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

1. Doctrine. David saith againe, Blesse the LORD O my soul.

For 1.* 1.1 He earnestly desired to perform this duty so as it might be pleasing and ac∣ceptable unto God, for the Reasons men∣tioned in the 1 and 3 Doctrines of the former verse. And in such case reiteration is usuall: As in prayers, Psal. 51.1, 2, 7, 9. Dan. 9.17, 18, 19. And in precepts, Prov. 4.13, 14, 15. Rom. 12.14. 2 He knew that as this could not be done unlesse the soul concurred, so the soul was not easily excited and prepared in such manner as it ought: 1 In regard of the weightinesse of the duty. 2 In regard of the infinite Majesty of God, before Whom, and to Whom it is to be per∣formed. 3 In regard of the reliques of cor∣ruption, which hinder or slacken the soul in this performance, or draw it another way.

Uses.

Now in that David thus again and again excites himself to blesse God,* 1.2 we see 1 How

necessary and important a thing the right performance of this duty is. For it is the property of children and fools, not of a man of David's wisdome, to be so earnest in a matter of small moment.

2 How difficult a thing it is, duly to pre∣pare the soule hereunto. For though the du∣ty were of never so great importance, yet if it were not also of some difficulty, this ear∣nestnesse were superfluous.

3 That we must use all diligence, and ne∣ver cease till the soule be competently pre∣pared.

This reproves 1 Such,* 1.3 who if their soule be not presently excited, do not diligently endeavour it, but defer the duty. Such men should remember the saying, Qui non est ho∣die, &c. They who are so remisse in so ex∣cellent a work of God, may justly by Him be left to themselves, and to the tempter; who, if he once see them so easily taken off, will be sure daily to cast in their way more and more impediments.

2 Much more such as diligently excite themselves to work iniquity: who, when their conscience (by the light of nature, Scri∣pture, the admonition and example of others, the Spirit of God also striving together) checks and restrains them, yet never leave till

having extinguished the light, cast Gods Commandements behinde their back, and grieved his Holy Spirit, their conscience becomes seared, and their soul so addicted to iniquity, that they are ready to drink it like water, to draw it with cords of vanity, and sinne as with cartropes, to doe evill with both hands greedily. To sinne is to depart from God, and to draw nigh to hell: Now doe they think they cannot depart far enough from God, or draw nigh enough to hell (from whence there is no redemption, where the torments have neither end nor intermissi∣on) without all this diligence?

On the other side here is comfort and en∣couragement for such as truly desire to blesse God.* 1.4 If at any time they perceive their souls to be not without some difficulty excited to this duty; let them not be discouraged or give over, but endeavour it so much the more earnestly. And by how much the more and greater obstacles or hindrances they shall break through, so much the more they shall testifie their love to God, and conscience of doing their duty, and so much the more comfort and sweetnesse they shall find in it.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.2

  Instr.
• * 1.3

  Repr.
• * 1.4

  Consola∣tion, & Exhortati∣on.