A53721:378
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.
The Merchant resis not here, but he hearkeneth with much solicitousness after the things that should bring home his riches, especially if they have in them his All. Hence such Ships are called Ships of desire, Job 9. 26. Such a man greatly desires the speeding of them to their Port. He considers the Wind and the Weather, all the occasions and inconveniences and danger of the way; And blame him not; his All is at stake. The soul doth so in like manner; it hearkeneth after all the ways and means whereby this forgiveness may be particularly brought home unto it; is afraid of sin, and of Temptation, glad to find a fresh Gale of the Spirit of Grace, hoping that it may bring in his Return from the Land of Promise. This prepares the heart for a spiritual sense of it, when it is revealed.
The Merchant resis not here, but he hearkeneth with much solicitousness after the things that should bring home his riches, especially if they have in them his All. Hence such Ships are called Ships of desire, Job 9. 26. Such a man greatly desires the speeding of them to their Port. He considers the Wind and the Weather, all the occasions and inconveniences and danger of the way; And blame him not; his All is at stake. The soul doth so in like manner; it hearkneth after all the wayes and means whereby this forgiveness may be particularly brought home unto it; is afraid of sin, and of Temptation, glad to find a fresh Gale of the Spirit of Grace, hoping that it may bring in his Return from the Land of Promise. This prepares the heart for a spiritual sense of it, when it is revealed.
Secondly, It so prepares the soul, by giving it a due Valuation of the Grace and Mercy desired. The Merchantman in the Gospel was not prepared to enjoy the Pearl himself, until it was discovered to him to be of great price; then he knew how to purchase it, procure it, and keep it. The soul having by this acting of faith upon the discovery of forgiveness insisted on, come to find that the pearl hid in the field is indeed precious, is both stirred up to seek after possession of it, and to give it its due. Saith such a soul, How excellent, how precious is this forgiveness that is with God? Blessed, yea ever blessed are they who are made partakers of it! What a life of Joy, Rest, Peace, and Consolation do they lead? Had I but their Evidence of an interest in it, and the spiritual consolation that ensues thereon, How would I despise the world, and all the temptations of Satan, and rejoice in the Lord in every condition? And this Apprehension of Grace, also exceedingly prepares and fits the soul, for a receiving of a blessed sense of it, so as that God may have glory thereby.