Psalms

The banner of God's love shall be eternally displayed; the joys of heaven are without intermission and expiration (1 Thessalonians 4:17): And so shall we be ever with the Lord. Use. As it is sad news to the wicked, they shall not stand in judgment (Psalm 1:5) — they shall come t…

Quest. 6. Wherein lies the dignity of such as have God for their Father? Resp. They have greater honor than is conferred on the princes of the earth; They are precious in God's esteem; (Isaiah 43:4) Since you were precious in my eyes, you have been honorable; the wicked are dros…

And Ishmael is accounted a persecutor, by the Holy Ghost, for mocking Isaac, Galatians chapter 4, verse 29. And David reckoning up the degrees of sinners, makes the chair of the scornful, the third and highest, Psalm 1:1. All these places show the heinousness of this sin: and th…

And the remnants of the old bondage under Satan must be grievous and irksome to us, and we must bewail them bitterly. The Jews in a bodily captivity, wept when they remembered Zion (Psalm 1:27). How much more should we weep, when we feel the law of our members rebelling against…

But as has been said, he requires that we be teachable, and he will not have us to be hardened in our sluggishness and dullness. As it is said in Psalm 1: He meditates in his law day and night. The second kind of implicit faith is in regard of apprehension: when a man cannot say…

Third, in urging this doctrine more hardly upon the people, to cause them not to rest on the letter of the law, but seek to the promised Messiah, in whom only was their righteousness — as young heirs and minors are kept under tutors while their minority expires. But, first, who…

2. God does nothing in the election of Peter, more than of Judas; nor can grace and mercy have place in the choosing of the one, rather than the other; but as free will is foreseen to play the game ill, or well, so go the eternal decrees of election and reprobation, and there ca…

Fifthly, the Word also meditated upon, when a man has heard it, and searched it, and believed it, read and conferred about it, or say none of these for the present, but whether these have gone before or no, for the present the very meditation of God's Word, which a man now takes…

Do you meditate on it, digest it as the seed of the new life, as the rule of your actions, as the charter of your hopes? A good man is described to be one that delights in the law of the Lord, and meditates therein day and night (Psalm 1:2) and again (Psalm 119:97) Oh how I love…

Answer: It is a common rule in Scripture, that words signifying knowledge, signify also the motions and good affections of the heart. (Psalm 1): The Lord knows the way of the righteous, that is, knows, and approves it. (2 Timothy 2:19): The Lord knows who are his, that is, he kn…

By peace, we are to understand outward peace, as prosperity, and good success in all things we go about. For whatever they do, shall prosper (Psalm 1:3). And peace with the creatures; as first with the good Angels (Colossians 1:20), who are ministering spirits, sent forth to min…

She is not like a city without walls, exposed to every assault and temptation, but has a hedge of divine protection, which is as a wall of fire about her to defend her; and also a guard of watchfulness and holy fear, in the exercise of which the believer has rule over his own sp…

Thus it fell out with David, whose last ways were not like his first; and yet by this, these holy fruits are not utterly destroyed, because it is the seed of God; and so is immortal (1 John 5:4-5). And also because the promises of perseverance and victory made to it, cannot be f…

It is not without good reason that among the many words with which St. Peter exhorted his new converts, this only is recorded, save yourselves from this untoward generation (Acts 2:40). Those that listen to the counsel of the ungodly, and stand in the way of sinners, as willing…

But this foreknowledge here is peculiar to the elect. Verba sensus in sacra scriptura connotant affectus, as the Rabbins remark, so in man (Psalm 66), if I see iniquity, and in God (Psalm 1; Amos 3:2), and in that speech of our Saviour, relating it as the terrible doom of reprob…

Desire the sincere milk] Not only hear it because it is your custom, but desire it because it is your food, and it is 1. A natural desire, as the infants of milk, not upon any external respect or inducement, but from an inward principle and bent of nature, and because natural, t…

But as the Lord does thus equally see both, so, as his eye and countenance imports his mind concerning them, and towards them, the manner of beholding them is different, indeed contrary. And from the other beholding in common, knowing their ways, arises this different beholding,…

Now they are scattered up and down, as God has service for them to do; one here, another there; they are spread in several places, where they are like two or three berries in the uppermost top of the bough. That Psalm is generally acknowledged to be spoken of the day of judgment…

Dross is the filth of the Mettal. Sinners are compar'd to Chaff, Psalm 1:4. When a Wicked man dies, there is only a little Chaff blown away.

David calls the statutes of God the men of his counsel. Young men that are taken with other books, if they neglect the word of God, that book that should do the cure upon the heart and mind, they are with all their knowledge miserable (Psalm 1:2). His delight is in the law of th…

Delight causes meditation, and meditation increases delight. Psalm 1:2: But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law does he meditate day and night. A man that delights in the law of God, will exercise his mind therein.

Not to know it only, but to feel the power of it prevailing over his lusts, that was his delight as to the better part of his soul. So it is made a general character of the blessed man (Psalm 1:2): that he delights in the law of God, and in that law does he exercise himself day…

As it is written in the Scriptures, so it is their constant exercise to read it, and consult with it often. (Psalm 1:2) But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law does he meditate day and night. And (Joshua 1:8) This book of the law shall not depart out of your mo…

Where there is an inner man, a frame of grace in the heart, that will bring delight. See the character of a blessed man (Psalm 1:2). His delight is in the Law of the Lord. Quite contrary to the hypocrite, he may act from compulsions and urgings of conscience, from legal bondage:…

Doctrine. A gracious heart does love and delight in the commandments of God. The godly are described by it: hence David makes it the character of a blessed man (Psalm 1:2): His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in that law does he meditate day and night. And Psalm 112:1: Bl…

4. Meditation is necessary to show our love: I will lift up my hands also to your commandments, which I have loved, and I will meditate in your statutes. (Psalm 1:2) His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law does he meditate day and night. (Psalm 119:47) And I will d…

The earth is the fruitful mother of all herbs and plants; but yet it must be tilled, ploughed, harrowed, and dressed, or else it brings forth little fruit. The Scripture contains all the grounds of hope, comfort, and happiness, the only remedy of sin and misery, our rule to walk…

Delight begets meditation, and meditation begets delight. There is a [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] in moral as well as natural things (Psalm 1:2). His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law does he meditate day and night.

And many of them that sleep in the dust shall arise, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. But now the godly are bold and confident (Psalm 1:5). The ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

All the moral sentences of Seneca and Plutarch do not come with such force upon the conscience as one saying of God's Word. God's language has a special energy, here must be your study, and your delight (Psalm 1:2): His delight is in the Law of the Lord; and in his Law does he m…

Do not be so irreligious as to go into temptation, when you have been so religious as to pray to God not to lead you into temptation; this is mock-prayer; keep out of harm's way (Proverbs 4:14-15). Enter not (put not a foot) into the way of the wicked; if you have been so foolis…

Let Mary's one thing be preferred before Martha's many. 7. Love God and his law much, and your thoughts will be much upon him and it; the love of God will find your heart work enough to do: he that delights in God and his law, will find occasion enough to meditate therein, and p…

Then they would be glad to take hold of the shirt of a Jew (one that is so inwardly (Romans 2:28-29)) and say, 'We will go with you, for God is with you'; but they will find a great gulf fixed between them, Heaven will not hold any of the wicked, nor shall Hell have any of the r…

But is it not made a character of a godly man to delight in the Word of God? Does not David say, he is a blessed man that delights in the Law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2)? There is a delighting in the word, which flows from grace, and is a proof of blessedness.

The wicked are of no account with God; they are vile persons (Nahum 1:14). Therefore the wicked are compared to chaff (Psalm 1:4) and to dross (Psalm 119:119). There is little use of a wicked man while he lives and no loss of him when he dies; there is only a little chaff blown…

How can they be said to finish their work who never yet began a good work? A Christian brings forth kindly fruit; the godly man brings forth his fruit (Psalm 1:3) — that is, he brings forth fruit proper for him to bear. What is this kindly and proper fruit? When we are good in o…

Secondly, to stand, is here to stand justified and acquitted at the great day of judgement. The phrase is frequent in Scripture, which sets out the solemn discharge they shall have then, by standing in judgement, Psalms 1:5. The wicked shall not stand in the judgement; that is,…

Nor do we extoll dead letters and lifeless forms, as Libertines say, for we take in with the letter the quickening sense and convincing meaning of the Word, and it is considerable that the Spirit draws sweetly after him, the nature, faculties of will, mind and affections, and th…

But there is forgiveness with you that you maist be feared. There is an inquiry included in these words, how a man, how any man may be justified before God; how he may stand, that is, in the presence of God, and be accepted with him; How he shall stand in judgment, as it is expl…

Pardon of sin circumscribes blessedness within it, (Psalm 32:1). Whom God pardons, he crowns, Psalm 1[illegible]3. 4. Who forgivs your iniquities, who crowns you with loving kindness.

The Psalmist speaking of the wicked, says, they are become filthy; in the Hebrew it is, they are become stinking. That you may see how low a sinner is fallen in God's account, the Lord compares him to dross, Psalm 119:119 to chaff, Psalm 1:4 to a Pot boiling with scum, Ezekiel 2…

1. Our own personal endeavours in reading, studying and meditating on the Scripture, that we may come unto a right Apprehension of the things contained in it, are required unto this purpose. It is known to all, how frequently this Duty is pressed upon us, and what Promises are a…

Therefore not only will not all men be saved, as some will be excluded the heavenly city; but some men have not their names written in the Lamb's book of life, and this is a further evidence, that all will not be saved. It is said, that sinners shall not stand in the congregatio…

It is with your thoughts as with your speeches, their goodness lies in their placing and order (Proverbs 25:11) — if fitly spoken, they are as apples of gold in pictures of silver. And as a man is to bring forth actions, so thoughts in due season; as those fruits, so these buds…

For every child of God is a child of promise: you say, you are weary of sin, and have come to Christ, and blessed are they that seek God, their hearts shall live for ever, etc. It is well; these promises will bear you out, for there is no day you read the Scripture, as daily you…

Three sorts of things are said to be poured forth; water (Isaiah 44:3), oil and fire (Isaiah 42:25). Observe then, if you have received the spirit, you have received it as water, as oil, as fire; as water, cleansing you from all your filthiness (Ezekiel 36:25), and making you fr…

Name is put here for person; to that holy thing Jesus, to the scepter of that divine person every knee shall bow. Bowing is put for subjection; all must be subdued to him as sons or captives, submit to him as to their Lord or Judge: Kiss the Son (Psalm 2:12), with a kiss of love…

Resp. Not by usurpation, but legally: Christ holds his crown by immediate tenure from Heaven. God the Father has decreed him to be King (Psalm 2:5-6), I have set my king upon my holy hill; I will declare the decree. God has anointed and sealed him to his regal office (John 6:27)…

God is a Spirit, invisible, how can the wicked with all their forces hurt him, when they cannot see him? Hence all the attempts of the wicked against God are foolish, and prove abortive (Psalm 2:3-4). The kings of the earth set themselves against the Lord, and against his Anoint…

2. As he partakes of the Godhead: he is of infinite prudence to understand all causes brought before him: and of infinite power to execute offenders. He is described with seven eyes (Zechariah 3:9), to denote his prudence; and a rod of iron (Psalm 2:9), to denote his power. He i…

That stone cut out of the mountains without hands, which smote the image (Daniel 2:34), was an emblem (says Austin) of Christ's monarchical power conquering and triumphing over his enemies. If we are on God's side we are on the strongest side; he can with a word destroy his enem…

Christ himself, as man, obeyed God the Father (John 4:34), much more than must we (Deuteronomy 27:10). 2. Obey God the Son (Psalm 2:12). Kiss the Son lest he be angry.

The Jews expected a monarch for their Messiah; but Christ came not with outward pomp and splendor; his kingdom was not of this world: the stars which are seated in the lightest orbs are least seen; Christ who was the bright Morning Star was not much seen, his divinity was hid in…

Psalm 115:3. Our God is in heaven and does whatever he will. Psalm 2:4. He that dwells in heaven shall laugh them to scorn, and the Lord shall have them in derision. Isaiah says (Isaiah 66:2): Thus says the Lord, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.

Thus Paul speaking of Christ says, that he was declared mightily to be the Son of God touching the spirit of sanctification by the resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:4). And by the mouth of David God said, "You are my Son, this day I have begotten you" (Psalm 2:7). Which place…

And yet this that Christ calls for, is, even as if the physician should say to his dying patient, "I will be satisfied greatly, if you will take this potion that is for your recovery, health, and cure, and I will not be content if you take it not, though the ingredients stand my…

Secondly, it is comfortable to God's people, as to their own particular case; corruption is a strong, and formidable enemy, the Devil is a restless enemy, and goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom He may devour; the world is a deceitful, ensnaring enemy, and does often, in…

Again, if you look to promises of public mercies, as that He shall have a church in the world, and that she shall be continued and preserved, etc. These promises shall certainly be performed, as that (Psalm 2:6), "I have set my king upon my holy hill of Zion, ask of me, and I wi…

Fourthly, consider the expressions under which He sets out His being affected, (to say so,) with this sin; He was so affected with it (Mark 3:5) that it's said, He was grieved for their unbelief, He had many sorrows and griefs, and suffered many things, but this grieved Him in s…

(John 17:5) Father, glorify me, with the glory which I had with you before the world was. Christ will have his spouse, though his by conquest, and the law of buying, and ransom, made over to him by a De novo damus (Psalm 2:8): Ask of me, (pray to me) and I will give you the heat…

(Psalm 65:2) O you that hears prayer, to you shall all flesh come — a figure there must be in the word flesh; and if there be no figure in the particle [illegible], then must all flesh, and all Adam's sons put up prayers to God, contrary to experience, and to Scripture (Psalm 14…

Likewise when he hung upon the cross, his words to God are recorded, Psalm 22:1: 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' In like manner when he rose again, God's words used then to him are recorded: 'You are my Son; this day have I begotten you' (Psalm 2), which place is exp…

Therefore though Christ in his dispensation of all to us downward carries it as a king, as one having all power to justify and condemn (as has been shown), yet upward toward God he carries it as a priest who must still intercede to do all that which he has power to do as a king.…

Do you find that the Lord has worked a spirit of fear in your heart, so as that you walk awfully before him, and in the fear of his name go about every duty, and in his fear depend upon him, and endeavor to approve yourself before him? Truly he will assuredly fulfill the desires…

God sent his Church, and kept it there seventy years among them, that some of them at least might embrace the salvation of God, but she would not be healed; we have used the best means we could to heal her, but it will not be, she will not be healed of us, and therefore let us b…

This is the first combination of graces that is found in the soul after sin is pardoned, and the heart restored to a new life, for we spoke before of prizing Christ in our judgments, by certain preparative graces, but now we speak of that kind of life of sanctification, which pu…

God has appointed another order, that the cross, should go before the crown (Romans 8:17), if so be that we suffer with him that we may be glorified together. 2. From the Libertinism and yokelessness of our natures, and that spirit of unsubjection, which is so natural to us (Rom…

This is a vain boast of the tempter, who ascribes to himself that which was proper to God, and promises to Christ those things, which were all his before. God had said (Psalm 2:8): Ask of me, and I will give you the heathen for your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the ea…

So for our improvement of his Kingly Office, which respects duties and privileges; our duty with respect to the Kingly Office is subjection. Kiss the Son lest he be angry, and you perish in the mid-way (Psalm 2:12). Because Christ Jesus is the Son of God, he should be submitted…

The soul and life of our worship and godliness lies in our faith, love, reverence, and delight in God above all other things: the visible expression of it is in invocation, thanksgiving, prayers and sacraments, and other acts of outward worship. Now it is not enough, that we own…

We can hardly keep the middle between the extremes, our faith is apt to degenerate into presumption, and our humility into despondency of spirit, and our fear into discouragement and distrust. So hard a matter is it to serve the Lord with fear, and to rejoice with trembling, (Ps…

Therefore, O you mockers, although God defers his punishment for a season, yet when he sees the time he will find you out, and will punish this contempt of his word and bitter hatred which you bear against his ministers. Therefore you deceive not God but yourselves, and you shal…

The Apostle fittingly distinguishes this grace and peace from all other kinds of grace and peace whatever. He wishes to the Galatians grace and peace, not from the Emperor, or kings and princes: for these do commonly persecute the godly and rise up against the Lord and Christ hi…

But these things followed through the fault of the people, the nations, the Kings & Princes, who being possessed of the Devil, would not hearken to the word of grace, life, and eternal salvation: but detested and condemned it as a doctrine most pernicious and hurtful to religion…

Have I then labored and borne the burden and heat of the day in vain? Hereof rise those uproars of nations, of Kings and Princes, against the Lord and against his Christ (Psalm 2:2). For the world neither will nor can suffer that his wisdom, righteousness, religions and worshipp…

The second point is, that Paul must preach to the Gentiles. There be two causes of it: one, that the prophecies of the calling of the Gentiles might be fulfilled (Psalm 2 and 110; Isaiah 2). The second, because at the death of Christ the division which was between the Jews and G…

The paschal lamb was eaten with sour herbs, to signify, that we feel no sweetness in the blood of Christ, till we feel the smart of our sins. We here must rejoice in trembling (Psalm 2:11). Joy is sown for them that are upright in heart (Psalm 97:12).

And the sense is this: they did evil, which turned you forth of the way, and you have done evil that you obeyed not the truth. The like is (Psalm 2:1), Why do the heathen rage? That is, it is great wickedness for them to rage.

Further, in that all the faithful are called a household and a family, this teaches us, that as we have one bed and one board, one bread to feed upon, and one cup of which all drink: so we should have one mind and one heart, we should cleave together, and hold together: for if t…

For no man takes this honor to himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron (Hebrews 5:4-5). So Christ took not upon himself the office of the high Priest, but he which advanced him to it, said, You are my son, this day have I begotten you (Psalm 2:7). Moreover, the Proph…

There is great weight in this word witness then: for the Prophet shows, that this covenant shall be approved in Christ, through whom God's truth shall be manifested, because he shall testify that God is true. But this testimony consists in doctrine, for without it we should rece…

And he expressly speaks of kings, in regard it was the harder to be believed. And thus kings by the way are admonished of their duties, who if they will discharge the same as they ought, then must they be servants of the Church, otherwise the Lord will call them to account for i…

From all nations.] His meaning is, that there shall be no more difference between Jew and Gentile: because God will break down the partition wall, and will set up his Church in all nations. Thus was that saying of David in Psalm 2:8 touching Christ, accomplished: Ask of me, and…

Angels and kings, I admit, are sometimes dignified with this title in Scripture; but they are denominated in common the sons of God, on account of their high rank. But it is perfectly clear and certain, that God distinguishes his own Son from all the others, when he thus address…

When the Scripture says, that God is in heaven, the meaning is, that all things are subject to his dominions, — that the world, and everything in it, is held by his hand, — that his power is everywhere diffused, — that all things are arranged by his providence. David says, “He t…

Let every one that calls on the name of God depart from iniquity, (2 Timothy 2:19.) We are all commanded to kiss the Son of God, (Psalm 2:12;) and we ought, therefore, to see that no one give him a traitor’s kiss, otherwise it will cost us dear to have been elevated to so great…

Moreover in these words. Paul does not only prove Christ to have taken the true nature of flesh, but also plainly distinguishes the human nature, from the divine in him: and so he refutes the wicked doting of Servetus, who feigned Christ to have flesh composed of three uncreated…

And what is there desirable in this world, in comparison therewith! Thou Lord hast made me glad through your works: I will triumph in the works of your hands, Psalm 2:4 Your hearts may be as sweetly and sensibly refresht by the works of Gods hands, as by the words of his mouth.…

So that a man fearing God is as much as this: a man worshipping God according to his own will, or according to his mind and direction. Now when Job is said to be a man fearing God, you must take it both these ways; he had that holy affection of fear with which we must worship Go…

Even so likewise does he not destroy reason, wisdom and laws, for they must be had, if the world shall be maintained: but pride, and the high-minded, who serve themselves with these gifts, fear not God, persecute the good and God's law, and abuse such beautiful gifts of God agai…

In a word, she is where she would be, as the effects show. 2. Consider who brought her into these chambers; it is the King, even him she prayed to, to draw her, he has heard her: this King (as being the chief of all that ever bore that name) is called the King, by way of eminenc…

There are four things in the verse, 1. The parties spoken to. 2. A glorious object propounded to them. 3. This glorious object being Christ, is qualified and set out in his most lovely and wonderful posture, by three qualifications. 4. A duty in reference to him so qualified, is…

When Samuel knew it was the Lord that spoke to him, he lent an ear (2 Samuel 3:5): Speak Lord, your servant hears. They who slight God speaking in his Word, shall hear him speaking in his wrath (Psalm 2:5). Then shall he speak to them in his wrath.

We may then beforehand proclaim Christ to be victorious. He is crowned king in mount Zion; God did put the crown upon his head (Psalm 2); and who dare take it off again? Out of question he has sore and grievous quarrels against his church, and therefore he is called (Isaiah 39:1…

The truths of it contradicted as false and groundless, the great doctrines of the mediation of Christ, and the resurrection of the dead were ridiculed by the Athenian philosophers (Acts 19:18, 32). The laws of it faulted as grievous and unreasonable, as hard sayings, which could…

The virgin daughter of Zion has despised them, and laughed them to scorn, the daughter of Jerusalem has shaken her head at them (Isaiah 37:22); and has therefore put them to shame, because God has despised them, as it is said (Psalm 53:5). He that sits in the heavens enjoying hi…

This makes all his subjects become volunteers; they are willing to pay their allegiance to him (Psalm 110:3), Your people shall be a willing people; Plur. Gnam nedabot. 2. Christ is a King to defend his people, as Christ has a scepter to rule them, so a shield to defend them (Ps…

Here is God showing mercy to us; he spins out our forfeited liberties. 3. God shows mercy to us in preventing many evils from invading us (Psalm 3:3): You, O Lord, are a shield for me. God has restrained the wrath of men, and been a screen between us and danger.

As unbelief stains God's honor, and eclipses his name (1 John 5:10): He that believes not makes God a liar; so faith does glorify and hallow God's name. The believer trusts his best jewel in God's hands (Psalm 3:5): Into your hands I commit my spirit. Faith in a mediator does mo…

The third is willfulness: for when the disciples told him that they had seen the Lord, he said flatly, that unless he saw in his hands the print of the nails, he would not believe, and that which is worse than all this, he continued eight days in this willful mind. Now in this e…

Let all Christ's followers look for a growing cross, and a sadder and sadder Now. (Psalm 3) Lord, how are they increased that trouble me? (Psalm 25:17) The troubles of my heart are enlarged — that is, become most broad.

Now this is a spirit of liberty, to have the heart set free from all fears, it is the sum of all security, he has redeemed us, that we might serve him without fear all the days of our lives (Luke 1:74-75, 78). We are free from fear of death, and hell, and of the world, and we do…

Yet his heart was toward the temple, which was a type of Christ; he in his heart had respect to the place where the temple stood, and therein he showed his respect to Christ, and so having respect to him, he had him as his Savior, most unruly Jonah; yet he having respect to Chri…

Thus, like the beggar, we shall be always piecing and mending our garment. The second, that as travelers, we must forget things past, and go on to do more good (Psalm 3:14). The third, that we must set before us the crown of eternal glory and seek to apprehend it (1 Timothy 6:11…

It is true wisdom to be wise for our souls, and for everlasting happiness: and it was the folly of the foolish virgins, that they did not furnish themselves with the oil of grace in time convenient. The second rule: we must in this world come as near heaven and the happiness of…

Therefore let us learn to adhere so firmly to God's will that, although many may strive to move us from his service, we may nevertheless steadily persevere in his obedience. And David himself sets before us the use of this history in Psalm 3, when he says: Many say, who shall de…

Trust and confidence in God it is the life of their souls. (Psalm 3) 2. There is no help for him in God.

One froward wicked man may do much harm in his neighborhood, as there are some whom God reserves as scourges to his people, and goads and thorns to their sides. But when many rise up against us, the temptation is the greater (Psalm 3:1): "Lord, how are they increased which troub…

The saints though they are bruised, yet they are blessed. Not only they shall be blessed, but they are so: Psalm 119:1, Blessed are the undefiled; Psalm 3:8, Thy blessing is upon thy people. Question. How are the saints already blessed?

