382 FORGIVENESS OF SIN. membrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his com- passions fail not. They are new every morning : great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul, therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good to them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord." Lam. 3:17-26. We have here both the condition and the duty fully ex- pressed. The condition is sad and bitter, the soul is in depths, far from peace and rest. ver. 17. In this state it is ready utterly to faint, and to give up all for lost, both strength for the present and hopes for the future. verse 18. This makes its condition full of sorrow and bitter- ness, and its own thoughts become like wormwood and gall. verses 19, 20. But does he lie down under the bur- den of all this trouble l does he despond, and give over l No, saith he, I call to mind that there is for- giveness with God, grace, mercy, goodness for the re- lief of distressed souls, such as are in my condition. ver. 21-23. Thence the conclusion is, that as all help is to be looked for, all relief expected from him alone, so it is good that a man should quietly wait, and hope for the salvation of God. This he stirs up himself to, as the best, as the most blessed course for his deliverance. 2. Remember that diligent use of the means, for the end aimed at, is a necessary ingredient of waiting on God. Take in the consideration of this direction also. Do not think to be freed from your entanglements by restless, heartless desiring that it were otherwise with you : means are to be used, that relief may be obtained.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=