N01147:145
A dissertation, wherein the strange doctrine lately published in a sermon, the tendency of…
A dissertation, wherein the strange doctrine lately published in a sermon, the tendency of which, is, to encourage unsanctified persons (while such) to approach the holy table of the Lord, is examined and confuted. With an appendix, showing what Scripture ground there is to hope, that within a very few years there will be a glorious reformation of the church throughout the world. / By I. Mather, D.D. ; [Six lines of Scripture texts]A dissertation, wherein the strange doctrine lately published in a sermon, the tendency of which, is, to encourage unsanctified persons (while such) to approach the holy table of the Lord, is examined and confuted. With an appendix, shewing what Scripture ground there is to hope, that within a very few years there will be a glorious reformation of the church throughout the world. / By I. Mather, D.D. ; [Six lines of Scripture texts]
Boston: printed by B. Green for Benj. Eliot, 1708
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.
PSALM LXXV. 1. That Thy Name is near, Thy Wondrous Works declare.
SOME Passages in this Psalm give us to understand, that it was Written by David after the Death of Saul, and probably after the Death of Is••besheth Saul's Son and Successor, whereby, way was made for David to have a peaceable Possession of the Kingdom, which God had long before promised unto him, And we find him here promising God, that when Power should be put into his Hands, he would use it for these ends, that it was given to him for. Namely, To protect and encourage righteous Men, to suppress Vice, & to punish Sinners. This verse is Gratulatory, it doth contain matter of Thanks giving, not only David, but those that did adhere to his Interest in opposition to the House of Saul, are here brought in as giving Thanks to God, in the beginning of this verse 'tis said, we give Thanks unto Thee, O Lord. All the Godly People throughout the Land, who were firm to Davids ⟨p. 112⟩Interest gave thanks, as being affected with the consideration of what God was about to do for him, they bless the Lord for the Mercy, which they should all have in such a King and Ruler as David. The Reason why they gave Thanks is expressed, in the Words that have been read. viz. In that Gods Name was near, we give Thanks unto thee for thy Name is near. Gods Name is often put for himself, in the Scripture, Thy Name is near, i. e. Thou thy self art near, The Attributes of God (which are Himself) His Power and His Truth were very speedily to be revealed by His Fulfilling of what He had promised, thus was His Name near. And this was Evident from the Works of God. They were then in the beginning of a Wonderful Revolution. A wonderful change of the State of Affairs, throughout the whole Nation. And they did conclude that God would go on with his own Work, Thy wondrous Works declare that Thy Name is near, that Thou art about to perform the Wondrous Things promised concerning Davids Kingdom. The works of God towards David were very wonderful, his being preserved, when there were such attempts against him, from time to time, and God's removing those, that were the chief enemies of David's Interest, first Soul, then Abner and after that Isbbosheth, Gods removing them in such ways, as he did. These were wondrous Works, and did show that God was about to perform His Gracious Promises.