Saul and David Compared, Treatise (4 of 7)

Saul and David Compared · Treatise (4 of 7)

p. 178And this is the ſumme of what David witneſſeth concerning Sion: With whom Paul fully agreeth, when he calleth this Heavenly Jeruſalem, the Mother of all Goſpel-Saints, Gal. 4. 26; and when he deſcribeth this Myſtical Sion, or this Choiſer ſort of Things and Perſons under the Diſpenſation of the Goſpel, as being the City of the Living God, the Heavenly Jeruſalem, the general Aſſembly and Church of the Firſt-born which are written in Heaven, and the Spirits of Juſt men made Perfect, Heb. 12. 21, 22.

A Man after God's own Heart, is partly to be known, by that Acquaintance which he hath with this Sion, in every of thoſe reſpects before mentioned.

5. David witneſſeth concerning the Principal and Neceſſary Qualifications of Civil Rulers; affirming that He who Ruleth over Men, muſt be Juſt, Ruling in the fear of God, 2 Sam. 2…. 3; adding withal, that ſuch kind of Rulers, ſhall flouriſh like the tender Graſs by clear ſhining after Rain; and ſhall be like a Bright riſing Sun, very acceptable and full of encreaſing Glory, v. 4; and though he foreſaw that his Immediate Succeſſours would not be ſuch, yet did he verily p. 179Believe that ſuch ſhould be raiſed up, ſuitable to what Himſelf was, and by virtue of an Everlaſting Covenant, which would Eminently take place in the Latter dayes, notwithſtanding the preſent and future unworthineſs of his own Houſe, which was likely to Prevent it's Growth, ver. 5. But on the other ſide, he ſaith, that the Sons of Belial (or ſuch as did caſt off Chriſts Yoak) ſhall then be all of them as Thorns thruſt away and utterly burnt with fire, becauſe they cannot be Taken or Touched, without being ſenced with iron or the ſtaff of a Spear, ver. 6. 7. All which is uttered by him, as being his laſt words, ver. 1. ſpoken by inſpiration from his Spirit, v, 2. who is the God and Rock of Iſrael, v. 3. which maketh them to be the more Obſervable, ſince the laſt words of any man (and then much more, a Good man) are full of weight, eſpecially ſuch Words as the Lord himſelf doth ſpeak by ſuch a man.

And thus Paul alſo Witneſſeth, that thoſe Civil Rulers and higher Powers which are Ordained of God, Rom. 13. 1, are not a Terrour to Good works, but to the Evil, ver. 3, executing Wrath upon him that doth Evil, ver. 4, and praiſing him that doth Good, v. 3.

A man after Gods own heart, doth very well know that a Wicked man may Providentially be ſet over others, in a way of Judgment, pſ. 109. 6; but yet he will boldly witneſs, what ſuch ſhould be, and muſt be, if according to what the Lord hath Ordained and Appointed in his Law. He is farr from being offended with thoſe who do Deſire that none but Men fearing God might be in Place of Power. He looketh upon p. 180this to be the Chief Qualification required in ſuch; whilſt others are well enough ſatisfied with the Vileſt Perſons, ſave as their own Private Intereſt is thereby prejudiced.

6. David witneſſeth concerning the Beſt Man's Vantiy; affirming that Every man at his Beſt ſtate is altogether Vanity, Pſal. 39. 5; and that men of Low degree are Vanity, and that men of High degree are a Lie, who if laid in the Ballance are altogether lighter than Vanity, Pſa. 62. 9; and that no King is ſaved by the Multitude of an Hoſt, Pſal. 33. 16; and that Princes are not to be Truſted in, in whom there is no help, Pſal. 146. 3; and therefore he Hated thoſe who regarded ſuch lying vanities, Pſal. 31. 6, and ſharply rebuked them who ſought after this kind of Leaſing, Pſal. 4. 2, viz. Sauls Party, who truſting in their Prince, did thereupon vainly conclude, that they ſhould have been too hard for David. He teſtifieth alſo, concerning Man's vanity, in Spiritual as well as Natural reſpects; which he Exemplifieth at large in Iſraels caſe of old, who ſoon forgat Gods wondrous works, Pſal. 106. 13, which at the firſt they were mightily affected with, ver. 12; who made a Covenant with God, but did not keep it, Pſal. 78 10; and notwithſtanding his Judgments upon others, ver. 12, and Mercies to themſelves, ver. 13, 14, 15, 16, they ſinned yet more againſt him, v, 17; nay and though he corrected them alſo, ver. 31, for all this they ſinned ſtill, ver. 32; and when they ſought him in their Affliction, ver. 34, yet did they but flatter him with their mouth, ver. 36. for their Heart was not Right with him, ver. 37; p. 181and though he thereupon forgave their iniquity, ver. 38, and brought them into their promiſed land, ver. 55, yet were they turned aſide like a Deceitful Bow, ver. 57.

So alſo Paul ſheweth us, what a poor vain creature Man is, and Profeſſors themſelves as well as others; which he Proveth, not onelyonly by Demas his Apoſtacy, 2 Tim. 4. 10, and others making ſhipwrack of faith, 1 Tim. 1. 19; but alſo by the Galathians being ſo ſoon removed, Gal. 1. 6, as if they had been Bewitched, Gal. 3. 1, who ſometimes received him as Chriſt himſelf, Gal. 4. 14, ſo as that he now ſtood in Doubt of them, ver. 20, fearing that all his former labour had been in vain, ver. 11. Who alſo hinteth, that the Beſt cannot doe what things they would, becauſe of that fleſh which is intermingled with the Spirit, Gal. 5. 17. and in which regard he biddeth, that we ſhould be ſtrong in the Lord and in the power of his might, Eph. 6. 10, as ever we would be able to ſtand in the evil day, ver. 13.

A man after Gods own heart is of a Diſcerning Spirit, and Judgeth every man, 1 Cor. 2. 15; and therefore he is not ſo apt to ſtumble upon falling Profeſſors, 2 Tim. 2. 18, 19; nor doth he Idolize the Opinion of a poor vain Creature, 1 Cor. 4. 3; nor will he over-peremptorily undertake for any man, 1 Pet. 5. 12; nor will he commit himſelf to every one, Joh. 2. 24; nor doth he ground upon fair Promiſes and ſmooth tongues, and forward good beginnings, becauſe he knoweth partly how vain man is.

7. David witneſſeth concerning the Proper p. 182Character of a true Saint, whom he deſcribeth firſt Negatively, Pſal. 1. 1, as being one who will neither Sit in the Scorners Seat, which implyeth a ſinful ſettlement without Reluctancy; Nor walk in the Councel of the ungodly, which which argueth a conſtant ſinful practice, with ſome kind of Reſolution to perſiſt; Nor will he ſo much as ſtand in the Sinners Way, which intimateth a ſinful dallying with what a man knoweth to be dangerous, or a parleying with Diſcovered temptations; and in ſuch reſpects as theſe, he elſewhere ſaith, that this ſort of Perſons Doe no Iniquity, Pſal. 119. 3, but are Ʋndefiled in relation to any ſuch kind of way, ver. 1. He that is all one with Scorners, Ungodly men, or the fineſt ſort of ſinners; and evidenceth himſelf to be ſo, by his fixed ſitting in their ſeat, or by his conſtant Walking in their wicked Counſels and projectings, or by his being at a ſtand in point of holy Reſolvedneſs unto the contrary; he that is thus a Doer of Iniquity, is not a Righteous or Bleſſed man, in Davids Judgment. But then he Deſcribeth true Saints Affirmatively; as being ſuch, who have made a Covenant with God by ſacrifice, Pſal. 50. 5, which was wont then to be cut in Twain, and to be paſſed between, Jer. 34. 18, to ſignifie, what he was worthy of that brake the Covenant, Matth. 24. 51. he alſo telleth us, that ſuch doe ſeek the Lord with the Whole heart, Pſal. 119. 2; Meditating in his Law both Day and Night, Pſal. 1. 2; and Walking in it, pſ. 119. 1, and Keeping his Teſtimonies, v. 2; Fearing the Lord, pſ. 112. 1, and Delighting in his Law, pſ. 1. 2, Greatly, p. 183pſal. 112. 1; ſhewing mercy and Giving, pſal. 37. 21; ſhewing Favour and Lending, and yet Guiding ſuch Affairs with Diſcretion, pſal. 112. 5; whoſe Cloathing (or Out-ſide) is of wrought Gold, and who are alſo all Glorious Within, Pſa. 45. 13; in whoſe Heart (as well as Mouth) is the Law of their God, pſ. 37. 31, and whoſe Righteouſneſs endureth for ever, pſa. 112. 9; and who are ſtill fruitful, fat and flouriſhing in Old Age as well as Youth, pſa. 92. 12. 14. Theſe are David's Characters of a truely Righteous and Bleſſed man.

So alſo Paul telleth us, to the ſame effect, that a true Goſpel-Saint is willing to Diſperſe, as need requireth, 2 Cor. 9. 9: and that Perſons truely Juſtified, walk not after the Fleſh, but after the Spirit, Rom. 8. 1: and that they that are Chriſt's have crucified the fleſh with its Affections and Luſts, Gal. 5. 24: and that as many as are Led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God, Rom. 8. 14: and that Chriſt is in Profeſſors, except they be Reprobates, 2 Cor. 13. 5: and that if any Man be in Chriſt, he is altogether Evangelically New, 2 Cor. 5. 17: and that ſuch put no Confidence in any Duty or Priviledge of a fleſhly Nature, Phil. 3. 3: and that we are made Partakers of Chriſt, if we Hold faſt the Beginning of our Confidence ſtedfaſt unto the End, Heb. 3. 14: and that Chriſt's Myſtical Body encreaſeth unto the Edifying of it ſelf in Love, Eph. 4. 16, with the Encreaſe of God, Col. 2. 19.

The Man of Sin and his party, will Canonize any for their Money; but a man after God's p. 184own Heart, dareth not to make that Holy Oyntment Common. He is willing to Hope all things, but yet his Charity is not Blind or Simple. And as David's Diſpenſation ſhall get up, or as the Goſpel-Temple State ſhall be Revived; ſo men will be adjudged Saints, according to theſe Characters of Paul and David.

