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

2. By way of authoritative Command. For we must know,

That delight in God is to be considered not only under the notion of a privilege unto which we may esteem our selves entitled; but also of a duty whereto we are most indispensably obliged. This is a thing (not so much not understood, as) not considered and seriously thought on, by very many; and the not-considering it proves no small disadvantage to the life of Religion. It occurs to very many, more familiarly, under the notion of a high favour, and a great vouchsafement (as indeed it is), that God will allow any of the Sons of men to place their delights in himself; but they (at least seem to) think it's only the privilege of some special favourites; of whom, because they perhaps, are conscious they have no cause to reckon themselves, they are therefore very secure in the neglect of it. And thus is the pretence of modesty and humility very often made an umbrage and shelter to the vile carnality of many an heart; and a want of fitness ⟨p. 165⟩is pretended and cherished at the same time, as an excuse; That whereas they do not delight in God, they never may: For he that is unfit to day, and never therewithal applies himself with seriousness, to the endeavour of becoming fit, is likely to be more unfit to morrow, and so be as much excused always as now; and by the same means at length excuse himself from being happy; but never from having been the Author of his own misery: But what? is it indeed no duty to Love God? Is that become no Duty which is the very sum and comprehension of all duties? or can they be said to Love him, that take no pleasure in him, that is, to Love him without loving him. It is, indeed, wonderful grace that there should be such a contexture of our happiness and duty; that, by the same thing, wherein we are obedient, we also become immediately, in the same degree, blessed. And that the Law of God in this case hath this very import an obligation upon us to Blessedness. But in the mean time we should not forget that Gods Authority and Honour are concerned herein, as it is our duty; as well as our own happiness, as it is our privilege; And that we cannot injure our selves in this matter without also robbing God.