[...] A STAY in TROUBLE, OR THE SAINTS REST In the Evil Day.
Introduction.
IN the Composure and subject matter of this Psalm, Hic Psalmus est exgenere mixtorum. Pareus ad loc. we have a true account of the exercise of Davids Spirit, whilest he was [Page 2]in the Wilderness of Ziph; 1 Sam. 23.14. Psal. 57.2, 3. It seems that place to him (whatever it was in it self) was a solitude of Prayer and Meditation.
Gracious Spirits can make the best of the baddest places, Animadversion. Isai. 26.3. Act. 5.41: 2 Cor. 6.10. fair weather in the foulest storms; they can turn raging troubles into Religious tryals, and a barren Wilderness in a Sanctuary of worship: Psal. 57.7, 8, 9, 10. Psal. 42.5. Psalm 73.28. Isai. 40.29, 31. It was Davids cross to suffer, but his comfort and Crown to serve God in that estate.
He had a malicious Saul for his implacable enemy, 1 Sam. 24.15. 1 Sam. 26.1. Psal. 52.8, 9. but a merciful God for his intimate Friend, he will not gratifie the one, to dishonor the other; he will glorifie God wheresoever he sojourn, let the Devil and Saul do what they can; Psal. 54.6. Psal. 57.2. they may banish him from the Tabernacle, and force [Page 3]him to the Wilderness, 1 Sam. 26, 19, 20. Psal. 56.2, 3, 4, 5. but not from Gods worship; they may afflict his body, but they are not able to pervert his Spirit: Rom. 8.35, 36, 37. Psalm 56.11, 12, 13. For (saith he) My soul cleaveth to the Lord, his right hand upholdeth me.
In which words we have two things materially considerable of Davids Spirit, as it is now engaged in this disconsolate condition.
First, Its dependance upon God, The Text divided. My soul cleaveth unto thee.
Secondly, Its assistance by God, His right hand upholdeth me.
In both which parts, Note. Saints spiritual communion in, trouble with God. we may discern what a comfortable correspondence is kept betwixt the Lord and David, in this sad time; his heart cleaves to God, and the Lords hand upholds him; we shall consider his words, The Text opened. [...] My soul, my whole Spirit, [Page 4]my life, Plura autem hoc vocabulo fignificantur, 1. Spiritus. 2. Vita. 3. Anima rationalis. 4 Homo corpore, & anima compositus. 5 Per synecdochen personam fignificat. Saints careful of their spirits in trouble. Psal. 56.3. Psal. 7.2, 3. Amos. 6.8 Gen. 17.21 Lev. 19.28 the whole man as the root, [...] originally import, Gen. 17.14.
Doubtless, David had nothing but what he had cast upon God, in the case wherein he was; but especially his person, which was more precious to him then all his other enjoyments; and it is the Saints custom to speak by their Spirits all things else, that being their (unum) their onely thing precious; if this be well placed, all things else are well preserved: So David speaketh nothing here but his heart, and its establishment upon God, Heb. Non simpliciter adherere significat sed amantem conjugali affectu; quare, & Rabbi David in radicibus per associari ex ponit. My soul cleaveth to God.
[...] Adhaesit, adherescit anima mea post te, My soul cleaves after thee, as do things which hang by another; the root is of so great frequency in Scripture, as [Page 5]of inquiry amongst Criticks; it importeth here the posture of Davids spirit, and speaketh it close to God; and so depending upon him, as nothing could loosen it from him: Satans subtilty, Sauls cruelty; his own personal loss and indemnity, are not all of them of any force or dexterity, to cut asunder or unty the Gordian knot of this unity Expremitur hac voce arctissimum, & indissolubile vinculum quale est inter conjuges. Gerh. loc. com..
The cleaving of Davids spirit, was a glewing of the Lords spirit; a marriage of the Lords making, is altogether incapable of the Divels breaking.
It is no wonder, Davids words report him so much devoted to God, Dependance. seeing with the same breath they speak him supported by God, Assistance. Thy right hand (saith he.
[...] Dextra tua, Thy right hand; This is a humane member [Page 6]feigning a Divine Power; Psal. 118.16. Rev. 1.17. Psal. 138.7. Psal. 139.10. Psal. 80.18. it is ordinary for the Spirit to speak low, [...], for our infirmity that we may conceive [...] (in a Divine decency) according to our capacity.
Right hand] In Scripture Language, when attributed to God sometime signifieth God himself, Isai. 48.13. His word, Isai. 62.8. His present aid and assistance, Psal 74.11. All which may be understood by this right hand upholding David in this juncture of time.
[...] Sustentat me, Exprimit ad jumenta omnia & adminicula quibus pollere sibi videtur. A word signifying not onely the strēgth of body, but also of minde. He often or always upholdeth me: This seems to be a Phrase of Davids experience, he had tasted that the Lord was good in that and other his suffering seasons.
The Saints are sensible of their supplies, and resent them: The [Page 7]vessels of mercy are all so thankful, Note. Psal. 116.3, 4, 5, 6, 7. as faithful observers of Gods favor; Deut. 8.11. Psal. 119.16. Psal. 103.2. they vent none of their receipts, but in respective acknowledgements.
It is not with them, as it is with those hollow Cisterns of this degenerous. Generation, whose worthless Genius speak them such as they are; under the most eminent kindnesses, all so sensless as thankless, Psal. 9.17.
David it seems is of another more refined Spirit, Note. The thank fulness of the Saints. he will professedly publish those mutual outgoings of Spirit and power, betwixt the Lord and himself, and tell the world, that his enemies may hear his soul cleaved to God, and the Lord did uphold him.
Such Religious tidings might cool the courage of his adversaries, they hearing he was [Page 6] [...] [Page 7] [...] [Page 8]joyned to so strong a party, who was able to support him and bear him up, 1 Sam. 18.13, 17. & 24.22. in opposition to all their designed stratagems complotted or executed against him.
HAving thus shortly taken a survey of Davids words; I finde they present the singular deportment and incouragement of his own, The result of the words. or any other gracious spirit in trouble, and thus in two eminent considerations.
First, Conclus. 2 Such a gracious spirit hath its total dependance upon God.
Secondly, It hath a comfortable assistance from Cod.
In these two streams flow all [Page 9]the substantial sweetness of Davids words in this place.
First, They give us in the testimony of Davids spirit cleaving to God.
Secondly, They report his experimental assistance in the evil day by him; we shall speak to each of these in their order.
I. Of the Saints Dependance.
FIrst, That a gracious spirit hath its total dependance upon God in trouble, seems to be Davids case and qualification in this estate.
He was sharply assaulted by Saul, but strictly united to God; My soul cleaveth to God: Adhaerendi verbum (says Calvin) significat David [Page 10]cor suum firma perseverantia semper affixum fore Deo. Cal. ad loc.
Troubles lay hold upon David, Davids custom. Psal. 11.1. Psal. 25.1. and Davids Spirit lays hold upon his God: It is worth Animadversion, he casts not of his burthen, but casts himself and his burthen upon God: My foul, such as it is, my persecuted, troubled soul cleaveth to the Lord: Here David expresseth an absolute dependance upon God, Diodate. says Diodate in loc.
Temporal sufferings for God, Troubles unite, and not divide saints from God. are spiritual sodderings of the Saints Spirits to him: Such an Antiperistasis begets a Religious heat in a gracious heart, burning their corruptions, and melting their affections upon God, Psal. 119.28.
Afflictions work kindly upon the Spirits of the Godly; Note. it was [Page 11]good for me (said David) that I was afflicted: Note. Afflictions work diversly upon Saints and Sinners. Crosses are Corasives to some, but Cordials to others.
