Moses his prayer. Or, An exposition of the nintieth Psalme.: In which is set forth, the frailty and misery of mankind; most needfull for these times. Wherein [brace] 1. The sum and scope. 2. The doctrines. 3. The reasons. 4. The uses of most texts are observed. / By Samuel Smith, minister of the Gospel, author of Davids repentance and the Great assize, and yet living.

Ver. 1. Lord thou hast been our dwel∣ing place in all generations.

MOses and the people of God be∣gin this prayer of theirs with a Complaint of their great sufferings, and grievous afflictions, that they in∣d••red not onely in Aegypt under Pharaoh, and the Egyptians, but now in the Wildernesse, since the Lord deli∣vered them, and brought them out with his Almighty hand, and stretch∣ed out arm.

And the first part of their prayer is a Complaint unto God, that their estate was far worse, then the estate and condition of their Forefathers. And this is called A Prayer of Moses, though indeed it bee but a Complaint. Hence we learn.

That in times of misery and af∣fliction, [Doct. 1] * 1.1 the very Complaints, and Sobs, and Sighs, of Gods people, bee forcible prayers in the sight of God, and loud cries in his eares. This is a speciall point to be observed of us, that our very complaints to God our sighs, and groanes in times of misery and

distresse are with God as powerfull and effectuall prayers. Moses com∣plaining and mourning now in their misery, calls it a prayer.

A man may pray effectually, when in his own feeling and apprehension his heart is utterly indisposed to prayer; When a child of God is overwhelmed with grief, and his thoughts perplex∣ed and sore troubled, that he is not a∣ble to conceive a prayer, either for matter or method; yet even then may this troubled and perplexed soul make an effectuall prayer unto God, by his Complaints, sighs, and groanes unto God.

This was Moses case at another time, when the people of Israel were in great distresse by Pharaoh, and the Aegyptians, who pursued after them with their Chariots and Horsemen, and they were in that straight, that they knew not how to escape. Moses, * 1.2 where∣fore cryest thou? Saith God; yet wee do not read that Moses spake a word; But it is like that he groaned in spirit, and yet this was a loud and effectuall prayer with the Lord.

And such was the behaviour of Hannah in the Temple; no voice of her at all was heard, and yet then it is said, * 1.3 that She poured out her soul be∣fore the Lord.

Thus did Hezechiah. * 1.4 Mourned like a Dove, and Chatter like a Crane: being much oppressed with grief. And this was looked upon as an effectuall prayer with God. * 1.5 How oft was David in such straights in his spirit. That his spirit was overwhelmed within him, and hee not able to make a distinct prayer unto God, nor speak a word yet even then did David pray effectu∣ally to God. This honour have all the Saints that their complaints, their very sighs and groanes are accepted of him. * 1.6 See the title of the 88. Ps. A prayer containing a grievous complaint.

Whereas it is true of all wicked and ungodly men, though they make ma∣ny prayers, * 1.7 God will not hear them. Albeit ye make many prayers, I will not hear you, for your hands are full of blood. And again, Will you steal Mur∣ther, and commit Adultery; and stand before me in my house? Behold I see it

(saith the Lord) And therefore cast you out of my sight.

O the misery of every wicked and ungodly man, that whereas in times of affliction, and distresse, his onely re∣fuge is to fly unto God, by earnest and hearty prayer. This man cannot pray, if he pray he speaks in a language that God understands not, * 1.8 his prayers are abomination unto the Lord. If I regard wickednesse in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.

Quest. But what may bee the Rea∣sons, why the complaints and groanes of the godly, are thus looked upon as powerfull and effectual prayers with God?

First, [Reas. 1] Because the prayer that pre∣vails most with God is not so much the labour of the lips, as the labour of the heart. And let a prayer be never so well composed for matter or Method; and bee dressed with never so much Eloquence, and variety of expressions Yet if the heart be not affected, if the sighs and groans of the heart be want∣ing, and faith within, that makes the same effectuall, they are not regarded at all with God.

