Spiritual desertions discovered and remedied. Being the substance of divers sermons preached for the…

1. Enquire what was the cause of it: usually when God hideth his face, if we were observant, we might understand how it came about; and that will help as much in our judging of it. David tells us how his came about, Context, ve•. 6. and the Spouse declareth how it was with her, Cant. 5. begin ▪ by this enquiry we may come to be satisfied in the need there was of our meeting with such a trial, and the fidelity and care of God in ordering it to be so, and this will help us greatly, to bear it suitably, and to say as the Church, Mic. 7.9. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him.

2. From the occasion learn to acknowledge the Righteousness of God. Let it stop murmurings, & hard charges which are the most dangerous temptations under Desertions, the Psalmist resolutely maintains that under the most dismal withdrawing, Psal. 22.13. nevertheless thou art holy. When we can justify God in his dealings with us, that very frame will help us to a more believing waiting upon him; if we put off our controversy with God, & lay aside all our prejudices at him, we shall be the better persuaded to wait for him.

2. From the occasion learn to acknowledge the Righteousness of God. Let it stop murmurings, & hard charges which are the most dangerous temptations under Desertions, the Psalmist resolutely maintains that under the most dismal withdrawing, Psal. 22.13. nevertheless thou art holy. When we can justify God in his dealings with us, that very frame will help us to a more believing waiting upon him; if we put off our controversy with God, & lay aside all our prejudices at him, we shall be the better perswaded to wait for him.