Sermons on Psalm 119:137-144 / Sermon 18 - John Calvin

Translated by Thomas Stocker (fl. 1569 - 1592)

The reading-over of these present sermons will sufficiently declare what commodity and profit they may bring with them: As in very deed the author of them right well showeth throughout all his work, in what sort the Lord God hath heretofore been served and also how ordinarily he is served by him. And therefore, for a full recommendation as well of the author as also of the work itself, I intend through God his assistance to set forth none other thing than the same fruit and profit, which they have already gotten that have read them and that fruit which they may make report of, that shall hereafter read them. For this may very well be thought that nothing in the whole world maketh a man more blessed, than the lively and continual meditation of the holy law and good will of our heavenly father. Now then this is the psalm which is framed, and wholly serveth to this end and purpose daily to exercise ourselves herein, and although that he so oftentimes repeateth these words, law, ordinances, statues, edict, commandments, decrees and other such like: yet are they no vain repetitions but used to this intent and purpose: to let us thoroughly understand how marvelous perverse and froward our nature is causing these so necessary things