by William Bates
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. - PSALM 119:97
THE Book of Psalms is entitled by Calvin, 'The Anatomy of the Soul,' wherein all its inward workings are made visible. In this text we have the working of David's affection, and the motion of his understanding represented to us. Here is the working of his affection, "Oh how love I thy law!" Here is the motion of his understanding, "it is my meditation all the day." Constant love produceth continual meditation on God's law. I intend to fix my discourse upon the latter part, concerning the meditation of David; and I suppose this may be one reason for which he is entitled, "a man after God's own heart," because of the heavenly frame and temper of his spirit.
David was always ascending to God, and descending upon himself; to endear God to his soul, and to engage his soul to God. "When I awake (saith he) I am still with thee." Psal. 139:8.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface
I. The nature of meditation.
II. The necessity of meditation.
III. The time for meditation.
IV. The advantages of meditation.
V. Rules for managing meditation to advantage
VI. Use First of Trial.
VII. Use Second of Reproof.
VIII. Use Third of Exhortation.
IX. The Foregoing Rules Exemplified in a Meditation on the Suffering of Christ