by Thomas Manton
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
190 Sermons on Psalm 119
Readers of this work on Psalm 119 will soon understand why Archbishop Ussher said of Manton that he was ‘one of the best preachers in England’, and why the Stephen Charnock described him as the ‘best collector of sense of the age’. First published three years after his death, it contains an encyclopedia of mature wisdom from a life spent in the study of Scripture and almost thirty years of applying it as a pastor and teacher.
The matter of these sermons is spiritual, and speaks the author one intimately acquainted with the secrets of wisdom. He writes like one that knew the Psalmist's heart, and felt in his own the sanctifying power of what he wrote. Their design is practice; beginning with the understanding, dealing with the affections, but still driving on the advancement of practical holiness. They come home and close to the conscience; first presenting us a glass, wherein we may view the spots of our souls, and then directing us to that fountain wherein we may wash them away. They are of an evangelical complexion, abasing proud corrupt nature, and advancing free and efficacious grace in the conversion of sinners. The exhortations are powerful, admirably suited to treat with reasonable creatures, yet still supposing them to be the vehicle of the Holy Spirit, through which he communicates life and power to obey them.
The manner of handling is not inferior to the dignity of the matter; so plain as to accommodate the most sublime truths to the meanest spiritual capacity, and yet so elevated as to approve itself to the most refined understanding. He knew how to be succinct without obscurity, and where the weight of the argument required it, to enlarge without nauseous prolixity. He studied more to profit than please, and yet an honest heart will then be best pleased when most profited. He chose rather to speak appositely than elegantly; and yet the judicious do account propriety the choicest elegancy. He laboured more industriously to conceal his learning than some others to ostentate theirs: and yet, when he would most veil it, the discerning reader cannot but discover it, and rejoice to find such a mass, such a treasure of useful learning, couched under a well-studied and artificial plainness. But let the reader take a taste of, let him concoct and digest, these spiritual discourses, and he shall say with the Sabean queen, 'It was a true report I heard in my own land; but behold the one-half was not told me!' Or with the men of Sychar, 'Now we believe, not because of thy saying, but because we ourselves have proved and experienced' their delicacies; as one taste of honey will more effectually commend its sweetness than the most elaborate oratory.
Those ancients that had seen the first temple wept bitterly when they saw the foundation of the second laid. And perhaps some pious souls who have 'sat with great delight' under the author's ministerial 'shadow, and have found his fruit sweet to their taste,' may secretly shed a tear, that though they here meet also the same divine truths, the same spiritual matter, yet they want the living voice, the grateful elocution, the natural eloquence, in which that heavenly matter dropped, or rather flowed, from his gracious lips. But let the same consideration which quieted the spirits of those Jews of old satisfy theirs: God can fill this house also with his glory; and though the second edition of the temple fall short of the former in the beauty and symmetry of the structure, yet can the Spirit flow from the press as well as the pulpit; with this advantage, that they may here in safety read what with great danger they formerly heard.
I have admired, and must recommend to the observation of the reader, the fruitfulness of the author's holy invention, accompanied with solid judgment; in that whereas the coincidence of the matter in this psalm might have superseded his labours in very many verses, yet, without force or offering violence to the sacred text, he has, either from the connection of one verse with its predecessor, or the harmony between the parts of the same verse, found out new matter to entertain his own meditation and his reader's expectation; nor do I observe more than twelve verses in this large psalm wholly omitted, if at least they may be said to be omitted, whose subject-matter is elsewhere copiously handled.
Had the reverend author designed these papers for public view, he could not have flattered himself, in a cavilling age, that he should escape the severe lashes of envy and malice (those fiends that haunt all things and persons excellent); he must have expected a snarl from the wolf's black mouth, or a kick from the dull ass's hoof. Yet on his behalf I demand this justice, that he be not condemned for the printers' crimes. Their venial errors will receive a pardon of course from the ingenuous reader; and for their mortal transgressions, whereof they are sometimes guilty, either clouding, altering, or perverting the scope of the author, enjoin them, gentle reader, a moderate penance, and then receive them to full absolution, who have voluntarily offered themselves to confession.
