The peace and joy of the soul procured and preserved

THE Peace and Joy OF THE SOUL Procured and Preserved.

The Second Part.

THE sensual World enter∣tain strange Thoughts of Religion; as if it were a sul∣len, lumpish, melancholy Thing; void of all Mirth and Pleasure: Re∣quiring

a dull, heavy, morose kind of Life; full of hardship, and seve∣rity. That its a lamentable way to our promised Land; through a solitary, disconsolate Wilderness; barren of every thing to gratifie and delight; and that eateth up the In∣habitants with bitter Remorse. Whereas, it alone, is the never fail∣ing Source of true, pure, steady, substantial, constant Joy: Such as is deeply rooted in the Heart; im∣movably founded on the reason of Things; permanent, like the im∣mortal Spirit wherein it dwells, and the eternal Object on which it's fix'd. Permits us not to be one moment sad; banishes the least Fit of Me∣lancholly: Allows, obliges, com∣mands us in all times, upon all occasions, to Rejoyce. And what can any Soul desire more, than to be always in good Humour, in a chear∣ful Frame? To lead a Life in con∣tinual Alacrity? Who would not embrace so pleasant a Duty, as Plea∣sure

it self? Who would affect a Sin, which hath nothing in it, but disease, and disgust? Tempered with regret; easily dash'd by cross accident; soon declining into a nauseous Satiety; in the end dege∣nerating into Gaul, and biting An∣guish. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness e 1.1.

How can we sufficiently magni∣fie the transcendent goodness of God, that he enjoyns Joy, and prohibits Sadness: Makes our Duty, to be our delight; and our sorrow, to be our Sin. Adapting his Holy Will, to our principal Instinct: Would have us resemble him in a constant state of Happiness: hath provided for us Joy and Pleasure here, and at his right Hand for ever more: Ordered the whole frame of our Religion, in a tendency to procure Joy in those that embrace it.

Must it not be very entertaining, to contemplate the infinite Wisdom, Power, Bounty of God in the Crea∣tion? In raising this great, this mag∣nificent Pile, producing so beauti∣ful a Structure, so goodly a Frame: Furnishing every part of it, with such variety of Creatures, so exqui∣sitly fitted for the use and service of themselves, and one another? So copious a Store-house of things, with a special regard to our Sustentation, Accommodation, Delight. And, with the same Almighty Hand, vigilant Care, benign Regard, upholding, governing, maintaining the same? To observe the conspicuous Strokes and Tracts of infinite Wisdom: The miraculous demonstrations of the Divine Hand; the stupendious efforts of its Power; the signal tri∣umphs of Providence, his glorious Perfections so Illustriously shining forth, (who is the principal of our Love, our Reverence, our Confi∣dence; to the conviction of Infide∣lity,

confirmation of our Faith, cherishing of our Hope, encouraging our Obedience) spreading and re∣newing a Table where all may reach. his Benefits to Mankind particularly, so plentifully dispenced. Renewing the donation of our Being every mo∣ment, by preserving it. While we are spending the Production of one Year, preparing for us against ano∣ther. Placing us as spectators in this noble Theatre, the World, to view and applaud those Scenes of Earth and Heaven, the workmanship of his Hands. O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches: so is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping, innumerable, both small and great, &c. f 1.2

He might have made the Earth, a place of our perpetual Suffering; a kind of Hell unto us. Submitted us here to continual Misery; shut up

from us all springs of Pleasure and Delight; turned all our fair Days, into so many sad and dismal Nights; given us Eyes for nothing, but fright∣ful Aspects, or to be fill'd with Tears; and Ears to receive no sound but that of his Judgments; a taste for nothing but Bitterness; a touch to be sensible of nothing but Pain: He might have mingled all our Feasts with Gall; inclosed every taking Ob∣ject with Briars and Thorns to pierce us through at coming near them. But behold, among how many comforts hath he placed us, and given us li∣berty and ability to enjoy, who de∣serve not the meanest competency of the common Benefits all Men par∣take of, and without which we cannot subsist? Whom strict Ju∣stice would often cast into utter Dis∣consolateness? Not only our Enjoy∣ments, but the capacity to enjoy them, is his Bounty. Behold, the goods he hath given us, offers to us, hath put into our Reach! Yea,

he hath made us capable of, faith∣fully offers to us, the greatest, im∣mense, all-comprehending good, himself, the Fountain of all Joy and Bliss, to be fully enjoyed by us: In having whom, we virtually and in effect have all things: Becoming thereby, in the highest degree, rich, honourable, happy. We will be glad and rejoyce in thee, we will re∣member thy love more than wine: the upright love thee g 1.3.

