A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

It hath been showed that the first discovery that was made of pardoning Grace was unto Adam, presently after the fall. What was then his State and Condition? How was he prepared for the reception of this great mystery in its first discovery? that seems to be a considerable Rule of proceeding in the same matter. That which is first in any kind, is a Rule to all that follows. Now what was Adams condition when the Revelation of forgiveness was first made to him? it is known from the Story; convinced of sin, afraid of punishment, he lay trembling at the foot of God. Then was forgiveness revealed unto him; So the Psalmist states it, Psalm 130. v. 3. If thou Lord shouldst mark iniquity, O Lord who shall stand? Full of thoughts he is of the desert of sin, and of inevitable and eternal ruin, in case God should deal with him according to the Exigence of the Law. In that state is the great support of Forgiveness with God, suggested unto him by the Holy Ghost. We know what work our Saviour had with the Pharisees on this account. Are we, say they, blind also? No, saith he, you say, you see, therefore your sin remaineth, ⟨p. 238⟩John 9. 40, 41. It is to no purpose to talk of forgiveness to such persons as you are, you must of necessity abide in your sins. I came not to call such righteous persons as you are, but sinners to Repentance; who not only are so, as you are also, and that to the purpose, but are sensible of their being so, and of their undone condition thereby. The whole have no need of the Physician, but the sick. Whilst you are seeming Righteous and whole, it is to no End to tell you of forgiveness, you cannot understand it, nor receive it. It is impossible then that any one should in a due manner believe forgiveness in God, unless in a due manner he be convinced of sin in himself. If the fallow ground be not broken up, it is to no purpose to sow the seed of the Gospel. There is neither Life, Power, nor sweetness in this Truth, unless a door be opened for its Entrance by Conviction of sin.

It hath been shewed that the first discovery that was made of pardoning Grace was unto Adam, presently after the fall. What was then his State and Condition? How was he prepared for the reception of this great mysterie in its first discovery? that seems to be a considerable Rule of proceeding in the same matter. That which is first in any kind, is a Rule to all that follows. Now what was Adams condition when the Revelation of forgiveness was first made to him? it is known from the Story; convinced of sin, afraid of punishment, he lay trembling at the foot of God. Then was forgiveness revealed unto him; So the Psalmist states it,