Now for such to consider that underneath them, even at the bottom
there lieth a blessing, or that in this deep whereinto they are
descending, there lieth a delivering mercy couching to catch them,
and to save them from sinking for ever, this would be relief unto
them, and help them to hope for good.

Again, As this, were it well considered by the sinking ones, would
yield them stay and relief, so this is it by the virtue whereof,
they that have been sinking heretofore, have been lifted up, and
above their castings down again. There are of those that have been
in the pit, now upon mount Sion, with the harps of God in their
hands, and with the song of the Lamb in their mouths. But how is
it that they are there? why, David, by his own deliverance shews
you the reason. "For great is thy mercy towards me," saith he,
"and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell" (Psa 86:13).
And again, "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit," (a pit
of noise, a pit wherein was the noise of devils, and of my heart
answering them with distrust and fear) "out of the miry clay,"
(into which I did not only sink, but was by it held from getting
up: but he brought me up) "and set my feet upon a rock, and
established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth,
even praise to our God" (Psa 40:2,3).

But let me here give, if it may be, a timely caution to them that
think they stand upon their feet. Give not way to falling because
everlasting arms are underneath, take heed of that: God can let
thee fall into mischief, he can let thee fall, and not help thee
up. Tempt not God, lest he cast thee away indeed. I doubt there
are many that have presumed upon this mercy, that thus do couch