8. David witneſſeth concerning the proper Character of Sinners; whom he deſcribeth by their Sitting or conſtant Walking or at leaſtwiſe Standing in a Wicked way, pſa. 1. 1: and by their inveterate Hatred againſt Chriſt's Kingly Intereſt, pſa. 2. 1, 2, 3: and by their falſe hearts, and Inward wickedneſs and flattering Tongue, pſa. 5. 9. Such do forget God, pſa. 9. 17, and think themſelves to be more than Men, v. 20. Their Mouth is full of Curſing and Deceit, pſa. 10. 7; with flattering Lips and a Double heart do they ſpeak, pſa. 12. 2; they love all Devouring words, pſa. 52. 4; counting their Lips their own, which may not be controlled, pſal. 12. 4. Their wayes are alway Grievous, Pſal. 10. 5; and there is no Fear of God before their eyes, pſ 36. 1. They ſet themſelves in a Way that is not good, pſ. 36. 4; and Strengthen themſelves in their Wickedneſs, pſ. 52. 7; and Boaſt themſelves in Miſchief, v. 1. They flatter themſelves, untill their Iniquity be found to be Hatefull, pſa. 36. 2; they love Evil more than Good, pſ. 52. 3; and though they may not Doe Evil, yet do they not Abhor it, pſ. 36. 4. Such Bleſs the Covetous, whom God abhorreth, pſa. 10. 3; truſting in their abundant Riches, and not in God, pſa. 52. 7; ſcorning in their Proſperity to ſeek p. 185after God, who then is not in all their thoughts, pſa. 10. 4. Such ſay in their heart, they ſhall never be in Adverſity, pſal. 10. 6, who therefore call their Lands after their own Names, pſal. 49. 11. They are wicked Perſecutors of Gods Poor Saints, pſal. 10. 2, Eating them up like Bread, pſal. 53. 4, when they have caught them with their Subtlety and Diſſimulation, pſa. 10, 8, 9, 10. They are eſtranged from the VVomb, pſa. 58. 3, and will not hearken to a Reclaiming Voice, v. 4, 5. Gods Judgements are far above, out of their Sight, pſa. 10. 6; concluding that God is like them, pſa. 50. 21, or that he Seeth not, pſa. 94. 7, or that he hath forgotten, pſal. 10. 11, or that he will not require it, v. 13; and in very deed he ſaith in his heart, that there is no God, although he doth not ſpeak it out, Pſal. 14. 1.

VVhichWhich Teſtimony is confirmed by Paul at large, Rom. 3. 10, 11, 12, &c, and in relation to Jewiſh Profeſſors as well as others, v. 9, whom the Goſpel (which was typified by David's time) doth by ſuch characters convince of being in an Unregenerated State, v. 19, whatever Pretenſe ſuch may make unto Religion, or the Priviledges of Gods People.

If any man whatever, be either Groſſely prophane, ſo as not to Call upon God; or Morally Vicious, viz. a Curſer, a Liar, a Slanderer, a Diſſembler, or an Oppoſer of Chriſt's Kingly Intereſt when the ſet-time is come; or a Perſecutor of God's poor People; or a Companion and Encourager of ungodly men; or a flatterer of himſelf in any ſecret ſin; or one that p. 186doth not Abhorre all manner of Iniquity: Such a man (whatever he may ſeem to be) is in the Scripture-ſence a VVicked man; who will be ſo accounted by men after God's own heart, and then more eſpecially, when that Intreſt ſhall be advanced, which was typified by David's Diſpenſation.

9. David witneſſeth concerning that outward Proſperity which may befall the very worſt of men; who may ſpring and flouriſh, pſ. 92. 7; who may be Lively and Strong, pſa. 38. 19; whoſe Eyes may ſtand out with Fatneſs, pſal. 73. 7; who may Multiply, pſa. 38. 19, and be full of Children, pſ. 17. 14; whoſe Belly may be filled with God's Hid Treaſure, pſa. 17. 14; who may be Rich, and the Glory of whoſe Houſe may be encreaſed, pſa. 49. 16; whoſe wicked Devices may be brought to paſs, pſa. 37. 7; who may Boaſt of their hearts deſire, pſa. 10. 3, and have more than heart can wiſh, pſal. 73. 7; who may leave Subſtance to their Babes, pſa. 17. 14; who may not be in Trouble as other men, pſa. 73. 5; who may have no Bands in Death, pſal. 73. 4; and who may be accounted Bleſſed, though God Abhorre them, pſa. 10. 3.

So alſo Paul witneſſeth, that the Crucifiers of Chriſt were Princes, 1 Cor. 2. 8; and that Backſliders have the greateſt ſtore of Money, 1 Tim. 6. 10; and that they who could comply with Idolaters, 1 Cor. 8. 10▪ were full and Rich, and Reigned as Kings, 1 Cor. 4. 8.

A gracious heart knoweth this, and therefore he doth not think any whit the better of thoſe, but rather ſuſpecteth their ſpiritual State, who p. 187doe moſt abundantly ſhare in theſe Earthly Accommodations.

10. David witneſſeth concerning the Saints being Afflicted, whoſe Afflictions are very many, Pſa. 34. 19, being apt to be Reproached, pſa. 79. 12; and ſwallowed up Quick, pſa. 124. 3; and Broken in pieces, pſa. 94. 5; and fed with the Bread of tears, pſa. 80. 5; and triumphed over, pſa. 94. 3, and Killed all the day long, pſa. 44. 22; and none to Bury them, pſ. 79. 3; or at leaſt-wiſe to be in Priſon, and condemned to die, pſ. 102. 20.

So alſo Paul telleth us, that we muſt through much Tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God, Act. 14. 22; and that all who will live Godly in Chriſt Jeſus ſhall ſuffer Perſecution, 2 Tim. 3. 12; it being Now, in that reſpect, as it was of Old, Gal. 4. 29; ſo that if the Saints had hope in this life onelyonly, they were of all men moſt Miſerable, 1 Cor. 15. 19; as being apt here to be Deſpiſed, Defamed, Reviled, Buffetted, made a Spectacle to the World, accounted as its filth, and as it were appointed unto Death, 1 Cor. 4. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

All which a gracious heart is well acquainted with, and therefore he dares not find fault with ſuch a Portion, leſt he ſhould offend againſt the generation of God's children, pſa. 73. 15.

11. David witneſſeth concerning the Saints Happineſs as to the Main, notwithſtanding thoſe hard meaſures which they meet with. And ſo he doth pronounce them bleſſed, pſ. 1. 1, with the Bleſſing of God, pſ. 3. 8, who will Bleſs the Righteous, and compaſs him with favour, as with a p. 188ſhield, pſ. 5. 12. And more particularly he telleth us, that the ſins of ſuch are covered and not imputed to them, pſ. 32. 1, 2; and that the Lord is theirs, pſ. 33. 12; and that he hath ſet them apart for himſelf, pſal. 4. 3; and that their ſteps are ordered by him, pſ. 37. 23; and that he will preſerve them from this Generation, pſal. 12. 7. viz. from Saul and his party, who typified the Man of Sin, and more eſpecially with reference unto his laſt Appearance, as hath been oft hinted. Such never ſhall be moved, pſ. 15. 5; and though they ſhall, they ſhall not be utterly caſt down, for the Lord upholds them with his hand, pſ. 37. 24; who will give ſtrength unto his people, pſ. 29. 11. The End of ſuch men is Peace, pſ. 37. 37; and they ſhall ſtill bring forth fruit in old age, pſa. 92. 14; being crowned with Grace here, and Glory hereafter, pſa. 84. 11. God's ſecret is with them, pſa. 25. 14; and they ſhall want no Good thing, pſa. 34. 9, 10; for the Lord taketh Pleaſure in their Proſperity, pſa. 35. 27; and their Little is better than the Riches of many others, pſa. 37. 16. The Lord is nigh unto them, pſa. 34. 18; his Eye is upon them, pſa. 33. 18; his Ears are open to their Crye, pſa. 34. 15; who biddeth them to open their mouth wide, and he will fill it, pſa. 81. 10. They ſhall inherit the Earth, pſ. 37. 9, becauſe they are Bleſſed of the Lord, v. 22; and as the Lords Goodneſs is laid up for them Hereafter, ſo alſo is it wrought for them at Preſent, pſa. 31. 19. They may expect to be Preſerved from Trouble, pſ. 32. 7, ſince they are God's Hidden ones, pſa. 83. 3, not one of whoſe Bones is broken, pſa. 34. 20; p. 189or to be Delivered out of Trouble, pſa. 34. 19. 22, ſince the Angels ſtand charged with them, pſa. 91. 3. 11; or at leaſtwiſe the Lord will not condemn them when they are Judged, pſa. 37. 33; and they ſhall find at laſt that all his Paths are Mercy and Truth unto them, pſa. 25. 10, who hath undertaken to Teach them in the way which they ſhall goe, pſ. 32, 8, and who will be their Guide even unto Death, pſa. 48. 14. All which Promiſes will Eminently be fulfilled in the Letter, together with the Rearing up of Davids Temporal Kingdome in theſe latter dayes.

So alſo Paul witneſſeth, that true Believers ſhall never be condemned, Rom. 8. 1, ſince God hath Juſtified them, v. 33, and hath forgiven them all their Treſpaſſes, Col. 2. 13. Such are not Servants but Sons, Gal. 4. 5, 6, being predeſtinated to the Adoption of Children by Jeſus Chriſt, Eph. 1. 5; and if Children, then Heirs, Rom. 8. 17; whoſe vile Bodyes ſhall be one day changed, Phil. 3. 21, and then they ſhall appear in Glory, Col. 3. 4, ſuch as never yet entred into the Heart of man to imagine, 1 Cor. 2. 9. Such are at preſent Bleſs'd with all ſpiritual bleſſings, Eph. 1. 3; they have the Mind of Chriſt, 1 Cor. 2. 16; there is no Law againſt them, Gal. 5. 23; they may be confident that God will Perfect whatever good work he hath Begun, Phil. 1. 6; and he hath ſaid, that he will never leave them nor forſake them, Heb. 13. 5. All things are theirs, 1 Cor. 3. 22; Freely, Rom. 8. 32; and every thing they have, is ſanctified to their uſe, 1 Cor. 7. 14. Their very Sufferings are p. 190a Gift, Phil. 1. 29; and all things ſhall work together for their good, Rom. 8. 28; and more eſpecially their Perſecutions, 2 Cor. 4. 17; for if we Suffer with Chriſt, we ſhall alſo Reign, 2 Tim. 2. 12; and God is faithfull, who will not ſuffer them to be tempted above what they are able to bear, 1 Cor. 10. 13.

The conſideration whereof, doth help a gracious heart to be contented with what he hath, Heb. 13. 5; and not to faint, 2 Cor. 4 16, 17, but to glory in Tribulation, Rom. 5. 3; and alway to Abound in Gods work, as knowing that his Labour ſhall not be in vain in the Lord, 1 Cor. 15. 58.

