The remaining discourses, on the attributes of God Viz. his Goodness. His mercy. His patience. His long-suffering. His power. His spirituality. His immensity. His eternity. His incomprehensibleness. God the first cause, and last end. By the most reverend Dr. John Tillotson, late Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. Being the seventh volume; published from the originals, by Ralph Barker, D.D. chaplain to his Grace.
         Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.
      
       
         
           1700
        
      
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             The remaining discourses, on the attributes of God Viz. his Goodness. His mercy. His patience. His long-suffering. His power. His spirituality. His immensity. His eternity. His incomprehensibleness. God the first cause, and last end. By the most reverend Dr. John Tillotson, late Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. Being the seventh volume; published from the originals, by Ralph Barker, D.D. chaplain to his Grace.
             Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.
             Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708, publisher.
          
           [8], 430, [2] p. : port.
           
             printed for Ri. Chiswell, at the Rose and Crown in St. Paul's Churchyard,
             London :
             1700.
          
           
             With portrait of Tillotson on A1v.
             Copy stained.
             With a final advertisement leaf.
             Reproduction of the original in the Harvard University Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Sermons, English -- 17th century.
           God -- Attributes -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
     
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               The
               most
               Reverend
               D
               
               r.
               IOHN
               TILLOTSON
               late
               Arch-Bishop
               of
               Canterbury
               .
            
             portrait of John Tillotson
          
        
      
       
         
         
           The
           Remaining
           DISCOURSES
           ,
           ON
           THE
           Attributes
           of
           God.
           viz.
           
           
             
               His
               Goodness
               .
            
             
               His
               Mercy
               .
            
             
               His
               Patience
               .
            
             
               His
               Long-suffering
               .
            
             
               His
               Power
               .
            
             
               His
               Spirituality
               .
            
             
               His
               Immensity
               .
            
             
               His
               Eternity
               .
            
             
               His
               Incomprehensibleness
               .
            
             
               God
               the
               first
               Cause
               ,
               and
               last
               End.
               
            
          
        
         
           By
           the
           Most
           Reverend
           Dr.
           
             JOHN
             TILLOTSON
          
           ,
           Late
           Lord
           Arch-Bishop
           of
           Canterbury
           .
        
         
           Being
           The
           SEVENTH
           VOLUME
           ;
           Published
           from
           the
           Originals
           ,
           By
           
             Ralph
             Barker
          
           ,
           D.
           D.
           Chaplain
           to
           his
           Grace
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           for
           
             Ri.
             Chiswell
          
           ,
           at
           the
           Rose
           and
           Crown
           in
           St.
           
           Paul's
           Churchyard
           ,
           1700.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           THE
           CONTENTS
           .
        
         
           
             
               SERMON
               I
               ,
               II
               ,
               III
               ,
               IV.
               The
               Goodness
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               
                 PSAL.
                 CXLV
                 .
                 9
                 .
              
               The
               Lord
               is
               good
               to
               all
               ,
               and
               his
               tender
               Mercies
               are
               over
               all
               his
               Works
               .
            
             
               Page
               1
               ,
               25
               ,
               51
               ,
               81.
               
            
          
           
             
               SERMON
               V.
               The
               Mercy
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               
                 NUMB.
                 XIV
                 .
                 18
                 .
              
               The
               Lord
               is
               long-suffering
               and
               of
               great
               Mercy
               .
            
             p.
             145.
             
          
           
             
             
               SERMON
               VI
               ,
               VII
               .
               The
               Patience
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               
                 2
                 Pet.
                 III.
                 9
                 .
              
               The
               Lord
               is
               not
               slack
               concerning
               his
               Promise
               ,
               as
               some
               men
               count
               slackness
               ;
               but
               is
               long
               suffering
               ,
               not
               willing
               that
               any
               should
               perish
               ,
               but
               that
               all
               should
               come
               to
               Repentance
               .
            
             p.
             143
             ,
             179.
             
          
           
             
               SERMON
               VIII
               ,
               IX
               .
               The
               Long-suffering
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               
                 ECCLES
                 .
                 VIII
                 .
                 11
                 .
              
               Because
               sentence
               against
               an
               evil
               work
               is
               not
               executed
               speedily
               ,
               therefore
               the
               heart
               of
               the
               Sons
               of
               men
               is
               fully
               set
               in
               them
               to
               do
               evil
               .
            
             p.
             193
             ,
             239.
             
          
           
             
               SERMON
               X.
               The
               Power
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               
                 PSAL.
                 LXII
                 .
                 11
                 .
              
               God
               hath
               spoken
               once
               ;
               twice
               have
               I
               heard
               
               this
               ,
               that
               power
               belongeth
               unto
               God.
               
            
             p.
             265.
             
          
           
             
               SERMON
               XI
               .
               The
               Spirituality
               of
               the
               Divine
               Nature
               .
            
             
               
                 JOHN
                 IV.
                 2
                 .
              
               God
               is
               a
               Spirit
               ,
               and
               they
               that
               worship
               him
               ,
               must
               worship
               him
               in
               Spirit
               and
               in
               truth
               .
            
             p.
             299.
             
          
           
             
               SERMON
               XII
               .
               The
               Immensity
               of
               the
               Divine
               Nature
               .
            
             
               
                 PSAL.
                 CXXXIX
                 .
                 7
                 ,
                 8
                 ,
                 9
                 ,
                 10.
                 
              
               Whither
               shall
               I
               go
               from
               thy
               spirit
               ?
               or
               whither
               shall
               I
               flee
               from
               thy
               presence
               ?
               If
               I
               ascend
               up
               into
               heaven
               thou
               art
               there
               ;
               if
               I
               make
               my
               bed
               in
               hell
               ,
               behold
               ,
               thou
               art
               there
               .
               If
               I
               take
               the
               wings
               of
               the
               morning
               ,
               and
               dwell
               in
               the
               uttermost
               parts
               of
               the
               sea
               ,
               even
               there
               shall
               thy
               hand
               lead
               me
               ,
               and
               thy
               right
               hand
               shall
               hold
               me
               .
            
             p.
             331
          
           
             
             
               SERMON
               XIII
               .
               The
               Eternity
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               
                 PSALM
                 XC
                 .
                 2
                 .
              
               Before
               the
               mountains
               were
               brought
               forth
               ,
               or
               ever
               thou
               hadst
               formed
               the
               earth
               and
               the
               world
               ,
               even
               from
               everlasting
               ,
               to
               everlasting
               thou
               art
               God.
               
            
             p.
             355
          
           
             
               SERMON
               XIV
               .
               The
               Incomprehensibleness
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               
                 JOB
                 XI
                 .
                 7
                 .
              
               Canst
               thou
               by
               searching
               find
               out
               God
               ?
               Canst
               thou
               find
               out
               the
               Almighty
               unto
               perfection
               ?
            
             p.
             377
          
           
             
               SERMON
               XV.
               God
               the
               first
               Cause
               ,
               and
               last
               End.
               
            
             
               
                 ROM
                 .
                 XI
                 .
                 36
                 .
              
               For
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               through
               him
               ,
               and
               to
               him
               are
               all
               things
               ,
               to
               whom
               be
               Glory
               for
               ever
               .
               Amen
               .
            
             p.
             403
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           SERMON
           I.
           
           The
           Goodness
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           
             
               
                 PSAL.
                 CXLV
                 .
                 9
              
               .
            
             
               The
               Lord
               is
               Good
               to
               all
               ,
               and
               his
               tender
               Mercies
               are
               over
               all
               his
               Works
               .
            
          
        
         
           THE
           Subject
           which
           I
           have
           now
           proposed
           to
           treat
           of
           ,
           is
           certainly
           one
           of
           the
           Greatest
           and
           Noblest
           Arguments
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           
             the
             Goodness
             of
             God
          
           ,
           the
           Highest
           and
           most
           Glorious
           Perfection
           ,
           of
           the
           best
           and
           most
           Excellent
           of
           Beings
           ,
           than
           which
           nothing
           deserves
           more
           to
           be
           considered
           by
           us
           ,
           nor
           ought
           in
           Reason
           to
           affect
           us
           more
           .
           
             The
             Goodness
             of
             God
          
           is
           the
           cause
           ,
           and
           the
           continuance
           of
           our
           Beings
           ,
           the
           Foundation
           of
           our
           Hopes
           ,
           and
           the
           Fountain
           of
           our
           Happiness
           ;
           our
           greatest
           comfort
           ,
           and
           our
           
           fairest
           Example
           ,
           the
           chief
           Object
           of
           our
           love
           and
           praise
           and
           admiration
           ,
           the
           joy
           and
           rejoycing
           of
           our
           hearts
           ;
           and
           therefore
           the
           Meditation
           and
           Discourse
           of
           it
           must
           needs
           be
           pleasant
           and
           delightful
           to
           us
           ;
           the
           great
           difficulty
           will
           be
           ,
           to
           confine
           our selves
           upon
           so
           copious
           an
           Argument
           ,
           and
           to
           set
           bounds
           to
           that
           which
           is
           of
           so
           vast
           an
           extent
           ,
           
             the
             Lord
             is
             good
             to
             all
             ,
             and
             his
             tender
             mercies
             are
             over
             all
             his
             works
             .
          
        
         
           Which
           words
           are
           an
           Argument
           ,
           which
           the
           divine
           Plalmist
           useth
           ,
           to
           stir
           up
           himself
           and
           others
           to
           the
           praise
           of
           God
           :
           At
           the
           3.
           v.
           he
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           
             the
             Lord
             is
             great
             ,
             and
             greatly
             to
             be
             praised
          
           ;
           and
           he
           gives
           the
           reason
           of
           this
           ,
           v.
           8.
           and
           9.
           from
           those
           Properties
           and
           Perfections
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           which
           declare
           his
           Goodness
           ,
           
             the
             Lord
             is
             gracious
             ,
             and
             full
             of
             compassion
             ,
             slow
             to
             anger
             ,
             and
             of
             great
             mercy
             ;
             the
             Lord
             is
             good
             to
             all
             ,
             and
             his
             tender
             mercies
             are
             over
             all
             his
             works
          
           ;
           where
           you
           have
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           declared
           ,
           together
           with
           the
           amplitude
           and
           extent
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           the
           Objects
           of
           it
           ;
           
             the
             Lord
             is
             good
             to
             all
             .
          
        
         
           In
           the
           handling
           of
           this
           Argument
           ,
           I
           shall
           do
           these
           four
           things
           .
        
         
         
           First
           ,
           Consider
           what
           is
           the
           proper
           Notion
           of
           Goodness
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           attributed
           to
           God.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Shew
           that
           this
           Perfection
           belongs
           to
           God.
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Consider
           the
           Effects
           and
           the
           Extent
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           Answer
           some
           Objections
           ,
           which
           may
           seem
           to
           contradict
           and
           bring
           in
           question
           the
           
             Goodness
             of
             God.
          
           
        
         
           First
           ,
           What
           is
           the
           proper
           Notion
           of
           Goodness
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           attributed
           to
           God.
           
        
         
           There
           is
           a
           dry
           Metaphysical
           Notion
           of
           Goodness
           ,
           which
           only
           signifies
           the
           Being
           and
           
             essential
             properties
          
           of
           a
           thing
           ;
           but
           this
           is
           a
           good
           word
           ill
           bestowed
           ;
           for
           in
           this
           sense
           ,
           every
           thing
           that
           hath
           Being
           ,
           even
           the
           Devil
           himself
           ,
           is
           good
           .
        
         
           And
           there
           is
           a
           Moral
           Notion
           of
           Goodness
           ;
           and
           that
           is
           twofold
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           More
           general
           ,
           in
           opposition
           to
           all
           Moral
           evil
           and
           imperfection
           ,
           which
           we
           call
           sin
           and
           vice
           ;
           and
           so
           the
           Justice
           ,
           and
           Truth
           ,
           and
           Holiness
           of
           God
           ,
           are
           in
           this
           sense
           his
           Goodness
           .
           But
           there
           is
           ,
        
         
           2.
           
           Another
           Notion
           of
           Moral
           Goodness
           ,
           which
           is
           more
           particular
           and
           restrained
           ;
           and
           then
           it
           denotes
           a
           particular
           Virtue
           in
           opposition
           to
           a
           particular
           Vice
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           the
           proper
           and
           usual
           
           acceptation
           of
           the
           word
           Goodness
           ;
           and
           the
           best
           description
           I
           can
           give
           of
           it
           is
           this
           ;
           that
           it
           is
           
             a
             certain
             propension
             and
             disposition
             of
             mind
             ,
             whereby
             a
             person
             is
             enclined
             to
             desire
             and
             procure
             the
             happiness
             of
             others
          
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           best
           understood
           by
           its
           contrary
           ,
           which
           is
           an
           envious
           disposition
           ,
           a
           contracted
           and
           narrow
           Spirit
           ,
           which
           would
           confine
           happiness
           to
           it self
           ,
           and
           grudgeth
           that
           others
           should
           partake
           of
           it
           ,
           or
           share
           in
           it
           ;
           or
           a
           malicious
           and
           mischievous
           temper
           ,
           which
           delights
           in
           the
           harms
           of
           others
           ,
           and
           to
           procure
           trouble
           and
           mischief
           to
           them
           .
           To
           communicate
           and
           lay
           out
           our selves
           for
           the
           good
           of
           others
           ,
           is
           Goodness
           ;
           and
           and
           so
           the
           Apostle
           explains
           
             doing
             good
          
           ,
           by
           communicating
           to
           others
           ,
           who
           are
           in
           misery
           ,
           or
           want
           ,
           Heb.
           13.16
           .
           
             but
             to
             do
             good
             and
             to
             communicate
             forget
             not
             .
          
           The
           Jews
           made
           a
           distinction
           between
           a
           righteous
           and
           a
           good
           man
           ;
           to
           which
           the
           Apostle
           alludes
           ,
           Rom.
           5.7
           .
           
             scarcely
             for
             a
             righteous
             man
             ,
             will
             one
             die
             ;
             yet
             peradventure
             for
             a
             good
             man
             ,
             one
             would
             even
             dare
             to
             die
             .
          
           The
           righteous
           man
           was
           he
           ,
           that
           did
           no
           wrong
           to
           others
           ;
           and
           the
           good
           man
           he
           ,
           who
           was
           not
           only
           not
           injurious
           to
           others
           ,
           but
           kind
           and
           
           beneficial
           to
           them
           .
           So
           that
           Goodness
           is
           a
           readiness
           and
           disposition
           to
           communicate
           the
           good
           and
           happiness
           which
           we
           enjoy
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           willing
           others
           should
           partake
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           This
           is
           the
           Notion
           of
           Goodness
           among
           men
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           the
           same
           in
           God
           ,
           only
           with
           this
           difference
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           originally
           and
           transcendently
           good
           ;
           but
           the
           Creatures
           are
           ,
           the
           best
           of
           them
           ,
           but
           imperfectly
           good
           ,
           and
           by
           derivation
           from
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           fountain
           and
           original
           of
           goodness
           ;
           which
           is
           the
           meaning
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           Luke
           18.19
           .
           when
           he
           says
           ,
           
             there
             is
             none
             good
             save
             one
             ,
             that
             is
             God.
          
           But
           tho'
           the
           degrees
           of
           Goodness
           in
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Creatures
           ,
           be
           infinitely
           unequal
           ,
           and
           that
           Goodness
           which
           is
           in
           us
           ,
           be
           so
           small
           and
           inconsiderable
           ,
           that
           compared
           with
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           it
           does
           not
           deserve
           that
           name
           ;
           yet
           the
           essential
           Notion
           of
           Goodness
           in
           both
           ,
           must
           be
           the
           same
           ;
           else
           when
           the
           Scripture
           speaks
           of
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           we
           could
           not
           know
           the
           meaning
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           if
           we
           do
           not
           at
           all
           understand
           what
           it
           is
           for
           God
           to
           be
           good
           ,
           it
           is
           all
           one
           to
           us
           (
           for
           ought
           we
           know
           )
           whether
           he
           be
           good
           or
           not
           ;
           for
           he
           may
           be
           so
           ,
           and
           
           we
           never
           the
           better
           for
           it
           ,
           if
           we
           do
           not
           know
           what
           Goodness
           in
           God
           is
           ,
           and
           consequently
           when
           he
           is
           so
           ,
           and
           when
           not
           .
        
         
           Besides
           that
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           is
           very
           frequently
           in
           Scripture
           propounded
           to
           our
           imitation
           ;
           but
           it
           is
           impossible
           for
           us
           to
           imitate
           that
           ,
           which
           we
           do
           not
           understand
           what
           it
           is
           ;
           from
           whence
           it
           is
           certain
           ,
           that
           the
           goodness
           which
           we
           are
           to
           endeavour
           after
           ,
           is
           the
           same
           that
           is
           in
           God
           ,
           because
           in
           this
           we
           are
           commanded
           to
           imitate
           the
           Perfection
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           be
           good
           and
           merciful
           as
           he
           is
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           rate
           and
           condition
           of
           Creatures
           ,
           and
           so
           far
           as
           we
           ,
           whose
           Natures
           are
           imperfect
           ,
           are
           capable
           of
           resembling
           the
           
             Divine
             Goodness
          
           .
        
         
           Thus
           much
           for
           the
           Notion
           of
           goodness
           in
           God
           ,
           
             it
             is
             a
             propension
             and
             disposition
             in
             the
             Divine
             Nature
             ,
             to
             communicate
             being
             and
             happiness
             to
             his
             Creatures
             .
          
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           I
           shall
           endeavour
           to
           shew
           ,
           in
           the
           next
           place
           ,
           that
           this
           Perfection
           of
           Goodness
           belongs
           to
           God
           ;
           and
           that
           from
           these
           three
           heads
           .
        
         
           I.
           From
           the
           Acknowledgments
           of
           Natural
           Light.
           
        
         
         
           II.
           From
           the
           Testimony
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           Divine
           Revelation
           .
           And
           ,
        
         
           III.
           From
           the
           Perfection
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           .
        
         
           I.
           From
           the
           Acknowledgments
           of
           Natural
           Light.
           The
           generality
           of
           the
           Heathen
           agree
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           hardly
           any
           Perfection
           of
           God
           more
           universally
           acknowledged
           by
           them
           .
           I
           always
           except
           the
           Sect
           of
           the
           Epicureans
           ,
           who
           attribute
           nothing
           but
           Eternity
           and
           Happiness
           to
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ;
           and
           yet
           if
           they
           would
           have
           considered
           it
           ,
           Happiness
           without
           Goodness
           is
           impossible
           .
           I
           do
           not
           find
           that
           they
           do
           expresly
           deny
           this
           Perfection
           to
           God
           ,
           or
           that
           they
           ascribe
           to
           him
           the
           contrary
           ;
           but
           they
           clearly
           take
           away
           all
           the
           Evidence
           and
           Arguments
           of
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           ;
           for
           they
           supposed
           God
           to
           be
           an
           immortal
           and
           happy
           Being
           ,
           that
           enjoyed
           himself
           ,
           and
           had
           no
           regard
           to
           any
           thing
           without
           himself
           ,
           that
           neither
           gave
           Being
           to
           other
           things
           ,
           nor
           concerned
           himself
           in
           the
           happiness
           or
           misery
           of
           any
           of
           them
           ;
           so
           that
           their
           Notion
           of
           a
           Deity
           ,
           was
           in
           truth
           the
           proper
           Notion
           of
           an
           idle
           Being
           ,
           that
           is
           called
           God
           ,
           and
           neither
           does
           good
           nor
           evil
           .
        
         
         
           But
           setting
           aside
           this
           atheistical
           Sect
           ,
           the
           rest
           of
           the
           Heathen
           did
           unanimously
           affirm
           and
           believe
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           this
           was
           the
           great
           foundation
           of
           their
           Religion
           ;
           and
           all
           their
           Prayers
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           Praises
           of
           him
           ,
           did
           necessarily
           suppose
           a
           perswasion
           of
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           .
           Whosoever
           prays
           to
           God
           ,
           must
           have
           a
           perswasion
           ,
           or
           good
           hopes
           of
           his
           readiness
           to
           do
           him
           good
           ;
           and
           to
           praise
           God
           ,
           is
           to
           acknowledge
           that
           he
           hath
           received
           good
           from
           him
           .
           Seneca
           hath
           an
           excellent
           passage
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           
             He
             
               (
               says
               he
            
             )
             that
             denies
             the
             Goodness
             of
             God
             ,
             does
             not
             surely
             consider
             the
             infinite
             number
             of
             Prayers
             ,
             that
             with
             hands
             lifted
             up
             to
             Heaven
             are
             put
             up
             to
             God
             ,
             both
             in
             private
             and
             publick
             ;
             which
             certainly
             would
             not
             be
             ,
             nor
             is
             it
             credible
             ,
             that
             all
             Mankind
             should
             conspire
             in
             this
             madness
             of
             putting
             up
             their
             Supplications
             to
             deaf
             and
             impotent
             Deities
             ,
             if
             they
             did
             not
             believe
             ,
             that
             the
             Gods
             were
             so
             good
             ,
             as
             to
             confer
             benefits
             upon
             those
             who
             prayed
             to
             them
             .
          
        
         
           But
           we
           need
           not
           to
           infer
           their
           belief
           of
           God's
           Goodness
           ,
           from
           the
           acts
           of
           
           their
           devotion
           ,
           nothing
           being
           more
           common
           among
           them
           ,
           than
           expresly
           to
           attribute
           this
           Perfection
           of
           Goodness
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           among
           the
           Divine
           Titles
           ,
           this
           always
           had
           the
           preeminence
           ,
           both
           among
           the
           Greeks
           and
           
             Romans
             ;
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             Deus
             optimus
             maximus
             ,
          
           was
           their
           constant
           stile
           ;
           and
           in
           our
           Language
           ,
           the
           name
           of
           God
           seems
           to
           have
           been
           given
           him
           from
           his
           Goodness
           .
           I
           might
           produce
           innumerable
           passages
           out
           of
           the
           Heathen
           Authers
           to
           this
           purpose
           ;
           but
           I
           shall
           only
           mention
           that
           remarkable
           one
           out
           of
           
             Seneca
             ,
             primus
             deorum
             cultus
             est
             deos
             credere
             ;
             deinde
             reddere
             illis
             majestatem
             suam
             ,
             reddere
             bonitatem
             ,
             sine
             quâ
             nulla
             majestas
             ,
          
           
             The
             first
             act
             of
             Worship
             is
             to
             believe
             the
             Being
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             the
             next
             ,
             to
             ascribe
             Majesty
             or
             greatness
             to
             him
             ;
             and
             to
             ascribe
             Goodness
             ,
             without
             which
             there
             can
             be
             no
             Greatness
             .
          
        
         
           II.
           From
           the
           testimony
           of
           Scripture
           and
           Divine
           Revelation
           .
           I
           shall
           mention
           but
           a
           few
           of
           those
           many
           Texts
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           which
           declare
           to
           us
           the
           
             Goodness
             of
             God
          
           ,
           Exod.
           34.6
           .
           where
           God
           makes
           his
           Name
           known
           to
           
             Moses
             ,
             the
             Lord
             ,
             the
             Lord
             God
             gracious
             and
             merciful
             ,
             long
             suffering
             ,
             abundant
             in
             goodness
             
             and
             truth
             .
          
           Psal
           .
           86.5
           .
           
             Thou
             Lord
             art
             good
             ,
             and
             ready
             to
             forgive
             .
          
           Psal
           .
           119.68
           .
           
             Thou
             art
             good
             ,
             and
             dost
             good
             .
          
           And
           that
           which
           is
           so
           often
           repeated
           in
           the
           Book
           of
           Psalms
           ,
           
             O
             give
             thanks
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             for
             he
             is
             good
             ,
             and
             his
             mercy
             endureth
             for
             ever
             .
          
           Our
           blessed
           Saviour
           attributes
           this
           Perfection
           to
           God
           ,
           in
           so
           peculiar
           and
           transcendent
           a
           manner
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           incommunicable
           ,
           Luke
           18.19
           .
           
             There
             is
             none
             good
             save
             one
             ,
             that
             is
             God.
          
           The
           meaning
           is
           ,
           that
           no
           Creature
           is
           capable
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           that
           excellent
           and
           transcendent
           degree
           ,
           in
           which
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           is
           possest
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           To
           the
           same
           purpose
           are
           those
           innumerable
           Testimonies
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           which
           declare
           God
           to
           be
           gracious
           ,
           and
           merciful
           ,
           and
           long
           suffering
           ;
           for
           these
           are
           but
           several
           Branches
           of
           his
           Goodness
           ;
           his
           Grace
           is
           the
           freeness
           of
           his
           Goodness
           ,
           to
           those
           who
           have
           not
           deserved
           it
           ;
           his
           Mercy
           is
           his
           Goodness
           to
           those
           who
           are
           in
           misery
           ;
           his
           Patience
           is
           his
           Goodness
           to
           those
           who
           are
           guilty
           ,
           in
           deferring
           the
           Punishment
           due
           to
           them
           .
        
         
           III.
           The
           Goodness
           of
           God
           may
           likewise
           be
           argued
           from
           the
           Perfection
           
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           these
           two
           ways
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Goodness
           is
           the
           chief
           of
           all
           Perfections
           ,
           and
           therefore
           it
           belongs
           to
           God.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           There
           are
           some
           Footsteps
           of
           it
           in
           the
           Creatures
           ,
           and
           therefore
           it
           is
           much
           more
           eminently
           in
           God.
           
        
         
           1.
           
           Goodness
           is
           the
           highest
           Perfection
           ,
           and
           therefore
           it
           must
           needs
           belong
           to
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           most
           perfect
           of
           Beings
           .
           Knowledge
           and
           Power
           are
           great
           Perfections
           ,
           but
           separated
           from
           Goodness
           ,
           they
           would
           be
           great
           Imperfections
           ,
           nothing
           but
           craft
           and
           violence
           .
           An
           Angel
           may
           have
           Knowledge
           and
           Power
           in
           a
           great
           degree
           ,
           but
           yet
           for
           all
           that
           be
           a
           Devil
           .
           Goodness
           is
           so
           great
           and
           necessary
           a
           Perfection
           ,
           that
           without
           it
           there
           can
           be
           no
           other
           ,
           it
           gives
           Perfection
           to
           all
           other
           excellencies
           ;
           take
           away
           this
           ,
           and
           the
           greatest
           excellencies
           in
           any
           other
           kind
           ,
           would
           be
           but
           the
           greatest
           imperfections
           .
           And
           therefore
           our
           Saviour
           speaks
           of
           the
           goodness
           and
           mercy
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           the
           sum
           of
           his
           Perfections
           ;
           what
           one
           Evangelist
           hath
           ,
           
             be
             ye
             merciful
             ,
             as
             your
             Father
             which
             is
             in
             Heaven
             is
             merciful
             ,
          
           is
           rendred
           in
           another
           ,
           
             be
             ye
             therefore
             perfect
             ,
             as
             your
             Father
             which
             is
             in
             Heaven
             
             is
             perfect
             .
          
           Goodness
           is
           so
           essential
           to
           a
           perfect
           Being
           ,
           that
           if
           we
           once
           strip
           God
           of
           this
           property
           ,
           we
           rob
           him
           of
           the
           Glory
           of
           all
           his
           other
           Perfections
           ;
           and
           therefore
           when
           Moses
           desired
           to
           see
           God's
           Glory
           ,
           he
           said
           ,
           
             he
             would
             make
             all
             his
             goodness
             to
             pass
             before
             him
             .
          
           Exod.
           33.19
           .
           This
           is
           the
           most
           amiable
           Perfection
           ,
           and
           as
           it
           were
           the
           Beauty
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           Zach.
           9.17
           .
           
             how
             great
             is
             thy
             goodness
             ,
             how
             great
             is
             thy
             beauty
             ?
          
           sine
           bonitate
           nulla
           majestas
           ,
           
             without
             goodness
             there
             can
             be
             no
             majesty
             .
          
           Other
           excellencies
           may
           cause
           fear
           and
           amazement
           in
           us
           :
           but
           nothing
           but
           Goodness
           ,
           can
           command
           sincere
           love
           and
           veneration
           .
        
         
           2.
           there
           are
           some
           footsteps
           of
           this
           Perfection
           in
           the
           Creatures
           ,
           and
           therefore
           it
           must
           be
           much
           more
           eminently
           in
           God.
           There
           is
           in
           every
           Creature
           some
           representation
           of
           some
           divine
           Perfection
           or
           other
           ,
           but
           God
           doth
           not
           own
           any
           Creature
           to
           be
           
             after
             his
             image
          
           ,
           that
           is
           destitute
           of
           Goodness
           .
           The
           Creatures
           ,
           that
           want
           Reason
           and
           Understanding
           ,
           are
           incapable
           of
           this
           Moral
           Goodness
           we
           are
           speaking
           of
           ;
           Man
           is
           the
           first
           in
           the
           rank
           of
           Creatures
           ,
           that
           is
           endowed
           with
           it
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           
           said
           to
           be
           
             made
             after
             the
             image
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             dominion
             given
             him
             over
             the
             Creatures
             below
             him
             ,
          
           to
           signifie
           to
           us
           ,
           that
           if
           man
           had
           not
           been
           made
           after
           God's
           image
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           Goodness
           ,
           he
           had
           been
           unfit
           to
           rule
           over
           other
           Creatures
           ;
           because
           without
           Goodness
           ,
           dominion
           would
           be
           Tyranny
           and
           Oppression
           .
           And
           the
           more
           any
           Creature
           partakers
           of
           this
           Perfection
           of
           Goodness
           ,
           the
           more
           it
           resembles
           God
           ;
           as
           the
           Blessed
           Angels
           ,
           who
           
             behold
             the
             face
             of
             God
             continually
             ,
          
           and
           are
           thereby
           
             transformed
             into
             his
             image
             from
             glory
             to
             glory
             ,
          
           their
           whole
           business
           and
           imployment
           is
           ,
           
             to
             do
             good
          
           ;
           and
           the
           Devil
           ,
           tho'
           he
           resemble
           God
           in
           other
           Perfections
           of
           Knowledge
           and
           Power
           ,
           yet
           because
           he
           is
           evil
           ,
           and
           envious
           ,
           and
           mischievous
           ,
           and
           so
           contrary
           to
           God
           in
           this
           Perfection
           ,
           he
           is
           the
           most
           opposite
           and
           and
           hateful
           to
           him
           of
           all
           Creatures
           whatsoever
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           this
           Perfection
           be
           in
           some
           degree
           in
           the
           Creature
           ,
           it
           is
           much
           more
           in
           God
           ;
           if
           it
           be
           derived
           from
           him
           ,
           he
           is
           much
           more
           eminently
           possest
           of
           it
           himself
           .
           All
           that
           Goodness
           which
           is
           in
           the
           best
           natured
           of
           the
           Sons
           of
           Men
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           most
           glorious
           Angels
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           
           is
           but
           an
           imperfect
           and
           weak
           representation
           of
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           .
        
         
           The
           Third
           thing
           I
           proposed
           to
           consider
           ,
           was
           the
           Effects
           of
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           ,
           together
           with
           the
           large
           extent
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           the
           Objects
           of
           it
           ,
           
             the
             Lord
             is
             good
             to
             all
             ,
             and
             his
             tender
             Mercies
             are
             over
             all
             his
             Works
             ;
             thou
             art
             good
             and
             dost
             good
             ,
          
           says
           David
           ,
           Psal
           .
           119.68
           .
           The
           great
           evidence
           and
           demonstration
           of
           God's
           Goodness
           ,
           is
           from
           the
           Effects
           of
           it
           .
           To
           the
           same
           purpose
           St.
           Paul
           speaks
           ,
           Acts
           14.17
           .
           
             He
             hath
             not
             left
             himself
             without
             Witness
             ,
             in
             that
             he
             doth
             good
             ,
             and
             sends
             us
             Rain
             from
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             fruitful
             Seasons
             .
          
        
         
           I
           shall
           consider
           the
           Effects
           of
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           ,
           under
           these
           Two
           Heads
           .
        
         
           I.
           The
           universal
           extent
           of
           God's
           Goodness
           to
           all
           his
           Creatures
           .
        
         
           II.
           I
           shall
           consider
           more
           particularly
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           to
           Men
           ,
           which
           we
           are
           more
           especially
           concern'd
           to
           take
           notice
           of
           .
        
         
           I.
           The
           universal
           extent
           of
           his
           Goodness
           to
           the
           whole
           Creation
           ,
           
             the
             Lord
             is
             Good
             to
             all
             .
          
           The
           whole
           Creation
           furnisheth
           us
           with
           clear
           evidences
           and
           demonstrations
           of
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           ;
           
           which
           way
           soever
           we
           cast
           our
           Eyes
           ,
           we
           are
           encountered
           with
           undeniable
           Instances
           of
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           every
           thing
           that
           we
           behold
           ,
           is
           a
           sensible
           demonstration
           of
           it
           ;
           
             the
             Heavens
             declare
             the
             Glory
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             Firmament
             sheweth
             his
             handy
             work
             ,
          
           says
           the
           Psalmist
           ,
           Psal
           .
           19.1
           .
           And
           again
           ,
           Psal
           .
           33.5
           .
           
             The
             Earth
             is
             full
             of
             the
             Goodness
             of
             the
             Lord.
          
           The
           whole
           Frame
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           and
           every
           Creature
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           several
           degrees
           of
           Being
           and
           Perfection
           ,
           which
           are
           in
           the
           Creatures
           ,
           and
           the
           Providence
           of
           God
           towards
           them
           all
           ,
           in
           the
           preservation
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           providing
           for
           the
           happiness
           of
           all
           of
           them
           ,
           in
           such
           degrees
           as
           they
           are
           capable
           of
           it
           ,
           are
           a
           plentiful
           demonstration
           of
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           ,
           which
           I
           shall
           endeavour
           to
           illustrate
           in
           these
           Four
           Particulars
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           universal
           Goodness
           of
           God
           appears
           in
           giving
           Being
           to
           so
           many
           Creatures
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           In
           making
           them
           all
           so
           very
           good
           ,
           considering
           the
           variety
           ,
           and
           order
           ,
           and
           end
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           In
           his
           continual
           preservation
           of
           them
           .
        
         
         
           4.
           
           In
           providing
           so
           abundantly
           for
           the
           welfare
           and
           happiness
           of
           all
           of
           them
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           they
           are
           capable
           and
           sensible
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           extent
           of
           God's
           Goodness
           appears
           in
           giving
           Being
           to
           so
           many
           Creatures
           .
           And
           this
           is
           a
           pure
           effect
           of
           Goodness
           ,
           to
           impart
           and
           communicate
           Being
           to
           any
           thing
           .
           Had
           not
           God
           been
           good
           ,
           but
           of
           an
           envious
           ,
           and
           narrow
           ,
           and
           contracted
           nature
           ,
           he
           would
           have
           confined
           all
           Being
           to
           himself
           ,
           and
           been
           unwilling
           ,
           that
           any
           thing
           besides
           himself
           should
           have
           been
           :
           but
           his
           Goodness
           prompted
           him
           to
           spread
           and
           diffuse
           himself
           ,
           and
           set
           his
           Power
           and
           Wisdom
           on
           work
           ,
           to
           give
           Being
           to
           all
           that
           variety
           of
           Creatures
           ,
           which
           we
           see
           and
           know
           to
           be
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           probably
           to
           infinite
           more
           than
           we
           have
           the
           knowledge
           of
           .
           Now
           it
           is
           not
           imaginable
           ,
           that
           God
           could
           have
           any
           other
           motive
           to
           do
           this
           ,
           but
           purely
           the
           Goodness
           of
           his
           Nature
           .
           All
           the
           motives
           imaginable
           besides
           this
           ,
           must
           either
           be
           indigency
           and
           want
           ,
           or
           constraint
           and
           necessity
           ;
           but
           neither
           of
           these
           can
           have
           any
           place
           in
           God
           ,
           and
           therefore
           it
           was
           
             meer
             Goodness
          
           ,
           
           that
           moved
           him
           to
           give
           Being
           to
           other
           things
           ;
           and
           therefore
           all
           Creatures
           have
           reason
           ,
           with
           the
           four
           and
           twenty
           Elders
           in
           the
           
             Revelations
             ,
             to
             cast
             their
             crowns
             before
             the
             throne
             of
             God
             ,
             saying
             ,
             thou
             art
             worthy
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             to
             receive
             glory
             ,
             and
             honour
             ,
             and
             power
             ,
             for
             thou
             hast
             created
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             for
             thy
             pleasure
          
           (
           that
           is
           of
           thy
           meer
           goodness
           )
           
             they
             are
             and
             were
             created
          
           .
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           Indigency
           and
           Want
           can
           have
           no
           place
           in
           God
           ;
           because
           he
           that
           hath
           all
           possible
           Perfection
           ,
           hath
           all
           plenty
           in
           himself
           ;
           from
           whence
           results
           All-sufficiency
           and
           compleat
           Happiness
           .
           So
           that
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           need
           not
           look
           out
           of
           it self
           for
           Happiness
           ,
           being
           incapable
           of
           any
           addition
           to
           the
           Happiness
           and
           Perfection
           it
           is
           already
           possest
           of
           ,
           
             ipsa
             suis
             pollens
             opibus
             nihil
             indiga
             nostri
             .
          
           We
           make
           things
           for
           our
           use
           ,
           Houses
           to
           shelter
           us
           ,
           and
           Cloaths
           to
           keep
           us
           warm
           ;
           and
           we
           propagate
           our
           Kind
           ,
           to
           perpetuate
           our selves
           in
           our
           posterity
           :
           But
           all
           this
           supposeth
           imperfection
           ,
           and
           want
           ,
           and
           mortality
           ,
           to
           none
           of
           which
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           is
           liable
           and
           obnoxious
           .
        
         
         
           Nay
           it
           was
           not
           want
           of
           glory
           ,
           which
           made
           God
           to
           make
           the
           World.
           'T
           is
           true
           indeed
           ,
           the
           glory
           of
           God's
           Goodness
           doth
           herein
           appear
           ,
           and
           Creatures
           endowed
           with
           understanding
           have
           reason
           to
           take
           notice
           of
           it
           ,
           with
           thankfulness
           ,
           praise
           ,
           and
           admiration
           :
           but
           there
           is
           no
           happiness
           redounds
           to
           God
           from
           it
           ,
           nor
           does
           he
           feed
           himself
           with
           any
           imaginary
           content
           and
           satisfaction
           ,
           such
           as
           vain-glorious
           persons
           have
           ,
           from
           the
           fluttering
           applause
           of
           their
           Creatures
           and
           Beneficiaries
           .
           God
           is
           really
           
             above
             all
             blessing
             and
             praise
          
           .
           It
           is
           great
           condescention
           and
           goodness
           in
           him
           ,
           to
           accept
           of
           our
           acknowledgments
           of
           his
           benefits
           ,
           of
           our
           imperfect
           praises
           ,
           and
           ignorant
           admiration
           of
           him
           ;
           and
           were
           he
           not
           as
           wonderfully
           good
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           great
           and
           glorious
           ,
           he
           would
           not
           suffer
           us
           to
           sully
           his
           great
           and
           glorious
           Name
           ,
           by
           taking
           it
           into
           our
           Mouths
           ;
           and
           were
           it
           not
           for
           our
           advantage
           and
           happiness
           ,
           to
           own
           and
           acknowledge
           his
           benefits
           ,
           for
           any
           real
           happiness
           and
           glory
           that
           comes
           to
           him
           by
           it
           ,
           he
           could
           well
           enough
           be
           without
           it
           ,
           and
           dispense
           with
           us
           for
           ever
           entertaining
           one
           thought
           of
           him
           ;
           and
           
           were
           it
           not
           for
           his
           goodness
           ,
           might
           despise
           the
           praises
           of
           his
           Creatures
           ,
           with
           infinitely
           more
           reason
           than
           wise
           Men
           do
           the
           applause
           of
           Fools
           .
           There
           is
           indeed
           one
           Text
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           which
           seems
           to
           intimate
           that
           God
           made
           all
           Creatures
           for
           himself
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           had
           some
           need
           of
           them
           ,
           Prov.
           16.4
           .
           
             The
             Lord
             hath
             made
             all
             things
             for
             himself
             ;
             yea
             even
             the
             wicked
             for
             the
             day
             of
             evil
             .
          
           Now
           if
           by
           God's
           
             making
             all
             things
             for
             himself
          
           ,
           be
           meant
           ,
           that
           he
           aimed
           at
           and
           intended
           the
           manifestation
           of
           his
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           Power
           ,
           and
           Goodness
           in
           the
           Creation
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           't
           is
           most
           true
           ,
           that
           in
           this
           sense
           ,
           
             he
             made
             all
             things
             for
             himself
          
           :
           but
           if
           we
           understand
           it
           so
           ,
           as
           if
           the
           Goodness
           of
           his
           Nature
           did
           not
           move
           him
           thereto
           ,
           but
           he
           had
           some
           design
           to
           serve
           Ends
           and
           Necessities
           of
           his
           own
           upon
           his
           Creatures
           ,
           this
           is
           far
           from
           him
           .
           But
           it
           is
           very
           probable
           ,
           that
           neither
           of
           these
           are
           the
           meaning
           of
           this
           Text
           ,
           which
           may
           be
           rendered
           with
           much
           better
           sense
           ,
           and
           nearer
           to
           the
           Hebrew
           ,
           thus
           ,
           
             God
             hath
             ordained
             every
             thing
             ,
             to
             that
             which
             is
             fit
             for
             it
             ,
             and
             he
             wicked
             hath
             he
             ordained
             for
             the
             day
             
             of
             evil
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           God
           hath
           fitted
           one
           thing
           to
           another
           ,
           punishment
           to
           sin
           ,
           the
           evil
           day
           to
           the
           evil
           doers
           .
        
         
           (
           2.
           )
           Nor
           can
           Necessity
           and
           Constraint
           have
           any
           place
           in
           God.
           When
           there
           was
           no
           Creature
           yet
           made
           ,
           nothing
           in
           Being
           but
           God
           himself
           ,
           there
           could
           be
           nothing
           to
           compel
           him
           to
           make
           any
           thing
           ,
           and
           to
           extort
           from
           him
           the
           effects
           of
           his
           bounty
           :
           Neither
           are
           the
           Creatures
           necessary
           effects
           and
           emanations
           from
           the
           Being
           of
           God
           ,
           flowing
           from
           the
           Divine
           Essence
           ,
           as
           water
           doth
           from
           a
           Spring
           and
           as
           light
           streams
           from
           the
           Sun
           ▪
           If
           so
           ,
           this
           indeed
           would
           have
           been
           an
           Argument
           of
           the
           fullness
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           but
           not
           of
           the
           bounty
           and
           goodness
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           it
           would
           have
           been
           matter
           of
           Joy
           to
           us
           tha●
           we
           are
           ,
           but
           not
           a
           true
           ground
           o●
           thankfulness
           from
           us
           to
           God
           ;
           a●
           we
           rejoyce
           and
           are
           glad
           that
           th●
           Sunshines
           ,
           but
           we
           do
           not
           give
           it
           any
           thanks
           for
           shining
           ,
           because
           it
           shine●
           without
           any
           intention
           or
           design
           t●
           do
           us
           good
           ;
           it
           doth
           not
           know
           tha●
           we
           are
           the
           better
           for
           its
           light
           ,
           nor
           di●
           
           intend
           we
           should
           be
           ,
           and
           therefore
           we
           have
           no
           reason
           to
           acknowledge
           its
           goodness
           to
           us
           .
        
         
           But
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           a
           Spirit
           endowed
           with
           Knowledge
           and
           Understanding
           ,
           does
           not
           act
           as
           natural
           and
           material
           Causes
           do
           ,
           which
           act
           necessarily
           and
           ignorantly
           ,
           whereas
           he
           acts
           knowingly
           and
           voluntarily
           ,
           with
           particular
           intention
           and
           design
           ,
           knowing
           that
           he
           does
           good
           ,
           and
           intending
           to
           do
           so
           freely
           and
           out
           of
           choice
           ,
           and
           when
           he
           hath
           no
           other
           constraint
           upon
           him
           but
           this
           ,
           that
           his
           goodness
           enclines
           his
           will
           to
           communicate
           himself
           ,
           and
           to
           do
           good
           :
           So
           that
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           is
           under
           no
           Necessity
           ,
           but
           such
           as
           is
           consistent
           with
           the
           most
           perfect
           Liberty
           and
           freest
           Choice
           .
        
         
           Not
           but
           that
           Goodness
           is
           essential
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           a
           necessary
           Perfection
           of
           his
           Nature
           ,
           and
           he
           cannot
           possibly
           be
           otherwise
           than
           good
           :
           but
           when
           he
           communicates
           his
           goodness
           ,
           he
           knows
           what
           he
           does
           ,
           and
           wills
           and
           chuseth
           to
           do
           so
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           kind
           of
           Necessity
           is
           so
           far
           from
           being
           any
           impeachment
           of
           
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           the
           great
           Perfection
           and
           praise
           of
           it
           .
           The
           Stoick
           Philosophers
           mistaking
           this
           ,
           do
           blasphemously
           advance
           
             their
             wise
             and
             virtuous
             man
          
           above
           God
           himself
           ;
           for
           they
           reason
           thus
           ,
           
             A
             wiseman
             is
             good
             out
             of
             choice
             ,
             when
             he
             may
             be
             otherwise
             ;
             but
             God
             out
             of
             
               necessity
               of
               nature
            
             ,
             and
             when
             he
             cannot
             possibly
             be
             otherwise
             than
             good
             .
          
           But
           if
           they
           had
           considered
           things
           aright
           ,
           they
           might
           have
           known
           ,
           that
           this
           is
           an
           imperfection
           in
           
             their
             wise
             man
          
           ,
           that
           he
           can
           be
           otherwise
           than
           good
           ;
           for
           a
           power
           to
           be
           evil
           is
           impotency
           and
           weakness
           .
           The
           highest
           Character
           that
           ever
           was
           given
           of
           a
           man
           ,
           is
           that
           which
           
             Velleius
             Paterculus
          
           gives
           of
           Cato
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           
             vir
             bonus
             ,
             quia
             aliter
             esse
             non
             potuit
             ,
             a
             good
             man
             ,
             because
             he
             could
             not
             be
             otherwise
          
           ;
           this
           applyed
           to
           a
           mortal
           Man
           ,
           is
           a
           very
           extravagant
           and
           undue
           commendation
           ;
           but
           yet
           it
           signifies
           thus
           much
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           the
           highest
           Perfection
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           able
           to
           be
           otherwise
           than
           good
           :
           and
           this
           is
           the
           Perfection
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           that
           
             goodness
             is
             essential
             to
             it
          
           ,
           but
           the
           expressions
           and
           communications
           of
           his
           goodness
           are
           spontaneous
           
           and
           free
           ,
           designed
           and
           directed
           by
           infinite
           Knowledge
           and
           Wisdom
           .
        
         
           This
           is
           the
           first
           :
           the
           second
           particular
           is
           ,
           that
           God
           hath
           made
           all
           Creatures
           very
           good
           ,
           considering
           the
           variety
           ,
           and
           order
           ,
           and
           end
           of
           them
           .
           But
           this
           I
           shall
           reserve
           to
           another
           opportunity
           .
        
      
       
         
         
         
           SERMON
           II.
           
           The
           Goodness
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           
             
               
                 PSAL.
                 CXLV
                 .
                 9
              
               .
            
             
               The
               Lord
               is
               Good
               to
               all
               ,
               and
               his
               tender
               Mercies
               are
               over
               all
               his
               Works
               .
            
          
        
         
           IN
           the
           handling
           of
           this
           Argument
           ,
           I
           proposed
           to
           do
           these
           four
           things
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           To
           consider
           what
           is
           the
           proper
           Notion
           of
           Goodness
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           attributed
           to
           God.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           To
           shew
           that
           this
           Perfection
           belongs
           to
           God.
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           To
           consider
           the
           Effects
           of
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           ,
           together
           with
           the
           large
           extent
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           its
           objects
           .
           And
           ,
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           To
           answer
           some
           Objections
           which
           may
           seem
           to
           contradict
           ,
           and
           bring
           in
           question
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God.
           
           I
           have
           considered
           the
           two
           first
           ;
           and
           in
           speaking
           to
           the
           third
           ,
           I
           proposed
           the
           considering
           these
           two
           things
           .
        
         
           I.
           The
           universal
           extent
           of
           God's
           Goodness
           ,
           to
           all
           his
           Creatures
           .
        
         
           II.
           More
           especially
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           to
           man
           ,
           which
           we
           are
           more
           especially
           concerned
           to
           take
           notice
           of
           ,
           and
           be
           affected
           with
           .
        
         
           The
           First
           of
           these
           appears
           in
           these
           four
           particulars
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           In
           his
           giving
           Being
           to
           so
           many
           Creatures
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           In
           making
           them
           all
           so
           very
           good
           ,
           considering
           the
           number
           and
           variety
           ,
           the
           rank
           and
           order
           ,
           the
           end
           and
           design
           of
           all
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           In
           his
           continual
           preservation
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           In
           his
           providing
           so
           abundantly
           for
           the
           welfare
           and
           happiness
           of
           all
           of
           them
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           they
           are
           capable
           and
           sensible
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           The
           First
           of
           these
           I
           spoke
           largely
           to
           ;
           I
           proceed
           to
           shew
           in
           the
           ,
        
         
           2.
           
           Place
           ,
           that
           the
           universal
           Goodness
           of
           God
           appears
           ,
           in
           making
           all
           these
           Creatures
           so
           very
           good
           ,
           considering
           the
           number
           and
           variety
           ,
           the
           rank
           and
           order
           ,
           the
           end
           and
           design
           of
           all
           of
           
           them
           .
           His
           Goodness
           excited
           and
           set
           a
           work
           his
           Power
           to
           make
           this
           World
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           Creatures
           in
           it
           ;
           and
           that
           they
           might
           be
           made
           in
           the
           best
           manner
           that
           could
           be
           ,
           his
           Wisdom
           directed
           his
           Power
           ,
           
             he
             hath
             made
             all
             things
             in
             number
             ,
             weight
             ,
             and
             measure
          
           ;
           so
           that
           they
           are
           admirably
           fitted
           and
           proportioned
           to
           one
           another
           :
           And
           that
           there
           is
           an
           excellent
           Contrivance
           in
           all
           sorts
           of
           Beings
           ,
           and
           a
           wonderful
           beauty
           and
           harmony
           in
           the
           whole
           Frame
           of
           things
           ,
           is
           I
           think
           sufficiently
           visible
           to
           every
           discerning
           and
           unprejudiced
           mind
           .
           The
           lowest
           form
           of
           Creatures
           ,
           I
           mean
           those
           which
           are
           destitute
           of
           sense
           ,
           do
           all
           of
           them
           contribute
           some
           way
           or
           other
           ,
           to
           the
           use
           ,
           and
           conveniency
           ,
           and
           comfort
           of
           the
           Creatures
           above
           them
           ,
           which
           being
           endowed
           with
           sense
           are
           capable
           of
           enjoying
           the
           benefit
           and
           delight
           of
           them
           ,
           which
           being
           so
           palpable
           in
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           them
           ,
           may
           resonably
           be
           presumed
           ,
           tho'it
           be
           not
           so
           discernable
           concerning
           all
           the
           rest
           ;
           so
           that
           when
           we
           survey
           the
           whole
           Creation
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           several
           parts
           ,
           we
           may
           well
           cry
           out
           with
           David
           ,
           Psal
           .
           104.24
           .
           
             O
             Lord
             how
             manifold
             are
             thy
             works
             ,
             in
             wisdom
             hath
             thou
             made
             them
             all
             !
          
        
         
         
           'T
           is
           true
           indeed
           ,
           there
           are
           degrees
           of
           Perfection
           in
           the
           Creatures
           ,
           and
           God
           is
           not
           equally
           good
           to
           all
           of
           them
           .
           Those
           Creatures
           which
           are
           of
           more
           Noble
           and
           Excellent
           Natures
           ,
           and
           to
           which
           he
           hath
           communicated
           more
           degrees
           of
           Perfection
           ,
           they
           partake
           more
           of
           his
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           are
           more
           glorious
           instances
           of
           it
           :
           But
           every
           Creature
           partakes
           of
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           in
           a
           certain
           degree
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           the
           Nature
           and
           Capacity
           of
           it
           .
           God
           ,
           if
           he
           pleased
           ,
           could
           have
           made
           nothing
           but
           immortal
           Spirits
           ;
           and
           he
           could
           have
           made
           as
           many
           of
           these
           as
           there
           are
           individual
           Creatures
           of
           all
           sorts
           in
           the
           World
           :
           but
           it
           seemed
           good
           to
           the
           wise
           Architect
           ,
           to
           make
           several
           ranks
           and
           orders
           of
           Beings
           ,
           and
           to
           display
           his
           Power
           ,
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           Wisdom
           ,
           in
           all
           imaginable
           variety
           of
           Creatures
           ;
           all
           which
           should
           be
           good
           in
           their
           kind
           ,
           tho'
           far
           short
           of
           the
           Perfection
           of
           Angels
           and
           immortal
           Spirits
           .
        
         
           He
           that
           will
           build
           a
           House
           for
           all
           the
           uses
           and
           purposes
           of
           which
           a
           House
           is
           capable
           ,
           cannot
           make
           it
           all
           foundation
           ,
           and
           great
           beams
           and
           pillars
           ;
           must
           not
           so
           contrive
           it
           ,
           as
           to
           make
           it
           
           all
           Rooms
           of
           state
           and
           entertainment
           :
           but
           there
           must
           of
           necessity
           be
           in
           it
           meaner
           materials
           ,
           rooms
           and
           offices
           for
           several
           uses
           and
           purposes
           ,
           which
           however
           inferiour
           to
           the
           rest
           in
           dignity
           and
           degree
           ,
           do
           yet
           contribute
           to
           the
           beauty
           and
           advantage
           of
           the
           whole
           .
           So
           in
           this
           great
           Frame
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           it
           was
           fit
           there
           should
           be
           variety
           and
           different
           degrees
           of
           Perfection
           in
           the
           several
           parts
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           so
           far
           from
           being
           an
           impeachment
           of
           the
           Wisdom
           or
           Goodness
           of
           him
           that
           made
           it
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           an
           Evidence
           of
           both
           .
           For
           the
           meanest
           of
           all
           Gods
           Creatures
           is
           good
           ,
           considering
           the
           nature
           and
           rank
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           the
           end
           to
           which
           it
           was
           designed
           ;
           and
           we
           cannot
           imagine
           how
           it
           could
           have
           been
           ordered
           and
           framed
           better
           ,
           tho'
           we
           can
           easily
           tell
           how
           it
           might
           have
           been
           worse
           ,
           and
           that
           if
           this
           or
           that
           had
           been
           wanting
           ,
           or
           had
           been
           otherwise
           ,
           it
           had
           not
           been
           so
           good
           ;
           and
           those
           who
           have
           been
           most
           conversant
           in
           the
           contemplation
           of
           Nature
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Works
           of
           God
           ,
           have
           been
           most
           ready
           to
           make
           this
           acknowledgment
           .
        
