The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32…

And in my weak judgement, if Hymns and Psalms of Praise were new invented, as fit for the state of the Gospel-Church and Worship (to Laud the Redeemer come in the flesh, as expressly as the work of Grace is now express) ⟨p. 535⟩as Davids Psalms were fitted to the former state and infancy of the Church, and more obscure revelations of the Mediator and his Grace, it would be no sinful humane Invention or addition; nor any more want warrant, then our Inventing the form and words of every Sermon that we preach, and every prayer that we make, or any Catechism or Confession of faith: Nay it may seem of so great usefulness, as to be next to a Necessity. (Still provided that we force not any to the use of them that through ignorance may scruple it.) And if there be any Convenient parcels of the Ancient Church that are fitted to this use, they should deservedly be preferred. I do not think I digress all this while from the scope of my Discourse. For doubtless if Gods usual solemn worship on the Lords Days were more fitted and directed to a Pleasant, Delightful, Praising way, it would do very much to frame the spirits of Christians to Joyfulness and Thankfulness and Delight in God: then which there is no greater cure for their Doubtful, Pensive, self-tormenting frame. O try this, Christians, at the request of one that is moved by God to importune you to it! God doth pity you in your sorrows! but he Delighteth in you when you Delight in him. See Isa. 58.14. compared with Zeph. 3.17. And if sin interpose ⟨p. 536⟩and hinder your Delights, believe it, a Cheerful Amendment and Obedience is that which will please God better then your self-tormenting fears: Do not you like that servant better that will go cheerfully about your work, and do it as well as he can, accounting it a Recreation, and will endeavour to mend where he hath done amiss, then him that will at every step fall a crying, O I am so weak I can do nothing as I should. An humble sense of failings you will like; but not that your servant should sit still and complain when he should be working; nor that all your service should be performed with weeping, disquietness and lamentations; You had rather have your servant humbly and modestly cheerful, and not alway dejected, for fear of displeasing you. O how many poor souls are overseen in this! You might easily perceive it even by the Devils opposition and temptations!