Sermons on Psalm 119, Sermons · Sermon 178
SERM. CLXXVIII.
PSALM CXIX. VER. 164.
Seven times a day do I praise thee, because of thy Righteous Iudgments.
IN these words the man of God giveth further proof of his love and delight in the Word, by praising God for that benefit.
His praise is illustrated,
First, By the frequent repetition of that duty, seven times a day do I praise thee.
Secondly, The subject matter, because of thy Righteous Iudgments, (i. e.) Gods dispensations agreeing with his Word.
First. The frequency of the duty, seven times a day, that is very often, Numerus definitus pro indefinito, a number certain put for an uncertain; seven, is often used for many, as Levit. 26. 18. I will punish you seven times more for your sins. That is, not exactly seven, but many and divers times, Prov. 24. 16. A just man falleth seven times a day, and riseth up again, Prov. 26. 25. There are seven abominations in his heart. 1 Sam. 2. 5. She that is barren, hath born seven; and she that hath many Children, is waxed feeble. So here I gave thanks to thee as often as I meditate of them: Some of the Jewish Rabbins stick in the very literal number, seven, twice in the morning, before the reading of the Law, and once after it, and at noon, and so in the evening as in the Morning; so Rabbi Solomon: indeed elsewhere, Psal. 55. 17. Evening and Morning and at noon, will I praise the Lord, but whether with such scrupulous observation of hours, is not certain.
Secondly. The subject-matter, [thy Righteous Iudgments] whereby is meant,
1. God's most Righteous Laws and Precepts, called the Ordinances of Judgment and Justice, Isaiah 58. we cannot sufficiently bless God for the benefit of his Word.
2. The dispensations of his Providence suiting therewith, whether they concern us or others: The Word is fulfilled in the punishment of the wicked, and in giving the promised reward to the Righteous. All Gods dealings are Righteous Judgements, and matter of praise is still offered to us, from the comforts and blessings of his Providence; there is no question of that, the smallest of his mercies should not be overlooked, though notable mercies should be continually remembred, Psal. 68. 19. Not only dayly benefits, but great deliverances are a standing ground of Thanksgiving, Psal. 66. 2. Sing forth the honour of his Name, make his praise glorious, shew forth his Salvation from day to day, especially now the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the great Salvation is more clearly revealed, we should never think of it, nor read it, nor hear of it, without some considerable act of Joy and thankfulness. 2dly. So for the dispensations of God to others, in protecting his people, in punishing his Enemies. 'Tis a great confirmation of Faith, to see Promises and Threatnings fulfilled on others, how punctually God maketh good his Word to all that trust in him, Psal. 18. 30. On all those that reject it, and despise it, as we have heard, so have we seen, Psal. 48. 8. They that believe the Word of God, and do mark what is foretold in the Word, shall find the event and work of Providence suitable to the prediction.
3. Gods Righteous Judgments afflicting of us, doth also yield matter of praise, as they work together for good to such as Love him, Rom. 8. 28. and the saddest corrections afford necessary and profitable instructions, Psal. 94. 12. Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, and teachest him out of thy Law. Psal. 119. 71. It is good for me, that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy Statutes, though not barely for the afflictions themselves, yet for their fruit and issue that our souls are bettered and humbled by them, and as we see the faithfulness of God in them.
Doctrine. That the People of God should never cease lauding and magnifying the name of God, because of his Righteous Iudgments.
David was never weary of praising God, every day he praised God, and often every day: Love sweetned it to him. We shall praise him evermore in the world to come, there it will be our sole Imployment, but even in this World we should not count it a burden, but praise him yet more, Psal. 71. 14. I will yet praise him more and more, still magnifying his greatness.
Here I shall speak,
1. Of the Duty, that we should praise God.
2. Of the Continuance, that we should not cease praising God.
3. The Grounds of it in the Text, because of thy Righteous Judgements.
First, The Duty.
Secondly, The Motives to it.
First, The Duty, and there we have, 1. The Nature of it. 2. The Grounds of it. 3. The Formality. 4. The Fruit of it.
