A thankefull remembrance of Gods mercy to several persons at Quabaug or Brookfield partly in a collection of providences about them, and gracious appearances for them: and partly in a sermon preached by Mr. Edward Bulkley, Pastor of the Church of Christ at Concord, upon a day of thanksgiving, kept by divers for their wonderfull deliverance there. Published by Capt. Thomas VVheeler. [Five lines from Psalms]

About this Item

Title
A thankefull remembrance of Gods mercy to several persons at Quabaug or Brookfield partly in a collection of providences about them, and gracious appearances for them: and partly in a sermon preached by Mr. Edward Bulkley, Pastor of the Church of Christ at Concord, upon a day of thanksgiving, kept by divers for their wonderfull deliverance there. Published by Capt. Thomas VVheeler. [Five lines from Psalms]
Author
Wheeler, Thomas, ca. 1620-1676.
Publication
Cambridge [Mass.] :: printed and sold by Samuel Green,
1676.
Rights/Permissions

To the extent possible under law, the Text Creation Partnership has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above, according to the terms of the CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). This waiver does not extend to any page images or other supplementary files associated with this work, which may be protected by copyright or other license restrictions. Please go to http://www.textcreationpartnership.org/ for more information.

Subject terms
Hutchinson, Edward, 1613-1675 -- Early works to 1800.
King Philip's War, 1675-1676 -- Early works to 1800.
Brookfield (Mass.) -- History -- Early works to 1800.
Cite this Item
"A thankefull remembrance of Gods mercy to several persons at Quabaug or Brookfield partly in a collection of providences about them, and gracious appearances for them: and partly in a sermon preached by Mr. Edward Bulkley, Pastor of the Church of Christ at Concord, upon a day of thanksgiving, kept by divers for their wonderfull deliverance there. Published by Capt. Thomas VVheeler. [Five lines from Psalms]." In the digital collection Early English Books Online 2. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A96298.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 21, 2024.

Pages

The Reasons hereof are,

Reason 1. From the Consideration of the Nature of the Benefits, Gods people enjoy; The Prophet here may well say, what shall I Render, &c. and so may every Child of God say; All that are in Covenant with him; what shall we Render for the Benefits we have received from our God.

1. They are great mercies; even very great; as the promises of good to be given are great Promises, 2 Pet. 1.4. so the good promi∣sed and bestowed. They are great favours, especially in spiritual blessings. He gives great Deliverances; as Psal. 18.50. he doth great Things for his, as Psal. 71.19. and 86.13.

2dly, They are very many; There is an All of them, as in the Text; an All that is beyond Expression, Psal. 139.14. more in num∣ber then the sand. There is a multitude of them: This was an Ag∣gravation of Israels sin, that they remembred not the multitude of Gods mercies, Psal. 106.7.

3dly, They are Everlasting mercies, Psal. 136. In every verse thy mercy endures for ever; Gods people see and acknowledge Ever∣lasting mercy, even in outward and temporal blessings; much more in spiritual and Eternal: Because though the mercies themselves do not Indure for ever, yet the Foundation of all to Gods people is Ever∣lasting grace & mercy; And besides even these do in some degree tend to further their Everlasting blessedness; helping them on in their way to their Fathers house in heaven; therefore there is Reason to study and be Sollicitous what to render to God for them.

Reason 2. From the Consideration of the person from whom the Blessings and Deliverances come, and to whom the Return is to be made, and that is, the Lord, what shall I Render to the Lord for His Benefits.

1. All the good we enjoy is from the Lord: we are the Receivers, He the giver. They are his Benefits: yea, the gifts of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, the great and mighty God, who Inhabits the Throne of glory. Oh that the God of glory should have any re∣spect to us dust and Ashes, that he should do so great things for us

Page 6

worthless ones; Psal. 113.5, 6, 7. who is like unto the Lord our God who dwelleth on High; who humbleth himself, &c. He raiseth the poor out of the Dust, &c. A good look from a Prince or some other great and honourable person, is more then a greater thing from a meaner person.

2dly, Our Returns are to be made to the Lord, and therefore we had need be Careful what we present to him: This Reason God him∣self gives why he Curseth the deceiver who hath a male in his Flock, and offereth to God a corrupt thing; because he is a great King: Mal. 1.14. and therefore he sharply reproves them for offering the halt and blind. vers. 8. Persons are usually Careful how they carry themselves towards a great man in returning Thanks to him for favours received from him; much more here ought there to be Care; The Return is to be made to God.

Solomon gives this Reason of the magnificence of the house he was to Build, It was for the Lord who is a great and glorious one: 2 Chr. 2.5. Any manner of house would not serve the turn, the best Tim∣ber and stone must be provided, and it must be wrought in the best manner, and by the most Skilful persons that could be procured. This was Abels Commendation, that he brought of the Firstlings of his Flock and of the fat thereof, Gen. 4.4. and to him God had Re∣spect and to his Offering.

Reason 3. From the Consideration of the person that is to make the Return to God; what shall I Return; I that am so unworthy of the least mercy: I that have had so many mercies, so great Deliverances, I that am notable to Render any thing beseeming his Majesty; I that am un∣der so many Bonds and Obligations; I that am so priviledged by God; what shall I Render, &c.

Hence that Expression, 2 Sam. 17, 18, 19, 20. What can David say, &c. David the youngest of all my Fathers Sons, and yet was preferred before them; David that was a Shepard, and now advan∣ced to Regal dignity; David that was so persecuted by potent and cruel Enemies, and hath been so graciously and wonderfully pre∣served. This makes a thankful heart studious, especially, Conside∣ring these three things therewith.

1. All that we can Return is but little to his mercies; but mites for Talents; words for wonders; All is as nothing.

Page 7

2dly, What we Return to God is (and by Reason of sin indwel∣ling will be) mixt with many Imperfections; our best Services are but as torne Rags, menstruous Cloaths, Isai. 64.6. Even our Robes, our best Services need washing in the Blood of the Lord, Revel. 7.14.

3dly, All that we can give to God is His own; and is but little of his own; and therefore the Saints are sensible of their own Ina∣bility to make any meet Requital to God. Mark holy Davids Expressions after his and the Princes offering towards the Building of the Temple, 1 Chron. 29.10, to 15. vers. a full place to prove all these three particulars before mentioned.

Use I. By way of Instruction or Information.

Instruct. 1. A Soul in a thankful frame, in a Tune of Thanksgiv∣ing can never be sufficiently satisfied in thinking and speaking of Gods mercies and favours towards him. The Prophet had before in this Psalm spoken of Gods goodness towards him; acknowledged his Bounty, what God had done for him; yea, again and again, repea∣ted it: and yet he is here still at the same work in the Text: What shall I Render, &c. yea, again, Psal. 16.17. How great hath Gods goodness been in hearing prayer, rescuing me from deadly dangers, helping me when I was in a low Estate, delivering mine Eyes from Tears, &c. bestowing so many Benefits, loosing my bonds, Ps. 136. In every verse, Thy mercy endureth for ever. Oh praise, give thanke for his mercy: and when he was concluding, he was ready to begin again: Oh give Thanks, ver. 26. Oh give Thanks to the God of Hea∣ven, for, &c. A thankeful heart in a lively frame takes delight to speak of the goodness of God towards him, Is not soon tyred nor weary thereof. All Repetitions are not babling: and therefore let us beware of so judging them; sometimes out of the Aboundance of the Heart Christians go over and over the same thing in petition of good from God and in Thanksgiving for good received at his hands.

