The Godly Man's Picture

4 Zeal that is genuine loves truth when it is despised, and opposed, Psal. 119. 126. They have made void thy law, therefore I love thy commandments above gold: the more others deride holiness, the more we love it; what is Religion the worse for others disgracing it? doth a Diamond sparkle the less, because a blind man disparageth it? the more outrageous the wicked are against the truth, the more courageous the godly are for it: When Mical scoffed at Davids religious dancing before the Ark, if (saith he) this be to be vile, I will yet be more vile, 2 Sam. 6. 22.

4 Zeal that is genuine loves truth when it is despised, and opposed, Psal. 119. 126. They have made void thy law, therefore I love thy commandements above gold: the more others deride holiness, the more we love it; what is Religion the worse for others disgracing it? doth a Diamond sparkle the less, because a blinde man disparageth it? the more outragious the wicked are against the truth, the more couragious the godly are for it: When Mical scoffed at Davids religious dancing before the Ark, if (saith he) this be to be vile, I will yet be more vile, 2 Sam. 6. 22.

5 True zeal causeth fervency in duty, Rom. 12. 11. fervent in ^†spirit: Zeal makes us hear with reverence, pray with affection, love with ardency. God kindled Moses his sacrifice from heaven, Lev. 9. 24. There came a fire out from before the Lord, and consumed upon the Altar the burnt offering: when we are zealous in devotion, and our heart waxeth hot within us, here is a fire from heaven kindling our sacrifice: how odious is it for a man to be all fire when he is sinning, and all ye when he is praying: A pious heart, like water seething hot, boils over in holy affections.