1. The Nature of it, There are three Words used in this matter, blessing, praising, giving thanks: Sometimes they are used promiscuously, at other times there is a distinctness of notion to be observed; blessing is used, Psal. 103. 1. Bless the Lord, O my Soul, blessing relateth to his benefits, it respects the works of God as beneficial to us; his mercy, Love, and kindness to us; we bless him, who hath blessed us, Eph. 1. 7. praise relateth to his excellencies, as we may praise a stranger for his excellent endowments, though we are not benefited by them, Psal. III. 1. 2. Praise ye the Lord; I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the Congregation: The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. 'Tis a great part of our work to praise the Lord, not that he at all needeth it, for he is infinitely perfect, but he deserveth it, and by this means we testifie our love and reverence of him, and strengthen our own dependance on him, and gain others to him; when we speak good of his name. The other Word is Thanksgiving, Psal. 107. 1, O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good. This differeth from the two former, because praise may be expressed in Words, gratitude and thankfulness in Deed; also it hath respect to Benefits, as well as Blessings; but we shew our Gratitude by Obedience, but these are often co-incident: Indeed there is a mixture of all, in the true praising of God; Excellencies and Benefits are to be acknowledged with Heart, Mouth, and Life.
2. The Grounds of it, Faith and Love must be at the bottom of our praise, if we would not have it slight and formal: For the more lively apprehensions we have of Gods Perfections, which is the work of Faith, and the more sensible of his Goodness; and Mercy, which is work of love, the better is this service performed. Therefore unless these praises flow from a Believing, Loving soul, they are but an empty prattle and a vain sound. Faith is necessary; that is the Eye of the soul to see the invisible one, Heb. 11. 27. It giveth us an apprehension of the Lords excellencies, in order to Love and Trust: So also in order to praise, Faith sets us before the Throne, and doth withdraw the vail, and sheweth us the Eternal God, who liveth and reigneth for ever: Dispensing all things powerfully, according to his own Will, that's all the sight we have of God in this Life, a nearer vision is referred to our future glory, here we see him by Faith.
2dly. Love, or a deep sense of the goodness of God, which inlargeth the heart towards him, and forceth open our lips, that our mouths may shew forth his praise, Psal. 51. 15. There he meaneth Gods giving a sweet and renewed sence of pardoning Mercy. Psal. 63. 3. Because thy Loving kindness is better than Life, my Lips shall praise thee; an intimate sence of the Lords love, sets the Tongue a work to speak of it; praise then is the result of Faith and Love: None else do it seriously, delightfully, but where these Graces reign and prevail in the Heart.
3. The Formality of it, is an acknowledgment of the Divine Vertues, Benefits, and Perfections manifested to us in his Word, or Works, or both; these must be acknowledged by some outward Expression: Words, whereby we express our inward thoughts and apprehensions: Our Tongues are called our Glory, Psal. 57. 8. Awake, up, my glory. Psal. 16. 9. My heart is glad, and my glory rejoyceth. When that Scripture is quoted, Acts 2. 26. 'tis said, My tongue is glad, foreign So the Septuagint. So called, not only as speech is our Excellency above the Beasts, but because God is thereby glorified and praised; given us to this End and Purpose, to bless God; Iam. 3. 9. As our Understanding was given us to know God, and think on him; so our Speech to speak of God, to declare his excellent Perfections, and to stir up others to praise him with us.
4. Holiness, the Fruit of it; for as Iob said, the sides of the Poor blessed him, Iob 31. 20. so must our Lives praise God. 1 Pet. 2. 9. sheweth forth his Vertues, not in Word only, but in Works. Our Lives must be a constant Hymn to God, though we should be silent. We remember the Lords Excellencies, that we may imitate them, and express them to the Life: the Children of God serve only for this Use, to represent God to the World, as the Image in the Glass representeth the Person that looketh in it. So Isa. 40. 21. This people have I formed for my self, they shall shew forth my praise. The Impression of all the Divine Attributes and Perfections, must be left upon us, and Copied out by us, plainly represented in our Wisdom, Purity, Faithfulness, and Godliness.
