as  he  did  irt  the  former 
 Pfalme,  ver.  5. 
 
 Verf.  t.TVdge  me,  OSod,  and  plead  my  caufe  a- 
 J  gainfi  an  ungodly  nation :  0  deliver  me 
 from  the  deceitful  and  unjuft  man. 
 
 2.  For  then  art  the  God  of  my  ftrengthjvby  doefl  thou 
 caft  me  off?  why  go  I  monrning^becajife  of  the  opprcfficn 
 of  the  enemj  ? 
 
 Froiut 
 
288  PSAL.  XLIII. 
 
 FRom  his  complaint  and  prayer  againft  his  enemies  ;  Learn  j- 
 jr.  As  the  godly  have  ufually  enemies  powerful,  many  craf- 
 tie  and  cruel  opprefllng  them  for  right  eoufneffc  y  io  want 
 they  not  a  Judge  impartial ,  who  is  lufficient  to  take  order  with 
 their  adverfavies,to  whom  they  may  and  mould  addrefs  themfelves 
 in  their  affliction  ,  as  David  doth  here  :  Judge  me,  0  Lord,  and 
 plead  my  caufe  againft  an  ungodly  Nation,  i.  The  craftineffe,and 
 Jalfhood,  and  fair  pretences,whereby  the  enemies  do  palliate  their 
 cruel  purpofes  3  are  more  dangerous  then  their  profefled  cruelties 
 from  which  no  wifdome,  except  divine  direct ion^can  fave  a  man> 
 O  deliver  me  from  the  deceitful  and  unju ft  man.  $.  What  the 
 oppreffed  Kirk  ,  or  particular  Beleever  wanteth,that  God  h3th, 
 and  is  to  be  forth-coming  for  the  Beleev^rs  ufe  and  benefit,  (as 
 his  need  fhall  be,)  to  uphold  him  by  it,  and  comfort  h.m,and  de- 
 liver him,  and  bleffe  him  :  For,  Thou  art  tbcGod  ofmyftrengtb. 
 4.  Although  the  Lord  be  all  in  all  to  us  by  Covenant^  yet  for  our 
 good  and  his  own  glory  he  may  foexercile  us,  as  we  may  want 
 poffeffion  for  a  time  of  what  we  have  in  promife  $  yea,  and  feeme 
 alfotobethruftoutofourright ;  in  which  cafe  if  we  (hall  once 
 fixe  our  faith  ,  we  fhall  have  liberty  to  difpute  our  right  againft 
 all  tentations ,  and  to  expreffe  the  fenfe  of  our  condition  unto 
 God  without  being  miftaken,  as  here  'David  doth,  faying  (  not 
 before,  but  aftet  the  fixing  of  his  faith  :  )  Why  doft  tbou  caft 
 me  off?  Why  go  I  Mourning  for  the  opprejfwn  of  the  enemie  ? 
 
 Verft  3.  0  fend  out  thy  light  and  thy  truth  ;  let 
 them  leadme  ,  let  them  bring  me  unto  thy  holy  hill^  and 
 to  thy  Tabernacles. 
 
 4*  Then  will  I  go  unto  the  Altar  of  God^  unto  God 
 my  exceeding  joy  :  yea,  upon  the  harp  will  I  praifc  thee3 
 O  God^  my  God. 
 
 From  his  prayer  and  promife  of  thankfgiving ;  team,  I,  No 
 tcntation  unto  difcouragement ,  noi  feeming  defertion  mould 
 divert  the  Beleever  from  pur  filing  his  delire  of  relief,  but  rather 
 kindle  his  affeftionin  prayer :  0  find  out  thy  light.  2.  Com- 
 fort deliverances  from  troubles,  and  performance  of  promifes 
 when  they  moft  difappcarj  are  kept  to  the  fere  to  us,  and  faft 
 locked  up  ,  to  be  let  forth  in  due  time  unto  us :  0  fend  out  thy 
 light,  and  thy  truth.  5.  Direction  how  to  carry  our  felves  till 
 we  okayic  our  defires  y  and  obfejjvation  of  the  fteps  of  Gods  pro- 
 
 videncej 
 
PSAL.    XLIIL  28P 
 
 Vidcnce,  bringingusto  the  pofleffion  cf  prcmifc J  mercies  3  arc 
 ncceflary  preparations  foi  the  mcrcie  which  we  feck,  and  mould 
 be  prayed  for  as  mercies  in  order  preceding  that  particular 
 which  we  would  have  :  L  t  them  lead  mc-y  let  them  bringme  unto 
 thy  holy  bill.  4.  Spiritual  grief  muft  have  fpiritual  comfort; 
 godly  (orrow  for  di  fiance  from  God  and  want  of  thef  comfort- 
 able ufc  of  his  ordinances,  admitreih  no  comfort,  favea  comforc 
 of  that  kinder  for  David  longeth  more  to  have  the  free  ufe  of 
 the  publick  ordinances  ,  then  to  have  the  Kingdome  ;  There- 
 fore faith  he  3  Let  them  i  ring  me  to  thy  holy  hill  3  and  to  thy  Ta- 
 bernacles. 5.  The  rirft  thing  a  foul  is  to  look  unto  in  his  addrefle 
 to  God,  is  the  means  of  expiation  of  his  fin  3  and  that  isChrift 
 freprefented  by  the  Altar/  ofteing  himfdf  a  ranfome  for  the 
 (inner  j  and  fanftifyingtheperfon  of  the  offerer  9  and  the  wor- 
 ship and  fervice  of  the  man  that  comes  to  God  through  him$ 
 Then  will  I  go  to  the  tAltar  of  God.  6.  This  way  of  making 
 addreffe  to  God  by  Chrift  3  giveth  prefent  zeectte.  to  God  ,  and 
 peace  to  the  foul  of  him  who  draweth  near  this  way  :  Thus  I  will 
 go  to. God  t  7.  God  laid  hold  upon  through  Chrift  ,  iurnifti- 
 eth  not  only  peace,  but  unfpeakable  joy  alio  to  the  Beieevet  ;  jtzj 
 God  reconciled  through  Chrift,  is  the  life  of  the  Beleevers 
 gladneflc  ,  J  will  go  to  God  ,  my  exceeding  joy.  8.  As  is  the 
 longing  of  the  foul  alter  God  ,  when  it  is  at  a  diftance  from  him  i 
 io  is  the  confolation  and  frtisfa&ion  which  it  findeth  after  re- 
 newed accede ;  and  as  the  fupplicant  is  earneft  for  renewed  fenfe 
 of  fellowfhip  :  io  doth  he  purpofe  that  the  prailes  of  God  mail  be 
 hearty  at  the  receiving  of  that  which  he  longed  for,  and  alio  that 
 his  faith  /hall  be  ftronger  by  the  fattening  oi  the  bond  of  the  Co- 
 venant between  him  and  God  more  ftrongiy  :  I  will  prai  e  thee 
 with  the  harpc  ,  0  my  God. 
 
 Verfe.  5*  PFhy  art  thou  cat!  down i  O  my  foul? 
 and  why  art  thou  dif quieted  within  me  ?  hope  m  God  j 
 for  IftaUyetpraifcbim,  who  is  the  health  of  my  coun- 
 tenance'and mj  God. 
 
 He  ciofeth  this  Pfalme  as  the  former,  letting  faith  and  hope  on 
 wotk  to  wraftle  with.di'couragcmenr,  Whence  lcarny  1.  The 
 ftrongeftBeleevermay  be  overtaken  with  fits  of  dejection  ancf 
 difcouragernent  j  for  this  Champion  findeth  Ins  foul  call  down.' 
 ?-,  A  prating  foul  believing  in  God  through* Chrift ,  hatS  ntf 
 
 ft  reaforf 
 
i$o  P  S  A  L.     XLIV. 
 
 *eafon  of  Jcjcftion  and  ^ifcouragemenr.j  whatfoevfcr  reafon  of 
 kuniiliation  he  may  have  :  Why  art  thou  aft  down ,  0  my  foul  ? 
 3.  Tc  is  a  fanaitying  rae.uis  tor  wraftling  out  of  difcouragemenr,  , 
 rcdifputcmif  bcliet  to  the  door,  ortodifpute  our  ielves'out  of 
 the  dumps  by  region  taken  from  the  Lords  word  ,  and  it  is  wit- 
 dome  to  get  .he  cohfrieri'ce  to  be  our  irrend  ,  when  the  minde  and 
 the  heart  ate  in  a  wrong  temper  in  thi*  cafe  3  it  is  neceffary  to 
 fake  Gods  pan  againft  mifoclief ,  and  unwarrantable  unquiet - 
 fiefie  ,  and  trr  difpure  both  his  caufcandour  own  ngainft  tenta- 
 fations:  IVby  an thoudifquictcd  within  m?  4.  No  reft  to  a 
 troubled  and  unquiet  fpir.it/jbui  by  calling  anchor  on  theRock^and 
 hrpinginGod  $  Hope  thou  ir  God.  5.  Hope  cannot  raife  it 
 felt  in  trouble,  hue  by  the  gripe  of  a  promife  }  Hope  in  God,  for 
 1  (Butljctpraife  him. 6. Though  Faith  be  in  davkneHe^yet  will  it  lee 
 afarre  oft,  to  icon  as  ft  puts  the  prefpeft  of  the  Covenant  of 
 Gr?ceto  its  eye  ,  it  difcerneth  the  proper  remedy  of  prefent  evils 
 to  be  in  God  5  and  the  good  it  would  bear  ^  coming  along  unto 
 it,  ancfisasfurebfitj  as  if  it  were  in  pofliflion  :  He  U  the 
 health  of  my  coftntciwicey  and  my  God% 
 
 V  S  A  L.  XLIV. 
 
 To  the  chief '  Mufichn  for  the  fons  of  Konh. 
 
 The  Kirk  under  heavie  perfecution:  Firft,  ftrengthe- 
 ncth  her  faith  in  God  before  fhe  enter  upon 
 her  lamentation,  verf  1,2,3  4j^6^798-  ^ 
 the  fecond  place,  (he  layeth  forth  her  fad  fuf- 
 ferings  under  the  hand  of  the  cruel!  peirfecu- 
 •  tors,  verf.  9,*o,  1 1,  f2, 13,  M3 15, 16.  In  the 
 third,  fhe  profeffeth  her  eonftant  adherence 
 unto  God,  and  doth  avow  his  truth  for  time 
 by-paft,  and  her  purpofe  to  continue  for  time 
 to  come,  verf.  ijt  ig,  19,  20,21,22.  In  the 
 laft  place,  they  pray  unto  the  Lord  to  arife, 
 &n4  relieve  them  from  their  cruell  perfceutors, 
 
 for 
 
PSAL.    XLIV.  291 
 
 for  the  glory  of  both  his  juftice  and  mercy, 
 verf.   23,  24,25. 
 
 FRontheInfc;iption3  Learn*  Seeing  the  Canon  of  the  whol£ 
 Hebrew  Bible  is  commended  to  us  by  Chrift  and  his  Apo- 
 Hies  ,  as  the  undoubted  word  of  God  ,  and  the  undoubted  Scri- 
 pts es  given  bv  infpiiation  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  the  holy  men  of 
 God,  die  writers  thereof,  askeptintire  and  not  vitiate  by  the 
 Jewess  (whole  honour  for  prciervihg  faithfully  &he  Oracles  of 
 God  committed  unto  them  :.  is  unftained  >  Rom.  4.  i.J  We  are 
 not  to  trouble  our  felves  about  the  name  of  the  writer  3  or  time 
 of  writing  of  any  part  thereof,  efpecially  becauie  God  of  fet  pur- 
 pofe  concealeth  the  name  fundry  times  of  the  wiitcr  3  and  the 
 time  when  it  wis  written ;  That  we  might  look  in  every  bool^, 
 more  to  the  enditer  of  it,  then  to  the  writer  of  it  •  and  that  the 
 life  of  any  excrcife  cfany  of  the  Saints  fet  down  therein^might 
 be  fo  much  the  more  large  >  as  the  confederation  of  particular  cir- 
 cumftances  of  time  and  perfons,  (w  hereunto  it  might  feem  only 
 to  be  applied),  were  laid  afule  >  For  this  Pfalme  wanting  the 
 name  of  the  writer ,  and  time  of  the  writing  of  it  alio  ^  is  looked 
 uponby  the  Apoftle,  T[om.%.  36.  not  only  as  an  experience  of 
 the  Kirk  before  us ,  but  alfo  as  a  prcpheck  of  the  martyrdome  of 
 Chriftians  under  the  Gofpel ,  and  as  an  encouragement  to  ftani 
 conftant  in  the  faith  in  hctteftpcrfccutionSo 
 
 Verf.i.VT/^  have  heard  with   our  ears  ,  0  Godi 
 V  V    our  fathers  have  told  tu  what  wovkjhovi 
 didtfl  in  their  dajes,  in  the  times  of  old. 
 
 2.  How  thou  didfl  drive  out  the  heathen  with  thy 
 hand,  and  planted/}  them  ;  how  thou  didfl  affltfi  the  peo- 
 ple t  and  caft  them  out, 
 
 3.  For  they  got  not  the  land  in  poffe/JIon  ly  their  own 
 fword,  neither  d'd  their  own  armefave  them  ;  bat  thy 
 right  hand<>  and  thine  arm*,  and  the  I  ght  of  thy  counte- 
 nance ,  becaufcthou  badfi  a  favour  unto  them. 
 
 FOr  the  confirmation  of  their  faith  y  they  lay  forth  three  argu- 
 ments.  The  firft  is  horn  the  Lords  mighty  work  in  driving 
 ton  the  Canaaaites ,  and  planting  their  fathers  in  Cunun  ,  made 
 
 &  1  men-' 
 
is>i  PSAL.     XLIV. 
 
 mention  ofin  holy  Scripture.     Whence  learn,  I.  The  informa- 
 tions  which  the  Scripture doih  give  us  of  Gods  working  for  his 
 people,  isasfure,  and  fliould  be  fo  looked  upon  by  usj    as  it 
 the  people  of  God  who  lived  in  thedoyes  when  chelc  works  were 
 done,  and  who  were  eyc-witnefles  thereof ,  fliould  alfo  rife  up 
 from  the  dead  ;    when  the  Scriptures  are  read  ,  and  teftifie  unto 
 us,  faying:    Of  the fc  things  we  wcrccyc-witncjfcs,  and  we  tell 
 them  unto  you  for  uncjueftionable  truths,  for  thus  much  do  thefe 
 words  import;     Wc *  have  beard  with  our  cures,  0  Cjod  ,  our  fa- 
 thers have  told  us  what  thou  didfi  in  their  dayes*     z.  The  Scri- 
 pture doth  keep  the  declarations  of  Gods   work  and  will  fo  fi  efh 
 and  clean  and  pure  from  the  mixture  and  fuperfluitie  and  im- 
 perfection of  humane  tradition    that  God  will  own  it  as  his  own 
 proper  teffimonie,  when  we  bring  it  before  him:     Our  earcs 
 have  heard.  0  God,  what  thou  didfi  in  the  times  of  old.  3.  Gods 
 eld  works  have  new  ufe  in  all  ages ,  fcr  the  furtherance  of  Be- 
 lcevcvs  faith  and  patience  and  comfort;     We  have  heard  what 
 thou  didfi  in  times  of  old ,  fay  the  Saints  now  in  trouble  ,  and 
 Standing  in  need  of  experience  of  the  like  works  of  God  for  them. 
 4*  Albeit  comparison  of  by-gone  better  times  with  ours  \  doth 
 augment  grief  and  tentation  atfirft}    yet  when  they  are  well 
 looked  upon    in  their  end  and  u(e,  they  ferve  to  comfort  us,    and 
 confirme  our  faith. as  here  the  perfecuted  Kiiks  ufe-making  of  the 
 like  condition  of  the  Lords  people  before  them  doth  teach  us, 
 5.  Although  Families  and  Nations  were  rooted  in  a  Land  ,  like 
 old  Oakc-trcc ,  and  were  very  long  profeflours  of  it ;    yet  God 
 can  drive  them  out  of  it ,  by  whatinftrumentsfoever  he  pleafeth 
 to  do  it  5     The  work  of  vanquishing  Nations  ,  and  fubduing  of 
 them  ,  and  calling  out  of  them,  is  the  Lords  work  :    Thou  didfi 
 drive  out  the  heathen  with  thy  hand.  And  fo  is  the  planting  of  a 
 people  in  a  land  ,  or  continuing  families  in  fucceilion  :     Thou 
 pLintedfl  our  fathers ,  and  cafiedfi  out  tbcp.oplc.    6.  The  Lords 
 part  in  a  woik.is  befl  feen ,  when  mans  part  and  all  that  he  ,  as  an 
 inftrunacnt  hath  done,  or  could  have  done  in  it ,  isall declared 
 null  5  being  con(idered  as  feparate  horn  God,  who  moved  the  in- 
 ttruments,  and  did  work  by  them  what  he  pleafed  :    They  got  not 
 the  land  in  pofjcffion  by  their  ownfword,  &c.    7-  The  fountaine 
 of  all  good  which  is  done  to,  or  by  the  Kirk  ,  is  the  only  meere 
 favour  of  God ,  and  his  good  plcafurc  y    That  they  are  an  incor- 
 poration, a  Kirk  planted,  foftered  D  defended  fo  long  ,  watered, 
 ipared  fo  long  ,  all  is  free  favour;    Neither  did  their  own  arme 
 fwctbcm>  but  thy  right  handle,  becaufc  thou  badfi  a  favour 
 
PSAL.    XLIV.  293 
 
 •wttotbcm.     8.  When  G^dfheweth  the  light  of  his  countenance 
 I  to  a  people  or  pcTon ,  he  will  alio  fliew  his  power  for  them  ;    Thy 
 ame  and  tie  light  of  thy  countenance  ,  gave  them  the  land  inpof- 
 fcffion.    Thcfe  two  go  together. 
 
 Verll  4    Thou  a*t  my  King^  0  Qod;    command 
 deliverance  for  Jacob. 
 
 Thefecond  argument  for  confirmation  of  the  Kirk  ,  is  •  fiom 
 the  relation  between.  God  and  her;    Thou  art  my  Kjng^  O  God  : 
 £TV-     Whence  learn,    f.  Trouble  doth  iri3ke  Faith  thiiily  3  and 
 teachcth  the  Beleever  to  make  u'e  of  his  right  and  intereft,  and  ref- 
 lations berweenG  )d  &  him;which  other  wife  poffibly  mighjt  have 
 lien  idle  in  his  coffer  5  yea,  and  Faith  by  Trouble  is  made  wife, 
 to  chufe  out  the  relation  which  fcrveth  moft  for  its  prefentufe; 
 Thou  art  my  (f*£,  0  (fod.     %.  Rebtions  between  God  and  his 
 people   do   Hand  conliant  inadveriity,  as  well  as  in  profperity. 
 The  godly  in  perfecution  have  God  tor  a  King  to  come  unto  3 
 from  whom  they  may  expect  all  the  benefits  which  Subjects  can 
 expccl:  from  a  potent  King;. as  here  the  Kirk  faith  to  God  3  how- 
 ever thou  thinkeft  it  ht  to  put  us  under  the  feet  of  perfecutcrs;  yet 
 Thou  an  my  JSjng,  0  God.     3    YVhatfoever  be  the  particular  con- 
 dition of  any  meinber  of  the  Kirk j  their  prayer  mould  be  put 
 foith  tor  the  whole  body ;  fpecially  when  the  perfecution  is  of  the 
 whole  ,    Qmmand  deliverance  for  Jacob.     4.  It  will  coft  the 
 Lord  but  a  word  to  deliver  his  people  :    Ler  him  give  out  order, 
 and  it  mall  be  effected  >    The  Kirk  craveth  no  more,  but  Qorc-,  " 
 (cliverasce. 
 
 Ver.  i.  Through  thee  will  we  pftfr  down  our  enemies* 
 through  thy  Name  mil  we  tread  them  under  that  rife 
 Up  againfi  pu. 
 
 6.  For  I  will  not  trxft  in  my  boxve ,  neither  JhMl  my 
 Jvrerdfave  me. 
 
 7.  'Bm  thoy  hafl  faved  *u  from  oHr  enemies,  and  hajl 
 put  them  tofhame  that  hated  m. 
 
 8.  In  God  Vee  boafi  all 'the  day  long  j  and  fraife  thy 
 Name  for  ever,  SeUh* 
 
 h-i 
 
294  PSAL.    XLIV. 
 
 The  third  argument  to  confirme  their  faith  ,  is  the  conscience 
 of  their  fincerepurpofe,  to  give  God  the  glory  of  inabling  them 
 unto  all  duties  >  whereunto  he  hath  promifed  to  inable  them. 
 jVhemc  kirn,  i.  The  Believer  may  promife  tohimfelf,  whatso- 
 ever G.od  hath  promifed  unto  him  5  hath  God  prcmiCcd  to  give 
 his  own  people  the  victory  over  their  enemies,    then  the  Be- 
 leever  may  promife  to  himfclfhefhall  overcome  his  perfecutors, 
 and  through  Gods  ftrength  be  more  then  a  conquerour  over  them; 
 Through  thec  will  we  pujh  down  cur  enemies.  Ifth&enemiemakc  . 
 head  againft  them  after  a  defeat,  the  Beleevermay  fay  >  Through 
 thy  Hume  will  we  tread  them  under  that  rife  up  againft  ut.    1.  The 
 lefTe  confidence  we  have  in  our  felvcs-  or  in  any  thing  befidc  God, 
 the  more  evidence  have  wc  of  the  lincerity  o?  our  faith  in  God  : 
 for  ImUnottrujl  in  my  bowe  y  neither  pull  my  [word  five  me. 
 3.  It  is  a  proof  ofiincerity  of  faith,  to  give  God  as  much  credit 
 for  time  to  come,  as  he  hath  gained  to  himfelf,  bv  the  evidencing 
 of  his  truth  in  time  by-gone  •    My  fw-rd  full  not  fave  me  :    'But 
 thou  haft  laved  ut ,  and  therefore  through  thee  will  wepujlf  down 
 cur  enemies.     4.  Whofoever  doth  hate  the  Lords  people  ,  fhall 
 be  forced  to  think  fhame  of  their  enmity  one  day ;     Thou  haft 
 put  them  tojhame,  that  hated  m,    $.  The  glory  which  we  give  to 
 God  in  profperitie,  we  fhould  give  him  the  fame  in  our  adverfityj 
 change  of  times  and  difpenfations  mould  not  chans^  his  glorymor 
 our  confidence  in  him  ;    Though  the  Kirk  be  under  foot  of  men, 
 the  Kirks  God  is  above  all  :    In  God/ we  boaft'all  the  daylong 
 andpraife  thy  Name  for  ever, 
 
 Verf.  9.  Bkt  thou  haft  caft  off,  and  put  m  to  flame; 
 and  go  eft  not  forth  With  our  armies. 
 
 IO.  Ihoumakeft  m  to  turne  back^from  the  enemy  | 
 and  they  Vehich  hate  m ,  fpoile  for  themf "elves \ 
 
 11.  Thou  haft  given  m  like  fheep  appointed  for 
 meat ;  end  hafi  fcattered  m  among  the  heathen. 
 
 1 2.  Thou  fe  He (i  thy  people  for  nought^  and  doft  not  in- 
 creafe  thy  wealth  by  their  price*. 
 
 13.  Thou  makeft  *u  a  reproach  unto  our  neigh- 
 bours ,  a  fcorne  and  derifon  to  them  that  are  round 
 about  us. 
 
 14.  Thou  makeft  w  a  by-word  among  the  heathen; 
 
 *  Peking 
 
PSAL.  XLIV.  29$ 
 
 l  a  Jbakififr  of  the  Ijcsl!  among  the  people. 
 
 15.  My  confufion  i$  continually  icfore  ins  5  and  the 
 fiame  of  mj  face  hath  cover  came. 
 
 16.  Tor  the  voice  of  him  that  icproachetb  and 
 blafphemetl)  ;  by  reafcn  of  the  enernie  ]$nd  a- 
 venger. 
 
