Psalm 19:11 Moreover by them is your servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. I. RELIGION CONDUCETH TO THE HAPPINESS OF THIS LIFE. 1. As to the mind; to be pious and religious brings a double advantage to the mind of man. It tends to the improvement of our understandings. It raises and enlarges the minds of men, and makes them more capable of true knowledge. It improves the understandings of men by subduing their lusts and moderating their passions. Intemperance, sensuality, and fleshly lusts debase men's minds. Religion purifies and refines our spirits. Freedom from irregular passions doth not only signify that a man is wise, but really contributes to the making of him such. Religion also tends to the ease and pleasure, the peace and tranquillity, of our minds. This is the natural fruit of a religious and virtuous course of life. Religion contributes to our peace, by allaying those passions which are apt to ruffle and discompose our spirits; and by freeing us from the anxieties of guilt and the fears of Divine wrath and displeasure. 2. Religion also tends to the happiness of the outward man. The blessings of this kind respect our health, or estate, or reputation, or relations. II. RELIGION CONDUCETH TO THE ETERNAL HAPPINESS AND SALVATION OF MEN IN THE OTHER WORLD. The consideration of future happiness is our most powerful motive. How religion conduces to happiness in the new life is seen from — 1. The promises of God; and 2. From the nature of the thing. It is a necessary disposition and preparation of us for that future life. When all is done there is no man can serve his own interest better than by serving God. (J. Tillotson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.WEB: Moreover by them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward. |
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