What is the Gospel, but good tid∣ings of great Joy? Doth he not re∣present himself therein, as the God of Love, of Hope, of Peace, of all Consolation? Hath he not sent down from Heaven his only begotten Son, to assume our Nature, to satisfie for our Sins? Hath he not rescu'd us from endless misery? Purchased Pardon, Peace, eternal Salvation? Promised the Comforter to abide with us for ever? Is he not now sitting

in glorious exaltation at God's right Hand? Governing the World for his Church's benefit? Interceding as our merciful, faithful high Priest, for our forgiveness and acceptance? for supply of our necessities; relief of our Distresses; assistance of our weakness; that we may be able to over-come fleshly Lusts, inordinate Passions, strong Temptations, our Selves, the World, Principalties and Powers; to do all things (incum∣bent on us) through him that streng∣theneth us h 1.4. For what doth he call us to him? But that he may give rest unto our Souls; wipe away all Tears from our Eyes; save us from most woful Despair; settle us in a blessed Hope; that we may enter into our Master's Joy; that our hearts may rejoyce; that our Joy may be full, that no Man taketh from us? The kingdom of God consists in Righ∣teousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy

Ghost i 1.5. The fruits (sprouting from the root of Christian Life) of the Spirit, are Love, Joy, Peace k 1.6. Our Lord pronounces a special Bea∣titude, to the practice of every Vir∣tue l 1.7. Each grace (Humility, Meekness, Patience, &c.) have a pe∣culiar delight annexed to it: No pious Exercise, no good Deed, can be per∣formed without satisfaction. And if we scan all the Doctrins, Precepts, Promises of Christianity, each ap∣pear pregnant with matter of Joy, each yield great Reason, strong ob∣ligation to rejoyce always. How many Declarations importing a joy∣ful satisfaction, granted to the ob∣servers of God's Commandments? That, in keeping them there's great reward. That, light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart m 1.8.

What a warm and vigorous In∣fluence must a Religious heart feel

from fixing his Love, (the sweetest, most delectable of all Passions) on the most amiable, desireable Object, that uncreated Beauty, that supream, al-sufficient Good? whose Nature is Love; who prevented us with it, when we were Enemies; will em∣brace us when we're become his Friends: Not deny his Love to a Soul wholly devoted to him, desiring nothing so much, as to serve and please him; not disdain his own I∣mage, nor the heart wherein it is en∣graven: Who can never be absent from us; opening our Eyes, we eve∣ry where behold the appearances of his Presence and Glory; the traces of the Divine Nature and Perfections discovered in every thing we see, and converse with him whom our Soul loveth. It's not the Colour, the comliness of Faces, or proporti∣on, but we see, or apprehend some excellency, goodness, sweetness of Nature and Disposition, that charms our Spirits, commands our Love, e∣ven

of them we never saw: Their Perfections are not obvious to the sight of our Eyes; we can only di∣scern the signs and effects of them. We cannot but discern that Almigh∣ty Power, Wisdom, Goodness, which fills the Universe; Displays it self in all the parts of the Creation; esta∣blishes the frame of Nature; turns the mighty Wheel of Providence; and keeps the World from disorder and confusion, who is the only true Cause of all our comfort from every Creature: That alone Acts in us, and causes all our grateful Sensati∣ons, wherewith we're truly affected. All the good we ever enjoy'd, or can expect, being derived from his pure Bounty. Every thing else in com∣petition with him, being Piti∣ful, Mean, Ugly, Loathsom: All things without him, vain, unprofi∣table, hurtful to us. Let them that love thy name, be joyful in thee n 1.9.