Thus much, Christian reader, it was thy interest and mine to have spoken; the rest must be to the God of all grace, that he would give thee and this book his blessing; which is the prayer of thy affectionate friend and faithful servant in our Lord Jesus,
V. A.
------
Table of Contents
TO THE READER
SERMON I. "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord," ver. 1
SERMON II. "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, that seek him with the whole heart," ver. 2
SERMON III. "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, that seek him with the whole heart," ver. 2
SERMON IV. "They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways," ver. 3
SERMON V. "Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently," ver. 4
SERMON VI. "Oh, that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes," ver. 5
SERMON VII. "Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments," ver. 6
SERMON VIII. "I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments," ver. 7
SERMON IX. "I will keep thy statues. Oh, forsake me not utterly," ver. 8
SERMON X. "Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word," ver. 9
SERMON XI. "With my whole heart have I sought thee: Oh, let me not wander from thy commandments," ver. 10
SERMON XII. "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee," ver. 11
SERMON XIII. "Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes," ver. 12
SERMON XIV. "With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth," ver. 13
SERMON XV. "I have rejoiced in the way of thy commandments, as much as in all riches," ver. 14
SERMON XVI. "I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways," ver. 15
SERMON XVII. "I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word," ver. 16
SERMON XVIII. "Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word," ver. 17
SERMON XIX. "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law," ver. 18
SERMON XX. "I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me," ver. 19
SERMON XXI. "My soul breaketh for the longing it hath unto thy judgments at all times," ver. 20
SERMON XXII. "Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments," ver. 21
SERMON XXIII. "Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies," ver. 22
SERMON XXIV. "Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes," ver. 23
SERMON XXV. "Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors," ver. 24
SERMON XXVI. "My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word," ver. 25
SERMON XXVII. "I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes," ver. 26
SERMON XXVIII. "Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works," ver. 27
SERMON XXIX. "My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according to thy word," ver. 28
SERMON XXX. "Remove from me the way of lying; and grant me thy law graciously," ver. 29
SERMON XXXI. "I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me," ver. 30
SERMON XXXII. "I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me," ver. 30
SERMON XXXIII. "I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame," ver. 31
SERMON XXXIV. "I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart," ver. 32
SERMON XXXV. "I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart," ver. 32
SERMON XXXVI. "Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes, and I shall keep it unto the end," ver. 33
SERMON XXXVII. "Give me understanding and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart," ver. 34
SERMON XXXVIII. "Yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart," ver. 34
SERMON XXXIX. "Make me to go in the path of thy commandments, for therein do I delight," ver. 35
SERMON XL. "Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness," ver. 36
SERMON XLI. "And not unto covetousness," ver. 36
SERMON XLII. "Turn thou away mine eyes from beholding vanity, and quicken thou me in thy way," ver. 37
SERMON XLIII. "Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear," ver. 38
SERMON XLIV. "Turn away my reproach which I fear; for thy judgments are good," ver. 39
SERMON XLV. "Behold I have longed after thy precepts; quicken me in thy righteousness," ver. 40
SERMON XLVI. "Behold I have longed after thy precepts," &c., ver. 40
SERMON XLVII. "Let thy mercies come also to me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word," ver. 41
SERMON XLVIII. "So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word," ver. 42
SERMON XLIX. "And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments," ver. 43
SERMON L. "So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever," ver. 44
SERMON LI. "And I will walk at liberty; for I seek thy precepts," ver. 45
SERMON LII. "I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed," ver. 46
SERMON LIII. "And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved," ver. 47
SERMON LIV. "My hands also will I lift up to thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes," ver. 48
SERMON LV. "Remember thy word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope," ver. 49
SERMON LVI. "This is my comfort in my affliction; for thy word hath quickened me," ver. 50
SERMON LVII. "The proud have had me greatly in derision; yet have I not declined from thy law," ver. 51
SERMON LVIII. "I have remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself," ver. 52
SERMON LIX. "Horror hath taken hold on me, because of the wicked which forsake thy law," ver. 53
SERMON LX. "Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage," ver. 54
SERMON LXI. "I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law," ver. 55
SERMON LXII "I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law," ver. 55
