A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

2. This abiding with God argues a forbearance of any other choice. Whilst the soul is in this condition having not attained ⟨p. 125⟩any evidences of its own special interest in forgiveness: Many Lovers will be soliciting of it to play the harlot by taking them into its embraces. Both self-righteousness and sin will be very importunate in this matter. The former tenders it self as exceeding useful to give the soul some Help, Assistance, and supportment in its condition. Samuel doth not come saith Saul, and the Philistines invade me, I will venture and offer Sacrifice my self contrary to the Law. The Promise doth not come to the soul for its particular relief, it hath no evidence as to an especial interest in forgiveness: Temptation invades the mind; try thy self, says it, to take relief in somewhat of thine own providing. And this is to play the harlot from God. To this purpose self-righteousness variously disguises it self, like the Wise of Jeroboam when she went to the Prophet. Sometimes it appears as duty, sometimes as signs, and tokens; but its end is to get somewhat of the faith and trust of the soul to be fixed upon it. But when the soul hath indeed a discovery of forgiveness, it will not give ear to these solicitations. No saith it, I see such a Beauty, such an Excellency, such a desirableness and suitableness unto my wants and condition, in that forgiveness that is with God, that I am resolved to abide in the Gospel desire and expectation of it, all the days of my life; here my choice is fixed; and I will not alter. And this Resolution gives glory to the Grace of God. When the soul without an evidence of an interest in it, yet prefers it above that which with many reasonings and pretences offers it self as a present relief unto it, Hereby is God glorified, and Christ exalted, and the spiritual life of the soul secured.

2. This abiding with God argues a forbearance of any other choice. Whilst the soul is in this condition having not attained ⟨p. 125⟩any evidences of its own special interest in forgiveness: Many Lovers will be soliciting of it to play the harlot by taking them into its embraces. Both self-righteousness and sin will be very importunate in this matter. The former tenders it self as exceeding useful to give the soul some Help, Assistance, and supportment in its condition. Samuel doth not come saith Saul, and the Philistins invade me, I will venture and offer Sacrifice my self contrary to the Law. The Promise doth not come to the soul for its particular relief, it hath no evidence as to an especial interest in forgiveness: Temptation invades the mind; try thy self, sayes it, to take relief in somewhat of thine own providing. And this is to play the harlot from God. To this purpose self-righteousness variously disguises it self, like the Wise of Jeroboam when she went to the Prophet. Sometimes it appears as duty, sometimes as signs, and tokens; but its end is to get somewhat of the faith and trust of the soul to be fixed upon it. But when the soul hath indeed a discovery of forgiveness, it will not give ear to these solicitations. No saith it, I see such a Beauty, such an Excellency, such a desireableness and suitableness unto my wants and condition, in that forgiveness that is with God, that I am resolved to abide in the Gospel desire and expectation of it, all the dayes of my life; here my choice is fixed; and I will not alter. And this Resolution gives glory to the Grace of God. When the soul without an evidence of an interest in it, yet prefers it above that which with many reasonings and pretences offers it self as a present relief unto it, Hereby is God glorified, and Christ exalted, and the spiritual life of the soul secured.