Here is an account of the happiness of good men, who are governed by a
principle of love to the word of God, who make it their rule and are
ruled by it. 2. They are easy, and have a holy serenity; none enjoy
themselves more than they do: Great peace have those that love thy law,
abundant satisfaction in doing their duty and pleasure in reflecting
upon it. The work of righteousness is peace (Isa. xxxii. 17), such
peace as the world can neither give nor take away. They may be in great
troubles without and yet enjoy great peace within, sat lucis
intus--abundance of internal light. Those that love the world have
great vexation, for it does not answer their expectation; those that
love God's word have great peace, for it outdoes their expectation, and
in it they have sure footing. 2. They are safe, and have a holy
security: Nothing shall offend them; nothing shall be a scandal, snare,
or stumbling-block, to them, to entangle them either in guilt or grief.
No event of providence shall be either an invincible temptation or an
intolerable affliction to them, but their love to the word of God shall
enable them both to hold fast their integrity and to preserve their
tranquility. They will make the best of that which is, and not quarrel
with any thing that God does. Nothing shall offend or hurt them, for
every thing shall work for good to them, and therefore shall please
them, and they shall reconcile themselves to it. Those in whom this
holy love reigns will not be apt to perplex themselves with needless
scruples, nor to take offence at their brethren, 1 Cor. xiii. 6, 7.