Would you be secured in evil times? Get grace and fortify this garrison; a good conscience is a Christian's royal fort. David's enemies lay round about him, yet he says: I laid me down and slept (Psalm 3:5). A good conscience can sleep in the mouth of a cannon.

When his sins and temptations have been strong, God has come in with auxiliary forces and his grace has been sufficient. When his heart has been sinking under fears, God has buoyed him up out of the quicksands and lifted up his head out of deep waters (Psalm 3:3): you, O Lord, a…

Philippians 4:12. I know both how to be abased, and how to abound: everywhere, and in all things I am instructed, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. If I die, it is good; if I live, it is good; if I be full, and rich, it is good; if I be hungry,…

Truly this assuredness only nourishes and defends faith, when we hold fast that which is said in the Psalm: The Lord is our protection, our help in trouble, therefore we will not fear, when the earth shall tremble, and the mountains shall leap into the heart of the sea (Psalm 46…

4. In case we are close begirt with Enemies. There is a Psalm suited to this condition, Lord how are they increased that trouble me? many are they that rise up against me, Psalm 3:1. I laid me down and slept, verse 8.

4. That faith is argued to be strong that has no light of comfort, but walks in darkness upon the margin and borders of a hundred deaths, and yet stays upon the Lord (Isaiah 50:11). So this woman had no comfort, nor ground of sense of comfort from Christ, except rough answers an…

Where the worm never dies, and the fire is not quenched (Mark 9:44). Use 1. See how deadly an evil sin is; how strange is it that any one should love it (Psalm 4:3). How long will you love vanity?

The enemy may invade our palaces, but not our peace; this man Christ shall be the peace. When the head aches, the heart may be well; when worldly troubles assault a Christian, his mind may be in peace and quiet (Psalm 4:8): I will lay me down in peace, and sleep. It was now a sa…

He who fears God imagines that whatever he is doing, God looks on, and as a judge, weighs all his actions. 2. To fear God is when we have such a holy awe of God upon our hearts that we dare not sin (Psalm 4:4): Stand in awe and sin not. The wicked sin and fear not; the godly fea…

The more grace, the more joy; as the more sap in the root, the more wine in the grape. Who did more increase in grace than David, and who more in consolation (Psalm 4:7)? You have put gladness in my heart: Grace turns to joy, as the milk to cream.

1. I begin with the first, the petition, Remitte nobis peccata nostra, Forgive us our sins. A blessed petition! the ignorant world say, who will show us any good? (Psalm 4:6) meaning, a good lease, a good purchase; but our Saviour here teaches us to pray for that which is more n…

First, the immediate light of his countenance, which is a clear evident beam and revelation of God's favor, immediately testifying that we are his, which is called the sealing of the Spirit, received after believing (Ephesians 1:13), which David desired and rejoiced in more than…

And he must sorrow, not so much for the act of this sin, as for the corruption of nature in this behalf. Covetous people will plead that they are free from this vice, but mark men's lives, and we shall see it is a common disease, as David noted (Psalm 4:6), where he brings in th…

Plato told the musicians, that philosophers could dine and sup without them, much more a believer can be merry in the Lord, without the supplement of worldly comforts. 1. It is a more inward joy (Psalm 4:7): You have put gladness in my heart. Other joy lies more in the surface,…

To be sure in the dark day of desertion, when the soul is benighted, and in the stormy day of temptation, when the soul is in a hurry — it is utterly unfit to judge its estate. 'Examine your hearts upon your beds, and be still' — Psalm 4. This is rather a season for watching and…

And oh what memorable fruits of secret prayer had David frequently? Surely he felt the sweetness of it, both in his soul and body, in his spiritual estate, and political affairs: Therefore he commends it to all (Psalm 4). Commune with your own heart upon your bed (or in your bed…

Thus did Ezra (Ezra chapter 9), and Daniel (Daniel chapter 9), and David (Psalm 32:3). The fifth: in all our miseries and adversities, we must be silent in our hearts, by quieting our wills in the good will of God (Psalm 4:4). Examine yourselves, and be still.

2. In its effects, more exhilarating, cheering and refreshing. And, 3. in her esteem, to me (says she) it's better; I love it, prize it, and esteem it more (Psalm 4:8-9), Thereby you have made my heart more glad, etc. This his love is every way preferable, to all the most cheeri…

3. He has the watch of Angels (Psalm 34:7) pitching their tents about him, and chariots of Angels waiting on him. 4. He has God himself, and his Almighty power for his defense, who alone may make him dwell in safety, therefore he may lie down with confidence, and also sleep with…

Again, the mouth, and its sweetness especially, may be mentioned to signify friendliness and love, or rather the sensible manifestations of these, as the husband does by kissing his wife; and in this sense is taken, (Song of Solomon 1:2), and we take that to be aimed at here, to…

And therefore the wise man gives us this advice (Ecclesiastes 12:13): Fear God and keep his commandments. And the Psalmist (Psalm 4:4): Stand in awe and sin not. Secondly, as the authority of God is set forth to move us to obedience by working upon our fear, so his benefits and…

David drew near to God, for he was ever with him (Psalm 139:17). And this made his pillow soft when he went to sleep (Psalm 4:8): I will lay me down in peace. As the honey-dew falls upon the leaf: O that sweet serenity which drops as honey upon the soul, while it is drawing near…

Husbandmen divide and separate their own lands from other men's; they have their landmarks and boundaries, by which property is preserved (Deuteronomy 27:17; Proverbs 22:28). So are the people of God wonderfully separated, and distinguished from all the people of the earth (Psal…

Secondly, in regard of the relation they have to God: Gods people have a near relation to God; the nearer relation one has to great ones, the more high he is in the esteem of men; now Gods people though never so mean, have a wonderful near relation to God; for, First, they are t…

Know your folly, that you hast in this, like a Swine sought to take contentment in swill and husks, when as you hear there is bread enough in your Fathers house. Mark what the Psalmist says in Psalm 4:3 How long will you turn my glory into shame? how long will you love vanity an…

This in a lively manner shadows forth the infinite and incomprehensible Mercy of our God; whose Mercy is said to be over all his works, Psalm 145:9. In how many sweet Notions is the Mercy of God represented to us in the Scripture. He is said to be Plenteous, Psalm 4:5. Abundant,…

He has a hiding place and a covert, and rivers of water, and the shadow of a great rock for his security. This is the great mystery of faith in this matter of our acceptation with God by Christ: whereas the soul of a believer finds enough in himself and upon himself to rend the…

We see it by daily experience, that very many have little taste and sweetness and relish in their souls of those truths, which yet they savingly know and believe: But when we are taught by this unction, oh how sweet is every thing we know of God? As we may see in the place of Jo…

A sense of this love is able not only to relieve us but to make us in every condition rejoice with joy unspeakable and glorious. It is not with an increase of corn and wine and oil, but with the shining of the countenance of God upon us, that he comforts our souls, Psalm 4:6. Th…

By Esau's pleasant countenance Jacob perceived that he was pacified in his heart towards him, and thereupon said, I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, that is, an amiable, gracious countenance (Genesis 33:10). On this ground David desired God, to lift up t…

It will tread upon all to come within the embracements of Jesus Christ, and say with Saint Paul, I was not disobedient to, or unpersuaded by the heavenly vision. It is no wonder that the godly are by some called singular and precise — they are so: singular, a few selected ones p…

In prosperity it is pertinent to crown, and sanctify all other enjoyments, with this that so far surpasses them; and in distress it is the only nepenthe, the cordial of fainting spirits. So (Psalm 4): he has put joy into my heart, this mirth makes way for itself which other mirt…

And this is that sacrifice that shall never end, but continues in Heaven to Eternity. Then a holy course of life is called the Sacrifice of Righteousness (Psalm 4:6) (Philippians 4:18) (Hebrews 13:16), where he shows what sacrifices succeed to those, that thus he has taught, so…

As in that formal matrimonial covenant, that was used between the prophet and his wife (Hosea 3:3), "You shall not be for another man, so will I also be for you" — so in the covenant, we resolve to renounce all others, and to live and act for God. "The Lord has set apart him tha…

There must be such an aggregation or gathering together Gods scattered Saints, 1. From the near Relation they have to all the Persons in the Trinity: 1. To God the Faterh; he has chosen these Jewels and set them apart for himself, Psalm 4:3. and will he lose any of his Elect? 2.…

Among Christians, the good and bad, that do so seldom agree in anything, yet agree in this, every man would be happy and not miserable. (Psalm 4:6) There be many that say, who will show us any good? Good, good is the cry of the world; it is intended in the very nature of desire;…

1. There is a Reflexive Meditation, which is nothing but a solemn parley between a man and his own heart. Psalm 4:4. Commune with your own heart and be still. When we have withdrawn ourselves from company, that the mind may return upon itself, to consider what we are, what we ha…

Communion with God is the main thing that we seek after, as to the enjoyment of his favor in the acceptance of our persons and pardon of our sins. This is that the man of God expresses in his own name, and in the name of all the saints, Psalm 4:6-7. Lord, lift up the light of yo…

A delight better than carnal rejoicing. Wicked men that flow in ease and plenty, have not so much comfort as a godly man has in the enjoyment of God according to the tenor of his word (Psalm 4:7). You have put more gladness into my heart, than when their corn, wine, and oil incr…

A man's mind is lessened when he is under that passion. Griefs contract and lessen the soul, but joy enlarges it, as (Isaiah 60:5), and in this sense it is said (Psalm 4:1), you have enlarged me when I was in distress. In sorrow the spirits return to comfort and support the hear…

All desire to be happy by an inclination of nature, for to this were we appointed by God. Many say, who will show us any good (Psalm 4:6)? But men's practice is contrary, they live as if their end were to be miserable.

We were made for another, to be happy in the enjoyment of a being without us; therefore man must have something to love; for the affections of the soul cannot lie idle and without an object. (Psalm 4:6) Then many will say, who will show us any good? We all hunt about for a match…

1. Outward Deliverances out of Straits and Afflictions (Psalm 118:5): I called upon the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place: And (Psalm 18:19): He brought me forth also into a large place, he delivered me because he delighted in me. So (Psalm 4:1)…

The world will be soon gone, and the lust and taste thereof gone also; but he that goes on with the work of holiness, building on the promise of another world, lays a sure foundation. Partly because they do more intimately affect the soul; sensual delights do not go so deep as t…

Now God's comforts are such as God works, or God allows: take them in either sense, they come in with a commanding or overpowering efficacy upon the soul. If God excites it by his Spirit, who is the Comforter (Psalm 4:7), you have put gladness into my heart. There is little warm…

Our business is to keep God our friend: he has two properties that make him most comfortable or most terrible, according as he is at peace or war with us, eternity and omnipotency. Use. Let us take more occasions to think of God, and that with admiration: many take no more notic…

There is no rejoicing that is sincere but this. As the discomforts of the new creature are more real than all other discomforts, and pierce deeper; (a wounded spirit who can bear?) so the joys of the new creature, none go so deep; (Psalm 4:6) You have put more gladness into my h…

This is the difference between them and carnal men. (Psalm 4:6-7). The light of his countenance is spoken of either, with allusion to the sun, whose light displayed, cheers the plants; or with allusion to the smiles of a friend, one good look from God the children of God prefer…

It is a weighty matter of life and death. (Psalm 4:4) Commune with your hearts and be still, this is the way to check sin, and to come on most hopefully in a course of obedience. 3. Drive your thoughts to a resolution, to rectify whatever is amiss, never leave thinking of your w…

It is contrary to his directions in the word; for he shows us there that all our prayers should be mingled with a thankful sense and acknowledgment of his mercies. (Psalm 4:6) In every thing let your requests and supplications be made known with thanksgiving. Do not come only in…

For other things, let God deal with them as he will; but they value this among the greatest things which God bestows on mankind. Observe here how much the spirit of God's children differs from the spirit of the world; they account God has dealt well with them when he bestows upo…

This is the principal effect of God's merciful kindness in this life, and the great consolation of the saints, as offering a remedy against our greatest evil; which is trouble that arises from guilt and sin. This obtained fills them with joy and peace (Psalm 4:6-7), puts gladnes…

3. Let us be sensible of the want of it as the greatest misery (Matthew 9:15). 4. Rejoice in it above all things (Psalm 4:6-7). Be glad if this be promoted, though by sharp afflictions.

If people would often return to consider, they would not be hardened in sin. (Psalm 4:4) Commune with your own heart upon your beds. (Haggai 1:5) Now therefore thus says the Lord of hosts, consider your ways.

Let us eat and drink, and so on, is the voice of more men, than let us seek and serve God. Who will show us any good, namely, corn, wine, and oil, is the voice of many (Psalm 4), yes of all till regenerate. Man has become so sottish and brutish, that he lives by sense: now sense…

From hence come two great miseries on sinners from God, as judgments upon this separation. 1 God hides his face; and this follows on the separation, as it is expressed (Isaiah 59:2): Your iniquities have separated you and your God, and your sin has hid his face from you, or (as…

If there be a world of iniquity in the tongue, how many worlds of sin are there in the heart? "Their inward part is very wickedness" (Psalms 5:9). If the tongue, which is the outward part, be so wicked, the inward part is very wickedness.

Let his name be hallowed: by giving God his venerable titles we do as it were hang his jewels on his crown. 5. We hallow and sanctify God's name when we love his name (Psalm 5:11): Let them that love your name be joyful; and that love which is honoring God's name must be a speci…

2. God can so use evil instruments, that the work done by them being a sin, shall nevertheless in him be a good work: because he knows how to use evil instruments well. If it be further alleged, that God wills no wickedness (Psalm 5:5), we must know, that God's will is twofold,…

We may fear the Lord and his goodness (Hosea 3:5) as well as we fear his eternal displeasure. (4.) Sanctified soul-trouble is a son-like commotion and agony of spirit, for trampling under feet tender love, spurning and kicking against the lovely warmness of the flowings of the b…

The drift of the Psalm is, to set forth God's power and majesty when he comes to call the Gentiles, and to set up the evangelical way of his worship, when the light of the Gospel shall shine forth from Zion. (Psalm 5:5) By terrible things in righteousness will you answer us, O G…

Section 3. Further duties after Closet-Prayer. 3. Another duty after you have been with God in secret, is, to expect a seasonable return: stand upon your watch, hearken what God will speak; To you, says David, will I direct my Prayer, and will look up (Psalm 5:3). So do you: Chr…

Hereby we may plainly see that the Pope with his doctrine does nothing else, but trouble and torment men's consciences, and at length drives them to desperation: for he not only teaches, but also commands men to doubt. Therefore, according to the Psalm (Psalm 5:9): There is no t…

And (Psalm 15:2) he shall rest in the mountain of God, who speaks the truth from his heart. Lastly, destruction is the liar's reward (Psalm 5:6): God will destroy them that speak lies: and they must have their portion in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone (Revelation 22…

But the Prophet respected none of these things. Justice is often in the holy Scriptures taken for faithfulness; for God's righteousness shines especially in defending of his Saints: in which he shows a singular token of his sovereign and unspotted uprightness: (Psalm 5:9 and 7:1…

But now it often falls out, that in such doubtful cases we are entangled in our own thoughts, and put to a loss what course to take. We pray with David. that God would make his way plain before us, Psalm 5:8 Afraid we are of displeasing God, and yet doubtful we may do so; whethe…

(3.) As the freeness of mercies dispensed by Providence, engageth praise; so the Multitudes of mercies heaped this way upon us, strongly oblige the soul to thankfulness. Thus David comes before the Lord encompassed with a multitude of mercies to praise him, Psalm 5:7 We have our…

1. That it is God's due and our duty, to dedicate the morning, the first and best of every day to God. (Psalm 5:3). My voice you will hear in the morning, in the morning will I direct my prayer to you, and will look up. We have a saying among us, that the morning is a friend to…

As the not showing of the countenance supposes discontent or fear; So then the Lord calls by this to holy familiarity with him, and confidence in it, in opposition to her former fainting and misbelief. The second direction is, Let me hear your voice, To make him hear the voice,…

And this translation agrees well with the scope here, where before he broke off communing with the Bride, as in the first part of the verse he had commended her for her frequenting of public ordinances, and in the second, for her keeping fellowship with others, in both which her…

Purity: as washed doves' eyes for purity — this may be taken either subjectively, for the excellency and unmixed cleanness and purity of his sight and knowledge in himself, or objectively, for his delighting to behold purity in others. He is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity…

Again, the word Command is notable, and expresses the case to the full; command deliverances; all things are at God's command and beck; if he does but speak the word, or give out order to second causes, it is all done instantly. So, (Psalm 5:2) Hearken to the voice of my cry, my…

We pray, and then he gives direct answers, (Psalm 116:1) I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice, and my supplication. So our hope is exercised, in waiting for the blessing prayed for: (Psalm 5:3) O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayer to you, and will look up. Th…

Whatever it be, there must be such a sight in prayer, something answerable to this; in a spiritual way this must ever be done. (Psalm 5:3). I will pray, says the Psalmist, and look up. There is a looking up required in all prayer, a seeing the invisible God by faith.

When we come with raw dough-baked offerings, before we have concocted and prepared our thoughts by mature deliberation, we are barren or tumultuary in our prayers to God. Prayer is called by the name of meditation, because it is the product and issue of it, as Psalm 5:1: Give ea…

First men are smitten with the tongue of slander, and afterwards with the fist of wickedness: the showers of slander are but presages and beginnings of grievous storms of persecution; wicked men take more liberty when the children of God are imprisoned as criminals: Therefore it…

USE 1. If God be so ready to hear his people, let us not throw away our prayers as children shoot away their arrows; but let us observe God's answer, what comes in upon every prayer; in every address you make to God, put the soul in a posture of expectation. (Psalm 5:3) I will p…

7. It's a sin which God has expressly threatened to punish in this life, and in the life to come. In this life (Psalm 5:6): You shall destroy them that speak leasing. And (Proverbs 19:5): He that speaks lies shall not escape.

I think rather it is to be applied not to the righteousness he has required, but the righteousness that is in God himself. So (Psalm 5:8). (Lead me O Lord in your righteousness). Now the righteousness of God is put for the whole perfection of the divine essence; for his justice,…

In every nation he that fears God, and works righteousness, is accepted with him. (Psalm 5:5) You hate all the workers of iniquity. (Proverbs 11:20) They that are of a froward heart are an abomination to the Lord, but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

And it is an usual practice of Satan and his instruments, to blast the repute of religious persons, to clothe them with the livery of reproach, and then prosecute them as offenders. (Psalm 5:9) Their throat is an open sepulchre. The slanders of the wicked are preparatives to dea…

If we dissect and anatomize man, we shall find this but too true, for not to name every sin that cleaves to the whole or every part, but in a more general way, it is thus said of sinful men: their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness, with their tongues they use deceit, the p…

As it is the best of comforts to have assurance of the love of God, and to be sealed to the day of redemption; so it is the saddest of judgments to be given up (as it is three times in one place, Romans 1) to their lusts, to a hardened heart, a seared conscience, a reprobate min…

So (Deuteronomy 29:14, 15) he says not, he shall make another Covenant with these when they shall be born: but I make a Covenant with you, and with these that are not here, not born. Hence by way of excellency he calls it the Covenant, the Covenant of the Lord (Jeremiah 2[illegi…

4. We are to beware of 1. the reigning evils of the heart, of a rotten and unsound heart (1 Timothy 6:5; Psalm 119:82). 2. Of an unsavory stinking heart, that smells of hell and the second death, of all sort of unrighteousness and malice, like a green opened grave (Psalm 5:9). 3…

For truly nothing does so much awake us to cast all our confidence and assurance of mind upon the Lord, as does the distrust of ourselves and carefulness conceived by knowledge in conscience of our own wretchedness. And according to this meaning is that saying in the Prophet to…

Philosophy tells us there is a main-business, and a by-business; the same is found in religion also. There are those that give themselves to the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:5), whose way of life or trade is heaven (Philippians 3:18), the end or scope of whose life is Christ (Hebrews 1…

Teach me O Lord (Psalm 25:5), lead me in your truth. Like a blind man holding out his hand to his guide, so they (Psalm 5:8): Lord lead me in your righteousness. 2. It's not common leading, but the leading of children learning to go by a hold (Hosea 11:1).

Hence observe what acts of efficacious power instant and earnest prayer puts forth upon God, and how the clay-creature does work upon, and prevail with the great potter and former of all things. 1. Prayer is a messenger and a swift and winged post dispatched up to court (Psalm 5…

Objection 4: But I have neither weeping one way or other, ordinary nor marred. Answer: Looking up to heaven, lifting up of the eyes, goes for prayer also in God's books (Psalm 5:3). My prayer will I direct to you, and I will look up (Isaiah 48:14). My eyes fail with looking upwa…

What makes them to cry out, Holy, holy, holy, etc.? Why, the prophet was now to be sent about this very business we have now in hand, he was to go to the people (verses 9, 10, 11), to make their hearts fat, and their ears heavy, lest they should be converted: God is proclaimed t…

So (2 Samuel 24:10) David's heart smote him, and then he looks up to God for pardon (2 Samuel 7:18; 1 Chronicles 29:10). Thirdly, a praying frame brings with it a reverent fear of the holy presence of God, it puts him into a childlike awe-filled disposition (Psalm 5:7). In your…

First, "Give."] Hence I note, 1. That the good things of this life are the gifts of God; he is the founder and donor. 2. From this word "give," I note, that it is not unlawful to pray for temporal things; we may pray for daily bread (Proverbs 30:8): "Feed me with food convenient…

Thus have other of God's servants done, beside Hezekias. When David was grievously sick, the principal thing he did, was this practice of faith; in humbling his soul before God for his sins, and entreating earnestly the pardon of them, as we may see Psalm 6 and 38. This is the p…

We often find more fault, and first blame in Christ, if not only, before we see our own provocations. Hence the complaints of Job (chapters 6, 13, 16, 19) and of Jeremiah (chapters 20, 15) of Hezekiah (Isaiah 38) of Asaph (Psalm 77) of Heman (Psalm 88) of the Church (Isaiah 49:1…

Secondly, this Spirit of God that we receive from the holy one, it is also a spirit of faith, that inwardly persuades us that God has indeed heard us, and that he will do for us whatever we desire, and will sometimes evidently bear witness of it to the heart of a man (Mark 11:24…

And of such terrors David speaks in Psalm 22:17, where he says; I may tell all my bones. Again, Psalm 6:6, I water my couch with tears. Also, My soul is sore troubled (Psalm 6:3).

We have our How longs, and has not God his? We cry, Psalm 6:3 But you O Lord, how long? Psalm 13. 1, 2. How long wilt you forget me, O Lord, for ever?

My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments (Psalm 119:120). The flesh is to be awed with divine judgments, though the higher and surer part of the soul is strongly and freely tied with the cords of love, temporal corrections indeed they fear not so much…

How earnestly does David pray wash me, Purge me with hyssop. Though bathed in tears (Psalm 6:6), that satisfied not — wash me. This is the honorable condition of the saints, that they are purified and consecrated to God by this sprinkling, yea have on long white robes washed in…

1. Instances (Psalm 118:17): I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord. This was David's hope in the prolongation of life, that he should have further opportunity to honor God; and this argument he urges to God when he prays for life (Psalm 6:5): For in death t…

Though the wicked are not presently punished, yet they are all cursed, and in time they shall be punished. 4. The begun-execution of this curse, You have rebuked them, that is, punished or destroyed (Psalm 6:1), Rebuke me not in your anger, neither chasten me in your hot displea…

'This is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us; and if we know that he hears us whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him': God's hearing of us, his audience is a distinct thing from the ans…

3. We learn from this the preciousness of time; it was so to David, see how he spends the time of his life. We read of David when he lay down at night, he watered his couch with his tears, after the examination of his heart (Psalm 6:6); at midnight he rose to give thanks. In the…

Second, we may complain of the delay of comfort, God's children have done so. Psalm 6:3. "But you, O Lord, how long?" Psalm 13:1. "How long will you forget me, Lord, forever? how long will you hide your face from me?"

God seals his pardons upon melting hearts. Tears, though they are silent, yet have a voice (Psalm 6:8). Tears wash away sin; rain melts and washes away a ball of snow.