Secondly, The Motives, Because there is no part of Gods Worship to which we are more indisposed; Self-Love will put us upon Prayers and Supplications, but Love of God upon Praises: We are inclined to the one by our own Necessities, but we need to be stirred up to the other by pressing Arguments. I will only mention those which are heaped up together in one place; Psal. 147. 1. Praise ye the Lord, for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is comly.
1. It is Good and Profitable, a piece of service acceptable in Gods sight; Psal. 50. 23. Whoso offereth praise, glorifieth me. 'Tis a part of that spiritual Worship required under the Gospel, beyond all the sacrifices of the Law; in other Duties we expect something from God, but in this we bestow something on him.
All Gods Praises are a Believers advantage; every Attribute is his store-house: This is my beloved and my friend, Cant. 5. 16. And Psal. 135. 5. For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all Gods. Yea, 'tis Profitable as 'tis Acceptable; Psal. 67. 5, 6, 7. Let all the people praise thee, O God, let all the people praise thee; then shall the earth yield her increase, and God, even our God, shall bless us. God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear him. Pliny telleth us of a Fountain that would rise, and swell, and overflow, at their playing of a Pipe or Flute, and when they ceased, would stop again: The Fountain of Mercy riseth, and swelleth, and overfloweth with new supplies of Mercy, when we praise and acknowledge the old.
2. 'Tis Pleasant and Delightful, full of sweet Refreshment; he that knoweth not this work is pleasant, is unacquainted with it; for this Ravishing, Transporting Joy, is matter of Experience. When is the gracious heart more delighted, then when it Feasts with God? All acts of Obedience have a pleasure accompanying them, especially acts of Worship, being the Nobler part of the Spiritual Life; and among them, Praise. Psal. 135. 3. Sing praises unto his name, for it is good and pleasant. 'Tis our Duty in Heaven to Praise God, when we are in our highest Felicity; therefore this is a work wherein we should rejoyce to be employ'd. 'Tis our Reward rather than our Work; the Heaven that we have upon Earth: and nothing so sit to chear up the Spirit, as to remember what a God we have in Christ; the very nature of it hath allurement enough to a gracious Heart: Psal. 92. 4. For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy works; when God blesseth our Meditations of his Works with gladness.
3. 'Tis Comely and Honourable; to be about the Imployment of Angels, to be Heralds to Proclaim the Lords Glory; nothing so comely for us, as Creatures, who have our whole Being from him. As new Creatures, we are set apart to be to the praise of his glorious Grace in Christ; Eph. 1. 12. It beareth all men as a debt, which they owe to God, though the wicked have no power to perform it.
Indeed the new Song doth ill become the old Heart, but when there is an Obligation and a Capacity, then it is comely indeed: it becometh them to pay, and God to receive it from them; Psal. 33. 1. Praise is comely for the upright: All are bound to Praise God, yet none will do it cheerfully and acceptably, save the Godly: They have Obligations above all People in the World, they have a Capacity and an Heart to do it, and from them God most expecteth it.
Secondly, The Continuance, that we should never cease Praising God; David saith here, seven times a day; which is the number of Perfection: and elsewhere you shall find equivalent Expressions, Psal. 34. 1. I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall be continually in my mouth. So Heb. 13. 15. Let us offer the sacrifice of praise continually, giving thanks unto his name. So Eph. 5. 20. Giving thanks always unto God for all things. What is the meaning of these extensive Particles, Continually, Alwayes, and at all Times? I Answer, 'tis not to be understood, as if we were without intermission, to be imployed in the actual exercise of formal and distinct Thanksgiving; no, there are other necessary Duties, which sometimes must divert us from it; but the meaning is,
1. That there is continual occasion of Praising God, God is continually Beneficial to us, Blessing and Delivering his People every day, and by new Mercies giveth new Matter of Praise and Thanksgiving: and there are some standing Mercies, which should never be forgotten, but be remembred before God every day; as, Redemption by Christ, with all the abundant Benefits: and therefore the Gospel-Church is represented by four Beasts, or four living weights, together with four and twenty Elders, who rest not day and night, saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty; Rev. 4. 8. This is spoken to shew that matter doth still continue of Lauding and Blessing God; and David saith, Psal. 71. 8. Let my mouth be filled with thy praise, and with thine honour all the day. There is no moment of time wherein we are not obliged to Praise and Glorifie God.