There is no stomack can down with calamity, Gal. 6.14. 2 Cor. 6.10. Psal. 56.10, 11. Psal. 56.3. so well as that which is appetized with mercy; such spirits are more the Lords then their own, The Saints rest in affliction. Isa. 54.11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. and therefore in storms can rest upon him, like the Dove upon the Ark, or the Ark upon Arrarat; he is the highest and surest mountain, and can settle us in the deepest deluge: Note. Whether afflictions send or lead the Saints. I confesse, I have observed the Scriptures speak much of the Saints motion, and tendency of their spirits in trouble, and I have always seen them turn into this City of refuge, and take hold of the horns of this Altar: I read David praising God, Psalm 18.2. By the Phraseology of a Rock, Fortresse, [Page 12]Strength, Trust, Shield, and horn of his Salvation: And elsewhere, Psalm 23. he priseth his presence so much, that although he should walk in the valley of the shadow of death, he feared no evil, he was with him, his rod and staff comforted him.
Bt it seems there is no love lost betwixt the Lord and his servants in trouble; Note. The sweet correspondence betwixt the Lord and his people. for he is with them whilest they are with him, 2 Chro. 15.2. Saints more happy then the wicked every way. Thus the Saints are happier in their crosses then the worldlings in their comforts; the first may be enjoyed with God, the second without him.
But to winde up all what is here reported of David, Note. Davids practice, and all the Saints the same. I finde it is the Language and Learning of all the godly in his case; as they are of the same spirit and interest, In affection. so they are of the same practice [Page 13]and profession, to depend upon a gracious God in trouble.
There be three reasons amongst many, Note Hence the arguments of the Saints dependance upon God in affliction. obliging the Saints to a dependance upon God in trouble.
First, Their accomplishment.
Secondly, Their incouragement.
Thirdly, Their establishment in that estate.
It seems as the Saints cannot be troubled without God, so they can confidently look upon him for all their supplies and furniture in that their sad condition.
We shall take notice of those prementioned grounds in their order.
First, First Argument. Saints accomplishment. Described what it is. Of the Saints accomplishment from their dependance upon God in trouble.
The Saints accomplishment is [Page 14]their gracious qualification, becoming their Interest, adding nothing to their Essence, but to their Ornament, Phil. 4.13. putting a fitness upon them to serve God in that condition. Note. The decency of the Saints accomplishment in adversity. Psal. 97.8.10, 11.
That this accomplishment is very suitable to the Saints, and ariseth to them in trouble, from their dependance upon God is easie to finde out, if we seriously consider the Particulars following.
First, The grounds of accomplishment in trouble. Troubles are the Saints tryals, and there is nothing more becoming them in that estate, then to act like themselves, Psal. 13.1.2, 3. that by their carriage they may confute their calamity, 1 Pet. 2.12. 2. Ground. and the abetters of it.
Secondly, There is a dextrous activity necessary in trouble, which at other times is uselesse: The Mariner in a Tempest must stand to his Tackling, when in a [Page 15]calm he may sleep.
Thirdly, Ground. 3 It is one of the truest Characters of worth, to manage every condition with advantage; not that gain is the honor of our actions, Preoccupation. but that thus all our actions are gainers of honor.
Now as to these the Saints should come eminently short, if they were not fixed upon God, and therefore they cleave to him for accomplishment, when (in such a season) they have none in themselves. Dependance upon God necessary and profitable. And they finde their dependance upon God is not labor in vain; God hath ingaged his promise more then once or twice for the profit of this posture, Isaiah 26.3. With an assured purpose wilt thou preserve perfect peace, because they trusted in thee: Here is peace designed by God to a depending soul upon him; the like [Page 16]is promised often elsewhere, Deut. 11.22. If ye cleave to him, then will the Lord cast out the Nations before you: Here we may read Israel will be too hard for his enemies, if he can be happy in holding fast his truest Friend. The God of Israel is the giver of every good gift, Jam. 1.17. There is no fear of Provision if he be our Steward, Psal. 84.11, 12.
Hence it comes, Grace the Saints riches, and the Saints are happy in trouble by their Graces. the Saints are richer in adversity, then are the wicked in their prosperity; they have more precious furniture in one corner of their hearts, then the wicked in the whole Storehouse of their spirits, 2 Cor. 7.4.
The godly have not onely the exercise, Graces great in adversity. but the increase of their Graces in trouble; for they resting upon God, Note. Inlargement of Graces in affliction. they are recruited and enlarged by him. Hence it comes, their Faith is more lively, [Page 17]their hope more heavenly, their Love more fervent, their Wisdom more vigilant, their Patience more permanent, their Prudence more provident, their Piety more prevalent, whilest they labor in that estate.
These distinguishing Characters of accomplishment, Graces manifested by trouble. have been written upon the Lords worthies in the days of their difficulty, that they might shine as so many memorial Monuments to posterity of future observance; that as it is the Saints lot to be troubled, Saints no losers by trouble. so it is their happiness to be no losers in that estate, by their dependance upon God; it seems it is the Saints communion with God, that sweetens that condition. No leaning upon our selves in affliction.
The godly should be hardly put to it, if they did lean upon themselves: [Page 18] David was a great deal more happy by cleaving to his God, then Saul and all his favorites trusting upon man. David outwits his enemies, by his dependance upon God. And herein he was wiser then all his enemies which complotted his ruine; he knew he was not onely out of their reach, when he rested upon God, but fully accommodated with all things befitting his condition; he was with such a Friend, who would spare no cost in his keeping, To close with God is the Saints security in trouble. and therefore to keep close to him was his surest and sweetest course he could take in trouble, Psal. 73, ult.
It is the excellency of Davids spirit, that he is contented to be any where with God; The godly are contented to be with God any where. He can digest the wearinesse of a Wildernesse, by the comfort of his company: Gods presence makes every place alike, and is instead of all [Page 19]Injoyments to the godly, and it is no wonder they should be so satisfied with him, seeing he is so precious or profitable to them, Psalm 37.39, 40.
Let this piece of Davids and the godlies practice bear witnesse, Applica∣tion. that it is not a matter indifferent to depend upon, or cleave unto God in the evil day, but that it is an act of singular advantage, both in respect of themselves and their adversaries; it seems both are gainers and losers in this very thing.
First, Saints are gainers by their dependance upon God. It is the Saints gain to depend upon God, because of their furniture: They should be as other men in trouble, if they were not happy in those things which they receive from God, Psalm 31.19. How great is thy goodness which thou hast laid up for them [Page 20]that fear thee, and done to them that trust in thee before the sons of men: Here the Spirit of God will have us take notice of two things,
First, The Saints mercy is expected by them. That the godly have more then ordinary favor in trouble.
Secondly, They are such as depend and attend upon that goodnesse.
Secondly, Note. The wicked are losers. For the Saints adversaries; That they are losers, it cannot otherways fall out, if the godly be gainers; But so it is, the godly being joyned to God, they are accurately fitted by God to encounter their enemies. Divine dependance doth strengthen the Saints. Through God we shall do valiantly; It is not for the enemies of the Lords people to ingage against God.
Me thinks all this, Application in trouble. and much more, might give warning to the Saints to fear none of their enemies, when they have the Lord [Page 28]upon their side, Rom. 8.32. If God be for us (saith Paul) who can be against us.
I have observed the godly to be patient in their Afflictions, Note. An observation of the saints deportment in trouble, whilest depending upon God. Prudent in their transactions, Pious in their persecutions, Peaceable under injuries, Humble under indignities, and hopeful of their deliverances; All which, as so many extractions from their dependance upon God.
It is the worst of non-sence, Note. to say we can be close by the fire, and not finde warmth; and by the sea, and not finde water: Such may be the folly of those who imagine a soul united to God, and not qualified in trouble suitable to its estate.
I confess, The saints singular carriage in this world. when I see the Saints deportment in the world, I am apt to admire at their singularity, that [Page 22]they are neither in Principle or Practice like the world; and when I see they are no more strangers to some of the wickeds persons, then to all of the wickeds practice and carriage in trouble; I consider that there is something more then ordinary acting in them, whilest they are in that estate; and when I have made a serious inquiry, I can finde nothing but their cleaving to God; Union with God makes the Saints of asweet behavior in the world, to the good example of all. that establishment of their spirits upon him, rendreth them not onely considerable in the eyes of their enemies, but eminently profitable to themselves and others of their Interest.
