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David hence excites himself to blesse God.
So Psalm. 145.1, 2, 3. 1 Chron. 29.10, 11, 12, 13.
For David knew 1 that God in regard of this His excellent majesty is most worthy of praise. For the ground of praise is the good, which one hath or doth: And by how much the greater this is, so much the greater praise is due. What therefore can be compa∣red
to this Divine excellency? 2 That God is glorifyed by praises, Psalm. 50.23. and that we have great cause to glorify Him. 3 That our praising God is profitable to o∣thers, to excite them also to glorify Him. For it is to be hoped that many do not sinne against God obstinately, but because being intangled with the cares of this life, they do not think of His majesty and excellency; who hearing the glorious majesty of God set forth by other mens praising Him, may be brought to glorify Him both in word and deed. And truly God desires to be praised of us, not that He, being infinitely perfect, wants any thing in Himself, much lesse any thing that we can bestow upon Him: but He desires our praises as He doth all our service, first as that which of right belongs to Him; & secondly for the good and salvation of them that praise and serve Him, and that by their example others may be invited to doe the like, and so to receive the like reward.
Here then see the end and use (amongst o∣thers, whereof in the two former Doctrines) to which the consideration of Gods lofty throne, and kingdome ruling over all, ought to serve, viz. that we may hereby be excited to praise Him. So not onely David here,
but others also elswhere, partly doe (as the saints Psal. 145.10, 11, 12. yea a heathen king; Dan. 4.34, 35, 37.) partly are often invited to doe: See onely Psal. 47.1, 2, 6, 7, 8.
This reproves 1 Them that so carry them∣selves, that it is no wonder, if they either do not at all, or do but hypocritically praise God for the exaltation of His throne. Such are they, who know themselves to be odious to God by reason of their sinnes. When A∣donijah and his guests heard of Solomons being set upon the throne of the kingdome, Davids servants blessing him, and David blessing God &c. they were so farre from joining with them in the same affections and acts, that they were stricken with feare and fled every one severall waies, 1 Kings 1.46. &c. How much greater terrour must it needs be to many to heare or think, that God against Whom they have so often rebelled, and as it were sought to put Him by His kingdome, hath His throne established in the heavens, and His kingdome ruling over all, is furnished with absolute and irresistible power to destroy them at any time in a mo∣ment, and cast them into hell? Certainly when the glory of Gods kingdome shall most shine out, such men shall have litle mind to
praise Him for it, Revel. 6.15, 16, 17.
2 Such as are so farre from praising God for His kingdome ruling over all, that they doe not acknowledge it, at least from their heart. Such, among others, are they, who abuse His creatures to the dishonouring of Him. If they doe acknowledge it, they shall be judged out of their own mouth.
3 Such as murmure against Gods lawes and judgements, and speak against those that obey Him.
But let us be exhorted, truely and heartily to praise God for the exaltation of His throne.
Motives. See the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Meanes. That we may rightly praise God, let us see that we so carry our selves towards Him, as in the former Doctrines is intimated He requires; that we feare Him, keep His covenant, think upon His commandements to doe them. Otherwise hypocriticall praises will but stink in the nostrills of God; and words, with them, who see our deeds contra∣ry thereunto, will be of no weight to winne them unto God. See what God desires should be joined with praising Him, viz. the ordering our conversation aright. Psalm. 50.23.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Instr.
Repr.
Exhort.