The truly blessed man

8. Hence it follows, that not only the person, but the sin too may be pardoned, and yet the Conscience burdened with it. It is impossible but that awakened Conscience, that hath a right apprehension of the nature of Guilt, and looks upon himself to be under it, must of necessity be in great anguish: and none more sensible of it than they who have grace in them, having been savingly enlightened, and thereby having a more lively sense raised in them. A particular forgiveness is applied upon a particular Repentance, and Believing; and some say, Can a man exert a particular act of faith and repentance and not know it? and if he doth know it, he must know that he is forgiven, because of the close connection between these two: but it may readily be answered, that the man may exert a gracious act, and yet be at a loss whether it be gracious or no; he may doubt whether his heart were right were right in it, and so be afraid whether God hath accepted it; yea, be ready to draw a conclusion against himself in this respect; and the sin it self mean while stares him in the face, and terrifieth him; and indeed, if the Spirit do not afford his concurring Testimony, and set his seal to the truth of this, the man will not know what to make of himself, knowing the deceitfulness and hypocrisy of his own heart: and whiles it is so, needs must the terrors of the Lord make him afraid: the Sin cannot but be very heavy and oppressing on his Conscience.

8. Hence it follows, that not only the person, but the sin too may be pardoned, and yet the Conscience burdened with it. It is impossible but that awakened Conscience, that hath a right apprehension of the nature of Guilt, and looks upon himself to be under it, must of necessity be in great anguish: and none more sensible of it than they who have grace in them, having been savingly enlightened, and thereby having a more lively sense raised in them. A particular forgiveness is applied upon a particular Repentance, and Believing; and some say, Can a man exert a particular act of faith and repentance and not know it? and if he doth know it, he must know that he is forgiven, because of the close connexion between these two: but it may readily be answered, that the man may exert a gracious act, and yet be at a loss whether it be gracious or no; he may doubt whether his heart were right were right in it, and so be afraid whether God hath accepted it; yea, be ready to draw a conclusion against himself in this respect; and the sin it self mean while stares him in the face, and terrifieth him; and indeed, if the Spirit do not afford his concurring Testimony, and set his seal to the truth of this, the man will not know what to make of himself, knowing the deceitfulness and hypocrisy of his own heart: and whiles it is so, needs must the terrours of the Lord make him afraid: the Sin cannot but be very heavy and oppressing on his Conscience.