For the nearer they are to God, the more accomplishment they have from him: Dependance upon God delivers us from distractions. So that the godly are eased of all their inconvenient Incumbrances, if they rest upon him. The consideration of [Page 23]which, moved Peter when he writ to all the Saints, 1 Pet. 5.7. To counsel them to cast all their care upon him, for he cared for them; words of singular use for the godly in trouble, to attend provision in such a season, Help to be expected from God, when there is none visible. when there is none to be seen: When the black curtain of calamity is drawn about them, and all secondary helps separate from them, 2 Sam. 22.19. Such was Davids case in this desert, wherein he had no reserve but his God, and therefore his soul cleaveth to him: My soul cleaveth to thee.
Secondly, Argument. Of the Saints dependance upon God. there is another considerable ground of Davids dependance upon his God; and this is his incouragement in trouble.
David had need of incouragement in his now sad condition; Incouragement in trouble. it seems he had many cruel enemies, [Page 24]but few cordial Friends; and therefore he thought it best to make sure of God, Saints sure of comfort if they depend upon God in trouble. and then he knew to be sure of continued comfort, whatever should betide him.
This was not onely an act of Davids Piety, but of his singular Prudence and Policy; He was no stranger to the Lords tendernesse over him, and all the godly acting for both: The Lord (saith he) is amongst them that uphold my soul, Psalm 54.4. It would seem the Lord makes a party for David in the midst of his Enemies.
It had gone hard with him if Satan had got his minde; Saints should be in a sad condition if the Lord did not own them in trouble. he would not onely have stript him of all his accomplishment, but also of all his incouragements.
By the first, Unfitting him to suffer.
[Page 25] By the second, Undoing him in that estate.
But I finde Davids dependance upon God, dispels all such discouragements; he was certain that Satan or any of his Instruments could not wrong him, if the Lord did stand his friend; I trust in God (saith he, Psalm 56.11.) I fear not what man can do unto me.
David had an enemy (which in respect of his place and pravity of spirit, Davids enemies of a cursed and cruel spirit, and bent to undoe him. as the times presented) might have dampt his courage, he being then in a capacity to do him a great deal of mischief; but this sealed Saint, being in league with God, he valued not his wrath; for he apprehended his security from that unity betwixt God and his spirit: My soul (saith he) cleaveth unto God, his right hand upholdeth me.
[Page 26] The Saints dependance upon God in trouble, doth afford various incouragements to them in that estate, The Saints incouragements in trouble. but especially,
First, His presence with them.
Second, His Providence over them.
Third, Honor to their Friends.
Fourth, Shame to their Enemies.
Fifth, Shortness of their troubles.
Sixth, Sweetnesse of Deliverance.
First, Incouragement. The Saints dependance upon God assures them of his presence: I am always with thee (saith David) I have set the Lord at my right hand, Psalm. 16 8.
It is not hard to finde out Gods presence with his servants in trouble by their dependance upon him; And I conceive, the Lord [Page 27]is pleased to incourage his servants thus, by countenancing of them, that they may relish his favor, which they account better then life. Gods presence, the Saints preservative. Thus he will not have his servants to be troubled at the fury of their Adversaries, whilst they have him to be friend.
Hence it is, that the godly do so much prize him, God the alone help of the Saints. that they look after no assistance with him; his presence is such a cordial preservative to secure them, that they are almost careless of any power whatsoever to oppose them: This incouragement, I conceive, may prove profitable to all of Davids interest, if they ingenuously desire the Lords presence with them; Saints dependance is blessed with the Lords presence. they must conclude to fix their spirits upon him, then they need not question but he will hide them privily in his presence Psal 31.20. [Page 28]from the pride of men.
Secondly, Incouragement. The Saints have the incouragement of the Lords providence acting for them, when their spirits depend upon him; it is not the Lords custom to forget or neglect those who are in unity with himself, he hath an eye to look out for them, as they have a heart to lay hold upon him, Psalm 17.7.
Hence the godly are not much troubled in adversity for their provisions; they conclude (seeing the Lord is their Shepherd) they cannot want; He maketh them rest in green pastures, and leadeth them by the still waters; so that they may know their unity with God speaketh them happy, in the hardship of any estate whatsoever: Gods gracious providence over them, is such an incouragement to them, [Page 29]as both sanctifieth and seasoneth their trouble, and their spirits under it.
Let this incouragement quicken Saints, but damp sinners, Application of the former incouragements. whilst both suffer in the evil day; Let it assure the first, that they are not alone in adversity, whilst the second are desolutely drowned in the fainting fits of their own sinful calamity.
Third incouragement of Saints, Third incouragement. depending upon their God in trouble, is the honor of their friends: The Saints as they are a chosen generation, so they are of the same mutual interest and honor.
It is not so much a matter of private, as publick concernment, that they depend upon God; thus they stand in the face of their enemies, Saints stand or falito their brethren. to their brethren as to themselves: For the Churches credit is [Page 30]common as to all, so to each particular member of that body: It is no small incouragement to the godly, Incouragement to the godly to see their party prosper. to see their party prosper in despight of malice, they are delighted in the Saints honor as their own; and therefore in the day of trouble they depend upon God, that the Saints be no losers by them, and that all their enemies may know the godly have credit and comfort in their sharpest conflicts, both for themselves and friends, let the devil do what he can: All this is come upon us, yet do we not forget thee, neither deal we falsly concerning thy Covenant, Psalm 44.17.
It should not onely be the shame, The godly are troubled in their brethrens calamity, for their common concernment. but the sorrow of Saints to see their brethren betray their common interest to the will of the wicked, by making shipwrack of [Page 31]their integrity upon the breaches of their trouble; Dependance upon God, a preservative of the Saints integrity. and there is nothing can preserve them from such an adventure, but to be much with God; their unity with him, doth fit and compleatly furnish them with an accomplishment and sweet incouragement in every estate; so that in the worst of times, their deportment may nor onely be a happiness to themselves, but an honor to all their friends.
Fourthly, Incouragement. Punishment of the Saints enemies. it is no small incouragement to the Saints, to see God turn his hand against their enemies; that as they have been scourged by them, he is pleased to cast the rod in the fire: God always gratifies his servants thus when they depend upon him; he can clothe their enemies with shame, that they may see their [Page 32]desires upon them.
The Scripture tells us, The Lord will have the credit of calamity to fall at last to the share of the Saints, but the curse to their enemies; that although the wicked hath sown their misery, The wicked sow what they do not reap. yet they shall never be able to reap their ruine, no not so much as the least of comfort or honor in their disturbance; it is just with God to trouble them who trouble you, 2 Thess. 1.6.
Therefore the godly cast their case upon God, God the avenger. and he takes order with their enemies to satisfaction; they cannot seek so much honor to themselves, or shame to their adversaries, as the Lord will heap upon both.
This (me thinks) should warn the wicked to minde themselves when they malign the Saints: Applic. [Page 33]For if they prove insolent over the godly by an (Ace) another cast of the Dy of Providence, may Sink their condition.
Fifthly, Incouragement. Shortness in trouble is another incouragement to the Saints from their dependance upon God; and this is the Lords work, and the Saints benefit: Dependance upon God shortens the Saints trouble. It seems they obtain such favor from him, when they are in unity with him: It is easie with God to make an end of the Saints Calamity, if they rest upon him, for the Saints crosses are like Samsons cords, they are quickly broken if the Lord do but strain them; Simile or comparison it is but a poor tryal of the Lords ability, to ease the Saints of their sufferings, he can do that for them and never trouble himself: Therefore it hath been his practice to dispatch their calamity like a cloud, if their spirits [Page 34]did six upon him; Exo. 14.13 how soon is Pharaoh drowned, when Israel standeth still to behold the salvation of his God?
I apprehend this is no course incouragement which the Saints have from God, when their spirits cleave unto him; it seems he maketh an end of their troubles to the best advantage.
Therefore I conclude it convenient for the Saints to settle upon God in their saddest condition; Applica∣tion. this hath been accounted the godlies shortest and surest way to determine their troubles; 2 Chro. 20.12, 22, 23, 24, 25. they have trusted the Lord with their business, and he hath always brought their purposes to a desiderable period.
