former, but only the curing of the paralytical man, was a more visible sign to confirm the other, for when they saw that which he commanded accomplished upon the mans body, they might well conclude the other fulfilled in his soul. Now when we say, God only can forgive sin, this is to be extended both to the forgivenesse in Heaven, and to that in a mans own con∣science; for the former it is plain, because the injury is done only against him, when we sin; and for the later, it is clear, because he is the Father of Spirits, and so can command what∣soever peace and security he pleaseth in the conscience. We see when Friends and Ministers do pour oil into a wounded soul, they feel no benefit or refreshment, till God speak to the heart. This is notably asserted by Elihu, Job 34.29. When he giveth quietnesse, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? O therefore with all humble thankfulnesse acknowledge this great mercy of pardon, if thou art made partaker of it; If the Lord should work miracles for thee, he would not display so much power and mercy, as he doth in this forgivenesse of thy sins.
Secondly, It supposeth God doth see, and take notice of sinne in us, after we have believed: For how can God be said to for∣give that which he taketh no notice of? If forgiving be cover∣ing of sinne, and a blotting it out, then it is seen and open to God, and uncancelled till this be done. Suppose our Saviour had used these words in this Petition, Cover our iniquities, as we cover the sins of others; would not that expression have ne∣cessarily implied, That God did see them, and look on them, till he covered them? Certainly Joseph did upon a good ground, abstain from sin, when he said, How can I do this, and sinne against God? That is, who seeth me, and beholdeth me in secret, and will be angry with me: But if God take no notice of my sinne; how can I truly awe my self from sinne, saying, How can I do this evil in Gods eyes? How can I provoke him to anger?
Let the Application then be, to importune for this mercy, of forgivenesse, which makes all other things mercy. Health, riches, learning, peace, are mercies, if with these there be a pardon of all our sins: especially be pressed to seek for it, from