One Hundred and Ninety Sermons on Psalm 119

2. We cannot be so bold and venturous in sinning when we remember how the Authority of God stands in the way, Prov. 13. 13. He that fears the Commandment, he shall be blessed; not only the penalty, but the command. The heart is never right until we be brought to fear a Commandment more than any inconveniences whatsoever. To a wicked man there seems to be nothing so light as a Command, and therefore he breaks through against checks of Conscience. But a man that hath the awe of God upon him, when mindful of Gods Authority, he fears a command. Jude v. 9. It is said of Michael the Archangel, He durst not bring a railing accusation; he had not the boldness when the Commandment of God was in his way.

2. We cannot be so bold and venturous in sinning when we remember how the Authority of God stands in the way, Prov. 13. 13. He that fears the Commandment, he shall be blessed; not only the penalty, but the command. The heart is never right until we be brought to fear a Commandment more than any inconveniencies whatsoever. To a wicked man there seems to be nothing so light as a Command, and therefore he breaks through against checks of Conscience. But a man that hath the awe of God upon him, when mindful of Gods Authority, he fears a command. Iude v. 9. It is said of Michael the Archangel, He durst not bring a railing accusation; he had not the boldness when the Commandment of God was in his way.

3. Many times we are doubtful of success, and so our hands are weakened thereby; we forbear duty because we do not know what will come of it. Now a sense of Gods Authority and Command doth fortify the heart against these discouragements; Luk. 5. 5