2. This must be understood of the preparation of the heart without intermission, we must cherish that disposition of heart which is necessary for it; an habit of thankfulness, an heart deeply affected with the Lords Excellencies and Mercies, should ever be found in us, and never laid aside: the Instrument must be kept in Tune, though it be not alwayes played upon. David saith, Psal. 57. 7. My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed, I will sing, and give praise. There must be a prepared heart, or a fixed purpose to Praise the Lord; a renewed sense of Gods Favour, and fresh experience of his Goodness to us, do draw forth this preparation into Act: yet the preparation must still remain with us, and we are to watch against dulness and indisposedness for this holy work. This preparation is more or less at times, for special Mercies do raise, enliven, and inspirit the heart; but some measure of a thankful disposition, or bent and inclination to Praise God, must never be wanting. As the Vestal Fire among the Romans was ever kept in, on special occasions it was blown up: so there should be an habitual frame of heart to Praise God at all times: but upon some special occasions it must more especially be excited and stirred up to it.
3. We must keep a constant Course, and certain order of Worshipping and Praising God, both in Publick and Private. In Scripture, they are said to do a thing alwayes, who do it upon stated occasions; as Mephibosheth did eat continually at Davids Table, 2 Sam 9. 13. not as if alwayes eating, but at the eating times: And the Disciples are said to be continually in the Temple, Praising and Blessing God: Luk. 24. 53. that is, at the appointed times of Worship. So we are to set forth certain times to Bless and Praise the Lord, who is continually good to us, especially on the Sabbath. See the 92 Psal. the Title, with the first Verse; It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most high! We are not to omit any occasion of Formal, and direct thanksgiving; acknowledge Mercy and Faithfulness, the two Pillars of our Confidence; as it is to be done Constantly, which the former head called for; so Frequently, that is, we must take every just occasion to perform it: let no special opportunity pass; the Lords Mercies are new every moment Lam. 3. 21. And he loadeth us with his benefits dayly, Psal. 68. 19. Therefore as Gods hand is ever open to Bless, so should our Mouths be ever open to Praise; and we should never go from this exercise, nisi cum animo revertendi, but with a purpose to return to it again. We have poor Temporary Affections towards God, and are very rare and unfrequent in these Duties; though we are dayly receiving more and more Benefits, yet we are slow and backward to this work. Every Hour, every Minute, every Moment, God is obliging us to it a-new; therefore we should say, I will Praise him more and more.
Thirdly, The ground of Praising, mentioned in the Text, because of thy righteous Iudgments. Here observe,
1. The Term is one of the Notions by which the Word of God is expressed; surely all kind of Mercies are the matter of Praise, especially spiritual Mercies; and among these, his Word: for this is a great favour in itself, the Church can as ill be without it, as the World without the Sun. Psal. 19. He compareth the Sun and the Law together: this is a peculiar Favour, Psal. 147. 19, 20. He hath given his word to Iacob, he hath not dealt so with every nation, praise ye the Lord. The benefit of the Scriptures is a precious gift of God to the Church, and so it should be valued and esteemed; not counted a burden, as it is to them who are wholly Earthly, and mind not Heavenly things. Alas! what should we do without this help, to ease our burdened minds, to understand Gods Providences, and learn the way to happiness, without these pure Precepts and heavenly Promises? What is it that raiseth in us the joy of Faith, the patience of Hope, that directeth us to a streight and certain way to Glory, but the Word of God? This is the book of books; the Food and Comfort of our Souls: Psal. 56. 10. In God I will praise his word, in the Lord I will praise his word. The best hold that Faith can have of God, is by his Word; let us own his Word, and then what ever his Dispensations be, we have cause to Praise him; here is a sure hope to six upon, and a sure Rule to walk by, it cannot be told in a Breath, what benefit we have by it: here is matter of Glorying, and firm Confidence, we need not fear Men or Devils, as long as we have such a firm Bulwark to secure us: here we have Gods Will made known, to give us notice of a blessed Estate, and Gods Promise to give us an Interest in it.
