Causes of Soul Trouble

    There are four sorts of sins which usually bring soul trouble to those who are the children of God, and have had the light of his countenance.

    1. Carnal security, and self-confidence: "In my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved." "Thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled." "Be not high-minded, but fear."

    2. Letting slip opportunities. So the spouse: "I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?" She makes excuses—will not admit him. The next news is, "My Beloved had withdrawn himself; see Sol. Song v. 3—7.

    3. Giving way to a worldly frame of heart: "For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart."

    4. Cowardice in God's service. God bid Jonah go to Nineveh to preach. He was afraid; would not go. The next news is that he was in the sea; in "the belly of hell." Some that have denied the truth through carnal fear, have had no rest in their souls till they recanted their recantation. When thou hast found out the Achan, stone it with stones. Throw the Jonah overboard.