         
           But
           then
           if
           we
           consider
           the
           Creatures
           of
           God
           ,
           with
           relation
           to
           one
           another
           ,
           
           and
           with
           regard
           to
           the
           whole
           Frame
           of
           things
           ,
           they
           will
           all
           appear
           to
           be
           very
           good
           ;
           and
           notwithstanding
           this
           or
           that
           kind
           of
           Creatures
           ,
           be
           much
           less
           perfect
           than
           another
           ,
           and
           there
           be
           a
           very
           great
           distance
           between
           the
           Perfection
           of
           a
           worm
           ,
           and
           of
           an
           Angel
           ;
           yet
           considering
           every
           thing
           in
           the
           rank
           and
           order
           which
           it
           hath
           in
           the
           Creation
           ,
           it
           is
           as
           good
           as
           could
           be
           ,
           considering
           its
           nature
           and
           use
           ,
           and
           the
           place
           allotted
           to
           it
           among
           the
           Creatures
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           difference
           in
           the
           Works
           of
           God
           ,
           between
           the
           goodness
           of
           the
           several
           parts
           of
           the
           Creation
           ,
           and
           the
           excellent
           and
           perfect
           goodness
           of
           the
           whole
           ,
           the
           Scripture
           is
           very
           careful
           to
           express
           to
           us
           in
           the
           History
           of
           the
           Creation
           ,
           where
           you
           find
           God
           represented
           ,
           as
           first
           looking
           upon
           ,
           and
           considering
           every
           days
           work
           by
           it self
           ,
           and
           approving
           it
           ,
           and
           pronouncing
           it
           to
           be
           good
           ,
           Gen.
           1.4
           ,
           10
           ,
           12
           ,
           18
           ,
           21
           ,
           24.
           at
           the
           end
           of
           every
           days
           work
           ,
           it
           is
           said
           that
           
             God
             saw
             it
             ,
             and
             it
             was
             good
          
           :
           but
           then
           when
           all
           was
           finisht
           ,
           and
           he
           surveyed
           the
           whole
           together
           ,
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           v.
           31.
           that
           
             God
             saw
             every
             thing
             that
             he
             had
             made
             ,
             and
             behold
             it
             
             was
             very
             good
             ;
             very
             good
             ,
          
           that
           is
           
             the
             best
          
           ,
           the
           Hebrews
           having
           no
           other
           Superlative
           .
           Every
           Creature
           of
           God
           by
           it self
           is
           good
           :
           But
           take
           the
           whole
           together
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           
             very
             good
          
           ,
           the
           best
           that
           could
           be
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           universal
           goodness
           of
           God
           further
           appears
           ,
           in
           the
           careful
           and
           continual
           preservation
           of
           the
           things
           which
           he
           hath
           made
           ;
           his
           upholding
           and
           maintaining
           the
           several
           Creatures
           in
           being
           ,
           in
           their
           natural
           state
           and
           order
           ;
           those
           which
           have
           life
           ,
           in
           life
           ,
           to
           the
           period
           which
           he
           hath
           determined
           and
           appointed
           for
           them
           ;
           in
           his
           preserving
           the
           whole
           World
           ,
           his
           managing
           and
           governing
           this
           vast
           Frame
           of
           things
           ,
           in
           such
           sort
           ,
           as
           to
           keep
           it
           from
           running
           into
           confusion
           and
           disorder
           .
           This
           is
           a
           clear
           demonstration
           ,
           no
           less
           of
           the
           goodness
           than
           of
           the
           Wisdom
           and
           Power
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           for
           so
           many
           Ages
           all
           the
           parts
           of
           it
           have
           kept
           their
           places
           ,
           and
           performed
           the
           offices
           and
           work
           for
           which
           Nature
           designed
           them
           ;
           that
           the
           World
           is
           not
           ,
           in
           the
           course
           of
           so
           many
           thousand
           years
           ,
           grown
           old
           and
           weak
           ,
           and
           out
           of
           repair
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           Frame
           of
           things
           
           doth
           not
           dissolve
           and
           fall
           in
           pieces
           .
        
         
           And
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           doth
           not
           only
           take
           care
           of
           the
           main
           ,
           and
           support
           the
           whole
           Frame
           of
           things
           ,
           and
           preserve
           the
           more
           noble
           and
           considerable
           Creatures
           ;
           but
           even
           the
           least
           and
           meanest
           of
           them
           .
           The
           Providence
           of
           God
           doth
           not
           overlook
           any
           thing
           that
           he
           hath
           made
           ,
           nor
           despise
           any
           of
           the
           works
           of
           his
           hands
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           let
           them
           relapse
           ,
           and
           fall
           back
           into
           nothing
           ,
           through
           neglect
           and
           inadvertency
           ;
           as
           many
           as
           there
           are
           ,
           he
           takes
           care
           of
           them
           all
           ,
           Psal
           .
           104.27
           ,
           28.
           where
           the
           Psalmist
           speaking
           of
           the
           innumerable
           multitude
           of
           Creatures
           upon
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Sea
           ,
           
             These
             all
          
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             wait
             upon
             thee
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayst
             give
             them
             their
             meat
             in
             due
             season
             ;
             that
             thou
             givest
             them
             they
             gather
             ,
             thou
             openest
             thine
             hand
             ,
             and
             they
             are
             filled
             with
             good
             .
          
           And
           to
           the
           same
           purpose
           ,
           Psal
           .
           145.15
           16.
           
           
             The
             eyes
             of
             all
             wait
             upon
             thee
             ,
             and
             thou
             givest
             them
             their
             meat
             in
             due
             season
             ;
             thou
             openest
             thine
             hand
             ,
             and
             satisfiest
             the
             desire
             of
             every
             living
             thing
             .
          
           The
           inanimate
           Creatures
           ,
           which
           are
           without
           sense
           ;
           and
           the
           brute
           Creatures
           ,
           which
           tho'
           they
           have
           sense
           ,
           are
           without
           
           understanding
           ,
           and
           so
           can
           have
           no
           End
           and
           Design
           of
           self-preservation
           ,
           God
           preserves
           them
           ,
           no
           less
           than
           men
           who
           are
           endowed
           with
           reason
           ,
           and
           foresight
           to
           provide
           for
           themselves
           ;
           Psal
           .
           36.7
           .
           
             Thou
             preservest
             man
             and
             beast
          
           .
           And
           Psal
           .
           147.9
           .
           
             He
             giveth
             to
             the
             beast
             his
             food
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             young
             Ravens
             when
             they
             cry
             .
          
           And
           so
           our
           Saviour
           declares
           to
           us
           the
           particular
           Providence
           of
           God
           towards
           those
           Creatures
           ,
           Matth.
           6.26
           .
           
             Behold
             the
             fowls
             of
             the
             air
             ,
             for
             they
             sow
             not
             ,
             neither
             do
             they
             reap
             ,
             nor
             gather
             into
             barns
             ;
             yet
             your
             heavenly
             Father
             feedeth
             them
             .
          
           V.
           28.29
           .
           
             Consider
             the
             lillies
             of
             the
             field
             ,
             how
             they
             grow
             ;
             they
             toyl
             not
             ,
             neither
             do
             they
             spin
             :
             And
             yet
             I
             say
             unto
             you
             ,
             that
          
           Solomon
           
             in
             all
             his
             glory
             ,
             was
             not
             arrayed
             like
             one
             of
             these
             .
          
        
         
           And
           tho'
           all
           the
           Creatures
           below
           man
           ,
           being
           without
           understanding
           ,
           can
           take
           no
           notice
           of
           this
           bounty
           of
           God
           to
           them
           ,
           nor
           make
           any
           acknowledgments
           to
           him
           for
           it
           ,
           yet
           man
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           Priest
           of
           the
           visible
           Creation
           ,
           and
           placed
           here
           in
           this
           great
           Temple
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           to
           offer
           up
           Sacrifices
           of
           praise
           and
           thanksgiving
           to
           God
           ,
           for
           his
           universal
           goodness
           to
           all
           his
           Creatures
           ,
           ought
           to
           bless
           God
           in
           
           their
           behalf
           ,
           and
           to
           sing
           praises
           to
           him
           ,
           in
           the
           name
           of
           all
           the
           inferiour
           Creatures
           ,
           which
           are
           subjected
           to
           his
           Dominion
           and
           Use
           ;
           because
           they
           are
           all
           as
           it
           were
           his
           Family
           ,
           his
           Servants
           and
           Utensils
           ,
           and
           if
           God
           should
           neglect
           any
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           suffer
           them
           to
           perish
           and
           miscarry
           ,
           't
           is
           we
           that
           should
           find
           the
           inconvenience
           and
           want
           of
           them
           ;
           and
           therefore
           we
           should
           on
           their
           behalf
           celebrate
           the
           Praises
           of
           God
           ;
           as
           we
           find
           David
           often
           does
           in
           the
           Psalms
           ,
           calling
           upon
           the
           inanimate
           and
           the
           brute
           Creatures
           to
           praise
           the
           Lord.
           
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           universal
           Goodness
           of
           God
           doth
           yet
           further
           appear
           ;
           in
           providing
           so
           abundantly
           for
           the
           Welfare
           and
           Happiness
           of
           all
           his
           Creatures
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           they
           are
           capable
           and
           sensible
           of
           it
           .
           He
           doth
           not
           only
           support
           and
           preserve
           his
           Creatures
           in
           Being
           ,
           but
           takes
           care
           that
           they
           should
           all
           enjoy
           that
           happiness
           and
           pleasure
           ,
           which
           their
           natures
           are
           capable
           of
           .
           The
           Creatures
           endowed
           with
           Sense
           and
           Reason
           ,
           which
           only
           are
           capable
           of
           pleasure
           and
           happiness
           ,
           God
           hath
           taken
           care
           to
           satisfie
           the
           several
           Appetites
           
           and
           Inclinations
           which
           he
           hath
           planted
           in
           them
           ;
           and
           according
           as
           Nature
           hath
           enlarged
           their
           desires
           and
           capacities
           ,
           so
           he
           enlargeth
           his
           Bounty
           towards
           them
           ;
           
             he
             openeth
             his
             hand
             ,
             and
             satisfieth
             the
             desire
             of
             every
             living
             thing
             .
          
           God
           doth
           not
           immediately
           bring
           Meat
           to
           the
           Creatures
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           hungry
           ;
           but
           it
           is
           near
           to
           them
           ,
           commonly
           in
           the
           Elements
           wherein
           they
           are
           bred
           ,
           or
           within
           their
           reach
           ,
           and
           he
           hath
           planted
           Inclinations
           in
           them
           to
           hunt
           after
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           lead
           and
           direct
           them
           to
           it
           ;
           and
           to
           encourage
           self-preservation
           ,
           and
           to
           oblige
           and
           instigate
           them
           to
           it
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           might
           not
           be
           melancholy
           and
           weary
           of
           Life
           ,
           he
           hath
           so
           ordered
           the
           nature
           of
           living
           Creatures
           ,
           that
           Hunger
           and
           Thirst
           are
           most
           implacable
           desires
           ,
           exceeding
           painful
           ,
           and
           even
           intolerable
           ;
           and
           likewise
           that
           the
           satisfaction
           of
           these
           Appetites
           ,
           should
           be
           a
           mighty
           pleasure
           to
           them
           .
           And
           for
           those
           Creatures
           that
           are
           young
           ,
           and
           not
           able
           to
           provide
           for
           themselves
           ,
           God
           hath
           planted
           in
           all
           Creatures
           a
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           a
           natural
           Affection
           towards
           their
           young
           ones
           ,
           which
           will
           effectually
           put
           them
           upon
           seeking
           Provisions
           
           for
           them
           ,
           and
           cherishing
           them
           ,
           with
           that
           care
           and
           tenderness
           which
           their
           weak
           and
           helpless
           condition
           doth
           require
           ;
           and
           reason
           is
           not
           more
           powerful
           and
           effectual
           in
           mankind
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           than
           this
           
             natural
             instinct
          
           is
           in
           brute
           Creatures
           ;
           which
           shews
           what
           care
           God
           hath
           taken
           ,
           and
           what
           provision
           he
           hath
           made
           in
           the
           natural
           Frame
           of
           all
           his
           Creatures
           ,
           for
           the
           satisfaction
           of
           the
           inclinations
           and
           appetites
           which
           he
           hath
           planted
           in
           them
           ;
           the
           satisfaction
           whereof
           is
           their
           pleasure
           and
           happiness
           .
           And
           thus
           I
           have
           done
           with
           the
           First
           head
           I
           proposed
           ,
           the
           universal
           extent
           of
           God's
           goodness
           to
           his
           Creatures
           ,
           let
           us
           now
           proceed
           ,
           in
           the
        
         
           II.
           place
           ,
           To
           consider
           more
           particularly
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           to
           men
           ;
           which
           we
           are
           more
           especially
           concerned
           to
           take
           notice
           of
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           affected
           with
           it
           .
           And
           we
           need
           go
           no
           further
           than
           our
           own
           observation
           and
           experience
           ,
           to
           prove
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           ;
           every
           day
           of
           our
           lives
           ,
           
             we
             see
             and
             taste
             that
             the
             Lord
             is
             good
             ,
          
           all
           that
           we
           are
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           good
           that
           we
           enjoy
           ,
           and
           all
           that
           we
           expect
           and
           hope
           for
           ,
           is
           from
           the
           divine
           goodness
           ,
           
             every
             good
             and
             perfect
             gift
             descends
             from
             
             above
             ,
             from
             the
             Father
             of
             lights
             ,
             Jam.
          
           1.17
           .
           And
           the
           best
           and
           most
           perfect
           of
           his
           gifts
           he
           bestows
           on
           the
           Sons
           of
           men
           .
           What
           is
           said
           of
           the
           wisdom
           of
           God
           ,
           Prov.
           8.
           may
           be
           applyed
           to
           his
           goodness
           ;
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           shines
           forth
           in
           all
           the
           works
           of
           Creation
           ,
           in
           the
           Heavens
           and
           Clouds
           above
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Fountains
           of
           the
           great
           deep
           ,
           in
           the
           Earth
           and
           the
           Fields
           ,
           but
           
             its
             delight
             is
             with
             the
             Sons
             of
             men
             .
          
           Such
           is
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           to
           man
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           represented
           to
           us
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           under
           the
           Notion
           of
           love
           .
           God
           is
           good
           to
           all
           his
           Creatures
           ,
           but
           he
           is
           only
           said
           to
           
             love
             the
             sons
             of
             men
          
           .
           More
           particularly
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           to
           man
           appears
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           he
           hath
           given
           us
           such
           noble
           and
           excellent
           Beings
           ,
           and
           placed
           us
           in
           so
           high
           a
           rank
           and
           order
           of
           his
           Creatures
           .
           We
           owe
           to
           him
           that
           we
           are
           ,
           and
           what
           we
           are
           ;
           we
           do
           not
           only
           partake
           of
           that
           effect
           of
           his
           goodness
           ,
           which
           is
           common
           to
           us
           with
           all
           other
           Creatures
           ,
           that
           we
           have
           received
           our
           being
           from
           him
           ;
           but
           we
           are
           peculiarly
           obliged
           to
           him
           ,
           for
           his
           more
           especial
           goodness
           ,
           that
           he
           
           hath
           made
           us
           reasonable
           Creatures
           ,
           of
           that
           Kind
           which
           we
           should
           have
           chosen
           to
           have
           been
           of
           ,
           if
           we
           could
           suppose
           ,
           that
           before
           we
           were
           ,
           it
           had
           been
           referr'd
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           put
           to
           our
           choice
           ,
           what
           part
           we
           would
           be
           of
           this
           visible
           World.
           But
           we
           did
           not
           contrive
           and
           chuse
           this
           Condition
           for
           our selves
           ,
           we
           are
           no
           ways
           accessary
           to
           the
           dignity
           and
           excellency
           of
           our
           Beings
           ;
           but
           God
           chose
           this
           condition
           for
           us
           ,
           and
           made
           us
           what
           we
           are
           ;
           So
           that
           we
           may
           say
           ,
           with
           David
           ,
           Psal
           .
           100.3
           ,
           4
           ,
           5.
           
           
             'T
             is
             he
             that
             hath
             made
             us
             ,
             and
             not
             we
             our selves
             .
             O
             enter
             then
             into
             his
             gates
             with
             thanksgiving
             ,
             and
             into
             his
             courts
             with
             praise
             ;
             be
             thankful
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             speak
             good
             of
             his
             name
             ,
             for
             the
             Lord
             is
             good
             .
          
           The
           goodness
           of
           God
           is
           the
           Spring
           and
           Fountain
           of
           our
           Beings
           ,
           but
           for
           that
           we
           had
           been
           nothing
           ;
           and
           but
           for
           his
           farther
           goodness
           ,
           we
           might
           have
           been
           any
           thing
           ,
           of
           the
           lowest
           and
           meanest
           rank
           of
           his
           Creatures
           .
           But
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           hath
           been
           pleased
           to
           advance
           us
           to
           be
           the
           Top
           and
           Perfection
           of
           the
           visible
           Creation
           ,
           he
           hath
           been
           pleased
           to
           endow
           us
           with
           Mind
           and
           Understanding
           ,
           and
           made
           us
           capable
           of
           happiness
           ,
           in
           the
           
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           love
           ,
           and
           enjoyment
           of
           himself
           .
           He
           hath
           curiously
           and
           wonderfully
           wrought
           the
           Frame
           of
           our
           Bodies
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           make
           them
           fit
           Habitations
           for
           reasonable
           Souls
           ,
           and
           immortal
           Spirits
           ;
           he
           hath
           made
           our
           very
           Bodies
           Vessels
           of
           Honour
           ,
           when
           of
           the
           very
           same
           Clay
           he
           hath
           made
           innumerable
           other
           Creatures
           ,
           of
           a
           much
           lower
           rank
           and
           condition
           ;
           so
           that
           tho'
           man
           in
           respect
           of
           his
           Body
           be
           a-kin
           to
           the
           Earth
           ,
           yet
           in
           regard
           of
           his
           Soul
           ,
           he
           is
           allied
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           of
           a
           divine
           Original
           ,
           and
           descended
           from
           above
           .
           Of
           all
           the
           Creatures
           in
           this
           visible
           World
           ,
           man
           is
           the
           chief
           ;
           and
           what
           is
           said
           of
           Behemoth
           ,
           or
           the
           Elephant
           ,
           Job
           42.
           in
           respect
           of
           his
           great
           strength
           ,
           and
           the
           vast
           bigness
           of
           his
           Body
           ,
           is
           only
           true
           absolutely
           of
           man
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           ,
           
             divini
             opificii
             caput
             ,
             the
             chief
             of
             the
             ways
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             upon
             earth
             there
             is
             none
             like
             him
             .
          
        
         
           The
           Psalmist
           takes
           particular
           notice
           of
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           to
           man
           ,
           in
           this
           respect
           of
           the
           excellency
           and
           dignity
           of
           his
           being
           .
           Psal
           .
           8.5
           .
           
             Thou
             hast
             made
             him
             little
             lower
             than
             the
             Angels
             ,
             and
             hast
             crowned
             him
             with
             glory
             and
             honour
             .
          
           And
           this
           advantage
           of
           our
           nature
           
           above
           other
           Creatures
           ,
           we
           ought
           thankfully
           to
           acknowledge
           ;
           tho'
           most
           men
           are
           so
           stupid
           ,
           as
           to
           overlook
           it
           ,
           as
           Elihu
           complains
           ,
           Job
           35.10
           ,
           11.
           
           
             None
             saith
             ,
             where
             is
             God
             my
             maker
             ?
             Who
             teacheth
             us
             more
             than
             the
             beasts
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             maketh
             us
             wiser
             than
             the
             fowls
             of
             heaven
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           goodness
           of
           God
           to
           man
           appears
           ,
           in
           that
           he
           hath
           made
           and
           ordained
           so
           many
           things
           chiefly
           for
           our
           use
           .
           The
           beauty
           and
           usefulness
           of
           the
           Creatures
           below
           us
           ,
           their
           plain
           subserviency
           to
           our
           necessity
           ,
           and
           benefit
           ,
           and
           delight
           ,
           are
           so
           many
           clear
           Evidences
           of
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           to
           us
           ,
           not
           only
           discernable
           to
           our
           Reason
           ,
           but
           even
           palpable
           to
           our
           Senses
           ,
           so
           that
           we
           may
           
             see
             and
             taste
             that
             the
             Lord
             is
             gracious
             .
          
        
         
           This
           David
           particularly
           insists
           upon
           as
           a
           special
           ground
           of
           praise
           and
           thanksgiving
           to
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           hath
           subjected
           so
           great
           a
           part
           of
           the
           Creation
           to
           our
           dominion
           and
           use
           ;
           Psal
           .
           8.6
           ,
           7
           ,
           8.
           speaking
           of
           man
           ,
           
             Thou
             hast
             made
             him
             to
             have
             dominion
             over
             the
             works
             of
             thy
             hands
             ;
             thou
             hast
             put
             all
             things
             under
             his
             feet
             ;
             all
             sheep
             and
             oxen
             ,
             yea
             ,
             and
             the
             beasts
             of
             
             the
             field
             ;
             the
             fowl
             of
             the
             air
             ,
             and
             the
             fish
             of
             the
             sea
             ,
             and
             whatsoever
             passeth
             through
             the
             paths
             of
             the
             seas
             .
          
           What
           an
           ininnumerable
           variety
           of
           Creatures
           are
           there
           in
           this
           inferiour
           World
           ,
           which
           were
           either
           solely
           or
           principally
           made
           for
           the
           use
           and
           service
           ,
           pleasure
           and
           delight
           of
           man
           !
           How
           many
           things
           are
           there
           ,
           which
           serve
           for
           the
           necessity
           and
           support
           ,
           for
           the
           contentment
           and
           comfort
           of
           our
           lives
           !
           How
           many
           things
           for
           the
           refreshment
           and
           delight
           of
           our
           Senses
           ,
           and
           the
           excercise
           and
           employment
           of
           our
           Understandings
           !
           That
           God
           hath
           not
           made
           man
           for
           the
           service
           of
           other
           Creatures
           ,
           but
           other
           Creatures
           for
           the
           service
           of
           man
           ,
           Epictetus
           doth
           very
           ingeniously
           argue
           from
           this
           observation
           ;
           that
           the
           Creatures
           below
           man
           ,
           the
           brute
           beasts
           ,
           have
           all
           things
           in
           a
           readiness
           ,
           nature
           having
           provided
           for
           them
           meat
           ,
           and
           drink
           ,
           and
           lodging
           ,
           so
           that
           they
           have
           no
           absolute
           need
           that
           any
           should
           build
           Houses
           ,
           or
           make
           Cloaths
           ,
           or
           store
           up
           Provisions
           ,
           or
           prepare
           and
           dress
           meat
           for
           them
           ;
           for
           ,
           says
           he
           ,
           
             being
             made
             for
             the
             service
             of
             another
             ,
             they
             ought
             to
             be
             furnisht
             with
             these
             things
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             always
             in
             a
             readiness
             ,
             to
             serve
             
             their
             Lord
             and
             master
             ;
             a
             plain
             evidence
             that
             they
             were
             made
             to
             serve
             man
             ,
             and
             not
             man
             to
             serve
             them
             .
          
        
         
           And
           to
           raise
           our
           thoughts
           of
           God's
           goodness
           to
           us
           the
           Sons
           of
           men
           yet
           higher
           ,
           as
           he
           hath
           given
           us
           the
           Creatures
           below
           us
           for
           our
           use
           and
           convenience
           ,
           so
           hath
           he
           appointed
           the
           Creatures
           above
           us
           for
           our
           Guard
           and
           Protection
           ,
           not
           to
           say
           for
           our
           service
           .
           Psal
           .
           34.7
           .
           
             The
             Angel
             of
             the
             Lord
             encampeth
             round
             about
             them
             that
             fear
             him
             ,
             and
             he
             delivereth
             them
          
           ;
           and
           then
           it
           follows
           ,
           
             O
             taste
             and
             see
             that
             the
             Lord
             is
             good
             .
          
           And
           ,
           Psal
           .
           91.11
           ,
           12.
           
           
             He
             shall
             give
             his
             Angels
             charge
             over
             thee
             ,
             to
             keep
             thee
             in
             all
             thy
             ways
             .
             They
             shall
             bear
             thee
             up
             in
             their
             hands
             .
          
           Nay
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           as
           if
           their
           whole
           business
           and
           imployment
           were
           to
           attend
           upon
           and
           be
           serviceable
           to
           good
           men
           ,
           Heb.
           1.14
           .
           
             Are
             they
             not
             all
             ministring
             spirits
             ,
             sent
             forth
             to
             minister
             for
             them
             ,
             who
             shall
             be
             heirs
             of
             Salvation
             ?
          
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           goodness
           of
           God
           to
           men
           appears
           ,
           in
           his
           tender
           Love
           and
           peculiar
           Care
           of
           us
           ,
           above
           the
           rest
           of
           the
           Creatures
           ,
           being
           ready
           to
           impart
           and
           dispense
           to
           us
           the
           good
           that
           is
           suitable
           to
           our
           capacity
           and
           condition
           ;
           
           and
           concerned
           to
           exempt
           us
           from
           those
           manifold
           Evils
           of
           Want
           and
           Pain
           ,
           to
           which
           we
           are
           obnoxious
           .
           I
           do
           not
           mean
           an
           absolute
           exemption
           from
           all
           sorts
           and
           all
           degrees
           of
           Evil
           ,
           and
           a
           perpetual
           tenor
           of
           temporal
           happiness
           ,
           and
           enjoyment
           of
           all
           good
           things
           ;
           this
           is
           not
           suitable
           to
           our
           present
           state
           ,
           and
           the
           rank
           and
           order
           which
           we
           are
           in
           among
           the
           Creatures
           ;
           nor
           would
           it
           be
           best
           for
           us
           ,
           all
           things
           considered
           .
           But
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           to
           us
           above
           other
           Creatures
           ,
           is
           proportionable
           to
           the
           dignity
           and
           excellency
           of
           our
           Natures
           above
           them
           ;
           for
           as
           the
           Apostle
           reasons
           in
           another
           case
           ,
           
             doth
             God
             take
             care
             for
             Oxen
             ,
          
           and
           shall
           he
           not
           much
           more
           extend
           his
           care
           to
           Man
           ?
           To
           this
           purpose
           our
           Saviour
           reasons
           ,
           Mat.
           6.
           
           
             Behold
             the
             Fowls
             of
             the
             Air
             ,
             they
             sow
             not
             ,
             neither
             do
             they
             reap
             ,
             and
             yet
             your
             heavenly
             Father
             takes
             care
             of
             them
             ;
             are
             not
             ye
             much
             better
             than
             they
             ?
          
           And
           ,
           v.
           30.
           
           
             Wherefore
             if
             God
             so
             cloath
             the
             grass
             of
             the
             field
             ,
             shall
             he
             not
             much
             more
             cloath
             you
             ?
          
           And
           ,
           Chap.
           10.29
           .
           
             Are
             not
             two
             Sparrows
             sold
             for
             a
             Farthing
             ?
             and
             one
             of
             them
             shall
             not
             fall
             on
             the
             ground
             without
             your
             Father
             .
             But
             the
             very
             hairs
             of
             your
             head
             are
             all
             numbred
             .
             Fear
             ye
             not
             
             therefore
             ,
             ye
             are
             of
             more
             value
             than
             many
             Sparrows
             .
          
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           God
           hath
           a
           special
           care
           of
           his
           People
           and
           Servants
           ,
           above
           the
           rest
           of
           Mankind
           ;
           but
           our
           Saviour
           useth
           these
           Arguments
           to
           his
           Disciples
           ,
           to
           convince
           them
           of
           the
           Providence
           of
           God
           towards
           them
           ,
           as
           Men
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           more
           excellent
           Nature
           than
           other
           Creatures
           .
        
         
           And
           indeed
           we
           are
           born
           into
           the
           World
           more
           destitute
           and
           helpless
           ,
           than
           other
           Creatures
           ;
           as
           if
           it
           were
           on
           purpose
           to
           shew
           ,
           that
           God
           had
           reserved
           us
           for
           his
           more
           peculiar
           Care
           and
           Providence
           ;
           which
           is
           so
           great
           ,
           that
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           by
           way
           of
           condescention
           ,
           expresseth
           it
           to
           us
           by
           the
           name
           of
           Love
           ;
           so
           that
           what
           effects
           of
           Care
           the
           greatest
           and
           tenderest
           Affection
           in
           Men
           is
           apt
           to
           produce
           towards
           one
           another
           ,
           that
           ,
           and
           much
           more
           ,
           is
           the
           effect
           of
           God's
           Goodness
           to
           us
           ;
           and
           this
           Affection
           of
           God
           is
           common
           to
           all
           Men
           (
           tho'
           of
           all
           Creatures
           we
           have
           least
           deserved
           it
           )
           and
           is
           ready
           to
           diffuse
           and
           shed
           abroad
           it self
           ,
           where-ever
           Men
           are
           qualified
           for
           it
           by
           Duty
           and
           Obedience
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           obstruct
           and
           stop
           the
           emanations
           of
           it
           ,
           by
           their
           Sins
           and
           Provocations
           .
        
         
         
           And
           tho'
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           Mankind
           be
           evil
           ,
           yet
           this
           doth
           not
           wholly
           put
           a
           stop
           to
           his
           goodness
           ,
           tho'
           it
           cause
           many
           abatements
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           hinder
           many
           good
           things
           from
           us
           ;
           but
           such
           is
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           evil
           and
           undutifulness
           of
           Men
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           pleased
           still
           to
           concern
           himself
           in
           the
           Government
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           to
           preserve
           the
           Societies
           of
           Men
           from
           running
           into
           utter
           confusion
           and
           disorder
           ;
           notwithstanding
           the
           violence
           and
           irregularities
           of
           Mens
           Wills
           and
           Passions
           ,
           the
           Communities
           of
           Men
           subsist
           upon
           tolerable
           terms
           ;
           and
           notwithstanding
           the
           rage
           and
           craft
           of
           evil
           Men
           ,
           poor
           and
           unarmed
           Innocence
           and
           Virtue
           is
           usually
           protected
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           rewarded
           in
           this
           World
           ;
           and
           domineering
           and
           outragious
           Wickedness
           is
           very
           often
           remarkably
           checkt
           and
           chastised
           .
           All
           which
           Instances
           of
           God's
           Providence
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           greatly
           for
           the
           advantage
           and
           comfort
           of
           Mankind
           ,
           so
           are
           they
           an
           effectual
           declaration
           of
           that
           Goodness
           which
           governs
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           of
           God's
           kind
           care
           of
           the
           affairs
           and
           concernments
           of
           Men
           ;
           so
           that
           if
           we
           look
           no
           farther
           than
           this
           World
           ,
           we
           may
           
           say
           with
           
             David
             ,
             Verily
             there
             is
             a
             reward
             for
             the
             Righteous
             ,
             verily
             there
             is
             a
             God
             that
             judgeth
             the
             earth
             .
          
        
         
           I
           know
           this
           Argument
           hath
           been
           perverted
           to
           a
           quite
           contrary
           purpose
           ;
           that
           if
           goodness
           govern'd
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           administred
           the
           Affairs
           of
           it
           ,
           good
           and
           evil
           would
           not
           be
           so
           carelesly
           and
           promiscously
           dispensed
           ;
           good
           Men
           would
           not
           be
           so
           great
           sufferers
           ,
           nor
           wicked
           Men
           so
           prosperous
           as
           many
           times
           they
           are
           .
        
         
           But
           this
           also
           ,
           if
           rightly
           considered
           ,
           is
           an
           Effect
           of
           
             God's
             goodness
          
           ,
           and
           infinite
           Patience
           to
           Mankind
           ;
           That
           
             he
             causeth
             his
             Sun
             to
             rise
             ,
             and
             his
             Rain
             to
             fall
             upon
             the
             just
             and
             unjust
             .
          
           That
           upon
           the
           Provocations
           of
           Men
           ,
           he
           does
           not
           give
           over
           his
           care
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           throw
           all
           things
           into
           confusion
           and
           ruin
           ;
           this
           plainly
           shews
           ,
           that
           he
           designs
           this
           Life
           for
           the
           tryal
           of
           Men's
           Virtue
           and
           Obedience
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           the
           greater
           reward
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           therefore
           
             he
             suffers
             Men
             to
             walk
             in
             their
             own
             ways
             ,
          
           without
           any
           great
           check
           and
           controle
           ,
           and
           reserves
           the
           main
           bulk
           of
           Rewards
           and
           Punishments
           for
           another
           World
           :
           So
           that
           all
           this
           is
           so
           far
           from
           being
           any
           Objection
           against
           the
           
             goodness
             of
             
             God
          
           ,
           that
           on
           the
           contrary
           ,
           it
           is
           an
           Argument
           of
           God's
           immense
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           infinite
           Patience
           ,
           that
           the
           World
           subsists
           and
           continues
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           permits
           Men
           to
           take
           their
           course
           ,
           for
           the
           fuller
           tryal
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           the
           clearer
           and
           most
           effectual
           declaration
           of
           his
           Justice
           ,
           in
           the
           Rewards
           and
           Punishments
           of
           another
           life
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           and
           Lastly
           ,
           The
           Goodness
           of
           God
           to
           Mankind
           most
           gloriously
           appears
           ,
           in
           the
           provision
           he
           hath
           made
           for
           our
           
             Eternal
             Happiness
          
           .
           What
           the
           happiness
           of
           Man
           should
           have
           been
           ,
           had
           he
           continued
           in
           Innocency
           ,
           is
           not
           particularly
           revealed
           to
           us
           ;
           but
           this
           is
           certain
           ,
           that
           by
           willful
           transgression
           ,
           we
           have
           forfeited
           all
           that
           happiness
           which
           our
           Natures
           are
           capable
           of
           .
           In
           this
           lapsed
           and
           ruinous
           condition
           of
           Mankind
           ,
           the
           Goodness
           and
           Mercy
           of
           God
           was
           pleased
           to
           employ
           his
           Wisdom
           for
           our
           Recovery
           ,
           and
           to
           restore
           us
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           a
           new
           ,
           but
           a
           greater
           capacity
           of
           Glory
           and
           Happiness
           .
           And
           in
           order
           to
           this
           ,
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           assumes
           our
           Nature
           ,
           for
           the
           recovery
           and
           redemption
           of
           Man
           ;
           and
           the
           pardon
           of
           Sin
           is
           purchased
           for
           us
           by
           his
           Blood
           ;
           
             Eternal
             
             Life
          
           ,
           and
           the
           Way
           to
           it
           ,
           are
           clearly
           discover'd
           to
           us
           .
           God
           is
           pleased
           to
           enter
           into
           a
           New
           and
           better
           Covenant
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           afford
           us
           inward
           grace
           and
           assistance
           ,
           to
           enable
           us
           to
           perform
           the
           Conditions
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           graciously
           to
           accept
           of
           our
           Faith
           and
           Repentance
           ,
           of
           our
           sincere
           Resolutions
           and
           Endeavours
           of
           Holiness
           and
           Obedience
           ,
           for
           Perfect
           and
           
             Compleat
             Righteousness
          
           ,
           for
           his
           sake
           who
           
             fullfilled
             all
             righteousness
          
           .
        
         
           This
           is
           the
           great
           and
           amazing
           goodness
           of
           God
           to
           Mankind
           ,
           that
           when
           we
           were
           in
           open
           Rebellion
           against
           him
           ,
           he
           should
           entertain
           thoughts
           of
           Peace
           and
           Reconciliation
           ;
           and
           when
           he
           past
           by
           the
           fall'n
           Angels
           ,
           he
           should
           set
           his
           Affection
           and
           Love
           upon
           the
           sinful
           and
           miserable
           Sons
           of
           Men.
           And
           
             herein
             is
             the
             love
             of
             God
             to
             men
             perfected
             ,
          
           that
           as
           he
           hath
           made
           all
           Creatures
           ,
           both
           above
           us
           ,
           and
           below
           us
           ,
           subservient
           and
           instrumental
           to
           our
           subsistence
           and
           preservation
           ,
           so
           ,
           for
           the
           ransom
           of
           our
           Souls
           from
           eternal
           Ruin
           and
           Misery
           ,
           
             he
             hath
             not
             spared
             his
             own
             Son
             ,
             but
             hath
             given
             him
             up
             to
             death
             for
             us
          
           ;
           him
           ,
           whom
           
             he
             hath
             commanded
             all
             the
             
             Angels
             of
             God
             to
             worship
             ,
          
           and
           to
           whom
           he
           hath
           made
           subject
           all
           Creatures
           in
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           ;
           Him
           ,
           
             who
             made
             the
             World
          
           ,
           and
           
             who
             upholds
             all
             things
             by
             the
             word
             of
             his
             power
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             brightness
             of
             his
             Glory
             ,
             and
             the
             express
             Image
             of
             his
             Person
             .
          
        
         
           And
           after
           such
           a
           stupendious
           Instance
           as
           this
           ,
           what
           may
           we
           not
           reasonably
           hope
           for
           ,
           and
           promise
           our selves
           from
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           !
           So
           the
           Apostle
           hath
           taught
           us
           to
           reason
           ,
           Rom.
           8.32
           .
           
             He
             that
             spared
             not
             his
             own
             Son
             ,
             but
             delivered
             him
             up
             for
             us
             all
             ,
             how
             shall
             he
             not
             with
             him
             also
             freely
             give
             us
             all
             things
             ?
          
        
      
       
         
         
         
           SERMON
           III.
           
           The
           Goodness
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           
             
               
                 PSAL.
                 CXLV
                 .
                 9
              
               .
            
             
               The
               Lord
               is
               Good
               to
               all
               ,
               and
               his
               tender
               Mercies
               are
               over
               all
               his
               Works
               .
            
          
        
         
           IN
           handling
           this
           Argument
           ,
           I
           proceeded
           in
           this
           Method
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           To
           consider
           what
           is
           the
           proper
           Notion
           of
           Goodness
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           To
           shew
           that
           this
           Perfection
           of
           Goodness
           belongs
           to
           God.
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           I
           considered
           the
           Effects
           of
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           under
           these
           Heads
           .
        
         
           I.
           The
           universal
           Extent
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           the
           number
           ,
           variety
           ,
           order
           ,
           end
           ,
           and
           design
           of
           the
           things
           created
           by
           him
           ,
           and
           his
           preservation
           and
           providing
           for
           the
           welfare
           and
           happiness
           of
           them
           .
        
         
         
           II.
           I
           considered
           more
           particularly
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           
             to
             Mankind
          
           ,
           of
           which
           I
           gave
           these
           four
           Instances
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           he
           hath
           given
           us
           such
           noble
           Beings
           ,
           and
           placed
           us
           in
           so
           high
           a
           rank
           and
           order
           of
           his
           Creatures
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           In
           that
           he
           hath
           made
           and
           ordained
           so
           many
           things
           chiefly
           for
           us
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           In
           that
           he
           exerciseth
           so
           peculiar
           a
           Providence
           over
           us
           above
           the
           rest
           ,
           that
           tho
           he
           is
           said
           
             to
             be
             good
             to
             all
          
           ,
           he
           is
           only
           said
           
             to
             love
             the
             Sons
             of
             Men.
             
          
        
         
           4.
           
           In
           that
           he
           hath
           provided
           for
           us
           eternal
           Life
           and
           Happiness
           .
           There
           only
           now
           remains
           the
        
         
           Fourth
           and
           last
           particular
           to
           be
           spoken
           to
           ,
           which
           was
           to
           answer
           some
           Objections
           which
           may
           seem
           to
           contradict
           and
           bring
           in
           question
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           they
           are
           many
           ,
           and
           have
           (
           some
           of
           them
           especially
           )
           great
           difficulty
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           therefore
           it
           will
           require
           great
           consideration
           and
           care
           ,
           to
           give
           a
           clear
           and
           satisfactory
           answer
           to
           them
           ,
           which
           undoubtedly
           they
           are
           capable
           of
           ;
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           being
           one
           of
           the
           most
           certain
           and
           unquestionable
           Truths
           in
           the
           World.
           I
           shall
           mention
           those
           which
           are
           most
           
           considerable
           and
           obvious
           ,
           and
           do
           almost
           of
           themselves
           spring
           up
           in
           every
           Man's
           Mind
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           these
           Four
           ,
           the
           first
           of
           them
           more
           general
           ,
           the
           other
           three
           more
           particular
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           If
           God
           be
           so
           exceeding
           good
           ,
           whence
           comes
           it
           to
           pass
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           so
           much
           Evil
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           of
           several
           kinds
           ;
           Evil
           of
           Imperfection
           ,
           Evil
           of
           Affliction
           or
           Suffering
           ,
           and
           (
           which
           is
           the
           greatest
           of
           all
           others
           ,
           and
           indeed
           the
           cause
           of
           them
           )
           Evil
           of
           Sin
           ?
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           Doctrine
           of
           
             absolute
             Reprobation
          
           ;
           by
           which
           is
           meant
           ,
           the
           decreeing
           of
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           Mankind
           to
           eternal
           Misery
           and
           Torment
           ,
           without
           any
           consideration
           or
           respect
           to
           their
           Sin
           or
           Fault
           ;
           this
           seems
           notoriously
           to
           contradict
           ,
           not
           only
           the
           Notion
           of
           infinite
           Goodness
           ,
           but
           any
           competent
           measure
           and
           degree
           of
           Goodness
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           The
           eternal
           Misery
           and
           Punishment
           of
           Men
           for
           temporal
           Faults
           ,
           seems
           hard
           to
           be
           reconciled
           with
           that
           excess
           of
           Goodness
           ,
           which
           we
           suppose
           to
           be
           in
           God.
           
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           The
           Instances
           of
           God's
           great
           severity
           to
           Mankind
           upon
           occasion
           ,
           in
           those
           great
           Calamities
           ,
           which
           
           by
           the
           Providence
           of
           God
           have
           in
           several
           Ages
           either
           befaln
           Mankind
           in
           general
           ,
           or
           particular
           Nations
           ;
           and
           here
           I
           shall
           confine
           my self
           to
           Scripture
           Instances
           ,
           as
           being
           the
           most
           certain
           and
           remarkable
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           equal
           to
           any
           that
           are
           to
           be
           met
           with
           in
           History
           ;
           as
           the
           early
           and
           universal
           degeneracy
           of
           Mankind
           ,
           by
           the
           sin
           and
           transgression
           of
           our
           first
           Parents
           ;
           the
           destruction
           of
           the
           World
           by
           a
           general
           Deluge
           ;
           the
           sudden
           and
           terrible
           destruction
           of
           Sodom
           and
           Gomorrah
           ,
           and
           the
           Cities
           about
           them
           ,
           by
           Fire
           and
           Brimstone
           from
           Heaven
           ;
           the
           cruel
           extirpation
           of
           the
           Canaanites
           ,
           by
           the
           express
           command
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           lastly
           ,
           the
           great
           Calamities
           which
           befel
           the
           Jewish
           Nation
           ,
           and
           the
           final
           ruin
           and
           perdition
           of
           them
           at
           the
           destruction
           of
           Jerusalem
           .
        
         
           These
           are
           the
           Objections
           against
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           I
           shall
           severally
           consider
           ,
           and
           with
           all
           the
           brevity
           and
           clearness
           I
           can
           ,
           endeavour
           to
           return
           a
           particular
           Answer
           to
           them
           .
        
         
           The
           First
           Objection
           ,
           which
           I
           told
           you
           is
           more
           general
           ,
           is
           this
           ,
           If
           God
           be
           so
           exceeding
           Good
           ,
           whence
           then
           comes
           it
           to
           pass
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           so
           much
           
           Evil
           in
           the
           World
           of
           several
           kinds
           ?
           'T
           is
           evident
           beyond
           denyal
           ,
           that
           Evil
           abounds
           in
           the
           World.
           
             The
             whole
             World
             lies
             in
             Evil
             ,
          
           says
           St.
           John
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             lies
             in
             wickedness
          
           ,
           (
           so
           our
           Translation
           renders
           it
           )
           is
           involved
           in
           Sin
           ;
           but
           by
           the
           article
           and
           opposition
           St.
           John
           seems
           to
           intend
           
             the
             Devil
             .
             We
             know
          
           ,
           says
           he
           ,
           
             that
             we
             are
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             whole
             World
             ,
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             is
             subject
             to
             the
             evil
             one
             ,
          
           and
           under
           his
           power
           and
           dominion
           .
           Which
           way
           so
           ever
           we
           render
           it
           ,
           it
           signifies
           ,
           that
           Evil
           of
           one
           kind
           or
           other
           reigns
           in
           the
           World.
           Now
           can
           Evil
           come
           from
           a
           Good
           God
           ?
           
             Out
             of
             the
             same
             Mouth
             proceedeth
             blessing
             and
             cursing
             .
             Doth
             a
             Fountain
             send
             forth
             at
             the
             same
             place
             sweet
             water
             and
             bitter
             ?
             This
          
           cannot
           be
           ,
           as
           St.
           James
           speaks
           in
           another
           case
           .
           But
           all
           Evils
           that
           are
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           must
           either
           be
           directly
           procured
           by
           the
           Divine
           Providence
           ,
           or
           permitted
           to
           happen
           ;
           and
           next
           to
           the
           causing
           and
           procuring
           of
           Evil
           ,
           it
           seems
           to
           be
           contrary
           to
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           permit
           that
           there
           should
           be
           any
           such
           thing
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           in
           his
           power
           to
           help
           and
           hinder
           it
           .
        
         
         
           Answer
           .
           To
           give
           an
           account
           of
           this
           ,
           it
           was
           an
           ancient
           Doctrine
           of
           some
           of
           the
           most
           ancient
           Nations
           ,
           that
           there
           were
           two
           first
           Causes
           or
           Principles
           of
           all
           things
           ,
           the
           one
           of
           good
           things
           ,
           the
           other
           of
           bad
           ;
           which
           among
           the
           Persians
           were
           called
           Oromasdes
           and
           Arimanius
           ;
           among
           the
           
             Egyptians
             Osiris
          
           and
           Typhon
           ;
           among
           the
           Chaldeans
           good
           or
           bad
           Planets
           ;
           among
           the
           Greeks
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           and
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ;
           and
           Plutarch
           expresly
           says
           ,
           That
           the
           
             good
             Principle
          
           was
           called
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           
             bad
             ,
             Demon
          
           ,
           or
           
             the
             Devil
          
           ;
           in
           conformity
           to
           which
           ancient
           Traditions
           ,
           the
           Manichees
           (
           a
           sad
           Sect
           of
           Christians
           )
           set
           up
           two
           Principles
           ,
           the
           one
           infinitely
           good
           ,
           which
           they
           supposed
           to
           be
           the
           original
           cause
           of
           all
           good
           that
           is
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           the
           other
           infinitely
           evil
           ,
           to
           which
           they
           ascribed
           all
           the
           evils
           that
           are
           in
           the
           World.
           
        
         
           But
           besides
           that
           the
           Notion
           of
           an
           infinite
           Evil
           is
           a
           contradiction
           ,
           it
           would
           be
           to
           no
           purpose
           to
           suppose
           two
           opposite
           Principles
           of
           equal
           power
           and
           force
           .
           That
           the
           very
           Notion
           of
           an
           infinite
           Evil
           is
           a
           contradiction
           ,
           will
           be
           very
           clear
           ,
           if
           we
           consider
           ,
           that
           what
           is
           infinitely
           evil
           ,
           must
           be
           infinitely
           
           imperfect
           ,
           and
           consequently
           infinitely
           weak
           ;
           and
           for
           that
           reason
           ,
           tho
           never
           so
           mischievous
           and
           malicious
           ,
           yet
           being
           infinitely
           weak
           ,
           and
           ignorant
           ,
           and
           foolish
           ,
           would
           neither
           be
           in
           a
           capacity
           to
           contrive
           Mischief
           ,
           nor
           to
           execute
           it
           .
           But
           admit
           ,
           that
           a
           Being
           infinitely
           mischievous
           ,
           were
           infinitely
           cunning
           ,
           and
           infinitely
           powerful
           ,
           yet
           it
           could
           do
           no
           evil
           ;
           because
           the
           opposite
           Principle
           of
           infinite
           Goodness
           ,
           being
           also
           infinitely
           wise
           and
           powerful
           ,
           they
           would
           tie
           up
           one
           anothers
           Hands
           ;
           so
           that
           upon
           this
           supposition
           ,
           the
           Notion
           of
           a
           Deity
           ,
           would
           signifie
           just
           nothing
           ,
           and
           by
           virtue
           of
           the
           eternal
           opposition
           and
           equality
           of
           these
           two
           Principles
           ,
           they
           would
           keep
           one
           another
           at
           a
           perpetual
           Bay
           ,
           and
           being
           an
           equal
           match
           for
           one
           another
           ,
           instead
           of
           being
           two
           Deities
           ,
           they
           would
           be
           two
           Idols
           ,
           able
           to
           do
           neither
           good
           nor
           evil
           .
        
         
           But
           to
           return
           a
           more
           distinct
           and
           satisfactory
           Answer
           to
           this
           Objection
           ;
           there
           are
           three
           sorts
           of
           Evil
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           the
           Evil
           of
           Imperfection
           ;
           the
           Evil
           of
           Affliction
           and
           Suffering
           ;
           and
           the
           Evil
           of
           Sin.
           
        
         
           And
           1
           st
           ,
           For
           the
           Evil
           of
           Imperfection
           ,
           
           I
           mean
           natural
           Imperfections
           ,
           these
           are
           not
           simply
           and
           absolutely
           ,
           but
           only
           comparatively
           evil
           ;
           now
           comparative
           Evil
           is
           but
           a
           less
           degree
           of
           goodness
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           not
           at
           all
           inconsistent
           with
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           some
           Creatures
           should
           be
           less
           good
           than
           others
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           imperfect
           in
           comparison
           of
           them
           ;
           nay
           ,
           it
           is
           very
           agreeable
           both
           to
           the
           Goodness
           and
           Wisdom
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           there
           should
           be
           this
           variety
           in
           the
           Creatures
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           should
           be
           of
           several
           degrees
           of
           Perfection
           ,
           being
           made
           for
           several
           Uses
           and
           Purposes
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           subservient
           to
           one
           another
           ,
           provided
           they
           all
           contribute
           to
           the
           Harmony
           and
           Beauty
           of
           the
           whole
           .
        
         
           Some
           Imperfection
           is
           necessarily
           involved
           in
           the
           very
           nature
           and
           condition
           of
           a
           Creature
           ,
           as
           that
           it
           derives
           its
           Being
           from
           another
           ,
           and
           necessarily
           depends
           upon
           it
           ,
           and
           is
           beholding
           to
           it
           ,
           and
           is
           likewise
           of
           necessity
           finite
           and
           limited
           in
           its
           Nature
           and
           Perfections
           ;
           and
           as
           for
           those
           Creatures
           which
           are
           less
           perfect
           than
           others
           ,
           this
           also
           ,
           that
           there
           should
           be
           degrees
           of
           Perfection
           ,
           is
           necessary
           ,
           upon
           supposition
           ,
           that
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           God
           thinks
           fit
           to
           
           display
           it self
           in
           variety
           of
           Creatures
           of
           several
           kinds
           and
           ranks
           .
           For
           tho
           comparing
           the
           Creatures
           with
           one
           another
           ,
           the
           Angelical
           Nature
           is
           best
           ,
           and
           most
           perfect
           ;
           yet
           it
           is
           absolutely
           best
           ,
           that
           there
           should
           be
           other
           Creatures
           besides
           Angels
           .
           There
           are
           many
           parts
           of
           the
           Creation
           ,
           which
           are
           rashly
           and
           inconsiderately
           by
           us
           concluded
           to
           be
           evil
           and
           imperfect
           ,
           as
           some
           noxious
           and
           hurtful
           Creatures
           ;
           which
           yet
           in
           other
           respects
           ,
           and
           to
           some
           purposes
           ,
           may
           be
           very
           useful
           ,
           and
           against
           the
           harm
           and
           mischief
           whereof
           ,
           we
           are
           sufficiently
           armed
           ,
           by
           such
           means
           of
           defence
           ,
           and
           such
           antidotes
           as
           reason
           and
           experience
           are
           able
           to
           find
           and
           furnish
           us
           withal
           ;
           and
           those
           parts
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           which
           we
           think
           of
           little
           or
           no
           use
           ,
           as
           Rocks
           and
           Deserts
           ,
           and
           that
           vast
           Wilderness
           of
           the
           Sea
           ,
           if
           we
           consider
           things
           well
           ,
           are
           of
           great
           use
           to
           several
           very
           considerable
           purposes
           ;
           or
           if
           we
           can
           discern
           no
           other
           use
           of
           them
           ,
           they
           serve
           at
           least
           to
           help
           our
           dulness
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           us
           more
           attentively
           to
           consider
           ,
           and
           to
           admire
           the
           perfection
           and
           usefulness
           of
           the
           rest
           ;
           at
           the
           worst
           ,
           they
           may
           serve
           for
           Foils
           to
           set
           off
           the
           wise
           
           order
           and
           contrivance
           of
           other
           things
           ,
           and
           (
           as
           one
           expresseth
           it
           very
           well
           )
           they
           may
           be
           like
           a
           Blackmoor's
           Head
           in
           a
           Picture
           ,
           which
           gives
           the
           greater
           Beauty
           to
           the
           whole
           Piece
           .
        
         
           2
           dly
           ,
           For
           the
           Evils
           of
           Affliction
           and
           Suffering
           ;
           and
           these
           either
           befal
           brute
           Creatures
           ,
           or
           Men
           endow'd
           with
           Reason
           and
           Consideration
           .
        
         
           1
           st
           ,
           For
           those
           which
           befal
           the
           brute
           Creatures
           ;
           those
           sufferings
           which
           Nature
           inflicts
           upon
           them
           ,
           are
           very
           few
           ;
           the
           greatest
           they
           meet
           withal
           are
           from
           Men
           ,
           or
           upon
           their
           account
           ,
           for
           whose
           sake
           they
           were
           chiefly
           made
           ,
           and
           to
           whose
           reasonable
           use
           and
           gentle
           dominion
           they
           are
           consigned
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           necessary
           from
           the
           very
           nature
           of
           these
           Creatures
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           be
           passive
           and
           liable
           to
           pain
           :
           and
           yet
           it
           doth
           in
           no
           wise
           contradict
           either
           the
           Wisdom
           or
           Goodness
           of
           God
           to
           make
           such
           Creatures
           ,
           because
           all
           these
           pains
           are
           for
           the
           most
           part
           fully
           recompensed
           ,
           by
           the
           pleasure
           these
           Creatures
           find
           in
           Life
           ;
           and
           that
           they
           have
           such
           a
           pleasure
           and
           happiness
           in
           Life
           ,
           is
           evident
           ,
           in
           that
           all
           Creatures
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           miseries
           they
           endure
           ,
           are
           still
           fond
           of
           Life
           ,
           and
           unwilling
           to
           part
           
           with
           it
           :
           no
           Creature
           but
           Man
           (
           who
           only
           hath
           perverted
           his
           Nature
           )
           ever
           seeks
           the
           destruction
           of
           it self
           ;
           and
           since
           all
           brute
           Creatures
           are
           so
           loth
           to
           go
           out
           of
           Being
           ,
           we
           may
           probably
           conclude
           ,
           that
           if
           they
           could
           deliberate
           ,
           whether
           they
           would
           be
           or
           not
           ,
           they
           would
           chuse
           to
           come
           into
           Being
           ,
           even
           upon
           these
           hard
           conditions
           .
        