It is the Saints happiness to be happy in this, that they have learned to depend upon God, more [Page 35]then upon any thing else below him, The Saints know what the Lord can do for them by instruments. for they are certain he can imploy any instrument to befriend them, if they did cast themselves upon him.
Sixthly and lastly, Incouragement, a gracious deliverance. It is not the least incouragement to the godly after a tedious trouble, to be sure of a gracious deliverance.
It seasoneth the bitterness of former calamity, to have a few grains of mercy mingled in their future recovery; The Saints forget their troubles, & forgive their enemies when they are delivered. and therefore the godly being delivered, are contented to seal a Bill of oblivion to all their former sufferings upon that account.
There is no better way to obtain this comfortable benefit from God, then by a confident dependance upon him: For as there is no evil in the City without God, so there is no deliverance [Page 36]from it by him.
Hence the godly have this their incouragement amongst the rest, that they do rely upon God for a glorious deliverance; from trouble in their deepest ingagements in it, Mich. 7.9. he will bring me forth unto the light, and I shall see his righteousness.
The Saints case should be very dismal and miserably dark, if they did not see somewhat coming, which did sweeten their present condition; and therefore they look for this as an incouragement of their dependance upon God, to have a gracious deliverance from him.
I shall need adde no more: Davids practice our pattern in the evil day. David is a notable pattern of this kinde of practice: My foul (saith he) cleaveth to thee: He fixeth his spirit upon God, assuring himself [Page 37]if he did ingage his heart to a religious dependance upon him, he was certain of a comfortable deliverance by him; and so much we have spoken of Davids, and all the Saints their incouragements, from their dependance upon God.
The third ground of the Saints their dependance upon God in trouble, Argument, establishment of spirit. is their establishment spiritual, whilst they are laboring under the pressure of that dismal estate.
It is not onely a convenient, but a qualification absolutely necessary for the Saints interest, to be of an established spirit.
This piece of composure sheweth what they are, Establishment a character of Saints. both in Principle and Practice; and there is nothing can put or keep a soul in this posture, but its dependance [Page 38]upon God, when the soul is anchored upon him; it is fully fitted to ride out unchangeably the fury of any storm, Satan Improves the Saints trouble to unfix them. Psalm 46.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. It is Satans Master piece to improve the Saints afflictions to inconstancy of spirit; thus making his best advantage of their worst and weakest condition
If he can but shake them from their piety, he is then sure to break them by his policy, and therefore he is as vigilant as malicious to effectuate their ruine.
The godly have nothing to prevent him, but to close with their God; prizing more his presence with them, then the enmity of all created powers acting against them.
This is visibly legible in Davids spirit, who is careful in nothing [Page 39]but to own his God; and he knew that the keeping of a familiar Correspondence with him, should soon ease him of all his adversaries, he tels all of them of whatsoever impression they were, his soul cleaved to God. Afflictions put the Saints to it.
It was an hard time with David, the waves of wickednesse did wash upon his Spirit, yet we see this tedoius Tempest did not drive it from its Anchor: David is of a stable heart in the midst of those Distractions; his enemies could do nothing upon his inward, whatever breach they did make upon his outward estate; it seems he secures his Soul with God whatever befel him. Satan more pleased to pervert the spirits, then to impoverish the bodily estates of the godly.
I confesse it would have pleased the Devil better to have made David a sinful Sceptick in this his Calamity, then to see him a suffering [Page 40]Saint, to have made him of no Religion as to God, then of no Estate as to the World; to have stript him rather of the goodness of his Conscience, then of the glory of his Kingdom. Satan prevented
But herein David outwits his Policy, and outworks his Power, he takes such a Comfortable course with his Spirit, as Satan could neither unsettle it, or unseal its integrety; he casts it upon God, and so firmly secures it in opposition to any Change whatsoever, let Satan or all of his Instruments do their worst.
So much we have considered of the Saints Dependance upon their God in trouble, according to this pattern of Davids practise, My Soul cleaveth to God. We shall further inquire into the second Conclusion.
II. Of the Saints Assistance.
IT appears by Davids words here, and elsewhere, Note. Saints assistance a fruit of their dependance upon God. that the Saints assistance from God, is a fruit of their dependance upon him.
Our fathers trusted in thee (saith David) and were delivered, they trusted in thee, and were not confounded, Psal. 22.4, 5.
There is an old correspondance of kindness kept betwixt the Lord and his servants; as they look upon him for their furniture in adversity; so he upon the frame and posture of their spirits expecting it: God wil be sought after. The Lord is good and a strong hold in the day of trouble; but (saith the Prophet) he knoweth [Page 42]them that trust in him, Nahum 1.7.
The godly consider the Lords assistance to be the best; Gods help the best & most precious. and therefore as that which is most profitable and precious, it is desired by them. I find David and others of the godly in the Scriptures to look upon this divine help as abstracted often from means. I do not trust in my bow, neither can my sword save me, but thou hast saved us, Psal 44.6, 7.
As means are not the objects of the Saints confidence, so they know without the Lord they cannot be the subject of their assistance. Saints rely not upon means. If the Lord had not holpen me, (Psal. 94.17) my soul had almost dwelt in silence, when I said my foot slideth, thy mercy stayed me.
There is a Caveat put in against all means by the Spirit, Caveat. that they [Page 43]rob not God of his honour; Dependance upon means, disparage God and therefore the Saints give no more to them then he hath allotted [...] they know they only act in their service, Means are acted by God only, and not of themselves as they are ordered by God; and that there is no more of any ability in them, then what the Lord hath dispenced, therefore the godly look upon the Lords hand as the hope of their help, in trouble, thy right hand upholdeth me.
So then the Lord is the only help, As the Saints look upon God, so he looketh upon them. and grand assistant of his Saints, and their eyes in trouble are upon him; which aspect, as it signifieth the excellency of the Lords favour to them, so it sealeth the unity of their spirits with him, In the multitude of the thoughts of my heart, thy comforts rejoiced my soul, Psal. 94.19.
Here is Davids familiarity with [Page 44]God, and his refreshment given in to him, in the juncture of his trouble.
And it may be witnessed by the experience of all the godly, that this is not only his, Gods help the portion of all the godly. but the portion of all the Saints, therefore shall every one that is godly, make his prayer to thee in a time when thou maist be found. Surely in the floods of great waters they will not come neer him, Psal. 32.6.
It seems it is the Lords custom, for the Saints exceeding comfort, to ingage for them when they entreat him in trouble; God wil be entreated for his assistance. and therefore he hath commanded them to pray, that he might engage for them, Psal. 50.15. Call upon me; There is here somewhat notable, that the godly must not fail to cal if they expect the Lord to answer, or to do any thing for them.
[Page 45] Me thinks I need not put the Reader to any further cost of considering many more Scriptures, Preocupatio. which speak home the truth of the Lords assistance to his Saints in Davids case. Let us only take the Affidavit of one Scripture more to this purpose, Isai 41.10. Feare not for I am with thee, be not afraid, for I am thy God, I will strengthen thee, I will sustain thee with my right hand of Justice. Here I conceive the Prophet hath commission to speak the Lords mind fully to his people in order to their comfort and confidence in trouble, and that he may do it to purpose he crowds in the vast body of the Lords benevolence to them in a Nutshel. And so he is pleased to speak much in little, and but a little of much, Ingrossing a sum of assurances, in the systeme of a few promises, [Page 46]for their establishment.
It is a great comfort, which is able to settle the spirit of the godly in trouble, when they know what the Lord will do for them.
And in this very point of the Saints Information, It is the Saints comfort to know God to be their friend. he is pleased to priviledg them above the wicked in adversity. He opens their eyes, not only to let them see their mercy, but himself the fountaine of it.
I will lift up my eyes (saith David) to the mountaines, from whence my salvation cometh, my help cometh from the name of the Lord. This was Davids distinguishing mercy, that in the midst of his misery, he could see his remedy, and the Lord his Physitian.
So then the difference betwixt suffering Saints and sinners lieth [Page 47]in this, Difference betwixt Saints and sinners in trouble. the Lord engageth for the assistance of the one, and not for the other. So that the wicked are left hopeless and helpless in the evil day, when the godly find a favourable and gracious support in that season.