Secondly, [Reas. 2] because the godly in their greatest miseries and distresses, that they can be brought into, when they are not able to pray: Yet they have the spirit within them, that makes re∣quests for them, * 1.9 with sighs, and groans that cannot be expressed. But he that searcheth the heart, knoweth what the mind of the Spirit is: And a complaint, sigh, and groan, proceeding from the Spirit must needs bee heard and an∣swered of God.

This may minister matter of sin∣gular comfort and consolation to ma∣••y a poor distressed soul and wounded conscience, [Use 1] when as the Lord with∣drawes the comfort, and feeling of his loving kindness and mercy from them and they apprehend the anger of God against them for their sins. It is won∣derfull to see how the servants of God at such times are cast down and hum∣bled: yea, they are not then able to pray, nor to call God Father, but be for a time in a trance, and as it were over∣whelmed in the sence of Gods displea∣sure, and for their lives cannot lift up their voice to God in prayer. Now in

such a case as this, what is the comfort of a poor distressed soul, thus humbled, and amazed, and cast down; But to make their moane and complaint to God, as Moses doth here? Tell the Lord that thou canst not pray as thou desirest: Complain unto the Lord, and say, O Lord, what wilt thou have me to do, wilt thou leave thy servant thus Say with Jehosophat I know not what to do Lord, * 1.10 but my eyes are upon thee. If we can but complain thus, and mourn thus for our misery, this is an earnest prayer in Gods sight; as this of Moses, and of David, and Heze∣kiah.

Tell me, you that are tender heart∣ed Parents, have not the sighs, and moans, and groans of your little In∣fants, moved your bowells within you to pitty and compassion towards them, as ever the requests that they have made unto you? O the Lord doth as much, yea, more then you can do this way; the very sighs, and groans and tears of his children, prevail with him much more than their words can. The Lord is said to hear the groaning of the

Prisoner. * 1.11 And of Hezekiah, I have seen thy tears. And, Hold not thy peace at my tears. And I doubt not, but Gods people have found as much com∣fort in their sighs and groanes, and tears, as in their requests in prayer.

Yet we must take heed that we a∣buse not this comfort, to make us the more negligent and sloathfull in the duty of prayer, in the times of health and prosperity: No, then we ought with all freedome of heart and tongue to exercise our selves in this duty. But this comfort belongs unto such, as in times of affliction are not able to per∣form the duty.

And this serves to discover unto us the misery of all wicked and ungodly men; [Use 2] what comfort can such have in times of affliction and distresse, that cannot pray; * 1.12 He that turneth away his ears from hearing the Law, even his prayers shall be abominable. And as the Lord saith, * 1.13 Therefore will I deal in fury, my eye shall not spare, neither will I have pitty, and though they cry with a loud voice, I will not hear them.

O the misery of a poor creature,

when God shall shut out his prayers, and if they do pray, that the Lord should make no more account of them then the howling of a dog: * 1.14 for how can that prayer be effectuall, when the person is not accepted? 'Tis true, wick∣ed men have sometimes good motions in them, but they last not, like that of Balaam, O that my soul might dye the death of the righteous. Thus in times of sicknesse and distresse the wicked may pray, but these wishes and desires of theirs, proceed only from some light in the understanding, but not out of any affection in the heart, and so quickly vanish away like the mor∣ning dew. * 1.15 And hence is it that the Lord will laugh, when the destruction of such a one commeth.

Whereas the complaints, the sighs and groans of a broken heart, procee∣ding from humiliation for sin, and sence of Gods displeasure, and a hope of Gods promises, preserves the soule in life and sends it to God as a sure re∣fuge in times of trouble.

So that the only hope to finde mer∣cy and deliverance in time of trouble,

belongs to a godly and an humbled soul, that formerly hath had acquain∣tance with God. * 1.16 The prayers, and sighs and groans of such onely are heard.

Lord thou hast been our habitation from generation to generation.

In this first verse we have the first part of their complaint; And the words beare this sence.

q.d. O Lord thou hast been gracious to our forefathers, to Abraham, Isaak, and Jacob, and to other ages, and ge∣nerations after them; thou wast a co∣vert and defence unto them, when they pitched their Tents from place to place, and travelled from Country to Country. Thou commandest saying, Touch not my Annointed, * 1.17 and do my Prophets no harm.

