A01981:1439
The saints sacrifice
The saints sacrifice: or, a commentary on the CXVI. Psalm Which is, a gratulatory psalm, for deliverance from deadly distress. By William Gouge, D.D.The saints sacrifice: or, a commentarie on the CXVI. Psalme Which is, a gratulatory psalme, for deliverance from deadly distresse. By William Gouge, D.D.
London: printed by George Miller for Edward Brewster, 1632
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Direction, by reason of the duties that are thereupon expected.
1 It is here as a dignity expressed, and made the ground of gratulation. And that not without cause. For though this title, servant, be in it self a mean title, yet in relation to God it is an high, an honourable title. The greatest noble-man in a kingdom thinks himself honoured with this title, The Kings servant. But what are mortal Monarchs to the immortal and incomprehensible King of kings? Not only Patriarchs, Kings, Prophets, and Apostles, but Christ the Son of God, thought himself dignified with this title servant, in relation to God. It is therefore a noble service whereof David here saith to God, I am thy servant, &c. and blessed Mary to the angel, Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Moses also and other Saints were such servants. Neither is it any marvel that holy men were dignified with this title, whereas the Father thus speaketh to his Son, It is a great thing for thee to be called my servant. Such is the Majesty, ⟨p. 216⟩Omnipotency, Immutability, Perpetuity, Integrity, Clemency, Mercy, Bounty, and Excellency every way of this Lord, as it nor will nor can repent any one to have any relation to him, or dependence upon him: which the royal Prophet well understood, when he said to this Lord, A day in thy courts is better then a thousand. I had rather be a door-keep in the house of my God, then to dwell in the tents of wickedness, Psal. 84. 10.
1 It is here as a dignity expressed, and made the ground of gratulation. And that not without cause. For though this title, servant, be in it selfe a meane title, yet in relation to God it is an high, an honourable title. The greatest noble-man in a kingdome thinks himselfe honoured with this title, The Kings servant. But what are mortall Monarchs to the immortall and incomprehensible King of kings? Not onely Patriarchs, Kings, Prophets, and Apostles, but Christ the Sonne of God, thought himselfe dignified with this title servant, in relation to God. It is therefore a noble service whereof David here saith to God, I am thy servant, &c. and blessed Mary to the angell, Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Moses also and other Saints were such servants. Neither is it any marvell that holy men were dignified with this title, whereas the Father thus speaketh to his Sonne, It is a great thing for thee to be called my servant. Such is the Maiesty,