Serm.II.lent, that we refufe to be comforWted? Had we rather allow an Unrulinefs of Grief, and charge God foolishly, than take the Methods of Composure that he has directed us to? Never let that be an Excufe, which in moft cafes is it felf a Crime; but beg rather, that God Pf. LI. 15. would put you into Tune: Open thou my Lips, and my Mouth fhall fhew forth thy Praife. Perhaps there's a Cloud upon your Comforts at prefent; but have you no Hope towards God, or Delight in his Promises? Look forwards, and Pf. XCVI.rejoice before him, because he will come to judg the Earth with Righteoufnefs, and his People with Truth. Afflictions don't deferve to hinder Phil. IV.6. you Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by Prayer, and Supplication, and (this Method of) Thankf giving, make your Requests known unto God.

23.

III. We are directed by Example to this Duty. These things are recorded for our Admonition upon whom the Ends of the Earth are come. The Historys of God's

People

People are not a dry Entertain-Serm.II. ment; they don't tell us matters remote and foreign: but they are either a Teft to fhow us what we are, or a Rule to tell us what we fhould be. I'll begin with the original Pattern: We find our blessed Lord imploy'd in finging the Praifes of the Father. 'Tis true, a great part of his Duty is recorded for our Hope and Wonder, and engages to no Imitation; fuch as his working Miracles, fuffering the Wrath of God, fatisfying the Law, by which he brought in an Everlasting Righteoufnefs. Thefe are not our Rule, but the Refuge we must flee to, the Hope that is fet before us. He trod the Wine-prefs Ifa. LXIII. alone, and of the People there was 3. none with him. But as to the Purity and Devotion of his Life, we fhould be Followers of him as dear Eph. IV.1. Children. Now when he was to part with his Difciples, and took leave in an Ordinance that should continue till they met again, he Sung an Hymn with 'em. This could not be merely in compliance with the Jewish Custom at the Paf

Serm.II. fover; for that Solemnity expir'd then, and he had appointed another in remembrance of himself and his fecond Coming. His Soul was full of holy Reverence and Love to the Father. He knew the Work of Redemption was now almoft finifh'd; and as this would engage the Songs of Heaven, fo he employs his Voice in the Service of his Heart: He glorifies God both in Spirit and Body, as was PCLXV.2. becoming one who had Grace pour'd into his Lips. Those words of David were eminently defign'd for Pf. XL. 3. him; The Lord has put a new Song into my mouth, even Praife to our God. This, I fay,was his Language, who faid afterwards, Lo, Icome; in the Volume of thy Book it is written of

me.

This is the Example that he has left for us to follow his steps.

David's Practice in this Duty makes a whole Book. I know how quick fome People are with their Objection, That our Cafe is not his; but I don't fee how that's any bar to the concurrence of Faith and Hope with his Meditations. Nothing could be more

per

perfonal than the changing his Be-Serm.II. haviour before Abimelech, and yet upon that occafion he defires others to magnify the Lord with him, and Pfalm that they might exalt his Name to- XXXIV.3 gether. And we find his Pfalms us'd by People who were remov'd the length of feveral Ages from him. Hezekiah, and fuch as join'd in the Paffover with him, prais'd 2 Chron. the Lord with the Words of David, XXIX.30. and Afaph the Seer: and they fung Praifes with gladness, and bow'd their Heads and worship'd. We find the fame upon another. eminent Turn of Providence; They Ezr.III.10 prais'd God after the Ordinance of David King of Ifrael. The Apoftles and holy Men of God in later times were thus employ'd. Paul and Silas fung Praises to God in the Stocks: The Multitude of the Dif ciples, and others, did it, when Chrift made his publick Entry into Ferufalem. And when the Apostle is giving Directions about the Conduct of our publick Worship, he fpeaks of himself, I will fing with 1Cor.XIV the Spirit, and with Understanding 15. alfo. Nay, methinks, we may

Serm.II. look much higher for Examples: This was the Work of the Angels; Job When the Foundations of the Earth XXXVIII were laid, the Morning-Stars fung together, and all the Sons of God Shouted for Foy.

7.

Eph. V.

3, 4.

IV. There's fomething in our Frame and Compofition as Chrif tians, that may endear this Órdinance to us. Fornication, Uncleannefs, Covetousness, Filthinefs, and foolish Talking are not to be nam'd among us, as becometh Saints; but rather giving of thanks.

§. 1. 'Tis a means of further Inftruction. Mofes writ a Song,

Deut. which must not depart from the XXXI.19 mouths of the Children of Ifrael, left they should forget the wonderful Works of God. We Speak to our felves, and admonish one another in Pfalms and Hymns. This gives the Mind an advantage to dwell upon the things of God with a pleafing Meditation; and, in this fenfe, Prov.XVI. the Sweetness of the Lips increaseth Learning.

21.

§. 2. Tis a proper Effect of the Pf. LXIII. Believer's Joy. Because thy Loving

3, 4..

kindness