{ 12S FORGIVENESS OF SIN. the manifold provocations of sinners, he may change his mind and thoughts therein : No, saith the apostle, . there is a peculiar immutability in his counsel concern- ing the execution of this thing ; there can be no change in it. But how does it appear that this indeed is the coun- sel of his will 2 Why, saith he, he hath declared it byhis word, and that given in a way of promise ; which, as in its own nature it is suited to raise an expectation in those to whom it is given, so it requires exact faithful- ness in the performance of it, which God, on his part, will assuredly fulfil. But neither is this all; that no place might be left for any cavilling in this matter, "he interposeth himself by an oath." Thus we have this truth deduced from the veracity of God's nature, one of his essential excellences, established in the immuta- ble purposes of his will, brought forth by a word of pro- mise, and confirmedby God's interposing himself against all occasions of exception (so to put an end to all strife about it) by an oath, swearing by himself that so it should be. I have mentioned this to show what weight the Holy Ghost lays upon this great truth, and thence how deeply it concerns us to inquire diligently into it, and after the grounds and evidences of it ; which, among others, are these that follow : I. The first evidence offorgiveness we have IN THE FIRST PROMISE. The earliest manifestationof forgiveness in God was made to our first parents after their shame- ful sin and fall ; in which the ensuing observations are to be considered. 1.. The first sin in the world was, on many accounts, the greatest sin in the world. It was the sin, as it were, of human nature, wherein there was a conspiracy of all individuals. Rom. 5:12. It left not God one subject, as to moral obedience, on earth, nor the ground that there should be such an one to eternity. When the an- sf
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