Saul and David Compared, Treatise (7 of 7)

Saul and David Compared · Treatise (7 of 7)

p. 3465. David could not Avert by his Earneſt Prayer, either the untimely Death of his poor Child, 2 Sam. 12. 16, 18. 22, or the ſad Deſtruction of his Subjects, 2 Sam. 24. 10. 15. A good man's Prayer is very Powerfull with God, and yet ſomet…mes it may not be heard, although accompanyed with Tears and Faſting: God may not alway Anſwer unto his Name, as he is the Hearer of Prayer, at leaſt-wiſe not according to man's Rule of Judging. Chriſt's general Promiſe, Joh. 14. 13, is to be read with John's Spectacles, 1 Joh. 5. 14, and as in relation to the Thing deſired, ſo alſo with reference unto the Qualification both of the Perſon and Duty, pſ. 66. 18. Jam. 5. 16. It is poſſible, that ſome Spiritual good thing deſired (at leaſt-wiſe Priviledges) may not be thought Good for us at Preſent; though uſually ſuch Petitions (at leaſtwiſe if for Grace) are moſtly ineffectual, through want of Uprightneſs and Fervour. But in relation to Outward Bleſſings (which David could not obtain) let not the Beſt man wonder, in caſe he be not Heard: and as we would not be Denyed, ſo let us take heed of Sin, which may Obſtruct our Prayer as David's did) although our Holineſs cannot Deſerve its Audience.

6. The Lord charged David with Saul's Arrears; and brought a Famine in David's time p. 347becauſe Saul had unjuſtly ſlain the Gibeonites, 2 Sam. 21. 1. Time will diſcover, what reference this Inſtance hath unto the Latter dayes, in what the Ruling Saints may meet with, becauſe of thoſe unrighteous Perſecutions, which thoſe of a more Peaceable (or Gibeonitiſh) though Groſſer Spirit, may formerly have Groaned under, from ſome carnal Iſraelites, who have had a Zeal for God, but not according unto Knowledge. In the mean while, we may obſerve from hence, that a Godly Succeſſour may fare the worſe becauſe of his Predeceſſours failings; as an Innocent Child may outwardly be afflicted becauſe of his Parent's Sin, Exod. 20. 5; and as the Good Diſciples were all of them charged with ſpeaking that, Mat. 26. 8, which was indeed onelyonly uttered by Judas, Joh. 12. 4, 5. However, a Gracious Soul hath no cauſe to wonder, in caſe he be dealt with afterwards, for ſome former miſcarriages in the time of his Unregeneracy; as good old Job was made to poſſeſs the Iniquities of his Vain and Youthful State, Job 13. 26, which David therefore prayeth that God would not remember, pſa. 25. 7, and which it is therefore our Wiſdom as well as Duty to be Humbled for, firſt in relation to our ſelves, and then to others, ſince a little Leaven may infect the Whole, 1 Cor. 5. 2. 6, And herein good David was defective, becauſe he did not endeavour timely to purge away that Guilt which he could not but know that Saul had brought upon the Nation, and for which himſelf was therefore thus chaſtiſed with a Famine; which kind of Puniſhment (at leaſt-wiſe p. 348in a ſpiritual regard) may be expected by us alſo, in caſe we careleſly neglect the uſe of thoſe Purifying means, which Chriſt hath ſanctified for Goſpel-times.

7. David was not permitted to build the Temple, (becauſe he had been a man of War) although he had it in his heart to have done ſo, and from a good Affection, 1 Chro. 28, 2, 3. The Temple was the Place of Gods Reſt, (in competition with the Moving Tabernacle) and therefore that Temple was a Type of happy Settlement, which David might not attain unto on Earth, becauſe he had ſhed Blood, and yet that very Blood-ſhed was onelyonly in the purſuance of his blameleſs Duty. David's Diſpenſation (Diſtinct from that of Solomon's) doth fitly anſwer unto the Kingdom of the Stone, diſtinct from that of the Mountain; the former of which relateth to Chriſt's Rule in and among his Saints, as the Latter doth unto his Rule in Perſon: which Diſpenſations God will preſerve Diſtinct, and not ſuffer them to be Confounded each with other; ſo that the Ruling Saints muſt not expect to have that Perfect Settlement (in matters Temporal or Spiritual) which is reſerved till afterwards And in the mean while, let no Gracious man wonder, if he doth yet come ſhort of that Reſurrection of the Dead (in point of Grace and Comfort) which he is Now labouring to Attain unto or Apprehend, and which he doth therefore follow after and reach forth unto and preſs toward, Phil. 3. 11, 12, 13, 14. Thoſe do pretend unto more than either David had or Paul expected, who dream of any Abſolute p. 349Perfection, on this ſide a Literal Reſurrection from the Dead: and they who thus boaſt of a Licenſe to build that Temple in this Life, do give others juſt ground to think, that they have never been God's Warriours as David was, who therefore was thus Typically prohibited; but yet he Now is eminently intereſted in that happy Perfection which was typified by that Temple, and which every of God's faithful Warriours ſhall one day ſhare with him in. And leſt ſome ſhould Abuſe this Cordial, unto the diſregarding of their Imperfections, becauſe no man on Earth is abſolutely Perfect; let ſuch remember, that they are not men after God's own heart (as Paul and David were) who do not ſtrenuouſly Preſs after what yet they cannot attain unto whileſt Warriours, ſince Abſolute Perfection implyeth Peace or Quietneſs: and therefore (Partly) the Warring Witneſſes muſt firſt Die before they Reign, Rev. 11. 7. 15, as Chriſt himſelf did, Luke 24. 26, and as the beſt of his Servants muſt expect to doe, 2 Cor. 5. 6, the Vail of whoſe Fleſh muſt be rent in twain, before they can look into that Holy of Holyes, which was a Type of more abſolute Perfection. But yet there is a Comparative Perfection, which ſome (above others) may attain unto on Earth, Phil. 3. 15; which as we would have to be our Portion, ſo let us take heed of intermingling our own Affections with what are truely ſpiritual, in any of our holy Conflicts, as the beſt of Gods Warriours are apt to doe; and therefore perhaps good David might not be ſuffered to build the Temple, becauſe he could not Wholly Juſtifie p. 350that Spirit which he was acted by in ſhedding blood, although the Matter of that work was Blameleſs Duty.

8. David's Houſe might not be made to Grow, as himſelf doth intimate, 2 Sam. 23. 5; Prophetically foreſeeing, that Ten Tribes would ſoon fall off from thence, as the deſerved Conſequent of Solomon's backſliding into Senſuality and Idolatry, by the ſolicitation of his many and ſtrange Wives, 1 King. 11. 4. 11. Which poſſibly may Ultimately ſhadow out that great Defection of Gog and Magog, in the cloſe of Chriſt's Thouſand years Reign on Earth, not through the leaſt fault in him (which would be moſt horrid Blaſphemy to imagine) but through the permitted inſtigation of that Old Serpent, Rev. 20. 7, 8, 9, who firſt deceived Eve, (unto the ruining of her preſent Happineſs) by tempting her to Senſuality and Idolatry. And however, let not the Ruling Saints (on this ſide Chriſt's Perſonal appearing) expect, that their Houſe will be made to Grow, ſince it is evident from the Scriptures (as I have elſewhere made it out) that they will ſoon Degenerate, (as did the ancient Jews, when their Babyloniſh Captivity was returned,) which will make way for another Revolution, firſt in the Literal Jews Converſion, Rom. 11. 22, 23. 25, and then at laſt in Chriſt's own Perſonal Diſpenſation. In the mean while, let no Gracious man wonder, in caſe his Houſe doth not Grow, in caſe his Outward Intereſt be not advanced, in caſe his Poſterity come ſhort of him, yea and in caſe that himſelf ſhall out-live his being Serviceable as he hath ſometimes been; p. 351all which may be the beſt man's portion, who yet may well be ſatisfied (as David was) if the Lord hath made with him an Everlaſting Covenant, 2 Sam. 23. 5.

9. David was forely Exerciſed with ſeveral bad Children. He had an Inceſtuous Amnon, a filthy Unnatural and Bloody Abſalom, and a Proud aſpiring Adonijah. Which as it is a ſad Affliction, ſo may it befall the deareſt of Gods Servants, leſt Grace ſhould ſeem to be Hereditary. But let ſuch Parents take heed of procuring that Triall unto themſelves, by their own Rebelling againſt the Lord, by ſetting a bad Example before their Children, and by a ſinfull or fond Indulging of them; in every of which reſpects good David failed ſadly. Let us mourn over that Corruption which we have entailed upon them, and let us correct them with holy Grief and not with ſinfull Anger, improving their Diſobedience unto the advantage of our Duty, and labouring by all holy means to prevent their Fall, and to recover them again, and in ſo doing let us humbly referre them to the Lord.

10. David was alſo Bodily afflicted with many Sickneſſes and ſad Diſeaſes, Pſa. 38. 3, 5, 7; which made his Life burdenſome, v. 2. 6. 8, and his Enemies to inſult, Pſal. 41. 8. Bodily health is a very great Outward Mercy, which yet is moſt abundantly granted to Wicked men, Pſal. 38. 19, whileſt thoſe of a Clean heart are thus Plagued all day long, Pſal. 73. 5. 14. But as an undutifull Child ſhall not need to break an Obedient Parent's heart, ſo neither need an Healthful Soul be overwhelmed with a Weakly p. 352Body. OnelyOnly let us take heed of being Acceſſary to ſuch Infirmities by our Fooliſhneſs, (as David doth confeſs he was, Pſa. 38. 5.) ſinfully Neglecting our Bodies, through careleſneſs or inordinate affections, or ſuperſtitious ſelf-impoſitions; and in ſo doing, we may be ſpiritually advantaged by a Feeble Conſtitution in a manifold reſpect, as ſeveral have experienced, unto their comfort and ſatisfaction.

11. David knew what it was to be Deſerted of God in point of inward Peace; ſadly complaining that his Bones were broken, pſa. 51. 8, and that he was Forſaken, pſal. 22. 1, yea for a long time forgotten, pſa. 13. 1. He that feareth the Lord may walk in Darkneſs and ſee no Light, Iſa. 50. 10; and Paul himſelf had fears within together with his outward fightings, 2 Cor. 7. 5; nay Chriſt was not exempted from this Temptation upon his dying Croſs, Matth. 27. 46, to comfort his poor Deſerted Members in the like condition, and to ſilence their cenſorious Ignorance, who will deny the Sun, meerly becauſe it ſetteth in a Cloud. This is indeed the Saints Hell on Earth, but yet no ground of any abſolute Diſcouragement; onelyonly let ſuch take heed of Tempting God to hide his face by their departure from him, or undervaluing of his Love in the Creature's preſence; and let them eſpecially beware of breaking their own bones, as David did, by a Dangerous fall from the Roof of his Houſe one Evening, 2 Sam. 11. 2, which did Occaſion that forementioned Complaint, pſa. 51. 8.

