A53721:767
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.
And all True Gospel mourners, will be found to have the root of Assurance so grafted in them, that in its proper season (a time of trouble) it will undoubtedly flourish. 13. A deep sense of the indwelling power of sin, is consistent with Gospel Assurance. Sense of indwelling sin will cause manifold perplexities in the Soul. Trouble, disquietments, sorrow, and anguish of heart, expressing themselves in sighs, mourning, ⟨p. 287⟩groaning for deliverance always attend it. To what purpose do you speak to a Soul highly sensible of the restless power of indwelling sin concerning Assurance. Alas, saith he, I am ready to perish every moment, my lusts are strong, active, restless, yea outrageous; they give me no rest, no liberty, and but little success do I obtain. Assurance is for Conquerors; for them that live at rest and peace. I lie grovelling on the ground all my days, and must needs be uncertain what will be the issue. But when such an one hath done all he can, he will not be able to make more woeful complaints of this matter than Paul hath done before him. Rom. 7. and yet he closeth the discourse of it with as high an expression of assurance as any person needs to seek after, v. last, and chap. 8. 1. It is not Assurance, but Enjoyment that excludes this sense and trouble. But if men will think they can have no Assurance, because they have that, without which it is impossible they should have any, it is hard to give them relief. A little Cruse of Salt of the Gospel cast into these bitter waters will make them sweet and wholesome. Sense of the guilt of sin may consist with faith of its pardon and forgiveness in the blood of Christ. Godly sorrow may dwell in the same heart at the same time, with Joy in the Holy Ghost; and groaning after deliverance from the power of sin, with a Gracious persuasion that sin shall not have dominion over us, because we are not under the Law but Grace. 24. Doubtings, Fears, Temptations, if not ordinarily prevailing are consistent with Gospel Assurance. Though the Devils power he limited in reference unto the Saints, yet his hands are not tied. Though he cannot prevail against them, yet he can assault them. And although there be not an evil heart of unbelief in Believers, yet there will still be unbelief in their hearts.