A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

First, The common notion of forgiveness that men have in the world, is twofold. (1.) An Atheistical Presumption on God, that he is not so Just and Holy, or not Just and Holy in such a way and manner as he is by some represented, is the ground of their persuasion of forgiveness. Men think that some Declarations of God, are fitted only to make them mad. That he takes little notice of these things, and that what he doth, he will easily pass by, as they suppose better becomes him. Come, Let us eat and drink, for to morrow we shall dye. This is their inward thought, the Lord will not do good, nor will he do evil; which says the Psalmist, is mens thinking that God is such a one as themselves, Psal. 50. 21. They have no deep nor serious thoughts of his Greatness, Holiness, Purity, Severity, but think that he is like themselves; so far as not to be much moved with what they do. What thoughts they have of sin, the same they think God hath. If with them a slight ejaculation, be enough to expiate sin, that their consciences be no more troubled, they think it is enough with God, that it be not punished. The generality of men make light work of sin; and yet in nothing doth it more appear what thoughts they have of God. He that hath slight thoughts of sin, had never great thoughts of God. Indeed mens-undervaluing of sin, ariseth merely from their contempt of God. All sins concernments flow from its Relation unto God. And as mens apprehensions are of God, so will they be of sin, which is an Opposition to him. This is the frame of the most of men; they know little of God, and are little troubled about any thing that relates unto him. God is not reverenced, sin is but a trifle, forgiveness a matter of nothing; who so will may have it for asking. But shall this Atheistical wickedness of the heart of man be called a discovery of forgiveness? Is not this to make God an Idol? He who is not acquainted with Gods Holiness and Purity, who knows not sins desert and sinfulness knows nothing of forgiveness.

First, The common notion of forgiveness that men have in the world, is twofold. (1.) An Atheistical Presumption on God, that he is not so Just and Holy, or not Just and Holy in such a way and manner as he is by some represented, is the ground of their perswasion of forgiveness. Men think that some Declarations of God, are fitted only to make them mad. That he takes little notice of these things, and that what he doth, he will easily pass by, as they suppose better becomes him. Come, Let us eat and drink, for to morrow we shall dye. This is their inward thought, the Lord will not do good, nor will he do evil; which sayes the Psalmist, is mens thinking that God is such a one as themselves,