Instruct. 2. The Lord so dispenseth mercy to his people, as there∣by he leads them unto special and solemn seasons of Thanksgiving: Though he do afflict them, visit them with Rods, yet in the midst of those Exercises, he so dispenseth favours that they have Cause and just occasion, not only of ordinary, but also Extraordinary praises. Their mercies come in a more then ordinary way, and so call for morethen ordinary praises.

Page 8

Sometimes God giveth them mercies through many difficulties, as water out of the Rock: Deut. 32.13. which together with their ne∣cessity made the water as bony and Oyle: God could give them a∣nother way, he goes that way, that thereby he might provoke them to Thanksgiving: Divers Instances we have in Psal. 107. some he casts into Exile, and delivers them: others into Bonds and Imprison∣ment, and releaseth them, others he makes sick and heals them, that they may praise him.

He brings them into great dangers, and Distresses at Sea and Land, that they may Render Praise in their Redemption, Thus hath been Gods dispensations towards you here met: you were in great distress, i.e. and he hath not left you without signal Providences, gracious discoveries of mercy: and so given you occasion of Solemn Thanksgiving. He brought you Low, and hath raised you, that you might praise him.

Instruct. 3. A Thankeful Spirit is a Resolute and Inquisitive Spi∣rit, Inquisitive to know, and Resolute to do what it knoweth may please the Lord.

1. It is Inquisitive to know what it may, what it should do: This is the property of gratefulness either to God or man, as in David respecting the Posterity of his dear Jonathan. Is there any of the house of Saul, &c. 2 Sam. 9.1. so also in Elisha respecting the Shu∣namite, who had shewed him so much kindness, 2 Kings 4.13.14. What is to be done for her? Grateful Children and Friends will de∣sire to know what may please their Parents, Friends. And so it is with the Children and Friends of God: They desire to know the mind and will of God what he requires of them: and what may be an acceptable Sacrifice to him. Hence they pray for knowledge and understanding as David, Psal, 119.33, 34 Hence also they will search the word of God, that they may understand his will, and understand∣ing it, do it, Rom. 12.2.

2dly. It is a Resolute Spirit resolved to do what ever may express the Thankfulness of his heart to God, according to his will. As he purposeth in his heart not to sin by doing the Least Evil, Dan. 1.8 so he purposeth and resolveth to do, (though not in his own strength) what is pleasing to God, Psal. 119.8. I will keep thy Precepts, and in the Text, what shall I Render, &c. I will stick at nothing, will do

Page 9

any thing; as when Joseph supplyed the Egyptians with Come, they yield to any Terms; Let us find grace in the sight of my Lord, and we will be Pharoahs Servants, Gen 47 25. And as David was ready to do what ever Barzilla should request of him, 2 Sam. 19.38. In testimony of his Thankfulness for his Loyalty and Bounty at such a time; so a gracious Soul much more towards God; It is re∣solved to do any thing, to suffer any thing whereby God may be honoured. As Paul, Acts 21.14. How ungrateful then are they that will not do what they know to be pleasing to God, though it be clearly set before them, and strongly urged on them? young men are called upon to turn to God quickly; elder and younger ones to seek after him in all his holy Ordinances; to forsake their Lusts and vain Company; but they will not; they hold fast deceit and refuse to Return.

They know what is good, but will not do it. Many know their duties in their Relations towards Superiours and Inferiours, but will not yield to them. And though some for Carnal sinister Respects do many things; as Jebu, Herod, &c. yet at something they stick; some Dalilah they will keep, some Lust they will not part withal, some duty they will not perform. Especially how farr are such from Thankfulness that resolve not to do, what God sets before them: as they, Jer. 44.16, 17; The word that thou hast spoken to us in the Name of the Lord we will not do. Such are most Ingrateful ones for all the mercies they receive from him.

Instruct. 4th. To be truly thankful to God is an high, and ave∣ry Spiritual Service; It is a Rendring and making Returns to God: what shall I Render to God, &c. For man to be sit to receive from God is a great matter, but it is much higher for us to Render to God, that man dust and Ashes should make a Requital to the great and glorious God. Therefore David so magnifies God that they should offer so liberally to him: 1 Chron. 29.10, &c. It is a great matter to be admired, that God should honour us, therefore saith the Pro∣phet, what is man that thou art mindful of him, &c, Thou hast Crowned him with glory and honour; but for us to honour God is greater; It is an high duty for the Sons of men, which are but worms to rise so high as to honour God: praising of God is an ex∣tolling or Exalting God, Exod. 15.2. He is higher then to be exalted

Page 10

by us, yet this we are said to do, in an Acknowledgement of his hand, giving him the glory of his wisdome, power, goodness, Faith∣fulness and mercy in the operations of his hand about us. Think it not an easy thing to praise the Lord; It is not only a lip labour, an easy Service; It is a Rendring to God. To play on Musick is plea∣sant, but it is hard to set the Instrument in Tune to play well; It is hard to get the heart in Tune, in a Spiritual lively, humble frame; Hence David so stirs up himself to it, Psal. 103.1, 2, and Deborab calls upon her self to awake, Judg. 5.12.

Instruct. 5th. Gods doings are the matter of the Saints Acknow∣ledgements in their Thanksgivings and praises of him. The word Translated Praise signifies Confession and so often Rendred by Mr. Ainsworth. Confess the Lord, &c.

Now the Lords doings are the matter of their Confessions: [his Benefits] what he hath done for me, and others of his people, the works of his hands for mine and others deliverance and Salvation. When we praise the Lord, we do but sing over what he hath done, He acts it, and we acknowledge it; As in this Salvation vouchsafed to you from the Enemy, from their Attempts by Assaults, Fire, &c.

An Eccho is little else but a Reflecting Repetition of the first sound; so our praises are Repetitions, reflecting the work on God; He heard, he helped, he delivered and saved; This is the Lords doings. There is an Amen in Thanksgiving; our Amen to the Truth of Gods dis∣pensations; we say Amen to them; so they are, and we acknow∣ledge it. To give Thanks is to give God a Tribute in the Confession of his goodness; It is Retribution: This is to Crown the Lord, we owne him the Author of all our manifold Comforts, Deliverances, supplies in one kind or other. There is a distinction made between glory and glorification; glory is an Essential Attribute, though there were no Angel or man; but glorification is the acknowledgement of his power, goodness, mercy in his works by the Rational Creature.

What are you then to acknowledge this day? Even the Lords doings in your marpeilous preservation: If you would glorifie him this day then say: the Lord hath done great things for us. This is the Lords doing, and it is wonderful in our Eyes!

Instruct. 6th. One special particular mercy received from God, ought to raise up our Hearts to a Consideration of all other mercies

Page 11

formerly bestowed on us: And so it should be with you meet to praise the Lords glorious Name for that great Deliverance at the Swampe, and in the Garrison. The Prophet addes that general Particle All, to shew that from that present Benefit which God had Conferred on him in that great Deliverance mentioned vers. 2.3. his heart was extended to a Consideration of other favours which the Lord from time to time had shewed him.

