The blessedness of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /The blessednesse of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /

3. 'Tis a mighty change must p•sse upon the Souls of men in order to their enjoyment of this Blessedness. ¹This equally follows from the consideration of the Nature and substantial parts of it, as of the qualifying righteousness prerequired to it. A little ⟨p. 202⟩reflection upon the common state and temper of mens spirits, will soon enforce an acknowledgement that the Vision of God, and conformity to him are things above their reach, and which they are never likely to take satisfaction in, or at all to savour; till they become otherwise disposed then, before the renovating change, they are. The text expresses no more in stating the qualified subject of this blessedness [in righteousness] then it evidently implies in the account it gives of this blessedness it self, that it lies [in seeing God and being satisfied with his likeness.] As soon as it is considered that the blessedness of Souls is stated here, what can be a more obvious reflection then this, Lord! then how great a change must they undergo! what! such Souls be blessed in seeing and partaking the Divine likeness that never loved it? were so much his enemies? 'Tis true they are naturally capable of it, which speaks their original excellency, but they are morally uncapable. i. e. indisposed and averse which as truly, and most sadly speaks their present vileness; and the sordid object temper they now are of. They are destitute of no natural Powers necessary to the attainment of this blessedness; but in the mean time have them so depraved,² by impure, and vicious tinctures; that they cannot relish it or the means to it. They have reasonable Soul's, furnished with intellective, and elective faculties;³ but labouring under a manifold distemper and disaffection; that they cannot receive, ⁴they cannot savour, the things of God,⁵ or what is Spiritual. They want the [Greek or Hebrew] ⟨p. 203⟩