2. It is a more Gospel way to bear in the threat of everlasting wrath than of temporal rods. 3. Desertions and trials under the Law were more legal and sharp and sad upon David, Hezekiah, Job, Jeremiah, Heman (Psalm 6; Psalm 38; Psalm 77; Psalm 102; Psalm 88; Isaiah 38; Jeremiah…

She brought two things to Christ (says Austin) unguentum & lachrymas, tears and oyntment; her tears were better than her oyntment. Tears are powerful Orators for mercy; they are silent, yet they have a voice, (Psalm 6:8). Hear the voice of my [illegible]eeping.

8. A godly man is an Evangelical weeper. David did sometimes sing with his Harp, and sometimes the Organ of his eye did weep, Psalm 6:6. I water my couch with tears. Christ calls his Spouse his Dove, Canticles 2:14.

Pour out your wrath upon the nations that have not known you, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon your name. And David says: Lord, rebuke me not in your wrath, nor correct me in your anger (Psalm 6:2; Psalm 38:2). And it makes nothing to the contrary, that oftentimes…

That affliction may be a Furnace to refine, not consume us. Pray, that if God do correct us, it may not be in anger, Psalm 6:1. That we may taste the honey of his love at the end of the rod.

How sad a moan does Job make of his long-continued affliction (Job 16:6-7): 'Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged; and though I forbear, what am I eased?', 'But now he has made me weary.' And if you look into Psalm 6:3, 6, you may see another strong Christian even tired in t…

Therefore, Faith frequently in the Psalms, prays, and answers. Psalm 6:4, compared with verse 9. Psalm 55:2, Attend to me, and hear me, verse 19.

3. This cannot stand with the promise of perseverance, made in the covenant of grace (Jeremiah 32:40-41; Isaiah 59:21, 24; Ezekiel 36:27; John 6:39-40; John 4:13-14). Nor 4. with the faith of persuasion of perseverance (Romans 8:38-39; Jude 24-25; Psalm 6; 2 Timothy 4:18), and 5…

There are some cautions here that are considerable. 1. God leads some strong ones to heaven whose affections are soft, as David's were (Psalm 35:13 and Psalm 119:25, 28, 136, 53; Psalm 6:6), and yet faith is strong (Psalm 22:1) — God possibly immediately working upon the assenti…

Objection 2: I have not so much as a voice to utter to God; and Christ says (Song of Songs 2:14): Cause me to hear your voice. Answer: Indeed, but some other thing has a voice besides the tongue (Psalm 6:8). The Lord has heard the voice of my weeping: tears have a tongue, and gr…

2. The ground of it is God's mercy; the two blind men (Matthew 20:30) put this in their bill — they cry, Have mercy on us, O Lord, you Son of David. They will not have seeing eyes, but under the notion of mercy: David, pained with severe sickness, as some think, or under some ot…

And a threefold grace watchfulness has a special respect to in this particular. First purity, both with God and man (Psalm 6:18). If I regard iniquity, if I squint aside at any sin, God will not hear me.

And so between works and such passions there is an inestimable difference of better place, condition, and price. Moreover, the highest degree of faith is when God punishes our conscience not only with temporal hurts and persecutions, but with death, hell, and sin, and seems in a…

There is more difficulty in the contrivance and pursuit of a wicked design, than in obeying the commandments of God. Hence a sinner is said to travel with iniquity (Psalm 7:14). A woman while she is in travail, is in pain, to show what pain and trouble a wicked man has, in bring…

Secondly, Deliver us from Evil; that is, from temporal evil; we pray that God will either prevent temporal evils, or deliver us out of them. 1. We pray that God will prevent temporal evils; that he will be our screen to stand between us and danger (Psalm 7:1). Save me from them…

This is generally used in Scripture to express vengeance, more especially in the prophecy of Ezekiel. So also in Psalm 7:13: 'If he turns not, God has whetted his sword and prepared his instruments of death' — to inflict torments, and eternal torments also, as Deuteronomy 32 imp…

Objections of Papists. (Psalm 7:8) Judge me according to my righteousness. Hence they reason thus, if David be judged according to his righteousness then may he be justified thereby, but David desires to be judged according to his righteousness: and therefore he was justified th…

(Romans 2:8-9) Indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that does evil; which one place, putting the four words together says, 1. That there is sorrow most certainly and inseparably on every soul that has sinned, and 2. That this sorrow is exceeding…

And though we see but very little appearance of the spreading of the gospel among the Jews, and Pagans, or where Antichrist reigns; the visible church being now for many years rather encroached upon than extended; yet there is not one word here promised, but it shall be accompli…

God makes a good cause, though darkened, to shine as daylight, if men would open their eyes and see. Psalm 7:5, Roll over your way upon the Lord, and trust in him, and he shall bring it to pass. But flesh and blood says, Innocence lies in the dark, and weeps in sackcloth in the…

Now the vain-glorious man takes another course, first and principally aiming at the glory and good liking of man, having small or no regard of the two other. 2. Excuse: There is a good boasting, which David used, and that we may lawfully use (Psalm 7:8). Answer: Boasting is eith…

Bellarmine answers, that it may be both a reward, and an inheritance: a reward, because it is given to laborers upon compact: an inheritance, because it is given to none, but those that are children. But the word [Greek text] translated reward, signifies a gift freely given with…

For say, that God suffers them for a time to consult, to imagine, and rage against us, yet in the end he will scatter all that they have rashly and proudly done, as chaff before the wind. Let us also know that this which Isaiah has prophesied against Sennacherib, does likewise a…

I deny not but the Lord sometimes admits his children to rejoice in the things which they have well done: not as boasting of their deserts in his sight, but to acknowledge his benefits, and to be so touched with the remembrance thereof, that they may the better fit themselves th…

I am not ignorant that this place is otherwise expounded by some, namely, that while the wicked are weaving the web of other men's destruction, they overthrow themselves; and thinking themselves very wise, do notwithstanding plot their devices in vain. And thus are caught in the…

Lions and other rapacious and cruel easts, especially when hungry, tear and devour their prey: And for Arbitrary and rational Agents, they also act according to the principles and Laws of their natures. A wicked man when his heart is fully set in him, and his will stands in a fu…

The difference of states, manners and persons must remain on earth, as long as we live: but the heart may not cleave to nor flee: not cleave to them of high estate and rich, nor flee the abject, despised and needy. After this manner says David also in Psalm 7: Maintain the just…

To be under the apple-tree, implies her to be near him, and actually delighting herself in him, as being abundantly refreshed under his shadow, as was cleared, (Chapter 2:3). Her raising up of Christ, imports these three things, 1. A duty on her part (to say so) putting him to s…

If London would be chastised, and receive the impressions of grief and shame for their sins by these judgments, God's bowels would be moved, and his fierce anger would be changed into tender compassions; and though he has spoken terribly against London, yet he would now speak co…

The Israelites had freed them from Sihons yoak, and yet they conspire against them, and seek their ruine. Secondly, it is mighty bitter where it is: Psalm 7:13 it is said, that God has ordained his arrows against the persecutors; the word signifies, such as burn in danger and ma…

I tell you he will avenge them speedily. Persecutors stand in the place where all Gods Arrows fly, Psalm 7:13. He ordaineth his Arrows against the Persecutors.

But, I ask, with what candor, with what integrity, when some are perjurers, others profane the most holy name of God, and like apes only imitate those words of God's faithful servants, 'God is my witness.' Therefore when we appeal to God and summon the adverse party on a day bef…

Love will tell you; but lest you should miss, God himself has told you (Proverbs 23:26), My Son give me your heart. There is no need to wish for windows in your body: He searches the heart and tries the reins (Psalm 7:9). The righteous God tries the hearts and reins.

Would you have your consolation here (Luke 6)? Your portion here (Psalm 7)? Would you value yourselves by the flourishing of the outward man, or the renewing of the inward man (2 Corinthians 4:16)?

A wicked man's brain is a forge, that is always hot. So (Psalm 7:14) Behold, he travails with iniquity, and has conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. Wicked men conceive, and then travail, but usually the birth proves abortive.

The proud helpers do stoop under him (Job 9:13) — the helpers of pride, so it is; man is apt to be very proud, and has helpers of pride; and it is observable, that the word we read, pride, signifies strength also, to denote that man is very apt to be proud of his strength; but a…

Oh what an injury has sin done in separating man from the Divine Life and Nature, and sinking him into the dregs and death of sin, namely made him dead in sin! 3 Sin has separated man from the love of God: I speak not now of what love and good will there is in God toward man, bu…

Though some may do very much in a way of duty (as I shall show hereafter) and yet miscarry, yet that soul that does duty with the least sincerity shall never miscarry. For he saves the upright in heart (Psalm 7:10). The least measure of true grace is as saving as the greatest, i…

A young plant is easily removed, but when the tree is once rooted, there is no stirring of it: you who are rooted in your pride, unbelief, impenitency, it will cost you many a sad pull before you are plucked out of your natural estate. It is a hard thing to have a brazen face an…

1. God screens off temporal evil. There are many casualties and contingencies which are incident to life; God mercifully prevents them; he keeps watch and ward for his children (Psalm 7:10). My defense is of God (Psalm 121:4).

There is more difficulty and perplexity in the contrivance and pursuit of wicked ends than in obeying the sweet and gentle precepts of Christ. A wicked person is said to labor with iniquity (Psalm 7:14), showing what anxious pain and trouble he has in bringing about his wickedne…

Isaac an earthly father moved, and his heart went and torn with the weeping and tears of Esau his son, so as he must confer some blessing upon him; far more must the bowels of our Father infinite in mercy be turned within him, at the weeping and tears of a praying and crying Chu…

Suppose a man have a willing mind, to pray in the power of God's Spirit, to confer fruitfully, etc., that he might build up his soul in his holy faith, now all that comes from him is a lively fruit of grace, be it otherwise never so weak (Psalm 103:14). God knows what we are mad…

Many bitter complaints the good man makes against such men, but it is in case they offend of malicious wickedness. Secondly, faith will plead its own innocency against all its adversaries (Psalm 7:3-4). He will acknowledge that he has done much evil in God's sight, but if agains…

Great was the work of creation, but greater the work of redemption: it cost more to redeem us than to make us; in the one there was but the speaking a word, in the other shedding of blood (Luke 1:51). The creation was but the work of God's fingers (Psalm 8:3). Redemption the wor…

There is in God all that may draw forth both wonder and delight; he is [illegible], there is in him a constellation of all beauties; he is Prima Causa, the original and spring-head of being, who sheds a glory upon the creature. This is to glorify God when we are God-admirers; we…

1. When God made the world he met with no opposition; as he had nothing to help him, so he had nothing to hinder him: but when he comes to convert a sinner, here he meets with opposition; Satan opposes him, and the heart opposes him: a sinner is angry with converting grace. 2. T…

3. God made all things at first very good (Genesis 1:31). No defect or deformity. The creation came out of God's hands a curious piece; it was a fair copy, without any blot, written with God's own fingers (Psalm 8:3). So perfect was God's work. 2. The adorning of the world.

12. We hallow and sanctify God's name, when we give the same honor to God the Son, as we give to God the Father (John 5:23): That all men should honor the Son even as they honor the Father. The Socinians deny Christ's divinity, saying, that he is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], a b…

In the redeeming us there was shedding of blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). The creation was the work of God's fingers (Psalm 8:3). Redemption was the work of his arm (Luke 1:5).

Where we learn, that whosoever is endued with saving faith, is also touched with fear and reverence at the consideration of God, and his glorious works; whether they be works of his power, his wisdom, his mercy, or his justice, or of all together. For the first: David could not…

1. Sovereignty of power and might: this the phrase "sitting at God's right hand" implies, (Matthew 26:64), where Christ himself expounds the purport of it: Hereafter you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power: And so, (Ephesians 1:20-22), this is made the pr…

The proof of it needs not so much to be spoken to as the improvement of it, which we are called upon for everywhere. 1. It is a mercy that being so great, he takes notice of us (Psalm 8:3-4): When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars which you ha…

Literally the words run, Out of the mouth of infants and sucklings thou hast founded strength, (Psalm 8:2;) by which David means that, though every tongue were silent, “Quand toutes bouches seroyent closes, et toutes langues se tairoyent;” — “though every mouth were closed, and…

Christ did not chuse the eloquent Orators, or men of Authority in the Courts of Kings and Emperours, but twelve poor Mechanicks, and Fisher-men; and these not sent together in a troop, but some to take one Countrey to conquer it, and some another: the most ridiculous course (in…

Never was man so magnified before. If David could say, Psalm 8. . When I consider the Heavens the work of your hands, the Moon and Stars which you hast ordained, Lord, what is man?

In the one, there was only the speaking a word (Psalm 148:5); in the other the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22). The creation was the work of God's fingers (Psalm 8:3); the redemption, the work of his arm (Luke 1:5). In the creation God gave us ourselves; in the redemption he ga…

And if we do (as there is occasion) with humility and sincerity, and from a principle of zeal for God, and his honor, appear in defense of religion, and its injured cause, we may doubtless take encouragement from that promise (Matthew 10:19): it shall be given you in that same h…

1. In regard of Christ, the more to magnify his love. Our former estate, before he cast the wings of his mercy upon us, shows our unworthiness, our vileness, and wretchedness, and in that respect it opens our heart and mouth to think and say, O Lord our Lord, what is man that yo…

Before the foundation of the world] This we understand by faith, that the world was framed by the word of God; although the learned probably think it evincible by human reason, yet some of those that have gloried most in that, and are reputed generally masters of reason, have no…

As a man is known by his name, so God's titles and attributes, his ordinances, his works, his word, are his name; chiefly the two latter. For his works, they are a part of the name of God (Psalm 8:1): the burden of that Psalm is twice repeated — O Lord, our Lord, how great is yo…

It is notable, David does (in two Psalms especially) contemplate heaven — [reconstructed: one] seems to be a nightly, the other a [reconstructed: day]-meditation. The night-meditation you have, (Psalm 8:3). When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the…

His speaking here of the subjection of the whole world, is to show, that whatever thing we have need of, if we can resort to our Lord Jesus Christ, he is able to succor us, for he has wherewith to do it. Indeed we must mark well how it is said in Psalm 8, that God has care of al…

1. That to us, who can neither hurt him, nor help him. (Psalm 8:3-4), Lord, what is man that you are mindful of him? and the son of man that you visit him? What a poor sorry creature is man? will you set your eyes upon such a one?

Thus the creatures lift up our minds to the Creator. David had his night-meditation (Psalm 8:3). When I consider the heavens, the work of your hands, the moon, and the stars which you have ordained, etc. The sun is not mentioned.

(Psalm 19:1): The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows his handiwork. (Psalm 8:3): And when I consider your heavens, the work of your [reconstructed: fingers], the moon and the stars which you have ordained. David when he walked abroad in a moonlit night, he…

2. To study it so as some good may come of it: we should keep our thoughts on this holy subject. 1. Till we admire God. The degree of the saints' knowledge here below is only to proceed to admiration (Psalm 8:1). O Lord our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth! When…

There is no part of the world that we can set our eyes upon, but it speaks praise to God, and the thoughts of his bounty to the creatures, especially to man: for all things were either subjected to man's dominion, or created for his use and benefit. If we look to the Heavens, al…

1 Sin has degraded man by defiling him, and tantum non almost unmanned him; for as our text speaks of sin as a man, so the holy Scripture speaks of man as if he were sin, and every man were a man of sin (made up of sin) whether we consider the outer or inner man. Man was a very…

He is set over the works of God's hands, and all things are put in subjection under him (Hebrews 2:7-8). And what are those all things, or what are among them, you may see in the place of the Psalmist from which the Apostle cites those words (Psalm 8:6-8). And did he die for all…

The sun has no glory, the moon and stars no beauty, the order and influence of the heavenly bodies have no excellency in comparison of it. This is that which the Psalmist designs to declare (Psalm 8): "O Lord our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth! Who has set you…

For in that very nature, God has set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principalities, and powers, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. This is that which is so celebrated…

His argument from (Psalm 8:5-6) and (Hebrews 2:6-9) is built on those words, "You have put all things under his feet." He was of the opinion that those words mean, by the universality of the terms, that even sin itself shall be subjected to Christ; and that sin cannot be subject…

3. Armor of proof; it does furnish us with weapons to fight against the adversaries of the truth. 4. It is the holy seed of which grace is formed: it is semen fidei, the seed of faith (Psalm 9:10). It is Radix Amoris, the root of love (Ephesians 3:17).

God adjourns the sessions, spins out his mercies toward sinners, and if they repent not, his patience will be a witness against them, and his justice will be more cleared in their condemnation, (Psalm 51:4) That you might be justified when you speak, and be clear when you judge.…

1. The relation of a Father (2 Corinthians 6:18). I will be a Father to you: A Father is full of tender care for his child: Who does he settle the inheritance upon but his child? God being our God will be a Father to us; a Father of mercy (2 Corinthians 1:3). the everlasting Fat…

Hell is Domus Servitutis, a house of bondage; a house built on purpose for sinners to lie in. 1. That there is such a house of bondage where the damned lie (Psalm 9:17): The wicked shall be turned into Hell (Matthew 23:33): How can you escape the damnation of Hell. If any one sh…

Ignorance is the nurse of impiety: the Schoolmen say, Omne peccatum fundatur in ignorantia; (Jeremiah 9:3). They proceed from evil to evil, and know not me, says the Lord. Where ignorance reigns in the understanding, lust rages in the affections: (Proverbs 19:2). That the mind b…

The snares they lay for others catch themselves. Psalm 9:16. In the net which they hid is their own foot taken. God loves to counter-plot politicians; he makes use of their own wit to undo them, and hangs Haman upon his own gallows.

Use 2 of Exhortation. Branch 1. If God be so glorious a king, full of power and majesty, let us trust in him (Psalm 9:10), They that know your name will put their trust in you: Trust him with your soul; you cannot put this jewel in safer hands; and trust him with church and stat…

Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God. Though the Lord visits for every sin, yet he will in a special manner make inquisition for blood (Psalm 9:12). If a beast did kill a man, the beast was to be stoned, and his flesh must not be eaten (Exodus 21:8).

4. A fourth aggravation is, this loss of the Kingdom of Heaven is accompanied with the punishment of sense. He who leaps short of the bank falls into the river; such as come short of Heaven fall into the river of fire and brimstone; (Psalm 9:17) The wicked shall be turned into h…

So his Son's name also is all-sufficient to answer all objections for faith to rest upon. 'They that know his name will trust in him' (Psalm 9:10). A second reason why his name is sufficient — though you have and see nothing in yourself, nor any promise made to any grace in you…

Of the Devil (John 8:44). And with an emphasis, the wicked (Psalm 9:17). Answer: In these grammatical arguments Mr. Moor shows how weak his cause is, and how dubious from the word "men" and "all"; for Hebrews 9:27, it is said, it is appointed for all men to die, and the Holy Gho…

This irreligious Inference carnal reason was ready to draw from the dispensations of outward prosperity to wicked men; but now if we would hedfully observe, either the signal retributions of Providence to many of them in this world, or to all of them in the world to come; O what…

Psalm 7. 14, 15, 16. Psalm 9:16 O what exact proportions do Providences and Scriptures hold! little do men take notice of it.

Behold, I will send a blast upon him, &c. So when God glorifies his wisdom and power, in delivering his people from their Enemies, and ensnaring them in the works of their own hands, a double note of attention is affixed to that double work of Providence, Psalm 9:16 higgaion sla…

But the Christian is never superannuated as to the work of religion; indeed, the longer he lives, the more his Master expects from him. When he is full of days, God expects he should be full of fruits (Psalm 9:14): They shall bring forth fruit in old age, they shall be fat and f…

For ought appears by what we have quoted by Morinus, he is like to prove a Notable witness of the Antiquity of the points. It may be well supposed that Morinus writing on set purpose against their Antiquity would produce that Testimony which in his whole Author was most to his p…

This is such a wild conceit as destroys both all law of reason in human societies, and all religious obligation to the Laws of God. For the qualification and measure, I shall mention no other, but that in the Text, that it be always regulated by this, that here goes before it, t…

2. Study his name, if you would sanctify his name. (Psalm 9:10) They that know his name will put their trust in him. 3. Submit to his providence without murmuring.

He must be both God and Man: he must be God that he may see mens Hearts: and he must be man that he himself may be seen. What a solemn day will this be, when Christ shall sit upon the Bench of Judicature! he will judge righteously, Psalm 9:8. Though he himself was wronged, he wi…

If we had more knowledge of God and his ways, we should trust him more, fear him more, love him more. Trust him (Psalm 9:10): And they that know your name, will put their trust in you: for you, Lord, have not forsaken them that seek you. If God were more known, he would be bette…

2. It engages you to dependence and assurance of faith. (Psalm 9:10) They that know your name will put their trust in you: for you, Lord, have not forsaken them that seek you. Whoever has observed God's dealings, will see God is to be trusted, he may be depended upon; if he has…

1. As to the means if you would do so. 1. Know him (Psalm 9:10): They that know your name will put their trust in you, if God were better known he would be better trusted (2 Timothy 1:12): I know whom I have believed. 2. Get a covenant interest in him, if our interest be clouded…

2. When God raises in our minds some particular express hope (as in some cases he may do) to these things that are of a temporal nature, and are conditionally promised, and where our qualification is clear, he will not disappoint us (2 Corinthians 1:12). Though the promises of t…

That is, many times there are such providences, that all that behold them, shall see, and say, that godliness and holiness are matters of advantage and benefit in this world, abstracted from the rewards to come; and so an infallible evidence that the world is not governed by cha…

Whet truths upon the understanding, and agitate your minds in this holy work. 2. My next work is to show, that it is a notable help to godliness, and that appears enough, in that forgetting God is assigned as the cause of all mischief, and remembering God the engagement to all d…

See how God pours out his Name (Exodus 34:5-7): And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the Name of the Lord, and the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in go…

That is an idle speculation that does not beget trust: an empty praise, a mere compliment that does not produce a real confidence in God, that he will give us spiritual blessings when we heartily desire them. True knowledge of God's name breeds trust (Psalm 9:10): They that know…

Psalm 7:15. He made a pit, and dug it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. Psalm 9:15-16. The Lord is known by the judgment which he executes: the wicked is snared by the work of his own hand. They are sunk down into the pit they dug: in the net which they hid is their o…

Holiness is the beauty of Earth and Heaven, without which we cannot live well on Earth, nor shall ever live in Heaven: certainly they that jeer and scoff at holiness, and rejoice that they are none of the holy ones, they do as if they should make bonfires, ring the bells, and gi…

Next judgment to this, is being let alone, or given up to a reprobate judgment, and a hardened heart; but that being future, and this (though present) invisible, I shall waive further speaking to them, and show that God has visibly judged this world for sin, from age to age. He…

When Cain had killed his brother, and his conscience felt the stroke of the curse, he was like a distracted man and mad: when Judas had betrayed his Master, he was weary of his life. 5 Sin is against the beauty of man; it takes away the loveliness of men's very complexions, it a…

But another man by the [illegible] of reason or strength of argument out of the [illegible] may convince my conscience, indeed settle and [illegible] my heart, in assurance of a truth which formerly I saw not, and therefore it is said (Acts 14:22) they confirmed the souls of the…

An ignorant man can have no love to God — you cannot desire what you do not know. He cannot have faith; knowledge must usher in faith (Psalm 9:10). He cannot worship God aright (John 4:22).

The first is knowledge. Faith is an intelligent grace; though there may be knowledge without faith, yet there can be no faith without knowledge: They that know your name will put their trust in you (Psalm 9:10). Philo calls it fides oculata, quick-sighted faith.

Thus when Saul hunted him, he left a city of gates and barres to trust God in open field. Indeed all the Saints are taught the same lesson, to renounce their own strength, and relie on the Power of God, their own policie, & cast themselves on the wisdom of God; their own righteo…

He who wants Grace, is like one who wants a pardon, he is every hour in fear of Execution: How can a wicked man rejoice? Over his head the Sword of God's Justice hangs, and under him hell fire burns. 9. The ungodly at death must undergo God's fury and indignation, Psalm 9:17. Th…

Sin draws Hell at the heels of it. Psalm 9.7. The wicked shall be turned into Hell. Not to speak of the punishment of loss, which Divines think is the worst part of Hell: (that is) the being separated from the beatifical sight of God, in whose presence is fullness of joy.

