Moses Prayer, Exposition · Verse 16
ver. 16. Let thy worke appeare unto thy ſervants, and thy glory unto their children.
IN this verſe we have the fourth petition which Moſes and the people of God do make unto God.
And the thing they here beg and crave at Gods hand is protection, which they acknowledge to be the proper work of God. And this protection of his they crave not onelyonly for themſelves, but alſo for their poſterity after them.
Let thy work.
HEre by the work of God, we are to underſtand ſome ſpeciall and ſingular work of God, towards them in their protection, ſafety, and deliverance. And for this they uſe a double Reaſon.
1. Drawne from the end of their protection viz. the glory of God; becauſe this glory of God would appeare in protecting them from their enemies, the curſed Canaanites, whoſe country they were now going to inhabite.
2. That ſo it might fare well with the Church of God after them. And that the promiſe of God made unto their forefathers, Abraham, Izaac, and Jacob, might not be fruſtrate, but the Lord would give them, and their poſterity after them, the land of Canaan to inherit.
Let thy work appeare.
SEing Moſes and the people of God, crave protection at Gods hand, and this they acknowledge to be a work of God;
We learne, Doct. 1 from whom to ſeeke for protection in times of danger, God the protector of his people.and in times of diſtreſſe, viz: of the Lord. Becauſe all our help, comfort, and protection comes from him. He is the Lord high Protector of his Church and people.
Thou art the God of my ſalvation (ſaith David,) Pſ. 15.5.on thee do I wait all the day. He lookes not to men, or Angels, but unto God alone to be his Saviour and Protector.
Salvation (ſaith he) belongeth unto the Lord. Pſal. 3.8.Whatſoever the Inſtrument be that God uſeth in the deliverance of his Church and people, it is not in their Horſes and Chariots, but God onelyonly that ſaves.
Thus Jehoſaphat and the men of Judah, 2 Chron. 20.when they were at that great ſtraight, that they knew not what to do; Our eyes (ſay they) are toward thee. And hence is it that David was ſo confident, and held himſelfe ſo ſafe in danger that he reſted upon Gods protection. Pſa. 23.4.Though I walke throughout the valley of the ſhadow of Death, I wil fea…e no evill, for thou art with me. And againe,
The Lord is my light and my ſalvation, whom ſhall I feare? The Lord is the ſtrength of my life of whom ſhall I be afraid? what became of Pharaohs plots from time to time againſt the Church, did not God diſappoint them, and ſtill delivered his people? what became of Hamans plot? Achitophels counſell? And thoſe that vowed they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul? Acts 23.10.Was not the Lord their Protector? And hence is it that he is calld the God of patience, the God of Conſolation, and the God of comfort. By whoſe power aſſiſting us, and Spirit inabling us, we who can neither do, nor ſuffer, any thing as of our ſelves, 2 Cor. 1.4. Rom. 15.5.are able to do al things thorough Chriſt.
Now the Reaſons why we muſt only ſeek for protection, comfort, and deliverance, in times of diſtreſſe only from God, are,
Reaſ. 1 It is his commandment that in the time of miſery and diſtreſſe we ſhould ſtill have recourſe unto him. Pſ. 50.15. Jam. 5.13.Call upon me in the time of trouble &c. Is any be aflicted let him, pray. And thus when the Lord hath foretold the great afflictions that ſhould betide the Church, the Lord directs them to this way of their deliverance take unto you words, Hoſ. 14.23.and turne unto the Lord. Yea, hee preſcribes unto them, the very forme of words, how they are to ſeeke him; Take away our iniquities and receive vsus gratiouſly.
Secondly, this is our maine end, Reaſ. 2 wherefore the Lord many times doth humble his people, and bring them low, that we might fly unto him for help and ſuccour; this honour God gaineth by our afflictions, to drive us home to him; as it is ſaid in their afflictions they will ſeeke me diligently.Eſa. 26.16.
Thirdly, God only is to be ſought unto for protection in times of danger; becauſe the power of all creatures is but finite; and they are but ſervants, to his hand of providence, but it is he that is the great Lord Protector of heaven and earth. And without him neither Satan, nor his inſtruments have power ſo much as over one haire of our heads; and therefore the Apoſtle exhorts us, To goe boldly to the throne of grace, Heb. 4.16that we may receive mercy, and finde grace, to help in time of need.
Seeing all protection and ſafegard is from God, Vſe 1 it is his worke; How may this condemne the prepoſterous courſe of many in theſe dayes, that in times of miſery and diſtreſſe, ſeeke any where, even every where, rather then unto God, for help and protection, yea fall upon unlawfull ſhifts, and uſe unlawfull meanes, to help themſelves.
