Psalms 119

Psalms 119:1-8

This psalm seems to be a collection of David’s pains and devout ejaculations, the sport and sudden hardships and elevations of his soul to God, which he wrote down as they occurred, and upwards the latter end of his time gathered them out of his day-head, where they lay scattered, added to them many like words, and digested them into this order. 1. The compears of it is singular. It is divided into twenty-two parts, according to the number of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, and each part consists of eight works; all the works of the first part beginning with Aleph, all the works of the second with Meth, and so on, without any flaws, throughout the whole psalm. This might prove of us to the memory, and young people would the entire learn it by heart, and retain it the better even in old age. 2. The general scope and design of it is to magnify the laws, and make it honourable; to let forth the excellency and usefulness of divine revelation, and to recommend it to us, not only for the entertainment, but for the government of ourselves, by the psalmist’s main example, who pleads by experience of the benefit of it, and of the good impressions made upon him by it; for which he prayseth God, and earnestly prays, from first to last, for the continuance of God’s grace with him, to direct and quicken him in the way of his duty. There are ten journal words by which divine revelation is called in this psalm; and they are expression of the whole compels of it, informing us both what God expects from us, and telling us what we may expect from him. The things contained in the scripture, and drawn from it, are here called. (1.) God’s laws, because they are enacted by him as our sovereign. (2.) His way, because they are the rule of our obedience. (3.) His testimonies, because they are solemnly declared to the world, and satisfied beyond contradiction. (4.) His commandments, because given with authority, and (as the word signifies) lodged with us as a truth. (5.) His precepts, because prescribed to us, and not left indifferent. (6.) His word, or saying, because it is the declaration of his mind, and Christ the essential eternal Word is all in all in it. (7.) His judgments, because framed in infinite wisdom, and because by them we must both judge and be judged. (8.) His righteousness, because it is all holy, soft, and good, and the rule and standard of righteousness. (9.) His statutes, because they are fixed and determined, and of perpetual obligations. (10.) His truth or faithfulness, because the principles upon which the divine law is built, are eternal truths. And I think there is but one work (it is ver.) (11.) in all this long psalm, in which there is not one or other of these ten words; only in these or four they are used concerning God’s providence, or David’s practice, as ver. 71, 84, 111, and ver. 123, they are called God’s name. The whole express the affection David here to God’s words, and is designed to give up our affection towards us, who enjoy so much more of divine revelation than ever he was favoured with.

ter end of his time gathered them out of his day-head, where they lay scattered, added to them many like words, and digested them into this order. 1. The compears of it is singular. It is divided into twenty-two parts, according to the number of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, and each part consists of eight works; all the works of the first part beginning with Aleph, all the works of the second with Meth, and so on, without any flaws, throughout the whole psalm. This might prove of us to the memory, and young people would the entire learn it by heart, and retain it the better even in old age. 2. The general scope and design of it is to magnify the laws, and make it honourable; to let forth the excellency and usefulness of divine revelation, and to recommend it to us, not only for the entertainment, but for the government of ourselves, by the psalmist’s main example, who pleads by experience of the benefit of it, and of the good impressions made upon him by it; for which he prayseth God, and earnestly prays, from first to last, for the continuance of God’s grace with him, to direct and quicken him in the way of his duty. There are ten journal words by which divine revelation is called in this psalm; and they are expression of the whole compels of it, informing us both what God expects from us, and telling us what we may expect from him. The things contained in the scripture, and drawn from it, are here called. (1.) God’s laws, because they are enacted by him as our sovereign. (2.) His way, because they are the rule of our obedience. (3.) His testimonies, because they are solemnly declared to the world, and satisfied beyond contradiction. (4.) His commandments, because given with authority, and (as the word signifies) lodged with us as a truth. (5.) His precepts, because prescribed to us, and not left indifferent. (6.) His word, or saying, because it is the declaration of his mind, and Christ the essential eternal Word is all in all in it. (7.) His judgments, because framed in infinite wisdom, and because by them we must both judge and be judged. (8.) His righteousness, because it is all holy, soft, and good, and the rule and standard of righteousness. (9.) His statutes, because they are fixed and determined, and of perpetual obligations. (10.) His truth or faithfulness, because the principles upon which the divine law is built, are eternal truths. And I think there is but one work (it is ver.) (11.) in all this long psalm, in which there is not one or other of these ten words; only in these or four they are used concerning God’s providence, or David’s practice, as ver. 71, 84, 111, and ver. 123, they are called God’s name. The whole express the affection David here to God’s words, and is designed to give up our affection towards us, who enjoy so much more of divine revelation than ever he was favoured with.

2. ALEPH.

3. P Lesled are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2. Blethed are they that keep his testimonies, and that feel him with the whole heart. 3. They also do no integrity; they walk in his ways. 4. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. 5. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 6. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. 8. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

ALEPH. The First Part.

Whilst happiness is the universal pursuit, we might wonder to hear the general murmur of disappointment, and to see those who have most earnestly engaged in the search as far removed from it as at the beginning: the reason is, men mistake essentially; and not knowing where the true joy is to be found, continue seeking rest and looking more. The psalmist here therefore points out the way, and they who are wise to follow him, will find therein happiness in present and eternal.

1. He describes the truly happy. They are undefiled in the way; found in Christ the way to glory, walked in his blood from every spot of sin, perfect and compleat in his righteousness, and sincere in their desire to please God in all things; and with in the law of the Lord, guided by it as their rule of duty: they keep his testimonies, his revealed will as a sacred deposit, solicitous to obey the commands, and observe the instituted ordinances, without daring to add thereto, or diminish therefrom, and seek him with their whole heart, in ceaseless prayer looking for strength and help from him; chewing to him with undivided affection, and defting daily to love him more, and leave him better. They also do so anyway, not that they are without a corrupted nature, or in their temper and conduct able to stand before the spirituality of God’s law, but they have no allowed guilty, nor make sin their practice or delight; and their new man, the Divine nature of which they have partaken, does not commit sin: they walk in his ways, whatever trials, temptations, and allumances would discourage or enforcer them, they make great paths for their feet, and turn not aside to the right hand or the left. My soul, say, is this character thine!

2. He

3. He prays, according to God’s commands, that he may be able to approve himself faithful. Then had commanded us, and thy authority is sovereign, thy title to our obedience unquestionable, as, the Creator, Preserver, and above all the Redeemer of man, and therefore we are bound to keep thy commandments diligently, with that ardor, perseverance, and fidelity, which is so much our duty. O then that my ways were made to direct, will every true hearted believer say with the plaintiff, to keep thy flatutes! More than human strength is necessary to enable us to walk and please God, and therefore to him must our prayer be directed, that he may lead us in the way he commands, and write on our hearts the law he enjoins.

4. He promises himself the comfort of such a conduit. Then shall I not be ashamed, either of my hope towards God, as delusive, or of appearing before him in his worship, or of my profession before men, when I have regard unto all thy commandments, look at them as my directory, esteem them all to be right, and, without reserve or exception, desire to have my will and ways conformed thereunto; for this is our rejoicing, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity, and godly sincerity, we have our conversation in the world.

5. He resolves to praise God with uprightness of heart, when he shall have learned his righteous judgments, or the judgments of his righteousness, his commandments, which are altogether righteous, or the dispositions of his providence, which are conformable to the thrilled justice. Much he had known, more he had yet to learn, and all would serve to minister matter for his praise.

6. He purposes, through God’s grace, to approve his fidelity unthaken. I will keep thy flatutes; such is my fixed desire and design: O forfeits me not utterly; if but a moment left of thee, I cannot stand upright; if forsaken by thee, I infirmly must prove an epithor; but leave me not, Lord, and then I shall walk and not be weary, and run and not be faint. May my soul thus ever purpose and pray!

7. Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? thy taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 12. Bleffed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy flatutes. 13. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. 14. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. 15. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. 16. I will delight myself in thy flatutes: I will not forget thy word.

2 BETH. The Second Part.

Psalms 119:9-16

Youth is the time to serve the Lord, and happy they who seek him early.

1. The question is put. Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? the way of all flesh is corrupt and polluted, and young persons exposed to especial temptations from fleshly lusts, that were against the soul, deft the conscience, and plunge them into perdition and destruction; great need therefore have they to enquire how they may be preserved from the pollution of the world.

