A brief commentary upon the CIII Psalme with the severall axiomes or doctrines therein conteined [sic], and uses thereupon inferred.

Uses.

Here 1 Behold the majesty of God.* 1.1 Earth∣ly kings, that their majesty may appeare the greater to their subjects, have their thrones usually exalted higher then ordinary. But how litle is that height, if compared with the height of the highest heaven? They are wont to have their thrones made of pretious matter with cunning and curious artifice. But how meane are these in respect of the admirable fabrick of the heavens, that especially where Gods throne is? The most glorious throne we read of, is that of Solomon, which the Holy Ghost is pleased to describe 1 King. 10.18, 19, 20. Which 1 was a great one: but in respect of heaven (which is all but Gods throne Isa. 66.1.) seeing the whole globe of the earth and sea is but as a point, how much lesse, and as it were nothing, was that throne? 2 For the matter, it was made of ivory and overlayd with gold. But what is the tooth of a great beast, or metall digged out of the bowels of the earth in respect of the matter of the heavens, which is puter then to be seen with our eies, or apprehended by our under∣standing? 3 That throne had six stepps. But what is that to the height of the heavens? of which something was sayd vers. 11. Doctr. 1. 4 It had staies on both sides. But these argu∣ed

partly that Solomon had a body made of earth, and so tending downwards, as other men, partly that the throne it self was weak, and needed such supporters. But such imper∣fections are not either in God the Father of spirits, or in the heaven His throne, which re∣maineth most firme for ever and ever. And so much the verbe 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 here imports, which as properly signifies fundavit, firmavit, sta∣bilivit, He hath fixed, founded, set fast, esta∣blished, as paravit, He hath prepared. (See Explic. 3.) But what kind of stayes or sup∣porters Gods throne hath, see Psal. 89.14. & 97.2. 5 Solomons throne was adorned with fourteen lions. But under Gods throne is whatsoever is most excellent in the earth, yea the sunne, moone, and starres; and on either hand of it, not the images of beasts but 1000000 and 100000000 most glorious Angels, Dan. 7.10.

2 Behold the perpetuity of Gods king∣dome. Other kings have their thrones on earth, where all things are fading, and subject to many changes, where time and chance happeneth to all, Eccles. 9.11. But Gods throne is in heaven, where all things are eter∣nall, incorruptible, immutable. This also the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifies, as before. See also Psal. 145.13. & 93.2.

3 See how miserable is the condition of Gods enemies. Of their sinne we shall see more at large in the next Doctrine: here let us see their danger. It is most certaine the end of this hostility will be deadly to them, Job 9.4. Isa. 27.4 &c. & 45.9. Jer. 7.19. Some reasons may be gathered from hence, that they can not prevaile, seeing Gods throne is established in the heavens, Job 35.5, 6. Psal. 2.4. For 1 Enemies may hide themselves from men: but He Who hath His throne in heaven sees all things: wherefore David con∣nects these two, The LORDS throne is in heaven, and, His eies behold, His ey-lids try the children of men, Psal. 11.4. 2 Enemies may overcome men: but He Who hath His throne in heaven, as Himself is omnipotent, so He hath all the hosts of heaven most obedi∣ent to Him: And what can silly men doe against so many myriades of them, whereof one in one night destroyed 185000 of the chief of the Assyrians? 3 Enemies may de∣fend themselves against men in fenced cities, as the Jebusites. But fortifications are of no force against Him Who hath His throne in the heavens, from whence He can raine fire and brimstone upon them. Beside, in those very fenced cities, though God hath not His throne there as in heaven, yet He is truely pre∣sent,

as He is every where; and therefore for∣tifications (which are to keep out the enemy) are vaine against Him. 4 Enemies, if they be too weak, may flee, as Hadad into Egypt: but from Him, Who hath His throne in hea∣ven, and His footstoole upon earth, how can any man flee? Psal. 139.7 &c.

This reproves them who feare and obey men invested with earthly power,* 1.2 more then Him, Who hath His throne in heaven.

On the other side it comforts and encou∣rages the people of God.* 1.3 Confidence in men, even in princes (whose thrones are upon earth) is slippery and unsafe, Psal. 146.3, 4. But He, Who hath His throne in heaven, hath all power and authority, to deliver His from all evils, and to enrich them with all good things. If therefore our enemies ask us, as the heathen did the Israelites Psal. 115.2. Where is your God? our answer may be with Israel vers. 3. Our God is in heaven, He hath done (doth, and will doe) whatsoever pleaseth Him.

Lastly,* 1.4 this should exhort us 1 To seek those things which are above, where Gods throne is, where Christ now is sitting at His right hand, Colos. 3.1.

2 In the meane time to endeavour that God may be here with us by His gracious presence.

Motiv. 1. Even this presence of God is un∣speakably good and pleasant in it self. 2 It certainly leads to His glorious presence.

Meanes 1. By removing the impediment: Flee sinne, which separates from God; by which man forsakes God, and for which God forsakes man. 2 Direct. 1 Be in the Sonne of His love. 2 Stirre up the gift of God, which is in thee, and in humility have respect unto all His commandements.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Instr.
• * 1.2

  Repr.
• * 1.3

  Consol.
• * 1.4

  Exhort.