2. Sin is the second burden of our lives,
and much the greatest. Unto this is this consolation
peculiarly suited. So Heb. vi.
17, 18, an allusion is taken from the manslayer under the law,
who, having killed a man unawares, and brought the guilt of his blood upon
himself, fled with speed for his deliverance to the city of refuge. Our
great and only refuge from the guilt of sin is the Lord Jesus Christ; in
our flying to him, doth the Spirit administer consolation to us. A
sense of sin fills the heart with troubles and disquietness; it is
the Holy Ghost which gives us peace in Christ; — that gives an
apprehension of wrath; the Holy Ghost sheds abroad the love of God in our
hearts; — from thence doth Satan and the law accuse us, as objects of God’s
hatred; the Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we are the children
of God. There is not any one engine or instrument that sin useth or sets
up against our peace, but one effect or other of the Holy Ghost towards us
is suited and fitted to the casting of it down.