 Having  thus  fattened  a  rcfohr.ion  to  believe  confhntly  in  Go4j 
 the  Pialmiil  Liycth  forth  the  lairraitabl:  condition  of  the  Kirk 
 before  Gxt,  with  the  tentation  which  did  afiauk  his  people  in 
 their  foflferings.  Whence lc.irn>  i.Iccan  fljndw;  ftanf 
 
 love  of  G  )d  to  his  people  ,  to  put  them  to  io  bard  escrcifes  by  va- 
 riety of  troubles ;    as  lie  mw  icem  not  on!  v  to  b  e:ik  off  hi  s  h 
 courfe  of  kindnetfe  towards  thero  ,  but  al/o  :o  call  them  off ,  and 
 rurne  again!} thvtn^  b  fore  judgeoieutron  -hem  3  which 
 
 ordinarily  do  Ipeak  unto  humane  lYpfe  wracb  and  utter 
 -wrath  :  Thou  b.ijl  cafl  ojfh  yea,  and  they  may  feem  cUfappQinted 
 of  their  hoped  (01  protection  and  afiifhncc  from  G  >s  Thou  baft 
 put  us  to  flume  %  and  may  lofe  he^irt  and  hanfjwhentbey  go  to 
 battell  againft  their  enemies  in  a  good  caufe  :  Thou  gocjl  not 
 forth  with  our  armies,yyr{.  9.  and  be  put  to  flight  in  baitelU,  and- 
 be  made  a  tpoile  l  u!  enemies :    Thou  m.i!{c  i  us  turn 
 
 bxdi  fro)/:  our  enemies ,  and  rhej  tiw  hate  us.  fyjile  for  them/elves^ 
 v.  10.  and  being  deftitutc  of  humane  help  for  recc  vc:ie.nuy  feeni 
 to  be  left  in  the  ham!  of  the  encmic,  to  difpofe  of  them  ( 
 may  feem)  to  his  pleasure}    Thou  h.ifl  given  us  lil{c  fheep  for 
 mat.    And  albeit  all  Lcleevcrs' cannot  be  cut  eft,  yet  we  may 
 lofe  the  face  of  a  Kirk  or  Congregation  :    Thou  luji  [cMtcred  u$ 
 pnpng  the  Heathen 3  verf  11.  and  may  be  made  underlings  and 
 flaves  to  oppreliors  with  no  apparent  advantage  to  the  Lords 
 r.y,  but  foejpmg  Ic-'ic  rather  5    Thoufcllcjl  t/.y  people  for  nought 9 
 anddoflnot   hicrexfe  thy  Tpe&lib  with  their  price >  verf.  11.   And 
 may  be  deprived  ,  not  only  of  the.  common  curies  ot  humanity  , 
 which  may  be  exipe&ed  of  neighbours  3  but  alio  be  dilviair.ed  by 
 them  ^  mocked  and  reproach :d  by  them  :     Thou  mJ^efi  us    a  re- 
 prOuC:')  to  our   neighbours  ,  a  (come  and  der'Sion  to  tl 
 (zboutuSj  verf.  13.    And  in  a  word,  may  be  the    m<  it  ,.e  pi.eii 
 
 !>ebple :  under  heaven  j  which  ?slt  is  the  juft  puiiilhrncnt  c1:  the 
 candalous  carriage  of  the vifaVc  Kirk,  v  Go  s 
 
 name  to  be  reprcache.l  among  Idol  iters  and 
 ?s  jtjhe/harpcittiiall  and  tentadon  of   hj  truly  gcdiVth 
 
*96  PSAL.    XLIV. 
 
 be ;  Tbou  ma\e\l  m  a  by-word  among  the  heathen,  a  faking  of  the 
 he  id  amongxhe  people,  verf.  14.  Ltarnaljo,  2.  As  Gods  prefence 
 manifefted  among  his  people  ,  and  for  them  in  the  fight  of  the 
 world  ,  makes  them  the  mod  famous  >  wife.,  contagious,  prorpe- 
 rous  and  blcfied  people  in  the  world  :  So  when  God  being  pro- 
 voked by  the  wicked  behaviour  of  his  profeflcd  people,  Icaveth 
 them,  with-draweth  his  protection  from  them,  will  (hew  himfelf 
 angry  at  them  j  they  become  fcolifh  and  feeble  fheep ,  a  defpi- 
 cable  and  difdained  people  above  all  ethers  s  We  turne  back  from, 
 the  enemy. Tbou  baft  given  us  to  JI)cep  appointed  for  meat,  a  reproach, 
 a  fcorncy  a  by-word.  3.  Wh.nfoever  calamity  cometh  upon  us, 
 howfoever ,  and  for  what  foe  ver  caufe  ,  we  may  fafely  take  God 
 for  the  worker  of  all  our  woe;  albeit  the  meritorious  caufe  be  in 
 our  felf  3  the  inflicting  of  the  calamity  is  of  the  Lord  >  for  there 
 is  no  trouble  in  the  City  which  theJLord  will  not  avcwhimlelf . 
 to  be  the  infl icier  of  5  for  here  the  Prophet  ^uts  all  upon  God  , 
 Tbou  haji  dqne  it  ,  five  or  fix  times.  4.  When  the  vifiple  Khk 
 hath  d  awn  on  miftrie  on  herielf  ,  and  C  od  hath  inflicted  cala- 
 mities juftly  on  her;  it  is  fafer  to  go  to  God,  and  lay  before  him 
 all  his  work  of  juftice  ,  and  the  mifery  which  lieth  on  us  ,  then 
 to  keep  it  within  our  breads,  or  tell  it  cf  him  to  others ;  He  that 
 hath  wounded  us,  is  only  able  to  heal  us ,  fo  do*h  this  example 
 teach  us  to  do.  5  When  the  vifible  Kirk  is  vifited  with  lad  ca- 
 lamities,  the  true  members  thereof  are  partakers  of  rhe  trouble 
 and  for  row  and  (name  of  that  condition  :  My  confufion  is  conti- 
 nually before  mc3  faith  the  Pfalmift.  6. It  is  not  very  loon  that  the 
 Kirk  is  delivered  out  of  her  trouble ,'  when  once  (he  falleth  in  it, 
 there  is  a  time  wherein  it  is  continued  :  xMy  confufion  is  continu- 
 ally before  me  ,  and  thefhame  of  my  face  bath  covered  me,  vcri.  1  f. 
 7.  When  the  encmie  doth  reproach  Religion  and  righteoufneiTe, 
 becaufe  of  the  calamity  of  the  godly ;  the  more  is  fpeken  or  Gods 
 refpeft  to  the  godly,  and  their  caufe  ,  the  more  the  enemie  re- 
 proacheth  and  putteth  the  godly  to  (hame  >  and  fo  (  while  Gods 
 difpenfation  feemcth  to  fpeak  the  contrary  )  it  feemeth  to  be  but 
 their  own  confufion  for  the  godly  to  fpeak  of  God  ,  or  godli- 
 neflc  and  righteoufneffc  of  their  caufe.  This  is  a  fad  cafe  ,  The 
 fhame  of  my  face  bath  covered  me ,  for  the  voice  of  him  that  re- 
 froaebctb ,  and  blafpbemetb  ,  by  rcafon  of  the  enemie  and  the 
 avenger,     verf  16 . 
 
PSAL.    XLIV.  291 
 
 Verf.  17-  All  this  is  come  upon  us>  yet  have  rve  not 
 forgotten  thee :  neither  have  ype  dealt  faljly  in  thy 
 Covenant. 
 
 18.  Our  heart  is  not  turned  backj.  neither  have  our 
 ft  eps  declined  from  thy  way. 
 
 19.  Though  thou  haft  fore  broken  us  in  the  place 
 of  dragons  j  and  covered  m  with  the  Jbadow  of 
 death. 
 
 20.  If  VY*  have  forgotten  the  Name  of  cur 
 God,  or  ftretched  out  our  hands  to  a  ftrangc 
 go&: 
 
 21.  Shall  not  God  fear  ch  this  out?  for  he  kyoweth  the 
 fecrets  of  the  heart. 
 
 22.  Yea>  for  thy  fak*  are  Vce  \(illtk  all  the  day  long  : 
 we  art  counted  06  fhecpfor  the  flaughter. 
 
 In  the  third  place  ,  the  godly  dolprofeffe  for  all  that  i*  faid 
 their  fled faitni lie  in   the  profeffion  of  their  faith    for  which 
 they  were  persecuted.    Whence  learn,  1.  It  is  the  dutie  of  the 
 Lords  people  3  whatfoever  trouble  or  perfecution  they  (hall  fall 
 into  3  to  befledfaft  in  the  profeflion  of  rhe  true  Religion  ,    and 
 in  every  point  of  comroveited  truth  :     All  this  U  come  upon  us, yet 
 bavewenot  forgotten  thee.     2.  As  the  maintaining  of  contro- 
 verted truth  muft  flow  from  faith  in  Cod  ,  and  love  to  him, 
 entertaining  the  affectionate  remembrance  of  Gods  kindneile, 
 whatfoever  change  of  difpenfation  they  mall  feel :    So  the  paf- 
 fingfrom  a  point  of  truth  in  time  of  trouble  ,  is  a  forgetting  of 
 God,    who  is  but  hiding  himfelf  for  a  while,  till  the  trial  be  per- 
 fected 5    Therefore  fay  the  faithful ,  All  this  is  come  upon  us,  yet 
 have  we  not  forgotten  thee :     $.  As  the  Lord  hath  been  plealed 
 to  enter  into  Covenant  with  his  Kirk  and  to  make  the  Covenant 
 afanctifiedmeans    for  keeping  his  people  more  iled.aft  in  their 
 dutie:    So  mould  his  people  make  confcier.ee  of  keeping  Cove- 
 r.surnvdc  with  God  ,  and  of  remaining  fh.dfaft  in  the  mainte- 
 nance ot  every  duty  whereunto  they  it  nd  bound  therein  ,  that 
 when  they  give  accompt   thereof  ■,  they  may  fay  with  comfort, 
 JVc  hr.e  not  dealt  fdjly  in  thy  Covenant.     4.   Covenants  which 
 people  do  make  for  adhering  to  the  true  Religion  ,  and  to  morall 
 dueties  commanded  in  Gods  word  ,  are  not  of  the  nature  of  hu- 
 mane 
 
298  PSAL.XLIV. 
 
 mane  Covenants ,  wherein  man  and  man  arethepmies,  and 
 God  only  judge  and  witnefle ;  but  are  fuch  Covenants  as  God  is 
 alfo  a  party  therein  3  to  whom  a  people  is.fo  much  the  more  en- 
 gaged, as  they  are  tworn  to  keep  his  Law ,  and  therefore  fuch 
 Covenants  are  called  Gods  Covenant  :     We  have  not  dealt  falJJy 
 in  thy  Covenant.     $.  No  excufe  from  hazard  of  trouble  3  or  perr- 
 fecution  can  guard  the  conference,  toihiftor  paife  from  the  Co- 
 venant of  God:     Nothing  can  make  us  give  a  comfortable  ac- 
 compt  of  our  carriage  in  relation  to  the  Covenant  5  fave  upright 
 and  ftreight  dealing  before  God  ;    We  have  not  fault  faljly  inthy 
 Covenant,  verf.    7.     6.  The  Lord  can  procure  more  honour  to 
 himfelf  in  the  time  of  the  perfecution  of  his  fcattered  people  by 
 theconftancy  of  his  Martyrs  ,    and  fufYering  Saints  in  their  o- 
 pen  profeffion   and  maintenance  or  his  truth  before  their  perfe- 
 cutors ,    then  when  the    viiible  Kirk  lived  in  profperity  5  and 
 fcand.alized  their  neighbours  by  their  ill  behiviour ,  as  this  expe- 
 rience of  fcattered  I/r<zd  maketh  evident.    7.  A  good  confeience 
 doth  much  fweeten  affi  i&icn  in  the  time  of  trial ,  as  here  appear- 
 ed.    8.  It  is  neceffary  for  making  a  man  conftant  in  the  outward 
 profeffion  of  truth  in  the  time  of  perfecution ,  that  his  heart  be 
 cftablirtied  by  grace,  that  his  heart  be  fixed/  milling  in  the  Lords 
 Thefe  mall  be  borne  through  5  who  may  fay  ,     Our  heart  is  not 
 turned  back.     9*    Itisneceflary  to'watch  over  our  feveraltafti- 
 ons  y  left  by  little  and  little  in  particular  paflages  we  be  drawn 
 aflde  from  our  walking  with  a  ftreight  foot  toward  the  Gofpel ; 
 and  left  the  heart  beuollenaway  by  little  and  little  from  the 
 truth  5  therefore  thefe  two  muft  be  joyned  together  in  our  enclea-  N 
 vour  :    That  neither  our  heart  be  turned  back.  •>  neither  our  fteps 
 decline  from  the  Lords  rvay 3  verf.  18.     10,  Albeit  the  Lord  for 
 perfecting  the   full  triall  of  the  faith  of  his  people    mould  put 
 them  in  the  power  of  molt  cruel  Tyrants ,  and  in  daily  danger  of 
 lofina  their  life  ,    yet  mould  they  choofe  to  fufter  all  extremity  of 
 torments  5  and  death  it  felf ,  rather  then  to  depart  from  the  truth; 
 for  fo  did  the  Lords  approved  witnefks  befoie  us :    Though  God 
 did  break  them  fore  in  the  place  of  Dragons,  and  cover  them  with  the 
 jhaiow  of  dcatb>v.  13. 1 1. In  the  time  of  uxlcortcerningReligion, 
 two  forts  of  (ins  are  to  be  efchewed.  The  one  is  the  palling  from  any 
 point  of  the  truth  of  Dodrine  or  divine  Ordinances;  The  other 
 is  the  pra&ifing  ofany  point  of  falfe  worfhip  of  another  initituti- 
 on^then  what  is  the  Lords;  Whether  under  pretence  of  offering  ic 
 to  the  true  God3or  with  profeffion  unto  another  god  for  bjth  thefe 
 are  to.be  cfchew.cdjbecaufe  the  firjt  fort  pjffin  is  a  iorgetting  of  the 
 
 name 
 
PSAL.     XLIV.  199 
 
 \  name  of  God  :     The  other  is ,  a  flretcbing  out  of  cur  hands  to  a 
 ftrangegod.     12.  The  Lord  who  leave  hull 
 heart  3  will  make  fpeciall  fearch  fcr  corrupters  of  Religion  ,  and 
 depravers  of  divine  Doctrine,  worfhip  or  ordinal* 
 of  idclat:  y  3  whatfoever  excufes  or    pretences  be  ufed  for  the 
 louring  or  covering  of  the  fame  :'  if 'we  hive  forgotten  the  nams 
 of  our  Cjoi  ,  orftretcbed  out  our  hauls  to  mother  god  >  fhali 
 Godfcurch this  out  ?  20.    z$.  In  time  of  perfecution  tor  Reli- 
 gion >  nothing  can  counterbalance  th„  terrours  ana  allurements 
 of"  the  perfecutors ,  and  make  a  man  fteJfnlt  in  the  caufe  of  God  > 
 fave  the  fear  of  God.  and  love  to  God  fetled  in  the  heart ;    For 
 thereafon  of  the  Saints  ftcdfaitneUe  in  this  Pfalmeii ,  hecauje 
 God  would  h.uc  (arched  out  their  finnc,  if  they  had  done  other- 
 waves  ;    for  he  l^noweth  the  fecreis  0  the  hearts ,  v.  ir.     14. Such 
 as  refolve  to  beare  out  the  profefllon  of  the  truth  ,  muft  refolve  to 
 give  their  life  for  the  maintenance  of  it :    Wc  are  hjlled  all  the  day 
 long,     15.   It  is  ordinary  for  the  world  to  hue  the  fervants  of 
 God,  and  true  Saints,  more  for  their  faithfulneffe  to  God  ,  and 
 uprightneffe  in  his  fervice3  then  for  any  other  came  5    For  thy 
 fafe  are  we  filled.     16.  It  is  mercy  to  uSj  that  when  God  might 
 punifh  us  for  our  (innes3  he  doth  make  our  correction  honourable, 
 and  our  troubles  to  be  for  a  good  caufe ;    For  thy  folic  arc  wc  v  kr 
 17.    Although  all  the  houres  of  the  day  the  re  fecutors 
 were  taking  and  killing  iome  of  our  Brethren  y    the  Saints  for 
 
 x  their  faith  in  God,  and  fidelity  in  his  fervice ;  yet  thai  mult  not 
 divert  the'reft  from  following  of  the  truth  .  and  profefling  of  true 
 Religion  5  How  long  foevet  the  Lord  continue  the  persecution 
 and  our  trouble  j  for  his  caufe  wc  fhould  refolve  cenftantly  to 
 endure  to  the  end ;  Tea,  for  thy  caufe  arc  we  hJUcd  all  the  day 
 long,  wi.  li. 
 
 Verfc  23.  Atoake^yvhj fteepeft  thou}0  Lord?  trifc 
 c  aft  u$  not  off  for  ever. 
 
 34.  Wherefore  hide  ft  thou  ih-j  face  ?  and  for  net  te ft 
 our  afflitlion,  and  our  oppyejfton? 
 
 25.  For  our  foul  14  bofted  down  to  the  dafi;  out  belly 
 cleave th  unto  the  earth. 
 
 26.  A  rife  for  our  help ',  and redeem  m for  tip)  mtr- 
 ciesfakf. 
 
 U 
 
300  PSAL.   XLIV. 
 
 In  the  laft  part  of  the  Pfalme,    the  Pfalmift  in  behalf  of  the 
 Kirk    doth  pray  to  be  delivered  from  the  cruelty  of  persecutors; 
 and  being  in  bitrernetle  of  fpirit  for  anguifh  and  grief!  doth  vent 
 his  prefent  fenfe  of  Gods  dilpenfat  ion,  yet  corrected  by  faith. 
 Whence  icxmy    I.  Albeit  the  Lord  who  watcheth  over  IfraclbQ 
 moft  vigibnt  for  every  one  of  his  children,  and  never  flumber- 
 eth  norfleepeth,  but  is  ftill  upon  his  work  ,  his  glorious  work 
 of  preparing  his  jewels  for  eternal  life  >   whenheputteth  his  peo- 
 ple in  the  furnace  of  affliction  by  hotttft  perfecution ,  for  then 
 in  fpcciall  he  is  about  to  glorifie  himfelf  and  his  Saints  alio  in  the 
 trLdl  or  their  precious  faith  ,  and  is  bringing  to  the  view  of  men 
 and  Angels,  that  he  hath  a  people  who  do  love  him  better  then 
 their  own  lives  ,  and  who  will  endure  any  mifcry  rather  then 
 deny  any  point  of  his  truth  committed  unto  them ;  yet  fuch  is  the 
 ftrenetfi  of  natural  fenfes  and  affections ,  fuch  is  the  partiality 
 of  felt-love  in  carnal  difputation  about  Gods  providence  ,  when 
 he  putteth  his  people  to  fo  fad  fufterings  for  no  fault  done  to  their 
 perfecutors  5    and  iuch  is  the  power  of  Satans  testations,  helped 
 on  by  humane  infirmity,  and  perturbation  of  paflions,  that  God 
 is  looked  on  as  if  he  rnifregarded  the  cafe  of  his  own  people ,  and 
 took  no  more  care  of  them  then  a  deeping  man  doth  ofhisbufi- 
 neffe,  and  this  is  imported  in  thisexpreilion ;    Avox\e ,  rvby 
 Jleepeft  thou ,  O  Lord  ?     2.  Faith  doth  not  allow  nor  fubferi be 
 unto  carnali  fenfe ,  but  in prefenting  the  objections  thereof  unto 
 God  ,  dcth  really  refute  them.     Firft,  in  that  by  prayer  it  go- 
 eth  to  God  ,  who  is  the  hearer  of  the  moft  fecret  fighes  offuppli- 
 cants ,  at  whatfoever  time,  night  or  day ,  or  in  whatfeever  phce 
 opened  up  unto  him.    Secondly,  by  intreating  him  to  refute  the 
 {lander  and  calumnie  which  carnal  fenfe,  and  fuggeited  tentations 
 did  put  upon  him  ,  Avox\ey  arife ;  that  is ,  let  it  be  feen  by  the 
 manitfting  of  thy  juftice  and  mercy  ,  as  thou  ufeft  to  do  by  thy 
 open  working  for  us ,  that  thou  tgkeft  no.ice  of  our  fufrerings,and 
 of  our  perfecutors   violence.     Thirdly,  by  avowing  that  fuch 
 mifrcgarding  of  his  own  caufe  and  lervants  ,  as  fenfe  and  tentati- 
 on  did  vent,  is  inconfiitent  with  his  nature,  Covenant,  Promifes, 
 and  practices  towards  his  people  ;    (nr3lVhy-Jlecpcftthouy  isss 
 much  as  it  is  not  poflible  that  thou  llccpeft  >  and  why  here  is 
 nota  word  of  quarrelling  ,  but  a  word  of  denying,  that  any  rea- 
 fon  can  te  given  for  fuch  a  thought,  as  God  Jleepetb.     Fourthly., 
 by  avowing  faith  and  hope  of  Gcdmanifefting  himfelf  indue 
 time,  for  deciding  of  the  controvcrlic  between  them  and  their  pci  - 
 fecutcrsj  for  what  he  prayeth  for ,  bebelievethtoobtaine .  r4is 
 
 prayer 
 
PSAL.    XLIV.  301 
 
 ;  prayer  being  according  to  the  revealed  will  cfGod  >  and  Awfe, 
 \  whyflecpcftlhott,  OLorl,  is  as  much  as  Ibeleeve,  Lord,  that 
 thou  wilt  indeed  let  us  and  the  world  fee  that  thou  art  not  deep- 
 ing in  all  this  our  hard  fufterings  for  thy  fake  ,  and  therefore  I 
 pray  thee  (hew  thy  felf  early.  $.  As  tcma^ion,  if  it  cannot  fall- 
 en upon  us  any  thought  of  Gods  careleflc  mi  Regarding  of  us  in  our 
 fad  (uffeings;  yet  will  it  fuggeit  fufpicionsof  Gods  wrath,  indig- 
 nation, hatred,  rejection,  and  reprobation  of  us  5  So  faith  will 
 ftudy  to  difpcll  this  mill:,  and  quench  this  fiery  dart  by  prayer 
 alfo  j  Cuft  v*  not  of for  ever  ,  giving  affurance,  that  albeit  there 
 were  wrath  in  their  exerciie,yet  it  {hall  be  but  for  a  {hort  time,  and 
 fhallnotheperpetuail.  4.  As  tentntion  ,  if  it  cannot  fatten  up- 
 on us  fafpition  cf  Gods  hatred  of  us,  and  of  his  purpcle  to  caft  us 
 off  for  ever ;  yet  it  v\ ill  fug^eft  that  God  is  purfuing  us  for 
 fome  imne  which  we  know  not  of,  that  he  is  wroth  with  us  in 
 fufterincr  periecutors  to  prevails  and  to  oppreflc  us,  (when  in  the 
 meanc-time  he  is  gloriiying  himfelf,  and  his  truth  in  us  ,  edify- 
 ing others  by  our  conitancie  in  fuch  a  point  of  truth  ,  and  by  our 
 patience  in  bearing  the  croffe,  to  the  ^advantage  both  of  the  pre- 
 fent  age  andpofterity:)  So  faith  muft  ftudie  to  difpcl  this  mift 
 alio,  and  to  quench  this  fiery  dart  as  well  as  the  former  by  reject- 
 ing this  to  be  the  caufe  5  for  it  is  no  token  of  Godspurfuing  (in 
 in  wroth  ,  when  God  giveth  us  grace;not  only  to  believe  in  him> 
 but  alio  to  fuffer  for  his  N  imes  fake,  and  the  Goi'pels  ;  When 
 hemakcth  us  to  be  his  publick  Martyrs  and  wirncfles-for  his  truth, 
 feme  in  one  degree  ot  Matyrdome  ,  fome  in  another  y  When  he 
 maketh  the  fpirit  of  gloiy,  and  of  God  to  reft  upon  us ,  and  io- 
 bleflfeth  us ,  that  when  on  rhe  perfecutors  part  he  is  evil  fpoken  of, 
 he  is  on  our  part  glorified.  This  (I  lay)  is  no  token  of  wrath, 
 no  token  of  purfuing  us  for  our  finnes.  Therefore  aloeit  fenfe 
 call  this  a  hiding  of  his  face  ,  yet  faith  will  no:  admit  thefe  caufes 
 which  might  import  wrath :  For ,  Wherefore  bidtfl  thou  thy 
 face  ?  is  in  the  teimes  of  faith  ,  as  much  as  albeit  it  be  true  that 
 we  have  finned,  and  tboufeemeftto  bide  thy  f  ice',  Yet  I  can- 
 not admit  this  thought  that  this  his  dealing  with  us  is  in  wrath}! 
 fee  no-rcafon  whyl  fliould  expound  thy  difpenfation  fo  ;  yea,  the 
 very  queftion  where f or  e,impovu:ih  that  the  Pfalmift  cannot  con- 
 defend  upon  any  fuggefted  reafon  of  this  fort,  to  prove  the  hiding 
 of  Gods  face,  as  fenfe  would  fay  ,  and  therefore  that  he  expe&eth 
 the  Lord  will  fhew  forth  tokens  of  his  love  and  good  will  to  them 
 in  due  time.  5.  As  when  thefe  tentations  are  refuted  by  faith, 
 long-lafting  trouble  meeting  witkintume  flefli  >  doth  hold  up 
 
 the 
 
302  PSAL.  5CLIV. 
 
 the  complaint: ,  poor  fraile  man  ,  .  not  being  able  to  endure 
 trouble  long,  weak  nature  is  ready  to  think  that  it  is  forgotten  or 
 laid  afidc  ,  and  ilriketh  ftill  upon  its  own  firing  of  lamentation, 
 whatfoever  faith  doth  fpeak  to  the  contrary  ,  whether  it  have  reg- 
 ion or  not  y  So  faith  mull  do  its  office,  and  that  is  when  it  can- 
 not Hop  complaining  ,  it  muft  lay  forth  before  God  rn  prayer  the 
 lamenter,  and  his  lamentation  to  tinde  piety ;  IVby  forgettcft  thou 
 cur  affliction,  and  our  opp  report?  6.  All  the  reafcm  that  a  poor 
 perfecuted  and  afflicted  perfon  can  bring  from  himfelf,  to  plead 
 pitty  wbenhelamentceh  his  cafe  to  the  Lord  ,  is  his  ownweak- 
 neffc,  emptineiie  ,  low  condition ,  near  drawing  to  difcourage- 
 ment,  tainting  and  dying  ;  For,  Our  foul  is  bowed  down  to  the 
 duft.  7.  The  godly  fouf  under  periecution,  refolveth  never  to 
 yield  to  the  will  of  the  perfecutors,  ncr  quit  the  Lords  caufc  ,  but 
 to  lie  (upplicaat  at  Gods  feet  from  day  to  day ,  and  there  to  die  > 
 if  it  be  his  will  to  delay  or  deny  outward  relief.  Thus  much  the 
 geftureof  t/iefupplicantfpeaks;  Our  belly  clcavctb  to  the  earth, 
 8,  Though  the  B:leever  do  rinde  no  reafon  in  himfelt  of  his  pray- 
 er for  relief  yet  he  findeth  reafons  fufficientto  give  him  hope 
 in  God  >  Asfirft,  The  Lords  Sovereigne  power  and  place  to 
 help  fuch  weak  creatures  as  come  to  him  in  their  need  >  Arife  for 
 cur  help ,  arife  a  help  for  us:.  Secondly,  the  office  of  a  Re- 
 deemer, wherewith  he  cloathed  himfelt  in  the  Meffiah  Chrift  Je- 
 fus;  in  the  paction  of  whoCe  redemption,  and  payment  of  the 
 price  of  it,  and  begun  and  perfected  accomplishment  of  it ,  every 
 B:leever  hath  undoubted  intereft  and  right  unto  all  particular 
 deliveries  out  or  all  ftraits  ,  as  branches  ,  and  appendices  of  the 
 great  Redemption  of  their  foules  unto  eternall  life.  And  this  is 
 hinted  at  in  thefe  words;  Arife  for  our  help,  and  redeem  us. 
 Thirdly,  the  purchafed,  promifed,arid  conftantly  running  forth, 
 and  offered  mercy  of  God  to  Beleevers  ,  which  lcofeth  all  obje- 
 ctions and  doubts  ai  ifing  from  our  fins,  unworthineile,and  itl-de- 
 ferving;  For,  (Redeem  us  for  thy  mercies  f(ik&)  impbrtethfo 
 inuch. 
 
 PSAL, 
 
PSAL.    XLV.  30 1 
 
 P  S  AL.    XLV. 
 
 To  the  chief  ZMuficiun  upon  Shofhannim  ,  for  the  fonnes  of 
 Korah3  Maichil :  a  fong  of  loves* 
 
 Laying  afide  what  ufeth  to  be  fpoken  here  of 
 Solomons  marrying  of  Pharaohs  daughter,  and 
 of  fome  typicall  things  therein,  (tending  to 
 the  extenuation  of  Solomons  fault)  as  conje- 
 ftural ,  and  ferving  nothing  to  the  advantage 
 of  that  marriage,  prefuppofe  the  conjecture  did 
 hold,  both  concerning  the  occafion,  and  alfo 
 what  might  feem  typical  in  it,  becaufe  firni- 
 litudes  taken  from ,  and  types  made  of  what 
 thing  foever  God  pleafeth,  do  ferve  to  make 
 clear  what  the  Spirit  will  have  taken  up  about 
 Chrifl,  or  about  any  fpirituall  antitype;  buc 
 doth  not  ferve  to  make  clear  the  thing  re* 
 fembled  by  the  antitype,  as  by  the  type  of 
 Agar  ,  and  of  the  brazen  Serpent ,  and  of  fonas 
 his  punifhrtient,  and  fundry  other  fimilitudes 
 and  parables  fet  down  in  Scripture  doth  apear : 
 But  we  are  fure  this  Pfalme  is  a  fong ,  de- 
 fcribingjthe  myftical  marriage  of  the  MeffiahCfjrifi 
 Jeftu  our  Lord,  and  his  Kirk  ,  wherein  Chrifl 
 the  Bridegroome  is.  praifed  ,  verf.  1,2,3,4, 
 5,  6;  7,  8,  9*  And  the  Kirk  his  Spoufe  is  in- 
 truded in  her  duty  to  him,  verf.  10,  11,12, 
 13, 14,15.  And  the  end  of  the  fong  decla- 
 red to  be  the  everlafting  praife  of  CHRIST, 
 
 Con- 
 
304  PiAJL.      XL-V. 
 
 Concerning  the  Infcriprion,  that  this  Pfalme  is  altogether 
 fpiritualand  holy  appeareth  >  Firftbythis,  That  it  is  di- 
 rected to  the  publick  Minifter  of  Gods  worfhip  ,  to  be  ma,de 
 publicklyufeof  in  Gods  publick  praifes.  To  the  chief  Muficun, 
 for  thefonncs  0/ Korah.  Secondly,  it  is  intituled  Mafchil>  a  Ion? 
 togiveinftructiontothcKirkot  God  ,  concerning  the  Majefty 
 and  g^aceof-'theKingdome  of  Chrift,  and  the  duty  of  the  Kirk, 
 and  the  fphitual  bleiTings  of  the  Belee  vers.  Thirdly,  it  is  a  part 
 of  divine  Scripture  ,  ranked  among  the  holy  Pfalmes ,  and  ac- 
 knowledged by  the  Kirk  of  the  Old  Teftamcnr  for  fuch. Fourth- 
 ly, the  teftimony  of  the  Apoftle ,  applying  it  directly  as  the 
 word  and  fpeech  of  the  Father  to  the  Sonne  of  God,  (Thrift  Jefus, 
 licb.  1.  8  ;  Fifthly,  the  matter  and  words  of  the  Pfalme,  which 
 cannot  be  verified  in  any  perfon  fave  in  Jefus  Chrift  alone. 
 Sixthly,  the  plurality  of  ioves  here  fpoken  of  to  fhew  unto  the 
 Reader  the  excellencie  of  the  love  of  Chrift,  or  the  love  cfGocl 
 to  us  in  Chrift  Jefus  3  wherein  the  perfection  of  all  loves  that 
 ever  was  heard  tell  of,  isfurpafledj  It  is  afongoflovcs. 
 