SERMON LXIII. "This I had, because I kept thy precepts," ver. 56
SERMON LXIV. "Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have said that I would keep thy words," ver. 57
SERMON LXV. "I entreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word," ver. 58
SERMON LXVI. "I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies," ver. 59
SERMON LXVII. "I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments," ver. 60
SERMON LXVIII. "I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments," ver. 60
SERMON LXIX. "The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law," ver. 61
SERMON LXX. "At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee, because of thy righteous judgments," ver. 62
SERMON LXXI. "I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts," ver. 63
SERMON LXXII. "The earth, O Lord, is full of thy glory: teach me thy statutes," ver. 64
SERMON LXXIII. "Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word," ver. 65
SERMON LXXIV. "Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments," ver. 66
SERMON LXXV. "For I have believed thy commandments," ver. 66
SERMON LXXVI. "Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now I have kept thy word," ver. 67
SERMON LXXVII. "Thou art good, and doest good: teach me thy statutes," ver. 68
SERMON LXXVIII. "Teach me thy statutes," ver. 68
SERMON LXXIX. "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes," ver. 71
SERMON LXXX. "The law of thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver," ver. 72
SERMON LXXXI. "Thine hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments," ver. 73
SERMON LXXXII. "They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word," ver. 74
SERMON LXXXIII. "I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me," ver. 75
SERMON LXXXIV. "Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant," ver. 76
SERMON LXXXV. "Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight," ver. 77
SERMON LXXXVI. "Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts," ver. 78
SERMON LXXXVII. "But I will meditate in thy precepts. Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies," ver. 78, 79
SERMON LXXXVIII. "Let my heart be sound in thy statutes, that I be not ashamed," ver. 80
SERMON LXXXIX. "My soul fainteth for thy salvation; but I hope in thy word," ver. 81
SERMON XC. "Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me," ver. 82
SERMON XCI. "For I am become like a bottle in the smoke: yet do I not forget thy precepts," ver. 83
SERMON XCII. "The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law," ver. 85
SERMON XCIII. "For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven," ver. 89
SERMON XCIV. "Thy word is settled in heaven," ver. 89
SERMON XCV. "Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth," ver. 90
SERMON XCVI. "They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants," ver. 91
SERMON XCVII. "Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction," ver. 92
SERMON XCVIII. "I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me," ver. 93
SERMON XCIX. "I am thine, save me: for I have sought thy precepts," ver. 94
SERMON C. "I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad," ver. 96
SERMON CI. "Oh, how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day," ver. 97
SERMON CII. "Oh, how love I thy law!" &c., ver. 97
SERMON CIII. "Thou, through thy commandments, hast made me wiser than mine enemies; for they are ever with me," ver. 98
SERMON CIV. "Thou, through thy commandments, hast made me wiser than mine enemies; for they are ever with me," ver. 98
SERMON CV. "I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation," ver. 99
SERMON CVI. "I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts," ver. 100
SERMON CVII. "I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word," ver. 101
SERMON CVIII. "I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me," ver. 102
SERMON CIX. "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth," ver. 103
SERMON CX. "Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way," ver. 104
SERMON CXI. "Therefore I hate every false way," ver. 104
SERMON CXII. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path," ver. 105
SERMON CXIII. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path," ver. 105
SERMON CXIV. "I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments," ver. 106
SERMON CXV. "I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments," ver. 106
SERMON CXVI. "I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word," ver. 107
SERMON CXVII. "Quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word," ver. 107
SERMON CXVIII. "Accept, I beseech thee, the free-will-offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments," ver. 108
SERMON CXIX. "My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law," ver. 109
SERMON CXX. "The wicked have laid a snare for me; yet I erred not from thy precepts," ver. 110
SERMON CXXI. "Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart," ver. 111
SERMON CXXII. "Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart," ver. 111
SERMON CXXIII. "I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes always to the end," ver. 112
SERMON CXXIV. "I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love," ver. 113
SERMON CXXV. "Thou art my hiding-place and my shield: I hope in thy word," ver. 114
SERMON CXXVI. "Depart from me, ye evil-doers: for I will keep the commandments of my God," ver. 115
SERMON CXXVII. "Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live; and let me not be ashamed of my hope," ver. 116