12. David witneſſeth concerning the Sinners Miſery, upon the Whole, whatever preſent Proſperity he meeteth with. And ſo he telleth us, that it ſhall not be with them as with the Righteous, pſal. 1. 4; but Salvation is far from them, pſ. 119. 155; who are the Hated of Gods Soul, pſ. 11. 5; whom he forbiddeth to declare his Statutes, or to take his Covenant into their mouth, pſa. 50. 16; againſt whom the Lord's face is ſet, pſa. 34. 16; and many ſorrows ſhall be to them, pſal. 32. 10; which they ſhall not eſcape, for God's Right hand will find them out, pſal. 21. 8. They ſhall bring forth falſhood, pſ. 7. 14, and not perform their Miſchievous Device, pſ. 21. 11, and their miſchief ſhall return upon themſelves, pſ. 7. 15, 16. Their way ſhall periſh, pſ. 1. 6; and if they turn not, pſ. 7. 12, the Lord will rain upon them Snares, Fire and Brimſtone, pſ. 11. 6; and they ſhall be cut down like Graſs, pſ. 37. 2, within a little while, v. 10, p. 191though never ſo flouriſhing, v. 35, 36. They ſhall be made as a fiery Oven, pſa. 21. 9; and ſhall drink the Dregs of Gods Cup, pſ. 75. 8; and be deſtroyed for ever, pſa. 52. 5, before the Pots can feel the thorns, pſal. 58. 9; and when they flouriſh, it is that they might be thus Deſtroyed, pſal. 92. 7. And at the laſt they ſhall be turned into Hell, pſa. 9. 17, for the Ungodly ſhall not ſtand in the Day of Judgement, nor Sinners in the Congregation of the Righteous, pſa. 1. 7.

And in relation to ſome particular ſorts of Sinners, he telleth us, that their ſorrows ſhall be multiply'd who haſten after another God, pſa. 16. 4: Such ſhall be Deſtroyed and not Built up, who regard not the works of God, nor the Operation of his hands, pſa. 28. 5: Such as Turn aſide unto their crooked wayes, the Lord ſhall lead them forth with the workers of Iniquity, pſa. 125. 5: The Lord knoweth the Proud afar off, pſ. 138. 6, and will bring down High Looks, pſ. 18. 27, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer, pſ. 31. 23: And as for wicked Perſecutors, he layeth before them what did befall ſuch like of Old, pſ. 78. 42, to the 51 verſe. He prayeth againſt them ſadly, pſal. 69. 22, to the 29 verſe, pſ. 35. 4, 5, 6. 26, pſa. 83. 13, pſa. 109. 7, pſa. 129. 5, pſ. 140. 9; and he foretelleth, that ſuch ſhall be as a Bowing wall, or tottering Fence, pſ. 62. 3, whom God will ſhoot at, and ſuddenly ſhall they be wounded, pſ. 64. 7, they ſhall fall by the Sword, and be a portion for Foxes, pſa. 63. 9, 10. And as for the Deſperate Oppoſers of Chriſts Kingly Intereſt, the Lord ſhall p. 192have them in Deriſion, pſa. 2. 4, advancing it in deſpight of them, v. 6, becauſe it is Decreed, v. 7; and then ſhall he ſpeak unto them in his Wrath, v. 5, and Break them with a rod of Iron, v. 9, for he hath reſolved to make all thoſe Enemies his Footſtool, pſ. 110. 1, who therefore are bid to Kiſs the Son, leſt he be angry, and they periſh from the way, pſa. 2. 12. All which Judgements will Eminently be put in Execution, together with the advancement of Chriſt's Temporal Kingdom in theſe latter dayes.

So alſo Paul telleth us, that the Son of the Bond-woman ſhall not be Heir with the Son of the Free-woman, Gal. 4. 30; and that ungodly men ſhall not inherit the Kingdom, 1 Cor. 6. 9, 10; being Alienated from the Life of God, Eph. 4. 18; and Strangers from the Covenants of Promiſe, Eph. 2. 12, the Children of wrath, v. 3; who ſhall be puniſhed with everlaſting Deſtruction, 2 Theſſ. 1. 9; and which ſhall ſuddenly come upon them, as travail upon a woman with Child, and they ſhall not eſcape, 1 Theſſ. 5. 3. And more particularly he telleth us, that Idolaters are juſtly given up to other Sins, Rom. 1. 23, 24: and that Apoſtates are hardly to be Reclaimed, Heb. 6. 4, 5, 6: and that Seducers ſhall wax worſe and worſe, 2 Tim. 3. 13: and that Perſecutors pleaſe neither God nor Man, filling up their Sins alway, for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermoſt, 1 Theſſ. 2. 15, 16; and that it is a Righteous thing with God, to recompenſe tribulation to them, 2 Theſſ. 1. 6.

All which a gracious heart is well acquainted p. 193with, and therefore he envieth not their preſent portion, pſa. 37. 1, 2; he will not Paſſionately Avenge himſelf upon them, Rom. 12. 19; and he exhorteth all to ſave themſelves from this untoward Generation, Act. 2. 40.

13. Laſtly, David doth evidence that he was a man after God's own heart, by that full meaſure of Acquaintance which he had with God himſelf; and by that glorious Teſtimony which he doth bear concerning him, both under an Eſſential and Perſonal Conſideration.

Firſt, David doth witneſs concerning God, as he is Eſſentially to be conſidered, or as the Father, Word and Spirit are all One God. And ſo,

1. He teſtifieth, that though there be that are called Gods, both Angels, pſa. 97. 7, and Men, pſa. 82. 6; yet there is but One True God, for who is God ſave the Lord, Pſa. 18. 31? and he is God Alone, pſa. 86. 10; whoſe Like is not to be found among the Gods, v. 8, for who in the Heaven can be compared with him, or who among the Sons of the Mighty can be Likened to him, pſa. 89. 6?

So alſo Paul witneſſeth, that God is One, Gal. 3. 20; and that there is none other God but One, though there be many that are called Gods, 1 Cor. 8. 4, 5, which yet are No Gods by Nature, Gal. 4. 8; and that they be No Gods which are made with hands, Acts 19. 26.

Which every gracious heart will readily aſſent unto, and doth witneſs it by his Practice, and not by his Profeſſion onelyonly, as thoſe may doe whom yet the Scripture calls Idolaters, becauſe p. 194they give that Honour to the Creature, which is onelyonly due to God, Eph. 5. 5. Nor doth he onelyonly acknowledge this One God, in oppoſition unto Stocks and Stones, whom Heathens worſhip; or unto Satan whom Prophane men worſhip; or unto the World whom Senſual and Covetous Profeſſors worſhip: but alſo, in oppoſition to the Man of Sin, who ſitteth in the Temple of God, ſhewing himſelf that he is God, 2 Theſſ. 2. 4, by his Reſtoring thoſe ancient Ceremonies which God hath Abrogated, and by his Commanding thoſe Religious Acts which God hath not Required, and by his Forbidding what God Expreſſely hath Commanded; whom therefore Men after Gods own heart, could never yet (in any of thoſe Caſes) ſubmit unto, becauſe they have but one Law-giver, Jam. 4. 12; and becauſe ſuch are ſaid to worſhip Idols, Rev. 9, 20, who do thus worſhip the Beaſt, Rev. 14. 9; and though they Profeſs to know God, yet do they in Works Deny him, who thus give heed to Jewiſh Fables and Men's Commands, Tit. 1. 14. 16. And though that Chriſt's choiſeſt Servants, did Submit unto the Temporal Power of that Roman Dragon, and of the Babyloniſh Beaſt, during the time of their Reign, becauſe then Chriſt's Temporal Kingdom was not as yet ſet up, Rev. 12. 5, or elſe was Interrupted, Rev. 11. 2; as God's Iſrael of Old did ſubmit unto the Temporal Power of that Egyptian Dragon Pharaoh, and of the King of Babylon afterwards, ſo long as their Reign continued, becauſe then God's Viſible Rule (in Iſrael's hands) was either not ſet up, Gen. 15. 13. 18, or Interrupted, p. 195Jer. 29. 7: Yet towards the Expiration of the Roman Dragon's Reign, Chriſt's Party made Warre with him, Rev. 12. 7; and towards the Expiration of the Beaſt's Reign, Chriſt's Witneſſes make Warre with him, Rev. 11. 7; becauſe then the Time was come, for the Lord to Judge the Earth, and to prepare his Throne for Judgement, as an Evidence that His Name alone is Jehovah, Pſa. 82. 8, and 9. 7. & 83. 18; as Moſes at ſuch a time did contend with that Egyptian Dragon, Exod. 4. 23, and as God's Iſrael at ſuch a time, did Ceaſe to pray for the Peace of Babylon, Pſa. 137. 8; becauſe then the time was come, for Abraham's Anoynted Seed, Pſa. 105. 15, to poſſeſs the Gates of his Enemies, Gen. 22. 17, and for the Lord to Reign in Mount Sion, Mich. 4. 7: Ever after which time Chriſt's choiſeſt Servants diſown the Man of Sin's Temporal (as well as Eccleſiaſtical) power, becauſe the time is then come, for God to convince the World, that he is the onelyonly true God, by ſetting up his more Immediate and Viſible Kingdom among his Iſrael; till when, the World will not confeſs that the Saints God is the OnelyOnly God, if there be any ſuch; and at which time, thoſe Earthly Gods ſhall all Die like men as to their Politick Capacity, pſa. 82. 7, and ſhall be Proclaimed to be Idols or Graven Images, whoſe Worſhippers will then be Confounded, Pſa. 97. 7, as Chriſt's Kingdom ſhall be brought into the World, Heb. 1. 6, each Branch of which Kingdome doth manifeſt unto the World that the Saints God is the OnelyOnly true God; and therefore though Other Lords Beſides Him have had p. 196Dominion over them, yet by him (at that time) they will OnelyOnly make mention of His Name, Iſa. 26. 13, as their Judge and Law giver and King, Iſa. 33. 22. From whence alſo we may Partly underſtand, how the Lord might be ſaid, not formerly to have been Known by that Name Jehovah, till Iſrael's Departure out of Egypt, Exod. 6. 3; viz. becauſe this Name [Jehovah] doth principally import, that God is Alone, pſ. 83. 18, or that there is No God beſide this Lord Jehovah, Iſa. 4…. 6; which Truth was not Effectually and clearly made out, untill that his Typical Iſrael was then Anointed to be Supream above other Earthly Gods, which formerly their Forefathers had not been; and in whoſe Temporal Advancement the Lord did firſt Viſibly appear to be the OnelyOnly God, by taking all worldly Rule and Power into his own hand, which firſt Beginneth in his Saints, Iſa. 24. 23, from whom it paſſeth (in time) unto the Son, Dan. 7. 27, and by him it will be (at laſt) delivered up unto the Father, 1 Cor. 15. 24, that God may be All in All, v. 28: And as this Kingly Intereſt of his ſhall get up in the World, in that Day ſhall there be but One Lord (or Jehovah) and his Name One, Zach. 14. 9; which every true gracious heart will (in all Ages) readily ſubſcribe unto, Iſa. 44. 5, and to the utmoſt height of God's Encreaſing Due, and of his Peoples Duty, Pſa. 96. 8. 10.

