Here is, 1. The cause and consequence of melancholy. It is heaviness in
the heart; it is a load of care, and fear, and sorrow, upon the
spirits, depressing them, and disabling them to exert themselves with
any vigour on what is to be done or fortitude in what is to borne; it
makes them stoop, prostrates and sinks them. Those that are thus
oppressed can neither do the duty nor take the comfort of any relation,
condition, or conversation. Those therefore that are inclined to it
should watch and pray against it. 2. The cure of it: A good word from
God, applied by faith, makes it glad; such a word is that (says one of
the rabbin), Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee;
the good word of God, particularly the gospel, is designed to make the
hearts glad that are weary and heavy-laden, Matt. xi. 28. Ministers are
to be helpers of this joy.