Doct. That when the proud are troublesome and injurious to God's people, they may boldly commend their cause to God. The reasons : —
1. The effects of their pride are grievous to be borne. Now, it is well when any grief findeth a spiritual vent, when it puts the godly upon praying : Phil. iv. 6, ' In everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God ; ' Jer. XX. 12, ' 0 Lord of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them ; for unto thee have I opened my cause.' We may exhibit our bill of complaint at God's tribunal, carry the fact thither.
2. The Lord may be appealed unto upon a double account. Partly as he is an enemy to the proud, and as a friend to the humble : James iv. 6, ' God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto tlie humble ; ' and Ps. cxxxviii. 6, ' Though the Lord be high, yet he hath a respect to the lowly, and the proud he knoweth afar off,' Partly as he is the portion of the afflicted and the oppressed : Ps. cxl. 12, ' I know the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.' When Satan stirreth up his instruments to hale whom the Lord loveth, the Lord will stir up his power to protect and defend them. So Ps. X. 14, ' Thou hast seen it, for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand : the poor committeth himself to thee ; thou art the helper of the fatherless.' When they have laid forth their desires, poured forth their heart before the Lord, they quiet themselves. It is God's office, practice, nature, to relieve poor helpless creatures that commit themselves to his custody.
3. Innocency giveth confidence in prayer, when we are molested and troubled without a cause. The testimony of conscience giveth boldness towards God and men, 2 Cor. i, 12; and Heb. xiii. 18,
Vers. 78, 79.] sermons upon psalm cxix. 331
* Pray for iis ; for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willino- to live honestly.' If God's children would carry it moreholily and meekly, they might cut off occasion from them that desire occasion, and in their addresses to God experience more humble confidence.
But is not this a revengeful prayer ? Ans. No.
First, Because directly they pray for their own deliverance, that they may more freely serve God by consequence. Indeed, by God's showing mercy to his people, the pride of wicked ones is suppressed, Ps. cxix. 134.
Secondly, As it concerneth his enemies, he expresseth it in mild terms, ' That they may be ashamed ;' that is, disappointed, their coun- sels, hopes, machinations, and endeavours. And therefore it is not against the persons of his enemies, but their plots and enterprises ; and shame and disappointment may do them good. They think to bring in the total suppression of God's people; that would harden them in their sins. Therefore God's people desire he would not let their inno- cency be trampled upon, but they disappointed, that the proud may be ashamed in the failing of their attempts.
Thirdly, The prayers of the itiithful for the overthrow of the wicked are a kind of prophecies; so that in praying, David doth in effect foretell that such as dealt perversely should be ashamed ; as a good cause will not always be oppressed : Isa. Ixvi. .5, ' But he shall appear to your joy, but they shall be ashamed ;' they met w^ith despiteful usage at the hand of their brethren, for their loyalty and fidelity to God.
Fourthly, Saints have a liberty to imprecate vengeance, but such as must be used sparingly and with great caution *: Ps. Ixxi. 13, * Let them be confounded and consumed who are adversaries to my soul.' Malicious enemies may be expressly prayed against.
SERMON LXXXVII.
But I will meditate in tluj j)recepts. Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. — Ver. 78, 79.
We now come to David's resolution, hut I luill meditate in thij pre- cepts. The word precepts is not taken strictly, but largely, for the whole word of God.
Doct. It is a blessed thing when the molestations we meet with in the world do excite us to a more diligent study of the word of God, and a greater mindfulness of spiritual and heavenly things.
1. I shall show what advantages we have by God's word and pre- cepts, for the staying and bettering of our hearts.
2. How this Cometh by deep and serious meditation.
3. How afflictions and troubles in the flesh do quicken us to it. First, In the word of God there are notable comforts and supports,
as also clear directions how to carry ourselves in every condition. I shall show what good thoughts do become as a ground of comfort and support and direction.
332 SERMONS UPON PSALM cxix. [Sek. LXXXVII.
1. That God hath a fatherly care over us. Be once persuaded of that, and trouble will not be so grievous and hard to be borne. This our Saviour opposetli to worldly cares and fears : Mat. vi. 32, ' Your heavenly Father knoweth that you have need of these things ;' and Luke xii. 32, ' Fear not, little flock ; it is your Father's good pleasure to give you a kingdom.' There are two notions, and they are both Christian, which are the great support of the heart under any trouble — adoption and particular providence. The heirs of promise are cared for in their nonage ; and, by the way, once be persuaded of this, and it will allay our distrustful cares. Carking and shifting is a reproach to your heavenly Father, as if your child should beg or filch. God knoweth our wants, is able to relieve them, willing to supply us ; this God is my Father.