Thus it will be with a grateful Heart: Not that we can think on every benefit, so as to leave out none, they being so Innumerable: but it is to be taken of the several kinds: as general, particular, publick, private, temporal and Spiritual, and of as many several and distinct branches of these as we can, Psal. 103.2. Forget not all, nor any of his Benefits, and Psal 105 2 Talk you of all his wondrous works. This is the means to enlarge the heart, and Inflame it with holy Zeal, in praising God, as more Fuel brought to the fire makes it greater. Here is a good help to this great duty this day, and at other times, observe all kinds of mercies, and call to mind what God hath done for you formerly, for your persons, Families, Relations, for the Churches to which you belong, for the Country.

Instruct. 7. The Consideration of mercies bestowed on our selves, and our Interest in the mercies bestowed on others is a great means to provoke to Thankfulness: so the Prophet here. For all his Benesits towards me. so Psal. 103.1, to 6. vers. Bless the Lord O my Soul, &c. who forgives all thine iniquities, and beals all thy Di∣seases, &c.

We are most sensible of kindness done to our selves, the sweet where∣of our own Souls tast, & according to the Sense and tast of any kind∣ness, is the heart quickned and stirred up to Thankfulness. Oh take special notice of such mercies, as in particular concern thy self: For in the Case and buisiness of your present meeting: one may say, I was spared and not touched, when others were dangeroufly wounded: Another may say, I was only wounded, when others were killed: I am recovered, when others wounds proved mortal: God hath given me my Life, when others are taken away by Death: I am returned to my Relations, or my Relations are come home in safety, when others have not enjoyed such a mercy.

Consider withal, how you are Interested in the mercies of others,

Page 12

either particular persons, or in the Common and publick mercies of the Town and Country. You have an Interest in the mercies of your Yoke-fellow, Children. In the mercies of the Town, Church state: If the Town be spared (when others are consumed) It is mercy to eve∣ty particular: If husband be returned home safe, It is a Benefit to me, may the wife say: If the Father be returned, It is a Benefit to me, may the Child say: so may the Father say in the Childs Return: The mercies in Magistracy, and Ministry are our mercies, They are Gods Benefits to us. self Interests are affecting Interests. Consider how thou art Interested in any mercy, Deliverance, Immediately or me∣diately, and this will further our Thankfulness for it. As this is a way to affect the Heart with the Churches affliction, to Consider our Interest therein as members of the same Body, so also to affect our Hearts with Gods goodness to others, to Consider how we are con∣cerned therein.

It may be some may say, I have more Cause to Fast and Pray in regard of Gods hand on me and mine rather then to Rejoyce and Feast: Do but Consider thy many personal mercies, thy Family mercies, and thy Interest in Common-wealth, and Church mer∣cies, and thou mayest see aboundant Cause of Thankfulness. It is a Certain Truth, that a Child of God when he is in the worst Case he can be in here upon earth, hath more Cause of Gratulation then of Petition. His mercies are greater then his miseries: His Enjoyments more then his wants, besides his hopes of all good at last in an Un∣changeable Estate.

Instruct. 8th. If Temporal mercies be carefully to be observed, and Return made to God for them, how much more for Spiritual and Eternal mercies If Deliverance from a temporal Death, how much more Deliverance from Everlasting Death.

Spiritual mercies are the great mercies. They are the Fathers gifts to his Children: other mercies he gives to them that are hated and abhorred by him. They have some Relation to God as his Creatures, Servants in his great Family: and therefore they shall have somewhat here, a portion they shall have in these common fa∣vours, vile and ungodly men often escape deadly dangers as well as precious Saints, nay, they may be preserved, when others better then they are taken a way suddenly, and by a violent death. These

Page 13

Temporal Benefits will not evidence Gods special favour in Christ.

What Cause have you to whom God hath given those great be∣nefits, of Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, and hopes of glory in Heaven, for to say with the Apostle Paul, Ephes. 1.3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual Blessings in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus. And with the Prophet in the Text: what shall I Render to the Lord, who hath done so great things for, to deliver my Soul from the Nethermost-Hell, and to call me to Eternal glory by Jesus Christ: say therefore with the Apostle Peter, To him be glory and Dominion for ever and ever, 1 Pet. 5.10, 11.

Use II. For Humiliation, Hence we have a ground of humbling and abasing our selves, in the Consideration of our great neglect of serious observation of Gods favours towards us, and also of our short returnes we have made to him for them; may not the Lord complain of us as of Israel; Do you thus requite the Lord, &c. Deut. 32.6. It may seem unsuitable and unseasonable to urge this at such a time, and on such a day, when met to praise the Lord for his great mercies; But they may well Consist; An heart sensible of its own Ingratitude, and scant Returns to God, with a bewailing of the same, and an heart desirous to praise him, and breaking forth in thankful Acknowledgements of his manifold Benefits, may stand to∣gether. The Confideration of our former unthankfulness, and the greatness of our Evil therein, and Humiliation for it, may help for∣ward our Thankfulness for present and future times.

Use III. By way of Exhorration. 1. To imitate this holy Pro∣phet of God in taking notice of Gods mercies, and in special of mer∣cies to our selves; Take notice of all.

Consider the times when mercies have been given out to you. All times. Mercies in your mothers womb, mercies in Childhood, mer∣cies in single and married Condition; Common dayes mercies, Sab∣bath dayes mercies; view the places where you have received mer∣cies; In Old-England, on the Sea; In this Country; In one Town, Family and other, ship mercies and Shoar mercies, mercies at home, and mercies abroad, mercy at the Swamp, mercy in the house or Gar∣rison.

Consider the kinds of mercy, spiritual, temporal, preventing, spar∣ing

Page 14

supplying, affording succours in a time of great need; as in your late danger, healing wounds, restoring health and strength, forbear∣ing, and giving further space and time of Repentance, those that have been taken away, if they were not prepared for their Change, have no time any more to work in for Eternity.

Consider the Interest in others mercies publick or more private; Every one of you may say, It was mercy to me, that the rest of the Company were then spared besides my self: If several others had been cut off besides those that fell, had not those that escaped been much more endangered, what unlikelihood of your preservation af∣terward. It is mercy that God made you Instrumental for the pre∣servation of so many persons as were then in that place, men, women, and little ones. Consider that it is the Lords doing that you are Re∣turned, and hitherto preserved in your habitations. Behold the work of God, as in what he did against you, so in what he hath wrought for you.

Mot. 1. Consider it is a great Evil not to ponder on, and to Consider of the operation of his hands whether in afflictions, or in mercies, in Salvations, Psal. 28.4, 5.

2dly. If we be not observing Christians to discern and mark all Gods wayes about us, we cannot sanctifie Gods Name therein, as it is our duty to do, 1 Pet. 3.15. All Gods works are a part of his Name, he makes himself known in his wisdome, power, love, goodness and mercy therein. If we sanctifie not his Name, he will be sanctified upon us. Therefore, Behold and see, take notice of all his Provi∣dences

3dly. If we do not observe them our selves, how shall we declare them to others? This is a duty incumbent on us, Numb. 22.31. Psal. 22.31. and Psal. 66.18. How can we tell to others what God hath done for us, if we take not good notice of it our selves?

2dly. Be studiously sollicitous what to Return to the God of your Salvation; as the Prophet here was, what shall I Render, &c.

I. There is something that God would not have returned to him; there is a return that in stead of finding acceptance with him is a provocation to him. It provokes him to wrath and Indignation.