If they can but get under the protection of ſome Noble man, or great man, they think themſelves ſecure from danger. But if thou have not the Lord for thy Protector, vaine is the help of man Men may ſee, and heare, and pitty our miſeries; but they are not able many times to help and ſuccour us. But this honour have all the Saints, That they have a powerſull and omnipotent God, that is able, and ready, to help us.
Seeing all protection is from God, Vſe 2 it is his worke to ſave; this may ſerve to ſtay us at this day, now that the Church and houſe of God, hath many ruines and breaches on it; rent and torne in peeces by many unnaturall brethren, that have of late endevoured to divide the ſeamleſſe coat of Chriſt, by Sects & Schiſmes, factions and fractions, the like whereof was never ſeene in the daies of our forefathers. Since the times of reformation, ſad preſages of fearfull times, if the Lord ſpeedily put not to his hand and worke ſure reformation.
Yet here is our hope, and here is our ſtay, that we have a God to fly unto, and it is he that muſt purge his houſe, and protect his Church. O this is a ſingular work of God. We muſt pray to him to work all our works for us, and to be humbled for our ſins, that have looked ſo much to an arme of fleſh our Councells and Parliaments, which hitherto have not ſtead us, whileſt in the meane time we have overlooked God, the rock of our Salvation. O let us at laſt returne unto him and ſeeke for protection, ſafety, and deliverance, reformation, and Salvation at his hands; and intreat the Lord and ſay, Let thy work appeare to thy ſervants. And that he would take the cauſe of his poore Church, Religion, and Goſpell, into his owne hand, and become our Mightie Protector.
Seeing all Safety and protection come from God, Vſe 3 this ſhewes to whom we are bound for ſafety and protection from all our troubles and dangers, both of Soul, and body viz. to this Lord Protector of his people, who ought to have the praiſe and glory of his owne Worke.
Thus when the Lord hath been pleaſed to come in with ſome ſpeedy mercy or deliverance to his Church, they have had their ſolemn dayes of praiſe and thanksgiving unto God as Iſraels Deliverance from Pharaoh: the Jewes deliverance from that damnable plot of Haman. Exod. 15.And Jehoſophat and the men of Judah their deliverance from their iniquities. Heſt. 9.2 Chr. 26And David never partakes of any great mercy, or deliverance, but ſtill he returnes ptaiſe and thankſgiving unto God.
Let thy workes appeare unto thy Servants.
Hitherto of their requeſt, that God would be their protector and deliverer.
Now for this they uſe a Double Reaſon.
1. Taken from their condition they were his ſervants.
2. Taken from the end of their protection and deliverance, and that is his owne glory.
Unto thy …ervants, that is, to thoſe that be in Covenant with thee, love and fear thee, and ſerve, and obey thee, as their Lord and maſter whence note.
Who they are that may looke for protection at the hands of God, Doct. 2 Gods ſervants only may looke for protection from God.viz. thoſe and onelyonly thoſe, that are in covenant with God, that honour him as a Father, feare him as a maſter, and are ready to do his commands. Theſe being the Lords ſervants, and under his roofe, they may aſſure themſelves of protection at his hands.
Whereas ſuch as are not his ſervants, neither in Covenant with him, theſe can looke for no protection from God, the framing of the Mercy-ſeate was a type of the Church. In the Arke was the Commandements of God, to ſhew.
1 That thoſe that are in the Arke and ſo members of the Church, theſe keepe his commandements, and
2. That they that keepe the commandements of God, may looke for protection from God.
For the mercy-ſeate was made juſt as big as the Arke, and no bigger, to ſhew that none be ſhadowed, and protected, by Gods mercifull providence and protection, but onelyonly the ſervants of God, and no more.
So that of thoſe and none elſe it may be ſaid, Deut. 33.29.Happy art thou O Iſrael, who is like unto thee. O people ſaved of the Lord, the ſhield of thy helpe, and the ſword of thy excellency. Now wherein ſtood the happineſſe of this people, but in that they were in Govenant with God; that God was their God, and they his people.
And hence is it that it is uſual with the faithfull, when they have come unto God in prayer; to plead Gods covenant with them, as Jacob did, when he prayed to be delivered from his Brother Eſau, Lord (ſayth he) thou haſt ſayd I will do thee good. And thus David oftentimes minds the Lord of his promiſe. Pſal. 119 ver. 74.Quicken me O Lord according to thy word, and, Let thy mercifull kindeneſſe be my comfort according to thy word.