2. David witneſſeth concerning Gods being a Creatour; who hath made us, and not we our ſelves, pſa. 100. 3, with much Dreadful wonder, pſa. 139. 14, and Secret Curioſity, v. 15; p. 197who alſo made Heaven and Earth, pſa. 121. 2; who laid the foundations of the Earth, Pſa. 104. 5; and hath founded the World and its fullneſs, pſa. 89. 11; by whoſe Word were the Heavens made, and all the Hoſt of them by the breath of his Mouth, pſa. 33. 6.

So alſo Paul witneſſeth, that God made the World, and all things therein; from whence he argueth, that he dwelleth not in Temples made with hands, as poor Superſtitious Creatures were apt to think; and that he needeth not be Worſhipped with mens hands, ſince he giveth to all Life and Breath; and that he hath made of one Blood all Nations of men, that they might ſeek after him; and that men who are his Offspring, ſhould therefore not think that the Godhead or Creatour can be like unto Gold or Silver or Stone graven by Art and Man's Device, Act. 17. 24, 25, 26, 27, 29. And elſewhere he exhorteth poor Heathens to Turn from their Vanities unto the Living God, who Made Heaven and Earth, and the Sea, and all things that are therein, Act. 14. 15.

A man after God's own heart is well acquainted herewith, who therefore dare not ſay, that God made him not, Iſa. 29. 16: and who therefore doth call him the Lord Alone, Neh. 9. 6, Iſa. 37. 16; accounting thoſe Gods to be Periſhing, who have not made Heaven and Earth, Jer. 10. 11; from whom he therefore turneth unto his Maker, Iſa. 17. 7: not daring to Requite him ill, becauſe he hath made him, Deut. 32. 6: nor making himſelf more Pure than his Maker, Job. 4. 17, but therefore aſcribing p. 198Righteouſneſs unto him, Job 36. 3: not ſtriving with his Maker, Iſa. 45. 9, who may doe whatever ſeemeth good unto him, Jerem. 27. 5: and Truſting in him, Pſal. 124. 8. 1 Pet. 4. 19.

3. David doth witneſs, that God is Every where, and that he Knoweth All things. He knew not whither to flee from Gods Preſence, who was in Heaven and Hell, and in the uttermoſt parts of the Sea, Pſal. 139. 7, 8, 9. He doth acknowledge that God trieth the Children of men, Pſa. 11. 4; and that he Looketh upon all the Inhabitants of the Earth, Pſa. 33. 14; and that all his Adverſaries were before him, pſa. 69. 19, who Beholdeth their Spight and Miſchief to Requite it with his hand, Pſa. 10. 14. And as concerning himſelf, God Knew his reproach and ſhame, Pſa. 69. 19; and his groaning Deſires were not Hid from him, Pſa. 38. 9: yea he trieth the Heart and Reins, pſa. 7. 9; unto whom the Darkneſs and Light are both alike, pſa. 139. 12. He underſtood his Thought afar off, and every word in his tongue, and was acquainted with all his wayes, pſa. 139. 2, 3, 4; and therefore he kept God's Precepts, pſa. 119. 168; ſhall not God elſe ſearch it out; for he Knoweth the Secrets of the heart, pſ. 44. 21.

So alſo Paul witneſſeth, that God is not far from every one of us, Act. 17. 27; and that he Trieth our Hearts, in which reſpect he durſt not pleaſe Men but God, 1 Theſſ. 2. 4.

A Gracious heart knoweth, that God is ſo in Heaven, as that he doth alſo fill the Earth with his Eſſential preſence, Jer. 23. 24, although he p. 199be not Graciouſly preſent every where, Numb. 14. 42; and therefore he dares not indulge the moſt Secret or Pleaſant Sin, for the wayes of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings, Prov. 5. 20, 21.

4. David doth witneſs concerning the Greatneſs of God's Power and Terrour. His Greatneſs is affirmed by him to be unſearchable, pſa. 145. 3; whom Power belongeth unto, pſa. 62. 11, who hath a Mighty Arm, pſ. 89. 13, and whom none is like unto in point of Strength, v. 8: and as a proof whereof he hath ordained Strength out of the mouth of Sucklings, pſa. 8. 2; he lifteth up from the Gates of Death, pſ. 9. 13; he bringeth the Counſel of the Heathen to nought, pſ. 33. 10; the Wrath of man ſhall praiſe him, the Remainder of Wrath ſhall he Reſtrain, pſa. 76. 10. And as to God's Terrour, he telleth us, that God is greatly to be feared by his People, pſ. 89. 7; for the Lord moſt High is Terrible, pſa. 47. 2; in whoſe ſight none may ſtand when he is once angry, Pſa. 76. 7; in which regard, all the World is bid to ſtand in Awe of him, Pſal. 33. 8; and his Oppoſers are bid to Kiſs him, leſt he be Angry, Pſa. 2. 12; at whoſe Wrath the Earth ſometimes Trembled, pſ. 18. 7; and becauſe of whoſe great and terrible Power his Enemies ſhall one day ſubmit unto him, Pſal. 66. 3.

So alſo Paul ſtyleth him, a Great God, Tit. 2. 13; the conſideration of whoſe Strength ſhould keep Idolaters from provoking him unto Jealouſie, 1 Cor. 10. 22; who is a conſuming fire, Heb. 12. 29; and into whoſe hands it is a fearfull p. 200thing to fall, Heb. 10. 31; and becauſe that Paul knew his Terrour, he therefore perſwaded men in ſuch a Self-ruining way, 2 Cor. 5. 11, ſo as that others thought him to be Beſides himſelf, v. 13.

This doth encourage a gracious heart humbly to expect Great things from this God, who is in a more eſpecial manner Great in Sion, Pſal. 99. 2; and therefore do ſuch yield ſuitable Services unto him, becauſe he is ſo Great a King, Mal. 1. 14. And his almighty Power doth make them to ſeek unto him, Job 8. 5; and to fear him onelyonly, and not any other in compariſon of him, Heb. 11. 27.

5. David doth witneſs concerning God's All-ſufficiency, both in relation to Himſelf and Others. His Allſufficiency as to Himſelf, is largely declared, Pſa. 50. 9, 10, 11, 12, who therefore needeth not what Man can doe, for the World is his and the fulneſs thereof. And his Allſufficiency as unto Others, appeareth both in his Proviſion and Security: David concluded he ſhould not want, becauſe the Lord was his Shepheard, Pſa. 23. 1: Nor did he fear what man could doe unto him, becauſe the Lord was on his ſide, Pſa. 118. 6; whom he did therefore truſt in, Pſ. 56. 4. 11; and was not afraid, though an Hoſt ſhould encamp againſt him, Pſa. 27. 3; and though ten thouſands of people did compaſs him round about, Pſa. 3. 6.

So alſo Paul telleth us, that God is not worſhipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, ſeeing he giveth to all Life and Breath and all things, Act. 17. 25: the Word of whoſe p. 201Grace is able to build men up, Act. 20. 32; and if he be for us, who then can be againſt us, Rom. 8. 31? ſince his Grace is ſufficient, 2 Cor. 12. 9; ſo that we may boldly ſay, The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man ſhall doe unto me, Heb. 13. 6; whoſe Promiſe of not failing us, ſhould make us content with what we have, ver. 5; and whom we ſhould therefore Glorifie, becauſe he is Able to doe exceeding Abundantly above all that we ask or think, Epheſ. 3. 20, 21.

The conſideration of which Alſufficiency or Almightineſs, doth move a gracious heart, to walk before God and to be perfect, Gen. 17. 1; and yet to walk humbly with him, ſince Man cannot be Profitable to the Almighty, Job 22. 2, 3; and not to deſpiſe the leaſt of his Chaſtiſements, Job 5. 17; nor yet to fear that he will pervert Juſtice, Job 8. 3.

6. David doth teſtifie concerning God's Holineſs, even then when himſelf was ſeemingly forſaken, Pſa. 22. 1, 2, 3. He hath no pleaſure in wickedneſs, neither ſhall Evil dwell with him, pſa. 5. 6. Such as abide in his Tabernacle, are upright walkers, and righteous workers, pſ. 15. 1, 2, or ſuch as have clean hands and a pure heart, Pſal. 24. 3, 4. But he is angry with the wicked every day, Pſal. 7. 11; and hateth all workers of Iniquity, pſ. 5. 5, with Soul-hatred, pſ. 11. 5; whom he will Deſtroy, pſ. 5. 6, unleſs they Turn unto him, pſa. 7. 12, 13. Whoſe Holineſs did make him greatly to Abhorre his own Iſrael, when once they turned Idolaters, Pſa. 78. 58, 59; nay, and if David himſelf ſhould regard …niquity p. 202in his heart, he then concluded that God would not hear him, pſ. 66. 18.

So alſo Paul biddeth us to follow after Holineſs, without which no man ſhall ſee God, Heb. 12. 14; who will execute his Judgments upon them that commit Iniquity, Rom. 2. 2.

Thence it is, that a Gracious heart endeavoureth to be Holy, becauſe God is ſo, 1 Pet. 1. 16; who will by no means clear the Guilty, Exod. 34 7, and much leſs thoſe whom he hath known of all the Families of the Earth, Am. 3. 2.

7. David doth teſtifie that God is Juſt and Righteous. The Righteous Lord loveth Righteouſneſs, Pſal. 11. 7, and Judgment, pſa. 33. 5: his Righteouſneſs is like the great Mountains, Pſa. 36. 6: yea his Right Hand is full of Righteouſneſs, Pſa. 48. 10: he Judgeth the world in Righteouſneſs, pſ. 9. 8; and David knew that God's Afflicting Judgements upon himſelf were Right, pſa. 119. 75: indeed ſome of God's footſteps are not known, pſ. 77. 19, which Brutiſh men underſtand not, Pſa. 92, 5, 6▪ 7, and which were too Painfull for David himſelf to find out, pſa. 73. 16. 17; but although Clouds and Darkneſs are round about him, yet Righteouſneſs and Judgement are the Habitation of his Throne, pſ. 97. 2.

So alſo Paul telleth us, that Gods Judgements are unſearchable, and his VVayes paſt finding out, Rom. 11. 33; but yet his Righteouſneſs will one day fully be Revealed, both in the Sinners deſtruction, Rom. 2. 5, and in the Saints Reward, Heb. 6. 10, one manifeſt token p. 203whereof, is the preſent Tribulations which they endure, 2 Theſſ. 1. 4, 5.

This maketh a gracious Heart to rejoyce at the thought of his coming to judge the VVorld with Righteouſneſs, Pſa. 96. 10, 11, 12, 13, who then will bring forth their Righteouſneſs as the Light, Pſa. 37. 6; and in the mean time, though they are humbly enquiring into the Nature of his Judgements, yet dare they not call in queſtion the Righteouſneſs of what they do not underſtand, Jer. 12. 1, 2.