1. God would not have sin returned to him; yet thus did many in Israel, Deut. 32.6. Israel Gods peculiar people, in Covenant

Page 15

with him, after great things done for them, did wretchedly and un∣gratefully deal with him; they turned away from God, and walked after the imagination of their own evil hearts, they forsook the foun∣tain of living waters, and changed their glory, for that which could not profit. To receive good from God and return sin to God is vile & abominable. It is a very foolish thing to give way to sin against God, when we have received mercies, even many and great mercies from him; and therefore it is called folly: Psal 85.8. that they return not again to folly. This God complains of in Israel, in Isai. 1.2, 3. I have brought up Children and they have rebelled against me.

Beware every one of you here this day that you give not the Lord Cause so to complain of you; I have brought up these persons, I have blessed them in themselves, and in their Relations, I have pre∣served them in such deadly dangers, I have rebuked the destroyer, I have given them their lives for a prey, I have brought them in safe∣ty to their habitations and Relations, I have healed their wounds, re∣stored them to health and strength, and Behold they still rebel against me, they follow their Lusts, their revelling and vain Company still, they spend my Sabbaths loosly still, they are still unsavoury in their Commnnication; still proud, froward: The Lord takes special notice how persons carry it after signal mercies, Isai. 26.10.

In special take heed of wantonness of Spirit, and kicking against God in the enjoyment of his mercies, kicking against his word; against Reproofs, against his Ordinances in Magistracy and Ministry; against his Institutions in his house; as too many do in these dayes, Deut. 32.15. Jesurun waxed fat and kicked; Israel should have been Jesurun. i. e. righteous or upright before God, but were nothing less, when filled and fatted, then they kicked, like some young, when they have sucked, kick the Damms dugs. Though Parents be liberal to their Children, yet they would not have them wanton, and trample good meat under their feet, and yet such a Spi∣rit there is in us; we are ready to turn the very grace of God reveal∣ed in the Gospel into Lasciviousness as they did, Jude 4. and many now do. When Gods mercies make us wanton, this God takes ill; Take heed of sniffing and trampling mercies under feet: Be not wanton, secure, proud, scornful, after such a deliverance as this, say as Ezra. 9.13, 14. shall we after such a deliverance again break thy

Page 16

Commandments, &c. Let not sin the only object of Gods batred be the Return you make to God for his sparing, preserving mercy, &c.

Consider 1. This will be a great aggravation of all your other and former Evils, to sin after such mercies; as Israels murmurings and Rebellions in the wilderness after their deliverance at the red Sea, and mercies vouchsafed, Nehem. 9.10. with 16.17. verses.

2. This will bring worse and greater Evils, in one kind or other, John 5.14. sin no more, (saith Christ) least a worse thing come. You that escaped without the least hurt may come to be dan∣gerously wounded; the Bullet may hit you as the Arrow did Ahab; you that were then only hurt, when others were slain: take heed that God cut you not down ere long for such evil requitals of him for his great goodness. Your late preservation may be but a reserva∣tion to soarer Judgements.

2dly. Return not a lame and halt Requital; a body without a Soul, the lip without the Heart, a verbal without a real Sacrifice; external duties without the Spirit, Mal. 1.13, 14. you have brought the torn, &c. but cursed be the deceiver who hath a male in his flock, &c. 1 Chron. 29.14. David and the Princes not only offer liberally towards the Temples building; but he blesseth God that they should offer so willingly, so heartily, This is that he principally wondereth at, It is a greater mercy from God to give a man a willing heart to offer what he doth, then to give him that which he may offer to him.

2dly. Affirmatively, Render to God that which he calls for at our hands.

1. In general; Render to God that which is Gods, Math. 22.21. As that which is Caesars must be rendred to Caesar; so that which is Gods must be rendred to God: give God that which is his Owne: give God his due, as Psal. 29.1. give to the Lord the glory due to his Name. As that which we offer to God must be his owne; of his own Appointment and according to his own mind, so what is his own should be rendred to him.

2dly. More particularly. 1. Render your selves to God: so the Apostle exhorts us, Rom. 12.1. that we give up our bodies as a liv∣ing, and holy, and acceptable Sacrifice, &c. what ever we are or have, it is from the Lord: you are the Lords by right of Creation, 〈…〉〈…〉 by right of preservation, in the great perils you were

Page 17

lately in, &c. The Lord hath the most right to you. But many will not give God his right; They are and will be their own, Their Tongues are their own, as Psal. 12 4. Their Estates their own to dispose of as they see good, as Nabal, 1 Sam. 25.11. My Bread and my Flesh, &c. Their time is their own to spend as they please, they will not be ruled by God, nor by those whom God sets over them in Family, Church or Commen-wealth: Oh give up your selves Souls and bodies to be for God, 1 Cor. 6.19, 20. glorifie God in your Souls, &c. Thus did Paul Acts 27.23. whose I am, and whom I serve. He was Gods, and he gave himself to the Service of God in the work he set him about. As all that comes from God doth not satisfie a gracious heart with∣out the Lord himself; no more is the Lord pleased with what cometh from us without our selves.

2dly. Return love to God, Psal. 116.1. I love the Lord because he hath heard, &c. This is a good Return. Have not we that have pray∣ed to God in any distresses formerly or lately, or know what prayer means Cause to say, The Lord hath heard the voice of our Supplica∣tions; Oh love the Lord greatly, intirely with all our hearts. Have you been in great streights, and you have prayed, and God hath sup∣plyed you? Have you been in doubts, and God hath resolved you? Have you been in Terrours of Conscience, affliction of Spirit, full of fears of Gods Everlasting wrath, and you sought God and he an∣swered you, scattered your fears, and caused the Sun of Righteous∣ness to rise and shine upon you, and given you peace? Have you been in deadly dangers by sickness, by Enemies that have risen up against you, by wounds, and you have prayed for healing and delivering mer∣cy? oh then Render Love to God for his goodness, mercy, and sal∣vation.

Mot. 1. Consider, gratitude requireth it at our hands. All our good temporal and spiritual is from him; And all is freely bestowed; yea, his mercies bestowed on us are more then the hairs of our Head: His preventing, sparing, delivering, supplying mercies. He is there∣fore worthy of our Love not only in respect of his Excellency in him∣self, but also of his benignity and grace towards us, especially his rich mercy in Christ Jesus.

2dly. Love is the ground of all duties acceptably performed to God. All is nothing without Love to God and man, 1 Cor. 13••••, 2.

Page 17

All the Commandments are comprized under it, Luk. 10.27. It is the fulsilling of the Law; Love to God is the fulfilling of the first Ta∣ble, and love to man the fulfilling of the second; where Love abounds there will be much cheerfulness, willingness and readiness to do any thing to please him that is loved.

3dly. No love shall be lost that is cast upon the Lord; he knows who loves him in sincerity, and he approves them, and will love them again, and manifest his Love to them, and from his love to them do wonderful things for them. Their labour of Love shall not be in vain, Exod 20.7. Deut. 7.9,13. John. 14.21, 23. Oh love the Lord who hath redeemed you out of your distresses, and given you cause to re∣joyce in his great goodness in Answer of your prayers; And let your Love to God appear in these things.

1. In hearing the voice of his Commands, and inclining your Ear to what he calls for from you; This is Equitable. If God hear us, let us hear him: shall Gods Ear be open to our Requests, and our Ears shut to his Command, yea, Intreaties and beseechings, when he beseecheth us to give up our selves more to him, to follow him and cleave more to him? may not the Lord say when we are dull, and slow to hear and hearken to his voice; Is this your love and kindness, do you thus requite me for answering your prayers in the day of your trouble?

