A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

We can then no way so eminently bring or ascribe glory unto God, as by our receiving forgiveness from him, he being willing thereunto upon the account of its tendency unto his own Glory, in that way, which he hath peculiarly fixed on for its manifestation. Hence the Apostle exhorts us to come boldly to the Throne of Grace, Heb. 4. 16. That is, with the Confidence of faith, as he expounds boldness, Chap. 10. 19, 20. We come about a business wherewith he is well pleased; such as he delights in the doing of, as he expresseth himself, Zeph. 3. 17. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee, is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy. He will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. This is the way of Gods Pardoning; he doth it in a rejoicing triumphant manner, satisfying abundantly his own holy soul therein, and resting in his love. We have then abundant encouragement to draw nigh to the Throne of Grace, to be made partakers of what God is so willing to give out unto us. And to this end serves also the Oath of God before insisted on, namely, to root out all the secret reserves of unbelief, concerning Gods Unwillingness to give Mercy, Grace and Pardon unto sinners. See Heb. 6. 17, 18. where it is expressed. Therefore the tendency of our former Arguments, is not merely to prove that there is forgiveness with God, which we may believe ⟨p. 229⟩and not be mistaken; but which we ought to believe. It is our duty so to do. We think it our duty to pray, to hear the Word, to give alms, to love the Brethren, and to abstain from sin; and if we fail in any of these, we find the guilt of them reflected upon our Conscience unto our disquietment. But we scarce think it our duty to believe the forgiveness of our sins. It is well it may be, we think, with them that can do it, but we think it not their fault who do not. Such persons may be pitied, but as we suppose not justly blamed, no not by God himself. Whose Conscience almost is burdened with this as a sin, that he doth not as he ought, believe the forgiveness of his sins? And this is merely because men judge it not their duty so to do. For a non-performance of a duty apprehended to be such, will reflect on the Conscience a sense of the guilt of sin. But now what can be required to make any thing a duty unto us, that is wanting in this matter? For,