What a happy Complexion, chear∣ful Disposition, is there in charity to Man! which rids us of those gloo∣my, keen, turbulent Imaginations, uncharitable Affections, that cloud our Minds, frets our Hearts, discom∣poses the frame of our Souls; and consequently, settles our Minds in an even temper, sedate Humour, har∣monious Order; in that pleasant state of tranquility, which natural∣ly results from the voidance of irre∣gular Passions.

What Glory, what Triumph, what Satisfaction is there, in forgiv∣ing Injuries? Whereby we dis∣charge our Souls from those vexati∣ous Inmates, those black Thoughts, of burning Anger, stormy Conten∣tions, gnawing Envy, rankling Spite, raking Suspicion: Clear our selves from the troubles attending feuds, strife, distracting animosities: Ren∣der our selves capable of Divine Mercy: Acquire a Title to our own forgiveness.

What more Excellent, Noble, Generous; what sweetness and de∣light, in a Soul that feels it self en∣larged to embrace all Mankind? Whose wishes and desires are level∣led at the good and well-fare of the universe; that considers every Man's Interest as his own; over-looks their Ingratitude, Malice, Injuries; pities their Follies; over-comes their evil with good: Is so far from entertaining any base, or injurious Thought, that he had rather suffer a thousand Wrongs, than be guilty of one: Never designs any other revenge against his most malicious Enemies, than to put all the Obliga∣tions he can upon them, whether they will or no.

How great a Joy is there, in les∣sening the inconveniences of Man∣kind? In removing the Troubles, encreasing the Satisfactions, abating the Wants, easing the Pains, allaying the Sorrows of one another; suc∣couring those that are over-taken

with any Calamity, in any wise do∣ing good? whereby we feed good Humour; gratifie our best Inclina∣tions; endear our Brethren; moli∣fie, oblige our Enemies; resemble the Divine Goodness; attract the Di∣vine Favour. Who can out of Cha∣rity give Alms, or shew mercy, without chearfulness? Seeing, he thereby, satisfies his own Mind, ea∣ses his own Bowels, receives more good to himself, than he doth to his Neighbour (so that, properly speak∣ing, the Receivers are the Benefa∣ctors) discharges a Duty accepta∣ble to God, obliges him to requite, abundantly to reward his slender Beneficence: So well pleasing to our Saviour, that he hath engaged his word, under the Figure of the good Samaritan,—Whatsoever thou spend∣est more (upon him) when I come again: I will repay thee o 1.10

How unconfinedly, inexhaustibly vast, is that delight which a chari∣table complacency in the good of our Neighbour (a rejoycing with those that rejoyce, &c.) affords? we thence ingrossing all the good in the World; appropriating to our selves all the prosperous successes; all the pleasant entertainments; all the comfortable satisfactions of our Neighbour. Had I my choice of all things that might tend to my pre∣sent Felicity, next to the Love and Enjoyment of God, I would pitch upon this, to have my heart posses∣sed with the greatest kindness to∣wards all Men in the World. This would make me partake in all their Happiness: Their inward endow∣ments, and outward prosperity; every thing that benefitted, or ad∣vantaged them, would afford me comfort and delight.

Yea, the Soul, even by a charita∣ble Sympathy, or condolence in our Neighbour's Adversity, is (not desti∣tute

of delight) thereby melted in∣to a gentle temper, susceptive of the best Impressions. We share in the comforts we Minister to others: are refreshed in that kindly submis∣sion to God's good Pleasure; in that lightsome contemplation of God's Mercy; in these comfortable hopes of a happy Issue, which we suggest to the afflicted; we thence are di∣sposed to a grateful Sense of God's Goodness, in preserving our selves from those Calamities, and qualify∣ing us to comfort our Brethren. We feel satisfaction in reflecting upon this very Practice, and observing that we do Act conformable to good Nature, to the dictates of Reason, to the Will of God: Therein dis∣charging a good Conscience, and enjoying a Portion of that continual Feast.

