08 - Chapter 08

CHAPTER VIII.

Shewing how a Christian may arrive at this Delight in God’s Law.

Use 4. For the attaining this blessed delight in the law of God, three things are requisite.

Direction 1. Set an high estimate upon the word; what the judgment prizeth, the affections embrace; he that values gold, will delight in it; we are apt, through a principle of Atheism, to entertain slight thoughts of religion, therefore our affections are so slight. David prized God’s statutes at a high rate; ’More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold,’ Psalms 19:10. and hence grew that enflamed love to them; ’I will delight myself in thy statutes,’ Psalms 119:16.

2. Pray for a spiritual heart; an earthly heart will not delight in spiritual mysteries; the earth puts out the fire. Earthliness destroys holy delight; get a spiritual palate, that you may relish the sweetness of the word. He that tastes the sweetness of honey, will delight in it. ’If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious,’ 1 Peter 2:3. It is not enough to hear a sermon, but you must taste a sermon; it is not enough to read a promise, but you must taste a promise; when you have gotten this spiritual palate, then God’s word will be to you ’the joy and rejoicing of your heart,’ Jeremiah 15:16.

3. If you would delight in the law of God, purge out the delight of sin; sin will poison this spiritual delight: If you would have God’s law sweet, let not ’wickedness be sweet in your mouth,’ Job 20:12. When sin is your burden, Christ will be your delight.