A supplement to the several discourses upon various divine subjects

2. If we find we have a delight, let us examine whether it be a delight of the right kind.

1. Do we delight in it, because of the gifts we have our selves, or the gifts of others we join with? A man may rejoice in hearing the Word, not because of the holiness and spirituality of the matter, but because of the goodness of the dress, and the elegance of the expression, Ezek. 33.32. The Prophet was unto them as a lovely Song, as one that had a pleasant voice. He may upon the same ground delight in prayer. But this is a temper not kindled by the true fire of the Sanctuary. Or, do we delight in it, not when our Tongues are most quick, but our hearts most warm; not because we have the best words, but the most spiritualized affections? We may have Angels gifts in prayer, without an Angels spirit.

1. Do we delight in it, because of the gifts we have our selves, or the gifts of others we joyn with? A man may rejoyce in hearing the Word, not because of the holiness and spirituality of the matter, but because of the goodness of the dress, and the elegancy of the expression, Ezek. 33.32. The Prophet was unto them as a lovely Song, as one that had a pleasant voice. He may upon the same ground delight in prayer. But this is a temper not kindled by the true fire of the Sanctuary. Or, do we delight in it, not when our Tongues are most quick, but our hearts most warm; not because we have the best words, but the most spiritualiz'd affections? We may have Angels gifts in prayer, without an Angels spirit.

2. Is there a delight in all parts of a duty? Not only in asking temporal blessings, or some spiritual, as pardoning mercy, but in begging for refining grace? Are we earnest only when we have bosom quarrels, and conscience-convulsions, but flag when we come to pray for sanctifying mercy? The rise of this is a displicency with the trouble and danger, not with the sin and cause.