nds, and so draw
after them the choicest of their affections, that they cannot spare much
real affection for spiritual things, which are apprehended more slightly
and darkly, and make the lighter and more superficial impression. But
certainly this will be the most natural beating of a holy heart and the
ordinary breathing of it, to desire much of this spiritual treasure for
themselves and others. You know what the thoughts and discourses of
merchants turn most upon. It is to have good winds, fair weather, good
markets, and all things that may facilitate gain, and husbandmen wish for
good seasons, timely showers, and dry harvests, that there may be plenty.
And generally what men's hearts are set upon, that they go abroad
fervently and incessantly in longing desires after. Now truly this is the
Christian's inward motion, and this is his salutation, wherewith he
congratulateth others. "The God of hope fill you with all peace and joy in
believing." His gain lies in another airth.(450) His plenty is expected
from another field, and that is from above, from the God of hope, the
sweetest name (if all the rest be answerable) to be dealt withal, either
for gain or plenty, for it is hope that makes labour sweet, and if it
answer expectation then all is well. Therefore, in the sowing the seed of
prayers and supplications, with tears, for this harvest of joy, and in
trafficking for this treasure of peace, it is good that we have to do with
the God of hope, who cannot make us ashamed; for he that soweth must sow
in hope, 1 Cor. ix. 10. And therefore, though we sow in tears, yet let us
mingle hope therewith, and the harvest shall be joy, and the plenty,
affluence of peace in the Holy Ghost. Now if we believed this, would not
our sorrows be deep, and our labours sweet?

In the words you have read, there is the highest wish of a holy heart for
himself and them he loves best; that one desire, if he had no occasion
ever to present himself to God, but once, that he would certainly fall
upon, or some such like, to be filled after this manner with all peace and
joy in believing. These are the fruits of the Spirit he desires to be
filled with, and feed upon,--peace as an ordinary meal, and joy as an
extraordinary desert, or as a powerful cordial; and to supply what here is
wanting at present, the hope of what is to come, and that in abundance.
This is even an entertainment that a believer would desire for himself,
and these who have his best