Secondly, Let us consider the effects.
1. The first is dilatatio cordis, the enlarging of the heart ; it openeth and wideneth the heart towards the reception of the law, and maketh it more capacious and comprehensive thereof than otherwise it would be : Ps. cxix. 32, ' I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt have enlarged my heart.' The heart is at ease and in a commodious condition, as a body that is in a large and fit place, where it is not straitened ; and this is as oil to the wheels.
2. Delectatio causat sui sitim et desiderium. Delight in an object causeth a thirst of itself, and more of itself. Even the angels and blessed spirits feel this effect of delight, that it never cloyeth, but they desire more of their own happiness. Much more doth it work so in us, who are in such an imperfect state of enjoyment, upon a twofold account : —
[1.] The objects of spiritual delight are perfect, but the acts whereby we enjoy and possess those objects are imperfect. God is an infinite and all-satisfying good, but the acts whereby we enjoy him here in this life, whereby we have union and communion with him, are imperfect. We know, believe, love, hope but in part, 1 Cor. xiii. 9. Hereupon that delight which ariseth from the imperfect fruition of God here in this life stirreth up to an eager desire after fuller fruition, and unto a further enlargement and intension of those acts whereby such fruition is attained, or wherein it consisteth ; still thirsting after more when tasted, 1 Peter ii. 3, 4.
[2.] Spiritual delights may be said to create a desire, as desire importeth a denial or exclusion of loathing ; for the objects of spiritual delight and the acts whereby they are enjoyed can never exceed the degree and measure required in them, unless by accident, by reason of some bodily act concurrent therewith, and subservient unto the spiritual operation. The desire can never be too great ; the expression of it may be burdensome. We may easily exceed the bounds of moderation in carnal things, but not in spiritual ; they can never be
22 SERMONS UPON PSALM CXIX. [SeR. CLX.
too high and intense. Therefore fresli desires and earnest longings ;ue still kindled and quickened in us ; it never dulls the appetite, but draweth out the soul further and further, and cannot be too eager and zealous after holiness.
3. Another effect of delight is perficit operationem, it makes the operation to its object more perfect than otherwise it would be. As a motive or means, it exciteth to a greater care and diligence in pro- moting the end which we pursue. The delight in the law helpeth to perfect our meditation therein and observation thereof ; by its sweet- ness it quickeneth, provoketh, and allure th to a greater zeal in both. Delight maketh all things easy : 1 John v. 3, ' All her ways are ways of pleasantness,' Prov. iii. 17 ; ' The Sabbath is a delight/ Isa. lviii. 13. It facilitates duties, and removes difficulties in working.
Now this delight must be sincere, otherwise they are but like the carnal Jews who did delight to know his ways, Isa. lviii. 2. It must not be on foreign reasons. And then it must be universal, otherwise it is but like Herod, who ' heard John gladly, and did many things,' &c, Mark vi. 20. It must be deeply rooted, otherwise it is but like the seed which fell on the stony ground, ' which received the word with joy, but dureth but for a while,' Mat. xiii. 20.
Use 1. To show how far they are from the temper of God's children whose delight is in sin or the pleasures of the flesh. These have dreggy, muddy souls; their hearts are on sports, plays, merry-meet- ings. These desires are soon cloyed, leave a bitterness in the soul ; till we contemn them, we are never fit for a holy life. See Gregory de Valentia.
Use 2. Have we this delight ? The sincerity may be discerned — •
1. By the extent. It is extended to all parts of the word, delight in the promises and precepts. To be partial in the law, hypocrites can well allow, Mai. ii. 9.
2. It will be discerned by the effects of it. You will often consult with it : Ps. cxix. 24, ' Thy testimonies are my delight and my coun- sellors.'
3. It will be a perpetual delight : Job xxvii. 10, ' Will he delight himself in the Almighty ? will he always call upon God ? ' You will own it in affliction, as in the text. Many will delight in God's word when prosperity accompanieth it, but not in trouble and anguish. You will delight in obedience, and in the way of his testimonies ; not talk of it, but do it. The young man's delight in Dinah made him circumcise himself, Gen. xxxiv. 19.
Lastly, compare it with your delight in things sensible, temporal, aud corporeal. If it be sincere and cordial, it will not only equal, but surmount these : ver. 72, ' The law of thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver ; ' and ver. 162, 'I rejoice in thy word as one that findeth great snoil.' Spiritual good is greater than corporal, our conjunction with it is more intimate, greater and firmer. The part gratified is more noble, the soul than the body ; it will make these die that the other may live.