8. David doth teſtifie that God is True; whoſe Faithfulneſs doth reach unto the Clouds, pſa. 36. 5; whoſe Word is Right, pſal. 33. 4, and Pure, pſal. 12. 6, and Tried, pſa. 18▪ 30: who is alway mindfull of his Covenant, pſa. 111. 5, and doth magnifie his VVord …bove all his Name, pſ. 138. 2; whom David did therefore reſolve to truſt in, pſa. 56. 3, 4, and did encourage others to doe the like, pſa. 31. 24, from what had been his own Experience, Pſal. 27. 13, 14.

So alſo Paul telleth us, that though we Believe not the Promiſes or Threats of God, yet he abideth Faithfull, 2 Tim. 2. 12, 13; and that though every man be a Liar, yet God is True, Rom. 3. 4, who cannot Lie, Tit. 1. 2, it being impoſſible that he ſhould, Heb. 6. 17.

Therefore a Gracious heart may boldly ſay, he will not fear, becauſe this faithful God hath ſaid, He never will forſake him, Hebr. 13. 3, 4.

9. David doth witneſs concerning God's Rule or Government in the VVorld; who is the Governour p. 204among the Nations, pſa. 22. 28, and whoſe Kingdom ruleth over all, pſa. 103. 19, for all are his Servants, pſ. 119. 91. He doth Good, pſa. 119. 68, and he alſo bringeth Evil who turned the Egyptians heart to hate his people, pſ. 105. 25, and cauſed men to ride over their heads, pſa. 66. 12.

So alſo Paul telleth us, that the Earth is the Lord's, and the fulneſs thereof; in which reſpect he licenſeth Chriſtians to eat of meat ſacrificed unto Idols, in caſe they knew it not, 1 Cor. 10. 25, 26, but otherwiſe, he therefore wiſheth them to forbear, v. 28: and according to which Rule, we ſtill may thence know, how far we may warrantably make uſe of thoſe Things or Places (not in themſelves abſolutely neceſſary) which have been once tainted with Idolatry.

10. David teſtifieth concerning God's abſolute Soveraignty, who doth whatſoever he pleaſeth, in Heaven, in Earth, in the Seas, and in all deep places, pſa. 135. 6; who putteth down one and ſetteth up another, pſa. 75. 7; and therefore when David was corrected, he opened not his mouth, becauſe the Lord did it, pſa. 39. 9.

So alſo Paul telleth us, that God worketh all things after the Counſel of his Will, Eph. 1. 11; who hath Mercy on whom he will have Mercy, Rom. 9. 15, and whom he will he hardneth, ver. 18, which none may find fault with, v. 19; or reply againſt God, v. 20, ſince he hath power over us, as the Potter hath over the Clay, of the ſame lump to make one Veſſel unto honour and another unto diſhonour, v. 21.

This maketh a Gracious Heart to fear him, p. 205becauſe of his Dominion, Job 25. 2, and who therefore dares not ſay to him, What doſt thou? Job 9. 12.

11. David teſtifieth concerning God's general Goodneſs unto all; to whom Mercy doth belong, pſa. 62. 12; who is Good, and doth good, pſa. 119. 68; and the whole Earth is full of his Goodneſs, pſa. 33. 5, viſiting the Earth and watering it, pſa. 65. 9, by which means he doth provide for every Beaſt, and for all the Fowls of Heaven, pſa. 104. 11, 12▪ and many are his thoughts toward Man, pſa. 40. 5, who hath cauſe to praiſe him for his manifold Goodneſs, pſal. 107. 8. 15. 21. 31; for Good and Upright is the Lord, and therefore will he teach Sinners in the way, pſa. 25. 8, who hath received Gifts for men, yea for the rebellious alſo, that the Lord God might dwell among them, pſ. 68. 18.

So alſo Paul telleth us, that God left not himſelf without witneſs, in that he did good to Heathens, Acts 14. 17, who is the Saviour of all men, in a general ſence, 1 Tim. 4. 10, and would have all men to be ſaved, 1 Tim. 2. 4; beſeeching them to be Reconciled, 2 Cor. 5. 20; and whoſe Goodneſs leadeth to Repentance, Rom. 2. 4.

12. David teſtifieth concerning God's ſpecial Goodneſs to his People, unto whom all his Paths are Mercy and Truth, pſa. 25. 10; and whom he pitieth as a Father doth his Children, pſa. 103. 13; forgiving their Iniquity, pſa. 78. 38; and ſuffering no man to do them harm pſa. 105. 14; but giving his Angels charge over them, pſa. 91. 11; not forſaking them that ſeek him, pſ. 9. 10, but hearing their Deſire, and preparing their p. 206Heart accordingly, pſa. 10. 17; ſaving them, pſ. 18. 27, with his right hand, pſa. 17. 7; for he doth not abhorre the Affliction of his afflicted ones, pſa. 22. 24, nor will he deſpiſe his Priſoners, pſa. 69. 33.

So alſo Paul telleth us, that God is the ſpecial Saviour of thoſe that do Believe, 1 Tim. 4. 10; who comforteth ſuch when they are caſt down, 2 Cor. 7. 6.

13. David teſtifieth concerning God's being Immutable; who ſhall endure for ever, pſa. 102. 12; and whoſe Counſel is like himſelf, pſa. 33. 11, and ſo alſo his Mercy, pſ. 136. 1.

So alſo Paul telleth us, that God is Immortal, 1 Tim. 1. 16, who OnelyOnly hath Immortality, 1 Tim. 6. 16; and that his Gifts and Calling are without Repentance, Rom. 11. 29.

14. David teſtifieth concerning God's Wiſdom, which eminently appeareth in his more Heavenly work, and for which he is worthy of his People's Praiſes, pſa. 136. 1. 5.

But Paul doth more fully ſpeak of God's manifold Wiſdom, Eph. 3. 10; whoſe Grace aboundeth towards his, in all wiſdom and prudence, Eph. 1. 7, 8; which yet is an Hidden wiſdom, 1 Cor. 2. 7, and that which the VVorld calls Fooliſhneſs, 1 Cor. 1. 23, 24, as the VViſdom of this VVorld is Fooliſhneſs with him, 1 Cor. 3. 19, who is God onelyonly wiſe, Rom. 16. 27.

15. David teſtifieth concerning the Nature of God's good preſence: The Creature's Preſence may yield ſome kind of momentany comfort, but in the Preſence of God there is fulneſs of Joy, and pleaſures for Evermore, pſa. 16. 11: and p. 207therefore he found it to be good for him to draw nigh to God, whileſt others went a whoring from him, pſa. 73. 27, 28: accounting them Bleſſed, whom God had choſen to Approach unto him in his Temple, or Preſence-Chamber, pſa. 65. 4: and beſides whom, he neither had nor deſired any, in Earth or Heaven, pſ. 73. 25.

So alſo Paul telleth us, that he was rather willing to be abſent from the Body than from the Lord, 2 Cor. 5. 8: whom he did account it Beſt to be with, Phil. 1. 23; as being the Fulneſs of all things, Epheſ. 1. 23; and that wherein the Saints future Glory doth ſummarily conſiſt, 1 Theſſ. 4. 17.

16. David teſtifieth concerning what is the principal Object of God's Delight; who doth not Deſire Legal Offerings, or that a man ſhould think to ſatisfie for his Failing in one reſpect by his Duty in another, pſa. 40. 6; but the Sacrifices of God are a Broken Spirit, in caſe of a miſcarriage, pſa. 51. 16, 17: and hearty Praiſes do Pleaſe him better than an Ox or Bullock pſ. 69. 30, 31: he alſo taketh pleaſure in them that fear him, in thoſe that hope in his Mercy, pſal. 147. 11; and deſireth truth in the Inward parts, pſa. 51. 6.

So alſo Paul biddeth Children to Requite their Parents, for that is good and Acceptable before God, 1 Tim. 5. 4: and Rich men to communicate, for with ſuch Sacrifices God is well-pleaſed, Heb. 13. 16: and Profeſſors to Pray for the Converſion of others, for this is good and Acceptable in the ſight of God our Saviour, 1 Tim. 2. 1. 3; and to be transformed by the Renewing p. 208of their Mind, that they may prove what is that Good and Acceptable and Perfect VVill of God, Rom. 12. 2; by having no fellowſhip with the unfruitfull works of Darkneſs, Eph. 5. 10, 11; but being fruitfull in every good work, that they may walk worthy of the Lord unto all Pleaſing, Col. 1. 10.

And this is the Summe of what David teſtifieth concerning God, as he is Eſſentially conſidered, or as the Father Son and Spirit are all One God. But then,

Secondly, David doth alſo teſtifie concerning God as he is Perſonally conſidered, or as the Divine Eſſence is Diſtinguiſhed into the Father, Son and Spirit. And ſo,

1. David witneſſeth concerning God the Father, Pſal. 2. 7, whom he doth call Jehovah; and in competition with whom the Son is called Adonai; Jehovah ſaid to Adoni, or the Lord ſaid to my Lord, viz. the Father to the Son, Pſal. 110. 1. From whence we may be able further to underſtand that knotty Scripture, Exod. 6. 3, or how this name Jehovah was not known to Abraham, ſince it is evident that the word Jehovah was known to him, Gen. 22. 14; but yet not, as to this Myſtical import thereof, or as it doth ſignifie a Father; under which Peculiar conſideration God had not manifeſted himſelf to Abraham as his Expreſs Father, nor to his Seed (but onelyonly as their God, Gen. 17. 7.) until their coming out of Egypt, at which time he called Iſrael his Son, Exod. 4. 22; and therefore he might be ſaid, not till that time, to be known by this name Jehovah, Exod. 6. 3, which ſtrictly taken, doth ſignific p. 209his being Related as a Father; the Diſcovery of which ſpecial Relation, was reſerved of old, until the time of Iſrael's Aſcending out of the land of Egypt, Ho. 11. 1, which is applied to Chriſt upon a like occaſion, Mat. 2. 15. and who is ſaid (Manifeſtatively) to be begotten that very Day, when he was Raiſed up, in order to his Aſcenſion and Exaltation, Acts 13. 33; where Paul doth concurr with David, in witneſſing concerning God the Father, as he alſo doth in ſeveral other places.

Though alſo, the Father may be ſignified by this word Jehovah, as it doth (moſt Properly) import his Being of himſelf, Iſa. 44. 6; in which reſpect, that Title is alſo given unto the Son, Jer. 23. 6, and to the Holy Ghoſt, Acts 28. 25, with Iſa. 6. 8, 9, in a General ſence, or as theſe Three are all one God, 1 Joh. 5. 7: but yet in a ſpecial ſence, that name Jehovah doth more Peculiarly belong unto the Father, becauſe He alone (with reference unto the Son and Spirit) may be ſaid to have his Being of Himſelf, whereas the Son is ſaid to be Begotten by the Father, Ioh. 3. 16, and the Spirit is ſaid to Proceed from both, Ioh. 15. 26.

