(1.) He doth it immediately by himself; without
the consideration of any other acts or works of his, or the interposition
of any reasonings, or deductions and conclusions. As in
sanctification he is a well of water springing up in the soul,
immediately exerting his efficacy and refreshment; so in
consolation, he immediately works the soul and minds
of men to a joyful, rejoicing, and spiritual frame, filling them with
exultation and gladness; — not that this arises from our reflex
consideration of the love of God, but rather gives occasion thereunto.
When he so sheds abroad the love of God in our hearts, and so fills them
with gladness by an immediate act and operation (as he caused John Baptist
to leap for joy in the womb upon the approach of the mother of Jesus), —
then doth the soul, even from hence, raise itself to a consideration of the
love of God, whence joy and rejoicing doth also flow. Of this joy there is
no account to be given, but that the Spirit worketh it when and how he
will. He secretly infuseth and distils it into the soul, prevailing
against all fears and sorrows, filling it with gladness, exultations; and
sometimes with unspeakable raptures of mind.