The Scripture Directory for Church Officers and People, To the reader 2 – Exposition 2
TO THE READER.
THe Pſalms are noted to have this peculiar Excellency in them, that they are the experimental breathings of a gracious heart, exerciſed under various temptations; ſo that what is doctrinally, and in the Idea delivered in other places of the Scripture, is here practically, and in Subjecto, viſibly expreſſed: ſo that none can underſtand them, unleſs he bring the ſame ſpirit with him, that breathed in David, while he compoſed them. This is Davids ſpiritual Harp, driving away all the evil and malignant affections, that may at any times riſe up in us. That Poetical one of Orpheus, though ſaid to tame Beasts, is not comparable to this. Now as face anſwereth face, ſo doth the heart of a godly man anſwer Davids in his reſpective agonies of his ſoul; when grace worketh, when corruption worketh, he doth obſerve by the like tranſactions in his own ſoul. Among other particulars, I have ſelected this 4th Pſalm in the three laſt verſes to diſcourſe upon, becauſe therein is declared, what is the choice of a natural man, what is his ſummum bonum, and what of a godly man, wherein I am more large; ſo that an heavenly heart, and the enjoyment of the light of Gods countenance is chiefly the Subject of this Treatiſe; ſublime and high matter comparatively to our dull, lumpiſh and heavy hearts. For this end doth God many times exerciſe his people with ſad temptations, that they may experimentally ſay, Gods loving kindneſs is better than life. For Job and many others have lived, yet deſired death. The damned in Hell live, yet annihilation would be welcome to them. So that he only liveth, who enjoyeth the favour of God. As for the greatest worldly pleaſures, they are but like the fancies of diſtracted men. So that as ſome who have perſwaded themſelves in ſuch pleaſing delights, and apprehending themſelves maſters of ſuch great revenews, when cured of this delirium by Phyſicians, have been diſpleaſed thereat, ſaying, they never enjoyed a better time, then under thoſe deluded imaginations. Such a folly and dream doth poſſeſſe all natural men, while deſtitute of the light of Gods countenance, they are unwilling to be awakened out of this dream, and to be cured of this folly. But with David, we call upon thee, to taſte and ſee how good God is, and then thou wilt cry out with Auſtin, Sero te amavi Domine, even mourn, becauſe thou waſt not acquainted with him any ſooner. And that thou mayeſt be quickned up hereunto, be diligent in meditating of theſe holy Pſalms, wherein is contained flamnigera Theologia, for hereby thou wilt find thy ſelf as it were in Eliahs fiery Chariot carried up to Heaven.
ANTHONY BURGESSE. March 18. 1658.
THE NATURAL MANS CHOICE: SHEWING That no unregenerate Man can aſcend any higher in his Choice and Deſires, then the Creature.
Pſalm 4.6.
There be many that ſay, Who will ſhew us any good?