358 RIGHT REJOICING. But the shell or grosser substance of the mercy applied to a wrong end, and by corruption made another thinebeing deprived of its proper soul, this Christ admonisheth them to keep out of their estimation and affection. He meeteth his returning messengers rejoicing too much in themselves ; and this proud, inordinate, self- ish joy is it thätt he would take from them by his caution or prohi- bition. "In this rejoice not." But that they may see that he doth not envy them their comforts, he showeth them cause of a greater joy, which he alloweth and commandeth them, as more suitable to his ends and their felicity : "But rather rejoice that your names are written in heaven." For better understanding of this, you may observe, I. What matter of jOy the subjection of the devils might afford them. .II. What manner of joy they were affected with, which Christ forbade them. III. What manner of joy it is that Christ allow- eth them, when he seemeth to restrain it wholly to their heavenly interest. I. No doubt, to have the devils subject to it was a great mercy, in which they might rejoice. For, 1. I was the gift of Christ; and all is perfumed that bath touched his hand. Nothing but good can come from him that is so good, by wayof gift. 2. It was a gift foretold by the prophets, as reserved for the gospel time, that is eminently called the kingdom of God; and an extraordinary gift in respect to the precedent and subsequent gen- erations. It was no usual thing for men to exercise such authority over the very devils, as to command them to come forth, and to heal the bodies that they had long afflicted. .3. It was a victory over the strongest enemy, that can make more effectual resistance than the most numerous armies of poor mortals, and would laughat your horse and arms,your fireand sword, your greatest cannons ; and cannot be expunged but by the power of the Almighty. A stronger than he must come upon him, and bind him, and cast him out of his possession, before he will sur- render the garrison, goods, and prisoners, which he bath held hi peace; Luke xi. 21, 22. 4. It was a victoryover the most subtle enemy, that is not con- querable by any stratagems of human wit. 5. It was a victory over the most malicious enemy, that sought more than the subversion of men's temporal peace, and by afflict- ing the body intended the hurting of the soul. 6. It was .a conquest of him that had long possession, and one way or other kept in bondage the prisoners that justice had sub- jected to his rage., '7. It was a victory exceeding honorable 'to Christ, whose very messengers, by his name alone, could make the powers of hell submit. He that refused to be made a king, as having not a king-
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