The divine life in three treatises

1. As simplicity signifieth unity in opposition to Multiplicity we have spoken of it before. As it is opposite to all materiality, mixture or composition, we are now to speak of it: And the believing thoughts of Gods immateriality and simplicity, should have these three effects upon the soul. 1. It should do much to win the heart to God, and cause it to close with him as its felicity: Because as he hath no matter or mixture, so he hath nothing but pure and perfect Goodness, and therefore there is nothing in him to discourage the soul. The Creatures have evil in them with their good, and by contrary qualities do hurt us when they help us, and displease us when ⟨p. 45⟩they please us: But in God there is nothing but Infinite goodness. And should not the soul adhere to him, where it is sure to find nothing but simple, pure and unmixed good? The Creatures are all liable to some exceptions: In one thing they help us, but in another they hinder us; in one thing they are suitable to us, and in another thing unsuitable! But God is liable to no exceptions. This will for ever confound the ungodly that gave not up themselves unto him: They did even for a thing of nought forsake that God that was purely and simply good, and against whom they had no exceptions. Had there been any thing in God to discourage the soul, or which his most malicious enemy could blame, the ungodly soul had some excuse. But this will stop all the mouths of the condemned, that they had nothing to say against the Lord, and yet they had no mind to him, no hearts for him, in comparison of the vain vexatious Creatures.

1. As simplicity signifieth unity in opposition to Multiplicity we have spoken of it before. As it is opposite to all materiality, mixture or composition, we are now to speak of it: And the believing thoughts of Gods immateriality and simplicity, should have these three effects upon the soul. 1. It should do much to win the heart to God, and cause it to close with him as its felicity: Because as he hath no matter or mixture, so he hath nothing but pure and perfect Goodness, and therefore there is nothing in him to discourage the soul. The Creatures have evil in them with their good, and by contrary qualities do hurt us when they help us, and displease us when ⟨p. 45⟩they please us: But in God there is nothing but Insinite goodness. And should not the soul adhere to him, where it is sure to find nothing but simple, pure and unmixed good? The Creatures are all lyable to some exceptions: In one thing they help us, but in another they hinder us; in one thing they are suitable to us, and in another thing unsuitable! But God is lyable to no exceptions. This will for ever confound the ungodly that gave not up themselves unto him: They did even for a thing of nought forsake that God that was purely and simply good, and against whom they had no exceptions. Had there been any thing in God to discourage the soul, or which his most malicious enemy could blame, the ungodly soul had some excuse. But this will stop all the mouths of the condemned, that they had nothing to say against the Lord, and yet they had no mind to him, no hearts for him, in comparison of the vain vexatious Creatures.