The divine life in three treatises

for what thou shalt be and have and do among his Holy Ones for ever. Express thy joys in the promise of those joys; that thou must see his Glory, and love him and praise him better then thou canst now desire! Begin those praises, and as thou walkest with him, take pleasure in the mention of his perfections; be thankful to him and speak good of his Name: Solace thy self in remembering what a God, what a defence and portion all believers have: and in considering whither he is now conducting thee, and what he will do with thee, and what use he will make of thee for ever: Speak with Rejoicing of the glory of his works, and the righteousness of his judgements, and the holiness and evenness of his ways: sing forth his praises with a joyful heart, and pleasant and triumphing voice; and frown away all slavish fears, all importune malicious suggestions or doubts, all peevish hurtful nipping griefs, that would mar or interrupt the melody; and would untune or unstring a raised well composed soul. Thy Father loveth thy very moans and tears: but how much more doth he love thy Thanks and Praise? Or if indeed it be a winter time, a stormy day with thee, and he seem to chide or hide his face because thou hast offended him, let the cloud that is gathered by thy folly come down in tears, and tell him▪ Thou hast sinned against Heaven and before him, and art no more ⟨p. 368⟩worthy to be called his Son; but yet fly not from him, but beg his pardon and the privileges of a servant: And thou wilt find embracements, when thou fearest condemnation: and find that he is merciful and ready to forgive: Only return, and keep closer to him for the time to come. If the breach through thy neglect be gone so far, as that thou seemest to have lost thy God, and to be cast off, and left forsaken; despair not yet; for he doth but hide his face till thou repent: He doth not forsake thee, but only tell thee what it is to walk so carelessly as if thou wouldst forsake him: Thou art faster and surer in his Love and Covenant then thou canst believe or apprehend. Thy Lord was as dear as ever to his Father, when he cried out, My God, why hast thou forsaken me. But yet neglect him not, and be not regardless of his withdrawings and of thy loss: Lift up thy voice and cry but [Father;] in despite of unbelief, cry out [My Father, my Saviour, my God] and thou shalt hear him answer thee at last [My Child:]

for what thou shalt be and have and do among his Holy Ones for ever. Express thy joyes in the promise of those joyes; that thou must see his Glory, and love him and praise him better then thou canst now desire! Begin those praises, and as thou walkest with him, take pleasure in the mention of his perfections; be thankful to him and speak good of his Name: Solace thy self in remembring what a God, what a desence and portion all believers have: and in considering whither he is now conducting thee, and what he will do with thee, and what use he will make of thee for ever: Speak with Rejoycing of the glory of his works, and the righteousness of his judgements, and the holiness and evenness of his wayes: sing forth his praises with a joyful heart, and pleasant and triumphing voice; and frown away all slavish fears, all importune malicious suggestions or doubts, all peevish hurtfull nipping griefs, that would mar or interrupt the melody; and would untune or unstring a raised well composed soul. Thy Father loveth thy very moans and tears: but how much more doth he love thy Thanks and Praise? Or if indeed it be a winter time, a stormy day with thee, and he seem to chide or hide his face because thou hast offended him, let the cloud that is gathered by thy folly come down in tears, and tell him Thou hast sinned against Heaven and before him, and art no more