A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

And this also (which is our design in hand) will make it appear, That this discovery of forgiveness whereof we speak, is indeed no common thing, is a great discovery. Let men come with a sense of the guilt of sin, to have deep and serious thoughts of God, they will find it no such easy and light matter, to have their hearts truly and throughly apprehensive of this loving and gracious nature of God, in reference unto pardon. ⟨p. 97⟩It is an easy matter to say so in common, but the soul will not find it so easy to believe it for it self. What hath been spoken before concerning the ingrafted notions that are in the minds of men about the Justice, Holiness and severity of God, will here take place. Though men profess that God is Gracious, yet that Aversation which they have unto him, and communion with him, doth abundantly manifest that they do not believe what they say and profess; if they did, they could not but delight and trust in him, which they do not; for they that know his name will put their trust in him. So said the slothful servant in the Gospel, I knew that thou wast austere, and not for me to deal withal; it may be he professed otherwise before, but that lay in his heart when it came to the trial. But this I say, is necessary to them, unto whom this discovery is to be made; even a spiritual apprehension of the gracious, loving heart and nature of God. This is the spring of all that follows; And the fountain must needs be infinitely sweet from whence such streams do flow. He that considers the glorious fabric of Heaven and Earth, with the things in them contained, must needs conclude that they were the product of infinite Wisdom and Power; nothing less, or under them could have brought forth such an effect. And he that really considereth forgiveness, and looks on it with a spiritual eye, must conclude, that it comes from infinite Goodness and Grace. And this is that which the Hearts of sinners are exercised about, when they come to deal for pardon. Psal. 86. 5. Thou Lord art good and ready to forgive. Nehem. 9. 17. Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness. And Micah 7. 19. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity—because he delighteth in Mercy. And God encourageth them hereunto, wherever he says, that he forgives sins and blots out iniquities, for his own sake, or his names sake;