*RULES FOR OB7'AINING FOí3GIVIîNESS. 2,93 that they.are not cast utterly out of all hope of a reco- very. And, 2. Let them review the course of their lives under such heads and seasons as may give them clear and distinct apprehension of what has occurred between God and their souls, that may have been pro - voking to him. As, 1. For the state of their inward man, let them con- sider the unregenerate part of their lives, that which was confessedly so before they had any real work of God upon their hearts, and therein inquire, 1. If there were then any great and signal eruptions of sins against God; for of such God requires that a deep sense be kept on our souls all our days. How often do we find 'Paul calling over the sins of his life and ways before his conversion ! "I was," saith he, " injurious, and a blasphemer." Such reflections ought persons to have on any great provoking occasions of sin, that may keep them humble, and necessitate them constantly to look for a fresh sense of pardon, through the blood of Christ. If such sins lie neglected, and are not duly regarded and repented of, they will weaken the soul in its com- fort whilst it lives in this world. 2.. If there weie any signal manifestations of the love of God to the soul, while it broke off from the power of its corruption and temptation, they require a due humbling consideration all our days. In that part of our lives which, upon 'the call of God, we have given up to him, there are two sorts of sins that do effectuallyhinder our future peace and comfort, which ought to be frequently reviewed and issued in the blood of Christ. 1. Such as, by reason of any aggra- ratingcircumstances, have been accompanied with some
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