Whereas the eſtate and condition of all wicked and ungodly ones is moſt mi…erable, for ſuch can have no hope at all to be heard in prayer, for they are out of Covenant with God. Nay, let ſuch pray in time of miſery and diſtreſſe, and God will ſay unto them, Pſal. 50.What haſt thou to do ſince thou haſt caſt my Covenant behind thee?
Now that ſuch as are in Covenant with God may looke for protection at Gods hands, theſe Reaſons ſhew.
Firſt, Reaſ. 1 in regard of the high eſteeme the Lord hath of ſuch, they are precious in his ſight. Eſa. 43.4.Since thou waſt precious in my ſight, thou haſt beene Honourable, and I have loved thee. They are Gods Jewels. Mal. 3.17And they ſhall be mine ſayth the Lord in that day that I make up my Jewels. And will not a man looke to his Jewels? They are his Friends, his Sons, and Daughters, yea, as the Apple of his eye, God makes more account of them then of all the world beſides, and therefore his ſpeciall providence muſt be over them, to protect, and defend them.
Secondly, Reaſ. 2 in regard of his promiſe made to ſuch. I will dwell in them and walke in them, 2 Cor. 6 16.and will be their God, and they ſhall be my people. And how can ſuch want protection from God? for as it is a juſt thing with God to depart from them that depart from him, ſo to ſtand by them that ſtand by him and keepe covenant with him.
This may yield matter of Singular comfort and conſolation for every poor child of God: Vſe 1 If thou be one of the Servants of God, a true beleever, one that art in covenant with God, thou maiſt both claim protection at Gods hand in time of diſtreſſe, and aſſure thy ſelf of it, for can a father be unmindfull of his child? or will not a loving Maſter take care of his Servants? Will not a King protect his Subjects, or a loving Husband his Wife? So if thou be a true ſervant of God, thou maiſt aſſure thy ſelfe, that God will let his worke appear, to protect and defend thee.
And this lets us ſee the happy priviledge of the faithfull above all wicked and ungodly men: Vſe 2 whereas the wicked lye open to all miſeries, and dangers, & have no rock of defence to fly unto for ſhelter, the faithfull have a ſure rock of defence to flye unto in time of need.
Hath God made this known to thy Soul that thou art one that God hath taken into covenant with himſelfe, O happy and bleſſed for ever is thy condition. Pſal. 144 15.Happy be the people that be in ſuch a caſe, Bleſſed be thoſe folke that have the Lord for their God; others may bee more rich in regard of theſe outward things, but none more happy.
The prophet concludes the happineſs of ſuch, when he ſayth, Pſ. 84.11The Lord is a Sun, and a ſhield, the Lord will give grace, and glory, and no good thing will he with-hold from them, that are upright.
1. He will be a Sun to them, that is, as the Sun gives light and comfort, ſo will God be all in all unto them.
2. He will be a ſhield unto them, nothing ſhall hurt them that are in covenant with him.
3. He will give grace more to them then to all the world beſides; which is more worth then kingdomes.
4. Glory. I am thine (ſayth David) O ſave me. When Chriſt which is our life ſhall appeare, then ſhall we appeare with him in glory.
5. And laſtly, No good thing will he with-hold, if he give the greater, he will not deny the leſſer.
If riches be good, they ſhall have it; If credit be good, they ſhall have it, if health, peace, proſperity, &c. if the Lord ſee them good for them, they ſhall not want them. But if afflictions, povertie, ſickneſſe, &c. be beſt, they ſhall have them too. See there what a portion they ſhall have, that have the Lord for their God, that are his ſervants, and are in covenant with him.
All thoſe gratious promiſes that God hath made in his word belong to thee! And I tell thee, that one promiſe is more worth then all thou haſt in the world beſides, and will laſt longer, and do thee more good, yea more, thou haſt now to leave to thy poſterity a promiſe that God will be thy God, and the God of thy ſeed after thee, which is more worth then all the portion thou canſt leave them.
Let thy works be ſeene.
q. d. O Lord let all the world ſee and know that thou art a mercifull deliverer of thy people, that thou art their mighty Protector, ſo that it ſeemes they ſpeake of ſome ſingular work and protection of God of his Church and people: Hence we learne.
That of all the workes of God, Doct. 3 there is none more excellent then this. No work more excellent then Gods protecting his Church.viz. the protection of his church & people; for this in a way of excellency is called the peculiar worke of God.
It is true indeed, when the Lord doth puniſh the ſtubbornneſſe and rebellion of his people, their infidelity, murmurings and unthank fullneſſe &c. then appears the power of God, the truth, & Juſtice of God. But in nothing more doth the Lord ſhew his power, then in protecting of his Church and people, againſt the face of their cruell and bloody enemies. And this Moſes here ſhews when he calls this in a way of excellency, The worke of God.