2. The answer is given. By taking heed thereto according to thy word, or by observing what is according to thy word; this chart will enable him to steer clear of the rocks, on which others make this speech of faith and a good confidence.

3. David professes his own attachment to God, and prays for wisdom, direction, and support. With my whole heart have I fought thee; thy word to teach, thy grace to guide me: O let me not wander, as my poor sinful heart is too prone to do, from thy commandments. A child of God is ever jealous, knowing his weakness and corruption, lest his false heart should err from the way; and therefore to prevent it, he desires to say with David, Thy word have I hid within my heart, mixed with faith, fixed in my memory, and treasured up as the most valuable profession, and the grand perseverative, that I might not sin against thee; having an answer ready to every temptation, and a constant warning from it of the evil, danger, and business of sin. Right art thou, O Lord: for all thou hast done for me; infinitely bleffed in thyself, thou doft delight to bless thy people: tend me thy flatutes, all I yet know is very imperfect, my own researches are weak and poor; thou, Lord, must teach me, or I shall never know as I ought to know, or be truly wise unto salvation.

4. He reflects with satisfaction on the path. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth; telling of God’s word its doctrines and precepts; exhorting others to all holy obedience, and speaking his own experience of the excellence of the good ways of God. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as my supreme happiness and delight, as much as any worldling doth in all his riches, or above all riches, counting them but

dung and loss, compared with a sense of God’s love, the unsearchable riches of Christ, the inestimably precious promises, and the joy arising from a faithful adherence to him.

5. He resolves from the past experience of the blefedness of God’s ways to persevere in them. I will meditate in thy precepts, with them shall my thoughts be occupied rising up and lying down; and inwardly digested, they shall not only be stored up in the memory, but afford the most sweet refreshment to my soul; and have respect unto thy ways, we look unto them, as the traveller eyes the path before him, careful not to deviate from the right way. I will delight myself in thy flatutes; they have been my joy, and every day the more I know of them, the farther I walk in them, the greater my delight shall be: I will not forget thy word, ever upon my heart I will keep it, ready to answer every emergence, to warn me when I err, to direct me when I doubt, to strengthen me when I am tempted, to comfort me when I am dejected, to recover me when I am fallen, and to preserve me when I stand. Reader, with self-application enquire into thy experience, and see how far it corresponds with the blefied plaintiff.

6. GIMEL.

7. ‘Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. 18. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. 19. ‘I am a stranger in the earth, hide not thy commandments from me. 20. My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times. 21. Thou hast rebuked the proud that are curled, which do err from thy commandments. 22. Remove from me reproach and contempt, for I have kept thy testimonies. 23. Princes also did sit, and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy flatutes. 24. Thy testimonies also are my delight, and my counsellors.

3 GIMEL. The Third Part.

Psalms 119:17-24

We have here,

1. The plaintiff’s prayer. Deal bountifully with thy servant; every blasting we can hope for, comes from the mere bounty of God, who giveth liberally to those who ask him, and upbraideth not; as his servants we must depend upon him, and shall be directed and supported by him; that I may live; by sin our natural life is forfeited, our souls sink in spiritual death, and liable to eternal death; well may we therefore cry, That I may live, spiritually by the quickening power of Jesus, eternally through the free gift of God, and temporarily as long as it shall be for God’s glory; this being the only purpose for which a good man wishes to be here: that I may keep thy word, faithful myself, zealous to spread the knowledge of it, and to preserve it pure and incorrupt from every adulteration: and that I may do so, Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law; we are by nature blind to spiritual objects; the wonders of God’s word are far beyond the keenest eye of unenlightened reason, 1 Cor. xi. 14. All Jesus opens our understandings, we cannot understand the scriptures aright, Luke xxiv. 4, 5. but in his light we shall see light, behold the mystery unfolded, a righteous God just in pardoning, a holy law magnified to the uttermost, Christ the end of it, for righteousness to the sinner, and the guilty and helpless pardoned and saved, both from the condemnation and the bondage of the law. Lord, may I see daily more distinctly and clearly these wondrous things!

2. He pleads with God. I am a stranger upon earth, my abode is short here, and quickly I am to pass from this changing scene, having here no abiding city, therefore bids not thy commandments from me, but shew me how to act in this land of my pilgrimage, guide me fairly through it, and teach me the nearest road to that eternal home whither I desire to go. Note, (1.) It is a reflection we should often make, that we are strangers and pilgrims on the earth, that as such our affections may be disengaged from it. (2.) They who are most habitually living under the influence of this truth, will be most importunate to obtain strength and support from God in their journey through time into eternity, that they may never think of taking up their rest in this strange and polluted land.

3. He professes his eager longings after God’s word, v. 20. to know it more fully, to obey it more zealously: his bad breath with the vehemence of the desire, and at all times; it was not a sudden fit of devotion, but his habitual temper. Ah! how unlike him are we!

4. He gives the character, and denounces the condemnation of the wicked, v. 21. They are proud, impunally rejecting God’s government, despising his law, and contemning his threatenings; or they are vainly puffed up with the conceit of their own goodness and excellency above other men, of all sins in God’s light the most abominable. They are from thy commandments; whether openly profuse, or proudly self-regulation, they alike finally err, and the wrath of God abideth on them; they are morbid, the rebukes of God pursue them, as the re-

Psalms 119:41-48

We have here,

1. The prayer he offered. [1.] Let thy mercies come also unto me; the sure mercies of David, flowing from the everlasting covenant, and comprehending every blessing of pardon, grace, comfort, glory; even thy salvation, the fulness and perfection of it, according to thy word, which hath promised it, and therefore in the best plea to urge for the fulfilment of it. [2.] Take not the word of thy truth utterly out of my mouth. He desired ever to feed on its sweet contents; to be speaking of the things contained therein without fear or shame; and to have an answer ready from it for every one who should ask him a reason of the hope that was in him.

2. The graces he exercised. [1.] Faith. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me; for I trust in thy word; in the word of promise, which being here in its accomplishment, he doubted not but he should be able to answer the cavils of those who fuggled there was no help for him in his God; and they beholding his salvation so unlike what they looked for, would be confounded and attained. [2.] Hope. I have hoped in thy judgments; either to see there and make there in vindicating my wrongs, and arranging me of mine enemies; or, as expensive of his unshaken hope in God’s word, amidst every discouragement. [3.] Love, v. 47. I have loved thy commandments, not only looked on them as my duty, but approved them as excellent, and delighted in them in the inner man as my richest treasure. My soul, is such thy state!

3. The practice he proposed to himself, and which, happy will it be for us if we follow. So shall I keep thy word continually; affected with a sense of divine mercies, and exercising faith, hope, and love, in the sure promises of God, I shall obey with confidency and perseverance for ever and ever. I will walk at liberty, with readiness and delight, delivered from the bondage of corruption, and engaged in that blessed service which is perfect freedom. Note, No slavery like sin; no liberty so invaluable as deliverance from it. Or, I will walk at large, in all the extent of God’s holy will; for I seek thy precepts; I have done so, and through grace continue so to do. Nor will he only himself walk thus, but desires to make all men know, and invite all to partake of his mercies. I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings; and, though too frequently these great ones despise and ridicule religion, I will not be ashamed. Note, [1.] If we are not a shame to our religion, we never send be ashamed of it. [2.] God’s word is the best topic of conversation; and though the world calls it cant to introduce that subject, the people of God must speak what they have known and believed, and what they delight in, and make them happy. I will delight myself in thy commandments, as my chief joy, and sift up my hands to them, eager to climb the summit of perfection, embracing them with cordial affection, and praying for power and grace to walk more conformably thereunto; and I will meditate in thy statutes, that I may gain a more thorough acquaintance with them, and consider how I may best fulfil them. Behold, and imitate! This is the way; walk ye in it!

4. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. 50. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. 51. The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law. 52. I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself. 53. Horror hath taken hold upon me, because of the wicked that forsake thy law. 54. Thy statutes have been my fangs in the house of my pilgrimage. 55. I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. 56. This I had, because I kept thy precepts.

1 ZAIN. The Seventh Part.

Psalms 119:49-56

The eyes of the servant are to the hand of his master.