Thy right hand upholdeth me, saith David. This is a word of his experience, and so much the Scriptures witnesse of all the godly, that the Lord doth engage for them. But upon what grounds he upholds the Saints against their adversaries, Grounds of the Lords assistance for his Saints. is the thing further now to be inquired after.
I find the Scriptures give in ample testimony of the Lords ingagement for, and supporting of his people in trouble, Eight grounds of the Lords assistance. and so do move us to consider of eight reasons of his undertaking for them.
First, We read of an eminently [Page 48]intimate interest he hath in them, Ground of the Lords help his interest so that they are honoured with the names of strictest relation, union and communion with himself, Cant. 5.2. as of his Spouse, Children, Brethren, to his Son Christ, Exod. 19.5 his chiefest treasure above all people in the earth; and with the characters of greatest worth as can be put upon such, as, a chosen generation, 1 Pet. 2.9, 10a royal Priesthood, a holy Nation, a people set at liberty; in times past not a people, but now the people of God; in times past not under mercy; but now obtained mercy, &c. By all which we understand those saving rights he hath to his Saints by Election, Eph. 1.4, 5 1 Cor. 1.30 Vocation, Redemption, Justification, Sanctification and Glory.
This Interest laid in the bottom, Interest the ground of assistance. upon it is built the whole Fabrick of the Lords favour both in prosperity and adversity to the godly. [Page 49]So that they are put in a more then ordinary security of obtaining whatsoever is necessary, for their comfortable assistance and subsistance in any estate. I remember, David tels us, Psal. 34.10. That the beasts of prey may be starved when the Saints shall have plenty. The interest which the Lord hath in the Saints, Interest makes the Saints precious. as it is the ground of his acting for them, so it renders them precious to him, as a seal upon his heart, or a signet upon his arme. And it is not to be questioned, but the Saints find the sweetnesse of it in their sharpest conflicts. Saints dearer to God then their parents. Though my father and mother forsake me, yet the Lord will gather me up, Psal. 27.10. And therefore the Lord professeth, that the case of his people is alwaies before him, when they apprehend (by their estate) that they are neglected by him, Isa. 49.14, 15, 16.
[Page 50] This interest is the binding bond of matrimonial unity and amity betwixt the Lord and his people, Interest the marriage bond of Saints. Hos. 19.20. I have married thee, &c. Persons married are cemented with all the soddering and sweetning influences of conjugal correspondence either in prosperity or adversity.
Hence I find this interest to be very serviceable to the saints in their suffering seasons. It is the Altar upon which they sacrifice the Offering of their addresses to God when they are put to their utmost, Interest the Altar of our duties to God. Isai. 63.15, 16. Look down from heaven, and behold, from the dwelling place of thy holiness, &c. Where is thy zeal and thy strength, and the multitude of thy mercies, and of thy compassions? they are restrained. Doubtless thou art our father though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel know us not. Here is a serious [Page 51]address upon interest put up to God. It is no wonder the saints should be earnest upon that account, Interest the ground of the Saints correspondence. seeing the most solid ground of that mutual correspondence betwixt the Lord and his people, and therefore to be improved in the worst of times.
Oh then let this be remembred by all the heires of heaven in the dark day of their danger, Applic. Improvement of Interest. when the clouds of calamity are dropping over them here upon earth, that there may be a spirit of wisdom acting in them, Interest the anchoring place of the Saints. to anchor their heart in peace; upon the ground and cape of this hope.
I could advise the godly to take that cordial counsel which Christ giveth his Spouse, Cant. 2 [...]7. Christs counsel convenient for the Saints. Until the day break, or the shadows flee away, be like a young Hart upon the Mountains of Bether. That however the Mountains [Page 52]of Divisions, [...] Divisio. may eclipse the comforts of the saints prosperity; The Saints interest a means of union. yet I should wish this Mount of conjunction might dispel the distraction of their calamity in the hour of tryal.
The godly have a great advantage of all their enemies by reason of this interest. They have the benefit of Gods power to support them in spight of their enemies, The benefit of interest. and therefore we find, that it lyes not in the hand of the wicked to ruine the godly: I presume it is not for want of malice, The Saints interest boundeth the wickeds power. but might. They cannot do what they would, and therefore they do what they can. It is the happiness of the godly to be united to God by interest when the wicked are divided from him by their iniquity.
As the first secureth assistance to the godly, so the second prepareth [Page 53]destruction for the wicked.
But seeing it is certain, that the Lords interest in the Saints is the first ground of his ingaging for them; me thinks this should fix divers particulars upon the saints spirits, Interest doth settle the Saints spirits in trouble. worth their serious meditation.
First, they are not to fear their enemies, when they have such a friend. David is not afraid of ten thousand of the people to trouble him, if the Lord did assist him, Psal. 3.
Secondly, They must not look upon the Lords service as a piece of difficulty. For if the Lord have an interest in our persons, he wil have a finger inour practise. He is as careful in the time of prosperity to direct and help us to do good; as in the evil day to protect and preserve us from danger.
[Page 54] Thirdly, They are not to look upon their enemies, as in any capacity to undo them, seeing the Lord doth support them.
Advertisement to the wicked It seems it is to kick against the pricks to fall out with the godly because whatever they are to the world, they are dear and neer to God. Let them be opposed by any, they have a God to take their part.
I remember David, Psal. 46.7. tels his enemies that he had God for his friend, and so he was strong enough for his stoutest adversaries And this hath put life in the saints when almost mortified with the sense of their sufferings.
Fourthly, Interest bindeth the Saints to their good behaviour. This obligeth the godly to a singular deportment before God beseeming his ingagement for them in the day of trouble. As they are above the world [Page 55]in their unity with him, so I would have them in the same degree of duty to him. Oh how careful should they be to honour him, whose principle and gracious practise it is (by reason of his interest) to preserve them.
2d Ground, the Saints weaknesse. The second ground upon which the Lord is pleased to give in assistance to his Saints in their suffering condition, is their weakness to deal with their enemies, who are often as mighty as malicious, and as numerous as furious, 1 King. 20.27. Israel marched like a flock of Kids before the Aramites who filled the Country.
This ground of the Saints weakness doth move the Lord with a great deal of tenderness towards them, The Saints weaknesse the object of the Lords pity & severity. and bitternesse against their enemies, that place of Obadiah, chap. 10.11, 13, 14, 15, 16. is worth our [Page 56]animadversion, and serious consideration.
How tenderly is the Lord affected with Jacobs calamity, and how smartly moved against Esau's cruelty, For thy crueltie against thy brother Jacob, shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever; when thou stoodest on the other side in the day when the strangers carried away his substance, and strangers entered his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them. After such like direful and dreadful expostulations, he concludes the destruction of all his peoples enemies, giving a ground of his ingagement against them. Law of retaliation, equalis redditio. For as ye have drunk upon my holy Mountain, so shall the heathen drink continually.
It seems the Lord will satisfie the temporary crosses of his servants, with the continued curses [Page 57]of their enemies, and that because they had insulted upon their weakness.
The strength of the godly is without them. The Lord is the Saints strength. God is the strength of Davids heart, and his portion for ever, Psalm 73 26. and therefore in all their engagements they lean not upon themselves, although considerable in respect of competent ability, even in the sight of their enemies. The saints have no confidence in the arm of flesh. Jehosaphat professeth for all his numerous army, that he knew not what to do. We know not (sayes this potent Prince) what to do, but our eyes are towards thee, 2 Chron. 20.12. He will rather lean upon God for the victory and his assistance, then to dispute with such a malicious enemy by the strength of a puissant and valiant Army, a stronger then which was never any assembled [Page 58]in Judah. Note. But as there is no counsel or strength against the Lord, It is good to have the Lord to our party. so is there none without him. It is good fighting under the Lords colours; if he command and order the battel, the victory is certain.