But thou dealest not so gratiously with us that are their posterity, wee are in great affliction and distresse, yea, for our Rebellions and sins thou hast left us, and goest not before us as thou didst with our Forefathers.

So that this was it that humbled

Moses and the people of God at this time, when they saw that their estate was far otherwise, then their Forefa∣thers; and that God did not now deal so gratiously with them, as hee did with their Forefathers. Hence note,

That when a Nation, [Doct. 2] * 1.18 Church or people decaies in beauty, in riches, in glory, or strength; then it is time, high time, and more then time, to make their complaints to God, to bee humbled for their sins, and to meet the Lord by unfained repentance.

When a Nation or people upon whom his name hath been called, where the Gospell hath been preached, and his ordinances have been duly ad∣ministred, where God hath heretofore declared his presence. When such a Nation or people shall decay in their former beauty and glory, when the glory of Religion shall begin to be E∣clipsed by Sects and Heresies, that shall increase daily in the Church and when God by many apparent signes shall seem to depart from such a people; in gard of his wonted presence, then it is

high time for such a people to humble themselves, and to meet the Lord by repentance. Thus did Moses and the people here, when the judgements of God were upon them, and they saw that it was far otherwise with them, then with their Forefathers; it was then high time to put up their com∣plaints to God. Lam. 1.12, 35. Psal. 107.

Hereby the Lord wil make us know that hee is not tyed to any Nation, [Reas. 1] Church or people, no longer then they keep Covenant with him, and walk in obedience before him, as we may see of this Nation of the Jewes, and those famous Churches of Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, Colosse, &c. once glo∣rious and flourishing Churches, but now have the Candlestick removed from them.

The Lord many times doth lay his hand upon a Nation and people to this very end, [Reas. 2] to humble them, and to make them looke home, to humble them, and to cause them to meet the the Lord by repentance, for this end the Lord made the prodigall to tast

of a Famine, that was such a wanton in times of prosperity. And welfare those afflictions that send us home to God.

By this dealing of the Lord with a Nation, and with a people, [Reas. 3] by sharp and sore afflictions the Lord is pleased to humble them; and thereby to fit them for mercy and deliverance. And this is no other thing then what the Lord himself hath promised. If a Nation against whom I have pro∣nounced, turn from their wickednesse, * 1.19 I will repent of the plague that I thought to have brought upon them. Thus Niniveh prevented her Judge∣ment. And this is the right way to stop the breach of Gods wrath, and to call in his Judgements, when they are gone out against us.

This serves to shew the monstrous impiety and prophanesse of this age, [Use 1] and time wherein we live, that do not thus mark, and observe, the dealing of God with us. We have seen the hand of God in a grievous manner upon the Land in generall. The Lord hath rode Circuit amongst us, and what Coun∣try,

nay, what Family hath not suffe∣red in these times; the sword hath been in the bowells of this Nation, and hath drunk much blood. The Lord hath likewise sent forth other messengers of his anger against us, as unseasonable years, at one time making the fruits of the earth dung for the earth; at another time making the Heavens as Brasse, and the Earth as Iron, that the Crea∣ture hath mourned, to teach us to mourn; and now again by an univer∣sall sicknesse and disease, the like whereof no age can remember, when so many are sick and weak, and taken away by death.

Yet who makes this use of it as Mo∣ses and the people of God here? who is humbled under Gods hand, who mournes for sin, the cause of all? No, no we can be content to passe over the Lords dealing thus, with the Land, as if these Judgements concerned us not, we lay them not to heart.

Surely it is to be feared that the Lord wil come nearer unto us yet in the end. Take we heed that it be not found true of us which the Lord speaketh,

I called for sackcloath and fasting, * 1.20 but behold mirth, eating, and drinking, &c. when was there ever the like ex∣cesse of drinking then at this day, but what saith the Lord, This inquity shall not be purged untill ye die.

Secondly, [Use 2] this Doctrine serves to direct us, what we ought to do, and how wee ought to carry our selves in times of Common Calamitie. Not to be gazers and lookers on of Gods Judgements. But to search and try our waies, to discover the sins of the Land, and the evills of the times, which should thus provoke the Lord to pu∣nish us in a different manner, then our Forefathers in former ages, as Moses here. Surely it is a dangerous fin heed∣lesly to passe by Gods dealing with us at this time, from former times. How can we be humbled aright for our pre∣sent miseries, if we do not consider hi•• former mercies. This were to deprive God of his glory, and our selves of confidence and comfort.

