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Aug. 12. 1666. being under the sense of ma∣ny sins, I considered with my self what grounds and evidences I had for the pardon of my sins. And was satisfied from these Scriptures:
Acts. 10. 43. To him give all the prophets Witness that through his name, whosoever be∣lieveth in him shall receive remission of sins. I found that through grace I did believe in
Christ, 1 Joh. 1. 9. If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I saw here that Gods justice and faithfulness, stand engag∣ed to forgive their Sins, who make confession of them, which God had given me an heart to do.
Isa. 1. 16, 17, 18, 19. These persons to whom this promise was made, had sinned a∣gainst great mercies. ver. 2. and great judg∣ments, v. 5. and other circumstances did ag∣gravate their sins, yet God promiseth to for∣give their Scarlet, and Crimson-sins, if they were willing to repent and obey the Lord. If ye be willing and obedient. And through grace I found I was willing to obey Gods voice, to cease to do evil, and to learn to do well.
Hebr. 8. 10. 12. The promise of re∣mission of sins is part of the new Covenant, and I find that God hath made this Covenant with me. from Isa. 55. 3. where the condi∣tion of the Covenant is coming unto Christ, to which God hath enabled me.
Dec. 30. Having left the prevalency of sin, and found sin not only Warring against but leading me Captive, which made me question my pardon, I was enabled to rest up∣on God for forgiveness of my sin from,
Ps. 65. 3. Iniquities prevail against me, As for our transgressions thou shalt purge them away. By purging is meant. 1. pardon∣ing, Heb. 1. 3. Ps. 51. 7. 2. Subdu∣ing
and Destroying sin, Isa. 27. 9. 2 Tim. 2. 21. So that David when he felt sin prevail∣ing and not only one sin but several—Ini∣quities, in the plural number, prevail, did yet rest upon God both for the pardon and the Subduing of his sins, and what David did I may and ought to do.
Rom. 7. 23, 24, 25. when the Apostle found sin working, and warring and leading him captive, yet he hangs upon Christ, and blesseth God for Christ, and believeth he should be delivered from the guilt and power of his sins by Jesus Christ.
When the filthiness of my sins made me afraid that God would not pardon, because I had such vile affections, and such filthy mo∣tions in my heart, God comforted me with that word, Ezek. 36. 25. I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean from all your filthiness, and I will cleanse you, & v. 29. I will save you from all your uncleannesses. And from Act. 13. 38, 39. the promise is to all that believe, and here is promised Justification from all things—So as no sin, no cir∣cumstance in any sin shall be charged upon any believer to his condemnation.
Jul. 14. 1667. Having found my heart departing from God in a very treacherous man∣ner, this did cloud my Evidence of pardon, but after prayer I was confirmed in the belief of the forgiveness of my sin, from Jer. 3. 2, 20, 22. Here I saw that though the Jews had
voluntarily without any enticing Temptation prostituted themselves to sin, v. 2. and though they had in a Treacherous manner departed from God after he had taken them into a Con∣jugal Relation with himself v. 20. Yet he promiseth upon their return to heal their back∣slidings. My Faith was further established by considering that remission of sin was promised to me in the Covenant, which Covenant should never be removed from me. Isa. 54. 9, 10. Also Dan. 9. 9.
When God had once and again cleared up to my Soul the Pardon of my sins, I consi∣dered with my self what duties this mercy called for: And I saw,
1. This should make me thankful. Psal. 103. 1, 2, 3.
2. It should make me admire God. Mic. 7. 18, 19.
3. It should make me more fearful of of∣fending God. Ps. 130. 4.—85. 8.
4. It should make me Love God much. Luke 7. 42, 43, 47.
5. It should make me glorifie God, and let him have the Dominion over my Soul. Rev. 1. 5, 6.
6. It should make me cheerful and en∣courage me in all the troubles of this present life. Mat. 9. 2. Isa. 33. ult.
7. It should oblige me to forgive others. Eph. 4▪ 32. Col. 3. 13.
8. It should make me willing to be em∣ployed in any Service for God. Isa. 6. 7, 8.