A53721:362
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 4 › 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.
3. It supports unto waiting in the use of all means for the attainment of a sense of forgiveness, and so hath its Effect in the whole course of our obedience. There is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. To fear the Lord, is an ⟨p. 121⟩expression comprehensive of his whole Worship; and all our duty. This I am encouraged, saith the Psalmist unto, in my depths; because there is forgiveness with thee, I will abide in all duties, in all the ways of thy Worship, wherein thou mayest be found. And however it be for a while, the latter end of that soul who thus abideth with God, will be peace. Let us then nextly see by what ways and means it yields this supportment.
3. It supports unto waiting in the use of all means for the attainment of a sense of forgiveness, and so hath its Effect in the whole course of our obedience. There is forgiveness with thee, that thou maist be feared. To fear the Lord, is an ⟨p. 121⟩expression comprehensive of his whole Worship; and all our duty. This I am encouraged, saith the Psalmist unto, in my depths; because there is forgiveness with thee, I will abide in all duties, in all the wayes of thy Worship, wherein thou maist be found. And however it be for a while, the latter end of that soul who thus abideth with God, will be peace. Let us then nextly see by what wayes and means it yields this supportment.
11. It begets a liking of God in the soul; and consequently some love unto him. The soul apprehends God, as one infinitely to be desired and delighted in by those who have a share in forgiveness. It cannot but consider him as good and gracious, however its own estate be hazardous, Psal. 73. 1, 2. Yet God is good to Israel, to such as are of a clean heart, as for me, my feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slipped. However the state stands with me, yet I know that God is good, good to Israel; and therewith shall I support my self. When once this ground is got upon the soul, that it considers God in Christ as one to be delighted in, and loved, great and blessed effects will ensue. (1.) Self-abhorrency and Condemnation, with Resignation of all to God, and permanency therein, do certainly attend it. (2.) Still somewhat or other in God will be brought to mind to relieve it under faintings, some new springs of hope will be every day opened. (3.) And the soul will be insensibly wrought upon to delight it self in dealing with God. Though in its own particular, it meets with frowns, chidings and repulses, yet this still relieves him, that God is so as hath been declared; so that he says, however it be, yet God is good; and it is good for me to wait upon him. Without this discovery the soul likes not God, and whatever it doth with respect unto him, it is because it dares do no otherwise, being overawed with his terror and greatness. And such Obedience God may have from Devils.