2. In shunning all that may separate from God, and separate be∣tween God and you; and that for this very cause, because they do cause a separation: And that is sin, Esai. 59.2. wants, persecutions cannot separate, but it is only sin, The true Love of God is a Love of Ʋnion, and therefore there must be a shunning that which caus∣eth separation; Let us therefore hate all Evil in our selves and others, and manisest our hatred in seeking the Extirpation and destruction of it, Psal. 97.10. Rom. 12.9. Abhorre that which is Evil, thereby we depart from God, Heb. 3.12. The Servant that loved his master would not depart from him.

3. Shew your Love in Carefulness to please him in all things; Children that love their Parents will seek to please them; so it is with Gods Children, Christ loving his Father sought to please him in all things, Iohn 8.29. Walk as before the face of God, Psal. 116.9. And where there is a Care to please him, there will be a readiness to

Page 19

yield willing obedience to any Command given even in the most diffi∣cult duties & Services, Iohn 15.10. 1 Iohn 5.3. unless love prevail in the Soul, some Command of God or other will be grievous. Love makes them easy, as to David, Psal. 119.97.127. All will say they love God, but little Care appears in many men and women to please God. Some will please themselves whither God be pleased or no.

4. Manifest your Love to God in your Love to the Church of God, Psal. 122.6.

  • 1. In loving Church Assemblies, Psal. 42.1, 2. and 26.8. and the Fellowship of all Saints, Psal. 16.3.
  • 2. In grieving in the Churches affliction, and rejoycing in its prosperity as Ietbro, Exod. 18.9. and Neh. 1.4.
  • 3. In seeking and promoting the Churches welsare in our mea∣sure and according to our power and opportunity, so David promi∣sed, Psal. 122.7, 8. so did Mordecai, Esther 10.3. so Paul, 2 Cor. 11.28.
  • 4. Manifest a sincere love of God in minding the things of God, whereby he may be honoured, his Name advanced, his Truths pro∣pagated from generation to generation.

Love will stick at nothing whereby it may honour God, It is a Bountiful affection. Gods love to man did make him part with his only begotten Son, he spared not him but gave him to dye, &c. John 3.16. Abraham will part with his Isaack at Gods Command: nay, Love never knoweth when it hath done enough; It knows no such thing as too much, or too soon; The Soul thinks it cannot be too quick, too forward in any Service of God. It cannot have too much holiness, &c. nay, when one hath done his best, yet he is ashamed he hath done so little; and though he takes comfort in what he hath been enabled to do, yet he looks at all as nothing, as Paul, 2 Cor. 12.11. and prayes for sparing mercy, as Nehem. 13.22.

Thus return love to God: This is a good Return, whereby the Soul takes more Content in God, more delight in Fellowship with him, which is the nature of Love, Deut. 10.12. That mercy is made an affliction to us, that doth not engage our hearts to love God more; they should not take off our hearts from the love of God, but quick∣en us to abound in more love, Psal: 31.23. And therefore you that have been delivered Consider, It is now some time since you were

Page 20

in that distress, and had such a remarkable deliverance, Is your love to God Increased by it, Care to please him, and to walk in obedi∣ence to his holy Commandments, know it, this return God expects from you; and therefore see that you sail not his Expectation.

5. Return worship to God. so David promiseth to do upon the receipt of mercy from God, Psal. 5.7. In thy fear will I worship, &c. This we are exhorted to, 1 Chron. 16.29. worship the Lord in the beau∣ty of holiness. Worship him in all his holy Institutions in his house. Let such of you as have neglected some Ordinances of his worship and preparation of your selves for them, take heed of neglecting still; God is a Jealous God, he accounts them haters of him that do not worship him in his own Institutions, when they have liberty and opportunity to enjoy them, Exod. 20.5. you that are not in full Church Communion, either you are prepared or unprepared with re∣spect to your present state; If still unprepared, yet in a Carnal state, what would have become of you, if you had dyed at the Swampe, or in the Garrison, if you had then been taken away? If you be prepared having a true faith in Iesus Christ, and you neglect his Ordinances God may cut you down by some temporal Judgement, though you, be not damned for it: Consider that place, Numb 9.13. The man that is clean, and for beareth to keep the Passover, the same Soul shall be cut off from his people, because he brought not the offering of the Lord in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin As for you that do enjoy all Ordinances in Gods house be you exhorted to wor∣ship God in the participation thereof, more spiritually and chearfully, serve him with more joy and delight, with more Reverence and Fer∣vency of Spirit.

In special, Return prayer to God; which is such a principal part of worship, that it is sometimes put for the whole worship of God. Rom. 10.13.

Be much with God in prayer: Thus the prophet here, Psal. 116 2. and 13. verses, God having answered his prayer and given him so great a deliverance, he shall therefore call upon God as long as he lives. This will be one thing that he will Render to God so mercy received, he will be still calling upon God. Let us improve all the Answers we have received from God to encourage us to for ther prayer to him.

Page 21

Mot. 1. Consider, we cannot weary the Lord with often going to him; It is sometimes an Argument of Encouragement in request∣ing help or kindness from men: He is an old friend, a tryed friend, he hath helped me when I was in a great streight, and therefore I will go to him again: much more here; But, though men may be weary of our often coming to them, yet God will not; he taketh it as a good return, when we are much, yea, more in prayer with him.

Mot. 2. When we have prevailed with God for any special mer∣cy, deliverance or help in a day of trouble, there is yet great need of prayer and Continuance thereof.

1. For a thankful heart to the giver of every good and perfect gift; the God of our Salvations.

2. For the Continuance of the mercy, that it may not be taken away from us; that the Evil removed may not again return.

3. For the Sanctification of the mercy and blessing to us, need to pray for an heart to use it in a right manner to the honour of Gods Name and others good.

That it may not be an occasion of sin to us, that it may not be abu∣sed by us; That when God is good to us, we may not be the worse in our wayes towards him. There is great need of prayer to God in a time of prosperity, that we may improve it to glorifie him in our particular places wherein we are set by him.

4. we shall be yet needing more and renewed mercies daily, whilst we are here in this world, and therefore we must be Beggars till we get to Heaven: we need more grace, wisdome for our work and bu∣siness in our stations; more mortification of our Corruptions, more power against our great Adversary Satan, &c. And therefore have we prayed, and obteined what you asked; pray still that you may receive still from the same bountiful hand gracious Answers of your Requests. As we are to go to the Throne rf grace in our wants; so also in our Receipts of mercies, that they may be Continued and Sanctified to us, and also improved by us according to his will.

4. Render to God the Ʋows that you have made to him in the time of your Trouble, in the day of your great distress; pay your Vows to the most high God; Thus the Prophet in this Psalm, 14.15. vers-whether your Ʋows have been more solemn, or only a bare Resolu∣tion of your Heart. Have you vowed to forsake any sin, to leave

Page 22

any evil Custome; to walk more exactly with God, to be more Careful in Relative duties, to seek more after God in all his wayes, to be more Reverent in attending to Gods worship; Oh now be Careful to discharge what you have promised and resolved; now pay what you vowed, Ps. 56.12. There saith David, thy Ʋows are up∣on me O God; the Vows which he had made to God in his danger, lay upon him, as a Bond which he must look to free himself from; he had fast bound himself to God, but he will loose himself by paying them.

