ones, those who tremble at his word, the mourners in Zion; and such
plough;" a labour no less needful, though at present not so delightful Most men love to hear of the doctrine of grace, of the pardon of sin, of free love, and suppose they find food therein; however, it is evident that they grow and thrive in the life and notion of them. But to be breaking up the fallow ground of their hearts, to be inquiring after the weeds and briers that grow in them, they delight not so much, though this be no less necessary than the other. This path is not so beaten as that of grace, nor so trod in, though it is the only way to come to a true knowledge of grace itself. Some, who are wise in other truths, may be inexperienced in searching their own hearts, and slow to understand these things. But this sloth is to be shaken off, if we have any regard to our own souls. It is more than probable that many who have deceived themselves as well as others, who supposed they believed because the gospel pleased them, might be delivered from their soul-ruining deceits if they would diligently search their own hearts. Would other believers walk so boldly and securely if they considered aright what a deadly enemy they carry about with them? would they so much indulge as they do carnal pleasures, or pursue their affairs with so much delight? Would that every believer would apply their hearts more to this, and come to a true understanding of the nature, power, and subtlety of our adversary, that our souls may be humbled; - 1. In walking with God. His delight is with the humble and contrite ones, those who tremble at his word, the mourners in Zion; and such are we only when we have a proper sense of our own vile condition. This will beget reverence of God, a sense of our distance from him, admiration of his grace, a due valuation of mercy, far above those light attainments that some have boasted of.
2. In walking with others. It prevents those evils of judging, harsh censuring, which many commit, who have been guilty of worse crimes than those they have raved against in others. This will lead us to meekness, compassion, readiness to forgive; even when we shall consider our state, as the apostle declares, Galatians 6:1. The man who understands the evil of his own heart is the only useful and solid believer. Others are fit only to delude themselves, and upset families and churches. Let us, then, consider our hearts wisely, and then go and