Not a natural joy

Such is the ground and the nature of that joy by which an adult Christian rejoices evermore. And from all this we may easily infer, first, that this is not a natural joy. It does not arise from any natural cause. It does not come from any sudden flow of spirits. That may give a passing start of joy. But the Christian rejoices always. It cannot be owing to bodily health or ease, to strength and soundness of constitution. For it is equally strong in sickness and in pain, yes, perhaps far stronger than before. Many Christians have never experienced any joy to be compared with that which then filled their soul, when the body was nearly worn out with pain, or wasted away with pining sickness.

Least of all can it be ascribed to outward prosperity, to the favor of men, or to plenty of worldly goods. For it was then chiefly, when their faith had been tried as with fire, through all manner of outward afflictions, that the children of God rejoiced in him whom, unseen, they loved, even with joy unspeakable. And surely people never rejoiced like those who were treated as the filth and offscouring of the world, who wandered to and fro, in want of all things, in hunger, in cold, and in nakedness, who had trials not only of cruel mockings, but also of bonds and imprisonments, yes, who at last did not count their lives dear to themselves, so that they might finish their course with joy.