12. The Anger of the Lord was kindled againſt p. 353Iſrael, and he moved David againſt them, to ſay, Goe number Iſrael and Judah, 2 Sam. 24. 1: that is, God did righteouſly permit Satan to Provoke David hereunto, 1 Chro. 21. 1, and he left David therein unto his own Infirmity. Indeed man ought to charge himſelf Alone, with Temptations of a ſinful Nature, and not the Lord or any other, Jam. 1. 13, 14; nor is a bare Temptation ſinfull (no more than Chriſt's was, Mat. 4. 9.) ſave as a man is thereby Enticed and Drawn away, Jam. 1. 14; nor doth the Lord thus Tempt any man, v. 13, viz. as a man's own Luſt doth tempt himſelf, which is the wh…le of what that Scripture driveth at; and in which ſence, it is there alſo ſaid, that God Cannot be Tempted, viz. Enticed by any Evil, v. 13. But yet the Righteous God may Lead into Temptation, as Chriſt hinteth, Mat. 6. 13, and as himſelf experienced, when he was Led up of the Spirit into the Wilderneſs to be Tempted of the Devil, Mat. 4. 1, viz. by the Holy Ghoſt himſelf, Luke 4. 1. And thus the Lord may Tempt his People, by giving Satan leave to Buffet them, 2 Cor. 12. 7; or by Applying ſome Tempting Means unto them, Deut. 8. 2; and by Withdrawing his Arbitrary Influences from them, and leaving them unto themſelves, as did befall good Hezekiah, 2 Chro. 32. 31. And though this being Left under a Temptation, may Principally be upon the account of Others, as was in David's forenamed Caſe, 2 Sam. 24. 1; yet is it our Duty and Wiſdom chiefly to charge our ſelves therewith, as David then did, v. 17, and together therewith the ſad Conſequent of p. 354that Temptation was graciouſly rebuked. And though this be the ſaddeſt Diſpenſation that a Gracious heart can poſſibly fall under, yet we know that All things work together for good, to them who are the Called according to God's purpoſe, Rom. 8. 28. And let ſuch alſo know, that in relation to all theſe forementioned Trials, (as alſo thoſe which follow) there is a time comeing when all theſe Tears ſhall be wiped from their eyes, Rev. 21. 4.

This is the Summe of thoſe Afflictions which David met with more Immediately from God himſelf: which is the Second Branch of this Uſe for our Inſtruction.

III. Thirdly, David's hardeſt meaſures of all, were ſuch as he met with from Himſelf, or from his own Corruption: whoſe Failings in that reſpect, are alſo regiſtred in the Scriptures, not for Encouragement to do the like, but for our Warning. And if any ſhall take occaſion hence to Cheriſh the like Diſtempers in themſelves, let ſuch know, that this act alone doth ſufficiently diſcover what they are; ſince none of God's People have ever dared thus to doe, with reference unto a Known Temptation. Satan is called Baalzebub, 2 Kings 1. 2, or the God of Flies; and Beelzebub, as the Greek word is, Mat. 12. 24, or the God of Dung, becauſe of what thoſe Flies did Feed upon: and Satan indeed doth ſeem to be Their God, who (like thoſe filthy Flies) do feed upon ſuch Myſtical Excreſcencies. And on the other ſide, let none p. 355evidence that they are ſorry Virgins (and not Spouſes) by their being Nice and Coy in a way of Humour; or by their being apt to take Offence at the ſober Mentioning of David's Failings, which cannot be Hid, and which are therefore left upon Record, that ſo all might take notice of them for their good: eſpecially ſince Paul was guided by the Holy Ghoſt, to reckon up Iſrael's failings in the Wilderneſs, becauſe thoſe things were our Examples, and were written for our Admonition, to the intent that we ſhould not Luſt after Evil things, as they alſo Luſted, 1 Cor. 10. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

Now David's recorded Failings were either more Groſs or more Refined.

He very Groſſely fell in that matter of Ʋriah; wherein the ſpeech of Eliphaz might be applyed to him, Job 5. 1, becauſe he therein was ſo Singular; which is enough to terrifie every one from treading in the ſame ſteps; eſpecially ſince Solomon telleth us, that no ſuch Straglers Return again, neither take they hold of the paths of Life, Prov. 2. 19, however this Single David might be Miraculouſly recovered. And let it alſo be conſidered, how dearly David was made to pay for this Sin of his, both in a way of Inward Horrour, Perpetual Ignominy, and Outward Sufferings of the ſame kind, 2 Sam. 12. 10, 11, although his own Life was ſpared, by an act of ſpecial Grace, v. 13; and yet it is alſo evident, that he did not then walk up unto the top of his Houſe, with any Set Purpoſe to Fall thus from thence, but was meerly Overtaken there with this Temptation, 2 Sam. 11. 2, that others p. 356might take heed of ſuch like Occaſions, and leſt they fall from one great ſin into another, as David did; who yet when Raiſed up, did never Relapſe into the ſame again.

But there are ſome other of his more Refined Failings mentioned, which the Beſt of men are Subject unto and which are as followeth.

1. David confeſſeth, that himſelf (among the reſt) did not in Saul's dayes Enquire at the Ark of God, 1 Chro. 13. 3, as was his bounden Duty, by the Law of Moſes, Exod. 25. 22. Now that Ark was placed at the Weſt end of the Holy of Holyes (which was a Type of Heaven, the place of Gods preſence, Heb. 9. 24▪) or at the fartheſt diſtance from the Eaſt or Worldly worſhip, it being the cuſtom of Idolaters to worſhip towards the Eaſt or Sun-riſing. And ſo, the Generality of Profeſſors (at leaſt-wiſe in the dayes of Saul, who typified the Man of Sin,) have ſadly neglected to Enquire of God in the way of his Appointment; and have conſulted (as Saul was wont to doe) with their own Will, and Carnal Policy, and natural Reaſon, and meer Humane Authority, in the things of God; which hath continued both them and their Leaders, in many ſad Conſequents of that prepoſterous courſe. But ſo ſoon as David's Kingdom was competently ſettled, he then bethought himſelf of rectifying this abuſe more Generally, though he was formerly furniſhed with the Ephod, for his own Private Direction, which was accordingly impr…ved. And as to his forementioned Neglect, himſelf was then Conſtrained thereunto, through Saul's prophaneneſs; which cannot be p. 357ſo fairly pleaded by us in Goſpel times, ſince the Ark of God's Preſence is now more eaſie to be come by, and not Confined to one certain Place as heretofore it was. However, David was timely ſenſible of that miſcarriage, and did redreſs it; and nothing ſhort of that, will evidence, that ſuch like Tranſgreſſors in theſe latter dayes, are men of a truely Gracious Spirit.

2. David was ſomewhat Haſty, as himſelf confeſſeth; who ſaid in his Haſte, that he was Cut off, pſal. 31. 22, and that All men were Liars, pſal. 116. 11, chiefly referring unto Samuel, becauſe that Kingdom was ſo long Delayed, which Samuel had Anointed him unto. Hope deferred is apt to make the heart ſick, Pro. 13. 12; and as all ſick Perſons are ſubject to be Pettiſh, ſo ſome talk Idly then, which is more ordinary in this kind of Sickneſs. When Chriſt was Dead, ſome of his Diſciples began to Queſtion, whether this was He, Luke 24. 21, yea though they did then confeſs a Confirmation of it, by a ſufficient Report that he was Raiſed again, v. 22, 23, 24, who therefore were ſharply rebuked for their Folly and Unbelief, v. 25, as thoſe muſt expect to be, who are alike guilty. But thus to Cut off our ſelves (in caſe we be not Speedily relieved) is that which a Gracious heart is ſubject unto, both in relation to Temporal and Spiritual Temptations. We are very prone to Limit the Holy One of Iſrael unto our Time and Way of fulfilling what he hath promiſed; which if it doth not prove accordingly, we then give all for Loſt, and though we p. 358may not dare to Queſtion the Word of God, yet may we boldl… call that a falſe Interpretation of it, which may be the Truth. But David did onelyonly ſpeak thus in Haſte, and did Correct himſelf in Time, becauſe he was ſtill endued with that Spirit of Faith, whoſe preſent Exerciſe was for a while Suſpended, pſal. 116. 10: which is enough to ſtartle thoſe, who do in Cool blood Maintain what is the iſſue of their Unbelief, and who do Perſiſt therein notwithſtanding the ſufficient means offered for their Satisfaction.

3. David was ſometimes overpowered to make himſelf Worſe than indeed he was; as when he Feigned himſelf Mad, before Achiſh the King of Gath, 1 Sam. 21. 13; and when he Pretended to the ſame Achiſh, that he had been fighting againſt the men of Judah, 1 Sam. 27. 10; and when he bore Achiſh in hand, that he intended to be for him againſt the Iſraelites, 1 Sam. 29. 8. And thus in the dayes of Saul or the Man of Sin, many Profeſſors have been tempted to Feign themſelves Mad, and to make as if they had not the Exerciſe of their Reaſon and Underſtanding, to know ſuch Truths and Errours, which any ordinary man might ſee with half an Eye; and which themſelves knew well enough, but that they were Afraid to be endangered by the diſcovery of their Abilities: nay many have made an Outward ſhew of being for or againſt ſuch Things or Perſons, which in their Hearts they have been Contrarily affected towards. This is a great miſcarriage, which tendeth much unto the blemiſhing of our Profeſſion; p. 359and which the ſubtle Philiſtian Lords will not be alway deluded with, 1 Sam. 29. 4, however Simple Achiſh might be ſatisfied, ver. 9; and which diſcovered Incredulity of theirs hath been in much mercy to theſe poor ſelf-enſnaring Diſſemblers. But let us know, that David yet was but a Young Profeſſor, (which many cannot plead) and that his failing was not in point of Action, but onelyonly of Expreſſion and Appearance; which therefore cannot be compared with their Diſſimulation, who do proceed further. And as we would be preſerved from ſuch a Snare, ſo let us take heed of what betrayed David hereinto, which was his forementioned Haſtineſs or Unbelief.

4. David's Unbelief drove him at laſt to Flee out of the land of Iſrael into the land of Moab, 1 Sam. 22. 3; about which Flight he did not conſult with God, and for which the Prophet Gad rebuked him, v. 5. Now as to his Flight out of his own Land, too many have followed him over Haſtily (in times of Perſecution) under a pretenſe of providing for their Relations, as David then did, 1 Sam. 22. 3, 4: which though I will not abſolutely deny the Warrant of, yet ſurely we may not Flee upon every Light Occaſion out of that Land or Place in which the Lord hath ſet us, and not without Enquiring of God's Oracles for our Licenſe, eſpecially ſince many have been rebuked by the Lord (and by his Prophets or more Enlightened Servants) for their ſo doing, whereupon good David returned, 1 Sam. 22. 5. A godly mans heart is Fixed, with reſpect to Evil tydings, Pſa. 112. 7; and Chriſt p. 360forbiddeth going from Houſe to Houſe, Luke 10. 7; and ſome are diſgracefully called Wandring Stars, Jude 15, and Hirelings, who flee upon the Wolfe's appearance, Joh. 10. 12. And let it be obſerved, that David's ſpirit was never in ſo ſad a Caſe, as when he thus Fled, pſa. 120. 5, for fear of Doeg, v. 2, which hurried him into this ſudden undertaking, 1 Sam. 21. 7, and 22. 3: whereas his Faith was alway more Lively at other times, whileſt he was in the Wilderneſs of Ziph, pſal. 54. 4, 5, 7, and in the Cave, pſal. 57. 1, 2, 3, and Watched in his own Houſe, pſa. 59. 3. 10. 16, and in the Wilderneſs of Judah, Pſal. 63. 8, 9, 10, 11, and when he was in another Cave, Pſal. 142. 7; although his Outward Condition was then bad enough, but yet he was all this while in his own Land, (as is evident from the reſpective Titles of thoſe Pſalms) and fared from the Lord accordingly. And as we would not fall into the like Temptation, ſo let us take heed of Weakning our Spirits, as David then did his, by his Pretending that he was then ſent about Saul's Errand, 1 Sam. 21. 2, which did immediately uſher in this Flight of his, firſt unto Achiſh the King of Gath, v. 10, and then into the Land of Moab, 1 Sam. 22. 3.

