RULES FOR OBTAINING FORGIVENESS. 313 On three occasions are such thoughts apt to arise in the minds of men, which sometimes break forth into unwarrantable expressions concerning God himself and his ways. 1. In deep perplexities of mind, by reason of some pressing terror from the Lord. 2. On the long wearisome continuance of some tempt- ing distress, of which there are many examples. 3. In spiritual disappointments through the strength of temptation. When a person has, it may be, re- covered himself, through grace, from a perplexing sense of the guilt of some sin, or from a course, shorter or longer, less or greater, of backsliding and negligent walking with God, and goes on cheerfully for a season in the course of obedience; if, through the power of temptation, neglect of watchfulness, or by any other means, he is surprised in the sins or ways he had re- linquished, or is turned aside from the vigor of the course he had pursued, he may be exposed, not only to great despondency, but to be overtaken with secret re- solves to give over contending, feeling that it is to no purpose, and that God regards him not at all. Take an instance or two of each kind. The first we have in Job, in the extremity of his trials and terrors from the Lord. See, among other places, chap. 10. ver. 3. " Is it," saith he to God, " good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thy hands 1" Ah! poor worms, with whom have we to do? Who shall say to a king, " Thou art wicked, and to princes, ye are ungodly ?" And will ye speak so to him who respecteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth them more than the Forgiveness. 14
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