A discourse about the state of true happiness delivered in certain sermons in Oxford,…A discourse about the state of true happinesse deliuered in certaine sermons in Oxford,…

The thoughts then of a true Christian are of a far more heavenly temper, divine nature, and higher strain, then the ⟨p. 129⟩largest heart of the best unregenerate man, can or doth possibly comprehend. The formal hypocrite may have his mind worthily busied in points of deepest learning, in the mysteries of State, & affairs of kingdoms, in the best and highest considerations which nature, art, morality, or policy can afford, nay, he may sometimes entertain into his thoughts with joy, the promises of grace, the happiness of the Saints, the joys of heaven and the like; though these have never any root or long residence in him. But that the word of grace should so implant it self into the inner man, that the thoughts should never be so well or welcome to the heart, as when they are wading in the great mystery of godliness, and with an holy wisdom plotting for the enlargement of Christs glorious kingdom in himself and others: That it should make all other discourses of the mind subordinate and contributary to such heavenly meditations; and to this end set bounds and limits to the millions of imaginations that daily arise, and erect an holy regiment amongst them; I say, this is the special prerogative of a sanctified man. For he alone, because of his truth, sincerity and uprightness in the inner parts, makes conscience of idle, vain, and wandering thoughts, (of which the formal hypocrite, either takes no notice at all, or not much to heart.) He is as much cast down, vexed and grieved with their disorder and exorbitancy, as with the errors and infirmities of his words and actions; and therefore establisheth as it were a gracious government amongst them, to keep out confusion, idleness, and rebellion. He confines them to a reverent and feeling meditation upon Gods word and works, to a care of conscionable managing the affairs of his calling; only sometimes, but sparingly with many cautions, exceptions, and seasonableness, letting them out to honest recreations. Whatsoever thought is wandering without this compass or within it unsincere, is sinful: so that if he take any straggling, without these limits, any enticers to vanities and impertinences, any obtruders and disturbers of so happy inward peace; he presently apprehends them, by the watchful eye of his ⟨p. 130⟩spiritual wisdom;

The thoughts then of a true Christian are of a farre more heauenly temper, diuine nature, and higher straine, then the