 Verf.  i.'K   Ik  Y. heart  is  enduing  of  a  goo A  matter  ; 
 JLVl   /  fpeak.  of  the  things    which   I  have 
 made    touching    the    King:    my   tongue  is  the  peri 
 of  a  readj  Writer. 
 
 THis  Verfe  is  a  commendation  given  to  this  fong  by  the  Spirit; 
 of  God,  by  Way  of  Preface*  1.  It  is  a  good  matter. 
 2.  Itisinfpired;  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  making  the  heart  fil- 
 led with  his  preience,  to  be  boiling  in  the  enditingof  it.  3.  It 
 is  of  Chrift  the  King.  4.  It  is  the  Poem  of  the  infpired  Pro- 
 phet ,  made  ready  to  expreffe  what  h  furnifhed  by  the  Spirit,  for 
 the  edification  of  the  Kirk  in  all  ages.  Whence  learn,  1.  The 
 knowledge  of  the  loveof  Chrift  to  his  Church,  and  of  his  e- 
 fpoufing  of  her  ,  is  the  fweeteft  fubjeft  3  the  matter  of  the  mofi 
 glad  tydings  that  ever  finners  did  hear  of  ,  and  worthy  indeed  to 
 be  called  a  good  matter.  2 ,  The  heart  acquainted  with  this  fweet 
 and  Caving  knowledge  ,  will  be  more  reaiy  to  communicate  what 
 itknoweth,  thenabletoexprefleit  fclf;-  for  the  heart  will  be  as 
 a  fpring-well,  or  a  boiling  pot,  according  to  the  meafure  of  the 
 Lords  prefence  in  it.  3.  The  thcam  of  the  praifes  of  the  belie- 
 ving foul  is  Chriftsperfony  cloathed  with  offices  for  thefalvatiori 
 $f  fouler.    The  mainefubjeft  of  this  fong  is  touching  the  King* 
 
 jr.  When 
 
PSAL.    xtv4.  305 
 
 4.  When  the  heart  is  full  of  gracious  afteftion,  the  tongue  will 
 be  loofed  to  praife  Go.i,  Co  as  others  may  be  edific.l  :  out  of  the  a- 
 bundanceof  the  heart,  Jthc  mouth  will  fpeak  heartily,  ZM}  tongue^ 
 faith  he, is  the  pen  ofd  ready  mixer, 
 
 Vcrfe  2."  Thou  art  fairer  then  the  children  of  men  : 
 :  grace  U  poured  into  thy  lips  i  therefore  God  hdth  blejfed 
 thee  for  ever. 
 
 3.  Gird  thy  ftoord  upon  thy  thigh  ^  O  moft  mighty  t 
 frith  thy  glory,  and  thy  majefty. 
 
 4.  And  in  thy  majefly  *ide prof  per  oufty ,  becaufeof 
 truth,  anbmeeknefs^  and  right  eoufnefs  :  and  thy  right 
 hand  {hall  teach  thee  terrible  things. 
 
 5.  Thine  arrows  are  Jharpe  in  the  heart  of 
 the  Kings  enemies  $  Whereby  the  people  fall  under 
 thee. 
 
 6.  Thy  throne  (0  God)  is  for  ever  and  ever :  the 
 fcepter  of  thy  kingdome  i%  a  right  fcepter. 
 
 J*  Thou  love  ft  right eoufnefs ,  and  hate  ft  Vbickgdnefs  : 
 therefore  God,  thy  (fods  hath  anointed  thee  tyith  tf:i 
 oile  ofgladnefs  above  thy  fetlo^s. 
 
 8.  Al'  thy  garments  frtiell  of  'myrrhe  and  aloes  y  arid 
 cajfia :  out  of  the  ivotj  palaces^  where  b]/  the)  have  made 
 thee  gad. 
 
 p.  Kings  daughters  were  among  thy  honourable  we* 
 men  :  upon  thy  right  hand  did  ft  and  the  J^jet  n  in  gold 
 cfOphir. 
 
 In  the  defcriptiori  of  the  excellency  of  Chrift,  the  very  trae 
 Son  of  God,  there  are  fee  down  fundrv  points  of  ^lc-ry.  The 
 firft  is,  no  beauty  amon?  m?n  comparableto  the  beauty  of  Chrift, 
 who  i$  not  only  the  faireft  of  ten  thoufand  for  wifdorae  and  hcli* 
 nefs,  and  wh  tfriever  Vertuecrn  bt  named,  as  he  is  man  i  buc 
 alfo  as  he  is  God,  he  is  the  refpUn  encvof  .hie  Fathers  glory,  the 
 holyOieot  Ifaelj  of  Wbofe^Iory  the  <vhole  earth  15  full,  by 
 whotc  beautiful  righteoufn-efs  and  power  the  deformity  of  fin  an<t 
 mifery  of  his  own  is  taken  away  in  part,  and  (hall  be  removed 
 fally  i  therefore  juitly  is  it  faid  of  him,  Tbou  artftirer  tjiei  wi 
 
306  P5AJL.     XLV. 
 
 children  of  men.  i.  Chnil  by  the  dotfrinc  which  he  delive*eth# 
 is  able  not  only  to  difcover  fin  and  mifery,  an4  the  true  way  oi 
 delivery  from  the  fame  by  grace,  and  to  dired  a  man  in  the  way 
 offaivation  by  grace,  but  alfo  gracioufly  and  powerfully  to  per- 
 fwade  a  man  to  embrace  it,  Grace  is  poured  into  thy  lips.  3  .Chrift 
 as  man  is  furnimed  abundantly  and  above  meafure,  for  commu- 
 nicating of  the  bkfling  unto  his  hearers  invincibly  and  infallibly, 
 and  for  making  his  Dodrine  effectually  powerful  to  falvation  to 
 whom  foe  vcr  he  will ;  for,  Therefore  (or  to  tbkpurpofe)  God  hath 
 bleftcAhim  for  ever.  4.  Chrift  is  furnimed  to  fubdue  and  con- 
 quer and  bring  in  fo  many  as  he  pleafeth  under  fubjeftion  unto 
 his  Kingdome;  he  hath  his  fword  even  the  rod  of  his  mouth,  his 
 ivord  which  is  (harper  then  any  two-edged  fword  which  no  man 
 can  withftand.  5.  He  goethnot  abroad  to  conquer  or  fubdue 
 without  this  his  fword,  which  is  his  word;  it  is  alwayes  with  him 
 ready  to  be  drawn  forth  ,  and  to  be  thruft  in  the  foul  and  consci- 
 ence of  the  hearer,  with  whom  he  mindeth  to  deal,  hU  fword  is 
 girded  upon  his  thigh.  6.  Chrift  is  Almighty,and  fo  able  to  make 
 good  all  that  he  fpeaketh,  and  to  make  his  word  of  precept,  pro- 
 mife  and  threatning  effe&ual  unto  the  errand  for  which  it  is  fent, 
 Hcismofl  mighty.  7.  Where  he  is  pleafed  to  open  his  word, 
 and  to  difcover  himfelf  what  he  is,  they  that  fat  in  darknefs  dafee 
 a  great  light  of  his  own  glory  as  God  ,  a  mining  light,  a  glori- 
 ous light,  making  open  the  deep  counfelof  God,  and  myftery  of 
 mens  ialvation,  Gird  thy  fword  upon  thy  thigb>0  moft  mighty ,mtb 
 thy  glory.  $.  Where  he  pleafeth  to  (hew  himlelf,  there  the  ftate- 
 linefs  of  a  mighty  Monarch  is  teen,  the  fovereignty  of  the  ruler 
 of  heaven  and  earth  is  feen,  able  to  ihake  the  heart  with  fear,  and 
 aw  of  his  grearnefs,  with  his  glory  there  is  majefiy  or  (lately  mag- 
 nificence. 9.  The  wheels  of  Chrifts  Chariot,  whereupon  he 
 rideth  when  he  goeth  to  conquer  and  fubdue  new  converts  to  his 
 Kin^dome  at  euttajefty,  truth,  mecfyicfssigbteoufrcfs,  manifeft* 
 ed  in  the  preaching  oi  his  GotpeliMajcfty,  when  the  (lately  mag- 
 nificence of  hrspe^fon  and  offices  is  declarer  5  Truth  >  when  th« 
 certainty  of  all  that  he  teacheth  in  Scripture  is  known*  &feefacjs9 
 wheahis  grace  and  mercy  is  offered  to  rebels;  and  Rigbteoufhcfs, 
 when  juftificatfon  by  faith  in  his  name,  is  clearly  let  forth. 
 10.  Chrift  goeth  no  voyage  in  vain,  he  cometh  notfliort  of  hi» 
 intent  and  purpofe,  but  doth  the  work  for  which  he  cometh, 
 preiching  the  Gofpel ,  In  his  majefiy ,  truth,  meefciefs ,  and 
 rigbteoujnejs  beridcthprofperoujly.  11.  Chrift  can  do  what  he 
 wjllj  he  can  do  terrible  things  to  majke  his  enemies-  tremble*  and 
 
 Bit 
 
PSAL.    XLV.  3°7 
 
 :  iis  friends  reverence  him  with  holy  feat,  having  ornnipotency  in 
 him  to  work  by,  as  ready  as  a  man  hath  his  right  hand  to  em- 
 ploy j  let  him  but  will  to  have  any  thing  done,  and  it  mall  be 
 done;  be.harh  not  long  toadvife  what  he  is  able  todo,as  men  con- 
 fult  with  their  :bility,  whether  they  be  fo  powerful  as  to  effc& 
 what  they  intend,  or  would  have  done,  Thy  right  band  fhM  teach 
 ibec  terrible  things.    12.  Albeit  he  ncedcth  no  admonition  to  do 
 what  he  is  doing  or  will  do^  yet  loveth  he  to  have  his  children  fur- 
 thering the  advancement  of  his  Kingdom, (hewing  unto  him  what 
 they  would  have  done,&  praying  unto  him  that  his  Kingdom  may 
 inore  &  more  corners  this  form  of  fpeech  endited  by  the  holySpi- 
 rit  doth  import  JGird  thy  fmrdjidc  thou  profperoujly  ,&c.i$.Chrift 
 in  his  conqueft  is  to  meet  with  his  enemies,  of  whom  feme  will  o 
 penlyop pole  him,  fome  will  feignedly  profefs  fubjection  ,  but 
 will  not  heartily  fubmit  themftlves  unto  him  ,   bat  ftand  aloof 
 and  at  a  diftance,  being  fai  from  him  in  their  hearts,  when  with 
 their  lips  they  draw  ncer-hand  unto  him  3    both  thefe  are  here 
 called  the  lyings  enemies.   14.  Such  as  do  not  draw  r.eer  unto 
 him  in  their  heart,  he  can  and  will  fend  mcfTengcrs  of  wrath  unto 
 their  heart,  tbreatenings  which  (hall  be  executed,  terrors  which 
 lhall  be  followed  with  judgements,  and  judgements  which  (halt 
 end  in  their  deftru&ion,  iudden  and  unexpected;  how  many  or 
 how  ftrong  foever  they  feem  to  be,  they  (hall  no:  ftand  before  hirn> 
 nor  be  able  to  hinder  his  con-quell,  Thine  arrows  are  fkarp  in  the 
 j  heart  of  the  lyings  enemies,  whereby  the  people  fall  under  thee.  1 5; 
 ]  Chiift  Jcfu  the  promifedMeffiah  was  revealed  to  the  Kirk  of 
 j  Ifrael,  to  be  the  very  true  eternal  God, that  their  faith  and  ours 
 migb  have  fatisfac"tion,  and  a  folid  ground  to  reft  upon,  in  the 
 all-fufficieney  and  infinite  worthinefs  of  the  promifed  Redeemer, 
 as  the  Apcftle,Hc#.  1.  8.  confiimeth  unto  us  >  citing  to  thi^ 
 purpofe  this  very  text,  Thy  throne ,  0  God  Js  for  ever  and  ever. 
 16.  Chriftihall  not  want  a  Kirk  from  generation  to  generation^ 
 let  pe;fecutors  do  their  waift,  he  (hall  reign  as  King,  and  fit  on 
 his  throne  in  his  Kirk,  giving  forth  his  laws  and  executing  them, 
 oppofe  him  who  will,  Thy  throne,  OGod,  is  for  ever  and  ever, 
 1?    The  Scepter  of  ChrifU  Kingdom,  which  is  the  Goipel  or  thet 
 word  cf  Ood  in  Scripture,  whereby  he  gathereth  hfc  fubje&s  and 
 ruleth  them ,  and  the  manner  cf  his  governing  his  pecple  by  the 
 rules  of  his  Law  ami  difcipline,is  moft  juft-and  equitable, a  righ- 
 teous fcepter,  wheieby  the  Objects  m-iy  be  inftiucted  in  all  righ* 
 teoufnefs,and  may  bejuftified  and  made  righteous;    The  fcrftcr 
 tftby  Kingdoms  is  a  right  fcepter  %     18,  The   holinefs  and  righ- 
 X    %  teoufcefe 
 
3o8  PSAL.     XLV. 
 
 ccoufnefs  of  Jefus  Chrift,  both  as  he  is  God,  and  as  he  is  God 
 incarnate,  is  fo  efiential  to  his  perfon  and  employment  ,  that  his 
 mle  of.  government  and  adminiftration  of  his  aftaires  in  his 
 kingdome  cannot  be  but  right,  as  for  direction  ,  foaho  for  re  - 
 wards  to  them  who  obey  his  direction  and  punifhments  o.  the 
 difobedients  ,  1'bou  lovefi  rigbteonfnefs ,  and  'hatefl  iniquity* 
 19.  As  Chrift  is  very  Gou/o  is  he  very  man  in  Ml  things  (except 
 fin)  like  unto  uswhomhe  calleth,  Pp/.  ii.  12.  and  Hcb  2,12. 
 his  bretbren^nd  here  his/Htox,iharemen  and  partakers  of  all  that 
 is  given  unto  him,and  joync- heirs  with  him,  #001.8.17.  and  by 
 reafon  of  making  Covenant  in  our  name  with  the  Fatherland  by 
 affuming  of  our  nature  according  to  the  tenor  of  the  Covenant, 
 Godbecometh  his  God  and  our  God,  and  he  in  our  name  as 
 man,  receiveth  the  gifts  of  the  holy  Spirit  without  me afure,  for 
 fitting  him  as  he  is  man  to  rmnage  his  Kingdom  in  righteoufnefs 
 etk-ctuallyjfor  it  is  faid, Therefore,  or  to  that  intent,  Cjod>  iby  (jo£ 
 bub  anointed  tbee  -with  the  oil  of  gladnefs.  20.  The  gifts  and 
 graces  of  the  holy  Spirit  fpoken  of  here  in  the  terms  of  oil,  (em- 
 ployed fcr  figuring  mens  furniftiing  unto  their  calling,  and  ena- 
 bling of  Kings  and  Priefts  unto  their  offices, and  employed  alio  in 
 the  entertainment  of  honourable  guefts  invited  to  a  feaft)  are  lo 
 beftovved  on  believers,  j Gym-heirs  with  Chrift,  as  Chrift  is  not 
 degraded  frorrftiis  fovereignty  by  his  partners  exaltation,  for  of  ; 
 Chrift  it  is  faid,  Thy  God  bath  anointed  tbee  with  the  oile  of 
 ghdnefs  above  thy  fellows.  24.  As  the  attendants  of  great  per- 
 sons are  refreshed  by  the  fmell  of  their  ointments  and  perfumed 
 garments  :  foarc  Lhrifts  attendants  refreshed  with  the  confola- 
 tion  of  Chrifts  Spirit  perfuming  all  his  outward  ordinances, 
 wherein  as  in  his  garments  he  doth  mew  forth  himiclf  to  his  Kirk 
 more  comfortably,  then  any  perfume  cr  odo  iferous  fpice  can  fee 
 forth  ,  All  t  y.  garments  fmell  of  mytrhc  and  aloes  and  caffiab. 
 Z2*  Nor  only  the  heavens  where  God  flieweth  forth  his  gloiy 
 to  fouls  of  juft  men  made  perfect,  but  alio  all  the  places  where 
 his  honour  dwelleth,  all  the  meetings  of  his  Church  where  he 
 iheweih hi mfel fin  his  ordinances  to  a  Lpiriiual  eye,  are  all  ot  them 
 moft  glorious  and  (lately  palaces ;  for  there  is  the  Temple  of  the 
 Holy  Ghoft,  and  there  is  the  beauty  of  holinefs,  whence  doth 
 come  forth  the  fmell  of  his  graces  in  his  ordinances,  as  out  oflvo- 
 ryp.ilaccs.  2$.  It  is  favour  y  and  well-pleating  to  Chrift,  when 
 his  people  find  pleafure  in  him,  and  arc  refrefhed  by  hisblefling. 
 upon  the  publik  ordinances  5  (oY,Thercby  they  hate  made  thccglad, 
 iai.h  the  Pialmift  :o  Chrift.    24.  Albeit  the  Catholick  Kirk  con- 
 
 lifting 
 
PSAL.    XLV.  $c9 
 
 (lftingof  true  converts  or  real  Saints,  be  but  one  and  the  only  true 
 Spoule  of  Chrift,  yet  particular  vitible  Kirks  confiding  of  Saints 
 by  calling,  by  obligation,  and  by  profeffion,  and  common  cftima  - 
 tion  of  rhcir  own  or  others ;  fome  of  them  6eing  'true  Saints  in- 
 deed in  the  Spirit-  fome  of  them  but  counterfeits,  and  Saints  in 
 the  letter  only,  are  in  number  many,as  they  are  difperfed  for  time 
 and  place,  wherein  they  do  live,  and  do  mike  up  fundi  y  incorpo- 
 rations and  Eccleuaftick  confociaticn^    in    Pari  flies,    Towns, 
 Countries  and  Kingdomes,   as  the  Lend  giveth  them  occnfion, 
 opportunity  or  poflibility  to  mske  ufc  oneo£  another  for  commu- 
 nion of  Saints ;  in  this  refpeft(I  fay  )  they  are  many,and  therefore 
 the  true  Spoufe,the  true  Kiik  confiding  of  true  converts  fwhofe 
 p rai fe  is  of  God,   to  whom  only  they  are  certainly  known,    and 
 not  of  men^  being  but  one  is- compared  to  the  Queen,  but  t lie 
 particular  Kirks,  whofe  collections  and  confociations  is  knewn 
 to  men,  being  many,  are  compared  to  Ladies  of  Honour  which 
 'fcrve  the  Qjeen  5  of  this  fort  it  is  here  propheHed,  that  the  moil 
 renowned  Cities,  Countries,  Provinces.,  and  Kingdomes  lhould 
 be  profefl'ed  attendants  of  Chiift  the  bridegrooms  honour,  and. 
 proftfled  fervants  of  his  Kirk,  and  promoters  of  the   honour, 
 eftate,  and  welfare  o  f  his  Spoufe  j  f&ngs  daughters  among  thy  ho- 
 nourable women.     1$.  Albeit  our  Lord  will  allow  a  place  of  ho- 
 nour and  room  in  his  own  court  unto  vilible  Kirks  in  their  fev.e^ 
 ral  confociations  greater  and  fmaller,  for  that   fervire  which  thty 
 may  do  in  order  to  the  gathering  in  of  theEleit  into  the  inner 
 court  of neereft  fpirituaj  communion  with  him,  yet  it  is  the  uni  - 
 verfal  invifible  Kirk  which  he  counted  his  Spoufej  (lie  is.  the 
 Queen  who  hath  accefs  unto  him  to  be  in  higheft  honoui  befiue 
 him,  Upon  thy  right  band  did  ft  and  the  ^ueen.  z6.  As  the  whole 
 foriety  oftrue  Saints  rerently  attend  the  will  of  the  Lord,  that 
 every  one  of  them  in  their  place  may  honor  the  Lord. ho  are  they  all 
 highly  honoured  of  the  Lord,  and  adorned  with  whnfoever  may 
 m  ke  'hem  glorious;  for  the  ornaments  put  en  by  Chiift,  fuch  as 
 ae  adoption,  justification,  fanftification/with  all  other  relations5 
 tending  to  their  felicity,are  here  compared  to  the  Eneft  Gold;  The 
 t^ueen  dotbftand  at  bit  rilbfbaud  in  gold  ofOpbir. 
 
 Verfe  IO.  Hearken  (0  d.trtghttr)  and  confides,  and 
 encline  thine  ear  ;  forget  alfo  thine  o^npeofL^  and  thy 
 father  J  hottje. 
 
3io  PSAL.    XLV. 
 
 ii.  So  fall  the  King  greatly  deftre  thy  beamy,  for 
 he  it  thy  Lord^  and  voorfhtf  thou  him. 
 
 12.  *And  the  daughter  of  lyre  (hall  be  there 
 yoith  a  gift ,  even  the  rich  among  the  people  {hall  entreat 
 thjfavovr. 
 
 1 3 .  The  Kings  daughter  is  all  glorious  mthin  5  her 
 clothing  is  of  wrought  gold. 
 
 1 4.  She  fhsill  be  brought  unto  the  King  in  raiment  of 
 ^etdk*vPor\  :  the  virgins  her  companions\that  folloV)  her9 
 (hall  be  brought  unto  thee. 
 
 1  jjfj  With  gladnefs  and rejojeing /hall they  be  brought; 
 they ffkall  enter  into  the  Kings  palace. 
 
 This  isthe  other  part,  of  the  Pfalme  wherein  the  Spirit  of  the 
 Lord  fpeaketh  to  the  true  Kirk  militant,  and  direcleth  her  in  her 
 duty,  and  encourageth  her  by  fundry  inducements  to  follow  the 
 Lords  direction.  Whence  learn,  1 .  As  becaufe  there  is  fpiri- 
 tual  love  and  refpeft'  between  God  and  his  Kirk,  therefore  the  Co- 
 venant and  the  spiritual  communion  between  Chuift  and  hisJCirk 
 is  compared  to  a  marriage  :  So  becaufe  the  derivation  of  airfpiri- 
 tual  life,  grace  and  motion  which  the  Kirk  hath,is  from  God,  and 
 dependeth  on  him;  Therefore  the  Kirk  is  compared  to  a  daughter, 
 'Hexrken30  daughter,  and  ver.  if,  fhe  is  called  the  K^g*  daughter. 
 2.  The  way  and  order  of  bringing  the  Kirk  to  her  duty,  is  by  hec 
 hearing  of  his  word,contidera:ion  of  what  is  taught,  and  fubjefti- 
 on  ofherfpirkto  the  obeaience  of  faith  ;  Hearken,  0  daughter, 
 Kid  confider^and  cnciine  thine  ear.  $ .  Becaufe  even  the  true  mem- 
 bers of  the  Ki  k,  whoxpraifeis  not  of  men  but  of  God,  are  in 
 this  life  intangled  in  affeftions  to  their  old  waves  and  corruption 
 of  manners;  Therefore  every  one  hath  need  to  renounce  and  for- 
 get more  and  more  their  old  lufts  and  enticements  of  the  world* 
 which  is  a  very  true  fruit,  and  neceflary  evidience  of  their  hearing 
 in  faith,  Forget  alfo  (faith  he)  thine  own  people,  and  thy  fathers 
 houfe.  4.  The  more  we  renounce  and  abandon  our  luft&and 
 finful  inclination  in  obedience  to  God,  the  more  are  we  beautified 
 with  holinefs  ,  and  are  acceptable  to  God  in  our  endeavours, 
 Forfa^e  thy  fathers  houfe,  {ojhallthcl^ing  greatly  defire  thy  beau- 
 ty, ?•  Chrift  hath  all  right  unto  our  fervice,and  by  creation,  re- 
 jdemption^  and  covenant  we  are  absolutely  bound  to  ferve  and 
 
 honour 
 
PSAL.  XLV.  31 1 
 
 • 
 
 fionowrhJm  in  all  things :  He  is  thy  Lord,  and  worfoip  thou  him. 
 6.  WhenthcKirk  honoureth  (Thrift  he  will  honour  her,  and 
 make  the  noble  and  potent  in  the.world  fubmit  themfelves  to  her, 
 and  feek  communion  with  her,  and  toefteem  the  meaneft  trnc 
 member  of  the  Kirk,  more  blefled  then  riches  or  honour  can  make 
 any  man:  The  daughter  of  Tyre  fiall  be  there  with  a  gift  :  The 
 rich  among  the  people  foall  entreat  thy  favour.  7.  The  glory  of 
 the  true  Kirk,  and  of  every  true  member  thereof  is  in  things  fpi- 
 ritual,  not  difcernable  by  theuptaking  of  the  natural  man;  for 
 what  is  ©utwardly  profetfed,  is  inwardly  ftudied  unto  in  (inceri- 
 ty  by  thcra  who  worfhip  God  in  fpirit  and  in  truth ;  and  the 
 graces  wherewith  me  is  adorned,  as  knowledge,  faith,  love,  hope, 
 zeal,  courage,  fobriety,  patience,  are  not  the  object  of  outward  be- 
 holders, butmofl  beautiful  in  the  eyes  of  a  fpirit ual  difcerner, 
 and  in  the  eyes-of  him  that  fees  in  fecretrTta  lyings  daughter  is  all 
 glorious  within.  8.  Whatfoever  inherent  graces  the  Saints  have, 
 and  how  beautiful  foever  they  be,  yet  they  have  need  of  a  garment 
 "which  may  hide  their  imperfections,  and  beaut i fie  them  before 
 God  j  to  wit,  the  imputed  righteoufnefs  of  Chrift ,  the  Husband 
 of  the  Kirk,  who  only  hath  this  garment  10  fell,  Rev.  5.18.  and 
 though  it  be  bought  without  money  and  without  price,  yet  it  U 
 very  rich>  for  whatfoever  ekher  nature  or  art  can  furnifh  to  fet  it 
 forth,  is  but  a  fhadowing  fimilitude  of  it,  Her  cloxthi?ig  is  of 
 wrought  gold.  9  .  Though  the  marriage  of  Chiift  and  his  Kiik 
 be  bound  up  ,  and  the  hand-faftning  bepaft,  and  tokens  of  love 
 be  given  to  the  Bride ;  yet  the  full  folemnity  of  the  compleat  mar- 
 riage is  delayed  till  a  fet  time,  that  the  particular  members  and 
 the  whole  Kirk  be  perfected.  The  time  of  the  brides  being 
 brought  to  a  conftant  habitation  with  Chrift,  is  at  the  Lords  ap- 
 pointed time  5  to  wit,  at  the  death  of  every  particular  Saint ,  and 
 of  the  whole  Kirk  together  at  the  day  of  our  Lords  fecond  coming; 
 the  day  is  coming,  wherein  foe  foatl  be  brought  unto  the  K?ng* 
 10.  Albeit  now  there  be  many  imperfections  in  the  Saints,which 
 Chrifts  imputed  righteouCnefs  doth  hide,  yet  in  the  day  of  the 
 Kirks  bein^  brought  to  the  prefencc  of  God  to  be  with  him  for 
 ever ',  flie  (hall  have  no  imperfection,lpot  or  wrinkle,  or  want  of 
 any  thing  which  may  perfect  her  glory  in  ail  r^fpects^  (he  (hail  put 
 on  immortality  and  incorruption,  and  her  very  body  of  flefh  (hall 
 be  made  conformable  to  the  glorious  body  of  our  Lord  Jefus,  She 
 jhallbe  brought  unto  the  %ing  in  raiment  of  needle -work* :  wl  erein 
 the  height  of  artifice  and  ot  natures  materials  are  joyned  as  the 
 fiucft  iimilitude    which  can  exprels  this  uriexpreflible  glory. 
 
