More Richard Sibbes

I thought this was expressive of some things I have been emphasizing lately in this blog.

Therefore we should have our hearts in continual jealousy, for they are ready to deceive the best. In sudden encounters some sin doth many times discover itself, the seed whereof lieth hid in our natures, which we think ourselves very free from. Who would have thought the seeds of murmuring had lurked in the meek nature of Moses? that the seeds of murder had lurked in the pitiful heart of David? that the seeds of denial of Christ had lien hid in the zealous affection of Peter towards Christ?

This is the self-doubt the ancients practiced, and without which we are in great danger of falling. This is why so many do not end well. Sibbes speaks deeply here, but I will spare you more.

The emerging church speaks often of self-doubt, by which they mean, doubt towards the clarity of God's revelation. But here is a better self-doubt...a doubt that cleaves to truth. Doubt yourself, not God.