Chapter 8. Showing how a Christian may arrive at this Delight in God's Law
Chapter 8.
Showing how a Christian may arrive at this Delight in God's Law Three things are requisite for attaining this blessed delight in the law of God.
Direction 1. Set a high estimate upon the word; what the judgment prizes, 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, and therefore our affections are also slight.
David highly prized God's statutes: "They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold," Psa 19.10. And from this grew that enflamed love for them; "I will delight myself in your statutes,"
Psa 119.16.
Direction 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, so that you may relish the sweetness of the word. He that tastes the sweetness of honey, will delight in it: "If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious,"
1Pet 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," Jer 15.16.
Direction 3. If you would delight in the law of God, then purge out the delight of sin: sin will poison this spiritual delight. If you would have God's law be sweet, do not let "wickedness be sweet in your mouth," Job 20.12. When sin is your burden, Christ will be your delight.