 X  4  ijfTta 
 
|Z2  PSAL.    XLV. 
 
 xi.  The  fame  mall  be<the  glorious  ftate  of  particular  Saints,  and 
 particular  Congregations,  which  {hall  be  of  the  whole  Kirk  uni- 
 yerfal  s  whereof  as  every  true  Congregation  and  particular  Saint 
 therein  is  a  part3  and  have  contributed  their  fervice  in  their  time 
 to  the  good  of  the  whole  Kirk3  as  handmaids  to  the  Mifiris :  fp 
 ihail  they  (hare  in  the  glorious  reward  j  The  virgins 3  her  compani- 
 ons fall  be  brought  unto  tbee,  fo  faith  the  Pftlmift  unto  Chrift. 
 1 2 .  Great  (hall  be  the  joy  of  men  3ind  angels  in  the  general  meet- 
 ing of  the  whole  Kirk/  all  being  gathered  together  by  the  angels, 
 who  have  liyed  from  the  beginning  of  the  world  to  the  ending 
 th  rcof,  and  all  received  in  the  fellowftiip  of  God  in  blefledneis 
 io  endure  for  zsexjVhb  gladnefs  and  re  joy  ring  fid  they  be  brought, 
 tbey  Jhatt  enter  into  the  Icings  palace. 
 
 Vcrfc  1 6*  In  ftead  of  thy  fathers  fhall  be  thy 
 children f  whom  thou  may  eft  make  princes  in  all  the 
 earth. 
 
 17.  /  will  m*kf  thy  name  to  be  remembred  in  all 
 generations  :  therefore  fhaH  the  people  pr^ife  thee  for 
 ever  and  ever. 
 
 The  two  laft  verfes  may  be  applied  both  to  the  Bride  the 
 pruc  militant  Kirk,  and  to  the  Bridcgroome  Chrift  Jefus,  the 
 King  of  Saints.  As  it  is  appliea  to  the  Kirk*  Learn,  1.  The 
 Saints  have  no  ground  of  gloriation  in  their  progenitors  accord- 
 ing to  the*flcfh,  of  whom  they  draw  nothing  but  what  is  pollu- 
 ted with  fin  5  but  all  the  glory  of  the  Kirk  is  rather  in  her  children 
 which  (he  bringeth  forth  by  the  Oofpel  unto  God,  Inftead  of  thy 
 fathers  [ball  be  thy  children.  2.  What  any  member  01*  the  Kirk 
 feemeth  to  lofe  in  the  world  by  for  faking  thereof  and  coming  to 
 Chrift,  it  is  made  up  to  them  by  Chrift  in  fpiritual  refpefts,  if 
 hot  alfoin  temporal  bleffings  when  God  Teeth  fit,  In  ftead  of  thy 
 fathers  Jhatt  be  thy  children  3.  The  true  children  of  the  Kiik  are 
 indeed  the  ex%  ellent  ones  of  the  earth,  and  princes  indeed,  where- 
 ever  they  live,  in  cemparifon  of  all  other  men  who  are  but  the 
 beaft'y  ihves  of  Satan :  thy  children  are  princes  in  all  the  earth'. 
 4.  The  true  Kirk  fhall  be  honourable,  arid  honoured  by  her  kind- 
 ly children  in  all  generations,becaufe  of  the  cremation  which  God 
 putieth  uponherin  hisholy  Scripture:  J  will  ma\e rthy name  to 
 be  remembred  in  all  generations :  Therefore  the  people  Jhall  praifs 
 the. 
 
 Thefe 
 
PSAL.    XLV.  }ii 
 
 Thefe  ve  fes  may  alfo  be  applied  mere  pertinently  to  the  bride* 
 groonu  Oh.  ift  Jefus,for  whofe  praife  the  whole  Pfalme  is  compo- 
 fed,i'er/.  i.  Of  whom  only  the  words  can  be  verified  fully,  is 
 o  ey  capable  of  what  is  ascribed  dire&ly  to  the  pet  fonfpoken  un- 
 to here,    and  cannet  be  well  afcribedto  Solomon  andcFbaraobt 
 daughter  in  their  ma.ri  ge$    becanfc  partly  So'omons  marriage 
 with  ou  iandi/h  women,    is  marked  among  his  faults,  and  fo can 
 hardly  b„  cfteemed  tc  be  honoured  with  ti  is  iong  delivered  to  the 
 Kirk  tor  her  perpetual  inftru&ion;  partly  becaufe  in  the  Inlcri- 
 ption  theif  is  not  fo  much  as  mention  of  Solomons  name,ekher  as 
 type  or  refemblance  of  this  marriage  of  Chrift  and  his  Kirk;  and 
 partly  alfo  becaufe  what  is  here  fpoken,  hath  little  typical  verity 
 anfwering  to  it  in  the  Hiftoryof  Scripture  concerning  Solomons 
 marriage,  or  Children  of  Pharaohs  daughter.     And  la  illy,  thi^ 
 fong  is  let  down  not  in  a  typical  manner,  but  in  a  iicnple  iiraili- . 
 tude  of  the  marriage  of  a  King  and  Queen  indefinitely, whofc  mar- 
 riage ufeth  to  be  the  moft  glorious  of  ail  earthly  marriages,  and 
 fitteft  to  lead  us  up  to  that  incomparably  glorious  fpiritual  mar- 
 riage of  Chrift  ~nd  his  Kirk.    In  \<hich  confederation  from  thefe 
 wordsj  Learn,  i.  Chrift  doth  not  draw  glory  from  his, progeni- 
 tors according  to  his  fle(h,6ut  giveth  being  and  gracious  being  to 
 fuch  asheregeneratethby  his  word  and  Spirit  to  be  his  children, 
 and  fo  it  may  be  faid  to  Chrift,  Inftead  of  thy 'fathers  Jfall  be  thy 
 children,     i     The  excellency  of  Chrifts  children    and    their 
 princely  difpofition  above  the  reft  ;of  mankind  unregenerate,  i$ 
 of  Chrifts  making  >   he  only  it  is,  of  whom  properly  it  may  be 
 faid,  Thoujhalt  ikd{t  thy  children  princes  in  all  the  earth  \  for,  He 
 hath  made  us  lyings  and  Triefts  to  God  and  his  Father,     g.  By 
 the  Spirit  th.it  indired  this  Pfalme,and  all  other  Scriptures  Chrifts 
 name  (hall  be  holden  forth  and  remembered  from  age  to  age,while 
 the  world  lafteth,  I  will  mah^e  thy  name  (faith  the  Spirit')  to  be  re- 
 membered to  ail  generations.    4.  Ch.ifts  cfpoufing  un^o  himfelf* 
 Kirk,  and  gathering  moe  arid  moe  from  age  to  age  by  his  word 
 and  Spirit  unto  it,  his  converting  fouls,  and  bringing  them  in  tb 
 the  fellqwmip  of  his  family  ,  and  giving  unto  them  princely 
 mindes  and  afreet  ions  whereever  they  live,'  is  a.  large  matter  of 
 growing  and  everlasting  glory  unto  his  majefty;    for  in  regard 
 ofthispoint,  and  whatis'fnid  before  in  this  Pfalme,  headdeth 
 ins  the  clofe  of  all,  Therefore  Jball  the  people  praifs  tbec. 
 
 PSAL, 
 
3i4  PSAL.  XLVI. 
 
 |       II    »M"l  '  "'    "  ■       I      ■"  "  -  I      ■        ■    i  .      .    .        —  .     , », 
 
 PSAL     XL  VI. 
 
 T*  the  thief  Muficim  for  the  fons  efl&rab, 
 *  fw&  upon  Almotb. 
 
 After  fome  notable  delivery  of  the  Kirk  from  the 
 enemies,  the  Lords  people  do  confirme  them* 
 (elves  in  their  refolution  to  truft  in  God,  and  not 
 to  be  afraid  of  trouble,  becaufe  of  his  comfort* 
 able  prefence  among  them,  which  is  like  unto  a 
 river  of  continual  refrefliment ,  as  late  experi- 
 ence did  give  evidence,  ver.  i,  2,  3,  4,  <;,  6.  and 
 do  exhort  all  men  in  the  world  toobferve  this  his 
 late  work,  and  make  ufe  of  it  for  their  humiliatU 
 on,  ver.  7$  8, 9, 1  o.  as  the  Kirk  doth  make  ufe  of 
 it  for  confirmation,  ver.  u. 
 
 LVerf.  i./^^OD  is  our  refuge  and  firength :  a  very 
 vJT  prefent  help  in  trouble. 
 
 2.  Therefore  tviQ we  not  fear ,  though  the  earth  be 
 removed :  and  though  the  mount  aims  be  carried  into  the 
 midfioftheSea. 
 
 3#  Though  the  waters  thereof  roar  and  be  trea- 
 cled :  though  the  mountains  Jhak*  With  the  failing 
 thereof  Selah. 
 
 FRom  bygone  experience  of  Gods  defending  his  Kirk,  the 
 Lords  people  do  ftrengthen  themfclves  in  the  faith  of  Gods 
 word,  concerning  the  care  of  his  people;  and  from  this  ground,  do 
 guard  their  heart  againft  the  fear  of  all  poffible  trouble  in  time 
 coming.  Whence  learn,  1.  Faith  in  Gods  word  and  the  profefli- 
 on  of  it3  is  made  much  more  vigorous  and  lively  after  felt-experi- 
 ence of  the  verity  thereof  $  for  the  Kirk  did  believe  this  truth  be- 
 fore this  late  delivery,  but  now  after  this  frefh  experience  they  are 
 
 animated 
 
PSAL.    XLIV.  315 
 
 animated  to  fct  to  their  feal  to  it  more  confidently,  faying,  (jod  is 
 currcfugc.i.PLlbch  the  Kirk  were  deftituteof  all  humane  ftiength 
 within  her  felf,  and  were  forfakenj  yea  and  purfued  by  all  King* 
 and  Princes ,    yet  hath  (he  God  for  a  retiring  place,   and  for  fut- 
 niftiing  of  what  is  fufficient  for  her  fubfiftence ;  Godis  outre- 
 fuge  dridjlrcngib.    $ .  Albeit  the  Lord  will  not  exempt  his  people 
 from  trouble,  yet  he  will  be  neer  them  in  trouble*  and  when  their 
 weaknek  is  difcovcred  to  them,  then  he  will  help  them ,  and  will 
 pot  delay  his  help  too  long,  but  will  give  help  in  time  of  need 
 effectually ;  for  God  is  to  his  people,^  very  prefent  help  in  trouble* 
 4.  Nothing  can  guard  the  heart  of  Gods  people  againft  the  ter- 
 ror of  poffibie,  or  imminent  troubles,fave  faith  in  God ;    for  here 
 the  Lords  people  haying  fixed  their  faith,  do  make  this  inference* 
 Therefore  will  not  we  fear.    ?    The  terrour  of  apparent  trouble, 
 is  the  touchftone  of  confidence  in  God,  and  then  is  faith  fixed, 
 when  it  doth  look  upon  the  greateft  dangers  aud  troubles  that  can 
 J>e  imagined,  with  refolution  to  adhere  to  God  and  to  that  truth 
 that  persecutors  do  oppofe,  whatfoevcr  may  come,    We  will  not 
 fear  ^though  the  earth  be  removed.   6.  Albeit  the  whole  frame  of  the 
 world  were  changed,   and  the  work  of  creation  were  either  diflbl- 
 ved  or  confounded^which  fhall  be  in  effeft  at  the  laft  day;  yet  faith 
 findeth  footing  and  ground  to  fiand  upon  in  God  himfclf,  JPc  will 
 not  fear,  though  the  mountains  be  carried  into  the  midft  of  the  Sea, 
 though  the  waters  thereof  roar  and  be  troubled ,  though  :ibe  mount- 
 aines  jhakc with  the  fmUingthereof.  Selah. 
 
 Verf.  4.  There  is  a  river,  the  slreams  whereof Jhatt, 
 make  glad  the  city  of  God :  the  Holy  place  of  the  Taber- 
 nacles of  the  lpoft  High. 
 
 5.  God  is  in  the  midfi  of  her  :  fbe  Jhall  not  be 
 moved  :  Gad  fhall  help   her  3  and  that  right  early. 
 
 The  Kirk  doth  look  upon  the  Lords  word  and  ordinances  joyn- 
 ed  with  the  blefling  of  his  Spirit  among  them,  as  upon  a  fufficient 
 confolation  againft  whatfoever  trouble  can  be  imagined.  Whence 
 learn,  1.  Although  there  be  many  particular  perfons  in  the  Lords 
 Kirk  militant,  and  many  particular  Congregations,  as  there  were 
 many  habitations  in  Jerusalem,  and  many  tabernacles  at  the  time 
 of  the  folmne  feaft,  when  all  the  Lords  people  were  gathered  to- 
 gether to  the  keeping  thereof  $  yet  are  they  all  one  Kirk  univerfal, 
 one  KingdomeofGod;  one  City  compatt  together  in  the  union 
 
 of 
 
3i*  PSAL.  XLVI. 
 
 of  one  fealed  Covenant,  one  true  faith  and  Spirit ;  The  plurality 
 cf  the  Tabernacles  of  Goi  doth  ma\e  but  one  City  of  god  here. 
 2.   Albeit  trouble  without  comfort  may  fell  on  men  who  know 
 not  God  ;  yet  to  believers  within  the  Kirk  there  can  no  trouble 
 come,  wherein  the  true  Citizens  may  not  finde  confutation  and 
 joy  to  uphold  them  againft  all  caufes  of  for  row  -s   There  it  a  river, 
 theftreams  whereof  make glad  the  City  of  God,    3.  The  confola- 
 tions  which  God  fornifheth  to  all  who  will  make  ufeof  them  with- 
 in the  Ki  k,  are  no,  like  the  confolations  which  the  world  can 
 afford,  whit  h  are  in  all  refpefts  inefficient  to  overcome  trouble  > 
 but  the  confoUtions  of  God  are  abundant,  conftantly  running, 
 ready  at  hand,  and  able  to  make  a  man  a  conquerour  over  trouble 
 effectually,  and  to  make  him  rejoyce  in  the  Lord  in  the  midft  of 
 trouble;  fcr  this  is  imported  in  the  fimilitude  of  refrefhing  water; 
 There  is  a  river  the  ftreams  whereof  Jhall  make  gUd  the  City  of 
 God.    4    God  will  never  torfake  his  people  who  leek  after  him, 
 but  where  they  a.  e  following  his  ordinances  in  any  meafure  of 
 (incerity,  there  will  he  be  >  God  if  in  the  mid fi  of  her.     ?.  As 
 the  confolation  of  the  Kirk,  fo  alfo  the  liability  of  the  Kirk,  and 
 xontinuance  of  it  from  generation  to  generation,  dependeth  upon 
 Gods  fettled  refidence  therein  ;  God  is  in  the  midft  of  ber,Jhc  Jhall 
 not  be  moved.    6.  Gods  prcfence  among  his  people   will  not 
 exempt  them  from  trouble,but  from  perdition  in  trouble  :  he  will 
 not  exempt  the  bu(h  from  burning,but  from  being  confumed,  For 
 ^od  Jhall  help  her.     7.  Albeit  the  Lord  do  not  appear  at  the 
 point  of  time  when  we  would  ,  yet  fhall  he  come  and  help  in 
 time  of  need  moil  timeoufly,Cr0^/W  help  her, and  that  ri^bt  early. 
 Verfe  6.  The  heathen  raged ,  the  k^ngdomet  were 
 moved :  he  uttered  his  voice,  the  earth  tnelted. 
 
 7.   The  LORT>  ofhofis  is  wit h  us  ;  the  God  of  Jacob 
 u  our  refuge.   Se/ah. 
 
 He  cleareth  the  doctrine  delivered ,  by  a  late  experience  of 
 Gods  taking  order  with  the  enemies  of  the  f£nk,at  the  time  when 
 they  in  great  confluence  and  power  made  aflault  againft  her. 
 JVhence  learn,  1.  Tt  is  no  fmall  indignation  which  the  world  doth 
 bear  againft  the  Lords  Kingdome,  his  people,  and  work  among 
 them  ;  nor  is  it  any  mean  power  from  which  the  Kirk  is  in  danger 
 to-fufferhardfhip,  but  fury  in  the  height  of  it,  and  force  in  the 
 fartheft  extent  of  it,may  me  #%&  to  encounter  v/iih;Tbc  heathen 
 ragedythc  Kjngioms  were  moved  2. It  is  not  the  worldly  power  c?f 
 tjhc  Lords  people  which  can  fuftaine  the  affaulp  0 ..{ their  raging 
 
 ene* 
 
PSAL.    XLVI.  317 
 
 enemies  .butGod  himielf  muftprove  party  to  her  opprcflbrs;thcrc- 
 fore  here  the  Lord  doth  interpote  himfelf  for  his  people  ;  The 
 to  d  uttered  his  voice.     $.  Itfhallnot  coft  the  Lord  any  bufi- 
 nefs  to  difpatchtbe  enemies  of  his  people  5  let  him  (hew  himfeif 
 a  little,  let  him  but  fay  the  word  and  they  are  gone,  as  Snow  be- 
 fore the  Sun,  or  fat  caft  into  the  fire,  io  are  they  confumed  ;  He 
 mured  his  voice 3the  earth  melted.    4.  Any  one  experience  of  the 
 Lords  working  for  his  Kirk  may  fuffice  toconfirme  the  faith  of 
 his  people  concerning  his  perpetual  prefence  in  his  Kirk,  foraf- 
 fiftanceof  his  people  in  their  difficulties  j  for  from  this  oneex- 
 perience  he  di  awcth  the  inference ;  The  Lord  of  hofts  U  "with  ust 
 $.  What  the  Lord  is  in  wifdom,powerj  and  other  attributes,  that 
 may  the  Kirk  apply  to  her  felr^  and  be  fure  to  have  the  fruit 
 of  it  as  her  need  requiteth  j    it  hofts  of  heathen    and  huge 
 great    Armies  of  whole    Kingdomes   be   againft  his  Kirk  , 
 it  ftiil   may  be  fure  God  the  Lord  of   Armies    will  ftand  up 
 againft  them,  and  for  his  Kirk,  The  Lord  of hofts  is  with  us. 
 6.  The  Covenant  ofGodnvde  with  the  Kirk  in  former  ages,  is 
 good  enough  fecurity  to  the  Kirk  in  after-ages  for  obtaining  what- 
 soever benefit  his  Covenant  includeth ;  The  God  of  Jacob  is  our 
 refuge  5  yea  the  rights  made  to  the  incoiporation  of  the  Kirk,  is 
 as  goo.,  fecurity  for  the  ufe  of  every  particular  believer,  as  if  it 
 were  made  personally  to  every  member  by  name  ;  .and  thereforeas 
 wxfeCitixens  do  reckon  whatsoever  they  can  claim  by  theirTown- 
 Charter,  no  lefs  to  belong  to  them  then  thei;  own  private  poflef- 
 (ions  :  fo  whatfocvet  the  believer  can  claim  by  vertue  of  the  great 
 Charter  made  to  the  Kirk,  he  ihoujd  reckon  it  as  fure  to  be  his* 
 as  if  his  proper  name  had  been  ipecified  in  the  promifes ;  for,  The 
 Cod  of  Jacob  is  our  refugees  thus  much,  became  God  is  undoubt- 
 edly the  wod  of  Jacob,  andibis  childrens  refuge,  he  muft  un- 
 doubtedly be  our  God,    who  are  members  of  that  incorporation, 
 and  our  refuge. 
 
 Verf.   8.  Come,  behold  the  Workj  of  the  L  0 R<D, 
 I  tyhat  defoliations  he  hath  made  in  the  earth. 
 
 9.  Hemaketh  the  wars  toceafe  unto  the  end  of  the 
 J  earth  :  he  breadth  the  bov>e7  and  ctttteth  the  jpear  in 
 f under,  he  burneth  the  chartot  in  the  fire. 
 
 I  o.    Befiillyand  knoVe  that  1  am  God  :  I  mil  be  ex- 
 
 altedamong  the  heathen:   1  will  be  exaltedin  thee  arth. 
 
 11.  Tbi  LORD  of  bofis  is  jfitb  us:  the  God  of  Jacob 
 
 X%Qtirre]t4£C.    Selab,    '  In 
 
3lS 
 
 PSAL.  XLVII, 
 
 In  the  latter  part  of  the  Pfalme,  he  exhorts  all  men  to  make  ufc 
 of  this  deliverance  given  to  the  Kirk  for  their  humiliation,  con- 
 fidence in  God7 and  confolation.  Whence  learn,  i.  When  God 
 doth  work  works  of  wonder  in  favour  of  his  Kirk,  moll  men 
 maik  not  the  Lords  doings  fuch  is  the  dulnefs  and  ftupidity,  in- 
 gratitude, misbelief  and  perverinefs  of  men>  either  thinking  little 
 of  his  work,  or  afcribing  the  praife  to  inftruments,  or  fome  other 
 thing  befide  God  ;  fo  that  there  is  need  to  call  unto  men,,  and  fee 
 them  to  their  duty}  fame,  and  behold  the  worfa  of  the  Lord. 
 2.  Wonderful  calamities  doth  God  pour  out  upon  the  eneiwes  of 
 his  people,  when  he  entereth  in  judgement  with  themj  for  what 
 they  intended  to  do  to  his  people,  he  doth  unto  them,  Behold* 
 what  desolations  he  hath  made  in  the  earth-  3  .When  it  feemeth  good 
 to  the  Lord,  he  can  give  peace  univerfally  to  his  Kirk,  and  a 
 whiles  breathing  from  the  trouble  of  outward  enemies,He  maf^eik 
 wars  to  ceafc  to  the  ends  of  the  earth  4.  Long  preparations  for 
 war,armes  and  ammunition  which  have  been  made  with  great  la- 
 bour and  expenccs  againft  his  Kirk,  the  Lord  can  foon  give  a 
 feortaccompt  of  them,  and  make  them  ufelefs  when  he  pleifeth, 
 fie  breadth  the  bowe,  and  cutteth  the  fpcar  in  [under,  he  Burnett? 
 the  Chariot  in  the  fire.  5.  Becaufe  men  cannot  underftand  what 
 they  are  doing,  or  what  is  their  duty  fo  long  as  their  paffi* 
 ons  are  a  loft,  fo  long  as  their  mindes  arc  tumultuous  bull- 
 ed about  many  things,  and  diftrafted  from  what  is  moft  ne- 
 ceflary  >  it  is  good  for  people  from  time  to  time  to  gather 
 in  their  ftraying  thoughts ,  to  filence  their  oaffions  and  per- 
 turbations, and  humbly  compofe  themfelves  for  obflrvation  of 
 whatfoeverGodrequirethof  them,  Beftill,and  \m>w  that  1  am 
 God.  6.  It  is  better  for  men  to  bewite  and  acknowledge  the 
 Lord  by  the  words  of  his  inftruftion,  1  hen  to  leave  their  leffon 
 tp  be  learned  6>  dolef  1  experience  and  danger  of  deftruftion, 
 Beflill,and  J^iovp  that  I  am  God.  7.  There  is  not  fo  ready  a  way 
 for  the  Lords  people  to  cjuiet  their  minde  againft  the  fear  of 
 trouble  and  perfecution  of  men,  as  to  fettle  their  faith  about  Gods 
 taking  care  of  his  peopleandof  his  owncaufe  and  of  hisminde 
 declared  againft  his  and  their  enemies  J  Beftill,  and  know  that  1 
 am  God.  8.  The  Lord  will  not  be  at  a  lois  by  the  oppofition 
 of  his  enemies,  he  will  nor  fail  to  enlarge  his  glory,  the  more  that 
 men  go  about  to  fupprefs  it  $  he  will  make  an  inrode  upon  his  ad- 
 verfai  ies  lands-,  and  make  them  know  himfeff  to  be  God,  either 
 to  their  converfion  or  confufion  and  deftrudtion  J  I  will  ( faith 
 he,)  be  exited  a^ongtke  heathen,    9.  How  little  notice  foever 
 
 be 
 
PSAL.     XLVII.  319 
 
 fce  taken  of  the  Majefty  of  God  oft-times  in  the  vifible  Kirk,an4 
 alwayes  without  the  Kirk  he  be  mif-rcgardcd>  yet  will  he  fce  to 
 his  own  glory,  notonty»in  the  Kirk,  but  alfo  among  the  ene- 
 mies of  the  Kirk,  and  not  only  among  fuch  as  have  a&ually  in- 
 vaded his  people,  but  alio  among  them  far  and  neer  that  have 
 taken  no  notice  either  of  him  or  of  his  people  >  J  mil  be  exalted 
 in  the  earth.  10.  Whatfoever  manifestation  of  Gods  power  be 
 made  in  the  world  by  his  judgement  againft  his  enemies  wha 
 know  him  not  1  yet  he  is  ever  doing  for  his  Kirk,  and  not  againft 
 her  5  The  Lord  of  boftsis  mtbus.  11.  The  Kirk  of  God  otf? 
 believers  need  not  care  how  many  be  againft  them,  feeing  they 
 have  moe  for  them  then  can  be  againft  them  ;  to  wit,  God  and 
 all  the  creatures  at  his  command,  The  Lord  of  hojis  is  with  us. 
 1  2.  The  ftrength  of  the  Kirk  ftands  inhcr  renouncing  her  own* 
 and  fleeing  in  to  Gods  ft rength,  and  not  in  oppofing  their  ene- 
 mies by  ihong  hand,  but  by  betaking  otthemfelvcs  to  God  i  Tht 
 Cod  of  Jacob  is  our  refuge.  1 3.  We  have  need  to  make  God  the 
 ground  of  our  confidence,  and  to  make  our  communion  with 
 God  the  ground  of  our  comfort ;  for  God  is  fufficient  for  us  a- 
 gainft  every  evil,  and  God  is  fufficient  unto  us  for  furniftiing 
 every  eood,and  we  have  need  to  fix  and  fettle  our  grounds,  by  oft- 
 ner  fubferipcion  of  this  truth,and  ofener  avowing  of  it,  The  Lord 
 of  hojis  is  with  us,  the  Cod  of  Jacob  is  our  refuge,  Is  repeated* 
 
 PSAL     XLVIL 
 
 To  the  chief  Mufician*  A  Pfalme  for  the  fons  of  Hyorafc 
 
 This  Pfalme  is  a  prophecie  of  the  enlargement  of 
 Chrifts  Kingdome ,  and  of  the  conjunction  of 
 Jews  and  Gentiles  in  one  body  under  Chrift  their 
 head  and  I  ord.  delivered  by  way  of  exhortation 
 to  Jews  and  Gentiles,  joyfully  to  praife  the  God 
 and  Saviour  of  his  people  Jefus  Chrift;  on  whom 
 the  Pfalmift  lorkech  as  now  afcended  into  hea- 
 ven triumphantly  after  the  full  payment  made 
 of  the  price  of  Redemption,  and  as  going  about 
 the  gathering  in  of  the  redeemed  Gentiles  9  till  he 
 
 bring 
 
bring  in  the  fulnefs  of  them  into  one  Kirk  with 
 the  Jews  j  the  exhortation  is  prefixed,  ver.  x.  and 
 repeated,  ver.  6,  7.  the  reafons  of  the  exhorta- 
 tion to  a  joyful  praifing  of  him  are  feven.  The 
 firttyVtr.  ?*  The  fccobd,*«r.  3.  The  third,z/*r.  4, 
 The  fourth^r.  5.  The  fifth  ver.  7.  Thefixth,w* 
 8.  Thefeventh/z/^.p. 
 