Therefore leave not your heart till it come to make that account of the promise, that the word says it is worth; I say leave not your heart till you see the promise of grace most beautiful in your eye, and that your heart may gain some earnest touching the goodness of God, and t…

To have Christ's face veiled over, and a perpetual eclipse, and midnight in the soul, to be cast out of God's presence, in whose presence is fullness of joy, this doth accent and embitter the condition of the damned; it is like mingling gall with wormwood. 2. Meditate upon the p…

That I am not fettered with the Prince of darkness is the debt of grace on me: that you are anything less than timber and firewood for Tophet, put it to Christ's account, and strike sail to Christ, and stoop to him. 7. Yet is the hope of the humble green at the root, it shall no…

So the Apostle prays that the Colossians might be enriched with the knowledge of God (Colossians 2:2). The more we know what God and Christ is, the better will we trust them (Psalm 9:9). Know, that God and Christ is a mystery, and so those great works of election, vocation, and…

No man knoweth the Son but the Father; neither knoweth any Man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Psalms 9:10. They that know thy Name, will put their Trust in Thee.

You who are given much to passion, whose tongue is often set on fire, take heed you do not one day in hell desire a drop of water to cool your tongue. 4. The evil tongue is the vain tongue, that vents itself in idle words: as if a tree should bear nothing but blossoms, Psalm 10:…

Hypocrites do not virtutem facere, but fingere, Melanct. they carry it fair with men, but care not how bad their hearts are; they live in secret sin: (Psalm 73:11). They say how does God know? (Psalm 10:11). God has forgotten, he hides his face, he will never see it. But (Psalm…

God has threatened to wound the hairy scalp of every one that goes on still in his trespasses (Psalm 68:21). He has threatened to judge adulterers (Hebrews 13:3), to be avenged upon the malicious (Psalm 10:14). You behold mischief and spite, to requite it with your own hand: to…

The higher grace is, the less earthly should Christians be: the higher the sun is, the shorter always is the shadow. 1. Covetousness exposes us to God's abhorrence (Psalm 10:3). The covetous whom the Lord abhors.

Prayer ushers in mercy. Be your case never so sad, if you can but pray you need not fear (Psalm 10:17); therefore give yourself to prayer.

Doing God's will will be both your comfort, and your crown. 10. If we are not doers of God's will, we shall be looked upon as contemners of God's will: let God say what he will, yet men will go on in sin, this is to contemn God (Psalm 10:13). Why does the wicked contemn God?

This is a sure sign of faith in every touched and humbled heart, and it is peculiar to the elect: and they which have this, have in them also the ground and substance of true saving faith: which afterward in time will grow up to greater strength. Reasons: 1. the promise of life…

'The poor leaves himself with you' — and does his God fail him? No: 'You are the helper of the fatherless' (Psalm 10:14) — that is, you are the helper of the destitute one who has none to go to but God. And that is a sweet Scripture (Psalm 112:7): 'He shall not be afraid of evil…

This drawing is by wiles, to steal a man off his feet. So (Psalm 10:9) a bird is drawn in the net. It is then a word borrowed from bodily strength, which draws heavy bodies out of one place to another, by strong hand.

3. It is the poor heritage of the sons of men, a clay patrimony (Psalm 115:16). The heavens, even the heavens are the Lord's; but the earth has he given to the children of men; and oppressors are the landlords of it (Psalm 10). God arises to judge (verse 18), that the man of the…

First, the Spirit certifies us of this, that surely our petitions are heard and granted, because he has given us a heart to pray, he has helped us to pray, we could never have prayed fervently, and feelingly, unless the Holy Ghost had helped us; we know we have straight hearts,…

These are the things that do most ravish the heart, and raise it in the contemplation of that glorious God to whom we speak; and fill us with the ecstasies of love, that we may be more like him, holy, wise, and good, as he is holy, wise and good. 4. We think a dry narrative to b…

2. A child of God that cannot speak a word, may put up an acceptable prayer: suppose the tongue which is the organ of speech, were cut out, yet a saint cannot thereby be obstructed in his access to God by prayer. For, as Amesius says, [Oratio formaliter est actus voluntatis] Pra…

1. Here is just ground of sharp rebuke to all graceless, prayerless persons, who understand nothing of this duty; they know not what it is to tug and struggle with the Lord in Closet-Prayer. David says, The wicked through the pride of his countenance will not seek after God, God…

8. Would you not prevent and circumvent wicked men's secret plots? Be sure then, you undermine them by secret prayer: The Devil and the Pope have many close and conclave consultations to undermine the Protestant religion, and to root out the name of Israel from under heaven: the…

Hereby we may plainly see that the Pope with his doctrine does nothing else, but trouble and torment men's consciences, and at length drives them to desperation: for he not only teaches, but also commands men to doubt. Therefore, according to the Psalm (Psalm 5:9): There is no t…

When God will punish the sins of the reprobate with eternal torment, according to their deserts; and crown the good works of his servants, with an eternal weight of glory, above their desert: for piety shall not always go unrewarded, neither shall impiety always go unpunished, f…

I bow my knees for you all that a living delightful religion may flourish in your hearts and families, instead of those dry, withered things, worldliness, formality, and strife about trifles. Which will make Torrington an Heph-zibah, a place to be delighted in; your country a pl…

The wicked boasteth of hi hearts desire, and blesseth the covetous whom the Lord abhorreth. The wicked through the pride of his countenance will [] sk after God; God is not in all his thoughts, Psalm 10. 3, 4. Here you see Providence may give men their hearts desire, and yet the…

How many should we see daily blasted with the breath of malicious execrations? Some men's mouths are full of cursing (Psalm 10:7). They love cursing, they clothe themselves with cursing as with a garment (Psalm 109:17-18).

By under the tongue, which is the part commended, we understand the heart or inward man, as it's distinguished from the bare expression of the tongue or words, which are only spoken (as we say) from the teeth forward: So, Psalm 66:17, He was exalted under my tongue, (as it's in…

London, seek the Lord of Hosts, who has come forth against you in battle, and wounded you with his sharp arrows, and yet has not laid down his weapons; get to your knees; hang about God's feet and arms; fill your mouths with arguments to stay him in the course of his judgments;…

And he that says there is no God wishes there were none, and if he could help it there should be none. Others blaspheme the attributes of God, that charge the all-seeing eye with blindness, saying, the Lord shall not see (Psalm 94:7), that charge the eternal mind with forgetfuln…

This in a lively manner shadows forth the infinite and incomprehensible Mercy of our God; whose Mercy is said to be over all his works, Psalm 145:9. In how many sweet Notions is the Mercy of God represented to us in the Scripture. He is said to be Plenteous, Psalm 4:5. Abundant,…

The sun seems less than the wheel of a chariot: but reason teaches the philosopher, that it is much bigger than the whole earth, and the cause why it seems so little is, its great distance. The naturally wise man is as far deceived by this carnal reason in his estimate of Jesus…

The sanctified man's body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, as the Apostle speaks, and his soul the priest in it, that offers sacrifice both holy to the Lord, consecrated to him, a believing heart, no praying without this. Faith the very life of prayer, from which springs hope an…

And this seeking the destruction of souls is (you see) marked as all his work, the prey he hunts is souls, that they may be as miserable as himself. Therefore justly called our adversary, the enemy of holiness and of our souls, tempting to sin, and then accusing for sin, as his…

There is a crying with the soul, and with the heart to God. Psalm 10:17: Lord, you have heard the desire of the humble. It is the desires God hears.

Of all things a person can least endure to be sleighted. Psalm 10:13. Wherefore does the wicked contemn God?

OUT of the quiver of this Text I may draw several Arrows of Reproof. 1. It reproves such as do not think upon Gods Name. It is the Brand-mark of a Reprobate, God is not in all his thoughts, Psalm 10:4. He endeavours to expunge and blot God out of his mind: though he draws his Br…

Surely then this is pride with a witness, to neglect God who is over all blessed forever. (Psalm 10:4) The wicked through the pride of his countenance will not seek after God. That is, of his heart, betrayed by his countenance, he will not seek after God, and God is not in all h…

USE 1. It informs us of the evil of covetousness: most will stroke it with a gentle censure, and say such a one is a good man, but a little worldly, as if it were no great matter to be so. In fact they are apt to applaud those that are tainted with it (Psalm 10:3): He blesses th…

And so now proportionably, the new creature, the saints, they have an appetite suitable to their nature (1 Peter 2:2). (As new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the word that they may grow thereby.) Appetite still follows life, and prepares men for receiving things good for…

The desires of the righteous are suitable to the constitution and frame of their heart. He will grant the desires of their souls (Psalm 10:17). A man that makes God his heart's delight, shall have his heart's desire (Psalm 37:4).

4. For setting about any action, especially of weight (Genesis 41:22): Without you shall no man lift up his hand, that is, attempt or do any thing. So (Psalm 10:12): Arise, O Lord, lift up your hand, forget not the poor; that is, Set to your active hand for their assistance. So…

To press you to this, 1. Consider we are naturally apt to forget God, do not like to retain him in our knowledge (Romans 1:28), backward to any remembrance of him (Psalm 10:4). The wicked through the pride of their countenance, will not seek after God; God is not in all their th…

Use 1. To reprove those that are indifferent whether they enjoy God's favor, yes or no; so they may enjoy the creature they are satisfied. Surely God is not these men's portion, for their only care is what they shall eat, how they may be clothed, how to live well in the world, b…

And have you never thought of the God that made you? Are you of those harebrained fools that go on rashly in a course of sin, and God is not in all their thoughts? (Psalm 10:4) How can you look upon the body without thoughts of him whose workmanship it is?

God's prerogative must not be encroached upon, there is a superior sovereign: partly in vexing, molesting, and oppressing them at their pleasure; the formal Christian hates the spiritual (Galatians 4:29). Now this comes from their pride (Psalm 10:2): The wicked in his pride does…

And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart. (Daniel 9:19-20) and (Psalm 10:17) Lord you have heard the desire of the humble, you will prepare their heart, you will cause your ear to hear. Et passim Alibi.

1. Not because he is unwilling to give, but because he will have us better prepared to receive. Psalm 10:17: You will prepare their heart, you will cause your ear to hear. We understand it usually of preparing the heart for prayer; to ask the mercy, but it is also meant of prepa…

Pride in some sense is the original of all wickedness, but more especially of malicious dealing with the people of God. Psalm 10:2: "The wicked in the pride of his heart does persecute the poor." The godly many times are in a mean condition when their adversaries are in power, a…

The wicked are compared to beasts of prey that live upon plunder and spoil, caring not what mischief they do. Psalm 10:9: He lies in wait secretly, as a lion in his den; he catches the poor when he draws him into his net. Chrysostom says the drawing into the net is when the rich…

The sinner thinks thus: God has spared me all this while; he has extended patience into long-suffering; surely he will not punish. Psalm 10:11: He has said in his heart, God has forgotten. God sometimes in infinite patience adjourns his judgments and puts off the sessions a whil…

8. Hope of impunity. Men flatter themselves in fin and think God having spared them all this while, he never intends to punish; because the Assizes are put off therefore, surely there will be no Assizes, (Psalm 10:11). He has said in his heart, God has forgotten, he hids his fac…

It is foolish to pray against sin, and then to sin against prayer; a spiritual prayer, like the spirits of Wine, must be refined, and taken off the Lees and dregs of sin, Malachi 3 verse 3. That they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness: If the heart be holy, this…

Ah, Sir, take heed of this abominable miscreant, for though some wicked ones of the earth may bless you, yet he caused God to hate you. See what David says, "The wicked boasts of his heart's desire, and blesses the covetous whom the Lord abhors" (Psalm 10:3). Consider of these t…

1. Because God shall save the humble (Job 22:29). 2. And hear his desire (Psalm 10:17). 3. Revive his spirit (Isaiah 57:15).

1. It is no presumption in me to believe in Christ before I know whether I be chosen to salvation or not, for nothing can hinder me in this case to believe, save only presumption as the adversaries say, but it is not presumption, because presumption is when the soul is lifted up…

A plant is a tree in potency; an infant man, seeds of saving grace, are saving grace; prayer is often in the bowels and womb of a sigh; though it come not out, yet God hears it as a prayer (Romans 8:27): "And he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, beca…

He has threatened to judge adulterers (Hebrews 13:3), to be avenged upon the malicious (Psalm 10:14). You behold mischief and spite, to requite it with your own hand: to rain fire and brimstone upon the sinner (Psalm 11:6). And God is as true in his threatenings as his promises;…

(Romans 2:8-9) Indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that does evil; which one place, putting the four words together says, 1. That there is sorrow most certainly and inseparably on every soul that has sinned, and 2. That this sorrow is exceeding…

This is laid down as a certain truth (Ecclesiastes 8:12-13): Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with him that fears God, but it shall not be well with the wicked — there shall be a change at death. And it…

The use. Hence we learn, that God has an exact knowledge of all our actions, and cannot be deluded (Proverbs 15:11). Hell and destruction are before him, how much more, etc. (Psalm 11:4). His eyes consider, his eyelids try the children of men (Psalm 139:2).

Hell is taken by this violence (Proverbs 4:17): Who drink the wine of violence. This wine will turn to poison at last (Psalm 11:5): Him that loves violence God's soul hates. 4. They are violent for their covetous lusts.

Object: But you will say this is a work of time; what is to be done to avoid the danger of the present distractions? Sol: I answer, that question is to be put to God not man (Psalm 11:3). If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do — that is, if religion, laws, au…

There is a cup for them but his children drink not with them; they have another cup, the Lord himself is the portion of their cup (Psalm 16). His favor, as closes (Psalm 11), the righteous Lord loves righteousness, his countenance does behold the upright, that is another beholdi…

Raining snares is an argument of God's hatred. First, the Lord shall rain snares; and then, brimstone and a horrible tempest shall be their portion: (Psalm 11:6) so it makes way for his eternal anger. Use 5. Let us be contented with that portion which God has given us of worldly…

2. Therefore God is said to dwell in heaven, because from there he manifests his powerful providence, wisdom, justice, and goodness. God is not so shut up in heaven, as not to mind human affairs, and to take notice of what is done here below (Psalm 11:4), The Lord's throne is in…

But David did not however succumb to this temptation, but overcame it by faith. For which reason in Psalm 11, insulting his very enemies, he says: In the Lord I trust, how do you say to my soul, Flee to the mountain like a sparrow. Indeed God's enemies harass his servants with m…

Now in what a direful condition are all the deserters of God's law! Besides the loss of heaven, there is eternal fire which is the portion of the wicked; (Psalm 11:6) Upon the wicked he will rain snares, fire and brimstone, and a horrible tempest; this shall be the portion of th…

Here God is patient, and if he judges, yet in the midst of judgment he does remember mercy, and does not deal with men as their wickedness deserves; but then he will be extreme in punishing. The Lord himself will rain upon the wicked snares, fire and brimstone, and a horrible te…

(3.) There is in it a receiving of Christ (John 1:11) a fiducial resting of the heart upon God in Christ. And the word [illegible] is to confide, to betake himself to a lurking place, where one may be safe from a storm (Psalm 2:12; Psalm 11:1; Psalm 31:2; Deuteronomy 32:37; Psal…

So they who by their prodigious sins have so far incensed the God of Heaven, that he denies them the water of Repentance, may look upon themselves as condemned persons. 3. Repentance is necessary for thecheating crew, (Psalm 11:9). 18. Their deceitis falshood; who are wise to do…

If judgment begins at the house of God, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel? 1 Peter 4:17. If God mingles his people's cup with wormwood, he will mingle the sinner's cup with fire and brimstone, Psalm 11:6. If God thresh the Wheat, he will burn the Chaff.

They say, they give God their hearts; but let the Devil take possession of their tongues. (Psalm 12:4) Our lips are our own, who is Lord over us? Who has anything to do with our words?

1. He is holy in his nature; his very being is made up of holiness, as light is of the essence of the sun. 2. He is holy in his Word; the Word bears a stamp of his holiness upon it, as the wax bears an impression of the seal (Psalm 119:140): "Your word is very pure;" it is compa…

It is for the matter of it so full of goodness, justice, and sanctity, that it could be breathed from none but God: the holiness of it shows it to be of God, it bears his very image. The Scripture is compared to silver refined seven times (Psalm 12:6). This book of God has no er…

The Apostle says, All Scripture is of divine inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16). God's Word is compared to a lamp, for its enlightening quality (Psalm 119:105), and to silver refined, for its enriching quality (Psalm 12:6). Among other parts of sacred writ, this in the text is not the…

2. The exactness of this prayer appears in the excellency of the matter. I may say of this prayer, it is as silver tried in a furnace, purified seven times (Psalm 12:6). Never was there prayer so admirably and curiously composed as this.

Clamitat in Coelum vox Sanguinis — there are three sins in Scripture said to cry. (1.) Oppression (Psalm 12:5). (2.) Sodomy (Genesis 18:21).

1. The word "men" is used for Adam, and all his sons (Hebrews 9:27). (2.) Often in the fullest sense, not regenerated, nor wholly reprobated, are called men (Job 11:11, 12; Psalm 12:1; and 4:2; and 53:2). (3) Believers are called men (Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 3:21, 22).

Then we have not Christ for our Governor, we do not put the government of our thoughts, and actions upon his shoulders, and are not in subjection to him, but cast his cords from us (Psalm 2:3), and say we will not have this man to reign over us (Luke 19:22). What, are not our th…

1. God is a governor, as well as a benefactor; and must be respected in both relations; and therefore we must not only desire and wait for his benefits, but submit to his government; his government is seen in his laws, and providence. In his laws he appoints our duty, in his pro…

More plainly, in a lie there be 4 things: the first is, to avouch and affirm that which is false. The second is to speak with a double heart (Psalm 12:2), that is to speak against knowledge, and conscience, as when a man says that is true which he knows to be false, or that is f…

As in Zechariah he witnesses, that as often as his children are oppressed by any, they even touch the apple of his eye (Zechariah 2:8). He sees the tears and hears the groans of the afflicted which call upon him (Psalm 12:5, Psalm 38:9, Psalm 102:20). And however this always com…

Where it follows, that God speaks in righteousness, it serves as an exposition: as if he should say; My word by which I seek to draw the saints to me, was never yet tainted with any untruth, but contains things that are altogether righteous (Psalm 19:9). The words of the Lord, s…

What is here said with a special reference to riches, may be properly extended to every other description of vice. As God pronounces everywhere such commendations of sincerity, and hates a double heart, (1 Chronicles 12:33; Psalm 12:2,) all are deceived, who imagine that he will…

That an estate of bondage is a miserable restless estate. There the prisoners rest together; captives and bondmen have little rest until they rest in the grave: the language of prisoners is a sorrowful language; their speech is sighs (Psalm 79:11): "Let the sighing of the prison…

Secondly, there is a sinful flattering of others; and that, either by an immoderate extolling of their virtues; or what is worse, by a wicked commendation even of their very vices. This is a sin most odious to God, who has threatened to cut off all flattering lips (Psalms 12:2).…

Truth is pure (Psalm 119:140). It is compared to silver refined seven times (Psalm 12:6). There is not the least spot on truth's face, it breathes nothing but sanctity.

May it not satisfy us, that by our meekness and quietness under reproaches, we engage God for us, who has promised, that he will with righteousness judge the poor, the poor in spirit, and will reprove with equity for the meek of the earth (Isaiah 11:4)? He that has bid us to ope…

The power of religion is not only disliked and denied, but contradicted and condemned by those that rest in the form. They that call the evil, good, will call the good, evil (Isaiah 5:20); and it is not strange if they, who abandon themselves to work all uncleanness with greedin…

The sixth particular, in having God to be their portion, is the Rest that the foul has in God: The term of all motion is rest, every thing that moves, moves that it may have rest: Now here in this world the creature is altogether in motion, and especially man, because he is not…

He has such an absolute right, that you can call nothing your own. We think indeed, our lips are our own (Psalm 12:4), and our estates our own: as Nabal (1 Samuel 25:11), Shall I take my bread, and my water, and my flesh? All you have, it belongs to this king, by right of creati…

They do but no, as Plutarch said of Alcibiades. Their Lips do not drop as an Honey-comb, but run as a Spout; their speaking is Just like a Childs scribling, Psalm 12:2. They speak Vanity every one with his Neighbor.

And indeed we often see by God's just judgment that wicked men gain dominion over the good, and that on account of the iniquity of the ungodly the good are afflicted by them. An example of this is conspicuous in Job, and well known is the complaint of the prophet David in Psalm…

Your whole is God's, your spirit, your body, and every part; your wit, strength, hand, tongue, is all God's, and therefore he expects to be glorified by your tongue. They were rebels that said, (Psalm 12:4): Our lips are our own, who is Lord over us? There is nothing we have tha…

Now in our words we are said to lie two ways, assertorily or promissorily. (1.) Assertorily in a matter past or present, when one speaks that as false which he knows to be true; and that as true which he knows to be false; which is called speaking with a double heart in Scriptur…

Aristotle makes it the property of a servant to be one that cannot live as he would, that has no will of his own, but has given up himself to be commanded and directed by another, and sometimes contrary to his own inclination. They are rebels and not servants that said, our tong…

As Pharaoh said (Exodus 5:2), Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice? Or those rebels (Psalm 12:4), Our tongues are our own, who is Lord over us? We will speak and think and do what we please, and own no law but our own lusts.

See an instance in the wicked, whose ungodliness and rebellion against God comes from looking upon themselves as [reconstructed: their] own. (Psalm 12:21) "Who have said with our tongues will we prevail, our lips are our own, who is Lord over us." Their time their own, wealth th…

1. An acknowledgment of the debt, that man being God's creature is obliged to serve him; as he was not made by himself, so not for himself; and should no more cease from intending God as an end, than he can cease from depending on God as a principle. Now it is long ere we are br…

Would not have their lazy course upbraided and disgraced, by the seriousness and strictness of others: they malign what they cannot imitate. And it is carried on by their pride, or abuse of power: God counts it pride (Psalm 12:5): For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing…

A winnowing storm may be sent to this purpose; we think our faith and resolution strong, now God will try how we can stand alone. And partly to drive us to God — with you the fatherless find mercy (Hosea 14:3); (Psalm 60:11): Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of ma…

As I have endeavored before to clear the heart, so now to clear and cleanse the mouth, that as there might not be an evil thought in that, so not an evil word in this: persons too many are apt to think that words are but wind, things that they shall not account for, and therefor…

(1) It deposes the sovereignty of God, as much as in it lies; it will not that the King of Kings should be on the throne, and govern this world which he has made: it was by this instinct that Pharaoh said, who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know no…

Second characteristic: the sincere Christian serves God with the whole heart (Psalm 119:2). Hypocrites have a double heart (Psalm 12:2) — a heart for God and a heart for sin (Hosea 10:2). Their heart is divided.