What Joy results to a Christian, from having an universal Complai∣sance in God's proceedings as grate∣ful? Relishing all dispensations;

as dispos'd to bless and praise him for all things Incident, (Joy being an inseparable companion of Gra∣titude and Praise,) as finding satis∣faction in poverty, disgrace, any di∣stress. To have his Spirit above grievous Solicitude, Anxiety, De∣sparation, Disconsolateness. To ap∣prehend himself the Child of a most kind and careful Father; that hath all things in Heaven and Earth at his disposal: Is infinitely tender of his good; so, assured he can never come into any want of what's need∣ful for him: And hath a Title to goods infinitely more desirable, pre∣cious, durable? How can he but pa∣tiently submit to his fatherly Cha∣stisements, which he is unwillingly forced by his own great Love, and our present pressing need to inflict, impose upon us? Chearfully undergo any Affliction, with the same mind wherewith a Patient swallows down an unsavory Potion he knows will conduce to his Health? How doth

our holy Confidence in his paternal care over us, exhilerate our Hearts? that all our Concerns are lodg'd in the hands of such a Friend; so wise, able, faithful, affectionate; that in due time, in the most expedi∣ent manner, we shall receive a com∣petent supply of our wants, a rid∣dance from all our dangers, harms and grievances.—In the shadow of thy wings will I rejoyce p 1.11.

Can any thing give such ease to humane Life, as to have wholly re∣sign'd our selves, and all our con∣cerns unto him? Let things be, and go how they will, our Heart, our Happiness is not concern'd in it. We depend upon God for every thing; so are satisfied with any thing, or condition; which should not be thus, were it not best for us. To have an agreeableness of will with the will of God, makes it as impossi∣ble any evil, as that, that which

is according to our Will, should make us sad.

Ʋnto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness q 1.12. What are the trials of the Righteous, to the many sorrows that shall be, that are to the wicked r 1.13? What's poverty (which grates a little on the Senses and Fan∣cy) to the want of a good Consci∣ence? Sickness, compared to a di∣stempered Mind, and decay of spi∣ritual Strength? Any disappoint∣ment, to the being defeated, and over-thrown by a Temptation? What's any loss, to the being de∣prived of God's Love and Favour? or any disgrace, to the being out of esteem, and respect with him? What's any unfaithfulness, or in∣constancy of Friends, to the having deserted, or betrayed our own Souls? What can any danger signifie, to that of eternal Misery incurr'd by offending him? What pressure

can weigh against the load of Guilt? or what pain equal that of stinging Remorse? What condition can be so bad, as that of a wretched Sin∣ner? Any Case surely is tolerable, desireable, lovely, in comparison of this.

What Pleasure (without any tin∣cture of sourness, bitterness, melan∣cholly Damps, consequent Qualms) to enjoy Hearty, Pure, Solid, Du∣rable, the only true ones; such as are at God's right Hand; the best Friend, the continual feast of a good Conscience, (is his Prerogative to be Master of) that purest delight, that richest Cordial, that universal sove∣reign Balm, that brazen Wall, that impregnable Fortress (against exter∣nal Assaults, and internal Commoti∣ons) that constant Repast, whereon the mind, destitute of all others, with a never languishing Appetite, en∣tertains it self; that faithful Witness, impartial Judge, whosoever accuses,

always acquits; that only support in old Age, in the evil Day; that cer∣tain never deserting, never failing Friend; that undecaying, unaltera∣ble, lasting, everlasting Satisfaction; that sure refuge in all storms of For∣tune, which renders his sleep Sweet; (undisturb'd with fearful Phantasms) his heart light, his steps Secure; arms him with invincible Courage; bears him up Chearfully, Undaun∣tedly, Triumphantly, against all malicious Reports and Disgraces, the worst bad Fortunes: being certain he's in the right way; not doubt∣ing he shall in good time come to his designed journey's End. Keep innocency, and take heed unto the thing that is right: for that shall bring a man peace at the last s 1.14.

