Robert Traill

'Specially welcomed to the throne of grace are they that come... to get, and not to give. Watch your spirits in this matter. When you come to the throne of grace, come to receive out of Christ's fullness, and come not to bring grace with you to add to Christ's store. He loves to give, and glories in giving; but he scorns to receive grace from you; and in truth you have none to give but what he gives you. Bring your wants to him to supply, but bring not your fullness to brag about. Spread your sins before his throne with shame and sorrow, and plead for a gracious pardon; but watch that you don't bring your sorrow, tears and repentance, no, nor your faith itself, as a plea for that pardon.
How abominable it is to Christian ears, and how much more to Christ's to hear a man plead thus for pardon: 'Here is my repentance; where is thy pardon? Here is my faith; where is thy justification?' I know men hate to say so, but watch carefully, lest any thought bordering on it enters into your heart.
Faith is the tongue that begs for pardon. Faith is the hand that receives it; it is the eye that sees it; but it is not the price to buy it. Faith uses the Gospel-plea for pardon; but, neither in habit nor act, is the plea itself. That can only be Christ's blood.'
Quoted from Robert Traill's works (commenting on the publican and pharisee, Luke 18:13), available in a 4 volume paperback set, published by Gospel Mission, priced £26.95
Lorna