Now men of an Antichriſtian ſpirit, doe hence appear, not to be men after Gods own Heart, as David was; becauſe they do (virtually at leaſt) Deny, that Chriſt is the Son, (by keeping up what he hath Abrogated, and by Impoſing what he hath not appointed) and ſo by neceſſary conſequence they alſo do Deny the Father, 1 Ioh. 2. 22. and 4. 3.

II. David teſtifieth concerning the Holy Spirit, both as to his Deity and Properties.

p. 2101. The Godhead of this Spirit is witneſſed unto by David, when he doth affirm it to be every where, Pſal. 139. 7; and when he doth attribute a Creating power thereunto, Pſal. 104. 30; both which are Incommunicable to the Creature.

So alſo Paul teſtifieth that the Spirit is very God, when he applyeth that to this Spirit, Act. 28. 25. which elſewhere is ſpoken of Jehovah, Iſa. 6. 8, 9: and when he affirmeth that this Spirit and God are both one, 2 Cor. 3. 17, 18: and when he calleth this Spirit Eternal, Heb. 9. 14: and when he affirmeth it to be the ſearcher of All things, 1 Cor. 2. 10: and when he aſcribeth unto it a Power to Raiſe the Dead, Rom. 8. 11: and when he maketh this Spirit the Joynt-object of prayer, together with God, 2 Cor. 13. 14: and when he ſaith that Goſpel-ſaints are the temples of this Holy Spirit, 1 Cor. 6. 19, as well as of God, 1 Cor. 3. 16.

A man after God's own heart, is one who will not deny the proper God head of the Holy Ghoſt.

2. David doth alſo witneſs unto a Threefold property belonging to this Spirit.

Firſt, David tells us, that the Spirit of God is Good or Uſeful, pſ, 143. 10.

Whoſe Uſefulneſs is more Particularly declared by Paul; as it doth lead us into the knowledge of our Hidden Priviledges, 1 Cor. 2. 10: as it doth fill the heart with Joy, Rom. 14. 17: as it doth witneſs with our ſpirit, that we are the children of God, Rom. 8. 16; as it maketh us to Rejoyce in Perſecutions, 1 Theſſ. 1. 6, Rom. 5. 3. 5; as it is an Earneſt of what is to come, 2 Cor. 1. 22; as it maketh us to Abound in Hope, Rom. p. 21115. 13; as it helpeth us to Wait with Patience, Gal. 5. 5: as it delivereth us from under the Law, Gal. 5. 18: as it doth in ſome ſence Juſtifie us, 1 Cor. 6. 11: as it Keepeth the good things which are committed to us, 2 Tim. 1. 14: as it doth furniſh with Ordinary Gifts as well as Extraordinary, 1 Cor. 12. 8, 9, 10: as it Teacheth how to ſpeak in Preaching, 1 Cor. 2. 13: as it maketh our Preaching to be powerful, 1 Theſſ. 1. 5, or to imprint upon men's hearts, 2 Cor. 3. 3: as it helpeth our infirmities in Prayer, Rom. 8. 26: as it ſtrengtheneth us with might in the Inner man, Eph. 3. 16: as it Mortifieth our fleſhly luſts, Rom. 8. 13: as it doth ſanctifie, Rom. 15. 16. or Renew us, Tit. 3. 5: and as it witneſſeth to our ſincerity, Rom. 9. 1.

Secondly, David tells us, that this Spirit of God is Holy, pſ. 51. 11; which may be ſaid to be ſo, Partly becauſe it Worketh whatever Holineſs is in the creature, as Paul doth oft witneſs: but eſpecially, becauſe it is Holy in it ſelf; and cannot endure unholineſs in another, being apt to be Grieved therewith, as Paul informeth us, Eph. 4. 30, if not Quenched, 1 Theſſ. 5. 19.

Thirdly, David tells us, that this Holy Spirit is alſo Free, pſ. 51. 12; which may be ſaid to be ſo; Partly becauſe it is of the moſt Noble or Princely ſtock, (as the ſame Hebrew word is oft tranſlated) proceeding from the Father; Partly becauſe it acteth Liberaly, as Earthly Nobles or Princes uſe to doe: Partly becauſe it doth make them Free (in every good reſpect) in whom it is, 2 Cor. 3. 17: But eſpecially becauſe it is a moſt Free Agent, in every of its Motions and Operations, p. 212and in which reſpect Paul ſtileth it a Spirit of Grace, Heb. 10. 29.

III. David teſtifieth concerning Jeſus Chriſt; both as he is God, and Man, and Mediatour.

Firſt, as he is God; and ſo David doth expreſly cal him God, pſ 45. 6. which Paul interpreteth concerning Chriſt, as he is the Son, Heb. 1. 8. So alſo, David doth declare him to be a God by Nature, when he ſaith that the Heavens and Earth are the work of his hands, pſal. 102. 25; which Paul affirmeth to be meant of Chriſt, Heb. 1. 10. So alſo, when David ſtileth Chriſt, his Lord, pſ. 110. 1; from whence Chriſt argueth his own being more than a Man, Mat, 22. 44, 45, unto the utter ſilencing of thoſe Phariſaical Arrians, v. 46, however ſome ſince are bold to queſtion ſtill whether Chriſt be very God.

Thus alſo Paul ſaith, that Chriſt is God bleſſed for ever, Rom. 9. 5: for whom, and by whom all things were Made, and do conſiſt, Col. 1. 16, 17, Heb. 1. 2, 3; which clearly proveth that he is very God, Heb. 3. 4: who hath neither End of Life, nor Beginning of Dayes, Heb. 7. 3: and who will one day Appear the Great God, as well as his People's Saviour, Tit. 2. 13. A man after Gods own Heart, will witneſs unto (and not Deny) the Godhead of Jeſus Chriſt.

Secondly, David witneſſeth concerning Chriſt, as to his Humane Nature alſo; in which reſpect, he calleth God the God of Chriſt, pſa. 45. 7, as Paul explaineth it, Heb. 1. 8; who had a Father, as he was God the Son; but as he p. 213was a Man, he had a God. Nay and David did alſo foretell, that Chriſt (as Man) ſhould be of the Fruit of his Body, pſa. 132. 11, as Peter doth explain it, Act. 2. 30; which Paul doth alſo witneſs unto, Act. 13. 22, 23; affirming that Chriſt was Made (which covertly aſſerts his Godhead) of the Seed of David according to the Fleſh, Rom. 1. 3; who elſe-where ſaith, that Chriſt took on him, not the Nature of Angels, but the Seed of Abraham, Heb. 2. 16; which as it doth clearly prove, that Chriſt was truely Man, ſo alſo that he was very God; ſince otherwiſe, he could not be ſaid to Take man's Nature on him, which Act doth neceſſarily preſuppoſe his Pre-exiſtent Being, and as he muſt needs be God, it being there denyed that he ever was a Proper Angel.

And as David foretold, that Chriſt ſhould be very Man, ſo alſo, that in that Humane Nature he ſhould be ſuddenly Raiſed from the Dead, pſal. 16. 10, and that he ſhould ſit therein on God's Right hand in Heaven, pſal. 110. 1, as Peter doth explain it, Act. 2. 31, 34: the being of which Humane Nature now in Heaven, is alſo teſtified by Paul, when he ſaith, that he who Deſcended into the Grave (which onelyonly ſuiteth with Chriſt's Humane Body) is the ſame who Aſcended into Heaven, Eph. 4. 9, 10; from whence he alſo looked for his Appearing, 2 Tim. 4. 1, which word Appearing doth not agree with his Godhead ſtrictly taken, nor is it ever uſed, ſave with reference unto his Humane Nature.

A man after God's own Heart, will not denye p. 214(which yet too many at this day doe) that Chriſt ſtill is, both very God, and alſo very Man.

3. Thirdly, David witneſſeth concerning Chriſt, as he is God-man, or Mediatour; and that both in a Relative and Abſolute reſpect.

1. Relatively, or as he ſtood Related unto this Mediatour; and ſo he calleth Chriſt, His Lord, Pſa. 110. 1: as Paul doth alſo very often; both in relation to the Jews and Gentiles, 1 Cor. 1. 2; affirming him to be the Chriſtians OnelyOnly Lord, 1 Cor. 8. 6; and that no man can truely ſay this, but by the Holy Ghoſt, 1 Cor. 12. 3.

A man after God's own heart, is for a ſpecial Application of Jeſus Chriſt unto himſelf; and cannot content himſelf with knowing what Chriſt is, without ſome more Peculiar Relation between Chriſt and him. And as he is deſirous to know Chriſt under the conſideration of a Saviour, ſo alſo, he doth freely own him as a Lord, and as His Lord in particular. Chriſt is the Believer's Husband, and yet ſuch call him Lord, as Sarah did her Husband, 1 Pet. 3. 6; and therefore do all his Spouſes worſhip him, becauſe he is their Lord, pſa. 45. 11. And thus doth David call him, in the Spirit, Matt. 22. 43, or in Truth, Joh. 4. 24; and not onelyonly in a way of flattering Complement, as the moſt doe now, and as the worſt will one day doe, Mat. 7. 22.

2. David witneſſeth concerning Chriſt the Mediator, as he is Abſolutely conſidered; both in relation to his Spiritual Beauty, his peculiar Priviledges, his ſpecial Graces, his Uſage in the p. 215World, and every of his Offices, as he is Prophet, Prieſt, and King.

1. David witneſſeth unto Chriſt's ſpiritual Beauty or Deſireableneſs, when he tearmeth him fairer than the Children of men, Pſal. 45. 2. Which Deſireableneſs of his, Paul giveth us a more particular account of, when he telleth us, that all the treaſures of Wiſdome and Knowledge are hid in him, Col. 2. 3: who is the Brightneſs of his Fathers Glory, and the expreſs Image of his Perſon, Heb. 1. 3: in whom all fulneſs dwelleth, Col. 1. 19, the fulneſs of the Godhead bodily, Col. 2. 9, and therefore his people are compleat in him, v. 10; to be with whom for ever, is that wherein their future Happineſs conſiſteth, 1 Theſſ. 4. 17.

A man after God's own Heart, doth count Chriſt white and ruddy, the chiefeſt of ten thouſand, Cant. 5. 10, yea altogether Lovely, v. 16; whom therefore he loveth with his Soul, Cant. 1. 7, as all the upright doe, v. 4, yea even the very Virgins, v. 3.

