Secondly, when we forget the 1grounds of comfort, & suffer our mind to run only upon the present grievance, it is a sin to dwell on sin and turmoil our thoughts about it, when we are called to thankfulness. A Physician in good discretion forbids a dish at sometimes to prevent the nourishment of some disease, which another time he gives way unto. So we may and ought to abstain from too much feeding our thoughts upon our corruptions in case of discouragement, which at other times is very necessary. It should be our wisdom in such cases to change the object, and labour to take ⟨p. 96⟩off our minds, and give them to that which calls more for them; Grief oft presseth unseasonably upon us, when there is cause of joy, and when we are called to joy; as Joab justly found fault with David for grieving too much, when GOD had given him the victory, and rid him and the State of a traitorous son. GOD hath made some days for joy, and joy is the proper work of those days. This is the 2day which the Lord hath made. Some in a sick distemper, desire that which increaseth their sickness; so some that are deeply cast down, desire a wakening ministry, and what ever may cast them down more; whereas they should meditate upon comforts, and get some sweet assurance of Gods love. Joy is the constant temper which the soul should be in, Rejoice evermore, 3(saith the Apostle.) If a sink be stirred, we stir it not more, but go into a sweeter room. So we should think of that which is comfortable, and of such truths as may raise up the soul, and sweeten the spirit.
Secondly, when wee forget the 1grounds of comfort, & suffer our minde to runne onely upon the present grievance, it is a sinne to dwell on sinne and turmoile our thoughts about it, when we are called to thankfulnesse. A Physitian in good discretion forbids a dish at sometimes to prevent the nourishment of some disease, which another time hee gives way unto. So wee may and ought to abstaine from too much feeding our thoughts upon our corruptions in case of discouragement, which at other times is very necessary. It should be our wisedome in such cases to change the object, and labour to take ⟨p. 96⟩off our minds, and give them to that which calls more for them; Griefe oft presseth unseasonably upon us, when there is cause of joy, and when we are called to joy; as Ioab justly found fault with David for grieving too much, when GOD had given him the victory, and rid him and the State of a traiterous sonne. GOD hath made some dayes for joy, and joy is the proper worke of those dayes. This is the 2day which the Lord hath made. Some in a sicke distemper, desire that which increaseth their sicknesse; so some that are deepely cast downe, desire a wakening ministery, and what ever may cast them downe more; whereas they should meditate upon comforts, and get some sweet assurance of Gods love. Joy is the constant temper which the soule should bee in, Rejoyce evermore, 3(saith the Apostle.) If a sinke bee stirred, we stir it not more, but goe into a sweeter roome. So wee should thinke of that which is comfortable, and of such trueths as may raise up the soule, and sweeten the spirit.
- 12
- 2Psal. 118. 24.
- 31. Thes. 5. 16.
