One Hundred and Ninety Sermons on Psalm 119

2. Practical and Applicative: This we now speak of; and it is that duty and exercise of Religion whereby the mind is applied to the serious and solemn consideration and improvement of the truths which we understand and believe, for practical uses and purposes. Not like a man that soweth and never reapeth; or a woman that often conceives, but never brings forth living children.

1. It is a duty, for it is commanded, Josh. 1. 8. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein. As the promise is general, I will not leave thee nor forsake thee, Heb. 13. 5. so is the command. To meditate in the Law, is a part of the description of a godly man, Psal. 1. 2. His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in that law doth he meditate day and night. It is commended to us by the practice and example of the Saints in Scripture. Isaac (Gen. 24. 63.) went out to meditate in the field in the even-tide: to pray, as in the margin; the word in the original is indifferent to both senses; it properly signifieth muttering, or an imperfect or suppressed sound. The Septuagint sometimes renders it by [Greek or Hebrew] to sing; but others by [Greek or Hebrew], which signifies to exercise himself. The word is used here [Greek or Hebrew]. Symmachus [Greek or Hebrew] to speak: Aquila [Greek or Hebrew] to discourse with God and his own soul. The Original word [Greek or Hebrew] signifieth to mutter, or such a speaking as is between thoughts and words. He made his duty his refreshment and solace at night. So David often in this Psalm. Reason enforceth it; God that is a Spirit, deserveth the most pure and spiritual worship by the mind, as well as that which is performed by the body. Thoughts are the eldest and noblest off-spring of the soul, and it is fit they should be consecrated to converse with God.