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THere is one thing more observable in these words, that they which in the former part of this Psalme, lay as it were in the gulfe of despaire, as not wor∣thy to open their lips to God for them∣selves; Yet now are bold not only to pray for themselves, but for the Church of God, and their children and posteritie afer them.
Hence we are taught that poore sin∣ners; [Doct. 9] * 1.1 whilst they live in their sins, and are not reconciled to God, can neither pray for themselves nor for others. But upon their Repentance and reconciliati∣on to God can pray for themselves and others. The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination to the Lord, but the prayers of the righteous are his delight; * 1.2 God heareth not sinners. And ye as living stones, * 1.3 are made a spirituall house &c. To offer up spirituall sacrifices accep∣table to God thorough Jesus Christ. Till we become living stones in Gods Temple, there is no accepting of our sacrifices we offer up to God. The Lord had first respect unto Abel and then to his Sacrifices; where the person is not accepted, the sacrifice is rejected. And the reasons are.
First every unregenerate man is call∣ed a stranger and an enemy to God. [Reas. 1] Ye that were strangers and enemies to God &c. * 1.4 Now things done by strangers are not much looked upon, but by Enemies are no whit regarded.
Secondly, whilest a man lies in an impenitent estate and in his sin, [Reas. 2] not be∣ing
reconciled to God, such can ask no∣thing at Gods hand by vertue of any promise, for God hath not made any promise to the wicked, unlesse it be of Hell, and of wrath but all the promises are made over to the faithfull in Christ; In whom all the promises are Yea and amen.
But now when a wicked man shall turne from his wickednesse, and by re∣pentance come to be reconciled to God he may goe boldly to the Throne of grace, and beg mercy not only for him∣selfe, but for others. There is no way to be heard of God in prayer, but first to be at peace with God; and reconciled unto him.
How may this stir up every Soul spee∣dily to returne unto God, [Vse 1] by repen∣tance; and to seeke reconciliation againe with him, that so they may come boldly to the Throne of grace, to beg mercy in time of need, for our selves and the Church, for without this we cannot looke to obtaine any thing at Gods had. For wanting faith, whereby we lay hould on Christ, and wanting repentance whereby we come to be
reconciled to God. How dare we ap∣proach his presence who is a consuming fire? Let us then labour above all things for reconciliation, and for the comfor∣table feeling of Gods love in Christ, without which we cannot pray with faith, or comfort, for our selves, much lesse for others.
And this may serve for matter of singular comfort and consolation to the Godly that are reconciled to God in Christ, [Vse 2] and are at peace with him, these are the great favori••s in the court of Heaven; and may come boldly to the Throne of grace both for themselves and others, and obtaine help in time of need.
Their Sacrifices God is well pleased withall, & their worship & service they do unto him, howsoever accompanied with manyfailings & imperfections. Yet because they proceed from a person ac∣cepted in Christ, they please God, and are accepted of him. A little thing done of a child in love, is more acceptable to a loving and indulgent father, then much done by a slave in feare.
Sinners cannot pray for them∣selves no•• others. Pro. 28.9
Iob. 9.31
Heb. 13.16.
Eph. 2.19