Is he not freed from diffidence in himself? From distraction in his Mind? From frequently being on

the Rock? From leading an une∣qual Life, clashing with it self? From deluding, disappointing those he deals, converses with? being in all Cases, Conditions, (prosperous or adverse) the same Mind, and Man, going the same way. Con∣tingencies of Affairs, unhinge not his Mind from his good Purposes: Divert not his Foot from the right way. Let the Weather be fair, or fowl: The World frown, or smile: Let him get or lose, be favoured or crossed; commended or reproach∣ed, (by Honour or Dishonour, by evil Report, and good Report,) he will do his Duty: The external state of Things alter not with him, the morall Reason of them.

A hopeful Confidence, a chear∣ful Satisfaction, ever waits him in this right way. Nothing within him to controul, countermand, di∣stract, disturb him. Nothing without, to dismay, discourage him. If he

has not the good will of Men, he cannot hugely dread their Opposi∣tion. He may strongly presume upon the propitious Aspect, the fa∣vourable succour of Heaven; which always smiles, and casts a benign influence on honest Undertakings. He can with assurance commend his ways to Gods Providence; depend upon him for his concurrent Benedi∣ction: With an humble boldness address Prayers to him for his Pro∣tection: Refer his cause to the se∣verest consideration; with Job, say∣ing, Let me be weighed in an even ballance, that God may know mine in∣tegrity t 1.15. Whatsoever befals, howsoever the business goes, he shall not condemn, not punish him∣self with Remorse: But triumph in the integrity of his Heart (if not in the felicity of his Success) and innocency of his deportment—Till

I die, I will not remove my integrity from me, my righteousness I hold fast, and will not not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live v 1.16. His mind is not surprized, or his passions discompos'd, by a seeming adversness of Events to his endea∣vours. He's assured, missing, is bet∣ter than getting, when by sovereign Wisdom its so determin'd. So, in effect he can have no bad success: For, how can that occurrance be deemed Bad, which plain Reason dictates in certain Judgment to be most expedient for him; about which he ever was indifferent, and with which at present he's not hear∣tily displeas'd? How can it be ta∣ken for Misfortune, which one was prepar'd to imbrace with satisfacti∣on and complacency? So, let the worst that can come, he comes not off ill; or so, (matters being right∣ly

Stated) as to be a loser upon the foot of the Account.

Must not upright walking yield perpetual Joy? Being attested to, approved by the sacred Oracles, by remarkable Providences, by the general consent of all wise and good Men; by experience; that all our Good and Happiness, abso∣lutely depends on God's Favour; that to please him, can only be true Wisdom, the surest safety; to of∣fend him, the greatest Folly, Ha∣zard, Danger. That Virtue is the best endowment, Sin the worst Mis∣chief: A bad Mind the sorest Ad∣versity can befal us. That no world∣ly good or evil, are considerable to those Spiritual. That nothing can be really profitable, advantagious to us, which consists not with our Duty to God; conduces not to our spiritual Interest, our eternal Wel∣fare; but is a frivolous Trifle, a dangerous Snare, a notable Da∣mage,

or a woful Bane unto us.

Is there no comfort, in being sa∣tisfied, thall all the causes of Sor∣row are removed, and all the cau∣ses of true Joy secured? To be cer∣tain we are in a safe state of Salvati∣on? To know we▪ are passed from Death to Life: That the Seeds of all saving Graces, the foundation of all saving comforts, are firmly laid in our Souls? That we have the marks, dispositions, affections, are intitled to all the priviledges of Children, of the Blessed? To see our selves guarded here by the Al∣mighty Attendance, and afterwards carry'd by them into Abraham's Bo∣som w 1.17. To lie down (and not be afraid) as in the everlasting Arms of the Watch-man of Israel, and when we awake to be still with him, satisfied with his likeness x 1.18. The

Lord will command his loving kindness in the day-time, and in the night his song shall be with me y 1.19.

