The truly blessed man, or, The way to be happy here, and forever being…

2. You are on this account Guilty before God. This is the state in which all men are by reason of sin, Rom. 3. 19. There is always a Guilt cleaving to sin, till by a pardon it be removed: where therefore Sin may be charged, and is not forgiven, it incurreth Guilt; and every unpardoned one is under the efficacy of the Sentence.

2. You are on this account Guilty before God. This is the state in which all men are by reason of sin, Rom. 3. 19. There is always a Guilt cleaving to sin, till by a pardon it be removed: where therefore Sin may be charged, and is not forgiven, it insurreth Guilt; and every unpardoned one is under the efficacy of the Sentence.

3. Hence you have the matter of this distress on you. And what is it that is so bitter and burden-some to the Conscience, but a Conviction of Sin, and apprehension of the Guilt that attendeth it? It is a fear of the wrath of God, arising from an expectation of having it fall upon us: whiles then you are under Guilt, there needs nothing but the awakening of Conscience, and making it to feel the impressions thereof upon it, to bring the man under the most hellish amazements that can be thought of. It is only because Conscience is asleep, ⟨p. 240⟩that you are quiet, and God knoweth how to rouse it when he pleaseth, and he will certain•• do it sooner or later: There is no peace to the wicked Isa. 57. 20.