A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

1. Men in this case, are very apt to deceive themselves. Self-love, vain Hopes, liking of Lust, common false Principles, sloth, unwillingness unto self-examination, Reputation with the World, and it may be in the Church, all vigorously concur unto mens self-deceivings in this matter. It is no easy thing for a soul to break through all these, and all self-reasonings that rise from them, to come unto a clear judgement of its own acting in dealing with God about forgiveness. Men also find a Common Presumption of this Truth, and its being an easy relief against gripings of Conscience, and disturbing thoughts about sin; which they daily meet withal Aiming therefore only at the removal of trouble, and finding their present ⟨p. 231⟩Imagination of it, sufficient thereunto, they never bring their persuasion to the trial.

1. Men in this case, are very apt to deceive themselves. Selflove, vain Hopes, liking of Lust, common false Principles, sloth, unwillingness unto self-examination, Reputation with the World, and it may be in the Church, all vigorously concurr unto mens self-deceivings in this matter. It is no easie thing for a soul to break through all these, and all self-reasonings that rise from them, to come unto a clear judgement of its own acting in dealing with God about forgiveness. Men also find a Common Presumption of this Truth, and its being an easie relief against gripings of Conscience, and disturbing thoughts about sin; which they daily meet withall Aiming therefore only at the removal of trouble, and finding their present ⟨p. 231⟩Imagination of it, sufficient thereunto, they never bring their perswasion to the tryal.

2. As men are apt to do thus, so they actually do so, they do deceive themselves, and know not that they do so. The last day will make this evident, if men will no sooner be convinced of their folly. When our Saviour told his Disciples, that one of them twelve should betray him; though it were but one of twelve that was in danger, yet every one of the twelve made a particular enquiry about himself. I will not say, that one in each twelve is here mistaken: But I am sure the Truth tells us, That many are called, and but few are chosen; they are but few, who do really believe forgiveness. Is it not then incumbent on every one to be enquiring in what number he is likely to be found at the last day? Whilst men put this enquiry off from themselves, and think or say, it may be the Concernment of others, it is not mine, they perish, and that without remedy. Remember what poor Jacob said, when he had lost one Child, and was afraid of the loss of another,