Is it not a mighty reward even in this Life, of a holy and devout Life, to be secure of our main Stake, our final State? And from all Ill, Sin, Guilt, Satan, the World, the Flesh, Death and Hell; the most horrid, formidable, gastly, only dangerous Enemies? To have our hearts not condemn, but commend, and applaud us? To have a perpe∣tual Calm, (be the World never so unquiet) a constant peace of Mind, and Sense of the Divine Favour? To have all our Sins pardon'd, all our debts paid, all our iniquities for∣given? No old Scores, no after Reckonings to perplex, disturb, shame us, make our countenance fall before him. All occasions of displeasure, distances removed; be∣ing

reconciled through our Saviour's powerful Mediation. To have confidence towards God; freedom, li∣berty, assurance in Speaking, in putting up our Prayers to him, with∣out fear of a repulse, or a denial: To come with such a holy boldness, and confidence in our Requests, as those have, who are sure to be heard z 1.20.

What Thought can enter into the heart of Man more comfortable and delightful, than this? That the World's Sovereign, the great Ma∣ster of all Things, the most Wise, and mighty King of Heaven and Earth, hath entertained a gracious Regard, hath exprest a real Kind∣ness unto us? That we are in capa∣city to Honour, Praise, present an acceptable sacrifice unto him, who can render us perfectly Happy? That we are admitted to the practice

of that, wherein the supream joy of Paradise, the perfection of Ange∣lical Bliss, the most delectable busi∣ness of Heaven consists?

Wherefore, a Christian, as such (according to the design of his Reli∣gion, and in proportion to his com∣pliance with its Precepts) is the most chearful Person in the World: Always in humour, and full of chear: continually bearing a sprightly, ele∣vated, well satisfy'd content of Mind, (which springs from innocency of Life, a faithful discharge of our Du∣ty, satisfaction of Conscience, ac∣quiescence in our Estate, a good hope in God, our Selves, and our future State) a light Heart, a calm Spirit, a smooth Brow, a serene Countenance, a grateful accent of Speech, a well-composed tenure of Carriage. Exhibiting triumphant demonstrations of Satisfaction and Alacrity: Every way signifying his

extream complacency in God, his dealings with him: The full content he takes in his Estate; as gratefully sensible of his felicity in his Favour; boasting in God all the Day long; and in a sort commending himself as very happy in Relation to him; with a sober Confidence, and chear∣ful Insult, upon vile, odious, baffled Impiety. By his expressions and de∣meanour, upbraiding the Folly, the Baseness, the Impotency, the wret∣chedness of it; in comparison with the Wisdom, in opposition to the Power of God, his Friend and Pa∣tron. All the upright in heart shall glory a 1.21; no black Thought, no irksom Desire, no troublesome Pas∣sion, lodges in his Breast. Any Fur∣row, any Cloud, any Frown sits ill on his Brow. Any doleful com∣plaint, sounds ill out of his Mouth. The least dumpish Aspect, fretful

Word, or froward Behaviour, utter∣ly unbecomes him. If at any time it appears otherwise, 'tis a defecti∣on from his Character; a Blemish, a wrong to his Profession; It argues a prevarication in his Judgment, or Practice: He forgets that he is a Christian, or hath not preserv'd the the innocency belonging to that Name: For, if a Christian remem∣ber what he is, is sensible of his Condition, reflects on the Dignity of his Person, the nobleness of his Relations, the sublimity of his Pri∣viledges, the greatness of his Hope, the certainty of his State, how can he lament, or be out of Hu∣mour?

Is it not absur'd for him that is at peace with God, his own Consci∣ence, all the World; for the posses∣sour of the best Goods, the Heir of a blessed Immortality, the Friend, Favorite, Son of the great King, to Fret or Wail? What account can

be given, that he that's settled in a most prosperous State, that's (if he please) sure of its continuance, and improvement: That hath the in∣exhaustible Spring of good for his Portion: His well-fare intrusted in most sure Hands; God's infallible word for his Security and Support; free access to him, in whose presence is fullness of Joy; frequent tasts of his Goodness, (in gracious dispensa∣tions of his Providence, intercourses of Devotion, influence of his Grace, chearing the Heart with his light∣some presence, and ravishing conso∣lations,) the infinite Beauty and Excellency, for the perpetual object of his Contemplation, and Affection: That enjoys the serenity of a sound Mind, a pure Heart, a quiet Con∣science, a sure Hope; What can he want to refresh, or comfort him?

