Sermons on Psalm 119:153-160 / Sermon 20 - John Calvin

155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.

156 Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments.

157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.

158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.

159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness.

160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. (Psalm 119:153-160
King James Version / KJV)

John Calvin - (1509-1564) French reformer and theologian

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