A second volume of discourses or sermons on several scriptures

Fourthly, Pardon of Sin lays a good ground for Peace in a Man's own Conscience. I do not say that Peace of Conscience is always an inseparable Attendant upon Pardon of Sin: For doubtless there are many so unhappy as to have a Wrangling Conscience in their own Bosoms, when God is at Peace with them: But this is certain, That Pardon of Sin lays a solid ground and Foundation for Peace in a Man's own Conscience, and were Christians but as industrious as they should be in clearing up their Evidences for Heaven, they might obtain Peace whenever they are pardoned. What is there that disquiets Conscience, but only Guilt? nothing but the Guilt of Sin doth it; this is that which rageth and stormeth in Wicked Men, and is as a Tempest within their Breasts; this is that unseen Scourge that draws Blood and Groans at every Lash; this is that Worm that lies perpetually gnawing at the Heart of a Sinner; this is that Rack that breaks the Bones, and disjoints the Soul it self. In a word, Guilt is the Fuel of Hell, and the Incendiary of Conscience: were ⟨p. 77⟩it not for Guilt, there were not a more pleasant and peaceable thing in all the World, than a Man's own Conscience. Now Pardon of Sin removes this Guilt, and thereby makes Reconciliation between us and our Consciences; and therefore, says our Saviour, Matth. 9.2. to the Paralytic Man, Son, be of good cheer, thy Sins are forgiven thee; why might not some say, this is an Impertinent Speech, to say to one that was brought to be cured of a sad Infirmity of Body, That his Sins were forgiven him, whilst yet his Disease was not cured? Not but our Lord Christ knew, that there was infinitely more cause of Joy and Cheerfulness to have Sin Pardoned, than to have Diseases cured. To have all calm and serene within, not to have a Frown, or Wrinkle upon the Face of the Soul, to have all smooth Thoughts and peaceful Affections; this is some faint resemblance of Heaven it self, and is never vouchsafed unto any, but where Pardon and the sense of it is given to the Soul.

Fourthly, Pardon of Sin lays a good ground for Peace in a Man's own Conscience. I do not say that Peace of Conscience is always an inseparable Attendant upon Pardon of Sin: For doubtless there are many so unhappy as to have a Wrangling Conscience in their own Bosoms, when God is at Peace with them: But this is certain, That Pardon of Sin lays a solid ground and Foundation for Peace in a Man's own Conscience, and were Christians but as industrious as they should be in clearing up their Evidences for Heaven, they might obtain Peace whenever they are pardon'd. What is there that disquiets Conscience, but only Guilt? nothing but the Guilt of Sin doth it; this is that which rageth and stormeth in Wicked Men, and is as a Tempest within their Breasts; this is that unseen Scourge that draws Bloud and Groans at every Lash; this is that Worm that lies perpetually gnawing at the Heart of a Sinner; this is that Rack that breaks the Bones, and disjoynts the Soul it self. In a word, Guilt is the Fuel of Hell, and the Incendiary of Conscience: were