416 FORGIVENESS OF SIN. misapprehensions of what God is in himself, and of what he will be to them ; and whither should they re- pair to be undeceived, but to that' faithful representa- tion which he has made of himself and his will in the word of his grace 2 " For no man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he bath declared him." John, 1 : 18. Now, the Gospel is nothing but the word of promise explained in all the springs, causes and effects of it ; thither must we repair to be instructed in this matter. The imaginings and reasonings of men's hearts will but deceive them in these things. The instructions of other men may do so ; nor have they any truth in them, further than they may be resolved into the word of promise. Here alone they may find rest and refresh- ment. The soul of whom we speak, is under troubles, perplexities, and distresses, as to its outward condition ; pressed with many straits, it may be, on every hand ; and as to its spiritual state, under various apprehen- sions as to the mind and will of God towards it, as has at large been explained. In this condition it is brought in some measure to a holy submission to God, and a patient waiting for the issue of its trials. In this state it has many temptations to, and much working of unbe- lief. The whole of its opposition amounts to this, that it is neglected of God; that its way is hid, and its judgment is passed over from him; that it shall not be at present delivered, nor hereafter saved. What course can any one advise such a one to for his relief, and to preserve his soul from fainting, or deserting the duty of waiting on God, but only this, to search and inquire what revelation God hath made of himself and his will
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