         
           But
           however
           that
           be
           ,
           this
           we
           are
           sure
           of
           ,
           that
           they
           suffer
           chiefly
           from
           us
           ,
           and
           upon
           our
           account
           ;
           we
           who
           are
           their
           natural
           Lords
           ,
           having
           depraved
           our selves
           first
           ,
           are
           become
           cruel
           and
           tyrannical
           to
           them
           ;
           nay
           ,
           the
           Scripture
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           they
           suffer
           for
           our
           sakes
           ,
           and
           that
           
             the
             whole
             Creation
             groaneth
             ,
             and
             is
             in
             bondage
          
           for
           the
           sin
           of
           Man
           :
           And
           this
           is
           not
           unreasonable
           ,
           that
           being
           made
           principally
           for
           Man
           ,
           they
           should
           suffer
           upon
           his
           account
           ,
           as
           a
           part
           of
           his
           Goods
           and
           Estate
           ;
           not
           as
           a
           punishment
           to
           them
           (
           which
           under
           the
           notion
           of
           punishment
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           capable
           of
           )
           but
           as
           a
           punishment
           to
           him
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           Lord
           and
           Owner
           of
           them
           ,
           they
           being
           by
           this
           means
           become
           more
           weak
           and
           frail
           ,
           and
           less
           useful
           and
           serviceable
           to
           him
           for
           whom
           
           they
           were
           made
           ;
           so
           that
           the
           sufferings
           of
           the
           Creatures
           below
           us
           ,
           are
           in
           a
           great
           measure
           to
           be
           charged
           up-us
           ,
           under
           whose
           dominion
           God
           hath
           put
           them
           .
        
         
           2
           dly
           ,
           As
           for
           the
           Afflictions
           and
           Sufferings
           which
           befal
           Men
           ,
           these
           are
           not
           natural
           and
           of
           God's
           making
           ,
           but
           the
           result
           and
           fruit
           of
           our
           own
           doings
           ,
           the
           effects
           and
           consequences
           of
           the
           ill
           use
           of
           our
           own
           liberty
           and
           free
           choice
           ;
           and
           God
           does
           not
           willingly
           send
           them
           upon
           us
           ,
           but
           we
           wilfully
           pull
           them
           down
           upon
           our selves
           ;
           For
           
             he
             doth
             not
             afflict
             willingly
             ,
             nor
             grieve
             the
             children
             of
             men
             ,
          
           as
           the
           Prophet
           tells
           us
           ,
           Lam.
           3.33
           .
           Or
           as
           it
           is
           in
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           Solomon
           ,
           Chap.
           1.12
           ,
           13.
           
           
             God
             made
             not
             death
             ,
             neither
             hath
             he
             pleasure
             in
             the
             destruction
             of
             the
             living
             ;
             but
             men
             pull
             destruction
             upon
             themselves
             ,
             with
             the
             works
             of
             their
             own
             hands
             .
          
           All
           the
           Evils
           that
           are
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           are
           either
           the
           Effects
           of
           our
           own
           Sin
           ,
           as
           Poverty
           ,
           and
           Disgrace
           ,
           Pains
           ,
           Diseases
           ,
           and
           Death
           ,
           which
           are
           sometimes
           more
           immediately
           inflicted
           upon
           Men
           ,
           by
           a
           visible
           Providence
           and
           hand
           of
           God
           ,
           but
           are
           usually
           brought
           upon
           us
           by
           our selves
           ,
           in
           the
           natural
           course
           and
           order
           
           of
           things
           ;
           or
           they
           are
           the
           Effects
           of
           other
           Mens
           sins
           ,
           brought
           upon
           us
           by
           the
           ambition
           and
           covetousness
           ,
           by
           the
           malice
           and
           cruelty
           of
           others
           ;
           and
           these
           Evils
           ,
           tho
           they
           are
           procured
           and
           caused
           by
           others
           ,
           yet
           they
           are
           deserved
           by
           our selves
           ;
           and
           tho
           they
           are
           immediately
           from
           the
           Hand
           of
           Men
           ,
           yet
           we
           ought
           to
           look
           farther
           ,
           and
           consider
           them
           ,
           as
           directed
           and
           disposed
           by
           the
           Providence
           of
           God
           ;
           as
           David
           did
           when
           Shimei
           cursed
           him
           ;
           God
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             hath
             bid
             him
             curse
          
           David
           ,
           tho
           it
           immediately
           proceeded
           from
           
           Shimei's
           insolence
           and
           ill
           nature
           .
        
         
           Now
           upon
           the
           supposition
           of
           Sin
           ,
           the
           Evils
           of
           Affliction
           and
           Suffering
           are
           good
           ,
           because
           they
           are
           of
           great
           use
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           serve
           to
           very
           good
           ends
           and
           purposes
           .
        
         
           I.
           As
           they
           are
           the
           proper
           Punishments
           of
           Sin.
           Evil
           is
           good
           to
           them
           that
           do
           Evil
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           it
           is
           fit
           and
           proper
           ,
           just
           and
           due
           .
           Psal
           .
           107.17
           .
           
             Fools
             ,
             because
             of
             their
             transgression
             ,
             and
             because
             of
             their
             iniquities
             ,
             are
             afflicted
             .
          
           And
           it
           is
           fit
           they
           should
           be
           so
           ,
           crooked
           to
           crooked
           is
           streight
           and
           right
           .
           
             A
             rod
             for
             the
             back
             of
             Fools
             ,
          
           saith
           Solomon
           ;
           and
           elsewhere
           ,
           
             God
             hath
             made
             every
             
             thing
             for
             that
             which
             is
             fit
             for
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             evil
             day
             for
             the
             wicked
             man.
             
          
        
         
           2
           dly
           ,
           As
           they
           are
           the
           preventions
           and
           remedies
           of
           greater
           Evils
           .
           Evils
           of
           Affliction
           and
           Suffering
           are
           good
           for
           wicked
           Men
           ,
           to
           bring
           them
           to
           a
           sense
           of
           their
           sin
           ,
           and
           to
           reclaim
           them
           from
           it
           ,
           and
           thereby
           to
           prevent
           greater
           temporal
           Evils
           ,
           and
           preserve
           them
           from
           eternal
           Misery
           ;
           and
           not
           only
           good
           to
           the
           Person
           that
           suffers
           ,
           but
           likewise
           to
           others
           ,
           to
           deter
           and
           affright
           them
           from
           the
           like
           sins
           ;
           to
           prevent
           the
           contagion
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           to
           stop
           the
           progress
           of
           Iniquity
           ,
           upon
           which
           greater
           guilt
           and
           worse
           mischiefs
           might
           ensue
           ;
           and
           they
           are
           good
           to
           good
           Men
           ,
           to
           awaken
           and
           rouse
           them
           out
           of
           their
           security
           ,
           to
           make
           them
           know
           God
           and
           themselves
           better
           ;
           they
           are
           almost
           a
           necessary
           Discipline
           for
           the
           best
           of
           Men
           ,
           much
           more
           for
           evil
           and
           depraved
           dispositions
           ;
           and
           we
           might
           as
           reasonably
           expect
           ,
           that
           there
           should
           be
           no
           Rod
           in
           a
           School
           ,
           as
           that
           there
           should
           be
           no
           suffering
           and
           afflictions
           in
           the
           World.
           
        
         
           3
           dly
           ,
           As
           they
           are
           the
           occasions
           and
           matter
           of
           many
           Virtues
           .
           God
           teacheth
           Men
           temperance
           by
           want
           ,
           and
           patience
           
           by
           reproach
           and
           sufferings
           ,
           charity
           by
           persecution
           ,
           and
           pity
           and
           compassion
           to
           others
           by
           grievous
           pains
           upon
           our selves
           .
           The
           benefit
           of
           Afflictions
           to
           them
           that
           make
           a
           wise
           use
           of
           them
           is
           unspeakable
           ;
           they
           are
           grievous
           in
           themselves
           ,
           nevertheless
           (
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           to
           the
           
             Hebrews
             )
             they
             bring
             forth
             the
             peaceable
             fruits
             of
             righteousness
             ,
             to
             them
             that
             are
             exercised
             therewith
             .
             David
          
           gives
           a
           great
           testimony
           of
           the
           mighty
           benefit
           and
           advantage
           of
           them
           ,
           from
           his
           own
           experience
           ,
           Psal
           .
           119.76
           .
           
             Before
             I
             was
             afflicted
             I
             went
             astray
             ,
             but
             now
             have
             I
             kept
             thy
             word
             .
          
           And
           ,
           v.
           71.
           
           
             It
             is
             good
             for
             me
             that
             I
             have
             been
             afflicted
             ,
             that
             I
             might
             learn
             thy
             Statutes
             .
          
        
         
           4
           thly
           ,
           The
           Evils
           of
           Suffering
           ,
           patiently
           submitted
           to
           ,
           and
           decently
           born
           ,
           do
           greatly
           contribute
           to
           the
           increase
           of
           our
           happiness
           .
           All
           the
           persecutions
           and
           sufferings
           of
           good
           Men
           in
           this
           life
           ,
           
             do
             work
             for
             us
             a
             far
             more
             exceeding
             and
             eternal
             weight
             of
             glory
             .
          
           And
           if
           they
           contribute
           to
           our
           greater
           good
           and
           happiness
           at
           last
           ,
           they
           are
           good
           .
           The
           glorious
           reward
           of
           the
           Sufferings
           which
           we
           have
           met
           with
           ,
           in
           this
           life
           ,
           will
           in
           the
           next
           clear
           up
           the
           goodness
           
           and
           justice
           of
           the
           Divine
           Providence
           ,
           from
           all
           those
           Mists
           and
           Clouds
           which
           are
           now
           upon
           it
           ,
           and
           fully
           acquit
           it
           from
           all
           those
           Objections
           which
           are
           now
           raised
           against
           it
           ,
           upon
           account
           of
           the
           afflictions
           and
           sufferings
           of
           good
           Men
           in
           this
           life
           ,
           which
           
             are
             not
             worthy
             to
             be
             compared
             with
             the
             glory
             which
             shall
             be
             revealed
             in
             them
             .
          
        
         
           III.
           As
           for
           the
           Evil
           of
           Sin
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           great
           difficulty
           of
           all
           .
           How
           is
           it
           consistent
           with
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           permit
           so
           great
           an
           Evil
           as
           this
           to
           come
           into
           the
           World
           ?
           For
           answer
           to
           this
           ,
           I
           desire
           these
           two
           things
           may
           be
           considered
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           it
           doth
           not
           at
           all
           contradict
           the
           wisdom
           or
           goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           make
           a
           Creature
           of
           such
           a
           frame
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           capable
           of
           having
           its
           obedience
           tryed
           in
           order
           to
           the
           reward
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           could
           not
           be
           ,
           unless
           such
           a
           Creature
           were
           made
           mutable
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           good
           or
           bad
           use
           of
           its
           liberty
           ,
           capable
           of
           obeying
           or
           disobeying
           the
           Laws
           of
           his
           Creator
           ;
           for
           where
           there
           is
           no
           possibility
           of
           sinning
           ,
           there
           can
           be
           no
           tryal
           of
           our
           Virtue
           and
           Obedience
           ,
           and
           nothing
           but
           Virtue
           and
           Obedience
           are
           capable
           of
           reward
           .
           
           The
           goodness
           of
           God
           towards
           us
           is
           sufficiently
           vindicated
           ,
           in
           that
           he
           made
           us
           capable
           of
           happiness
           ,
           and
           gave
           us
           sufficient
           direction
           and
           power
           for
           the
           attaining
           of
           that
           end
           ;
           and
           it
           does
           in
           no
           wise
           contradict
           his
           goodness
           ,
           that
           he
           does
           not
           by
           his
           Omnipotency
           interpose
           to
           prevent
           our
           sin
           ;
           for
           this
           had
           been
           to
           alter
           the
           nature
           of
           things
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           let
           Man
           be
           the
           Creature
           he
           made
           him
           ,
           capable
           of
           reward
           or
           punishment
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           good
           or
           bad
           use
           of
           his
           own
           free
           choice
           .
           It
           is
           sufficient
           that
           God
           made
           Man
           good
           at
           first
           ,
           tho
           mutable
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           had
           a
           power
           to
           have
           continued
           so
           ,
           tho
           he
           wilfully
           determined
           himself
           to
           evil
           ;
           this
           acquits
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           
             he
             made
             Man
             upright
             ,
             but
             he
             found
             out
          
           to
           himself
           
             many
             inventions
          
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           If
           there
           had
           not
           been
           such
           an
           order
           and
           rank
           of
           Creatures
           ,
           as
           had
           been
           in
           their
           nature
           mutable
           ,
           there
           had
           been
           no
           place
           for
           the
           manifestation
           of
           God's
           goodness
           in
           a
           way
           of
           mercy
           and
           patience
           ;
           so
           that
           tho
           God
           be
           not
           the
           Author
           of
           the
           sins
           of
           Men
           ,
           yet
           in
           case
           of
           their
           willful
           transgression
           and
           disobedience
           ,
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           hath
           a
           fair
           opportunity
           of
           discovering
           
           it self
           ,
           in
           his
           patience
           and
           long-suffering
           to
           Sinners
           ,
           and
           in
           his
           merciful
           care
           and
           provision
           for
           their
           recovery
           out
           of
           that
           miserable
           state
           .
           And
           this
           may
           suffice
           for
           answer
           to
           the
           first
           Objection
           ,
           if
           God
           be
           so
           good
           ,
           whence
           then
           comes
           evil
           ?
        
         
           The
           Second
           Objection
           against
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           from
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           
             absolute
             reprobation
          
           ;
           by
           which
           I
           mean
           the
           decreeing
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           Mankind
           to
           eternal
           misery
           and
           torment
           ,
           without
           any
           consideration
           or
           respect
           to
           their
           sin
           and
           fault
           .
           This
           seems
           not
           only
           notoriously
           to
           contradict
           the
           Notion
           of
           infinite
           Goodness
           ,
           but
           to
           be
           utterly
           inconsistent
           with
           the
           least
           measure
           and
           degree
           of
           Goodness
           .
           Indeed
           ,
           if
           by
           reprobation
           were
           only
           meant
           ,
           that
           God
           in
           his
           own
           infinite
           Knowledge
           foresees
           the
           sins
           and
           wickedness
           of
           Men
           ,
           and
           hath
           from
           all
           eternity
           determined
           in
           himself
           ,
           what
           in
           his
           Word
           he
           hath
           so
           plainly
           declared
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           punish
           impenitent
           Sinners
           with
           everlasting
           destruction
           ;
           or
           if
           by
           reprobation
           be
           meant
           ,
           that
           God
           hath
           not
           elected
           all
           Mankind
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           absolutely
           decreed
           to
           bring
           them
           infallibly
           to
           Salvation
           ;
           neither
           of
           
           these
           Notions
           of
           reprobation
           ,
           is
           any
           ways
           inconsistent
           with
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           ;
           for
           he
           may
           foresee
           the
           wickedness
           of
           Men
           ,
           and
           determine
           to
           punish
           it
           ,
           without
           any
           impeachment
           of
           his
           goodness
           :
           He
           may
           be
           very
           good
           to
           all
           ,
           and
           yet
           not
           equally
           and
           in
           the
           same
           degree
           ;
           if
           God
           please
           to
           bring
           any
           infallibly
           to
           Salvation
           ,
           this
           is
           transcendent
           goodness
           ;
           but
           if
           he
           put
           all
           others
           into
           a
           capacity
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           use
           
             all
             necessary
             and
             fitting
             means
          
           to
           make
           them
           happy
           ,
           and
           after
           all
           this
           ,
           any
           fall
           short
           of
           happiness
           ,
           through
           their
           own
           wilful
           fault
           and
           obstinacy
           ,
           these
           Men
           are
           evil
           and
           cruel
           to
           themselves
           ,
           but
           God
           hath
           been
           very
           good
           and
           merciful
           to
           them
           .
        
         
           But
           if
           by
           reprobation
           be
           meant
           ,
           either
           that
           God
           hath
           decreed
           ,
           without
           respect
           to
           the
           sins
           of
           Men
           ,
           their
           absolute
           ruin
           and
           misery
           ;
           or
           that
           he
           hath
           decreed
           that
           they
           shall
           inevitably
           sin
           and
           perish
           ;
           it
           cannot
           be
           denied
           ,
           but
           that
           such
           a
           reprobation
           as
           this
           doth
           clearly
           overthrow
           all
           possible
           Notion
           of
           goodness
           .
           I
           have
           told
           you
           ,
           that
           the
           true
           and
           only
           Notion
           of
           goodness
           in
           God
           ,
           is
           this
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           
             a
             propension
             and
             disposition
             of
             the
             Divine
             Nature
             ,
             to
             communicate
             
             Being
             and
             Happiness
             to
             his
             Creatures
             :
          
           But
           surely
           nothing
           can
           be
           more
           plainly
           contrary
           to
           
             a
             disposition
             to
             make
             them
             happy
             ,
          
           than
           
             an
             absolute
             decree
             ,
             and
             a
             peremptory
             resolution
             to
             make
             them
             miserable
             .
          
           God
           is
           infinitely
           better
           than
           the
           best
           of
           Men
           ,
           and
           yet
           none
           can
           possibly
           think
           that
           Man
           a
           good
           Man
           ,
           who
           should
           absolutely
           resolve
           to
           disinherit
           and
           destroy
           his
           Children
           ,
           without
           the
           foresight
           and
           consideration
           of
           any
           fault
           to
           be
           committed
           by
           them
           .
           We
           may
           talk
           of
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           :
           But
           it
           is
           not
           an
           easie
           matter
           ,
           to
           devise
           to
           say
           any
           thing
           worse
           than
           this
           of
           the
           Devil
           .
        
         
           But
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           reprobation
           is
           an
           act
           of
           soveraignty
           in
           God
           ,
           and
           therefore
           not
           to
           be
           measured
           by
           the
           common
           rules
           of
           goodness
           .
           But
           it
           is
           contrary
           to
           goodness
           ,
           and
           plainly
           inconsistent
           with
           it
           ;
           and
           we
           must
           not
           attribute
           such
           a
           soveraignty
           to
           God
           ,
           as
           contradicts
           his
           goodness
           ;
           for
           if
           the
           soveraignty
           of
           God
           may
           break
           in
           at
           pleasure
           upon
           his
           other
           Attributes
           ,
           then
           it
           signifies
           nothing
           to
           say
           that
           God
           is
           good
           ,
           and
           wise
           ,
           and
           just
           ,
           if
           his
           soveraignty
           may
           at
           any
           time
           act
           contrary
           to
           these
           Perfections
           .
        
         
           Now
           if
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           
             absolute
             reprobation
          
           ,
           and
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           cannot
           
           possibly
           stand
           together
           ,
           the
           Question
           is
           ,
           Which
           of
           them
           ought
           to
           give
           way
           to
           the
           other
           ?
           What
           St.
           Paul
           determines
           in
           another
           case
           ,
           concerning
           the
           truth
           and
           fidelity
           of
           God
           ,
           will
           equally
           hold
           concerning
           his
           
             goodness
             ;
             Let
             God
             be
             good
             ,
             and
             every
             Man
             a
             lyar
             .
          
           The
           Doctrine
           of
           
             absolute
             reprobation
          
           is
           no
           part
           of
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Holy
           Scriptures
           ,
           that
           ever
           I
           could
           find
           ;
           and
           there
           's
           the
           Rule
           of
           our
           Faith.
           If
           some
           great
           Divines
           have
           held
           this
           Doctrine
           ,
           not
           in
           opposition
           to
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           but
           hoping
           they
           might
           be
           reconciled
           together
           ,
           let
           them
           do
           it
           if
           they
           can
           ;
           but
           if
           they
           cannot
           ,
           rather
           let
           the
           Schools
           of
           the
           greatest
           Divines
           be
           call'd
           in
           question
           ,
           than
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           next
           to
           his
           Being
           ,
           is
           the
           greatest
           and
           clearest
           truth
           in
           the
           world
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           It
           is
           farther
           objected
           ,
           that
           the
           eternal
           punishment
           of
           Men
           for
           temporal
           Faults
           seems
           hard
           to
           be
           reconciled
           with
           that
           excess
           of
           Goodness
           ,
           which
           we
           suppose
           to
           be
           in
           God.
           
        
         
           This
           Objection
           I
           have
           fully
           answer'd
           ,
           in
           a
           Discourse
           upon
           S.
           Matth.
           25.46
           .
           and
           therefore
           shall
           proceed
           to
           the
        
         
           Fourth
           and
           last
           Objection
           ,
           against
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           from
           sundry
           Instances
           of
           God's
           severity
           to
           Mankind
           ,
           
           in
           those
           great
           Calamities
           which
           by
           the
           Providence
           of
           God
           have
           in
           several
           Ages
           either
           befaln
           Mankind
           in
           general
           ,
           or
           particular
           Nations
           .
        
         
           And
           here
           I
           shall
           confine
           my self
           to
           Scripture
           Instances
           ,
           as
           being
           most
           known
           ,
           and
           most
           certain
           and
           remarkable
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           equally
           remarkable
           with
           any
           that
           are
           to
           be
           met
           with
           in
           any
           other
           History
           ;
           such
           are
           the
           early
           and
           universal
           degeneracy
           of
           all
           Mankind
           ,
           by
           the
           sin
           and
           transgression
           of
           our
           first
           Parents
           ;
           the
           destruction
           of
           the
           World
           by
           a
           general
           deluge
           ;
           the
           sudden
           and
           terrible
           destruction
           of
           Sodom
           and
           Gomorrah
           ,
           and
           the
           Cities
           about
           them
           ,
           by
           Fire
           and
           Brimstone
           from
           Heaven
           ;
           the
           cruel
           extirpation
           of
           the
           Canaanites
           by
           the
           express
           command
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           lastly
           ,
           the
           great
           Calamities
           which
           befel
           the
           Jewish
           Nation
           ,
           especially
           the
           final
           ruin
           and
           dispersion
           of
           them
           at
           the
           destruction
           of
           Jerusalem
           .
           These
           and
           the
           like
           instances
           of
           God's
           severity
           ,
           seem
           to
           call
           in
           question
           his
           goodness
           .
        
         
           Against
           these
           severe
           and
           dreadful
           Instances
           of
           God's
           severity
           ,
           it
           might
           be
           a
           sufficient
           vindication
           of
           his
           goodness
           ,
           to
           say
           in
           general
           ,
           that
           they
           were
           
           all
           upon
           great
           and
           high
           Provocations
           ;
           most
           of
           them
           after
           long
           patience
           and
           forbearance
           ,
           and
           with
           a
           great
           mixture
           of
           mercy
           ,
           and
           a
           declared
           readiness
           in
           in
           God
           to
           have
           prevented
           or
           removed
           them
           upon
           repentance
           ;
           all
           which
           are
           great
           Instances
           of
           the
           goodness
           of
           God.
           But
           yet
           for
           the
           clearer
           manifestation
           of
           the
           
             Divine
             Goodness
          
           ,
           I
           shall
           consider
           them
           particularly
           ,
           and
           as
           briefly
           as
           I
           can
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           As
           for
           the
           transgression
           of
           our
           first
           Parents
           ,
           and
           the
           dismal
           consequences
           of
           it
           to
           all
           their
           Posterity
           .
           This
           is
           a
           great
           depth
           ,
           and
           tho
           the
           Scripture
           mentions
           it
           ,
           yet
           it
           speaks
           but
           little
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           in
           matters
           of
           mere
           Revelation
           ,
           we
           must
           not
           attempt
           to
           be
           
             wise
             above
             what
             is
             written
          
           .
           Thus
           much
           is
           plain
           ,
           that
           it
           was
           an
           act
           of
           high
           and
           wilful
           Disobedience
           ,
           to
           a
           very
           plain
           and
           easie
           Command
           ;
           and
           that
           in
           the
           punishment
           of
           it
           ,
           God
           mitigated
           the
           extremity
           of
           the
           Sentence
           (
           which
           was
           present
           death
           )
           by
           granting
           our
           first
           Parents
           the
           Reprieve
           of
           almost
           a
           thousand
           Years
           ;
           and
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           consequences
           of
           it
           to
           their
           Posterity
           ,
           God
           did
           not
           ,
           upon
           this
           provocation
           ,
           abandon
           his
           care
           of
           Mankind
           ;
           and
           tho
           he
           removed
           
           them
           out
           of
           that
           happy
           state
           and
           place
           in
           which
           Man
           was
           created
           ,
           yet
           he
           gave
           them
           a
           tolerable
           condition
           and
           accommodations
           upon
           Earth
           ;
           and
           which
           is
           certainly
           the
           most
           glorious
           Instance
           of
           Divine
           Goodness
           that
           ever
           was
           ,
           he
           was
           pleased
           to
           make
           the
           fall
           and
           misery
           of
           Man
           the
           happy
           occasion
           of
           sending
           his
           Son
           in
           our
           Nature
           ,
           for
           the
           recovery
           and
           advancement
           of
           it
           to
           a
           much
           happier
           and
           better
           condition
           ,
           than
           that
           from
           which
           we
           fell
           .
           So
           the
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           at
           large
           ,
           Rom.
           5.
           
           That
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           ,
           by
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           hath
           redounded
           much
           more
           to
           our
           benefit
           and
           advantage
           ,
           than
           the
           sin
           and
           disobedience
           of
           our
           first
           Parents
           did
           to
           our
           prejudice
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           For
           the
           general
           Deluge
           ,
           tho
           it
           look
           very
           severe
           ,
           yet
           if
           we
           consider
           it
           well
           ,
           we
           may
           plainly
           discern
           much
           of
           goodness
           in
           it
           .
           It
           was
           upon
           great
           provocation
           ,
           by
           the
           universal
           corruption
           and
           depravation
           of
           Mankind
           ,
           
             The
             earth
             was
             filled
             with
             violence
             ,
             and
             all
             flesh
             had
             corrupted
             its
             ways
             ;
             the
             wickedness
             of
             Man
             was
             great
             upon
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             every
             imagination
             of
             the
             thoughts
             of
             his
             heart
             was
             only
             evil
             continually
          
           ;
           which
           is
           not
           
           a
           description
           of
           original
           sin
           ,
           but
           of
           the
           actual
           and
           improved
           wickedness
           of
           Mankind
           ;
           and
           yet
           when
           the
           wickedness
           of
           Men
           was
           come
           to
           this
           height
           ,
           God
           gave
           them
           fair
           warning
           ,
           before
           he
           brought
           this
           Calamity
           upon
           them
           ,
           
             when
             the
             patience
             of
             God
             waited
             in
             the
             days
             of
             Noah
             ,
          
           for
           the
           space
           of
           
             an
             hundred
             and
             twenty
             Years
          
           ;
           at
           last
           ,
           when
           nothing
           would
           reclaim
           them
           ,
           and
           almost
           the
           whole
           race
           of
           Mankind
           were
           become
           so
           very
           bad
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           
             it
             repented
             the
             Lord
             that
             he
             had
             made
             Man
             upon
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             it
             grieved
             him
             at
             his
             heart
             ,
          
           when
           things
           were
           thus
           extremely
           bad
           ,
           and
           like
           to
           continue
           so
           ;
           God
           in
           pity
           to
           Mankind
           ,
           and
           to
           put
           a
           stop
           to
           their
           growing
           wickedness
           and
           guilt
           ,
           swept
           them
           away
           all
           at
           once
           ,
           from
           the
           face
           of
           the
           Earth
           ,
           except
           one
           Family
           ,
           which
           he
           had
           preserved
           from
           this
           Contagion
           ,
           to
           be
           a
           new
           Seminary
           of
           Mankind
           ,
           and
           ,
           as
           the
           Heathen
           Poet
           expresseth
           it
           ,
           
             Mundi
             melioris
             origo
             ,
             the
             source
             and
             original
             of
             a
             better
             Race
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           For
           that
           terrible
           destruction
           of
           Sodom
           and
           Gomorrah
           by
           
             Fire
             and
             Brimstone
          
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           it
           was
           not
           brought
           upon
           them
           till
           
             the
             cry
             of
             their
             sin
             was
             
             great
             ,
             and
             gone
             up
             to
             Heaven
             ,
          
           till
           by
           their
           unnatural
           Lusts
           they
           had
           provoked
           supernatural
           Vengeance
           .
           And
           it
           is
           very
           remarkable
           ,
           to
           what
           low
           terms
           God
           was
           pleased
           to
           condescend
           to
           Abraham
           for
           the
           sparing
           of
           them
           ;
           if
           in
           those
           five
           Cities
           there
           had
           been
           found
           
             but
             ten
             righteous
             persons
             ,
             he
             would
             not
             have
             destroyed
             them
             for
             those
             ten
             's
             sake
             .
          
           So
           that
           we
           may
           say
           with
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             Behold
             the
             goodness
             and
             severity
             of
             God!
          
           Here
           was
           wonderful
           goodness
           mixt
           with
           this
           great
           severity
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           For
           the
           extirpation
           of
           the
           Canaanites
           ,
           by
           the
           express
           command
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           hath
           such
           an
           appearance
           of
           severity
           ,
           it
           is
           to
           be
           consider'd
           ,
           that
           this
           Vengeance
           was
           not
           executed
           upon
           them
           ,
           till
           they
           were
           grown
           ripe
           for
           it
           .
           God
           spared
           them
           for
           above
           four
           hundred
           Years
           ,
           for
           so
           long
           their
           growing
           Impiety
           is
           taken
           notice
           of
           ,
           Gen.
           18.28
           .
           where
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           That
           
             the
             iniquity
             of
             the
          
           Amorites
           
             was
             not
             yet
             full
          
           ;
           God
           did
           not
           proceed
           to
           cut
           them
           off
           ,
           till
           their
           case
           was
           desperate
           ,
           past
           all
           hopes
           of
           recovery
           ,
           till
           
             the
             land
             was
             defiled
             with
             abominations
             ,
          
           and
           surcharged
           with
           wickedness
           ,
           to
           that
           degree
           ,
           as
           
             to
             spue
             out
             its
             Inhabitants
          
           ,
           as
           is
           expresly
           
           said
           ,
           Levit.
           18.28
           .
           When
           they
           were
           arrived
           to
           this
           pitch
           ,
           it
           was
           no
           mercy
           to
           them
           to
           spare
           them
           any
           longer
           ,
           to
           heap
           up
           more
           guilt
           and
           misery
           to
           themselves
           .
        
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           and
           Lastly
           ,
           As
           for
           the
           great
           Calamities
           which
           God
           brought
           upon
           the
           Jews
           ,
           especially
           in
           their
           final
           ruin
           and
           dispersion
           ,
           at
           the
           destruction
           of
           Jerusalem
           ;
           not
           to
           insist
           upon
           the
           known
           History
           of
           their
           multiplied
           Rebellions
           and
           Provocations
           ,
           of
           their
           despiteful
           usage
           of
           God's
           Prophets
           ,
           whom
           he
           sent
           to
           warn
           them
           of
           his
           Judgments
           ,
           and
           to
           call
           them
           to
           Repentance
           ,
           of
           their
           obstinate
           refusal
           to
           receive
           Correction
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           brought
           to
           amendment
           ,
           by
           any
           means
           that
           God
           could
           use
           ;
           for
           all
           which
           Provocations
           ,
           he
           at
           last
           delivered
           them
           into
           their
           Enemies
           hands
           ,
           to
           carry
           them
           away
           Captive
           ;
           not
           to
           insist
           upon
           this
           ,
           I
           shall
           only
           consider
           their
           final
           destruction
           by
           the
           Romans
           ,
           which
           tho'
           it
           be
           dreadfully
           severe
           ,
           beyond
           any
           Example
           of
           History
           ,
           yet
           the
           Provocation
           was
           proportionable
           ;
           for
           this
           Vengeance
           did
           not
           come
           upon
           them
           ,
           till
           they
           had
           as
           it
           were
           extorted
           it
           ,
           by
           the
           most
           obstinate
           impenitency
           and
           unbelief
           ,
           in
           
             rejecting
             the
             Counsel
             
             of
             God
             against
             themselves
             ,
          
           and
           resisting
           
             such
             means
          
           as
           would
           have
           brought
           Tyre
           and
           
             Sidon
             ,
             Sodom
          
           and
           Gomorrah
           to
           repentance
           ;
           till
           they
           had
           despised
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           Life
           and
           Salvation
           ,
           delivered
           to
           them
           by
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           confirmed
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           by
           the
           clearest
           and
           greatest
           Miracles
           ;
           and
           
             by
             wicked
             hands
          
           had
           
             crucified
             and
             slain
          
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Saviour
           of
           the
           World.
           Nay
           ,
           even
           after
           this
           greatest
           of
           sins
           that
           ever
           was
           committed
           ,
           God
           waited
           for
           their
           Repentance
           forty
           Years
           ,
           to
           see
           if
           in
           that
           time
           they
           would
           be
           brought
           to
           a
           sense
           of
           their
           sins
           ,
           and
           
             to
             know
             the
             things
             which
             belonged
             to
             their
             peace
             .
          
           And
           no
           wonder
           if
           after
           such
           provocations
           ,
           and
           so
           much
           patience
           ,
           and
           so
           obstinate
           an
           impenitency
           ,
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           at
           last
           gave
           way
           to
           his
           justice
           ,
           and
           
             wrath
             came
             upon
             them
             to
             the
             utmost
             .
          
        
         
           So
           that
           all
           these
           Instances
           rightly
           considered
           ,
           are
           rather
           commendations
           of
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           ,
           than
           just
           and
           reasonable
           objections
           against
           it
           ;
           and
           notwithstanding
           the
           severity
           of
           them
           ,
           it
           is
           evident
           that
           God
           is
           good
           ,
           from
           the
           
             primary
             inclinations
             of
             his
             nature
          
           ;
           and
           severe
           only
           upon
           necessity
           ,
           and
           in
           case
           
             of
             
             just
             provocation
          
           .
           And
           to
           be
           otherwise
           ,
           not
           to
           punish
           insolent
           Impiety
           and
           incorrigible
           Wickedness
           ,
           in
           a
           severe
           and
           remarkable
           manner
           ,
           would
           not
           be
           goodness
           ,
           but
           
             a
             fond
             indulgence
          
           ;
           not
           patience
           ,
           but
           stupidity
           ;
           not
           mercy
           to
           Mankind
           ,
           but
           cruelty
           ;
           because
           it
           would
           be
           an
           encouragement
           to
           them
           to
           do
           more
           mischief
           ,
           and
           to
           bring
           greater
           misery
           upon
           themselves
           .
        
         
           So
           that
           if
           we
           suppose
           God
           to
           be
           holy
           and
           just
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           good
           ,
           there
           is
           nothing
           in
           any
           of
           these
           Instances
           ,
           but
           what
           is
           very
           consistent
           with
           all
           that
           goodness
           which
           we
           can
           suppose
           to
           be
           in
           a
           holy
           ,
           and
           wise
           ,
           and
           
             just
             Governour
          
           ,
           who
           is
           a
           declared
           Enemy
           to
           Sin
           ,
           and
           is
           resolved
           to
           give
           all
           fitting
           discountenance
           to
           the
           breach
           and
           violation
           of
           his
           Laws
           .
           It
           is
           necessary
           in
           kindness
           and
           compassion
           to
           the
           rest
           of
           Mankind
           ,
           that
           some
           should
           be
           made
           remarkable
           Instances
           of
           God's
           severity
           ,
           that
           the
           punishment
           of
           a
           few
           may
           be
           a
           warning
           to
           all
           ,
           
             that
             they
             may
             hear
             and
             fear
             ,
          
           and
           by
           avoiding
           the
           like
           sins
           ,
           may
           prevent
           the
           like
           severity
           upon
           themselves
           .
        
         
           And
           now
           I
           have
           ,
           as
           briefly
           as
           I
           could
           ,
           explained
           and
           vindicated
           the
           
           goodness
           of
           God
           ;
           the
           consideration
           whereof
           is
           fruitful
           of
           many
           excellent
           and
           useful
           Inferences
           ,
           in
           relation
           both
           to
           our
           Comfort
           and
           our
           Duty
           ,
           But
           these
           I
           shall
           refer
           to
           another
           opportunity
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           SERMON
           IV.
           
           The
           Goodness
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           
             
               
                 PSAL.
                 CXLV
                 .
                 9
              
               .
            
             
               The
               Lord
               is
               Good
               to
               all
               ,
               and
               his
               tender
               Mercies
               are
               over
               all
               his
               Works
               .
            
          
        
         
           I
           Have
           made
           several
           Discourses
           upon
           this
           Argument
           of
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           ;
           shewing
           what
           it
           is
           ;
           on
           what
           accounts
           we
           ascribe
           it
           to
           God
           ;
           what
           are
           the
           Effects
           and
           large
           extent
           of
           it
           to
           the
           whole
           Creation
           ,
           and
           more
           particularly
           to
           Mankind
           ;
           and
           ,
           in
           the
           last
           place
           ,
           considered
           the
           several
           Objections
           which
           seem
           to
           lie
           against
           it
           .
           I
           proceed
           now
           to
           the
           Application
           of
           this
           excellent
           Argument
           ,
           the
           considederation
           whereof
           is
           so
           fruitful
           of
           useful
           Inferences
           ,
           in
           relation
           both
           to
           our
           Comfort
           and
           Duty
           .
           And
           ,
        
         
         
           I.
           This
           shews
           us
           the
           prodigious
           folly
           and
           unreasonableness
           of
           Atheism
           .
           Most
           of
           the
           Atheism
           that
           is
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           doth
           not
           so
           much
           consist
           in
           a
           firm
           perswasion
           that
           there
           is
           no
           God
           ,
           as
           in
           vain
           wishes
           and
           desires
           that
           there
           were
           none
           .
           Bad
           Men
           think
           it
           would
           be
           a
           happiness
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           should
           be
           in
           a
           much
           better
           condition
           ,
           if
           there
           were
           no
           God
           ,
           than
           if
           there
           be
           one
           .
           
             Nemo
             deum
             non
             esse
             credit
             ,
             nisi
             cui
             deum
             non
             esse
             expedit
             ,
             no
             Man
             is
             apt
             to
             disbelieve
             a
             God
             ,
             but
             he
             whose
             Interest
             it
             is
             that
             there
             should
             be
             none
             .
          
           And
           if
           we
           could
           see
           into
           the
           Hearts
           of
           wicked
           Men
           ,
           we
           should
           find
           this
           lying
           at
           the
           bottom
           ,
           that
           if
           there
           be
           a
           God
           ,
           he
           is
           just
           and
           will
           punish
           sin
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           infinite
           in
           power
           and
           not
           to
           be
           resisted
           ,
           and
           therefore
           kills
           them
           with
           his
           terror
           so
           often
           as
           they
           think
           of
           him
           ;
           hence
           they
           apprehend
           it
           their
           interest
           ,
           that
           there
           should
           be
           no
           God
           ,
           and
           wish
           there
           were
           none
           ,
           and
           thence
           are
           apt
           to
           cherish
           in
           their
           Minds
           a
           vain
           hope
           that
           there
           is
           none
           ,
           and
           at
           last
           endeavour
           to
           impose
           upon
           themselves
           by
           vain
           reasonings
           ,
           and
           to
           suppress
           the
           belief
           of
           a
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           stifle
           their
           natural
           
           apprehensions
           and
           fears
           of
           him
           .
           So
           that
           it
           is
           not
           
             primus
             in
             orbe
             deos
             fecit
             timor
             ,
             fear
             that
             first
             made
             Gods
          
           ;
           but
           the
           fear
           which
           bad
           Men
           have
           of
           the
           Divine
           Power
           and
           Justice
           ,
           that
           first
           tempted
           them
           to
           the
           disbelief
           of
           him
           .
        
         
           But
           were
           not
           these
           Men
           as
           foolish
           as
           they
           are
           wicked
           ,
           they
           would
           wish
           with
           all
           their
           Hearts
           there
           were
           a
           God
           ,
           and
           be
           glad
           to
           believe
           so
           .
           And
           the
           Psalmist
           gives
           them
           their
           true
           Character
           ,
           who
           can
           entertain
           any
           such
           thoughts
           or
           wishes
           ;
           Psal
           .
           14.1
           .
           
             The
             Fool
             hath
             said
             in
             his
             heart
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             God
          
           ;
           for
           they
           are
           Fools
           who
           do
           not
           understand
           nor
           consult
           their
           true
           Interest
           :
           And
           if
           this
           be
           true
           which
           I
           have
           said
           concerning
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           if
           this
           be
           his
           Nature
           ,
           to
           desire
           and
           procure
           the
           happiness
           of
           his
           Creatures
           ,
           whoever
           understands
           the
           true
           Nature
           of
           God
           and
           his
           own
           true
           Interest
           ,
           cannot
           but
           wish
           there
           were
           a
           God
           ,
           and
           be
           glad
           of
           any
           Argument
           to
           prove
           it
           ,
           and
           rejoyce
           to
           find
           it
           true
           ,
           as
           Children
           are
           glad
           of
           a
           kind
           and
           tender
           Father
           ,
           and
           as
           Subjects
           rejoyce
           in
           a
           wise
           and
           good
           Prince
           .
        
         
           The
           goodness
           of
           God
           gives
           us
           so
           lovely
           a
           Character
           of
           him
           ,
           makes
           him
           so
           
           good
           a
           Father
           ,
           so
           gracious
           a
           Governour
           of
           Men
           ,
           that
           if
           there
           were
           no
           such
           Being
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           it
           were
           infinitely
           desirable
           to
           Mankind
           that
           there
           should
           be
           ;
           he
           is
           such
           an
           one
           ,
           
             qualem
             omnes
             cuperent
             ,
             si
             deesset
             ,
             as
             if
             he
             were
             wanting
             ,
             all
             Men
             ought
             to
             wish
             for
             .
          
           The
           Being
           of
           God
           is
           so
           comfortable
           ,
           so
           convenient
           ,
           so
           necessary
           to
           the
           felicity
           of
           Mankind
           ,
           that
           (
           as
           Tully
           admirably
           says
           )
           
             Dij
             immortales
             ad
             usum
             hominum
             fabricati
             penè
             videantur
             ,
             if
             God
             were
             not
             a
             necessary
             Being
             of
             himself
             ,
             he
             might
             almost
             seem
             to
             be
             made
             on
             purpose
             for
             the
             use
             and
             benefit
             of
             Men
          
           ;
           so
           that
           Atheism
           is
           not
           only
           an
           Instance
           of
           the
           most
           horrible
           Impiety
           ,
           but
           of
           the
           greatest
           Stupidity
           ;
           and
           for
           Men
           to
           glory
           in
           their
           disbelief
           of
           a
           God
           ,
           is
           like
           the
           rejoycing
           and
           triumph
           of
           a
           furious
           and
           besotted
           multitude
           ,
           in
           the
           Murder
           of
           a
           wise
           and
           good
           Prince
           ,
           the
           greatest
           calamity
           and
           confusion
           that
           could
           possibly
           have
           befaln
           them
           .
        
         
           If
           the
           Evidence
           of
           God's
           being
           were
           not
           so
           clear
           as
           it
           is
           ,
           yet
           the
           consideration
           of
           his
           goodness
           ought
           to
           check
           all
           inclination
           to
           Atheism
           and
           Infidelity
           ;
           for
           if
           he
           be
           as
           good
           as
           he
           is
           represented
           to
           us
           ,
           both
           by
           natural
           Light
           
           and
           divine
           Revelation
           ,
           (
           and
           he
           is
           so
           ,
           as
           sure
           as
           he
           is
           )
           if
           he
           tender
           our
           Welfare
           ,
           and
           desire
           our
           Happiness
           ,
           as
           much
           as
           we
           our selves
           can
           do
           ,
           and
           use
           all
           wise
           ways
           and
           proper
           means
           to
           bring
           it
           about
           ,
           then
           it
           is
           plainly
           every
           man's
           Interest
           ,
           even
           thine
           ,
           O
           sinner
           !
           to
           whom
           after
           all
           thy
           Provocations
           he
           is
           willing
           to
           be
           reconciled
           ,
           that
           there
           should
           be
           such
           a
           Being
           as
           God
           is
           ,
           and
           when
           ever
           thou
           comest
           to
           thy self
           ,
           thou
           wilt
           be
           sensible
           of
           thy
           want
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           thy
           soul
           will
           
             thirst
             for
             God
             ,
             even
             the
             living
             God
             ,
          
           and
           
             pant
             after
             him
             ,
             as
             the
             hart
             pants
             after
             the
             water
             brooks
          
           ;
           in
           the
           day
           of
           thy
           Affliction
           and
           Calamity
           ,
           
             when
             distress
             and
             anguish
             cometh
             upon
             thee
             ,
          
           thou
           wilt
           flie
           to
           God
           for
           Refuge
           ,
           and
           shelter
           thy self
           under
           his
           Protection
           ,
           and
           wouldest
           not
           for
           all
           the
           World
           ,
           but
           there
           were
           such
           a
           Being
           in
           it
           ,
           to
           help
           and
           deliver
           thee
           .
           
             Deos
             nemo
             sanus
             timet
          
           (
           says
           
             Seneca
             )
             furor
             est
             metuere
             salutaria
             ,
             no
             man
             in
             his
             wits
             is
             afraid
             there
             is
             a
             God
             ;
             it
             is
             a
             madness
             to
             fear
             that
             ,
             which
             is
             so
             much
             for
             our
             benefit
             and
             advantage
             .
          
           Humane
           Nature
           is
           conscious
           to
           it self
           of
           its
           own
           weakness
           and
           insufficiency
           ,
           and
           of
           its
           necessary
           dependance
           upon
           something
           
           without
           it self
           for
           its
           Happiness
           ,
           and
           therefore
           in
           great
           Extremity
           and
           Distress
           ,
           the
           Atheist
           himself
           hath
           naturally
           recourse
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           he
           who
           denyed
           and
           rejected
           him
           in
           his
           Prosperity
           ,
           clings
           to
           him
           in
           adversity
           ,
           as
           his
           
             only
             support
             and
             present
             help
             in
             time
             of
             trouble
             .
          
           And
           this
           is
           a
           sure
           Indication
           ,
           that
           these
           men
           ,
           after
           all
           their
           endeavours
           to
           impose
           upon
           themselves
           ,
           have
           not
           been
           able
           wholly
           to
           extinguish
           in
           their
           Minds
           the
           belief
           of
           God
           and
           his
           Goodness
           ;
           nay
           it
           is
           a
           sign
           ,
           that
           at
           the
           bottom
           of
           their
           Hearts
           they
           have
           a
           firm
           perswasion
           of
           his
           goodness
           ,
           when
           after
           all
           their
           insolent
           defiance
           of
           him
           ,
           they
           have
           the
           Confidence
           to
           apply
           themselves
           to
           him
           for
           
             mercy
             ,
             and
             help
             in
             time
             of
             need
          
           ;
           and
           therefore
           our
           Hearts
           ought
           to
           rise
           with
           indignation
           against
           those
           who
           go
           about
           to
           perswade
           the
           belief
           of
           a
           thing
           so
           prejudicial
           to
           our
           Interest
           ,
           to
           take
           away
           
             the
             Light
             of
             our
             eyes
             ,
             and
             the
             Breath
             of
             our
             nostrils
             ,
          
           and
           to
           rob
           us
           of
           all
           the
           Comfort
           and
           Support
           ,
           which
           the
           belief
           of
           an
           infinite
           Power
           ,
           conducted
           by
           infinite
           Wisdom
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           is
           apt
           to
           afford
           to
           Mankind
           .
        
         
         
           II.
           We
           should
           take
           great
           care
           of
           perverting
           and
           abusing
           this
           great
           goodness
           by
           vain
           Confidence
           and
           Presumption
           .
           This
           is
           a
           Provocation
           of
           an
           high
           Nature
           ,
           which
           the
           Scripture
           calls
           ,
           
             turning
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             into
             wantonness
             ,
          
           making
           that
           an
           encouragement
           to
           Sin
           ,
           which
           is
           one
           of
           the
           strongest
           Arguments
           in
           the
           world
           against
           it
           .
           God
           is
           infinitely
           good
           and
           merciful
           ;
           but
           we
           must
           not
           therefore
           think
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           fond
           and
           
             indulgent
             to
             our
             faults
          
           ;
           but
           on
           the
           contrary
           ,
           because
           he
           is
           good
           ,
           he
           cannot
           but
           
             hate
             evil
          
           .
           So
           the
           Scripture
           every
           where
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           
             He
             is
             of
             purer
             eyes
             than
             to
             behold
             iniquity
          
           ;
           that
           
             the
             face
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             against
             them
             that
             do
             evil
             ;
             he
             is
             not
             a
             God
             that
             hath
             pleasure
             in
             wickedness
             ,
             neither
             shall
             evil
             dwell
             with
             him
             ;
             the
             foolish
             shall
             not
             stand
             in
             his
             fight
             ,
             he
             hateth
             all
             the
             workers
             of
             iniquity
             .
          
           He
           is
           ready
           to
           shew
           Mercy
           to
           those
           ,
           who
           are
           qualified
           for
           it
           by
           Repentance
           ,
           and
           resolution
           of
           a
           better
           Course
           ;
           but
           as
           long
           as
           we
           continue
           impenitent
           ,
           God
           is
           implacable
           ,
           and
           will
           deal
           with
           us
           according
           to
           the
           tenor
           of
           his
           Laws
           ,
           and
           the
           desert
           of
           our
           Doings
           .
           Despair
           is
           a
           great
           Sin
           ,
           but
           Presumption
           is
           a
           greater
           ;
           Despair
           
           doubts
           of
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           but
           Presumption
           abuseth
           it
           ;
           Despair
           disbelieves
           ,
           but
           Presumption
           perverts
           the
           best
           thing
           in
           the
           world
           to
           a
           quite
           contrary
           purpose
           from
           what
           it
           was
           intended
           .
        
         
           III.
           The
           consideration
           of
           God's
           goodness
           is
           a
           mighty
           comfort
           and
           relief
           to
           our
           Minds
           ,
           under
           all
           our
           Fears
           and
           Troubles
           .
           Great
           are
           the
           Fears
           and
           Jealousies
           of
           many
           devout
           Minds
           concerning
           God's
           Love
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           their
           everlasting
           Condition
           ;
           which
           are
           commonly
           founded
           in
           one
           of
           these
           two
           causes
           ,
           a
           melancholy
           Temper
           ,
           or
           mistaken
           Notions
           and
           Apprehensions
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           very
           often
           these
           two
           meet
           together
           ,
           and
           hinder
           the
           cure
           and
           removal
           of
           one
           another
           .
        
         
           Melancholy
           as
           it
           is
           an
           effect
           of
           bodily
           temper
           ,
           is
           a
           Disease
           not
           to
           be
           cured
           by
           Reason
           and
           Argument
           ,
           but
           by
           Physick
           and
           Time
           ;
           but
           the
           mistakes
           which
           men
           have
           entertained
           concerning
           God
           ,
           if
           they
           be
           not
           set
           on
           and
           heightned
           by
           Melancholy
           (
           as
           many
           times
           they
           are
           )
           may
           be
           rectified
           by
           a
           true
           representation
           of
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           confirmed
           by
           Reason
           and
           Scripture
           .
           Many
           good
           Men
           
           have
           had
           very
           hard
           and
           injurious
           Thoughts
           of
           God
           instill'd
           into
           them
           ,
           from
           Doctrines
           too
           commonly
           taught
           and
           received
           ;
           as
           if
           he
           did
           not
           sincerely
           desire
           the
           happiness
           of
           his
           Creatures
           ,
           but
           had
           from
           all
           Eternity
           decreed
           to
           make
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           Mankind
           ,
           with
           a
           secret
           purpose
           and
           design
           to
           make
           them
           miserable
           ;
           and
           consequently
           were
           not
           serious
           and
           in
           good
           earnest
           in
           his
           Invitations
           and
           Exhortations
           of
           Sinners
           to
           Repentance
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           no
           wonder
           if
           such
           Jealousies
           as
           these
           concerning
           God
           ,
           make
           Men
           doubtful
           whether
           God
           love
           them
           ,
           and
           very
           scrupulous
           and
           anxious
           about
           their
           everlasting
           condition
           .
        
         
           I
           have
           already
           told
           you
           ,
           that
           these
           harsh
           Doctrines
           have
           no
           manner
           of
           Foundation
           ,
           either
           in
           Reason
           or
           Scripture
           ;
           that
           God
           earnestly
           desires
           our
           Happiness
           ,
           and
           affords
           us
           sufficient
           Means
           to
           that
           End
           ;
           that
           he
           bears
           a
           more
           hearty
           good
           will
           to
           us
           ,
           than
           any
           Man
           does
           to
           his
           Friend
           ,
           or
           any
           Father
           upon
           Earth
           ever
           did
           to
           his
           dearest
           Child
           ;
           in
           comparison
           of
           which
           ,
           the
           greatest
           Affection
           of
           Men
           to
           those
           whom
           they
           love
           best
           ,
           is
           
             but
             as
             the
             
             drop
             of
             the
             Bucket
             ,
             as
             the
             very
             small
             dust
             upon
             the
             Balance
             .
          
           If
           we
           have
           right
           apprehensions
           of
           God's
           goodness
           ,
           we
           can
           have
           no
           temptation
           to
           despair
           of
           his
           kind
           and
           merciful
           Intentions
           to
           us
           ,
           provided
           we
           be
           but
           careful
           of
           our
           Duty
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           do
           sincerely
           repent
           and
           forsake
           our
           Sins
           .
           Plainer
           Declarations
           no
           words
           can
           make
           ,
           than
           those
           we
           meet
           with
           in
           the
           holy
           Scriptures
           ,
           That
           
             God
             hath
             no
             pleasure
             in
             the
             death
             of
             the
             wicked
             ,
             but
             rather
             that
             he
             should
             turn
             from
             his
             wickedness
             and
             live
          
           ;
           that
           
             he
             would
             have
             all
             Men
             to
             be
             saved
             ,
             and
             to
             come
             to
             the
             knowledge
             of
             the
             truth
          
           ;
           that
           
             he
             is
             long
             suffering
             to
             us-ward
             ,
             not
             willing
             that
             any
             should
             perish
             ,
             but
             that
             all
             should
             come
             to
             repentance
          
           ;
           that
           
             he
             that
             confesseth
             and
             forsaketh
             his
             sin
             shall
             have
             mercy
          
           ;
           that
           
             if
             the
             wicked
             forsake
             his
             ways
             ,
             and
             the
             unrighteous
             man
             his
             thoughts
             ,
             and
             return
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             he
             will
             have
             mercy
             ,
             and
             will
             abundantly
             pardon
             .
          
