RELISF IN GOD ALONE. 41 Other remedies, I know, are vain ; I intend not to spend my strength for that which is not bread. " Unto thee do I cry." Here a sin entangled soul is to fix itself : trouble excites it to look for relief; many things with- out present themselves as a diversion ; many things within offer themselves for a remedy. Forget thy sor- row, say the former; ease thyself of it by ùs, say the latter : the soul refuses both, as physicians of no value ; and to God alone makes its application. He has wound- ed, and he alone can heal. And until any one that is sensible of the guilt of sin will come off from all re- serves to deal immediately with God, it is in vain for him to expect relief. H. In this application to God alone the soul is in- tense, earnest, and urgent. It is no time now to be sloth- ful: the soul's all, its greatest concerns are at stake. Dull, cold, formal applications to God will not serve the turn : ordinary actings of faith, love and fervency, usual seasons, opportunities, duties, answer not this condition. To do no more than ordinary now, is to do nothing at all. He that puts forth no more strength and activity for his deliverance when he is in depths ready to perish, than when he is at liberty in plain and smooth paths, is scarcely like to escape. Some in such condi- tions are careless and negligent ; they think in ordina- ry course to wear off their difficulties; and that, though at present they are sensible of their danger, they shall have peace at last; in which frame there is much con- tempt of God. Some despond and languish under their distresses. Spiritual sloth influences both these classes. But the steadfast soul resolves, by whatsoever means, public or private, of communion with others, or solitary retiredness, Christ ever was or may be found, or peace be obtained, I will seek him, and not give over until I come to an enjoyment of him. And this frame, this re
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