One Hundred and Ninety Sermons on Psalm 119

IT is somewhat difficult not to applaud that excellency which has first approved it self to our judgment. Hence is it, that though this work needs it not, I will so far gratify my own affections, and comply with obtaining custom as to acquaint thee, that if thou hadst my eyes and taste, thou must admire its beauty, and confess its sweetness; much more when thou shalt use thy own more discerning eye, and judicious palate.

IT is somewhat difficult not to applaud that excellency which has first approved it self to our judgment. Hence is it, that though this work needs it not, I will so far gratifie my own affections, and comply with obtaining custom as to acquaint thee, that if thou hadst my eyes and taste, thou must admire its beauty, and confess its sweetness; much more when thou shalt use thy own more discerning eye, and judicious palate.

The Matter of these Sermons is Spiritual, and speaks the Author one intimately acquainted with the secrets of wisdom: He writes like one that knew the Psalmists heart, and felt in his own the sanctifying power of what he wrote: Their design is practice; beginning with the understanding, dealing with the affections, but still driving on the advancement of Practical Holiness. They come home and close to the Conscience; first presenting us a glass, wherein we may view the spots of our souls, and then directing us to that fountain wherein we may wash them away. They are of an Evangelical complexion, abasing proud corrupt nature, and advancing free and efficacious grace in the conversion of Sinners. The Exhortations are powerful, admirably suited to treat with Reasonable Creatures, yet still supposing them to be the vehicle of the holy Spirit, through which he communicates life and power to obey them.

The manner of handling is not inferior to the dignity of the Matter; so plain as to accommodate the most sublime Truths to the meanest spiritual capacity, and yet so elevated as to approve it self to the most refined understanding. He knew how to be succinct without obscurity, and where the weight of the Argument required it, to enlarge without nauseous prolixity. He studied more to profit than please, and yet an honest heart will then be best pleased when most profited. He chose rather to speak appositely than elegantly; and yet the judicious do account propriety the choicest elegance. He laboured more industriously to conceal his learning, than some others to ostentate theirs; and yet when he would most veil it, the discerning Reader cannot but discover it, and rejoice to find such a mass, such a treasure of useful learning couched under a well-studied and artificial plainness. But let the Reader take a taste of, let him concoct, and digest these spiritual Discourses, and he shall say with the Sabaean Queen, It was a true report I heard in my own land, but behold the one half was not told me! Or with the men of Sychar, Now we believe not because of thy saying, but because we our selves have proved and experienced their delicacies. As one taste of honey will more effectually commend its sweetness, than the most elaborate Oratory.