Lord thou hast been our dwelling place.

WE are farther to observe in this prayer of Moses, [Text.] how they begin their prayer. viz. with putting the Lord in mind of his former mer∣cies shewed unto their Forefathers in times past, and in former generati∣ons. Thou hast been a Covert unto our Forefathers, and good unto them; guiding, directing, and protecting them. Note hence,

That it is a speciall motive and rea∣son to plead in prayer, [Doct. 3] * 1.21 to move the Lord to pitty and compassion, to put him in mind of his former mercies and deliverances, bestowed, either upon us or our Forefathers.

The Prophet out of experience of former mercies, prayeth for the con∣tinuance thereof.

Lord thou hast been favourable to the Land, * 1.22 thou hast brought back the captivitie of Jacob.

Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sinne.

Thou hast taken away all thy wrath

thou hast turned thy self, from the fiercenesse of thine anger, &c.

And hence he grounds his request to God.

Turn us O God of our salvation, [Ver. 4] and cause thine anger towards us to cease.

And thus do Nehemiah and Daniel begin their prayers for the Church, * 1.23 they mind the Lord of his Covenant, and mercifull promise to his people.

And thus David persecuted by Saul, hee pleads his cause with God thus. * 1.24 Hear me O God of my righteousnesse. thou hast set me at liberty, &c. Hee minds God of his former mercies, and deliverances, and thereby is confimed in his faith and confidence, that God would not now leave him at this time of distresse. And so when he was to go out against Goliah, * 1.25 hee calls to minde the Lords mercifull deliverance from the Lyon and the Bear, and grounds his hope of successe, at this time also, upon it.

And this hath been the care of Gods people to keep a Catalogue of Gods mercies and deliverances to strengthen * 1.26

their prayers in the like time of dan∣ger: yea, so carefull have the people of God been to keep in memory former mercies and deliverances, that they have raised up monuments and given name to prisons, times, and places, for perpetuall records of mercies and deli∣verances; as Jehosophat called the place, wherein the Lord had given him the victory, * 1.27 to be called, the valley of Beracha: and the Jewes, it is thought, have their Purim to this day.

This is to give the Lord the honour and glory of his works, [Reas. 1] when they are kept in remembrance, * 1.28 Consider how great things God hath done for you, saith Samuel to the people, that his glorious works might be kept in re∣membrance amongst them. Yea, this is such a duty, that we are often to presse upon our hearts, * 1.29 as David did, Blesse the Lord O my soul, and for get not his benefits. We cannot honour God more, then to mind him of his former mercies and deliverances. This makes a believer bold with God, as we are with a trusty friend, that we have had experience of. It serves to strengthen

our faith, to quel our doubts, and fears, and causeth us with much con∣fidence to rely on him.

Besides, [Reas. 2] it is one of the greatest comforts in times of extreamities, and dangers, the experience we have had of Gods goodnesse and mercy, Experi∣ence (saith the Apostle) worketh hope. God being the same ever to his people, In him is no variablenesse, * 1.30 nor shadow of change. And hence it is that the godly, in times of adversity, can hold up their heads with comfort, when wicked men are at their witts end, and many times overwhelmed with sor∣row.

This serves for our Direction, [Use 1] how to begin our prayers unto God, the better to move him to pitty, and to have compassion upon us, viz. to re∣member the former mercies of God un∣to us, and to our fore-fathers, to put the Lord in minde how he hath here∣tofore been our God; that he hath been seen upon the Mount, when our fears were great, and our dangers ma∣ny: and that therefore he would now in mercy be good unto us. Thus, O

Lord, thou hast been our God, our refuge, and our Dwelling place, thou hast kept us a long time by thy power, thou hast many, and many a time, commanded salvation to thy Church and people in times of their greatest dangers. Therefore Lord defend us still, leave us not, nor forsake us, O God of our salvation.