2. David witneſſeth concerning Chriſt's peculiar Priviledges, when he calleth God His God, pſa. 45. 7, with Heb. 1. 9: who might not ſee Corruption, pſa. 16. 10, with Acts 13. 35: who did become the Head-ſtone in the Corner, pſa. 118. 22, with Acts 4. 11: whom the Father bad, Sit at his Right hand, untill he made his Enemies his Footſtool, pſa. 110. 1; reſolving to Advance him, in deſpight of all Oppoſers, pſal. 2. 6; and promiſing to ſtrike through Kings in the day of his wrath, pſa. 110. 5, on Chriſt's right hand.

p. 216So alſo Paul telleth us, that Chriſt is appointed Heir of all things, Heb. 1. 2: whom God hath ſet at his Right hand Eph. 1. 20: having given him a Name above every name, Phil. 2. 9: and having made him the Head of all Principality and power; Col. 2. 10: who is the firſt born of every creature, Col. 1. 15, and the firſt born from the dead, that in all things he might have the Preheminence, v. 18. All which a gracious heart is comfortably acquainted with, as being therein repreſented by Chriſt, Eph. 2. 6; or at leaſt, compleat in him, Col. 2. 10, and ſome way Benefited, Eph. 1. 22, with reference to all thoſe Priviledges.

3. David witneſſeth concerning his ſpecial Graces. And ſo he telleth us, that Chriſt was uſeful unto All, receiving Gifts for Men, yea for the Rebellious alſo, pſa. 68. 18, but more eſpecially for the Saints, as Paul intepreteth that Scripture, Epheſ. 4. 8. 12, in whom is all his Delight, and unto whom his Goodneſſe did extend, Pſa. 16. 3, though not to God, verſe 2, which was an argument of his Humility, and wherein David was his Type, as is evident from v. 10. He was hated without a cauſe, pſ. 35. 19, with Ioh. 15. 25. The reproaches of them that reproached God, fell upon him, Pſal. 69. 9; which Paul interpreteth to be an argument of his ſelf-denial, Rom. 15. 3. He loved righteouſneſs and hated wickedneſs, pſ. 45. 7. with Heb. 1. 9. He reſolved to make God his Truſt, pſ. 18. 2, with Heb. 2. 13. The zeal of God's Houſe did eat him up, pſ. 69. 9, with Ioh. 2. 17. He delighted to do Gods will with reference unto his ſufferings, having his Ears opened, pſ. 40. 6. 8, p. 217which Paul rendreth a Preparing of his Body, Heb. 10. 5. perhaps to hint unto us, that when a Chriſtians Ear is Opened, unto a Call from God to Suffer, his Body will be then Prepared for it, however it might ſeem unfit before for ſuch an undertaking.

So alſo, Paul telleth us, that Chriſt taſted Death for every man, Heb. 2. 9; and that being Rich, he became Poor for his People's ſakes, 2 Cor. 8. 9: not Pleaſing himſelf, Rom. 15. 3: loving Righteouſneſs and Hating Iniquity, Heb. 1. 9: being faithful to him who did Appoint him, Heb. 3. 2: learning Obedience by what he ſuffered, although he were a Son, Heb. 5. 8, and though he was equal with God, Phil. 2. 6, yet was he in faſhion as a Man, v. 8, and taking upon him the form of a Servant, v. 7, became Obedient unto Death, v. 8.

All which Graces of his, a man of David's ſpirit is well acquainted with, and is thereby ſtirred up unto an holy Imitation of him, in every of thoſe and ſuch like reſpects.

4. David witneſſeth concerning Chriſt's uſage in the world, from God and Man. He was in Appearance Forſaken of his God, a…d under which cloud his Sun went down, pſ. 22. 1, with Mat. 27. 46. He was betrayed by his own familiar friend, pſ. 41. 9, with Joh. 13. 18. He was Oppoſed by the Great ones of the World, Pſal. 2. 1, with Acts 4. 25. He was Rejected by the Profeſſors of that time, pſ. 118. 22, with Mat. 21. 42. And whilſt he was upon the Croſs, ſome parted his Garments, pſ. 22. 18. with Mat. 27. 35; others Derided at his former Faith, pſ. 22. 8, p. 218with Mat. 27. 43, and gave him Gall with Vinegar to drink, pſ. 69. 21, with Mat. 27. 48.

So alſo Paul telleth us, that he was moſt unworthily put to death, Act. 13. 28; and that he was in all points Tempted like as we are, excepting ſin, Heb. 4. 15.

All which a Gracious heart doth labour to improve, unto the fitting of him for ſuch like meaſures, Ioh. 15. 20; and the compoſing of his Spirit under them, Mat. 10. 24; who thereby alſo is encouraged to Beg for mercy in ſuch a like condition, Heb. 4. 15, 16, and humbly to expect it, ſince Chriſt himſelf hath ſuffered, being tempted, Heb. 2. 18.

Laſtly, David witneſſeth concerning every of Chriſt's Offices, as he is a Prophet, Prieſt, and King.

1. As he was a Prophet, or as he did ſpeak in Parables, and uttered Dark ſayings, pſal. 78. 2, and 49. 4, with Mat. 13. 35. Which Prophetical (or Preaching) Office of his, is alſo witneſſed unto by Paul, both in relation to the Jews, Rom. 15. 8, and Gentiles, ver. 9, from pſ. 18. 49.

A gracious heart doth therefore count Chriſt his onelyonly Maſter in compariſon, Mat. 23. 10; nor is he offended with the darkneſs of his ſayings, but ſeeketh unto him in ſuch a caſe for help, as his Diſciples were wont to do.

2. David teſtifieth, that Chriſt is a Prieſt for ever after the order of Melchizedeck, pſ. 110. 4, with Ioh 12. 34.

Which Prieſthood of his, Paul alſo doth witneſs unto at large, both after Aaron's order, and Melchizedecks; affirming him to be a Merciful p. 219and faithful High-prieſt, Heb. 2. 17; a Great High-prieſt, Heb. 4. 14; an High-prieſt of good things to come, Heb. 9. 11, who is entred into the True Holy place, v. 24, once for all, v. 26, with his own blood, v. 12; being fully qualified for his work, Heb. 7. 26; and called of God unto it, Heb. 5. 4, 5.

Now that Prieſthood of Melchizedeck (which David doth onelyonly ſpeak of) doth ſeem to typifie Chriſt's Prieſthood; in regard of its Work and Wages, together with thoſe ſpecial Properties which appertained thereunto.

The whole Work of Melchizedecks Prieſthood, (ſo far as it is mentioned in the Scripture) doth ſeem to be contained, in his refreſhing Abraham with Bread and Wine, Gen. 14. 1…, and in his Bleſſing of him, v. 19, and in his Praiſing God on his behalf, v. 20; whom he did thus go forth to meet, after his victorious conflict with thoſe four Kings, v. 17, who had taken his Brother captive, v. 14: To ſignifie unto us, that the Main of Chriſts Prieſthood (with reference unto Actual Believers, ſuch as Abraham then was,) doth conſiſt, in furniſhing his faithful Servants with ſtrength and Comfort; in his Interceding on their behalf for further mercy; and in his Bleſſing God for what Succeſs they meet with in their lawfull undertakings: all which may then be moſt Hopefully expected by them, when they ſhall have made ſome glorious Conqueſt; and in particular, when Daniels four Monarchs ſhall utterly be ſubdued by them, who ſeem to have been typified, by theſe four Kings.

p. 220The Wages of Melchizedech were, the Tithes of all Abraham's Spoyls; which Abraham did freely give him, Gen. 14. 20, reſerving nothing for himſelf, v. 23, ſave what his men had eaten, v. 24: To ſignifie unto us, that Tithes did Originally ſhadow out Chriſt's Due; which Tithes were payd to Levi afterwards, but that Prieſthood was onelyonly for a Time, together with the Change whereof, this Law for Tithes was alſo changed, Heb. 7. 9. 12: So that the Advocates for Tithes (at this Day) muſt prove, both that a Maintenance may now be forced, and that this kind of Ma…ntenance by Tythes is now Lawfull, ſince this is an old Abrogated Law which may not be kept up in Goſpel-times, Col. 2. 17. 20; nor is there a Diſpenſation given, to keep up any Ceremonial Forms, though ſome would pretend to do it, upon ſome other conſideration. But Chriſt's Prieſthood is for ever, and ſo his Due is yet abiding; who doth expect from his People, that they ſhould conſecrate their Gain to him, Mich. 4. 13; reſerving nothing thereof unto themſelves, ſave what is Needfull to Refreſh them with at Preſent, and to prepare them for further ſervice.

The ſpecial properties annexed to Melchizedech's Prieſthood (above that of Aaron's) were chiefly Three.

Firſt, Melchizedech was King as well as Prieſt, and King of Salem, which is King of Peace, Heb. 7. 2; whereas Aaron was OnelyOnly Prieſt, whileſt Moſes was his Lord, Num. 12. 11, or King, Deut. 33. 5: To ſignifie unto us, that Chriſt is both King and Prieſt, or a Prieſt p. 221upon his Throne, and that the counſel of Peace is between them both, Zech. 6. 13.

Secondly, Melchizedech was alſo King of Righteouſneſs (or Eminently Righteous) as he was Prieſt, which Paul inferreth from the ſignification of his Name, Heb. 7. 2, concerning whom there is no failing mentioned; whereas Aaron and his Poſterity had their Infirmities, Heb. 7. 28, in which reſpect they needed daily to offer up Sacrifices for their own ſins firſt, v. 27: To ſignifie unto us, that Chriſt is ſuch an High-prieſt, who is holy, harmleſs and undefiled, Heb. 7. 26.

Thirdly and (principally) Melchizedech was a Prieſt for Ever, as David doth expreſſely tell us, pſa. 110. 4, whoſe Everlaſtingneſs in that reſpect, Paul cleareth up, from the Scripture's ſilence concerning his Birth and Death, Heb. 7. 3, and therefore it is Preſumptuous as well as vain, for any to Conjecture, who this Melchizedech was; whereas Aaron and his Poſterity were Many Prieſts, becauſe they were not ſuffered to continue by reaſon of Death, Heb. 7. 23: To ſignifie unto us, that Chriſt becauſe he continueth Ever hath an Unchangeable Prieſthood, Heb. 7. 24, which Paul doth there further argue, from his being made Prieſt with an Oath, v. 20, which Aaron and his Poſterity were not, v. 21.

The Subſtance of all which, a man after God's own heart doth comfortably underſtand; who doubteth not but that Chriſt will faithfully perform his whole Work before-mentioned: who therefore is freely willing to give him all his forenamed Tithes or Dues: and who alſo doth p. 222Hopefully wait upon him for Mercy and Grace to help in time of need, ſince he is both able and willing, becauſe he is a Righteous King and Mercifull High-Prieſt; eſpecially ſince he Ever liveth to make Interceſſion for them that come unto God by him, Heb. 7. 25.

