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

2. And if it be afforded (which was the ⟨p. 119⟩other thing proposed); How infinitely delectable is that manifestation! the thing it self carries its own reason and evidence with it.

1. If we consider the matter represented to us thereby; The love of a God! How transporting would the thought of it be to an enlightened apprehensive mind! no one whose nature is not over-run with barbarism would entertain the discovery of the harmless innocent love (though it were not profitable to us) even of a creature like our selves otherwise than with complacency; Yea, though it were a much inferior (even a brute) creature. Men are pleased to behold love expressing it self towards them in a child, in a poor neighbour, in an impotent servant; yea, in their horse or their dog. The greatest Prince observes with delight the affection of the meanest peasants among his Subjects: Much more would they please themselves if they have occasion to take notice of any remarkable expression of his favourable respect to them! But how unspeakably more, if he vouchsafe to express it by gracious intimacies, and by condescending familiarities! How doth that person hug and bless himself! How doth his Spirit triumph, and his imagination luxuriate in delightful thoughts and expectations, who is in his own heart assured he hath the favour of his Prince! Yea, with what complacency are inward friends wont to receive the mutual expressions of each others love! And can it be thought the love of the ⟨p. 120⟩great and blessed God should signify less?

1. If we consider the matter represented to us thereby; The love of a God! How transporting would the thought of it be to an enlightened apprehensive mind! no one whose nature is not over-run with barbarism would entertain the discovery of the harmless innocent love (though it were not profitable to us) even of a creature like our selves otherwise than with complacency; Yea, though it were a much inferiour (even a brute) creature. Men are pleased to behold love expressing it self towards them in a child, in a poor neighbour, in an impotent servant; yea, in their horse or their dog. The greatest Prince observes with delight the affection of the meanest peasants among his Subjects: Much more would they please themselves if they have occasion to take notice of any remarkable expression of his favourable respect to them! But how unspeakably more, if he vouchsafe to express it by gracious intimacies, and by condescending familiarities! How doth that person hug and bless himself! How doth his Spirit triumph, and his imagination luxuriate in delightful thoughts and expectations, who is in his own heart assured he hath the favour of his Prince! Yea, with what complacency are inward friends wont to receive the mutual expressions of each others love! And can it be thought the love of the