A03620:494
Certain comfortable expositions of the constant martyr of Christ, M. John Hooper, Bishop of…Certeine comfortable expositions of the constant martyr of Christ, M. Iohn Hooper, Bishop of…
Certain comfortable expositions of the constant martyr of Christ, M. John Hooper, Bishop of Gloucester and Worcester written in the time of his tribulation and imprisonment, upon the XXIII. LXII. LXXIII. and LXXVII. Psalms of the prophet David.Certeine comfortable expositions of the constant martyr of Christ, M. Iohn Hooper, Bishop of Glocester and Worcester written in the time of his tribulation and imprisonment, vpon the XXIII. LXII. LXXIII. and LXXVII. Psalmes of the prophet Dauid.
London: printed by Henry Middleton, 1580London: printed by Henrie Middleton, 1580
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Commentary Psalm 77 › Body of exposition › Part 4 (verses 10-20): ¶The fourth part.
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.
Here hath this Prophet marvellously opened, how a man in trouble cometh to consolation and comfort. First, that the spirit and heart of man must have such strong faith, as may credit Gods power, and also his good will: and believe that God both can and will for his truths sake, help the troubled conscience. Therefore Solomon giveth a godly and necessary commandment:1 Keep thy heart with all circumspection, for of it proceedeth life. So did David, when the Prophet Nathan had made him afraid for the murder of Uriah, and the adultery with Bersaba, his conscience was in great anguish and fear, and among other things that he prayed for to God,2 he desired that God would create and make him a new heart: that is to wit, to give him such a steadfast and burning faith, that in Christ his sinful heart might be purged. And secondarily he prayeth, to have so right and sure a spirit, that should not doubt of Gods savour towards him. Thirdly, that God would always preserve his holy spirit with the heart regenerated, that from time to time, the heart might be ruled in obedience towards God. Fourthly, he prayeth to be lead with a willing spirit, that quietly and patiently he may obey God in adversities, without impatience or grudge against God. And, where as this knowledge and feeling of the favour of God is ⟨p. 121⟩in the spirit, there followeth recording, and remembrance of Gods works, meditating and thinking upon heavenly things: and the tongue ready also to speak forth the glory of God, to Gods honour and praise, and to the edifying of Gods people and congregation, after this sort.
Here hath this Prophete meruellously opened, howe a man in trouble commeth to consolation and comfort. First, that the spirite and heart of man must haue such strong fayth, as may credite Gods power, and also his good will: and beléeue that God both can and will for his truethes sake, helpe the troubled conscience. Therefore Solomon giueth a godlie and necessarie commaundement:1 Keepe thy heart with all circumspection, for of it proceedeth life. So did Dauid, when the Prophet Nathan had made him afraide for the murder of Vrias, and the adulterie with Bersaba, his cōscience was in great anguishe and feare, and among other thinges that he prayed for to God,