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

Notwithstanding such a subdued; ineffectual love to God, such a one shall be denominated, and dealt with as an enemy. 'Tis not likely any man on earth, hates God so perfectly, as those in Hell. And is not every quality not yet perfect in its kind, and that is yet growing more, and more intense; in the mean time allayed by some degree of its contrary? Yet that over-mastered degree denominates not its subject, nor ought a man from such a supposed love to God, have the name of a •over of him. That principle only is capable ⟨p. 226⟩of denominating the man, that is prevalent and practical, that hath a governing influence on his heart, and life. He in whom the love of God hath not such power and rule, whatever his fainter inclinations may be, is an ungodly man.

And now, methinks these several considerations compared, and weighed together, should contribute something to the settling of right thoughts in the minds of secure sinners, touching the nature and necessity of this heart-change; and do surely leave no place for the forementioned vain pretences that occasioned them.

For (to give you a summary view of what hath been propounded in those foregoing considerations) It now plainly appears, that the holy Scripture requires in him that shall enjoy this blessedness; a mighty change of the very temper of his soul, as that which must dispose him thereto; and which must therefore chiefly consist, i• the right framing of his heart towards God; towards whom it is most fixed averse, and therefore not easily susceptible of such a change. And that any slighter, or more feeble inclination toward God, will not serve the turn; but such only whereby the soul is prevalently, and habitually turned to him.