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

3 Doctrine. They doe His word, (or commandements.)

• 1 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 His word.* 1.1] that is, His comman∣ding word: for other word they ought not to doe. And so it is, to the sense, rightly ren∣dred by our Translatours His commande∣ments. What these commandements are, see Doctr. 1. Reas. 2.
• 2 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that doe.] The Angels performe or doe Gods commandements not onely in such manner as we under the covenant of grace (whose obedience hath many infirmities and defects) but perfectly, as Adam was bound to doe under the first covenant.

This appeares by many places of Scri∣pture,* 1.2 where we read that the Angels readily doe those things which God commands. And in the Lords prayer we are taught to pray, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven, that is, as it is done by the Angels. It appeares also in that they are called the holy Angels, Mat. 25.31. Revel. 14.10.

For what particular Reasons the Angels doe Gods commandements,* 1.3 it litle concerns us to know or enquire, but rather to learne and consider those reasons, clearly set forth in the word of God, why we should doe so, and thereby to be excited unto it. But doubt∣lesse there are most weighty reasons to the Angels also, and those most perfectly known to them. This is certaine, they doe it, because according to their admirable wisdome they know that God for the infinite excellency of His nature, and for His actions toward them (creating them of nothing in so sublime a con∣dition, and preserving them, when others by their own fault fell &c.) is most worthy that they should doe His commandements, there∣by to glorify Him, and to testify their grati∣tude. And if blessednesse every way perfect be not yet given to them, but reserved till the end of the world, that they have finished their ministration about man; then they have

this reason also to doe Gods commande∣ments, viz. out of certaine hope thereof, and consideration of the misery into which the apostate and disobedient angels fell.

Uses.

Here 1 we see that even the greatest of the Angels are not sui juris,* 1.4 lords of themselves, nor their own wills their law, but are subject to God, by Whose word or commandement they are to rule their actions. Much lesse then may men dreame of exemption. Gods domi∣nion founded in the creation is necessarily ex∣tended to every creature. But if exemption were granted to any, surely to them especial∣ly which are most excellent, 1 Sam. 17.25. And so indeed God hath given the Angels many privileges above us; immunity from troubles, diseases, and death, to which we are subject; they dwell in heaven, alwaies be∣hold the face of God &c. But as an earthly king doth not free any of his subjects from all homage, so neither doth God altogether exempt any creature from all duty to Him. Which may firmly hence be concluded à m••∣jore, where we see that even the Archangels are bound to doe Gods commandements.

• 2 See how the Archangels employ and exercise that their excellent strength, whereof in the former Doctrine; viz. in performing

• Gods commandements. Many men, who are stronger then others, ill abuse their strength; some bestowing it upon women, contrary to Prov. 31.3. others upon drunkennesse, Isa. 5.22. Others use it to oppression. Ezek. 32.20, 21, 22. This is not to exercise their strength in doing Gods commandements (as the Archangels) but in breaking them to the dishonour of God.
• 3 See how undoubtedly true that is Isa. 46.10. My counsell shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure. God is of Himself All-suf∣ficient. But if He please not to work imme∣diately by Himself, He can give strength enough to the inferiour creatures, even to the most despicable of them, to execute His will. Yea He hath Angels excelling in strength most ready to doe whatsoever He com∣mands.

This may justly reprove men that will not doe Gods commandements prescribed them.* 1.5 If any think themselves too good (that is, too great) to doe Gods commandements (as they Psal. 12.4. Jer. 2.31.) let them consider how farre inferiour they are to the lowest Angels, much more to the Archangels, who yet think it their glory to do Gods word.

This also confirmes the Comfort of the former Doctrine,* 1.6 in that as the Angels ex∣cell

in strength, so they use their strength to the doing Gods commandements: and that, doubtlesse, shall be for the good of His chil∣dren.

Lastly,* 1.7 this exhorts us to the doing of Gods commandements. The Motive here is from the example of the Archangels. Which is of force many waies. 1 It is a high honour to us to follow such glorious examples, to doe the work of Archangels. 2 We have more obligations to God then they, in regard of our redemption, and the covenant of grace built thereupon. 3 Gods benefits to us are of greater grace, then to them. On them indeed they are bestowed without their merit: on us, notwithstanding our demerit by our sinnes. 4 If we doe not endeavour to imitate them we mock God, when we pray, Thy will be done in earth as it is in hea∣ven.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Explic.
• * 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.4

  Instr.
• * 1.5

  Repr.
• * 1.6

  Consol.
• * 1.7

  Exhort.