The Lords presence is the fountain of power, Note. and the seat of salvation, The Lord of Hostes (saith David) is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge; He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear, and burneth the Chariots with fire. And so we read of Saints performances in opposition to enemies of greatest abilitie and subtilty; so eminently doth the Lord who is their strength act in weakness: Not I (saith Paul, 1 Cor. 15.10) but the grace of God in me Portus salutis.. This Land of Rest was in the sight of David, when, Psalm 125.4. he entreats Gods benevolence for the [Page 59]assistance of his brethren, Do well (saith he) to those who be true and upright in their hearts.
Oh that this Ground might bring forth something to our spirits in the day of our controversies, Applica∣tion. making our weakness more visible to us in our conflicts with our spiritual and temporal enemies, so that we might lean more upon our God, and less upon our selves, God the best Umpire of controversies. we should then sooner have our digladiations more certainly decided, and all the contention of our controversies peaceably determined, then otherwayes we ever can; No finishing of business without the Lords assistance. Gods help in our councels to give advice exceeding profitable and necessary. we should do more in dispatching the punctiloes of Sacred and Civil differences in an hour with God, then all our dayes without him.
Let him be President of our Councels, and then we shal find him the perfecter of our purposes, [Page 60] Cast your burden upon the Lord, saith David; Psal. 55.22. This good advise doth teach us the shortest way to ease our selves. Commit thy work (saith Solomon, Prov. 16.3.) unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be directed.
There is no thinking of any end of that business, God must do all our work forus, Isai. 26.12. wherein the Lord hath not a finger to finish it: and therefore in short, Let the Lord be more familiar with us, and then all our matters shall be a great deal more easie for us, there shall be no opposition which can stand against us. It is a memorable incouragement which the Lord gave to noble Joshua, Josh. 1.5, 7. There shall not a man be able to withstand thee all the dayes of thy life; as I was with Moses, so will I be with thee, I will not leave thee or forsake thee, only be thou strong, and [Page 61]of a valiant courage, that thou maist observe and do according to all the Law which Moses my servant commanded thee; thou shalt not turne away from it to the right nor to the left hand, that thou maist prosper whithersoever thou goest.
These words are directed to Joshua, Joshua's Commission & comfort belong to all of his interest and Authority. and in him to all of his gracious interest, Piety, honour or Authority, of whatsoever magnitude they are; that they may cleerly read their assured assistance in the lines of their reliance upon, and correspondence with God. Quo docemur ita nos, demum, fore in expugnabiles si ad prestandum Deo fidele obsequium enitamur. Calvin ad loc.
The third Ground of the Saints assistance from the Lord, 3d Ground, The Lords word. is his word. He hath engaged his word for their assistance in any [Page 62]of their conflicts, whoever be their adversaries, of whatsoever place or power. God secure his Saints by his word. I find the Spirit giveth a large and full account of this promise in many Scriptures, but especially in that most excellent, Psal, 9 [...].4. wherein we have assurances of the Lords kindnesse in this particular set down almost in every line, but especially in the 5, 6, 7, 15 and 16 verses, Thou shalt not be afraid of the fear of the night, nor of the Arrow that flyeth by day, nor of the pestilence which walketh in darkness, nor of the plague that destroyeth at noon day. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand, but they shall not come neer thee. I wil be with them in trouble, I will deliver and glorifie him; with long life will I satisfie him, and shew him my salvation. All which be more then ordinary expressions to assure the godly of his [Page 63]favourable assistance, and doing well by them in the day of trouble.
And if the Saints had no more but a word of Promise from him who is holy and true, Gods word sufficient to [...] the Saints. and whose words are more unchangeable then the heavens it were enough; but to his Promises we have his precepts and words of authoritie added commanding us to make our addresses to him for help, Psal. 50.15. Call upon me, &c. I wil deliver thee, &c. Saints rely upon promises. And David confesseth he had been much with God in that estate, and had found such refreshment as his soul could wish, Psal 34.7. Thou hast known my soul in adversity, saith he; Saints find by experience the Lords words true. this he speaks by personal experience, as to what he had found.
Doubtless David had such gracious returnes, as give his spirit a [Page 64]great deal of enlargement in extremity beyond his ordinary hopes.
The Scriptures often mention three Qualifications of the Lords Promises to satisfie his servants in order to their assistance. Qualifications of the Lords promises to the Saints.
First, they are full.
Secondly, they are free.
Thirdly; they are certain.
1. That his Promises are full, is very evident, because they are given out without any limitation of persons, Lords promises indefinite. places or dangers of the godly. So that it is a part of the Saints Commonwealth, of whatsoever magnitude or size, they are high, low, rich, poor, in whatsoever danger they fall in, Saints adventure any where upon Gods Word. they are alike sharers in the Promises. Let David go in the vally of the shadow of death, he is sure of deliverance, for God is with him, and his rod and [Page 65]Shepherds crook shall comfortably preserve him.
This precious soul could not be alone in trouble, such was the fulnesse of the Lords Promises to him, that he had alwaies the Lords presence with him. Gods presence and promises alike. Gods Promises and Presence are of the same dimension, both essentially infinite in their fulness.
2. They are free, 2d Qualif. Free. and thus they are held out to the Saints, that they may never question their accomplishment or application upon the sense of their own unworthinesse and so when such desires are sent up by them, the accomplishment of which may be as a tree of life to them, Accomplishment of promises to the godly sweet. they may confidently expect a seasonable return. And so I find David and others never question, that if they call, but the Lord will answer to satisfaction.
[Page 66] Hence the godly are more confident (in respect of the promises) in the night of their adversity, The godly more confident in adversity, then the wicked in prosperity. then the wicked are negligent (by reason of their principles) in the day of their prosperity.
The first hath hope in his death when the other hath no faith in his life.
3 Qualif. Certain. That the Promises are certain. Christ is the best interpreter of his Fathers words Heaven and earth may passe away, but of them there is not one jot to be changed. O Lord (saith David, 2 Sam. 7.28) thou art God, and thy words are true; Hence the Saints pass with patience through any difficulty without the least of disturbance, The patience of the Saints. because they are certain by promise that they shall obtain if they run the race with perseverance, which is set before them. They know that [Page 67]he who is their life, and the length of their dayes can support them in opposition to any Antagonist whatsoever, according to his promise.
These things being cordially considered, An advertisement in order to an improvement of the premises. Gods word of promise should take deep impression upon every heart, especially such who have experimentally found the Lord holy and faithful, who may comfortably and confidently assert they never sought the Lord in vain, but that he hath ever answered above their hopes.
Oh how should a spirit be touched with the feeling of that favour which hath ever shined cleerest in the cloudiest seasons of their extremity, when there was none to befriend but God. The Lord a loving friend in extremity.
Oh let such never forget that it is the Lords custom to conform [Page 68]his kindnesse in the thick of all discouragement, that the gale of his goodnesse bloweth in every season, His mercies sweet in that season. that there is no storm can stop his affection from watering all the plantations of the Saints, that he puts counsel and comfort, in every corner befitting their condition: Gen. 32.29 1 Kin. 17.4 he hath an Angel for Jacob, and a Raven for Elijah.
Fourthly, 4th Ground His glory. His own glory is another ground of his engagement for his Saints.
To this Ground we have the Scripture give in great and frequent testimony. It seems the Lord speaks much of the tendernesse of his glory, God is jealous of his glory. that he wil not dispense with its abuse to any, I am the Lord, The Lords glory ingaged for his people.my glory I will not give unto another, Isai. 42.8. In the Saints troubles the Lords glory is much ingaged; the Saints are alwayes [Page 69]sufferers upon his account; For thy sake all the day long are we persecuted, Note Satan intends to dishonor the Lord by his servantsPsal. 44.22. It is worth our noting, that in the Saints troubles, it is not so much Satans design, to disquiet the servant, as to disgrace the master. That putting the Saints from their patience and perseverance he may turne the reproach of their shipwrack and apostacy upon him whom they serve, Satan endeavoreth to affront God upon his Saints sufferings. who should have espoused their controversie, he having engaged to own them in their sharpest conflicts; therefore the Lord for his glory hath engaged in opposition to their stoutest enemies, Psal. 105.14, 15. He suffered none to do them wrong, he reproved Kings for their sake, saying, Touch not mine Anointed, and do my Prophets no harm. And again, He saved them for his name sake, Psal. 106.8. I remember [Page 70] Moses in his administration doth plead from his glory for his peoples deliverance, often in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomie; all which, with a great many more Scriptures evidences we have to assures that the Lord doth good to his people in point of honor.
