CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

Secondly, Christs care and will, that the godly should live comfortably, ¹appeareth in those many commands, for to rejoice. So that there is no command for any holy duty, or to avoid any sin more frequently enjoined, then to walk with joy and gladness of heart, the people of God they doubt whether they may rejoice, they think such barren and unprofitable wretches as they are, may not apply comforts; They think this children's bread doth not belong to such dogs, as they are; Oh but remember how indispensable and peremptory the command of God is, that thou shouldst walk joyfully before him! Phil. 3.1. Finally, my brethren, Rejoice in the Lord; When he had exhorted to many duties before, he keepeth this sweet wine to the last. Finally, I have no more to say, this is the sum of all, do such and such duties, but still remember to rejoice: Oh to pray dejectedly, to do holy duties, but with a sad heart, this is to mar all! As in alms, so in all other duties, God loveth cheerfulness; but he saith, Rejoice in the Lord; Thy joy must be in heavenly objects, and from spiritual motives, from Evangelical privileges; some joy in their honours, some in their pleasures, some in their lusts, as the swine delights in mire and mud; but the joy of Gods people is in and through Christ: Therefore he saith, That my joy may be fulfilled in them, not the joy of the world or the flesh: Hence vers. 3. it's made the sure character of a Christian indeed, who hath more then the outward form of religion, that he rejoiceth in Christ Jesus: But as if once speaking were not enough, see how the same Apostle doubleth it, Cap. 4.4. Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say, Rejoice. Certainly there is something in it, that the Apostle ingeminateth it, Again, I say, Rejoice, he knew how hardly the people of God are brought to rejoice; How can they that are thus afflicted, that have so many exercises, bid them Rejoice, you may as well bid an heavy log fly up into the air? Alas, they are so oppressed and hardened in heart, that they can no more rejoice, then a stone speak: But the Apostle will hear none of these excuses, I say it again, Rejoice, and that always, let your condition, your temptations be what they will, let the times be what they will, yet rejoice always; so 1 Thess. 5.16. Rejoice evermore; Do not think it arbitrary or left to thy choice to walk joyfully.