con's NARKING INIQUITY. 67 always. And there is nothing more evident, than that the want of a thorough engagement in the performance of these duties, is the great cause why so few come off clear from their entanglements all their days. Men heal their wounds slightly ; and therefore, after a new painful festering, they are brought into the same con- dition of restlessness and trouble which they were in before. But the soul is not to be left in the state just de- scribed. There is other work for it, if it intend to come to rest and peace. It bath obtained an eminent advantage for the discovery of forgiveness, in a just sense of sin, the acknowledgment of it, and self-con- demnation. But there are two evils which often attend men when they are brought into this state. Some rest in it, and press no farther ; some rest upon it, and sup- pose that it is all which is required of them. 1. By resting or slaying in it, I mean the soul's de- sponding, through discouraging thoughts that deliver- ance is not to be obtained. Being made deeply sensi- ble of sin, it is so overwhelmed with thoughts of its own vileness and unworthiness as to sink under the burden ; such a soul is " afflicted and tossed with tem- pests, and not comforted ;" as in a storm at sea, when all means of contending are gone, men give up them- selves to be driven and tossed by the wind and seas at their pleasure. This brought Israel to cry out, "My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God," Isa. 40 :27; and " Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and rny Lord hath forgotten . me," chap. 49 14. The soul begins secretly to think there is no hope ; God regardeth it not ; it shall one day perish; relief is far away, and trouble nigh at hand. These thoughts so oppress them, that though they for- sake not God utterly to their own destruction, yet they
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