2. It noteth the dispensation of his Providence, fulfilling his Promises unto the Faithful, and executing his Threatnings on the wicked: he is the same in his Works, that he is in his Word: his Judgments are declared in his holy Word, and executed in his righteous Providence; and therefore 'tis said of them that have not his Word, Psal. 147. 20. As for his Iudgments, they have not known them; praise ye the Lord. Where they have not his Word, the Lords dealing with Men in Justice and Mercy, and the Course which he observeth in ruling the World, is not understood; it lyeth much in the dark, so that his Providence is complicated with his Word; and as 'tis the sentence of his Word Executed, is matter of Praise. Well then, we must Praise God for his Righteous Government of the World, according to his Word; whether it concern the Church in general, or Us in particular: Rev. 16. 7. True and righteous are thy judgments. But because particular Providences come nearest home, and do most affect us, I shall instance in them.
1. Let me shew you how we should Praise God for his Favours, and fulfilling of Promises to us, and hearing our Prayers, and remembring us for good in our low Estate. Ioshua leaveth this note when dying, Ioshua 23. 14. I am going the way all the earth, and ye know in all your hearts and all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord hath spoken to you, all are come to pass, not one thing hath failed thereof. Trust God, and try him, and you will return the same account with this, which was the result of all his experience. And Solomon taketh notice of Gods fulfilling Promises, 1 Kings 8. 20. and 24. And the Lord hath performed his word that he spake. Who hast kept with thy servant David my father, that thou promisedst him. Thou spakest also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand. There is none of any acquaintance with God, but find much of this; now they should therefore Praise the Lord, and love him; so David, Psal. 116. 1. I will love the Lord, who hath heard the voice of my supplication. When we have put Promises in suit, and challenged God upon his Word, he hath stood to it, justified our Confidence, every fresh experience in this kind should excite new Love and Praise.
2. In time of Affliction, when Divine Dispensations go Cross to our Affections, and it may be to our Prayers, yet even then should we praise the Lord. Iob when the Lord had taken away, he blesseth the Name of the Lord; Iob 1. 21. The Lord is worthy of praise and honour, when he giveth, and when he taketh away; when he emptieth and when he filleth us with Blessings: a Child of God is of a strange, temper; he can fear him for his Mercies, Hosea 3. 5. and praise him for his Judgments, as in the Text; it argueth a great measure of Grace, to give Thanks to God at all times, and for all things. 1 Thes. 5. 17, 18. Rejoyce ever more; pray without ceasing: in every thing give thanks. Simply we cannot give thanks for Afflictions, as Afflictions; as we cannot pray for them, nor joy in them, but as they are a means of good to us. A thankful frame of Heart, bringeth meat out of the Eater, incouragement out of the saddest Providences, and taketh occasion to lift up it self in the praises of God, even from those things which are matter of greatest discouragement and heartless dejection to others: It seeth the hand of God working for good to him. And then on the other side, an Unthankful, Repining, Murmuring Spirit, sowereth all our Comforts, is ever querulous, whether crossed or pleased; it entertaineth Crosses with Anger, and Blessings with Disdain: 'Tis hard to be in any Condition on this side Hell, wherein we have not cause to praise God; even in great Calamities, either for their fruit and issue, as our Souls are bettered and humbled by them. Psalm 119. 65. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, according to thy word. Wherein? In giving him Faith, and sensible and seasonable Correction; Verse 67. and presently, thou art good, and dost good; Verse 68. Or else for their Mitigation, as to deem them not insupportable; 1 Corinth. 10. 13. That we are not Consumed, Lament. 3. 22. That not to the full merit of our Sins, Ezra 9. 13. Thou hast punished us less then we have deserved. That Comforts come along with them; That our Afflictions do not exceed the measure of our Comforts; 2 Corinth. 1. 5. That we have a good God still, who knoweth how to turn all to our Advantage: Let us be perswaded he is well affected to us in Christ, and we will take any thing kindly at his hand. All this is spoken that poor murmuring Souls may not set out from so blessed a Work; yea, when other Arguments fail, we may see the Wisdom, Justice, and Faithfulness of God, in his sharpest Corrections; Psalm 119. 75. I know that thy Iudgments are right, and in Faithfulness thou hast afflicted me. 'Tis a great honour to God, to speak good of his name, when his hand is smart upon us.
