One Hundred and Ninety Sermons on Psalm 119

and therefore we should ever be the same in our respects to it. The Devil in policy lets men alone for a while, to manifest some respect to the ways of God, that they may after do Religion a ⟨p. 89⟩They are full of zeal, strict, holy, diligent in attendance upon Ordinances; he never troubleth them, but is at truce with them all this while, till they get some name for the profession of godliness, and then he knoweth their fall will be the more scandalous and ignominious, not only to themselves, but to their profession. They are forward and hot men a while, till they have run themselves out of breath, and then by a notable defection shame themselves, and harden others.

2. Compare it with the 13th verse, I have declared, now I will meditate. To be warm and affectionate in our expressions of respect to the Word before others, and to slight it in our own hearts, argueth gross hypocrisy. Therefore David would not only confer, but meditate. Many talk with others, but not with their own soul. Commune with your hearts, and be still. True zeal is uniform; when there is no witness but God, it acts alike.

2. Compare it with the 13th verse, I have declared, now I will meditate. To be warm and affectionate in our expressions of respect to the Word before others, and to slight it in our own hearts, argueth gross hypocrisie. Therefore David would not only confer, but meditate. Many talk with others, but not with their own soul. Commune with your hearts, and be still. True zeal is uniform; when there is no witness but God, it acts alike.

3. Refer it to the 14th Verse, David had spoken of his delight in the Law; now, that he would meditate therein; in both not to boast, but to excite others by his example; that is to be understood all along when he speaketh of his diligence in and about the Law of God. But mark, first, the word was his delight, and then his meditation. Delight causeth meditation, and meditation increaseth delight.