We should thus wrestle and strive with God, * 1.31 as David did, and as Mo∣ses and the people of God here did, and say, In time of famine thou hast fed us, in times of persecution and dangers thou hast kept us, when the bloudy sword was shaken against us, thou didst preserve us; in these times of ficknesse. our habitations have been safe. Ah Lord, do not forsake us now, leave us not at this time of trouble and danger, but turn our hearts unto thee by unfained repentance, and turn away thy heavy displeasure from us.

Secondly, [Vse 2] this serves to inform us, how to get affiance and sure confidence in God in prayer, viz. by recount∣ing the antient mercies of God, and experiments we have had of his love

from time to time, we ought to keep a catalogue of them, and to repeat them oft to our own souls; to that end we may grow up in experience of his power, and providence, and goodnesse towards us.

A Christians memory should be a Chronicle of antiquity. And besides our own experience we have had of Gods mercifull dealing towards us, we should remember what our fathers have told us, and we should shew the same to our children, * 1.32 that the children yet unborn may praise the Lord.

This observation of Gods goodnesse to us, will be a speciall prop to hold up our hearts and hands in prayer, * 1.33 Put not thy servant away in anger, thou hast been my help. There is nothing can strengthen us more under our present sufferings, then a fresh memory of Gods former mercies.

Lord thou hast been our dwelling place. [Text.]

THat is, Lord, thou hast been to our fore-fathers, what a dwelling house is to men, viz. a covert and a

safe defence, and a Castle to defend them, and protect them from all hurts and dangers; that though they had no dwelling place, but travelled from Country to Country, yet they had a sure defence, for thou didst protect them, and wast unto them their Dwel∣ling place. [Doct. 4] The note is,

That Gods Church & people have ever had a Dwelling place. * 1.34 Lord thou hast bin our dwelling place from gene∣ration to generation. The Lord himself under his wings protects and defends his people; and they are safe whom he keepeth, The eternall God is thy re∣fuge, and underneath are the everla∣sting armes. Happie art thou, O Israel, who is like unto thee, O people, saved of the Lord. * 1.35 If the Lord keep the City, it is in safety. The godly are said to dwell in the secret of the most High., and to say unto God, thou art my rock, my refuge, and my strong tower. He shall hide me (saith David) in the secret of his Tabernacle. * 1.36 The godly must not look to be freed from dangers, it is enough that they are preserved in dangers.

How was the woman pursued in the Wildernesse by the red Dragon, * 1.37 yet God provided for her a habitation there for her selfe, and her child, which she brought forth.

So when the Church shall be perse∣cuted by Tyrants, she must not think that any earthly hold can keep her safe, only here is her priviledge, she hath the shadow of the Almighty, * 1.38 and the secret of the most High to fly unto. How oft was David pursued by Saul, sometimes by Absalom his own son; yet still God provided for him a hi∣ding place.

Object. But hath not the Church, [Object.] and the particular members of it, suf∣fered Martyrdome, slaughters, &c.

Ans. It is true, [Answ.] God suffers many times his children to fall by the cruel∣ty of the enemies of the Church: yet even therein they are more then Con∣querors. The primitive Martyrs in all their sufferings, the Text saith, They would not be delivered, * 1.39 because they looked for a better resurrection.

And God is pleased thus many times to suffer the wicked to prevail

against their bodies for these Reasons.

1. That herein, and hereby, the wicked might fill up the measure of their sins, and so hasten their own de∣struction.

2. Hereby God will have his truth witnessed; yea, sometimes with the very blood of the Saints.

3. God will have it so, for the uti∣lity and profit of his Church; for the blood of Martyrs is the seed of the Church.

Yet still the promise is most sure, God will be a hiding place unto his, and the worst that Tyrants can do, is but to kill the body, and so hasten their happinesse and glory; they can never prevail against the inward man nor overthrow their faith, nor disap∣point them of salvation.

But hereby our faith is exercised, our patience tried, and the bitternesse that we have tasted in our sufferings, makes our deliverance but so much the more sweet and comfortable unto us.

