A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

Neither success in Temptation, nor consolation in believing is to be expected, whilst any Achan, any sin unreckoned for, lies in the conscience. Now for them who would seriously accomplish a diligent search in this matter, which is of such importance unto them, let them take these two Directions. 1. Let them go over the consideration of those sins, and others of the like nature, which may be reduced unto the same General heads with them, which we laid down before, as the sins which generally cast men into depths and entanglements. And if they find they have contracted the guilt of any of them, let them not think strange that they are yet bewildered in their condition, and do come short of a refreshing sense of peace with God, or an interest in forgiveness. Rather let them admire the riches of Patience, Grace and forbearance, that they are not cast utterly out of all hopes of a recovery. This will speed an end unto their trouble, according to the direction given. 2. Let them cast the course of their times under such heads and seasons, as may give them the more clear and distinct view and apprehension of the passages in them between God and their souls, which may have been provoking unto him. As, First, For the state of their inward man, let them consider, First, The unregenerate part of their lives, that which was confessedly so, before they had any real work of God upon their hearts; and therein enquire after two things. 1. If there were then any great and signal eruptions of sins against God; for of such God requires that a deep sense be kept on our souls all our days. How often do we find Paul calling over the sins of his life and ways before his conversion. I was, ⟨p. 298⟩saith he, injurious, and a blasphemer. Such reflections ought persons to have on any great provoking occasions of sin, that may keep them humble, and necessitate them constantly to look for a fresh sense of pardon through the blood of Christ. If such sins lye neglected, and not considered according to their importance, they will weaken the soul in its comforts whilst it lives in this world. 2. If there were any signal intimations made of the Good Will and Love of God to the soul, which it broke off from through the power of its corruption and temptation, they require a due humbling consideration all our days; but this hath been before spoken unto.

Neither success in Temptation, nor consolation in believing is to be expected, whilst any Achan, any sin unreckoned for, lyes in the conscience. Now for them who would seriously accomplish a diligent search in this matter, which is of such importance unto them, let them take these two Directions. 1. Let them go over the consideration of those sins, and others of the like nature, which may be reduced unto the same General heads with them, which we laid down before, as the sins which generally cast men into depths and intanglements. And if they find they have contracted the guilt of any of them, let them not think strange that they are yet bewildred in their condition, and do come short of a refreshing sense of peace with God, or an interest in forgiveness. Rather let them admire the riches of Patience, Grace and forbearance, that they are not cast utterly out of all hopes of a recovery. This will speed an end unto their trouble, according to the direction given. 2. Let them cast the course of their times under such heads and seasons, as may give them the more clear and distinct view and apprehension of the passages in them between God and their souls, which may have been provoking unto him. As, First, For the state of their inward man, let them consider, First, The unregenerate part of their lives, that which was confessedly so, before they had any real work of God upon their hearts; and therein enquire after two things. 1. If there were then any great and signal eruptions of sins against God; for of such God requires that a deep sense be kept on our souls all our daies. How often do we find Paul calling over the sins of his life and waies before his conversion. I was,