308 FORGIVENESS OF SIN, do not so in worldly things : you take an industrious course for a remedy, or for relief, and do not content yourselveswith wishing and complaining. You deceive yourselves by acting as though industry in the use of natural means, for the attaining of natural ends, were the ordinance of God, and as if diligence in the use of spiritual means, for the obtaining of spiritual ends, were not so. Do not consult your own hearts only. What is it that the Scripture calls for in your condition 7 Is it not industry and activity of spirit ? And what does the na- ture of the thing require 1 Distress that you hope yet to conquer evidently calls for diligence in the use of means for deliverence. If you are past hope, it avails not to complain ; if you are not, why give up yourselves to despondence ? Our Savior tells us, that " the king- dom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." Matt. 11 12. It is not of the outward violence of its enemies seeking to destroy it that our Savior speaks, but of the spiritual fervency and ardency of mind that is in those who intend to be partakers of it. " The kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it:" pressing into it, and taking it by force, are the same thing. There is then a violence, a restless activity and vigor of spirit to be exercised for an in- terest in this kingdom. Apply this to your condition. Are you in depths and doubts, staggering and uncertain, not knowing what is your condition, nor whether you have any interest in the forgiveness that is with God Are you tossed up and down between hopes and fears, wanting peace, consolation, and establishment 1 Why lie you upon your face ? Get up, watch, pray, fast,
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