 Verfe    I .  jT\  Clap  your  bands  (  all  ye  people  )  {bout 
 Vy  nntoGod  with  the  voice  0j  triumph. 
 
 FRom  tht  exhortation  to  Jews  and  Gentiles,  joyfully  to  praifc 
 the  Redeemer;    Learn,  i;  Chrifts  Kingdome  and  r he  be- 
 nefits thereof  do  belong  to  moe  nations  then  one,  for  in  him  the 
 redeemed  in  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  are  bkGkd,Clapyour  binds} 
 dlyeapeopk,  or,  alt  ye  Nations,  faith  the  Lord.    %.  The  King- 
 dome  of  Chrift  coming  to  a  people^  or  family,  or  perfon,  is  mat- 
 ter of  chief  joy  to  them,  bccaufe  thereby  delivery  com eth  from 
 fin,  Satan,  and  mifery,  and  fure  mercies  of  righteoufnefs,  peace* 
 and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghoft  with  eternal  lift  brought  to  them, 
 arid  therefore  juft  reafon  to  fay  to  therti  to  whom  Chrift  cometh, 
 O  dap  your  binds ,<fi)0ut  unto  God  with  the  voice  of  triumph.  $.Our 
 joy  and  our  victory  over  all  our  enemies,  which  Chrift  hath  pur- 
 chafed  and  bringeth  to  all  believers  in  every  Nation,  is  the  mat- 
 ter of  Chrifts  praife,  and  doth  declare  that  he  is  God,  who  having 
 in  bis  manhood  fuftered,  wraftlecTagafnlt  fin,  Satan,  death,  hell, 
 and  the  curfe  of  the  law  3  did  by  the  power  of  his  Godhead  pre- 
 vaile  before  he  brought  joy  to  the  Gentiles.    Thqs  much  do  the 
 words  of  the  exhortation  imports  for  his  triumph  prciuppofeth 
 iis  viftory,  and  his  victory  prefappofeth  his  battel  before  he  over- 
 came, and  the  commanding  of  the  Gentiles  to  clap  tbeit  bands  and 
 jhout,  and  to  fhout  with  the  voice  of  triumph,  piefuppoleth  their 
 iotereft  in  the  victory  j  and  while  they  are  bidden  mout  to,  God, 
 the  triumpher,  who  in  ail  this  Pfalm  is  the  Redeemer  Chrift  (as 
 ihalf  appear  hereafter;)  it  imports  that  the  Redeemer  is  God,  and 
 Lowfoeverhe  is  God  infeparably  from  rhe  Father  and  the  Holy 
 Spirit,  yet  here  he  is  diftinclly  to  be  looked  on  in  his  perfon ;   and 
 hewfocver  he  is  infeparably  to  bepraifed  with  the  Father  and  Holy 
 Spirit,  yet  here  diftindly  to  be  praifed  for  this  his  Work  of 
 victorious  Redemption  of  finners  5  therefore  it  is  faid  with  di- 
 ilintt  relation  to  his  perfon*  Shout  Unto  God  with  tbe.vohe  of 
 triumph.  Verfe  2* 
 
P-SAL.    XLVII.  32  i 
 
 Verfe  2.  For  the  LORD  mo(l  high  is  terrible^  h* 
 is  a  great  King  over  all  the  earth. 
 
 From  the  firft  reafon  of  rhe  joyful  praifing  of  Chrift,  taken 
 from  his  Sovercigne  M1  jefty  over  all  the  world  j  Learn ,  i.  That 
 the  Redeemer  the  victorious  triumphcr,  is  the  Lord  very  God, 
 ciTentially  tfebovub,  lb,  Lord  r,  oft  high,  2.  Chrift  is  able  both  to 
 keep  his  iubjects  in  fubjection  by  his  rod  and  corrections,  and  to 
 take  brier  with  his  enemies  alio,  how  high  focver  they  be,  Tbt 
 Lord  moft  high  is  terrible.  $ .  Chrift  hath  right  and  juft  title  to 
 erect  a  Kirk  in  what  Countrey  and  Kingdom  he  pleafeth,  with- 
 out asking  any  mans  licence,  and  to  fet  up  among  his  fubjects  the 
 profeffion  of  his  namc,and  practice  of  all  his  Ordinances  per-' 
 taining  totheexercile  of  Religion  in  doctrine,  worfhip ,  and 
 Eccleliaftick  government  of  hisfubjtcts,  He  is  a gre.it  Xjng  over 
 all  the  earth* 
 
 Vzifc  3  •  He  Jhall  fab  due  the  people  under  to,  dnd 
 the  nations  under  our  feet. 
 
 From  the  fecond  reafon  for  joyful  praifing  of  Chrift,  taken 
 from  the  encreafing  of  his  own  Kingdome,  and  the  exalting  of  all 
 his  fubjects  above  the  reft  cf  the  world  5  Learn,  1.  The  true: 
 Kirk  of  Chrift  may  from  age  to  age  promife  to  her  felf  addition 
 of  new  fubjects,  or  bringing  down  of  their  enemies  under  their 
 feetj  for  as  the  true  Kirk  in  the  Prophets  time  might  fay,  fo  may 
 alfo  every  true  Kirk  fay  after  them,  Hejhall  /ubdue  the  people 
 under  va>  And  the  nations  under  our  feet.  2.  If  it  will  not  pleafe 
 the  Lord  at  fuch  a  time  as  men  would  wifli,  to  execute  judge- 
 ment on  their  enemies,  nor  yet  to  convert  them,  and  make  them 
 additional  fubjects  to  his  Kingdome,  yet  lhafl  he  not  fail  to  make 
 his  oWn  people  victorious  over  their  oppofition,  power,  and  per- 
 secution, and  more  then  conquerors  in  this  refpect.  He  jhallfub* 
 due  tin  people  under  us,  and  the  nations  under  our  feet, 
 
 Vcrf.  4.  He  fhdl  chufc  opir  inheritance  for  w, 
 the  excellency  of  Jacob   whom  he  loved.     Selah. 
 
 Frem  the  third  reafon  of  Chiifts  praife,  taken  from  the  ca*e  he 
 hath  for  fuftentation  and  welfare  of  his  fubjects  $  Learn,  1.  As 
 God  by  allotting  of  earthly  Qanaan  for  the  inheritance  oi  his 
 people,  did  teftihe  his  care  to  provide  for  them  both  earthly  fufte- 
 nance  and  an  enduring  fubftance  for  their  fpiritual  fubfiftence 
 reprefented  thereby;  fo  will  he  provide  for  the  luftenance  of  all 
 his lubje&s  in  all  ages,  both  bodily  and  fpiritual ,  He  JbM  chufc 
 
 Y  m 
 
%tz  PSAL.     XLV1I. 
 
 rur  inker it xnee  for  m.  z.  As  he  is  moft  loving  of  us>  and  more 
 wife  to  make  choyceof  what  is  good  foe  us  ,  then  we  our  feives 
 are:  fo,will  he  employ  his  wildome  and  love  in  carving  out  unto 
 us  our  lot,  meafure,  portion,  and  inheritance  J  He  jhdl  cbufe  our 
 inherit  Altec  for  m>  and  not  leave  it  to  our  carving.  3  ♦  The  main 
 part  of  the  inheritance  of  Chrifts  fubjects  is  no  earthly  thing,  but 
 his  verybeftblcfrihgjfuch.ashegavetojirofe  above  Ejaw,  Their 
 inherit  wee  Jhdll  be  the  excellency  of  Jacob,  4.  The  fountaine 
 of  Chi  ills  care  for  all  his  fubje&s,  is  common  to  them  and  to 
 Jdcob,  /tnd  that  is  his  love.  The  excellency  of  Jacob  whom  hs 
 kvcd^flixli  be  their  inheritance.    Sclab. 
 
 Verfe  5.  Qod  is  gone  up  With  a  fhout^  the  LOKT) 
 With  a  found  of  a  trumpet, 
 
 Prom  the  fourth  reafon  of  Chrifts  praife  taken  from  his  glori- 
 ous triumphing  over  all  his  enemies  and  ours  when  he  afcended 
 to  heaven;  Lej.ru,  \ .  He  that  afcended,  what  is  it  but  that  he 
 alfodefcended,firft  into  the  lower  parts  of  the  earthy  he  thatjdef- 
 cended  is  the  fame  alfo  that  afcended  up  farre  above  all  heavens^ 
 that  he  might  fill  all  thjngs^Epfc/.^.That  is,  Chrift  being  very 
 God,  defcended  in  humbling  himfelf  to  take  on  him  the  fhape  of 
 a  fervant,  and  when  he  had  perfected  the  work  of  redemption  a- 
 fcended  in  our  nature,  the  fame  very  perfonftill  very  God,  which 
 defcended;  for  God  is  gone  up  with  a  ftmit.  2.  As  the  Arke  of 
 the  Covenant,  the  figure  of  Chrift,  after  victory  gotten  over  the 
 chief  enemies  of  the  Kirk,  afcended  up  to  Sion,  and  Gods  pre- 
 fence  in  it ;  So  Chrift  after  victory  obtained  of  his  chief  enemies 
 on  the  Crolle3  afcended  triumphantly  into  heaven,  CfoA  is  gone 
 Mp  with  a  Jlmt,  Jehovah,  rvitb  the  found  of  a  trumpet* 
 
 Verf.  6.  Sing  praife s  to  God^  fingpraifes  :  fing 
 praifes  unto  our  King^  fing  praifes. 
 
 Verfe  7.  For  God  is  the  King  of  all  the  earth  :  Jtng 
 ye  praifes  with  under  (landing. 
 
 The  exhortation  given  to  all  people  to  praife  Chrift  for  the 
 woikof  redemption^  repeated,  and  directed  totheKirkof  the 
 Jewes  more  particularly  with  a  fifth  reafon  of  praife,  taken  from 
 a  neerer  conjunction  between  Chrift  and  them  ,  then  between 
 him  and  any  other  Nation,  Whence  le.ir  11  y  1.  Albeit  the  Lord 
 doth  fhew  his  glory  In  the  works  of  creation,  and  is  Alining  day- 
 ly  in  the  works  of  providence  alfo  >  yet  in  the  work  of  redempti- 
 on, converfion  and  falvatioa  of  foul*,  his  glory  is  manifefted 
 
 farre 
 
lJb  A  L.     XLV11.  325 
 
 farrc  more;  for  here,  praife,  praife,  praife,  and  the  fourth  time 
 praife  is  called  for.  2.  When  beleevers  in  Jefus  Chrift  do  con- 
 liderhow  heabafed  himtelf  to  aflame  our  nature,  how  he  payed 
 the  ranforflc  for  us  as  furety,  how  he  did  encounter  and  fight  with 
 all  our  enemics,and  being  victorious  in  our  name,afc  ended  in  our 
 nature  with  the  ihout  of  the  victory,  and  found  of  the  trumpet  of 
 the  triumpher,  they  cannot  chufe  but  fee  reafons  of  praifing  joy^ 
 fully  the  glorious  Godhead  of  Jefus  Chrift,and  of  finging  praifes 
 to  him  as  bod  again  and  again.  $ .  Of  all  Nations  of  the  earth, 
 the  Jevves  have  the  firft  place,  privil edge,  and  prerogative,  manifeii 
 bonds  with,  and  intcrefts  in  Jefus  Chriftj  for  he  delivered  them 
 out  of  Egypt,  fettled  them  in  Canaan,  held  houfe  among  them  in 
 a  Tabernacle,  anfwered  them  by  oracle  out  of  the  Arke  of 
 the  Covenant,  the  type  of  his  incarnation  ,  took  upon  him  to  be 
 I  their  King  and  fanctifier,  the  holy  one,of  Ifrael,  their  Redeemer, 
 took  of  them  his  humane  nature,  and  was  born  a  Jew,  therefore 
 had  the  Prophet  good  reafon  to  fay  to  the  Kirk  of  the  Jewes,57'flg 
 praifes  to  our  KJn&Pl&  ^aifes;  and  in  this  fong  may  all  they  joyn 
 with  the  Jewes,  who  have  embraced  Jefus  for  their  King.  4*Chrift 
 is  fo  King  over  the  Jews,as  he  alfo  exrendeth  his  kingdom  over  all 
 the  earth, not  only  in  regard  of  his  power  in  a  common  maner,buc 
 in  regard  of  his  fpecial  grace  gathering  in  fubjects  out  of  all  parts 
 ;  of  the  world,till  he  have  the  full  number  brought  in  and  faved,he, 
 he  only  ische  trueCatholickKingJbrGfli  U  tbeJ^jng  of  all  the  earth. 
 $.  As  none  can  praife  <jod,  orpraife  Chrift  fincerely  >  who  do 
 not  underftand  the  reafons  for  which  they  ftiould  praife  5  fo  he 
 that  praifeth  under ftandingly,  cannot  chufe  but  praife  affection* 
 attly,  therefore  faith  he,  Singyepraifes  with  under/landing. 
 
 Verie.  8.  God  relgneth  over  the  heathen  I  God  fit- 
 teth  upon  the  throne  of  his  holincffe. 
 
 From  the  (ixth  reafon  of  Chrifts  praife  t:kcn  from  the  keeping 
 a  Kirk  among  the  Gentiles  for  gathering  the  redeemed  out  of  all 
 Tongues  and  Languages,  and  reigning  among  them  as  King  of 
 Saints,  and  another  or  holinefle}  Learn,  i„  To  the  end  that 
 Faith  may  finde  footing  and  a  Rock  to  reft  upon,  wc  muft  in 
 all  the  promifes,  works  and  praifes  of  Ch  ift  ftill  remember  that 
 as  he  is  now  very  man  ,  fo  is  he  alfo  eternally  God,  and  that  no 
 man  reafonablv  or  with  underftanding  can  praife  him  as  the  Re- 
 deemer and  perfe&er  of  what  isfpokenof  him  in  Scripture,  ex- 
 cept he  acknowledge  him  to  be  God;  therefore  is  Chrift  eight 
 times  in  this  Pfalm  called  God  ,  befide  the  afcribing  unto  him 
 work;  proper  to  Gad  only;  and  twice  he  ii  called  by  the  iricom- 
 
 Y  %  muni* 
 
municable  name  of  Jehovah  the  Lord;  and  in  this  verfe  God- 
 head is  twice  acknowledged  in  him  ,  as  King  of  the  Kirk  among 
 the  Gentiles;  God  rcignetb  over  the  beat!  en,  God  fittetb  upon 
 the  throve  of  his  holinejfc.  2.  Becauie  the  lumme  of  Chrifts 
 Kingdome  is  holinciTe,  and  his  work  is  to  teach,  prefcribeand 
 command  holinefle  ,  to  take  away  fin  ,  and  powerfully  to  apply 
 and  work  in  his  own  redeemed  ones  holinefle ,  and  to  continue  in 
 his  actual  governing  of  his  Subjects  ,  till  he  have  made  all  and 
 every  one  of  the  redeemed  perfectly  holy ,  therefore  is  his  throne 
 in  a  ipecial  manner  called  the  throne  of  bolinejfe  j  God  fittetb 
 upon  the  throne  of  bis  holinejfe. 
 
 Ver*  9.  The  princes  of  the  people  are  gathered  toge* 
 ther  ,  even  the  people  of  the  God  of  Abraham  :  for  the 
 fhieHs  of  the  earth  belong  unto  God :  he  is  greatly 
 exalted. 
 
 From  the  feventh  reafon  of  Chrifts  praife,  taken  from  his  con- 
 verting of  great  men  of  the  earth,  (as  Kings  and  Princes,)  and 
 banging  them  to  the  obed  ence  of  the  faith  and  union  with  the 
 true  Kirk}  Learn,  j .  Albeit  oft-times  it  is  feen,  that  not  many 
 rich,  noble,  or  potent  are  called  5  yet  God  for  hi?  own  glory  is 
 from  time  to  time  bringing  in  fome  of  them  ,  and  when  it  may 
 gloririe  his  name,  ftiall  Bring  in  ,  and  per  feci:  what  is  promifed, 
 and  prophefied  here  5  The  tJ  rinces  of  the  people  are  gathered  toge- 
 ther. 2 .  It  is  a  point  of  Chrifts  praife  in  the  converfion  of  men, 
 that  his  omnipotency  m:keth  men  voluntary  Subjects,  arid  to 
 come  in  to  him  as  by  invincible  power  on  his  part  3  fo  alio  delibe- 
 rately with  a  tree  election,  and  heartie  content  of  will  on  the  con- 
 vened mans  part ;  The  Princes  of  the  people,  and  excellent  ones 
 in  the  earth,  of  whatsoever  rank  converted  unto  Chrift ,  arc 
 voluntary  people  >  for  the  original  fuftereth  alfo  this  reading  ,  The 
 voluntary  of  the  people  are  gathered  together.  3 .  The  Kirk  of  the 
 Jews  is  the  mother-Krrk  ,  whereof  Abrahmzn&  the  godly  Jews, 
 yea  and  Chrift  himfelf  were  Members ;  ,  The  Kirk  of  the 
 jewes  is  the  Olive-tree,  whereinto  all  the  Converts  of  the  Gen- 
 tiles are  ingrafted,  gathered,  and  made  one  people  with  Abra- 
 ham and  *he  faithtull  among  the  Jewes ;  .  The  Trinces  of  the 
 people  are  gathered  together  >" the  people  of  the  God  of  Abraham, 
 4.  The  unity  of  the  Kirk  ftandeth  in  the  union  of  tne  Spirit, 
 under  the  iervice  of  the  one  only  true  God, and  in  conjuction  with 
 his  people,  for  the  union  of  Jew  and  Gentile  ,  is  the  gathering 
 together  of  the  Princes  of  the  people  to  the  God  of  Abraham. 
 
 j,  As 
 
PSAL.  XLVIII.  525- 
 
 ?.  As  there  is  a  neceflltyofthc  union  of  Jewes  and  Gentiles  ip* 
 one  vifible  Chriftian  Khk  3  becaufe  i:  is  proinifcd  and  p.ophe- 
 fied  that  it  fliall  be  fo  5.  So  there  is  rcafonto  wifh  for  the  more 
 evident  union  of  them,  that  they  may  be  as  eminently  confociate 
 as  ever  the  Chriftian  Khks  were  ,  (cither  in  the  Apoftks  time 
 orintheChriftimEmpcrourstjrneJ  in  a  general  Aflemblyor 
 oecumenical  Councell  $  foe  that  there  is  ar  leaft  a  poilibility.of 
 ancecurncnical  Councel  ,  or  a  general  aflembly  of  Jewes  and 
 Gentiles  in  this  world  under  Chrift  their  King  This  place  makes 
 itplaine,  bccatUe  after  it  is  foretold  that  there  mall  be  fuch  a  ' 
 union  of  all  the  people  of  the  God  of  Abraham  ,  Jcwes  and  Gen- 
 tiles ,  as  their  Princes  JhM  be  gathered,  together ;  He  takes  away 
 the  chief  ground  of  a  great  objection  which  may  be  made  from 
 the  difcord  and  di  ("agreement  of  the  Princesof  the  world;  fome  of 
 them  being  averfe  altogether  from  the  Chriftian  Religion,,  (ome 
 of  them  from  the  true  Religion  of  Chrift  ,  and  all  of  them  al- 
 moft  diiienting  one  from  another, ,  and  warring  one  againft  ano- 
 ther; wherebyjuow  for  many  yeares  the  gathering  of  an  oecumeni- 
 call  Councel  hath  not  been  poflible .  He  meeteth  this  objecti- 
 on in  the  Textj  faying^  For  the  jhields  of  the  earth  belong  unto 
 God>  that  isj  the  hearts  and  power  of  all  the  Kings  0:  the  earth 
 are  in  the  Lords  hand  ,  and  he  hath  the  difpoiing  of  fhields^  ar- 
 mies and  ammunition  ?  with  all  their  commanders  and  rulers  in 
 the  world  >  and  therefore  can  make  them  ierviceable  for  the  nea:  * 
 eft  conjunction  and  union  of  his  viable  Kirk  3  which  can  be  for 
 t  his  glory  in  this  world 3  as  lie  fees  fl:  how  and  when  he  will. 
 6.  When  all  is  faid  of  Chiifts  praife  that  man  can  expretTe  of 
 him,  thereisnopoffibility  toattaine  to  the  full  or  fatisfaclory 
 fetting  forth  of  his  glory  as  it  deferveth ;  but  men  muft  content 
 themtelvesto  fet  faile,  and  to  reft  in  the  generall ,  that  Chrift'  is 
 and  (hall  b:  very  highly  glorifiedjfcr  fo  the  Pfaimiftclofeth/aying 
 after  all  >.  He  is  great  ly  cxaked.  * 
 
 PSAL.   XLVIII. 
 
 A  Song  and  Pfdmefor  the  fonnes  of  Korah- 
 
 In  this  Pfalme  the  Lord   is  magnified  for  all  his 
 
 mercies  bcflowed  on  his  Kirk,  (refembled  by 
 
 ftrufa/em)   %erf*  \\  2>  3.    And  in  fpeciali  for  a 
 
 lace  .mercie  manifefted    in   a   paffage    of  his 
 
 Y  3  <carg 
 
326  PSAL.   XLVIIL 
 
 care  to  preferve  Jemfalem ,  a  type  of  the 
 Kirk  univcrfall ,  againft  the  affault  of  mighty 
 Kings,  verf.4,%6.  The  ufes  of  which  mercies 
 are  fee  down  in  number  feven;  The  firft,  v.  7. 
 Thefecond,  v,8.  Thefhird,  <z/,9*  The  fourth, 
 v.  10.  The  fifth,  v.i  1.  Thefixth,*/.  12, 13.  The 
 feventh,  v.  14. 
 
 Verf.  l./^Kw*  is  the  LORD,  and  greatly  to  be 
 VJT  prat  fed  in  the  city  of  cur  God9    in  the 
 ntountaine  of  his  holimjfe. 
 
 2.  Beaatif ull for  fituation,  the  joy  of  the  Whole  earth 
 is  10*00;  iViflu  :  on  the  fides  of  the  North,  the  city  of  the 
 great  King. 
 
 3.  God  ii  known  in  her  palaces  for  a  refuge* 
 
 IN  the  firft  place  he  dedareth  his  purpoie  to  give  God  the  praife 
 of  whatfoever  is  commendable  in  Jernfalem,  or  done  unto  it > 
 or  wrought  for  it.  Whence  Learn,  1 .  As  God  fhewes  his  great* 
 neffe  and  glory  in  all  his  works >  and  fpecially  in  hiscare?br3re- 
 fpectunto,  and  operation  in  his  Kirk;  fo  (hould  he  have  glory 
 and  praife  from  his  Kirk  ,  for  and  from  all  his  works ,  but  fpe«* 
 daily  for  his  care  of  her ;  Grc.it  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  to  be 
 prxifed  in  the  city  of  our  God.  z.  As  it  is  the  benefit  of  jferufa* 
 km,  and  of  his  Kirk  reprefented  thereby ,  to  be  united  and  go- 
 verned in  a  regular  incorporation;  fo  it's  a  matter  of  Gods  praife, 
 that  he  maketh  his  viiible  Kirk  above  nil  other  incorporations 
 andfbeieties  of  men  in  the  world  to  be  hiscitie  3  with  which  he 
 will  be  in  Covenant  3  and  wherein  he  will  manifeft  his  holy 
 Name ;  Therefore  tfcrufalcm,  and  the  Kirk  reprefented  by  her 
 is  here  called  ,  the  city  of  our  God,  aid  the  mountaine  of  his  holi- 
 veffe.  $.  Whatfoever  could  commend  Jferufalem  for  fituation  in 
 the  point  of  pleafantnefle^  commodities  ftrength  or  ftatelinefle5 
 all  is  but  a  fhadow  of  the  glory  of  the  Lords  Kirk  3  and  in  par- 
 ticular ,  as  the  joy  o(  the  whole  land  depended  ontfenifalems 
 v/ell-faire,  and  this  City  did  adorne  all  tfudea ,  and  the  gfeac 
 Kings  palace  adorned  her  5  So  the  Kirk  is  the  joy  of  the  whole 
 eai'h,  by  holding  out  to  all  the  light  of  faving  Doctrine  >  and" 
 fliewing  the  authority,  power,  wifdome,  and  grace  of  Chrift$ 
 who  is  her  great  King,  and  doth  bcautifie  his  Kirk  ,  for  the  illu- 
 minate 
 
PSAL.     XlrVllU  3*7 
 
 minationoftheblinde  dark  world;  Beaut i full  for  fituation  ,  the 
 joy  of  the  whole  earth  is  mount  Siont  onthcJi.le<  of  the  North ,  the 
 fity  ofthegrcdt  Kjng.  4.  As  the  walls3houfes,  anA  palaces  of  fern- 
 falem  were  nor  the  itrength  of  the  Citizens  ;  but  God  was  her 
 ftrength,  *as  they  had  /earned  by  experience  :  fo  worldly  ftrength 
 is  not  the  confidence  of  Gods  Kirk,  but  God  only,  who  defendeth 
 her  by  his  power ;  God  is  known  *n  her  peaces  for  a  refuge. 
 
 Verf.  4.  For  l0  ,  the  Kings  -were  affcmbled :  they 
 faffed  by  together. 
 
 5§  They  fawit,  and  fothey  M4rveiled;  they  were 
 Itonbled,  and  haft ed  Away. 
 
 6,  Feartookheld  upon  them  there  ;  and  paine  at 
 of a^K oman  in  travaile. 
 