Let thy worke in protecting and delivering us thy Church and people Appeare, wherein Moſes doth prefer this worke of God in taking care of his Church, in protecting, defending, and delivering of it, to all other the works of God, whereby he makes his power knowne, then by any other token of his beſides.
As we may ſee in Pharaoh: when did the Lord ever get himſelfe a greater name then in delivering his people out of Egypt, and over his armies, at the red Sea? Exod. 1.Come let us work wiſely (ſaith Pharaoh) but the Lord let him ſee that there is neither wiſdome, nor counſell againſt him, but the more he ſought to ſuppreſſe the Church, the more it multiplyed and increaſed.
Hamans plot againſt the Church was very dangerous and damnable, Heſt. 3.7.9.but the plot that he contrived, the Lord diſappointed; and himſelfe fell into that pit that he had digged for others. Zac. 12.3The Church of God is ſuch a heavy ſtone that never any lifted at it, but was cruſhed in peeces. So that of the Church the Lord ſpeaketh thus. Eſa. 59.16.I wondred that there was no interceſſor, therefore his arme brought Salvation unto him; and his righteouſneſſe it ſuſtained him. What though the Church of God be but as a garden in compariſon of the reſt of the world, yet it is a well fenced garden, and though the godly in themſelves, are but few, weake, ſimple, and ſo more ſhiftleſſe then others, yet they are ſtrangely kept, 2 Reg. 6.10.and ſtrongly preſerved, and have more with them, then thoſe that are againſt them.
Not that the Church and people of God are free from perils and dangers; It is enough that they are preſerved in them, and at laſt ſhalbe delivered from them; as the Apoſtle ſaith, 2 Cor. 4.8.We are afflicted on every ſide, yet are we not in diſtreſſe, in poverty, but not overcome perſecuted, but not forſaken, &c.
Now that of all the workes of God there is none more excellent then the protection of his Church, theſe Reaſons further ſhew.
Firſt, Reaſ. 1 becauſe this ſhewes that God is ſtill preſent with his Church, and is ready to ſuccour them in time of danger. Gather together on heapes ye people, and ye ſhall be broken in peeces. Zeph. 3.14.The reaſon is there given, for God is with us; and againe, rejoyce, O Daughter of Sion, be joyfull O Iſrael, for the Lord thy God is in the middeſt of thee. The Lord indeed is preſent every where, but in a ſpeciall manner he is preſent in his Church. He walketh in the middeſt of the ſeaven golden Candleſticks, that is, the Churches.
Secondly, Reaſ. 2 in regard his Church and people are moſt deare unto him. He loveth the gates of Sion more then all the dwellings of Jacob. Pſ. 87.2. Eſ. 43.4.And, Since thou waſt precious in my ſight, thou haſt been honorable, aod I have loved thee. And hence is it that the Church is called, Eſay 49 22.The beautie of the whole earth. The faireſt amongſt women &c. Cant. 14.13.All ſhewing the high eſteeme that God hath of his Church and people.
Thirdly, Rea. 3 the Lord is pleaſed thus to work for his Churches ſafety, protection, and deliverance, for his owne glory, that his power, might, and ſtretched out arme might appeare. As the Lord ſaid to Gideon, Iudg. 7.2the people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianits into thy hand, leſt Iſrael ſay, my hand hath ſaved me.
Thus David when he was to encounter with Goliah, The Lord (ſaith he) Saveth not with ſword nor ſpeare, 1 Sam. 17.4.7.but the battle is the Lords. That no fleſh ſhould rejoice in his preſence. 1 Cor. 1.19.31.But that he that rejoyceth ſhould rejoyce in the Lord.
And laſtly, Reaſ. 4 becauſe all power and might is with him, to ſave and deliver, the Churches cauſe is ever the Lords cauſe, and the people are the Lords. And to bring downe the wicked, God can arme frogs, and lice, catterpillers, and the ſmaleſt of his creatures, and theſe being ſent of him ſhall prevaile. As Moſes incourageth the people: Exo. 14.14.the Lord ſhall fight for you, therefore hold your peace.
Seeing that herein, viz: Vſe 1 in the proction of Gods Church and people, the work of God, his power, wiſdome, juſtice, and providence, doth appeare. How may this ſtir up all Gods people, to beg and intreat the Lord, that his work may appeare to us at this time, wherein ſo many are dayly plotting to undermine Religion, the Goſpell and miniſtery and all. That God would now take care of his Church and people, that we may at laſt ſee Sion in her beautie, and that at laſt we may ſee the Church thoroughly purged, & all things which make for the beautie of the Church eſtabliſhed. Let all the Lords remembrancers give him no reſt, till he thus ſhew his work upon us. and make Jeruſalem the praiſe of the whole earth.