1. He pleads, Remember the word upon which thou hast caused me to hope: not that God ever can or doth forget, but he will be enquired of by us, and is well pleased to have his promises urged by us in prayer.

2. He professes the comfort he found in this word, even in his afflictions, v. 50. David had a full cup of them, and every believer has his portion: but this word is a cordial for every fear, a balm for every wound. For thy word hath quickened me: it called me at first from death to life, and ever since it hath revived my fainting heart, and roused me up to forth vigour, when my graces languished.

3. The scorn he met with was one of his troubles, in which he found consolation from this word. The proud have had me greatly in derision; for no eminence of stature, or purity of manners, can preserve us from the reviling of men. They who live according to God’s word, may expect the laugh of fools, and the ridicule of the scorners, who thank contempt of godliness to be a mark of wit and wisdom. Yet have I not destined from thy law: none of these things ever moved him a step out of the way of duty: he knew the value of it too well to be laughed out of his religion; and indeed they can have very little love for Christ and his ways, who cannot bear for him the foile of contempt, or the scoff of folly. I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; those executed on the proud, and the interpositions of his providence in behalf of his people; and have comforted myself, both in the consciousness of his simplicity, and God’s regard, which infinitely overpaid the world’s scorn; and in the expectation, that he who had formerly scattered the proud, and supported his people, would again appear for his help.

4. He expects his dread on forefening the destruction of the ungodly, so terrible would it prove, v. 53. Little as the wicked think of their danger, and trivial as they count their offences against God’s law, a faithful soul trembles for them, shocked at their impiety, grieved for the mischief they do, and with horror beholding the precipice of eternal ruin, to the brink of which so carelessly they are rushing.

5. In his lowest estate he would still rejoice. Thy statutes have been my fangs in the days of my pilgrimage. This would is the strange land, through which, as pilgrims, the faithful travel, neither expecting nor seeking their rest below: they use it as their inn, and still hasten to their wished-for home; while with fangs of praise they beguile the tedious hours, and from God’s word encourage each other in the way.

6. By night, as well as day, God’s law was the subject of his thoughts. I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night: when waking on his bed, his heart went up to heaven, and still maintained communion with God; and have kept thy law, in simplicity and godly sincerity, though not in perfection. This I had, this comfort in the days of his pilgrimage, or this remembrance of God in the night, because I kept thy precepts; for in keeping them there is great reward. Or it may be rendered, This was given unto me, that I have kept thy precepts; it being wholly from God’s grace that we are able to obey him, and to be acknowledged to his glory, not our own; for we have nothing we have not received, and can render to him but of his own.

7. CHETH.

8. This art my portion, O LORD: I have said, that I would keep thy words. 58. I increased thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word. 59. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. 60. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. 61. The hands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. 62. At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee: because of thy righteous judgments. 63. I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. 64. The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

n CHATH. The Eighth Part.

Psalms 119:59-64

We have here,

1. Every good man’s portion. Thus art my portion, O Lord: not wealth, not honours, not pleasury, not any follรมary good: no; these are hustis, incapable of filling the boundless desires of his soul, which God alone with his love and favour can satisfy.

2. His purpose. I have said, that I would keep thy words, thy grace enabling me. All who have Christ for their portion to enjoy, cannot but yield themselves to him as their master to serve him.

3. His prayer. I instructed thy servant with my whole heart; or thy fear, the light of thy countenance, which is better than life

itself.

itself. Be merciful unto me; for every day we need cry for mercy, so much sin cleaves to us; and for grace, so much in dwelling corruption remains. Blessed be his name, there is, through Jesus, mercy for the most miserable, and help for the desperate; and this according to thy word, the promises of God being ever the most prevalent pleas.

4. His diligence to obey. I thought as my way, reflected on the path, considered the path of present duty, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies, wherein he had foreword: he relicted his walk, and with full purpose of heart, through grace, resolved to make great paths for his feet, and that infirmity, for delay in dangerous, and our good intentions should not be suffered to cool, but be put into immediate execution. I made hope, and adopted me to keep thy commandments. Now, The former that for a moment refuses to comply with his convictions, and procrastinates, is in great danger of being undone: the devil asks for no more.

5. His complaint. The hands of the wicked have robbed me: Under the his destruction, his enemies, who hand his good conversation, robbed him of his reputation by reproaches, of his goods by violence, and would have robbed him of life itself; but in the midst of all he could say, I have not forgotten thy law; so as to be moved from the hope of its promises, or discouraged from obedience to its precepts. We may expect to share with the plaintiff in his sufferings; God grant we may be able to show also our fidelity.

6. His thankgiving. He not only prayed much, but praised too. At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee. He not only turned up a warm ejaculation, but shook off from, and even at midnight arose for the happy work of praise. How few have hearts so warm, as to leave their bed for such divine employment! and the matter of his long was God’s righteous judgments: either those of his providence, executed on sinners, or manifested for his people’s salvation; or those commands of his word, which are altogether righteous and true.

7. His company. He affected not the great, but the good; fought not the worldly wise, but the truly gracious. I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. He loved them for what he saw of God in them, delighted in their converse, joined with them in religious exercises, communicated his own experience, enquired them, nor, though much his influence, switched from them the hand of fellowship, or the heart of affection; grace, like the grave, is a treasure making all distinctions void among those who are one in Christ Jesus.

8. He ascribes glory to God, and directs his prayer to him. The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy, or goodness; his providential kindness and care extending to all his works, and his special regard to the children of his grace: Teach me thy statutes, that in me another flesh instance may be given of thy mercy towards the sons of man. Now, Whatever will rebound to God’s glory, we may warmly urge as an argument for the granting our petitions.

9. TETH.

10. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word. 66. Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. 67. Before I was afflicted, I went allay; but now have I kept thy word. 68. Thou art good, and doest good: teach me thy statutes. 69. The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. 70. Their heart is as far as the great, but I delight in thy law. 71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted: that I might learn thy statutes. 72. The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

D TETH. The Ninth Part. 6. 65-72. We have,

1. David’s grateful acknowledgment. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according unto thy word. His promises never fail; and they who trust them will own, that God wish all things well; not only above what we deserve, but exceeding all our desires.

2. His prayer and plea. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, or, a good taste, that as the tongue distinguishes savours, so his heart might discern between good and evil, and approve the things that are excellent: for I have believed thy commandments; receiving them not as the word of man, but as they are indeed the word of God; and therefore he desired to have a deeper and more experimental acquaintance with them, which only God can teach.

3. He confesses his departure from God, and the blessing of affliction that brought him back again. Before I was afflicted, I went allay. Exile, affluence, and prosperity, are thoroughly apt to feel away the heart from God, to make us forget this is not our self, and foothold to attach our afflictions to the

things that solicit our senses. This David found to his coft; but God will not suffer his people to lie down the servants of sin; he visits their iniquities with the rod; kind courage of paternal tenderness! How deeply are we indebted for it! However, grievous for the time, we shall own it the best of blessings in disgust, when its effects are answered, and we can, by grace restored, say with the plaintiff, But now have I kept thy law: humbled into the dust, and brought back to the bosom of that Father of Mercies, from whom we had so greatly departed.

4. He ascribes glory to God. Thou art good, essentially in thyself, and the fountain of goodness to thy creatures; and doest good to all, even to the evil and unthankful; so boundless is the emanation of his kindness. Teach me thy statutes, that in this experience of thy goodness I may have fresh cause to praise thee.

5. He lodges a complaint against the proud, and professes his own integrity. The proud have forged a lie against me; and against a lying tongue the purest innocence is on protection. Let it not seem strange, if the grossest fallhoods are spoken of us, or the most malignant interpretations made of our words and actions: it was ever so of old, and the enmity of the world against God’s servants still abideth. But I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart; not discouraged from the path of duty; not vindicting himself from their calamities, so much as living them down; whilst the business and unthankfulness of his conduct might be a confutation of their fallhood, who spake evil of his good conversation in Christ. Their heart is as far as the great, wallowing in wealth and luxury, and by indulgence of every appetite supplying their conscience, making even their bodies lethargic, and their senses blunted. But I delight in thy law; know no pleasure equal to communion with thee; and find greater satisfaction in denying the perverse cravings of concupiscence, as that law enjoins, than they in the lawless indulgence of them.

