[2.] Let us consider it subjectively. Comfort is the sti-engthen- ing of the mind when it is apt to be weakened by doubts, fears, and sorrows. As by patience we are kept from murmuring, so by comfort we are kept from fainting. It is the strength, stay, and support of the heart against any grievance whereby it is likely to be overcome. There are three words by which that delightful sense of God"s favour as a stay and strengthening to the heart is expressed — comfort, peace, and joy. (1.) Comfort is that sense of his love by which the sorrows that arise from the sense of sin and the fears of God's justice are not alto- gether removed and taken away, yet so mitigated and allayed that the soul is not overwhelmed by them, but hope doth more prevail. This is the natm-e of comfort, that it doth not altogether remove the evil, but so alleviate and assuage it, that we are able to bear it with some alacrity and cheerfulness : and this is the common state of believers, answerable to the ordinary measiu-e of faith which God giveth his children. Though they are assaulted with sorrows, doubts, and fears, yet they have that true and solid ground of comfort in the promises which begets some hope and expectation towards God ; and when the conflict groweth grievous, God of his mercy allayeth the storm by the working of his comforting Spirit. (2.) There is peace, which is another notion which implieth comfort, but withal a more full degree of it ; for peace doth so settle and calm the conscience, that they are assaulted either with none or very light fears. It may be explained by external peace. J^xternal peace is that state of things which is not troubled with wars
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from abroad, or intestine tumults and confusions at home, for some long space of time. A truce is a shorter respite, but a peace is a long calm and quiet. So when we are not assaulted with doubts and troubles, but have much peace and quietness of spirit in believing : Eom. xv. 13, ' Now the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in be- lieving.' (3.) As peace exceedeth consolation, so doth joy exceed peace, and beget a more notable sense of itself in the soul. In peace all things are quiet, so as we feel no anxious tossings of mind, no gripes and fears of an accusing conscience; but in joy, true joy, more, some lively motions of heart accompanied with a more lively pleasure and delight. In peace the soul is in such a condition as the body is when nothing paineth us : but in joy, — as when the corporeal senses are mightily moved with such things as delight and please them, as at a feast, — the soul is filled with perpetual suavities, so great many times as cannot be told : 1 Peter i. 8, ' Joy unspeakable and full of glory."
Well, then, this is comfort, if you consider it with respect to the sense of God's love, or the hopes of glory ; such a lightening and easing of the heart as showeth itself in alacrity in God's service, and courage in tribulations.
1. These comforts, though not absolutely necessary to salvation, yet conduce much to the well-being of a Christian, and therefore are not to be despised. It is as oil to the wheels, Job xv. 11. If neglected and not sought after with earnest diligence, they are despised, which cannot be without great sin.
2. It follows after holiness, as heat doth fire. The oil of grace will breed the oil of gladness. There are certain spiritual pleasures which do attend a course of obedience. Holiness is our work, comfort our reward ; holiness is God's due, comfort our profit and interest : Acts ix. 31, 'Walked in the fear of God and comfort of the Holy Ghost.' Grace carrieth us out to honour God, love to him breedeth comfort. It is strange if it be not so ; there is some unusual impediment.
3. Though our main comfort be in heaven, yet whilst we are here in the world we have some foregoing consolation, as an earnest and pledge of more to ensue, and as the solace of our pilgrimage, Ps. cxvii. 54. Here is not only the offer, but the sealing of pardon and peace to the soul.
4. Comfoj't is more needful at some time than at others, and God dispenseth it suitably to our trials, necessities, and wants. In great afflictions and temptations there is a larger allowance, because they need greater comforts, 2 Cor. i. 5 ; a drop of honey is not enough to sweeten a hogshead of vinegar. The Lord reserveth the comforts of his Spirit for such a time. The more humble and frequent in prayer, grace is more exercised, drawn forth into the view of conscience.
2. Comfort is to be asked of God, for it is his proper gift. It is his name : ' The God of all comfort,' 2 Cor i. 3 ; and 2 Cor. vji. 6, ' The God that comforteth those that are cast down.' It is well that our comforts are in the hand of God ; we should have little of it if it were in the disposal of the creature.