A Body of Practical Divinity

Name: A Body of Practical Divinity
Author: Thomas Watson

A body of practical divinity consisting of above one hundred seventy six sermons on the lesser catechism composed by the reverend assembly of divines at Westminster : with a supplement of some sermons on several texts of Scripture / by Thomas Watson ...

Thomas Watson d. 1686London: printed for Thomas Parkurst, 1692

[5], iv, 300, 331-544, 801-880, 965-1007, [7] p. · 512k words · Wing W1109 · ESTC R32148

Title page typeset from the transcription.

Of JOY.Of IOY.

Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.

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[ Earlier:1370–1385 of 4,926

:1370p. 213

Quest. 5. Why is this Joy to be laboured for?

Quest. 5. Why is this Ioy to be labour'd for?

:1371p. 213

Resp. 1. Because this Joy is Self-existent, it can subsist in the want of all other Carnal Joy. This Joy depends not upon outward things, as the Philosophers once said, when the Musicians came to them, Philosophers can be merry without Music. He that hath this Joy, can be cheerful in the Deficiency of Carnal Joys; he can rejoice in God, and sure hope of Glory. Though the Fig-tree doth not Flourish, Hab. 3.17. Spiritual Joy can go without Silver Crutches to support it: Spiritual Joy is higher built than upon Creatures, it is built on the Love of God, on the Promises, on the Blood of Christ.

Resp. 1. Because this Joy is Self-existent, it can subsist in the want of all other Carnal Joy. This Joy depends not upon outward things, as the Philosophers once said, when the Musicians came to them, Philosophers can be merry without Musick. He that hath this Joy, can be chearful in the Deficiency of Carnal Joys; he can rejoyce in God, and sure hope of Glory. Though the Fig-tree doth not Flourish, Hab. 3.17. Spiritual Joy can go without Silver Crutches to support it: Spiritual Joy is higher built than upon Creatures, it is built on the Love of God, on the Promises, on the Blood of Christ.

:1372p. 213¶2

2. Because Spiritual Joy carries the Soul through Duty cheerfully; the Sabbath is a Delight, Religion is a Recreation. Fear and Sorrow hinder us in the Discharge of Duty: But a Christian serves God with Activity, when he serves him with Joy. The Oil of Joy makes the Wheels of Obedience move faster. How fervently did they Pray, whom God made joyful in the House of Prayer,

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