6. In the school of affliction he had learnt wisdom, (as before, v. 6, 7.) and the discipline he had there undergone, was more than amply repaid in the benefits he received from an increased acquaintance with God, his word, his grace, his providence.

7. A high value did he set on God’s word. The laws of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. Visit possessions he enjoyed, visit riches he had acquired; but one page of God’s book was better to him than those shining millions; one promise more valuable than the wealth of all the east. Faith, that realized to him an eternal world, and the glorious these, made him count every thing besides comparatively to be dung and loss. O that such a mind were in us also!

8. J O D.

9. Thy hands have made me, and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. 74. They that fear thee, will be glad when they see me: because I have hoped in thy word. 75. I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. 76. Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be; for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. 77. Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may free for thy law is my delight. 78. Let the proud be ashamed, for they deal perversely with me, without a cause; but I will meditate in thy precepts. 79. Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. 80. Let thy heart be found in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

10. Jod. The Tenth Part. 9. 72-80.

11. The plaintiff gives God the glory of his creation. Thy hands have made me, and fashioned me; the formation of our bodies in the womb being as much the work of Divine power, as the making the first man out of the dust. Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. It is not so much our being, as our well-being, which is matter of praise. A creature apoplate from God, as fallen man is become, might curse the day of his birth, unless by Divine Grace he was renewed in the spirit of his mind, and his soul restored to the service of God here, and made capable of the enjoyment of him for ever.

12. Others would join his praise, when they beheld God’s grace shown to him. They that fear thee, the character of those who are God’s dear children, will be glad when they for me; partaking in my prosperity, whether temporal or spiritual, as their own, and as members of the same body rejoicing with me, because I have hoped in thy word, which hath not failed; and this they see, and are encouraged to trust on the same promises.

13. He owns, whatever afflictions he suffered, they were no more than he deserved; and that God therein had the most gracious

cious designs towards him. I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right; all the commands of thy word, and all the dispensations of thy providence, particularly the afflictive ones he had undergone; and that then in very faithfulness had afflicted me; in consequence of his unchangeable love and favour, and his covenant, wherein he had engaged to visit the iniquities of his people with the rod, but never to take his loving-kindness from them, nor suffer his truth to fail. Nere, The darkest dispensations of providence are but the frowns of paternal tenderness; and when most he appears displeased, he but corrects because he loves.

4. He prays for a fresh discovery of God’s merciful kindness, as a comfort to him in every affliction; a sense of this would make every burden light; and he pleads the word of truth, v. 76. as an argument for being heard and answered. Yes, he redoubles his prayer; Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: only for mercy can a sinner plead; only on mercy can his hope be stayed; and there is mercy, tender mercy, abounding mercy with God, for all who seek it in Jesus Christ. They shall live the life of grace on earth, and come to the eternal life of glory in heaven. For thy love is my delight, or delight; what I approve as most excellent, and fair would exercise myself in it day and night.

5. He prays for the confusion of his enemies, and the company of his friends. [1.] For the confusion of his enemies. Vile was their character; proud and arrogant, indolent and overbearing. They dealt perversely with me; by lies fought to blacken his character, or by their snares to move him from his thrifullness; and this without a cause. It was unprovoked malice, and left them inexcusable in their iniquity. Such enemies may every faithful soul expect to meet; but they will be disappointed of their ends, and covered with shame present and eternal; whilst, for himself unmoved, he can say, I will meditate on thy precepts; no more diverted by their clamour and perversiones from his contemplations, than by the whistling of the winds. [2.] For the company of his friends. Their character is excellent; they fear thee, with filial reverential fear of his word and judgments, and have known thy testimonies, wife unto Salvation; their understanding clear in the knowledge of the truth, and their hearts found in the practice of it; and therefore he cannot but wish that they would turn unto him. Perhaps, on his unfaithfulness in the matter of Uriah, they had shunned his acquaintance, to testify their abhorrence of his sin; but now, on his repentance, he hoped with God’s returning favour again to enjoy the pleasure of their converse and society. Nere, Though a good man may well abhor the sin, and he grieved for the dishonour brought upon God by his brother, he must not be implausible, but receive and comfort those whose spirits are wounded, left they be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow, and sink into despair.

6. He prays, Let my heart be found, or perfect, sincere in thy statutes; in obedience to God’s commands, and observance of the unfiturated ordinances of his worship; that I be not ashamed; for when we are unfaithful, we are ashamed to look men in the face, ashamed to appear before God, and shocked at ourselves; whilst conscious simplicity enables us to approach a throne of grace boldly, and our faces know no shame.

7. CAPH. a PC. hail. 6 & 8. texie. 7. a PC. luis. 3. Ver. 13. a Jsh. exa. 3. p PC. exuis. 4. a Hail. exae. 7. 4 Moh. Faithfulness. 1 Ver. 28. 4 Ver. 93. 40.

8. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word. 82. Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? 83. For I am become like a bottle in the smoke: yet do I not forget thy Statutes. 84. How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? 85. The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law. 86. All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. 87. They had almost consumed me upon earth: but I forsook not thy precepts. 88. Quicken me after thy loving kindness, so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.

CAPH. The Eleventh Part.

Psalms 119:81-88

We have here,

1. His distress, and recourse to God. My soul fainteth for thy salvation, when ready to sink under the pressures of affliction, or looking forward to the coming of the Messiah, so earnestly longed for by every faithful soul: but I hope in thy word, to be delivered from all my threatening dangers, and to see the promise accomplished in the fulness of time. Mine eyes fail for thy word, weary with straining, to defray the approach of the incarnate word, or as ready to give up the prospect of relief, forging, when with thou comfort me? Thus discouraged, tempted, and distressed was he; for I am become like a bottle in the smoke, which being made of the skins of beasts, grew shrivelled; and so emaciated and wrinkled was his once ready village grown, worn down; with the anguish and sorrow which preyed upon him within; yet unavailing all he suffered, I do not forget thy statutes; but though thou say me, yet will I trust in thee. Nere, (1.)

A sickly body, and a mind sorely harassed with temptations, and afflictions, are often the lot of God’s dearest children. (2.) We are apt to count every moment of trial long, and to be impatient of relief; but if we wait for it, we shall see the salvation of God. (3.) The fairest countenance, by disease becomes quickly haggard and wrinkled: what a folly to set a high value on so fading and uncertain a possession!

2. He pleads with God the length of his trials, the wickedness of his enemies, and his own fidelity, as arguments for present help, and for justice to be done him on his persecutors. How many are the days of thy servant? Few, very few, and must they be all spent in the furnace of affliction? Lord, shorten the hour of temptation: when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? the judgment of the sinner is near, is terrible; yet a moment, and the righteous shall wash their footsteps in the blood of their persecutors: and this according to the highest equity, for the proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law. See Exod. xxi. 33. 34. They perched him as if a wild beall, and with the most mischievous design fought to entrap him. All thy commandments are faithful, trusting thereon, I fear not their malice; they persecute me wrongfully, without the least provocation, with inveterate hatred, and unrelenting cruelty, and I have no power to resist them. Help thou me! All other help is vain, all other hope I disclaim, on thy everlasting arms I hang; Lord, save; I perish. They had almost consumed me upon earth, so near they brought him to the brink of the gravey; but I forsook not thy precepts; till death, determined never to quit my hold, and in death to make them my support. Nere, (1.) Faithful adherence to God is our grand security; from his hands none can pluck us. (2.) Terrible will be the end of the ungodly, when God, the judge of all, arises to execute vengeance.

3. He prays for quickening grace. Quicken me after thy loving kindness, let me experience the exillecting influence of thy grace, and that shall strengthen me under all my difficulties; so shall I keep the testimonies of thy mouth, though in my self weaker than the bruised reed, yet able to do all things, thus strengthening me. Nere, All is of grace: it is as much an act of God’s unmerited favour to quicken our souls for the performance of duty, as to pardon our sins.