And as to thoſe Perſons whom David now fled unto, (viz. the Moabites and Philiſtines) too many have alſo followed him in that reſpect, who have ſought for ſhelter unto Things and Perſons of a Moabitiſh and Philiſtian nature, endeavouring to ſecure themſelves by getting into favour with a Perſecuting and Uncircumciſed p. 361Party; and who have alſo Aggravated that Act of theirs, as David did, by a freſh complyance with that Philiſtian or Groſſer Intereſt, 1 Sam. 27. 2, from whence there had been formerly a very narrow eſcape, 1 Sam. 21. 12, and for which Mercy, Praiſes had been returned, pſal. 34. 1, compared with the Title. But yet David did live to Recover what he had hereby loſt, in his after-conflicts with thoſe whom he had ſometimes complyed with; and nothing ſhort of that, will ſatisfie concerning others, that they are men of David's Spirit.

5. David was once overtaken with a Temptation to Dally a little with his Light, in cutting off the Skirt of Saul's Robe privily, which was in order to his having Killed Saul, as his Servants moved, and as himſelf did intimate, by ſaying afterwards, The Lord forbid that I ſhould ſtretch forth mine hand againſt him, and by his Heart ſmiting him becauſe he had cut off Saul's Skirt, which could not relate to that Act alone, ſave as that was a Trial made upon his Conſcience, which if endured without Reluctancy, might have encouraged him to Perfect his Servants Motion, whom he was thus far willing to comply with, 1 Sam. 24. 4, 5, 6. It is indeed very ſad to Dally with ones Light at any time, ſince the Eye is ſoon put out, and not to be Reſtored without a Miracle. But yet alas how frequent is this Practice among Profeſſors, (although they will not confeſs it,) and how Rare a thing is a truely Tender Conſcience! Thence are ſuch grounded Jealouſies, that one ſcarce knoweth how to Truſt another; thence are ſuch p. 362bold Adventures to Speak and Act at pleaſure; thence are ſuch ſharp Conteſts among men of Differing Opinions, and not ſo much from Ignorance as want of Candour. I am no great Admirer of that Light which is in Every man, but I yet could be glad, if Every one did walk up faithfully unto what Light they have. And though good David was a little touched with this Diſtemper, yet was he preſently Heart-ſmitten, ſo as to confeſs his Folly and to proceed no further; which they ſhall do well to weigh, who Perſevere (upon a like Occaſion) and would Outface.

6. David was alſo once tranſported, in a way of Self-revenge; ſo as to deſign the utter ruine of Nabal's houſe, becauſe of his Churliſh and ungratefull carriage towards him, 1 Sam. 25. 21, 22. Revenge is very pleaſing to fleſh and blood, and is too apt to be indulged by the beſt, through want of exerciſing that Affection upon our own Corruptions, which is one Evidence of that Repentance not to be Repented of, 2 Cor. 7. 10, 11. But leſt any ſhould cheriſh this Diſtemper in themſelves becauſe of David's pattern, let ſuch alſo remember, that David did not put this Purpoſe of his in Execution, but was ſoon ſtopped in that Dirty-lane which led to Nabal's houſe, and Bleſſed God for that Obſtruction, 1 Sam. 25. 32, 33. And as a Motive to ceaſe from this kind of Anger, let us obſerve how ſpeedily the Lord himſelf Avenged David of this Nabal, ſo ſoon as the matter was referred to him, 1 Sam. 25. 38, 39, who hath ſaid, that Vengeance is his, and he will Repay, Rom. 12. 19.

p. 3637. Though David's Many Wives, 1 Sam. 30. 5, and 1 Chro. 14. 3, was not a Known ſin in thoſe Dayes, as is generally conceived; yet did he alſo undeniably evidence the Inordinacy of his Affection, when he ſo longed (as if he had been ſome Breeding Woman) for thoſe Waters of Bethlehem, which could not then be had, without the apparent hazard of their Lives who were to fetch them, 2 Sam. 23. 15. It is the Saints Duty to mortifie Inordinate Affection, Col. 3. 5, and to Abſtain from fleſhly Luſts, 1 Pet. 2. 11; and they that are Chriſt's, have Crucified the Fleſh with its Affections and Luſts, Gal. 5. 24; but yet they are long a Dying, as that word [Crucified] doth import; and therefore (perhaps) this Failing in David, may be Mentioned in the Latter end of his Life, 2 Sam. 23. 1, 15, though poſſibly it might relate unto his Younger dayes, as ſeemeth to be intimated, v. 13, and 1 Chron. 11. 10, 13, with 1 Sam. 22. 1. But leſt any ſhould be Encouraged by David's Example, let them remember, that he durſt not Drink thoſe Waters which he had ſo Impetuouſly thirſted after, but poured them out unto the Lord, 2 Sam. 23. 16, 17, that ſo we might be inſtructed, how to get rid of ſuch bad Companions.

8. I am of Opinion with thoſe who think, that David dealt not ſo Righteouſly with that Amalekite, who hoping for ſome Reward, did therefore falſly accuſe himſelf as if he had ſlain Saul, 2 Sam. 1. 10, whenas it is evident that Saul ſlew himſelf, his Armour-bearer ſtanding by till he was Dead of that wound, 1 Sam. 31. 4, 5: p. 364whereupon David forthwith proceeded to take away this poor Amalekites life, 2 Sam. 1. 15, without any forreign Witneſs, which God's Law required in that caſe, Num. 35. 30; and did not ſo much as Reprieve him untill the matter might have been known, yea though he confeſſed afterwards, that he then perceived what Temptation this man was under, 2 Sam. 4. 10. Now though it was Juſt with God, thus to meet with this Amalekite, as a warning to all Myſtical Amalekites or Earthly minded men, who will Wrong Themſelves for the Hope of Worldly gain: yet can I not wholly Juſtifie this Act in David, however it may be Extenuated by his now being in a Hurry, and in a Military Poſture, and under a Temptation of thus Vindicating himſelf from having had any hand in Saul's untimely death. Men are too apt to ſecure their own Intereſt, by intrenching upon another's; and many a Raſh Sentence is put in Execution without ſufficient Proof (at leaſt-wiſe unto the Murthering of a man's Good Name) without any Witneſs or Viſible ground, or the Parties own Confeſſion, nay though he doth Declare unto the contrary, beyond what he is bound to doe. But let all ſuch falſe Witneſſes know, that by the Law of God they ſhould be dealt with themſelves as they had thought to have done unto their Brother, Deut. 19. 18, 19, 20, 21, which God will yet put in Execution, though man doth not, Pſa. 7. 16.

9. David did ill, in ſparing Joab, whom he knew to have been a wilfull Murtherer, both in the caſe of Amaſa, 2 Sam. 20. 9, 10, and Abner, p. 3652 Sam. 3. 27. Others alſo have been bold to do the like, whom I would wiſh to conſider, whether they can find any Warrant for their ſo doing from Num. 35. 31, Gen. 9. 6. And if any ſhall make a Plea of David's Practice, let them know, that as his Failings are not written for our Copy, ſo neither did he Pardon Joab, but onelyonly Delayed to proceed againſt him, becauſe the other was too Hard for him, 2 Sam. 3. 39, untill a fit Seaſon came, and then he gave order for his juſt Puniſhment, 1 Kings 2. 5, 6, and in the mean while did ſufficiently declare againſt his wicked act, by that dreadfull Curſe, 2 Sam. 3. 29. And though this kind of Indulgence, hath moſtly prevailed under Saul's Diſpenſation, yet let the Ruling Saints take heed, leſt they be overtaken with the like Temptation, upon ſome Politick account, as David then was. And though every Private Perſon be not in a capacity of conniving at wilfull Murder, yet all are too apt to ſtop the courſe of Juſtice, or at leaſtwiſe not to Open that Obſtruction, when it relateth to ſome more Conſiderable or uſeful Perſon, as Joab then was, according to a Worldly rule of Judging. But as men of Joab's ſpirit muſt expect to be reckoned with by Solomon, or Chriſt himſelf, notwithſtanding all their former good Service; ſo let the Indulgers of ſuch a ſpirit know, that Joab was a continued Thorn in David's ſide, not onelyonly croſſing him in Abſalom's death, 2 Sam. 18. 12. 14, but alſo ſadly complying with him in Ʋriah's Murther, 2 Sam. 11. 15, 16, 17. Though it ſhould chiefly ſway with Churches and Civil Governours, not to p. 366Reſpect men's Perſons in ſuch a caſe, becauſe the Judgement is not their's but God's, Deut. 1. 17.

10. David did ſurely Fail, when he was Diſpleaſed with the Lord himſelf, becauſe he had made a breach upon Ʋzza, 2 Sam. 6. 8, as if the Lord had thereby given him ſome juſt occaſion of Offence. Shall mortal man be more Pure than his Maker? May not God doe whatever his Soul deſireth? Muſt he give Account of any of his matters? When David had ſinned grievouſly in the matter of Ʋriah, it is onelyonly ſaid, that God was Diſpleaſed with him, 2 Sam. 11. 27; and may David be Diſpleaſed or Angry, becauſe God deſtroyed Ʋzza? Eſpecially ſince that Act of God was not reſolved into his Soveraignty, but was an act of righteous Juſtice, becauſe Ʋzza did then Tranſgreſs the known Law, in touching that Sacred Ark which none but the Levites might meddle with, Num. 4. 2, 15. How prone is ſorry Man to find fault with God, ever ſince he was Ambitious of being Equal with him, Gen. 3. 5, 6! Our hearts are Naturally very Haughty, which doth appear when we are Croſſed, and Proud fleſh cannot endure the leaſt Touch of that nature. And though a Gracious heart be not ſo apt to be thus tranſported upon a Worldly occaſion, yet let him take heed in David's caſe, or when the Lord ſhall ſeem to Check him in his holy Zeal, which we are too prone to expect his abſolute Acceptance of, and Pettiſhly to let it fall upon the leaſt Diſcouragement. But we muſt alſo know, that David ſoon recovered this ſudden ſlip, and ſpeedily returned p. 367to his former Duty, Juſtifying God and taking the blame upon himſelf, as being the cauſe of that rebuke, 1 Chro. 15. 13.

11. David doth ſeem to evidence at one time much of a Cruel ſpirit, both in his ſentencing a ſuppoſed Oppreſſour, and in that Execution which he did upon the ſubdued Ammonites. When Nathan was ſent unto him, to draw out a Confeſſion againſt himſelf in the matter of Ʋriah, under the Perſon of a Rich man taking a Poor man's Lamb to ſpare his own flock, 2 Sam. 12. 1, 2, 3, 4; David's anger was greatly kindled (little thinking that Nathan meant Him,) and whereas the Law did onelyonly require a four-fold Reſtauration, Exod. 22. 1, David made bold to Add, the Death of that Rich man alſo, v. 5, 6: but when that Parable was explained, he then would have been loth that Sentence ſhould have been executed upon himſelf. From whence we may obſerve, how apt the Beſt are ſometimes, to be ſevere in Judging others, untill it come to be their own Particular Caſe.

