the whole Bible hath been to me as a dry stick, or rather my heart hath been so dead and dry unto it that I could not conceive the least dram of refreshment, though I have looked it all over.
5. Of all fears, they are best that are made by the blood of Christ; and of all joy, that is the sweetest that is mixed with mourning over Christ. Oh, it is a goodly thing to be on our knees, with Christ in our arms, before God! I hope I know something of these things.
6. I find to this day seven abominations in my heart:—(1.) Inclining to unbelief. (2.) Suddenly to forget the love and mercy that Christ manifesteth. (3.) A leaning to the works of the law. (4.) Wanderings and coldness in prayer. (5.) To forget to watch for that I pray for. (6.) Apt to murmur because I have no more, and yet ready to abuse what I have. (7.) I can do none of those things which God commands me, but my corruptions will thrust in themselves. "When I would do good, evil is present with me" (Rom. vii. 21).
7. These things I continually see and feel, and am afflicted and oppressed with, yet the wisdom of God doth order them for my good. (1.) They make me abhor myself. (2.) They keep me from trusting my heart. (3.) They convince me of the insufficiency of all inherent righteousness. (4.) They show me the necessity of flying to Jesus. (5.) They press me to pray unto God. (6.) They show me the need I have to watch and be sober. (7.) And provoke me to pray unto God through Christ to help me and carry me through this world.