4. LAMED.

5. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. 90. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it is abideth. 91. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. 92. Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. 93. I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. 94. I am thine, save me: for I have fought thy precepts. 95. The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will confeder thy testimonies. 96. I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

6. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word, thy word, the word is not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that they are not that

LAMED. The Twelfth Part. 89—96. We have here,

1. The eternity and immutability of God’s word and works. For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven, or thou art for ever, O Lord: from everlasting to everlasting, the same unchangeable Jehovah, and thy word stands, or is firm in heaven, the decrees of it immutable, and the execution of them sure. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations; thy promises never fail, are like Jesus, their author, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever; and every believer to the lastest upon shall experience their stability. Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth, supported and preserved by the hand that formed it; thy continue this day, the heavens and the earth, with all the will otho that will in the impending of peace, according to thine ordinances, observing with exactest regularity the track marked out for them, and running with uninterrupted and abiding perseverance their appointed courts: for all are thy servants, the creatures of thy hands, and obedient to thy will. Nere, Men and devils are the only rebels in the whole creation of God.

2. The delight the Plaintiff took in God’s law, and the support he derived from it. Unless thy law had been my delight, I should then have perished in mine affliction; the storm ran high, he was ready to defuse of life, and in his spirit deprived, but in God’s word a well of living waters sprung up; this revived him when fainting, strengthened him when weak, comforted him when afflicted; and may not every believer say this by experience? but for the word of gospel-grace he had been the carnal word, or as ready to give up the prospect of relief, forging, when with thou comfort me? thus discouraged, tempted, and distressed was he; for I am become like a battle in the smoke, which being made of the skins of beasts, grew shrivelled; and to emaciated and wrinkled was his once ready village grown, worn down; with the anguish and sorrow which preyed upon him within; or notwithstanding all he suffered, I do not forget thy flamme; but though thou say me, yet will I trust in thee. Nere, (1.)

PÉLIS OXIX.

thine by redemption, thine by adoption and grace, thine by choice, wholly thine, only thine. Save me from every evil of sin, or suffering, to which from the malice of earth or hell he might be exposed; for I have fought thy precepts, deified to know them, delighted to obey them, and therein approve my fidelity to thee.

4. He complains of the wicked. The wicked have waited for me to defray me, laid fnaies to entangle him, waited for his help, to be perished to kill the body; or more terribly by seducing him into sin, to ruin his soul; but I will conjure thy testimonies, fnaulted in adhering to them, notwithstanding all opposition, and by them preferred from all the fnaies of the ungodly.

5. He mentions his own observations confirming the excellence of God’s law. I have seen an end of all perfection, all the greatness, glory, and wisdom of the world is limited, transitory and nothing away, and all the perfection that man can arrive at is infinitely short of the purity of God’s law; but thy commandments are exceeding broad, beyond what created understanding ever fathomed, and proportionate and adequate to which, no works and righteousness merely human were ever found: only by false Christ was it ever fully deferred, and in him alone can we be competent and perfect, lacking nothing, which this law requires. May my soul be found in him!

6. O how I love thy law! ‘it is my meditation all the day. 98. Thou through thy commandments ‘haft made me wifer than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100. I understand more than the ancients: because I keep thy precepts. 101. I have refrained my feet from every evil way: that I might keep thy word. 102. I have not departed from thy judgments; for thou haft taught me. 103. ‘How sweet are thy words unto my talle? yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth. 104. Through thy precepts I get understanding; therefore ‘I hate every talle way.

D MEM. The Thirteenth Part.

Psalms 119:91

promises; and as thou hast given me to will, give me to do also of thy good pleasure.

6. V A U. 4 Or, So shall I answer him that reproacheth me in any thing. 2 Heb. At large. 6 Que. iii. vi, 16. Mist. n. 18. 19. 1 Ver. 15.

7. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD; even thy salvation according to thy word. 42. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me; for I trust in thy word. 43. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. 44. So shall I keep thy law continually, for ever and ever. 45. And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. 46. I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. 47. And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. 48. My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved: and I will meditate in thy statutes.

1 VAU. The Sixth Part.

Psalms 119:97-103

David had often spoken of his delight in God’s word, and now in a rapture breaks forth, O how I love thy law, more than I am able to express; so rich are the promises contained in it, so excellent the rule prescribed by it: it is my meditation all the day, and nothing could be a stronger proof how greatly he delighted in it, than this. Several reasons he gives why he was bound thus to love and meditate in God’s law.

1. Because of the wisdom he had thereby attained, v. 104. God had taught him, and no marvel his proficiency was great; he was wifer than his enemies, enabled to defeat their Stratagems, and countermine their crafty designs. He had more understanding than his teachers, either those who sat in Moses’ seat; but were, as the Scribes and Pharisees in our Lord’s day, very effectively verled in those scriptures they professed to teach; or those who had in youth instructed him, whose attainments he had far outstripped. Nay, he understood more than the ancient, either the fages of his own day, or those of the preceding, and all this through God’s commandments being ever with him; he consulted them in every circumstance, on every emergence; his meditation on them was sweet and frequent, and his adherence to them faithful and sincere. Note, (1) To produce what we know, is the speedily way to the highest attainments of spiritual wisdom. (2) The written word of God contains more treasures of knowledge and a furor guide to glory, than all the volumes of philosophers, the decrees of counsels, the decisions of the fathers, or traditions of the church; these are fallible, and may deceive, that is the voice of truth itself.

2. Because God’s precepts made him refrain from, and hate every evil way, v. 101—104. The paths of sin are strewed with roses, and tempt us to turn aside, and taste those specious delights, but God’s word discovers the delusion, the lurking serpent is pointed out, and the thorn that pierces at every step, and we are warned to escape from the ways of the destroyer.

3. Because by them he was kept steady in the path of duty. I have not departed from thy judgments, from the doctrines of truth, the ordinances of worship, or obedience to the commands; for thou haft taught me, and none but God can teach effectually, so as to make wise unto salvation.

4. Because of the comfort he found in God’s word. How finest are thy words unto my taste, yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth, such consolation he fucked in from those breaths of gospel-grace, and every promise was as the flowers of spring, which afford sweetness to the industrious bee. And if we have but the Pfalmist’s spirit, we shall find the same delight in God’s word, and confirm his experience by our own.

5. ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 106. ‘I have sworn, and I will perform

VOL. I.

it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. 107. I am afflicted very much: ‘quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word. 108. Accept, I believe thee, the free-will-offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and reach me thy judgments. 109. My soul is continually ‘in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. 110. ‘The wicked have laid a fnam for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts. 111. ‘Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. 112. I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

3 NUN. The Fourteenth Part.

1. The use of God’s word. It is a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path. The law discovers the path of duty, points out the perfection of righteousness God requires, convinces us of sin, and opens the corruption and deceitfulness of our hearts. The gospel holds forth John, the son of righteousness; reveals the grace, mercy, and love of God manifested to sinners in their Redeemer; points to him the way, the truth, and the life; and shews us how by faith to walk in him, so as to reach at last the eternal kingdom.

2. David’s solemn dedication of himself to God’s service. I have sworn, and I will perform it, through divine grace, that I will keep thy righteous judgments; the promises, sows, and resolutions indeed made in our own strength, are vain and deceptive; but the engagements we enter into, drawn by the words of love, supported by the Lord’s power, and under a feast of our deep obligations, we shall be enabled to perform.

3. His afflicted state, and recourse to God therein. I am afflicted very much, either in body, under disease; in his circumstances, through oppression; or in his soul, under temptation or desertion: paiden me, O Lord, according to thy word, but for the supports of which, I must have perished in my trouble.

4. His prayer for the acceptance of his services, and direction in the way. Accept, I believe thee, the free-will-offerings of my mouth, O Lord, not the offering of Sain beasts, but the more pleasing oblations of the calves of the Sun, the spiritual sacrifices of a grateful heart; and teach me thy judgments, for without divine teaching, we can offer no acceptable service.

5. The danger to which he was exposed, and the practice he persevered in. My soul is continually in my hand, in jeopardy every hour, and ready to be killed all the day long; for the wicked have laid a fnam for me, crafty, as well as powerful, they use every method to destroy me: yet do I not forget thy law, nor err from thy precepts; neither intimidated out of his professions, nor diverted from the path of duty, nor through anxious care for his safety forgetful of God’s law; nor, by any sinful contrivances to extricate himself from his difficulties, erring from the way of truth. Note, (1.) Perfection and suffering are every christian’s lot in this wicked world. (2.) Patient perseverance will finally be crowned with success.