Here it is worth observation, Note. if the Lord doth impledg or pawne his honor for our peace in adversity, We are to serve God as a preserver after deliverance Luke 1.74 we are justly obliged to pay the tribute of piety to him, in the day of our prosperity.
As the Lord is pleased to look upon us afflicted, so we should look upon God being delivered, &c. As he tendred our good, so must we his glory. It must not be with the best of Saints, as it is with the worst of sinnners, to turn the grace of God unto wantonness [Page 71]the most cordial kindness to a carnal profanenesse. The wicked unthankful. Let us be more the Lords then our own, seeing he owned us when we were nothing. Saints ingagements.
Let Gods honour be as precious as it is profitable to us.
Let us not be so mercenary, Gods honor must be precious to us. as to balance its commodity, and not its excellency. It is of greater worth then all we can have by it.
Let it therefore be our piety to pay it its due, and our sincerity to contribute all our endeavours to the promoting of its interest.
Ingratitude is the shame of Saints, What ingratitude is and the Seale of sinners.
As it is the heighth of Sacriledge to rob God of his Glory, so [Page 72]it is the purest worship in the Sanctuary to advance his honor; therefore as Blaspemy is a subject of the greatest iniquity, Blasphemy a dishonor to God, and the object of justice. so let it be the object of the greatest severity. For as it was crueltie to Israel to spare Amalek, so it is no friendship to God or his truth to favour their enemies.
Let us then take notice of that glory ingaged for us, Nothing to be preferred before Gods glory that our zeal be impartially ingaged for it.
Fifthly, 5th Ground Wickeds power. The power of the Saints enemies, is a ground of his ingagement for them. Many times it falls out, that the godly are overpowered, The Lord is the saints reserve. and their party worsted then it pleaseth the Lord to step into the field with a recruit.
It seems this hath been often Israels case, Psal. 129.1, 2, 3.
The Church lamenteth thus, They [Page 73]have oftentimes afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say, &c. the Plowers have plowed upon my back, and made long furrowes, but they could not prevail against me; (mark it) for the righteous Lord hath cut the cords of the wicked.
I find here a clear confirmation of all this truth; we read in this testimony, that the Lord appears for his people, when hopeless to do any thing for themselves, in opposition to their enemies.
I remember in the time of Israels Aristocracy, (or Government under Judges) they were often sadly and sharply put to it by their enemies, An observation of the Saints trouble, and their help. insomuch that if the Lord had not pitied their misery, they had been undone by the malignant ability of their mercilesse adversaries.
But we find there recruiting recorded [Page 74]for the accomplishment and establishment of their brethren in such a case.
That religious deportment of precious Hezekiah, towards the reproaching Ribaldrie of railing Rabshekah, is very memorable. It seems he troubles not himselfe with his language or Letter, The Saints leave their enemies to God: but leaves both to the Lords consideration and reading for his return, he speaks not a word to him, Saints are often silent when most falsly traduced or accused; so was their Savior before Pilate, Luke 23.9. but spreads his Libel before the Lord, that he might answer it. He knew that Ashurs Army was to hard for him, but not for the Lord, who could quickly dispatch them by one Commission Officer; and so he had them routed and ruined in a night. Judgment to the wicked.
This Point of the Lords assistance threatens dreadfully the deluded spirits of the Churches adversaries, [Page 75]they dream not of such an Auxiliary in their confident combatings with the godly; but it seems they are mistaken, they find a stronger and more eminent Antagonist then they are aware; and therefore it is hard for them to kick against the pricks.
And this speaketh well for the godly, Mercy to the godly. who commonly have fewest friends, but most enemies, that they have a reserve when weakest, to grapple with their strongest and greatest adversaries. 2 Cor. 12.10 It is the Saints glory to confesse, when they are weak, then they are strong, Let us therefore in all our conflicts, mind more the favour of our God, then the fury of our adversaries.
Let us joyn with him to befriend us, Applic. whose power is dreadful to all that oppose us. Let us [Page 76]speak our troubles to him, that our spirits may have ease. Let us rest upon him, who will not fail us. Let us keep a familiar correspondence with God in our prosperity, that he be no stranger to us in the day of our calamity. Plety the Saints policy. It is not the least part of the Saints policy to gather with God, and scatter with the world: they can be no losers by such an exchange in the day of trouble.
He that hath the Lord for his friend, and the world for his enemie, he hath Piety in his right hand, and Prudence in his left.
He is looked upon as the best of Saints, and wisest of men, whose troubles prove but tryals to depend upon God: and seeing it is the Lords practise to frustrate the wickeds power, let us have heavenly [Page 77]affections in our greatest distractions; Setled spirits in calamity. and never fear that enemy which the Lord cannot only outwit, but outwork.
Sixthly, Ground, 6 Saints pressures. The Saints pressures under the weight of their troubles, doth ingage the benefit of the Lords assistance and support under such a burden, Exod. 3.7. I have surely seen the trouble of my people, and I was to them as he that taketh off the yoak Hos. 11.4.
I remember David, Psal. 10.11. The wickeds delusion, sets downe the wicked under a strange delusion, asserting, that the Lord did take no notice of what the Saints did suffer, or they impose upon them, He hideth his face (say they) he wil not see. by Satan. It seems the devil charmeth their spirits to this apprehension, as he did the old Epicures, Deus nec curat sui, aut alieni. [Page 78]But how ever such are sinfully deluded, The Saints perswasion. suffering Saints are more graciously schooled, and know better of God, That he beholdeth mischief and wrong, and taketh it in his own hand, Psal. 10.14. The godly should have (duram provinciam) a hard task of their troubles, To be neglected of God the saddest trouble. if whilst they are afflicted by men, they should be neglected by God. Such an oversight should more inwardly wound them, then all their wretched enemies could outwardly wrong them; What Gods favor is to Saints. for his favour is better then life, and his frowning is worser then death to a gracious spirit; and therefore the fainting fits of our infirmity are the designed objects of his paternal clemency. God is tender over his Saints.
He will not suffer our brudens to sink us, whilst the rowling of his bowels are able to support us.
[Page 79] Let this respective kindnesse have a seat in our hearts which hath such an hand in happinesse. Applic.
Let not the impresse of worldly distraction more affright us to suffer then the promised power of a heavenly refection delight us to bear. Afflictions mitigate. Let Gods words more secure us with the hopes of our help, then all the world unsettle us with the threats of our hurt. I cannot think that the vapours of wickedness should so stupidly damp us, but that the spirit of grace and godliness should more religiously prompt us to any piece of the Lords service whatsoever.
Let us consider what we are in prosperity, The Saints are the same in prosperity and adversity to God. that the same we are in adversity to our gracious God, he is in both the strength of our hearts [Page 80]and our portion for ever. There may be a little of our condition eclipsed as to us, Gods love to his saints unchangeable. but not a grain of affection changed, as to God; the Pleiades of his continued providences, sweetly dropping over us, send down the same effluential influences of power in all the weakly and sickly seasons of our crosse bearing condition.
So that there is no fear of ability to bear, Saints are carried out by a divine power in affliction. whosoever hath laid on the burden, if we lean upon him. Hence I conceive, here is something here worth the exercise of a Saints wisdom in the day of trouble.
First, God the Saints provisor in trouble. We are not to consult the Oracle of our owne, but of the Lords ability in that estate; seeing he beareth the purse of power, we need not fear provision, under any [Page 81]pressure whatsoever. Saints inlargements in trouble. We may be more in spending then sparing, in improving then retaining what is intrusted to us.
Secondly, To mind our God the subject of our strength. Whilst our burdens lye upon us, let our weakness warn us where our strength lieth. It is one of the greatest Characters of a worthless spirit, Stupidity in adversity signs the indignity of a spirit. to be a stupid sufferer, to merit little, and mind nothing of its supplies. Such a patient, as it hath but little of sense, and less of reason, so nothing of grace in its deportment.
