ii. The second affection is of confidence, assuredly hoping that, if I observe the law of Almighty God, I shall obtain the blessings which He promises me, calling to mind those memorable words of Ecclesiasticus, who says, " Homo sensatus credit legi, et lex illi fidelis " A man of understanding is faithful to the law of God, and the law is faithful to him [1] which is to say, the just man and the law are faithful one to another. The just is faithful in obeying the law, and the law is faithful in rewarding the just. It defends him in perils; it comforts him in his adversities; it directs him in his prosperity; it counsels him in his doubts; it favours him in his business; it makes his prayers to be heard; it aids him in life; it protects him in death; and, finally, it crowns him in glory.
Colloquy. — O my soul, be "faithful to the law of" Almighty " God," and " the law " shall " be " very " faithful to " thee! Fail not thou in doing what it commands thee, and it will not fail to do what it promises thee! Praise thy sovereign Lawgiver with the "psaltery" [2] of ten strings, keeping His ten commandments, and thou shalt forthwith be partaker of His promises! Say not with the wicked Israelites, " He laboureth in vain that serveth God, and what profit is it that I have kept His ordinances?" [3] Convert thyself truly to our Lord, with a contrite heart for having broken them, and thou shalt see by experience the difference between the just and the sinner, between those that observe His law and those that infringe it!
iii. The third affection must be great love and esteem of the law of God, endeavouring, as Solomon says, to " write " it " in the tables of" my " heart," [4] which are
