"The way of lies as it respects our judgment and sentiments, as it respects our motives of action, and as it respects our conduct.
"As it respects our judgment: how does every species of error abound; even the serious and earnest seekers of truth differ in many things, which, although they may not prevent their final salvation, mar their progress in knowledge, in holiness, and in comfort. Lord, remove far from us the way of lies. Lead us to the pure, unmixed, unerring word of truth, as it respects our sentiments, and as it respects our conduct. O how many deceive themselves by resting on a speculative knowledge of the truth, or what they esteem such, while their hearts remain unaffected, their tempers unsanctified, and their lives unfruitful. Passionate, stubborn, relentless, unmerciful, implacable tempers indulged and unmortified, must be a way of lies. 'Learn of me,' says the Saviour, 'for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest to your souls.' 'The meek will he guide in judgment,' the meek will he teach his way.
"'Remove far from me the way of lies, and teach me thy law graciously.'
"'Teach me thy law graciously,' not the ceremonial and the moral law alone, but the whole of God's revealed will. The psalmist knew the law ceremonial and moral, but he wants more and more of the teaching of the Spirit of God. 'He,' the Spirit of truth, 'shall take of mine, and show it unto you.' The word of God is ever the same; it contains the whole truth, and nothing but the truth; every thing necessary to safety, to holiness, and happiness: but O, the difference between him who reads with a mind enlightened by the Spirit of God, and him who reads with no other assistance than his own poor blinded, darkened reason. Teach me then thy law graciously. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy judgments. 'Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.' The psalmist thirsted after more and more extensive views of the word of God, and still as his views were enlarged he desired more. 'The earth is full of thy mercy,' verse 64; this was one lesson, but still he cries, 'Teach me thy statutes. Thou hast dealt bountifully with me, O Lord, according to thy word.' Still he cries, 'Teach me good judgment and knowledge. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes.'"