And as David did thus Hardly Sentence, ſo alſo he was as Cruel, in that Execution which he then did upon the Ammonites, putting them under Saws and Harrows and Axes of Iron, 2 Sam. 12. 31. Now as we would not be overtaken with the like Temptation, ſo let us take heed of Groſs breach of Duty, which David lay under the Guilt of at that time, and which did then occaſion the unuſual Fierceneſs of his Diſpoſition.

12. David did ſinfully Indulge ſome of his Children; not having Diſpleaſed Adonijah in all p. 368his life, 1 Kings 1. 6; and being ſo fond of Abſalom, as that his Soul longed after him, 2 Sam. 13. 39, (although he had unnaturally murthered his Brother Amnon, v. 28, 29,) and earneſtly wiſhed that he had Died for him, 2 Sam. 18. 33, although that wicked Son did then ſeek his own Father's Life. It is an ordinary thing for Parents to make their Children Wantons; and to overlook in them, what is ſeverely witneſſed againſt, in others. But let ſuch childiſh Parents bear in mind, how ſadly poor David ſmarted for his Fondneſs; ſince Adonijah was Ambitious unto the ſhortning of his dayes, becauſe his Father had not Diſpleaſed him at any time, 1 Kings 5. 6, 7; and ſince indulged Abſalom would fain have murthered his Father, and did murther his Brother, becauſe David did not cut off Inceſtuous Amnon, as he ſhould have done, Lev. 20. 17, and becauſe he ſpared Abſalom who Bloodily accompliſhed that work himſelf. And though David was much in captivity to this Diſtemper, yet did he overcome it before his death, and made that up in Solomon's good Education, which had been wanting in him to the reſt, as hath been formerly declared.

13. David doth ſeem not to have dealt ſo fairly, when he gave all Mephiboſheth's Land to Ziba, upon his falſe Accuſation of him in the other's abſence, 2 Sam. 16. 4; which was the worſe, becauſe Ziba had half the Land given him ſtill, after that Mephiboſheth had ſufficiently vindicated himſelf from that Aſperſion, 2 Sam. 19. 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. A good man may poſſibly be enſnared by another's Flattery, p. 369to Judge unjuſtly before both Parties be heard to ſpeak; and that may betray him (being once engaged) to Perſiſt in what he hath ſo done, at leaſtwiſe not to reverſe it wholly, when the truth is known. The beſt earthen Pitcher may be ſometime carried by One ear, which yet is a ſign of Emptineſs; and fawning Sycophants are apt to be too acceptably entertained, which yet is a Sin and Shame; and when a man is once Engaged in an evil way, 'tis not ſo eaſie to Return, which ſhould provoke us to take heed of bad Beginnings. But David now was not himſelf, and though he did fail in this particular act, yet was it his Habitual Purpoſe, to cut off the Privy Slanderer, pſa. 101. 5.

14. David confeſſed, that he had ſinned greatly, when he would needs know his utmoſt Strength, or all the fighting men that were in Iſrael and Judah, 2 Sam. 24. 2, notwithſtanding Joab's witneſſing againſt it, and earneſt Diſſwaſion from it, v. 3, 4, and 1 Chro. 21. 3, 4. The beſt of men are too apt to Delight themſelves in Viewing their ſuppoſed ſtrength, in point of Gifts or Graces or any other ſelf-elevating Advantages, which is Abominable in the eyes of a meer Carnal Joab, and much Provoking unto the Lord himſelf. Indeed a man may Lawfully take notice of what Good he hath received, in order to his giving God the Glory of it, 1 Cor. 15. 10; but we are apt to do ſo in a way of Vain glory and Self-pleaſing, as David did, which is a great miſcarriage. And let it be obſerved, whether the Declining ſtate of David's Diſpenſation in the Latter dayes, be not p. 370attended with the vain Boaſting of a meer Fleſhly Numerous Party; which alway hath been the bad Companion of Outward Peace and Temporal Proſperity, among the Generality of Profeſſors. But as a Corroſive to ſuch Proud fleſh, let it be duely weighed, that David was hereunto Provoked by the Devil, 1 Chron. 21. 1; and did Confeſs this Sin unto the full, v. 8. 17; and never did commit the like again; neither was this Numbring Perfected, or put in the Accompt of his Chronicles, 1 Chro. 27. 23, 24: and that he was alſo ſharply Corrected by the Lord, by his Loſing Seventy thouſand of what he had ſo Gloried in, 1 Chro. 21. 14; which may be expected by all, as the Righteous Conſequent of their delighting to ſtand in the proud View of their apprehended Excellencies.

15. David doth alſo confeſs, that he had not Duely ſought the Lord, when he attempted to Remove the Ark, 1 Chro. 15. 13, which ſhould have been carried by the Levites upon their Shoulders, v. 2, and not by Oxen upon a Cart, as then it was, 1 Chro. 13. 7, and therefore was poor Ʋzza ſmitten, ver. 10. From whence we may obſerve, that the Beſt men are apt to mannage a Good cauſe Badly; and in Particular by Tranſlating the Burden of that Duty upon others, which the Lord hath impoſed upon our ſelves. It is good to be Enquring of God in ſuch a caſe, ſince we are naturally prone to ſpare our own Shoulders, and to conſult with carnal Policy in matters of a Religious nature. All ſeem Deſirous, that Goſpel-worſhip might be Advanced; but p. 371few are willing to take that Ark upon their Backs, ſo long as there are any Oxen to bear it for them, by means whereof it ſhaketh or is Endangered, which doth occaſion ſome freſh Preſumptuous act, unto the Death of ſome, and the Rebuking of all the reſt. Which inſtance may more eſpecially referre unto a time to come; but yet is fully Exemplified at this day: ſince we have been too apt to lay heavy burdens upon the backs of others; upon which the Ark hath lately ſhaken, which ſome well-meaning Ʋzza hath endeavoured to hold up by unhallowed means; and therefore perhaps the Lord hath ſmitten them with the Plague, which Iſrael is threatned with, in caſe they do neglect their Open ſolemn Worſhip, when called thereunto, Exod. 5. 3, which we in Goſpel-times are bid to hold up, in the face of greateſt outward danger, Mat. 10. 27, 28, and are forbidden going from Houſe to Houſe, in a way of deſigning Privacy, Luke 10. 7. And this Ignorance of a Due Order proceedeth from a foregoing Neglect of conſulting with God's Oracles, through the corruptions of former times; as David was therefore ignorant, that this work belonged to the Levites, becauſe they had generally Diſregarded God's Ark in the dayes of Saul, 1 Chro. 13. 3.

16. The Lord had ordered, that the Ark ſhould be Placed within the Tabernacle, Exod. 26. 33; but David brought the Ark into Jeruſalem, and left the Tabernacle behind at Gibeon, 1 Chron. 16. 37. 39, appointing Aſaph to miniſter before the Ark, and Zadok before the p. 372Tabernacle, which was not according to God's Order. It is an hard matter to carry on God's work by Whole-ſale, and not to leave ſome part thereof behind. And though David had now got the Better part, viz. the Ark) into his own Houſe, yet did he hereby occaſion Others to wait upon an Empty Tabernacle. Thus ſome are ſatisfied with a Form of Godlineſs without its Power, whileſt others pretending to the Power do therefore diſregard an inſtituted Form, and little think that both theſe ſhould go together till God give further Order. And as this Partial dealing with God's Appointments prevailed thus in David's time; ſo I expect it will befall his Diſpenſation in the latter dayes; nor will it be much to be wondred at, if the Beſt ſhall Differ each from other, on this ſide what the Temple typified, eſpecially a little before the final Diſſolution of a Tabernacle ſtate: But to prevent our making light of ſuch a failing, let us remember how oft good David was left without Advice from God, after that he had thus put Aſunder what God had Joyned: and that Chriſt (whom David typified) would not omit one jot or tittle of the Law till all was fulfilled, accounting him the Leaſt in the Kingdom of Heaven, who ſhall do otherwiſe, Matt. 5. 18, 19.

17. Though David had the Ark at home, yet did he uſe to Worſhip in an High Place at Gibeon, where he had left the Tabernacle, 1 Chro. 16. 39. 40, where Solomon alſo worſhipped and a…l the People, which was their Sin, 1 Kings 3. …, 3, 4. And it is evident, that David did put p. 373more Honour upon that High-place than upon the Ark, becauſe he had onelyonly Aſaph a Levite to miniſter before the Ark, 1 Chron. 16. 37, whereas Zadok the prime High-prieſt did ſerve before the Tabernacle in that High-place at Gibeon, v. 39. From whence we may obſerve, how prone men are to Intermingle ſomething of their own with God's Appointments; and highly to preferre the Tabernacle-Outſide of a Duty before the Ark of God's Power; and under the Pretenſe of God's Tabernacle to Magnifie their own Inventions or Superſtitious High-places. And let it be duely weighed, that this turning of God's own Tabernacle into an Idolized Form, was the Conſequent (or at leaſtwiſe the Concomitant) of its being ſevered from the Ark, which thoſe are moſt ſubject unto, who do pretend at the Higheſt rate; ſo Dangerous a thing it is to ſever what God hath Joyned, and ſo Natural a thing it is to be Will-worſhippers and not to ſee it. This alſo may prove another great Temptation in theſe Latter dayes, for the preventing whereof, let us remember, that the forementioned Plague (which thinned David's Worſhippers and Warriours) did ſo rage in this High-place at Gibeon, as that David was afraid to come thereat, 1 Chro. 21. 29, 30, and he grew out of conceit therewith ever after, having met with more of God's gracious preſence otherwhere, v. 28. And thus the Lord at laſt will gather up his precious ones, into One fixed Temple-ſtate of his own appointing, out of all thoſe ſuperſtitious Wandrings and Diviſions, which have been the fruit of their religious Humours; p. 374as he now ſhewed David where that Temple ſhould be built, which yet he was onelyonly ſuffered to make Proviſion for, but might not Set it up, 1 Chro. 22. 1, 2, 3. 7, 8.

18. When David was in Proſperity, he ſaid, he never ſhould be moved, Pſal. 30. 6: from whence we may obſerve, how prone the Beſt are to be Secure, which is their ſinfull weakneſs; as on the other ſide, in a day of Adverſity to conclude that God hath forgotten to be Gracious, which David confeſſeth to have been his Infirmity, Pſal. 77. 9, 10. We are apt to walk by Sight, and ſo to be enſnared, by reaſon of our unacquaintance with God's Methods, who keepeth not unto the common road of man's Reaſon, that ſo his People's Faith might be in continual Exerciſe. We are naturally of a very Narrow and Preſentaneous ſpirit, not willing (through ſelf-love) to prepare for Darkneſs in a Sun-ſhine day, nor (at another time) to Hope for mercy, through our Peeviſh Unbelief. But as good David overcame Deſpondency, when he remembred that God's Way was in the Sanctuary, Pſal. 77. 9. 13; ſo alſo was his Security rebuked, by the Sudden Hiding of God's face, unto his being Troubled, Pſal. 30. 7; both which are regiſtred for our Warning and Direction, in relation to thoſe two Extreams.

