Psalms 119:11 - Homilies By C. Short

The praise of God's Law.

"Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

I. THE GRANDEST AIM . "That I might not sin against thee."

1. This is the highest object of man ' s pursuit . Intrinsically the greatest object of life, as calling forth the greatest faculties , in the direction of the greatest object , for the grandest achievement . The assimilation of the human to the Divine mind. And we are bound to it by the greatest obligation .

2. Yet it is a practicable object . This proved from three considerations.

3. It is the most profitable object of human pursuit . In two ways. in the pure and ever-growing delight which the pursuit of it affords. And in the present and future rewards of every kind which are graciously connected with it.

II. THE MEANS OF ITS ATTAINMENT . The hiding of God's Word in the heart.

1. God ' s Word is to be the light and guide of our lives . In opposition to all conventional standards of conduct, and to the casuistic reasonings of our own minds.

2. That a sacred passion is to be cherished towards the Divine Law . God's Word is to be enthroned on the seat of the affections. "Oh, how I love thy Law!" He would hide it in his heart as the most valued treasure.

3. God ' s Word is the nourishment of our spiritual nature . He would hide it in his heart as the vivifying principle of his nature, on account of its enlightening , strengthening , hope-giving properties. "I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes always, even unto the end."—S.