222 sermons upon psalm cxix. [See. CLXXXI.
jected. Again, it is compared to an anchor : Heb. vi. 19, ' Which liope we have, as an anchor, both sure and steadfast, which entereth into that which is within the veil.' As the anchor holdeth the ship in a tempest, so doth hope keep the mind in a constant temper in the midst of the stormy gusts of temptation, that we dash not against the rocks that would break our confidence and profession : it strengthens and quiets the floating heart of man. Things will end well at last, how blustering and stormy soever the weather be at the present. The floods of temptation and the tribulations of this present life are per- mitted to invade us, but that God hath given us an anchor, that they .shall not drive us from the haven of eternal happiness. Whatever our cross be, immoderate grief for the death of near and dear rela- tions : 1 Thes. iv. 13, ' Mourn not as those without hope.' Cur enim doleas, si periisse own credis f Cur impatienter ferres subductum, quern iterum credis reversurum esse? profesto est quam putas mortem, saith Tertullian De Patientia. If for loss of goods and estate : Heb. x. 34, ' And took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in your- selves that in heaven ye have a better and enduring substance.' If a poor man that had all his wealth about him should fall into the hands of thieves and robbers, and be rifled by them, he must needs cry and take on pitifully ; for alas ! he is altogether undone, and hath nothing left him wherewithal to succour himself and his family. But a rich man, that hath store of money at home, and sure locked up in his chest, will never complain and be much disquieted when he hath twenty or forty shillings taken from him. For worldlings to rage and take on when they must lose their estates, it is no marvel ; those whose portion is in this life, and know no better ; alas ! for when these things are gone, they have nothing left, and are quite undone. But those that are heirs according to the hope of eternal life, they know they have a better and a more enduring substance ; they consider what they are born to, what they shall enjoy when they come home to God, therefore their hearts are calmed and quieted. So if it be the oppres- sion of wicked men, and hard sufferings and persecutions for the gospel : 2 Cor. iv. 17, 18, ' For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory ; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen ; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.' He that hopeth for nothing from God will soon fall off from him, and yield to fainting discouragements ; their hearts are turned off and perverted ; but when we hope, we do with patience submit to the cross. What troubles will not they undergo that expect undoubtedly their speedy ending in everlasting and endless bliss and happiness ? If God hideth his face, that raiseth a storm : Ps. xliii. 5, ' Why art thou so disquieted, 0 my soul ? still hope in God.' Casting anchor upon the rock, as the crying child falls asleep with the teat in his mouth ; or when God delayeth the performance of what is promised : Prov. xiii. 12, ' Hope deferred maketh the heart sick.' Expectation is a tedious thing, as smoke to the eyes, and vinegar to the teeth, an ordinary messenger sent on a trifling errand. Now, Eom. viii. 15, 'If we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it ; ' 1 Thes. i. 3, ' And patience of hope
VER. 166.] SERMONS UPON PSALM CXIX. 223
in our Lord Jesus Christ.' Is a title nothing before possession ? It is not a matter of debt. Or is it the fear of approaching death, which is the king of terrors ? Prov. xiv. 32, ' The wicked shall be driven away in his wickedness, but the righteous hath hope in his death.' The wicked, being arrested by death, is hurried away into hell ; but the righteous dismisseth his soul into his Kedeerner's hands. Never more cheerful than when our confidence in God's mercy is most put to trial.
Secondly, Here is the profession of his obedience, ' I have done thy commandments.' Here is —
1. The object, iky commandments.
2. The act of duty, done.
1. The object, ' Thy commandments,' quia tua; therefore kept them, because they are thine ; things thou hast given in charge. Men were ready to persuade or threaten him out of his duty.
2. The act of duty, ' Done thy commandments : ' the act of duty, to do, noteth the substance of the act or omission ; the doing things commanded by eschewing things forbidden.
3. The manner of doing, out of knowledge of God's command, and conscience of obeying it, to his glory and our salvation. Now, saith David, ' I have done it ; ' implying, I have not only care and con- science, but strength and ability, in some measure to do thy will.