A Body of Practical Divinity

2. A Believer hath Real, though not Royal Comforts; he hath, as Aquinas saith, Gaudium in Deo, though not à Deo, Joy in God, though not from God: Joy in God, is the Delight and Complacency the Soul takes in God, Psal. 104.34. My Soul shall be glad in the Lord. He that is truly gracious, is so far joyful, as to take Comfort in God; though he cannot say, God rejoiceth in him; yet he can say, he rejoiceth in God.

2. A Believer hath Real, though not Royal Comforts; he hath, as Aquinas saith, Gaudium in Deo, though not à Deo, Joy in God, though not from God: Joy in God, is the Delight and Complacency the Soul takes in God, Psal. 104.34. My Soul shall be glad in the Lord. He that is truly gracious, is so far joyful, as to take Comfort in God; though he cannot say, God rejoyceth in him; yet he can say, he rejoyceth in God.

3. He hath Supporting, though not Transporting Comforts; he hath so much that keeps him from sinking, Psal. 138.3. Thou strengthenedst me with strength in my Soul. If a Christian hath not Gods Arm to embrace him, yet to uphold him. Thus a Christian, who walks with God, hath something that bears up his [Heart from sinking; and it is but waiting a while, and he is sure of those Joys which are unspeakable and full of Glory.

Use 1. Then see that Religion is no Melancholy thing; it brings Joy, the Fruit of the Spirit is Joy, Mutatur, non tollitur; a poor Christian that feeds on Bread and Water, may have purer Joy than the greatest Monarch; though he fares hard he feeds high, he hath a Table spread from Heaven; Angels Food, hidden Manna; he hath sometimes those sweet Raptures of Joy as cause a Jubilation of Spirit,