 He  confirmeth  what  he  hath  fpoken  3  by  a  late  experience  of 
 deliverance  from  the  invalion  of  mighty  Kings  ,  gathered  to  be- 
 fiege  and deftroy  Jferufrtem.    Whence  learn,  iV  The  Lord  by  ex<- 
 perience  from  time  to  time  ,  maketh  manifefl:  his  care  to  defend 
 hi&  Kirk  againft  moft  mighty  oppreffours  ;  who  ufe  to  combine 
 themfelves  together ,  when  theyminde  to  overthrew  the  Kirk  : 
 For    to ,    the  J^izgs  were  affcmbled.     z.  Many  imaginations 
 arc  in  the  heads  of  adverfaries  when  they  are  plotting  the  ruine  of 
 Gads-Kirk ,  which,  when  they  are  abouc  to  execute,    do  vanifti 
 and  prove  prefumptuous    and  vaine  apprehenfions  of  their  own 
 ability,  and  of  the  Kirks  weakneffe;    When  the  Kings  wcreaf- 
 (iivbtcd)  they  pa jfed. by  together.    They  found  thcmlelves  unable 
 to   effect  what  they  intended/   and  hoped  to  bring  topafle.' 
 $•  When  the  ftrait  comcth,  and  the  Kirk  is  ia  danger,  then  the 
 'Lord  doth  fliew  himfelf  for  her,  and  againit  her  enemies.,  and 
 makes  men  fee  his  interefl  in  his  Kirfc  j    now  when  the  Kings 
 were^flTembled  ,  they  perceived  themfelves  m^ft-iken  wonderfully* 
 They  ftw  it3  fo  they  marveled.    4.  Such  as  ccme  to  bring  tronbie 
 to  Gods-  Kirk,  come  to.  Catch  troubles  to  themfelves  >    When 
 Kings  aflembled  to  trouble  Gods  people,   they  few,  and  • 
 veiled)  and  were  troubled.     5,  If  the  eiiemies,Qf  the  Kirk  could 
 fo  eTcc  their  own  foul  retreat ,  they  would  not  advance  ob  make 
 affauic  againfl;  the  Ki4  k  j  for  now  when  they  did  fee  matters,  ?s 
 they  were  indeed,  they  were  troullcd,  ajiA  bajledawjy.    6.  ih* 
 fides  the  miichief  which  God  bringeth  upon  the  Kiks  enemies  5 
 #ken  fee  begins  to  pleaf  by  wry  of  judgement  againft  th:m,  he 
 
 Y  4  fendeth 
 
fendeth  terrour  on  them  alio ,  a  meflenger  of  il  Wd  jngs  to  fore  - 
 warnethem  that  worfe  yec  (hall  befall  them:  Fear  took  hold 
 upon  them  there.  7.  Heart  and  hand,  courage  and  ftrength, 
 counfel  and  refolution  doth  faile  a  man  y  when  he  feeth  God  to 
 behispartie,  and  to  be  prevailing  againft  him;  Fear  took  hold, 
 en  them ,  and  paint  as  a  woman  in  travaile  >  Sudden,  unexpected, 
 fore  and  inevitable  is  their  deftruction  when  it  cometh. 
 
 Verf.   7.  Thou  brealgji  the  flips  of  Tarjhi/b  with 
 an  Edft-r*inde. 
 
 The  firil  ufe  they  make  of  this  experience  is  this ,  they  are  led 
 up  by  it  to  fee  and  acknowledge  Gods  power  in  all  the  world  ,  to 
 take  order  with  and  deftroy  whomfoever  he  will.  JVhence  learn y 
 I.  No  power  can  ftand  before  God,  and  none  can  efcapehis 
 bands  go  whither  they  will,  he  can  aime  fome  of  his  creatures  a- 
 gainft  them  both  by  land  and  lea  :  Thou  breakeft  the  fhips  of 
 Tarjhijh  with  an  E-ift-wiude.  z.  One  work  of  the  Lords  juftice 
 or  power  againft  his  enemies ,  and  one  experience  of  his  merciful 
 defending  of  his  Kirk>  mould  lead  his  people  to  acknowledge  his 
 Sovereigne  power,  and  omnipotency  over  all ,  whereby  he  ('ha- 
 ving all  creatures  at  his  difpofall)  can  fecure  his  people  from  all 
 quarters,  and  deftroy  all  that  fhall  rife  againft  them  J  for  this 
 fpeech  hy$th  this  in  fubftance  :  Thou  who  fcattcredft  the  armies 
 of  J£ings  who  had  invaded  us  ,  haft  power  in  all  the  world  by  lea 
 and  land  to  overtake  thy  enemies,  for  Tboudidft  break  thejhips 
 QfTarfhiJb  with  an  Eaft-Tvinde. 
 
 Verfe  8.  As  we  have  heard  >  fo  have  roe  feen  in  th* 
 city  of  the  LORDofhofls^  intbevityof  ourGodi  G(\d 
 TVilleftablifhit  for  ever.  SeUh. 
 
 The  fecond  ufe  is  this,"  by  this  experience  we  perceive  that-the 
 Lord  will  keep  hispromife  to  his  Kirk  ,  and  preferye  herfpr  eveis 
 JVbencilcarn,  1.  ^They  that  believe  the'-word  of  God, -and  dd 
 markchis  works  foretold  inchc word  ^  fhall  fee  and  finde fcy  exu 
 periencc  the  event  thereof  to  an1 rwer:t6  the  prediction  \  and  ha- 
 ving their  faith  fo  confirmed. they  mould  fay  5  A s  rot  have  faxrd> 
 fohave  vce  feen  in  he  city  of  the  Lord.''  2.  The  mercies- of  the 
 Lord  beftowed  on  his  Kirk  for  her- defence  and  continuariceV  do 
 flow  from  his  Covenanting  with  his  Kirk;  for  the  reafon  of  the 
 mercy  now  beftowed  •  is?  becaufe  the  city  of  the  Lord  of  boftf  u 
 the  city  of  our  God:  3.  Albeit  all  Kingdomes  and  Common- 
 wealths be  fubje$  to  deftruftion ,  and  have  their  certain  limits 
 
 and 
 
PSAL.    XLVIII.     .       329 
 
 and  periods;  yet  the  Kirk,  the  Kingdome  of  Chrift,  the  City 
 of  God  (hall  endure  throughout  all  generations ,  and  the  gates  of 
 hell  (hall  not  prevaile  over  it  y  GodjhM  eftablifb  it  forever. 
 
 Verf.  9.  We  have  thought  of  thy  lovingkindnefa  0 
 Cody  in  the  midfl  of  thy  Temple. 
 
 A  third  ufe  is  the  acknowledgement  of  the  fweet  fruit  of  their 
 former  patient  depending  upon  Gods  kindnefle  in  the  ufe  of  the 
 publick  ordinances,  and  nosv  they  perceive  by  this  late  experience 
 it  was  notvaine.  Whence  learn,  1.  They  that  believe  Gods  lo- 
 ving Kindnefle  in  the  time  when  there  are  apparent  fignes  of  his 
 wrath  ,  and  patiently  do  depend  on  him  in  the  ufe  or  holy  ordi- 
 nances 3  mail  not  be  fruftrate  of  their  exfpe&atioh  >  as  here  the 
 Pfalmift  doth  here  acknowledge.  2.  As  it  is  a  good  thing  pati- 
 ertly  to  wait  on  Gods  loving  kindnefle  in  the  ufe  of  the  means, 
 when  troubles  and  dangers  do  come  5  io  it  is  a  good  thing  for  the 
 godly  after  receiving  the  fruit  of  their  faith,  hope  and  patience,  to 
 obferve  the  grace  gotten  ofGod5  which  made  them  to  meditate 
 upon  and  ldj|k  unto  bis  loving  kindnefle  :  and  fo-  to  ftrengthen 
 themfelves  in  their  refolutions,  to  follow  this  bleflfed  courfe  here* 
 after  ,  as  the  faithful  do  here-.  We  have  thought  of  thy  loving 
 frjndncjfe,  0  Goi,  in  tbemidft  cfthy  Temple. 
 
 Verf*  10..  According  to  thy  Name,  O  God,  fo  is  thy 
 frai/e  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth  :  thy  right  hand  u  fall 
 ofrighteoufneffe. 
 
 A  fourth  ufe  is  their  gladneflc  ,  becaufe  of  the  encreafe  of  Gods 
 elory  by  this  his  late  mercie  towards  them  ,  wherever  it  {hould 
 be  mentioned.  Whence  learn,  1  .Whatsoever  God  giveth  himfelf 
 out  for  3  that  will  he  be  found  to  be  anfwerable  unto  in  effect  even. 
 to  all  his  holy  and  magnificent  attributes :  According  to  thy 
 Name,  0  Cjod, foUthy  praifc.  2.  Themanifeftation  of  Gods 
 Name  by  preaching  ol  his  word  cometh  to  many ,  who  will  not 
 lubferibe  all  to  be  true  that  is  faid  of  him  ?  But  afterward  when 
 he  maketh  his  word  good  to  the  comfort  of  his  people ,  and  over- 
 throw of  his  enemies,  men  will  be  forced  to  fay  of  him^that  he  is 
 as  good  as  his  word,  and  that  his  works  do  lcofe  his  word  laid  in 
 pawn  for  performance  of  it  5  According  to  thy  Name,  0  God% 
 fo  is  thy  fraifc  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth.  $ .  The  Lords  power  is 
 not  idle,  but  conftamly  working  in  equity  and  juftice  for  per- 
 formance of  promiies  and  threatenihgs,  for  defending  his  people, 
 
 an4 
 
and  puniming his  enemies*     Thy  right  band  is  full  ofrigbte* 
 cufnejfe. 
 
 Verf.  ii.  Let  mount  Sionrejojce  Jet  the  daughters 
 
 ofjudah  be  glad,  becaufe  of  thy  judgements. 
 
 A  fourth  ufe  is  to  ftirre  up  all  good  people  to  rejoyce  ,  becaufe 
 God  hath  pleaded  their  caufe  againft  their  enemies.  Whence 
 learn,  i.  Itbecom«thallmentobcgladtofeeGodglorifiehim- 
 felf  in  deciding  controverfies  equitably;  but  moA  oTall  thepeo- 
 pleofGod,  who  have  the  prelent  benefit  thereof,  and  in  whofe 
 favours  controverfies  between  them  and  their  enemies  are  decided  $ 
 Let  mount  Sion  rejoyce,  and  the  daughters  ofjudah  be  glad.  i.  Al- 
 beit it  be  lawfull  for  Gods  people  to  rejoyce  when  their  enemies, 
 srepunifhed  $  yet  had  they  need  to  take  heed  to  their  ipirit,  that 
 their  joy  be  not  flefhly,  for  fatisfa&ion  gotten  to  their  vindi&ive 
 paffions;  butfpiritual,  for  the  declaration  ofGodskindneffeto 
 dispeople,  and  juft  indignation  at  the  wickedneffe  of  their  ma- 
 licious perfecutors :   Let  them  be  gladjecaufe  of  thy  judgements. 
 
 Verf.  I2»  Walkabout  Sion9  and  go  rotyf}  about  her: 
 tell  the  towers  thereof 
 
 13.  Marhje  yeWellherbulwaikes -  confderber fa* 
 laces  9  thqtye  may  tell  it  to  the  generations  following.  \ 
 
 The  fixth  ufe  of  this  late  experience  of  the  Kirks  delivery,  is  to 
 obferve  the  impregnable  defence  of  the  Kirk  ,  fhadowed  forth  by 
 the  walls  o£Jeru[alem  for  the  encouraging  of  Gods  people  in  all 
 ages  ,  and  advertifing  of  all  rruen  to  beware  to  attempt  to  do  ber 
 wron*  in  time  coming.    Whence  learn,  1.  The  Kirk  of  God  is 
 fo  well  guarded  by  Gods  wifdome,  power,  goodwill  and  juftice, 
 as  with  a  wall  of  fire,  that  all  the  ftrength  to  be  obferved  in  the 
 walls  and  tower*  of  earthly  JsrvfMm   are  but  (hadowesj    For, 
 Walk,  about  Sim,  and' go  round  about  her,  and  tell  the  tomr* 
 thereof  is  no  other  thing  then  look  through  the  type,  and  con- 
 sider Godsproteftion reprefented thereby,    z«  When  atypeis.to 
 beftudied,  dbfervation  particularly  may  and  ihould  be  made  of 
 whatfoever  in  it  may  lead  us  further  in  upon  the  right  uptaking 
 of  the  antitype  refembled  thereby ,    Walk  abpuf ,    go  round  4- 
 \>out\  {Mark?  ye  well  her  bulwarks,  confidcr  her  palaces ;  for  in 
 God,  or  in  Gods  attributes    fomething  anfwcrable  to  all  thefe 
 will  be  found,    j.  What  light  the  Lord  furni/heth  concerning 
 Saimfeif  and  his  Kirk  which  may  glorifie  God ,  and  ferve  the  po- 
 
 fleriry 
 
PSAL.     XL1X.  33X 
 
 ;  fterity  for  their  edification,  fhcmld  be  tranfmitted  unto  them  t 
 Mtrfyy  that  ye  may  tell  it  to  tbe  generations  following. 
 
 Verfc  14-  For  this  God  is  out  God  for  ever  and  ever: 
 he  will  be  our  guide,  even  unto  death. 
 
 The  feventh  and  laft  ufe  of  this  experience  of  the  Kirk*  is  con- 
 folation  in  God  to  Gods  people  in  ever)  hard  cafe,  and  encou- 
 ragement to  them  againfi;  all  future  feares ,  becaufe  God  is  the 
 fame  constantly  to  his  people  in  all  ages  as  the  late  experience  of 
 the  Kirk  had  given  proof.  Whence  kxtn,  1.  The  great  Maker 
 of  Heaven  and  Earth,  and  Redeemer  of  his  people  is  one  and  the 
 fame  for  ever/ both  in  brmfelf  and  towards  thofe  that  believe 
 in  him  ;  This  God  is  our  god.  1.  God  is  ftili  in  Covenant  with 
 his  Kirk,  and  with  all  the  Members  thereof,  as  well  in  one  age  as 
 in  another  j  Now,  as  of  old  j  for  This  God  #  our  God  for  ever 
 and  ever.  $ .  God  will  guide  them  whofe  God  he  is  a  when 
 they  feek  his  counfel  out  of  defire  to  follow  it,  and  he  will  not  lay 
 down  the  conducting  and  governing  of  thofe  who  have  commit- 
 ted themfelves  unto  him  5  but  will  guide  them  conftantly  all  the 
 dayes  of  their  life  $    He  will  be  our  guide,  even  unto  death. 
 
 PSAL.    XL1X. 
 
 Tp  the  chief  fflufician,  A  Tfdme  for  the  fons  cfKorah. 
 This  Pfalme  fets  forth  the  gloriation  ofaBeleever 
 in  the  grace  of  God,  and  in  his  bleffed  condition, 
 wherein  he  is  lifted  up  above  all  the  wealthy  and 
 honourable  men  in  the  world,  who  are  not  recon- 
 ciled unto  God  :  And  this  the  Pfalmift  delivereth 
 out  of  his  own  feeling  ^nd  experience.  And  firfl, 
 becaufe  it  is  a  main  matter,  and  worthie  of  aU 
 acceptation,  hemaketh  a  Preface  to  his  gloriati- 
 on ,  vcrf.  i5  2,  3,4.  Then  heconieth  out  with 
 it,  majring  his  boaft  JnGod  5  That  by  faith  in 
 God  he  was  fo  fecured  againft  finne  and  miferie, 
 that  they  Ihould  not  be  able  to  marr  his  happinefs, 
 verf.5.  Thirdly,  he  doth  preferre  his  bleflednefe 
 aboye  whatfoever  wealth  or  riches  could  yield 
 
 to 
 
to  a  man,  wr/i6,7,8,9,  i.Cfc    and  above  what- 
 focver dominion  overfairc  lands,  or  honour  a- 
 mong  men  could  yield  to  any  man ,  either  living 
 or  after  his  death ,  either  tohimfelfor  to  any  of 
 his  pofterity,  verf.  1 1, 12, 13, 14.    Fourthly,  he 
 giveth  reafon  of  his  gloriation ,  becaufe  being  ju- 
 stified by  faith ,  and  at  peace  with  God,  he  was 
 fure  of  delivery  from  every  evil,  and  to  be  recei- 
 ved out  of  his  grave  into  glory,  and  received  into 
 fellowfhip  with  God,  verf.  1 5  •  Fifthly,  he  guards 
 every  true  Beleever  againft  every  tentation  which 
 might  difquiet  him ,  when  he  faw  himfelf  and 
 other  godly  perfons  in  outward  trouble ,  and  the 
 wicked  in  profperity,  verf.  16, 1 7, 1 8, 1 9, 20, 
 
 Verf,  i.TJ  Ear  this>all  ye  people  ^give  eare  y  all  ye  in- 
 JLA  habitants  of  the  world. 
 2*  Both  low  and  high,  rich  and  poor  together. 
 
 3.  My  month  jhall  fpeak  ofWifdome :   and  the  medi- 
 tation of  my  heflrt  jhall  be  ofunderftanding$ 
 
 4.  1 ^illinc  line  mine  eare  to  a  parable :  1  ^> ill  open 
 **y  dark^faying  upon  the  harp. 
 
 TUc  Preface  callcth  to  the  hearer  for  attention/aith  and  afte- 
 ftion  to  this  excellent  myfterie  which  he  is  to  deliver  unto 
 all  men  concerning  the  bleflednefle  of  the  Beleever  above  all  other 
 men  in  the  world.     If  hence  learn,  1.  A  prepared  and  fantfified 
 ear  is  neceffary  for  heavenly  do£foine  ,  and  people  had  great  need 
 to  be  ftirred  up  to  take  knowledge  of  the  excellency  of  it  $    Hear 
 this,  alt  ye  people,  give  ear.   2.  The  doctrine  of  falvation,  of  faith , 
 andofconfolation  againft  fin  and  miferie,  concerneth  all  people 
 in  the  world  to  k  now  ,     Give  eat,  ill  ye  inhabitants  of  the  world, 
 both  high  and  low,  rich  and  poor  together.    3.  That  is  true  wif- 
 domeand  underftanding,  which  dot^h  make  men  wife  tofalvation, 
 land  which  maketh  them  truly  blefl'ed  in  this  lifejand  this  wifdom 
 is  not  the  birth  of  mans  biaine,  but  is  revealed  in  rhe  word  of  the 
 Lord,  delivered  to  his  Kirk  by  the  holy  men  of  God  in  holy  Scri- 
 pture ; 
 
PSAL.    XLIX.  333 
 
 |  pture ;  &Ay  mouth  [mil  fpcak  ofrvifdome,  and  the  meditation  of  my 
 heart  Jhall  be  of Under 'jimdivg.  4.  As  it  is  neceflary  for  the 
 Preachers  encouragement  to  believe  what  he  doth  preach  ;  fo  is 
 it  a  great  inducement  to  the  people  to  hear  Gods  word  from 
 him  who  doth  fpeak  Gods  word,  becaufc  he  doth  believe3and  doth 
 fubjecT'his  fpirit  to  the  Lords  word,  as  the  Prophet  doth  here  $  I 
 will  incline  my  ears  to  a  parable.  5 .  The  do&rine  of  true  blefied- 
 nefie  .  and  of  the  myfterie  of  mans  ialvation  manifcftidinthe 
 Scripture,  doth  far  tranfeend  the  carnall  wifdome  of  the  world > 
 the  excellency  of  the  Gofpel  unto  the  naturall  man  ,  is  a  parable 
 and  dark  faying:  Irvillopenmy  dark  tying  on  the  barp.  6.  How 
 dark  and  difficult  foever  the  myfturie  of  the  Gofpeibe  to  the  car- 
 nall world  ;  yet  to  the  man  of  experience  it  is  plain ,  fweet  and 
 comfortable;  and  a  man  of  experience  as  he  isbeftfeen  in  that 
 matter,  fo  is  he  moft  willing,  heartily  to  communicate  it  to 
 others  j  I  rvill  open  ( faith  hej  my  dark  faying  upon  the  harp: 
 Intimating  his  delight  in  the  doctrine. 
 
 Verf.  <v  wherefore  fbould  1  fear e  in  the  dajes  of 
 evilly  when  the  iniquity  of  mj  heelesfhall  compaffc 
 me  about  I 
 
 After  this  Preface  he  uttereth  his  parable  and  dark  faying ,  the 
 fubftance  whereof  is  this;  I  am  fo  perfwaded  of  the  favour  of 
 God  now  reconciled  to  me  by  the  blood  of  the  Covenant  3  that 
 neither  do  I  need  to  fear  by-pjft  fins,  nor  any  trouble  which  can 
 •come  on  me  hereafter  3  And  this,I  fay,  toJet  all  men  know  that 
 this  bleifednefie  maybe  attained  by  every  man,who  (hall  acknow- 
 ledge his  iinnes  y  and  embrace  the  offers  of  grace  made  by  God 
 with  his  directions  unto  life,  as  I  have  done.  Whence  learn, 
 1.  What  God  has  fpoken  in  his  word  oftheblefledneffeof  the 
 man  that  is  juftified  by  faith  ,  every  true  Eeleever  may  finde5  and 
 may  attoine  to  be  fully  affured  of  their  perfeverance  unto  eter- 
 Inali  life  5  for  here  is  a  proof  and  example  of  it  in  the  Pfaimifts 
 
 Krfon.  *<  This  Dodrine  oftheunfpeakablepca.ee  of  the  Be- 
 aver reconciled  to  God  chrough  the  blood  of  the  Covenant,  is 
 la  point  of  truth  which  the  world  is  ignorant  of,  and  hardly  wilL 
 jbelieve  :  No  wonder  therefore  he  did  call  it  before,  and  here 
 tuttereth  it  as  2  far  able  and  dark,  faying.  3*  A  Beleever  after  re- 
 conciliation,muft  neither  exempt  hitnleU  horn  danger  of  (inninj, 
 nor  from  giving  aaily  accemptof  hiscania^c  unto  ood^nor  from 
 .'challenges  for  fin;  nor  from  ordinary  chalfiiements  for  fin ,  nor 
 
 trona 
 
334  roAL,     AL.1A. 
 
 front  heavie  troubles  and  ill  dayes  which  he  may  meet  with  5 
 whether  by  Gods  immediate  hand  for  his  correction  ,  or  by  the 
 perfecutors  of  godlineflfe  for  his  further  triall,  exercife  and  train- 
 ing of  faith  ,*  for  here  the  Pfalmift  prefuppofes  that  evil  dayes  will 
 come  :  he  prefuppofeth  that  every  fin  or  iniquity  of  every  adion 
 and  paflage  of  his  life,  fliall  leave behinde  it  animpreflion  of 
 guiltineffe  to  be  taken  notice  of  thereafter ,  like  the  print  of  a 
 mans  foot  when  he  lifts  his  heele  and  walketh  forward  J  he  prefup- 
 pofeth after  remiflion  of  fin,  after  the  daily  exercife  of  repent- 
 ance,after  frequent  intimation  made  of  remiflion  of  fin,  and  that 
 oftner  from  day  to  day  repeated,  a  man  may  be  brought  in  the  day 
 v  of  trouble  to  a  back-accompt  for  altogether,  and  old  reckonings 
 may  be  raked  up  again  by  the  troubled  confcience,  and  by  the 
 accufer  of  the  Brethren ,  and  that  God  will  be  ruling  the  bufinefs 
 for  the  further  glory  of  the  riches  of  his  grace ,  and'further  good 
 of  his  exercifedchilde*  for  here  the  Pfalmift  forefeeth ,  and 
 fpeaketh  of  his  looking  fovdayes  of  evil ,  and  of  the  iniquity  of 
 bis  beeles  comparing  him  about ,  as  what  fhall  or  may  befell  him.' 
 
 4.  Faith  in  the  Median  Jefus  (Thrift,  is  able  to  make  a  man,not 
 only  at  length  to  triumph  over  fin  and  miferie  ,  over  the  curfe  of 
 the  Law,  and  condemnation,  or  trouble  and perfecution y  but 
 alfo  before  trouble  come  in  humble  and  fol  id  confidence  to  bi 
 feareleffe  for  what  can  come,  and  to  look  ail  poflible  evils  out  of 
 countenance  5   Wherefore  fnuld  I  fear  in  the  dayes  of  evil,  tyc+ 
 
 5.  Albeit  it  be  poflible  when  it  cometh  to  pufh  of  pike,  and  when 
 the  man  is  yoked  in  the  conflict  with  troubles  from  without,  and 
 challenges  for  his  finnes  within  ,  that  the  ftrongeft  in  faith  may 
 finde  himfelf  not  a  little  afraid  5  yet  when  he  confidcreth  the 
 ground  laid  down  for  fettling  of  his  faith  ,  to  wit,  the  truth  of  the 
 Covenant,  themerkof  the  Mediatours  facrifice,  and  the  free- 
 dome,  riches  and  immutability  of  Gods  love  and  grace,  with  the 
 Pfalmift  he  may  confidently  pro fefie  and  acknowledge,  that  he 
 hath  no  reafon  to  be  feared  for  what  Satan  or  the  conicience  may 
 threaten  him  with  3  for  this  alfo  is  imported  in  wherefore  ftiould 
 I  fear  in  the  dayes  of  evil ,  when  the  iniquity  of  my  heeles  Jbatt  com- 
 faffe  me  about ,  which  is  as  much  as  if  he  had  laid,  whatfoevei: 
 may  be  my  weakneffe  ,  and  exercife  in  trial  >  yet  I  know  there 
 is  no  juft  reafon  why  I  fhould  fear  condemnation,  or  to  be  debar* 
 red  from  the  poflefnon  of  full  blefiednefle,  by  whatfoever  pofli- 
 bly  can  come  unto  me. 
 
 Verf,  6,  They  that  trufi  in  their  wealth  y  and  boaft 
 
 them- 
 
PSAL.    XLIX.  335 
 
 :  themftlvis  in  the  multitude  of  their  riches. 
 
 7.  None  of  them  can  by  any  me  ones  redeem  his  bro- 
 ther ,  nor  give  to  God  a  ranfomefor  him  : 
 
 g.  (For  the  redemption  of  their  foul  is  precious ,  and 
 it  ccafcthfor  ever. 
 
 9.  That  he  Jhould  live  fitll  for  ever  >  and  not  fee  cor- 
 ruption. 
 
 10.  For  he  feeth  that  Vrife  men  die ,  likgwife  the 
 fool  and  the  bruti(b  perfon  perifh,  and  leave  their  wealth 
 to  others. 
 
