A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

A promiscuous drawing out of Gospel consolations, without a previous right Judgement concerning the true state and condition of the souls applied unto, is seldom useful, oft times pernicious. And let men take care, how they commit their souls and consciences unto such who have good words in readiness, for all comers. 2. If Counsel and Consolation of this kind be given; special and distinct from the Advice we are upon of Watchfulness, Diligence, Spiritual Violence in a way of duty; it is exceeding dangerous, and will assuredly prove useless. For let us see what counsel the holy Ghost gives in this condition unto them who would make their Calling and Election sure, who would be freed from their present fears and uncertainties, who complain of their darkness and dangers; why saith he, giving all diligence add to your faith virtue; and so on, v. 5. for saith he, If you do these things, an entrance shall be Administered unto you abundantly into the Everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, v. 11. You who are now in the Skirts of it, who know not whether you belong unto it or no, you shall have an Entrance into the Kingdom of Christ, and all the Joy, comforts, consolations and Glory of it, shall be richly administered unto you. This is the advice that the Holy Ghost gives in this case; And this is the blessed promise annexed unto the following of this advice. And this the former compassionate course of Administering consolation, is not to be separated from. But you will it may be here say, we are so dead and dull, so chained under the power of corruptions, and temptations, that we are not able thus to put forth the fruit of a spiritual life in adding one Grace unto another. But do you use diligence, Study, Endeavours, all diligence, diligence at all times, in all ways by God appointed, all manner of diligence within and without, in private and public to this end and purpose? do you study, meditate, pray, watch, fast, neglect no opportunity, keep your hearts, search, try, examine your selves, fly Temptations, and ⟨p. 313⟩occasions of cooling, deadening, and stifling Grace? Do these things abound in you? Alas you cannot do thus, you are so weak, so indisposed; but alas you will not, you will not part with your ease, you will not Crucify your lusts, you will not use all diligence;

A promiscuous drawing out of Gospel consolations, without a previous right Judgement concerning the true state and condition of the souls applyed unto, is seldome useful, oft times pernicious. And let men take care, how they commit their souls and consciences unto such who have good words in readiness, for all comers. 2. If Counsel and Consolation of this kind be given; special and distinct from the Advice we are upon of Watchfulness, Diligence, Spiritual Violence in a way of duty; it is exceeding dangerous, and will assuredly prove useless. For let us see what counsel the holy Ghost gives in this condition unto them who would make their Calling and Election sure, who would be freed from their present fears and uncertainties, who complain of their darkness and dangers; why saith he, giving all diligence add to your faith vertue; and so on, v. 5. for saith he, If you do these things, an entrance shall be Administred unto you abundantly into the Everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, v. 11. You who are now in the Skyrts of it, who know not whether you belong unto it or no, you shall have an Entrance into the Kingdom of Christ, and all the Joy, comforts, consolations and Glory of it, shall be richly administred unto you. This is the advice that the Holy Ghost gives in this case; And this is the blessed promise annexed unto the following of this advice. And this the former compassionate course of Administring consolation, is not to be separated from. But you will it may be here say, we are so dead and dull, so chained under the power of corruptions, and temptations, that we are not able thus to put forth the fruit of a spiritual life in adding one Grace unto another. But do you use diligence, Study, Endeavours, all diligence, diligence at all times, in all wayes by God appointed, all manner of diligence within and without, in private and publick to this end and purpose? do you study, meditate, pray, watch, fast, neglect no opportunity, keep your hearts, search, try, examine your selves, fly Temptations, and