Mot. 1. It is folly to Vow and not to pay; and God taketh no pleasure in Fools, Eccles 5.45, 6.

It is hateful folly; Better not have vowed, then vow and not pay.

2. It is a great Aggravation of sin, when it is against solemn Vows; and therefrre take heed to your wayes: If you did not vow in that time of danger, yet you have vowed in your. Baptisme; that you would be the Lords Servants, & keep his Commandment; But I doubt not, but that you had serious thoughts then on those two or three dayes while your Trouble chieflyl asted, that if God would return you in peace & Safety to your Habitations, to the Enjoyment of your Re∣lations, you would walk more to the praise of his Name, and the ho∣nour of the Gospel: That if the Lord would preserve you from vi∣olent and ungodly men that sought your Ruine, you would be more faithful Servants to him: Oh take heed to your selves, that you forget not the promises wherein you have bound your Souls: After de∣liverance had from God, Return not to folly, Psal. 85.8.

3. Consider, God hath the Bond, and it will be called for. Though we may forget and little regard our Ʋows and and the payment of them, yet God remembers all our Vows and Engagements; one time or other, we shall be put in mind of them. God put Ja∣cob in mind of his Ʋow, when he went from his Fathers house, &c. Gen. 35.1. &c. God had told him of it once before, Chap. 31, 13. It may be, God was displeased with him for his slackness to go to Bethel and pay it; and therefore though he did not chide him, he being then in heaviness, yet takes the opportunity, and gently minds him what was his duty, and would be for his safety, when so full of fears of the Countries rising against him; by Reason of that act of his Sons against the Sechemites.

Did you then Vow, when in so great danger; It was a seasonable

Page 23

time of vowing; Take also the fittest season for payment. And that is Now, the present time, Psal. 116.14, 18. Now in the pra∣sence of his people: Deferre not.

5. Return fear to God; That the Lord expects, that the more he discovers his grace and goodness, his mercy and Salvation to us, we should fear him the more, Psal. 130.4. There is for giveness with thee, that thou maiest be feared; This is also foretold of Israel; that at their Return out of Captivity, they shall fear the Lord and his goodness in the latter dayes, Hos. 3. ult, The more good you receive from God, the more do you abound in the fear of God; so shall it be with Gods ancient people when the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and shall turn ungodliness from Jacob, the fear of the Lord shall pre∣vail mightily in their Hearts, more then ever, The greater Gods goodness, the more shall the fear of God be upon their hearts. All their joy in God and his goodness shall be mixed with a Reverential fear of God; They shall serve the Lord in fear and rejoyes with trem∣bling, as Psal. 2.11. so let it be with you, Heb. 12.28. Serve the Lord with Reverence and godly fear; fear to offend so good a God who hath had such mercy on you, wrought such deliverances for you. And in all your rejoycings and praisings of God for his goodness, see that there be a mixture of fear; work out your Salvation with fear and Trembling, Phil. 2.12.

And manifest the fear of God in your hearts by your Care to de∣part from all Evil, Prov. 16.6. And by your using the very Name and Attributes of God with great Reverence; by Reverencing Gods Sanctuary, by endeavouring to walk with a good Conscience towards all men: not oppressing any, Levit. 25.17. not avenging our selves though injured, Gen. 42.18. Being faithful in all Trusts committed to us, Neh. 7.2.

Be not high minded, but fear: not with a slavish fear, to fear him only for his wrath and Judgements, but also for his Compassion and goodness. And therefore let our fear of God be joyned with a love of God, to fear him in Love, and Love him in fear: Let not our fear drive us from God, as Cains did, but cause us to cleave closet to God, as God promiseth in Jer. 32.40.

6. Render true Sanctity to God. Be perfecting holiness in the fear of God, 2 Cor. 7.1. Math. 22.21. Render to God the things that are Gods:

Page 24

Thus Christ spake upon their shewing him the penny that had Caesars Image on it, that man might know that God requireth of man his own Image in man himself, in which he at first Created him, & with which he at first adorned & beautified him, & which was mans chief Excellen∣ey & glory Caesar would have his Image upon his Coine: The Lord would see his Image in us: The Image of his grace and holiness. Let it be more shining: And let it more appear, and be manifested in our doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with the Lord our God. Be you holy, for the Lord your God is holy: yea, in all manner of Con∣versation, 1 Pet. 1.15 16 Be you merciful as your Father is merci∣ful, Luk. 6.36. As God is an universal good, doing good to all, so let us every one labour to be a publick good, doing good to as many as we have opportunity, Psal. 16.2, 3. my goodness extends not to thee, (saith David) but to the Saints, &c. Gal. 6.10 As we have oppor∣tunity let us do good to all, espcially to those that are of the Houshold of Faith. Let us now labour to be like him in holiness, goodness, Righte∣ousness, & we shall be like him hereafter in glory and Blessedness. Let us more & more approve our selves the Children of God in resem∣bling him, following of him, walking after him, Ephes. 5.1.

7. Render to God the fruit that he calls for under his Husbandry, and the wayes he takes with us, that we might be fruitful in well do∣ing. This he calls for and expects from a people for whom he hath done as for us in this wilderness: to whom he gives the Gospel of the Kingdome, who have Sanctuary Enjoyments, to whom he vouch∣safeth protection from their Enemies, Math. 21.43. The Kingdom should be taken from the unfruitful Iews, and given to them which should bring forth fruit, render it in the season, Isai. 5.2.3, 5, 7. vers. God tells us again and again what he looked for; He looked for sweet grapes, good fruits.

These fruits are the good works required of us in our Conversati∣on in duties of godliness Righteousness, Lovs, goodness and mercy, which God hath ordeined, that we should walk in them, Ephes. 2.10. This was the Apostles prayer for the Philippians, Chap. 1.11. that they might be filled with the fruits of Righteousness, &c. and for the Colossians, Chap. 1.10. that fruitful in every good work. The Lord takes great pains with us in his house: He is pruning of us by the Af∣fictions he brings upon us, that we might be more fruitful, Ioh. 15.2

Page 25

Bring forth the fruit of Ordinances, and Providences: the fruit of your dangers, troubles, fears, and also of your Deliverances and Experiences of Gods help in the time of distress; Live more to God, less to your selves, less to the world. Labour to abound in the work of God, doing good in all places to all with whom you. Converse. Do good in your Communication, Col. 4.6. by your Example; as the Thessolonians did, 1 Thes 1 7. and the Corinthians, 2 Cor 9 2. Their Zeal provoked very many. Be fruitful Trees in Gods Vine∣yard, both in word and deed, doing good to all as you have occasi∣on ministred to you, provoking them to love and good works by be∣holding your forwardness in the wayes of Christ Jesus.

Mot. 1. Consider, it is an honour to the glorious and blessed God, when those that are his people are fruitful; when the Trees that he hath planted are laden with good fruit: when a vine is full of goodly Clusters. It is a Credit to the Ʋine dresser, when ground yields great Increase. It is not only the profit, but the honour of the Hus∣bandman, when Ewes bear Twins, It is the Shepards honour; and so when Christians are fruitful; It is the honour and glory of God who is the Husbandman, John 15.1. their Shepard, Psal. 23.1. The Lord accounts himself honoured, John. 15.8. Herein is my Father honoured, &c. Hereby others are stirred up to praise God, Math. 5.16: 2 Cor. 9.12. Phil. 1.11. They are by Jesus Christ to the praise and glory of God. Let this quicken us to Fruitfulness; For this is the great End of our Lives to bring glory to God, the God of our Life. This ought to be our highest End in all, 1 Cor. 10.31.

