The Life of God in the Soul of Man by Henry Scougal

sweetness of disposition; some sprightliness, or wisdom,
or goodness, which charm our spirit and command our
love. Now these perfections are not obvious to the sight,
the eyes can only discern the signs and effects of them;
and if it be the understanding that directs our affection,
and vital perfections prevail with it, certainly the
excellencies of the divine nature (the traces whereof we
cannot but discover in every thing we behold) would not
fail to engage our hearts, if we did seriously view and
regard them. Shall we not be infinitely more transported
with that almighty wisdom and goodness which fills the
universe, and displays itself in all the parts of the
creation, which establishes the frame of nature, and
turns the mighty wheels of Providence, and keeps the
world from disorder and ruin, than with the faint rays of
the very same perfections which we meet with in our
fellow-creatures? Shall we dote on the sacred pieces of a
rude and imperfect picture, and never be affected with
the original beauty; This were an unaccountable
stupidity and blindness. Whatever we find lovely in a
friend, or in a saint, ought not to engross, but to elevate
our affections: we should conclude with ourselves, that
if there be so much sweetness in a drop, there must be
infinitely more in the fountain; if there be so much
splendor in a ray, what must the sun be in its glory?
Nor can we pretend the remoteness of the object, as if
God were at too great a distance for our converse or our
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