An exposition with practical observations continued upon the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters…

'Tis not enough to acknowledge our sins, but we must seek Gods Obs. 1 face. The heart in the work of humiliation must be active:¹ that soul which is truly humbled before God, must be lively and active after God, else our humiliation is worth nothing in the sight of God: When the heart is sullen, lumpish, and sinking in its humiliation God looks not at it, Ezek. 33.10. we read of some who are said to pine away in their sin. Many men when God begins to afflict them with their sins,² and put them into some trouble of spirit, they pine away in their iniquity: it is a very ill sign when humiliation makes men dull, sullen, and unserviceable, hindering them from duty, when men lie down under their trouble discontented and melancholy; therefore here's the trial of our trouble of conscience whether it be right or no; if from melancholy it dulls the heart puts it out of all spirit and activity, disabling it wholly from service; but if true, it enlivens the heart, and puts activity into the spirits though naturally dull, and lumpish, it puts the soul in ways of activity for God, when they have to do with God; this is a very good sign that such trouble for sin is right and good.³ The melting of Lead consumes the Lead, but the melting of Silver doth but refine and purify it: so the trouble of a carnal heart melts and consumes it, but a gracious spirit will abide the fire, and comes out purified and bettered; therefore repentance is ⟨p. 518⟩set out by a word of activity, Isa. 55.1, 2. Come, buy wine and milk. Mat. 11.20. Come unto me: The frame of a true repenting heart is in an active coming posture, fitted for any service.

'Tis not enough to acknowledg our sins, but we must seek Gods Obs. 1 face. The heart in the work of humiliation must be active:¹