A51842:940
One Hundred and Ninety Sermons on Psalm 119
One hundred and ninety sermons on the hundred and nineteenth Psalm preached by the late reverend and learned Thomas Manton, D.D. ; with a perfect alphabetical table directing to the principal matters contained therein.
London: printed for T.P. &c, 1681
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
1. Some out of Error in judgment think the word of God is only fit for Novices (as the Stancarists) to enter us into the Rudiments of Religion, but too low a dispensation for our after growth. It is milk for babes, they think; but afterwards we must live immediately upon the Spirit. But we see that David's affection ever carried him to the word, not only at his first acquaintance with God, but at all times, as in the Text.
2. Some prize the word in Adversity, when they have no other comforts to live upon; then they can be content to study the word to comfort them in their distresses; but when they are well at ease, they despise it. But David made use of it at all times; in prosperity, to humble him; in adversity, to comfort him; in the one, to keep him from pride; in the other, to keep him from despair: in affliction the Word was his Cordial; in worldly increase it was his Antidote: And so at all times his heart was carried out to the Word either for one necessity or another.
2. Some prize the word in Adversity, when they have no other comforts to live upon; then they can be content to study the word to comfort them in their distresses; but when they are well at ease, they despise it. But David made use of it at all times; in prosperity, to humble him; in adversity, to comfort him; in the one, to keep him from pride; in the other, to keep him from despair: in affliction the Word was his Cordial; in worldly encrease it was his Antidote: And so at all times his heart was carried out to the Word either for one necessity or another.
3. Some during a qualm of conscience, have an affection for holy things; as we desire Strong waters in a pang, not for a constant diet. While the terrors of God are upon them, nothing will satisfy them but the Word: O send for Moses and Aaron, then when the plague was upon them; but as their trouble wears off, so doth their affection to the Word of God. It is fear that drives them to the Word, and not love.