Resolutions for new, extraordinary, vigorous, constant Applications unto God, are the first general step and degree, of a sin entangled soul acting towards a recovery, I will rise now. And what doth she do when she is thus resolved? I will, saith she, go about the streets, and in the broad ways, and seek him whom my soul loveth. I will leave no ways or means unattempted, whereby I may ⟨p. 36⟩possibly come to a fresh enjoyment of him. If a man seek for a Friend, he can look for him only in the streets and in the broad ways; that is either in Towns, or in the Fields. So will I do saith the Spouse; in what Way, Ordinance, or Institution soever, in or by what duty soever, public or private, of communion with others, or solitary retiredness, Christ ever was, or may be found, or peace obtained, I will seek him, and not give over until I come to an enjoyment of him. And this frame, this Resolution, a soul in depths must come unto, if ever it expect deliverance. For the most part, mens wounds stink and are corrupt because of their foolishness. As the Psalmist complains, Psal. 38. 5. They are wounded by sin; and through spiritual sloth they neglect their cure; this weakens them, and disquiets them day by day; yet they endure all, rather than they will come out of their carnal ease to deal effectually with God in an extraordinary manner. It was otherwise with David, Psal. 22. 1, 2. Why, saith he, art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring! O my God, I cry in the day time, and in the night season, and am not silent. What ails the Man? Can he not be quiet night nor day? never silent, never hold his peace? And if he be somewhat disquieted, can he not contain himself, but that he must roar, and cry out? Yea, must he roar thus all the day long, as he speaks, Psal. 32. 3. and groan all the night, as Psal. 6. 6. What is the matter with all this roaring, sighing, tears, roaring all the day, all night long? Ah let him alone, his soul is bitter in him; he is fallen into depths; the Lord is withdrawn from him, trouble is hard at hand, yea, he is full of anxiety on the account of sin; there is no quietness nor soundness in him; and he must thus earnestly and restlessly apply himself for relief. Alas, what strangers for the most part are men now adays to this frame? How little of the workings of this Spirit is found amongst us?
Resolutions for new, extraordinary, vigorous, constant Applications unto God, are the first general step and degree, of a sin intangled soul acting towards a recovery, I will rise now. And what doth she do when she is thus resolved? I will, saith she, go about the streets, and in the broad wayes, and seek him whom my soul loveth. I will leave no wayes or means unattempted, whereby I may ⟨p. 36⟩possibly come to a fresh enjoyment of him. If a man seek for a Friend, he can look for him only in the streets and in the broad wayes; that is either in Towns, or in the Fields. So will I do saith the Spouse; in what Way, Ordinance, or Institution soever, in or by what duty soever, publick or private, of communion with others, or solitary retiredness, Christ ever was, or may be found, or peace obtained, I will seek him, and not give over until I come to an enjoyment of him. And this frame, this Resolution, a soul in depths must come unto, if ever it expect deliverance. For the most part, mens wounds stink and are corrupt because of their foolishness. As the Psalmist complains, Psal. 38. 5. They are wounded by sin; and through spiritual sloth they neglect their cure; this weakens them, and disquiets them day by day; yet they endure all, rather than they will come out of their carnal ease to deal effectually with God in an extraordinary manner. It was otherwise with David, Psal. 22. 1, 2. Why, saith he, art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring! O my God, I cry in the day time, and in the night season, and am not silent. What ayles the Man? Can he not be quiet night nor day? never silent, never hold his peace? And if he be somewhat disquieted, can he not contain himself, but that he must roar, and cry out? Yea, must he roar thus all the day long, as he speaks, Psal. 32. 3. and groan all the night, as Psal. 6. 6. What is the matter with all this roaring, sighing, tears, roaring all the day, all night long? Ah let him alone, his soul is bitter in him; he is fallen into depths; the Lord is withdrawn from him, trouble is hard at hand, yea, he is full of anxiety on the account of sin; there is no quietness nor soundness in him; and he must thus earnestly and restlessy apply himself for relief. Alas, what strangers for the most part are men now adayes to this frame? How little of the workings of this Spirit is found amongst us?