 In  the  third  place,  the  Believer  preferreth  this  his  blefled  con- 
 dition to  whatfoever   either  riches  or  honour   or  any  earthlic 
 thing  can  yield  to  any  man.  When>  e  learn,  i.The  bleffedneffe  of 
 the  Believer,  and  the  glory  of  faith  is  bell  feen,  when  the  vanity 
 of  all  earthly  happineffe  and  worldly  gloriation  in  any  thing  be- 
 fide  God    is  ditcovered  and  compared  with  the  condition  of  the 
 Beleever ;  therefore  are  they  that  truft  in  their  wealth  ,  brought 
 in  companion  with  the  Beleever  iiere.    2.   In  whatfoever  men  do 
 count  their  felicity  to  ftand  ,  in  that  th,ey  put  their  co  nfidence, 
 and  do  glory  in  it  as  here  is  prefv.ppofed:  They  that  count  riches 
 their  happineffe  5   they  truft  in  their  wealth,  and  boift  tbemfclves 
 in  the  multitude  of  their  riches,    g .  The  weaknefle  of  all  worldly 
 things  to  make  a  man  blefled  doth  beft  appear  when  death  com- 
 eth  ;  for  when  the  time  thereof  is  come  3  no  rich  man  can  help 
 himfelf,  nor  yet  joyning  his  riches  with  his  brothers  riches,  can 
 help  his  brother^  either  by  lengthening  his  life    and  fufpending 
 death  tempcrall  >  or  by  recovering  him  from  death  when  he  dieth* 
 None  can  by  any  means  redeem  his  brother.     4.  Ail  men  are  Gods 
 prifoners  of  warre,  his  captives'^and  liable  by  juftice  to  death  tem- 
 poral and  eternalpnd  there  isno  delivery  from  death,whether  tem- 
 1  poralIcretetnall3  but  bypayingarawfome  unto  God  3  which  is 
 I  impoflible  for  a  mcere  man  to  pay ;   l2^one  can  give  to  God  a  ran. 
 '  fomefor  bis  br other. 5. We  are  not  redeemed  with  iilver  or  gold,  or 
 any  perifhing  thing ;  our  ranfome  muft  be  of  greater  value  then 
 a  meer  man  can  pay  for  to  one  that  is  a  man,  and  no  more  :   The 
 redemption  of  a  mans  foul  it  preciom^nd  it  ceafeth  for  ever.  6. Not 
 fo  much  as  this  worldly  life  can  be  perpetuated  ,  by  whatfoever 
 wealth  or  riches,  or  humane  ability  can  do  5  far  lcfle  can  the  life 
 of  God,  and  that  bleflednetfe  i  n  hea  vea  be  purchaied  by  any  meerc 
 
 nam 
 
336  PSAL.   XLIX. 
 
 man  5   None  can  redeem  bis  brother ,   that   be  Jhouli  ftill  live 
 for  ever3  and  not  fee  corruption. 
 
 Verfc  11.  Their  inward,  thought  is  a  that  their 
 houfes  (h&\\  continue  for  ever ,  and  their  duelling 
 places  to  all  generations;  t'ey  call  their  lands  after  their 
 own  names* 
 
 I  a.  Neverthelejfe,  man  being  in  honour^  abideth  not; 
 he  is  like  to  the  heafts  that  perifh. 
 
 13.  This  their  way  is  their  folly  5  jet  their  pofle* 
 rity  approve  their  fay  ings.  Selah. 
 
 14.  Like-fheep  they  are  laid  in  the  grave ,  death 
 fhallfeedon  them  ;  and  t  he  upright  fhall  have  dominion 
 ever  them  in  the  mornings  andtheyr  beauty  fhall con± 
 fume  in  the  grave  from  thetf  dwelling. 
 
 He  compareth  the  gloriation  of  the  Believer  with  the  condition 
 ofthofe  who  aie  not  only  rich3  but  alfo  honourable^  and  Lords  of 
 great  rents3  faire  lands,  houfes  and  heritages;  and  he  doth  pre- 
 ferre  the  bleflednefie  of  the  Beleever  to  their  condition  alfo. 
 Whence  learn,  1.  Albeit  experience  doth  teach  that  death  is 
 common  to  men  of  all  rankes ,  wife  and  fcohfh ,  rich  and  poor, 
 anJall;  yet  men  are  fo  befotted,  as  when  they  fee  this  3  they  do 
 not  confider  it,  that  they  might  riot  place  their  happineiie  in  any 
 thing,  whereforetheymaybefeparated  by  death:  The  worldly 
 manjeeth  the  wife  man  die,  and  alfo  the  foolijh.  He  fees  alfo  that 
 many  rich  men  do  leave  their  goods  vhey  know  not  to  whom  % 
 They  leave  their  wealth  toothers ;  and  yet  for  all  this  their  feeing 
 the  mortality  and  the  folly  of  mortall  men  dying  before  them> 
 they  that  furvive  a  little  do  not  'draw,  wi^dome  from  this  obfer- 
 vation,  but  dreame  they  fhall  deceive  death  ,  and  make  them- 
 felves  fomeway  eternall ;  they  think  to  perpetuate  their  name  in 
 their  pofterity  by  their  heritages  and  the  honours  of  their  great 
 families :  Their  inward  thought  is ,  that  their  houfes  fiall  con* 
 ttnuefor  ever ,  and  their  dwelling  places  to  all  generations.  They 
 call  their  lands  after  their  own  names.  2.  The  caufc  of  this  folly 
 is  his  deceived  heart,  and  vain  conceits  and  imaginations,  which 
 by  death  are  blown  away  5  Their  inward  thought  it  to  eternise 
 themfelves.  Neverthelejfe,  man  being  in  honour y  abideth  not ;  oc 
 doth  not  attain  his  fancied  eternity.  3 .  The  bleflednefle  of  the 
 wealchy,  potent  and  honourable  man,  as  it  is  not  permanent: 
 v  fo 
 
PSAL.    XLIX.  hi 
 
 fo  it  leaves  him  in  the  dirt  at  length,  and  in  no  better  cafe  (if  he 
 have  no  faith  or  laving  knowledge)  tb.cn  abeaft  :  Nevertbe- 
 tcjfty  man  b  ing  in  honour  abiicth  not,  be  is  like  tbc  beafts  that  pc~ 
 rijh.  4.  Though  the  men  who  arc  moft  able  to  pur  chafe  lands  y 
 and  to  tranfmit  them  to  their  pofterity  ,  are  counted  ordinarily 
 the  moft  \vi  e  men)  yet  when  men  lpend  their  wit  and  care  main- 
 ly about  tii  his  p.  cent  earth,  the  Lord  pronounce!  h 
 themtobefooles.*  Thk  their  way  i*  their  folly.  5.  Though 
 the  cbfervationof  the  folly  of  predeceifouvs  mould  make  the  po- 
 fterity wife j  yet  few  are  found  father-better,  or father-wifer * 
 but  foclcs  follow  iboles-  in?  a  race  -J  and  folly  will  not  want  a  pa - 
 trone,  'fo  long  as  ferries  ire  to  the  fore:  TMs  their  rvs.y  is  their 
 felly ,  yet  their  pofterity  approve  their  fayin^s.  6  A  worldly  mart 
 not  reconciled  to  God,  dierh  asafoolifli,  (enfuall  andfecuie 
 bcaft  as  h<i  lived  ;  Lif{ejhccp-they  ..  re  laid  in  the  grave ,  for  they 
 are  deaths  prey  both  foul"  and  body  j  Death  pall  feed  vnthem'* 
 7-  The  righteous  man  juftificd  by  faith]  and  ftudying  to  live 
 righreoufly  ,  3lbeityou  lock  on  him  in  the  worft  sftace  he  can 
 be  in  in  the  workdj  under  poverty  and  perfection  5  yet  he  is  in 
 better  condition  then  the  richeft  and  molV  honourable  ungod- 
 ly man  in  all  the  earth  j  and.  albeit  this  doth  not  appear  in  this 
 dark  world,  to  blinde  men  that  have  not  the  light  of  Gods  word 
 in  them  $  yet  at  the  refurrection  it  fhall  be  fcen ,  that  the  poor 
 and  m:an  juft  man  fhall  be  in  a  glorious  condition  ?bcve  the 
 worldling:  The  upright  fhall  have  dominion  over  theminxhi 
 morning  8.  The  whele  glory  of  the  worldly-minded  man  is 
 ftldfrty  confumed  fo  foon  as  he  dieth  3  and  then  he  changethhis 
 lodging  for  the  worfe ,  the  beft  dayes  that  ever  he  fhall  iee  are" 
 gone:"  Their  beauty fhall  conjume  in  their  grave  from  their 
 dwelling. 
 
 Yerfc  15     Hut  Qod  will  redeem  my  foul  from  the 
 power  of  the  grave  5  forhefiall  receive  me.  SeJah. 
 
 In  the  fourth  pkceHl  perfect?  the  companion ,  and  gives  £ 
 teafonofh:  1,  wli -.-reef  we  heard.,  verf.  5.    The  lumrne 
 
 whereof,  is  this,  wealth  and  riches,  nobility^  honour  and  domi- 
 nion among  mtn  can  follow  an  ungodly  man  no  farther  then 
 the  grave,  rhere  all   well-fare  c  cc  him  .or  evermore?' 
 
 but  as  for  me  who  am  i  to  God,  juftificd  3  and  in'  forr»e 
 
 ;meafure  faniftific.i  3    thoi^.h  I  die,  in  my  foul,  be- 
 
 jingkeptby  God  till  the  i  ■:  demotion  ,  and  then 
 
 my  foul  being  deprived  only  for  a  w!  I   oftiftbda/*  fltall  nave  it 
 
 Z  reftorcd* 
 
33§  PSALr     XLIX. 
 
 rcftored  again  in  the  refunettion ,  and  then  foul  and  body  Both 
 (hail  iully  be  redeemed  and  delivered  from  the  power  of  the  grave  ; 
 ter  as  God  hath  received  me  into  favour  in  this  life  ,  and  {hall  re- 
 ceive my  foul  at  death  ;  fo  at  the  time  of  the  delivering  of  my 
 body  from  the  grave  >  he  mall  receive  me  both  foul  and  body  into 
 his  fellowship  ,  and  therefore  my  condition  is  better,  how  many 
 dayesofevii  foeverlfliall  fee  in  this  life,  then  the  condition 
 ef  any  ungodly  man  in  the  world  ,  how  wealthy,  how  honourable 
 and  apparently  happy  focver  he  be  in  this  world  *  yea,  I  may 
 juftlv  glory  over  all  ungodly  men  ,  and  fay  yet  again ,  wherefore 
 /hould  I  fear  in  the  dayes  of  evil ,  When  the  iniquhie  ef  my 
 hedes  fhail  compaffe  me  about:  For  God  will  redeem  my  foul  from 
 the  fiowcr  of the  grave.  Whence  learn,  i.  Albeit  the  godly  may 
 be  iubjeft  to  mortality  and  outward  miferyof  chis  mortall  life, 
 common  to  him  and  the  ungodly ;  yet  here  is  the  difference  3  he 
 is  iure  of  a  deliverance  from"  all  mifeiy  5  tButGodfhM  redcemmy 
 foul,  faith  he,  which  God  will  not  do  to  the  ungodly,  a.  Then 
 hope  of  the  refurre&ion  is  the  godly  mans  chief  confolation ,  and 
 this  was  the  hope  of  the  Saints  before  Chrift  came  ,  afwell  as 
 fince  :  god  fiatt  redeem  my  foul  from  the  power  of  the  grave. 
 3.  A  Beleever  hath  good  warrant  to  be  perfwaded ,  not  only  of 
 his  reconciliation  with  God  in  this  life  ,  but  alfo  of  the  receiving 
 of  his  foul  after  this  life  unto  the  fellowship  of  the  glory  of  God, 
 both  in  foul  and  body  at  the  refurreefcion  5  God  fhail  redeem  my 
 foul  from  the  power  of  the  grave ;  for  he  frail  receive,  me.  Setiih 
 
 Verfe  1 6.  Be  not  thou  afraid  when  one  ii  made 
 tkh  y  when  the  glory  of  his  houfe  uinereafed. 
 
 17.  For  when  he  dieth,  he  fhall  carry  nothing  away  : 
 hid  glory  {ball  not  defcend  after  him. 
 
 i$.  Though  whiles  he  lived,  he  bleffed  hit  foul;  and 
 men  will  praife  theey   when  then  doe  [I  well  to  thyfelf 
 
 1 9.  Hejhallgo  to  the  generation  of  hi*  father* ,  they 
 fball  never  fee  tight. 
 
 20.  CM  an  that  is  in  honour  ,  and  under jlandeth  not 9 
 n  lihj  the  beajfs  that  perifh. 
 
 In  the  Iaft  part  by  way  of  exhortation,  to  make  ufe  of  this  Dct* 
 
 j,  he  guardcth  every  Beleever  againft  every  tentation  which 
 
 may  arHe  from  the  profperky  of  the  wicked,  and  hardfhip  of  the 
 
 godly  in  this  life.    Whence  learn,   1.  It  is  a  tentatkm  which 
 
 ftakcth 
 
PSAL    XLIX.  330 
 
 fliaketh   the  faith  of  the  godly  fometimes,   when  they  fee  the 
 Hour i fhing  profp.rity  of  the  wicked,  and  their  6wn  daily  affli&i- 
 on  i  but  this  mould  not  move  the  godly  ,  or  make  them  iufpett 
 themfelvesto  be  in  awrongcouife.,  and  the  ungodly  in  a  better 
 way  ;   Se  not  thou  afraid  when  one  is  made  rich.    i.  The  consi- 
 deration of  the  fhortnefl'e  both  cf  cur  temporal  calamity  and  o£ 
 the  ungodly  mans  profperky  5  both  which  ao  end  at  death  ,  if  the 
 Way  to  overcome  the  fbiefaid  tentation  ',    For,  When  he  dietb,  fa 
 JhoJt  carry  nothing  awa)  ,  hit  glory  frail  wot  defend  after  him.    It 
 is  not  fo  wMi  the  godly,  whote  glory  and  happineffe  meets  him  at 
 death.   J.  A  mans  own  felt- deceiving  hearty  meafiuing  all  hap" 
 )»incfle  by  a  mansprefent  outward  condition  in  the  worlds  and 
 hearkening  to  the  flatterie  of  fooles  about  him  ,  who  uie  tocurric 
 the  favour  of  the  wealthy  ,  and  love  to  have  the  like  condition 
 themfel ves  ,  is  the  caufe  why  the  mifcrable  man  is  kept  flill  in  a 
 golden  dream,  as  if  he  were  happie :    Though  while  he  lived  ,  he 
 lUflcd  bit  foul}  and  riten  will  praifc  thee  when  thou  doe fi  well  to 
 thy/elf;  that  is,  when  thou  takeft  a  life  of  it  while  thou  mayeft 
 have  it  J  yet  he  and  they  are  altogether  deceived.    4.  The  ungod~ 
 ly  at  their  death  fhall  go  the  rwy   the  ungodly  went  before  them  i 
 to  the  place  cf  darkneffeand  difconfolation  3  being  repafate  hoot 
 God  and  his  Sain  s,  and  from  all  bletfednefle,and  fhall  never 'have 
 comfon  in  their  mii'evablc  eftate  for  eve**  *,  He  fhall  go  to  ihegeve- 
 tation  of  bis  fathers :     And  what  fhall  become  of  inch  wretches  ? 
 Tbeyfoall  never  fee  light ;  that  is,  they  fhall  never  fee  the  meaneft 
 appearance  or"  any  joy  or  comfort.    5 .  It  is  not  honour/  but  wane 
 ohmderftanding,  want  of  laving  faith  and  wifdome,  to'p+ovide 
 for  erernall life,  that  puts  man  down  from  his  excellency,- and1-  de- 
 barrcth  him  from  bleffednefs *>Man  that  U  in  honour >and  under fiani- 
 ctb  not  j  is  the  man  here  fet  at  nought ,  and  declared  to  be  Jarre 
 fronruuebleffcdnefs.    6.  Whatfoever  naturall  excellency  be  in 
 man  above  the  beafts  ,♦  yet  fin  hath  put  him  fo  far  down,  thas  ex- 
 cept he  get  faVing  knowledge  of  God  ,  and  be  reconciled  t6  him, 
 he  is  in  no  better  condition,    at  lead  when  he  dieth  3  then  a 
 beaft  5   Man  that  is  in  honour,  and  uUie-tJianietb  not ,  v  life  the 
 bctfitbatperijhetb; 
 
 Z%  PSAI, 
 
34°  PSA  L.    L. 
 
 PSAL   L. 
 
 This  pfalme  is  a  citing  of  the  vifiblc  Kirk  before 
 God,  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth,  (who  at  laft  (hall 
 jud^e  all  flefh  in  the  day  of  judgement,  and  (hall 
 take  vengeance  on  the  wicked, )  to  compears  be- 
 fore the  tribunal!  of  God;    Now  in  time  while 
 niercy  may  be  had  ,  and  now  as  then  timeoufly 
 to  confider  the  Lords  controverfie  againft  the  fin- 
 ners  in  his  Kirk,  that  they  may  repent  and  be  faved. 
 And  firft,  the  dreadfulnefle  of  the  judgement  fee 
 down,  verf.i.z^y  Secondly,  the  citation  of  the 
 parcie  that  is  the  vifiblc  Kirk,  with  the  witnefles, 
 s>.  4,  5,6.   Thirdly,  there  is  a  challenge  of  felf- 
 work- juftitiaries,  legalifts,  and  formal  ceremonia- 
 lirts,  whodid  reft  upon  outward  good  behaviour , 
 and  uponthe  outwarddifcharge  of  theordinances$ 
 as  if  the  facrifices  of  the  law  or  any  performance 
 of  external  duties  had  been  fufficient  to  expiate 
 fin,  and  juftifieaman,  v.  7,8,  9, 10, 11,12, 13* 
 Fourthly ,  there  is  a  direction  unto  them  how  to 
 come  off  their  legal!  righteoufnefTe,  and  carnall 
 wayofworfhip^  and  to  turne  themfelves  to  the 
 right  way  of  worlhipping  God  in  Spirit  and  truth, 
 S/.14, 1   .   Fifthly,  there  is  a  challenge  of  thoTe 
 who  were  groflely  wicked,  v.  16, 17, 18,19,20,21. 
 And  laftly,  there  is  a  direction  alfo  to  them  to  re- 
 pent ,    and  to  give  God  glory  in  time ,   with 
 an  encouragement  to  the  upright  Beleevers  to 
 go  on  their  way,  verf.  22, 23. 
 
 Vcr£  iv 
 
PSAL.  L.  341 
 
 Vcrfe  KT"1  H*  mighty  God^  even  the  LORD  b«ti> 
 |_    fyok*n  ;    and  called  the  earth  t  from  the 
 rifing  of  the  Suny  unto  the  going  dorvn  thereof. 
 
 3.  G/it  of  Stony  the  perfection  of  beauty  %  God  hath 
 fhined> 
 
 3,  Ot*r  God Jhall  come  y  and  fhall  not  keep  filence:  a 
 fire /ball  devour  before  him^  anditjbaflbeverytempefta- 
 eta  round  about  him. 
 
 From  the  delcription  of  the  terrour  ofthe  Loi\i  osming  to 
 judge  his  vifible  Kirk,  for  the  flighting  of  the  means  of  lalvati- 
 on,  and  (oofenctfe  of  life  and  con verfation$  Learn,  1.  As  the 
 Lord  is  to  judge  the  whole  world  one  day,  fo  in  a  fpecial  and  moft 
 exact  manner  will  he  judge  thofe  that  draw  neerto  him  in  the  pjrpr 
 feflion  of  true  Religion,  as  this  whole. PlMme  hollethioiih. 
 2.  This  ad  vantage  have  they  who  live  m  c!-  \,.IWe.Ki.k  ,.  they 
 are  warned  of  the  judgement  ere  it  come:  ioi.  as  mny  ether 
 pin:  s  of  Scripture  3  To  this  Pialme  is::  rexprejfe  warning  piece 
 to  the  Kirk  to  ore^e  for  judgement.  3.  The  te;rible  procefle 
 o.  the  day  oi  Gods  fevere  jirdgcn  ent  ,  beiag  well  meditated  upori^ 
 is  a  fpecial  means  to  waken  mens  consciences  to  take  courfe  about 
 their  finnes  in  time,  that  they  m  iy  be  pardpnea,  and  their  perfons 
 reconciled  .  which  isthefeope  ovrhe  whole  doctrine  delivered 
 in  this  Pi  l«nc.  a.  The  myftery  of  the  g  rrible  day  of  ge- 
 
 nerall  judgetn  nc  is  to  be  learned  from  rhe  Scriptures  ,  and  ex* 
 prefle  predictions  thereof  in  Cons  word  :  The  authorny,weight, 
 (Cjrtainry  and  efficacy  whereof  ftowes  from,  and  depends  upon 
 God  almighty  only  ;  The  mighty  God,  even  the  Lord  b  xbfpofcn. 
 f.  God  Almighty  the  Sovereigne  j-dge  o.fafl  the  ea  th  hath  ap- 
 pointed, that  all  who  ever  took  i ire ,  in  whatfoever  time  or  place 
 they  have  lived  in  the  world,  (hall  compete  before  his  Majcfty  in 
 the  appointed  time  3  The  Lord  hath  jpofien  5  a?id  cal'ed  the  earth 
 from  the  rifing  of  the  Sun ,  unto  the  going  down  thereof.  6.  The 
 tn.e  viable  Kirk  where-Gods  ordinances  are  fet  up  ,  as  he  hath 
 appointed,  where  his  word  is  purely  preached  ,  is  the  moft  beau - 
 titull  thing  under  heaven  ,  and  there  is  Gcdsgjoiy  let  forth,  ami 
 manifefted  more  clearly  then  in  all  the  Lords  handyworte  betide 
 in  heaven  or  earth  5  Therefore  is  the  .place  of  the  Lords  Temple 
 here  io  highly  commende  i,  ana  Sion  edited  the  perfection  of  beau* 
 tjy  becaufe  oftjie  glory  of  God  fundry  wayes  revealed  the;e^  Qui 
 
34*  PSAL.   L. 
 
 pfsioi  God  hath  Jbined,  faith  he,  in  regard  of  the  clear  manife? 
 itation  of  his  will,  fpecjally  in  the  matter  now  in  hand  about  the 
 clay  of  judgement.  7«  Men  will  take  no  heed  unto  what  the 
 word  ofthe  Lord  declared!  3  till  the  authority  fupremacy,  om- 
 nipotency  and  juftice  of  God  the  Judge  be  apprehended  by'  them, 
 and  the  great  day  of  his  terrible  judgement  be  looked  up®n  as  a 
 thing  which  (hall  moft  certainly  come  to  pafle  at  the  time  appoint- 
 ed ;  Therefore  is  it  fai&  Qur  God  fall  come  and  fall  not  licep  fi* 
 lence.  8 .  So  many  as  are  reconciled  with  God  ,  and  have  clofed 
 uprightly  with  him  in  the  Covenant  of  Grace  ,  may  look  upon  the 
 day  of  judgement  without  terrour  or  perplexity  5  yea,  and  with 
 "comfort  and  confident  hope  to  finde  the  Judge  gracious  to  them 
 according  to  the  Tenour  ofthe  Covenant,  even  their  God  :  Owe 
 (jod,  faith  the  Prophet,  fall  come.  9.  Look  how  fearfujl  and 
 terrible  trie  Lord  did  (hew  himfelf  at  the  giving  out  of  the  Law, 
 no  leflc  terrible  (hall  he  be  in  the  execution  thereof,  in  the  day  of 
 judging  all  thofe  whofe.  finnes  (hall  be  found  not  pardoned  before  ; 
 A  fire  fall  devour  before  him  ,  and  it  fall  be  very  tempeftuout 
 about  him. 
 
 Verfe  4.    He  Jhall  call  to  the  heavens  from  above% 
 Mel  to  the  earthy  that  he  majjqdge  his  people. 
 
 5.  gather  my  Saints  together  unto  me;  thofe  that 
 have  mads,  a  Covenant  with  me  by  [acrifce. 
 
 6.  And  the  heavens  fyall  declare  his  rightfoufnejfe  % 
 Tor  Godis  judge  him/elf.  Selah, 
 
 In  the  fecond  place,  he  fets  down  the  citation,  and  fummoning 
 Jn  of  officers,  parties ,  and  witnefles ,  to  mike  all  ready  for  the 
 judging  of  all  the  world  ,  but  in  fpeciall  of  the  people  who  have 
 given  up  their  name  to  God  ,  and  have  made  a  Covenant  with 
 him,  and  profefled  themfelves  to  be  his  peoples  who  (hall 
 finde  all  of  them  at  laft,  that  they  have  had to  do  with  a  righteous 
 Judge.  Whence  ktirn>  1 .  In  the  great  day  ofthe  laft  judgement 
 Heaven  and  Earth ,  and  all  the  Elements  (hall  be  moved  to 
 render  up  all  whom  they  have  received  in  cuftody .  unto  that  day ; 
 The  Lord  fall  call  to  the  Heavens  from  above,  and  to  the  Earth. 
 2.  we  need  not  to  queftion  hew  all  the  dead  mail  be  raifed,  hovy 
 fouls  fhall  be  reunited  to  their  bodies,  how  they  (hall  all  be  ga- 
 thered together,  and  how  fuch  like  great  things  (hall  come  to  paflc, 
 one  word  refolves  all ,-  He  Jhall  ull  to  the  Heavens  ,  and  to  the 
 ' :  -   ■  ■  '     "  Earth* 
 
PSAL.    L.  343 
 
 Sard).    For  as  at  a  word  all  were  made  :   fo  at  a  word  ,  Co  foon  as 
 he  (hall  call,  and  give  out  order  for  compearance ,  the  dead  ihall 
 be  raifed,  and  all  mall  compear,good  Angels,  and  wicked  fpirits, 
 ail  men,  good  and  evil,   young  and  old,  e  very  reafonable     and 
 underftanding  creature  in  Heaven  and  earth    by  his  almighty 
 power  fliall  be  made  quickly  to  prefcntthcmielves ;   He  Jhall  call, 
 isfufficient  to  efFeft    whatfoever   he  will.     3.  Whan  (hall  be 
 the  courfe  that  the  Judge  (hall  follow  about  thofe  who  have  not 
 heard  of  him,  or  who  have  heard  of  him,  and  lived  without  the 
 Kirk ,  is  not  the  main  matter  which  the  Lords  people  mould  en- 
 quire for ;  but  this  is  their  part  to  know,to  wit>what,concernctii 
 themfelves  5  therefore  doth  rhe  Lord  fay  no  more  h£re    but  He 
 jhdU  call  to  the  Helens  and  to  the  earth ,  that  be  may  judge  bU  peo- 
 ple.   4.  All  who  are  in  Covenant  with  God  ,   every  Member  of 
 the  vifible  Kirk  are  Saints  by  calling;    God  alloweth  this  ftile 
 upon  them,becauie  they  are  dedicated  and  confecrated  to  him,  b^- 
 caufethey  are  all  by  fpeciall  vow  obliged  to  be  Saints  j  all   make 
 profeflion  of  their  purpofe  to  be  fuch  \  alldocfteem  of  them- 
 felves ,    and  will  have  allowed  unto  them  by  others   the  efti- 
 mation  of  Gods  people,  whatfoever  be  their  delervingj    there- 
 fore faith  he ,    Gather  my  Saints  tegether  unto  me.     4.  At 
 how  great  a  diftance  foever,  whether  of  time  or  place,     God$ 
 people  by  orcfefiion  have  lived  in  this  world  ,    all  of  them  fhall 
 be  affemblcd  together  at  length    to  the  judgement  of  that  great 
 day ;    fome  to  the  judgement  of  abfolution ,  fome  to  the  judge- 
 ment ot  condemnation  ,  good  ani  bad ,  all  mall  be  gathered  be- 
 fore the*  Judge  at  once  ;    Gather  my  Saints  together  unto  me. 
 f.  The  Lord  fhall  not  want  Officers ,    Serjeants,  and  Servants 
 fufficient  for  this  work ,  he  hath  Angels  innumerable  who  fhall 
 efted   what  he  giveth    order  unto  them  tor  >    Gatbor  ye  my 
 faints  tegether.   6.  The  extcrnall  Covenant  with  God  is  the 
 ground  of  the  title  and  honour  of  Saint  mip,  and  Kirk-Member- 
 ftiip  s    whofoever  are  in  vifible  Covenant  with  God ,  are  calle4 
 by  his  allowance;  his  Saints   for  fo  here  he  doth  expound  whorti 
 he  callcth  his  Saints  >  even  all  rhofe  who  have  made  a  Covenant 
 witbbimbyfacrifice.    7.  No  Covenant  canbemade  with  God 
 without  the  inteipofing  of,  or  profefled  refped  unto  a  facrifice, 
 according  as  the  Lord  did  teach  his  people  in  the  type  and  fhadovv 
 of  the  ceremonial  facrififing  5  tor  as  God  by  appointing  a  facr>- 
 fice  to  be  oftered  by  his  people   would  have  every  Covenanter  to 
 acknowledge   and  profefle  that  he  was  worthy  to  die  for  his  (\ns^ 
 £nd  that  it  behoyed  him  to  fiie  to  a  furctie  to  Aj,c  for  him  ,  (eyea 
 
 3*  ia 
 
to  the  promised  Meffiah  Jcfus  Chrift,  that  Lamb  of  ©cd  which 
 was    flaine    from    the     beginning   of    the  world  ,    to    take 
 away     the     finnes     of    the    worlds  )     and    to    confecratc 
 {limfelf  wholly  to  Gods  fervice  5"  Co  dcth  the  Lord  require  ftiil 
 the  lame  things  of  every  Covenanter ,  from  every  one  of  his  peo- 
 ple ;    and  whofoever  do profeffe  their  accepting  ot  the  conditions 
 of  the  Covenant  ,   are  called  thofe  that  have  made  a  Covenant 
 yphb  Cjoi  by  ficrijice.    8.  In  that  generall  judgement,  the  wife 
 framing  the  world,  the  confiant  courfe  of  governing  of  ir  ,   the 
 appointing  of  the  feafons  of  Summer  and  Winter,  Spring-time 
 and  Harveft  ,  the  ranking  of  the  Sun  to  fhine,  and  the  raine  to 
 tall  upon  all ,  and  the  fur  ni  filing  of  all  with  food  and  good  things, 
 (hall  be  witnefTcs  for  Go  is  part  toward  all  men  ,   and  fo  the  bea- 
 yens  fball  declare  bit  rigbtcoufveffe      9.  No  man  (hall  be  inju- 
 red ,..  nor  fuffer  wrongfully  tha;  day;    yea,  ait~men  (kill  have 
 yvrongs  done  to  them  repiiredj    all  rewards  (liall  be  given  accord*- 
 $ng  as  the  word  of  the  Lord  hath  faia  :    For  Qod   is    Judge 
 bimjelf.  Sehk. 
 
