188 FORCIVE1 ESS of SIN. long now to us, as if it had in a particular manner been engaged in'covenant to us; and that because the whole covenant is ratified and confirmed to us by Jesus Christ. 2 Gor.. 6 18.; 7 : 1. This, then, absolutely secures . to us an interest in the name of God, the God of forgive- ness, as if it had been given to every one of us to assure us of this. 4. God takes this name, the God offorgiveness, to be his in a peculiar manner, as that whereby he Will be known. He appropriates it to himself, as expressing that which the power and goodness of no other can extend to "There are lords many, and gods many," saith the aipostle; some that are called so such as some account so to be How is the true God distinguished from these gods l He is so by this name,_ lie is the " God of par- dons." Micah, 7: 18.. "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity i" This is his perogative; here- in none is equal to him, like to him, or a sharer with him. Who is a God like unto thee, that may be called a "God of pardons?" The vanities of the nations can- not give them this rain; they have no refreshing showers of mercy and pardon in their power. Neither angels, nor saints, nor images, nor popes, can pardon sin. By this name doth he distinguish himself from them all. 5. To be known by this name, is the great glory of God in this world. When Moses desired to see the glory of God, the Lord told him, "that he could not see his face." Exod. 33 : 18-20. The face of God, or the glorious majesty of his being, his essential glory., is not to be seen by any in this life; we cannot see him as he is: But the glorious manifestation of himself we may behold and contemplate.. This we may see as the back parts of God; that shadow of his excellences which he casteth.forth in passing by us in his works and dis- pensations. _ This Moses shall see. And wherein did it
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