Ralph Erskine (The Nature and Excellency of Purity opened), Sermons 1:282:
What pleasure is there to be had in the way of purity? Why, “Wisdom’s ways are pleasantness, and all her paths are peace,” Prov. 3:17. This made David choose rather to be a door-keeper in the house of God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness; and to value a day in his courts better than a thousand elsewhere, Psalm 84:10. It is true, many never tasted the sweetness that is in God’s way, and hence they weary of means and ordinances; but they that taste the same, they find that the work of righteousness is peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever, Isa. 32:17. And it is not only pleasant to all that know it, but hath such a perfume and savour, that it is most pleasant and delightful to all that come near it. We have a bright example of this in the primitive Christians; Acts 2:46, 47, “And they continued daily with one accord in the temple: and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people.” What was it that recommended them to the favour of all the people? It was the exercise of their graces, by reason of the Lord’s presence with them. A pure conversation is a gaining thing; hence the apostle speaks of being won by holy conversation, 1 Pet. 3:1.
What pleasure is there to be had in the way of purity? Why, “Wisdom’s ways are pleasantness, and all her paths are peace,” Prov. 3:17. This made David choose rather to be a door-keeper in the house of God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness; and to value a day in his courts better than a thousand elsewhere, Psalm 84:10. It is true, many never tasted the sweetness that is in God’s way, and hence they weary of means and ordinances; but they that taste the same, they find that the work of righteousness is peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever, Isa. 32:17. And it is not only pleasant to all that know it, but hath such a perfume and savour, that it is most pleasant and delightful to all that come near it. We have a bright example of this in the primitive Christians; Acts 2:46, 47, “And they continued daily with one accord in the temple: and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people.” What was it that recommended them to the favour of all the people? It was the exercise of their graces, by reason of the Lord’s presence with them. A pure conversation is a gaining thing; hence the apostle speaks of being won by holy conversation, 1 Pet. 3:1.
