[3.] A well-grounded resolution in the truth : 1 Thes. v. 21, ' Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.' When we take up the ways of God upon fashion, or half conviction, or probable reasons, and
VeR. 61.] SERMONS UPON PSALM CXIX. 159
do not resolve upon sound evidence, we are in danger to be shaken when it is a costly thing to be a sincere Christian ; but when conscience is soundly informed, then all things give way to conscience. If the wicked spoil us of our goods, they should not spoil us of our best treasure, which is a good conscience. Whatever power they have by God's permission over our outward estates, they have no power over our consciences; that is the best friend or the worst enemy. No bird singeth so sweetly as the bird in our bosoms ; here heaven or hell is begun, and the solaces of the outward life are nothing to this.
[4.] A contempt of the world. Our earthly affections must bo mortified, and that upon a twofold account : —
(1.) That we may freely part with them ; for if they be overvalued, our affliction will be according to the degree of our affection : Mark x. 22, ' He was sad at that saying, and went away grieved, for he had great possessions.' "VVe cannot so freely resign them to God, and leave all for treasure in heaven.
(2.) That we may more entirely depend upon God : Heb. xiii. 5, ' Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have ; for he hath said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.' Till the heart be purged from carnal affections, the promises of God have little force and respect with us. A little satisfieth a con- tented and a weaned mind, and he can the better cast himself upon God's providence.
[5.] A sound belief of God's providence ; this hath a great influence upon a free parting with our estates for our conscience' sake : Heb. xi. 8, by faith Abraham left his country, kindred, possessions, and trusted himself blindfold with God's providence. This principle was made use of when the king was troubled about the hundred talents: 2 Chron. xxv. 9, saith the man of God, ' The Lord is able to give thee much more than this.' God's providence is enough for a gracious heart. Indeed it is hard to maintain such a faith in providence when exposed to great injuries. We are apt to doubt of it ; goodness seemeth to be neglected by him : Ps. Ixxiii. 14, ' A^erily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.' Doth God know ? But a Christian must believe in hope against hope. 2. Remedies by way of consideration.
[1.] They cannot rob us of spiritual and eternal riches, of the fear of God, love of God ; treasures in heaven are out of their reach : Mat. vi. 19, 20, 'Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal ; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through or steal.' Your joy shall no man take from you,' John xvi. 22. Heavenly things can never be taken from their owners.
[2.] If they cannot take away our God and Christ, we shall be certainly happy. All things in the world depend on God and Christ : * The favour of the Lord maketh rich,' Prov. x. 22 ; without his blessing nothing prospereth. All judgment is in the hands of Christ, John V. 22. He hath the government of the world, or dominion over all things which may conduce to help or hinder his people's happi- ness. Things are not left to their arbitrament or uncertain contin-
160 SERMONS UPON PSALM CXIX. [SeR. LXX.
gency, but are under the government of a supreme providence, in the hand of him that loves us.
[3.] Tried friendship is most valuable : James i. 12, ' Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.'
[4.] If we suffer with Christ, we shall also be glorified with him : Eom. viii. 17, ' If so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.'
SERMON LXX.
At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee, because of thy righteous judgments. — Ver. 62.
In these words observe three things : —
1. David's holy employment, or the duty promised, giving thanks to ■God.
2. His earnestness and fervency, implied in the time mentioned, at midnight I loill rise; rather interrupt his sleep and rest than God should want his praise.
3. The cause or matter of his thanksgiving, because of thy righteous judgments, whereby he meaneth the dispensations of his providence in delivering the godly and punishing the wicked according to his word. Where observe —
1. The term by which these dispensations are expressed, /wcZg'mewfo.
2. The adjunct, righteous judgments.
1. For the term, 'judgments,' they are so called partly because they are God's judicial acts belonging to his government of the world ; partly because they are dispensed according to his word, the sentences of which are also called judgments. There are the judgments of his mouth and of his hand : Ps. cxix. 13, ' With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.'