A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

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, Gen. 43. 14. If I be bereaved of my Children, I am bereaved. As if he should have said, if I lose my Children, I have no more to lose, they are my all. Nothing worse can befall me in this world. Comfort, Joy, yea, Life and all go with them. How much more may men say in this Case, If we are deceived here, we are deceived; all is lost, hope, and life, and soul, all must perish, and that for ever. There is no help or relief for them who deceive themselves in this matter. They have found out a way to go quietly down into the pit.

Now these things are premised, only that they may be incentives unto self-examination in this matter; and so render the ensuing Considerations useful. Let us then address our selves unto them.

Now these things are premised, only that they may be incentives unto self-examination in this matter; and so render the ensuing Considerations usefull. Let us then address our selves unto them.