19. David was once tempted to Hold his Peace from Good, whileſt the Wicked was before him, Pſa. 39. 1, 2. And it ſhould ſeem, that the Good Diſcourſe which he did then Refrain, related to the Creature's Vanity, Pſal. 39. 4, 5, 6, p. 375which Wicked men cannot endure to hear of; and therefore he calleth it a Parable or Dark Saying, Pſal. 49. 4, which doth concern the Worldlings Folly, who Truſt in that which cannot Save them from the Grave, v. 6, 7, 9, nor prevent the Righteous from having Dominion over them in the Morning, v. 14, or when the Sun of Righteouſneſs ſhall ariſe. Wicked men are Earthly-minded, who therefore will not underſtand nor can endure to hear, that their Life is ſhort, and that their Wealth is worthleſs, and that the poor afflicted Saints ſhall one Day be poſſeſſed of their preſent portion: in which reſpect, the Beſt are apt to Speak of ſuch things Darkly, and ſometimes to Hold their peace. How hard it is to bear a Full and Faithful teſtimony to Offenſive Truths! But as it is a bad Sign to be Offended with the Truths of Chriſt, ſo is it the Diſpoſition of Gracious heart to Overcome his ſinfull Silence, as David then did, whoſe ſorrow was ſtirred, and whoſe heart was hot within him, untill the burning fire had made a paſſage for his muſing by his Speech, Pſal. 39. 2. 3. Thoſe are not of David's Spirit, who are in bondage unto that Temptation of ſinfull Silence, although the Beſt may for a while be hard put to it, Jer. 20. 9.

20. David confeſſeth, that his feet were almoſt gone, in point of Envy at the Sinners Happineſs, Pſa. 73. 2, 3, conſidering how himſelf was dealt with, v. 14. But yet he quickly did recover himſelf, v. 15, by going into the Sanctuary, or communing with God's Oracles, v. 17, and ſtyled himſelf a Fooliſh Ignorant Beaſt, becauſe p. 376of his being ſo diſturbed without any juſt cauſe, v. 21, 22, 23.

Theſe are the Principal of David's regiſtred Miſcarriages; which I have not Delighted to …ake into, but that I could not well avoid it, in this Set Diſcourſe about his whole Deſcription: eſpecially ſince many are apt to Argue from his Failings, which I have therefore mentioned together with their due Extenuations and Diſſwaſives, that ſo none may make the worſt hereof, in way of Cenſure or Miſimprovement.

And thus I have now Finiſhed this Second Uſe, which is for our Inſtruction.

Ʋſe 3. I ſhall conclude all, with a few words of Exhortation, to be ſuch as David was for the Main, viz. Men and Women after God's own heart.

And one would think, there needeth no other Motive, ſave what is hinted from the Duty it ſelf Exhorted unto. Our firſt Parents were ſo Ambitious of being Like to God, as that they ventured their All, in the purſuit of a meer Deluſion; and ſhall we then ſtick at any thing, to Purchaſe that which will Truly make us ſuch as the Lord himſelf is? What can be deſired more, than to be After God's own heart, who is the Centre of all Perfection; although there were no other Encouragement, ſave what ariſeth from the Thing it ſelf?

But yet becauſe naked Grace and Duty are of ſmall account in moſt men's eyes, I ſhall therefore p. 377endeavour to ſet this Exhortation home upon the hearts of all, by ſeveral Motives; and ſhall confine my ſelf to ſuch things onelyonly, as did befall good David, (above Saul) and every of which may be expected as their Portion who do reſemble him in point of Grace, and which are as followeth.

Mot. 1. David was anointed King, 1 Sam. 16. 13, and was Peculiarly choſen by the Lord himſelf, Pſa. 78. 70, who did Preferre him before Saul, 1 Sam. 15. 28, and before his own Brethren, 1 Sam. 16, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Men after God's own heart, are Choſen Veſſels, (as Paul was, Act. 9. 15.) whom God Preferreth before the reſt; who are made Kings, and who ſhall Reign on Earth, Rev. 5. 10. Now this Kingdom of theirs hath hitherto been of a Spiritual nature onelyonly, (which yet is a ſufficient Dignity;) but their Inward Grace will in due time grow up to Outward Glory, which ſhall be Generally given forth at Chriſt's Perſonal Appearing, Col. 3. 4, a more Particular taſte whereof will be on this ſide that time, …. 15, according to what they were viſibly A…inted unto from the time of that War, v. 7, and which they took Poſſeſſion of when the Witneſſes Aſcended up to Heaven, v. 12: as Chriſt was Proclaimed King, Luke 19▪ 38, before his Suffering, and went to receive that Kingdom at his Aſcenſion, Luke 19. 11, 12, which yet he will not Viſibly and fully exerciſe till his Return, 2 Tim. 4. 1; and in a way ſuitable to what befell David. This Honour ſhall one day be conferred upon all the Saints; and when they ſhall p. 378thus Viſibly appear with Crowns upon their heads, then every one will wiſh that He alſo had been a man after God's own heart; which therefore is the firſt Motive to be of that Number.

2. David was made to Wait and Suffer much, between his Anoynting and Coronation, that ſo he might be Fitted and Prepared for his Kingdom: which though (Materially conſidered) it was Afflicting, yet was it of ſpecial uſe, ſince he was very Young when firſt Anoynted, 1 Sam. 16. 11, and wanted that Experience which is the fruit of Patience, Rom. 5. 3, 4; and therefore he did not over-haſtily deſire Saul's deſtruction, Pſal. 59. 11. The Anoynted Warring Witneſſes have no great mind to Die; but vet they that Reign with Chriſt muſt alſo Suffer with him, 2 Tim. 2. 12, who learnt Obedience by what he ſuffered, Heb. 5. 8, and who in Mercy to his People will not Advance them over-ſpeedily, untill he hath firſt Wrought them for it, 2 Cor. 5. 5, and made them Meet to be Partakers of it, Col. 1. 12. When Iſrael came firſt up out of Egypt, they had a Mixed multitude with them, Exod. 12. 38, who ſet the reſt a Luſting, Num. 11. 4; and therefore they might not enter into the Land of Promiſe, till thoſe bad Humours were Purged out, Num. 14. 29. 30: and when that People's preſent Captivity ſhall be returned, the Lord will firſt bring them into Another Wilderneſs, untill he hath Purged out the Rebels from among them, Ezek. 20. 34, 35, 36, 37, 38. Sudden alterations are apt to Overſet the Creature's Weakneſs, and p. 379therefore the Lord doth Gradually proceed in doing Good unto them, firſt Preparing their Heart, and then cauſing his Ear to hear, Pſal. 10. 17. Saul was Immediately poſſeſſed of his whole Dominion, but David was made to Stay, untill he had firſt ſerved two Apprentiſhips, that ſo he might be the better able to drive that Trade, which is the happy Portion of every Gracious Soul, and another Motive to be of that Number.

3. When Saul was once Dead, though David had long VVar with his Houſe, yet did he wax ſtronger daily, 2 Sam. 3. 1, and many fell off unto him, untill his Hoſt was Great, like the Hoſt of God, 1 Chro. 12. 22. And let it be obſerved, how this Agreeth with the VVitneſſes, between the time of their Aſcenſion and the Seventh Trumpet's ſounding; as it hath been made good to Chriſt (in his Intereſts and Members) ever ſince himſelf Aſcended. In the mean while, this is the Portion of every gracious Soul, to wax ſtronger and ſtronger, ever after his firſt Main conteſt with the Body of Sin, which from that time is called the Body of Death, becauſe it groweth VVeaker daily, notwithſtanding ſome leſſer Conflicts afterwards, which may interrupt the Peace and Fulneſs of his Spiritual Dominion for the time being; and which alſo is occaſioned by his own Indulging thoſe Spiritual Adverſaries (as David did his) againſt whom if all offered Advantages were carefully Improved, this VVar might ſooner come unto an happy Iſſue.

4. David was furniſhed with a Spirit ſuitable p. 380to that work which God had called him unto, from that very Day wherein he was Anointed, 1 Sam. 16. 13. And as the Spirit of God was upon Chriſt, becauſe he was Anoynted, Iſa. 61. 1; ſo is it alſo given forth unto all his anoynted Servants, according to the meaſure of the Gift of Chriſt. The Saints are poor Creatures in themſelves, but they are encouraged to expect the help of God's Spirit in their enquiring into myſterious and needfull Truths, Joh. 16. 13, 14; in their performance of Religious Duties, Rom. 8, 26; in their Reviving Prohibited Temple-work, Hag. 2. 4, 5; in their honourable mannagement of Suffering ſervice, Mat. 10. 19, 20; and in their unuſual converſe about Difficult affairs (whether Spiritual, Civil or Military) when called thereunto, Iſa. 28, 5, 6. Saul had ſome Ordinary Gifts of Gods Spirit conferr'd upon him, ſuch as a VVicked man may ſhare in; but David did experience it's more Peculiar Influences, in his Overcoming that Goliah whom Saul fled from; an Extraordinary meaſure of which Spirit did alſo appear in his unparallel'd VVorthies, 2 Sam. 23. 8, &c. which hath been Spiritually Exemplified in all thoſe of David's Spirit hitherto, who have done very Strange Exploits, as an Encouragement unto others to be of that Number.

5. David was Succeſſefull in what he undertook, for the Lord was with him, 1 Sam. 16. 18, enabling him to ſlay that Giant, 1 Sam. 17. 50; and to Take that impregnable Fort of Sion, 1 Chro. 11. 5; and Preſerving him whitherſoever he went, 1 Chron. 18. 6. A wicked man p. 381may Proſper in what he putteth his hand unto, Jer. 5. 28; but as it proveth Deſtructive to them, Prov. 1. 32, ſo they have no Promiſe for it, but may Expect the quite contrary, Deut. 28. 29: whereas a Gracious heart hath this Enſured to him, Pſa. 1. 3, becauſe ſuch do Delight themſelves in God, and do commit their way unto him, Pſa. 37. 4, 5, and do belong unto that Sion, where God doth command the Bleſſing, Pſa. 133. 3. The Spirit of God in ſuch doth work Effectually, ſo as to Overcome the Stouteſt Adverſary and Strongeſt Hold, notwithſtanding the Deſpicableneſs of their Perſons, and the Weakneſs of thoſe Means which they make uſe of. The onelyonly way to be Succeſſefull in our Attempts, is to become men after God's own heart.

6. David was Accepted in the ſight of Saul's Servants, and of all the People, 1 Sam. 18. 5, who Loved him, v. 16, and among whom his Name was much ſet by, becauſe of his Singular Wiſdom, v. 30; and Jonathan Loved him as his own Soul, v. 1; nay Saul himſelf did ſometimes greatly Love him, 1 Sam. 16. 21, who afterwards did Fear him, becauſe the Lord was with him, 1 Sam. 18. 12, and becauſe he did behave himſelf ſo very wiſely, ver. 15, which made him at the laſt to turn his utter Enemy, v. 29. Every one would fain inherit the Good will of all, and the onelyonly way to do ſo, is to be ſuch as David was. Such is the Glory of that Grace and Wiſdom, beſtowed upon a man after God's own heart, as that the Common ſort of people cannot but Love him; yea Hypocrites p. 382themſelves do therefore Reverence him, and are Afraid at the ſight of God in him, whom they have no cauſe to Hate, but onelyonly that they ſo Envy his ſuperiour worth, and Fear that God will Advance him above themſelves; which maketh them to become his Enemies, whileſt others of a Groſſer ſpirit Favour him, as the Moabites and Philiſtines did David, when Saul was ſett againſt him, and as the Heathens did Paul when he was Perſecuted by his Friends and Brethren, Act. 23. 27, & 24. 23, & 27. 3, & 28. 2, 7, 16, 30, 31.

