The troubles of my heart are enlarged. O bring me out of my distresses, Psalms 25:17. Divine answer. The sacrifices of God arc a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite hearty O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalms 51:17.
Some take great pains to warn and caution others, exceedingly against contrition and inward trouble of heart. But whoever, without having such a broken heart, desires nothing but the comforts of the gospel; makes light of sin, and will make a dangerous shipwreck at last. For in this world we have trouble, not only in the beginning, but also in the progress of our Christian course. Neither does it any harm, but it humbles deeply, and drives us to Christ, to seek and find comfort in him; consequently, godly sorrow and holy mourning, are not looked upon, and trusted to as meritorious works, by no means. It is only Christ; who by his merits has recovered us from sin and wrath, who can be relied upon. May the Lord prepare and make us evermore fit; duly to receive his gospel, that we may never trifle and make light with this holy thing.
Where are the mourners (says the Lord)
That wait and tremble at my word;
That walk in darkness all the day?
Come, make my name your trust and stay.
The softest couch that nature knows
Can give the conscience no repose:
Look to my righteousness and live;
Comfort and peace are mine to give.