The choice government of a troubled Saint is well drawne up in Davids words of his dependance upon God, and his assistance by him. My soul (saith he) cleaveth to the Lord, his right hand upholdeth me.
The seventh Ground of the Lords ingagement for his people, Ground, 7 Pride of the wicked. [Page 82]is the pride of their adversaries.
The Scriptures tell us, it is not sufficient for the Saints enemies to afflict them, but to insult over them. And thus as the godly are put upon all the senses of sorrow, so the Lord puts himself upon all the service of their succour and supply, in not only opposing the power but the pride of their adversaries.
Of this we have large testimony from the Lords word, The saints know the pride of their enemies. and the Saints experience; but that there is an insulting spirit predominating in the wicked over the Saints, is seen often in the sufferings of the godly under it. The Saints complaine of this indignity for case. I have heard David in his Psalmes bemoaning this piece of his injuries by the wicked, beseeching the Lord to ease him of such an indignity, Psal. 25.2. Let [Page 83]not mine enemies rejoice over me, &c. and elsewhere often he entreateth the same favor. I take notice of the Churches voice, Mic. 7.8. Rejoice not against me, O my enemy.
This kind of iniquity is a blossome of that cursed impurity which naturally in the wicked designeth the disgrace of the godly. What this pride is. For it is so with that cruel root of bitterness, Pride of enemies how it groweth. that it never thriveth in any soul, but when it is watered with the contempt of the Saints, which renders their case the more considerable, Saints contented to suffer. in that they are objects of their enemies scorn. It is the Saints humility to submit to their cross; but the wickeds pride and pravity to trample them under it.
God doth not take it well at the wickeds hand, that they should [Page 84]adde affliction to the afflicted; he seems to resent it, God wil be avenged of his Saints enemies. when he promises to make them repent it, that ever they medled with his people, Isaiah 10.12. he promiseth to remember Ashurs pride, after the perfection of Zions peace. He tels us, The Saints enemies have their time of visitation. that he had not done with Ashur, when he had made an end with Jerusalem; He must lift up the cursed Ephah from Israel,Zach. 5.10, 11and place it in the Land of Shinar. He will burn the broom which beat his children.
Me thinks (these things considered) it is dangerous medling for the devil or the wicked betwixt God and his children. I have observed from the Scriptures he vvill have none so much as to laugh at their calamity, The Lord will have his children beaten by none but by himself but at their peril of mourning in the day of their prosperitie.
[Page 85] He looks upon it as a just quarrel against the vvicked, that they are so forvvard to set him against his people, and to bring faggots to the fire of his fury. And are so ready to run upon them in the day of his displeasure.
Thus we may see what the Lord is in reference to his people. How God dealeth with his people, and for them. He hath love in his anger, and anger in his love, yet so vvell soddered for their safety, as that he acteth the first, for the correction of themselves, and the second for the destruction of their enemies. God must bridle the wickeds malice. If the Lords povver did not check the vvickeds pride, the vvorld vvould soon be too hot for the godly: How happy then are the Saints, The Saints happinesse in trouble wherein it stands. vvho hath one that can lodg them in despight of their enemies and protect them in opposition to all their pride.
[Page 86] Let it therefore be the Saints wisdom to value the Lords power above the wickeds pride. Applica∣tion. If this last afflict them; let the first support them. It is the Saints comfort as they are occasionally objected to injuries, so they are providentially attended with the best of remedies. The Saints have alwayes their Physitian by them, whilst they are on this side of glory. Davids dependance and assistance common to all the saints. Their position of Davids antecedent, assures them of his consequent. If they can but win their spirits to the unity of his dependance, there is no question of the commodity of his assistance.
Eighthly, Ground, 8 The wickkeds malice. and lastly, the implacable malice of the Saints adversaries, is an eminent reason of the Lords ingagement for them, to oppose their fury. This the Lord [Page 87]hath comfortably concluded in favour of his servants. Determined assistance. Because (saith he) thou hast a perpetual hatred, and hast put the children of Israel to flight, by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity, The wicked threatned.when their iniquity had an end, I will lay their Cities waste, &c. Ezek. 35.4, 5.
As the wickeds malice argue their mischief, so its continuance threatneth their ruine. Malice the bane of the wicked. The wicked would do a great deal better by themselves, if they dealt kindly by the godly.
It hath been observed, that malice with continuance, What continued malice is. is but the devil in disguise, who loves rather to be abroad in the hearts of the wicked, then at home in hell.
Therefore to supplant his subtilty, and to prevent his cruelty, are eminent acts of the Lords [Page 88]kindnesse in favour of the godly.
I have alwayes observed that the Lord is pleased by the power of his grace, An observation of Gods favor to the godly. to make the Saints wiser then the vvicked, and stronger then the devil. So that hovvever both may hate them, yet neither can undo them.
They may be implacable in their malice, but incapable in their practise to do them any considerable harm.
The heat of their hatred may blacken their beauty, Malicecannot undo the godly. but let Satan and his instruments do what they can, the Saints are still comely as the Tents of Kedar, and the Curtains of Solomon.
It is not the staining of the Saints Colours, but the stopping of the Saints comforts, [Page 77]that is their sorrow. The Saints more afflicted with eclipsing of their graces, then loss of their good The breathings of malice may deface the first, but the gates of hell are not able to obstruct the second. For as the Saints have hope in their death, so they are blessed with the continued comforts of the spiritual life, let the devil and the wicked do what they can.
The godly were in a piteous condition, Satan would undo the Saints if God did not prevent him. if they had no more refreshment then what Satan would bestow; he would starve them to his service, and kill them in it; he would feed them with the bread of affliction to prepare them for destruction. But it is the Saints happinesse, they are not upon his allowance. They have bread, whereof he knoweth nothing; Saints are not spiritually starved. the secrets of their mercy is shut up from him, and they are not straitned of their provision, [Page 74]even in the worst of times. It is not Satans malice that can mince their mace.
Thou hast prepared a table for me (saith David, Psal. 23.5.) in the sight of my adversaries. The Lord wil let Satan and the wicked know he keeps his servants well, that they may conclude, there is nothing wanting to them that fear him, Psalm 34.9.
It is the sweetness of the Lords Spirit, The Lords kindnesse comfortable in the sharpest season. the sharper the wicked hate his Saints, the dearer he loves them, and the better they fare; For I am with thee to save thee, and deliver thee, saith the Lord to Jeremy, Jer. 15.20.
So me thinks Satan and his Clyents are but fools for all their fury; Conclus. The folly of Satan & his instruments. they do but befriend the godly by their malice, [Page 75]thus melting the Lords affection in a warmer fervency to his Saints, The wicked defeat their owne design. and so becoming guilty of the death of their own design; they shew what they can do, but not what they would.
It seemes they have not so much rope in their posse, The wicked cannot execute their malice against the godly. as they have scope in their velle. Dogs may shew their teeth although they durst not bite.
Here me thinks it is no loss of time to pause a little admiring that mercy which compasseth the Saints. Saints favor great. How great is thy goodnesse which thou hast laid up for them that fear, and done to them that trust in thee before the sons of men, saith David, Psalm 31.19.
We see amongst all the stratagems of Satans subtilty, he is [Page 80]not more restrained in any, The wicked cannot but as they have. then in this of the wickeds malice, that those his emissaries cannot hurt, as they hate; the Lord having chained up their ferity with the cord of his Commission; The wickeds weekness. so that there is no stirring for Satan or his servants beyond the reach of their line, let them struggle what they can.
Oh then, Applic. how should the Saints love their mighty God, whose power is their preservative against such an evil, Saints are not given up to the wicked. that he will not suffer his Saints to be sacrifices to the will of their enemies; they may hunger for their destruction, but starve before they obtain it. It is not malice can catch the prey, when mercy prevents it. David is here cruelly hunted by Saul, but graciously supported by God. It [Page 73]is not his malice can murder him, or his plotting that can surprize him; for the Lord was with David, whither soever he went.