        
         
           As
           for
           outward
           Calamities
           and
           Afflictions
           ,
           the
           consideration
           of
           God's
           goodness
           is
           a
           firm
           ground
           of
           consolation
           to
           us
           ,
           giving
           us
           assurance
           ,
           that
           God
           will
           either
           prevent
           them
           by
           his
           Providence
           ,
           or
           support
           us
           under
           them
           ,
           or
           rescue
           us
           out
           of
           them
           ,
           or
           turn
           them
           
           to
           our
           greater
           good
           and
           happiness
           in
           this
           World
           or
           the
           next
           .
           St.
           Paul
           speaks
           of
           it
           as
           the
           firm
           belief
           and
           perswasion
           of
           all
           good
           Men
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           issue
           all
           their
           Afflictions
           should
           prove
           to
           their
           advantage
           .
           
             We
             know
          
           (
           says
           he
           )
           
             that
             all
             things
             shall
             work
             together
             for
             good
             to
             them
             that
             love
             God
          
           ;
           and
           one
           of
           the
           greatest
           Evidences
           of
           our
           love
           to
           God
           ,
           is
           a
           firm
           belief
           and
           perswasion
           of
           his
           goodness
           ;
           if
           we
           believe
           his
           goodness
           ,
           we
           cannot
           but
           love
           him
           ,
           and
           if
           we
           
             love
             him
             ,
             all
             things
             shall
             work
             together
             for
             our
             good
             .
          
        
         
           And
           this
           is
           a
           great
           Cordial
           to
           those
           who
           are
           under
           grievous
           Persecutions
           and
           Sufferings
           ,
           
           which
           is
           the
           case
           of
           our
           Brethren
           in
           a
           neighbour
           Nation
           ,
           and
           may
           come
           to
           be
           ours
           ,
           God
           knows
           how
           soon
           .
           But
           tho'
           the
           malice
           of
           Men
           be
           great
           ,
           and
           backt
           with
           a
           power
           not
           to
           be
           control'd
           by
           any
           visible
           means
           ,
           and
           therefore
           likely
           to
           continue
           ;
           yet
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           is
           greater
           than
           the
           malice
           of
           Men
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           longer
           duration
           and
           continuance
           .
           And
           thus
           David
           comforted
           himself
           ,
           when
           he
           was
           persecuted
           by
           
             Saul
             ,
             Psal
          
           .
           52.1
           .
           
             Why
             boasteth
             thou
             thy self
             in
             mischief
             ,
             O
             mighty
             man
             ?
             the
             goodness
             
             of
             God
             endureth
             continually
             .
          
           The
           Persecution
           which
           Saul
           raised
           against
           him
           was
           very
           powerful
           ,
           and
           lasted
           a
           long
           time
           ;
           but
           he
           comforts
           himself
           with
           this
           ,
           that
           
             the
             goodness
             of
             God
             endures
             for
             ever
             .
          
        
         
           IV.
           The
           consideration
           of
           God's
           goodness
           ,
           is
           a
           powerful
           motive
           and
           argument
           to
           several
           Duties
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           To
           the
           love
           of
           God.
           And
           this
           is
           the
           most
           proper
           and
           natural
           effect
           and
           operation
           of
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           upon
           our
           Minds
           .
           Several
           of
           the
           Divine
           Attributes
           are
           very
           awful
           ,
           but
           goodness
           is
           amiable
           ,
           and
           without
           this
           nothing
           else
           is
           so
           .
           Power
           and
           Wisdom
           may
           command
           Dread
           and
           Admiration
           ;
           but
           nothing
           but
           Goodness
           can
           challenge
           our
           Love
           and
           Affection
           .
           Goodness
           is
           amiable
           for
           it self
           ,
           tho'
           no
           benefit
           and
           advantage
           should
           from
           thence
           redound
           to
           us
           ;
           but
           when
           we
           find
           the
           comfortable
           Effects
           of
           it
           ,
           when
           
             the
             riches
             of
             God's
             goodness
             ,
             and
             long-suffering
             ,
             and
             forbearance
             ,
          
           are
           laid
           out
           upon
           us
           ,
           when
           we
           live
           upon
           that
           goodness
           ,
           and
           are
           indebted
           to
           it
           for
           all
           that
           we
           have
           and
           hope
           for
           ,
           this
           is
           a
           much
           greater
           endearment
           to
           us
           of
           that
           excellency
           and
           perfection
           ,
           which
           was
           
           amiable
           for
           it self
           .
           We
           cannot
           but
           love
           him
           who
           
             is
             good
             ,
             and
             does
          
           us
           good
           ;
           whose
           goodness
           extends
           to
           all
           his
           Creatures
           ,
           but
           is
           exercised
           in
           so
           peculiar
           a
           manner
           towards
           the
           Sons
           of
           Men
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           called
           Love
           ;
           and
           if
           God
           vouchsafe
           to
           love
           us
           ,
           well
           may
           this
           be
           the
           
             first
             and
             great
             Commandment
             ,
             Thou
             shalt
             love
             the
             Lord
             thy
             God
             with
             all
             thine
             heart
             ,
             and
             with
             all
             thy
             soul
             ,
             and
             with
             all
             thy
             mind
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           consideration
           of
           God's
           goodness
           is
           likewise
           an
           argument
           to
           us
           to
           fear
           him
           ;
           not
           as
           a
           Slave
           does
           his
           Master
           ,
           but
           as
           a
           Child
           does
           his
           Father
           ,
           who
           the
           more
           he
           loves
           him
           ,
           the
           more
           afraid
           is
           he
           to
           offend
           him
           .
           
             There
             is
             forgiveness
             with
             thee
          
           (
           saith
           the
           Psalmist
           )
           
             that
             thou
             mayest
             be
             feared
          
           ;
           because
           God
           is
           ready
           to
           forgive
           ,
           we
           should
           be
           afraid
           to
           offend
           .
           
             Men
             shall
             fear
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             his
             goodness
             ,
          
           (
           saith
           the
           Prophet
           )
           Hosea
           3.5
           .
           And
           indeed
           nothing
           is
           more
           to
           be
           dreaded
           ,
           than
           despised
           Goodness
           and
           abused
           Patience
           ,
           which
           turns
           into
           Fury
           and
           Vengeance
           ;
           
             despisest
             thou
             the
             riches
             of
             his
             goodness
             ,
             and
             long-suffering
             ,
             and
             forbearance
             ,
          
           (
           says
           the
           Apostle
           )
           
             and
             treasurest
             up
             to
             thy self
             wrath
             against
             the
             day
             of
             
             wrath
             ,
             and
             the
             revelation
             of
             the
             righteous
             judgment
             of
             God
             ?
          
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           consideration
           of
           God's
           goodness
           ,
           is
           a
           powerful
           motive
           to
           obedience
           to
           his
           Laws
           ,
           and
           as
           the
           Apostle
           expresseth
           it
           ,
           
             to
             walk
             worthy
             of
             the
             Lord
             unto
             all
             well
             pleasing
             ,
             being
             fruitful
             in
             every
             good
             work
             .
          
           This
           Argument
           Samuel
           useth
           to
           the
           People
           of
           Israel
           ,
           to
           perswade
           them
           to
           obedience
           ,
           1
           Sam.
           12.24
           .
           
             Only
             fear
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             serve
             him
             in
             truth
             ,
             with
             all
             your
             heart
             :
             for
             consider
             what
             great
             things
             all
             he
             hath
             done
             for
             you
             .
          
        
         
           And
           indeed
           the
           Laws
           which
           God
           hath
           given
           us
           ,
           are
           one
           of
           the
           chief
           Instances
           of
           his
           goodness
           to
           us
           ,
           since
           they
           all
           tend
           to
           our
           good
           ,
           and
           are
           proper
           Causes
           and
           Means
           of
           our
           .
           Happiness
           ;
           so
           that
           in
           challenging
           our
           obedience
           to
           his
           Laws
           ,
           as
           acknowledgments
           of
           our
           obligation
           to
           him
           for
           his
           .
           Benefits
           ,
           he
           lays
           a
           new
           obligation
           ,
           and
           confers
           a
           greater
           benefit
           upon
           us
           .
           All
           that
           his
           Laws
           require
           of
           us
           ,
           is
           to
           do
           that
           which
           is
           best
           for
           our selves
           ,
           and
           does
           most
           directly
           conduce
           to
           our
           own
           welfare
           and
           happiness
           .
           Considering
           our
           infinite
           obligations
           to
           God
           ,
           he
           might
           have
           challenged
           our
           obedience
           to
           the
           severest
           and
           harshest
           Laws
           he
           
           could
           have
           imposed
           upon
           us
           ;
           so
           that
           as
           the
           Servants
           said
           to
           
             Naaman
             ,
             Had
             the
             Prophet
             bid
             thee
             do
             some
             great
             thing
             ,
             wouldst
             thou
             not
             have
             done
             it
             ?
             how
             much
             more
             when
             he
             hath
             only
             said
             ,
             wash
             and
             be
             clean
             ?
          
           If
           God
           had
           required
           of
           us
           things
           very
           grievous
           and
           burthensome
           ,
           in
           love
           and
           gratitude
           to
           him
           ,
           we
           ought
           to
           have
           yielded
           a
           ready
           and
           chearful
           obedience
           to
           such
           Commands
           ;
           how
           much
           more
           ,
           when
           he
           hath
           only
           said
           ,
           
             do
             this
             and
             be
             happy
          
           ?
           In
           testimony
           of
           your
           love
           to
           me
           ,
           do
           these
           things
           which
           are
           the
           greatest
           kindness
           and
           benefit
           to
           your selves
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           
             The
             goodness
             of
             God
          
           should
           
             lead
             Men
             to
             Repentance
          
           .
           One
           of
           the
           greatest
           aggravations
           of
           our
           Sins
           is
           ,
           that
           we
           offend
           against
           so
           much
           goodness
           ,
           and
           make
           so
           bad
           a
           requital
           for
           it
           ;
           
             Do
             ye
             thus
             requite
             the
             Lord
             ,
             O
             foolish
             People
             and
             unwise
             !
          
           The
           proper
           tendency
           of
           God's
           goodness
           and
           patience
           to
           Sinners
           ,
           is
           to
           bring
           them
           to
           a
           sense
           of
           their
           miscarriage
           ,
           and
           to
           a
           resolution
           of
           a
           better
           course
           .
           When
           we
           reflect
           upon
           the
           blessings
           and
           favours
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           continual
           goodness
           to
           us
           ,
           can
           we
           chuse
           but
           be
           ashamed
           of
           our
           terrible
           ingratitude
           and
           disobedience
           ?
           
           Nothing
           is
           more
           apt
           to
           make
           an
           ingenuous
           Nature
           to
           relent
           ,
           than
           the
           sense
           of
           undeserved
           kindness
           ;
           that
           God
           should
           be
           so
           good
           to
           us
           ,
           who
           are
           evil
           and
           unthankful
           to
           him
           ;
           that
           tho'
           we
           be
           Enemies
           to
           him
           ,
           yet
           
             when
             we
             hunger
             ,
             he
             feeds
             us
             ;
             when
             we
             thirst
             ,
             he
             gives
             us
             to
             drink
             ;
             heaping
             as
             it
             were
             coals
             of
             fire
             on
             our
             heads
             ,
          
           on
           purpose
           to
           melt
           us
           into
           Repentance
           ,
           and
           
             to
             overcome
          
           our
           
             evil
             by
          
           his
           goodness
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           The
           consideration
           of
           God's
           goodness
           ,
           is
           a
           firm
           ground
           of
           trust
           and
           confidence
           .
           What
           may
           we
           not
           hope
           and
           assuredly
           expect
           from
           immense
           and
           boundless
           goodness
           ?
           If
           we
           have
           right
           apprehensions
           of
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           we
           cannot
           possibly
           distrust
           him
           ,
           or
           doubt
           of
           the
           performance
           of
           those
           gracious
           promises
           which
           he
           hath
           made
           to
           us
           ;
           the
           same
           goodness
           which
           inclined
           him
           to
           make
           such
           promises
           ,
           will
           effectually
           ingage
           him
           to
           make
           them
           good
           .
           If
           God
           be
           so
           good
           as
           he
           hath
           declared
           himself
           ,
           why
           should
           we
           think
           that
           he
           will
           not
           help
           us
           in
           our
           need
           ,
           and
           relieve
           us
           in
           our
           distress
           ,
           and
           comfort
           us
           in
           our
           afflictions
           and
           sorrows
           ?
           If
           we
           may
           with
           confidence
           rely
           upon
           any
           thing
           to
           confer
           good
           upon
           
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           preserve
           and
           deliver
           us
           from
           Evil
           ,
           we
           may
           trust
           infinite
           goodness
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           The
           goodness
           of
           God
           is
           likewise
           an
           argument
           to
           us
           to
           patience
           and
           contentedness
           with
           every
           condition
           .
           If
           the
           Hand
           of
           God
           be
           severe
           and
           heavy
           upon
           us
           in
           any
           Affliction
           ,
           we
           may
           be
           assured
           that
           it
           is
           not
           without
           great
           cause
           ,
           that
           so
           much
           goodness
           is
           so
           highly
           offended
           and
           displeased
           with
           us
           ;
           that
           he
           designs
           our
           good
           in
           all
           the
           Evils
           he
           sends
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           does
           not
           
             chasten
             us
             for
             his
             pleasure
             ,
             but
             for
             our
             profit
          
           ;
           that
           we
           are
           the
           cause
           of
           our
           own
           Sufferings
           ,
           and
           
             our
             Sins
             separate
             between
             God
             and
             us
             ,
             and
             with-hold
             good
             things
             from
             us
          
           ;
           that
           in
           the
           final
           issue
           and
           result
           of
           things
           ,
           
             all
             things
             shall
             work
             together
             for
             good
          
           to
           us
           ;
           and
           therefore
           we
           ought
           not
           to
           be
           discontented
           at
           any
           thing
           which
           will
           certainly
           end
           in
           our
           Happiness
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           Let
           us
           imitate
           the
           goodness
           of
           God.
           The
           highest
           Perfection
           of
           the
           best
           and
           most
           perfect
           Being
           is
           worthy
           to
           be
           our
           Pattern
           .
           This
           the
           Scripture
           frequently
           proposeth
           to
           us
           ;
           Math.
           5.48
           .
           
             Be
             ye
             therefore
             perfect
             ,
             even
             as
             your
             Father
             which
             is
             in
             heaven
             is
             perfect
             .
          
           
           How
           is
           that
           ?
           in
           being
           good
           ,
           and
           kind
           ,
           and
           merciful
           ,
           as
           God
           is
           .
           
             But
             I
             say
             unto
             you
          
           (
           says
           our
           Lord
           )
           
             Love
             your
             enemies
             ,
             bless
             them
             that
             curse
             you
             ,
             do
             good
             to
             them
             that
             hate
             you
             ,
             and
             pray
             for
             them
             which
             despightfully
             use
             you
             ,
             and
             persecute
             you
             ;
             that
             ye
             may
             be
             the
             children
             of
             your
             Father
             which
             is
             in
             heaven
             :
             for
             he
             maketh
             his
             Sun
             to
             rise
             on
             the
             evil
             ,
             and
             on
             the
             good
             ,
             and
             sendeth
             rain
             on
             the
             just
             ,
             and
             on
             the
             unjust
             .
          
           And
           then
           it
           follows
           ,
           
             Be
             ye
             therefore
             perfect
             ,
             even
             as
             your
             Father
             which
             is
             heaven
             is
             perfect
             .
          
           The
           same
           Pattern
           St.
           Paul
           proposeth
           to
           us
           ,
           Eph.
           4.32
           .
           and
           Ch.
           5.1
           .
           
             Be
             ye
             kind
             one
             to
             another
             ,
             tender
             hearted
             ;
             forgiving
             one
             another
             ,
             even
             as
             God
             for
             Christ's
             sake
             hath
             forgiven
             you
             .
             Be
             ye
             therefore
             followers
             of
             God
             as
             dear
             Children
             ,
             and
             walk
             in
             love
             .
          
           We
           cannot
           in
           any
           thing
           resemble
           God
           more
           ,
           than
           in
           goodness
           ,
           and
           kindness
           ,
           and
           mercy
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           readiness
           to
           forgive
           those
           who
           have
           been
           injurious
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           reconciled
           to
           them
           .
        
         
           Let
           us
           then
           often
           contemplate
           this
           Perfection
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           represent
           it
           to
           our
           Minds
           ,
           that
           by
           the
           frequent
           contemplation
           of
           it
           ,
           we
           may
           
             be
             transformed
             into
             the
             Image
             of
             the
             Divine
             Goodness
             .
          
           
           Is
           God
           so
           good
           to
           his
           Creatures
           ?
           with
           how
           much
           greater
           reason
           should
           we
           be
           so
           to
           our
           fellow
           Creatures
           .
           Is
           God
           good
           to
           us
           ?
           let
           us
           imitate
           his
           universal
           goodness
           ,
           by
           endeavouring
           the
           good
           of
           Mankind
           ;
           and
           ,
           as
           much
           as
           in
           us
           lies
           ,
           of
           the
           whole
           Creation
           of
           God.
           What
           God
           is
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           what
           we
           would
           have
           him
           still
           be
           to
           us
           ,
           that
           let
           us
           be
           to
           others
           .
           We
           are
           infinitely
           beholding
           to
           this
           Perfection
           of
           God
           for
           all
           that
           we
           are
           ,
           and
           for
           all
           that
           we
           enjoy
           ,
           and
           for
           all
           that
           we
           expect
           ;
           and
           therefore
           we
           have
           all
           the
           reason
           in
           the
           World
           to
           admire
           and
           imitate
           it
           .
           Let
           this
           pattern
           of
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           be
           continually
           before
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           still
           fashioning
           our selves
           in
           the
           temper
           of
           our
           Minds
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           actions
           of
           our
           Lives
           ,
           to
           a
           likeness
           and
           conformity
           to
           it
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           The
           consideration
           of
           the
           Divine
           goodness
           ,
           should
           excite
           our
           praise
           and
           thankfulness
           .
           This
           is
           a
           great
           Duty
           ,
           to
           the
           performance
           whereof
           we
           should
           summon
           all
           the
           Powers
           and
           Faculties
           of
           our
           Souls
           ,
           as
           the
           holy
           Psalmist
           does
           ,
           Psal
           .
           103.
           
           
             Bless
             the
             Lord
             ,
             O
             my
             soul
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             is
             within
             
             me
             ,
             bless
             his
             holy
             Name
             .
             Bless
             the
             Lord
             ,
             O
             my
             soul
             ,
             and
             forget
             not
             all
             his
             benefits
             .
          
           And
           we
           should
           invite
           all
           others
           to
           the
           same
           Work
           ,
           as
           the
           same
           devout
           Psalmist
           frequently
           does
           ,
           Psal
           .
           106.
           
           
             O
             give
             thanks
             unto
             the
             Lord
             !
             for
             he
             is
             good
             ,
             for
             his
             mercy
             endureth
             for
             ever
             .
          
           And
           Psal
           .
           107.
           
           
             O
             that
             men
             would
             therefore
             praise
             the
             Lord
             for
             his
             goodness
             ,
             and
             for
             his
             wonderful
             works
             to
             the
             children
             of
             Men
             !
          
        
         
           And
           we
           had
           need
           to
           be
           often
           call'd
           upon
           to
           this
           Duty
           ,
           to
           which
           we
           have
           a
           peculiar
           backwardness
           .
           Necessity
           drives
           us
           to
           Prayer
           ,
           and
           sends
           us
           to
           God
           for
           the
           supply
           of
           our
           wants
           ;
           but
           Praise
           and
           Thanksgiving
           is
           a
           Duty
           which
           depends
           upon
           our
           gratitude
           and
           ingenuity
           ;
           and
           nothing
           sooner
           wears
           off
           ,
           than
           the
           sense
           of
           Kindness
           and
           Benefits
           .
           We
           are
           very
           apt
           to
           forget
           the
           blessings
           of
           God
           ,
           not
           so
           much
           from
           a
           bad
           Memory
           ,
           as
           from
           a
           bad
           Nature
           ;
           to
           forget
           the
           greatest
           blessings
           ,
           the
           continuance
           whereof
           should
           continually
           put
           us
           in
           mind
           of
           them
           ;
           the
           blessings
           of
           our
           Beings
           ;
           So
           God
           complains
           of
           his
           People
           ,
           Deut.
           32.
           
           
             Of
             the
             God
             that
             formed
             thee
             ,
             thou
             hast
             been
             unmindful
          
           ;
           the
           dignity
           and
           excellency
           
           of
           our
           Beings
           above
           all
           the
           Creatures
           of
           this
           visible
           World
           ;
           Job
           35.10
           ,
           11.
           
           
             None
             saith
             ,
             Where
             is
             God
             my
             Maker
             ?
             who
             teacheth
             us
             more
             than
             the
             beasts
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             maketh
             us
             wiser
             than
             the
             fowls
             of
             heaven
             ?
          
           the
           daily
           comforts
           and
           blessings
           of
           our
           Lives
           ,
           which
           we
           can
           continually
           receive
           ,
           without
           almost
           ever
           looking
           up
           to
           the
           Hand
           that
           gives
           them
           .
           So
           God
           complains
           by
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           Hosea
           2.8
           ,
           9.
           
           
             She
             knew
             not
             that
             I
             gave
             her
             corn
             ,
             and
             wine
             ,
             and
             oyl
             ,
             and
             multiplied
             her
             gold
             and
             silver
             .
          
           And
           is
           it
           not
           shameful
           to
           see
           how
           at
           the
           most
           plentiful
           Tables
           ,
           the
           giving
           of
           God
           Thanks
           is
           almost
           grown
           out
           of
           fashion
           ;
           as
           if
           Men
           were
           ashamed
           to
           own
           from
           whence
           these
           Blessings
           came
           .
           When
           thanks
           is
           all
           God
           expects
           from
           us
           ,
           can
           we
           not
           afford
           to
           give
           him
           that
           ?
           
             Do
             ye
             thus
             requite
             the
             Lord
             ,
             foolish
             people
             and
             unwise
             !
          
           It
           is
           just
           with
           God
           to
           take
           away
           his
           Blessings
           from
           us
           ,
           if
           we
           deny
           him
           this
           easie
           tribute
           of
           Praise
           and
           Thanksgiving
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           a
           sign
           Men
           are
           unfit
           for
           Heaven
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           backward
           to
           that
           which
           is
           the
           proper
           Work
           and
           Imployment
           of
           the
           blessed
           Spirits
           above
           .
           
           Therefore
           as
           ever
           we
           hope
           to
           come
           thither
           ,
           let
           us
           begin
           this
           Work
           here
           ,
           and
           inure
           our selves
           to
           that
           which
           will
           be
           the
           great
           business
           of
           all
           Eternity
           .
           Let
           us
           with
           
             the
             four
             and
             twenty
             Elders
          
           in
           the
           Revelation
           ,
           
             fall
             down
             before
             him
             that
             sits
             on
             the
             throne
             ,
             and
             worship
             him
             that
             liveth
             for
             ever
             and
             ever
             ,
             and
             cast
             our
             crowns
             before
             the
             throne
          
           (
           that
           is
           ,
           cast
           our selves
           )
           and
           ascribe
           all
           glory
           to
           God
           ;
           
             Saying
             ,
             thou
             art
             worthy
             O
             Lord
             ,
             to
             receive
             glory
             ,
             and
             honour
             ,
             and
             power
             for
             thou
             hast
             made
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             for
             thy
             pleasure
             they
             are
             ,
             and
             were
             created
             .
          
        
         
           
             To
             him
             therefore
             ,
             the
             infinite
             and
             inexhaustible
             fountain
             of
             goodness
             ,
             the
             father
             of
             mercies
             ,
             and
             the
             God
             of
             all
             consolation
             ,
             who
             gave
             us
             such
             excellent
             Beings
             ,
             having
             made
             made
             us
             little
             lower
             than
             the
             Angels
             ,
             and
             crowned
             us
             with
             glory
             and
             honour
             ;
             who
             hath
             been
             pleased
             to
             stamp
             upon
             us
             the
             image
             of
             his
             own
             goodness
             ,
             and
             thereby
             made
             us
             partakers
             of
             a
             divine
             nature
             ,
             communicating
             to
             us
             ,
             not
             only
             of
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             goodness
             ,
             but
             in
             some
             measure
             and
             degree
             of
             the
             perfection
             it self
             ;
             to
             him
             who
             gives
             us
             all
             things
             richly
             to
             enjoy
             ,
             which
             pertain
             to
             life
             and
             godliness
             ,
             and
             hath
             made
             such
             abundant
             provision
             ,
             not
             only
             for
             our
             comfort
             and
             convenience
             
             in
             this
             present
             life
             ,
             but
             for
             our
             unspeakable
             happiness
             to
             all
             eternity
             ;
             to
             him
             who
             designed
             this
             happiness
             to
             us
             from
             all
             eternity
             ,
             and
             whose
             mercy
             and
             goodness
             to
             us
             endures
             for
             ever
             ;
             who
             when
             by
             willful
             transgressions
             and
             disobedience
             ,
             we
             had
             plunged
             our selves
             into
             a
             state
             of
             sin
             and
             misery
             ,
             and
             had
             forfeited
             that
             happiness
             which
             we
             were
             designed
             to
             ,
             was
             pleased
             to
             restore
             us
             to
             a
             new
             capacity
             of
             it
             ,
             by
             sending
             his
             only
             Son
             to
             take
             our
             nature
             with
             the
             miseries
             and
             infirmities
             of
             it
             ,
             to
             live
             among
             us
             ,
             and
             to
             die
             for
             us
             ;
             in
             a
             word
             ,
             to
             him
             who
             is
             infinitely
             good
             to
             us
             ,
             not
             only
             contrary
             to
             our
             deserts
             ,
             but
             beyond
             our
             hopes
             ,
             who
             renews
             his
             mercy
             upon
             us
             every
             morning
             ,
             and
             is
             patient
             tho'
             we
             provoke
             him
             every
             day
             ,
             who
             preserves
             and
             provides
             for
             us
             ,
             and
             spares
             us
             continually
             ,
             who
             is
             always
             willing
             ,
             always
             watchful
             ,
             and
             never
             weary
             to
             do
             us
             good
             ;
             to
             him
             be
             all
             glory
             and
             honour
             ,
             adoration
             and
             praise
             ,
             love
             and
             obedience
             ,
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
         
           SERMON
           V.
           
           The
           Mercy
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           
             
               
                 NUMB.
                 XIV
                 .
                 18
              
               .
            
             
               The
               Lord
               is
               long
               suffering
               ,
               and
               of
               great
               Mercy
               .
            
          
        
         
           I
           Have
           considered
           God's
           Goodness
           in
           general
           .
           There
           are
           two
           eminent
           Branches
           of
           it
           ,
           his
           Patience
           and
           Mercy
           .
           The
           Patience
           of
           God
           is
           his
           goodness
           to
           them
           that
           are
           guilty
           ,
           in
           deferring
           or
           moderating
           their
           deserved
           punishment
           ;
           the
           Mercy
           of
           God
           is
           his
           goodness
           to
           them
           that
           are
           or
           may
           be
           miserable
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           last
           of
           these
           two
           I
           design
           to
           discourse
           of
           at
           this
           time
           ;
           in
           doing
           which
           ,
           I
           shall
           inquire
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           What
           we
           are
           to
           understand
           by
           the
           Mercy
           of
           God.
           
        
         
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Shew
           you
           ,
           that
           this
           Perfection
           belongs
           to
           God.
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Consider
           the
           degree
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           of
           
             great
             Mercy
          
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           What
           we
           are
           to
           understand
           by
           the
           Mercy
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           I
           told
           you
           it
           is
           his
           goodness
           to
           them
           that
           are
           in
           misery
           ,
           or
           liable
           to
           it
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           are
           in
           danger
           of
           it
           ,
           or
           have
           deserved
           it
           .
           'T
           is
           mercy
           to
           prevent
           the
           misery
           that
           we
           are
           liable
           to
           ,
           and
           which
           may
           befal
           us
           ,
           tho'
           it
           be
           not
           actually
           upon
           us
           .
           'T
           is
           mercy
           to
           defer
           the
           misery
           that
           we
           deserve
           ,
           or
           mitigate
           it
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           properly
           patience
           and
           forbearance
           .
           'T
           is
           mercy
           to
           relieve
           those
           that
           are
           in
           misery
           ,
           to
           support
           or
           comfort
           them
           .
           'T
           is
           mercy
           to
           remit
           the
           misery
           we
           deserve
           ,
           and
           by
           pardon
           and
           forgiveness
           to
           remove
           and
           take
           away
           the
           obligation
           to
           punishment
           .
        
         
           Thus
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           is
           usually
           in
           Scripture
           set
           forth
           to
           us
           by
           the
           affection
           of
           pity
           and
           compassion
           ,
           which
           is
           an
           affection
           that
           causeth
           a
           sensible
           commotion
           and
           disturbance
           in
           us
           ,
           upon
           the
           apprehension
           of
           some
           great
           Evil
           that
           lies
           upon
           another
           ,
           or
           hangs
           over
           him
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           that
           God
           is
           
           said
           in
           Scripture
           to
           be
           grieved
           and
           afflicted
           for
           the
           miseries
           of
           Men
           ;
           
             his
             bowels
          
           are
           said
           
             to
             sound
             ,
             and
             his
             heart
             to
             turn
             within
             him
             .
          
           But
           tho'
           God
           is
           pleased
           in
           this
           manner
           to
           set
           forth
           his
           mercy
           and
           tenderness
           towards
           us
           ,
           yet
           we
           must
           take
           heed
           how
           we
           cloath
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           with
           the
           Infirmities
           of
           human
           Passions
           .
           We
           must
           not
           measure
           the
           Perfection
           of
           God
           by
           the
           Expressions
           of
           his
           condescention
           ;
           and
           because
           he
           stoops
           to
           our
           weakness
           ,
           level
           him
           to
           our
           Infirmities
           .
           When
           God
           is
           said
           to
           pity
           us
           ,
           we
           must
           take
           away
           the
           imperfection
           of
           this
           Passion
           ,
           the
           commotion
           and
           disturbance
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           not
           imagine
           any
           such
           thing
           in
           God
           ;
           but
           we
           are
           to
           conceive
           ,
           that
           the
           mercy
           and
           compassion
           of
           God
           ,
           without
           producing
           the
           disquiet
           ,
           do
           produce
           the
           Effects
           of
           the
           most
           sensible
           pity
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           That
           this
           Perfection
           belongs
           to
           God.
           
        
         
           All
           the
           Arguments
           that
           I
           used
           to
           prove
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           from
           the
           acknowledgment
           of
           natural
           Light
           ,
           and
           from
           Scripture
           and
           Reason
           ,
           serve
           to
           prove
           that
           he
           is
           merciful
           ;
           because
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           is
           an
           eminent
           Branch
           of
           
           his
           goodness
           .
           I
           will
           only
           produce
           some
           of
           those
           many
           Texts
           of
           Scripture
           which
           attribute
           this
           Perfection
           to
           God.
           Exod.
           34.6
           .
           
             The
             Lord
             ,
             the
             Lord
             God
             ,
             gracious
             and
             merciful
             .
          
           Deut.
           4.31
           
             The
             Lord
             thy
             God
             is
             a
             merciful
             God.
          
           2
           Chron.
           30.9
           .
           
             The
             Lord
             your
             God
             is
             gracious
             and
             merciful
             .
          
           Neh.
           9.17
           .
           
             Ready
             to
             pardon
             ,
             gracious
             and
             merciful
             .
          
           Psal
           .
           25.10
           .
           
             All
             the
             paths
             of
             the
             Lord
             are
             mercy
             .
          
           Psal
           .
           62.12
           .
           
             Vnto
             thee
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             belongeth
             mercy
             .
          
           Psal
           .
           103.8
           .
           
             Merciful
             and
             gracious
          
           .
           Psal
           .
           130.7
           .
           
             With
             the
             Lord
             there
             is
             mercy
             .
          
           And
           so
           Jer.
           3.12
           .
           Joel
           2.13
           .
           Jonah
           4.2
           .
           Luke
           6.36
           .
           
             Be
             ye
             therefore
             merciful
             ,
             as
             your
             Father
             also
             is
             merciful
             .
          
           The
           Scripture
           speaks
           of
           this
           as
           most
           natural
           to
           him
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           1.3
           .
           he
           is
           called
           
             the
             Father
             of
             mercies
          
           .
           But
           when
           he
           punisheth
           ,
           he
           doth
           as
           it
           were
           relinquish
           his
           Nature
           ,
           and
           do
           a
           
             strange
             work
             .
             The
             Lord
             will
             wait
             that
             he
             may
             be
             gracious
             ,
             Isa
             .
          
           30.18
           .
           God
           passeth
           by
           opportunities
           of
           punishing
           ,
           but
           his
           mercy
           takes
           opportunity
           to
           display
           it self
           ;
           
             he
             waits
             to
             be
             gracious
          
           .
           To
           afflict
           or
           punish
           is
           a
           Work
           that
           God
           is
           unwilling
           to
           ,
           that
           he
           takes
           no
           pleasure
           in
           ;
           Lam.
           3.33
           .
           
             He
             doth
             not
             afflict
             willingly
             ,
             nor
             grieve
             the
             children
             of
             men
             .
          
           But
           mercy
           is
           a
           Work
           that
           he
           
           delights
           in
           ,
           Mic.
           7.18
           .
           
             He
             delighteth
             in
             mercy
          
           .
           When
           God
           shews
           mercy
           ,
           he
           does
           it
           with
           pleasure
           and
           delight
           ;
           he
           is
           said
           
             to
             rejoyce
             over
             his
             people
             to
             do
             them
             good
             .
          
           Those
           Attributes
           that
           declare
           God's
           goodness
           ,
           as
           when
           he
           is
           said
           to
           be
           gracious
           ,
           or
           merciful
           ,
           and
           long-suffering
           ,
           they
           shew
           what
           God
           is
           in
           himself
           ,
           and
           delights
           to
           be
           :
           those
           which
           declare
           his
           wrath
           and
           severity
           ,
           shew
           what
           he
           is
           upon
           provocation
           ,
           and
           the
           occasion
           of
           sin
           ;
           not
           what
           he
           chuseth
           to
           be
           ,
           but
           what
           we
           do
           as
           it
           were
           compel
           and
           necessitate
           him
           to
           be
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           For
           the
           degree
           of
           it
           ;
           that
           God
           is
           a
           God
           of
           
             great
             mercy
          
           .
        
         
           The
           Scripture
           doth
           delight
           to
           advance
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           does
           use
           great
           variety
           of
           Expression
           to
           magnifie
           it
           .
           It
           speaks
           of
           the
           greatness
           of
           his
           mercy
           ,
           Numb
           .
           14.19
           .
           
             According
             to
             the
             greatness
             of
             his
             mercy
             .
          
           2
           Sam.
           24.14
           .
           
             Let
             me
             fall
             into
             the
             hands
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             for
             his
             mercies
             are
             great
             .
          
           'T
           is
           call'd
           an
           abundant
           mercy
           ,
           1
           Pet.
           1.3
           .
           
             According
             to
             his
             abundant
             mercy
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           103.8
           .
           he
           is
           said
           to
           be
           
             plenteous
             in
             mercy
          
           ;
           and
           
             rich
             in
             mercy
             ,
             Eph.
          
           2.4
           .
           Psal
           .
           5.7
           .
           he
           speaks
           of
           
             the
             multitude
             of
             God's
             
             mercies
          
           ;
           and
           of
           the
           variety
           of
           them
           ,
           Neh.
           9.18
           .
           
             In
             thy
             manifold
             mercies
             thou
             forsookest
             them
             not
             .
          
           So
           many
           are
           they
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           said
           to
           be
           surrounded
           and
           campassed
           about
           on
           every
           side
           with
           them
           ;
           Psal
           .
           103.4
           .
           
             Who
             crowneth
             us
             with
             loving
             kindness
             and
             tender
             mercies
             .
          
        
         
           And
           yet
           further
           to
           set
           forth
           the
           greatness
           of
           them
           ,
           the
           Scripture
           useth
           all
           dimensions
           .
           Heighth
           ,
           Psal
           .
           57.10
           .
           
             Thy
             mercy
             is
             great
             unto
             the
             Heavens
             .
          
           Nay
           ,
           higher
           yet
           ;
           Psal
           .
           108.4
           .
           
             Thy
             mercy
             is
             great
             above
             the
             heavens
             .
          
           For
           the
           latitude
           and
           extent
           of
           it
           ,
           't
           is
           as
           large
           as
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           extends
           to
           all
           the
           Creatures
           in
           it
           ;
           Psal
           .
           109.64
           .
           
             The
             earth
             is
             full
             of
             thy
             mercy
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           145.8
           .
           
             His
             tender
             mercies
             are
             over
             all
             his
             works
             .
          
           For
           the
           length
           ,
           or
           duration
           and
           continuance
           of
           it
           ;
           Exod.
           34.7
           .
           
             Laying
             up
             mercy
             in
             store
             for
             thousands
             of
             generations
             ,
          
           one
           after
           another
           .
           Nay
           ,
           it
           is
           of
           a
           longer
           continuance
           ;
           Psal
           .
           118.
           't
           is
           several
           times
           repeated
           ,
           That
           
             his
             mercy
             endureth
             for
             ever
          
           .
        
         
           And
           to
           shew
           the
           intense
           degree
           of
           this
           affection
           of
           mercy
           or
           pity
           ,
           the
           Scripture
           useth
           several
           emphatical
           Expressions
           to
           set
           it
           forth
           to
           us
           .
           The
           
           Scripture
           speaks
           of
           the
           tender
           mercies
           of
           God
           ,
           Psal
           .
           25.6
           .
           
             Remember
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             thy
             tender
             mercies
             .
          
           Yea
           ,
           of
           the
           multitude
           of
           these
           ,
           Psal
           .
           51.1
           .
           
             According
             to
             the
             multitude
             of
             thy
             tender
             mercies
             ,
             blot
             out
             my
             transgressions
             .
             Jam.
          
           5.11
           .
           
             The
             Lord
             is
             very
             pitiful
             and
             of
             tender
             mercy
             .
          
           They
           are
           called
           God's
           Bowels
           ,
           which
           are
           the
           tenderest
           parts
           ,
           and
           apt
           to
           yern
           and
           stir
           in
           us
           when
           any
           affections
           of
           love
           and
           pity
           are
           excited
           ,
           Is
           .
           63.15
           .
           
             Where
             is
             the
             sounding
             of
             thy
             bowels
             ,
             and
             of
             thy
             mercies
             ,
             are
             they
             restrained
             ?
             Luke
          
           1.78
           .
           
             Through
             the
             tender
             mercy
             of
             our
             God.
          
           So
           it
           is
           in
           our
           Translation
           ;
           but
           if
           we
           render
           it
           from
           the
           Original
           ,
           't
           is
           
             through
             the
             bowels
             of
             the
             mercies
             of
             our
             God.
          
           How
           doth
           God
           condescend
           in
           those
           pathetical
           Expressions
           ,
           which
           he
           useth
           concerning
           his
           People
           ?
           Hos
           .
           11.8
           .
           
             How
             shall
             I
             give
             thee
             up
             ,
             Ephraim
             ?
             mine
             heart
             is
             turned
             within
             me
             ,
             and
             my
             repentings
             are
             kindled
             together
             .
          
           Nay
           ,
           to
           express
           his
           tender
           sense
           of
           our
           miseries
           and
           sufferings
           ,
           he
           is
           represented
           as
           being
           afflicted
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           bearing
           a
           part
           in
           our
           sufferings
           ;
           Isa
           ,
           63.9
           .
           
             In
             all
             their
             afflictions
             he
             was
             afflicted
             .
          
        
         
         
           The
           compassions
           of
           God
           are
           compared
           to
           the
           tenderest
           affections
           among
           Men
           ;
           to
           that
           of
           a
           Father
           towards
           his
           Children
           ;
           Psal
           .
           103.13
           .
           
             As
             a
             father
             pitieth
             his
             Children
             ,
             so
             the
             Lord
             pitieth
             them
             that
             fear
             him
             .
          
           Nay
           ,
           to
           the
           compassions
           of
           a
           Mother
           towards
           her
           Infant
           ;
           Isa
           .
           49.15
           .
           
             Can
             a
             woman
             forget
             her
             sucking
             child
             ,
             that
             she
             should
             not
             have
             compassion
             on
             the
             son
             of
             her
             womb
             ?
          
           Yea
           she
           may
           ,
           't
           is
           possible
           ,
           tho'
           most
           unlikely
           :
           but
           tho'
           a
           Mother
           may
           turn
           unnatural
           ;
           yet
           God
           cannot
           be
           unmerciful
           .
        
         
           In
           short
           ,
           the
           Scripture
           doth
           every
           where
           magnifie
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           speak
           of
           it
           with
           all
           possible
           advantage
           ;
           as
           if
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           which
           doth
           in
           all
           Perfections
           excel
           all
           others
           ,
           did
           in
           this
           excel
           it self
           .
           The
           Scripture
           speaks
           of
           it
           as
           if
           God
           was
           wholly
           taken
           up
           with
           it
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           was
           his
           constant
           Exercise
           and
           Employment
           ,
           so
           that
           in
           comparison
           of
           it
           ,
           he
           doth
           hardly
           display
           any
           other
           excellency
           ;
           Psal
           .
           25.10
           .
           
             All
             the
             paths
             of
             the
             Lord
             are
             mercy
          
           ;
           as
           if
           in
           this
           World
           God
           had
           a
           design
           to
           advance
           his
           mercy
           above
           his
           other
           Attributes
           .
           The
           mercy
           of
           God
           is
           now
           in
           the
           Throne
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           day
           
           of
           mercy
           ,
           and
           God
           doth
           display
           it
           many
           times
           with
           a
           seeming
           dishonour
           to
           his
           other
           Attributes
           ,
           his
           Justice
           ,
           and
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           Truth
           .
           
             His
             Justice
          
           ;
           This
           makes
           Job
           complain
           of
           the
           long
           life
           and
           prosperity
           of
           the
           wicked
           ;
           Job
           41.7
           .
           
             Wherefore
             do
             the
             wicked
             live
             ,
             yea
             become
             old
             ?
          
           &c.
           
             His
             Holiness
          
           ;
           This
           makes
           the
           Prophet
           expostulate
           with
           God
           ,
           Hab.
           1.13
           .
           
             Thou
             art
             of
             purer
             eyes
             than
             to
             behold
             evil
             ,
             and
             canst
             not
             look
             on
             iniquity
             .
             Wherefore
             lookest
             thou
             upon
             them
             that
             deal
             treacherously
             ,
             and
             holdest
             thy
             tongue
             ?
          
           &c.
           And
           
             the
             Truth
          
           of
           God
           ;
           This
           makes
           Jonah
           complain
           ,
           as
           if
           God's
           mercies
           were
           such
           ,
           as
           did
           make
           some
           reflection
           upon
           his
           truth
           ,
           Jon.
           4.2
           .
        
         
           But
           that
           we
           may
           have
           more
           distinct
           apprehensions
           of
           the
           greatness
           and
           number
           of
           God's
           mercies
           ,
           I
           will
           distribute
           them
           into
           kinds
           ,
           and
           rank
           them
           under
           several
           Heads
           .
           'T
           is
           mercy
           to
           prevent
           those
           evils
           and
           miseries
           that
           we
           are
           liable
           to
           .
           'T
           is
           mercy
           to
           defer
           those
           evils
           that
           we
           have
           deserved
           ,
           or
           to
           mitigate
           them
           .
           'T
           is
           mercy
           to
           support
           and
           comfort
           us
           when
           misery
           is
           upon
           us
           .
           'T
           is
           mercy
           to
           deliver
           us
           from
           them
           .
           But
           the
           greatest
           mercy
           
           of
           all
           is
           ,
           to
           remit
           the
           evil
           and
           misery
           we
           have
           deserved
           ,
           by
           pardon
           and
           forgiveness
           ,
           to
           remove
           and
           take
           away
           the
           obligation
           to
           punishment
           ;
           so
           that
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           may
           be
           reduced
           to
           these
           five
           Heads
           .
        
         
           I.
           Preventing
           Mercy
           .
           Many
           evils
           and
           miseries
           which
           we
           are
           liable
           to
           ,
           God
           prevents
           them
           at
           a
           great
           distance
           ;
           and
           when
           they
           are
           coming
           towards
           us
           ,
           he
           stops
           them
           or
           turns
           them
           another
           way
           .
           The
           merciful
           Providence
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           those
           invisible
           guards
           which
           protect
           us
           ,
           do
           divert
           many
           evils
           from
           us
           ,
           which
           fall
           upon
           others
           .
           We
           seldom
           take
           notice
           of
           God's
           preventing
           mercy
           ;
           we
           are
           not
           apt
           to
           be
           sensible
           how
           great
           a
           mercy
           it
           is
           to
           be
           freed
           from
           those
           straits
           and
           necessities
           ,
           those
           pains
           and
           diseases
           of
           Body
           ,
           those
           inward
           racks
           and
           horrours
           ,
           which
           others
           are
           pressed
           withal
           and
           labour
           under
           .
           When
           any
           evil
           or
           misery
           is
           upon
           us
           ,
           would
           we
           not
           reckon
           it
           a
           mercy
           to
           be
           rescued
           and
           delivered
           from
           it
           ?
           And
           is
           it
           not
           a
           greater
           mercy
           that
           we
           never
           felt
           it
           ?
           Does
           not
           that
           Man
           owe
           more
           to
           his
           Physician
           who
           prevents
           his
           sickness
           and
           distemper
           ,
           than
           he
           who
           after
           the
           weakness
           and
           languishing
           ,
           the
           
           pains
           and
           tortures
           of
           several
           Months
           ,
           is
           at
           length
           cured
           by
           him
           ?
        
         
           II.
           Forbearing
           mercy
           .
           And
           this
           is
           the
           patience
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           consists
           in
           the
           deferring
           or
           moderating
           of
           our
           deserved
           punishment
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           that
           
             slow
             to
             anger
             ,
             and
             of
             great
             mercy
             ,
          
           do
           so
           often
           go
           together
           .
           But
           this
           I
           shall
           speak
           to
           hereafter
           in
           some
           particular
           Discourses
           .
        
         
           III.
           Comforting
           mercy
           .
           2
           Cor.
           1.3
           .
           
             The
             father
             of
             mercies
             ,
             and
             the
             God
             of
             all
             Comfort
             .
          
           The
           Scripture
           represents
           God
           as
           very
           merciful
           ,
           in
           comforting
           and
           supporting
           those
           that
           are
           afflicted
           and
           cast
           down
           ;
           hence
           are
           those
           expressions
           of
           
             putting
             his
             arms
             under
             us
             ,
             bearing
             us
             up
             ,
             speaking
             comfortably
             ,
             visiting
             us
             with
             his
             loving
             kindness
             ,
          
           which
           signifie
           God's
           merciful
           regard
           to
           those
           who
           are
           in
           misery
           and
           distress
           .
        
         
           IV.
           His
           relieving
           mercy
           ,
           in
           supplying
           those
           that
           are
           in
           want
           ,
           and
           delivering
           those
           that
           are
           in
           trouble
           .
           God
           doth
           many
           times
           exercise
           Men
           with
           troubles
           and
           afflictions
           ,
           with
           a
           very
           gracious
           and
           merciful
           design
           ,
           to
           prevent
           greater
           Evils
           ,
           which
           Men
           would
           otherwise
           bring
           upon
           themselves
           .
           Afflictions
           are
           a
           merciful
           invention
           of
           
           Heaven
           to
           do
           us
           that
           good
           ,
           which
           nothing
           else
           can
           ;
           they
           awaken
           us
           to
           a
           sense
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           our selves
           ,
           to
           a
           consideration
           of
           the
           evil
           of
           our
           ways
           ;
           they
           make
           us
           to
           take
           notice
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           seek
           him
           ,
           and
           enquire
           after
           him
           .
           God
           doth
           as
           it
           were
           by
           Afflictions
           throw
           Men
           upon
           their
           backs
           to
           make
           them
           look
           up
           to
           Heaven
           ;
           Hos
           .
           5.15
           .
           
             In
             their
             affliction
             they
             will
             seek
             me
             early
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           78.34
           .
           
             When
             he
             slew
             them
             ,
             then
             they
             sought
             him
             ,
             and
             they
             returned
             ,
             and
             enquired
             early
             after
             God.
          
           But
           God
           does
           not
           delight
           in
           this
           ,
           
             he
             doth
             not
             afflict
             willingly
             ,
             nor
             grieve
             the
             children
             of
             men
             .
          
           When
           afflictions
           have
           accomplished
           their
           work
           ,
           and
           obtained
           their
           end
           upon
           us
           ,
           God
           is
           very
           ready
           to
           remove
           them
           ,
           and
           command
           deliverance
           for
           us
           ;
           Isa
           .
           54.7
           ,
           8.
           
           
             For
             a
             small
             moment
             have
             I
             forsaken
             thee
             ;
             but
             with
             great
             mercies
             will
             I
             gather
             thee
             .
             In
             a
             little
             wrath
             I
             hid
             my
             face
             from
             thee
             ;
             but
             with
             everlasting
             kindness
             will
             I
             have
             mercy
             on
             thee
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             thy
             Redeemer
             .
          
        
         
           V.
           Pardoning
           mercy
           .
           And
           here
           the
           greatness
           and
           fullness
           of
           God's
           mercy
           appears
           ,
           because
           our
           sins
           are
           great
           ;
           Psal
           .
           78.38
           .
           
             Being
             full
             of
             compassion
             ,
             
             he
             forgave
             their
             iniquity
             .
          
           And
           the
           multitude
           of
           God's
           mercies
           ,
           because
           our
           sins
           are
           many
           ,
           Psal
           .
           51.1
           .
           
             Have
             mercy
             on
             me
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             multitude
             of
             thy
             tender
             mercies
             blot
             out
             my
             transgressions
             .
             Exod.
          
           34.7
           .
           He
           is
           said
           
             to
             pardon
             iniquity
             ,
             transgression
             ,
             and
             sin
             .
          
           How
           many
           fold
           are
           his
           mercies
           ,
           to
           forgive
           all
           our
           sins
           ,
           of
           what
           kind
           so
           ever
           !
           The
           mercy
           of
           God
           to
           us
           in
           pardoning
           our
           sins
           ,
           is
           matter
           of
           astonishment
           and
           admiration
           ;
           Mic.
           7.18
           .
           
             Who
             is
             a
             God
             like
             unto
             thee
             ,
             that
             pardoneth
             iniquity
             !
          
           But
           especially
           if
           we
           consider
           by
           what
           means
           our
           pardon
           is
           procured
           ;
           by
           transferring
           our
           guilt
           upon
           the
           most
           innocent
           person
           ,
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           making
           him
           
             to
             bear
             our
             iniquities
          
           ,
           and
           to
           suffer
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           which
           was
           due
           to
           us
           .
           The
           admirable
           contrivance
           of
           God's
           mercy
           appears
           in
           this
           dispensation
           ;
           this
           shews
           
             the
             riches
             of
             his
             grace
          
           ,
           that
           he
           should
           be
           at
           so
           much
           cost
           to
           purchase
           our
           pardon
           ,
           
             Not
             with
             corruptible
             things
             ,
             as
             silver
             and
             gold
             ;
             but
             with
             the
             precious
             blood
             of
             his
             own
             Son
          
           ;
           Eph.
           1.6
           ,
           7.
           
           
             To
             the
             praise
             of
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             grace
             ,
             wherein
             he
             hath
             made
             us
             accepted
             in
             the
             beloved
             ;
             in
             whom
             we
             have
             redemption
             through
             his
             
             blood
             ,
             the
             forgiveness
             of
             sins
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             riches
             of
             his
             grace
             .
          
        
         
           Having
           dispatch'd
           the
           three
           particulars
           I
           propos'd
           to
           be
           spoken
           to
           ,
           I
           shall
           shew
           what
           Use
           we
           ought
           to
           make
           of
           this
           Divine
           Attribute
           .
        
         
           Vse
           1.
           
           We
           ought
           with
           thankfulness
           to
           acknowledge
           and
           admire
           the
           great
           mercy
           of
           God
           to
           us
           .
           Let
           us
           view
           it
           in
           all
           its
           dimensions
           ;
           the
           heighth
           ,
           and
           length
           ,
           and
           breadth
           of
           it
           :
           in
           all
           the
           variety
           and
           kinds
           of
           it
           ;
           the
           preventing
           mercy
           of
           God
           to
           many
           of
           us
           .
           Those
           miseries
           that
           lye
           upon
           others
           ,
           't
           is
           mercy
           to
           us
           that
           we
           escaped
           them
           .
           'T
           is
           mercy
           that
           spares
           us
           .
           
             It
             is
             of
             the
             Lord's
             mercies
             that
             we
             are
             not
             consumed
             ,
             and
             because
             his
             compassions
             fail
             not
             .
          
           'T
           is
           mercy
           that
           mitigates
           our
           punishment
           ,
           and
           makes
           it
           fall
           below
           the
           desert
           of
           our
           sins
           .
           'T
           is
           mercy
           that
           comforts
           and
           supports
           us
           under
           any
           of
           those
           Evils
           that
           lye
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           that
           rescues
           and
           delivers
           us
           from
           them
           .
           Which
           way
           so
           ever
           we
           look
           ,
           we
           are
           encompassed
           with
           the
           mercies
           of
           God
           ;
           they
           
             compass
             us
             about
             on
             every
             side
             ,
             we
             are
             crowned
             with
             loving
             kindness
             and
             tender
             mercies
             .
          
           'T
           is
           mercy
           that
           feeds
           us
           ,
           and
           cloaths
           us
           ,
           and
           that
           
           preserves
           us
           .
           But
           above
           all
           we
           should
           thankfully
           acknowledge
           and
           admire
           the
           pardoning
           mercy
           of
           God
           ;
           Ps
           .
           103.1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3.
           where
           David
           does
           as
           it
           were
           muster
           up
           the
           mercies
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           make
           a
           Catalogue
           of
           them
           ,
           he
           sets
           the
           pardoning
           mercy
           in
           the
           front
           ;
           
             Bless
             ye
             the
             Lord
             ,
             O
             my
             soul
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             is
             within
             me
             praise
             his
             holy
             Name
             .
             Bless
             the
             Lord
             ,
             O
             my
             soul
             ,
             and
             forget
             not
             all
             his
             benefits
             ;
             who
             forgiveth
             all
             thy
             iniquities
             .
          