It is a childish thing, as I said before, to restrict this to particular doings, whereas Christ speaks without exception, that not a sparrow of never so small a price does fall to the ground without the will of his Father (Matthew 10:29). Surely if the flying of birds be ruled b…

And Virtus sola & unica Nobilitas: virtue is the only true nobility. And the Scripture tells us, that the vilest men are exalted (Psalm 12:8), and that the most high rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whoever he will, and sets up over it the basest of men (Daniel 4:17)…

What makes them to cry out, Holy, holy, holy, etc.? Why, the prophet was now to be sent about this very business we have now in hand, he was to go to the people (verses 9, 10, 11), to make their hearts fat, and their ears heavy, lest they should be converted: God is proclaimed t…

Therefore, try and you may know whether ever the law had any kind of working upon your spirits or not. If we be such as stand upon our own freedom — "our tongues are our own and we will speak" (Psalms 12:4) — and we break the bonds and cast the cords from us (Psalms 2:2-3), if w…

Do you light my lamp, O you great Prophet of your church, give me a Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, that I may see things in another manner than ever I saw them before. Teach me in the word to hear your voice, and in the Sacrament to discern your body (Psalms 13:3): Lighten my…

Such was Jonah's case: 'I am cast out of your sight' (Jonah 2:4) — that is, he could not get a sight of him; not one smile, not one glance or cast of his countenance, not a beam of comfort, and so thought himself cast out. And so he dealt with David often, and sometimes a long t…

It pleases the Lord oftentimes to try, and exercise his people thi way, and make them cry, How long Lord, ho long? Psalm 13. 1, 2. These delayes both upon spiritual and temporal accounts are frequent, and when they befaus, we are too apt to interpret them as denyals and fall int…

Zion said, the Lord has forsaken me and my Lord has forgotten me, q. d. It's in vain to look for such a mercy, God has no regard to us, we are out of his heart and mind, he neither cares for us nor minds what becomes of us. So it was with David, after God had made him such a Pro…

And the Apostle (1 Thessalonians 4:13): I would not have you ignorant concerning those which sleep, that is, concerning those who are dead. Lighten my eyes (says David) [reconstructed: lest] I sleep the sleep of death, or as the Hebrew, Lest I sleep death (Psalms 13:3). And henc…

He endures the vessels of wrath with much long-suffering (Romans 9:22). While the gospel is administered in the world, he is patient toward the men of it — until the saints in heaven and earth are astonished and cry out 'How long?' (Psalm 13:1–2; Revelation 6:10) — and those men…

Because there is not so much as a word of it for the time (so the word is) this greatens, and fills the heart of man, and makes it big to do evil. And not only is the Lord's long suffering mistaken by the ungodly, but even by his own, that should understand him better, and know…

We mind our own interest more than God's honor. 3. A word of promise calls for faith and trust whatever contrariety appears in God's providence, God's word must bear up our hearts, it is as a pawn till the deliverance come: God's mercy is the same still, his word calls for trust…

2. It allays our sorrows, and makes us cheerful in the midst of all difficulties and discouragements. Psalm 13:5: I have trusted in your mercy, my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. So, Psalm 52:8: I am like a green olive tree, for I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ev…

Psalm 6:3. "But you, O Lord, how long?" Psalm 13:1. "How long will you forget me, Lord, forever? how long will you hide your face from me?" So verse 2. "How long shall my enemies triumph over me?"

When Haman's face was covered, he was near execution. Pray with David: lighten my eyes that I sleep not the sleep of death (Psalm 13:3). People who are sick think themselves well because of the haughtiness of their spirits.

Oh therefore keep your heart awake; let the judgments of God on sinners be as an alarm to awaken you. Make that prayer of David (Psalm 13:3): lighten my eyes, that I sleep not the sleep of death. Keep your heart jealous; towards others exercise charity, towards yourself jealousy.

(6.) It is a word of near adherence [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩] to lean firmly upon any with hope of security (2 Kings 18:5): have you leaned upon this reed? (Hosea 10:13; Psalm 13:6; Psalm 31:7; Deuteronomy 12:10): you shall dwell safely, confidently; it places the soul under t…

Hence there is a holy chiding with God (Psalm 22:2). O my God, I cry in the day time, and you hear not, and in the night season, and am not silent (Psalm 13:1). How long will you forget me, (O Lord) for ever? How long will you hide your face from me?

So that there is a necessity of having God for our God, unless we intend to be eternally espoused to misery. Use 1. If we must have one God, and the Lord Jehovah for our God, it condemns the atheist who has no God (Psalm 14:1): The fool has said in his heart there is no God. The…

He that says there is no God, is the wickedest creature that is, he is worse than a thief, who does but take away our goods from us, but the atheist would take away our God from us: (John 20) They have taken away my Lord. So we may say of atheists, they would take away our God f…

When a man commits a sin he is the Devil's lackey, and runs on his errand, they who serve Satan have such a bad master, that they will be afraid to receive their wages. 7. Sin is an unsavory thing (Psalm 14:3). They are altogether become filthy, in the Hebrew, neelachu — they ar…

1 Corinthians 1:2. To them that are sanctified by Jesus Christ, saints by calling, with all that call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. And contrariwise, Psalms 14:4. it is made one of the properties of an Atheist, Never to call on the name of God. And such persons as neithe…

Indeed, the law was a severer teacher to awe the saints, in regard of the outward dispensation of ceremonies and legal strictness, keeping men as criminals in close prison until Christ should come. But imputation of Christ's righteousness, and blessedness in the pardon of sin, a…

(Genesis 21:6) All that hear shall laugh with me — Sarah means the laughter of faith; then must all that hear of Sarah's bearing of Isaac in her old age, believe in Christ, as Sarah did? (Psalm 65:2) O you that hears prayer, to you shall all flesh come — a figure there must be i…

When he looked on it altogether, behold it was exceeding good; but afterwards man, the ungrateful part of the creation, though the masterpiece of it, in this visible and lower world, fell from God his Creator, and preferred the creature before him, to his loss and ruin; then God…

They that have no worship, are as if they had no God. The Psalmist proves atheism by that (Psalm 14:1): The fool has said in his heart there is no God, and verse 4, They call not upon God. The acknowledgement of a king does imply subjection to his laws; so does the acknowledgmen…

Thirdly, here we see that true and spiritual invocation of God, is a mark of the Church of God: because it is a fruit of the spirit of God in them that are the children of God. And by this the people of God are noted (Acts 9:14; 1 Corinthians 1:2), and on the contrary, it is the…

For the word way, is taken for their estate or reasons; and hidden, is taken for contemned or unknown: because if God withholds his help but a little, we straightway think that his providence reaches not to us. Some expound it otherwise; to wit, that the people are here reproved…

Now in the next place the Prophet adds joy and gladness, whereby he signifies, that there shall be such a wonderful change, that the Church shall mourn nor lament no more: for while she was oppressed under so heavy a bondage, there was nothing heard but sighs and groans, but bei…

Thus then the Prophet shows in what estate we are, till we be regenerated by Christ: for all are wrapped up in the same condemnation: there is none righteous, no not one: there is none that understands, there is none that seeks God. They have all gone out of the way, they are al…

Those who are ill at ease, who have an inward struggle, whether God is favorable or hostile to them, whether he accepts or rejects their services,—in a word, who fluctuate in uncertainty between hope and fear, will sometimes labor anxiously in the worship of God, but never will…

It's true, if God have a purpose to destroy a man, he may for a time suffer him to succeed and prosper in his sin, for his greater hardening, Job 12:6 But it is not so with those whom the Lord loves; their sinful shits shall never thrive with them. The world prohibits your trust…

Such was he (1 Samuel 25:25): Nabal is his name, and folly is with him; that proper name is the same with the Appellative here, that's the Masculine, this the Feminine, You speak like a Nabalesse. We find the word often used elsewhere to signify wicked, worthless and vile person…

The glorious and blessed God the great Creator and benefactor of the universe, that does good to all, and whose tender mercies are over all his works, even he is everywhere spoken against. Some deny his being: though his existence be so necessary, so evident, that if he be not,…

What those previous dispositions are and how far they go, and where is the boundary, or point of difference between them and the infusion of spiritual life, I conceive not so easily determinable. If naturalists and physicians cannot agree upon the order of [reconstructed: format…

There is a kind of being, a life that the soul has by a peculiar union with God, and therefore in that sense the soul without God is dead, as the body is without the soul (Ephesians 2:1). Indeed as the body separated from the soul is not only a lifeless lump, but putrefies, and…

Now thus to live in sin, is called to be dead in it, because in that condition man is indeed dead in respect of that divine life of the soul, that happy being which it should have in union with God, for which it was made, and without which it had better not be at all: for that l…

Christ sacrificed for us, and that only powerful to take away sin; but our gratulatory sacrifices, praise and alms are as incense burnt to God, of which as the bystanders find the sweet smell so the holy life of a Christian, smell sweet to those with whom they live, but the wick…

The Apostle, when he would describe the Ephesians by their unconverted state, describes it thus; (Ephesians 2:12). That they lived without God in the world, when God is not owned and called upon; and unless the restraints of men, the law of common education, and custom of nation…

It is one of the accusations brought against natural men, and is an aggravation of their sin. (Psalm 14:1) They do not call upon God. (Romans 3:10) it is applied to natural men.

Though the Wicked are high in dignity and worldly grandure, yet God slights them. A dunghil may be higher than other ground, but it sends forth noisom Vapours: Psalm 14:3. They are altogether become filthy.

When men restrain prayer, they cast off the Fear of God. It is the brand set upon a Reprobate, Psalm 14:4. He calls not upon God.

O the Mischief of Thoughts! A man may Deny God in his Thoughts, Psalm 14:1. The Fool has said in his Heart there is no God.

So long as men lie unconverted, they are wholly neglectful of him, and think they do not want God. Psalm 14:2. There is none that understands and seeks after God. They have no affection or desire of communion with God.

God is the cause of all things, and nature cannot be satisfied without him. We were made for God, and can never enjoy satisfaction until we come to enjoy him, therefore the Psalmist says (Psalm 14:2), We are all gone aside, and altogether become filthy. Nature is out of joint, w…

Doctrine 2. Divine teaching is necessary for all those that would walk in the way of God's statutes. 1. We have lost our way to true happiness, Adam lost it, and all mankind in him, ever since we have been wandering up and down (Psalm 14:3): They are all gone aside, that is, gon…

Man has reason, but to guide it to a spiritual use, that is above his power. The Psalmist complains of all natural men, There is none that understands, none that does good, to no one (Psalm 14:2) and (Romans 3:11): There is none that understands, there is none that seeks after G…

It is not enough to grant the doctrine, own the opinions that are sound and orthodox concerning God, but we must have a reverential and superlative esteem of him. All men confess a God with their mouth, and think they believe in him, but the fool has said in his heart there is n…

The beasts were made to glorify him in their kind, but man to enjoy him. This is my end, to seek after God, to please him, to serve him; (Psalm 14:2) the Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand and seek God. God that ha…

Proverbs 3:34: He scorns the scorners: but gives grace to the lowly. Psalm 14:6: You have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the Lord is his refuge; that is, mocked at a man, because he is resolved to trust in the Lord, laughed at those that made conscience of their duty; t…

1 Sin has darkened man's understanding: poor man is wise to do evil, but to do good has no knowledge (Jeremiah 4:22); indeed there is none that understands (namely, as, and what he ought) (Romans 3:11). All the workers of iniquity have no knowledge (Psalm 14:4). Poor man is cove…

If they think it evil, why do they but think it so? It is only because they are ashamed of it, that any body should know what they think, as (Psalm 14:1) the fool has said in his heart, there is no God: It seems he had not the hardiness nor heart to say it with his mouth; he whi…

1. Then the sinfulness of sin not only appears by, but consists in this, that it is contrary to God, yes, contrariety and enmity itself in the very abstract: Carnal men, or sinners, are called by the name of enemies to God (Romans 5:8, 10; Colossians 1:21), but the carnal mind o…

Many persons that seem to be modest and sparing as to evil words and deeds, will yet make bold with thoughts, and (as the saying is) pay it with thinking; such as are speculative, contemplative sinners. There are some who are so wise as not to say with their tongues, yet such fo…

You have said in your heart, I will ascend up to Heaven, so the King of Babylon (Isaiah 14:13). So the heart acts Heaven or Hell within the man (Psalm 14:1; Luke 12:19), they have a heart [illegible] busied in the College, studying and reading covetousness (2 Peter 2:14). 2. Pro…

5. It necessarily must follow, if it be sin to eat, because the non-converted have no spiritual right in Christ, to bread, the converted may spoil by their grounds, all the non-converted, of their goods, houses, gold, gardens, vineyards, lands, and upon the same ground, for the…

5. The ungodly are vile persons, Nahum 1:14. I will make your grave, for you are vile. It makes men base, it blots their name, it taints their blood, Psalm 14:3. They are altogether become filthy: In the Hebrew it is, rancidi facti sunt, they are become stinking. Call wicked men…

No reading of Scripture; they look oftener upon a pair of Cards, than a Bible. No praying; 'tis made the note of a reprobate, He calls not upon God, Psalm 14.4. The Atheist will be sure his prayer shall not be turned into sin, for he never prays at all.

1st Commandment: You shall have no other gods, etc. He breaks this commandment: who does not know the true God (Jeremiah 4:22); who denies God in his heart by denying his presence, justice, mercy, etc. (Psalm 14:1); who hates God and shows it by disobedience (Exodus 20:5; Romans…

Libertines can say it, in a higher manner than Papists, who acknowledge that venials, little sins, and motes are in us always in this life, but it may be this is the Old Testament spirit that speaks, as they say. But the Apostle (Romans 3) applies the Psalm 14 that stops all mou…

2. It lays down this ground, that we are justified no more by faith, than by the works done, by the saving grace of God after regeneration, and that Paul in the Epistle to the Romans and Galatians, does contend with justiciaries, how those who were from eternity justified, shall…

Thirdly then there is another act of watchfulness, and that is watchfulness to prayer before you come to it, to cut off those impediments that would hinder us from prayer, especially that would hinder prayer from rising to any height. It is a speech given to carnal men, and I wo…

Truly because they have no faith in God, nor think that they have any good from God, for wherever there is this faith and trust toward God, there is a strange heart, bold and without fear, which grants and stands by the truth, whether he lose body or goods, whether it be against…

Pythagoras being asked what made men like God? answered, Cum vera loquuntur, when they speak truth. It is the note of a man that shall go to heaven (Psalm 15:2). He speaks the truth from his heart.

And as it is a sin against this commandment to raise a false report of another, so it is a sin to receive a false report before we have examined it. Lord, who shall dwell in your holy hill? Quis ad Coelum? (Psalm 15:1). He that backbites not, nor takes up a reproach against his…

Whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them. First, take heed of a deceitful tongue in selling: The Scripture makes it the character of one that goes to Heaven (Psalm 15:2). He speaks the truth from his heart.

But that Condition God would have concealed, because it would not have been for the good of the Ninevites to have known it; since the concealing of it caused them more speedily, and earnestly to repent. But out of these cases, a man (being called to speak) must declare the whole…

Men are deceived that let their children be the devil's slaves here, and think to have them free in heaven; let us then bind our children prentices to God, that is, make them his servants here: then assuredly, as in their repentance and regeneration here, they are born free-men…

Joshua knowing this bond of the spies to Rahab (as we may read) gives special charge for her preservation. Hence David says, If a man bind himself with an oath, he must keep it, though it be to his own hindrance, Psalm 15.4. Every single promise binds a man's conscience, if it b…

Remember David, he ventured presumptuously on sin, and what got he? He lost his peace, he felt the terrors of the Almighty in his soul: Though he had all helps to cheerfulness, he was a King, he was of a ruddy sanguine complexion, he had skill in Music, yet nothing could adminis…

And is not truth banished out of our coasts, considering that for gains and outward commodities men make no bones of glossing and dissembling? But alas, the practice is damnable, and the contrary is the fruit of the Holy Ghost, namely to speak the truth from the heart, and he wh…

Indeed in one sense God's love to Christ and believers is not alike; for Christ is loved purely for his own sake, but believers are loved for Christ's sake; yet in another sense God the Father loves believers as he loves Christ: it is the same love for the quality, the same for…

Fourthly, truth is a fruit of God's spirit (Galatians 5), and a mark of God's child (Psalm 32:2): he has the pardon of his sins in whose spirit there is no guile. And (Psalm 15:2) he shall rest in the mountain of God, who speaks the truth from his heart. Lastly, destruction is t…

This vice the law of God expressly forbids (Leviticus 19:16). And it is the property of a good man, not to take up a false report (Psalm 15). And David reproves [reconstructed: Saul] because he did but lend the ear to tale-bearers saying, why do you give ear to men's words that…

In this we see the fashion of the world; which is to raise rumors, reports, and slanders of all persons, especially upon Magistrates and Ministers, and that upon every light and unjust occasion. But good men will take no such occasions of raising reports (Psalm 15:3). But how di…

For although there are many hypocrites full of iniquity, mingled in the Church with the elect of God; yet notwithstanding they are like to the Ishmaelites, whom God will drive out from there when his time is. To this purpose we are to note that which is said in (Psalm 15:2 and 2…

1. Uprightness of words. 2. Of works; so upright walking is expounded and branched forth (Psalm 15:2-3): He that walks uprightly and works righteousness and speaks the truth in his heart. He that does not backbite with his tongue.

After this manner has he also thrown his only beloved son Jesus Christ in the depth of all misery, and evidently declared his seeing, work, help, nature, counsel and will, that it might [illegible] to what intent he suffers it to [illegible]. Therefore remains in Christ such not…

2. It's pleasant and delightsome for its manner, like a sweet, comely and pleasant voice, opposite to some kind of voices that are harsh and unpleasant; it's by prudence and love sweetened, and made savory, and therefore is said in Scripture to be seasoned with salt (Colossians…

Thus we have the ways of holiness called ways of righteousness (Psalms 23:3). And the works of holiness, work of righteousness (Psalms 15:2; Isaiah 64:2, etc.). This evangelical perfection is attainable in this life, and indeed is attained by every sincere and upright Christian.

Indeed, in all our bargains and agreements, though they be never so much to your own prejudice, you are bound to stand to them, unless the other will voluntarily release you from the obligation. For this is one of the characters given of a godly person (Psalm 15:4): he that swea…

It is an expression of Cleopatra to Marcus Antonius, It is not for you to be fishing for Gudgeons, but for Towns, and Forts, and Castles: And so those that are acquainted with the ways of godliness, it is not for them to be trading for poor things, but for eternal life, glory an…

And this is a piece of men's natural perverseness to drink in tales and calumnies, and he that does this will readily from the delight he has in hearing slide insensibly into the habit of evil speaking; and it is strange how the most dispense with themselves in this point, and t…

For not all who have the outward sign and profess themselves to be the church of God are in fact such. As the prophet says in Psalms 15 and 24, that many come into the church and offer sacrifices to God with the faithful, who nevertheless will not abide in God's house. But, he s…

Well therefore Samuel admonishes the people not to persuade themselves that it is enough to obtain God's grace to be reckoned in His people, and to have the sign of circumcision, which to them was then what to us today is baptism: but rather that they should follow the Lord. For…

It is hard to say which is worse, railing or receiving. Psalm 15:3: when an inhabitant of Zion is described, it is said, he that receives not a report, and takes it not up against his neighbor. So (Proverbs 17:14): a wicked doer gives heed to false lips, and a liar gives ear to…

He is a slanderer that wrongs his neighbor's credit, by upholding an evil report against a man. It is hard to say which is worse, railing, or receiving (Psalm 15:3). A Citizen of Zion is described to be one that takes not up a reproach against his neighbor, and you shall see on…

If they think you fools for preferring Heaven before inconsiderable vanities, remember they can no more judge of these things than a blind man of colors. 7. If some dishonor, others will honor us who are better able to judge; (Psalm 15:4) In whose eyes a vile person is contemned…

That is, his love and kindness was towards the godly, esteeming them more excellent and precious how mean soever in condition, above the ungodly world how great soever their rank and quality be, and taking pleasure in their society; them he valued, and them he esteemed above all…

If you tell me, it's the custom of the city and all the world, I ask you, whether that will answer God, and make it no sin? 5. Take heed of breaking bargains and covenants, when you perceive you can buy cheaper of, or sell dearer to another: I am almost afraid that this practica…

There is a contrariety and natural enmity between the two seeds; between the children of the world, and those whom the Father in his eternal love has chosen out of the world. It is likeness which is the great ground of love; now there is the highest dissimilitude and unlikeness…

Leviticus 19:16: You shall not go up and down as a talebearer among your people. A good man does not evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor (Psalm 15:3). We must not only not raise a false report, but not take it up.

First, by prizing their persons above others. He who is born of God honors those who fear the Lord (Psalm 15:4). The saints are the dearly beloved of God's soul (Jeremiah 12:7).

It appears by scripture; the scripture knows no other way to happiness but practice. Psalm 15, final verse: he that does these things shall never be moved. It is Calvin's gloss upon the words: the Psalmist does not say he that knows these things shall never perish, but he that d…

Then is love right and genuine, when we can rejoice in the graces of others, though they seem to eclipse ours. 4 Love to the Saints must be appreciating, we must esteem their persons above others, Psalm 15. 4. He honors them that fear the Lord:

But let us again keep this in mind, that the accomplishment of the mercy of God hangs not upon the works of the faithful: but that he therefore fulfills the promise of salvation to them which answer to their calling in uprightness of life, because in them he acknowledges the nat…

For, that general calling is also common to the wicked: but this special calling brings with it the Spirit of regeneration, which is the earnest and seal of the inheritance to come, with which our hearts are sealed up against the day of the Lord. In sum, since hypocrites boast o…

The garland made of flowers of Paradise fades not (1 Peter 5:4). I have read of a river which they call the Day-River, in which time it runs with a full torrent, but at night it is dried up; such are all earthly comforts, they run with a full stream all the daytime of life, but…

The things which are not seen are eternal. Psalm 16:11: At your right hand are pleasures for evermore. Who can span eternity?

If there be but one God, then let us take heed of setting up more gods than one. Psalm 16:4: Their sorrows shall be multiplied, that hasten after another God: their drink-offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. God is a jealous God, and he will…

O how rich are they who have the infinite God for their portion! Well might David say, The Lord is the portion of my inheritance, the lines are fallen to me in pleasant places, and I have a goodly heritage (Psalms 16:5). We may go with the bee from flower to flower, but we shall…

When grace is crowning it is not so much to be content, but when grace is conflicting with inconveniences, then to be content is a glorious thing indeed: for one to be content when he is in heaven, is no wonder, but to be content under the cross, is like a Christian. This man mu…

A man that has assurance has enough: in one Savior all the gems needed for salvation flourish. He has the riches of Christ's merit, of his love, an earnest of his glory, he is filled with the fullness of God — here is enough, and having enough he is content (Psalm 16:5): The Lor…

In the chief good, there must be first delectability, it must have something that is delicious and sweet: and where can we suck those pure quintessential comforts which ravish us with delight, but in God? In Deo quadam dulcedine delectatur anima, imo rapitur; at God's right hand…

5. To make God to be a God to us, is to fear him (Deuteronomy 28:58): That you may fear this glorious and fearful name, the Lord your God. This fearing of God is, 1. To have God always in our eye (Psalm 16:8): I have set the Lord always before me. And (Psalm 25:15): My eyes are…

2. There is but one omnipotent power. If there be two omnipotents, then we must always suppose a contest between these two; that which one would do, the other power being equal would oppose, and so all things would be brought into a confusion. If a ship should have two pilots of…

Better lose our seeing than our hearing, for faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). To have an ear open to God, is the best jewel on the ear. 4. The tongue. David calls the tongue his glory (Psalm 16:9). because it is an instrument to set forth the glory of God: the soul at firs…

Sixthly, the saints shall be fully crowned with the enjoyment of God forever. They shall be in his sweet presence, in whose presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). And this shall be forever.

An eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). The saints shall bathe themselves in the rivers of divine pleasure; and these rivers can never be dried up (Psalm 16:11). At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Sic vivendum est tanquam in conspectu, Seneca. Let us set David's prospect before our eye (Psalm 16:8). I have set the Lord always before me. Seneca counseled Lucilius, that whatever he was doing, he should imagine some of the Roman Worthies beheld him, and then he would do noth…

This is a sin that enrages God, and makes the fury come up in his face (Ezekiel 38:18). Search through the whole book of God, and you shall find no sin God has followed with more plagues, than idolatry (Psalm 16:4). Their sorrows shall be multiplied, that hasten after another Go…

I will write my name upon him, as the son bears his father's name: What an honor and dignity is this. 2. God confers honorable titles upon his children: 1. He calls them the excellent of the earth (Psalm 16:2), or the magnificent, as Junius renders it. They must needs be excelle…

There is all that is truly glorious, transparent light, perfect love, unstained honor, unmixed joy; and that which crowns the joy of the celestial paradise, is eternity. Suppose earthly kingdoms were more glorious than they are, their foundations of gold, their walls of pearl, t…

Faith makes God our portion, and so in him we have enough. Psalm 16:5: The Lord is the portion of my inheritance, the lines are fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a goodly heritage. Faith by a divine chemistry extracts its chief comforts out of God.