O that England might now ſee this worke of God when ſo many are wraſtling againſt this worke. Eſa. 62.6, 7.Now Lord let thy worke appear; and let thy power, thy providence and mercy, be ſeene in the defence and protection of thy Goſpell and Church, that all the world may ſee that thou art mind full of thy Church; And let ſhame fall on them that be enmies to the work of the Lord amongſt us. That the Lord would regard the prayers of the deſtitute, that it may be written for the generations to come, Pſal. 102.18.that the people that ſhall be created may praiſe the Lord.
Secondly, Vſe 2 this lets us ſee the happie priviledges of Gods Church and people above all the wicked in the world, that have ſuch a watchman and keeper that never ſlumbreth nor ſleepeth. Deut. 32.11, 12.It is he that keeps them as the Apple of his eye, that ſpreadeth abroad his wings, and beareth them up as the Eagle her young ones. And the ground of all is, his people are his portion; and Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. O who would not bea member of his Church to whom theſe excellent priviledges belong and appertaine? why ſhould we not thus truſt in him in the worſt of times, and in the ſoreſt danger? Nothing can ſtave off his mercy, but ſin, let us be humbled for ſin, and meete him by unfeigned repentance, let us awake him by our prayers as the Diſciples did Chriſt, and ſay, Maſter ſave us leſt we periſh.
And laſt of all, Vſe 3 when the Lord ſhall declare his work, and ſhall be pleaſed to ſend deliverance to his Church and people, Zac. 3.2.that they are as a brand taken out of the fire, It becometh the juſt to be thankfull, and to looke up to the hils from whence our deliverance comes, and to ſay with Mary, He that is mighty hath done great things for me, Lu. 1.49.and holy is his Name.
Many of us partake of many mercies and deliverances from God, with thoſe Nine Lepers, but few returne thankes to God but hereby we may know whether any mercy or deliverance we receive from God bebeſt owed upon us in mercy or judgment, by conſidering how our hearts ſtand affected in thankfulneſſe to God after the ſame.
And thy glory unto their children.
HItherto we have heard their petition, and that was for protection.
Now for their reaſons to inforce their petition, and they are two.
1.
If the Lord would be thus pleaſed graciouſly to heare them, and protect them, in their journey towards Canaan, it would redound much to his glory.
For then ſhould thoſe Canaanites ſee, and all the wicked of the world, that there is a God that takes care of his Church and people, and might be afraid to offend him.
2. If the Lord would be thus pleaſed to proſper them and protect them, then it ſhould fare well with the Church and people of God for Ages to come. His mercifull dealing towards them would be made knowne to their Children.
And thy glory to their Children.
The Lord had promiſed, to give the land of Canaan to this people, the ſeed and poſteritie of Abraham. The Lord had now begun to bring them onward of their journey thither, and if the Lord ſhould now have caſt them off in the wilderneſſe, then the glory of the Lord ſhould have beene obſcured, and the ungodly Heathen, would have blaſphemed God, and ſaid, that it was becauſe he was not able to do it.
And therefore that the glory of God might not be thus obſcured or dimmed, or evill ſpoken of by their enemies, they intreat the Lord, to go before them, to direct and protect them ſo, as their enemies might have no cauſe to inſult, or they once to doubt of Gods promiſe.
From hence we learne, Doct. 4 To plead Gods glory, a good argument to move the Lord to pitty his Church.That there is no greater argument to move the Lord to protect his Church and people, in times of miſery and diſtreſſe, then this; that it ſhall turne much to his owne glory.
Our Saviour teacheth us in this prayer left unto his Church as a pattern and platforme of all our prayers. Firſt, to pray that his name may be hallowed, and to conclude our pravers with, for thine is the Kingdome, power and glory. To ſhew, that we can uſe no better argument to move the Lord to grant us any thing we ſtand in need of.
Then when it ſhall tend to his owne honour, and glory: for of all things the glory of God is moſt dear to him, ſo as he is moſt tender of it, and will part with it to no other. Eſa. 42.8I am the Lord, that is my name, and my glory will I not give another.
It was our Saviours prayer and practiſe to ſeek his Fathers glory, Jo. 12.28Father glorifie thy name, Joh. 8.49, 50.and againe I ſeek not my owne glory, but his that ſent me.
Thus Moſes was ſo ſet upon Gods glory, Exod. 32.32.as that he preferr'd it before his own part in the book of life. And thus thoſe Seraphims cry one to another, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of Hoſts, Eſa. 6.3.the whole earth is full of his glory.
