A supplement to The Morning-exercise at Cripple-Gate, or, Several more cases of conscience practically…

4. A sweetness of affection to God, when the soul has gracious sentiments of God in prayer, clouds of Jealousies and suspicions of the divine mercy, as if God were a hard master, are marvellous unbecoming a soul that should go to God as to a Father: and hence from such unsuitable thoughts of infinite mercy to hide the talent of prayer, is greatly provoking. Whereas the apprehension of God's excellent goodness, should work the heart into lovely thoughts of God.^(c) Man, but especially a Saint, is acervus beneficiorum dei, an accumulated heap of divine favours; and if nothing but the gifts of mercy should attract our hearts, yet herein we are every moment laden with his numerous benefits. But when the soul comes to perceive that all flows from the fountain of his eternal love, it makes prayer to be res amorosa, to be filled with holy delights and joys: the ecstasies of love often rise upon the soul in secret, and such divine affection as^(d) Gerson said 'tis res extatica, it carries the soul beyond it self: let the profane World say what they will, when spiritual ardours like so many fragrant spices flow out of the soul. I love the Lord, says David^(e), for he hath heard my supplications. As answers of prayer flow from^(f) the love of the Father: so suitable workings of holy affections flow from the hearts of children. When the soul is filled with gracious intimations, like those of the Angelical voice to Daniel, O Daniel greatly beloved, O man of desires, ⁵to stand before the King of Saints, or like that to the holy Virgin, Hail thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: how greatly does it inflame the heart to God.

4. A sweetness of affection to God, when the soul has gracious sentiments of God in prayer, clouds of Jealousies and suspicions of the divine mercy, as if God were a hard master, are marvellous unbecoming a soul that should go to God as to a Father: and hence from such unsuitable thoughts of infinite mercy to hide the talent of prayer, is greatly provoking. Whereas the apprehension of God's excellent goodness, should work the heart into lovely thoughts of God.