A37046:1396
The law unsealed
The law unsealed: or, A practical exposition of the Ten Commandments With a resolution of several momentous questions and cases of conscience. By the learned, laborious, faithful servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. James Durham, late minister of the Gospel at Glasgow.
Glasgow: printed by Robert Sanders, 1676
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
4. It showeth it self in those many ruings and repentings which often are after things are done, and wishings they had not been done, which are not simply sinful when there is reason for them, but as they are carking and inordinate, as for most part they are in us. We ought to grieve with after▪grief and sorrowful sharp reflection for the sin of what we do in all these above said, and others such like; but its repining against God, and his infinitely wise government, to grudge at dispensations, events, and consequents, which are mere providences.
4. It sheweth it self in those many ruings and repentings which often are after things are done, and wishings they had not been done, which are not simply sinful when there is reason for them, but as they are carking and inordinate, as for most part they are in us. We ought to grieve with after▪grief and sorrowful sharp reflection for the sin of what we do in all these above said, and others such like; but its repining against God, and his infinitely wise government, to grudge at dispensations, events, and consequents, which are meer providences.
5. This inordinacy of heart motions doth much appear in the vexing afterthoughts of, and reflections upon any thing we have done, not so much because of its sinfulness, as because of its bringing shame upon us, or because of its unsuitableness to what our humour aimed at; and upon this account we are discontented, and have an inordinate and unsatisfied desire of having it other ways done, and so discontent is the proof and evidence of this Lust, discovering it where it is, for because our desire (though possibly it be confused and for any good, as it is Psalm 4. 6.) is not fulfilled, therefore is heaviness and discontent, whereas if it were satisfied, there would be quietness.
5. This inordinacy of heart motions doth much appear in the vexing afterthoughts of, and reflections upon any thing we have done, not so much because of its sinfulness, as because of its bringing shame upon us, or because of its unsuitableness to what our humour aimed at; and upon this account we are discontented, and have an inordinate and unsatisfied desire of having it other wayes done, and so discontent is the proof and evidence of this Lust, discovering it where it is, for because our desire (though possibly it be confused and for any good, as it is