A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

7. We have yet a greater evidence than all these. Men live in sin, and therefore they do not believe forgiveness of sin. Faith in general purifies the heart, Acts 15. 19. Our souls are purified in obeying the Truth, 1 Pet. 1. 22. and the life is made fruitful by it, James 2. 22. Faith worketh by works, and makes it self perfect by them. And the Doctrine concerning forgiveness hath a special influence into all Holiness, Tit. 2. 11, 12. The Grace of God which bringeth salvation, teacheth us to deny all unrighteousness and worldly lusts, to live soberly, righteously, and godly ⟨p. 240⟩in this present world. And that is the Grace whereof we speak. No man can then believe forgiveness of sin, without a detestation and relinquishment of it. The ground of this might be farther manifested, and the way of the Efficacy of faith of forgiveness unto a forsaking of sin, if need were. But all that own the Gospel must acknowledge this principle. The real belief of the Pardon of sin, is prevalent with men not to live longer in sin.

But now what are the greatest number of those who pretend to receive this Truth? Are their hearts purified by it? Are their consciences purged? Are their lives changed? Do they deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts? Doth forgiveness teach them so to do? Have they found it effectual to these purposes? Whence is it then that there is such a bleating and bellowing to the contrary amongst them?