Whence can sorrow come? How can sadness creep into him, that is

a true, a perfect Christian? That hath no care to distract him, having discharged all his concerns on God's Providence. No fear to dismay him, being guarded by the Almigh∣ty Protection from all Danger and Mischief. No despair to sink him, having a sure refuge in the Divine Mercy and Help. No superstitious terrours, or scruples to perplex him, being conscious of his own upright intentions to please God, and con∣fident of God's merciful willingness to accept his sincere Endeavours. No incurable Remorse to torment him; the sting of guilt is pull'd out by his Saviour's Merits, apply'd by his Faith and Repentance. No long∣ing desires to disquiet him, being fully satisfied with what he possesses, or may justly expect from God's Bounty. No contentions to inflame him, knowing, nothing's here worth passionatly striving for; and being resolv'd to hold a friendly good-will

towards all Men. No repining envy, seeing none more happy than he may be; and that every Man's good by Charity, is made his own. No fretful discontent, seeing he gladly acquiesces in all successes al∣lotted him; resigning his will to God's; taking all for best, which thence accurs: Knowing all shall work together for his Good and Ad∣vantage. No spiteful rancour to corrode his Heart. No boisterous passions to ruffle his Mind. No inordinate Appetites, perverse Hu∣mours, corrupt Designs, to distem∣per his Soul, or disturb his Life.

What is there belonging to a Christian whence grief naturally can Spring? From God, our exceeding Joy; the fountain of Happiness and all comfort? From Heaven, the region of Light and Bliss? From his Law, which inlightens, chears, rejoyces the Heart, is sweeter than the Honey, or Honey Comb? From

Wisdom, whose ways are pleasant∣ness, and all her paths Peace? From the contemplation of heaven∣ly Truth? From the sense of his Favour? From the pardon of our Sins? From the influences, the ef∣fects of Divine Grace? From the hopes, and anticipation of everlast∣ing Bliss. From virtue, which cures our afflictive Distempers, composes our vexatious Passions? From those sweet Sources, about which a Christian, as such, is only conversant, no Sorrow can be deriv∣ed, no bitter stream Flow. But Hell, the Flesh, the World, Dark∣ness, Error, Folly, Sin, Irreligion, (things with which a Christian hath nothing to do; from which he keeps aloof; which he utterly Renounces and Abandons) they only are the Parents of discomfort and anguish.

Wherefore, there's the same Rea∣son, Obligation, Possibility, that we should rejoyce always, as that we

should always be Christians; exact∣ly performing Duty, totally for∣bearing Sin. For, innocence, and indolence; perfect Virtue, and con∣stant Alacrity, ever go together, are inseperable Companions, and consti∣tute Happiness.

Notes

• e 1.1

  Prov. 14. 13,
• f 1.2

  Psal. 104. & 145. 15, 16.
• g 1.3

  Can. 1. 4.
• h 1.4

  Phil. 4. 13.
• i 1.5

  Rom. 14. 17.
• k 1.6

  Gal. 5. 22.
• l 1.7

  Mat. 5▪
• m 1.8

  Psal. 19. 11. & 97. 11.
• n 1.9

  Psal. 5. 11.
• o 1.10

  Luke 10. 35.
• p 1.11

  Psal. 63. 7.
• q 1.12

  Psal. 112. 4.
• r 1.13

  Psal. 32. 10.
• s 1.14

  Psal. 37. 38. Old Translation.
• t 1.15

  Job 31. 6.
• v 1.16

  Job 27. 5, 6.
• w 1.17

  Psal. 91. 11, 12. Luke 16. 22.
• x 1.18

  Psal. 17. 15. & 139. 18.
• y 1.19

  Psal. 42. 8.
• z 1.20

  Heb. 4. 16. 1 John 5. 14.
• a 1.21

  Psal. 64. 10.