Seven sermons on several select subjects preached

Secondly, See then from hence, that Religion is not to be looked on as a melancholy thing. Some persons discourage Religion, and draw it with a sour countenance, and in a frightful dress; but we see the worst of Religion hath much comfort in it; the very Rod of God comforts the godly. See that Scripture, James 1.2. Account it, my Brethren, all joy, when you fall into divers temptations; that is, Afflictions they are called temptations, because they are for Trial: Account it all joy; joy, and all joy. Take the sourest part of Religion […] is sourest to the Soul, Repentance▪ and that which is sour ⟨p. 41⟩to the Body, Affliction; and there is comfort in both.

Secondly, See then from hence, that Religion is not to be looked on as a melancholy thing. Some persons discourage Religion, and draw it with a sour countenance, and in a frightful dress; but we see the worst of Religion hath much comfort in it; the very Rod of God comforts the godly. See that Scripture, Iames 1.2. Account it, my Brethren, all joy, when you fall into divers temptations; that is, Afflictions they are called temptations, because they are for Tryal: Account it all joy; joy, and all joy. Take the sourest part of Religion 〈…〉 is sourest to the Soul, Repentance▪ and that which is sour ⟨p. 41⟩to the Body, Affliction; and there is comfort in both.

First, That which is sour to the Soul, Repentance; there is comfort in that: For whom is the Oil of Joy prepared, but for Gods mourners? Isa. 61.3. A gracious Soul is never more enlarged and comforted, than when he can melt kindly for sin. Christ Jesus made the best Wine of Water. The best Wine of Joy is made of the Water of true Repentance. The Hebrew word to repent, signifies, to take comfort. None have such ground of comfort as a true Penitent: When God makes him weep for sin, he goes away weeping for joy. Thus you see the sourest part of Religion hath comfort in it.