SERMON CXXVIII. "And let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe; and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually," ver. 116, 117
SERMON CXXIX. "Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood," ver. 118
SERMON CXXX. "Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies," ver. 119
SERMON CXXXI. "My flesh trembleth for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgments," ver. 120
SERMON CXXXII. "I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors," ver. 121
SERMON CXXXIII. "Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me," ver. 122
SERMON CXXXIV. "Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me," ver. 122
SERMON CXXXV. "Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness," ver. 123
SERMON CXXXVI. "Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes," ver. 124
SERMON CXXXVII. "I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies," ver. 125
SERMON CXXXVIII. "It is time for thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void thy law," ver. 126
SERMON CXXXIX. "Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold," ver. 127
SERMON CXL. "Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way," ver. 128
SERMON CXLI. "Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them," ver. 129
SERMON CXLII. "Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them," ver. 129
SERMON CXLIII. "The entrance of thy word giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple," ver. 130
SERMON CXLIV. "I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments," ver. 131
SERMON CXLV. "Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name," ver. 132
SERMON CXLVI. "As thou usest to do unto those that love thy name," ver. 132
SERMON CXLVII. "Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me," ver. 133
SERMON CXLVIII. "And let not any iniquity have dominion over me," ver. 133
SERMON CXLIX. "Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts," ver. 134
SERMON CL. "Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes," ver. 135
SERMON CLI. "Rivers of water run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law," ver. 136
SERMON CLII. "Rivers of water run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law," ver. 136
SERMON CLIII. "Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments," ver. 137
SERMON CLIV. "Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments," ver. 137
SERMON CLV. "Thy testimonies, which thou hast commanded, are righteous and very faithful," ver. 138
SERMON CLVI. "My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words," ver. 139
SERMON CLVII. "Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it," ver. 140
SERMON CLVIII. "I am small and despised; yet do I not forget thy precepts," ver. 141
SERMON CLIX. "Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth," ver. 142
SERMON CLX. "Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me, yet thy commandments are my delights," ver. 143
SERMON CLXI. "The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live," ver. 144
SERMON CLXII. "I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes," ver. 145
SERMON CLXIII. "I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes," ver. 145
SERMON CLXIV. "I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies," ver. 146
SERMON CLXV. "I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word," ver. 147
SERMON CLXVI. "Mine eyes prevent the night-watches, that I might meditate in thy word," ver. 148
SERMON CLXVII. "Hear my voice, according to thy loving-kindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment," ver. 149
SERMON CLXVIII. "They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law," ver. 150
SERMON CLXIX. "Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth," ver. 151
SERMON CLXX. "Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou has founded them for ever," ver. 152
SERMON CLXXI. "Consider mine affliction, and deliver me; for I do not forget thy law," ver. 153
SERMON CLXXII. "Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word," ver. 154
SERMON CLXXIII. "Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes," ver. 155
SERMON CLXXIV. "Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments," ver. 156
SERMON CLXXV. "Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word," ver. 161
SERMON CLXXVI. "I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil," ver. 162
SERMON CLXXVII. "I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love," ver. 163
SERMON CLXXVIII. "Seven times a day do I praise thee, because of thy righteous judgments," ver. 164
SERMON CLXXIX. "Great peace have they that love thy law, and nothing shall offend them," ver. 165
SERMON CLXXX. "Great peace have they that love thy law, and nothing shall offend them," ver. 165
SERMON CLXXXI. "Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments," ver. 166
SERMON CLXXXII. "My soul hath kept thy testimonies, and I love them exceedingly," ver. 167
SERMON CLXXXIII. "I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies, for all my ways are before thee," ver. 168
SERMON CLXXXIV. "My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes," ver. 171
SERMON CLXXXV. "My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness," ver. 172
SERMON CLXXXVI. "Let thine hand help me: for I have chosen thy precepts," ver. 173
SERMON CLXXXVII. "I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight," ver. 174
SERMON CLXXXVIII. "I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight," ver. 174
SERMON CLXXXIX. "Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me," ver. 175
SERMON CXC. "I have gone astray like a lost sheep: seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments," ver. 176