A53721:793
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.
The judging of our state and condition in Relation unto the Remedy provided, is the Office and Work of Jesus Christ, with whom it is to be left. 2. Consider, that hard thoughts of what God will do with you, and harsh desponding sentences pronounced against your selves, will unsensibly alienate your hearts from God. It may be when mens perplexities are at the height, and the most sad Expressions are as it were wrested from them, they yet think they must Justify God, and that they do so accordingly. But yet such thoughts as those mentioned, are very apt to infect the mind with other inclinations. For after a while they will prevail with the soul to look on God as an Enemy, as one that hath no delight in it; and what will be the consequent thereof is easily discernible. None will continue to love long, where they expect no returns. Suffer not then your minds to be tainted with such thoughts; and let not God be dishonoured by any such expressions as reflect on that infinite Grace and compassion which he is exercising towards you. ⟨p. 317⟩RULE X. The Tenth Rule. Duly improve the least Appearances of God in a way of Grace or Pardon. 1If you would come to stability, and a comforting persuasion of an Interest in forgiveness by the Blood of Christ, improve the least Appearances of him unto your souls, and the least Intimations of his Love in Pardon, that are made unto you in the way of God. The Spouse takes notice of her Husband, and rejoiceth in him, when he stands behind the wall, when he doth but look forth at the window, and show himself at the lattice, when she could have no clear sight of him, Cant. 2. 9. She lays hold on the least Appearance of him to support her heart withal, and to stir up her Affections towards him. Men in dangers do not sit still to wait until something presents it self unto them that will give assured deliverance; but they close with that which first presents it self unto them, that is of the same kind and nature with what they look after. And thus God doth in many places express such supportments as give the soul little more than a possibility of attaining the End aimed at. As Zeph. 2. 3. It may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lords Anger. And