A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

And this was the best ground that Jonathan had for the great undertaking against the Enemies of God, 1 Sam. 14. 6. It may be God will go along with us. And to what end doth God at any time make these seemingly dubious intimations of Grace and Mercy? is it that we should by the difficulty included in them, be discouraged and kept from him? not at all; he speaks nothing to deter sinners, especially distressed sinners, from trusting in him. But his End is that we should close with, and lay hold upon, and improve the least Appearances of Grace, which this kind of expressions do give unto us. When men are in a voyage at Sea, and meet with a Storm or a Tempest which abides upon them, and they fear will at last prevail against them; if they make so far a discovery of Land, as that they can say, it may be there is ⟨p. 318⟩Land; it may it is such a place where there is a safe harbour, none can positively say, it is not; there lies no demonstration against it; in this condition especially if there be no other way of escape delivery or safety proposed to them, this is enough to make them to follow on that discovery, and with all diligence to steer their course that way, until they have made a trial of it unto the utmost. The soul of which we speak is afflicted and tossed, and not comforted. There is in the Intimation of Grace and Pardon intended, a remote discovery made of some relief. This may be Christ, it may be forgiveness. This it is convinced of; it cannot deny but at such or such a time under such Ordinances, or in such Duties, it was persuaded that yet there might be Mercy and Pardon for it. This is enough to carry it to steer its course constantly that way; to press forward unto that harbour which will give it rest. How little was it that David had to bring his soul unto a composure in his great distress, 2 Sam. 15. 25, 26. If, saith he, I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me again, and show me the Ark, and the place of his habitation; but if he thus say, I have no delight in thee, behold here am I, let him do unto me as seemeth good unto him. He hath nothing but Sovereign Grace to rest upon, and that he gives himself up unto. Faith is indeed the souls Venture for Eternity. Something it is to venture on, as to its eternal condition. It must either adhere unto its self, or its own vain hopes of a Righteousness of its own;