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First, Some in their fits of despair, speak almost in Cain's words, saying, that their punishment, which they partly feel, and which they most of all fear, is greater than they can bear, or than can be forgiven, Gen. iv. 14.

I answer such: If sense and fear of wrath and punishment be your trouble, I would have you not to busy your thoughts about the punishment; but fix them upon your sins, which are the only cause of punishment; for get deliverance from the guilt and power of sin, and in one and the same work you free yourself from the punishment. Labour therefore that your heart may bleed with godly sorrow for sin, cry out, as David did against his sin, Psa. li. 4, 5, so do you against yours, confess them to God, strike at the root of sin, at the sin of your nature, wherein you were conceived, aggravate your actual sins, hide none, spare none, find out, arraign, accuse, condemn your sins, and yourself for them, grow first into an utter detestation of your sins, which have brought present punishment, and a sense and fear of the eternal vengeance of hell-fire; then likewise grow into a dislike with yourself for sin, loath yourself in your own sight for your iniquities, and for your abominations, Ezek. xxxvi. 31. Now when you are as a prisoner at the bar, who has received sentence of condemnation, when you are in your own apprehension a damned wretch, fearing every day to be executed; O, then it concerns you, and it is your part and duty to turn to God, the king of kings, whose name and nature is to forgive iniquity, transgression, and sins; and, that you may be accepted, go to him by Jesus Christ, whose office is to take away your sins, and to present you without sin to his Father; whose office is also to procure and sue out your pardon. Wherefore in Christ's name pray, and ask pardon of God, for his Son Jesus Christ's sake, and withal be as earnest in asking grace and power against your sin, that you may serve him in all well pleasing. Do this, as for your life, with all truth and earnestness; then you may, nay, ought to believe that God for Christ's sake has pardoned your