7. David was Seen by Others, to be a Worthy man, and one whom the Lord intended to Advance accordingly. Abigail could ſay, that God would certainly make him a ſure Houſe, becauſe he had fought his Battels, and becauſe no Evil had ever been found in him, 1 Sam. 25. 28. Nay Saul himſelf Saw and Knew that the Lord was with David, 1 Sam. 18. 28, who alſo confeſſed that he was more Righteous than himſelf, 1 Sam. 24. 17, and that he Knew well he ſhould be ſurely King, v. 20, as his Son Jonathan had formerly hinted, 1 Sam. 23. 17. Though wicked men and worldly Profeſſors may Revile God's precious ones, yet are they convinced in their Conſciences that they are more righteous than themſelves, and are ſometimes conſtrained to confeſs it, as Paul was in part acknowledged by thoſe cenſorious Corinthians, 2 Cor. 1. 13, 14, whom the Lycaonians Deified, Act. 14. 11, as alſo did thoſe Barbarians, Act. 28. 6. and whom the Devil himſelf acknowledged to be the Servant of the moſt High God, Act. 16. 17. p. 383And as they know them to be men of Worth, ſo alſo they know that God will Advance them, and therefore are glad at laſt to Indent with the Saints for their own Security, as Saul did with David, when he was wearied with his Unprofitable and Unſucceſſefull Perſecution, 1 Sam. 24. 21.

8. The Lord did by a ſpecial hand of Providence, convey the Ephod (together with Abiathar) from Saul to David, 1 Sam. 23. 6; which ſtood him in great ſtead, as being that by which he might come to know God's Mind and Will, and which he did accordingly Experience, unto his great advantage, v. 9; who alſo was confident that God would Guide him by his Counſel, untill he did receive him unto Glory, Pſa. 73. 24, for God had Promiſed to Guide him with his Eye, and to Inſtruct and teach him the way that he ſhould goe, Pſa. 32. 8, in anſwer to his earneſt Prayer, Pſa. 143. 8. A man after God's own heart may comfortably wait upon the Lord for his Direction, and is ſupplyed with Peculiar means accordingly; he hath the Mind of Chriſt, 1 Cor. 2. 16, and is endued with that Spirit, which Leadeth into all Truth, Joh. 16. 13; whileſt others are left to walk in their own counſels, Pſal. 81. 12, and Periſh through lack of Knowledge, as Saul did when he had loſt the Ephod.

9. David was confident that God would Hear him when he did call unto him, Pſa. 4. 3, and therefore he would then Look up, Pſa. 5. 3; and did accordingly Experience it, when he at any time conſulted with him, 1 Sam. 23. 2. 4. 11, p. 384and 30. 8; which he acknowledgeth, Pſal. 3. 4, & 6. 8, 9; who therefore reſolved to crie unto him, that performeth all things for him, Pſal. 57. 2. Every man would have his Deſires granted, which yet none but a Gracious Soul can Groundedly expect, whoſe Voice is ſweet, whoſe Perſon is accepted; who goeth unto a loving Father, by the Son, and through the Spirits help: whileſt the Sacrifice of the Wicked is declared to be Abominable. And as the Saints have alway been prevailing in their Prayer, ſo will this Eminently appear in theſe Latter dayes, when God will Hear them whiles they are yet Speaking, Iſa. 65. 24, when they ſhall Search for him with all their heart, Jer. 29. 13, and when they ſhall offer unto the Lord a Pleaſant Offering as in the dayes of Old, Mal. 3. 3, 4.

10. God did conſider David's Trouble, and Knew his Soul in Adverſities, Pſa. 31. 7; and though he Chaſtened him ſore, yet did he not give him over unto Death, Pſa. 118. 18; nor did he leave him unto the mercy of his Enemies, 2 Sam. 24. 13, 14, 15; but did Miraculouſly Preſerve him from Saul's fury, by a ſtrange Diverſion, when Saul had once ſurrounded him, 1 Sam. 23. 26, 27, 28; becauſe God did Delight in him, Pſa. 18. 19. The righteous Lord doth Weigh the Path of his Juſt ones, when they are made to walk in Heavy wayes, Iſa. 26. 7; and debateth with them in Meaſure, ſtaying his Rough-wind in the day of the Eaſt-wind, Iſa. 27. 8. He doth deliver them from too great a death, 2 Cor. 1. 10, and will not ſuffer them to p. 385be Tempted above what they are able to bear, 1 Cor. 10. 13, though Satan doth very much Deſire to have them, Luke 22. 31. Himſelf is both their Judge and Executioner, 1 Cor. 11. 32, whileſt Wicked men are delivered up by him unto the Officer, Mat. 5. 25. God's Iſrael are an unconſumed Burning Buſh, Exod. 3. 2, whom he knoweth how to deliver out of Temptations, 2 Pet. 2. 9; and doth thus diſpenſe himſelf unto them in way of Special Mercy, Iſa. 38. 17.

11. The Lord was better unto David than He would have been unto himſelf; crowning him with his Preventing Goodneſs, Pſa. 21. 3. An eminent Inſtance whereof was, when he was Forcibly hindred from Joyning with Achiſh againſt Iſrael, 1 Sam. 29. 9, 10, 11, who doubtleſſely would in the Battel have fought againſt Achiſh, as his Prudent Lords concluded, v. 4; which would have made the Philiſtines to Blaſpheme exceedingly: but therefore the Lord ſo ordered it as that David could not Enſnare himſelf, as he did then Endeavour to have done, v. 8. Men after God's own heart, do frequently experience his Overpowring goodneſs, in way of Mercy to themſelves; whom his good Spirit doth not Permit to blemiſh their Profeſſion and prejudice their Peace, as they would doe, if left unto their own Devices and Inclinations. He biddeth that they ſhould Pray, but yet he Acteth for them beyond what they Ask or Think, in anſwer to their Habitual deſires, and p. 386to the crie of their Condition, which they cannot ſometimes Expreſs, through want of underſtanding, or from the Prevalency of their Diſtempers. How might the Beſt be Overtaken with ſad Tentations, if the Lord did not ſometimes Anſwer before they Call, by keeping them out of the way of ſuch Occaſions! And every one will one day wiſh, that he had been of that Number, whom God doth thus Prevent with unrequeſted mercy.

12. When David onelyonly had it in his Heart to build a Temple, God did Accept his good …ntent, and did Reward him for it, as if he had accompliſhed his Purpoſe, 2 Sam. 7. 2. 11. The Acceptance of a Willing mind, is one Peculiar priviledge belonging to a true Believer, when non-performance is not from want of Will, 2 Cor. 8. 11, 12. Chriſt is content to eat his Spouſes Honey-comb, Cant. 5. 1; who can Interpret the Characters of his Peoples Sighs and Groans, Rom. 8. 26, 27; and letteth their Deſires paſs for Actions, or elſe All his Sheep could not be ſaid to have Relieved him in Want, Mat. 25. 35, 36, ſince many of them are unable ſo to doe, but yet becauſe the Pooreſt and Weakeſt Saint is not wanting in point of Will, he therefore is Reckoned among the reſt, as if he had Done accordingly. Eternal Glory is thus diſpenſed unto ſuch in way of Righteouſneſs, becauſe they would be Infinitely Dutifull; as others would be Diſobedient, who therefore are Juſtly puniſhed with Everlaſting torments. The p. 387Sinner's good Works ſhall one day be diſregarded, Matt. 7. 22, 23; whileſt a Gracious Soul will bountifully be rewarded for his meer Good will; which is a ſtrong Motive to be of that Number.

13. David was Timely corrected by the Lord, and was not ſuffered to run upon the Score, (as others were) ſave in a caſe of more than Ordinary Provocation, as in the matter of Ʋriah, (wherein he lay almoſt a Year without Rebuke,) and when he Relapſed into an unlawfull Flight, (where he was ſuffered to Continue a full year and four moneths, 1 Sam. 27. 7,) after that he had been fairly VVarned of ſuch a like Attempt before, 1 Sam. 21. 12: but otherwiſe, the Lord ſoon Checked his offer to have killed Saul, 1 Sam. 24. 5, and his firſt Flight, both unto Achiſh, and the King of Moab, 1 Sam. 22. 1. 5. The wicked are permitted to Treaſure up wrath unto themſelves, Rom. 2. 5, whileſt the Lord doth more ſpeedily chaſtiſe his Own, that ſo they might not be condemned with the VVorld, 1 Cor. 11. 32; which is no ſmall mercy, ſince his Deferred anger turns into Fury, and will conclude in ſo much the fiercer Vengeance. Let every one be therefore willing to become a Saint; and as the Saints themſelves would be more Speedily and Gently dealt with, ſo let them take heed of Great tranſgreſſions, and of Relapſing into what the Lord hath formerly rebuked them for, leſt they be then made to Smart as David did upon the like occaſion.

p. 38814. The Lord ſeemeth to take no notice of David's Failings, ſave onelyonly in the matter of Ʋriah, excepting which, he is ſaid not to have turned aſide from Any thing that God commanded him all the dayes of his Life, 1 Kings 15. 5. God threatneth to ſet the Wicked mans ſins in order before his eyes, Pſal. 50. 21; and to convince him of All his ungodly deeds and words, Jude 15: but as the Eye of his Juſtice doth not behold Iniquity in Jacob, Numb. 23. 21, ſo neither doth he Reproach his faithful Servants with their Leſſer failings, but Nameth them according to the Better part of their Inward frame and Outward converſation. The true Believers Perſon is denominated from his Better part, ſo that it is not He that ſinneth, but Sin that dwelleth in him, Rom. 7. 17: and though their Leaſt miſcarriages are matter of their preſent Shame and Sorrow, yet is it not according to God's Revealed Will, that ſuch things ſhould be mentioned to ſtain their Reputation, when Deceaſed. All would be glad to have their Good Name preſerved, the beſt Embalmer whereof is Grace, ſince the Memory of the Juſt is bleſſed, but the Name of the Wicked ſhall rot, Pro. 10. 7. OnelyOnly the Saints themſelves muſt know, that though their Names be Fairly writ in Heaven, yet may ſome Fouler blot be never wiped off on Earth to all Poſterity.

15. When God had deeply humbled David for that miſcarriage in the matter of Ʋriah, he p. 389then Returned to him with Advantage, and gave him a ſecond Son, who was the world's Wonder, and whom the Lord himſelf did call Jedidiah, to ſignifie, that he was God's Beloved, 2 Sam. 12. 24, 25. God is Angry with the Wicked every day, Pſa. 7. 11; and notwithſtanding what he hath formerly done againſt him, yet is not his Anger turned away, but his hand is ſtretched out ſtill, Iſa. 9. 21: but in relation to his Own, his Anger endureth but a Moment, Pſa. 30. 5, he will not alway chide, Pſa. 103. 9, but with Great Mercies will he gather them, Iſa. 54. 7, according to the dayes wherein he hath Afflicted him, Pſal. 90. 15. His Soul doth Long to go forth unto his Children, (as poor David's did to Abſalom) and he waiteth to be Gracious, Iſa. 30. 18, offering to be reconciled upon the Loweſt terms that may be, Jer. 3. 13, whoſe Bowels are then troubled for them, Jer. 31. 20, accounting their Light correction to have been Double puniſhment, Iſa. 40. 2, and is more Gracious to his Returning Prodigals, than ever he was before, Luke 15. 22, 23. And who would not be glad to be of that Number, whoſe very Chaſtiſements do onelyonly make way for the fuller evidencing of their Fathers Love?