6. He professes his deliberate choice of God’s word, as his abiding portion and joy. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever, for the most invaluable possessions are those which are held by promise from God; they are the present rejoicing of my heart, affording a satisfaction infinitely beyond what all the things on earth can give, and not ceasing with our present transitory life, but abiding to the days of eternity. I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes alway, unto the end; not that it was of himself, but of divine grace, that he was thus disposed and enabled; and he trusted he who had begun, would perfect what was lacking, and strengthen him to persevere even to the end.

7. S A M E C H.

8. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love. 114. ‘Thou art my hiding place, and my shield: I hope in thy word. 115. ‘Depart from me, ye evil doers; for I will keep the commandments of my God. 116. Up hold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and ’let me not be ashamed of my hope. 117. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. 118. Thou halt troden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood. 119. Thou putteth away all the wicked of the earth’ life droft: therefore I love thy testimonies. 120. ‘My flesh trembleth for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgments.

D SAMECH. The Fifteenth Part.

Psalms 119:113-120

We have in these verses,

1. David’s hatred of sin, and love of God’s law, v. 113. He hated the very thoughts of evil, which he found rising from the fountain of a corrupted heart. God who seeth them afar off,

abhors them, and we must do so to, and seek to smother them in the birth, before they are quickened into defire, or perfected in the air. Note, If we watch not over our thoughts, we shall not long walk in God’s ways.

2. He professes his dependence on God. Thus are my hiding-place, whether I flee, when pursued by the malice of earth or hell, and find a sure retreat; and my shield, to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one, and cover my head in the day of battle. I hope in thy word, and having this anchor of my soul sure and steadfast, am enabled to ride out every storm.

3. He bids the evil doers depart, resolute to reject their enticements, and adhere to the commandments of his God, v. 15. Note, (1.) It requires great courage to deny the solicitations of sinners. (2.) They who do not shun the company of evil doers, will not long keep from their ways. (3.) They who can truly say my God, cannot but say also, I will keep thy commandments.

4. He prays for support from God. He felt his own weakness; he knew, left to himself, he could not but fall, and therefore cries, Uphold me; and again, hold thou me up, as one lurking, unleth the everlasting arms were under him: he grounds his prayer upon the promise, according unto thy word, and confidently truth that thus he shall be life, shall rise the life of grace amidst manifold temptations, and not be ashamed of his hope, so as to be disappointed in time or eternity; and thus strengthened, he promises for himself, I will have respect unto thy statutes continually, strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, to persevere in the path of duty, till he should enter unto the reft of glory. Lord, evermore thus hold thou up my soul!

5. He foresees, and trembles at the ruin coming on the ungodly. Their character is evil: they are from thy statutes, desire not the knowledge of the truth, and wilfully turn aside. Their decri is falsehood, they are hypocritical in their predictions to God and man: they are the wicked of the earth; in their tempers and practices earthly, sensual, devilish; and their end will be according to their works. God will tread them down in his wrath, and trample them in his fury; will put them away like aloft, proverb vile and refuse, figurated for defractions, and call into the fiery furnace of everlasting burnings: such judgments on the ungodly affected the Psalmist’s heart in a double retinal, as it should ours also. (1.) To fear before this holy God, trembling at the terrible case of the ungodly, and careful to avoid every occasion that would kindle this wrath, which who for a moment can abide! (2.) To love God’s testimonies the better, for in them only is the way of life, and in the path-way thereof there is no death.

6. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors. 122. Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me. 123. Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness. 124. Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes. 125. I am thy servant, give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. 126. It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law. 127. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold, yea, above fine gold. 128. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

2 AIN. The Sixteenth Part.

Psalms 119:121-128

David, in these verses,

1. Appeals to God for his integrity, and begs him to be his protector from wrong. I have done judgment and justice, whether in his private capacity acting ever uprightly, or as the king of Israel, mindfiring true judgment unto the people. Looks are not to my oppressors, for the most wicked and the most powerful can go not one step farther to hurt us, than God permits. Be surety for thy servant for good, espouse my quarrel, vindicate my innocence against my accusers, and rescue me out of their hands; let not the proud oppress me. Note, (1.) The more we are conscious of our own weakness, and flee to God for help, the farer shall we stand. (2.) Jesus is his people’s surety; no arrests of sin can feast them, no accusations of Satan stand against them; in him they are justified from all things.

2. He counts it long ere help arrives. Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness, for the falsehood of the promise which assured him of salvation, but it now seems of its long deferred, that he was ready to despair; and this hath been the infirmity of many a faithful soul. Bleited be God, his truth and promises are not changeable as our faith.

3. He prays for divine teaching. Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, for that is the only thing we can rely our hopes upon, and teach me thy statutes, direct me in my doubts, support me under my discouragements. I am thy servant, and claim to approve my fidelity, if I know the way; therefore give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies, and obey them.

4. He begs God would arise for his own glory. It is time for thee, O Lord, to work, to stop the current of ungodliness, and silence the blasphemies of the profane: for they have made void thy law, impiously calling off the cords, and bidding defiance to the Almighty; or proudly setting up a righteousness of their own, so little proportionate to its demands. Note, They who trust on their own works for justification, as much make void the law, as those who daringly call off every refractor, and indulge every lawless appetite.

5. He professes his love to God’s law, and proves it in the most effectual manner, v. 127, 128. no gold so precious in his eyes. All God’s precepts, concerning all things he approved as just and good, the most difficult, to be eternal without hesitation, and none so little as to be forgotten or slighted. And he hated every false way, whether false doctrine, false worship, or false practices, he utterly abhorred them. Would to God our souls gave each day such proof of the sincerity of our love.

6. P E.

7. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. 130. The entrance of thy words giveth light: “I giveth understanding unto the simple. 131. I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments. 132. Look thou upon me, and the merciful unto me, as thou sifteth to do unto these that love thy name. 133. Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. 134. Deliver me from the oppression of man: So will I keep thy precepts. 135. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: and teach me thy statutes. 136. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes: because they keep not thy law.

2 Pr. The Seventeenth Part.

Psalms 119:129-136

The Psalmist here,

1. Expresses his admiration of God’s testimonies, and his purpose to observe them. They are wonderful, contain astonishing discoveries of invisible things, of the mystery of God and of Christ, of the covenant of grace, of the way of godliness, and of the joys and miseries of the eternal world: therefore doth my soul keep them, locked up in my heart as the richest treason, and with unreserved devotousness obeyed. Note, It is not commanding God’s word, but doing the work it enjoins, which can shew our real esteem for it.

2. The benefit of God’s word. The entrance of thy words giveth light; the first three chapters of the Bible teach us more of God’s works, and man’s true condition, what he was, and what he is, than all the books in the world; and when by the Spirit of God our understandings are enlightened, we immediately, on the very entrance of divine light, know more of God’s grace and love, than all human teaching ever could inform us. It giveth understanding to the simple, makes even fools in the eyes of men wise unto salvation; and those who come to it with simplicity, and a child-like spirit, find from every perish, increasing understanding in the things of God.

3. Like one griping for breath, or as a person familiar with hunger, the Psalmist could say, I opened my mouth, and panted; for I longed for thy commandments, so unravels water his desires, so fervent the breathing of his soul after God, and his holy ways, and so eagerly he longed for the courts of his house, and the ordinances of his worship. Have we any thing of this sacred fervor?

4. He cries for mercy. Look upon me, not as I am in myself, a polluted sinner, but in Jesus, my complete Saviour, and he merciful unto me, forgive my transgressions, and let me not meet the face of an angry, but a reconciled and pardoning God, as thou sifteth to do unto these that love thy name, such books of kind regard, such favours and mercies before upon me, for I am of that number, and hope to share with them in their blessedness. Note, If we love God in truth, we can ask for nothing a God of love will not before.

5. He prays for direction and preservation. 1. Direction; order my steps in thy word, for we shall be able to take no step aright, unless God teach us by his spirit, and guide us by his grace. 2. Preservation; Let not any iniquity, not the least known and allowed for, have dominion over me, that I should obey it in the full thereof. Note, Nothing is so terrible in the eye of an awakened conscience, as to be brought again under the bondage of corruption, and the power of sin.

6. He begs deliverance from his oppressors. Deliver me from the oppression of man, whose power he feared, and whose malice he had experienced: So will I keep thy precepts with greater freedom and liberty, being refused out of the hands of his oppressors.

