A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

Another head of Objections and Despondencies ariseth from things internal, things that are required in the soul, that it may have an Interest in the forgiveness that is with God. Some whereof we shall speak unto; and these respect, first the state of the soul; and secondly, some actings in the soul.

¹First, As to the State, say some, unless a man be Regenerate, and born again, he is not, he cannot be made partaker of Mercy and Pardon. Now all things here are in the dark unto us. For first, we know not well what this Regeneration is, and it is variously disputed amongst men. Some would place it only in the outward signs of our Initiation unto Christ, and some otherwise express it. Again, it is uncertain, whether thou that are Regenerate do or may know that they are so; or whether this may be in any measure known unto others with whom they may treat about it. And if it may not be known we must be ⟨p. 331⟩uncertain in this also. And then it may be for their parts, they neither know the time when, nor the manner how any such work was wrought in them; and yet without this, seeing it is wrought by means, and springs from certain causes, they can have no establishment in a not-failing persuasion of their Acceptance with God, by the pardon of their sins in the blood of Christ. This is the Head and sum of most of the Objections which perplexed souls do manage against themselves as to their state and condition. Hence indeed they draw forth reasonings with great variety according as they are suggested by their particular occasions and temptations. And many proofs taken from their sins, miscarriages and fears, do they enforce their Objections withal. My purpose is to lay down some General Rules and Principles, which may be applied unto particular occasions and emergencies. And this shall be done in answer to the several parts of the General Objection mentioned before. I say then,

¹First, As to the State, say some, unless a man be Regenerate, and born again, he is not, he cannot be made partaker of Mercy and Pardon. Now all things here are in the dark unto us. For first, we know not well what this Regeneration is, and it is variously disputed amongst men. Some would place it only in the outward signs of our Initiation unto Christ, and some otherwise express it. Again, it is uncertain, whether thou that are Regenerate do or may know that they are so; or whether this may be in any measure known unto others with whom they may treat about it. And if it may not be known we must be