Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

372 Duties re(eting the fifth petition in our lives. the remiffàon therefore off ones to them that believe is a work not onely of mercy but alfo of juflice. 3e We muft 3. If we would truly make this prayer ( viz. repent'of in hatred of finne) & have any affurance to our own our finnes. fouls that our finnes are forgiven, we muff repent of thofe finnes which we defire to be remitted, and forfake thofe finnes which we would have the Lord forgive, Ezek. 18. 21,22. At shat time f ever, &c. P rov.28.13. He that confeff th his finnes, and for faketh them, &c. And therefore, as Ifaiah exhorteth chap. 55.7. let the nicked forfake his way, &c. If therefore we would effectually crave the pardon of our fins, we mull have a true purpofe of heart and refolution to forfake them : And if we would have afl'urance that according to our prayer our finnes be forgiven, we muff have a true endeavour to leave them, and to perform the contrary duties. Iftherefore we have neither purpofe in our hearts nor endeavour in our lives to forfake our finnes, we may not look that the Lord will pardon them. If in my heart l regard , &c. Pfal.66. r 8. For the Lord heareth not fanners, that is , who do not repent of their finnes nor have a true purpofe to leave them, John 9.31. Prov.28.13. 4. Wenmfc 4. If we make this prayer in faith, and truly be- fear by fnne.lieve in God for the forgiveneffe ofour finnes, this tCOood en perfwafion will have this effect in us, to make us fear to finne and by finne to difpleafe and difho- nour God. There is mercy with thee, that thou mayefi be feared, Pfal. 130. 4. The bounty of the L ord muff draw us to repentance, Rom. 2. 4. Nay further, thofe that believe their finnes are forgiven them, and