A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

In such things you will take an industrious course for a remedy, or for relief. In things of the smallest importance in this world, and unto this life, you will not content your selves with wishing and complaining. As though industry in the use of natural means for the attaining of natural Ends, were the Ordinance of God, and diligence in the use of spiritual means for the obtaining of spiritual Ends were not. Do not consult your own hearts only. What is it that the Scripture calls for in your condition? Is it not Industry and Activity of spirit? And what doth the nature of the thing require: distress that is yet hoped to be conquered, evidently calls for Industry and diligence in the use of means for deliverance. If you are past hope, it avails not to complain. If you are not, why do you give up your selves to despondencies? Our Saviour tells us, that the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force, Mat. 11. 12. It is not of the outward violence of its Enemies seeking to destroy it, that our Saviour speaks, but of that spiritual fervency and ardency of mind, that is in those who intend to be partakers of it: For [Greek or Hebrew], is taken by force, Luke 16. 16. is no more but [Greek or Hebrew] is preached, the Kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it; pressing into it, and taking it by force, are the same thing. There is then a violence, a restless activity and vigour of spirit to be used and exercised for an interest in this Kingdom. Apply this to your condition. Are you in depths and doubts, staggering and uncertain, not knowing what is your condition, nor whether you have any interest in the forgiveness that is with God? Are you tossed up and down between hopes and fears, want peace, consolation and establishment? why lye you upon your faces? get up, watch, pray, fast, meditate, offer violence to your lusts and corruptions; fear not, startle not at their crying or importunities to be spared; press unto the Throne of Grace by Prayers, Supplications, Importunities, restless Requests: This ⟨p. 311⟩is the way to take the Kingdom of Heaven. These things are not Peace, they are not Assurance, but they are part of the means that God hath appointed for the attainment of them. What then is the peculiar Instruction that is proper for souls in this condition? that plainly of the Apostle,