226 FORGIVENESS .OF` SIN. despairing wretches.; I say, if this is all you . _know as to the grounds of your confidence in forgiveness, it may be justly questioned whether you have any por- tion in this matter. If uncertain reports, general no- tions lie at the bottom of your persuasion, do not sup. pose that you have anycommunion with Christ. therein. V. Of those who profess to believe forgiveness, how few are there who indeed know what it is They be- lieve, they say; but, as the Samaritans, worship they know not what. With some a bold presumption, and crying peace, peace, goes for the belief of forgiveness. A general apprehension of impunity from God, and that, though they are sinners, yet they shall not be punished, passes with others at the same rate. Some think: they shall prevail with God by their prayers and desires, to let them alone and not cast them into hell. One way or other, to escape the vengeance of hell, not to be punished in another world, is that which men fix their minds upon. But is this that forgiveness which is revealed in the Gospel l The rise and spring of our forgiveness is in the heart and gracious nature of God, declared by his name. Have you inquired seriously into this 1 Have you stood at the shore of that infinite oceanof goodness and love 1 Has your soul found support and relief from that consideration1. and has your heart leaped within you with the thoughts of it 1. Or, if you have never . been affected an especial manner_herewith;-have you bowed down your soul under the consideration of that sovereign act of God that is the next spring of forgive- ness z that glorious acting of free grace, that when all might justly have perished, all having sinned and come short of his glory, God would yet have mercyon some 1 Have you given up yourself to this grace 1 ís this any part of what you believe 1 Suppose you are a stranger to this also, what communion with God have you, had
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