A treatise of delighting in God from Psal. xxxvij. 4. Delight thy self also…

While as yet this transaction is not distinctly reflected on, (as when possibly afterwards it is, there may great difficulties and doubts arise, whether all were rightly done, or yet be on its own part, yea or no) if however it be truly done, in the very doing it self, and the same continuing disposition there is a sensible and inseparable delight. I say in the same disposition, as often as by any repeated acts of the same kind, it expresses and shows it self: That is, as oft as this Covenant is renewed (whether with solemnity or more occasionally), though the relation arising thence, be not in the same instant considered or reflected on, nor the sincerity of the act it self, which is necessary thereto; yet that very consent it self, if it be sincere, hath a secret joy accompanying it; and the Soul feels the gratefulness ⟨p. 67⟩and pleasure of its own act, though it do not for the present examine and take a view of it. For it is now from a principle of life, embracing and drawing into union with it self an object that is all life and goodness, and sweetness; which therefore sheds its own delightful savour and fragrancy through the Soul, while it is in the mean time acting only upon the object directly, and not reflecting upon its own act, or considering in that very instant what will be consequential thereupon. But if withal it do consider, (as that consideration cannot be far off, though it cannot consider every thing at once), that it is receiving him that is to bring it to God, who is able to do it, (even to save to the uttermost all that will come to God by him), who is intent upon that design, and did in the midst of dying agonies breath forth his Soul in the prosecution of it, and with whom God requires it to unite for this very purpose; This cannot but add unspeakably to the delightfulness of this transaction, and of this effusion of the Holy Ghost, in the virtue whereof the thing is done, how oft soever it be (seriously) done; As our case and state require that it be very often.

While as yet this transaction is not distinctly reflected on, (as when possibly afterwards it is, there may great difficulties and doubts arise, whether all were rightly done, or yet be on its own part, yea or no) if however it be truly done, in the very doing it self, and the same continuing disposition there is a sensible and inseparable delight. I say in the same disposition, as often as by any repeated acts of the same kind, it expresses and shews it self: That is, as oft as this Covenant is renewed (whether with solemnity or more occasionally), though the relation arising thence, be not in the same instant considered or reflected on, nor the sincerity of the act it self, which is necessary thereto; yet that very consent it self, if it be sincere, hath a secret joy accompanying it; and the Soul feels the gratefulness