7. He seeks the light of God’s convenience to cheat him. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant with thy bright beams of love, make me to feel their enlivening influence, and to rejoice in the assurance of thy favour: And teach me thy statutes, that I may know them, and do them, and have thy in troubling the

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powerful effects of thy grace therein manifested. Note, (1.) If God insides, no matter who frowns upon us. (2.) When we are found in the path of duty, God will meet us with the visits of his love.

8. He testifies his deep concern for the difhonour done to God, and the ruin brought on themselves by the fate of men. It was not a small measure of grief that oppressed him; no: Risesy of waters run down mine eyes: because they keep not thy love. Note, Risesy good man is a monomer in Zion; not only for his own fate, but he weeps over those that never drop a tear for themselves.

9. TSADD I.

10. 1. Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments. 138. Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded, are a righteous, and very faithful. 139. My zeal hath g contumed me: because mine enemies have forgotten thy words. 140. Thy word is very g pure: therefore thy fervant loveth it. 141. I am small and defuied: yet do not I forget thy precepts. 142. Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. 143. Trouble and anguish have g taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights. 144. The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

Y TEADDE. The Eighteenth Part.

Psalms 119:137-144

David here.

1. Given glory to God. Righteous art thou, O Lord, effeminately fo in himself, and in all the dispensations of his providence and grace; and upright are thy judgments, the afflictive visitations he sends on his own people, or the vengeance he executes on his enemies, all which are done with the highest equity. The testimonies that thou hast commanded, are righteous and very faithful, his precepts flowing from the multitude of his nature must fit for him to opium, for us to obey; and all his promises are yea and amen in Christ’s place, fore, eternally fore, to every believer.

2. Great was his zeal for God. My zeal hath even confessed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy word; he could not be an unconstrained spectator, and calmly behold God’s authority disregarded, his word deduced. That they were his enemies, he was least affected with; that they were God’s enemies, he could not bear, and therefore so zealously interred himself, that it preyed upon his spirits, and emaciated his body. Note, it is a good thing to be ever zealously affected in a good cause.

3. He highly commends God’s word. Thy word is very pure, without any human mixture, holy men of old delivering it as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, and its tendency being to promote purity in heart and life: therefore thy fervant loveth it; for though a child of God finds much, very much of that evil in him which this word condemns, he never wishes the commandment left holy, but his own heart more conformed thereunto.

4. He complains. I am small and defuied, little in my own eyes, and fuffering much contempt and scorn from men, as will ever be the portion of the faithful here below: yet do not I forget thy precepts, nothing moved him from his steadfast adherence to God’s word and ways.

5. He exalts God’s righteousness and truth. Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness; God is the same in all his glorious perfections for ever and ever; and in all his works and word he will eternally appear to be righteous; and that righteousness of his Son, which he hath provided for the justification of the sinner, is to everlasting ages the same; their hope in time, their title in eternity. And thy love is the truth, like himself, who is the God of Truth, one jot or tittle of whole word can never fail, until the whole he fulfilled.

6. In his trouble God’s word comforted him. Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me; outward afflictions and inward grief learned to seize him as their prey, and every gracious soul may expect his portion in this bitter cup: yet thy commandments are my delights, delights that in the midst of sorrow can be enjoyed, and which as the world cannot give, neither can it take them away.

7. He acknowledges, as before, God’s everlasting righteousness, and adds thereto his fervent prayer; give me understanding, and I shall obey; they who know the Lord Jesus, and his everlasting righteousness, and are acquainted with his eternal truths, live to and for God here, and will shortly live with him for ever in glory. For this is eternal life, to know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

8. I cried with my whole heart, hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes. 146. I cried unto thee, save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies. 147. I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I

P KOPH. The Nineteenth Part.

Psalms 119:145-152

We have,

1. David’s prayer and purpose. His prayer was earned and importunate, and the object was salvation from the guilt, the power, the punishment of sin, and from the oppression, malice, and fnairs of his enemies: and in the through of God enabled, he resolves to keep his statutes and testimonies. Note, (1.) Cold prayers only beg details; a few fnairers words are better than a volume of hip labour. (2.) We may be affured our prayers are heard and answered, when our hearts are quickened to greater diligence in walking before God.

2. Early and late his mind was occupied in God’s word. Before the dawn of day he was upon his knees, and in the night awake upon his bed, his heart went up to God, and his word was the pleading subject of his meditations, and the reviving hope of his soul. v. 147, 148. Note, (1.) A sleepy body is usually the proof of a sleepy soul; vigorous chillians rise early, and waking, redeem those hours that others dole away in selfish flesh. (2.) When we begin the morning with God, we shall be enabled to see him at our right hand all the day long. (3.) The more we read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest God’s word, the more confirmed will be our faith, and the more enlivened our hope.

3. He begs for quickening grace. Hear my voice according unto thy loving kindness, for not our desires, but his grace can alone embolden our requests. O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment, revive my soul from its decays, its deadness and lifelessness, and according to thy promises refuse not to a more enlivened temper of mind. Note, it is a heavy burden to a faithful soul, when he perceives his heart heavy and backward in the ways of God, and he cries aloud for quickening grace.

4. In his danger David flies to God, and from his nearness to him, from the fidelity and immeasability of his counsels, draws consolation to his soul. They draw a sign that follows after selfishness, their restless hearts are ever beat on evil, and they preyed hard upon him, ready to destroy him; restrained by our fear of God, they are far from thy law, casting off all obedience to it, and careless about its threatenings: but however fore thrust at, David had a friend near, and able to help him. Thus art near, O Lord, ever at my right hand to save me, and all thy commandments are truly the fulfilment of God’s word his enemies fought in vain to defeat, but it is inviolably true, and infallibly true; and this to eternity, concavity, or from thy testimonies, I have known of old, that thou hast founded them for ever; from earliest youth acquainted with the scripture, he knew the truths were eternal, of perpetual obligation, and everlasting endurance; not one tittle of the promise can fail until the whole he fulfilled. Note, (1.) We may meet with much enmity in the world, and God may permit the danger to be very threatening, but it is to drive us closer to his lifeless self, and engage our dependence more entirely upon him. (2.) In every trial he is near, and they who trust him, shall find his promises for ever fore: he never hath, never will, never can disappoint his people’s hopes, for he cannot deny himself.

5. RESH.

6. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. 154. Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. 155. Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. 156. Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments. 157. Many are my perficutors, and mine enemies: yet do not decline from thy testimonies. 158. I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved: because they kept not thy word. 159. Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy loving kindness. 160. Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endures for ever.

7 RESH. The Twentieth Part.

Psalms 119:153-160

These verses contain,

1. David’s cry for help from God in his afflictions, particularly against the malice of his perficutors. Consider mine affliction, how great is it, and how weak I am to stand upon it, and deliver me, for thou art, able to find to the uttermost; and on thee I depeind, for I do not forget thy love, neither moved by

Ver. 29. Heb. The beginning of thy word is true. P崩御 CXIX.

my troubles to forsake it, nor unmindful of the strength promised therein for my support. Plead my cause, as the avenger of my wrongs, and the advocate of injured innocence, and deliver me; let my accusers be put to shame, and quickest me with fresh strength and courage, to arise to walk before thee, according to thy word, my hope, and never-failing refuge. Move are my persecutors, and mine enemies, fore thrust at that I should fall, yet do I not decline from thy testimonies, not affamend to make public protection of the religion that exposes me to their malice, nor diverted from the path of duty by their opposition. Note, (1.) In every affliction it is an inestimable privilege, that we have a God to go to, into whose bosom we may pour out our complaints, with assurance of a gracious hearing and help. (2.) All that will live godly in Christ Jesus, must suffer persecution the Lord enable us neither to be ashamed nor afraid. (3.) However for a while the enemies of Christ and his people may prevail, he will arise shortly to plead his own cause, and render tribulation to those that trouble us.

2. He describes the character, and declares the hopeless state of the ungodly. Salvation is far from the wicked, they have no part nor let in the matter, continuing obstinately import out Christ, respecting them, hath died in vain; and however they may flatter themselves with hopes of heaven, they will be terribly undeceived, when they come to lift up their eyes in torment: for they seek not thy statutes, they neither know, nor define to know them; but wilfully and obstinately perlevere and perish in their iniquities. Note, The day will come, when the salvation sinners despised, shall indeed be far from them, and the great gulph fixed for ever and ever.