And the Reason is, [Reason] that neer relati∣on that is between God and his peo¦ple, shewes that God must be their

habitation, they are his Sons, they are his Spouse, members of his body, his friends, his servants; and shall not God be a house and habitation unto them; Nay more, they are so neer and dear unto God that he that toucheth them, toucheth the apple of his eye. * 1.40 Such cannot want protection.

Seeing there is no protection and safeguard unlesse our God become our habitation, and dwelling place. [Vse 1] This discovers unto us the folly of such, who foolishly run from protection, some one way, and some another; and never seek for Gods protection. Some put their trust in strong holds, in great and fortified Castles; some in their wit, some in their riches, &c. But un∣lesse the Lord be thy dwelling place, and unlesse the Lord be thy protection, thou canst have no safety, though thou dwellest in an house of Ivory, and in the strongest Castle made of stone; yet unlesse the Lord keep thee, every Sergeant of Gods judgment, and every messenger of Gods venge∣ance will seize upon thee.

Seeing they only be in safety whom [Use 2]

the Lord covers, and whom he pro∣tects with his armes, and with his power; we see then it is our wisdome to seek unto God for safetie, and to creep under his wings; for if he keep us all shall be well with us. A prudent man foreseeth the evill, * 1.41 and hideth himselfe; that is, he flies to God for protection. For let men seek what shifts they can, and use all the means they can, to winde themselves out of misery, yet unlesse the Lord keep them, unlesse they seek unto him by repentance and prayer, they shall be but as the bird in the net, strive and struggle, but shall never be able to get out, but the more she strives, the more she is intangled.

So the wicked, the more they seek to avoid Gods judgments, by their shifts and devices, the more they are ensuared in them. Unlesse the Lord be our habitation and dwelling place, to protect and defend us by his owne power and providence.

Thirdly, [Use 3] the consideration hereof, that God is our habitation and dwel∣ling place, to hide and shelter us, when

stormes and tempests are up, and rea∣dy to annoy us; The consideration hereof should serve to arme Christians with a holy resolution to keep in with God, to obey him, and to go on in a godly course, and not to fear the threats and terrours of men, or what man can do unto us. Hath God un∣dertaken to protect us, and to be a habitation unto us, to be our shield and buckler, our defence and hiding place? Whom then should we fear?

'Tis true Gods servants whilst they are here, are subject to a world of dangers, inward, and outward: But why should we fear, when the Lord hath undertaken to be a buckler, a shield, a shadow, and a hiding place unto us?

How oft doth David the to this, * 1.42 in times of danger, I love the Lord, my buckler, my shi••••d, and defence: q. d. What though my troubles are many, and my enemies are mighty: yet I have at hand a buckler, and a shield, that will keep off all dangers, He is my buckler, my shield, and my defence. What a comfort was it to Jonas, when

scorched with heat, God so seasonably provided the Gourd to spring up, that refreshed him from the scorching beams of the Sun; this God provided for him: and thus will the Lord pro∣vide a shadow and shelter for us in times of danger. What comforts have we here, that may not fitly be resem∣bled to Jonas Gourd, riches, honour, power, &c. These may yield a sha∣dow for a time; but then comes the Sun shine, the East-wind, or the worm, that nips them, and they are gone. Who would then trust to such shadows as these are? the daies and times that we have lived to see hath declared this unto us, that all earthly things are meer shadowes: How is the Crown it selfe withered? how many noble families and houses are now laid in the dust? and what is it that we do enjoy, that we can promise to our selves any certainty in? at the best, they are but weak helps. But saith Da∣vid The Lord liveth, and blessed be my strong help.

If God be a dwelling place to his people, [Use 4] and that they are so safe under

his wings, whose faithfulnesse and truth shall be their shield and Bucker;

Then how fearfull is the condition of those, that walk not in his waies, and live not under his protection, that have not God for their Habitation, these lie open to all stormes, and Tem∣pests, of Sathans temptations, and all such miseries that a poor Creature can be subject unto. Howsoever God may feed them, and fill their bellies with the good things of this lise: yet what comfort can they have in the evil day, when conscience is let loose to speak terrible things to the soule, and Sathan shall cast his fiery darts against them, such must needs be at their wits end, that have not a God to fly unto.