16. David was one of God's Prophets, as he is expreſſely called, Act. 2. 30, and as many of his Pſalms do evidence. And though that extraordinary gift of Propheſying was never common to all the Saints, and is now wholly in a manner ceaſed, ever ſince the Scripture or Word p. 390of Propheſie was compleated, which none may Adde unto, Rev. 22. 18: yet as the Saints have Generally been ſtyled Prophets heretofore, Pſa. 105. 15; ſo every true Believer is in ſome ſence a Prophet ſtill, and more eſpecially thoſe of David's ſpirit in Goſpel times, who ſhall be rewarded as Prophets, and Saints, and ſuch as Fear God's Name, Rev. 11. 18, and whom Chriſt calleth Prophets, Mat. 10. 41. A man after God's own heart is as it were a Prophet, in regard of his peculiar Acquaintance with Hidden Myſteries, by virtue of a ſpecial Gift, Mat. 13. 11. He that is ſpiritual Judgeth all things, 1 Cor. 2. 15, having his Senſes exerciſed to Diſcern both good and evil, Heb. 5. 14. The wicked ſhall not Underſtand, as do the wiſe, Dan. 12. 10; and God's Law is Sealed up among his Diſciples, Iſa. 8. 16, which others therefore cannot read, Iſa. 29. 11. The Holieſt Hearts are moſt likely to have the Cleareſt Eyes, ſince God's Secret is with them that fear him, Pſa. 25. 14; and therefore theſe ſons of faithful Zadok ſhall one day be advanced unto place of Judgement in matters Controverſal, Ezek. 44. 15. 23, 24.

17. David was Authorized by God to call him Father, Pſa. 89. 26, and God did alſo ſay to him, Thou art my Son, Pſa. 2. 7. The Devil's Children may be Bold to call God their Father, Jo…. 8. 41, 44, but true Believers are Empowered by God to become his Sons, Joh. 1. 12; and becauſe they are Sons, God hath ſent forth the Spirit of his Son into their Hearts, which crieth, p. 391Abba Father, Gal. 4. 6. Indeed this Spirit is fitly reſembled by the VVind, which Bloweth where it liſteth, and which Adopted ſons have no great cauſe to wonder at, ſince Chriſt himſelf could onelyonly ſometime ſay, My God, my God: but yet the verieſt Child might Truely ſay, The Sun is up could he but ſee it through thoſe Clouds, which make him call that, Night, which onelyonly is a Gloomy Day. And though the Antichriſtian world's Hour be termed the Power of Darkneſs, Luk. 22. 53, yet is Chriſt's Diſpenſation lightſome, Iſa. 60. 1, which will deſtroy the Saints covering Veil, Iſa. 25. 7, for they ſhall then See eye to eye, Iſa. 52. 8, and ſhall be Emboldened to call God Father, and ſhall not turn away from him, Jer. 3. 19. And then the wicked workers of Iniquity ſhall firſt begin to know the Difference between Lord, Lord, and Abba Father, which ſhould provoke them to conſider (before it be too late) that none but Goſpel-Saints are Sons.

18. Saul's Priviledges were very ſhort-lived, as hath been formerly declared; but David's Mercies are called ſure, Iſa. 55. 3; ſo was his Houſe, 1 Kings 11. 38, being confirmed with an Oath, Pſa, 89. 35; ſo alſo was his Kingdom, which therefore could not be hindred, Pſa. 2. 1, 4, 6, 7; he alſo had Length of dayes for Ever and Ever, Pſa. 21. 4, and was Aſſured that Goodneſs and Mercy ſhould follow him All his dayes, Pſa. 23. 6, for God made him moſt bleſſed for Ever, Pſa. 21. 6. Everlaſtingneſs is as it were the Life and Soul of Miſery or Mercy; and as p. 392the Damned's Miſery is Everlaſting, ſo are the true Believers Mercies ſure, as David's were, and as an Everlaſting Covenant can make them, Iſa. 55. 3. Sinners are moſt merry-hearted, but Saints alone have ſtrength of Conſolation, whoſe Hope is both ſure and ſtedfaſt, which alſo entreth into that within the Veil, Heb. 6. 18, 19; whereas the Sinners Happineſs is onelyonly in this Life, and is in that reſpect Uncertain alſo. Saints onelyonly have Security for Earth and Heaven, 1 Tim. 4. 8; whileſt they who are without Chriſt, are therefore Strangers from any kind of Covenant or Promiſe, Eph. 2. 12.

19. David was a publick Bleſſing, for whoſe ſake Others alſo did fare the better, as did Solomon, 1 Kings 11. 12, 13; Abijam, 1 Kings 15. 4, 5; and Hezekiah, 2 Kings 20. 5, 6: and it was this David who did bear up the Pillars of a Diſſolved Earth, or State of things, when he firſt came to Reign, Pſa. 75. 2. 3. VVicked men would fain be rid of God's people, not knowing of what Neceſſary uſe they are, to help them by their VViſdom, Eccl. 9. 15; Prayers, Exod. 10. 17, and Preſence, Job 22. 30. The holy Seed are the Earth's Subſtance, Iſa. 6. 13; and the Profeſſing World would ſoon become a Sodom or Gomorrah, if it were not for this very ſmall remnant, Iſa. 1. 9, who are compared to Salt, Mat. 5. 13, which keeps this Univerſe from Putrefaction, and unto that New Wine which doth Preſerve the Cluſter from being utterly Deſtroyed, becauſe there is a Bleſſing in it, Iſa. 65. 8; and therefore that wicked Joaſh p. 393could Mourn over Dying Eliſha, as being the Chariot of Iſrael and its Horſemen, 2 Kings 13. 14. Which as it hath been a truth in all Ages, ſo more eſpecially with reference unto David's Diſpenſation in the Latter dayes, when there would be no mercy ſhewn to any, but for the ſakes of a very few, whom God intendeth to make the Inheritours of his Mountains, Iſa. 65. 8, 9; whileſt hypocritical Profeſſors are Publick Miſchiefs, v. 6, and therefore their Perſons ſhall be ſlain, and their Name accurſed, v. 15.

20. David was not ſo much in Bondage unto the Law of Moſes as others were, but had a Liberty (in ſome things) to Adde and Alter, by Divine Permiſſion. He Added conſtant Singing unto the Worſhip of God, together with other Muſick which had not been in uſe before, 1 Chro. 25. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7: and whereas Moſes had ordered, that the Levites ſhould not Begin their Service till five and twenty years old at ſooneſt, Num. 8. 24; David appointed them to Begin from the Age of Twenty years, becauſe the Tabernacle was then at Reſt, which therefore did not require ſuch Manly Servitours, 1 Chro. 23. 24, 25, 26, 27; as the Reaſon of his forementioned Addition might be, becauſe the Lord had then given him to be a Pſalm-Enditer, and becauſe his Diſpenſation (compared with Saul's) was a Time of Singing and Rejoycing. Now David herein was Primarily a Type of Chriſt, as he is his People's King and Law-giver, Iſa. 33. 22; but yet that Practice of his doth Secondarily denote, what is the p. 394Common Priviledge of all thoſe who are men after God's own heart: and as in relation Chiefly to the Law of Moſes, as it was given forth by him, (which Paul was wholly dead unto, Gal. 2. 19, ſave as the Moral Equity of its Matter was Abiding;) ſo alſo with reference unto ſome Particular things required in the Goſpel, which do appear to have been of a Temporary Nature; and which yet are with utmoſt Warineſs to be underſtood. A man after God's own heart (in Goſpel-times) is Abſolutely Dead to Moſes his Ceremonials and Judicials, as to the Formal Obligation of any ſuch Laws, Col. 2. 16, 17. 20, 21, 22, whileſt other poor Creatures do deſire Again to be in Bondage to them, Gal. 4. 9, and are exceedingly Offended with ſuch as Differ from them, Act. 21. 21. And though Goſpel-Prophets (or Eminenteſt Saints) are no more Exempted now from Chriſt's Appointments, than Legal Prophets were of Old; yet are they enabled (by comparing one Scripture with an… ther) to ſee, that ſome Goſpel-duties are onelyonly required in ſuch a Caſe or Seaſon; as in that Duty of Forbearance (to name no more at preſent) which Paul impoſeth upon Gentile-Chriſtians in relation to the weak Jewiſh Ceremonialiſts, Rom. 14. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 13, 22, which ſome would fain hold to be ſtill in force; as if we ought to bear with Worldly Profeſſors ſubmitting to Antichriſt's Appointments in theſe Lightſome times, as Paul did then bear with the Conſcientious Jews Obſervation of thoſe Divine Laws▪ which then were but Newly abrogated. But men after God's own heart, have comfortably p. 395been Inſtructed by him, how to Interpret ſuch Evangelical Commands, ſo as to eſcape thoſe ſnares which …he …gnorance of others hath betrayed them into. And let it be obſerved, whether the Near approach of Dav… 's Temporal Dominion in the latter dayes, be not accompanyed (as it was of Old) with ſeveral that have Underſtanding of the Times, to know what Iſrael ought to doe, and all whoſe Brethren will in due time be at thei… Commandment, 1 Chro. 12. 32. This ſingular Underſtanding is Deſireable, which as we would be endued with, ſo let us labour to be ſuch as David was.

21. David had many Prayers put up for him by Others; that God would Hear him, and Defend him, and Strengthen him, and Accept his Offerings, and Grant his hearts Deſire, Pſa. 20. 1, 2, 3, 4, by which he knew that God did Save him, and would Hear him, v. 6. It is no ſmall Mercy to ſhare in the benefit of God's peoples Prayers; which Pharaoh himſelf could Prize, when in Affliction; and which none are ſo Aſſured of, as men of David's ſpirit. The greateſt help that a Saint can lend, is to engage the Lord by Prayer; and as a Fellow-member muſt needs be moſt Earneſtly remembred, ſo is the Lord moſt Eaſily entreated on a Saints behalf, becauſe himſelf loveth ſuch, whom therefore a little Interceding prevaileth for, Joh. 16 26, 27; eſpecially ſince (next to Chriſt himſelf) God will not turn away the face of his Anoynted, but will Hear others for their ſake, Pſa. …32. 10: which as men would experience the truth p. 396and comfort of, ſo let them labour to be of David's ſpirit; whereas the Wicked are ſadly Prayed Againſt by all the Godly, in caſe they do not Return, which doth them more harm than they are aware of.

