A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

These things abide not in their sense, and in their power which they have upon our Affections, but immediately pass away. They are therefore to be treasured up in the mind and judgement, to be improved and made use of by Faith, as occasion shall require; but we are apt to lose them. Most know no other use of them, but whilst they feel them; yea, through ignorance in our duty to improve them, they prove like a sudden light brought into a dark place, and again removed, which seems to increase, and really aggravates our sense of the darkness. The true Use of them is to lay them up, and ponder them in our hearts, that they may be Supportments and Testimonies unto us in a time of need. Have you then, who are now in the dark as to your state or condition, whether you are Regenerate or no, ever received any such refreshing and cheering Testimony from God given unto your Integrity, and your Acceptance with him thereupon; call it over again, and make use of it against those discouragements ⟨p. 345⟩which arise from your present darkness in this matter, and which keeps you off from sharing in the consolation tendered unto you in this Word of Grace. RULE IV. A due spiritual Consideration of the Causes and Effects of Regeneration, is the ordinary way and means whereby the souls of Believers come to be satisfied concerning that work of God in them and upon them. The principle or causes of this work, are the Spirit and the Word. He that is born again, is born of the Spirit, Joh. 3. 6. and of the Word; Of his own Will begat he us by the word of his Truth, Jam. 1. 18. We are born again by the Word of God that abideth for ever, 1 Pet. 1. 23. Where ever then a man is regenerate, there hath been an effectual work of the Spirit, and of the Word upon his soul. This is to be inquired into, and after. Ordinarily it will discover it self. Such impressions will be made in it upon the soul, such a change will be wrought and produced in it, as will not escape a spiritual diligent search and enquiry. And this is much of the duty of such as are in the dark, and uncertain concerning the accomplishment of this work in themselves. Let them call to mind what have been the actings of the Spirit by the Word upon their souls. What Light thereby hath been communicated unto their minds; what discoveries of the Lord Christ and way of Salvation have been made to them;