348 The proper Improvement SE R M. fo much our own, as to become our very XII. temper, and the ruling bent of our minds ; --v---+ there is nothing we are more directly con - fcious of in ourfelves, than good difpofitions and good aftions proceeding from them, and the confcioufnefs is always accompanied with delight. The good man is therefore fati fed from himfelf; becaufe his fitisfaEtion arifeth from a review of his goodnefs which is intimately his own : And though our Sa- viour feeineth here to reprefent it as given (indeed God is the original Author of all good gifts, the powers of our nature are de- rived from him, and all our enjoyments) yet the foul cannot but efteetn fincerely good affeEtions and works, as the real inward ex- cellencies of its nature ; and they are a loft- ing fpring of pleafure to it ; it enjoyeth them not only when prefent but paft, they are a fupport under incumbent calamities, and fill the mind with confidence of a good iffue and future happinefs, becaufe it is impoflible not to think that the fupreme Power, who governeth the world, is pleafed with them, And thefe gifts and calling of God are with- out repentance, for, as our Saviour faith, the living water which he giveth, the falutary doc- trine of the gofpel deeply imprinted on the heart, tranforming it, and producing real in- ward
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