And thoſe foure and twenty Elders ſay, Rev. 4.11thou art worthy O Lord to receive glory and Honour and power &c.
And when this glory of God is ſet before our eyes, and pleaded in our prayers as the principall end of our requeſts; It is the greateſt argument, and motive to move the Lord to hear, and grant our requeſts.
Becauſe Gods glory is the chiefeſt good, mans life, yea, Reaſ. 1 mans ſalvation is not to be preferred before it, which made Moſes to wiſh rather to have his name blotted out of the booke of life, then that God ſhould be diſhonoured by the Egyptians which would be ready to ſay, that God brought them out of Egypt into the wilderneſſe, but was not able to bring them into the land of Canaan.
Secondly, Reaſ. 2 ſuch as our eſteeme is of God himſelfe, ſuch is our reſpect unto his glory. If we eſteeme of God, as wee ought, as our chiefeſt good, his glory will be our chiefeſt end in all our actions, Whatſoever yee do, 1 Cor. 10.30.doe all to the glory of God. It is true this glory is eternall with God; and admits of no addition, or diminution; As the Sunne would ſtill retaine his brightneſſe, though no creature had an eye to ſee it. But hereby wee ſet forth our high eſteeme of it, not that God reaps any good by it, but the fruit redounds to us, God loves his glory as he loves himſelfe; And as we love him, ſo we love his glory.
It is the end that God purpoſeth to himſelfe in all his workes, Reaſ. 3 his own glory, God made all things for his own glory, Pſal. 19.the Heavens declare the glory of God. It is the end of our Redemption, Yee are bought with a price, 1 Cor. 6.20.therefore glorifie God &c.
It is the end of our Adoption, to the praiſe of his glory. Eph. 1.6.And therefore this being the end of all his workes, to ſet forth his glory, we are not to prefer any thing before it. And ſuch as prefer any thing before his glory, as too many do in theſe dayes, the Lord at laſt will powre contempt upon them. Let us apply this. Vſe 1
This may ſerve for a prop and ſtay unto the godly in the land at this time, wherein God hath ſhewed ſo many tokens of anger and diſpleaſure againſt our land and Nation, by thoſe wofull Changes our eyes have ſeen, and our dayly feares of farther miſeries that the goſpell it ſelfe is departing from us, by the daily increaſe of Sects, Hereſyes, with all manner of ſin, and profaneſſe, which increaſing in a nation and kingdome, where the Goſpell hath been ſincerely profeſſed, and maintayned, have ever proved a fore-runner of deſolation if not the departure of the goſpell from ſuch a people. Surely now is the time if ever, that the Spirit of the faithfull ſhould be kindled in prayer. And in prayer, that we ſet before our eyes Moſes example here, that the Lord will take the cauſe of his Church into his owne hand, and root out theſe Sects and Hereſies that are crept in amongſt us, and every plant that is not of his own planting. And this muſt be the Reaſon and motive, that we muſt preſſe the Lord withall, His owne glory, that doth now ſuffer. And this will be a powerfull motive to move the Lord to heare and help. Becauſe he is moſt moſt jealous of his own glory. And if the Lord would be pleaſed, to ſave this Land and Nation, deliver his people, & purge his Church, this will redound to his own glory. Say, O Lord what will become of thy glory, ſhould the enemies of thy truth, & Goſpell, ſtill prevaile, ſhall thy vineyard be trodden down? ſhall this Land and Nation in the which thou haſt taken delight to dwell, and where thy Goſpell hath been preached, and thy name called upon for ſo many yeares, now at laſt become an Habitation of Ohims, and Zijmes, that the Lord would be pleaſed rather to humble us, if it be his good pleaſure, by any other judgement, then this ſpirituall Judgment of the Goſpels departure from us.
If Maſter Herbert, ſome yeares before our troubles began, could ſay that
Religion doth on Tiptoe Stand,
Ready to paſſe into America Land;
What would he have ſaid, if he had lived at this day: to behold thoſe abominable Sects that now have gotten head amongſt us. O pray, pray, that the Lord would take his own cauſe and his Churches cauſe into his own hand, and plead his glory, that doth now ſuffer.
Secondly, Vſe 2 by this we may try the ſoundneſſe of our hearts and the ſincerity of our prayers, we put up unto God. viz: By our ſeeking of Gods glory above all our carnall Intereſts: many men in time of ſickneſſe, miſery, and diſtreſſe, can pray to God for help, and ſuccour, but their prayers are but the fruits of ſelfe-love, whileſt they mind their own Benefit, and comfort, more then Gods glory, they can be content that God ſhould ſerve their turns, and ſupply their wants, if poor to releeve them if ſick to recover them, or in any miſery to help them. But all this while they have no eye at all to his glory, neither do they plead that at all in their prayers. Whereas a gracious heart, and a prayer formed according to Gods will, that ſhall prevaile with God; hath ever Gods glory the principal end of it, and Argument in it, to move God.