        
         
           If
           we
           look
           into
           our selves
           ,
           and
           consider
           our
           own
           temper
           and
           disposition
           ,
           how
           void
           of
           pity
           and
           bowels
           we
           are
           ,
           how
           cruel
           ,
           and
           hard
           hearted
           ,
           and
           insolent
           ,
           and
           revengeful
           ;
           if
           we
           look
           abroad
           into
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           see
           how
           
             full
             the
             earth
             is
             of
             the
             habitations
             of
             cruelty
          
           ;
           we
           shall
           admire
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           more
           ,
           and
           think
           our selves
           more
           beholden
           to
           it
           .
           How
           many
           things
           must
           concur
           to
           make
           our
           hearts
           tender
           ,
           and
           melt
           our
           spirits
           ,
           and
           stir
           our
           bowels
           ,
           to
           make
           us
           pitiful
           and
           compassionate
           ?
           We
           seldom
           pity
           any
           unless
           they
           be
           actually
           in
           misery
           ;
           nor
           all
           such
           neither
           ,
           unless
           the
           misery
           they
           lye
           under
           be
           very
           great
           ;
           nor
           then
           neither
           ,
           unless
           the
           person
           that
           
           suffers
           be
           nearly
           related
           ,
           and
           we
           be
           someways
           concerned
           in
           his
           sufferings
           ;
           yea
           ,
           many
           times
           not
           then
           neither
           ,
           upon
           a
           generous
           account
           ,
           but
           as
           we
           are
           someways
           obliged
           by
           interest
           and
           self-love
           ,
           and
           a
           dear
           regard
           to
           our selves
           ,
           when
           we
           have
           suffered
           the
           like
           our selves
           ,
           and
           have
           learnt
           to
           pity
           others
           by
           our
           own
           Sufferings
           ,
           or
           when
           in
           danger
           and
           probability
           to
           be
           in
           the
           like
           condition
           our selves
           ;
           so
           many
           motives
           and
           obligations
           are
           necessary
           to
           awaken
           and
           stir
           up
           this
           affection
           in
           us
           .
           But
           God
           is
           merciful
           and
           pitiful
           to
           us
           ,
           out
           of
           the
           mere
           goodness
           of
           his
           Nature
           ;
           for
           few
           of
           these
           motives
           and
           considerations
           can
           have
           any
           place
           in
           him
           .
           This
           affection
           of
           pity
           and
           tenderness
           is
           stirred
           up
           in
           God
           by
           the
           mere
           presence
           of
           the
           Object
           ,
           without
           any
           other
           inducement
           .
           The
           mercy
           of
           God
           many
           times
           doth
           not
           stay
           till
           we
           be
           actually
           miserable
           ;
           but
           looks
           forward
           a
           great
           way
           ,
           and
           pities
           us
           at
           a
           great
           distance
           ,
           and
           prevents
           our
           misery
           .
           God
           doth
           not
           only
           pity
           us
           in
           great
           Calamities
           ;
           but
           considers
           those
           lesser
           Evils
           that
           are
           upon
           us
           .
           God
           is
           merciful
           to
           us
           ,
           when
           we
           have
           deserved
           all
           the
           Evils
           that
           
           are
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           far
           greater
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           
             less
             than
             the
             least
             of
             all
             his
             mercies
             ,
          
           when
           we
           deserved
           all
           the
           misery
           that
           is
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           have
           with
           violent
           hands
           pulled
           it
           upon
           our
           own
           heads
           ,
           and
           have
           been
           the
           authors
           and
           procurers
           of
           it
           to
           our selves
           .
           Tho'
           God
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           his
           Nature
           ,
           be
           at
           an
           infinite
           distance
           from
           us
           ,
           yet
           his
           mercy
           is
           near
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           he
           cannot
           possibly
           have
           any
           self-interest
           in
           it
           .
           The
           Divine
           Nature
           is
           not
           liable
           to
           want
           ,
           or
           injury
           ,
           or
           suffering
           ;
           he
           is
           secure
           of
           his
           own
           happiness
           and
           fullness
           ,
           and
           can
           neither
           wish
           the
           inlargement
           nor
           fear
           the
           impairment
           of
           his
           Estate
           ;
           he
           can
           never
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           pity
           or
           relief
           from
           us
           or
           any
           other
           ;
           and
           yet
           he
           pities
           us
           .
        
         
           Now
           if
           we
           consider
           the
           vast
           difference
           of
           this
           affection
           in
           God
           and
           us
           ,
           how
           tender
           his
           mercies
           are
           ,
           and
           how
           sensible
           his
           bowels
           ;
           and
           yet
           we
           who
           have
           so
           many
           arguments
           to
           move
           us
           to
           pity
           ,
           how
           hard
           our
           hearts
           are
           ,
           and
           how
           unapt
           to
           relent
           ,
           as
           if
           we
           were
           
             born
             of
             the
             rock
          
           ,
           and
           were
           
             the
             off-spring
             of
             the
             nether
             milstone
          
           ;
           sure
           when
           we
           duly
           consider
           this
           ,
           we
           cannot
           but
           admire
           the
           mercy
           of
           God.
           
        
         
         
           How
           cruel
           are
           we
           to
           Creatures
           below
           us
           !
           with
           how
           little
           remorse
           can
           we
           kill
           a
           Flea
           ,
           or
           tread
           upon
           a
           Worm
           ?
           partly
           because
           we
           are
           secure
           that
           they
           cannot
           hurt
           us
           ,
           nor
           revenge
           themselves
           upon
           us
           ;
           and
           partly
           because
           they
           are
           so
           despicable
           in
           our
           Eyes
           ,
           and
           so
           far
           below
           us
           ,
           that
           they
           do
           not
           fall
           under
           the
           consideration
           of
           our
           Pity
           .
           Look
           upward
           ,
           proud
           Man
           !
           and
           take
           notice
           of
           him
           who
           is
           above
           thee
           ,
           thou
           didst
           not
           make
           the
           Creatures
           below
           thee
           as
           God
           did
           ,
           there
           's
           but
           a
           finite
           distance
           between
           thee
           and
           the
           meanest
           Creatures
           ;
           but
           there
           's
           an
           infinite
           distance
           between
           thee
           and
           God.
           Man
           is
           a
           Name
           of
           Dignity
           ,
           when
           we
           compare
           our selves
           with
           other
           Creatures
           ;
           but
           compared
           to
           God
           ,
           we
           are
           
             Worms
             ,
             and
             not
             Men
          
           ;
           yea
           ,
           we
           are
           
             nothing
             ,
             yea
             ,
             less
             than
             nothing
             and
             vanity
             .
          
           How
           great
           then
           is
           the
           Mercy
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           regards
           us
           ,
           who
           are
           so
           far
           below
           him
           ,
           which
           takes
           into
           Consideration
           such
           inconsiderable
           nothings
           as
           we
           are
           !
           we
           may
           say
           with
           
             David
             ,
             Ps
          
           .
           8.4
           .
           
             Lord
             !
             What
             is
             man
             ,
             that
             thou
             art
             so
             mindful
             of
             him
             ,
             or
             the
             Son
             of
             Man
             that
             thou
             visitest
             him
             !
          
           And
           with
           Job
           7.17
           .
           
             What
             
             is
             Man
             that
             thou
             shouldest
             magnifie
             him
             ,
             and
             that
             thou
             shouldst
             set
             thine
             Heart
             upon
             him
             !
          
        
         
           And
           then
           how
           hard
           do
           we
           find
           it
           to
           forgive
           those
           who
           have
           injured
           us
           ?
           if
           any
           one
           have
           offended
           ,
           or
           provoked
           us
           ;
           how
           hard
           are
           we
           to
           be
           reconciled
           ?
           How
           mindful
           of
           an
           Injury
           ?
           How
           do
           anger
           and
           revenge
           boyl
           within
           us
           ?
           How
           do
           we
           upbraid
           Men
           with
           their
           faults
           ?
           What
           vile
           and
           low
           Submission
           do
           we
           require
           of
           them
           ,
           before
           we
           will
           receive
           them
           into
           Favour
           ,
           and
           grant
           them
           Peace
           ?
           And
           if
           we
           forgive
           once
           ,
           we
           think
           that
           is
           much
           ;
           but
           if
           an
           offence
           and
           provocation
           be
           renewed
           often
           ,
           we
           are
           inexorable
           .
           Even
           the
           Disciples
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           after
           he
           had
           so
           emphatically
           taught
           them
           Forgiveness
           ,
           in
           the
           Petition
           in
           the
           Lord's
           Prayer
           ,
           yet
           they
           had
           very
           narrow
           Spirits
           as
           to
           this
           ;
           Matth.
           18.21
           .
           Peter
           comes
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           asks
           him
           ,
           
             How
             often
             shall
             my
             brother
             sin
             against
             me
             ,
             and
             I
             forgive
             him
             ?
             till
             seven
             times
             ?
          
           He
           thought
           that
           was
           much
           :
           And
           yet
           we
           have
           great
           obligations
           to
           Pardoning
           and
           Forgiving
           others
           ,
           because
           we
           are
           obnoxious
           to
           God
           
           and
           one
           another
           ,
           we
           shall
           many
           times
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           Pardon
           from
           God
           and
           Men
           ;
           and
           it
           may
           be
           our
           own
           case
           ,
           and
           when
           it
           is
           ,
           we
           are
           too
           apt
           to
           be
           very
           indulgent
           to
           our selves
           ,
           and
           conceive
           good
           hopes
           of
           the
           Mercy
           of
           others
           ;
           we
           would
           have
           our
           ignorance
           ,
           and
           inadvertencies
           ,
           and
           mistakes
           ,
           and
           all
           occasions
           and
           temptations
           and
           provocations
           considered
           ;
           and
           when
           we
           have
           done
           amiss
           ,
           upon
           Submission
           and
           Acknowledgment
           of
           our
           Fault
           ,
           we
           would
           be
           received
           into
           Favour
           :
           but
           God
           who
           is
           not
           at
           all
           liable
           to
           us
           ,
           how
           ready
           is
           he
           to
           Forgive
           !
           If
           we
           confess
           our
           Sins
           to
           him
           ,
           he
           is
           merciful
           to
           Forgive
           ;
           he
           Pardons
           freely
           ;
           and
           such
           are
           the
           condescentions
           of
           his
           Mercy
           ,
           tho'
           he
           be
           the
           party
           offended
           ,
           yet
           he
           offers
           Pardon
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           beseeches
           us
           to
           be
           reconcil'd
           ;
           if
           we
           do
           but
           come
           towards
           him
           ,
           he
           runs
           to
           meet
           us
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           Parable
           of
           the
           Prodigal
           ,
           Luke
           15.20
           .
           What
           reason
           have
           we
           then
           thankfully
           to
           acknowledge
           and
           admire
           the
           Mercy
           of
           God
           to
           us
           ?
        
         
           Vse
           2.
           
           The
           great
           mercy
           of
           God
           to
           us
           ,
           should
           stir
           up
           in
           us
           shame
           and
           
           sorrow
           for
           Sin.
           The
           Judgments
           of
           God
           may
           break
           us
           ;
           but
           the
           consideration
           of
           God's
           Mercy
           should
           rather
           melt
           and
           dissolve
           us
           into
           Tears
           ,
           Luke
           7.47
           .
           The
           Woman
           that
           washed
           Christ's
           Feet
           with
           her
           Tears
           ,
           and
           wiped
           them
           with
           her
           Hair
           ,
           the
           account
           that
           our
           Saviour
           gives
           of
           the
           great
           Affection
           that
           she
           expressed
           to
           him
           ,
           was
           ,
           
             she
             Loved
             much
             ,
             because
             much
             was
             forgiven
             her
          
           ;
           and
           she
           grieved
           much
           ,
           because
           much
           was
           forgiven
           her
           .
        
         
           Especially
           we
           should
           sorrow
           for
           those
           Sins
           ,
           which
           have
           been
           committed
           by
           us
           after
           God's
           Mercies
           received
           .
           Mercies
           after
           Sins
           should
           touch
           our
           Hearts
           ,
           and
           make
           us
           relent
           .
           It
           should
           grieve
           us
           that
           we
           should
           offend
           and
           provoke
           a
           God
           so
           Gracious
           and
           Merciful
           ,
           so
           slow
           to
           anger
           ,
           and
           so
           ready
           to
           forgive
           :
           But
           Sin
           against
           Mercies
           ,
           and
           after
           we
           have
           received
           them
           ,
           is
           attended
           with
           one
           of
           the
           greatest
           Aggravations
           of
           Sin.
           And
           as
           Mercy
           raises
           the
           guilt
           of
           our
           Sins
           ,
           so
           it
           should
           raise
           our
           sorrow
           for
           them
           .
           No
           Consideration
           is
           more
           apt
           to
           work
           upon
           human
           Nature
           ,
           than
           that
           of
           
           kindness
           ,
           and
           the
           greater
           Mercy
           has
           been
           shewed
           to
           us
           ,
           the
           greater
           our
           sins
           ,
           and
           the
           greater
           cause
           of
           sorrow
           for
           them
           ;
           contraries
           do
           illustrate
           ,
           and
           set
           off
           one
           another
           ;
           in
           the
           great
           Goodness
           and
           Mercy
           of
           God
           to
           us
           ,
           we
           see
           the
           great
           Evil
           of
           our
           Sins
           against
           him
           .
        
         
           Every
           Sin
           has
           the
           Nature
           of
           Rebellion
           and
           Disobedience
           ;
           but
           sins
           against
           Mercy
           have
           Ingratitude
           in
           them
           .
           When
           ever
           we
           break
           the
           Laws
           of
           God
           ,
           we
           rebel
           against
           our
           Soveraign
           ;
           but
           as
           we
           sin
           against
           the
           Mercies
           of
           God
           ,
           we
           injure
           our
           Benefactor
           .
           This
           makes
           our
           sin
           to
           be
           horrid
           ,
           and
           astonishing
           ,
           Isa
           .
           1.2
           .
           
             Hear
             ,
             O
             heavens
             !
             and
             give
             ear
             ,
             O
             earth
             !
             I
             have
             nourished
             and
             brought
             up
             children
             ,
             and
             they
             have
             rebelled
             against
             me
             .
          
           All
           the
           Mercies
           of
           God
           are
           aggravations
           of
           our
           sins
           ,
           2
           Sam.
           12.7
           ,
           8
           ,
           9.
           
           
             And
             Nathan
             said
             to
             David
             ,
             thus
             saith
             the
             Lord
             God
             of
             Israel
             ,
             I
             anointed
             thee
             king
             over
             Israel
             ,
             and
             delivered
             thee
             out
             of
             the
             hands
             of
             Saul
             ,
             and
             I
             gave
             thee
             thy
             masters
             house
             ,
             and
             thy
             masters
             wives
             into
             thy
             bosom
             ,
             and
             gave
             thee
             the
             house
             of
             Isreal
             ,
             and
             of
             Judah
             ,
             and
             if
             that
             had
             been
             too
             
             little
             ,
             I
             would
             moreover
             have
             given
             thee
             such
             and
             such
             things
             .
             Wherefore
             hast
             thou
             despised
             the
             commandment
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             to
             do
             evil
             in
             his
             sight
             ?
          
           God
           reckons
           up
           all
           his
           Mercies
           ,
           and
           from
           them
           aggravates
           David's
           sin
           ;
           1
           Kings
           11.9
           .
           He
           takes
           notice
           of
           all
           the
           unkind
           returns
           that
           we
           make
           to
           his
           Mercy
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           the
           worst
           temper
           in
           the
           World
           not
           to
           be
           wrought
           upon
           by
           kindness
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           melted
           by
           Mercy
           ;
           no
           greater
           evidence
           of
           a
           wicked
           Heart
           ,
           than
           that
           the
           Mercies
           of
           God
           have
           no
           effect
           upon
           it
           ;
           Esay
           26.10
           .
           
             Let
             favour
             be
             shewn
             to
             the
             wicked
             ;
             yet
             will
             he
             not
             learn
             righteousness
             .
          
        
         
           Vse
           3.
           
           Let
           us
           imitate
           the
           merciful
           Nature
           of
           God.
           This
           branch
           of
           God's
           goodness
           is
           very
           proper
           for
           our
           imitation
           .
           The
           general
           Exhortation
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           Matt.
           5.48
           .
           
             Be
             ye
             therefore
             perfect
             ,
             as
             your
             Father
             which
             is
             in
             heaven
             is
             perfect
             ,
          
           is
           more
           particularly
           expressed
           by
           St.
           
             Luke
             ,
             Luke
          
           6.30
           .
           
             Be
             ye
             therefore
             merciful
             ,
             as
             your
             Father
             which
             is
             in
             heaven
             is
             merciful
             .
          
           Men
           affect
           to
           make
           Images
           ,
           and
           impossible
           Representations
           of
           God
           ;
           but
           as
           Seneca
           saith
           ,
           
             Crede
             
             Deòs
             ,
             cùm
             propitii
             essent
             ,
             fictiles
             fuisse
             .
          
           We
           may
           draw
           this
           Image
           and
           likeness
           of
           God
           ;
           we
           may
           be
           gracious
           and
           merciful
           as
           he
           is
           .
           Christ
           ,
           who
           was
           
             the
             express
             image
             of
             his
             Father
             ,
          
           his
           whole
           life
           and
           undertaking
           was
           a
           continued
           work
           of
           mercy
           ;
           
             he
             went
             about
             doing
             good
          
           to
           the
           Souls
           of
           Men
           ,
           by
           Preaching
           the
           Gospel
           to
           them
           ;
           and
           to
           the
           Bodies
           of
           Men
           ,
           in
           healing
           all
           manner
           of
           Diseases
           .
           There
           is
           nothing
           that
           he
           recommends
           more
           to
           us
           in
           his
           Gospel
           than
           this
           Spirit
           and
           Temper
           ;
           Mat.
           5.7
           .
           
             Blessed
             are
             the
             merciful
             :
             for
             they
             shall
             obtain
             mercy
             .
          
           How
           many
           Parables
           doth
           he
           use
           to
           set
           forth
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           to
           us
           ,
           with
           a
           design
           to
           draw
           us
           to
           the
           imitation
           of
           it
           ?
           The
           Parable
           of
           the
           Prodigal
           ;
           of
           the
           good
           Samaritan
           ;
           of
           the
           Servant
           to
           whom
           he
           forgave
           10000
           Talents
           .
           We
           should
           imitate
           God
           in
           this
           ;
           in
           being
           tender
           and
           compassionate
           to
           those
           that
           are
           in
           misery
           .
        
         
           This
           is
           a
           piece
           of
           natural
           ,
           indispensable
           Religion
           ,
           to
           which
           positive
           and
           instituted
           Religion
           must
           give
           way
           ;
           Amos
           6.6
           .
           
             I
             desired
             mercy
             ,
             and
             not
             sacrifice
          
           ;
           which
           is
           twice
           cited
           and
           used
           by
           our
           Saviour
           .
           Micah
           .
           6.8
           .
           
             He
             hath
             
             shewed
             thee
             ,
             O
             Man
             ,
             what
             it
             is
             that
             the
             Lord
             thy
             God
             requires
             of
             thee
             ,
             to
             do
             justice
             ,
             and
             love
             mercy
             ,
             and
             to
             walk
             humbly
             with
             thy
             God.
             
          
        
         
           This
           is
           always
           one
           part
           of
           the
           description
           of
           a
           good
           Man
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           apt
           to
           pity
           the
           miseries
           and
           necessities
           of
           others
           .
           Psal
           .
           37.26
           .
           
             He
             is
             ever
             merciful
             and
             lendeth
             .
          
           He
           is
           far
           from
           cruelty
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           Men
           ,
           but
           even
           to
           the
           brute
           Creatures
           ;
           Prov.
           12.10
           .
           
             A
             righteous
             man
             regardeth
             the
             life
             of
             his
             beast
             .
          
           There
           is
           nothing
           more
           contrary
           to
           the
           nature
           of
           God
           ,
           than
           a
           cruel
           and
           savage
           disposition
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           affected
           with
           the
           miseries
           and
           sufferings
           of
           others
           ;
           how
           unlike
           is
           this
           to
           
             the
             father
             of
             mercies
             ,
             and
             the
             God
             of
             consolation
             !
          
           When
           we
           can
           see
           Cruelty
           exercised
           ,
           and
           our
           Bowels
           not
           be
           stirred
           within
           us
           ,
           nor
           our
           hearts
           be
           pricked
           ;
           how
           unlike
           is
           this
           to
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           
             very
             pitiful
             ,
             and
             of
             tender
             mercies
          
           !
           But
           to
           rejoyce
           at
           the
           miseries
           of
           others
           ,
           this
           is
           inhumane
           and
           barbarous
           .
           Hear
           how
           God
           threatens
           Edom
           for
           rejoycing
           at
           the
           miseries
           of
           his
           Brother
           
             Jacob
             ;
             Obadiah
          
           10
           ,
           11
           ,
           12
           ,
           13
           ,
           14.
           
           But
           to
           delight
           to
           make
           others
           miserable
           ,
           and
           to
           aggravate
           their
           sufferings
           ,
           this
           is
           
           devilish
           ;
           this
           is
           the
           temper
           of
           Hell
           ,
           and
           the
           very
           spirit
           of
           the
           Destroyer
           .
        
         
           It
           becomes
           Man
           above
           all
           other
           Creatures
           to
           be
           merciful
           ,
           who
           hath
           had
           such
           ample
           and
           happy
           experience
           of
           God's
           mercy
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           doth
           still
           continually
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           mercy
           from
           God.
           God
           hath
           been
           very
           merciful
           to
           us
           .
           Had
           it
           not
           been
           for
           the
           tender
           Mercies
           of
           God
           to
           us
           ,
           we
           had
           all
           of
           us
           long
           since
           been
           miserable
           .
           Now
           as
           we
           have
           receiv'd
           mercy
           from
           God
           ,
           we
           should
           shew
           it
           to
           others
           .
           The
           Apostle
           useth
           this
           as
           an
           Argument
           why
           we
           should
           relieve
           those
           that
           are
           in
           misery
           and
           want
           ,
           because
           we
           have
           had
           such
           experience
           of
           the
           mercy
           and
           love
           of
           God
           to
           us
           ;
           1
           John
           3.16
           ,
           17.
           
           
             Hereby
             perceive
             we
             the
             love
             of
             God
             ,
             because
             he
             laid
             down
             his
             life
             for
             us
             .
             But
             whoso
             hath
             this
             worlds
             goods
             ,
             and
             seeth
             his
             brother
             have
             need
             ,
          
           &c.
           
             how
             dwelleth
             the
             love
             of
             God
             in
             him
             ?
          
           That
           Man
           hath
           no
           sense
           of
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           abiding
           upon
           his
           Heart
           ,
           that
           is
           not
           merciful
           to
           his
           Brother
           .
           And
           't
           is
           an
           Argument
           why
           we
           should
           forgive
           one
           another
           ;
           Eph.
           4.32
           .
           
             Be
             ye
             kind
             one
             to
             another
             ,
             tender
             hearted
             ,
             forgiving
             one
             another
             ,
             even
             as
             God
             
             for
             Christ's
             sake
             hath
             forgiven
             you
             .
          
           Chap.
           5.1
           .
           
             Be
             ye
             therefore
             followers
             of
             God
             as
             dear
             Children
             .
             Col.
          
           3.12
           ,
           13.
           
           
             Put
             on
             therefore
             (
             as
             the
             elect
             of
             God
             holy
             and
             beloved
             )
             bowels
             of
             mercies
             ,
             kindness
             ,
             humbleness
             of
             mind
             ,
             meekness
             ,
             long-suffering
             ,
             forbearing
             one
             another
             ,
             and
             forgiving
             one
             another
             ,
             if
             any
             man
             have
             a
             quarrel
             against
             any
             :
             even
             as
             Christ
             forgave
             you
             ,
             so
             also
             do
             ye
             .
          
        
         
           And
           we
           continually
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           mercy
           both
           from
           God
           and
           Man.
           We
           are
           lyable
           one
           to
           another
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           change
           of
           human
           Affairs
           ,
           we
           may
           be
           all
           subject
           to
           one
           another
           by
           turns
           ,
           and
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           one
           anothers
           pity
           and
           compassion
           ;
           and
           we
           must
           expect
           ,
           that
           
             with
             what
             measure
             we
             mete
             to
             others
             ,
             with
             the
             same
             it
             shall
             be
             measured
             to
             us
             again
             .
          
           To
           restrain
           the
           Cruelties
           ,
           and
           check
           the
           Insolencies
           of
           Men
           ,
           God
           has
           so
           order'd
           in
           his
           Providence
           ,
           that
           very
           often
           in
           this
           World
           Mens
           Cruelties
           
             return
             upon
             their
             own
             heads
             ,
             and
             their
             violent
             dealings
             upon
             their
             own
             pates
             .
             Bajazet
          
           meets
           with
           a
           Tamerlane
           .
        
         
           But
           if
           Men
           were
           not
           thus
           liable
           to
           one
           another
           ,
           we
           all
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           mercy
           from
           God.
           If
           we
           be
           merciful
           
           to
           others
           in
           suffering
           ,
           and
           forgiving
           them
           that
           have
           injured
           us
           ,
           God
           will
           be
           so
           to
           us
           ,
           he
           will
           pardon
           our
           sins
           to
           us
           .
           Prov.
           16.5
           .
           
             By
             mercy
             and
             truth
             iniquity
             is
             purged
             .
          
           2.
           
           Sam.
           22.26
           .
           
             With
             the
             merciful
             thou
             wilt
             shew
             thy self
             merciful
             .
             Prov.
          
           14.21
           .
           
             He
             that
             hath
             mercy
             on
             the
             poor
             ,
             happy
             is
             he
             .
          
           Prov.
           21.21
           .
           
             He
             that
             followeth
             after
             mercy
             findeth
             life
             .
          
           Matth.
           6.14
           .
           
             If
             ye
             forgive
             men
             their
             trespasses
             ,
             your
             heavenly
             father
             will
             also
             forgive
             you
             .
          
           But
           on
           the
           other
           hand
           ,
           if
           we
           be
           malicious
           and
           revengeful
           ,
           and
           implacable
           to
           those
           that
           have
           offended
           us
           ,
           and
           inexorable
           to
           those
           who
           desire
           to
           be
           received
           to
           favour
           ,
           and
           cruel
           to
           those
           who
           lye
           at
           our
           mercy
           ,
           hard
           hearted
           to
           them
           that
           are
           in
           necessity
           ;
           what
           can
           we
           expect
           ,
           but
           that
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           will
           leave
           us
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           
             forget
             to
             be
             gracious
             ,
             and
             shut
             up
             in
             anger
             his
             tender
             mercy
             .
          
           Mat.
           6.15
           .
           
             If
             ye
             forgive
             not
             men
             their
             trespasses
             ,
             neither
             will
             your
             heavenly
             Father
             forgive
             your
             trespasses
             .
          
           That
           is
           a
           dreadful
           passage
           ,
           S.
           James
           2.13
           .
           
             He
             shall
             have
             judgment
             without
             mercy
             ,
             that
             hath
             shewed
             no
             mercy
             .
          
           How
           angry
           is
           the
           Lord
           with
           the
           Servant
           who
           was
           so
           inexorable
           to
           his
           fellow
           
           Servant
           ,
           after
           he
           had
           forgiven
           him
           so
           great
           a
           debt
           ,
           as
           you
           find
           in
           the
           Parable
           ,
           Mat.
           18.24
           .
           He
           owed
           him
           ten
           thousand
           Talents
           ,
           and
           upon
           his
           submission
           and
           intreaty
           to
           have
           patience
           with
           him
           ,
           he
           was
           moved
           with
           compassion
           and
           loosed
           him
           ,
           and
           forgave
           him
           all
           :
           but
           no
           sooner
           had
           this
           favour
           been
           done
           to
           him
           by
           his
           Lord
           ,
           but
           going
           forth
           he
           meets
           his
           fellow
           Servant
           ,
           who
           owed
           him
           a
           small
           inconsiderable
           debt
           ,
           an
           hundred
           Pence
           ,
           he
           lays
           Hands
           on
           him
           ,
           and
           takes
           him
           by
           the
           Throat
           ,
           and
           roundly
           demands
           payment
           of
           him
           ;
           he
           falls
           down
           at
           his
           Feet
           ,
           and
           useth
           the
           same
           form
           of
           supplication
           that
           he
           had
           used
           to
           his
           Lord
           ,
           but
           he
           rejects
           his
           request
           ,
           and
           puts
           him
           in
           Prison
           .
           Now
           what
           saith
           the
           Lord
           to
           him
           ?
           v.
           32
           ,
           33
           ,
           34.
           
           
             O
             thou
             wicked
             Servant
             ,
             I
             forgave
             thee
             all
             the
             debt
             ,
             because
             thou
             desiredst
             me
             .
             Shouldest
             not
             thou
             also
             have
             had
             compassion
             on
             thy
             fellow
             servant
             ,
             even
             as
             I
             had
             pity
             on
             thee
             ?
             And
             the
             Lord
             was
             wroth
             ,
             and
             deliver'd
             him
             to
             the
             tormentors
             ,
             till
             he
             should
             pay
             all
             that
             was
             due
             unto
             him
             .
          
           Now
           what
           application
           doth
           our
           Saviour
           make
           of
           this
           ?
           v.
           35.
           
           
             So
             likewise
             shall
             my
             heavenly
             Father
             do
             also
             unto
             you
             ,
             if
             ye
             from
             your
             
             hearts
             forgive
             not
             every
             one
             his
             brother
             their
             trespasses
             .
          
        
         
           God's
           readiness
           to
           forgive
           us
           should
           be
           a
           powerful
           motive
           and
           argument
           to
           us
           to
           forgive
           others
           .
           The
           greatest
           Injuries
           that
           we
           can
           suffer
           from
           Men
           ,
           if
           we
           compare
           them
           to
           the
           sins
           that
           we
           commit
           against
           God
           ,
           they
           bear
           no
           proportion
           to
           them
           ,
           neither
           in
           weight
           nor
           number
           ;
           they
           are
           but
           as
           
             an
             hundred
             pence
          
           to
           
             ten
             thousand
             talents
          
           .
           If
           we
           would
           be
           like
           God
           ,
           we
           should
           forgive
           the
           greatest
           Injuries
           ;
           he
           pardoneth
           our
           sins
           tho'
           they
           be
           exceeding
           great
           :
           many
           Injuries
           ,
           tho'
           offences
           be
           renewed
           ,
           and
           provocations
           multiplied
           ;
           for
           so
           God
           doth
           to
           us
           ,
           
             He
             pardoneth
             iniquity
             ,
             transgression
             ,
             and
             sin
             ,
          
           Ex.
           34.7
           .
           Is
           .
           55.7
           .
           
             He
             will
             have
             mercy
             ,
             he
             will
             abundantly
             pardon
             .
          
           We
           would
           not
           have
           God
           only
           to
           forgive
           us
           
             seven
             times
          
           ,
           but
           
             seventy
             seven
             times
          
           ,
           as
           often
           as
           we
           offend
           him
           :
           so
           should
           we
           forgive
           our
           Brother
           .
        
         
           And
           we
           should
           not
           be
           backward
           to
           this
           Work
           ;
           God
           is
           
             ready
             to
             forgive
          
           us
           ;
           Neh.
           9.17
           .
           And
           we
           should
           do
           it
           heartily
           ,
           not
           only
           in
           word
           ,
           when
           we
           retain
           malice
           in
           our
           hearts
           ,
           and
           while
           we
           say
           we
           forgive
           ,
           carry
           on
           a
           secret
           
           design
           in
           our
           hearts
           of
           revenging
           our selves
           when
           we
           have
           opportunity
           ;
           but
           we
           should
           
             from
             our
             hearts
             forgive
             every
             one
          
           ;
           for
           so
           God
           doth
           to
           us
           ,
           who
           when
           he
           forgives
           us
           ,
           
             casts
             our
             iniquities
             behind
             his
             back
             ,
             and
             throws
             them
             into
             the
             bottom
             of
             the
             sea
             ,
             and
             blots
             out
             our
             transgression
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             remember
             our
             iniquity
             no
             more
             .
          
        
         
           If
           we
           do
           not
           do
           thus
           ,
           every
           time
           we
           put
           up
           the
           Petition
           to
           God
           ,
           
             Forgive
             us
             our
             trespasses
             ,
             as
             we
             forgive
             them
             that
             trespass
             against
             us
             ,
          
           we
           do
           not
           pray
           for
           mercy
           ,
           but
           for
           judgment
           ;
           we
           invoke
           his
           wrath
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           put
           up
           a
           Prayer
           ,
           but
           a
           dreadful
           Imprecation
           against
           our selves
           ;
           we
           pronounce
           the
           Sentence
           of
           our
           own
           Condemnation
           ,
           and
           importune
           God
           not
           to
           forgive
           us
           .
        
         
           Vse
           4.
           
           If
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           be
           so
           great
           ,
           this
           may
           comfort
           us
           against
           Despair
           .
           Sinners
           are
           apt
           to
           be
           dejected
           ,
           when
           they
           consider
           their
           unworthiness
           ,
           the
           nature
           and
           number
           of
           their
           Sins
           ,
           and
           the
           many
           heavy
           aggravations
           of
           them
           ;
           they
           are
           apt
           to
           say
           with
           Cain
           ,
           That
           
             their
             sin
             is
             greater
             than
             can
             be
             forgiven
             .
          
           But
           do
           not
           look
           only
           upon
           thy
           sins
           ;
           but
           upon
           the
           mercies
           of
           
           God.
           Thou
           canst
           not
           be
           too
           sensible
           of
           the
           evil
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           desert
           of
           it
           ;
           but
           whilst
           we
           aggravate
           our
           sins
           ,
           we
           must
           not
           lessen
           the
           mercies
           of
           God.
           When
           we
           consider
           the
           multitude
           of
           our
           sins
           ,
           we
           must
           consider
           also
           the
           multitude
           of
           God's
           tender
           mercies
           ;
           we
           have
           been
           great
           sinners
           ,
           and
           God
           is
           of
           great
           mercy
           ;
           we
           have
           multiplied
           our
           provocations
           ,
           and
           he
           multiplies
           to
           pardon
           .
        
         
           Do
           but
           thou
           put
           thy self
           in
           a
           capacity
           of
           mercy
           ,
           by
           repenting
           of
           thy
           sins
           ,
           and
           forsaking
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           thou
           hast
           no
           reason
           to
           doubt
           but
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           will
           receive
           thee
           ;
           
             If
             we
             confess
             our
             sins
             ,
             he
             is
             merciful
             and
             faithful
             to
             forgive
             them
             .
          
           If
           we
           had
           offended
           Man
           as
           we
           have
           done
           God
           ,
           we
           might
           despair
           of
           pardon
           ;
           but
           it
           is
           God
           and
           not
           Man
           that
           we
           have
           to
           deal
           with
           ;
           and
           
             his
             ways
             are
             not
             as
             our
             ways
             ,
             nor
             his
             thoughts
             as
             our
             thoughts
             ;
             but
             as
             the
             heavens
             are
             high
             above
             the
             earth
             ,
             so
             are
             his
             ways
             above
             our
             ways
             ,
             and
             his
             thoughts
             above
             our
             thoughts
             .
          
        
         
           We
           cannot
           be
           more
           injurious
           to
           God
           ,
           than
           by
           hard
           thoughts
           of
           him
           ,
           as
           if
           fury
           were
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           when
           we
           have
           provoked
           him
           ,
           he
           were
           not
           to
           
           be
           appeased
           and
           reconciled
           to
           us
           .
           We
           disparage
           the
           Goodness
           and
           Truth
           of
           God
           ,
           when
           we
           distrust
           those
           gracious
           declarations
           which
           he
           has
           made
           of
           his
           mercy
           and
           goodness
           ,
           if
           we
           do
           not
           think
           that
           he
           doth
           heartily
           pity
           and
           compassionate
           sinners
           ,
           and
           really
           dedesire
           their
           happiness
           .
           Doth
           not
           he
           condescend
           so
           low
           as
           to
           represent
           himself
           afflicted
           for
           the
           miseries
           of
           Men
           ,
           and
           to
           rejoyce
           in
           the
           conversion
           of
           a
           Sinner
           ?
           and
           shall
           not
           we
           believe
           that
           he
           is
           in
           good
           earnest
           ?
           Doth
           Christ
           
             weep
             over
          
           impenitent
           Sinners
           ,
           because
           
             they
             will
             not
             know
             the
             things
             of
             their
             peace
             ?
          
           and
           canst
           thou
           think
           he
           will
           not
           pardon
           thee
           upon
           thy
           repentance
           ?
           Is
           he
           grieved
           that
           Men
           will
           undo
           themselves
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           be
           saved
           ?
           and
           canst
           thou
           think
           that
           he
           is
           unwilling
           to
           forgive
           ?
           We
           cannot
           honour
           and
           glorifie
           God
           more
           ,
           than
           by
           entertaining
           great
           thoughts
           of
           his
           Mercy
           .
           As
           we
           are
           said
           to
           glorifie
           God
           by
           our
           repentance
           ,
           because
           thereby
           we
           acknowledge
           God's
           holiness
           and
           justice
           ;
           so
           we
           glorifie
           him
           by
           believing
           his
           mercy
           ,
           because
           we
           conceive
           a
           right
           opinion
           of
           his
           goodness
           and
           truth
           ;
           we
           set
           to
           our
           Seal
           that
           God
           is
           merciful
           
           and
           true
           ;
           Psal
           .
           147.11
           .
           't
           is
           said
           ,
           
             That
             God
             taketh
             pleasure
             in
             them
             that
             hope
             in
             his
             mercy
             .
          
           As
           he
           delights
           in
           mercy
           ,
           so
           in
           our
           acknowledgments
           of
           it
           ;
           that
           Sinners
           should
           conceive
           great
           hopes
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           believe
           him
           to
           be
           what
           he
           is
           .
           Provided
           thou
           dost
           submit
           to
           the
           terms
           of
           God's
           mercy
           ,
           thou
           hast
           no
           reason
           to
           despair
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           he
           that
           thinks
           that
           his
           sins
           are
           more
           or
           greater
           than
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           can
           pardon
           ,
           must
           think
           that
           there
           may
           be
           more
           evil
           in
           the
           Creature
           than
           there
           is
           goodness
           in
           God.
           
        
         
           Vse
           5.
           
           By
           way
           of
           Caution
           against
           the
           presumptuous
           Sinner
           .
           If
           there
           be
           any
           that
           trespass
           upon
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           presume
           to
           encourage
           themselves
           in
           sin
           upon
           the
           hopes
           of
           his
           mercy
           ,
           let
           such
           know
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           just
           as
           well
           as
           merciful
           .
           A
           God
           all
           of
           mercy
           is
           an
           Idol
           ,
           such
           a
           God
           as
           Men
           set
           up
           in
           their
           own
           imaginations
           ;
           but
           not
           the
           true
           God
           ,
           whom
           the
           Scriptures
           describe
           .
           To
           such
           persons
           the
           Scripture
           describes
           him
           after
           another
           manner
           ;
           Nah.
           1.2
           .
           
             God
             is
             jealous
             ,
             the
             Lord
             revengeth
             and
             is
             furious
             ,
             the
             Lord
             will
             take
             vengeance
             on
             his
             adversaries
             ,
             and
             reserveth
             wrath
             for
             his
             enemies
             .
          
           If
           any
           Man
           abuse
           
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           to
           the
           
             strengthning
             of
             himself
             in
             his
             own
             wickedness
             ,
             and
             bless
             himself
             in
             his
             heart
             ,
             saying
             ,
             I
             shall
             have
             peace
             ,
             tho'
             I
             walk
             in
             the
             imagination
             of
             my
             own
             heart
             ,
             and
             add
             drunkeness
             to
             thirst
             :
             The
             Lord
             will
             not
             spare
             him
             ,
             but
             the
             anger
             of
             the
             Lord
             and
             his
             jealousie
             shall
             smoke
             against
             that
             man
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             curses
             that
             are
             written
             in
             this
             book
             shall
             lye
             upon
             him
             ,
             and
             he
             will
             blot
             out
             his
             name
             from
             under
             heaven
             ,
          
           Deut.
           29.19
           ,
           20.
           
        
         
           Though
           it
           be
           the
           nature
           of
           God
           to
           be
           merciful
           ,
           yet
           the
           exercise
           of
           his
           mercy
           is
           regulated
           by
           his
           Wisdom
           ;
           he
           will
           not
           be
           merciful
           to
           those
           that
           despise
           his
           mercy
           ,
           to
           those
           that
           abuse
           it
           ,
           to
           those
           that
           are
           resolved
           to
           go
           on
           in
           their
           sins
           to
           tempt
           his
           mercy
           ,
           and
           make
           bold
           to
           say
           ,
           
             Let
             us
             sin
             that
             grace
             may
             abound
             .
          
           God
           designs
           his
           mercy
           for
           those
           that
           are
           prepared
           to
           receive
           it
           ;
           Is
           .
           55.7
           .
           
             Let
             the
             wicked
             forsake
             his
             ways
             ,
             and
             the
             unrighteous
             man
             his
             thoughts
             ,
             and
             turn
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             he
             will
             have
             mercy
             ,
             and
             to
             our
             God
             ,
             for
             he
             will
             abundantly
             pardon
             .
          
           The
           mercy
           of
           God
           is
           an
           enemy
           to
           sin
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           his
           justice
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           no
           where
           offer'd
           to
           countenance
           sin
           ,
           but
           to
           convert
           the
           sinner
           ;
           
           and
           is
           not
           intended
           to
           encourage
           our
           impenitency
           ,
           but
           our
           repentance
           .
           God
           hath
           no
           where
           said
           that
           he
           will
           be
           merciful
           to
           those
           ,
           who
           upon
           the
           score
           of
           his
           mercy
           are
           bold
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           presume
           to
           offend
           him
           ;
           but
           
             the
             mercy
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             upon
             them
             that
             fear
             him
             ,
             and
             keep
             his
             covenant
             ,
             and
             remember
             his
             commandments
             to
             do
             them
             .
             There
             is
             forgiveness
             with
             him
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             be
             feared
          
           ;
           but
           not
           
             that
             he
             may
             be
             despised
             and
             affronted
             .
          
           This
           is
           to
           contradict
           the
           very
           end
           of
           God's
           mercy
           ,
           which
           is
           
             to
             lead
             us
             to
             repentance
          
           ,
           to
           engage
           us
           to
           leave
           our
           sins
           ,
           not
           to
           encourage
           us
           to
           continue
           in
           them
           .
        
         
           Take
           heed
           then
           of
           abusing
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           ;
           we
           cannot
           provoke
           the
           justice
           of
           God
           more
           than
           by
           presuming
           upon
           his
           mercy
           .
           This
           is
           the
           time
           of
           God's
           mercy
           ,
           use
           this
           opportunity
           ;
           if
           thou
           neglectest
           it
           ,
           a
           day
           of
           justice
           and
           vengeance
           is
           coming
           ;
           Rom.
           2.4
           ,
           5.
           
           
             Despisest
             thou
             the
             riches
             of
             his
             goodness
             ,
             not
             knowing
             that
             the
             goodness
             of
             God
             leads
             to
             repentance
             ?
             And
             treasurest
             up
             to
             thy self
             wrath
             against
             the
             day
             of
             wrath
             ,
             and
             the
             revelation
             of
             the
             righteous
             judgment
             of
             God
             ?
          
           Now
           is
           the
           manifestation
           of
           God's
           mercy
           ;
           but
           there
           is
           a
           time
           a
           
           coming
           ,
           when
           the
           righteous
           Judgment
           of
           God
           will
           be
           revealed
           against
           those
           who
           abuse
           his
           mercy
           ,
           
             not
             knowing
             that
             the
             goodness
             of
             God
             leadeth
             to
             repentance
             .
          
           To
           think
           that
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           was
           intended
           for
           any
           other
           end
           than
           to
           take
           us
           off
           from
           sin
           ,
           is
           a
           gross
           and
           affected
           ignorance
           that
           will
           ruin
           us
           ;
           and
           they
           who
           draw
           any
           conclusion
           from
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           may
           harden
           them
           in
           their
           sins
           ,
           they
           are
           such
           as
           the
           Prophet
           speaks
           of
           ,
           Is
           .
           27.11
           .
           
             A
             people
             of
             no
             understanding
             ;
             therefore
             he
             that
             made
             them
             will
             not
             save
             them
             ,
             and
             he
             that
             formed
             them
             will
             have
             no
             mercy
             on
             them
             .
          
           Mercy
           it self
           will
           rejoyce
           in
           the
           ruin
           of
           those
           that
           abuse
           it
           ,
           and
           it
           will
           aggravate
           their
           Condemnation
           .
           There
           is
           no
           person
           towards
           whom
           God
           will
           be
           more
           severely
           just
           ,
           than
           toward
           such
           .
           The
           justice
           of
           God
           exasperated
           ,
           and
           set
           on
           by
           his
           injured
           and
           abused
           mercy
           ,
           like
           a
           Razor
           set
           in
           Oyl
           ,
           will
           have
           the
           keener
           edge
           ,
           and
           be
           the
           sharper
           for
           its
           smoothness
           .
           Those
           that
           have
           made
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           their
           Enemy
           ,
           must
           expect
           the
           worst
           his
           justice
           can
           do
           unto
           them
           .
        
      
       
         
         
         
           SERMON
           VI.
           
           The
           Patience
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           
             
               
                 2
                 PET.
                 III.
                 9
              
               .
            
             
               The
               Lord
               is
               not
               slack
               concerning
               his
               Promise
               ,
               as
               some
               Men
               count
               slackness
               ;
               but
               is
               long-suffering
               ,
               not
               willing
               that
               any
               should
               perish
               ,
               but
               that
               all
               should
               come
               to
               Repentance
               .
            
          
        
         
           IN
           the
           beginning
           of
           this
           Chapter
           ,
           the
           Apostle
           puts
           the
           Christians
           ,
           to
           whom
           he
           writes
           ,
           in
           mind
           of
           the
           Predictions
           of
           the
           ancient
           Prophets
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Apostles
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           ,
           concerning
           the
           general
           Judgment
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           which
           by
           many
           (
           and
           perhaps
           by
           the
           Apostles
           themselves
           )
           had
           been
           thought
           to
           be
           very
           near
           ,
           and
           that
           it
           would
           presently
           follow
           the
           destruction
           of
           Jerusalem
           ;
           but
           
           he
           tells
           them
           ,
           that
           before
           that
           ,
           there
           would
           arise
           a
           certain
           Sect
           ,
           or
           sort
           of
           Men
           ,
           that
           would
           deride
           the
           expectation
           of
           a
           future
           Judgment
           ,
           designing
           probably
           the
           Carpocratians
           (
           a
           branch
           of
           that
           large
           Sect
           of
           the
           Gnosticks
           )
           of
           whom
           St.
           Austin
           expressly
           says
           ,
           
             That
             they
             denied
             the
             Resurrection
             ,
             and
             consequently
             a
             future
             Judgment
             .
          
           These
           St.
           Peter
           calls
           Scoffers
           ,
           v.
           3
           ,
           4.
           
           
             Knowing
             this
             first
             ,
             that
             there
             shall
             come
             in
             the
             last
             days
             scoffers
             ,
             walking
             after
             their
             own
             lusts
             ,
             and
             saying
             ,
             Where
             is
             the
             promise
             of
             his
             coming
             ?
          
           The
           word
           is
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           which
           signifies
           a
           Declaration
           in
           general
           ,
           whether
           it
           be
           by
           way
           of
           Promise
           or
           Threatning
           .
           What
           is
           become
           of
           that
           Declaration
           of
           Christ
           so
           frequently
           repeated
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           concerning
           his
           coming
           to
           Judgment
           ?
           
             For
             since
             the
             Fathers
             fell
             asleep
             ,
          
           or
           ,
           
             saving
             that
             the
             Fathers
             are
             fallen
             asleep
             ,
          
           except
           only
           that
           Men
           die
           ,
           and
           one
           Generation
           succeeds
           another
           ,
           
             all
             things
             continue
             as
             they
             were
             from
             the
             creation
             of
             the
             world
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           World
           continues
           still
           as
           it
           was
           from
           the
           beginning
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           no
           sign
           of
           any
           such
           change
           and
           alteration
           as
           is
           foretold
           .
           To
           this
           he
           answers
           two
           things
           .
        
         
         
           1.
           
           That
           these
           Scoffers
           ,
           tho'
           they
           took
           themselves
           to
           be
           Wits
           ,
           did
           betray
           great
           Ignorance
           ,
           both
           of
           the
           condition
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           nature
           of
           God.
           They
           talk'd
           very
           ignorantly
           concerning
           the
           World
           ,
           when
           they
           said
           ,
           
             All
             things
             continued
             as
             they
             were
             from
             the
             Creation
             of
             it
             ,
          
           when
           so
           remarkable
           a
           change
           had
           already
           hapned
           ,
           as
           the
           destruction
           of
           it
           by
           Water
           ;
           and
           therefore
           the
           Prediction
           concerning
           the
           destruction
           of
           it
           by
           Fire
           ,
           before
           the
           great
           and
           terrible
           day
           of
           Judgment
           ,
           was
           no
           ways
           incredible
           .
           And
           they
           shewed
           themselves
           likewise
           very
           ignorant
           of
           the
           Perfection
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           to
           which
           ,
           being
           eternally
           the
           same
           ,
           
             a
             thousand
             years
             and
             one
             day
          
           are
           
             all
             one
          
           ;
           and
           if
           God
           make
           good
           his
           word
           some
           thousand
           of
           Years
           hence
           ,
           it
           will
           make
           no
           sensible
           difference
           ,
           considering
           his
           eternal
           duration
           ,
           it
           being
           no
           matter
           when
           a
           duration
           begins
           ,
           which
           is
           never
           to
           have
           an
           end
           ;
           v.
           8.
           
           
             Be
             not
             ignorant
             of
             this
             one
             thing
             ,
             that
             one
             day
             is
             with
             the
             Lord
             as
             a
             thousand
             years
             ,
             and
             a
             thousand
             years
             as
             one
             day
             .
          
           This
           ,
           it
           seems
           ,
           was
           a
           common
           saying
           among
           the
           Jews
           ,
           to
           signifie
           ,
           that
           to
           the
           Eternity
           of
           God
           ,
           no
           finite
           duration
           bears
           any
           proportion
           ;
           
           and
           therefore
           with
           regard
           to
           Eternity
           ,
           it
           is
           all
           one
           whether
           it
           be
           a
           thousand
           Years
           or
           one
           Day
           .
           The
           Psalmist
           hath
           an
           Expression
           much
           to
           the
           same
           purpose
           ,
           Psal
           .
           90.4
           .
           
             For
             a
             thousand
             years
             in
             thy
             sight
             are
             but
             as
             yesterday
             when
             it
             is
             past
             ;
             and
             as
             a
             watch
             in
             the
             night
             .
          
           And
           the
           Son
           of
           Sirach
           likewise
           ,
           Ecclus.
           18.10
           .
           
             As
             a
             drop
             of
             water
             to
             the
             sea
             ,
             and
             as
             a
             grain
             of
             sand
             to
             the
             sea
             shore
             ,
             so
             are
             a
             thousand
             years
             to
             the
             days
             of
             eternity
             .
          
           The
           like
           Expression
           we
           meet
           with
           in
           Heathen
           Writers
           ;
           
             To
             the
             Gods
             no
             time
             is
             long
             ,
          
           saith
           Pythagoras
           :
           And
           
             Plutarch
             ,
             The
             whole
             space
             of
             a
             Man's
             life
             to
             the
             Gods
             is
             as
             nothing
             .
          
           And
           in
           his
           excellent
           Discourse
           of
           the
           slowness
           of
           the
           Divine
           Vengeance
           ,
           (
           the
           very
           Argument
           St.
           Peter
           is
           here
           upon
           )
           he
           hath
           this
           Passage
           ,
           
             That
             a
             thousand
             ,
             or
             ten
             thousand
             years
             ,
             are
             but
             as
             an
             indivisible
             point
             to
             an
             infinite
             duration
             .
          
           And
           therefore
           when
           the
           Judgment
           is
           to
           be
           eternal
           ,
           the
           delay
           of
           it
           ,
           though
           it
           were
           for
           a
           thousand
           Years
           ,
           is
           an
           Objection
           of
           no
           force
           ,
           against
           either
           the
           certainty
           ,
           or
           the
           terror
           of
           it
           ;
           for
           to
           Eternity
           ,
           all
           time
           is
           equally
           short
           ;
           and
           it
           matters
           not
           when
           the
           punishment
           of
           Sinners
           begins
           ,
           if
           it
           shall
           never
           have
           an
           end
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           But
           because
           the
           distance
           between
           the
           Declaration
           of
           a
           future
           Judgment
           ,
           and
           the
           coming
           of
           it
           ,
           tho'
           it
           be
           nothing
           to
           God
           ,
           yet
           it
           seemed
           long
           to
           them
           ;
           therefore
           he
           gives
           such
           an
           account
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           doth
           not
           in
           the
           least
           impeach
           the
           truth
           and
           faithfulness
           of
           God
           ,
           but
           is
           a
           clear
           argument
           and
           demonstration
           of
           his
           goodness
           .
           Admitting
           what
           they
           said
           to
           be
           true
           ,
           that
           God
           delays
           Judgment
           for
           a
           great
           while
           ,
           yet
           this
           gives
           no
           ground
           to
           conclude
           that
           Judgment
           will
           never
           be
           ;
           but
           it
           shews
           the
           great
           goodness
           of
           God
           to
           sinners
           ,
           that
           he
           gives
           them
           so
           long
           a
           space
           of
           repentace
           ,
           that
           so
           they
           may
           prevent
           the
           terror
           of
           that
           day
           whenever
           it
           comes
           ,
           and
           escape
           that
           dreadful
           ruin
           which
           will
           certainly
           overtake
           ,
           sooner
           or
           later
           ,
           all
           impenitent
           sinners
           ;
           
             The
             Lord
             is
             not
             slack
             concerning
             his
             promise
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           Declaration
           which
           he
           hath
           made
           of
           a
           future
           Judgment
           ,
           
             as
             some
             Men
             account
             slackness
          
           ;
           That
           is
           ,
           as
           if
           the
           delay
           of
           Judgment
           were
           an
           argument
           it
           would
           never
           come
           .
           This
           is
           a
           false
           inference
           from
           the
           delay
           of
           punishment
           ,
           and
           an
           ill
           interpretation
           of
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           to
           sinners
           ,
           who
           bears
           long
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           delays
           Judgment
           ,
           on
           purpose
           
           to
           give
           men
           time
           to
           repent
           ,
           and
           by
           repentance
           to
           prevent
           their
           own
           eternal
           ruin
           ;
           
             God
             is
             not
             slack
             concerning
             his
             promise
             ,
             as
             some
             men
             count
             slackness
             ;
             but
             is
             long
             suffering
             to
             us-ward
             ,
             not
             willing
             that
             any
             should
             perish
             ,
             but
             that
             all
             should
             come
             to
             repentance
             .
          
           In
           the
           handling
           of
           these
           words
           ,
           I
           shall
           do
           these
           three
           things
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           I
           shall
           consider
           the
           patience
           and
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           an
           Attribute
           and
           Perfection
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ;
           
             God
             is
             long-suffering
             to
             us-ward
          
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           I
           shall
           shew
           ,
           that
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           delay
           of
           Judgment
           ,
           is
           no
           just
           ground
           why
           sinners
           should
           hope
           for
           Impunity
           ,
           as
           the
           Scoffers
           ,
           here
           foretold
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           argued
           ,
           That
           because
           our
           Lord
           delayeth
           his
           coming
           to
           Judgment
           so
           long
           ,
           therefore
           he
           would
           never
           come
           ;
           
             God
             is
             not
             slack
             concerning
             his
             promise
             ,
             as
             some
             men
             count
             slackness
             .
          
