2. In regard of the effects. These testimonies endure for ever, both in a way of grace and glory. In a way of grace, the word worketh in the heart an eternal principle, and carries us beyond temporal things, 2 Cor. iv. 18 ; 1 Peter i. 23, 'Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.' The word worketh in us an eternal principle, which will abide with us as the root of everlasting blessedness. They that have served God faithfully shall not be deprived of eternal glory. Now, in glory the word abideth for ever, for though the souls of men are immortal, yet they have not in them a principle of blessed immortality. Sin is the root of eternal perdition, but grace of incorruption and eternal happi- ness. The wicked, though the substance of their soul and body shall not be annihilated, but upheld unto all eternity by the mighty power of God in the midst of eternal torments, yet all their glory and plea- sure shall be consumed, and they themselves shall ever languish under the wrath of a highly provoked and then irreconcilable God : 1 John ii. 17, ' He that doth the will of God abideth for ever.' The wicked shall endure by the word of God ; it is a living death in regard of the execution of eternal wrath upon them that reject it, and the perform- ance of everlasting blessings which are promised to them that receive and obey it ; this will abide when other things fade. The word of God keepeth the godly and wicked alive in some sense.
Secondly, When is the word deeply imprinted upon our minds ? That is discovered by two things — sound belief and serious considera- tion ; when it is strongly believed, and often duly considered.
1. When it is strongly believed, or else it worketh not : for all things work according to the faith we exercise about them : 1 Thes. ii. 13, ' The word of God, which worketh effectually also in you that believe.' Did we believe that our eternal condition depended upon the observance or non-observance of this rule, we would regard it more: Ps. cxix. 66, ' Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I have believed thy commandments.' Lord, I believe I must stand or fall by this rule, and therefore let me know all my duty. So Heb. xi. 13, ' Being persuaded of these things, they embraced them.' We have not a thorough persuasion about these things ; our persuasions about eternal things are very weak, when God's expressions about it are very clear and strong. Most men guess at a world to come, but are not thoroughly persuaded. They have a loose or general opinion that the scripture is the word of God, the rule by which they shall be tried ; but do not soundly assent to it, and receive it as the word by which they shall be judged at the last day, John xii. 48. Christ pro- nounceth as the word pronouncelh. There is a non-contradiction, but
VeR. 144.] SERMONS UPON PSALM CXIX. 27
not an active and lively faith ; this and nothing but this bindeth the will and conscience to obedience.
2. Often considered. David still insists upon this, the everlasting righteousness of God's testimonies. It is as if he had said, I have said it already, and I will repeat it again and again. It is constant thoughts are operative, and musing maketh the fire burn. Green wood is kindled not by a flash or spark, but by constant blowing. Deep, frequent, and ponderous thoughts leave some impression upon the heart ; the greatest matters in the world will not work much upon him that will not think upon them ; all the efficacy is lost for want of these ponderous thoughts. Why are all the offers and invitations of God's grace of so little effect ? Mat. xxii. 5, ol Se dfxeXyaavTe^, they made light of it, they would not take it into their care and thoughts. "Why do all the injunctions and precepts of God work no more ? Men will not consider in their hearts, Deut. iv. 39, 40, all the com- minations of God ; and therefore he calls upon them, ' Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver,' Ps. 1. 22. It is for want of this that all the promises of God, of heaven and happiness work so little upon us : 2 Tim. ii. 7, ' Consider what I say, and the Lord give you understanding in all things.' The truth lieth by, neglected, unimproved, till consideration take it up, and lay it in the view of conscience, and then it worketh. Till we take it into our thoughts, we have no use of any truth ; there- fore set your hearts seriously to consider of these things.
Thirdly, Why the everlasting righteousness of God's testimonies should be deeply imprinted in our minds.
1. It establisheth our judgments against vain fancies, and the humour of other gospelling. The apostle saith, Gal. i. 8, ' Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than that we have preached unto you, let him be accursed ; ' 1 Tim. vi. 3, ' If any man teach otherwise,' &c. There are some that expect speculum spiritus sancti, a greater measure of light beyond what the Spirit now affordeth, new nuncios from heaven, to assoil the doubts of the pre- plexed world. No ; the present rule leadeth a believer all along in his way to heaven ; other and better institution shall not be, cannot be. Christ promised to bless this doctrine to the world's end : Mat. xxviii. 20, ' I will be with you to the end of the world ; ' to guide and succour them. Christ prayed for no others but those that believe through their word, John xvii. 20 ; this word which the apostles have consigned to the use of the church. An angel is accursed if he should bring any other doctrine, Gal. i. 8. There is no other way of salvation given or to be given, Acts. iv. 12. If an angel should hold out another way, believe it not. The apostle propounds an impossible case to show the certainty of this way ; it is good to be sure of our rule ; now this con- sideration helpeth that.