The oil of gladnessThe oyle of gladnesse

§ 4.

Again, it is a work as truly honourable to God, and maketh as much for his glory, that his people do take the cup of consolation at his hands, as that they drink the bitter cup of wormwood, yea and more too. For to grieve even for sin, further then it tends to comfort, and ends in it, is nothing at all to the glory of God of it self: for in hell they grieve enough, but that grief is not in them a work tending to Gods ⟨p. 18⟩glory, because it aims not at comfort, but is a desperate forlorn and uncomfortable grief. For in grieving for our sins, we give God the glory of his justice, acknowledging them to be vile and loathsome and grievous. But in comforting our selves we give him the glory of his mercy, acknowledging him to be more full of goodness, then our selves be of badness, which is to do him the highest honour. For the Lord delighteth in showing mercy, and ⟨p. 19⟩therefore cannot but delight that men should esteem and account him so ready to show mercy. For whosoever loveth to do any good and commendable thing, loves to be accounted ready and able to do that thing.

Againe, it is a worke as truly honourable to God, and maketh as much for his glory, that his people doe take the cup of consolation at his hands, as that they drink the bitter cup of wormewood, yea and more too. For to grieve even for sinne, further then it tends to comfort, and ends in it, is nothing at all to the glory of God of it selfe: for in hell they grieve enough, but that griefe is not in them a worke tending to Gods ⟨p. 18⟩glory, because it aimes not at comfort, but is a desperate forlorne and uncomfortable griefe. For in grieving for our sinnes, we give God the glory of his justice, acknowledging them to be vile and loathsome and grievous. But in comforting our selves we give him the glory of his mercy, acknowledging him to be more full of goodnesse, then our selves bee of badnesse, which is to doe him the highest honour. For the Lord delighteth in shewing mercy, and