A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

And this is the design of the words that we do insist upon; There is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. The fear of God, as we have showed in the Old Testament, doth frequently express not that gracious Affection of our minds, which is distinctly so called; but that whole Worship of God wherein that and all other Gracious Affections towards God are to be exercised. Now the Psalmist tells us, that the foundation of this fear or Worship, and the only motive and encouragement for sinners to engage in it, and give up themselves unto it is this, that there is forgiveness with God. Without ⟨p. 185⟩this no sinner could fear, serve, or worship him. This therefore is undeniably proved by the Institution of this Worship, which was proposed unto confirmation.

And this is the design of the words that we do insist upon; There is forgiveness with thee, that thou maist be feared. The fear of God, as we have shewed in the Old Testament, doth frequently express not that gracious Affection of our minds, which is distinctly so called; but that whole Worship of God wherein that and all other Gracious Affections towards God are to be exercised. Now the Psalmist tells us, that the foundation of this fear or Worship, and the only motive and encouragement for sinners to engage in it, and give up themselves unto it is this, that there is forgiveness with God. Without ⟨p. 185⟩this no sinner could fear, serve, or worship him. This therefore is undeniably proved by the Institution of this Worship, which was proposed unto confirmation.

The end of all these things, as we shall afterwards at large declare, is to encourage poor sinners to believe, and to evidence how inexcusable they will be left, who notwithstanding all this, do through the power of their lusts and unbelief, refuse to come to God in Christ that they may be pardoned. Yea, the laying open of the certainty and fullness of the evidence given unto this truth, makes it plain and conspicuous, whence it is that men perish in and for their sins. Is it for want of Mercy, Goodness, Grace or Patience in God? Is it through any defect in the Mediation of the Lord Christ? Is it for want of the mightiest encouragements and most infallible Assurances that with God there is Forgiveness? Not at all, but merely on the account of their own obstinacy, stubbornness and perverseness. They will not come unto this Light, yea they hate it, because their deeds are evil. They will not come to Christ, that they may have life. It is merely darkness, blindness, and love of sin, that brings men to destruction. And this is laid open, and all pretences and excuses are removed, and the shame of mens lusts made naked by the full confirmation of this Truth, which God hath furnished us withal.