The real belief of a deity gives life to all religious worship: the more we believe the truth and infiniteness of God, the more holy and angelic we are in our lives. Whether we are alone or in company God sees us; he is [illegible], the heart-searcher; the belief of this would m…

They who lose the Heavenly Kingdom, lose God's sweet presence, the ravishing views and smiles of God's glorious face. God's presence is the diamond in the ring of glory; (Psalm 16:11) In his presence is fullness of joy. If God be the fountain of all bliss, then to be separated f…

2. The holy unction, God has anointed us with the graces of his Spirit: grace is a seed of God, a blossom of eternity; the graces are [illegible], Damascen, the impressions of the divine nature, stars to enlighten us, spices to perfume us, diamonds to enrich us; and if God has a…

Secondly, he had also a respect herein to his creatures; for, he made that heaven, therein to reveal his majesty and glory to his reasonable creatures, Angels and Men: and (by showing them his glory) to glorify them. For in God's presence is the fullness of joy, Psalm 16 last ve…

The same also was David's practice. Psalm 16:3, All my delight (says he) is in the Saints that dwell on the earth. This fruit of Moses' faith, does discover unto us a grievous fault, which reigns in this age; to wit, the neglect and contempt of the communion and society of Saint…

Now follow the consolations: first this very point of God's special providence is a great comfort to God's church: for the Lord moderates the rage of the devil and wicked men, that they shall not hurt the people of God. David says, The Lord is at my right hand, therefore I shall…

Your joy no man takes from you. Divine joy is but begun in this life, it is perfected in glory; here is but the tuning of the instrument, the sweet consort is reserved for heaven; here the saints do but sip of the cup, there they shall drink of the rivers of divine pleasure for…

The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked — Jeremiah 17:9. O it is as necessary as it is sweet, that we and our inner thoughts confer together every night — Psalm 16:7. We should call our hearts to account every evening and say: 'O my heart, where have you b…

Use 3. The third Use serves to humble believers who have anything of the work of grace, and so, to work them up to thankfulness to Him that has imparted aught of it to them: Is there any of you that have grace, who has made you to differ from others? It was not yourselves but fr…

This will be clear if we consider these things. 1. The person that suffered — he was not an ordinary, or rather not a mere man, but God-man; as is clear (Acts 2:27), cited out of (Psalm 16), where it is said, You will not leave my soul in hell, neither will you suffer your Holy…

Secondly, observe that the Messiah had to come to the grave and be buried; it was so designed, foretold, and prophesied of him: 'He made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death.' Hence the Apostle (Acts 2:30, citing Psalm 16:8) gathers that as there was a neces…

Though by being man He became of no reputation, and a veil was drawn over the declarative glory of the Godhead in His person for a time, yet He remained still the Son of God, and glorious in Himself, and it cannot be but He that is God must be glorious in His exaltation, when th…

Answer: If this were presumption, then all we have said of the warrant of the Gospel to believe is to no purpose; Christ never counted it presumption to desire and endeavor in His own way to believe on Him for attaining of life through Him; to desire heaven and peace with God, a…

He was not as man in his intellect, wise, or desirous to be wise (as Adam and Eve, and men now are taken with the disease of curiosity) above what was fit: so neither were his affections above banks; he saw the blackest and darkest hour that ever any saw; suppose all the sufferi…

Yet Antinomians are not ashamed to pretend Calvin's name and authority for their opinion, when Calvin in a learned Treatise refuting the Libertines of his time does clearly condemn the Antinomians of our time, and proves from the necessity of sanctification that we are not freed…

In the other Prophets you shall find Christ still comforting himself against his condemnation at his death, with the thoughts of his Resurrection which he foresaw as shortly to follow after it; as here in Isaiah he comforts himself with these hopes of his being justified after t…

Moreover, let me add this, that although the Spirit rested on him here without measure in comparison of us; yet it may be safely said, that the Spirit in respect of his effects in gifts of grace and glory, rests more abundantly on him in heaven, than he did on earth, even in the…

Our hearts should be shut up against the thoughts of any other thing, and confined only to the object to whom we direct our worship. I reason thus, if a Christian foresees the Lord before him in all his ways, and keeps always as in his eye and presence, surely he should set the…

This which the disciples had, was but a little glimpse, and taste of the life to come. This must needs be so; it is called joy (Matthew 25:21): Enter you into the joy of your Lord, and fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11): In your presence there is fullness of joy, at your right hand t…

The second action of the spirit is to engender good motions, cogitations, and inclinations, agreeable to the will of God. Thus David says that his reins did teach him in the night season (Psalm 16). And the prophet Isaiah says, your ear shall hear a voice saying, here is the way…

The rest are bastards and not sons, they are (it may be) in the house, but not of the house: for true saving faith, does characterize those that are of the family of faith; even as fanatical dreams, fantastical opinions, allegorizing of the literal sense of the scripture, denyin…

And yet no doubt but the Prophet alludes to that place of Moses, by whose mouth God had promised to be the lot and portion of his people, that they might content themselves with him alone. According to which also David says, The Lord is my portion and my inheritance (Psalm 16:5)…

We need not wonder that Peter was so captivated by the loveliness of what he beheld, as to lose sight of every other person, and rest satisfied with the mere enjoyment of it; as it is said in the psalm, In thy presence is fullness of joy, (Psalm 16:11.) But his desire was foolis…

God has renewed them, and stamped his own image upon them, and made them partakers of his holiness. They are more excellent than their neighbors (Proverbs 12:26); yes, they are the excellent of the earth (Psalm 16:3). They are lovely in the sight of the angels; and their souls a…

So that if Plato when he was near his death, could bless God for three things, namely, That he was a Man, and not a Beast: that he was born in Greece; and brought up in the time of Socrates: much more cause have you to admire Providence, that you are Men, and not Beasts; that yo…

4. Observation. That it is incumbent to the believer who has chosen Christ, sometimes to boast in him, and in a lovely and holy way to vaunt and boast (if we may so speak) of him above all, so are we commanded, to glory in his holy name (Psalm 105:3), and this is one of the ways…

Every one that loves him that begat, loves him also that is begotten of him, says the Apostle (1 John 5:1), because of the likeness he bears to his heavenly Father: and the more express this resemblance is, the more intense, and the more endearing should our affections be. We ou…

Secondly, let us consider what it is to take the name of God. I answer briefly: to take the name of God is no other than to make use of it, either as the object of our thoughts, or the subject of our discourses: and so we find this phrase used, (Psalm 16:4) "I will not take up t…

He told her he desired to live till fire and faggot came, and above all he would gladly die a martyr: she said if he died now he should have a crown; he answered, but if he died a martyr he should have a more glorious crown: yet he was not unwilling to receive his crown presentl…

For the first, you must observe and obey the wise man's counsel, throughout the Book of Proverbs, to converse with the wise. David professes himself to be a companion of those that fear God, and he, though a great king, esteems the saints more excellent, than all his courageous…

11. Do we set ourselves always under God's eye? (Psalm 16:8) I have set the Lord always before me. Do we live soberly and godly, remembering whatever we are doing, our Judge looks on?

Can they be chill, that walk in the sunshine? Or sad, that abide in the fountain of all delights, and walk with him whose name is the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3), in whose presence is the fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11)? O what an angelic life does a Christian then live!

And Josephus reports, the Samaritans wrote to him, because he tormented the Jews, to excuse themselves that they were no Jews; and they writ, Antiochus the mighty God; and his name Epiphanes in English, does signifie one that is illustrious and famous above others: Though he was…

One that is deformed may look on beauty, and not be made beautiful. But the saints that so see God, as that sight shall transform them into his likeness (Psalm 17:15): When I awake I shall be satisfied with your likeness. Not that the saints shall partake of God's essence; for a…

3. God is a satisfying good. The soul cries out, I have enough (Psalm 17:15). I shall be satisfied with your likeness; a man that is thirsty, bring him to the ocean, and he has enough.

O engage God's power to help us to persevere; we engage his power by prayer. Let us pray to him to keep us (Psalm 17:5). Hold up my goings in your paths that my footsteps slip not.

In this life we do rather desire God than enjoy him: but what rich mercy will it be, to be fully possessed of God, to see his smiling face, and to have God lay us in his bosom? This will fill us with joy unspeakable, and full of glory (Psalm 17:15): I shall be satisfied, when I…

Who would have thought that Haman, who was so great in the king's favor, He set his seat above all the princes of the provinces, (Esther 3:1) yet for want of the bowing of a knee, he was dissatisfied; but in the kingdom of Heaven we shall be freed from these dissatisfactions. Th…

Suppose earthly kingdoms were more glorious than they are, their foundations of gold, their walls of pearl, their windows of sapphire, yet they are corruptible: but the kingdom of heaven is eternal, those rivers of pleasure run for evermore (Psalm 16:11). And that wherein the es…

Alas, if David and Peter who had a habit of grace, fell, for want of a fresh gale of the Spirit to hold them up, much more will they be in danger of falling, who have only the power of free will to hold them. Let us therefore sue to God for strength to keep us from sinning; pray…

So Christians must not be so in love with this world, as to forget or neglect the world to come. If they do, they are unworthy of it, and show themselves not strangers, as Abraham here was; but men of this world, who have their portion in this life, Psalm 17.14. In performing th…

Did God take care for hirelings, when their work was done not to stay any space of time, no not a night, and does he not fulfill this himself to his sons that serve him? Surely yes: he defers not, nor puts them off to the morning of the resurrection, as the Psalmist elegantly ca…

Children and all other relations are but common blessings, which God indifferently bestows upon his friends and enemies, and by the having or losing of them, no man knows either love or hatred. It is said of the wicked (Psalm 17:14), that they are full of children; indeed, and o…

This Spirit is the genius, the nature, and disposition of the world (1 John 2:16) and is all for the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life; and these be the world's all things. Such a soul knows not the white stone, and the new name, nor can he smell the…

3. The perfection of all heavenly gifts both in soul and body. (1.) In soul — that is the heaven of Heaven (1 John 3:2): Now are we the sons of God, but it does not yet appear what we shall be, but this we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him…

By whom? Even by God the righteous judge, who as he will utter their false accusations and slanders, so will he reveal the righteousness of the godly like the noon day, as it is said, (Psalm 17). This clause: in himself (to touch this also by the way) must so be understood that…

There is an elegant metaphor in the word ἐπισκιάσει, overshadow. The power of God, by which he guards and protects his own people, is frequently compared in Scripture to a shadow, (Psalm 17:8; 57:1; 91:1.) But it appears to have another and peculiar meaning in this passage.

The children of this world never think themselves safe, but when they fiercely revenge the injuries that are done them, and defend their life by the “weapons of war,” (Ezekiel 32:27.) But as we must believe, that Christ alone is the guardian of our life, all that remains for us…

It is not so much the possession that Providence gives us of such or such comforts, as the goodness and kindness of God in the dispensing of them, that engages a gracious soul to praise, Psalm 63:3 Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you. To gi…

Sometimes likewise it is called God's hands, when it is the hand of a creature, it is God's hand in a creature's hand; God's hand when it is the hand of wicked men, God's hand when it is Satan's hand. So that place is translated (Psalm 17:14), Deliver my soul from the wicked whi…

By lions and leopards, we understand covetous, worldly men, who pursue the world to the destruction of themselves and others; so they are often called in Scripture (Psalm 57:4, etc.): 1. For their devouring, insatiable nature, that can never have enough, but always prey on other…

10. Consider yet further, treasures of glory are proportioned to treasures of grace in the heart: it is true, they that have least glory in Heaven shall want none, yet withal, it is very likely there shall be degrees of happiness, and they that have had most grace shall have mos…

When the undutiful rebellious son (in a story that I once read) dragged his father by the hair of the head to the house door, it qualified the anger of the old man, to remember, that just so far he had dragged his father; as it seems to have silenced Adonibezek, that he was now…

Says Christ, Father, I will, that those which you hast given me, be where I am, that is a blessing; but in Rev. 22:4 it is said, They shall see his face, and that is more, They shall know as they are known, 1 Cor. 13:12 It is the promise of the pure in heart, that they shall see…

And 1 Corinthians 3:22. All things are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. Another Argument is, That God gives these Temporal Things to those he never gave his Christ to, and therefore there is no great matter in them: Indeed, to those, which in a little while, are…

What of men's speech is not manifestly evil in any of the other kinds, is the most of it naught this way; speech good to appearance plausible and fair, but not upright, not silver, but silver dross, as Solomon calls it, burning lips, etc. (Proverbs 26:23). Each almost some way o…

There is a two-fold right to these common blessings; a providential, and a covenant-right: Dominium Politicum fundatur in Providentia, our civil right to things is founded upon God's providence: But Dominium Evangelicum fundatur in Gratia; our gospel-right to things is founded u…

I confess indeed that these things do not always happen in a perpetual succession: many being born poor and afflicted, whom poverty accompanies all the way to the grave; on the contrary, many being wealthy from birth, transmitting their riches even to their posterity, and indeed…

As for me, I will behold your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied when I awake with your likeness (Psalm 17:15). 2. Sincere and constant obedience is the evidence of our right to future blessedness.

That is the most that worldly things can afford us, a little bodily cheer. Psalm 17:14: You have filled their bellies with hidden treasures; there is the poor happiness of a rich worldling. He may have a belly full, and fare at a better rate than others do.

All the presence, the communion, the sight of Christ they get now, it is but mediate through the glass of the ordinance (1 Corinthians 13:12), and it is frequently interrupted, his face is many times hidden (Psalm 30:7), and it is not full as it shall be there (Psalm 16:11). But…

This great mystery of godliness, the more we look into it, the more will we wonder at the wisdom of God discovered in and through Christ Jesus. For external providences, to see how God answers prayers, how he brings about our mercies according to our wants in a way we know not (…

1. He that takes up his rest in this world, or any earthly thing, is but a higher kind of beast, and unworthy of an immortal soul. The beasts have an instinct that guides them to seek things convenient for that life which they have, and therefore a man does not follow the light…

Fourthly, another benefit that we have is many gracious experiences and manifestations of God vouchsafed to us in the way of obedience. In the present world God and believers are not strange to one another, a man that walks close with him will meet him at every turn (Psalm 17:15…

But in this portion there's contentment, we need no more but God, and there is nothing besides him worth our desire. Necessities that are not supplied by him are but fancies, it is want of grace, if we want anything else when we have God for our portion; (Psalm 17:14) From the m…

2. They manifest it in this, their contentedness with Him, though they are kept low and bare in outward things. Psalm 17:15. As for me I will behold your face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied when I awake with your likeness. It's enough for them to have the face of God, th…

2. By our patience and contentedness in the want and loss of other things for this thing's sake — want, if God's providence be so; loss, if occasioned by our adherence to truth. As for want, we have no reason to envy carnal men (Psalm 17:14-15): From men which are your hand, O L…

1 That damned sinners will be stripped naked, and deprived of all the good things they had in this life. Wicked men are called the men of this world (Psalm 17:14); they have their portion and consolation in this life (Luke 6:24 and 16:25). Many of them fare well, and prosper in…

Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied to him with their tongues, for their heart was not right with him (Psalm 78:34, verses 36-37). Hearken to my prayer that goes not out of feigned lips, says David (Psalm 17:1). 7. Afflictions and the pressures of o…

Woe to you rich men, for you have received your consolation. Hence it was that David made it his solemn prayer, Deliver me from the wicked, from men of the world which have their portion in this life, and whose belly you fill with your hid treasure (Psalm 17:14). The words, I th…

He plants holy desires in us — and will he not satisfy those desires which he himself has wrought in us? As in case of prayer, when God prepares the heart to pray, he prepares his ear to hear (Psalm 17:1). So in case of spiritual hunger, when God prepares the heart to hunger, he…

Cast three worlds into the heart and they will not fill it; but the sight of God satisfies. Psalm 17:15: I shall be satisfied when I awake with your likeness. Solomon says the eye is not satisfied with seeing (Ecclesiastes 1:8), but there the eye will be satisfied with seeing.

Psalm 17:15. As for me, I will behold your face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake with your likeness. A reflection upon some foregoing verses of the Psalm, by way of Introduction to the Text.

But in the perfect state they shall be able to behold and delight in this glory constantly, with eternal satisfaction. "But as for me," says David, "I will behold your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake with your likeness" (Psalm 17:15). It is Christ alone…

2. The meditation of hypocrites' final falling away would make us earnest in prayer for perseverance. Hold up my goings in thy paths that my footsteps slip not, Psalm 17:5. Lord, hold me up, that I may hold out.

On the supposition of the salvation of all men, the rich do by no means receive in this life their consolation; but they are to receive infinitely the greatest consolation in the future life. (Psalm 17:14): From men of the world, who have their portion in this life; plainly impl…

'God has bidden him,' said David (2 Samuel 16:10). If the blow comes from the hand of a wicked man, yet he sees that wicked hand in God's righteous hand (Psalm 17:14). And this apprehension is fundamental to all that communion men have with God in their afflictions, and to all t…

I have seen the afflictions of my people. God is in Heaven, and he can thunder out of Heaven upon his enemies (Psalm 18:13). The Lord thundered in the heavens; indeed, he sent out arrows and scattered them, and he shot out lightnings and discomfited them.

2. To love God. Mercy should be the attractive of love; (Psalm 18:1). I will love you, O Lord my strength. The Hebrew word for love, ercameca, signifies love out of the inward bowels.

9. If you would not come short of the kingdom of heaven, take heed of indulging any sin; one millstone will drown as well as more; and one sin lived in will damn as well as more: Vbi regnat peccatum non potest regnare Dei regnum, Hierom. If any one sin reign, it will keep you fr…

I saw two Women and the wind was in their wings: Wings are swift, but wind in the wings great swiftness; such readiness should be in our obedience; as Peter as soon as ever Christ commanded him to let down his net, at Christ's Word he presently let down the net, and you know wha…

This exposition has its warrant in God's word, where hell often signifies the sorrows and pains of hell, as Hannah in her song to the Lord says (1 Samuel 2:6), The Lord kills and makes alive, he brings down to hell and raises up, that is, he makes men feel woe and misery in thei…

He does not fly upon the mercy and suck out the sweetness of it, looking no further than his own comfort — no, he cares for no mercy except God be magnified in it. So in Psalm 18:2, when God had delivered him from all his enemies: 'The Lord,' said he, 'is my strength and my rock…

It is as easy for the Lord to revive as to remove your comforts in relations. There is a sweet expression to this purpose in Psalm 18:28: For you, Lord, will light my candle; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. Every comfortable enjoyment — whether in relations, estates,…

But observe here more particularly, 1. That all the elect people of God are lying under iniquity even as others; this we spoke to the last day, and shall not repeat what was then said; it's with respect to iniquity in the elect that all the business of redemption is transacted,…

But the coals of the furnace cast upon reprobates are dipped in the curse of God; so that in a small affliction, even in the miscarrying of a basket of bread, and the loss of one poor ox, there is a great law-curse, and intolerable vengeance (Deuteronomy 27:26; Deuteronomy 28:17…

4. And by faith I live not, Christ lives in me, and I am crucified and mortified; that is, by faith I know that I did live the life of God, and was crucified to the world; whereas I was dead in sins, before I believed. 5. And because believing is somewhat more than a naked act o…

So we are bidden (Malachi 3:10): Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me now therewith, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough t…

I answer, Answer. we must always observe to whom the Prophet speaks. For the Prophets were accustomed to describe God in various sorts, according to the diversity of the hearers: as David also testifies where he says; that he is merciful and favorable to the good, severe and rig…

Surely because we are not capable of his goodness. For this cause he is compelled to show himself perverse with such as are perverse; and pure with the pure, as David shows (Psalm 18:26). For he manifests himself in such a way to us, as we give him occasion.

All the faithful by his example are taught what to do when God for their sakes manifests his power miraculously, or by extraordinary means: it ought not to suffice them that those of their own times should be made acquainted with it, but as much as in them is they are so to prov…

I have appareled, or girded you. This appareling answers to the nakedness of which he spoke before, saying: The loins of kings shall be ungirt: for he is said to apparel such as he furnishes with strength to the battle: (Psalm 18:32) to make them conquerors. From where we may ga…

For when the Prophets mean to extol God's works, it is their custom (as we have often shown) to mention this first deliverance. And thus David setting forth the victories he obtained, says, that the mountains trembled and shook, the air cleft in two, and the Lord appeared from h…

With such minds he has no sympathy. He examines the Scriptures with the humility of one who inquires at the oracle of God, (2 Samuel 16:23,) and proclaims the reply with the faith of one who knows that the word of the Lord is tried, (Psalm 18:30.) Intimately connected with this…

9. Make to yourselves friends. As in the words which were last considered Christ did not enjoin us to offer sacrifices to God out of the fruits of extortion, so now he does not mean that we ought to search for defenders or advocates, who will throw around us the shield of their…

God declares that his dealings with men shall be suitable to their disposition and practice. Psalm 18:25-26: 'With the merciful man you will show yourself merciful; with an upright man you will show yourself upright; with the pure you will show yourself pure; and with the perver…

Crying unto God is an expression that does not only denote prayer, but intense and fervent prayer. To cry is to pray in a holy passion; and such are usually effective prayers (Psalm 18:6 and Hebrews 5:7). The encouragements to this resolution are twofold.

Cant. 2. 3, 4, 5. Why, so does the observation of his Providences also. Never did any man convers with Gods works of Providenc aright, but fnd his heart at some times melted into love to the God of his mercies, Psalm 18:1 compared with the Title. When God had delivered him from…

Sanctified mercies are commonly turned into Cautions against sin, Ezra 9:13 they are so many bands of restraint upon the soul that has them, to make them shun sin. They will engage a mans heart in love to the God of his mercies, Psalm 18:1 compared with the Title. They never sat…

It is said God made this hedge, Have you not made a hedge about him? First, There is a hedge which is made immediately by the hand of God: sometimes God makes the hedge immediately, yea sometimes God expresses himself to be the hedge or wall, as (Zechariah 2:5); so (Psalm 18, ve…

3. The same might be objected against public prayers also, seeing there may be many petitions that are not suitable to all joiners; yet the Lord has commanded both public praying and praising. 4. When the matter which is sung is above us, being a thing we have not yet reached, a…

The eighth particular is, the nose (it was not mentioned in her commendation, Chapter 4.). It is not to be taken here for the whole countenance, but for a part thereof: Therefore it is distinguished from the eyes, and is described as being eminent (like a tower) beyond the rest…

It's called hers, because she must make a special account for her own soul, and the talent that is given to her, according to the trust that is put on her. We have almost the same phrase, Chapter 1:6, where the Bride calls it, mine own vineyard: this vineyard is said to be befor…

Prayer is the soul's private converse and intercourse with God. Prayer whispers in God's ears (Psalm 18:6). My prayer came before him, even into his ears.

True grace tolerates no lust (Galatians 5:17). No, not the bosom darling-corruption (Psalm 18:23). Thirdly, Does that which I call my grace, humble, empty and abase my soul?

