For Thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity, for it is great. ((Psalm 25:11))

But how could he make this a plea for pardon? Because the greater his iniquity was, the more need he had of pardon. It is as much as if he had said, “Pardon my iniquity, for it is so great that I cannot bear the punishment. My sin is so great that I am in need of pardon. My case will be very miserable unless you are pleased to pardon me.” He makes use of the greatness of his sin to enforce his plea for pardon as someone would make use of the greatness of calamity in begging for relief. A beggar who begs for bread will plead the greatness of his poverty and necessity. And God allows such a plea as this, for he is moved to mercy toward us by nothing in us but the misery of our case. He does not pity sinners because they are worthy but because they need his pity.