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           I
           will
           consider
           the
           true
           Reason
           of
           God's
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           towards
           Mankind
           ,
           which
           the
           Apostle
           here
           gives
           ;
           
             He
             is
             long-suffering
             to
             us-ward
             ,
             not
             willing
             that
             any
             should
             perish
             ,
             but
             that
             all
             should
             come
             to
             repentance
             .
          
        
         
         
           First
           ,
           I
           will
           consider
           the
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           towards
           Mankind
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           an
           Attribute
           and
           Perfection
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ;
           
             God
             is
             long-suffering
             to
             us-ward
          
           .
           In
           the
           handling
           of
           this
           ,
           I
           shall
           do
           these
           three
           things
           .
        
         
           I.
           I
           shall
           shew
           what
           is
           meant
           by
           the
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           II.
           That
           this
           is
           a
           Perfection
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           .
        
         
           III.
           I
           shall
           give
           some
           proof
           and
           demonstration
           of
           the
           great
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           to
           Mankind
           .
        
         
           I.
           What
           is
           meant
           by
           the
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           The
           Hebrew
           word
           signifies
           one
           that
           keeps
           his
           anger
           long
           ,
           or
           that
           is
           long
           before
           he
           is
           angry
           .
           In
           the
           New
           Testament
           it
           is
           sometimes
           exprest
           by
           the
           word
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           which
           signifies
           God's
           forbearance
           and
           patient
           waiting
           for
           our
           repentance
           ;
           some
           times
           by
           the
           word
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           which
           signifies
           God's
           holding
           in
           his
           wrath
           ,
           and
           restraining
           himself
           from
           punishing
           ;
           and
           sometimes
           by
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           which
           signifies
           the
           extent
           of
           his
           patience
           ,
           his
           long-suffering
           and
           forbearing
           
           for
           a
           long
           time
           the
           punishment
           due
           to
           sinners
           .
        
         
           So
           that
           the
           patience
           of
           God
           is
           his
           goodness
           to
           sinners
           ,
           in
           deferring
           or
           moderating
           the
           punishment
           due
           to
           them
           for
           their
           sins
           ;
           the
           deferring
           of
           deserved
           punishment
           in
           whole
           or
           in
           part
           ,
           which
           if
           it
           be
           extended
           to
           a
           long
           time
           ,
           it
           is
           properly
           his
           long-suffering
           ;
           and
           the
           moderating
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           the
           deferring
           of
           the
           punishment
           due
           to
           sin
           ,
           is
           an
           instance
           likewise
           of
           God's
           patience
           ;
           and
           not
           only
           the
           deferring
           and
           moderating
           of
           temporal
           punishment
           ,
           but
           the
           adjourning
           of
           the
           eternal
           misery
           of
           sinners
           ,
           is
           a
           principal
           instance
           of
           God's
           patience
           ;
           so
           that
           the
           patience
           of
           God
           takes
           in
           all
           that
           space
           of
           repentance
           which
           God
           affords
           to
           sinners
           in
           this
           life
           ;
           nay
           ,
           all
           temporal
           judgments
           and
           afflictions
           which
           befal
           sinners
           in
           this
           life
           ,
           and
           are
           short
           of
           cutting
           them
           off
           and
           turning
           them
           into
           Hell
           ,
           are
           comprehended
           in
           the
           patience
           of
           God.
           Whenever
           God
           punisheth
           ,
           
             it
             is
             of
             his
          
           great
           mercy
           and
           patience
           
             that
             we
             are
             not
             consumed
             ,
             and
             because
             his
             compassions
             fail
             not
             .
          
           I
           proceed
           to
           the
        
         
         
           II.
           Thing
           I
           proposed
           ,
           which
           was
           to
           shew
           ,
           that
           Patience
           is
           a
           Perfection
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           not
           necessarily
           due
           to
           us
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           due
           to
           the
           Perfection
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           and
           essentially
           belongs
           to
           it
           ;
           it
           is
           a
           principal
           branch
           of
           God's
           goodness
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           highest
           and
           most
           glorious
           Perfection
           of
           all
           other
           ,
           and
           therefore
           we
           always
           find
           it
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           in
           the
           company
           of
           God's
           milder
           and
           sweeter
           Attributes
           .
           When
           God
           would
           give
           the
           most
           perfect
           description
           of
           himself
           ,
           and
           as
           he
           says
           to
           
             Moses
             ,
             make
             all
             his
             glory
             to
             pass
             before
          
           us
           ,
           he
           usually
           does
           it
           by
           those
           Attributes
           which
           declare
           his
           Goodness
           ;
           and
           Patience
           is
           always
           one
           of
           them
           ,
           Exod.
           34.6
           .
           
             The
             Lord
             passed
             by
             before
          
           Moses
           ,
           
             and
             proclaimed
             ,
             The
             Lord
             ,
             the
             Lord
             God
             ,
             merciful
             and
             gracious
             ,
             long-suffering
             ,
             abundant
             in
             goodness
             and
             truth
             .
          
           Psal
           .
           86.15
           .
           
             But
             thou
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             art
             a
             God
             full
             of
             compassion
             ,
             and
             gracious
             ,
             long
             suffering
             ,
             and
             plenteous
             in
             mercy
             and
             truth
             .
          
           Psal
           .
           103.8
           .
           
             The
             Lord
             is
             merciful
             and
             gracious
             ,
             slow
             to
             anger
             ,
             and
             plenteous
             in
             mercy
             .
          
           And
           the
           same
           you
           find
           ,
           Psal
           .
           145.8
           Jonah
           4.2
           .
           Joel
           2.13
           .
        
         
         
           Sometimes
           indeed
           you
           find
           a
           severer
           Attribute
           added
           to
           these
           ,
           as
           that
           
             he
             will
             by
             no
             means
             clear
             the
             guilty
             ,
          
           Exod.
           34.7
           .
           But
           't
           is
           always
           put
           in
           the
           last
           place
           ,
           to
           declare
           to
           us
           ,
           that
           God's
           goodness
           ,
           and
           mercy
           ,
           and
           patience
           ,
           are
           his
           first
           and
           primary
           Perfections
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           only
           when
           these
           fail
           ,
           and
           have
           no
           effect
           upon
           us
           ,
           but
           are
           abused
           by
           us
           to
           the
           encouragement
           of
           our selves
           in
           an
           impenitent
           course
           ,
           that
           his
           Justice
           takes
           place
           .
        
         
           Nay
           ,
           even
           among
           Men
           it
           is
           esteemed
           a
           Perfection
           to
           be
           able
           to
           forbear
           and
           to
           restrain
           our
           anger
           ;
           Passion
           is
           impotency
           and
           folly
           ,
           but
           Patience
           is
           power
           and
           wisdom
           ;
           Prov.
           14.29
           .
           
             He
             that
             is
             hasty
             of
             spirit
             exalteth
             folly
             ;
             but
             he
             that
             is
             slow
             to
             wrath
             ,
             is
             of
             great
             understanding
             .
          
           Prov.
           16.32
           .
           
             He
             that
             is
             slow
             to
             wrath
             ,
             is
             better
             than
             the
             mighty
             :
             and
             he
             that
             ruleth
             his
             spirit
             ,
             than
             he
             that
             conquereth
             a
             city
             .
          
           Rom.
           12.21
           .
           
             Be
             not
             overcome
             of
             Evil
             :
             but
             overcome
             Evil
             with
             good
             .
          
           To
           be
           impatient
           is
           
             to
             be
             overcome
          
           ,
           but
           to
           forbear
           anger
           and
           revenge
           is
           
             a
             victory
          
           .
           Patience
           is
           an
           argument
           of
           great
           power
           and
           command
           of
           our selves
           ,
           and
           therefore
           God
           himself
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           most
           powerful
           Being
           ,
           is
           slow
           
           to
           anger
           ,
           and
           of
           infinite
           patience
           ;
           and
           nothing
           doth
           more
           declare
           the
           Power
           of
           God
           ,
           than
           his
           Patience
           ,
           that
           when
           he
           is
           provoked
           by
           such
           vile
           and
           despicable
           Creatures
           as
           we
           are
           ,
           he
           can
           withhold
           his
           hand
           from
           destroying
           us
           .
           This
           is
           the
           argument
           which
           Moses
           useth
           Numb
           .
           14.17
           ,
           18.
           that
           the
           Power
           of
           God
           ,
           doth
           so
           eminently
           appear
           in
           his
           patience
           ;
           
             And
             now
             ,
             I
             pray
             thee
             ,
             let
             the
             power
             of
             my
             Lord
             be
             great
             ,
             as
             he
             hath
             spoken
             ,
             saying
             ,
             the
             Lord
             is
             gracious
             and
             long-suffering
             .
          
           And
           yet
           Power
           ,
           where
           it
           is
           not
           restrained
           by
           wisdom
           and
           goodness
           ,
           is
           a
           great
           temptation
           to
           anger
           ;
           because
           where
           there
           is
           Power
           ,
           there
           is
           something
           to
           back
           it
           and
           make
           it
           good
           .
           And
           therefore
           the
           Psalmist
           doth
           recommend
           and
           set
           off
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           ,
           from
           the
           consideration
           of
           his
           Power
           ;
           Psal
           .
           7.11
           .
           
             God
             is
             strong
             and
             patient
             ,
             God
             is
             provoked
             every
             day
             ;
             God
             is
             strong
             ,
             and
          
           therefore
           patient
           ;
           or
           he
           is
           infinitely
           patient
           ,
           notwithstanding
           his
           Almighty
           Power
           to
           revenge
           the
           daily
           provocations
           of
           his
           Creatures
           .
        
         
           Among
           Men
           ,
           anger
           and
           weakness
           commonly
           go
           together
           ;
           but
           they
           are
           ill
           matched
           ,
           as
           is
           excellently
           observed
           by
           the
           Son
           of
           
             Sirach
             ,
             Ecclus.
          
           10.18
           .
           
           
             Pride
             was
             not
             made
             for
             man
             ,
             nor
             furious
             anger
             for
             him
             that
             is
             born
             of
             a
             woman
             .
          
           So
           that
           anger
           and
           impatience
           is
           every
           where
           unreasonable
           .
           Where
           there
           is
           Power
           ,
           impatience
           is
           below
           it
           ,
           and
           a
           thing
           too
           mean
           for
           Omnipotency
           ;
           and
           where
           there
           wants
           Power
           ,
           anger
           is
           above
           it
           ;
           it
           is
           too
           much
           for
           a
           weak
           and
           impotent
           Creature
           to
           be
           angry
           .
           Where
           there
           is
           Power
           ,
           anger
           is
           needless
           and
           of
           no
           use
           ;
           and
           where
           there
           is
           no
           Power
           ,
           it
           is
           vain
           and
           to
           no
           purpose
           .
           So
           that
           Patience
           is
           every
           where
           a
           Perfection
           ,
           both
           in
           God
           and
           Man.
           I
           proceed
           to
           the
        
         
           III.
           Thing
           I
           proposed
           ,
           which
           was
           to
           give
           some
           proof
           and
           demonstration
           of
           the
           great
           patience
           and
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           to
           Mankind
           .
           And
           this
           will
           evidently
           appear
           ,
           if
           we
           consider
           these
           two
           things
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           How
           Men
           deal
           with
           God.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           How
           ,
           notwithstanding
           this
           ,
           God
           deals
           with
           them
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           How
           Men
           deal
           with
           God.
           Every
           day
           we
           highly
           offend
           and
           provoke
           him
           ,
           we
           grieve
           and
           weary
           him
           with
           our
           Iniquities
           ,
           as
           the
           Expression
           is
           in
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           Isa
           .
           43.24
           .
           
             Thou
             hast
             made
             me
             to
             serve
             with
             thy
             sins
             ,
             thou
             
             hast
             wearied
             me
             with
             thine
             iniquities
             .
          
           Every
           sin
           that
           we
           commit
           ,
           is
           an
           affront
           to
           the
           Divine
           Majesty
           ,
           and
           a
           contempt
           of
           his
           Authority
           .
           By
           denying
           submission
           to
           his
           Laws
           ,
           we
           question
           his
           Omnipresence
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           
             Doth
             God
             see
             ?
             and
             is
             there
             knowledge
             in
             the
             most
             high
             ?
          
           Or
           if
           we
           acknowledge
           his
           Omnipresence
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           regards
           what
           we
           do
           ,
           the
           provocation
           is
           still
           the
           greater
           ,
           because
           then
           we
           affront
           him
           to
           his
           face
           ;
           we
           dare
           his
           Justice
           ,
           and
           challenge
           his
           Omnipotency
           ,
           and
           
             provoke
             the
             Lord
             to
             jealousie
          
           ,
           as
           if
           
             we
             were
             stronger
             than
             he
          
           .
        
         
           Is
           not
           God
           patient
           ,
           when
           
             the
             whole
             world
             lies
             in
             wickedness
             ,
          
           and
           
             the
             earth
             is
             overspread
             with
             violence
             ,
          
           and
           is
           
             full
             of
             the
             habitations
             of
             cruelty
             ?
          
           when
           he
           who
           is
           
             of
             purer
             eyes
             than
             to
             behold
             iniquity
             ,
          
           and
           is
           so
           highly
           offended
           at
           the
           sins
           of
           Men
           ,
           hath
           yet
           the
           patience
           to
           look
           upon
           
             them
             that
             deal
             treacherously
             ,
             and
             to
             hold
             his
             peace
             ?
          
           when
           the
           
             wicked
             persecutes
             and
             devours
             the
             man
             that
             is
             more
             righteous
             than
             he
             ?
          
           when
           even
           that
           part
           of
           the
           World
           which
           professeth
           the
           Name
           of
           God
           and
           Christ
           ,
           do
           by
           their
           vile
           and
           obominable
           lives
           ,
           
             blaspheme
             that
             holy
             and
             glorious
             name
             whereby
             they
             are
             called
             ?
          
        
         
         
           Every
           moment
           God
           hath
           greater
           injuries
           done
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           more
           affronts
           put
           upon
           him
           ,
           than
           were
           ever
           offered
           to
           all
           the
           Sons
           of
           Men
           ;
           and
           surely
           provocations
           are
           tryals
           of
           patience
           ,
           especially
           when
           they
           are
           so
           numerous
           and
           so
           heinous
           ;
           for
           if
           offences
           rise
           according
           to
           the
           dignity
           of
           the
           person
           injured
           ,
           and
           the
           meanness
           of
           him
           that
           doth
           the
           injury
           ,
           then
           no
           offences
           are
           so
           great
           as
           those
           that
           are
           committed
           by
           Men
           against
           God
           ,
           no
           affronts
           like
           to
           those
           which
           are
           offered
           to
           
             the
             Divine
             Majesty
          
           by
           the
           continual
           provocations
           of
           
             his
             Creatures
          
           .
           And
           is
           not
           this
           an
           argument
           of
           God's
           patience
           ,
           that
           the
           glorious
           Majesty
           of
           Heaven
           should
           bear
           such
           multiplied
           indignities
           from
           such
           vile
           Worms
           ?
           that
           he
           who
           is
           the
           Former
           of
           all
           things
           ,
           should
           endure
           his
           own
           Creatures
           to
           rebel
           against
           him
           ,
           and
           the
           work
           of
           his
           hands
           to
           strike
           at
           him
           ?
           that
           he
           who
           is
           our
           great
           Benefactor
           should
           put
           up
           such
           affronts
           from
           those
           who
           depend
           upon
           his
           bounty
           ,
           and
           are
           maintained
           at
           his
           charge
           ?
           that
           he
           ,
           
             in
             whose
             hands
             our
             breath
             is
             ,
          
           should
           suffer
           Men
           to
           breath
           out
           Oaths
           ,
           and
           Curses
           ,
           and
           Blasphemies
           against
           him
           ?
           Surely
           these
           prove
           the
           patience
           
           of
           God
           to
           purpose
           ,
           and
           are
           equally
           tryals
           and
           arguments
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Patience
           of
           God
           will
           further
           appear
           ,
           if
           we
           consider
           how
           ,
           notwithstanding
           all
           this
           ,
           God
           deals
           with
           us
           .
           He
           is
           patient
           to
           the
           whole
           World
           ,
           in
           that
           he
           doth
           not
           turn
           us
           out
           of
           Being
           ,
           and
           
             turn
             the
             wicked
          
           together
           
             into
             hell
             ,
             with
             all
             the
             nations
             that
             forget
             God.
          
           He
           is
           patient
           to
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           Mankind
           ,
           in
           that
           he
           makes
           but
           a
           few
           terrible
           Examples
           of
           his
           Justice
           ,
           
             that
             others
             may
             hear
             and
             fear
             ,
          
           and
           take
           warning
           by
           them
           .
           He
           is
           patient
           to
           particular
           persons
           ,
           in
           that
           ,
           notwithstanding
           our
           daily
           provocations
           ,
           he
           
             prevents
             us
             daily
             with
             the
             blessings
          
           of
           his
           goodness
           ,
           prolonging
           our
           lives
           ,
           and
           vouchsafing
           so
           many
           favours
           to
           us
           ,
           that
           
             by
             this
             great
             goodness
             we
             may
             be
             led
             to
             repentance
             .
          
        
         
           But
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           will
           more
           illustriously
           appear
           ,
           if
           we
           consider
           these
           following
           particulars
           ,
           which
           are
           so
           many
           Evidences
           and
           Instances
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           God
           is
           not
           obliged
           to
           spare
           and
           forbear
           us
           at
           all
           .
           It
           is
           patience
           that
           he
           doth
           not
           surprise
           us
           in
           the
           very
           act
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           let
           flye
           at
           us
           with
           a
           
           Thunder-bolt
           so
           soon
           as
           ever
           we
           have
           offended
           ;
           that
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           doth
           not
           fall
           upon
           the
           intemperate
           person
           ,
           as
           it
           did
           upon
           the
           
             Israelites
             ,
             whilst
             the
             meat
             and
             drink
             is
             yet
             in
             their
             mouths
          
           ;
           that
           a
           Man
           is
           not
           struck
           dead
           or
           mad
           whilst
           he
           is
           telling
           a
           Lye
           ;
           that
           the
           Soul
           of
           the
           prophane
           and
           false
           Swearer
           does
           not
           expire
           with
           his
           Oaths
           and
           Perjuries
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           That
           God
           spares
           us
           when
           it
           is
           in
           his
           power
           so
           easily
           to
           ruin
           us
           ;
           when
           he
           can
           with
           one
           word
           command
           us
           out
           of
           Being
           ,
           and
           by
           cutting
           asunder
           one
           little
           thread
           ,
           let
           us
           drop
           into
           Hell.
           If
           God
           were
           disposed
           to
           severity
           ,
           he
           could
           deal
           with
           us
           after
           another
           manner
           ;
           and
           as
           the
           expression
           is
           in
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           
             ease
             himself
             of
             his
             Adversaries
             ,
             and
             be
             avenged
             of
             his
             Enemies
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           That
           God
           exerciseth
           this
           patience
           to
           Sinners
           ,
           
             flagrante
             bello
          
           ,
           while
           they
           are
           up
           in
           Arms
           against
           him
           ,
           and
           committing
           Hostilities
           upon
           him
           ;
           he
           bears
           with
           us
           ,
           even
           when
           we
           are
           challenging
           his
           Justice
           to
           punish
           us
           ,
           and
           provoking
           his
           Power
           to
           destroy
           us
           .
        
         
         
           4.
           
           That
           he
           is
           so
           very
           slow
           and
           unwilling
           to
           punish
           ,
           and
           to
           inflict
           his
           Judgments
           upon
           us
           .
           As
           for
           eternal
           Punishments
           ,
           God
           defers
           them
           a
           long
           while
           ;
           and
           by
           all
           proper
           ways
           and
           means
           endeavours
           to
           prevent
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           bring
           us
           to
           repentance
           .
           And
           as
           for
           those
           temporal
           Judgments
           which
           God
           inflicts
           upon
           Sinners
           ,
           he
           carries
           himself
           so
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           plainly
           see
           all
           the
           signs
           of
           unwillingness
           that
           can
           be
           ;
           he
           trys
           to
           prevent
           them
           ,
           he
           is
           loth
           to
           set
           about
           this
           work
           ;
           and
           when
           he
           does
           ,
           it
           is
           with
           much
           reluctance
           ;
           and
           then
           he
           is
           easily
           perswaded
           and
           prevail'd
           withal
           not
           to
           do
           it
           ;
           and
           when
           he
           does
           ,
           he
           does
           it
           not
           rigorously
           ,
           and
           to
           extremity
           ;
           and
           he
           is
           soon
           taken
           off
           after
           he
           is
           engaged
           in
           it
           .
           All
           which
           are
           great
           instances
           and
           evidences
           of
           his
           wonderful
           patience
           to
           Sinners
           .
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           God's
           unwillingness
           to
           punish
           appears
           ,
           in
           that
           he
           labours
           to
           prevent
           punishment
           ;
           and
           that
           he
           may
           effectually
           do
           this
           ,
           he
           endeavours
           to
           prevent
           sin
           ,
           the
           meritorious
           Cause
           of
           God's
           Judgments
           .
           To
           this
           end
           he
           hath
           threatened
           it
           with
           severe
           punishments
           ,
           that
           the
           dread
           of
           them
           may
           make
           
           us
           afraid
           to
           offend
           ;
           and
           if
           this
           will
           not
           do
           ,
           he
           does
           not
           yet
           give
           us
           over
           ,
           but
           gives
           us
           
             a
             space
             of
             repentance
          
           ,
           and
           invites
           us
           earnestly
           to
           turn
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           thereby
           to
           prevent
           his
           Judgments
           ;
           he
           expostulates
           with
           Sinners
           ,
           and
           reasons
           the
           case
           with
           them
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           were
           more
           concerned
           not
           to
           punish
           ,
           than
           they
           are
           not
           to
           be
           punished
           ;
           and
           thus
           by
           his
           earnest
           desire
           of
           our
           repentance
           ,
           he
           shews
           how
           little
           he
           desires
           our
           ruine
           .
        
         
           (
           2.
           )
           He
           is
           long
           before
           he
           goes
           about
           this
           work
           .
           Judgment
           is
           in
           Scripture
           call'd
           
             his
             strange
             work
          
           ;
           as
           if
           he
           were
           not
           acquainted
           with
           it
           ,
           and
           hardly
           knew
           how
           to
           go
           about
           it
           on
           the
           sudden
           .
           He
           is
           represented
           as
           not
           prepared
           for
           such
           a
           work
           ,
           Deut.
           32.41
           .
           
             If
             I
             whet
             my
             glittering
             Sword
          
           ;
           as
           if
           the
           Instruments
           of
           Punishment
           were
           not
           ready
           for
           us
           .
           Nay
           ,
           by
           a
           strange
           kind
           of
           condescention
           to
           our
           Capacities
           ,
           and
           to
           set
           forth
           to
           us
           the
           patience
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           slowness
           to
           wrath
           ,
           after
           the
           manner
           of
           Men
           ,
           he
           is
           represented
           as
           keeping
           out
           of
           the
           way
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           not
           be
           tempted
           to
           destroy
           us
           ;
           Exod.
           33.2
           ,
           3.
           where
           he
           tells
           Moses
           ,
           that
           
             he
             would
             send
             an
             Angel
             before
             them
             ,
             but
             
             I
             will
             not
             go
             up
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             thee
             ,
             lest
             I
             consume
             thee
             in
             the
             way
             .
          
        
         
           At
           works
           of
           Mercy
           he
           is
           very
           ready
           and
           forward
           .
           When
           Daniel
           prayed
           for
           the
           deliverance
           of
           the
           People
           of
           Israel
           out
           of
           Captivity
           ,
           the
           Angel
           tells
           him
           ,
           that
           
             at
             the
             beginning
             of
             his
             supplication
             ,
             the
             commandment
             came
             forth
             ,
          
           to
           bring
           him
           a
           promise
           of
           their
           deliverance
           .
           The
           mercy
           of
           God
           many
           times
           prevents
           our
           Prayers
           ,
           and
           out-runs
           our
           Wishes
           and
           Desires
           :
           but
           when
           he
           comes
           to
           affliction
           ,
           he
           takes
           time
           to
           do
           it
           ;
           he
           passeth
           by
           many
           provocations
           ,
           and
           waits
           long
           in
           expectation
           ,
           that
           by
           our
           repentance
           we
           will
           prevent
           his
           Judgments
           ;
           
             he
             hearkned
             and
             heard
          
           (
           saith
           God
           in
           the
           Prophet
           
             Jeremiah
             )
             but
             they
             spake
             not
             aright
             ,
             no
             man
             repented
             him
             of
             his
             wickedness
             ,
             saying
             ,
             What
             have
             I
             done
             ?
          
           He
           is
           represented
           as
           waiting
           and
           listning
           ,
           to
           hear
           if
           any
           penitent
           word
           would
           drop
           from
           them
           ;
           he
           gives
           the
           Sinner
           time
           to
           repent
           and
           reflect
           upon
           his
           actions
           ,
           and
           to
           consider
           what
           he
           hath
           done
           ,
           and
           space
           to
           reason
           himself
           into
           repentance
           .
           For
           this
           reason
           the
           Judgments
           of
           God
           do
           often
           follow
           the
           sins
           of
           Men
           at
           a
           great
           distance
           ,
           otherwise
           he
           could
           easily
           
           make
           them
           mend
           their
           pace
           ,
           and
           
             consume
             us
             in
             a
             moment
          
           .
        
         
           (
           3.
           )
           When
           he
           goes
           about
           this
           work
           ,
           he
           does
           it
           with
           much
           reluctance
           ,
           Amos
           11.8
           ,
           9.
           
           
             How
             shall
             I
             give
             thee
             up
             ,
             Ephraim
             ?
             how
             shall
             I
             deliver
             thee
             ,
             Israel
             ?
             mine
             heart
             is
             turned
             within
             me
             ,
             and
             my
             repentings
             are
             kindled
             together
             .
          
           He
           is
           represented
           as
           making
           many
           essays
           and
           offers
           before
           he
           came
           to
           it
           .
           Psal
           .
           106.26
           .
           
             Many
             a
             time
             lifted
             he
             up
             his
             hand
             in
             the
             wilderness
             to
             destroy
             them
             .
          
           He
           made
           as
           if
           he
           would
           do
           it
           ,
           and
           let
           fall
           his
           hand
           again
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           could
           not
           find
           in
           his
           heart
           to
           be
           so
           severe
           .
           God
           witholds
           his
           Judgments
           till
           he
           is
           weary
           of
           holding
           in
           ,
           as
           the
           Expression
           is
           ,
           Jer.
           6.11
           .
           till
           he
           can
           forbear
           no
           longer
           .
           Jer.
           44.22
           .
           
             So
             that
             the
             Lord
             could
             no
             longer
             bear
             ,
             because
             of
             the
             evil
             of
             your
             doings
             ,
             and
             because
             of
             the
             abominations
             ,
             which
             ye
             have
             committed
             .
          
        
         
           (
           4.
           )
           God
           is
           easily
           prevailed
           upon
           not
           to
           punish
           .
           When
           he
           seemed
           resolved
           upon
           it
           ,
           to
           destroy
           the
           murmuring
           Israelites
           ,
           yet
           how
           often
           ,
           at
           the
           intercession
           of
           Moses
           ,
           did
           he
           turn
           away
           his
           wrath
           ?
           That
           he
           will
           accept
           of
           very
           low
           terms
           to
           spare
           a
           very
           wicked
           People
           ,
           appears
           by
           the
           instance
           of
           Sodom
           ,
           where
           if
           there
           had
           been
           
             but
             ten
             righteous
             
             persons
          
           ,
           he
           would
           not
           have
           destroyed
           them
           
             for
             the
             ten
             's
             sake
          
           .
           Yea
           ,
           when
           his
           truth
           seemed
           to
           have
           been
           pawn'd
           ,
           (
           at
           least
           in
           the
           apprehension
           of
           his
           Prophet
           )
           yet
           even
           then
           repentance
           took
           him
           off
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           case
           of
           Nineveh
           .
           Nay
           ,
           how
           glad
           is
           he
           to
           be
           thus
           prevented
           !
           with
           what
           joy
           does
           he
           tell
           the
           Prophet
           the
           news
           of
           
           Ahab's
           humiliation
           !
           
             Seest
             thou
             how
             Ahab
             humbleth
             himself
             ?
             Because
             he
             humbleth
             himself
             ,
             I
             will
             not
             bring
             the
             evil
             in
             his
             days
             .
          
        
         
           (
           5.
           )
           When
           he
           punisheth
           ,
           he
           does
           it
           very
           seldom
           rigorously
           ,
           and
           to
           extremity
           ,
           not
           so
           much
           as
           we
           deserve
           ;
           Psal
           .
           103.10
           .
           
             He
             hath
             not
             dealt
             with
             us
             after
             our
             sins
             ,
             nor
             rewarded
             us
             according
             to
             our
             iniquities
             .
          
           Nor
           so
           much
           as
           he
           can
           ;
           he
           doth
           not
           let
           loose
           the
           fierceness
           of
           his
           anger
           ,
           nor
           pour
           forth
           all
           his
           wrath
           ;
           Psal
           .
           78.38
           .
           
             Being
             full
             of
             compassion
             ,
             he
             forgave
             their
             iniquity
             ,
             and
             destroyed
             them
             not
             ;
             yea
             many
             a
             time
             turned
             he
             his
             anger
             away
             ,
             and
             did
             not
             stir
             up
             all
             his
             wrath
             .
          
        
         
           (
           6.
           )
           After
           he
           hath
           begun
           to
           punish
           ,
           and
           is
           ingaged
           in
           the
           work
           ,
           he
           is
           not
           hard
           to
           be
           taken
           off
           .
           There
           is
           a
           famous
           instance
           of
           this
           ,
           2.
           
           Sam.
           24.
           when
           God
           had
           sent
           three
           days
           Pestilence
           upon
           
           Israel
           for
           
           David's
           sin
           in
           numbring
           the
           People
           ,
           and
           at
           the
           end
           of
           the
           third
           day
           ,
           the
           Angel
           of
           the
           Lord
           had
           stretched
           forth
           his
           hand
           over
           Jerusalem
           to
           destroy
           it
           ,
           upon
           the
           Prayer
           of
           David
           ,
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           that
           
             the
             Lord
             repented
             of
             the
             evil
             ,
             and
             said
             to
             the
             Angel
             that
             destroyed
             ,
             It
             is
             enough
             ,
             stay
             now
             thine
             hand
             .
          
           Nay
           ,
           so
           ready
           is
           God
           to
           be
           taken
           off
           from
           this
           work
           ,
           that
           he
           sets
           a
           high
           value
           upon
           those
           who
           stand
           in
           the
           gap
           to
           turn
           away
           his
           wrath
           ;
           Numb
           .
           25.11
           ,
           12
           ,
           13.
           
           
             Phinehas
             ,
             the
             son
             of
             Eleazar
             ,
             hath
             turned
             my
             wrath
             away
             from
             the
             children
             of
             Israel
             ,
             that
             I
             consumed
             them
             not
             in
             my
             jealousie
             ;
             wherefore
             behold
             I
             give
             unto
             him
             my
             covenant
             of
             peace
             ,
             and
             to
             his
             seed
             after
             him
             ,
             because
             he
             was
             zealous
             for
             his
             God
             ,
             and
             made
             an
             atonement
             for
             the
             children
             of
             Israel
             .
          
           That
           which
           God
           values
           in
           this
           action
           of
           Phinehas
           ,
           next
           to
           his
           zeal
           for
           him
           ,
           is
           ,
           that
           
             he
             turned
             away
             his
             wrath
             ,
             and
             made
             an
             atonement
             for
             the
             Children
             of
             Israel
             .
          
        
         
           5.
           and
           Lastly
           ,
           The
           patience
           of
           God
           will
           yet
           appear
           with
           further
           advantage
           ,
           if
           we
           consider
           some
           eminent
           and
           remarkable
           Instances
           of
           it
           ;
           which
           are
           so
           much
           the
           more
           considerable
           ,
           because
           they
           are
           instances
           ,
           not
           only
           of
           
           God's
           patience
           extended
           to
           a
           long
           time
           ,
           but
           to
           a
           great
           many
           persons
           .
           
             The
             long-suffering
             of
             God
             waited
             in
             the
             days
             of
             Noah
          
           upon
           the
           whole
           World
           ,
           as
           is
           probably
           conjectured
           ,
           for
           the
           space
           of
           
             an
             hundred
             and
             twenty
             years
          
           .
           God
           bore
           with
           the
           People
           of
           Israel
           in
           the
           Wilderness
           ,
           after
           they
           had
           tempted
           him
           ten
           times
           ,
           for
           the
           space
           of
           forty
           Years
           ;
           Acts
           13.18
           .
           
             And
             about
             the
             space
             of
             forty
             years
             suffered
             he
             their
             manners
             in
             the
             Wilderness
             .
          
           And
           this
           instance
           of
           God's
           patience
           will
           be
           the
           more
           remarkable
           ,
           if
           we
           compare
           it
           with
           the
           great
           impatience
           of
           that
           People
           ;
           if
           they
           did
           but
           want
           Flesh
           or
           Water
           ,
           they
           were
           out
           of
           patience
           with
           God
           ;
           when
           Moses
           was
           in
           the
           Mount
           with
           God
           but
           forty
           days
           ,
           they
           presently
           fall
           to
           make
           new
           Gods
           ;
           they
           had
           not
           the
           patience
           of
           
             forty
             days
          
           ,
           and
           yet
           God
           bore
           their
           manners
           
             forty
             years
          
           .
           God
           had
           spared
           Niniveh
           for
           some
           Ages
           ,
           and
           when
           his
           patience
           was
           even
           expired
           ,
           and
           he
           seems
           to
           have
           past
           a
           final
           Sentence
           upon
           it
           ,
           yet
           he
           grants
           a
           Reprieve
           for
           
             forty
             days
          
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           sue
           out
           their
           Pardon
           in
           that
           time
           ,
           and
           they
           did
           so
           ;
           
             they
             turned
             from
             their
             evil
             ways
             ,
             and
             God
             turned
             
             from
             the
             evil
             he
             said
             he
             would
             do
             to
             them
             ,
             and
             he
             did
             it
             not
             .
          
        
         
           But
           the
           most
           remarkable
           instance
           of
           God's
           long-suffering
           is
           to
           the
           Jews
           ,
           if
           we
           consider
           it
           with
           all
           the
           circumstances
           of
           it
           ;
           after
           they
           had
           rejected
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           purity
           of
           his
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           the
           power
           of
           his
           Miracles
           ;
           after
           they
           had
           unjustly
           condemned
           ,
           and
           cruelly
           
             murdered
             the
             Lord
             of
             life
          
           ,
           yet
           the
           patience
           of
           God
           respited
           the
           ruin
           of
           that
           People
           forty
           Years
           .
        
         
           Besides
           all
           these
           ,
           there
           are
           many
           instances
           of
           God's
           patience
           to
           particular
           Persons
           ;
           but
           it
           were
           endless
           to
           enumerate
           these
           ;
           every
           one
           of
           us
           may
           be
           an
           instance
           to
           our selves
           of
           God's
           long-suffering
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           only
           add
           ,
           as
           a
           further
           advantage
           to
           set
           off
           the
           patience
           of
           God
           to
           Sinners
           ,
           that
           his
           forbearance
           is
           so
           great
           ,
           that
           he
           hath
           been
           complained
           of
           for
           it
           by
           his
           own
           Servants
           .
           Job
           ,
           who
           was
           so
           patient
           a
           Man
           himself
           ,
           thought
           much
           at
           it
           ;
           Job
           21.7
           ,
           8.
           
           
             Wherefore
             doth
             the
             wicked
             live
             ,
             yea
             ,
             become
             old
             ?
             Their
             seed
             is
             establisht
             in
             their
             sight
             ,
             and
             their
             posterity
             before
             their
             eyes
             .
             Jonah
          
           challengeth
           God
           for
           it
           ,
           Ch.
           4.2
           .
           
           
             Was
             not
             this
             that
             which
             I
             said
             when
             I
             was
             yet
             in
             my
             own
             country
             ?
             and
             therefore
             I
             fled
             before
             unto
             Tarshish
             ,
             because
             I
             knew
             thou
             art
             a
             gracious
             God
             ,
             and
             merciful
             ,
             slow
             to
             anger
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           Jonah
           had
           observed
           God
           to
           be
           so
           prone
           to
           this
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           loth
           to
           be
           sent
           upon
           his
           Message
           ,
           least
           God
           should
           discredit
           his
           Prophet
           ,
           in
           not
           being
           so
           good
           (
           shall
           I
           say
           )
           so
           severe
           as
           his
           word
           .
        
         
           I
           have
           done
           with
           the
           first
           thing
           I
           proposed
           to
           speak
           to
           ,
           viz.
           The
           great
           patience
           and
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           to
           Mankind
           .
        
      
       
         
         
         
           SERMON
           VII
           .
           
           The
           Patience
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           
             
               
                 2
                 PET.
                 III.
                 9
              
               .
            
             
               The
               Lord
               is
               not
               slack
               concerning
               his
               Promise
               ,
               as
               some
               Men
               count
               slackness
               ;
               but
               is
               long-suffering
               to
               us-ward
               ,
               not
               willing
               that
               any
               should
               perish
               ,
               but
               that
               all
               should
               come
               to
               Repentance
               .
            
          
        
         
           I
           Have
           made
           entrance
           into
           these
           words
           ,
           in
           the
           handling
           of
           which
           ,
           I
           propos'd
           to
           do
           these
           three
           things
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           To
           consider
           the
           patience
           and
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           an
           Attribute
           and
           Perfection
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ;
           
             God
             is
             long
             suffering
             to
             us-ward
             .
          
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           To
           shew
           that
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           delay
           of
           his
           Judgment
           ,
           is
           no
           just
           ground
           why
           Sinners
           
           should
           hope
           for
           impunity
           ;
           
             God
             is
             not
             slack
             concerning
             his
             promise
             ,
             as
             some
             men
             count
             slackness
             .
          
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           To
           consider
           the
           true
           reason
           of
           God's
           patience
           and
           long-suffering
           towards
           Mankind
           ;
           
             He
             is
             long-suffering
             to
             us-ward
             ,
             not
             willing
             that
             any
             should
             perish
             ,
             but
             that
             all
             should
             come
             to
             repentance
             .
          
           I
           have
           already
           spoken
           to
           the
        
         
           First
           of
           these
           ,
           namely
           ,
           The
           patience
           and
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           an
           Attribute
           and
           Perfection
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           .
           I
           proceed
           now
           to
           the
        
         
           Second
           thing
           I
           proposed
           ,
           namely
           ,
           To
           shew
           that
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           delay
           of
           Judgment
           ,
           is
           no
           just
           ground
           why
           Sinners
           should
           hope
           for
           impunity
           ;
           
             God
             is
             not
             slack
             concerning
             his
             promise
             ,
             as
             some
             men
             count
             slackness
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           as
           the
           Scoffers
           here
           mentioned
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           did
           ignorantly
           and
           maliciously
           reason
           ,
           that
           because
           our
           Lord
           delayed
           his
           coming
           to
           Judgment
           so
           long
           ,
           therefore
           he
           would
           never
           come
           .
        
         
           There
           was
           indeed
           some
           pretence
           for
           this
           Objection
           ,
           because
           the
           Christians
           did
           generally
           apprehend
           ,
           that
           the
           day
           of
           Judgment
           was
           very
           near
           ,
           and
           that
           it
           would
           immediately
           follow
           
           the
           destruction
           of
           Jerusalem
           ;
           and
           it
           seems
           the
           Disciples
           themselves
           were
           of
           that
           perswasion
           before
           our
           Saviour's
           death
           ,
           when
           our
           Saviour
           discoursing
           to
           them
           of
           the
           destruction
           of
           the
           Temple
           ,
           they
           put
           these
           two
           questions
           to
           him
           ,
           Mat.
           24.3
           .
           
             And
             as
             he
             sat
             upon
             the
             mount
             of
             Olives
             ,
             the
             disciples
             came
             unto
             him
             privately
             ,
             saying
             ,
             When
             shall
             these
             things
             be
             ?
             and
             what
             shall
             be
             the
             sign
             of
             thy
             coming
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             end
             of
             the
             world
             ?
             When
             shall
             these
             things
             be
             ?
          
           That
           is
           ,
           the
           things
           he
           had
           been
           speaking
           of
           immediately
           before
           ,
           viz.
           the
           destruction
           of
           Jerusalem
           ,
           and
           the
           dissolution
           of
           the
           Temple
           ;
           that
           is
           plainly
           the
           meaning
           of
           the
           first
           question
           ,
           to
           which
           they
           subjoined
           another
           ,
           
             And
             what
             shall
             be
             the
             sign
             of
             thy
             coming
             ?
          
           that
           is
           to
           Judgment
           ;
           
             and
             of
             the
             end
             of
             the
             world
             ?
          
           which
           in
           all
           probability
           ,
           was
           added
           to
           the
           former
           ;
           because
           they
           supposed
           that
           the
           one
           was
           presently
           to
           follow
           the
           other
           ,
           and
           therefore
           the
           same
           answer
           would
           serve
           them
           both
           ;
           and
           it
           appears
           by
           our
           Saviour's
           answer
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           not
           concerned
           to
           rectifie
           them
           in
           this
           mistake
           ,
           which
           might
           be
           of
           good
           use
           to
           them
           ,
           both
           to
           make
           them
           more
           zealous
           to
           propagate
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           since
           
           there
           was
           like
           to
           be
           so
           little
           time
           for
           it
           ;
           and
           likewise
           to
           wean
           their
           affections
           from
           this
           World
           ,
           which
           they
           thought
           to
           be
           so
           near
           an
           end
           .
        
         
           One
           thing
           indeed
           our
           Saviour
           says
           ,
           which
           (
           had
           they
           not
           been
           prepossest
           with
           another
           Opinion
           )
           does
           sufficiently
           intimate
           that
           there
           might
           be
           a
           considerable
           space
           of
           time
           ,
           betwixt
           the
           destruction
           of
           Jerusalem
           and
           the
           day
           of
           Judgment
           ;
           and
           this
           we
           find
           only
           in
           St.
           Luke
           ,
           Ch.
           21.24
           .
           where
           speaking
           of
           the
           Miseries
           and
           Calamities
           that
           should
           come
           upon
           the
           Jews
           ,
           he
           says
           ,
           
             They
             shall
             fall
             by
             the
             edge
             of
             the
             sword
             ,
             and
             be
             carried
             into
             captivity
             into
             all
             nations
             ;
             and
             Jerusalem
             shall
             be
             trodden
             down
             of
             the
             Gentiles
             ,
             until
             the
             time
             of
             the
             Gentiles
             be
             fulfilled
             .
          
           So
           that
           here
           were
           a
           great
           many
           Events
           foretold
           ,
           betwixt
           the
           destruction
           of
           Jerusalem
           and
           the
           end
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           the
           accomplishment
           whereof
           might
           take
           up
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           time
           ,
           as
           appears
           by
           the
           Event
           of
           things
           ,
           Jerusalem
           being
           at
           this
           day
           still
           
             trodden
             down
             by
             the
             Gentiles
          
           ,
           and
           the
           Jews
           still
           continuing
           
             disperst
             over
             the
             world
          
           :
           but
           the
           Disciples
           it
           seems
           did
           not
           much
           mind
           this
           ,
           being
           carryed
           away
           with
           a
           prejudicate
           conceit
           that
           
           the
           end
           of
           the
           World
           would
           happen
           before
           the
           end
           of
           that
           Age
           ;
           in
           which
           they
           were
           much
           confirmed
           ,
           by
           what
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           after
           his
           Resurrection
           ,
           said
           of
           St.
           John
           ,
           upon
           occasion
           of
           
           Peter's
           question
           concerning
           him
           ;
           John
           21.21
           ,
           22.
           
           
             Lord
             ,
             what
             shall
             this
             man
             do
             ?
             Jesus
             saith
             unto
             him
             ,
             If
             I
             will
             that
             he
             tarry
             till
             I
             come
             ,
             what
             is
             that
             to
             thee
             ?
          
           Upon
           which
           words
           of
           our
           Saviour
           concerning
           him
           ,
           St.
           John
           himself
           adds
           ,
           v.
           23.
           
           
             Then
             went
             this
             saying
             abroad
             among
             the
             brethren
             ,
             that
             that
             disciple
             should
             not
             die
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           he
           should
           live
           till
           the
           coming
           of
           our
           Lord
           ,
           and
           then
           be
           taken
           up
           with
           him
           into
           Heaven
           ;
           from
           all
           which
           they
           probably
           (
           as
           they
           thought
           )
           concluded
           ,
           that
           the
           day
           of
           Judgment
           would
           happen
           before
           the
           end
           of
           that
           Age
           ,
           whilst
           St.
           John
           was
           alive
           ;
           but
           St.
           John
           ,
           who
           writ
           last
           of
           all
           the
           Evangelists
           (
           as
           Eusebius
           tells
           us
           )
           and
           lived
           till
           after
           the
           destruction
           of
           Jerusalem
           ,
           as
           he
           acquaints
           us
           with
           this
           mistake
           ,
           which
           was
           currant
           among
           the
           Christians
           ,
           so
           he
           takes
           care
           to
           rectifie
           it
           ,
           telling
           us
           ,
           That
           
             Jesus
             said
             not
             ,
             he
             should
             not
             die
             ;
             but
             if
             I
             will
             that
             he
             tarry
             till
             I
             come
             ,
             what
             is
             that
             to
             thee
             ?
          
           He
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           our
           
           Saviour
           did
           not
           affirm
           that
           
             he
             should
             not
             die
          
           ;
           but
           to
           repress
           St
           
           Peter's
           Curiosity
           ,
           he
           says
           ,
           
             If
             it
             were
             my
             pleasure
             that
             he
             should
             not
             die
             at
             all
             ,
             but
             live
             till
             I
             come
             to
             Judgment
             ,
             what
             is
             that
             to
             thee
             ?
          
           And
           St.
           Peter
           likewise
           (
           or
           whoever
           was
           the
           Author
           of
           this
           second
           Epistle
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           of
           this
           third
           Chapter
           ,
           which
           seems
           to
           be
           a
           new
           Epistle
           by
           it self
           )
           takes
           notice
           of
           this
           mistake
           ,
           about
           the
           nearness
           of
           the
           day
           of
           Judgment
           ,
           as
           that
           which
           gave
           occasion
           to
           these
           Scoffers
           to
           deride
           the
           expectation
           of
           a
           future
           Judgment
           among
           the
           Christians
           ,
           because
           they
           had
           been
           already
           deceived
           about
           the
           time
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           this
           the
           Scoffers
           twitted
           them
           with
           in
           that
           Question
           ,
           
             Where
             is
             the
             promise
             of
             his
             coming
             ?
          
           And
           therefore
           the
           learned
           Grotius
           conjectures
           very
           probably
           ,
           that
           this
           last
           Epistle
           (
           contained
           in
           the
           third
           Chapter
           )
           was
           written
           after
           the
           destruction
           of
           Jerusalem
           ,
           which
           was
           the
           time
           fixt
           for
           Christ's
           coming
           to
           Judgment
           ,
           and
           therefore
           there
           could
           be
           no
           ground
           for
           this
           Scoff
           till
           after
           that
           time
           .
           St.
           Peter
           indeed
           did
           not
           live
           so
           long
           ,
           and
           therefore
           Grotius
           thinks
           ,
           that
           this
           Epistle
           was
           writ
           by
           Simeon
           ,
           or
           Simon
           ,
           
           who
           was
           Successor
           of
           St.
           James
           ,
           in
           the
           Bishoprick
           of
           Jerusalem
           ,
           and
           lived
           to
           the
           time
           of
           Trajan
           .
        
         
           I
           have
           been
           the
           longer
           in
           giving
           an
           account
           of
           this
           ,
           that
           we
           might
           understand
           where
           the
           ground
           and
           force
           of
           this
           Scoff
           lay
           ;
           namely
           in
           this
           ,
           That
           because
           the
           Christians
           had
           generally
           been
           very
           confident
           ,
           that
           the
           coming
           of
           Christ
           to
           Judgment
           would
           be
           presently
           after
           the
           destruction
           of
           Jerusalem
           ,
           and
           were
           now
           found
           to
           be
           deceived
           in
           that
           ,
           therefore
           there
           was
           no
           regard
           to
           be
           had
           at
           all
           to
           their
           expectation
           of
           a
           future
           Judgment
           ;
           because
           they
           might
           be
           deceiv'd
           in
           that
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           in
           the
           other
           .
        
         
           But
           herein
           they
           argued
           very
           falsly
           ,
           because
           our
           Saviour
           had
           positively
           and
           peremptorily
           foretold
           his
           coming
           to
           Judgment
           ,
           but
           had
           never
           fixt
           and
           determined
           the
           time
           of
           it
           ;
           nay
           ,
           so
           far
           was
           he
           from
           that
           ,
           that
           he
           had
           plainly
           told
           his
           Disciples
           ,
           that
           the
           precise
           time
           of
           the
           day
           of
           Judgment
           God
           had
           reserved
           as
           a
           Secret
           to
           himself
           ,
           which
           he
           had
           not
           imparted
           to
           any
           ,
           no
           ,
           not
           to
           the
           Angels
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           nor
           to
           the
           Son
           himself
           ;
           Mark
           13.32
           ,
           33.
           
           
             But
             of
             that
             day
             and
             hour
             knoweth
             no
             man
             ,
             
             no
             not
             the
             angels
             which
             are
             in
             heaven
             ,
             neither
             the
             Son
             ,
             but
             the
             Father
             .
             Take
             ye
             heed
             ,
             watch
             and
             pray
             :
             for
             ye
             know
             not
             when
             the
             time
             is
             .
          
           So
           that
           if
           they
           presumed
           to
           make
           any
           conjectures
           about
           the
           time
           when
           the
           day
           of
           Judgment
           would
           be
           ,
           they
           did
           it
           without
           any
           Warrant
           from
           our
           Lord
           ;
           it
           was
           great
           presumption
           in
           them
           to
           determine
           the
           time
           of
           it
           ,
           when
           our
           Saviour
           had
           so
           expresly
           told
           them
           ,
           that
           the
           Father
           had
           reserved
           this
           as
           a
           Secret
           ,
           which
           he
           had
           never
           communicated
           to
           any
           ,
           and
           therefore
           if
           they
           were
           mistaken
           about
           it
           ,
           it
           was
           no
           wonder
           .
           But
           their
           mistake
           in
           this
           ,
           was
           no
           prejudice
           to
           the
           truth
           of
           our
           Saviour's
           clear
           Prediction
           of
           a
           future
           Judgment
           ,
           without
           any
           determination
           of
           the
           time
           of
           it
           ,
           for
           that
           might
           be
           at
           some
           thousands
           of
           Years
           distance
           ,
           and
           yet
           be
           certain
           for
           all
           that
           ;
           and
           the
           delay
           of
           it
           was
           no
           sign
           of
           the
           uncertainty
           of
           our
           Saviour's
           Prediction
           concerning
           it
           ,
           but
           only
           of
           God's
           great
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           to
           Sinners
           ,
           in
           expectation
           of
           their
           Repentance
           ;
           
             God
             is
             not
             slack
             concerning
             his
             promise
             ,
             as
             some
             men
             count
             slackness
             ,
             but
             is
             long-suffering
             to
             us-ward
             .
          
           And
           this
           brings
           me
           to
           the
        
         
         
           Third
           ,
           and
           last
           Particular
           in
           the
           Text
           ,
           namely
           ,
           The
           true
           Reason
           of
           God's
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           to
           Mankind
           ;
           
             He
             is
             long-suffering
             to
             us-ward
             ,
             not
             willing
             that
             any
             should
             perish
             ,
             but
             that
             all
             should
             come
             to
             repentance
             .
          
           And
           for
           this
           St.
           Peter
           cites
           St.
           Paul
           ,
           v.
           15
           th
           of
           this
           Chapter
           ;
           
             And
             account
             that
             the
             long-suffering
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             salvation
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           the
           great
           End
           and
           Design
           of
           God's
           goodness
           and
           long-suffering
           to
           Sinners
           ,
           is
           that
           they
           may
           repent
           and
           be
           saved
           ;
           
             Account
             that
             the
             long-suffering
             of
             our
             Lord
             is
             salvation
             ,
             even
             as
             our
             beloved
             brother
             Paul
             also
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             wisdom
             given
             unto
             him
             ,
             hath
             written
             unto
             you
             .
          
           Now
           these
           words
           are
           not
           expresly
           found
           in
           St.
           
           Paul's
           Writings
           ;
           but
           the
           Sense
           and
           Effect
           of
           them
           is
           ,
           viz.
           in
           Rom.
           2.4
           .
           
             Despisest
             thou
             the
             riches
             of
             his
             goodness
             ,
             and
             forbearance
             ,
             and
             long-suffering
             ,
             not
             knowing
             that
             the
             goodness
             of
             God
             leadeth
             thee
             to
             repentance
             ?
          
           God
           hath
           a
           very
           gracious
           and
           merciful
           design
           in
           his
           Patience
           to
           Sinners
           ;
           he
           is
           good
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           make
           us
           so
           ,
           and
           that
           
             his
             goodness
             may
             lead
             us
             to
             repentance
          
           ;
           he
           defers
           Punishment
           on
           purpose
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           give
           Men
           time
           to
           bethink
           themselves
           ,
           
           and
           to
           return
           to
           a
           better
           Mind
           ;
           
             He
             winks
             at
             the
             sins
             of
             men
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             repent
             ,
          
           says
           the
           Son
           of
           Sirach
           .
           The
           Patience
           of
           God
           aims
           at
           the
           cure
           and
           recovery
           of
           those
           ,
           who
           are
           not
           desperately
           and
           resolutely
           wicked
           .
        
         
           This
           is
           the
           primary
           End
           and
           Intention
           of
           God's
           Patience
           to
           Sinners
           ;
           and
           if
           he
           fail
           of
           this
           End
           through
           our
           hardness
           and
           impenitency
           ,
           he
           hath
           other
           Ends
           which
           he
           will
           infallibly
           attain
           .
           He
           will
           hereby
           glorifie
           the
           riches
           of
           his
           Mercy
           ,
           and
           vindicate
           the
           righteousness
           of
           his
           Justice
           ;
           the
           damned
           in
           Hell
           shall
           acknowledge
           ,
           that
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           was
           great
           Mercy
           and
           Goodness
           to
           them
           ,
           tho'
           they
           abused
           it
           ;
           for
           God
           does
           not
           lose
           the
           glory
           of
           his
           Patience
           ,
           tho'
           we
           lose
           the
           benefit
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           he
           will
           make
           it
           subvervient
           to
           his
           Justice
           one
           way
           or
           other
           .
           Those
           great
           Offenders
           whom
           he
           spares
           ,
           after
           there
           are
           no
           hopes
           of
           their
           amendment
           ,
           he
           many
           times
           makes
           use
           of
           ,
           as
           Instruments
           for
           the
           punishing
           of
           others
           ,
           as
           
             rods
             of
             his
             wrath
             for
             the
             discipline
             of
             the
             world
          
           ;
           and
           he
           often
           reserves
           those
           who
           are
           incorrigibly
           bad
           for
           a
           more
           remarkable
           ruin
           .
           But
           however
           ,
           they
           are
           reserved
           to
           
           the
           Judgment
           of
           the
           great
           Day
           ;
           and
           if
           after
           God
           hath
           exercised
           much
           Patience
           towards
           Sinners
           in
           this
           World
           ,
           he
           inflict
           Punishment
           on
           them
           in
           the
           next
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           acknowledg'd
           to
           be
           most
           just
           ;
           for
           what
           can
           he
           do
           less
           ,
           than
           to
           condemn
           those
           who
           would
           not
           be
           saved
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           them
           miserable
           ,
           who
           so
           obstinately
           refused
           to
           be
           happy
           ?
        
