A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

It is not otherwise at present, as is known unto such as converse with many, who are either surprised with unexpected troubles, or worn out with trials and disappointments of an expected end. They consider themselves both absolutely, and with respect unto others, and on both accounts are filled with dark thoughts and despondencies. Saith one, I am rolled from one trial unto another; the clouds with me return still after the rain. All the billows and water-spouts of God go over me. In my person, it may be, pressed with sickness, pains, troubles; in my Relations, with their sins, miscarriages, or death; in my outward state, in wants, losses, dis-reputation, I am even as a withered branch. Surely if God had any especial regard unto my soul, it would not be thus with me; or some timely end would have been put unto these dispensations. On the other hand, they take a view of some other Professors; they see that their Tables are spread day by day; that the Candle of the Lord shines continually on their tabernacle, and that in all things they have their hearts desire. Setting aside the common attendencies of humane nature, and nothing befalls them grievous in the world. Thus it is with them. And surely had I an interest in his Grace, in Pardon, the God of Israel would not thus pursue a Flea in the Mountains, nor set himself in battle array against a leaf driven to and fro with the wind; he would spare me a little, and let me alone for a moment; but as things are with me, I fear my way is hidden from the Lord, and my Judgement is passed over from my God. These kind of thoughts do perplex the minds of men, and keep them off from partaking of that strong consolation which God is abundantly wiling they should receive, by a comfortable persuasion of a blessed Interest in that forgiveness that is with him.

It is not otherwise at present, as is known unto such as converse with many, who are either surprized with unexpected troubles, or worn out with tryals and disappointments of an expected end. They consider themselves both absolutely, and with respect unto others, and on both accounts are filled with dark thoughts and despondencies. Saith one, I am rolled from one trial unto another; the clouds with me return still after the rain. All the billows and water-spouts of God go over me. In my person, it may be, pressed with sickness, pains, troubles; in my Relations, with their sins, miscarriages, or death; in my outward state, in wants, losses, dis-reputation, I am even as a withered branch. Surely if God had any especial regard unto my soul, it would not be thus with me; or some timely end would have been put unto these dispensations. On the other hand, they take a view of some other Professors; they see that their Tables are spread day by day; that the Candle of the Lord shines continually on their tabernacle, and that in all things they have their hearts desire. Setting aside the common attendencies of humane nature, and nothing befalls them grievous in the world. Thus it is with them. And surely had I an interest in his Grace, in Pardon, the God of Israel would not thus pursue a Flea in the Mountains, nor set himself in battel array against a leaf driven to and fro with the wind; he would spare me a little, and let me alone for a moment; but as things are with me, I fear my way is hidden from the Lord, and my Judgement is passed over from my God. These kind of thoughts do perplex the minds of men, and keep them off from partaking of that strong consolation which God is abundantly wiling they should receive, by a comfortable perswasion of a blessed Interest in that forgiveness that is with him.