oblivion and security and forget what manner of persons they were.
They are not under a duly impartial examination of their ways, take notice
of nothing but some solemn and gross escapes, and these are but a short
time under their view.

Now, let me apply a little to the encouragement of poor souls, who being
inwardly burdened with the weight of their own guiltiness, exoner
themselves by confession in his bosom. As you have two suits, and two
desires to him,--one, that your sins may be forgiven, another, that they
may be subdued, so he hath two solemn engagements and ties to satisfy
you,--one to forgive your sins, and another to cleanse you from all
unrighteousness. The soul that is truly penitent, is not only desirous of
pardon of sin--that is not the chief or only design of such a soul in
application to Christ,--but it is withal to be purified from sin and all
unrighteousness, and to have ungodly lusts cleansed away. And herein is
the great application of such an one's reality,--it will not suffice or
satisfy such an one, to be assured of delivery from wrath and
condemnation, but he must likewise be redeemed from sin, that it hath no
dominion over him. He desires to be freed from death, that he may have his
conscience withal purged "from dead works to serve the living God," Heb.
ix. 14. He would have sin blotted out of an accusing conscience, that it
may be purged out of the affections of the heart, and he would have his
sins washed away, for this end especially, that he may be washed from his
sins, Rev. i. 5. Now, as this is the great desire and design of such a
heart, in which there is no guile, to have sin purified and purged out of
us as well as pardoned, so there is a special tie and obligation upon God
our Father, by promise, not only to pardon sin, but to purge from sin, not
only to cover it with the garment of Christ's righteousness, and the
breadth of his infinite love but also to cleanse it by his Spirit
effectually applying that blood to the purifying of the heart. Now, where
God hath bound himself voluntarily, and out of love, do not ye lose him by
unbelief, for that will bind you into a prison: but labour to receive
those gracious promises, and to take him bound as he offers. Believe, I
say that he will both forgive you, and in due time will cleanse your heart
from the love and delight of sin. Believe his promise, and engagement by
promise to both and this will set a seal to his truth and faithfulness.
Th