Doth not carnal policy teach us thus much, to get into some Noble mans, or some great mans Family, and then we think our selves highly priviledged, and wee looke for protection under them. O where are our hearts Chri∣stians, and where is that spiritual wis∣dom that ought to be in us, that look no more after Gods service, whose service is perfect freedom, and which

brings with it so much safety, and security.

And the last is, [Use 5] that seeing wee may say as Moses here, Lord thou hast been our dwelling place: our Covert and de∣fence in dangers, thou hast protected and covered us by thy hand, thou hast kept us in these contagious times, wherein many have been sick, many weak, and many taken away by death; Lord thou hast given us health after sicknesse, deliverance from dangers, consolation after all our sorrows and afflictions; thou hast been our defence and protection. Thou hast been a cover unto us, or else wee had long a go pe∣rished.

O what shall we render to the Lord for all these benefits, what rent do wee owe unto God for our Habitation and safe protection! If we should finde this favour at any mans hand; that he would let us have a dwelling place fit and needfull for us, to defend us from storms, and tempests, and that for seaven years or twenty years together, will he not look for some rent or ser∣vice at our hands, but the Lord hath

been our dwelling place twenty, thir∣ty, forty years, from time to time un∣to this day. Now wil not the Lord look for some Rent and service at our hands, even the Rent and service of o∣bedience and thankfulnesse, that wee should not displease our Landlord, that we should not grieve him, or pro∣voke him to anger: but keep his fa∣vour, and good will, and please him in all things: this Rent of obedience and thankfulnesse doth the Lord re∣quire at our hands.

But alas how few do pay the Lord this Rent, and perform this service, who albeit they receive daily from him many benefits, and mercies; few with that Leper in the Gospell, re∣member to return thanks.

From generation to generation. [Text.]

MOses doth not here speak in the present tense, that God was their Habitation. But that he was the same to their Forefathers, Abra∣ham, Isaack and Jacob long be∣fore, even from Generation to Genera∣tion.

Hence wee learn that the Church in all ages is one and the same, [Doct. 5] * 1.43 since the first Creation; God hath ever had his Church, and so from Generation to Generation, God hath continued his Church in the world, and ever will to the end.

'Tis true, it was sometimes limited to one Nation, as to the Jews. He shewed his word to Jacob, his statutes and judgements to Israel, He hath not done so with any Nation, * 1.44 and Salvati∣on is of the Jews. But now in the times of the Gospell, since the comming of Christ, that Wall of separation is plucked up; and Japhet, is perswaded to dwell in the Tencs of Sem. * 1.45 My Dove, my undefiled is but one, she is the onely one of her Mother. And this is testified by that of Paul, * 1.46 As there are many members, but yet but one bo∣dy; so we being many, are one in Christ.

And this doth our Saviour make clear and plain unto us, * 1.47 when he saith Other sheep I have which are not of this Fold, them also must I bring; and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be

one Fold and one Shepheard. And the Church is figured by one woman. * 1.48 And this woman hath Christ married to himself, which shewes the unity of the Church in all ages. * 1.49

'Tis true, this one Church of Christ may have many parts, as the Sea hath many Chanells, and is called by the name of the Country by the which it runs, as the Germ an Sea, the Bal∣tique Sea, &c. so the Church of France, the Church of England & the Church of Scotland, &c. yet the Church of God is but one Militant Church upon the face of the whole Earth.

[Reas.] And the Reason is because it hath but one Head

As we account that but one Com∣mon-wealth, that is under one King, and governed by one and the same Lawes, and is under one Government So is the Church of Christ one, pro∣fessing one and the same faith; hath one and the same hope, and Baptised into the same spirit, and reserved unto one and the same glorious inheritance, is but one.

This quite overthrows the Church [Use 1]

of Rome as no true Church of Christ, who quite overthrow the Nature of the Church Catholick thus inlarged by God, and confine the same to Rome. What is Catholick, but Universall? And to speak in their language, The Ca∣tholick Roman Church, is as much as to say, the Universall Church; which must needs sound in the ears of any reasonable man, to be most absurd.

Gods Church is not tyed to any one time, much lesse to any one place; but in respect of time and place, is Catholick and Universall?

