Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachi the…Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachy the…

8. Thinking on God will by degrees transform us into his Image. As Jacobs Flock looking on the Rods that had White streaks conceived and brought forth ⟨p. 120⟩like them, Gen. ••, 39. So by contemplating Gods Holiness, we are in some measure changed into his likeness. 2 Cor. 3.18. Beholding as in a Glass the Glory of the Lord, we are changed into the same Image. The contemplative sight of God was transforming: they had some Print of Gods Holiness upon them; as Moses when he had been on the Mount with God, his face shined, Exod. 34.35. What is Godliness but God-likeness? and who are so like him as they that think on his Name?

9. Thinking on God is sweet, it Ushers in a secret delight into the Soul Psalm 104.34. My meditation of him shall be sweet. He whose Head is got above the Clouds, his Thoughts are sled aloft, and he hath God in his eye, is full of divine Raptures, and cries out as Peter in the transfiguration, Lord, it is good to be here. Holy Thoughts are the Dove we send out of the Ark of our Souls, and they bring an Olive branch of Peace. Some complain they have no Joy of their lives; and truly no wonder, when they are such strangers to Heavenly Contemplation. ⟨p. 121⟩Would you have God give you Comfort, and never think of him? Indeed Israel had Manna dropped into their Tents, and they never Thought of it; but God will not drop down this Manna of Heavenly Joy on that Soul which seldom or never thinks of him. Would you have your Spirits cheerful? let your Thoughts be celestial. The higher the Lark flies, the Sweeter it sings: The higher a Soul ascends in the Thoughts of God, the sweeter Joy it hath.