A53721:379
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.
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.
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 rejoyce 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.
3. It fits the soul by giving a Right Understanding of it; of its Nature, its Causes, and Effects. At the first, the soul goes no further, but to look after impunity, or freedom from punishment, any way. What shall I do to be saved, is the utmost it