The oil of gladnessThe oyle of gladnesse

Thirdly, this comfort is a thing altogether as profitable to our selves, and as much available to our sanctification and good living, as grief: nay grief will do at all no good to the working of holiness and beating down of sin, further then it is so ordered and moderated, that it may conclude in consolation. As a man is fittest to do any natural work, when he hath his ⟨p. 23⟩limbs all at ease and rest: so to do any spiritual good thing, when he hath his mind at ease and rest.¹ The joy of the Lord is your strength, saith that holy man to the people in Nehemiah, which is the cause that God hath confirmed his promise by oath, that as the Apostle saith,² we might have strong consolation. The herbs and grass and corn do ripen best in warm and fun-shine weather: so the sun-shine of consolation, doth bring up the herb of virtues in our hearts. ⟨p. 24⟩Carnal and earthly joys do nothing further the growth of piety, but spiritual consolations, such as this we entreat of do make it prosper and flourish exceedingly. Never is a Christian man in better case to do any good duty, to bear any misery for Gods sake, to love God, to pray, to hear the Word, to do works of mercy to the afflicted, or to perform any other services, then when he can comfort himself in God. Then the heart hath more full communion ⟨p. 25⟩with God, and therefore is in best plight to do any thing well. I confess sorrow hath its use, it is as ploughing, and as breaking of the clods, that make the ground ready for the seed: It is as it were the sweeping and cleansing of the house, that maketh it fit for the Holy Ghost as for aguest to inhabit and to dwell in. But the very proper confirmer and strengthener of the soul is comfort: that doth minister to it ability to work Gods works. As God loves, in matter of