One Hundred and Ninety Sermons on Psalm 119

5. Covetousness consists chiefly in a vain musing. Ezek. 33. 31. Their heart goeth after their covetousness. 2 Pet. 1. 14. Hearts exercised with covetous practices.

USE 2. Is of Exhortation, to press us to meditate on Gods precepts. Many think it is an exercise that doth not suit with their temper; it is a good exercise, but for those that can use it. It is true, there is a great deal of difference among Christians; some are more serious and consistent, and have a greater command over their thoughts; others are of a more slight and weak spirit, and less apt for duties of retirement and recollection; but our unfitness is usually moral rather than natural; not so much by temper, as by ill use. Now sinful indispositions do not disannul our engagements to God, as a servants drunkenness doth not excuse him from work. Inky water cannot wash the hands clean. That it is a culpable unfitness, appeareth, partly because disuse and neglect is the cause of it; those that use it, have a greater command over the thoughts. Men count it a great yoke; custom would make it easy. Every duty is an help to it self; and the more we meditate, the more we may. They that use it much, find more of sweetness than difficulty in it. If a man did use to govern his thoughts, they would come more to hand. Partly, want of love: We pause and stay upon such objects as we delight in. Love naileth the soul to the object or thing beloved. Psal. 119. 97. Oh how I love thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Carnal men find no burden in their thoughts; their heart is in them. Well then, though you have not such choice and savoury thoughts as others have, yet set upon the work; you can think of any thing you love.

USE 2. Is of Exlortation, to press us to meditate on Gods precepts. Many think it is an exercise that doth not suit with their temper; it is a good exercise, but for those that can use it. It is true, there is a great deal of difference among Christians; some are more serious and consistent, and have a greater command over their thoughts; others are of a more slight and weak spirit, and less apt for duties of retirement and recollection; but our unfitness is usually moral rather than natural; not so much by temper, as by ill use. Now sinful indispositions do not disannul our engagements to God, as a servants drunkenness doth not excuse him from work. Inky water cannot wash the hands clean. That it is a culpable unfitness, appeareth, partly because disuse and neglect is the cause of it; those that use it, have a greater command over the thoughts. Men count it a great yoke; custom would make it easie. Every duty is an help to it self; and the more we meditate, the more we may. They that use it much, find more of sweetness than difficulty in it. If a man did use to govern his thoughts, they would come more to hand. Partly, want of love: We pause and stay upon such objects as we delight in. Love naileth the soul to the object or thing beloved.