One Hundred and Ninety Sermons on Psalm 119

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. Psal. 1. 2. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night. A man that delighteth in the Law of God, will exercise his mind therein. Our thoughts follow our affections. It is tedious and irksome to the flesh to meditate, but delight will carry us out. The smallest actions when we have no delight in them, seem tedious and burdensome. It was no great matter for Haman to lead Mordecai's Horse, yet a burdensome offensive service, because it was against his will. The difficulty that we find in holy duties, lieth not in the duties themselves, but in the awkwardness of our affections. Many think they have no parts, and therefore they cannot meditate. He that findeth an heart to this work, will find an head. Delight will set the mind a-work; for we are apt to muse and pause upon that which is pleasing to us. Why are not holy thoughts as natural and as kindly to us as carnal? The defect is in the heart. I have rejoiced in thy testimonies, saith David, and therefore I will meditate in thy statutes.

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 encreaseth delight. Psal. 1. 2. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night. A man that delighteth in the Law of God, will exercise his mind therein. Our thoughts follow our affections. It is tedious and irksome to the flesh to meditate, but delight will carry us out. The smallest actions when we have no delight in them, seem tedious and burdensome. It was no great matter for Haman to lead Mordecai's Horse, yet a burdensome offensive service, because it was against his will. The difficulty that we find in holy duties, lyeth not in the duties themselves, but in the awkwardness of our affections. Many think they have no parts, and therefore they cannot meditate. He that findeth an heart to this work, will find an head. Delight will set the mind a-work; for we are apt to muse and pause upon that which is pleasing to us. Why are not holy thoughts as natural and as kindly to us as carnal? The defect is in the heart. I have rejoyced in thy testimonies, saith David, and therefore I will meditate in thy statutes.