22. God undertook to beat down all David's Foes before his face, Pſal. 89. 23, which was accordingly effected, as David witneſſeth, Pſal. 18. 39, 40▪ although his Adverſaries were too Strong for him, v. 17, yea though they Sought unto the Lord to ſave them, v. 41. This hath been made good unto the Saints in all Ages, with reference unto their Outward Enemies, whom God hath ſubdued under his People's feet, according to his Promiſe, Rev. 11. 5; although the Fulneſs of that Temporal Deliverance is reſerved untill the Latter end of David's Diſpenſation; which is enough to Terrifie the Saints Oppoſers in theſe Latter dayes, ſince God hath undertaken to make them his People's Footſtool, Iſa. 60. 24, and then the Prayer of Spitefull Moab ſhall not Prevail, Iſa. 16. 4. 12. And in the mean time, their ſpiritual Enemies muſt needs be ſubdued, for God hath Promiſed it, Mic. 7. 19, who ſhortly will bruiſe Satan under their feet, Rom. 16. 20. A meer Natural man may be able to Vex his Adverſaries, as Saul did his, 1 Sam. 14. 47; but David onelyonly could Praiſe the Lord for an abſolute Conqueſt, 2 Sam. 22. 1: which all will one day count a Mercy, as Witches would be glad to burn their …mps, when once they come to be in fear of ſuffering for their Wickedneſs.

p. 39723. When David was thus Delivered, he knew that the Congregation of the People then would compaſs God about with Praiſes, in the ſtrength whereof he pleaded with the Lord for Saving Mercy, Pſal. 7. 7. When the Wicked Periſh, there is ſhouting; but the Saints Mercy is the Ground of Other's Joy, Prov. 11. 10. How did poor Hiram ſeem to Bleſs the Lord, when Solomon ſucceeded David, 2 Chron. 2. 11, 12; for whom prayer was made continually, pſal. 72. 15, and all Nations did call him Bleſſed, verſ. 17, as his Diſpenſation was a Type of Chriſt's, the very Firſt appearance of whoſe Temporal Dominion, is uſhered in with Univerſal Joy, pſal. 96. 11, 12, 13, excepting thoſe Angry Nations, upon whoſe Ruines that Kingdom is advanced, Rev. 11. 17, 18. Indeed all ſober Perſons have ever been apt to congratulate the Saints Outward welfare, whoſe Inward proſperity is both the Matter of a Good man's Prayer and Joy, 3 Joh. 2, 3, 4; partly as they are Fellow-members, which cannot but Rejoyce in each others Honour, 1 Cor. 12. 26; and partly as the comfortable Experiences of one Godly man do miniſter encouragement unto Another's Hope in the like condition, Pſal. 32. 6: and this is Another of the Saints peculiar Priviledges.

24. Though David died before there was a Temple built, yet in his dayes the very Tabernacle was dignified with that name of Temple, where every one did ſpeak of God's glory, Pſa. p. 39829. 9; which David did worſhip toward, Pſa. 5. 7; where he deſired to Enquire of God, Pſa. 27. 4; and from whence the Lord heard his voice, pſal. 18. 6. In way of Agreement with which forenamed Priviledge, the Saints Tabernacle-ſtate is as it were a Temple, or an Heaven upon Earth; ſince they Converſe in Heaven, Phil. 3. 20, before their Earthly Tabernacle be diſſolved, 2 Cor. 5. 1; and ſince they have that Grace already, which is the Earneſt of their Inheritance, Eph. 1. 13, 14. In which reſpect alſo, the Saints on Earth may be ſaid to have the Pattern of a future Glorious ſtate, as David had the Pattern of that Temple, 1 Chro. 28. 19; for which he was alſo ſuffered to make a large Proviſion, both in relation to its firſt Erecting, verſ. 14. and following Reparations, 2 Chro. 5. 1: and thus the Living Saints in all Ages, have ſeen the Promiſes afar off, Heb. 11. 13, and have abundantly Prepared for that Glory, which yet themſelves on Earth might not ſhare in; and herein is that Saying true, One ſoweth and Another reapeth, Joh. 4 37; though yet it was both Abraham's Priviledge and Joy to ſee Chriſt's Day at ſuch a Diſtance, Joh. 8. 56; and both he that Soweth and he that Reapeth ſhall Rejoyce together, Joh. 4. 36; which therefore is another Motive to be ſuch as David was.

25. There was a very full Reſemblance between Chriſt and David, (as I have ſhewn elſewhere at large,) in which reſpect Chriſt is expreſſely meant by David's Name, Ezek. 34. p. 39923, 24, Hoſ. 3. 5. Profeſſing Saul was called Cuſh an Ethiopian, and many times an Heathen, as hath been formerly obſerved; and though Antichriſtian Profeſſors would fain Monopolize unto themſelves that Name of Chriſtians, yet doth the Scripture ſtyle them Gentiles, Rev. 11. 2; in regard of the ſad reſemblance that is between them and Pagans, both in their Principles and Practices. But men after God's own heart, are ſuch as have Chriſt formed in them, Gal. 4. 19; and thence it is that ſometimes Chriſt is called Jacob, Pſal. 24. 6, and ſometimes the Saints are called Chriſt, 1 Cor. 12. 12, and the Lord our Righteouſneſs, Jer. 33. 16. Now would not every one be glad, if Chriſt and he might Lawfully Exchange their Names? eſpecially ſince this is no bare empty Title, but is accompanyed with being ſaved, Jer. 33. 16; and ſuch peculiar Honour have all the Saints.

26. Notwithſtanding all David's Dangers, yet was he not given over unto Death, Pſal. 118. 18; and notwithſtanding all his Sickneſſes, yet did he not come unto an Untimely End, but the Lord did Heal all his Diſeaſes, Pſa. 103. 3, and did Renew his Youth like the Eagles, v. 5; ſo that he Died in a good old Age, full of Riches and Honour, 1 Chro. 29. 28, and all his Acts both firſt and laſt (together with his Reign and Might) were Regiſtred for after-Ages, and in ſome Books to all Poſterity, v. …9▪ 30. The Seventh Trumpet will give a Joyfull …ound, for then the Saints Outward bleſſings will Eminently firſt begin to be Reſtored to them, and length p. 400of Dayes (among the reſt) in way of Peculiar Mercy, Iſa. 65. 20. And in the mean time, Saints have the Promiſe of this Life at preſent, 1 Tim. 4. 8, Eph. 6. 3, which they ſhall Enjoy, when fitted for it, Rev. 21. 7; nay, they do now begin to Live for Ever, Joh. 6. 47; and they do Virtually Live long at Preſent, becauſe they live moſt properly, 1 Tim. 5. 6; however, they do not Naturally Die untill their work be done, 2 Tim. 4. 7, who therefore may be ſaid to Die in a Good Old Age, being full of Spiritual Riches and Honour: whoſe Works do alſo follow them, Rev. 14. 13; whereas the Wicked man Liveth unto his own perpetual Shame and Sorrow.

27. David's Eternal State was abſolutely ſecured, ſince God had forgiven him all his Iniquities, Pſal. 103. 3; and ſince he knew, that God would receive him unto Glory at his death, Pſal. 73. 24. A man after God's own heart, may be Afraid, (at leaſt wiſe Loth) to Die; but yet, as he doth Live to Chriſt, Phil. 1. 21, ſo Death hath loſt its ſting, 1 Cor. 15. 55, (becauſe his Treſpaſſes are all forgiven, Col. 2. 13,) and will be to his Gain, Phil. 1. 21, becauſe he then ſhall Reſt from all his Labours, Rev. 14. 13, and goeth to receive his Crown, 2 Tim. 4. 8. Wretched Balaam would fain have Died the Righteous man's Death, Num. 23. 10, and all will one day Vote with him; which as they would obtain, ſo let them Live his Life, and labour to be of this little Happy Number. And though ſuch as come ſhort of David's Pitch, p. 401may be Admitted into their Maſter's Joy, Mat. 25. 23; yet they who moſt Abound in Grace, ſhall have a Proportionable entrance miniſtred into Glory, 2 Pet. 1. 8. 11.

28. When David was dead and gone, he then was made a Standard unto others, in point of Grace, whom Solomon was bid to Imitate, 2 Chro. 7. 17; who was ſaid to be Reſembled by Aſa, 1 Kings 15, 11, Jehoſhaphat, 2 Kings 18. 3, and young Joſiah, 2 Kings 22. 1, 2; but not by Abijam, 1 Kings 15. 3, nor Amaziah, 2 Kings 14. 2, nor wicked Ahaz, 2 King. 16. 2. Phariſaical profeſſors are moſt ambitious of being called Maſters, Matt. 23. 10, or Leaders of the way, as the Greek word there importeth: but men after Gods own heart are (next unto Chriſt himſelf) the Guides of others, Phil. 3. 17. 1 Cor. 11. 1, whom they are bid to follow, Heb. 6. 12, as a Directing cloud, Heb. 12. 1, conſidering the end of their Converſation, Heb. 13. 7. And what greater Dignity can be deſired, than that the Lord ſhould thus make his poor Servants to be a Secondary Rule whereby he would have others walk.

29. It is ſaid, that David's fallen Tabernacle ſhall be Raiſed up again, by the Lord's own hand, Am. 9. 11; and then his Houſe ſhall be as God, as the Angel of the Lord before the Inhabitants of Jeruſalem, Zech. 12. 8. Which Prophecies relate both unto Chriſt and to his Seed, and Partly have been fulfill'd already, Act. 15. 16; but yet the Greater (and more p. 402Viſible) Part is ſtill behind. The Saints Holy City or Temporal Rule (partly meant by David's Tabernacle) hath for a long time been trampled under foot by Antichriſtian Gentiles, Rev. 11. 2; but it ſhall be Raiſed up again, v. 15, and then men after God's own Heart ſhall be Advanced, v. 18: In the cloſe of which Diſpenſation, Chriſt himſelf will rear up his Tabernacle, Revel. 21. 3, and all the Saints ſhall come with him, 1 Theſſ. 3. 13, having their Earthly Tabernacles Raiſed up, 1 Cor. 15. 52, and made like his, Phil. 3. 21; and then the Feebleſt Saint ſhall be as David, whileſt men of David's ſtature ſhall be as Angels, or far above their fellows.

30. Not onelyonly did David (by the Spirit) lawfully Witneſs on his own behalf, 2 Sam. 23. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; but God himſelf did alſo Teſtifie concerning him, that he was his Servant, who followed him with all his heart, to do that OnelyOnly which was right in his eyes, 1 Kings 14. 8. And thus the Lord will one day Witneſs to the Full, what manner of Perſons his faithfull ones have been, and will accordingly reward them, Mat. 25. 34, 35, 36, 37. 40; whileſt others ſhall be ſuitably Convinced, in order to their final Condemnation, v. 41, 42, 43, 45.

This is the Summe of David's peculiar Priviledges; which the Lord hath therefore left upon record, that ſo others might be ſtirred up to be in love with David's Graces: As they would wear his Crown: as they would be prepared p. 403for their future Portion: as they would Grow in ſpiritual Strength: as they would be Spirited unto their work: as they would be Succeſſefull in what they undertake: as they would Merit the good Eſteem of all: as they would have their real Worth to be obſerved: as they would Know God's Mind and Will: as they would be Heard in Prayer: as they would be Conſidered in Adverſity: as they would have preventing Mercy: as they would be Rewarded for their good Intent: as they would timely be corrected: as they would have their Frailties to be covered: as they would have God's Love to be renewed with Advantage: as they would have an Inſight into Myſteries: as they would be Authorized to call God Father: as they would have their Mercies to be ſure: as they would be a publick …leſſing: as they would know the Duty of ſuch a Seaſon: as they would have the Benefit of others Prayers: as they would have their Enemies to be ſubdued: as they would have their Mercies to be the ground of others Joy: as they would have a preſent Taſte of after glory: as they would have Chriſt's Name and their Exchanged: as they would Live untill their Work be done: as they would have their Eternal State ſecured: as they would be a Standard unto others: as they would have their earthly Tabernacle to be Raiſed up in Glory: and as they would have God himſelf to be a comfortable Witneſs on their behalf.

THE END.

End of the text · Benjamin Stonham, Saul and David Compared (1676)