Yea, and we are further to consider, that it is not only commanded, by a mere simple precept, but that this Precept hath its solemn sanction; and that not only by promise, here expressly annexed (of which hereafter); but also of implied threatening; That we shall not else have the desires of our hearts, but be necessarily unsatisfied, and miserable; which is also in many other places expressed plainly enough. Great penalty is due upon not delighting in ⟨p. 167⟩God, even by the Gospel-constitution it self; which is not so unreasonably formed as to require more in this matter, than is suitable to the object it self; and is framed so indulgently, as to accept much less than is proportionable thereto; and yet within the capacity also of a reasonable Soul: so that, though the very nature of the thing doth plainly dictate a rule, by which this matter is to be estimated and judged; yet this other rule gives considerable abatement and allowance; That is, it being considered what the Object claims and challenges, as by its own proper excellency due to it; and what the Subject is, by its own nature, capable of: Not only doth it hence appear, that delight in God is a duty, but that the Soul ought to rise to that highest pitch of delight in him, i. e. unto the highest the Soul is naturally capable of. The very Law of Nature, resulting from the reference and comparison of our nature unto Gods own, requires so much; That we Love (or delight) in him with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our might, and with all our strength; He deserves from us our very uttermost. Yet this is by the Gospel-constitution required with indulgence and abatement, not as to the matter required, but as to the manner of requiring it. The matter required, is still the same, so as that the purest & highest delight in God doth not cease to be a duty, or any gradual defect thereof cease to be a sin. The Gospel doth make no change of the natures of things; makes nothing cease to be due to God from us, which the Law of Nature made due; nor renders any defect ⟨p. 168⟩innocent, which is in its own nature culpable and faulty; Therefore the same pitch of delight in God is still due and required that ever was: But that perfection is not (finally and without relief) required in the same manner, and on the same terms it was; that is, it is not, by the Gospel required under remediless penalty, as it was;
Yea, and we are further to consider, that it is not only commanded, by a meer simple precept, but that this Precept hath its solemn sanction; and that not only by promise, here expresly annexed (of which hereafter); but also of imply'd threatning; That we shall not else have the desires of our hearts, but be necessarily unsatisfied, and miserable; which is also in many other places expressed plainly enough. Great penalty is due upon not delighting in ⟨p. 167⟩God, even by the Gospel-constitution it self; which is not so unreasonably form'd as to require more in this matter, than is sutable to the object it self; and is framed so indulgently, as to accept much less than is proportionable thereto; and yet within the capacity also of a reasonable Soul: so that, though the very nature of the thing doth plainly dictate a rule, by which this matter is to be estimated and judged; yet this other rule gives considerable abatement and allowance; That is, it being considered what the Object claims and challenges, as by its own proper excellency due to it; and what the Subject is, by its own nature, capable of: Not only doth it hence appear, that delight in God is a duty, but that the Soul ought to rise to that highest pitch of delight in him, i. e. unto the highest the Soul is naturally capable of. The very Law of Nature, resulting from the reference and comparison of our nature unto Gods own, requires so much; That we Love (or delight) in him with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our might, and with all our strength; He deserves from us our very uttermost. Yet this is by the Gospel-constitution required with indulgence and abatement, not as to the matter required, but as to the manner of requiring it. The matter required, is still the same, so as that the purest & highest delight in God doth not cease to be a duty, or any gradual defect thereof cease to be a sin. The Gospel doth make no change of the natures of things; makes nothing cease to be due to God from us, which the Law of Nature made due; nor renders any defect ⟨p. 168⟩innocent, which is in its own nature culpable and faulty; Therefore the same pitch of delight in God is still due and required that ever was: But that perfection is not (finally and without relief) required in the same manner, and on the same terms it was; that is, it is not, by the Gospel required under remediless penalty, as it was;
