A delight of the mind arising from the consideration of a present for assured approaching possession of a future good. When it is moderate, it is called gladness; when raised on a sudden to the highest degree, it is then exultation or transport; when we limit our desires by our possessions, it is contentment; when our desires are raised high, and yet accomplished, this is called satisfaction; when our joy is derived from some comical occasion or amusement, it is mirth; if it arise from considerable opposition that is vanquished in the pursuit of the good we desire, it is then called triumph; when joy has so long possessed the mind that it is settled into a temper, we call it cheerfulness; when we rejoice upon the account of any good which others obtain, it may be called sympathy or congratulation. This is natural joy; but there is,
2. A moral joy, which is a self-approbation, or that which arises from the performance of any good actions; this is called peace, or serenity of conscience: if the action be honourable, and the joy rise high, it may be called glory.
3. There is also a spiritual joy, which the Scripture calls a "fruit of the Spirit, " Galatians 5:22 . "the joy of faith." Philippians 1:25 . and "the rejoicing of hope, " Hebrews 3:6 .
The objects of it are,
1. God himself, Psalms 43:4 . Is. 41: 10.
2. Christ, Philippians 3:3 . 1 Peter 1:8 .
3. The promises, Psalms 119:162 .
4. The administration of the Gospel, and Gospel ordinances, Psalms 89:15 .
5. The prosperity of the interest of Christ, Acts 15:3 . Revelation 11:15; Revelation 17:1-18 :
6. The happiness of a future state, Romans 5:1-21 . Matthew 25:1-46 :
The nature and properties of this joy:
1. It is or should be constant, Philippians 4:4 .
2. It is unknown to the men of the world, 1 Corinthians 2:14 .
3. It is unspeakable, 1 Peter 1:8 .
4. It is permanent, John 16:22 . Watts on the Pass. sect. 11; Gill's Body of Div. p. 111.3d. vol. 8vo. edit.; Grove's Mor. Phil. vol. 1: p. 356.