If God were dead (if I may speak so, with reverence of him who lives forever and ever) and Christ buried and rotten among the worms, we might have cause to look like dead people. But the Lord lives, and blessed be the rock of our salvation (Psalm 18:46). None have right to joy b…

I take this for the manner and course of heaven, to work one contrary out of another, by the greatest distractions to make way for unity and order. It is said (Psalm 18:11), He has made darkness his secret place. God's counsels are always carried under the covert of darkness; us…

Let conscience keep up a grand inquest in the soul, under a charge from the judge of heaven and earth, to enquire, and due presentment make of all riots, routs, and breaches of the peace, and let nothing be left unpresented for favor, affection or self-love; nor let anything pre…

Job 4. 23. And especially against that sin which was its darling in the days of his vanity, Psalm 18:23. True hatred (as the Philosopher observes, is of the whole kind: He that hates sin, as sin, and so does every upright Soul, hate all sins as well as some. Again, the Soul that…

God appropriates it as a peculiar work of his; He causeth [His wind to hlow.] Hence, He is said in Scripture, to bring them forth of his treasury, Psalm 137:7. There they are locked up and reserved, not a gust can break forth, till he command and call for it to go and excute his…

It is the property of a good Christian to magnify the power of God, to have high thoughts of it, and therefore it is his privilege to find safety in that power. David cannot satisfy himself with one, or two expressions of it, but delights in multiplying them (Psalm 18:1). The Lo…

One man will have his corrupt will, and another his, and thus they choke and jostle one another, and by the cross encounters of their purposes as flints meeting, they strike out these sparks that set all on fire. So then according to the order of the Apostle's exhortation, the o…

The chains of sin are so strong, and so fastened on our nature, that there is in us no power to break them off, till a mightier and stronger Spirit than our own, come into us. The Spirit of Christ dropped into the soul, makes it able to break through a host, and leap over a wall…

He is our Rock, and his work is perfect; he does not begin a building, and then leave it off, none of his designs break in the middle, or fall short of their end, he will perfect that good work, which he has begun, to the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1). And how often is he…

Thus we try God, and try his word. (Psalm 18:30) The word of the Lord is a tried word: He is a buckler to all those that trust in him. All those which build upon it, that wait to see what God will do, they will find it, upon experience, to be accomplished to a tittle: Never did…

Therefore, when Christ was transfigured, the disciples were astonished, and fell back; they could not endure the emissions and beamings out of his divine glory, because of the weakness and incapacity of the present state; therefore has God a place above, where he discovers his g…

3. Hereby may you know your affection to God's will, by keeping yourselves from your sins. (Psalm 18:23) I was upright before him, and kept myself from my iniquity. There is an iniquity that we may call ours, upon which the will is most passionately addicted; be it worldliness,…

Earthly Princes have Armies to defend their Persons from danger, but God needs none to help him: he can fight without an army. God puts strength into all Armies; other Captains may give their Soldiers Armour, but they cannot give them Strength: but God does, Psalm 18:39. You has…

Namely this: the latter recognized that God wished to be honored and worshipped according to the prescription of his law, and that his worship is contained within certain laws, within which, as within fixed boundaries, one must remain, and that therefore the ark of the Lord was…

On the other hand, if someone proud and arrogant spews out his venom and meditates rebellion against God, and at the mention of God is stirred to fury, and dreads his presence, and would rather hear anything else than the mention of God, he is surely neither fit nor disposed to…

Therefore let us know that David in this place did not wish to proclaim himself before God so as to boast of some perfection and integrity of life in which nothing is lacking: but only to institute a comparison of his cause with Saul's cause, who was undeservedly persecuting him…

2. You lose many an argument of trust and confidence. Answers of prayer are an argument against atheism, which is so natural to us, and inbred in our hearts, it persuades us that there is a gracious being; (Psalm 65:2) O you that hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come: we have…

The Scripture speaks (Deuteronomy 33:29) of counterfeit submissions to higher powers: Your enemies shall be found liars to you, you shall tread upon their high places — the meaning is, shall be subdued by you. So (Psalm 18:44): Strangers shall submit themselves to me. (Psalm 66:…

This for his internal government. And then his external government, by answering of prayers, fulfilling promises, accomplishing prophecies (Psalm 18:30). As for God, his way is perfect, the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all that trust in him.

Herod will not part with his Herodias. David says in Psalm 18:23, I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from my iniquity. Either some lust of the flesh, or of the eyes, or pride remains.

5. A child of God may have some particular evils, which may be called predominant sins, (not with respect to grace, that's impossible that a man should be renewed and have such sins that sin should carry the mastery over grace;) but they may be said to have a predominancy in com…

It concerns us much to look to this, that our hearts be firmly settled against atheism, especially when such errors are abroad, and divisions in the church, and the name of God is blasphemed. Now by these daily mercies does God establish his Word, makes it good to your souls; (P…

Resp. Every creature has a voice to call to us. The heavens call to us to behold God's glory (Psalm 19:1). Conscience calls to us, God's judgments call to us — Repent (Micah 6:9).

It is pity then that ever man was made! 1. Creatures below us glorify God, the inanimate creatures; the heavens glorify God (Psalm 19:1). The heavens declare the glory of God.

Saint Chrysostom compares the Scripture to a garden; the Moral Law is a chief flower in it; the Scripture is a banquet, the Moral Law the chief dish in it. First, The Moral Law is perfect (Psalm 19:7). The Law of the Lord is perfect.

2. Positively; God made the world to demonstrate his own glory. The world is a looking-glass, in which we may see the power and goodness of God shine forth: The heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1). The world is like a curious piece of arras or tapestry, in which we may…

Chrysostom compares the Scripture to a garden — every truth is a fragrant flower, which we should wear not in our bosom but our heart. David tasted the Word sweeter than the honey and the honeycomb (Psalm 19:10). There is that in Scripture that may breed delight: it shows us the…

And read the Word not carelessly, but with seriousness and affection; it is the oracle of Heaven, the well of salvation, the book of life. David for the preciousness of God's Word esteemed it above gold, and for the sweetness above honey (Psalm 19:10). By reading the Word aright…

1. Get the fear of God. Why does David say, The fear of the Lord is clean (Psalm 19:8)? Because it cleanses the heart of malice, it cleanses the tongue of slander.

Use. You see all sins are not equal, some are more grievous than others, and bring greater wrath; therefore especially take heed of these sins. (Psalm 19:13.) Keep back your servant from presumptuous sins. The least sin is bad enough, you need not aggravate your sins, and make t…

Psalm 33:18-19: The eye of the Lord is over them that fear him; to preserve them from death, and to keep them alive in famine. God by his providential care shields off dangers from his people, he sets a lifeguard of angels about them (Psalm 19:11). God's Providence keeps the ver…

O then let us bestir ourselves for the kingdom of Heaven; it is a labour full of pleasure; a Christian would not part with his joy for the most delicious music; he would not exchange his anchor of hope for a crown of gold: Well might David say in keeping your precepts there is g…

9. Doing God's will on earth brings peace in life and death. 1. In life; (Psalm 19:11) In keeping your precepts there is great reward; not only after keeping them but in keeping them; when we walk closely with God in obedience, there is a secret joy let into the soul, and how sw…

And it was practiced by David (Psalm 51) and (Psalm 32:5). The manner of making confession is this: known sins, and those which trouble the conscience, are to be confessed particularly; but unknown sins generally (Psalm 19:12). 6. Lastly, hence it is manifest, that there is no j…

And as for secret sins, they cannot make our repentance void: for he that truly repents of his known sins, repents also of such as be unknown, and receives the pardon of them all. God requires not an express or special repentance of unknown sins; but accepts it as sufficient, if…

So the upright heart cannot be at rest till it has wept out its troubles, and poured out its complaints before the Lord. 3. It includes earnest supplications and fervent prayer for heart-purifying and rectifying grace, when sin has defiled and disordered it, so as in Psalm 19:12…

2. No man living on earth, but he is beholden to Christ (though many know him not) for common helps of providence, and experiences do teach him some more of God by nature. 3. The sound of Christ, God revealed in the Gospel, in the Apostles' ministry is declared, and is gone to t…

There is unbelief in it, when we dare sin against the clear light and checks of conscience, and venture upon his threatenings: You cannot drive a dull ass into the fire that is kindled before him (Proverbs 1:17): Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. And the…

13. The reward of secret prayer shall be open and manifest: They have already a reward and gift in secret; communion with God is an abundant recompense. In keeping your commandments there is great reward (Psalm 19:11). But this is a [praemium ante praemium] reward before the rew…

His eyes are open upon all the ways of man, and who knows all the errors of his life? Therefore must we get alone and enumerate all the sins we know of, and desire God to show us what we do not know, and with holy David, breathe out that devout petition (Psalm 19:12): Cleanse yo…

As (Psalm 2:8): Ask of me and I will give you the heathen for your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for your possession. And again (Psalm 19:3): Their voice has gone through all the earth. Briefly, all the prophecies of the kingdom of Christ and of the publishing of the Go…

Answer. Known sins require particular repentance: but if sins be unknown, or unconsidered, by reason that men are carried away with the sway of the times (as the Patriarchs were) a general repentance suffices (Psalm 19:12). Again, it may be alleged, that Abraham took Hagar by th…

For this had been an improper simile, and too far-fetched, seeing he speaks here of children's first rudiments. I confess indeed that the same Hebrew word is used in the 18th chapter, where I have translated, 'From all parts,' or, 'Line after line,' and so in many other places:…

And thus he convinces their ingratitude, who being called, answered not: for God's meaning is to make us partakers of all the good things which he offers us, whereof otherwise we are utterly destitute. Where it follows, that God speaks in righteousness, it serves as an expositio…

I grant it seems very hard at the first blush, that the Prophets should make the hearts of men more hard; seeing they bring the word of God in their mouth, by which as by a light men should lighten and order their paths (Psalm 119:105). And we know that David gives it this title…

‐Mais aussi il entrera en une grande admiration de sa puissance et sagesse infinie;” — “but also will greatly admire His infinite power and wisdom.” Thus the sun and moon, though they are dumb creatures, are said to have a loud and distinct voice for singing the praises of God,…

3. Holy fear keeps the heart and life clean. The fear of the Lord is clean, says David (Psalm 19). Clean not only in itself, formally clean, but effective, it makes clean and keeps clean the heart and life.

We heed not our own actions, but let them pass from us without consideration or reflection; and truly the greatest part of our lives is thus huddled up, without pondering what we do; and we are equally ignorant as careless, whether we do well or ill. And in such neglected action…

Do not all these wonderful works proclaim aloud, that certainly there is a great and glorious God, who sits enthroned on high, and who has thus paved the bottom of heaven with stars, and adorned the inner parts of it with glories, yet to us unknown? Upon which very reflection th…

2. God speaks to men by his works; and that either by his works of creation, or by his works of providence. 1. God speaks by his works of creation; the heavens have a voice and declare God's glory (Psalm 19:1), and the earth has not only an ear to hear (Isaiah 1:2), but also a t…

What an infinite mercy is it that God has honored us with the scriptures! The barbarous Indians have not the oracles of God made known to them: they have the golden mines, but not the scriptures, which are more to be desired than much fine gold (Psalm 19:10). Our Savior bids us…

Thus the Gospel has a double use and benefit also. It's necessary as the former rain at seed-time, it causes the first spring of grace in the heart (Psalm 19:7). And there could be, (in an ordinary way) no spring of grace without it (Proverbs 29:18).

Or have you found the work of God so unpleasant to you (Proverbs 3:17)? Or the trade of godliness so unprofitable (Psalm 19:11)? Or do you not know, that millions now in hell perished for want of serious diligence in religion (Luke 13:34)?

As nature opens her treasures to none but the diligent, so neither does grace. He that will be rich, must be a painful Christian; and whoever will closely ply the trade of godliness, shall comfortably and quickly find, That in keeping God's commands there is great reward (Psalm…

But those by a kind and overruling providence ordinarily baffled and made successless. Thus does this grace of meekness carry its own recompense along with it, and in keeping of this commandment, as well as after keeping it, there is a great reward (Psalm 19:11). [4.] Consider w…

Is not this a mercenary thing, and hypocrisie? we are not to serve God for reward, but for himself: and therefore how is this that Moses had a respect unto the recompence of reward, and how is this a thing that should help us on in our way? First, this is granted, that we are bo…

If my Conscience had not thus convinced and warned, the sin had not been so great and crimsoncoloured, Iam. 4. 17. Ah! this is to sin with an high hand, Numb. 15. 30. to come near to the great and unpardonable trasgression, Psalm 19:13. O how dreadful a way of sinning is this, w…

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out throughout the earth, and their word to the end of the world, Psalm 19:1-4, and so forth. So Job: chapter 37, chapter 38, chapter 39; throughout.

But the Word is a glorious shining Light, as hath been showed; an illuminating Light; compared to, and preferred above the light of the Sun. Psalm 19:5, 6, 7. Romans 10:18. Let not then a reproach be cast upon the most glorious Light in the world, the most eminent reflection of…

But every such Blessing does not signify the Justification of a Sinner in the Sight of God, his Release from the Guilt or Obligation to Hell, and his first Right to Heaven. He that obeys the Duties of the Law or Gospel in any Measure or Degree, has some Sort of Blessedness prono…

Honor the King. This is a precious cluster of divine precepts; the whole face of the heavens is adorned with stars, but of different greatness, and in some parts they are thicker set than in the rest — thus is it likewise in the holy Scriptures, and these are the two books that…

Likewise you wives be in subjection to your own husbands: that if any one obeys not the word, they also without the word may be won by the conduct of the wives. The Tabernacle of the Sun (Psalm 19) is set high in the heavens, but it is, that it may have influence below upon the…

Our light is but in part: and who can understand his errors? (Psalm 19:12) Cleanse me from secret sins: we sin out of ignorance, as a man in the dark may jostle against his friend. Sometimes by imprudence and inconsideration, as a man that is not heedful though he knows it, he m…

God has showed more of his workmanship in the structure of the heavens, than in any other part of the creation, that being the most glorious part of the world. (Psalm 19:1-3) The heavens declare the glory of the Lord, and the firmament shows his handiwork, etc. Certainly it is m…

When they dye they shall go to God, and while they live every thing in the world shall do them good. 10. The Fear of God is a great Cleanser, Psalm 19:9. The fear of the Lord is clean.

For what other outcome can be hoped for than ultimate destruction for those who rise up against God and against his elect? We are therefore taught to walk in trembling before God, to such a degree indeed that when his will becomes known to us we should strive utterly to obey him…

Walking after their own lusts is the description of those that were monsters of men, that had outgrown all feelings of conscience. The laws of men are not our rule; it is too narrow and short to commend us to God, to be punctual to the laws of men and no more (Psalm 19:7). The l…

A man that would be holy, had need of an exact rule, for to be sure his practice will come short of his rule, and therefore if the rule itself be short, there will no due provision be made for respects to God or man. But now this is a rule that reaches not only to the way, but t…

This is the Book of Books, let it not lie idle and unemployed. The world can as well be without the Sun as the Bible (Psalm 19). First, he speaks of the Sun, and then of the Law of God.

Now it is the word of God believed and obeyed, which yields us the greatest profit, and the greatest sweetness. You have both in one verse (Psalm 19:10): More to be desired are they than gold, yea than much fine gold: sweeter also than the honey and the honeycomb. Because of the…

I have seen an end of all perfection: but your commandments are exceeding broad. And (Psalm 19:7-8), The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple: the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the comma…

Carnal men they do not know what it is to enjoy God in an ordinance, and therefore do not long for them, they do not taste the sweetness of the word. (Psalm 19:10) The statutes of the Lord are sweeter than the honey or the honey-comb. The children of God find more true pleasure…

Quest. 1. What is meant by God's name? Resp. 1. By God's name is meant his essence; (Psalm 20:1). The name of the God of Jacob defend you; that is, the God of Jacob defend you.

This is the reward of faithful elders, that feed the flock of Christ. The heaven of glory is called the holy heaven (Psalm 20:6). The Lord will hear from his holy heaven, and the new Jerusalem the Church, has a brave crown on her head (Revelation 21:10-11).

You have a few names in Sardis, that have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: that is, you have a few persons in Sardis. So likewise we may observe it to be frequently used when the Scripture speaks of God, and Christ, Psalm 20:1. The name of the Go…

So it is used in the present case: God's name is put for God himself. Psalm 20:1: The name of the God of Jacob defend you! That is, God himself. So, Psalm 44:5: Through your name will we tread them under, that rise up against us; that is, by you.

2. The object was God's name. That is either God himself, as Psalm 20:1: The name of the God of Jacob defend you; or that by which God is known, his wisdom, goodness, and power, especially those notions by which he has manifested himself in the Word. 3. The season: In the night.

For the earnestness or vehemency of the voice is allowable only in two cases: (1.) When the Edificationof the Congregation does require it, which being numerous, cannot hear what is spoken unless a man lift up his voice. (2.) When the vehemency of Affections will bear no restrai…

God has land enough to give to all his heirs, there can be no want in that which is infinite. If God be infinite, he fills all places, is everywhere present; this is sad to the wicked, God is their enemy and they cannot escape him, nor fly from him, for he is everywhere present:…

Pardoning mercy is the sauce that makes all other mercies relish the sweeter; it sweetens our health, riches, and honor. David had a crown of pure gold set upon his head (Psalm 21:3). But that which David did most bless God for was not that God had set a crown of gold upon his h…

It is mercy to feed us, but it is rich mercy to pardon us; this is spun and woven out of the bowels of free grace. Earthly things are no signs of God's love; he may give the venison, but not the blessing, but when God seals up forgiveness, he gives his love and heaven with it (P…

Ask of me, and I will give you the heathen for your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession (Psalm 2:8). When Christ asks souls of the Father, he gives him his asking: the Lord cannot withhold from this King the desire of his heart (Psalm 21:2). He…

This is a great matter (I say), not to be moved with these great offenses, and to be able, not only to despise them, but also to esteem this poor Christ so spitefully scorned, spit upon, whipped and crucified, more than the riches of all the richest, the strength of all the stro…

And when Job's three friends. The word which we translate (friends) springs from a root which signifies to feed a man's self, or others, or to eat together, as sheep eat together, and so from the same word, a Pastor or a feeder of sheep is derived (Psalm 21:1). The Lord is my Sh…

2. The object proposed to these daughters, is King Solomon, even the King of Zion the King of Peace, and King of Saints, in a word, their King: This relation makes him lovely to them; yet, it's not Christ simply that is here proposed to their view, but Christ with a crown, in mo…

1. His head is as the most fine gold; or his head gold, solid gold, so some, made of pure gold, so others, [illegible] say the 70 retaining part of both the Hebrew words [illegible] massa auri. Two things are eminent in gold; splendor or glory, and duration; this is that which t…

It is the Lord's mercy to the richest, for they were miserable and indigent. It is a great mercy to relieve those from hand to mouth: but you that have abundance, it is a double mercy to you, for he anticipates the necessity before it was felt; as (Psalm 21:3) You anticipated hi…

4. The believers are blessed through Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:10, 13; Psalm 32:1-2; Romans 4:6; Psalm 2:12; Psalm 119:1). Their afflictions and death are blessed, precious in the eyes of the Lord, not qualified with any law-curse (Job 5:17; Psalm 94:12; Matthew 5:6; Luke 6:22;…

Question 2. What is the right manner of a Christian's growth? Response 1. The right manner of growth, is to grow less in one's own eyes (Psalm 22:6): I am a worm and no man. The sight of corruption and ignorance makes a Christian grow into a dislike of himself, he does vanish in…

First [illegible]. That God does deliver his children out of troubles (Psalm 22:4): Our Fathers trusted in you, they trusted, and you delivered them. 2 Timothy 4:17: And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, namely, from Nero.

God's people esteem others better than themselves; they shrink into nothing in their own thoughts (Philippians 2:3). David cries out, I am a worm, and no man (Psalm 22:6) — though a saint, though a king, yet a worm. When Moses's face shone, he covered it with a veil: God's peopl…

There can be no submission to God's will till there be an acknowledging of God's hand. (2.) Patient submission to God's will lies in our justifying of God (Psalm 22:2): O my God I cry to you, yet you hear not, you turn a deaf ear to me in my affliction; but you are holy (Psalm 2…

Indeed, whatever causes torment or anguish is in Scripture called a sword, and piercing with a sword is used to express the most exquisite sufferings, as in Luke 2:35: 'A sword shall pierce through your soul also' — spoken to the blessed mother of Christ, of that anguish with wh…

And thus, while you may be speaking blindfolded as it were, casting anchor in the dark, yet speaking his very heart, he may own you and fall upon your neck and kiss you. And if yet after continual praying thus you still find no comfort, no answer from him, but he seems rather to…

For as Paul says, being in the form of God and thinking it no robbery to be equal with God, made himself of no reputation, and took on him form of a servant: and humbled himself and became obedient to death, even to the death of the cross (Philippians 2:6-7). Indeed so far forth…

[illegible], Though I be nothing. David cries out, I am a worm and no man (Psalm 22:6). Though a saint, though a king, yet a worm: Saint Austin, Lord, I am not worthy of Thy love: Bishop Hooper, Lord, I am hell, but Thou art heaven.

What, shall I fear lest that one be not sufficient for us both? it is not a short cloak that cannot cover two: it will cover both you and me largely being both a large and eternal justice. Augustine on Psalm 22: He prays for our faults, and has made our faults his faults, that h…

First, though no answer comes, yet you are still resolved to wait — you dare not say as that profane wretch did, 2 Kings 6:33: 'This evil is of the Lord; why should I wait for him any longer?' Second, you can still justify God and lay the reason and cause of his silence upon you…

He speaks this specially to such as were continually exposed to persecution to death for Christ in those primitive times; which therefore, verse 12, he terms the fiery trial, and verse 17, forewarns them of a time of judgment was begun, and going on upon the house of God, such a…

It is a determined thing, if we look, 1. To the certainty of the event; our Lord Jesus Christ must have a seed, to wit, believers in Him; that is concluded on, and promised to Him. 2. If we look to the seed that He shall have; they are particularly determined upon, to wit, how m…

But the coals of the furnace cast upon reprobates are dipped in the curse of God; so that in a small affliction, even in the miscarrying of a basket of bread, and the loss of one poor ox, there is a great law-curse, and intolerable vengeance (Deuteronomy 27:26; Deuteronomy 28:17…

So (Psalm 72:12) All nations [illegible] shall serve him — it is meant of Christ, and in the letter cannot be true, if many refuse him to be their King (Psalm 2:9; Psalm 2:3; Luke 19:14; Psalm 110:1). So is it said (Psalm 22:27) All the ends of the world shall remember, and turn…

And when the wrath of God for sin came thus in upon him, his faith was put to it to trust and wait on him for his justification, to take off all those sins together with his wrath from off him, and to acknowledge himself satisfied and him acquitted. Therefore in Psalm 22 (which…

As in like manner the scope of the evangelists is to set forth the story of them (for that is necessary to be known also). And thus did that evangelical prophet Isaiah chiefly set forth the intent of Christ's sufferings for justification, Isaiah 53, throughout the chapter, as Da…

Again, when Christ came to take upon him our nature, the words he spoke are recorded: 'Behold I come to do your will; a body have you fitted me' (Hebrews 10, out of Psalm 40). Likewise when he hung upon the cross, his words to God are recorded, Psalm 22:1: 'My God, my God, why h…

And besides, should we die for our sins ourselves, our death would not free us from the punishment, for we are not able to overcome death, but should forever sink under it: if there had been a law that could have given us life, then we might have lived by it, but there is no suc…

A man may better spend two hours in hearing, than half an hour in praying, if the heart be employed in it as it ought to be, in the sight of God, and an earnest desire after him: the prayers in Scripture are all supplications or doxologies, there is no excursion into doctrines a…

Again: Depart not from me, for tribulation is at hand, and there is none to help. Etc. [reconstructed: (John 17)] (Luke 4:32) (Psalm 22:6, 15) This is therefore a great commendation of the Galatians, that they were not offended with this infirmity and temptation of Paul, but rec…

Think on this: hence we learn thankfulness to God, because our callings, gifts, and the execution of our callings, is wholly of God: and this Paul signifies, when he says that our separation to our offices, and callings, was from our first conception. Hence we learn to depend on…

Thus Cain hated his brother, by reason of the grace of God: because his deeds were good (1 John 3:12). A great part of the sufferings of Christ, stood in this, that he was mocked for his confidence in God (Psalm 22:8; Matthew 27:43). The children of Bethel mock Elisha: first, fo…

2. If you be Christ's, then commend your soul, and life, and all that you have, into the hands of Christ. This was the practice of David (Psalm 22), of Christ upon the cross, of Paul (2 Timothy 1:12). And this practice is the only way to obtain safety and protection.

These in his mystical body are glorious in the sight of God (as the death of his Saints is;) yet not meritorious. Secondly, those in his natural body, were prophesied of before in particular (Psalm 22:16): They pierced my hands and my feet. These in his mystical body only in gen…

But the Prophet meant nothing less: for he goes on still to set forth the grace of God, which should be manifested at the coming of Christ. Using the very same similitude with that in Psalm 22:26, where David describes the kingdom of Christ, saying; that the poor as well as the…

For his strokes must of necessity have that efficacy in them, as to bring down all loftiness, and to humble us to the very gates of hell, that so being in a manner stripped of all comfort, we may lie gasping after it, and yet in the meantime apprehend nothing but dread and horro…

And by this consideration David cheers up his spirits in his extreme distresses: It is you, O Lord, says he, that has drawn me out of my mother's womb: you gave me hope while I sucked my mother's breasts. I was cast upon you even from the womb: you are my God from my mother's be…

Which are born of me from the womb.] This similitude, by which God compares himself to a mother that bears her child in her womb, is very fitting for his purpose. Now he speaks of the time past, in which he began to give to his people testimonies of his grace: unless any had rat…

For the governor, (or whoever was employed by Caesar for the purpose,) while he executes the commission entrusted to him, is, unknown to himself, God's herald, to call Mary to the place which God had appointed. And certainly Luke's whole narrative may well lead believers to ackn…

to be "a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people," (Psalm 22:6) and at length to undergo the accursed death of the cross.

