A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

yes, all our days we are to build upon it, when it is surely and firmly laid. And these are the means and ways of our Edification. This then is the soul to do who would come to peace and settlement. Let it let go all former endeavours if it have been engaged unto any of that kind. And let it alone receive, admit of, and adhere to mere Grace, mercy and pardon, with a full sense that in its self it hath nothing for which it should have an interest in them, but that all is of mere Grace through Jesus Christ. Other foundation can no man lay. Depart not hence until this work be well over. Surcease not an earnest endeavour with your own hearts to acquiesce in this Righteousness of God, and to bring your souls unto a comfortable persuasion that God for Christ his sake hath freely forgiven you all your sins. Stir not hence until this be effected. If you have been engaged in another way, that is, to seek for an interest in the pardon of sin by some endeavours of your own, it is not unlikely but that you are filled with the fruit of your own doings; that is, that you go on with all kind of uncertainties, and without any kind of constant peace. Return then again hither; bring this foundation work to a blessed issue in the blood of Christ, and when that is done, up and be doing. You know how fatal and ruinous it is for souls to abuse the Grace of God, and the Apprehension of the pardon of sins in the course of their obedience, to countenance themselves in sin, or the negligence of any duty; this is to turn the Grace of God into wantonness, as we have else where at large declared. And it is no less pernicious to bring the duties of our obedience, any reserves for them, any hopes about them, into the matter of pardon and forgiveness, as we are to receive them from God. But these things, as they are distinct in themselves; so they must be distinctly managed in the soul; and the confounding of them, is that which disturbs the Peace, and weakens the Obedience of many. In a confused manner they labour to keep up a life of Grace and Duty, which will be in their places conjoined, but not mixed or compounded. First, To take up Mercy, Pardon and Forgiveness absolutely on the account of Christ, and then to yield all obedience in the strength of Christ, and for the Love of Christ, is the life of a Believer, Ephes. 2. 8, 9, 10. ⟨p. 309⟩RULE VIII.

yes, all our daies we are to build upon it, when it is surely and firmly laid. And these are the means and waies of our Edification. This then is the soul to do who would come to peace and settlement. Let it let go all former endeavours if it have been engaged unto any of that kind. And let it alone receive, admit of, and adhere to meer Grace, mercy and pardon, with a full sense that in its self it hath nothing for which it should have an interest in them, but that all is of meer Grace through Jesus Christ. Other foundation can no man lay. Depart not hence until this work be well over. Surcease not an earnest endeavour with your own hearts to acquiesce in this Righteousness of God, and to bring your souls unto a comfortable perswasion that God for Christ his sake hath freely forgiven you all your sins. Stir not hence untill this be effected. If you have been engaged in another way, that is, to seek for an interest in the pardon of sin by some endeavours of your own, it is not unlikely but that you are filled with the fruit of your own doings; that is, that you go on with all kind of uncertainties, and without any kind of constant peace. Return then again hither; bring this foundation work to a blessed issue in the blood of Christ, and when that is done, up and be doing. You know how fatal and ruinous it is for souls to abuse the Grace of God, and the Apprehension of the pardon of sins in the course of their obedience, to countenance themselves in sin, or the negligence of any duty; this is to turn the Grace of God into wantonness, as we have else where at large declared. And it is no less pernicious to bring the duties of our obedience, any reserves for them, any hopes about them, into the matter of pardon and forgiveness, as we are to receive them from God. But these things, as they are distinct in themselves; so they must be distinctly managed in the soul; and the confounding of them, is that which disturbs the Peace, and weakens the Obedience of many. In a confused manner they labour to keep up a life of Grace and Duty, which will be in their places conjoyned, but not mixed or compounded. First, To take up Mercy, Pardon and Forgiveness absolutely on the account of Christ, and then to yield all obedience in the strength of Christ, and for the Love of Christ, is the life of a Believer,