2. Fruitful Christians are the Lords delight: They are Hephzi∣bab, his delight is in them; They walk worthy of the Lord to all well pleasing, Col. 1.10. The Lord promiseth to be as the Dew unto Is∣rael; and then his beauty should be as the Olive Tree, and his smell as Lebanon, Hos. 14.5, 6. The beauty of the Olive Tree is to be full of Olives; such Christians are beautiful in Gods Eyes; Lebanon was full of sweet Trees and fragrant Flowers, and filled all the parts thereabouts with a sweet smel; and so should Israel be a sweet savour to God; when they brought forth good fruit to him. The Philip∣pians fruitfulness in well doing communicating to Paul was an odour of a sweet smell, a Sacrifice acceptable and well pleasing to God, Phil. 4.18.

Page 26

3. Fruitless Professors are near unto a Curse, and in danger of being plucked up or cut down, Math, 21 19. Heb. 6.8. If we bring not forth fruits of mercies, deliverances, Ordinances, Afflictions, if bar∣ren under all, the Curse may come, and God say never fruit grow on you more; yea, God may cut us down by the Axe of his Judge∣ments which he hath brought upon us, Math. 3.10. Now God is lay∣ing the Axe, if not to the Root, yet he is lopping off many branches: and therefore the more need to take heed of unfruitfulness. The Jews were a fruitless Vine Christ layed the Axe to the Root of the Tree, &c. Luk. 13.7. Cut it down, &c. would we not be cut down and cast into the Fire, let us be fruitful and that in due season.

4. The End of Fruitfulness in Gods wayes is Everlasting Life and Blessedness, Rom. 6, 32. The good we do in Family, Town, Church, being done in uprightness will turn to good Account in the great day of Christs appearance, Phil. 4.17. All good fruit which we here bring forth is as Seed sown, 2 Cor. 9.6. Prov. 11.30. It will yield great increase, 1 Tim. 6.18, 19. 2 Tim. 1.16, 17, 18. you would willingly have the Reward, then do the work; If you would have a good Crop in the Harvest day, now be sowing and that not sparingly; serve the Lord faithfully and diligently in duties of holiness, Righte. ousness, Love, kindness, Bounty and all goodness, 1 Cor. 15.8. know∣ing your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Labour to be more and more fruitful, that your works may be more at the laft, then at the first; as Christ speaks of them, Rev. 2.19. yea, be fruitful in Age, honouring God, and adorning the Gospel in all things, Psal. 92.14.

8. Make this Return to God for all his Benefits, and the great de∣liverances received, to make him your Trust and Confidence all your dayes. Trust upon the Lord, & live in dependance upon him for further mercy and Salvation. In Experience of what you have re∣ceived from God, rest upon him, we need daily from God, and the Lord gives out daily unto us, let us act Faith daily upon God. Make this use of Gods gracious appearance for you, never to di∣strust him what ever your dangers and streights, or distresses may be, so it was with holy Paul, 2 Cor. 1.10. who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver, in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us. Be not overmuch Careful or fearful in these evil and trou∣blesomedayes. Be not sollicitous what you shall eat, or what you

Page 27

shall drink, or whire with you shall be clothed, or how you shall be pre∣served; Trust on the Lord Jehovah in whom is Everlasting strength, Isai. 26.4. the Lord provided for his people daily in the wilderness, though they had no bread left in the Evening: yet they had it near their doors in in the morning: he was a shadow in the day time from the heat, &c. Isai. 4.5, 6. This was Davids Resolution having had such wonderful deliverances from all his Enemies, he would still trust in God, Psal. 18.2. And therefore in his greatest fears there shall be his Considence, that he will not fear what man can do to him, Psal. 56.3, 4. He is, and will be a Buckler to all those that trust in him, Psal. 18.30. It is a very ill Requital not to trust him by resting on his promises: not to rely upon his wisdome, power, faithfulness when we have had much Experience of his Care, Love, Compassion and won∣derful works for our good. It is high Ingratitude. Hence the Lord was so angry with Asa for sending to Benhadad for his help, (though there were other evils in it) that he relyed not on God, when God had given him such a glorious victory over that mighty Host of the Ethiopians, 2 Chron. 16: 8, 9: Thereby he provoked God from that time to afflict him with Warrs. Learn to trust in God in the most deadly dangers: Let him be your Refuge in all Storms: He is able to keep that which is committed to him. To him belong the Issues from death, Psal 68.26:

9. Make this Return to God for all his Bounty and mercy to you, to make God your exceeding joy, as David did, Psal: 43: 4: and to re∣joice in him the God of your Salvation: yea, the God of all Salva∣tions Temporal, Spiritual, and Eternal: You cannot praise the Lord aright, nor walk worthy of him, except you rejoyce in him, Psal, 33.1. Rejoyce in the Lord you Righteous, for praise is comely for the upright. This duty is urged upon the Saints, Phil. 3.1. and 4.4. Rejoyce in the Lord alwayes, and again I say Rejoyce. We should not only rejoyce before the Lord in his blessings that he vouchsa∣feth us; as Life, health, Corn, &c. Deut. 12.12.18. That God alloweth, yea, enjoyneth his people, but, Rejoyce in the Lord; Let not our joy be Carnal in our preservation from death, in the Lifes of our Relations, in Crops, houses, Lands, Children; but let our joy be Spiritual. Let not our chief joy be in Church Priviledges, and Ordinances; but on Christ Jesus. Such are the true Circumcision,

Page 26

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

Page 27

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

Page 28

who rejoyce in Christ Josus, and put no Confidence in the Flesh, Phil. 3.3. Psal. 97 12. Rejoyce not in sin, that is an ill Requital; the plea∣sures of sin are but for a Season, and that joy will End in sorrow: but Rejoyce in the Lord, and that joy can no man take from you. And that we may the more rejoyce in him; Let us endeavour to be more clearing up our Interest in him, as our God in Christ Jesus. That we may be able to say, as Psal. 48.14. This God of Salvation is our God; well may they rejoyce in God that have him for their God, for then he will be their guide unto death, their God for ever & ever.

10. and Lastly: Render to God praise and Thanksgiving, so the Prophet promiseth in verse after the Text; I will take the Cup of Salvation; wherein he alludes to their solemn feasts, wherein they had Cups, and in the use of them they returned praise to God for the blessing they had received from him. Commemorate Gods mercies to our selves and others, and praise his great, his holy, and Reverend Name, this we are frequently exhorted to, Psal. 22.25. And 61.8 And 107:13, 14, 15: you were as prisoners shut up for a time, but God hath brought you out into a large place: Oh give Thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his mercy endureth for Ever.

Moi: 1. God hath given you your desires, and Answered your prayers, therefore do you Answer his Expectation, what Cause have you to bless the Name of the Lord, Psal. 66:19, 20: so David, veri∣ly God hath heard me, he hath been Attentive to the voice of my prayer: Blessed be God which hath not turned away my prayer nor his mercy from me, as Hannah said to Eli, 1 Sam. 1:27. For this Child I prayed, &c: so may we say, for this mercy I prayed for this deliverance, for this Return to our Habitations, and Relati∣ons, for this dayes liberty we sought the Lord, and he hath given us, our hearts desire; he might have made more breaches, continued our distresses longer, let therefore the Redeemed of the Lord say; The Lord is good and gracious for his mercy endures for ever.