When Matthew says that thus was fulfilled the prediction of David, they part my garments among them, and cast the lot upon my vesture, (Psalm 22:18,) we must understand his meaning to be, that what David complained of, as having been done to himself metaphorically and figurative…

This certainly was more cruel than all the other tortures, that they upbraided, and reviled, and tormented him as one that had been cast off and forsaken by God, (Isaiah 53:4.) And, therefore, David, as the representative of Christ, complains chiefly of this among the distresses…

For both show many things of the afflictions as well of Christ as of those that believe in [reconstructed: him], and also of the glory that follows the same. So David, (Psalm 22) when he speaks of Christ in this sort: I am a [reconstructed: worm] and no man, does he else declare…

Avenging justice then spent all its force upon him, on account of our guilt that was laid upon him; he was not spared at all; but God spent the arrows of his vengeance upon him, which made him sweat blood, and cry out upon the cross, and probably rent his vitals, broke his heart…

And if we consider the nature of that obscure life we lived in tho womb; how small an accident (had it been permitted by Providence) had extinguished our life, like a Bird in the shell? We cannot therefore but admire the tender care of Providence over us, and say with the Psalmi…

Secondly, it may refer to the birth: for, there must be an opening of those doors and that by an Almighty power, for production as well as for conception. And therefore David (Psalm 22:9) ascribes it to the Lord, Lord you are he who took me out of my mother's womb. It was not th…

2. The commendation is explained, or illustrated by a similitude: the thing she explains, and which she understood by ointments, is his Name; the similitude whereby it is illustrated is ointment poured forth. Christ's Name is himself, or the knowledge of himself, or every thing…

But though he did not sweat blood, yet such was the suffering of his soul, that probably it rent his vitals; as seems probable by this that when his side was pierced, there came forth blood and water. And so here was a kind of literal fulfillment of that in Psalm 22.14. "I am po…

Your Lord Jesus sweated and panted before he got up that mount; he was at 'Father, save me' with it. It was he who said in Psalm 22:14: 'I am poured out like water; all my bones are out of joint' — Christ was as if they had broken him on the wheel — 'my heart is like wax, it is…

That which would break an angry man's heart, will not break a meek man's sleep. It is promised (Psalm 22:26) that the meek shall eat and be satisfied. He has whatever sweetness is to be had in his common comforts, while the angry man either cannot eat, his stomach is too full, a…

Thirdly, it is worth the enduring a great deal of affliction, to have communion with them; because it is in their communion, in which the solemn worship of God is set up; now it is worth the enduring of a great deal, to be where that is. In Judah is God known, and his name is gr…

The way to Zion is through the valley of Baca, Psalm 84:6 Many are the troubles of the righteous, says David, Psalm 34:19 According to that of the Apostles, Acts 14:22 Through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God. Psalm 22. is a prophetical Psalm of Christs suf…

The terms of this covenant are at large set forth in Isaiah 53, summed up in Psalm 40:7-8, and Hebrews 10:8-10. Hence the Father became his God — which is a covenant expression, Psalm 89:26, Hebrews 1:5, Psalm 22:1, Psalm 40:8, Psalm 45:7. So was he by his Father designed to thi…

They sought to know what manner of time it should come to pass, namely in a time of great distress, and bad estate of the people, as all the Prophets testify, and particularly that place (Genesis 49:10) gives an express character of the time, though there be some diversity of ex…

It is not said that his children always see and hear him sensibly, but yet when they do not, he is beholding them, and hearing them graciously, and will show himself to them, and answer them seasonably. (Psalm 22:2) I cry in the daytime, and you do not hear, etc. Yet will he not…

And therefore it is verily a fault, that God is no more praised. In our addresses to him (Psalm 22:3) it's said, O you that inhabit the praises of Israel; the meaning is, dwells in Israel, where he is praised of them, because it is the great work they are about. Surely our assem…

In infancy we are not in a capacity to know the God of our mercies, and look after him; yet he looked after us then, when we could not perform one act of love and kindness to him. The Psalmist takes notice of this; (Psalm 22:9-10) You are he who took me out of the womb; you made…

O stand upon Mount Gerizim blessing. The Fear of God is an Immortal▪ Seed springing up into Glory, Psalm 22:23. Ye that fear the Lord praise him.

If we be tried and nurtured with correction of the cross, so was he: insomuch that although he was the Son of God, yet learned he obedience by the things that he suffered (Hebrews 5:8). If we be abased, so was he: insomuch that whereas it was no robbery in him to be equal with G…

But now our duty to God, and love to him, should make us seek him in his ordinances by way of communion. And in this sense seeking God is often spoken of in Scripture (Psalm 22:26): They shall praise the Lord that seek him; that is, that wait upon him, and maintain communion wit…

3. By it the soul is supported under present troubles.] Joy stupefies and swallows up troubles; it carries the heart above them, as the oil swims above the water. 4. The heart is fenced against future fear.] Joy is both a cordial and an antidote; it is a cordial which gives pres…

It strengthens the saints in their weaknesses (Hebrews 11:34). It supplies all their wants out of its alms-basket (Psalm 23:5). Thus Providence does wonderfully supply the wants of the elect.

But only one thing, which is here held forth to him: the name of the Lord, for him to trust and stay himself upon — both that name of God (Exodus 34:6), 'The Lord God, gracious and merciful,' etc., and that name of Christ, which is called (Jeremiah 23:6) 'Jehovah our righteousne…

This is a sovereign remedy against immoderate grief in the greatest distress: and, undoubtedly the floods of affliction shall never overwhelm him, that has his heart assured by faith of the mercy of God towards him by Jesus Christ. This made David say, He would not fear evil, th…

Here you see, first, their extreme wants — water being put even for the necessaries of life; and (2) their certain relief: 'I the Lord will hear them' — in which it is supposed that they cry to him in their straits, and he hears their cry. Having therefore these promises, why sh…

God was in Christ's bosom, when he was in a stormy Sea, and the light of Faith says, behold, the shore at hand. Death takes feet and power of motion from a man; but, (Psalm 23:4) yet Faith makes a supposition, that David may walk and live, breathe in the grave, in the valley of…

And therefore rather than God should be dishonored, and the people discouraged and prejudiced by the want of it, he would send it back again, and is content to lose outward blessings. His care was not so much about outward things; his chief care was, if he might have had his wis…

Abraham had not this full persuasion, till God had sundry times spoken to him. David, upon much trial of the mercy, and favor of God, grows to resolution, and says (Psalm 23:6): "Doubtless kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." This distinction of the degre…

And David protests, that he will not fear, though he should walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Why so? because he knew that God was with him (Psalm 23:4). In your name.] In these words the Prophet meant to show from where this magnanimity of mind in the faithful pro…

(4.) What unspeakable comfort is it for a poor soul, that sees nothing but sin and vileness in it self, at the same time to see what an high esteem and value the great God has for him! This may be discerned by a due attendance to Providence, for there a man sees goodness and mer…

He was not satisfied in general to say, let darkness stain it, but if any would know what kind or degree of darkness he intends, these words expound his meaning to be, the worst darkness that can be: any darkness is evil, but darkness and the shadow of death is the utmost of evi…

In sum, that which she seeks, is this, You who guide all yours, as a shepherd does a flock, let me know how you order your people, and carry them through in times of snares, and where you refresh them in time of trouble: These being the two great duties of a shepherd, are well p…

And Zachary and Elizabeth have this testimony, that they were both righteous, walking in all the commandments of God blameless (Luke 1:6). Thus we have the ways of holiness called ways of righteousness (Psalms 23:3). And the works of holiness, work of righteousness (Psalms 15:2;…

He may say to the promises, you are the true and faithful sayings of God, my unbelief did belie you; I said in my haste you were liars, but I eat my words, I am ashamed of my folly. Surely, O soul, there is yet hope in your end, you may be restored (Psalm 23:3). You may yet reco…

Who but the quiet man that needs not go abroad for satisfaction, but having Christ dwelling in his heart by faith, has in him that peace, which the world can neither give, nor take away: while those that are fretful and passionate, rise up early, and sit up late, and eat the bre…

For the first, the presence of God, that glorious presence that the Saints shal have of God in Heaven, is a great part of their happiness: Heaven, it were not Heaven without the presence of God: The presence of God in the most miserable place that can be, were a greater happines…

The whole rise of it is from this love of God, flowing out by the ways there described. To assure us of his love, there is not anything that has a loving and tender nature in the world which God has not compared himself to — as a father, a mother, a shepherd, a hen over her chic…

Not that we are able upon any rational consideration, deduction, or conclusion that we can make from the things mentioned, to affect our hearts with the joy and gladness intended: it is left no less the proper work of the Spirit to do it from this and by the intervenience of the…

But this truth hangs not on such weak notions as are often used, either for or against it. In that prophecy (Ezekiel 34:16): I will seek, and bring again, etc., and (Psalm 23:3): He restores, or returns, my soul. And that this is the work of this Shepherd the Lord Jesus, God-man…

Seek to have the Lord in your hearts, and sanctify him there — he shall make them strong, and carry them through all dangers. Though I walk, says David, through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no ill, for you are with me (Psalm 23); so also Psalm 27:1. What is it…

For he is my God. And elsewhere, reasoning with himself (Psalm 23:1), "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want" — first, his covenant interest is built, and then conclusions of hope. So (2 Samuel 30:6), David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.

For those whose condition was such that they often enjoyed neither the light of the moon nor of the sun, but lived a miserable life immersed in the deepest shadows of death — God nevertheless miraculously rescued them from those distresses at last. And there is no doubt that Dav…

Here let it come home to me, for my comfort and deliverance. David elsewhere says (Psalm 23:6), mercy and goodness shall follow me all my days; go after him, find him out in his wanderings. So (Psalm 116:12), what shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits toward me?

2. Get a covenant interest in him, if our interest be clouded, how can we put promises in suit, but when it is clear you may draw comfortable conclusions from there (Psalm 31:14): I trusted in you, O Lord, I said you are my God. Psalm 23:1: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not w…

Now if God be with us, why should we be afraid? (Psalm 23:4): When I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid, for you are with me: and in many other places. We see in the body, if any member be hurt, there presently runs the blood to comfort the woun…

The use is to press us to take this course as one remedy to comfort us in our distresses. In distresses of conscience the blood of Christ is the only cure; but in temptations arising from the scorn and insultation of enemies, remember what God has done for his people of old, and…

If these things could fill up your affections, they bear no proportion with conscience, your sore will run upon you, and your inward griefs will not be cured. But this is such a portion, that besides internal grace, there shall be a competent measure of outward things; God will…

His eternal love is assigned as the cause of all. (Psalm 23:3) He leads us in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Thirdly, what should be the grounds and impelling principle of prayer.

(Job 13:15) "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." And (Psalm 23:4) "Indeed, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me." Many of his children are reduced to great straits; the…

(Hebrews 6:17-18): Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show to the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge…

3. You that are a Saint, have a friend in heaven which you cannot lose: The Jews have a saying at their Funerals, Let your consolation be in heaven. Are you a close Mourner, look up to heaven, and fetch comfort thence, your best kindred are above, Psalm 27. 10, When my Father an…

And the same thing does Augustine teach, not darkly, though briefly, where he thus says: The goodwill of man goes before many gifts of God, but not before all. But of them which it goes before, it itself is one, then follows his reason: because it is written: His mercy has preve…

Two faiths are a double breastwork against the forts of Hell. 3. In the greatest extremity believe, even as David in the borders of Hell (Psalm 23:4): Indeed though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; it's a litote, I will believe good. It's a…

So this woman had no comfort, nor ground of sense of comfort from Christ, except rough answers and reproaches, yet she believes, and so must be strong in the faith (Psalm 3:6). David's faith stands straight without a crook, when ten thousand deaths are round about him, and (Psal…

He weighs the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance (Isaiah 40:12). 3. God is a glorious King (Psalm 24:10). Who is this King of glory, the Lord of Hosts he is the King of glory.

So it is with a poor soul: ease, pardon, knocking off his bolts do not content him until he enjoys communion with God, until he sees his face in his ordinances. Psalm 24:6: 'This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek your face' — this is the mark, the disposition of…

And hereunto add a fourth, which is near akin unto it: We must cast all our care on God, seeing that he is Lord of the earth, and we are but Pilgrims and Sojourners. David says, Psalm 24.1. The earth is the Lords, and all that therein is: The same David confesses, Psalm 39.12, H…

Christ is not only his priest, but his pattern: as he makes use of Christ's death for his salvation, so of Christ's life for his imitation. 3. A righteous man is just in his dealings (Psalm 24:3, 4). Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? He that has clean hands, etc.

Not the first: 'My Father knows what I have need of' (Matthew 6:32); my condition is not hidden from him. Not the second: 'The earth is the Lord's and the fullness of it' (Psalm 24:1); his name is God All-sufficient (Genesis 17:1). Not the last: 'As a father pities his children,…

4. It's set out under the similitude of standing and knocking at a door, because the gospel brings Christ a knocking and calling hard at sinners' doors (Revelation 3:20), Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man will hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to h…

God requires that every base heart should be exalted, to the minding of high and heavenly things, lifted up far above these low things that cannot reach the ways of God. These gates must stand open, and be lifted up, that the King of Glory may come in (Psalm 24:7-10). And he mea…

Notable is that expression of David to this purpose, My eyes are not lofty, nor my heart haughty, but I have behaved myself as a weaned child (Psalm 131:1-2). Now you would think if a man were such a weaned humble creature, he could not tell how to speak, nor to take any great t…

Therefore that power that Satan has is not given but permitted; not absolute but limited. It is a lie, that Satan can give these things at pleasure, see these Scriptures, (Psalm 24:1) The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein, (Dani…

The seed of Jacob are wrestlers with God. God has no children still-born, they all cry Abba Father: Jacob wrestled with God in secret prayer, and ever since, all the saints in all ages have borne that name (Psalm 24:6). This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek you…

But will some say, Objection: might that be offered to God in sacrifice, which the Tyrians had scraped together by polling and unlawful shifts? For the Lord detests such offerings; because he requires a pure conscience, and innocent hands (Psalm 24:4). Now in regard of this ques…

She continues the comparison of opening a shut door, he, as it were, put in the key without, and she came to draw the handle or [reconstructed: slot] within (as is usual in some locks). The door is the heart, as (Psalm 24:7) called, the everlasting doors. The lock that closes, i…

The second part of the promise, is, we will enclose her with boards of cedar: Cedar was a precious wood, and durable (as has been often said) And to be enclosed with it, signifies the adorning of her, and strengthening of her more. The condition annexed to this part of the promi…

All theft presupposes a right and propriety: for where nothing does of right appertain to me, nothing can be unjustly taken or detained from me. Now here first, certain it is, that God is the great Lord and proprietor both of heaven and earth, and of all things in them (Psalm 24…

So the word righteousness is very often used in scripture for God's covenant-faithfulness so it is used in Nehemiah 9:8. You have performed your words, for you are righteous. So we are often to understand righteousness and covenant-mercy for the same thing; as Psalm 24:5. He sha…

What great person is this? And say, as in Psalm 24:8, 10, "Who is this King of glory," that God should show such respect, and put such vast honor upon him? Surely this person is honorable indeed in God's eyes, and greatly beloved of him; and surely it is a great errand upon whic…

We have here 1. To consider the estate of Christians, in the words that here describe it. 2. The opposition of it to the state of unbelievers. 3. The end of it. A chosen generation,] The Psalmist there speaks first of God's universal sovereignty, then of his peculiar choice (Psa…

O how often do we read in Scripture, that they are alone with God, pouring out their souls in complaints to him! Nothing so natural to them as prayer; they are called a generation of them that seek God (Psalm 24:6). As light bodies are moving upward, so the saints are looking up…

As soon as we are new-born, there will be a crying out for relief in prayer. It is the character of the saints, This is the generation of them that seek you (Psalm 24:6), a people much in calling upon God. And the Prophet describes them by the work of prayer (Zephaniah 3:10): My…

1. God gives us the possession of them; for he is the absolute Lord of all things, both in heaven and in earth; and whatever is possessed by any creature, it is by his indulgence; for the primitive and original right was in him. (Psalm 24:1) The earth is the Lord's, and the full…

Nevertheless, not without reason did this woman say that with the ark of God captured, the glory had departed from Israel. For in Psalm 24 that ark is called the God of glory, because God represented his benevolence by this sign, as if he covered his people with his wings and sh…

Now when pillars are attributed to the earth, we must understand this as a metaphorical expression. For in another place, Psalm 24:2 and 136:6, God is said to have founded the earth upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. But those who are about to build in rivers or i…

You have David's instance in the text, and elsewhere. It is their general character (Psalm 24:6): This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek your face, O Jacob, Selah. God's children are a generation of seekers.

Go to another sort of seekers, they are sensible of the same thing, in case of desertion it is clear, Song of Solomon 5:6. My beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone; I sought him, but I could not find him. They never begin to recover, until they are first sensible of their…

4. If you do not sensibly find God, yet comfort yourself that you are in a seeking way, and in the pursuit of him. Psalm 24:6: God's people are described to be the generation of them that seek him. This is the true mark of God's chosen people, they make it their business to get…

Now this is that which Christianity drives at, that we may look after our reward with God, and escape that tribulation, wrath, and anguish, which shall come upon every soul that does evil. 2. That doctrine which establishes purity of heart and life, as the only means to attain t…

Luther says, we are always in medio rubri maris, kept as the Israelites were in the midst of the Red Sea. The Psalmist tells us (Psalm 24:2): He has founded the earth upon the seas, and established the world upon the floods. That part of the world where we dwell, would suddenly…

True saints are called seekers of God. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek your face O Jacob, or O God of Jacob (Psalm 24:6). Lo here a generation of them that seek God, and are not these the saints of God?

1 Consider the worthiness of the person, in regard of whom all preparation may seem too little; you are not to entertain an ordinary person, it is not a man, it is not a king, it is not an earthly monarch, but it is the King of Kings that will come into your souls to comfort the…

Fear not, O you Saints, neither sin nor Satan can dissolve your union with Christ, nor by consequence hinder you of that blessed place where your Head is. Question: Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord (Psalm 24:3)? Who shall be a citizen of this new Jerusalem, which is ab…

To the praise of the glory of his grace, that is, to the praise of his glorious grace. And his mighty Power imports no lesse then his Almighty Power; sometimes the Lord is stiled mighty and strong, as Psalms 24:8. sometimes most mighty, sometimes Almighty, no lesse is meant in a…

And their noble one shall be of themselves, and their Governor shall proceed from the midst of them, and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach to me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach to me, says the Lord? The love eternal here in JEHOVAH loves an…

The word 'world' in scripture is in general taken four ways. First, for the world as container — generally for the whole fabric of heaven and earth with all things in them contained, which God created in the beginning (Job 34:13; Acts 17:24; Ephesians 1:4); and distinctly, first…

But directly this is the same with that parallel place (Titus 1:3): according to the commandment of God our Savior, where no interposition of that conjunctive particle can have place, the same title being also in other places ascribed to him, as Luke 1:47: my spirit has rejoiced…

The innocent in hands, and the man of a pure heart. Again in another place (Psalm 24): This is the generation of those that seek God, of those that seek the face of the God of Jacob. And so does the Spirit exhort the faithful to endurance, that they take it not grievously that t…

Christ's Godhead implies excellency of being — he calls himself "I am" (John 8:28). Excellency of glory — therefore called the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:8) and King of glory (Psalm 24:7): "Lift up your heads, O you gates, and be you lifted up, you everlasting doors, and the…

But keep hearts of worth within you — I mean prepared for the presence of the Lord, as the Church says (Song of Solomon 7:13), "In our gates is all manner of pleasant fruits." The gates of a commonwealth are the gates of judicature, but the gates of a Christian is his heart (Psa…

See your need of Christ's anointing and teaching (Revelation 3:18). 2. Go to Christ to teach you (Psalms 25:5): Lead me in your truth, and teach me. As one of the disciples said, Lord teach us to pray (Luke 11:1), so, Lord teach me to profit.

First, it gives boldness at the throne of grace; guilt of conscience clips the wings of prayer, it makes the face blush, and the heart. But when a Christian has some lively apprehensions of God's love, and the Spirit whispering peace, then he goes to God with boldness, as a chil…

Thirdly, If you would persevere, be very sincere. Perseverance grows only upon the root of sincerity (Psalm 25:21). Let integrity and uprightness preserve me.

If God be our husband, he esteems us precious to him as the apple of his eye (Zechariah 2:8). He imparts his secrets to us (Psalm 25:14). He bestows a kingdom upon us for our dowry (Luke 12:32).

This fearing of God is, 1. To have God always in our eye (Psalm 16:8): I have set the Lord always before me. And (Psalm 25:15): My eyes are ever toward the Lord. He who fears God imagines that whatever he is doing, God looks on, and as a judge, weighs all his actions.

Mercies for the dejected (Isaiah 54:8): In a little wrath I hid my face from you, but with great mercies will I gather you. God has old mercies (Psalm 25:6): Your mercies have been ever of old. And new mercies (Psalm 40:3): He has put a new song in my mouth.

Will you give me a kingdom, and deny me daily bread? 4. If in covenant with God, all things shall co-operate for your good: Etiam mala cedunt in bonum (Psalm 25:10). Not only golden paths, but his bloody paths.

God takes the meek person to be his scholar. (Psalm 25:9): The meek will he teach his way. Meekness makes the Word preached to be ⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩, an engrafted Word, (James 1:21).

Is it your sins discourage? God's mercy can pardon great sins, nay, because they are great (Psalm 25:11). The sea covers great rocks as well as lesser sands; some that had a hand in crucifying Christ, found mercy.

Objection 2: But I have been a great sinner, and surely God will not pardon me? David brings it as an argument for pardon (Psalm 25:11): "Pardon my iniquity, for it is great." When God forgives great sins, he does a work like himself.

Hereby we are taught, oftentimes to give ourselves to elevate and lift up our minds and hearts to God, partly by meditation in his word, partly by invocation on his name, and partly by thanksgiving. And, to do these things the better, we must remember to set apart some special t…

And as in that, for is it generally true in all his great works: that the Lord God will do nothing, but he reveals his secrets to his servants the Prophets. Amos 3:7. Now this is not a prerogative of Prophets alone, or of such as were extraordinary men as Abraham was: but the se…

Doctrine. That all the various dealings of God with his Children, do by a special Providence turn to their good. Psalm 25:10. All the paths of the Lord are mercy unto such as keep his Covenant.

- 4. Again, we are here to consider that our hearts in prayer must mount up into heaven, and there be present with the Lord. - Psalm 25:1. To you O Lord, lift I up my soul. - The little child is never well but when it is in the father's lap, or under the mother's wing: and the c…

The spirit helps us with sighs and groans (Romans 8:26): not only gifts, but groans; and surely the incense of a righteous man's prayer with the Holy Ghost's fire put to it, must needs ascend as a sweet perfume to heaven. [reconstructed: 2]. A righteous man's prayers are so exce…

Truth 7. Lastly, whatever our sin or trouble may be, it should rather drive us to God than from God. 'Pardon my sin, for it is great' — Psalm 25:11. Suppose it is true that you have so and so sinned, that you have been thus long and sadly deserted — yet it is a false inference t…

2. That it is no curious thing, for the Lord does not lay the obligation to curiosity on any, though we would wish that many had a holy curiosity to know God's mind towards them, that they might not live in the dark about such a concerning business. 3. That the secret of the Lor…

Antinomian preachers in our times confess sins in public, but it is the sins of the reprobate and carnal multitude, that are in the society mixed with the godly; they think it a work of the flesh to confess their own sins: this is to steal the word of the Lord from his people. S…

And it was concerning a secret counsel of God. Now when God undertakes to be our friend, he undertakes to communicate sundry of his counsels to us; his secrets are to them that fear him (Psalm 25:14). Many secret passages shall their hearts be made privy to, that others shall ne…