David in extreame ſickneſſe flyes to God to be his Phyſitian.; Pſal. 6.5.And what Argument doth he uſe to move the Lord to pitty him? In death there is no remembrance of thee, and who will give thee thanks in the pit?
q. d. Thou maiſt let me live if thou wilt, which if thou wilt, I ſhall praiſe thee, and glorifie thy name. If I die, Who will give thee thanks in the pit? Thus he Challengeth his life at Gods hand, from this very ground, the glory and praiſe that God ſhould receive by his recovery.
The like we have elſe where, What profit is there in my blood, Pſ. 30.9.when I goe down to the pit? Shall the duſt praiſe thee, ſhall it declare thy truth?
Shall the Dead ariſe and praiſe thee? Pſ. 88.10Selah.
It is a ſigne our hearts are ſound and our prayers ſincere, when Gods glory doth principally affect us.
The Idolatry of the people, whereby God was Diſhonoured, did moſt of all afflict Moſes.
And the reproach done againſt God, Dan. 32.19.by the blaſphemous letter of Senacherib did more trouble the heart of good Hezekiah then all his threats againſt him, and his people. Eſa. 39.3.4.O well fare a gratious heart, that can thus render Gods glory above all.
And laſtly, Vſe 3 this ſerves for the juſt reproofe of many amongſt us, that albeit doe good things, ſuch as in themſelves are lawfull & commendable; yet becauſe they propound not Gods glory, as the principall end of their actions, can have no comfort in them.
If a miniſter of the word ſhall teach never ſo well, and doe not propound the glory of God to himſelfe therein but preach for gaine, preferment, vain glory &c. Alas what comfort can he have in it?
So to give much to the poore, as ſome to merit, ſome to be ſeene of men, phariſaical like, &c. And do not thefe things for Gods ſake, to honour God with their subſtance, can have no comfort at all in it.
And thy glory unto their Children.
Here we have the ſecond end of their petition and requeſt made unto God for protection. viz: that it might not only fare well with them, but alſo with their poſteritie; and the Church of God that ſhould live after them.
From whence we learne, Doct. 5 that it is the duty of all Godly Chriſtians, We ought to take care of the Church after our dayes.to have a ſpeciall care of the Church of God after their departure; that when we are dead and gone, yet our ſeed and poſterity after us, may likewiſe flouriſh and be in a good eſtate.
How earneſt is David for the Church that it might proſper and flouriſh. O be favorable to Sion, Pſa 51.18build thou the wals of Jeruſalem. Where David prayes for all heavenly bleſſings, and graces for the Church. That God would repaire the decayed eſtate of it, and fence it about with the wals of his protection, againſt the Churches enemies.
And this hath been the ſpeciall care of Gods people in all their prayers, to pray for the good of Gods Church, and people; Even after their dayes, that it might proſper and flouriſh. As for ſuch as are the enemies of the Church, he prophecyeth vengeance againſt them, They that hate Sion ſhalbe aſhamed. Pſal. 12.9By all which he ſheweth his exceeding care he had of the Church. And ſuch was that tender affection that good Nehemiah bare towards the Church of God; That when he heard by thoſe poore Jewes, Nehem. 1that came to the Pallace at Shuſan for reliefe, by whom he underſtood the miſeries of the Church that was at Jeruſalem; He ſat downe and wept, and mourned and faſted, and beſought God for his Church.
We are all members of one and the ſame myſticall body the Church, Reaſ. 1 and if a man be a true member of this body, he cannot but deſire the welfare of the whole.
Secondly the welfare of a State and Kingdome is lapped up in the happie and floriſhing eſtate of the Church. Reaſ. 2 It cannot be well with the right ſide when there is a plurifie in the left, miſerable is the eſtate of thoſe Princes, and common weales, that labour not for the proſperitie of the Church and Goſpell. Religion hath beene a friend to Princes when Princes have not beene friends to Religion, in the Churches peace they have peace. When there is no order but confuſion in the Church, Princes can never looke to be truly ſetled on their thrones.
This condemnes them as no true members of the Church of God, Vſe 1 that reſpect not the walls of Jeruſalem, but their owne walls, that ſo they may build up their owne houſes, leave the houſe of God deſolate; that mind themſelves in their prayers, but ſeldom mind the Church; that it may flouriſh when they are gone. Moſes, Joſuah and David, Deut. 33. loſ 24.their greateſt care was for the Churches welfare after their dayes that the generations to come might ſerve the Lord.
