„ XXXV. " I will run the way of thy command-
ments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart," ver. 32, . . , 332
„ XXXVI. "Teach me, 0 Lord, the way of thy
statutes, and I shall keep it unto the end," ver. 33, . . . 339
„ XXXVII. " Give me understanding and I shall keep
thy law ; ye-a, I shall observe it with my whole heart," ver. 34, . . ,}4S
„ XXXVIII. " Yea, I shall observe it with my whole
heart," ver. 34, . . . 354
„ XXXIX. " Make me to go in the path of thy com-
mandments, for therein do I de- light," ver. 3.5, . . .360
f, XL. " Incline my heart unto thy testimonies,
and not to covetousness," ver. 36, . 369
y, XLI. " And not unto covetousness," ver. 36, . 378
„ XLII. " Turn thou away mine eyes from behold-
ing vanity, and quicken thou me in thy way," ver. 37, . . .388
Vlll CONTENTS.
hAOE
Sermon XLIII. "Stoblish thy word unto thy servant, who
is devoted to thy fear," ver. 38, . 398
„ XLIV. " Turn away my reproach which I fear ; for
thy judgments are good," ver. 39, . 410
,, XLV. " Behold I have longed after thy precepts ;
quicken me in thy righteousness," ver. 40, .... 423
„ XLVI. " Behold I have longed after thy precepts,"
&c., ver. 40, . . . .431
„ XLVII. " Let thy mercies come also to me, 0 Lord,
• even thy salvation, according to thy
word," ver. 41, ... 439
„ XLVIII. " So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me : for I trust in thy word," ver. 42, . . . 447
XLIX, " And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth ; for I have hoped in thy judgments," ver. 43, . . 458
L. "So shall I keep thy law continually for
ever and ever," ver. 44, . . 470
LI. "And I will walk at liberty ; for I seek thy
precepts," ver. 45, . . . 478
LIL " I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed," ver. 46, .... 486
SEYEEAL SERMONS UPON THE CXIX. PSALM.
VOL. VI.
TO THE READER.
It is the honour of the evangelical ministry, that it -R-as principally instituted for the service of God, not as he is the governor of the earth, hut the Lord of heaven, and to prepare men hy holiness for his eternal kingdom. And it is an excellent favour of God to his ministers when their labours are eminently useful for this blessed end. This singular grace and privilege God was pleased to confer upon his faithful servant Dr Manton, whose life was spent in the most precious work of converting souls to Christ, and preparing them for the celestial paradise ; and since his retiring from the world by death, his soul now enjoying the blessed rest above, yet he remains with us in what was most valuable of him, his excellent sermons, the productions of his holy mind and heart ; and the pen having a larger extent than the tongue in communicating them, may be more beneficial to the church than before.
The following sermons were preached by him in his usual course of three times a week, which I do not mention to lessen their worth, but to show how diligent and exact he was in the performance of his duty. Indeed, his ordinary sermons, considering the substantial matter, clear order, and vigorous full expressions, may well pass for extraordinary, I cannot but admire the fecundity and variety of his thoughts, that the same things so often occurring in the verses of this psalm, yet by a judicious observing the different arguments and motives whereby the Psalmist enforces the same requests, or some other circumstances, every sermon contains new conceptions, and proper to the text. Some few verses were not handled by him. I earnestly pray that those who shall read these sermons may taste the sweetness of the divine truths opened in them, and may be transformed into the spirit of David, by an inward feeling of the affections, and verifying in their own breasts the words of the holy propbet.
W. Bates.
TO THE READER.
Christian Eeadee, — It is somewhat difficult not to applaud that excellency which has first approved itself to our judgment. Hence is it that, though this work needs it not, I will so far gratify my own affections, and comply w^ith obtaining custom, as to acquaint thee that, if thou hadst my eyes and taste, thou must admire its beauty, and confess its sweetness ; much more when thou shalt use thy own more discerning eye and judicious palate.
The matter of these sermons is spiritual, and speaks the author one intimately acquainted wdth the secrets of wisdom. He writes like one that knew the Psalmist's heart, and felt in his own the sanctifying power of what he wrote. Their design is practice ; beginning with the understanding, dealing with the affections, but still driving on the advancement of practical holiness. They come home and close to the conscience ; first presenting us a glass, wherein we may view the spots of our souls, and then directing us to that fountain wherein we may wash them away. They are of an evangelical complexion, abasing proud corrupt nature, and advancing free and efficacious grace in the conversion of sinners. The exhortations are powerful, admirably suited to treat with reasonable creatures, yet still supposing them to be the vehicle of the Holy Spirit, through which he communicates life and power to obey them.