Secondly, [Vse 2] is this so, that the Church of God is one and the same from gene∣ration to generation?

This may serve to unite the hearts of believers together, in unity and peace. The Unity and Onenesse of the Church, should teach unity and con∣cord amongst those that professe them∣selves members of this Church. We are all of one house and habitation, have one Father, one Christ, one Spi∣rit, one Bread, one board, one Bread to feed upon, one Cup to drink on: so should we be of one minde, and of one heart.

Christians should cleave toge∣ther, and hold together. If one member suffer, all should suffer with it, * 1.50 if one member be in ho∣nour, all should rejoyce at it, As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another?

Those that are of the family of the Devill will do so: Drunkards have a league amongst themselves; what a shame then is it for Christians, that professe themselves of the hou∣shold of God, to rent asunder the seamlesse Coat of Christ.

Surely, the sad divisions that are in England this day, like the divisions of Ruben, cause great thoughts of heart, and frustrates all our hopes of our desired peace.

O what a shame is it, that there should be strife and dissention in that family, where the Father is the God of peace, and the son is the Prince of peace. What an excellent Church and house of God was it in the Apostles time, when the multitude of believers were of one heart, and of one minde. Such therefore as make these rents and

divisions in the Church, as too many do in these daies, shew apparently that they are not of Gods houshold. See that place of Paul, Now I beseech you brethren, * 1.51 mark them which cause di∣visions and offences, contrary to the Doctrine which ye have received, and avoid them, for they are such as serve not the Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words, and fair speeches, deceive the hearts of the sim∣ple.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The very com∣plaints of the godly are effectuall prayers with God.
• * 1.2

  Exo. 14.15.
• * 1.3

  1 Sam. 1.13.
• * 1.4

  Esay 38.14.
• * 1.5

  Ps. 77.3.4
• * 1.6

  Ps. 88.
• * 1.7

  Es. 1.15.
• * 1.8

  Prov. 15.8. Psal. 66.18.
• * 1.9

  Rom. 8.26.
• * 1.10

  2 Chron. 20.12.
• * 1.11

  Psal. 102.20. Esay 38.5. Psal. 39.
• * 1.12

  Prov. 28.9.
• * 1.13

  Ezek. 8.18.
• * 1.14

  Hos. 9.4.
• * 1.15

  Hos. 6.4.
• * 1.16

  Iob 22.21.
• * 1.17

  Ps. 105.15.
• * 1.18

  When a people decay in glory, then it is time to seek to God.
• * 1.19

  Ier. 18.5.
• * 1.20

  Esa. 22.13, 14.
• * 1.21

  To plead Gods former mercies a good Motive for fu∣tute.
• * 1.22

  Ps. 85.2, 3, 4.
• * 1.23

  Nehc. 1. Dan. 9.
• * 1.24

  Ps. 4.1.
• * 1.25

  1 Sam. 17.34.
• * 1.26

  Ps. 22.21
• * 1.27

  2 Chron. 20.26.
• * 1.28

  1 Sam. 12.24.
• * 1.29

  Ps. 103.2.
• * 1.30

  Jam. 1.17
• * 1.31

  Psal. 85.
• * 1.32

  Ps. 102.18.
• * 1.33

  Ps. 27.10.
• * 1.34

  Gods people have ever had a dwelling place. Deut. 33 27-29.
• * 1.35

  Ps. 127.1, 2. Ps. 91.1.
• * 1.36

  Ps. 27.5.
• * 1.37

  Rev. 12.14.
• * 1.38

  Ps. 91.1. Ps. 18.2. 1 Sam. 22.1, 5.
• * 1.39

  Heb. 11.
• * 1.40

  Zach. 2.8
• * 1.41

  Prov. 22.3.
• * 1.42

  Psal. 18.
• * 1.43

  The Church is ever one and the same.
• * 1.44

  Io. 4.22.
• * 1.45

  Cant. 6.8
• * 1.46

  1 Cor. 12.12.
• * 1.47

  Io. 10.16
• * 1.48

  Rev. 12
• * 1.49

  Hos. 2.19
• * 1.50

  1 Pet. 4.10.
• * 1.51

  Rom. 16.17.18.