(1.) What it doth respect; and it hath a twofold object: —
[1.] Such past sins as, by reason of their own nature or their aggravations, have left the greatest impression on the conscience. It respects, indeed, in general, all past and known sins that can be called to remembrance ; but usually, in the course of men's lives, there have been some sins whose wounds, on various accounts, have been most deep aud sensible: these are the especial objects of this godly sorrow. So was it with David ; in the whole course of his life, after his great fall, he still bewailed his miscarriage therein; the like respect he had unto the other sins of his youth. And none have been so preserved but they may fix on some such provocation as may be a just cause of this sorrow all their days.
[2.] It respects the daily incursions of infirmities, in failings, negli- gences in our frames or actions, — such as the best are subject to. These are a matter of continual sorrow and mouruing to a gracious soul that is engaged in this duty and way of repentance.
(2.) Wherein it doth consist; and the things following do concur therein : —
[1.] Self-judging. This is the ground and spring of all godly sor- row, and thereon of repentance, turning away the displeasure of God,
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1 Cor. xi. 31. This the soul doth continually with reference unto the sins mentioned; it passeth sentence on itself every day. This can- not be done Avithout grief and sorrow ; for although the soul finds it a necessary duty, and is thereon Avell pleased with it, yet all such self-reflections are like afflictions, not joyous, but grievous.
[2.] The immediate eftect hereof is constant humiliation. He that so judgeth himself knows what frame of mind and spirit becomes him thereon. This takes away the ground from all pride, elation of mind, self-pleasing: where this self-judging is constant they can have no place. This is that frame of mind which God approves so highly, and hath made such promises unto ; the humble are everywhere pro- posed as the especial object of his own care ; his respect is to them that are of a broken heart, and of a contrite spirit : and this will grow on no other root. No man, by his utmost diligence, on any argu- ment or consideration, shall be able to bring himself into that humble frame wherein God is delighted, unless he lay the foundation of it in continual self-judging on the account of former and present sins. Men may put on a fashion, frame, and garb of humility; but really humble they are not. Where this is wanting, pride is in the throne, in the heart, though humility be in the countenance and deportment. And herein doth this godly sorrow much consist.
[3.] There is in it a real trouble and disquietment of mind : for sorrow is an afflictive passion ; it is contrary to that composure which the mind would constantly be at. Howbeit, this trouble is not such as is opposed unto spiritual peace and refreshment ; for it is an effect of faith, and faith will produce nothing that is really inconsistent with peace with God, or that shall impeach it : but it is opposite unto other comforts. It is a trouble that all earthly things cannot take off and remove. This trouble of his mind, in his sorrow for sin, David on all occasions expresseth unto God; and sometimes it riseth to a great and dreadful height, as it is expressed, Ps. Ixxxviii. through- out. Hereby the soul is sometimes ovenvhelmed ; yet so as to relieve itself by pouring out its complaint before the Lord, Ps. cii. 1.
[4.] This inward frame of trouble, mourning, and contriteness, will express itself on all just occasions by the outward signs of sighs, tears, and mournful complaints, Ps. xxxi. 10. So David continually men- tions his tears on the like account; and Peter, on the review of his sin, wept bitterly ; and Mary washed the feet of Christ with her tears, — as we should all do. A soul filled with sorrow will run over and ex- press its inward frame by these outward signs. I sjoeak not of those self-whole, jolly professors which these days abound with ; but such as faith engageth in this duty will on all occasions abound in these things. I fear there is amongst us too great a pretence that men's natural tempers and constitutions are incompliant with these things.
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Where God makes the heart soft, and godly sorrow doth not only sometimes visit it, but dwell in it, it will not be wholly wanting in these expressions of it; and what it comes short of one way it may make up in another. Whatever the case be as to tears, it is certain that to multiply sighs and groans for sin is contrary to no man's con- stitution, but only to sin ingrafted in his constitution.
[o.] This godly sorrow will constantly incite the mind unto all duties, acts, and fruits of repentance whatever ; it is never barren nor heartless, but being both a grace and a duty, it will stir up the soul unto the exercise of all graces, and the performance of all duties that are of the same kind. This the apostle declares fully, 2 Cor. vii. 11.