         
           Before
           I
           come
           to
           apply
           this
           Discourse
           concerning
           the
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           to
           Sinners
           ,
           I
           must
           remove
           an
           Objection
           or
           two
           .
        
         
           I.
           The
           Severity
           of
           God
           to
           some
           Sinners
           in
           this
           Life
           ,
           and
           to
           all
           impenitent
           Sinners
           in
           the
           next
           ,
           seems
           to
           contradict
           what
           hath
           been
           said
           concerning
           God's
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           .
        
         
           As
           for
           the
           severity
           of
           God
           towards
           impenitent
           Sinners
           in
           the
           next
           Life
           ,
           this
           doth
           not
           at
           all
           contradict
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           ,
           because
           the
           very
           nature
           of
           Patience
           ,
           and
           forbearance
           ,
           and
           long-suffering
           ,
           does
           suppose
           a
           determinate
           time
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           will
           not
           last
           always
           ;
           this
           Life
           is
           the
           day
           of
           God's
           Patience
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           next
           World
           his
           Justice
           and
           Severity
           will
           take
           place
           .
           
           And
           therefore
           the
           punishment
           of
           Sinners
           in
           another
           World
           ,
           after
           God
           hath
           tryed
           them
           in
           this
           ,
           and
           expected
           their
           Repentance
           ,
           is
           no
           ways
           contrary
           to
           his
           Patience
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           very
           agreeable
           to
           his
           Wisdom
           and
           Justice
           ;
           for
           it
           is
           no
           part
           of
           Goodness
           ,
           to
           see
           it self
           perpetually
           abused
           ;
           it
           is
           not
           Patience
           ,
           but
           stupidity
           and
           insensibleness
           ,
           to
           endure
           to
           be
           always
           trampled
           upon
           ,
           and
           to
           bear
           to
           have
           his
           holy
           and
           just
           Laws
           for
           ever
           despised
           and
           contemned
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           for
           his
           Severity
           to
           some
           Sinners
           in
           this
           Life
           ;
           as
           to
           
           Lot's
           Wife
           ,
           to
           the
           Israelites
           that
           gathered
           Sticks
           on
           the
           Sabbath-day
           ,
           to
           Nadab
           and
           Abihu
           ,
           to
           Vzza
           ,
           to
           Ananias
           and
           Sapphira
           ,
           and
           to
           
             Herod
             Agrippa
          
           ;
           in
           all
           which
           Instances
           God
           seems
           to
           have
           made
           quick
           work
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           executed
           Judgment
           speedily
           ;
           to
           these
           I
           answer
           ,
           That
           this
           Severity
           of
           God
           to
           some
           few
           ,
           doth
           rather
           magnify
           his
           Patience
           to
           the
           rest
           of
           Mankind
           ;
           he
           may
           be
           severe
           to
           some
           few
           ,
           for
           Example
           and
           warning
           to
           many
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           learn
           to
           make
           better
           use
           of
           his
           Patience
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           trespass
           so
           boldly
           upon
           it
           ;
           and
           perhaps
           he
           hath
           exercised
           much
           Patience
           already
           
           towards
           those
           ,
           to
           whom
           at
           last
           he
           is
           so
           severe
           ;
           as
           is
           plain
           in
           the
           case
           of
           Herod
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           well
           be
           supposed
           in
           most
           of
           the
           other
           Instances
           ;
           or
           else
           the
           Sin
           so
           suddenly
           and
           severely
           punisht
           ,
           was
           very
           heinous
           and
           presumptuous
           ,
           of
           a
           contagious
           and
           spreading
           nature
           ,
           and
           of
           dangerous
           Example
           .
           
           Lot's
           Wife
           sinned
           very
           presumptuously
           against
           an
           express
           and
           an
           easie
           Command
           ,
           and
           whilst
           God
           was
           taking
           care
           of
           her
           deliverance
           in
           a
           very
           extraordinary
           manner
           .
           That
           of
           Nadab
           and
           Abihu
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Man
           that
           gathered
           Sticks
           on
           the
           Sabbath-day
           ,
           were
           presently
           after
           the
           giving
           of
           the
           Law
           ;
           in
           which
           case
           great
           severity
           is
           necessary
           ;
           and
           that
           of
           Ananias
           and
           Sapphira
           ,
           at
           the
           first
           publishing
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           that
           the
           Majesty
           of
           the
           Divine
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           the
           Authority
           of
           the
           first
           publishers
           of
           it
           might
           not
           be
           contemned
           .
           That
           of
           Vzza
           was
           upon
           the
           return
           of
           the
           Ark
           of
           God
           from
           among
           the
           Philistines
           ,
           that
           the
           People
           might
           not
           lose
           their
           reverence
           for
           it
           after
           it
           had
           been
           taken
           Captive
           ;
           so
           that
           these
           necessary
           Severities
           to
           a
           few
           ,
           in
           comparison
           of
           those
           many
           that
           are
           warned
           by
           them
           ,
           are
           rather
           Arguments
           of
           
           God's
           Patience
           ,
           than
           Objections
           against
           it
           .
        
         
           II.
           It
           is
           objected
           ,
           That
           if
           God
           do
           not
           desire
           the
           ruin
           of
           Sinners
           ,
           but
           their
           repentance
           ,
           whence
           comes
           it
           to
           pass
           ,
           that
           all
           are
           not
           brought
           to
           repentance
           ?
           for
           who
           hath
           resisted
           his
           Will
           ?
           To
           this
           I
           answer
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           there
           is
           no
           doubt
           but
           God
           is
           able
           to
           do
           this
           .
           He
           can
           ,
           if
           he
           pleaseth
           ,
           conquer
           and
           reclaim
           the
           most
           obstinate
           Spirits
           ;
           he
           is
           able
           
             out
             of
             stones
             to
             raise
             up
             children
             unto
             Abraham
             .
          
           And
           sometimes
           he
           exerts
           his
           Omnipotence
           herein
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           Conversion
           of
           St.
           Paul
           ,
           in
           a
           kind
           of
           violent
           and
           irresistible
           manner
           :
           but
           he
           hath
           no
           where
           declared
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           do
           this
           to
           all
           ;
           and
           we
           see
           plainly
           in
           experience
           ,
           that
           he
           does
           not
           do
           it
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           God
           may
           very
           well
           be
           said
           ,
           
             not
             to
             be
             willing
             that
             any
             should
             perish
             ,
             but
             that
             all
             should
             come
             to
             repentance
             ,
          
           when
           he
           does
           on
           his
           part
           what
           is
           sufficient
           to
           that
           end
           ;
           and
           upon
           this
           ground
           ,
           the
           Scripture
           every
           where
           represents
           God
           as
           desiring
           the
           repentance
           of
           Sinners
           ,
           and
           their
           obedience
           to
           his
           Laws
           ;
           Deut.
           5.29
           .
           
             O
             that
             there
             were
             such
             a
             heart
             in
             them
             ,
             that
             they
             would
             fear
             me
             ,
             
             and
             keep
             all
             my
             commandments
             always
             ,
             that
             it
             might
             be
             well
             with
             them
             !
          
           So
           Jer.
           13.27
           .
           
             O
             Jerusalem
             ,
             wilt
             thou
             not
             be
             made
             clean
             ?
             when
             shall
             it
             once
             be
             ?
             Is
             .
          
           5.3
           ,
           4.
           we
           find
           God
           there
           solemnly
           appealing
           to
           the
           People
           of
           Israel
           ,
           whether
           there
           had
           been
           any
           thing
           wanting
           on
           his
           part
           that
           was
           fit
           to
           be
           done
           ;
           
             And
             now
             ,
             O
             inhabitants
             of
             Jerusalem
             ,
             and
             men
             of
             Judah
             ,
             judge
             ,
             I
             pray
             you
             ,
             betwixt
             me
             and
             my
             vineyard
             .
             What
             could
             have
             been
             done
             more
             to
             my
             vineyard
             ,
             that
             I
             have
             not
             done
             to
             it
             ?
             wherefore
             when
             I
             looked
             it
             should
             bring
             forth
             grapes
             ,
             brought
             it
             forth
             wild
             grapes
             ?
          
           God
           may
           justly
           look
           for
           the
           Fruits
           of
           Repentance
           and
           Obedience
           from
           those
           ,
           to
           whom
           he
           affords
           a
           sufficiency
           of
           Means
           to
           that
           End.
           And
           if
           so
           ,
           then
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           true
           Reason
           why
           Men
           do
           not
           repent
           ,
           but
           perish
           ,
           is
           because
           they
           are
           obstinate
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           repent
           ;
           and
           this
           account
           the
           Scripture
           every
           where
           gives
           of
           the
           impenitency
           of
           Men
           ,
           and
           the
           ruin
           consequent
           upon
           it
           .
           Psal
           .
           81.13
           .
           
             O
             that
             my
             people
             had
             hearkened
             unto
             me
             ,
             and
             Israel
             had
             walked
             in
             my
             statutes
             !
             But
             my
             people
             would
             not
             hearken
             to
             my
             voice
             ,
             and
             Israel
             would
             none
             of
             me
             .
          
           Ezek.
           33.11
           .
           
             Why
             will
             
             ye
             dye
             ,
             O
             house
             of
             Israel
             ?
          
           Prov.
           1.29
           ,
           30
           ,
           31.
           
           
             They
             hated
             knowledge
             ,
             and
             did
             not
             chuse
             the
             fear
             of
             the
             Lord.
             They
             would
             none
             of
             my
             counsels
             ,
             they
             despised
             all
             my
             reproof
             .
             Therefore
             shall
             they
             eat
             the
             fruit
             of
             their
             own
             ways
             ,
             and
             be
             filled
             with
             their
             own
             devices
             .
          
           The
           ruin
           of
           Sinners
           does
           not
           proceed
           from
           the
           counsel
           of
           God
           ;
           but
           from
           their
           own
           choice
           .
           And
           so
           likewise
           our
           Saviour
           every
           where
           chargeth
           the
           ruin
           and
           destruction
           of
           the
           Jews
           upon
           their
           own
           wilful
           obstinacy
           .
        
         
           The
           Inferences
           from
           this
           Discourse
           concerning
           the
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           towards
           Mankind
           ,
           shall
           be
           these
           three
           .
        
         
           I.
           To
           stir
           us
           up
           to
           a
           thankful
           acknowledgment
           of
           the
           great
           Patience
           of
           God
           towards
           us
           ,
           notwithstanding
           our
           manifold
           and
           heinous
           provocations
           .
           We
           may
           every
           one
           of
           us
           take
           to
           our selves
           those
           words
           ,
           Lam.
           3.22
           .
           
             It
             is
             of
             the
             Lords
             mercy
             that
             we
             are
             not
             consumed
             ,
             because
             his
             compassions
             fail
             not
             .
          
           They
           are
           
             renewed
             every
             morning
          
           .
           When
           ever
           we
           sin
           (
           and
           
             we
             provoke
             God
             every
             day
          
           )
           it
           is
           
             of
             his
             Patience
             that
             we
             are
             not
             destroyed
          
           ;
           and
           when
           we
           sin
           again
           ,
           this
           is
           a
           new
           and
           greater
           Instance
           
           of
           God's
           Patience
           .
           The
           mercies
           of
           God's
           Patience
           are
           no
           more
           to
           be
           numbred
           than
           our
           sins
           ;
           we
           may
           say
           with
           
             David
             ,
             How
             great
             is
             the
             sum
             of
             them
             ?
          
           The
           goodness
           of
           God
           in
           sparing
           us
           ,
           is
           in
           some
           respect
           greater
           than
           his
           goodness
           in
           creating
           us
           ;
           because
           he
           had
           no
           provocation
           not
           to
           make
           us
           ,
           but
           we
           provoke
           him
           daily
           to
           destroy
           us
           .
        
         
           II.
           Let
           us
           propound
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           for
           a
           pattern
           to
           our selves
           .
           Plutarch
           says
           ,
           
             That
             God
             sets
             forth
             himself
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             the
             World
             for
             our
             Imitation
             ,
             and
             propounds
             to
             us
             the
             Example
             of
             his
             Patience
             ,
             to
             teach
             us
             not
             to
             revenge
             Injuries
             hastily
             upon
             one
             another
             .
          
        
         
           III.
           Let
           us
           comply
           with
           the
           design
           of
           God's
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           towards
           us
           ,
           which
           is
           
             to
             bring
             us
             to
             repentance
          
           .
           Men
           are
           very
           apt
           to
           abuse
           it
           to
           a
           quite
           contrary
           purpose
           ,
           to
           the
           encouraging
           themselves
           in
           their
           evil
           ways
           .
           So
           Solomon
           observes
           ,
           Eccl.
           8.11
           .
           
             Because
             sentence
             against
             an
             evil
             work
             is
             not
             executed
             speedily
             ,
             therefore
             the
             heart
             of
             the
             sons
             of
             men
             is
             fully
             set
             in
             them
             to
             do
             evil
          
           :
           But
           this
           is
           very
           false
           reasoning
           ;
           for
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           is
           an
           enemy
           
           to
           sin
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           his
           Justice
           ,
           and
           the
           design
           of
           it
           is
           not
           to
           countenance
           sin
           ,
           but
           to
           convert
           the
           Sinner
           ;
           Rom.
           2.4
           .
           
             Despisest
             thou
             the
             riches
             of
             his
             goodness
             ,
             and
             forbearance
             ,
             and
             long-suffering
             ,
             not
             knowing
             that
             the
             goodness
             of
             God
             leadeth
             thee
             to
             repentance
             ?
          
           Patience
           in
           God
           should
           produce
           Repentance
           in
           us
           ;
           and
           we
           should
           look
           upon
           it
           as
           an
           opportunity
           given
           us
           by
           God
           to
           repent
           and
           be
           saved
           ;
           2
           Pet.
           3.15
           .
           
             Account
             that
             the
             long-suffering
             of
             God
             is
             salvation
             .
          
           They
           that
           do
           not
           improve
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           to
           their
           own
           Salvation
           ,
           mistake
           the
           true
           meaning
           and
           intent
           of
           it
           .
           But
           many
           are
           so
           far
           from
           making
           this
           use
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           they
           presume
           upon
           it
           ,
           and
           sin
           with
           more
           courage
           and
           confidence
           because
           of
           it
           ;
           but
           that
           we
           may
           be
           sensible
           of
           the
           danger
           of
           this
           ,
           I
           will
           offer
           these
           two
           or
           three
           Considerations
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           nothing
           is
           more
           provoking
           to
           God
           ,
           than
           the
           abuse
           of
           his
           Patience
           .
           God's
           Patience
           waits
           for
           our
           Repentance
           ,
           and
           all
           long
           attendance
           ,
           even
           of
           Inferiors
           upon
           their
           Superiors
           ,
           hath
           something
           in
           it
           that
           is
           grievous
           ;
           how
           much
           more
           grievous
           and
           provoking
           must
           it
           be
           to
           the
           great
           God
           ,
           after
           he
           
           hath
           laid
           out
           upon
           us
           all
           the
           riches
           of
           his
           Goodness
           and
           long-suffering
           ,
           to
           have
           that
           despised
           !
           after
           his
           Patience
           hath
           waited
           a
           long
           time
           upon
           us
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           be
           thrust
           away
           with
           contempt
           ,
           but
           to
           have
           that
           which
           should
           be
           an
           argument
           to
           us
           to
           leave
           our
           sins
           ,
           abused
           into
           an
           encouragement
           to
           continue
           in
           them
           !
           God
           takes
           an
           account
           of
           all
           the
           days
           of
           his
           Patience
           and
           forbearance
           ;
           Luke
           13.7
           .
           
             Behold
             ,
             these
             three
             years
             I
             come
             seeking
             fruit
             ,
             and
             find
             none
             ;
             cut
             it
             down
             ;
             why
             cumbreth
             it
             the
             ground
             ?
          
        
         
           2.
           
           Consider
           that
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           will
           have
           an
           end
           .
           Tho'
           God
           suffers
           long
           ,
           he
           will
           not
           suffer
           always
           ;
           we
           may
           provoke
           God
           so
           long
           ,
           till
           he
           can
           forbear
           no
           longer
           without
           injury
           and
           dishonour
           to
           his
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           Justice
           ,
           and
           Holiness
           ;
           and
           God
           will
           not
           suffer
           one
           Attribute
           to
           wrong
           the
           rest
           ;
           his
           Wisdom
           will
           determine
           the
           length
           of
           his
           Patience
           ;
           when
           his
           Patience
           is
           to
           no
           purpose
           ,
           when
           there
           is
           no
           hopes
           of
           our
           amendment
           ,
           his
           Wisdom
           will
           then
           put
           a
           period
           to
           it
           ;
           then
           the
           Patience
           of
           his
           Mercy
           will
           determine
           .
           
             How
             often
             would
             I
             have
             gathered
             you
             ,
             and
             you
             would
             not
             ?
             therefore
             your
             house
             is
             left
             
             unto
             you
             desolate
             .
          
           And
           the
           Patience
           of
           God's
           Judgments
           will
           then
           determine
           .
           
             Why
             should
             they
             be
             smitten
             any
             more
             ?
             they
             will
             revolt
             more
             and
             more
             .
          
           Yea
           ,
           Patience
           it self
           ,
           after
           a
           long
           and
           fruitless
           expectation
           ,
           will
           expire
           .
           A
           Sinner
           may
           continue
           so
           long
           impenitent
           ,
           till
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           I
           may
           say
           ,
           grows
           impatient
           ,
           and
           then
           our
           ruin
           will
           make
           haste
           ,
           and
           destruction
           
             will
             come
             upon
             us
             in
             a
             moment
             .
          
           If
           Men
           will
           not
           come
           to
           repentance
           ,
           
             the
             day
             of
             the
             Lord
             will
             come
             as
             a
             thief
             in
             the
             night
             ,
          
           as
           it
           follows
           in
           the
           next
           Verse
           after
           the
           Text
           ;
           the
           Judgment
           of
           God
           will
           suddenly
           surprize
           those
           who
           will
           not
           be
           gained
           by
           his
           Patience
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Consider
           that
           nothing
           will
           more
           hasten
           and
           aggravate
           our
           ruin
           ,
           than
           the
           abuse
           of
           God's
           Patience
           .
           All
           this
           time
           of
           God's
           Patience
           ,
           his
           Wrath
           is
           coming
           towards
           us
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           we
           presume
           upon
           it
           ,
           the
           sooner
           it
           will
           overtake
           us
           ;
           Luke
           12.45
           ,
           46.
           
           
             The
             wicked
             servant
             ,
             who
             said
             his
             Lord
             delayed
             his
             coming
             ,
             and
             fell
             to
             rioting
             and
             drunkenness
             ,
          
           our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           That
           
             the
             Lord
             of
             that
             servant
             will
             come
             in
             a
             day
             when
             he
             looks
             not
             for
             him
             .
          
        
         
         
           And
           it
           will
           aggravate
           our
           ruin
           ;
           the
           longer
           punishment
           is
           a
           coming
           the
           heavier
           it
           will
           be
           ;
           those
           things
           which
           are
           long
           in
           preparation
           ,
           are
           terrible
           in
           execution
           ;
           the
           weight
           of
           God's
           wrath
           will
           make
           amends
           for
           the
           slowness
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           the
           delay
           of
           Judgment
           will
           be
           fully
           recompensed
           in
           the
           dreadfulness
           of
           it
           when
           it
           comes
           .
        
         
           Let
           all
           those
           consider
           this
           who
           go
           on
           in
           their
           sin
           ,
           and
           are
           deaf
           to
           the
           voice
           of
           God's
           Patience
           ,
           which
           calls
           upon
           them
           every
           moment
           of
           their
           lives
           .
           There
           is
           a
           day
           of
           Vengeance
           a
           coming
           upon
           those
           who
           trifle
           away
           this
           day
           of
           God's
           Patience
           ;
           nothing
           will
           sooner
           and
           more
           inflame
           the
           wrath
           and
           displeasure
           of
           God
           against
           us
           ,
           than
           his
           abused
           Patience
           ,
           and
           the
           despised
           riches
           of
           his
           Goodness
           .
           As
           Oyl
           ,
           tho'
           it
           be
           soft
           and
           smooth
           ,
           yet
           when
           it
           is
           once
           inflamed
           ,
           burns
           most
           fiercely
           ;
           so
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           abused
           ,
           turns
           into
           Fury
           ,
           and
           his
           mildest
           Attributes
           into
           the
           greatest
           Severities
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           do
           not
           bring
           us
           to
           Repentance
           ,
           it
           will
           but
           prepare
           us
           for
           a
           more
           intolerable
           ruin
           .
           After
           God
           hath
           kept
           a
           long
           indignation
           
           in
           his
           Breast
           ,
           it
           will
           at
           length
           break
           forth
           with
           the
           greater
           violence
           .
           The
           Patience
           of
           God
           increaseth
           his
           Judgments
           by
           an
           incredible
           kind
           of
           proportion
           ;
           Levit
           26.18
           .
           
             And
             if
             you
             will
             still
          
           (
           says
           God
           to
           the
           People
           of
           
             Israel
             )
             walk
             contrary
             to
             me
             ,
             and
             if
             ye
             will
             not
             be
             reformed
             by
             all
             these
             things
             ,
             I
             will
             punish
             you
             yet
             seven
             times
             more
             .
          
           And
           v.
           27.
           
           
             I
             will
             bring
             seven
             times
             more
             plagues
             upon
             you
             ,
             according
             to
             your
             sins
             .
          
           At
           first
           God's
           Justice
           accuseth
           Sinners
           ;
           but
           after
           a
           long
           time
           of
           Patience
           ,
           his
           Mercy
           comes
           in
           against
           us
           ,
           and
           instead
           of
           staying
           his
           hand
           ,
           adds
           weight
           to
           his
           blows
           ;
           Rom.
           9.22
           .
           
             What
             if
             God
             willing
             to
             shew
             his
             wrath
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             his
             power
             known
             ,
             endured
             with
             much
             long-suffering
             the
             vessels
             of
             wrath
             fitted
             for
             destruction
             .
          
           They
           ,
           upon
           whom
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           hath
           no
           good
           effect
           ,
           are
           
             vessels
             of
             wrath
             ,
             preapred
             and
             fitted
             for
             destruction
             .
          
           If
           ever
           God
           display
           his
           wrath
           ,
           and
           make
           his
           anger
           known
           ,
           he
           will
           do
           it
           in
           the
           most
           severe
           manner
           upon
           those
           who
           have
           despised
           and
           abused
           his
           Patience
           ;
           for
           these
           ,
           in
           a
           more
           peculiar
           manner
           ,
           do
           
             treasure
             up
             for
             themselves
             wrath
             against
             the
             day
             of
             wrath
             ,
             and
             the
             revelation
             of
             the
             righteous
             judgment
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
         
           To
           conclude
           ,
           Let
           us
           all
           take
           a
           review
           of
           our
           lives
           ,
           and
           consider
           how
           long
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           hath
           waited
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           born
           with
           us
           ;
           with
           some
           twenty
           ,
           forty
           ,
           perhaps
           sixty
           Years
           ,
           and
           longer
           .
           Do
           we
           not
           remember
           how
           God
           spared
           us
           in
           such
           a
           danger
           ,
           when
           we
           gave
           our selves
           for
           lost
           ?
           and
           how
           he
           recovered
           us
           in
           such
           a
           sickness
           ,
           when
           the
           Physician
           gave
           us
           up
           for
           gone
           ?
           and
           what
           use
           we
           made
           of
           this
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           towards
           us
           ?
           It
           is
           the
           worst
           temper
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           melted
           by
           kindness
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           obliged
           by
           benefits
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           tamed
           by
           gentle
           usage
           .
           He
           that
           is
           not
           wrought
           upon
           ,
           neither
           by
           the
           patience
           of
           his
           Mercy
           ,
           nor
           by
           the
           patience
           of
           his
           Judgments
           ,
           his
           case
           is
           desperate
           and
           past
           remedy
           .
           
             Consider
             this
             all
             ye
             that
             forget
             God
             ,
          
           left
           his
           Patience
           turn
           into
           Fury
           ;
           
             for
             God
             is
             not
             slack
             ,
             as
             some
             men
             count
             slackness
             ;
             but
             long-suffering
             to
             sinners
             ,
             not
             willing
             that
             any
             should
             perish
             ,
             but
             that
             all
             should
             come
             to
             repentance
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
         
           SERMON
           VIII
           .
           
           The
           Long-suffering
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           
             
               
                 ECCLES
                 .
                 VIII
                 .
                 11
              
               .
            
             
               Because
               sentence
               against
               an
               evil
               work
               is
               not
               executed
               speedily
               ,
               therefore
               the
               heart
               of
               the
               sons
               of
               men
               is
               fully
               set
               in
               them
               to
               do
               evil
               .
            
          
        
         
           NOthing
           is
           more
           evident
           ,
           than
           that
           
             the
             world
             lies
             in
             wickedness
             ,
             and
          
           that
           iniquity
           every
           where
           abounds
           ;
           and
           yet
           nothing
           is
           more
           certain
           ,
           than
           that
           
             God
             will
             not
             acquit
             the
             guilty
             ,
          
           and
           let
           sin
           go
           unpunished
           .
           All
           Men
           ,
           excepting
           those
           who
           have
           offer'd
           notorious
           violence
           to
           the
           light
           of
           their
           own
           Minds
           ,
           and
           
             have
             put
             the
             candle
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           which
           is
           in
           them
           ,
           
             under
             a
             bushel
          
           ,
           do
           believe
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           a
           God
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           to
           
           whose
           holy
           Nature
           and
           Will
           sin
           is
           perfectly
           contrary
           ,
           
             who
             loves
             righteousness
             and
             hates
             iniquity
             ,
          
           that
           
             his
             eyes
             are
             upon
             the
             ways
             of
             man
             ,
             and
             he
             seeth
             all
             his
             goings
             ,
          
           that
           
             there
             is
             no
             darkness
             nor
             shadow
             of
             death
             ,
             where
             the
             workers
             of
             iniquity
             may
             hide
             themselves
             .
          
           All
           Men
           ,
           except
           those
           whose
           
             Consciences
             are
             seared
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             with
             a
             hot
             Iron
             ,
          
           are
           convinc'd
           of
           the
           difference
           of
           good
           and
           evil
           ,
           and
           that
           it
           is
           not
           all
           one
           whether
           
             men
             serve
             God
          
           or
           
             serve
             him
             not
          
           ,
           do
           well
           ,
           or
           live
           wickedly
           .
           Every
           Man
           from
           his
           inward
           Sense
           and
           Experience
           is
           satisfied
           of
           his
           own
           Liberty
           ,
           and
           that
           God
           lays
           upon
           Men
           no
           necessity
           of
           sinning
           ,
           but
           that
           when
           ever
           we
           do
           amiss
           ,
           it
           is
           our
           own
           act
           ,
           and
           we
           chuse
           to
           do
           so
           ;
           and
           so
           far
           is
           he
           from
           giving
           the
           least
           countenance
           to
           sin
           ,
           that
           he
           hath
           given
           all
           imaginable
           discouragement
           to
           it
           ,
           by
           the
           most
           severe
           and
           terrible
           threatnings
           ,
           such
           as
           one
           would
           think
           sufficient
           to
           deter
           Men
           for
           ever
           from
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           drive
           it
           out
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           and
           to
           make
           his
           Threatnings
           the
           more
           awful
           and
           effectual
           ,
           his
           Providence
           hath
           not
           been
           wanting
           to
           give
           remarkable
           Instances
           of
           his
           Justice
           and
           Severity
           upon
           notorious
           Offenders
           ,
           even
           
           in
           this
           life
           :
           and
           yet
           for
           all
           this
           ,
           Men
           do
           and
           will
           sin
           ;
           nay
           ,
           they
           are
           zealously
           set
           and
           bent
           upon
           it
           .
        
         
           Now
           here
           is
           the
           wonder
           ;
           what
           it
           is
           that
           gives
           sinners
           such
           heart
           ,
           and
           makes
           them
           so
           resolute
           and
           undaunted
           in
           so
           dangerous
           a
           course
           .
           Solomon
           gives
           us
           this
           account
           of
           it
           ,
           because
           the
           Punishments
           and
           Judgments
           of
           God
           follow
           the
           sins
           of
           Men
           so
           slowly
           ,
           and
           are
           long
           before
           they
           overtake
           the
           sinner
           ,
           
             Because
             sentence
             against
             an
             evil
             work
             is
             not
             executed
             speedily
             ,
             therefore
             the
             hearts
             of
             the
             sons
             of
             men
             are
             fully
             set
             in
             them
             to
             do
             evil
             .
          
        
         
           The
           scope
           of
           the
           wise
           Man's
           discourse
           is
           this
           ,
           That
           by
           reason
           of
           God's
           forbearance
           and
           long-suffering
           toward
           sinners
           in
           this
           life
           ,
           't
           is
           not
           so
           easie
           to
           discern
           the
           difference
           between
           them
           and
           other
           Men
           ;
           this
           life
           is
           the
           day
           of
           God's
           Patience
           ,
           but
           the
           next
           will
           be
           a
           day
           of
           retribution
           and
           recompence
           .
           Now
           because
           God
           doth
           defer
           and
           moderate
           the
           punishment
           of
           sinners
           in
           this
           World
           ,
           and
           reserve
           the
           weight
           of
           his
           Judgments
           to
           the
           next
           ,
           because
           through
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           many
           great
           sinners
           live
           and
           dye
           without
           any
           remarkable
           testimony
           
           of
           God's
           wrath
           and
           displeasure
           against
           them
           ,
           
             therefore
             the
             hearts
             of
             the
             children
             of
             men
             are
             fully
             set
             in
             them
             to
             do
             evil
             .
          
        
         
           If
           we
           render
           the
           Text
           word
           for
           word
           from
           the
           Original
           ,
           it
           runs
           thus
           ,
           
             Because
             nothing
             is
             done
             as
             a
             recompence
             to
             an
             evil
             work
             ,
             therefore
             the
             hearts
             of
             the
             sons
             of
             men
             are
             full
             in
             them
             to
             do
             evil
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           because
           Men
           are
           not
           opposed
           and
           contradicted
           in
           their
           evil
           ways
           ,
           because
           Divine
           Justice
           doth
           not
           presently
           check
           and
           controul
           sinners
           ,
           because
           sentence
           is
           
             not
             immediately
             past
          
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           
             judgment
             executed
             ,
             therefore
             the
             heart
             of
             the
             sons
             of
             men
             is
          
           full
           in
           them
           to
           
             do
             evil
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           therefore
           Men
           grow
           bold
           and
           presumptuous
           in
           sin
           ;
           for
           the
           Hebrew
           word
           which
           we
           render
           ,
           
             is
             fully
             set
             in
             them
          
           ,
           we
           find
           Esth
           .
           7.5
           .
           where
           Ahashuerus
           says
           concerning
           
             Haman
             ,
             Who
             is
             he
             ?
             and
             where
             is
             he
             ,
             that
             durst
             presume
             in
             his
             heart
             to
             do
             so
             ?
             Whose
             heart
             was
             full
             to
             do
             so
             ,
             Fervet
             in
             iis
             cor
             filiorum
             hominum
          
           ;
           so
           some
           render
           it
           ,
           
             the
             hearts
             of
             men
             boil
             with
             wickedness
             ,
          
           are
           so
           full
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           
             it
             works
             over
          
           .
           Men
           are
           resolute
           in
           an
           evil
           course
           ,
           
             their
             hearts
             are
             strengthened
             and
             hardened
             in
             them
             to
             do
             evil
             ,
          
           so
           others
           
           translate
           the
           words
           .
           The
           Translation
           of
           the
           LXX
           is
           very
           emphatical
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             the
             heart
             of
             the
             sons
             of
             men
             is
             fully
             perswaded
             and
             assured
             to
             do
             evil
             .
          
           All
           these
           Translations
           agree
           in
           the
           main
           scope
           and
           sense
           ,
           viz.
           That
           sinners
           are
           very
           apt
           to
           presume
           upon
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           abuse
           it
           ,
           to
           the
           hardning
           and
           encouraging
           of
           themselves
           in
           their
           evil
           ways
           .
           In
           the
           handling
           of
           this
           ,
           I
           shall
        
         
           First
           ,
           Briefly
           shew
           that
           it
           is
           so
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Whence
           this
           comes
           to
           pass
           ,
           and
           upon
           what
           pretences
           and
           colours
           of
           reason
           ,
           Men
           encourage
           themselves
           in
           sin
           ,
           from
           the
           Patience
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           I
           shall
           endeavour
           to
           answer
           an
           Objection
           about
           this
           matter
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           Men
           are
           very
           apt
           to
           abuse
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           the
           encouraging
           and
           hardning
           of
           themselves
           in
           an
           evil
           course
           ,
           the
           experience
           of
           the
           World
           in
           all
           Ages
           does
           give
           abundant
           testimony
           .
           Thus
           it
           was
           with
           the
           old
           World
           ,
           
             when
             the
             long-suffering
             of
             God
             waited
             in
             the
             days
             of
             Noah
             ,
             while
             he
             was
             preparing
             an
             Ark
             ,
             for
             the
             space
             of
             a
             hundred
             and
             twenty
             years
             ,
          
           1
           Pet.
           3.20
           .
           For
           the
           wickedness
           of
           Man
           ,
           which
           
           was
           great
           upon
           the
           Earth
           ,
           a
           general
           deluge
           was
           threatned
           ,
           but
           God
           was
           patient
           ,
           and
           delayed
           his
           Judgment
           a
           great
           while
           ;
           hereupon
           they
           grew
           secure
           in
           their
           impenitency
           ,
           and
           went
           on
           in
           their
           course
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           had
           no
           apprehension
           of
           danger
           ,
           no
           fear
           of
           the
           Judgment
           threatned
           .
           So
           our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           Matth.
           24.38
           ,
           39.
           
           
             As
             in
             the
             days
             that
             were
             before
             the
             flood
             ,
             they
             were
             eating
             and
             drinking
             ,
             marrying
             and
             giving
             in
             marriage
             ,
             until
             the
             day
             that
             Noah
             entred
             into
             the
             Ark
             ,
             and
             knew
             not
             until
             the
             flood
             came
             and
             took
             them
             all
             away
             .
          
           And
           so
           it
           was
           with
           Sodom
           ,
           Luke
           17.28
           .
           And
           
             likewise
             also
             as
             it
             was
             in
             the
             days
             of
             Lot
             ,
             they
             eat
             ,
             they
             drank
             ,
             they
             bought
             ,
             they
             sold
             ,
             they
             planted
             ,
             they
             built
             .
          
           And
           so
           our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           it
           will
           be
           in
           the
           end
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           
             Even
             thus
             shall
             it
             be
             in
             the
             day
             when
             the
             Son
             of
             man
             is
             revealed
             .
          
           So
           likewise
           the
           Apostle
           St.
           Paul
           ,
           Rom.
           2.4
           ,
           5.
           
           
             Despisest
             thou
             the
             riches
             of
             his
             goodness
             ,
             and
             forbearance
             ,
             and
             long-suffering
             ,
             not
             knowing
             that
             the
             goodness
             of
             God
             leadeth
             thee
             to
             repentance
             ?
             But
             after
             thy
             hardness
             and
             impenitent
             heart
             ,
             treasurest
             up
             to
             thy self
             wrath
             against
             the
             day
             of
             wrath
             ,
             and
             the
             revelation
             of
             the
             righteous
             judgment
             of
             God.
          
           The
           goodness
           
           and
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           ought
           in
           all
           reason
           to
           lead
           Men
           to
           repentance
           ,
           is
           to
           many
           an
           occasion
           of
           greater
           hardness
           and
           impenitency
           .
           So
           also
           St.
           Peter
           foretels
           ,
           2
           Pet.
           3.3
           .
           that
           
             in
             the
             last
             days
             there
             should
             come
             scoffers
             ,
             who
             should
             walk
             after
             their
             own
             hearts
             lusts
             ,
             saying
             ,
             Where
             is
             the
             promise
             of
             his
             coming
             ?
          
           And
           we
           see
           in
           daily
           experience
           ,
           that
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           sinners
           grow
           more
           obstinate
           and
           confirmed
           in
           their
           wicked
           ways
           ,
           upon
           account
           of
           God's
           Patience
           ,
           and
           because
           he
           delays
           the
           punishment
           due
           to
           them
           for
           their
           sins
           .
           Let
           us
           consider
           in
           the
        
         
           Second
           place
           ,
           whence
           this
           comes
           to
           pass
           ,
           and
           upon
           what
           pretence
           and
           colour
           of
           Reason
           ,
           Men
           encourage
           themselves
           in
           sin
           ,
           from
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God.
           And
           there
           is
           no
           doubt
           but
           this
           proceeds
           from
           our
           ignorance
           and
           inconsiderateness
           ,
           and
           from
           
             an
             evil
             heart
             of
             unbelief
          
           ,
           from
           the
           temptation
           and
           suggestion
           of
           the
           Devil
           ,
           one
           of
           whose
           great
           arts
           it
           is
           ,
           to
           make
           Men
           question
           the
           threatnings
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           insinuate
           ,
           as
           he
           did
           to
           our
           first
           Parents
           ,
           either
           that
           he
           hath
           not
           denounced
           such
           threatnings
           ,
           or
           that
           he
           will
           
           not
           execute
           them
           so
           severely
           .
           All
           these
           Causes
           do
           concur
           to
           the
           producing
           this
           monstrous
           Effect
           ;
           but
           that
           which
           I
           design
           to
           enquire
           into
           ,
           is
           ,
           from
           what
           pretence
           of
           Reason
           ,
           grounded
           upon
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ,
           sinners
           argue
           themselves
           into
           this
           confidence
           and
           presumption
           .
           For
           when
           the
           wise
           Man
           saith
           ,
           that
           
             because
             sentence
             against
             an
             evil
             work
             is
             not
             executed
             speedily
             ,
             therefore
             the
             heart
             of
             the
             sons
             of
             men
             is
             fully
             set
             in
             them
             to
             do
             evil
             ,
          
           he
           does
           not
           intend
           to
           insinuate
           ,
           that
           God's
           long-suffering
           fills
           the
           hearts
           of
           Men
           with
           wicked
           designs
           and
           resolutions
           ,
           and
           does
           by
           a
           proper
           and
           direct
           efficacy
           ,
           harden
           sinners
           in
           their
           course
           ;
           but
           that
           wicked
           Men
           upon
           some
           account
           or
           other
           ,
           do
           take
           occasion
           from
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           harden
           themselves
           in
           sin
           ;
           they
           draw
           false
           conclusions
           from
           it
           to
           impose
           upon
           themselves
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           really
           a
           ground
           of
           encouragement
           ;
           they
           think
           they
           see
           something
           in
           the
           forbearance
           of
           God
           and
           his
           delay
           of
           punishment
           ,
           which
           makes
           them
           hope
           for
           impunity
           in
           an
           evil
           course
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           threatnings
           of
           God.
           
        
         
         
           And
           therefore
           I
           shall
           endeavour
           to
           shew
           ,
           what
           those
           false
           conclusions
           are
           ,
           which
           wicked
           Men
           draw
           from
           the
           delay
           of
           punishment
           ,
           and
           to
           discover
           the
           sophistry
           and
           fallacy
           of
           them
           ;
           and
           I
           shall
           rank
           them
           under
           two
           Heads
           ;
           those
           which
           are
           more
           gross
           and
           atheistical
           ,
           and
           those
           which
           are
           not
           so
           gross
           ,
           but
           yet
           more
           common
           and
           frequent
           .
        
         
           I.
           Those
           conclusions
           which
           are
           more
           gross
           and
           atheistical
           ,
           which
           bad
           Men
           draw
           to
           the
           hardening
           and
           encourageing
           of
           themselves
           in
           sin
           ,
           from
           the
           delay
           of
           punishment
           (
           which
           we
           who
           believe
           a
           God
           ,
           call
           the
           patience
           or
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           )
           are
           these
           three
           ;
           either
           that
           there
           is
           no
           God
           ;
           or
           if
           there
           be
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           Providence
           ;
           or
           that
           there
           is
           no
           difference
           between
           Good
           and
           Evil.
           
        
         
           I
           shall
           speak
           more
           briefly
           of
           these
           ,
           because
           I
           hope
           there
           are
           but
           few
           in
           the
           World
           of
           such
           irregular
           and
           besotted
           understandings
           ,
           as
           to
           make
           such
           Inferences
           as
           these
           from
           the
           delay
           of
           punishment
           .
        
         
           1
           st
           .
           From
           hence
           some
           would
           fain
           conclude
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           God.
           That
           some
           are
           so
           absurd
           as
           to
           reason
           in
           this
           
           manner
           ,
           the
           Scripture
           tells
           us
           ,
           Psal
           .
           14.1
           .
           
             The
             fool
             hath
             said
             in
             his
             heart
             ,
             There
             is
             no
             God
             :
             they
             are
             corrupt
             ,
             and
             have
             done
             abominable
             works
             .
          
           Now
           the
           Argument
           that
           these
           Men
           frame
           to
           themselves
           ,
           is
           this
           ;
           God
           doth
           not
           take
           a
           speedy
           course
           with
           sinners
           ,
           and
           revenge
           himself
           immediately
           upon
           the
           workers
           of
           Iniquity
           ,
           therefore
           there
           is
           no
           God
           ;
           for
           if
           there
           were
           ,
           he
           would
           shew
           himself
           ,
           and
           not
           bear
           the
           affronts
           of
           sinners
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           so
           easie
           for
           him
           to
           vindicate
           himself
           by
           a
           swift
           and
           speedy
           Vengeance
           .
           Thus
           the
           Poet
           represents
           the
           Atheist
           arguing
           ,
           
             Nullos
             esse
             deos
             ,
             inane
             coelum
             ,
             affirmat
             Selius
             ,
             probatque
             ,
             quod
             se
             factum
             ,
             dum
             negat
             hoc
             ,
             videt
             beatum
             .
          
           
             Selius
             affirms
             there
             are
             no
             Gods
             ,
             and
             that
             Heaven
             is
             an
             empty
             place
             ,
             and
             proves
             it
             ,
             because
             whilst
             he
             denys
             God
             ,
             he
             sees
             himself
             in
             a
             very
             happy
             and
             prosperous
             condition
             .
          
        
         
           And
           here
           it
           is
           worthy
           our
           notice
           ,
           at
           what
           a
           contradictious
           rate
           these
           Men
           reason
           .
           First
           they
           would
           have
           no
           God
           ,
           lest
           he
           should
           be
           just
           and
           punish
           them
           as
           they
           deserve
           ;
           and
           then
           in
           another
           mood
           ,
           they
           would
           have
           him
           to
           be
           nothing
           but
           Justice
           and
           
           Severity
           ,
           lest
           there
           should
           be
           a
           God
           ;
           as
           if
           no
           other
           Notion
           could
           be
           framed
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           but
           of
           a
           ●a●h
           Fury
           ,
           and
           impetuous
           Revenge
           ,
           and
           an
           impotent
           Passion
           ,
           which
           when
           it
           is
           offended
           and
           provoked
           ,
           cannot
           contain
           it self
           ,
           and
           forbear
           punishment
           for
           a
           moment
           .
           Justice
           is
           not
           such
           a
           Perfection
           as
           doth
           necessarily
           exclude
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           Patience
           ;
           it
           doth
           in
           no
           wise
           contradict
           the
           Perfection
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           to
           bear
           with
           sinners
           in
           expectation
           of
           their
           repentance
           and
           amendment
           ;
           or
           if
           God
           foresees
           their
           final
           impenitency
           ,
           to
           respit
           their
           punishment
           to
           the
           most
           fit
           and
           convenient
           season
           .
           God
           may
           suffer
           long
           ,
           and
           yet
           be
           resolved
           ,
           if
           sinners
           persist
           in
           the
           abuse
           of
           his
           Goodness
           and
           Patience
           ,
           to
           execute
           Vengeance
           upon
           them
           in
           due
           time
           .
           It
           is
           a
           pitiful
           ground
           of
           Atheism
           ,
           that
           because
           God
           is
           so
           much
           better
           than
           wicked
           Men
           deserve
           ,
           they
           will
           not
           allow
           him
           to
           be
           at
           all
           .
        
         
           2
           dly
           ,
           Others
           infer
           from
           the
           delay
           of
           punishment
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           Providence
           that
           administers
           the
           Affairs
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           regards
           the
           good
           and
           bad
           Actions
           of
           Men.
           For
           tho'
           the
           Being
           
           of
           God
           be
           acknowledged
           ,
           yet
           if
           he
           do
           not
           regard
           what
           is
           done
           here
           below
           ,
           nor
           concern
           himself
           in
           humane
           Affairs
           ,
           sinners
           are
           as
           safe
           and
           free
           to
           do
           what
           they
           please
           ,
           as
           if
           there
           were
           no
           God
           ;
           and
           upon
           this
           ground
           ,
           the
           Scripture
           tells
           us
           ,
           many
           encourage
           themselves
           in
           their
           wickedness
           ;
           Psal
           .
           64.5
           .
           
             They
             encourage
             themselves
             in
             an
             evil
             matter
             ,
             they
             commune
             of
             laying
             snares
             privately
             ;
             for
             they
             say
             ,
             Who
             shall
             see
             them
             ?
          
           And
           more
           expresly
           ,
           Psal
           .
           94.4
           ,
           5
           ,
           6
           ,
           7.
           
           
             How
             long
             shall
             the
             workers
             of
             iniquity
             boast
             themselves
             ?
             They
             break
             in
             pieces
             thy
             People
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             and
             afflict
             thine
             heritage
             ,
             and
             slay
             the
             widow
             and
             the
             stranger
             ,
             and
             murder
             the
             fatherless
             ;
             and
             yet
             they
             say
             ,
             The
             Lord
             shall
             not
             see
             ,
             neither
             shall
             the
             God
             of
             Jacob
             regard
             it
             .
          
           And
           if
           this
           were
           so
           ,
           well
           might
           they
           encourage
           themselves
           .
           If
           it
           were
           true
           which
           Epicurus
           saith
           ,
           
             That
             God
             takes
             no
             knowledge
             of
             the
             Actions
             of
             Men
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             far
             removed
             from
             us
             ,
             and
             contented
             with
             himself
             ,
             and
             not
             at
             all
             concerned
             in
             what
             we
             do
             ;
          
           If
           this
           were
           true
           ,
           the
           Inference
           which
           Lucretius
           makes
           ,
           were
           very
           just
           ;
           
             Quare
             relligio
             pedibus
             subjecta
             vicissim
             Obteritur
          
           ;
           
             Men
             might
             trample
             
             Religion
             under
             their
             Feet
             ,
             and
             live
             without
             any
             regard
             to
             the
             Laws
             of
             it
             .
          
        
         
           But
           let
           us
           see
           how
           they
           infer
           this
           from
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           neglects
           the
           Affairs
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           hath
           no
           consideration
           of
           the
           Actions
           of
           Men
           ,
           because
           they
           see
           the
           ungodly
           to
           prosper
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           equally
           with
           others
           that
           are
           strictly
           devout
           and
           virtuous
           ,
           yea
           ,
           many
           times
           to
           be
           in
           a
           more
           prosperous
           and
           flourishing
           condition
           ;
           
             they
             are
             not
             in
             trouble
             like
             other
             men
             ,
             neither
             are
             they
             plagued
             like
             other
             men
             .
          
           So
           that
           if
           there
           be
           a
           God
           ,
           it
           seems
           (
           say
           they
           )
           that
           he
           connives
           at
           the
           Crimes
           of
           Men
           ,
           and
           
             looks
             on
             upon
             them
             that
             deal
             treacherously
             ,
             and
             holds
             his
             peace
             ,
             whilst
             the
             wicked
             devoureth
             the
             man
             that
             is
             more
             righteous
             than
             himself
          
           ;
           as
           the
           Prophet
           expresseth
           it
           ,
           Hab.
           1.13
           .
        
         
           For
           answer
           to
           this
           ,
           I
           shall
           only
           give
           this
           reasonable
           and
           credible
           Account
           of
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           impunity
           of
           wicked
           Men
           in
           this
           Life
           ,
           which
           not
           only
           the
           Scripture
           gives
           us
           ,
           but
           the
           Heathen
           were
           able
           to
           give
           from
           the
           light
           of
           Nature
           ,
           and
           is
           agreeable
           to
           the
           common
           Sense
           of
           Mankind
           ;
           namely
           ,
           That
           this
           Life
           is
           a
           state
           of
           probation
           
           and
           tryal
           ,
           wherein
           God
           
             suffers
             men
             to
             walk
             in
             their
             own
             ways
          
           without
           any
           visible
           check
           and
           restraint
           ,
           and
           does
           not
           usually
           inflict
           present
           and
           remarkable
           punishments
           upon
           them
           for
           their
           evil
           deeds
           ;
           because
           this
           being
           a
           state
           of
           tryal
           of
           the
           dispositions
           and
           manners
           of
           Men
           ,
           is
           rather
           the
           proper
           season
           of
           Patience
           ,
           than
           of
           punishments
           and
           rewards
           ;
           and
           therefore
           it
           is
           very
           reasonable
           to
           suppose
           ,
           that
           God
           reserves
           sinners
           for
           a
           solemn
           and
           publick
           Tryal
           ,
           at
           the
           great
           Assises
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           when
           he
           will
           openly
           vindicate
           the
           honour
           of
           his
           Justice
           ,
           upon
           the
           despisers
           of
           his
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           ,
           when
           he
           will
           make
           
             his
             judgment
             to
             break
             forth
             as
             the
             light
             ,
             and
             his
             righteousness
             as
             the
             noon
             day
             .
          
           In
           the
           mean
           time
           the
           providence
           of
           God
           ,
           when
           he
           sees
           it
           fit
           ,
           gives
           some
           remarkable
           Instances
           of
           his
           Justice
           upon
           great
           and
           notorious
           Offenders
           in
           this
           life
           ,
           as
           a
           pledge
           and
           earnest
           of
           a
           future
           Judgment
           ;
           and
           these
           sometimes
           more
           general
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           destruction
           of
           the
           old
           World
           ,
           by
           an
           universal
           Deluge
           ,
           when
           
             he
             saw
             the
             wickedness
             of
             men
             to
             be
             great
             upon
             the
             earth
             .
          
           And
           such
           was
           that
           terrible
           Vengeance
           
           which
           was
           poured
           down
           upon
           Sodom
           and
           Gomorrah
           ,
           and
           the
           Cities
           about
           them
           ;
           which
           ,
           as
           St.
           Jude
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             are
             set
             forth
             for
             an
             example
             ,
             suffering
             the
             vengeance
             of
             eternal
             fire
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           of
           a
           perpetual
           destruction
           by
           Fire
           .
        
         
           3
           dly
           ,
           Another
           gross
           and
           Atheistical
           Inference
           ,
           which
           Men
           are
           apt
           to
           make
           from
           the
           delay
           of
           punishment
           ,
           is
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           such
           difference
           of
           good
           and
           evil
           as
           is
           pretended
           ;
           because
           they
           do
           not
           see
           the
           good
           and
           bad
           Actions
           of
           Men
           differenced
           in
           their
           rewards
           ,
           because
           Divine
           Justice
           doth
           not
           presently
           manifest
           it self
           ,
           and
           
             every
             transgression
             and
             disobedience
          
           doth
           not
           immediately
           
             receive
             a
             just
             recompence
             of
             reward
             ,
          
           therefore
           they
           cannot
           believe
           ,
           that
           the
           difference
           between
           good
           and
           evil
           is
           so
           great
           and
           evident
           .
        
         
           For
           answer
           to
           this
           .
           Not
           to
           insist
           upon
           the
           difference
           which
           the
           Providence
           of
           God
           sometimes
           makes
           between
           them
           in
           this
           life
           ,
           I
           appeal
           to
           the
           Consciences
           of
           Men
           ,
           whether
           they
           do
           not
           secretly
           and
           inwardly
           acknowledge
           a
           clear
           difference
           between
           good
           and
           evil
           .
           Are
           not
           the
           worst
           of
           Men
           apt
           to
           conceive
           better
           hopes
           of
           success
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           about
           a
           just
           and
           honest
           
           undertaking
           ,
           than
           when
           they
           are
           ingaged
           in
           a
           wicked
           design
           ?
           Do
           not
           bad
           Men
           feel
           a
           secret
           shame
           and
           horror
           ,
           when
           no
           Eye
           sees
           them
           ,
           and
           the
           wickedness
           they
           are
           about
           to
           commit
           doth
           not
           fall
           under
           the
           cognisance
           and
           censure
           of
           any
           human
           Court
           or
           Tribunal
           ?
           Have
           they
           not
           many
           checks
           and
           rebukes
           in
           their
           own
           Spirits
           ,
           much
           disturbance
           and
           confusion
           of
           Mind
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           enterprising
           a
           wicked
           thing
           ?
           And
           does
           not
           this
           plainly
           argue
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           guilty
           to
           themselves
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           about
           something
           which
           they
           ought
           not
           to
           do
           ?
        
         
           'T
           is
           very
           true
           that
           most
           Men
           are
           more
           sensible
           of
           the
           Evil
           of
           an
           Action
           ,
           when
           they
           feel
           the
           ill
           effects
           and
           consequences
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           suffer
           the
           punishment
           that
           is
           due
           to
           it
           :
           but
           yet
           the
           sense
           of
           good
           and
           evil
           is
           so
           deeply
           imprest
           upon
           humane
           Nature
           ,
           that
           I
           think
           no
           Man
           ,
           remaining
           
             a
             Man
          
           ,
           can
           quite
           deface
           and
           blot
           out
           the
           difference
           of
           good
           and
           evil
           .
           So
           that
           if
           Men
           will
           but
           attend
           to
           the
           natural
           dictates
           and
           suggestions
           of
           their
           own
           Minds
           ,
           they
           cannot
           possibly
           infer
           from
           the
           delay
           of
           punishment
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           difference
           of
           good
           and
           evil
           .
        