2. This is the way to keep and hold Gods blessings still with us. It is via Conservandi; God will not take away his mercies from us, from the Country, if we Return praise to him; They giving God his Rent, the Tribute he expects, he will not turn them out of doors, not strip us of his Benefits, By giving praise we glorifie him, Psal. 50.23. He that offereth or sacrificeth praise glorifies me. He acknow∣ledgeth

Page 29

his glorious Attributes, as in going to God by Petition, so in the Sacrifice of praise and gratulation.

1. In praising him we give him the glory of his goodness in the Com∣munication of good to us, Psal. 119.68. Thou art good and dost good, &c. Bonum est sui diffusivum: It is the nature of goodness to be Communicative.

2. The glory of his mercy, in pittying us in our miscry, doing so much for us, who had plunged our selves into a Sea of misery. Con∣fessing our own Indignity, we acknowledge all to be from mercy, Lam. 3.22. as the Church then, so may we say now; It is the Lords mercy we are not consumed.

3. The glory of his wisdome, in ordering all Events for his peo∣ples good, and ruling all the world for his Churches benefit: All is theirs, 1 Cor. 3.21, 22.

4. The glory of his power, in Effecting all those things for us, which we our selves could not do, we cannot help our selves with any mercy; not make the Sun to rise, a drop of Rain to fall, nor Cause the Earth to bring forth, &c. All is the work of God, 1 Chron. 29.11, 12. Isai. 26.12.

5. The glory of his Truth in his Word; making good the same to us, and to his Church, Rev. 15.3. so in that Song after their Victory over the Beast; Just and true are thy wayes.

Mot. 3. This will open Gods heart and hand to give more; and so it is medium impretandi, a means to prevail for more mercies, 2 Chron. 20.22. And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set Ambushments against the Children of Ammon, &c. a man puts in but a Bucket full of water into a Pump, but it return∣eth more: The more praise we return, the more good shall we re∣ceive. A thankful Christian is a blessed Christian; would you have future mercies be thankful for present mercies, say not: If I had such a mercy I could be thankful, and praise the Name of the Lord; praise him for what thou hast received, and thou maiest have more; God will showr down his blessings of grace and goodness upon thee

4thly. These praises of God rightly performed are very accep∣table to God; They are delitiae Caeli, God delights in them, Heb. 13.15. Psal. 69.30, 31. And that should make us more delight in this du∣ty, because it is so pleasing to God, Psal. 22.3. He Inhabits the

Page 28

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

Page 29

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

Page 30

praises of Israel; He loves to sit by them, and to hear them when their hearts are in Tune, when they sound forth his high praises.

5thly. It is a signe that the good things which we enjoy are gi∣ven as blessings from the hand of a Fathers love, when they work this in us, to carry up our Affections to be much in blessing him for them; A man may abound in good things which are in themselves blessings, and yet be no blessing to him that hath them; but be turned into Curses: How may I know (will some say) that this and that gift, these deliverances are blessings to us? even hereby, when they work this disposition in us to bless and praise the Lord who hath so blessed us.

6thly. It is a most Heavenly duty, the very work of the Saints in Heaven; When all other work Ceaseth, this shall not Cease to all Eternity. The more you are in the Exercise of this Spiritual Ser∣vice, the more there is of the Life of Heaven upon Earth.

This day you meet together to praise the Name of the Lord, who were together in such a danger, that you almost despaired of Life; as the Apostle saith, 2 Cor. 1.8. Look that your praises be such that God may be well pleased with them; and with you in the perfor∣mance of this Service.

1. Let them be Cordial, with the heart, yea, with the whole heart, Psal. 9.1.

1. See that your hearts be taken up with an Admiration of Gods favour and Bounty towards you, as David, Psal. 139.14. Ad∣mire the Lords sparing, delivering, and restoring mercy.

2. All our Service and worship of God must be with the heart and from the heart; God calls for the Heart in all, Prov. 23.26. He would have the Heart in prayer, praise, hearing the word, and all other performances; the Lord is n Spirit, and will be worshipped in Spirit and Truth, John 4.24.

2. Let them be Verbal, Psal. 34.1. and 51.15. Hos. 14.2. We will Render the Calves of our lips.

1. In singing Psalms, a duty in Gospel times: Col 3.16. And then most seasonable when God gives Cause of Rejoycing in his mer∣cies, James 5.13. If any be merry let him sing Psalms, Psal. 126.1, 2. when the Lord turned the Captivity of Zion, &c. our mouth was filled with Laughter and our Tongues with singing.

Page 31

2. In declaring Gods goodness unto others; Extolling his Name, speaking of his loving kindness, Psal. 66.18. Come hither (saith the Prophet) all you that fear God, and I will tell what he hath done for my Soul. What Deliverances I have received, and Victories I have obtained, what Answers of prayer I have had. So Psal. 145.21. my mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, &c. In Luk. 8.38, 39. Christ Commands the man out of whom he had cast the De∣vils to shew how great things God hath done for him.

3. Let them be real praises; praise him not only in our words, but in all our wayes; living to the honour of his Name, which is called upon us, and of the Gospel professed by us, Phil. 1.27. Only let your Conversation be at becomes the Gospel of Christ; That is a main thing to be attended to, Psal. 50.23. He that will offer praise aright, must also order his Conversation aright; Confession and Conversation must go together in a thankful man, Psal. 116.8, 9. I will walk before God in the Land of the living; Inward Affection must be manifested in our outward Conversation. Therefore look well to your wayes, Elder and younger; walk holily and Righte∣ously; live soberly, Righteously and godly in this present world, else all your praises are vain; The Lord will not accept them.

Let our praises be Continual, Psal. 34.1. and Psal. 63.4. I will bless thee while I live; Rest not in the work of a day, but remember Gods mercies all your dayes; Be not like the Israelites, Psal. 106.12. They sang his praises, but soon forgot his works.

You that are young remember the Lord in your best dayes, and let us all both Elder and younger remember him all our dayes. Re∣member him, to Love him, serve, honour and glorifie him. Remem∣ber your Promises and Engagements to him. If we remember not his mercies to praise him, he will remember our Ingratitude against him therein, by Cutting us short of his blessings, and plaguing us with his Judgements.

5. Let all our Sacrifices of praise be offered up to God in the Name of Jesus Christ, that so they may be a sweet savour before him. God smelled a sweet savour in Noahs Sacrifice, after that wonderful preservation from the Floud of waters, Gen. 8.20. Noah looked to Christ, Heb. 13.15. Col. 3.17. In him God will be well pleased with you. And that Testimony you shall have one day from him,

Page 30

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

Page 31

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

Page 32

that you pleased him in your returns to him: Let us thus now Render to God whiles we are here on Earth, and we shall Reap the Fruit of all in the great day of Christs appearance, when God will Render to every one according to their works, Rom. 2.6, 7. Then those that have carefully observed all Gods dispensations about them, and been follicitous what to Render to him; giving up themselves to him. Loving, fearing, and obeying him, walking in holy Fellow∣ship with him in his own Appointments, they shall be received by him into his Everlasting Kingdome, there to be with him, singing praises to him that sits on the Throne, and to the Lamb for Evermore.

FINIS.

Page [unnumbered]

Page [unnumbered]

Page [unnumbered]

Do you have questions about this content? Need to report a problem? Please contact us.