Real Thankfulness

Chapter 1

1. The quality and variety of divine interventions for their solace:

"Remember his marvelous works, that he hath done, his wonders," v. 5. To leave a deeper imprint upon their hearts, an extensive catalogue of divine favors is listed. We find an -- 7 of 33 -- enumeration of grand, notew

Chapter 2

2. The purpose which the Lord set forth and aimed at in these

numerous and significant acts. This intent is illuminated in my text: "That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws." True thanksgiving is not just in words but in living (thanks- living) - in dedicated obedie

Chapter 3

5. The method by which this precise obedience is encouraged:

through all the marvelous deeds of the Most High, both for His servants and against their adversaries. After detailing a multitude of these deeds, the Psalmist draws to a conclusion in the text. He states: "That" or (as

Chapter 4

2. To apply it, so its wisdom might be productively harnessed.

I commence with the first, wherein I shall be brief to ensure ample time to address the latter. The latter is my primary focus, given its profound and timely significance. Yet, before delving deeper, I find it prudent to

Chapter 5

1. Man's obedience is the end of God's gracious providences

concerning His precept, though not always concerning His secret, eternal purpose. I recall the words of the Psalmist: "When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that the

Chapter 6

2. It is God's intention (as aforestated) that men obey, though too

often it's not executed. Even after God has endeavored to secure man's obedience through His blessings, His expectations are frequently thwarted. The lamentation of the Lord concerning His vineyard in Isa. 5 encapsulates

Chapter 7

3. Though the observance of God's statutes by man is an aim, it

isn't the sole one of His abundant favors. Among many purposes always in His divine sight, in His fatherly kindness towards His people, He dispenses comforts specifically to uplift their spirits and ease their journey th

Chapter 8

4. Man's dutiful submission to divine commands isn't God's

ultimate end in all His magnificent acts. The pinnacle of all God's intentions and providences is His own glory: "The Lord hath made all things for himself" (Prov. 16:4). Whether in those unconvinced by His kindness or i

Chapter 9

3. Exhortation.

I shall swiftly address the first two types of Uses, but I ask for patience as I expand upon the last. It stands as the most beneficial, most pertinent to this Assembly, and most apt to foster the praises we today offer

Chapter 10

1. Abusing God's bounty in this manner is a grave indication of a

soul not yet reborn. "Though grace is shown to the wicked, he does not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness, he acts wrongly," as written in Isa. 26:10. The hypocrite might be likened to a spinning top, whi

Chapter 11

2. In this context, even idolaters show more respect to their lifeless

idols than these individuals show to the one, true, and living God. The Prophet Hosea describes the reasoning of idol worshippers in Hos. 2:5, "I will go after my lovers, who provide for my needs." Considering this, we c

Chapter 12

3. Such behavior is no better than that of beasts. As Moses says of

Jesurun in Deut. 32:15, "Jesurun grew fat and rebellious." This imagery is akin to a stubborn ass, which, when well-fed, becomes unruly, either running from its caretaker or resisting him. Thus, in revisiting the divine

Chapter 13

1. Those who, in pursuit of worldly gains, seek only to please their

earthly desires, to sate their infernal cravings. Apostle James reprimands such men in Jam. 4:3, "You ask wrongly, desiring to indulge your passions." And there's a rebuke for Baruch in Jeremiah's question, Jer. 45:5, "D

Chapter 14

2. Those who, when bestowing positions of wealth, power, and

trust, chiefly (if not solely) aim to bolster a faction against the rule and path of Jesus Christ. I shall not cite specific examples but entrust it to your wisdom and conscience to discern and apply this broad warning.

Chapter 15

1. That human obedience does not in any way benefit God. "Can a

man be profitable to God? Does He gain from your perfect ways?" (Job 22. 2, 3). "If thou art righteous, what givest thou Him? What does He receive from thy hand?" (Job 35. 7). These questions bear strong denials, suggest

Chapter 16

2. Man's disobedience does not harm God. "If thou sinnest, what

harm dost thou inflict upon Him?" (Job 35. 6). The sun remains unblemished, regardless of one's refusal to appreciate its light. The same perfections and joys that the Lord eternally possesses will remain, even if no cre

Chapter 17

3. It is God's abundant mercy that prompts Him to reveal His will

to man, that we might comprehend what pleases His Majesty. "He shows His Word to Jacob, His decrees to Israel. He has not done so with any other nation" (Psal. 147. 19, 20). -- 19 of 33 -- Had the Lord left us in our n

Chapter 18

4. Even if the Lord sought our obedience solely through threats, we

would still have reason to be grateful. For it is better to be driven to God's work than to forsake it. David acknowledged this in Psalm 119. 67, 68, "Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I obey Your word. You

