Heaven taken

Resp. Though you must use violence, yet it is a sweet violence; it is a labour turned into delight, Psal. 138. 5. They shall sing in the ways of the Lord. To send out faith as a spy to view the heavenly Canaan, and pluck a bunch of Grapes there; what delight is here? Rom. 15. 13. Joy in believing. To love God (in whom all excellencies are combined) how sweet is it! To love beauty is delightful. To walk among the promises as among beds of spices, and taste the fruit, oh how pleasant! The labour of a Christian brings peace of conscience, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Resp. Though you must use violence, yet it is a sweet violence; it is a labour turned into delight, Psal. 138. 5. They shall sing in the waies of the Lord. To send out faith as a spy to view the heavenly Canaan, and pluck a bunch of Grapes there; what delight is here? Rom. 15. 13. Joy in believing. To love God (in whom all excellencies are combined) how sweet is it! To love beauty is delightful. To walk among the promises as among beds of spices, and taste the fruit, oh how pleasant! The labour of a Christian brings peace of conscience, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

—Sed juvat ipse labor—

And whereas it is said that this holy violence takes away our joy, and while we work we must weep; I answer, a Christian would not be without these tears. The tears of a Saint (saith Bernard) have more true joy in them, than all worldly delight. The Oil of joy is for mourners,