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

First, It doth dilate and enlarge the heart, so that the Soul rejoicing is far more capacious then otherwise it would be: Some have died they say for joy, because of the too much dilating and dispersing the spirits; The Saints glorified in heaven enjoy more then ever they could here of God, because their hearts are more widened and prepared, Our Souls are narrow and straitened within us till joy doth extend them; A man of a joyful spirit is like a Vessel of a broad mouth, that receiveth far more of God and Christ then a dejected unbelieving person, so that when we are commanded to set open the doors that the Prince of Glory may enter into us; It's joy that will thus prepare us; It's the complaint of many of Gods Children of their narrowness and straitness of heart, that they have no room for Christ; Fears, they fill the heart, Worldly cares they also fill, so that as men in a Consumption complain of a stopping and straitness in their breast, they have much ado to fetch their wind; Thus do the Children of God, oh they have such stoppings upon their hearts, that they have much ado to pray, or to do any heavenly duty; Now joy is an excellent opener, That removeth these sinful obstructions, so that this should make thee endeavour after a joyful life, it will make thee dilate in all dimensions of grace; Thou wilt be a Christian of a higher pitch, or like Daniels Tree whose branches spread themselves abroad exceedingly.

First, It doth dilate and enlarge the heart, so that the Soul rejoycing is far more capacious then otherwise it would be: Some have died they say for joy, because of the too much dilating and dispersing the spirits; The Saints glorified in heaven enjoy more then ever they could here of God, because their hearts are more widened and prepared, Our Souls are narrow and streightned within us till joy doth extend them; A man of a joyful spirit is like a Vessell of a broad mouth, that receiveth far more of God and Christ then a dejected unbeleeving person, so that when we are commanded to set open the doors that the Prince of Glory may enter into us; It's joy that will thus prepare us; It's the complaint of many of Gods Children of their narrownesse and straitnesse of heart, that they have no room for Christ; Fears, they fill the heart, Worldly cares they also fill, so that as men in a Consumption complain of a stopping and streightnesse in their breast, they have much ado to fetch their winde; Thus do the Children of God, oh they have such stoppings upon their hearts, that they have much ado to pray, or to do any heavenly duty; Now joy is an excellent opener, That removeth these sinful obstructions, so that this should make thee endeavour after a joyful life, it will make thee dilate in all dimensions of grace; Thou wilt be a Christian of a higher pitch, or like Daniels Tree whose branches spread themselves abroad exceedingly.