 Verfe  7.  Hear^  0  my  peopU  ^  and  Ivpilltteak^  (X 
 Jfrael ,  and  I  Voill  tefiifie  againsl  thee :  /  am  God, 
 even  thy  God, 
 
 Having  now  foretold  his  people ,  that  there  (hall  be  certainly 
 a  great  day  of  judging  of  all  rrien  ,  and  fpecially  of  his  Covenant- 
 ed people  ;  he  entereth  here  in  a  friendly  manner  of  controverfie 
 with  his /ifible  Kirk  or  profefled people- 3  that  they  might  repent 
 and  finde  mercy  in  time,  before  they  were  brought  to  the  tribunal 
 of  fevcre  jufticc  :  And  firft  he  ufeth  a  preface  directing  his 
 (pecch  to  iuch  as  were  of  a  better  outward  behaviour  ihen  the 
 worft  ,  to  wit,  fuch  as  tcufted  in  their  own  works  ,  and  Ipecially 
 in  the  externall -facrifices and  ceremonies  of  the  Law  without 
 looking  to  the  end  and  intent  thereof  $  as  if  by  thofe  externall 
 facritices  their  fins  had  been  expiated,  and  God  fully  fatisried  for 
 them.  Whence  lam,  1.  A  people  fettled  upon  the  dregs  of 
 their  carnal  cuftomes,  in  fecurity  and  prefumption,  cannot  be 
 moved  to  enter  in  consideration  of  then*  waves,  or  in  futpicion 
 of  their  dangerous  condition ,  except  the  Lord  doth  (hew  himlelf 
 to  them,  and  rip  up  their  confeience  5  therefore  faith  he  to  them, 
 Hear j  0  my  people,  and  I  mil  [pea  /<..  1.  Albeit  the  Lord  doth 
 fufter  fuch  as  arc  without  the  Kirk  ,  ftrangers  to  the  Covenant 
 iniCommon-wenhhpfJ^ci^.to  lie,  Hill  in  thek  finnes*  y& 
 
PSAL.    L.  345 
 
 i  mil  he  debate  hts  quarrel  againft  his  own  people,  which  is  no 
 fmall  mercy;  0  Tfracl  I  I  will  teftifie  againft  thee.  $.  The 
 Covenant  mad-:  with  God,  joyned  with  his  abfolute  Sovereignty, 
 do  1 7  double  r>onds  upon  Gods  people  for  the  obedience  of  faith, 
 0b|j  ;  not   to  feek  falvatian  otherwiyes  then  he  doth 
 
 teach"?  but  toworihip  and  icrve  him  as  he  appointed! ;  tor,  ' 
 I  am  God,  even  tby  God ^  faith  the  Lord.  4.  Whatfoever  quarrel 
 th>:  Lord  has  againft  his  people  for  not  keeping  Covenant  made 
 with  Mm  ,  yet  To  Ions,  as  there  is  hope  of  repentance,  he  will  not 
 diffolve  the  Covenant,  but  will  offer  the  benefit  thereof  unto 
 them  ;  for  when  the  Lord  hath  faid,  I  will  teftifie  againft  thecjte. 
 addcth,  I  am  God,  even  thy  Gfl^ver.  1 1 . 
 
 Verf.  8.  I  will  not  reprove  thee  for  thy  facrifices,  or 
 thy  burnt •  offerings  ,  to  have  been  Continually  be- 
 fore me. 
 
 9.  /  mil  take  no  bullock  out  of  thy  houfeynov  he-goats 
 put  of  thy  folds* 
 
 jo.  For  every  be  aft  of  the  Forreft  is  mine,  and  the 
 cartel  upon  a  thou  fan  a  hills. 
 
 11.7  know  all  the  fowls  of  the  mountains  3and  the  mlde 
 be aft  s  of  the  field  are  mine. 
 
 12-  if  I  were  hungry,  1  would  not  tell  thee ;  for  the 
 tyorldu  mine,  andtheiulneff  thereof. 
 
 1 3.  Will  I eat  the  fic/b  of  bult^  or  drink  the  blood  of 
 noats  ? 
 
 After  the  preface,  the  Lord  paffeth  by  the  reproof  for  much 
 neglect,  even  in  the  external  performances  of  outward  ordinan- 
 ces, and  challengeth  only  their  relying  upon  the  outward  work, 
 and  their  putting  a  fort  of  merit  upon  their  work,  as  if  they 
 minded  to  oblige  God  unto  them  by  their  outward  performances. 
 Whence  learn,  i.  Albeit  there  be  jufl:  reafon  to  challenge  men  for 
 coming  fliort  of  their  duty  in  the  difcharge  of  outward  ordinan- 
 ces y   yet  when  that  is  not  the  maine  fault,  or  when  the  mending 
 of  that  fault  will  not  fatisfie  God,  he  will  wave  that  challenge  for 
 theprefent,  and  fallen  upon  their  chief  fins>  J  will  not  reprove 
 thee  for  thy  facrifices,  or  thy  burnt- offering   which  fiould  have  been 
 continually  before  me.     2.  As  men  arc  ordinarily  little  fenfible  of 
 their  omiflions  of  duties^  foarc  ;hey  ready  to  pveryalue  their  out- 
 ward 
 
546  1J5AL,    L>: 
 
 ward  performances,  and  to  think  that  what  they  do  In  this  kind 
 rtiall  be  vtry  acceptable  to  God,  as  the  carnal  Ifraelites  here  chal- 
 lenged, did  conceive  their  bullocks  and  goats  out  of  their  boufes 
 er  folds   ihouldhave  been  efteemeci  by  God  of     smu^h  worth, 
 as  they  who   offered   them   did  put    upon    thenu     3.  That 
 which  is  mofl:  efteerned  of  by  men,  without  allowance  of  God,is 
 ibomination  to  God :  fuch  were  the  external  facrifices  of  carnal 
 Ifraelites,   who  refted  upon  the  offering  of  external  facviiices, 
 without  looknig  to  that  only  true  facrihe  of  the  Mediator  repres- 
 ented thereby:  I  mil  U\t  no  bullock  out  of  thy  i  oufc,  nor  he-gout 
 cut  of  thy  fold.    4.  It  is  a  difeafe  of  foolimman,  co  think  with 
 himlelf  that  God  is  obliged  to  him  when  he  orYereth  unto  God 
 any  part  of  his  goods  ,  when  in  the  mean  time  a  man  hath  no- 
 thing but  what  God  hath  given  unto  him ,  and  which  is  The 
 J^ords  by  primitive  right ;  Every  bcj.fi  of  the  f one  ft  U  mine,  mi 
 the  uttel  upon  a  tbouf and  bills.    $.    Albeit  all  men  profefs  that 
 they  acknowledge  God  to  be  owner  of  all  the  creatures,becaufe  he 
 hath  made  them  allsyet  their  practice  many  ways  doth  bewray  their 
 heart-ignorance  in  this  point,and  that  they  have  need  to  be  taught 
 this  leflbn  from  God ,  /  k.now  all  the  fowU  of  the  mountains,   and 
 thcmldbeaftsof  the  field  are  mine.    6.  Unrenewed  men  cannot 
 chufe  but  have  grofs  conceptions  of  God,  and  to  think  of  him 
 after  their  own  fancie  as  the  carnal  Ifraelites  conceived  that  a  fat 
 facrifice  was  as  acceptable  to  God,  as  a  fat  dinner  was  to  them-* 
 felves ;  but  God  is  not  likeman,and  Qandeth  in  no  need  of  fupply 
 from  man  or  from  any  of  the  creatures;  all  of  them  have  their  being 
 and  dependance  on  God,  to  difpofeof  them,  and  bellow  them  on 
 whom  he  will  at  his  pleafure,  He  is  not  hungry ;  and  put  the  cafe 
 hehadamindetoferve  himfelf  of  any  of  the  creatures,  yet  he 
 needs  not  employ  man  for  that  efteft ;  for, The  earth  isthe  Lords 
 and  the  fulnefs  thereof*    7.  The  Lord  difdaineth  the  fleftily  con- 
 ceits which  men  have  to  fatisfiehis  jufticp  for  their  fins  by  any 
 thing  that  man  can  offer  unto,  him  as  imaginations  unbefeemjng 
 a  reafonable  man ;    JVM  I  eat  the  flcjh  of  bulls,  or  drinli  th%  blow 
 of  goats  ? 
 
 Verf.  14.  Offer  unto  God  thm[givingy  andfutjthj 
 vows  unto  the  mofl  High. 
 
 15.  And  call  upon  we  in  the  day  of  trouble,  I  mil  de- 
 liver  thee^  and  thou  (halt  glorifie  me. 
 In  the  third  place^he  exhorteth  them  tQ  forftke  this  carnal  way  ©  f 
 
 feek- 
 
PSAL.     L.  347 
 
 i  fccking  faivation,  and  fctteth  them  upon  the  light  courfe  of  true 
 blcflednefs  and  fpiritual  fcrvice.  Whence  learn,  i.  The  way 
 of  falvation  and  of  Gods  worfhip  is  fpiritual, and  maypoffibly  be 
 pjfembled  and  furthered  by  external  bodily  exercifes,  but  does  not 
 ftand  on  things  external  >  and  to/peak  it  more  particularly,  God 
 will  have  the  man  whole  perfon  and  fcrvice  he  will  accept  to  be 
 fenfible  of  his  own  want  of  every  good  thing,  and  inability  to 
 furnifh  to  himfelf  any  thing  which  he  lacketh,and  to  acknowledge 
 God  only  tobetheall-fufficientfountaine  of  grace  and  of  every 
 good  donation,  and  to  feek  what  he  hath  need  of  from  God,  and 
 to  depend  upon  his  grace  when  he  hath  fought  it,  and  to  return 
 the  praife  of  Gods  free  and  gracious  gift  unto  him  when  he  hath 
 received  itjfor  all  thi$  is  prefuppofed  and  imported  in  this  offering 
 of  thanks,  Offer  unto  God  tbankfgiving;  to  wit,  foreverypoinc 
 and  paflage  of  his  undeferved  favour:  and  this  he  calleth  for,  be* 
 caufe  this  offering  of  the  facrifice  of  praife  and  thanks,  was  more 
 acceptable  to  God  then  their  Ceremonial  facrifices  of  flain  beads. 
 %.  Godwill  have  the  man,  whofe  perfon  and  fervice  he  will  ac-? 
 cept ,  to  make  confeience  'of  all  his  lawful  vowes  made  unto 
 God,infpecialof  his  Covenant-vow  made  forgiving  God  the 
 obedience  of  faith  all  the  dayes  of  his  life,  which  vow  true  woi- 
 fliippers  ufe  upon  fundry  occasions  folemnly  to  renew  :  Offer  un- 
 to God  thanfifgivingy  and  pay  thy  vows  unto  the  mo(l  high  Gclm 
 J,  Were  a  man  never  fo  faithful  and  upright  in  the  Lords  fervicef 
 yet  he  is  not  exempted  from  trouble,  for  reafons  concerning  God? 
 glory,  good  of  the  perfon  troubled,  and  benefit  of  others;  this 
 the  Lord  holdeth  forth  in  preparing  their  mindes ,  by  making 
 mention  unto  believers  of  a  day  of  trouble.  4.  Among  other  cnd$ 
 of  the  Lords  fending  trouble,  this  is  one,  to  make  the  believer 
 in  the  fenfe  of  his  need  to  make  ufe  of  his  Covenant  with  >God, 
 and  by  faith  to  drawneer  to  him  in  prayer  for  help  and  relief  iq 
 due  iim^Qallupon  me  in  the  day  of  thy  trouble.  %.  The  true  be- 
 liever and  depender  upon  the  fure  and  rich  gracp  of  God,  cannot 
 poffibly  fall  in  any  trouble  out  of  which  he  (hall  not  be  delivered, 
 but  whatfoever  evil  come,  he  may  be  praying  to  God,  yea  he  fhall 
 be  (felivered,  Call  upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble ,  I  will  deliver  thee. 
 What  more  abfolute  promife  can  be  made  to  a  believing  fuppli- 
 cant  ?  6.  A  believing  fupplicant  (hall  not  only  be  gracioully  an- 
 swered to  his  petition,  and  fo  have  caufe  of  praifing  God,  but 
 alfo  fhall  have  grace  in  efteft  to  praife  God,  And  thou  flult 
 glorife  me, 
 
 Veif, 
 
34$  P-SAL.     L. 
 
 Verf.  \6.  But  unto  the  wicked,  God  faith,  what 
 haft  thon  to  do  to  declare  my  flames  or  that  thou  (hould- 
 eft  take  my  Covenant  in  thy  mouth. 
 
 17.  Seeing  thou  hate  ft  inftruttion,  and  cafteft  my 
 Words  behhide  thee. 
 
 1 8.  When  thou  f awe  ft  a  thief,  then  thou  confent  - 
 edft  with  him,  and  haft  been  partaker  with  the  adul- 
 terers. 
 
 19.  Thougiveft  thy  mouth  to  evil%  and  thy  town* 
 frameth  deceit. 
 
 20.  Jhoufttteft  and  fpeakefl  againft  thy  brother: 
 thou  ftander eft  thine  own  mothers  Jon. 
 
 21.  Thefe  things  haft  thou  done,  and  I  k*pt  filence  ; 
 thou  thoughteft  that  I  was  altogethe^fuch  a  one  as  thy 
 
 felf:  but  I  will  reprove  thee,  andfet  them  in  order  be- 
 fore thine  eyes. 
 
 In  the  fiift  place,  the  Lord  pleadetji  mercifully  with  the  grof$ 
 firmer  and  fcand ulcus  liver,  for  abufing  thispiiviledgeof  the  Co- 
 venant by  hi*  lewd  convention  and  fecure  Atheifme  \  that  he 
 being  convinced  of  his  (in.,  might  repent,  andefchew  the  wrarh 
 which  is  to  come.    Whence  learn,   i-    To  fuch  as  profefs  Re  i- 
 gion,  and  obferve  the  outward  ordinances  thereof,  and  do  not 
 live  fcandaloufly ;    the  Lord  howioever  he  Jets  them  know  he  is 
 not  well  pleafed  with  their  way,yct  he  doth  fpeak  unto  them  more 
 mildly,  becaufe  it  is  poflible  fome  beloved  Lapdiceans,  young 
 and  unskilful  true  converts  may  be  guilty  of  no  fmall  mcafure  of 
 dead  formality;  buttofuchas  live  in  grofs  fcandalouslins ,  the 
 Lord  fpeaketh  more  roughly,  calling  them  by  the  nnme'of  wicked* 
 But  unto  the  wiifyed  God  faith.'   2.  Such  is  the  deceivcablenefs  of 
 fin,  and  the  deceit  of  the  heartland  the  power  of  Saran  upon  fe- 
 cure fin  ners,  that  they  can  without  remorfe  of  confeience  pre- 
 fefs  the  true  Religion. pretend  to  a  Covenant  with  God,  and  yet 
 live  loofly  as  Pagans  or  Aihcijts  :    They  tah^c  Gods  Covenant  in 
 their  moutbf  and  mean  time  do  hate  inftruclioH,  and  caftGods 
 ■fiords  behind  them.    3.  Such  as  by  their  lewd  converfation  do 
 give  an  open  affront  to  their  Religion,  are  fo  deteftable  to  God, 
 that  he  accomptcth  them  wicked  haters  of  reformation,  conrcmr 
 §erspf  Scripture,  difgraccrs  of  their  holy  profeffion;  and  fuchas 
 
 he 
 
PSAL.  L.  349 
 
 will  cake  no  Religious  fcrvicc  of  their  hand  ,  Uuto  the  wL^ed 
 
 fahb,  wbaihajttbo   to  do  to  dec  lure  ray  ftatutei,  or  that  thou 
 
 '  jhouUeji  take  my  Covenant  in  thy     outb>   feeing  thou  hateft  in- 
 
 ;ion.  and  c aft eft  my  wordy  bchinde  thee.    4.  Albert  men  do 
 
 tnethe  Covenant,and  defer  vc  10  be  thruft  out  of  it  as  un- 
 worthy to  have  the  benefit  or"  it,  or  to  be  fuffered  any  more  to  pro- 
 fefs  it  y  ya  Gad  wiU  not  give  up  with  them  haftily,  but  will  af- 
 ter a  fi icndly  manner  declare  to  them  their  fin  and  mifdeferving, 
 thtt  tkeir  conrcience  maybe  moved  towards  repentance  5  What 
 hx\i  tbou  to  do  to  tal^e  my  covenant  in  tby  mouthy  feeing  thou  hatefi 
 
 uttion.  5.  The  man  that  cafteth  Gods  word  bchinde  him> 
 cannot  chufc  but  fe.ve  a  woile  mailer,  and  be  made  (lave  to  his 
 lufts,  and  be  led  away  to  every  fin,  as  tentation  doth  lead  him,  he 
 will  not  Itand  to  be  a  greedy  thief,  and  a  filthy  adulterer, \ver.  1 S, 
 and  to  Ioofe  his  tongue  to  all  the  evils  whereunto  the  tongue  can 
 fcrve.ver.  19.  yea  and  to  become  unnatural  to  thofe  with  whom 
 he  is  bound  in  ncareft  bonds  of  blood,  ver.  20.  6.  Such  is  the 
 Lords  patience,  that  he  doth  oft-times  endure  very  long  horrible 
 provocations  of  thofe  that  are  in  outward  Covenant  with  him, 
 that  by  his  lon?-iufferin.*  he  may  lead  them  to  repentance  :  Theft 
 things  thou  didjUand  I  l{€ptfilence.  7.  When  men  do  not  profit 
 .by  the  means  which  mould  lead  them  to  repentance,  they  grow 
 wone  for  the  means,  mo  e  feeure  and  hardened  in  their  ill  waves, 
 and  more  godlefs  in  all  eipe<fts:  Tbou  thought  eft  I  was  altogether 
 fucb  1  one  as  tby  felf.  8.  "Such  as  live  a  loofe  life  with  a  profeffi- 
 onot-  Religion  under  the  /hiring  light  of  Gods  word,  do  not 
 keep  tlfcir  conferences  cjuie^o.hervvayes  then  by  transforming  God 
 into  an  idol  afier  tfjeir  own  fancy,ana  by  feigning  him  n  be  what 
 heisnot,  and  not  to  be  what  he  deckieih  hirnidt  to  be  ;  Thou'. 
 \thoughteft  that  I  was  altogether  fmb  a,  one  as  thy  felfi  that  is  to 
 (fay,  No  more  difpleafcd  with  thy  wayes  then  tbou  thy  jelf  was. 
 9.  Although  the  Loid  keep  filence  for  a  time,  yet  he  will  at  length 
 'let  the  {inner  know  by  his  word  and  rods,  how  difpleafed  he  is  at 
 \C\n:But  I  will  reprove  tbecyhih  the  Lord.  1  o.Sins  forgotten  call 
 (behind  backhand  caft  together  in  cenfufion  by  the  fe:ure  (Inner, 
 ihallintheday  or  Gods  :eda>ning  be  brought  to  remembrance 
 with  time,  place,  and'otiiei  circuViftences,  and  fd  p/efentedta 
 !the  con'cicnce,  as  the  finnerfhaH  no:  be  able  to  look r.afide  horn 
 his  fearful  accufation  and  ditty,  I  #ill  fet  them  in  order,  before 
 tb hie  eyes. 
 
 Verf.  22.  Now  eonfider  thi*1  je  that  forget  God. 
 
 left 
 
3*o  PSAL    L 
 
 left  1  tear  you  in  pieces  y  and  there  be   mne  to  Jei 
 liver. 
 
 z$.  TVhofoofferethpraife,  glorifiethme  :  and  to  him 
 that  ordereth  his  conversion  aright,  mil  1  fberp  the 
 falvation  of  God* 
 
 In  the  laft  place,  the  Lord  being  loath  to  diflblve  the  Cove- 
 nant, or  to  deftroy  thofe  that  are  in  the  uifible  Kirk-  how  wicked 
 foever,  exhorteth  them  to  repentance  while  it  is  time,before  he  call 
 them  off  utterly,  and  fo  fheweththem  the  way  of  returning  home 
 to  him,  as  he  doth  alfo  encourage  fuch  as  at  e  fincere.  worfhippers 
 of  him  to  go  on.    Whence  learn,  i.  The  Lords  controvercfis 
 with  his  people,and  threatning  of  wrath  upon  them,do  carry  much 
 Iovre  and  mercy  in  their  bofome  5  it  is  admirable  that  fuch  offers 
 cf  grace  and  reconciliation  are  made  by  God  after  fo  juft  and 
 fearful  challenges.,  as  here  we  read.     2.  As  the  affe&ionate  remem- 
 brance ofGcdis  an  aw -band  to  keep  from  fin,  arid  afpurto  all 
 duties;  and  as  conlideration  of  Gods  word  is  a  means  to  waken 
 the  conscience,  and  affeft  the  heart  with  high  and  right  thoughts 
 of  God  ;  fo  the  forgetting  of  God,  and  confideration  of  what  is 
 neceflfary,  cafts  a  man  open  to  all  fin,  and  makes  way  for  his  de- 
 Itruftionj  Qonfidcr  this,  ye  that  forget  God,  left  1  tear  you  in 
 fieces.    3  i  If  they  who  have  gone  far  away  from  God  ,do  not  hafte 
 them  home  unto  him,  they  are  like  to  meet  with  judgement  mer- 
 cilefs,  and  to  find e  no  opportunity  or  time  granted  as  r  hey  could 
 wifh  to  repent,  Confider,  left  1  tc&ryou  in  pieces,  end  there  be  none 
 to  d  liver  you.     4.  To  fet  men  on  work  to  endeavour  the  honour 
 of  God  by  worfhipping  him  in  Spirit,  and  to  confer  me  their  out- 
 ward actions  of  the  body  to  the  rule  of  Gods  word,  is  the  fcope  of 
 all  Gods  pleading  with  his  own  people*  for  his  controvcrfie  is  clo* 
 fedwithadire&iontoali,  toglorffc  God,  and  to  order  their  com* 
 verfation  aright,     f .  That  man  worfhippeth  God  in  Spirit,  who 
 giveth  him  the  praife  of  his  jufticc,  in  acknowledging  his  6n£ 
 againft  Gods  law,  and  his  ill  defervings  intbecourfe  or  daily  re- 
 newed repentance,  and  who  'giveth  unto  God  the  praife  of  his* 
 grace  and  mercy,  in  flying  to  the  refuge  fet  before  him  in  the 
 Gofpel,  in  the  courfe  of  daily  renewed  aftscf  faithinChuil? 
 and  he  who  giveth  God  the  praife  of  his  bolinefs  in  ftudying 
 daily  to  mortifie  the  luftsoftheflefh  by  his  Spirit,  and  to  be  re- 
 newed in  his  minde  and  affeSions,-  and  in  a  word,  he  who  in  his 
 tfltrtandaffiftionsftudkvh  to  give  God  the  honour  of  alibis  at-  * 
 
 tribmis 
 
I 
 
 PSAL.    L.  „    351 
 
 I  tributes  y  tides  >  or  name,  by  whatfoever  occadon  manifefted  to 
 '  him  :   This  is  the  woifhipper  of  God  in  Spirit  and  Truth3whom 
 the  Lord  by  all  his  dealing  with  his  people  is  feeking  to  form  and 
 gain  to  himfelf,  WbofoofferethpAifaglorifietb  me.     6.  Sincere 
 \  endeavour  to  worfhip  God  in  Spirit,  is  belt  feen  in  a  mans  care  to 
 conforms  his  life  and  bodily  actions  to  the  rule  of  iiods  word  » 
 for,  with  glorifying  of  God  he  joyneth  here,  ordering  bis  convert 
 I  fuion  aright.    7.  Wholbever  (hall  let  himfelf  to  be  Gods  fervant 
 ,  in  Spirit  and  Truth,  fliallfinde  God  to  he  his  Saviour  to  theut- 
 termoft,  how  godlefsfoever,  how  vile  foever  he  hath  been;  If  he 
 j  ihall  prepare  himfelf  againft  the  dreadful  day  of  Judgementjby  re- 
 ceiving the  offer  of  grace  in  Jefus  Chrift,  with  all  the  fulne&of 
 :  the  ftlvation  of  God  in  himj,  and  in  Chrifts  ftcength  ihall  ftudy 
 to  brinp  forth  the  fruits  of  his  faith  in  a  blameleis  convention* 
 he  fliallundoubtedly  be faved  :  for  God  hath  faid,  JVbofo  offeretk 
 the  facrifici  of  praife ,  glorifies  me ;  and  to  bim  vobo  orderetb 
 his  conversion  aright,  will  Ifhcw  the  privation  of  God.  Amen, 
 jiAmcn. 
 
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