love the Lord Jesus Christ, who manifest a due regard for his commandments :
1. Who " have them" in their hearts —
[Those who " love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity" desire a perfect conformity to his mind and will. With this view they study his commandments: they do not read them in a cursory way, but meditate on them, and search into them, and beg of God to open them to their view, and are thankful for any light that may be cast upon them, even though their own conduct should thereby be condemned. Having obtained a deeper insight into them, they treasure up the welcome truth in their minds, and " hide it in their hearts," as a rule of their conduct, " that they may no longer sin against him." " They account not any one of them grievous," but approve of them in their utmost extent, and " pant " after a more entire conformity to them, and long to " stand perfect and complete in all the will of Godb." They would not willingly have " a thought, that should not be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."]
2. Who '-' keep them" in their lives —
[Those who truly love Christ will be always " walking in the way of his commandments." Do you inquire into their general conduct ? you will find them " labouring, not so much for the meat that perisheth, as for that which endureth unto everlasting life :" they will " not be taking thought what they shall eat and drink, and be clothed with, as the poor ignorant Gentiles do ; but will seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness ;" " not laying up treasures upon earth, but laying them up in heaven." In " love to the world and the things thereof, they will form a contrast with the ungodly world0."
In like manner, if you inquire into their conduct under any particular circumstances, you will know beforehand where to find them : you need only examine the commandments in relation to that subject, and you will know how they will act. You will not expect to find them conceited, selfish, querulous : because they are commanded to " prefer others in honour before themselves ;" to " mind, not their own things, but also the things of others;" and " in whatsoever state they are, therewith to be content." Nor will you expect to find them censorious, passionate, unforgiving, or vindictive ; because Christ has bidden them " not to judge others," or " to say to
b Ps. cxix. 127, 128, 131. This last verse beautifully expresses the ardent longing of his soul to be conformed to them. c 1 John ii. 15, 16. Rom. xii. 2.