I. Scripture-light the most sure light ... delivered in three sermons on 2 Pet.…

But withal remember, that in this condition, that goes for ⟨p. 37⟩humbling which doth not before, and God will take that for humiliation now, which he would not take before. Psal. 32. saith David, I said I will confess my transgression unto the Lord, and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Dixit non fecit, saith Austin, he said he would do it, but did not do it fully, yet thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin, God took his humiliation although it was very low. Why? vers. 3.4. we find him under temptation, and in much discouragement, for (saith he) My bones waxed old with my roaring all the day long, day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of Summer, yet how ready was God to receive an acknowledgement, and a little humiliation from him, at this time.

But withal remember, that in this condition, that goes for ⟨p. 37⟩humbling which doth not before, and God wil take that for humiliation now, which he would not take before. Psal. 32. saith David, I said I wil confess my transgression unto the Lord, and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Dixit non fecit, saith Austin, he said he would do it, but did not do it fully, yet thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin, God took his humiliation although it was very low. Why? vers. 3.4. we find him under temptation, and in much discouragement, for (saith he) My bones waxed old with my roaring al the day long, day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of Summer, yet how ready was God to receive an acknowledgment, and a little humiliation from him, at this time.

O! But what is all this to us? this was Davids case. Nay saith David, this is not my case alone, for vers. 6. For this shall every one that is Godly, pray unto thee, in a time when thou mayest be found: God will receive a little when you are much discouraged. Either therefore God hath withdrawn for your sin, or not, if not, wait but a while, he will return again; if for your sin, labour more and more to be humbled for it, for he will receive that measure of humiliation now, which he will not do at another time.