The truly blessed man

3. It dischargeth them from the Curse. There is a Curse contained in the Law-Condemnation that is past upon the Sinner; and it belongs to all ⟨p. 14⟩that are under the Law, Gal. 3.10. and this is a miserable condition. Besides the things contained in it referring to another world, which will fall under an after consideration, let us here observe, that in this life it is very fearful: and that observable on a double account. There is a Curse on all their Blessings. They do enjoy many favours in this life, through the benignity of God, but there is a Curse upon them all; and that not only to remove them, but to harm them in the very enjoyment: hence that, Deut. 28.15. &c. and we have such an expression, Mal. 2.2. I will curse your blessings, yea I have cursed them already; every thing doth them hurt; all tends to their disadvantage, Their Table is a snare, &c. Psal. 69.22. Whereas they that are pardoned, have this Curse removed from them; this is a benefit promised in, Rev. 22.3. There shall be no more Curse ▪ and this flows from forgiveness. There is a Curse also in their Afflictions, and that is it which puts the bitterness into them. All the Afflictions that come upon Unpardoned Sinners, are the Executions of the Sentence of the Law, and are dispensed by God as a Judge. We read, in Eccles 5.17. He hath much sorrow and wrath with his Sickness; in all this there is a signification of vengeance, and they come to tell men what they are to expect. But, tho' the pardoned man may meet with afflictions and sore trials, yet the bitterness is taken out, because they are, though oftentimes the fruit of anger, yet of love too, Heb. 12.6. they are ⟨p. 15⟩