'Tis true, a measure is to be observed; we easily offend in joy, and frothy mirth is to be avoided, especially when others natural infirmities, or sinful deformities make us merry: but yet there is left room enough, for an honest innocent cheerfulness, which doth the Husbandman good, like a Medicine, and for which he can bless God as heartily as for his meat. Cast away therefore that morose, dull and uncomfortable frame, which consumes your own spirits, and is a burden to others. Remember it was Nabal's character, that he was such a man of Belial, that no body could speak to him. A sullen frame is neither pleasing to God nor man. God loves a cheerful labourer, as well as a cheerful giver, Deut. 12.7. You shall eat—and rejoice in all that you put your hand unto, you and your households. And he that hath said, Repent and be converted, hath said also, 1 Thes. 5.16, 18. Rejoice evermore, and in every thing give thanks. What is there that should dispirit or disquiet you? You are friends with God, your sins are forgiven, eternals joy awaits you, your ⟨p. 258⟩temptations are but common to men; your labours are but such as your Father Adam had before you; your weariness is sanctified, and shall have everlasting rest; Your enemies are in your Fathers hands, the griefs you feel are short, and short of many others; and the things you fear, may never come upon you; you are travelling to the City that's paved with Pearls, and your portion there shall be with the best. And why then are you cast down? why are you disquieted? Trust still in God: for you shall yet praise him, who is the health of your countenance, and your God.
'Tis true, a measure is to be observed; we easily offend in joy, and frothy mirth is to be avoided, especially when others natural infirmities, or sinful deformities make us merry: but yet there is left room enough, for an honest innocent chearfulness, which doth the Husbandman good, like a Medicine, and for which he can bless God as heartily as for his meat. Cast away therefore that morose, dull and uncomfortable frame, which consumes your own spirits, and is a burden to others. Remember it was Nabal's character, that he was such a man of Belial, that no body could speak to him. A sullen frame is neither pleasing to God nor man. God loves a chearfull labourer, as well as a chearful giver, Deut. 12.7. You shall eat—and rejoyce in all that you put your hand unto, you and your housholds. And he that hath said, Repent and be converted, hath said also, 1 Thes. 5.16, 18. Rejoyce evermore, and in every thing give thanks. What is there that should dispirit or disquiet you? You are friends with God, your sins are forgiven, eternals joy awaits you, your ⟨p. 258⟩temptations are but common to men; your labours are but such as your Father Adam had before you; your weariness is sanctified, and shall have everlasting rest; Your enemies are in your Fathers hands, the griefs you feele are short, and short of many others; and the things you fear, may never come upon you; you are travelling to the City that's paved with Pearls, and your portion there shall be with the best. And why then are you cast down? why are you disquieted? Trust still in God: for you shall yet praise him, who is the health of your countenance, and your God.