Chapter 19

5. Our best efforts to serve and worship the Almighty are

imperfect. Our shortcomings taint our offerings, rendering even our righteousnesses as unsightly rags. When Nehemiah, after doing much for God, recognizes his flaws, he pleads, "Lord, pardon me according to thy great mer

Chapter 20

6. Lastly, and most remarkably, God promises to reward our

obedience. "In keeping of His commandments, there is great reward" (Psal. 19. 11). Every Christian, aware of himself and accustomed to earnestly compare his offerings to God with his gifts from God, will readily confess

Chapter 21

2. This grateful obedience the Lord will graciously accept as full

recompense for all His bounties. After Moses enumerated numerous blessings bestowed upon Israel, he concludes in Deut. 10. 12, 13: "And now, O Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to walk in all His wa

Chapter 22

1. It garners wisdom in the eyes of those who acknowledge our

profound obligations to God. "Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the Nations. For what nation is so great, who hath God so near to them?" (Deut. 4. 6, 7). Isn't it wise

Chapter 23

2. Applying God's goodness in obedience reveals our heart's

integrity. Consider David's plea: "O Lord, I have walked in mine integrity...For thy loving kindness is before mine eyes, and I have walked in thy truth." (Psalm 26:1, 3). Threats may drive hypocrites, but love's cords p

Chapter 24

3. When gratitude for past favors inspires obedience, we can

expect even greater future mercies. After Moses lists Israel's blessings in Deut. 29, he concludes, "Keep therefore the words of this Commandment, and do them, that ye may prosper in all ye do." Just as a farmer generous

Chapter 25

4. However, grave judgments loom for those who persist in

disobedience despite God's benevolence. Consider Deut. 28. 47, 48: "Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness...therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies." And when Samuel emphasized the importance of obe

Chapter 26

1. God should always be prioritized over man. While I do

not dissuade from paying respect to rightful superiors of any stature, I echo the Apostles' sentiment: "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye," Acts 4. 19 & 5. 29. Let t

Chapter 27

2. We should serve God with all we possess. "Both riches

and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all," 1 Chron. 29. 12, 14. It stands to reason that all gifts from the Lord should be devoted to His service. Just as merchants expect their oversea agents to use supplied g

Chapter 28

3. Therefore, our obedience unto God should be tendered

speedily. For is not the Lord so far beforehand with us in His -- 25 of 33 -- favors that, at this very instant, we are engaged obsequiously to submit unto His government? Joshua, having particularized to Israel ancien

Chapter 29

4. Therefore, in all ways of holy obedience, we should

walk humbly with our God. It may humble our hearts that the Lord's excellencies alone aren't enough to draw us to Him without daily additions of His favors. Yet, when we weigh our deeds against God's expectations and des

Chapter 30

5. Therefore, all our services for God should radiate the

warmth of ardent love. St. Paul's efforts for Christ seemed to emanate from this fervent love: "For the love of Christ constraineth us" (2 Cor. 5:14). And when David pondered God's mercy, he exclaimed, "I love the Lord"

Chapter 31

6. We should serve the Lord in truth because of the great

things He has done for us (1 Sam. 12:24). This truth stands opposed to falsehood. God's blessings are tangible, not mere words. Thus, our responses to Him should also be genuine and heartfelt. "Pure religion and undefile

Chapter 32

7. Serve the Lord in sincerity, which opposes selfishness.

The righteous aim for God's glory, not their own gain. Remember God's words: "Did ye at all fast unto me, even unto me?" (Zechariah 7:5). Our actions, whether in private or public, should be for the glory of God (1 Cor.

Chapter 33

8. We should always observe God's statutes and keep His

laws. The Lord expresses this desire in Deut. 5:29. His ceaseless blessings should inspire us to tireless devotion. If ever there were a moment in our lives when God ceased to bless us, perhaps then we might have cause t

Chapter 34

1. Do not, through indulgence, spare the punishment of those who

dare to cast God's Commandments aside. Could you overlook those who slight the works raised and maintained for the safety of this City? As revealed from my text, God desires His laws preserved from violence. I once heard

Chapter 35

2. I call upon your zeal against Popery, that most abominable

practice which brings desolation. I implore you to conduct frequent inquisitions to ascertain if, in some hidden corners of this City, Idolatry is practiced through the Mass. I urge, in particular, that a search be made

Chapter 36

3. I earnestly implore you to ensure stricter observation of the

Sabbath, holding up the venerable Nehemiah as an exemplary figure. His actions, detailed in the scriptures, reveal his holy zeal. I beseech your Lordship to suppress buying, selling, and sporting on the Lord's day. I oft

Chapter 37

5. I earnestly petition for your utmost effort towards the resolution

of our grievous divisions surrounding Church matters. Not only are there Congregations of Anabaptists, Antinomians, and Brownists in this City that are overlooked, but there are also, as reported, groups of men who deny