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

5. That its a great mistake to think God is not otherwise to be enjoyed than in this way of more express testification of his love; as if you could have no enjoyment of a friend, otherwise than by his often repeating to you; ⟨p. 128⟩I love you, I love you, indeed I love you.

6. That it's a much greater, to place the sum of Religion here; and that any should make it the whole of their business, to seek this, or to talk of it; or should think God doth nothing for them worth their acknowledgement, and solemn thanksgiving while he doth not this.

6. That it's a much greater, to place the sum of Religion here; and that any should make it the whole of their business, to seek this, or to talk of it; or should think God doth nothing for them worth their acknowledgment, and solemn thanksgiving while he doth not this.

7. Most of all, that any should reckon it the first thing they have to do when they begin to mind Religion, to believe Gods particular love to them, and that he hath elected them, pardoned them, and will certainly save them. So too many, most dangerously impose upon themselves; and accordingly before any true humiliation, renovation of heart, or transaction and stipulation with the Redeemer, do set themselves thus to believe, and it may be seek help from God more strongly to believe it, when-as the Devil is too ready to help them to this Faith: And when he hath done it, they cry to themselves peace, peace, and think all is well; take their liberty, and humour themselves, live as they list, and say that for so long a time they have had assurance of their salvation. The Father of Lies must needs be the Author (or the Fautor, or both) of this Faith; for it is a lie which they believe; that is, that they are pardoned and accepted of God is a downright lie, repugnant to his Word and the tenor of his Covenant. And for any thing else that may import their state to be at present safe, is to them no credible truth.