3. David doth alſo teſtifie, concerning Chriſts Kingly Office, whom the Father is reſolved to ſet as King in his holy Hill of Sion, pſa. 2. 6, and that he ſhall Rule in the midſt of his Enemies, pſa. 110. 2; having given him the Heathen for his Poſſeſſion, whom he ſhall break with a Rod of Iron, pſ. 2. 8, 9; in which reſpect the Greateſt of them are bid to be Wiſe, v. 10, and to become his Servants, v. 11; for all his Enemies muſt be made his Foot-ſtool, pſa. 110. 1, who ſhall wound the Heads over many Countreys, filling the places with their Dead bodies, v. 6; the Scepter of whoſe Kingdom is a right Scepter, and whoſe Throne ſhall be for Ever, pſa. 45. 6. The Rod of whoſe ſtrength ſhall come out of Sion, or whoſe Kingdom will be ſet up among a Choiſer Remnant, pſa. 110. 2, who ſhall be made willing to receive him, in the Beauties of Holineſs, (viz. Solemnly and Publickly, as Temple-worſhip was wont of Old to be performed) and they ſhall then be gathered up into his Kingly Intereſt, as the Dew is by the Sun, from the womb of the Morning, in its Youth, or at its firſt Riſing, pſa. 110. 3; viz. Abundantly, Speedily, and without Tarrying for Man's Order, Mich. 5. 7. But this work will meet with Difficulties, ſuch as Iſrael had in their paſſage through the Wilderneſs, who yet met with p. 223ſome refreſhing Brook continually, before they fainted, and ſo went on; in alluſion whereunto, it is ſaid that Chriſt at this time ſhall drink of the Brook by the way, therefore ſhall he lift up the head, pſ. 110. 7.

So alſo Paul ſometimes preached, that there was Another King, one Jeſus, Act. 17. 2. 7; whoſe Kingdom then was meerly Spiritual, but yet he telleth us elſewhere, that it ſhall be Temporal alſo, viz. in the World (or State of things) to come, Heb. 2. 5, which we yet ſee not, v. 8, nor ſhall doe (as to its Fulneſs) till his Appearing, 2 Tim. 4. 1; who then ſhall Reign, till he ſhall have put all his Enemies (and Death among the reſt) under his feet, 1 Cor. 15. 25, 26: in which reſpect, he telleth us, that Chriſt ſprang out of Juda, the Kingly Tribe, Heb. 7. 14, and that Melchizedech was his fulleſt Type, who was both King and Prieſt, v. 1; whoſe Name doth ſignifie, the King of Righteouſneſs, and who was King of Salem, which ſignifieth peace; to hint unto us, that Chriſt's Kingly Diſpenſation will be abundantly repleniſhed with Peace and Righteouſneſs.

And thus I have now finiſhed the firſt General branch of that Outward Demonſtration which David gave of his being a man after God's own Heart; viz. from his profeſſed Principles or noble Teſtimony, concerning all theſe forenamed Things and Perſons.

From whence I ſhall now proceed unto the Second Branch of that Demonſtration; to ſhew how David did evidence himſelf to be ſuch a p. 224one, by his Perſonal and conſtant Practice or Carriage, both in relation unto the Creature and unto God.

Firſt, David did Practically evidence his being a man after God's own heart, by the Conſtancy of his carriage towards the Creature. As for Example:

1. David was Prudent in matters, 1 Sam. 16. 18; Behaving himſelf wiſely, 1 Sam. 18. 5, in all his wayes, v. 14, more wiſely than all the Servants of Saul, ſo that his Name was much ſet by, v. 30.

So alſo, Peter teſtifieth concerning Paul's Wiſdom, 2 Pet. 3. 15, which he did abundantly evidence both in his practice, writing and preaching; who being holily Crafty, would not Burden the Corinthians, 2 Cor. 12. 16, that ſo he might cut off occaſion from thoſe who did deſire it, 2 Cor. 11. 12: who wiſely confuted the Athenians Idolatry, from their own acknowledgement of an unknown God, Act. 17. 22, 23: and who knew how to comply for a while with ſome men's Weakneſs, ſo as yet not to Indulge their Sin, 1 Cor. 9. 19, 20, 21, 22: ſtealing upon thoſe proud Corinthians by Degrees, and granting that at firſt to be their Liberty and Knowledge, 1 Cor. 8. 7, 9, which afterwards he meant more ſharply to reuke them for, 1 Cor. 10. 20, …1, 22.

A man after God's own Heart is a diſcreet and prudent man; who doth not Behave himſelf in a Light Vain Childiſh way, (as too many Profeſſors doe) but wiſely; and who in that re-regard doth out-ſtrip the higheſt Formaliſt, or p. 225ſuch as Saul's ordinary Servants were.

2. David was very Humble in his carriage, who ſcorned not to return unto his keeping ſheep, 1 Sam. 16. 19, after his being annointed King, v. 13; yea after that Saul had entertained him in his Court, 1 Sam. 17. 15. And when he was communed with, about being Sauls Son in Law, he thought it too great an Honour for him, who was a Poor man and Lightly eſteemed, 1 Sam. 18. 22, 23, ſo little was he elevated with his late merited applauſe, v. 7. And when he was Perſecured by Saul afterwards, he thought himſelf unworthy of ſo great a Dignity, as being a dead Dog or Flea, 1 Sam. 24. 14. Nay and when he was a King, he took not any Proud ſtate upon him, but when he was to ſpeak unto his Subjects, he ſtood upon his feet, and call'd them Brethren, 1 Chron. 28. 2.

A man after God's own heart, is partly to be known by his Humility, which is indeed the Gloſs of all his other Graces. He is a King to God, Rev. 5. 10; and yet that Oyl upon his head, doth not ſo lift up his heart, but that he can buckle to the loweſt duty incumbent upon him, between his Coronation and Anointing. He can bear being fetched from the ſheepfold to the Court, and being carryed back from thence unto his ſheep again. His deſerved Commendations doe not make him Haughty; nor doth it ſeem a Light thing to him, to be ſo much as Outwardly advanced, notwithſtanding his moſt glorious Exploits. He counteth the creature Magnified by Afflicting viſitations, as if it were an Honour to be a ſufferer, Job, 7. 17, 18. His outward dignity p. 226doth not encreaſe his inward Height, ſo as to make him forget that his Inferiours are ſtill his Brethren.

In which reſpect Paul was a famous Inſtance; who was not willing to rob Chriſt of His Glory, by being too highly eſteemed himſelf, 1 Cor. 1. 13: who was content that others ſhould ſhare with him in the honour of Enditing his Epiſtle, ſuch as Soſthenes, 1 Cor. 1. 12: Timotheus, 2 Cor. 1. 1; Silvanus, 1 Theſſ. 1. 1; and ſometimes all the brethren with him, Gal. 1. 1, 2: who would not that any ſhould think of him above what he was, 2 Cor. 12. 6, or above what is written, 1 Cor. 4. 6: who ſtiled himſelf the leaſt of the Apoſtles, 1 Cor. 15. 9; and leſs than the leaſt of all Saints, Eph. 3. 8; and their Servant for Jeſus ſake, 2 Cor. 4. 5, although he was not a whit behind the very Chiefeſt of them, 2 Cor. 11. 5, but did excel them in point of Gifts, 1 Cor. 14. 18, and Priviledges, and Duty, both Active and Paſſive, 2 Cor. 11. 22, 23: who alſo would not have others to be wiſe in their own conceit, Rom. 12. 16; or to think that they know any thing, 1 Cor. 8. 2, above what they ought to think, Rom. 12. 3; but to be condeſcending to men of Low eſtate, v. 16, and in Honour, preferring on another, v. 10.

3. David was obedient unto his Father, when he was bid by him, to take his Load upon his back, and to Run on Foot therewith unto his Brethren, 1 Sam. 17. 17, 18, 20. And though Saul was alſo Dutiful unto his father, in his going to ſeek the Aſſes, as hath been before obſerved; yet David did farr outſtrip him; ſince Saul was p. 227not then Anointed King, as David now wa….

The greateſt outward advancement will not make a Gracious Child to Diſobey his Parents, in what is meet and lawful; much leſs to Diſreſpect them, as many at this day doe, (when they they are a little Raiſed) who yet would be thought to be of Davids Spirit. In relation to which particular Duty, Paul ſetteth an example alſo, who ſent his Apoſtolical Salutation to his Mother, Rom. 16. 13; and biddeth others, that they ſhould in All things Obey their Parents, for this is well pleaſing to the Lord, Col. 3. 20; and that they ſhould Obey them in the Lord, for this is Right, and is the firſt commandement with Promiſe, Eph. 6. 1, 2: who alſo telleth us, that Diſobedience unto Parents, Rom. 1. 30, is one ſad Character of a Reprobate, v. 28.

4. David was careful of his Truſt, who left not his ſheep without a Keeper, when himſelf was otherwiſe employed by his father, 1 Sam. 17. 20, although his envious Brother did cauſeleſſely ſuſſpect him in that regard, v. 28.

A gracious heart doth ſo attend unto one Duty as not to neglect another. He will fulfil his fathers whole will; and hath a more Eſpecial eye unto what is his conſtant work, that it be no way prejudiced by that which is Occaſionally required of him. He ſeeketh to Prevent a Damage in his Abſence, and is willing to be Every where employed at once, ſo far as in him lyeth. A notable Inſtance whereof we have in Paul, who dilligently attended unto that work which was committed to him, 2 Cor. 5. 19, 20; reſolving not to ſtir, until he had performed it, Rom. 15. 28, p. 228whatever hardſhips he met with, 2 Cor. 6. 4: nor was he onelyonly thus careful whilſt Preſent, but when he was Abſent alſo, Phil. 1. 27, having the care of All the Churches, 2 Cor. 11. 28, and ſtrictly charging thoſe with whom that Flock was left, which he was never likely to ſee any more, Act. 20. 25, 28, 29.

5. David was of a very Meek and Quiet ſpirit, in a caſe of Perſonal provocation; who was as a man that Heareth not, and in whoſe mouth are no Reproofs, whilſt others ſpake miſchievous things againſt him, pſa. 38. 12, 13, 14. When his eldeſt Brother's Anger was kindled againſt him, in a way of Envy and falſe ſurmiſes, he onelyonly anſwered, What have I now done? is there not a cauſe? and ſo turned away from him, to prevent any further wrangling, 1 Sam. 17. 28, 29, 30. Nor was he of a ſelf-revenging diſpoſition, witneſs his ſparing Saul, when his Life was put into his hand, a firſt and ſecond time, 1 Sam. 24. 13, and 26. 11: nor did he Rejoyce at the news of Saul's death, but Lamented over him, 2 Sam. 1. 17, and did not Derogate from his deſerved praiſes, v. 19, 21, although he had been his mortall Adverſary. He alſo faſted and Prayed for his Enemies, pſal. 35. 13, 14; and did Avenge the Death of Saul, 2 Sam. 1. 16, and Iſhboſheth, 2 Sam. 4. 11, of Abner and Amaſa, 1 King. 2. 5. 6.