The Soul's Conflict with Itself

It rejoiced David more, that he should have a large heart to serve God, then that he should have enlargement of condition. Holy dispositions think not so much of the time to come, that it will be sweet to them, as that it will further Gods praise. True grace raiseth the soul, above self-respects, and resteth not till it comes to the •efe end, wherein its happiness con•ts.

It rejoyced David more, that hee should have a large heart to serve God, then that he should have enlargement of condition. Holy dispositions thinke not so much of the time to come, that it will bee sweet to them, as that it will further Gods praise. True grace raiseth the soule, above selfe-respects, and resteth not till it comes to the •efe end, wherein its happinesse con•ts.

God is glorified in making us happy, and we (enjoying happiness) must glorify God. Although God condescend so low unto us, as not only to allow us, but to enjoin us to look to ⟨p. 422⟩our own freedom from misery, and enjoyment of happiness, yet a soul throughly seasoned with grace, mounteth higher, and is carried with pure respects to advance Gods glory; yea sometimes so far, as to forget it own happiness, it respects it self for God, rather then God for it self. A heavenly soul is never satisfied, until it be as near God as is attainable. And the nearer a creature comes to God, the more it is emptied of it self, and all self-aims. Our happiness is more in him, then in our selves. We seek our selves most, when we deny our selves most. And the more we labour to advance God, the more we advance our own condition in him.

God is glorified in making us happy, and wee (enjoying happinesse) must glorifie God. Although God condescend so low unto us, as not onely to allow us, but to enjoyne us to looke to ⟨p. 422⟩