on to the world, but particularly intended for the
elect, that is, the present suspension of the execution of the curse of
the law, by virtue whereof there is liberty to offer the gospel, and call
sinners to repentance. No question, the sparing of the world, the
forbearance and long suffering of God towards sinners, is the result and
fruit of our Lord's intercession and advocation in heaven, and so, even
the elect have the benefit of it before they believe, but it is so
provided, that they shall never sensibly know this, nor have any special
comfort from it, till they believe, and so Christ doth not plead for
pardon to their sins till they repent. He pleads even before we repent,
but we cannot know it; yet he pleads not that pardon be bestowed before
they repent, and so the saving efficacy of his advocation is peculiar and
proper in the application to believing souls.

Now, consider, I say, whether or not thou be one that finds the power of
that persuasion,--"My little children, I write unto you that ye sin not,"
&c. Canst thou unfeignedly say, that it is the desire and endeavour of thy
soul not to sin, and that thou art persuaded to this, not only from the
fear and terror of God, but especially from his mercy and goodness in the
gospel? This is one part of the character of such as Christ's advocation
is actually extended to. Moreover, being surprised with sin, and overcome
beside thy purpose, and against thy desire, dost thou apprehend sin as thy
greatest misery, and arraign thyself before the tribunal of God, or art
thou attached in thy own conscience, and the law pleaded against thee,
before the bar of thy own conscience? Then, I say, according to this
scripture, thou art the soul unto whom this comfort belongs, thou art
called of God to decide the controversy in thy own conscience. By flying
up, and appealing to that higher tribunal, where Christ is advocate, thou
mayest safely give over, and trust thy cause to him.

But, on the other hand, O how deplorable and remediless is the condition
of those souls who have no cause of this kind stated within their own
consciences, who are not pursued by Satan and sin, but rather at peace
with them, amicably agreeing with them, acting their lusts and will! You
who have no bonds upon you, to restrain you from sin, neither the terror
of the Lord persuadeth yon, nor the love of Christ constrains you, you can
be kept from no beloved sin, nor pressed to any serious and spiritual