And ſurely there is no religion, where the coutinuance of religion for our poſteritie is not thought upon. The Lord knows this duty is little thought upon, at this day, now that Religion is ready to take her wings and fly away; though we ſee the enemies buſie, to ſow tares, and ſects, and Hereſies increaſe upon us; all threatning ruine, as if the Lord had a purpoſe to lay his vineyard waſte: Yet how few lay the Churches miſeries to heart. Doubtleſſe the great ſecuritie that is amongſt all, even amongſt profeſſors themſelves this day' are ſad Omens, and preſages, that God is not far off with ſome further judgment, then yet we have taſted of.
It ſhall be our wiſdome then to make more conſcience of this duty, Vſe 2 to beg hard at the throne of grace, that the Lord would not remove his candleſtick from amongſt us, but continue his Goſpell ſtill amongſt us, and to our poſterities after us, even to the comming of Chriſt, that we may never ſee, nor our poſteritie after us, Popery or Hereſie ſet up, and countenanced, but that God would ſtill dwell amongſt us & owne us for his Church and people, that his glorious Goſpell, Englands glory, may not depart from us.
And thy glory to their children.
THere is one thing more obſervable in theſe words, that they which in the former part of this Pſalme, lay as it were in the gulfe of deſpaire, as not worthy to open their lips to God for themſelves; Yet now are bold not only to pray for themſelves, but for the Church of God, and their children and poſteritie afer them.
Hence we are taught that poore ſinners; Doct. 9 Sinners cannot pray for themſelves no… others. Pro. 28.9whilſt they live in their ſins, and are not reconciled to God, can neither pray for themſelves nor for others. But upon their Repentance and reconciliation to God can pray for themſelves and others. The ſacrifice of the wicked is abomination to the Lord, but the prayers of the righteous are his delight; Iob. 9.31God heareth not ſinners. And ye as living ſtones, Heb. 13.16.are made a ſpirituall houſe &c. To offer up ſpirituall ſacrifices acceptable to God thorough Jeſus Chriſt. Till we become living ſtones in Gods Temple, there is no accepting of our ſacrifices we offer up to God. The Lord had firſt reſpect unto Abel and then to his Sacrifices; where the perſon is not accepted, the ſacrifice is rejected. And the reaſons are.
Firſt every unregenerate man is called a ſtranger and an enemy to God. Reaſ. 1 Ye that were ſtrangers and enemies to God &c. Eph. 2.19Now things done by ſtrangers are not much looked upon, but by Enemies are no whit regarded.
Secondly, whileſt a man lies in an impenitent eſtate and in his ſin, Reaſ. 2 not being reconciled to God, ſuch can ask nothing at Gods hand by vertue of any promiſe, for God hath not made any promiſe to the wicked, unleſſe it be of Hell, and of wrath but all the promiſes are made over to the faithfull in Chriſt; In whom all the promiſes are Yea and amen.
But now when a wicked man ſhall turne from his wickedneſſe, and by repentance come to be reconciled to God he may goe boldly to the Throne of grace, and beg mercy not only for himſelfe, but for others. There is no way to be heard of God in prayer, but firſt to be at peace with God; and reconciled unto him.
How may this ſtir up every Soul ſpeedily to returne unto God, Vſe 1 by repentance; and to ſeeke reconciliation againe with him, that ſo they may come boldly to the Throne of grace, to beg mercy in time of need, for our ſelves and the Church, for without this we cannot looke to obtaine any thing at Gods had. For wanting faith, whereby we lay hould on Chriſt, and wanting repentance whereby we come to be reconciled to God. How dare we approach his preſence who is a conſuming fire? Let us then labour above all things for reconciliation, and for the comfortable feeling of Gods love in Chriſt, without which we cannot pray with faith, or comfort, for our ſelves, much leſſe for others.
And this may ſerve for matter of ſingular comfort and conſolation to the Godly that are reconciled to God in Chriſt, Vſe 2 and are at peace with him, theſe are the great favori…s in the court of Heaven; and may come boldly to the Throne of grace both for themſelves and others, and obtaine help in time of need.
Their Sacrifices God is well pleaſed withall, & their worſhip & ſervice they do unto him, howſoever accompanied with manyfailings & imperfections. Yet becauſe they proceed from a perſon accepted in Chriſt, they pleaſe God, and are accepted of him. A little thing done of a child in love, is more acceptable to a loving and indulgent father, then much done by a ſlave in feare.