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

For it is pleasant to contemplate him, even most absolutely considered, as the most excellent ⟨p. 8⟩Being, when we behold his glorious excellencies in themselves; that is (not with the denial, but) without the actual present consideration of any advantage that may redound to us from them. As we are apt to find our selves pleased and gratified in viewing an excellent object (suppose a stately Edifice, or beautiful Flower), from which we expect no other benefit.

For it is pleasant to contemplate him, even most absolutely considered, as the most excellent ⟨p. 8⟩Being, when we behold his glorious excellencies in themselves; that is (not with the denial, but) without the actual present consideration of any advantage that may redound to us from them. As we are apt to find our selves pleased and gratifi'd in viewing an excellent object (suppose a stately Edifice, or beautiful Flower), from which we expect no other benefit.

Again, If we consider him relatively, 1. In the former capacity of a Lord, it is grateful to behold him decked with Majesty, arrayed in Glory, clothed with Righteousness, armed with Power, shining in Holiness, and guiding himself with Wisdom and Counsel in all his administrations. Yea, and it is delightful to obey him; while we are most fully satisfied of his unexceptionable right to command us. For there is a great pleasure naturally arising to a well-tempered spirit, from the apprehended congruity or fitness of things, as that he should command and that we should obey. His right, and our obligation, being so undoubtedly clear and great. Especially when we also consider what he commands, and find it is no hard bondage; that they are not grievous commands which he requires we be subject to; but such, in the keeping whereof there is great reward; And that his ways are all pleasantness and peace.