Use. Let me press you now to three things:
First. To the Work.
Secondly, Frequency and Constancy herein.
Thirdly, To suit often God's Word and Works together.
First, To the work of praising God; many are often complaining or begging, but seldom praising or giving thanks. Oh surely this should be more regarded, not always taken up with complaints against our selves, and supplications for Mercies; but should sometime give Thanks, and praise the Lord; 'tis the Noblest part of our work, 'tis nearest the work of Heaven. As Love is the Grace of Heaven, so Praise is the Duty then in Season; 'tis good to be preparing, setting our Hearts in order for our eternal Estate: 'tis the work of Angels; when we praise God, we do the work of Angels. The Angels according to the opinion of the Ancient Hebrews, do every day sing praises to God, and that in the Morning, which they gather, because the Angel said to Iacob, Gen. 32. 26. Let me go, for the day breaketh; which place the Targum of Ierusalem thus explaineth, Let me go for the Pillar of the Morning ascendeth: and behold the hour approacheth that the Angels are to sing: however that opinion be, sure we are that the Angels ever bless God, and laud his holy Name; Isaiah 6. 1, 2, 3. The Angels cryed one to another, holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. They were blessing God for Creation; then the Morning Stars sang for Joy, Iob 38. 4, 5, 6. For the Nativity of Christ, Luk. 2. 13, 14. They apprehend more of Gods Excellency, and Perfection in himself, and in his Works, than we do; and are more sensible of his Benefits, than we are: Now if this be the work of Angels, the highest and greatest of them, surely this work should be more prized by us; 'tis Nobler than other Duties: we serve God in our Callings, but this work is a part of our Misery, this Burden was laid upon Adam after his Fall, that in the sweat of his Brows he should eat his Bread; Gen. 3. 19. Though honest Labour be a part of our Obedience, yet 'tis also a part of our Trouble and Exercise. There are Works of Righteousness; as to give every Man his due, these are Good Works; but they concern the benefit of Man, the good of Humane Society: Whereas Praise is more immediately directed to the Honour of God. There are Works of Mercy to relieve the Poor, to help the Distressed, to support the Weak, to comfort the Afflicted; these are good Works indeed, and a very noble part of our service, to be reckoned to our Thank-offerings as praise. Heb. 13. 15, 16. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his Name; but to do good, and to communicate forget not, for with such sacrifices God is wellpleased. 'Tis Godlike to do Good; and a more blessed thing to give, than to receive: Acts 20. 35. As God giveth to all, and receiveth of none, but still this redoundeth to Men. There are opera cultus, the fourth sort of Works, Works of Worship; Internal, as humbling our Soul, repenting of our Sins, and asking Pardon; these are good Works indeed, but such as imply our Misery and Imperfection. External; as Prayer, Hearing, and Reading, and other Acts of Communion with God, but when we give Thanks, this is more Noble. In other Duties, God is bestowing something on us; but here, in our way, we bestow something upon God. In Prayer, as Beggars; in Hearing, as Scholars and Disciples, we come to expect something from him; here we come to put Honour upon God: in our way 'tis a kind of Recompence, or paying our Debts to him, by Word, or Deed.
Now the Reasons why Men are so backward to this Work, are,
I. Because we have so little of the Love of God. Self-love puts us upon Supplication; but the Love of God, upon Praise and Thanksgiving: 'Tis a Token of great Love to Praise God without Ceasing. We are eager to have Blessings, and then forget to return and give God the Glory.