3. He admires the riches of God’s grace. Great are thy tender mercies, temporal mercies, great and numberless, but spiritual mercies in Christ still infinitely surpassing, and more inestimably great and glorious: pardon, grace, eternal life flowing from boundless love, and sovereign and unmerited favour: quicken me according to thy judgments, and add this to all thy other mercies. Note, The more we contemplate the tender mercies of our God, the more shall we be overwhelmed with wonder, love, and praise.

4. He declares the pain he felt for sinners. I behold the transgressors with a mixture of pity and indignation, and was grieved for them, that they were so intensified of their harsness, hardened against fear, careless about the miseries they were bringing upon themselves: for the dishonor done to God by their rebellion conduct, because they kept not thy word: a gracious heart thus bleeds for human misery; a zealous heart cannot, unmoved, look round on a world lying in wickedness. Blessed be God the day is near, when all this cause of grief and pain shall end.

5. Confcious of the simplicity of his heart, the Psalmist looks up to God. Consider how I love thy precepts, how ardently, and therefore could not but grieve to see them violated: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy loving kindness, that I may be enabled to prove my love to them, by the enlivened diligence used in observing them. Note, The keeping God’s commandments is the only solid proof of loving them.

6. He encourages his heart in the everlasting faithfulness of God in his word. From the first promise given to Adam, one little hath not failed of being accomplished; and to eternity all who rush in him shall find the word of promise sure, and those who impenitently provoke him, shall feel his judgments inexorable and eternal.

7. SCHIN. Vol. 25. Prov. 21st. 16. 21st. 17. Hab. They shall be even thankingblack. Gen. 21st. 15. Vol. 17.4. Rom. 6. Job 21st. 15. Prov. 9. 1st.

8. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. 162. I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. 163. I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love. 164. Seven times a day do I praise thee, because of thy righteous judgments. 165. Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. 166. LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments. 167. My soul hath kept thy testimonies: and I love them exceedingly. 168. I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.

B SCHIN. The Twenty-first Part.

Psalms 119:161-165

David here.

1. Complains to God. Princes have persecuted me without a cause, the princes of Israel, under Saul and Abraham, or of the Philanthies at the court of Achille. Thus was the Son of David also persecuted by the Jewish rulers; and thus have his people formerly born, and to this hour are, oppressed by the great men of the world, and the power of magistracy often employed to crush, or trouble them, though they are the quiet of the land: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word, unmoved with their persecution, and taught alone to fear him, who, when he hath killed, the soft both soul and body into hell.

2. He professes his delight in God’s word. I rejoice in thy

word, as one that findeth great spoil; in this field are hid the inestimable treasures of grace, pardon, peace, righteousness, salvation; and he who findeth these, hath indeed everlasting cause for joy. This was his happy case, and therefore he could say, Seven times a day do I praise thee, frequently, every day, not only on his knees, but at his meals, in his business, because of thy righteous judgments, the doctrines and precepts of his word, the providential mercies vouchsafed to his people, and the punishment executed on his toes, all which afforded matter for praise and joy. Note, If we do not want a heart, we never need want matter for God’s praises.

3. He declares his detestation of lying or falsehood, v. 163, either in his ordinary conversation, his dealings in the world, his professions before God; or he hated every thing contrary to the truth and word of God, whether false doctrines, worship, or ways. Note, There is but one thing we are permitted to hate, and that is sin, and there we need not fear excels.

4. He professes his love to God’s law. They love do I love, in opposition to all doctrines of lies, and practises of falsehood; and great is the blessedness thence accruing, for great peace have they which love thy love, peace with God, peace in their confidence, peace which the world can neither give nor take away; great peace, passing all understanding, and enduring uninterrupted to eternity: and nothing shall offend them, so that they should finally stumble and fall, but their heavenly afflictions shall work for good; the unfaithfulness of others shall not flagger them, and as they would not willingly offend themselves, neither are the captions to take offence against their brethren, or rigid censurers of their conduct.

5. He professes his hope in God’s salvation; a good hope, through grace, which had the most blessed influences, engaging him to purify himself as he is pure. Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, temporal, spiritual, eternal, and this hope hath been, and continues to be, the anchor of my soul, and enables me to ride out every storm: and done thy commandments, if not in perfection, with simplicity and godly sincerity. Note, Christian hope will ever produce holy walking.

6. He appeals to God for his simplicity. My soul hath kept thy testimonies, embraced the doctrines, obeyed the precepts, and I love them exceedingly, out of a pure heart, fervently. I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies, and this I should not dare to repeat, if conscious of known guile, in sentiment or practice: for all my ways are before thee, there eye is upon me, thou knowest the secrets of my heart, thou knowest that I love thee, and delight and desire to please thee in all things. O that there were such a heart in us! O that with confidence we could thus approach unto God in Christ!

7. TAU.

8. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: Luke 21. give me understanding according to thy word. 170. Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word. 171. My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. 172. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. 173. Let there hand help me: for I have chosen thy precepts. 174. I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD: and I thy law is my delight. 175. Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee: and let thy judgments help me. 176. I have gone astray like a lost sheep, seek thy servant: for I do not forget thy commandments.

A TAU. The Twenty-second Part.

1. The Psalmist’s prayer. Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord, a poor supplicant at the footstool of thy grace, unworthy notice, yet perishing without thy kind regard: give me understanding according to thy word, to know thy will, that I may obey it. Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word of promise, which emboldened his prayer, and which he pleaded as the ground of his confidence in God, and the argument for present help, that God’s faithfulness might be magnified. Note, What we ask according to God’s word, believing, we shall receive.

2. His resolution to render his grateful returns for God’s mercies. My lips shall utter thy praise, as a copious stream gasping from a heart overflowing with gratitude, when thou hast taught me thy statutes, which will, the more I know them, enlarge my soul with love, and fill my lips with thanksgiving. My tongue shall speak of thy word, commending from experience its excellence to others, and eager to spread the knowledge of it on every side; for all thy commandments are righteousness, perfectly righteous in themselves, the evangelical righteousness of those who observe them as love, and with righteousness in Jesus Christ, who hath fulfilled the law for us, and in the end thereof for righteousness to every believer.

3. He pleads for help from God. Let thine hand help me against

against mine enemies of every kind, within and without, for I cannot help myself, and all human help is vain. Note, When we are in our own eyes most weak and helpless, God’s strength will be made perfect in our weakness.

4. He declares what hath been his choice, his hope, and joy. I have chosen thy precepts, as my heritage for ever, approve them as most excellent, and wish to conform to them without reference. I have longed for thy salvation, for temporal deliverance from his foes, for the coming of the expected Messiah, who should bring eternal redemption to his people, for the salvation of body and soul in the day of final recompense: and thy love is my delight; he took the right way, and therefore might well hope for a blessed issue. The Lord Christ will be assuredly the author of salvation to all that obey him.

5. He prays that he may live for God’s glory. Let my soul live, my natural life be prolonged, or my spirit enlivened by divine grace, and put in tune for God’s present and everlasting praises, and it shall praise thee, this shall be my constant employment: and let thy judgments help me, teach me matter for my songs, and direct me in the acceptable manner. Note, Life is only desirable to a good man, that he may employ it in God’s praise and service.

6. He concludes with a humbling confession, a gracious prayer, and holy profession. I have gone after a life of the Lord, an animal stupid and foolish, the easiest to err, the last to find his way back again; such is the fit emblem of the sinner’s folly, to easily turned aside, so unable to return to the God from whom he hath departed. May we not well adopt the Pfalmists’ acknowledgment, with grief and shame lament our sad departures from the God of our mercies, and cry with him, feed thy servant, for every departure from God doth not cut us off from our relation to him; nor doth he cast us away, but, like a tender Shepherd, seeks that which was lost, bringing us back into the way, and restoring us again to the joys of his salvation, for I do not forget thy commandments. However, for a moment he seemed to be moved from his steadfastness, through the power of his enemies, or the deceitfulness of sin, he still remembered God’s good ways, approved of them, and desired to walk in them as the only ways of pleasantness, and paths of peace.