A53721:158
A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm
A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm wherein the nature of the forgiveness of sin is declared, the truth and reality of it asserted, and the case of a soul distressed with the guilt of sin and relieved by a discovery of forgiveness with God is at large discoursed / by John Owen.
London: printed by Robert White for Nathaniel Ponder, 1669
AN EXPOSITION UPON PSALM CXXX. › General Scope of the whole Psalm. › Verse 3 › Section
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
What first presents it self to a soul in distress on the account of sin. This opened in four Propositions. Thoughts of Gods marking sin according to the tenor of the Law full of dread and terror.
1What depths the Psalmist was in, hath been declared; in them, what Resolution he takes upon himself to seek to God alone for relief and recovery, hath been also showed; and what earnestness in general he useth therein; Addressing himself unto God in that frame, with that purpose and resolution, the first thing he fixeth on in particular is the greatness of his sin, and guilt, according to the tenor of the Law. It appears then, that,
1What depths the Psalmist was in, hath been declared; in them, what Resolution he takes upon himself to seek to God alone for relief and recovery, hath been also shewed; and what earnestness in general he useth therein; Addressing himself unto God in that frame, with that purpose and resolution, the first thing he fixeth on in particular is the greatness of his sin, and guilt, according to the tenor of the Law. It appears then, that,
- 1Propositions from Verse 3.
First, In a sin perplexed souls addresses unto God, the first thing that presents it self unto him, is Gods marking sin according to the tenor of the Law. The case is the same in this matter with all sorts of sinners; whether before conversion, or in relapses and entanglements after conversion. There is a proportion between Conversion and Recoveries. They are both wrought by the same means and ways; and have both the same effects upon the souls of sinners, although in sundry things they differ, not now to be spoken unto. What then is spoken on this hed, may be applied unto both sorts; to them that are yet unconverted, and to them who are really delivered from their state and condition; but especially unto those who know not whether state they belong unto, that is, to all guilty souls. The Law will put in its claim to all. It will condemn the sin, and try what it can do against the sinner. There is no shaking of it off; it must be fairly answered, or it will prevail. The Law issues out an arrest for the debt; and it is to no purpose to bid the Serjeant be gone, or to entreat him to spare. If payment be not procured, and an acquittance produced, the soul must to prison. I am going unto God saith the soul. He is great and terrible, a marker of sin, and what shall I say unto him? This makes him tremble, and cry out, O Lord who shall stand? so that it appears hence, that,