II. And partly, Neglect of Observation; We do not gather up Matter of Thanksgiving, Colos. 2. 4. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same, with thanksgiving: We should continually observe Gods Answers, and Visits of Love, Manifestations of himself to the World: The Reason then why we have no more pleasure in Praising God is, because we observe not so heedfully as we should, his Mercy, and Truth fulfilled.
Secondly, To Frequency and Constancy therein; Frequency in this Duty doth not beget a Satiety and Loathing, but rather a greater delight to continue in it. But here arise two Questions.
Quest. I. What Time must be necessarily spent in Acts of Worship, and Adoration, Prayer, Praise, and immediate Converse with God?
Answ. 1. 'Tis a Truth that our whole time must be given to God, for a Christian is a dedicated thing, a living Sacrifice. Rom. 12. 1. Now the Beast offered in Sacrifice with all the Appurtinances, was Gods; a Christian by the consent of his own Vows, is not master of any thing: After a Vow of all, we must not keep back part, as did Ananias and Saphira. A Christian hath given his whole Self, Time, and Strength to God.
2. Though our whole Time be given to God, yet for several Uses and Purposes: Gods Service is not of one sort, and he is served in our Callings, as well as in our Worship: Man in Paradise was to dress the Garden, Gen. 2. 15. as well as to Contemplate God: Common actions may become Sacred, by their End and Use. Isaiah 23. 18. And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the Lord.
3. These several Duties must not interfere and clash one with another: for Gods Commands are not contrary, but subordinate. We must not so attend upon Religion, as to neglect the service of our Generation, as Instruments of Gods Providence; nor suffer the Lean Kine, to devour the Fat, the World to incroach upon Religion.
4. The particular Seasons for each Duty are not determined, and set down in Scripture.
(1.) Partly, Because God trusteth Love: and will see whether we have a mind to Cavil and Wrangle, and Dispute away Duties, rather than Practise them.
(2.) And Partly, Because he would leave something to the Conduct of his Spirit, and the Choice of Spiritual Wisdom; Psal. 112. 5. A good man will guide his affairs with discretion.
(3.) And Partly, Because mens Occasions and conditions are different, and he would not have his Law to be a snare.
(4.) And Partly, Because there are so many occasions to praise God, that if we do not want an Heart, we will be much and frequent in this Duty.
5. Though there be not express Rules, there is enough to prevent Carelesness and Loosness; God calleth to us in very large and Comprehensive terms, always, continually, and in every thing: The Example of the Saints who Night and Day were praising God: Paul and Silas at midnight, sang praises to God. Acts 16. 29. So Psal. 119. 62. At midnight will I rise to give thanks to thee, because of thy righteous Iudgments. And in the Text, seven times a day. Besides, there are daily solemn services, Personal and Domestick, to be performed; Matth. 6. 11. Watching dayly at my gates, Prov. 8. 34. Morning and Evening they were to offer a Lamb: Numb. 28. 4.
6. There are general hints and limits enough to become love; Psalm 71. 14. But I will hope continually, and will praise thee yet more and more. Enough to keep the Heart in good plight, and maintain Faith and Hope in God, and keep up a spiritual entercourse of Communion with God by dayly offering up prayers and praises to him.
Quest. II. Whether it be Convenient to state and fix a time?
David had his set times; so had Daniel; and surely all Occasions, Opportunities, and Abilities considered, it may be an help to us, and make the spiritual Life more orderly, to have set, stated, fixed times, for the performance of this Duty.
Thirdly, To suit Gods Word and Works together, Laws and Judgments; Rom. 1. 18. God hath revealed his wrath against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. Heb. 2. 2. Every transgression and every disobedience received a just recompense of reward. Deliverances and Promises fetch all out of the Covenant. Psal. 128. 5. The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion; that relateth to the Covenant made to the Church: This cheeketh Atheisme, sweetneth our Duties, allayeth our Fears, and resolveth our doubts, and helpeth us in the delightful exercise of praising God.