         
         
           But
           because
           those
           who
           argue
           thus
           are
           but
           few
           in
           comparison
           ,
           there
           being
           not
           many
           in
           the
           World
           arrived
           to
           that
           degree
           of
           blindness
           and
           height
           of
           impiety
           ,
           as
           to
           disbelieve
           
             a
             God
          
           and
           
             a
             Providence
          
           ,
           and
           I
           think
           none
           have
           attained
           to
           that
           perfect
           conquest
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           as
           to
           have
           lost
           all
           sense
           of
           good
           and
           evil
           ;
           therefore
           I
           shall
           rather
           insist
        
         
           II.
           Upon
           those
           kind
           of
           Reasonings
           which
           are
           more
           ordinary
           and
           common
           among
           bad
           Men
           ,
           and
           whereby
           they
           cheat
           themselves
           into
           everlasting
           Perdition
           ;
           and
           they
           are
           such
           as
           these
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           
             Because
             sentence
             against
             an
             evil
             work
             is
             not
             speedily
             executed
             ,
          
           therefore
           Sin
           is
           not
           so
           great
           an
           Evil.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           Therefore
           God
           is
           not
           so
           highly
           offended
           and
           provoked
           by
           it
           .
           Or
           ,
        
         
           3.
           
           God
           is
           not
           so
           severe
           in
           his
           own
           Nature
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           commonly
           represented
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Therefore
           the
           punishment
           of
           sin
           is
           not
           so
           certain
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           Or
           however
           it
           is
           at
           a
           distance
           ,
           and
           may
           be
           prevented
           time
           enough
           ,
           by
           a
           future
           Repentance
           ,
           in
           our
           old
           Age
           ,
           or
           at
           the
           hour
           of
           Death
           ;
           by
           some
           such
           false
           reasonings
           as
           these
           ,
           
           which
           Men
           think
           may
           probably
           be
           collected
           from
           the
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ,
           they
           harden
           and
           encourage
           themselves
           in
           an
           evil
           course
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Because
           the
           punishment
           of
           sin
           is
           deferr'd
           ,
           therefore
           they
           conclude
           it
           is
           not
           so
           great
           an
           Evil
           ;
           they
           do
           not
           feel
           the
           ill
           Effects
           of
           it
           at
           present
           ,
           all
           things
           go
           well
           and
           prosperously
           with
           them
           ,
           no
           less
           than
           with
           those
           who
           are
           so
           strict
           and
           conscientious
           ;
           and
           therefore
           they
           hope
           there
           is
           no
           such
           great
           Evil
           in
           Sin
           ,
           as
           melancholy
           People
           are
           apt
           to
           fancy
           to
           themselves
           .
           For
           answer
           to
           this
           ,
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           Consider
           seriously
           what
           Sin
           is
           ;
           and
           then
           thou
           wilt
           see
           reason
           enough
           to
           call
           it
           a
           great
           Evil.
           To
           sin
           against
           God
           ,
           is
           to
           contemn
           the
           greatest
           Authority
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           to
           contradict
           the
           greatest
           Holiness
           and
           Purity
           ,
           to
           abuse
           the
           greatest
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           to
           provoke
           Almighty
           Justice
           to
           take
           Vengeance
           upon
           thee
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           thee
           as
           miserable
           as
           thou
           art
           capable
           of
           being
           .
           To
           sin
           against
           God
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           disobedient
           to
           thy
           Soveraign
           ,
           and
           unthankful
           to
           thy
           best
           Benefactor
           ,
           and
           to
           act
           contrary
           to
           the
           greatest
           Obligations
           ,
           against
           thy
           best
           Reason
           
           and
           truest
           Interest
           ;
           to
           disoblige
           thy
           kindest
           Friend
           ,
           and
           to
           gratifie
           thy
           worst
           and
           bitterest
           Enemy
           ;
           it
           is
           to
           disorder
           thy self
           ,
           to
           create
           perpetual
           disquiet
           to
           thy
           own
           Mind
           ,
           and
           to
           do
           the
           greatest
           mischief
           possible
           to
           thy self
           ;
           to
           deprive
           thy self
           of
           the
           greatest
           Happiness
           ,
           and
           to
           draw
           down
           upon
           thy self
           extream
           and
           eternal
           Misery
           .
           And
           what
           do
           we
           call
           a
           great
           Evil
           ,
           if
           this
           be
           not
           ,
           which
           contains
           in
           it
           all
           the
           kinds
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           aggravations
           of
           Evil
           that
           can
           be
           ,
           and
           hath
           all
           the
           circumstances
           of
           ugliness
           and
           deformity
           in
           it
           that
           can
           be
           imagined
           ?
        
         
           (
           2.
           )
           What
           ever
           Sin
           be
           in
           it self
           ,
           yet
           from
           hence
           we
           can
           in
           no
           wise
           conclude
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           not
           a
           great
           Evil
           ,
           because
           the
           punishment
           of
           it
           is
           deferr'd
           for
           a
           while
           ;
           from
           hence
           indeed
           it
           follows
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           very
           good
           in
           deferring
           the
           punishment
           which
           is
           due
           to
           thee
           for
           thy
           sins
           ,
           but
           by
           no
           means
           that
           Sin
           is
           not
           very
           Evil.
           The
           Reprieve
           of
           a
           Traytor
           does
           indeed
           argue
           the
           goodness
           and
           clemency
           of
           the
           Prince
           ,
           but
           doth
           not
           at
           all
           abate
           of
           the
           heinousness
           of
           the
           Crime
           for
           which
           he
           is
           sentenced
           .
           The
           great
           Evil
           of
           Sin
           is
           evident
           ,
           because
           the
           holy
           and
           just
           God
           hath
           forbidden
           
           it
           ,
           and
           declared
           his
           hatred
           and
           detestation
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           threatned
           it
           with
           most
           severe
           and
           direful
           punishments
           ;
           but
           that
           God
           respites
           the
           punishment
           which
           is
           due
           to
           sin
           ,
           and
           does
           not
           immediately
           take
           Vengeance
           upon
           Sinners
           ,
           but
           affords
           them
           a
           space
           ,
           and
           means
           ,
           and
           opportunity
           of
           repentance
           ,
           this
           doth
           not
           at
           all
           lessen
           the
           Evil
           of
           Sin
           ,
           but
           is
           rather
           an
           aggravation
           of
           it
           ;
           that
           we
           should
           offend
           and
           provoke
           that
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           so
           patient
           and
           long-suffering
           towards
           us
           ,
           so
           very
           loth
           to
           bring
           those
           Evils
           upon
           us
           ,
           which
           we
           are
           so
           rash
           and
           forward
           to
           pull
           down
           upon
           our selves
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           If
           God
           doth
           not
           immediately
           punish
           sin
           upon
           the
           commission
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           instantly
           let
           flye
           at
           the
           Sinner
           ,
           this
           they
           would
           construe
           to
           be
           a
           sign
           that
           he
           is
           not
           so
           highly
           offended
           and
           provok'd
           by
           it
           ;
           if
           he
           were
           ,
           he
           would
           manifest
           his
           displeasure
           against
           it
           ,
           by
           the
           sudden
           and
           violent
           effusions
           of
           his
           Wrath.
           For
           answer
           to
           this
           ,
           I
           desire
           these
           two
           things
           may
           be
           considered
           .
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           That
           God
           himself
           in
           his
           word
           every
           where
           plainly
           declares
           to
           us
           his
           great
           displeasure
           against
           sin
           ;
           Psal
           .
           5.4
           ,
           5.
           
           
             Thou
             art
             not
             a
             God
             that
             hast
             pleasure
             
             in
             wickedness
             ,
             neither
             shall
             evil
             dwell
             with
             thee
             .
             The
             foolish
             shall
             not
             stand
             in
             thy
             sight
             ;
             thou
             hatest
             all
             the
             workers
             of
             iniquity
             .
             Thou
             art
             not
             a
             God
             that
             hast
             pleasure
             in
             wickedness
             .
          
           The
           words
           are
           a
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           and
           less
           is
           spoken
           than
           is
           meant
           and
           intended
           ,
           viz.
           That
           God
           is
           so
           far
           from
           taking
           pleasure
           in
           the
           sins
           of
           Men
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           highly
           displeased
           at
           them
           ,
           and
           bears
           an
           implacable
           hatred
           against
           them
           .
        
         
           And
           do
           not
           the
           terrible
           threatnings
           of
           God
           against
           sin
           declare
           him
           to
           be
           highly
           offended
           at
           it
           ?
           when
           he
           says
           ,
           That
           
             he
             will
             come
             in
             flaming
             fire
             ,
             to
             render
             vengeance
             to
             all
             them
             that
             know
             not
             God
             ,
             and
             that
             obey
             not
             the
             Gospel
             of
             his
             Son
             ,
          
           and
           that
           they
           
             shall
             be
             punisht
             with
             everlasting
             destruction
             ,
             from
             the
             presence
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             from
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             power
             .
          
           Can
           we
           think
           that
           all
           the
           threatnings
           of
           God's
           Word
           ,
           and
           all
           those
           direful
           curses
           which
           are
           
             written
             in
             his
             book
             ,
             shall
             return
             empty
             ,
          
           without
           doing
           any
           execution
           ?
           Thou
           that
           now
           flatterest
           thy self
           with
           vain
           and
           groundless
           hopes
           ,
           that
           none
           of
           these
           Evils
           shall
           come
           upon
           thee
           ,
           when
           thou
           comest
           to
           stand
           before
           the
           great
           Judge
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           to
           behold
           the
           killing
           frowns
           of
           his
           Countenance
           ,
           and
           
           to
           hear
           those
           bitter
           words
           of
           eternal
           displeasure
           from
           the
           Mouth
           of
           God
           himself
           ,
           
             Depart
             ye
             cursed
             into
             everlasting
             fire
             ,
             prepared
             for
             the
             Devil
             and
             his
             Angels
             ,
          
           thou
           wilt
           then
           believe
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           heartily
           angry
           and
           offended
           with
           thee
           for
           thy
           sins
           .
           We
           shall
           find
           in
           that
           day
           ,
           that
           the
           threatnings
           of
           God's
           Word
           ,
           which
           we
           now
           hear
           so
           securely
           ,
           and
           without
           terror
           ,
           had
           a
           full
           signification
           ,
           or
           rather
           ,
           that
           no
           words
           could
           convey
           to
           us
           the
           terror
           of
           them
           .
           What
           the
           Scripture
           says
           of
           the
           happiness
           and
           glory
           of
           the
           next
           life
           ,
           is
           true
           also
           of
           the
           misery
           and
           punishments
           of
           the
           other
           World
           ,
           that
           
             eye
             hath
             not
             seen
             ,
             nor
             ear
             heard
             ,
             neither
             have
             entred
             into
             the
             heart
             of
             man
             ,
             those
             terrible
             things
             ,
             which
             God
             hath
             reserved
             for
             the
             workers
             of
             iniquity
             .
          
        
         
           But
           above
           all
           ,
           the
           direful
           Sufferings
           of
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           when
           sin
           was
           but
           imputed
           to
           him
           ,
           are
           a
           demonstration
           of
           God's
           implacable
           hatred
           of
           sin
           ;
           for
           that
           rather
           than
           sin
           should
           go
           unpunish'd
           ,
           God
           was
           pleased
           to
           subject
           his
           own
           Son
           to
           the
           sufferings
           due
           to
           it
           ;
           this
           plainly
           shews
           ,
           that
           he
           hated
           sin
           as
           much
           as
           he
           loved
           his
           own
           Son.
           
        
         
         
           But
           (
           2
           dly
           )
           God
           may
           conceive
           a
           very
           great
           displeasure
           against
           sin
           ,
           and
           be
           highly
           incensed
           and
           provoked
           by
           it
           ,
           and
           yet
           suspend
           the
           Effects
           of
           his
           displeasure
           ,
           and
           defer
           the
           punishment
           of
           it
           for
           a
           great
           while
           ;
           and
           to
           imagine
           otherwise
           ,
           argues
           a
           gross
           mistake
           of
           the
           Nature
           of
           God
           ,
           arising
           from
           our
           not
           considering
           the
           Attributes
           and
           Perfections
           of
           God
           in
           conjunction
           and
           consistency
           with
           one
           another
           .
           When
           we
           consider
           one
           Attribute
           of
           God
           singly
           ,
           and
           separate
           it
           from
           the
           rest
           ,
           and
           frame
           such
           wide
           and
           large
           apprehensions
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           to
           exclude
           his
           other
           Perfections
           ,
           we
           have
           a
           false
           Notion
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           the
           reason
           of
           this
           mistake
           is
           ,
           because
           among
           Men
           ,
           an
           eminent
           degree
           of
           any
           one
           Excellency
           ,
           doth
           commonly
           shut
           out
           others
           ;
           because
           in
           our
           narrow
           and
           finite
           Nature
           ,
           many
           Perfections
           cannot
           stand
           together
           ;
           but
           't
           is
           quite
           otherwise
           in
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           .
           In
           Infinite
           Perfection
           ,
           all
           Perfections
           do
           meet
           and
           consist
           together
           ,
           one
           Perfection
           doth
           not
           hinder
           and
           exclude
           another
           ,
           and
           therefore
           in
           our
           conceptions
           of
           God
           ,
           we
           are
           to
           take
           great
           heed
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           not
           raise
           any
           one
           Attribute
           or
           Perfection
           of
           God
           upon
           the
           ruine
           of
           the
           rest
           .
        
         
         
           So
           that
           it
           is
           a
           false
           imagination
           of
           God
           ,
           when
           we
           so
           attribute
           Justice
           or
           Anger
           to
           him
           ,
           as
           to
           exclude
           his
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           ;
           for
           God
           is
           not
           impotent
           in
           his
           Anger
           ,
           as
           we
           are
           ;
           every
           thing
           that
           provokes
           him
           ,
           doth
           not
           presently
           put
           him
           out
           of
           patience
           ,
           so
           that
           he
           cannot
           contain
           his
           Wrath
           ,
           and
           forbear
           immediately
           to
           revenge
           himself
           upon
           Sinners
           .
           In
           this
           sense
           God
           says
           of
           himself
           ,
           Isa
           .
           27.4
           .
           
             Fury
             is
             not
             in
             me
          
           .
           There
           is
           nothing
           of
           a
           rash
           and
           ungoverned
           Passion
           in
           the
           wise
           and
           just
           God.
           Every
           sin
           indeed
           kindles
           his
           anger
           ,
           and
           provokes
           his
           displeasure
           against
           us
           ,
           and
           by
           our
           repeated
           and
           continued
           Offences
           ,
           we
           still
           add
           Fuel
           to
           his
           Wrath
           ;
           but
           it
           doth
           not
           of
           necessity
           instantly
           break
           forth
           like
           
             a
             consuming
             fire
             ,
             and
             a
             devouring
             flame
             .
          
           The
           holy
           and
           righteous
           Nature
           of
           God
           makes
           him
           necessarily
           offended
           and
           displeased
           with
           the
           sins
           of
           Men
           ;
           but
           as
           to
           the
           manifestation
           of
           his
           Wrath
           ,
           and
           the
           effects
           of
           his
           Anger
           ,
           his
           Wisdom
           and
           Goodness
           do
           regulate
           and
           determine
           the
           proper
           time
           and
           circumstances
           of
           Punishment
           .
        
         
         
           3.
           
           From
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           and
           the
           delay
           of
           punishment
           ,
           Men
           are
           apt
           to
           conclude
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           not
           so
           severe
           in
           his
           Nature
           as
           he
           is
           commonly
           represented
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           he
           hath
           declared
           his
           displeasure
           against
           sin
           ,
           and
           threaten'd
           it
           with
           dreadful
           punishments
           ,
           which
           he
           may
           do
           ,
           in
           great
           wisdom
           ,
           to
           keep
           the
           World
           in
           awe
           and
           order
           ;
           but
           great
           things
           are
           likewise
           spoken
           of
           his
           Mercy
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           wonderful
           delight
           he
           takes
           in
           the
           exercise
           of
           his
           Mercy
           ;
           so
           that
           notwithstanding
           all
           the
           threatnings
           which
           are
           denounced
           against
           sin
           ,
           it
           is
           to
           be
           hoped
           ,
           that
           when
           Sentence
           comes
           to
           be
           past
           ,
           and
           Judgment
           to
           be
           executed
           ,
           God
           will
           
             remember
             mercy
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             judgment
             ,
          
           and
           that
           
             mercy
             will
             triumph
             over
             judgment
          
           ;
           and
           that
           as
           now
           his
           Patience
           stays
           his
           hand
           ,
           and
           turns
           away
           his
           wrath
           ,
           so
           at
           the
           last
           ,
           the
           milder
           Attributes
           of
           his
           Goodness
           and
           Mercy
           will
           interpose
           and
           moderate
           the
           rigor
           and
           severity
           of
           his
           Justice
           ;
           and
           of
           this
           ,
           his
           great
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           towards
           Sinners
           for
           the
           present
           ,
           seems
           to
           be
           some
           kind
           of
           pledge
           and
           earnest
           ;
           he
           that
           is
           so
           
             slow
             to
             anger
          
           ,
           and
           so
           loth
           to
           execute
           punishment
           ,
           
           may
           probably
           be
           prevail'd
           upon
           by
           his
           own
           Pity
           and
           Goodness
           to
           remit
           it
           at
           the
           last
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           the
           more
           credible
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           granted
           on
           all
           hands
           ,
           that
           no
           person
           is
           obliged
           to
           execute
           his
           threatnings
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           to
           make
           good
           his
           promises
           ;
           he
           that
           promiseth
           passeth
           a
           right
           to
           another
           ,
           but
           he
           that
           threatneth
           keeps
           the
           right
           and
           power
           of
           doing
           what
           he
           pleaseth
           in
           his
           own
           hands
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           speak
           a
           little
           more
           fully
           to
           this
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           almost
           incredible
           ,
           how
           much
           Men
           bear
           up
           themselves
           upon
           vain
           and
           groundless
           hopes
           of
           the
           boundless
           Mercy
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           
             bless
             themselves
             in
             their
             hearts
             ,
             saying
             ,
             They
             shall
             have
             peace
             ,
             tho'
             they
             walk
             in
             the
             imagination
             of
             their
             hearts
             ,
             to
             add
             drunkenness
             to
             thirst
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           tho'
           they
           still
           persist
           in
           their
           Vices
           ,
           and
           add
           one
           degree
           of
           sin
           to
           another
           .
        
         
           Now
           for
           answer
           to
           this
           ;
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           Let
           it
           be
           granted
           ,
           that
           a
           bare
           threatning
           does
           not
           necessarily
           infer
           the
           certainty
           of
           the
           event
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           thing
           threatned
           shall
           infallibly
           come
           to
           pass
           ;
           no
           person
           is
           obliged
           to
           perform
           his
           threatnings
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           his
           promises
           ;
           the
           threatnings
           of
           God
           declare
           
           what
           sin
           deserves
           ,
           and
           what
           the
           sinner
           may
           justly
           expect
           if
           he
           continue
           impenitent
           and
           incorrigible
           .
           But
           then
           we
           are
           to
           take
           notice
           ,
           that
           repentance
           is
           the
           only
           condition
           that
           is
           implyed
           in
           the
           threatnings
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           will
           effectually
           hinder
           the
           execution
           of
           them
           ,
           Jer.
           18.7
           ,
           8
           ,
           9
           ,
           10.
           
           
             At
             what
             instant
             I
             speak
          
           (
           says
           God
           )
           
             concerning
             a
             nation
             ,
             and
             concerning
             a
             kingdome
             ,
             to
             pluck
             up
             ,
             and
             to
             pull
             down
             ,
             and
             to
             destroy
             it
             ;
             If
             that
             nation
             against
             whom
             I
             have
             pronounced
             ,
             turn
             from
             their
             evil
             ,
             I
             will
             repent
             of
             the
             evil
             that
             I
             thought
             to
             do
             unto
             them
             .
             And
             at
             what
             instant
             I
             shall
             speak
             concerning
             a
             nation
             ,
             and
             concerning
             a
             kingdom
             ,
             to
             build
             and
             to
             plant
             it
             ;
             if
             it
             do
             evil
             in
             my
             sight
             ,
             and
             obey
             not
             my
             voice
             ,
             then
             will
             I
             repent
             of
             the
             good
             ,
             wherewith
             I
             said
             I
             would
             benefit
             them
             .
          
           Now
           if
           when
           God
           hath
           promised
           to
           do
           good
           to
           a
           People
           ,
           sin
           will
           hinder
           the
           blessing
           promised
           ,
           and
           bring
           down
           Judgments
           upon
           them
           ,
           much
           more
           when
           it
           is
           particularly
           threatned
           .
        
         
           But
           as
           to
           the
           case
           of
           final
           impenitency
           and
           unbelief
           ,
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           strengthen
           his
           threatnings
           ,
           hath
           added
           a
           sign
           of
           immutability
           to
           them
           ,
           having
           confirmed
           them
           with
           an
           Oath
           ,
           
           
             I
             have
             sworn
          
           (
           saith
           the
           Lord
           )
           
             that
             they
             shall
             not
             enter
             into
             my
             rest
          
           ;
           which
           tho'
           it
           was
           spoken
           to
           the
           unbelieving
           Jews
           ,
           the
           Apostle
           to
           the
           Hebrews
           applys
           it
           to
           final
           unbelief
           and
           impenitency
           under
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           of
           which
           the
           infidelity
           of
           the
           Israelites
           was
           a
           Type
           and
           Figure
           .
           Now
           tho'
           God
           may
           remit
           of
           his
           threatnings
           ;
           yet
           his
           Oath
           is
           a
           plain
           declaration
           that
           he
           will
           not
           ;
           because
           it
           signifies
           the
           firm
           and
           immutable
           determination
           of
           his
           Will
           ,
           and
           thereby
           
             puts
             an
             end
             to
             all
             doubts
             and
             controversies
          
           concerning
           the
           fulfilling
           of
           his
           threatnings
           .
        
         
           (
           2.
           )
           It
           is
           certainly
           much
           the
           wisest
           and
           safest
           way
           ,
           to
           believe
           the
           threatnings
           of
           God
           in
           the
           strictness
           and
           rigour
           of
           them
           ,
           unless
           there
           be
           some
           tacite
           condition
           evidently
           implyed
           in
           them
           ;
           because
           if
           we
           do
           not
           believe
           them
           ,
           and
           the
           thing
           prove
           otherwise
           ,
           the
           consequence
           of
           our
           mistake
           is
           fatal
           and
           dreadful
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           indeed
           ,
           that
           God
           by
           his
           threatnings
           did
           intend
           to
           keep
           sinners
           in
           awe
           ,
           and
           to
           deter
           them
           from
           sin
           ;
           but
           if
           he
           had
           any
           where
           revealed
           ,
           that
           he
           would
           not
           be
           rigorous
           in
           the
           execution
           of
           these
           threatnings
           ,
           such
           a
           revelation
           would
           quite
           
           take
           off
           the
           edge
           and
           terror
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           contradict
           the
           end
           and
           design
           of
           them
           ;
           for
           threatnings
           signifie
           very
           little
           ,
           but
           upon
           this
           supposition
           ,
           that
           in
           all
           probability
           they
           will
           be
           executed
           ;
           and
           if
           this
           be
           true
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           greatest
           madness
           and
           folly
           in
           the
           World
           to
           run
           the
           hazard
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           (
           3.
           )
           As
           for
           those
           large
           declarations
           which
           the
           Scripture
           makes
           of
           the
           boundless
           Mercy
           of
           God
           to
           Sinners
           ,
           we
           are
           to
           limit
           them
           ,
           as
           the
           Scripture
           hath
           done
           ,
           to
           the
           time
           and
           season
           of
           mercy
           ,
           which
           is
           this
           life
           ,
           and
           while
           we
           are
           in
           the
           way
           .
           This
           is
           the
           day
           of
           mercy
           and
           salvation
           ,
           and
           when
           this
           life
           is
           ended
           ,
           the
           opportunities
           of
           Grace
           and
           Mercy
           are
           past
           ,
           and
           
             the
             day
             of
             recompence
             and
             vengeance
          
           will
           begin
           .
           Now
           God
           tries
           us
           ,
           and
           offers
           Mercy
           to
           us
           ;
           but
           if
           we
           obstinately
           refuse
           it
           ,
           Judgment
           will
           take
           hold
           of
           us
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           we
           must
           limit
           the
           Mercy
           of
           God
           to
           the
           conditions
           upon
           which
           he
           offers
           it
           ,
           which
           are
           repentance
           for
           sins
           past
           ,
           and
           sincere
           obedience
           for
           the
           future
           :
           but
           if
           Men
           continue
           obstinate
           and
           impenitent
           ,
           and
           encourage
           themselves
           in
           sin
           from
           the
           Mercy
           and
           Patience
           of
           God
           ,
           this
           is
           not
           a
           case
           
           that
           admits
           of
           Mercy
           ;
           but
           ,
           on
           the
           contrary
           ,
           his
           Justice
           will
           triumph
           in
           the
           ruin
           and
           destruction
           of
           those
           ,
           who
           instead
           of
           embracing
           the
           offers
           of
           his
           Mercy
           ,
           do
           despise
           and
           abuse
           them
           .
           
             He
             will
             laugh
             at
             their
             calamity
             ,
             and
             mock
             when
             their
             fear
             comes
             ;
             when
             their
             fear
             comes
             as
             desolation
             ,
             and
             their
             destruction
             as
             a
             whirl-wind
             ;
             when
             distress
             and
             anguish
             cometh
             upon
             them
             ;
             then
             they
          
           may
           
             call
             upon
             him
             ,
             but
             he
             will
             not
             answer
             ;
             they
          
           may
           
             seek
             him
             early
             ,
             but
             they
             shall
             not
             find
             him
             .
          
           If
           we
           
             despise
             the
             riches
             of
             God's
             goodness
             ,
             and
             long-suffering
             ,
             and
             forbearance
             ,
          
           he
           knows
           how
           to
           handle
           us
           ,
           and
           will
           do
           it
           to
           purpose
           ;
           
             with
             the
             froward
             he
             will
             shew
             himself
             froward
             ,
          
           and
           will
           be
           in
           a
           more
           especial
           manner
           severe
           towards
           those
           ,
           who
           take
           encouragement
           from
           his
           Mercy
           ,
           to
           disbelieve
           and
           despise
           his
           threatnings
           .
           And
           this
           God
           hath
           as
           plainly
           told
           us
           ,
           as
           words
           can
           express
           any
           thing
           ,
           Deut.
           29.19
           ,
           20.
           
           
             And
             if
             it
             come
             to
             pass
             ,
             that
             when
             he
             heareth
             the
             words
             of
             this
             curse
             ,
             he
             bless
             himself
             in
             his
             heart
             ,
             saying
             ,
             I
             shall
             have
             peace
             ,
             tho'
             I
             walk
             in
             the
             imagination
             of
             my
             heart
             ,
             to
             add
             drunkenness
             to
             thirst
             :
             The
             Lord
             will
             not
             spare
             him
             ,
             but
             then
             the
             anger
             of
             
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             his
             jealousie
             shall
             smoke
             against
             that
             man
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             curses
             that
             are
             written
             in
             this
             book
             ,
             shall
             lie
             upon
             him
             ,
             and
             the
             Lord
             shall
             blot
             out
             his
             name
             from
             under
             heaven
             .
          
           What
           ever
           right
           and
           power
           God
           hath
           reserved
           to
           himself
           about
           the
           execution
           of
           his
           threatnings
           ,
           he
           hath
           plainly
           declared
           ,
           that
           of
           all
           others
           ,
           those
           who
           encourage
           themselves
           in
           a
           sinful
           course
           from
           the
           hopes
           of
           God's
           Mercy
           ,
           notwithstanding
           his
           threatnings
           ,
           shall
           find
           no
           favour
           and
           mercy
           at
           his
           hand
           ;
           whatever
           he
           may
           remit
           of
           his
           threatnings
           to
           others
           ,
           he
           will
           certainly
           not
           spare
           those
           ,
           who
           believe
           so
           largely
           concerning
           the
           Mercy
           of
           God
           ,
           not
           with
           a
           mind
           to
           submit
           to
           the
           terms
           of
           it
           ,
           but
           to
           presume
           so
           much
           the
           more
           upon
           it
           .
        
         
           (
           4.
           )
           God
           hath
           not
           been
           wanting
           to
           shew
           some
           remarkable
           Instances
           of
           his
           severity
           towards
           Sinners
           in
           this
           World.
           As
           he
           is
           pleased
           sometimes
           to
           give
           good
           Men
           some
           fore-tastes
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           earnests
           of
           their
           future
           happiness
           ;
           so
           likewise
           by
           some
           present
           stroke
           to
           let
           Sinners
           feel
           what
           they
           are
           to
           expect
           hereafter
           ;
           some
           sparks
           of
           Hell
           do
           now
           and
           then
           fall
           upon
           the
           Consciences
           of
           Sinners
           .
           
           That
           fear
           which
           is
           sometimes
           kindled
           in
           Men's
           Consciences
           in
           this
           life
           ,
           that
           horrible
           anguish
           and
           those
           unspeakable
           terrors
           which
           some
           Sinners
           have
           had
           experience
           of
           in
           this
           World
           ,
           may
           serve
           to
           forewarn
           us
           of
           
             the
             wrath
             which
             is
             to
             come
             ,
          
           and
           to
           convince
           us
           of
           the
           reality
           of
           those
           expressions
           of
           the
           Torments
           of
           Hell
           ,
           by
           
             the
             worm
             that
             dies
             not
             ,
             and
             the
             fire
             that
             is
             not
             quenched
             .
          
           That
           miraculous
           Deluge
           which
           swallowed
           up
           the
           old
           World
           ,
           that
           Hell
           which
           was
           rained
           down
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           in
           those
           terrible
           showers
           of
           Fire
           and
           Brimstone
           ,
           to
           consume
           Sodom
           and
           Gomorrah
           ;
           the
           Earth
           opening
           her
           mouth
           upon
           Corah
           and
           his
           seditious
           company
           ;
           to
           let
           them
           down
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           quick
           into
           Hell
           ;
           these
           and
           many
           other
           remarkable
           Judgments
           of
           God
           in
           several
           Ages
           upon
           particular
           Persons
           ,
           and
           upon
           Cities
           and
           Nations
           ,
           may
           satisfie
           us
           in
           some
           measure
           of
           the
           severity
           of
           God
           against
           sin
           ,
           and
           be
           as
           it
           were
           Pledges
           to
           assure
           Sinners
           of
           the
           insupportable
           Misery
           and
           Torments
           of
           the
           next
           Life
           .
        
         
           (
           5.
           )
           The
           Argument
           is
           much
           stronger
           the
           other
           way
           ,
           that
           because
           the
           punishment
           of
           Sinners
           is
           delayed
           so
           
           long
           ,
           therefore
           it
           will
           be
           much
           heavier
           and
           severer
           when
           it
           comes
           ;
           that
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           is
           growing
           all
           this
           while
           ,
           and
           as
           we
           
             fill
             up
             the
             measure
             of
             our
             sins
             ,
          
           he
           fills
           the
           
             vials
             of
             his
             wrath
          
           ;
           Rom.
           2.5
           .
           
             And
             according
             to
             thy
             hard
             and
             impenitent
             heart
             ,
             treasurest
             up
             to
             thy self
             wrath
             ,
             against
             the
             day
             of
             wrath
             ,
             and
             the
             revelation
             of
             the
             righteous
             judgment
             of
             God.
          
           God
           now
           keeps
           in
           his
           dis-pleasure
           ;
           but
           all
           the
           while
           we
           go
           on
           in
           an
           impenitent
           course
           ,
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           is
           continually
           increasing
           ,
           and
           will
           at
           last
           be
           manifested
           by
           the
           righteous
           Judgment
           of
           God
           upon
           Sinners
           .
           God
           now
           exerciseth
           and
           displayeth
           his
           milder
           Attributes
           ,
           his
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           Mercy
           ,
           and
           Patience
           ;
           but
           these
           will
           not
           always
           hold
           out
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           dreadful
           day
           a
           coming
           ,
           wherein
           (
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           )
           God
           will
           
             shew
             his
             wrath
             ,
             and
             make
             his
             power
             known
             ,
          
           after
           he
           hath
           
             endured
             with
             much
             long-suffering
             the
             vessels
             of
             wrath
             fitted
             for
             destruction
             .
          
           All
           this
           long
           time
           of
           God's
           patience
           and
           forbearance
           
             his
             wrath
             is
             kindling
             ,
             and
             he
             is
             whetting
             his
             glittering
             sword
             ,
             and
             making
             sharp
             his
             arrows
          
           ;
           and
           this
           long
           preparation
           doth
           portend
           a
           much
           more
           dreadful
           Execution
           ;
           
           so
           that
           we
           should
           reason
           thus
           from
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ;
           God
           bears
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           spares
           us
           at
           present
           ,
           and
           keeps
           in
           his
           anger
           ;
           therefore
           if
           we
           go
           on
           to
           provoke
           him
           ,
           time
           will
           come
           when
           he
           will
           not
           spare
           ,
           but
           his
           anger
           will
           flame
           forth
           ,
           and
           
             his
             jealousie
             smoak
             against
             us
          
           .
           This
           is
           but
           reasonable
           to
           expect
           ,
           that
           they
           who
           in
           this
           World
           
             forsake
             their
             own
             mercies
          
           ,
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           in
           the
           next
           should
           forsake
           them
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Another
           false
           conclusion
           which
           Men
           draw
           from
           the
           delay
           of
           punishment
           is
           ,
           that
           because
           it
           is
           delayed
           ,
           therefore
           it
           is
           not
           so
           certain
           ;
           the
           Sinner
           escapes
           for
           the
           present
           ,
           and
           tho'
           he
           have
           some
           misgivings
           and
           fearful
           apprehensions
           of
           the
           future
           ,
           yet
           he
           hopes
           his
           fears
           may
           be
           greater
           than
           his
           danger
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           true
           indeed
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           so
           certain
           of
           the
           misery
           of
           wicked
           Men
           in
           another
           World
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           present
           ,
           and
           we
           lay
           groaning
           under
           the
           weight
           of
           it
           ;
           such
           a
           certainty
           as
           this
           ,
           would
           not
           only
           leave
           no
           place
           for
           doubting
           ,
           but
           even
           for
           that
           which
           we
           properly
           and
           strictly
           call
           Faith
           ;
           for
           
             faith
             is
             the
             evidence
             of
             things
             not
             seen
             .
          
           But
           sure
           
           we
           have
           other
           Faculties
           besides
           Sense
           to
           judge
           of
           things
           by
           ;
           we
           may
           be
           sufficiently
           certain
           of
           many
           things
           which
           are
           neither
           present
           nor
           sensible
           ,
           of
           many
           things
           past
           and
           future
           ,
           upon
           good
           ground
           and
           testimony
           ;
           we
           are
           sure
           that
           we
           were
           born
           ,
           and
           yet
           we
           have
           no
           remembrance
           of
           it
           ;
           we
           are
           certain
           that
           we
           shall
           dye
           ,
           tho'
           we
           never
           had
           the
           experience
           of
           it
           .
           Things
           may
           be
           certain
           in
           their
           causes
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           in
           their
           present
           existence
           ;
           if
           the
           causes
           be
           certain
           .
           The
           truth
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           hath
           declared
           these
           things
           to
           us
           ,
           is
           an
           abundant
           ground
           of
           assurance
           to
           us
           ,
           tho'
           they
           be
           at
           a
           great
           distance
           .
           The
           certainty
           of
           things
           is
           not
           shaken
           by
           our
           wavering
           belief
           concerning
           them
           .
        
         
           Besides
           ,
           the
           very
           light
           of
           Nature
           ,
           and
           the
           common
           Reason
           of
           Mankind
           ,
           hath
           always
           made
           a
           contrary
           inference
           from
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           and
           the
           delay
           of
           present
           punishment
           .
           Tho'
           Men
           are
           apt
           to
           think
           ,
           that
           because
           Judgment
           is
           deferr'd
           ,
           therefore
           it
           is
           not
           certain
           ;
           yet
           the
           very
           light
           of
           Nature
           hath
           taught
           Men
           to
           reason
           otherwise
           ;
           that
           because
           God
           is
           so
           patient
           to
           Sinners
           in
           this
           
           life
           ,
           therefore
           there
           will
           a
           time
           come
           when
           they
           shall
           be
           punisht
           ;
           that
           because
           this
           life
           is
           a
           time
           of
           tryal
           and
           forbearance
           ,
           therefore
           there
           shall
           be
           another
           state
           after
           this
           life
           ,
           which
           shall
           be
           a
           season
           of
           recompences
           .
           And
           by
           this
           argument
           chiefly
           it
           was
           that
           the
           wisest
           of
           the
           Heathen
           satisfied
           themselves
           concerning
           another
           state
           after
           this
           life
           ,
           and
           answer'd
           the
           troublesome
           Objection
           against
           the
           Providence
           of
           God
           ,
           from
           the
           unequal
           administration
           of
           things
           in
           this
           World
           ,
           so
           visible
           in
           the
           afflictions
           and
           sufferings
           of
           good
           Men
           ,
           and
           the
           prosperity
           of
           the
           wicked
           ;
           viz.
           That
           there
           would
           be
           another
           state
           that
           would
           adjust
           all
           these
           matters
           ,
           and
           set
           them
           streight
           ,
           when
           good
           and
           bad
           Men
           should
           receive
           the
           full
           recompence
           of
           their
           deeds
           .
        
         
           The
           5
           th
           and
           last
           false
           conclusion
           ,
           which
           Men
           draw
           from
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           and
           the
           delay
           of
           Punishment
           is
           this
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           however
           probably
           at
           some
           distance
           ,
           and
           therefore
           they
           may
           sin
           yet
           a
           while
           longer
           ,
           and
           all
           this
           danger
           may
           be
           prevented
           time
           enough
           ,
           by
           a
           future
           repentance
           in
           our
           old
           Age
           ,
           or
           at
           the
           
           hour
           of
           death
           ;
           and
           they
           are
           confirmed
           very
           much
           in
           this
           hope
           ,
           because
           they
           see
           Men
           much
           worse
           than
           themselves
           ,
           great
           Criminals
           and
           Malefactors
           ,
           upon
           two
           or
           three
           days
           warning
           ,
           to
           perform
           this
           work
           of
           repentance
           very
           substantially
           ,
           and
           to
           dye
           with
           great
           comfort
           and
           assurance
           of
           their
           Salvation
           .
           This
           is
           the
           most
           common
           delusion
           of
           all
           the
           rest
           ,
           and
           hath
           been
           ,
           I
           am
           afraid
           ,
           the
           ruin
           of
           more
           Souls
           than
           all
           the
           other
           which
           I
           have
           mentioned
           ;
           they
           may
           have
           
             slain
             their
             thousands
          
           ;
           but
           this
           
             its
             ten
             thousands
          
           .
        
         
           For
           answer
           to
           this
           ,
           be
           pleased
           seriously
           to
           lay
           to
           heart
           these
           following
           considerations
           ,
           most
           of
           which
           I
           shall
           speak
           but
           briefly
           to
           ,
           because
           I
           have
           ,
           upon
           other
           occasions
           ,
           spoken
           largely
           to
           them
           .
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           If
           there
           be
           a
           future
           Judgment
           ,
           then
           it
           is
           certain
           ,
           at
           how
           great
           a
           distance
           soever
           it
           may
           be
           .
           That
           which
           shall
           be
           a
           thousand
           Years
           hence
           will
           certainly
           be
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           but
           very
           small
           comfort
           and
           encouragement
           ,
           considering
           the
           vast
           disproportion
           between
           Time
           and
           Eternity
           ,
           to
           think
           ,
           that
           after
           twenty
           or
           forty
           Years
           shall
           be
           past
           and
           gone
           ,
           then
           must
           I
           enter
           upon
           eternal
           
           Misery
           ;
           then
           will
           those
           intolerable
           Torments
           begin
           which
           shall
           never
           have
           an
           end
           .
        
         
           (
           2.
           )
           But
           it
           is
           not
           certain
           that
           it
           is
           at
           such
           a
           distance
           ;
           when
           we
           
             put
             from
             us
             the
             evil
             day
             ,
          
           it
           is
           many
           times
           nearer
           to
           us
           than
           we
           are
           aware
           ,
           and
           when
           we
           think
           the
           Judgment
           of
           God
           is
           at
           a
           great
           distance
           ,
           
             the
             Judge
          
           may
           be
           
             near
             even
             at
             the
             door
          
           .
           Our
           times
           are
           not
           in
           our
           own
           hands
           ,
           but
           we
           are
           perfectly
           at
           the
           disposal
           of
           another
           ,
           who
           when
           he
           pleaseth
           can
           put
           a
           period
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           cause
           our
           Breath
           to
           cease
           from
           our
           Nostrils
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           not
           be
           ;
           
             There
             is
             no
             man
             hath
             power
             over
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             to
             retain
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             neither
             hath
             he
             power
             in
             the
             day
             of
             death
             ,
          
           saith
           the
           wise
           Man
           a
           little
           before
           the
           Text.
           Thou
           dreamest
           perhaps
           of
           many
           Years
           continuance
           in
           this
           World
           ,
           and
           perhaps
           in
           the
           height
           of
           this
           vain
           imagination
           ,
           
             the
             decree
             is
             sealed
             ,
             and
             the
             commandment
             come
             forth
          
           to
           summon
           thee
           out
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           and
           thou
           art
           just
           dropping
           into
           that
           misery
           which
           thou
           fanciest
           to
           be
           at
           such
           a
           distance
           ;
           whilst
           thou
           art
           vainly
           promising
           thy self
           
             the
             ease
             of
             many
             years
          
           ,
           God
           may
           say
           to
           thee
           ,
           
             Thou
             fool
             ,
             this
             night
             shall
             
             thy
             soul
             be
             required
             of
             thee
             ,
          
           and
           then
           where
           are
           all
           thy
           hopes
           ?
        
         
           (
           3.
           )
           Supposing
           the
           evil
           Day
           were
           at
           a
           considerable
           distance
           ,
           yet
           Men
           run
           an
           infinite
           hazard
           in
           venturing
           all
           the
           hopes
           of
           their
           Salvation
           upon
           a
           future
           repentance
           ;
           for
           what
           knowest
           thou
           ,
           O
           Man
           !
           but
           thou
           mayst
           be
           surprized
           by
           a
           sudden
           stroke
           which
           may
           give
           thee
           no
           warning
           ,
           leave
           thee
           no
           space
           of
           repentance
           ?
           a
           violent
           Disease
           may
           seize
           upon
           thee
           ,
           which
           may
           disorder
           thy
           Understanding
           ,
           and
           so
           weaken
           all
           thy
           Faculties
           ,
           as
           to
           render
           thee
           unfit
           for
           all
           reasonable
           operations
           .
           At
           the
           best
           ,
           how
           unfit
           are
           we
           for
           the
           most
           serious
           work
           of
           our
           lives
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           hardly
           fit
           to
           do
           any
           thing
           ?
           Old
           Age
           is
           a
           very
           unseasonable
           time
           for
           repentance
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           full
           of
           weakness
           and
           infirmity
           ,
           and
           our
           Minds
           are
           crooked
           and
           bowed
           down
           by
           Vice
           ,
           as
           our
           Bodies
           are
           by
           Age
           ,
           and
           as
           hard
           to
           be
           recovered
           to
           their
           first
           streightness
           ;
           much
           more
           is
           it
           an
           improper
           time
           for
           this
           work
           ,
           when
           Sickness
           and
           old
           Age
           meet
           together
           .
           There
           are
           two
           things
           in
           which
           Men
           ,
           in
           other
           things
           wise
           enough
           ,
           do
           usually
           miscarry
           ;
           in
           putting
           off
           the
           making
           of
           their
           Wills
           ,
           and
           
           their
           Repentance
           ,
           till
           it
           be
           too
           late
           .
           Men
           had
           need
           then
           be
           of
           sound
           Understanding
           and
           perfect
           Memory
           ,
           when
           they
           set
           about
           matters
           of
           so
           great
           consequence
           in
           respect
           of
           their
           temporal
           and
           eternal
           concernments
           ;
           especially
           when
           Men
           have
           the
           happiness
           of
           all
           Eternity
           to
           take
           care
           of
           and
           provide
           for
           ,
           they
           had
           need
           have
           their
           understandings
           about
           them
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           advantages
           of
           leisure
           and
           consideration
           ,
           to
           make
           a
           sober
           reflection
           upon
           their
           past
           lives
           ,
           and
           make
           up
           their
           Accounts
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           set
           all
           things
           right
           between
           him
           and
           them
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           well
           if
           after
           all
           a
           repentance
           wilfully
           deferr'd
           so
           long
           ,
           so
           short
           and
           imperfect
           ,
           so
           confused
           and
           hudled
           up
           ,
           will
           at
           last
           be
           accepted
           as
           a
           tolerable
           atonement
           for
           the
           crimes
           and
           miscarriages
           of
           a
           long
           life
           .
        
         
           (
           4.
           )
           Suppose
           thou
           wert
           sure
           to
           repent
           before
           thou
           leavest
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           to
           do
           this
           work
           throughly
           ,
           which
           no
           Man
           can
           promise
           to
           himself
           that
           deliberately
           delays
           it
           ,
           yet
           this
           can
           be
           no
           reasonable
           encouragement
           to
           go
           on
           in
           an
           evil
           course
           ,
           because
           we
           do
           but
           hereby
           aggravate
           our
           own
           trouble
           ,
           and
           treasure
           up
           so
           much
           more
           
           sorrow
           and
           affliction
           to
           our selves
           against
           the
           day
           of
           repentance
           ,
           and
           consequently
           sin
           on
           ,
           in
           hopes
           of
           being
           hereafter
           so
           much
           the
           more
           troubled
           and
           grieved
           for
           what
           we
           have
           done
           ;
           as
           if
           a
           Man
           should
           go
           on
           to
           break
           the
           Laws
           ,
           in
           hopes
           of
           a
           more
           severe
           and
           exemplary
           Punishment
           ;
           sure
           this
           can
           be
           no
           encouragement
           or
           ground
           of
           hope
           to
           any
           reasonable
           and
           considerate
           Man.
           
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           As
           to
           the
           encouragement
           which
           Men
           take
           from
           the
           sudden
           repentance
           of
           great
           Criminals
           and
           Malefactors
           ,
           and
           their
           dying
           with
           so
           much
           comfort
           and
           assurance
           ;
           if
           this
           be
           well
           considered
           ,
           there
           is
           little
           comfort
           to
           be
           fetched
           from
           such
           Examples
           .
           For
           ,
        
         
           1
           st
           ,
           Tho'
           a
           sincere
           repentance
           in
           such
           circumstances
           be
           possible
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           almost
           impossible
           for
           the
           Party
           himself
           concerned
           ,
           much
           more
           for
           others
           ,
           upon
           any
           good
           ground
           ,
           to
           judge
           when
           it
           is
           sincere
           .
           God
           who
           knows
           the
           hearts
           of
           Men
           ,
           and
           whether
           ,
           if
           they
           had
           lived
           longer
           ,
           they
           would
           in
           the
           future
           course
           of
           their
           lives
           have
           justified
           and
           made
           good
           their
           repentance
           and
           good
           resolutions
           ,
           
           only
           knows
           the
           sincerity
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           But
           ,
           2
           dly
           ,
           no
           certain
           judgment
           is
           to
           be
           made
           from
           the
           comfort
           and
           confidence
           of
           the
           Party
           concerned
           ;
           for
           the
           business
           is
           not
           what
           comfort
           and
           confidence
           Men
           have
           ,
           but
           what
           ground
           they
           have
           for
           it
           ;
           and
           whereas
           Men
           are
           apt
           piously
           to
           suppose
           ,
           that
           so
           extraordinary
           a
           comfort
           and
           assurance
           is
           wrought
           in
           them
           by
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           nothing
           is
           more
           uncertain
           ;
           because
           we
           sometimes
           see
           those
           who
           give
           no
           such
           testimony
           of
           their
           repentance
           ,
           to
           dye
           with
           every
           whit
           as
           much
           courage
           ,
           and
           comfort
           ,
           and
           confident
           perswasion
           of
           their
           Salvation
           ,
           as
           those
           that
           do
           .
           But
           this
           certainly
           is
           not
           from
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ;
           a
           natural
           Obstinacy
           and
           Courage
           may
           carry
           Men
           a
           great
           way
           ;
           and
           false
           and
           mistaken
           Principles
           may
           fill
           Men
           for
           the
           present
           with
           as
           much
           comfort
           and
           confidence
           ,
           as
           well
           grounded
           hopes
           .
           In
           the
           Church
           of
           Rome
           ,
           great
           numbers
           of
           those
           who
           have
           led
           very
           wicked
           lives
           ,
           after
           a
           formal
           Confession
           and
           Absolution
           ,
           and
           some
           good
           words
           of
           encouragement
           from
           the
           Priest
           ,
           dye
           as
           full
           of
           peace
           and
           comfort
           ,
           
           to
           all
           appearance
           ,
           as
           the
           best
           of
           Men.
           
        
         
           Indeed
           it
           is
           very
           natural
           to
           Men
           ,
           who
           find
           themselves
           in
           a
           desperate
           condition
           ,
           to
           be
           strangely
           elevated
           and
           raised
           ,
           upon
           any
           hopes
           given
           of
           escaping
           so
           great
           a
           danger
           as
           they
           apprehend
           themselves
           to
           be
           in
           ;
           especially
           if
           these
           hopes
           be
           given
           them
           by
           a
           grave
           Man
           ,
           of
           whose
           Piety
           and
           Judgment
           they
           have
           a
           venerable
           opinion
           .
           When
           Men
           have
           the
           Sentence
           of
           death
           in
           themselves
           ,
           as
           all
           wicked
           livers
           must
           have
           ,
           they
           are
           naturally
           apt
           to
           be
           overjoy'd
           at
           the
           unexpected
           news
           of
           a
           Pardon
           .
        
         
           To
           speak
           my
           mind
           freely
           in
           this
           matter
           ,
           I
           have
           no
           great
           opinion
           of
           that
           extraordinary
           comfort
           and
           confidence
           which
           some
           have
           ,
           upon
           a
           sudden
           repentance
           for
           great
           and
           flagrant
           crimes
           ,
           because
           I
           cannot
           discern
           any
           sufficient
           ground
           for
           it
           .
           I
           think
           great
           humility
           and
           dejection
           of
           mind
           ,
           and
           a
           doubtful
           apprehension
           of
           their
           condition
           ,
           next
           almost
           to
           despair
           of
           it
           ,
           would
           much
           better
           become
           them
           ;
           because
           their
           case
           is
           really
           so
           very
           doubtful
           in
           it self
           .
           There
           is
           great
           reason
           for
           the
           repentance
           of
           such
           persons
           ,
           
           and
           it
           becomes
           them
           well
           ;
           but
           I
           see
           very
           little
           reason
           for
           their
           great
           comfort
           and
           confidence
           ,
           nor
           does
           it
           become
           their
           circumstances
           and
           condition
           .
           Let
           them
           excercise
           as
           deep
           a
           repentance
           as
           is
           possible
           ,
           and
           
             bring
             forth
          
           all
           
             the
             fruits
             meet
             for
             it
          
           that
           are
           possible
           in
           so
           short
           a
           time
           ;
           let
           them
           humble
           themselves
           before
           God
           ,
           and
           pray
           incessantly
           to
           him
           day
           and
           night
           for
           mercy
           ;
           make
           all
           the
           reparation
           they
           can
           for
           the
           injuries
           they
           have
           done
           ,
           by
           confession
           and
           acknowledgment
           ,
           and
           by
           making
           satisfaction
           to
           the
           parties
           injured
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           in
           their
           power
           ,
           by
           giving
           Alms
           to
           the
           Poor
           ,
           by
           warning
           others
           ,
           and
           endeavouring
           to
           reclaim
           them
           to
           a
           better
           mind
           and
           course
           of
           life
           ;
           and
           for
           the
           rest
           humbly
           commit
           themselves
           to
           the
           mercy
           of
           God
           in
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           let
           them
           imitate
           ,
           as
           near
           as
           they
           can
           ,
           the
           behaviour
           of
           the
           penitent
           Thief
           ,
           the
           only
           Example
           the
           Scripture
           hath
           left
           us
           of
           a
           late
           repentance
           that
           proved
           effectual
           ,
           who
           gave
           the
           greatest
           testimony
           that
           could
           be
           of
           a
           penitent
           sorrow
           for
           his
           sins
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           Faith
           in
           the
           Saviour
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           by
           a
           generous
           and
           couragious
           owning
           of
           him
           in
           
           the
           midst
           of
           his
           disgrace
           and
           suffering
           ,
           when
           even
           his
           own
           Disciples
           had
           denyed
           and
           forsaken
           him
           ;
           but
           we
           do
           not
           find
           in
           him
           any
           signs
           of
           extraordinary
           comfort
           ,
           much
           less
           of
           confidence
           ;
           but
           he
           humbly
           commended
           himself
           to
           the
           mercy
           and
           goodness
           of
           his
           Saviour
           ,
           saying
           ,
           
             Lord
             remember
             me
             ,
             when
             thou
             comest
             into
             thy
             Kingdom
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
         
           SERMON
           IX
           .
           
           The
           Long-suffering
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           
             
               
                 ECCLES
                 .
                 VIII
                 .
                 11
              
               .
            
             
               Because
               sentence
               against
               an
               evil
               work
               is
               not
               executed
               speedily
               ,
               therefore
               the
               heart
               of
               the
               sons
               of
               men
               is
               fully
               set
               in
               them
               to
               do
               evil
               .
            
          
        
         
           I
           Have
           considered
           how
           apt
           Men
           are
           to
           abuse
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           the
           hardening
           and
           encouraging
           of
           themselves
           in
           sin
           ,
           and
           whence
           this
           comes
           to
           pass
           ;
           where
           I
           considered
           the
           several
           false
           conclusions
           which
           Sinners
           draw
           from
           the
           delay
           of
           Punishment
           ,
           as
           if
           there
           were
           no
           God
           ,
           or
           Providence
           ,
           or
           difference
           of
           good
           and
           evil
           ;
           or
           else
           ,
           as
           is
           more
           commonly
           pretended
           ,
           that
           Sin
           is
           not
           so
           great
           an
           Evil
           ,
           and
           that
           God
           is
           
           not
           so
           highly
           offended
           at
           it
           ,
           or
           that
           God
           is
           not
           so
           severe
           as
           he
           is
           represented
           ,
           that
           the
           punishment
           of
           sin
           is
           not
           so
           certain
           ,
           or
           however
           ,
           it
           is
           at
           a
           distance
           ,
           and
           may
           be
           prevented
           by
           a
           future
           repentance
           ;
           all
           which
           I
           have
           spoken
           fully
           to
           ,
           and
           endeavoured
           to
           shew
           the
           fallacy
           and
           unreasonableness
           of
           them
           .
           I
           shall
           now
           proceed
           to
           the
        
         
           Third
           and
           last
           thing
           I
           propounded
           ,
           which
           was
           to
           answer
           an
           Objection
           to
           which
           this
           Discourse
           may
           seem
           liable
           ;
           and
           that
           is
           this
           .
           If
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           be
           the
           occasion
           of
           Men's
           hardness
           and
           impenitency
           ,
           then
           why
           is
           God
           so
           patient
           to
           Sinners
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           so
           prone
           to
           abuse
           his
           Goodness
           and
           Patience
           ?
           And
           how
           is
           it
           goodness
           in
           God
           to
           forbear
           Sinners
           so
           long
           ,
           when
           this
           forbearance
           of
           his
           is
           so
           apt
           to
           minister
           to
           them
           an
           occasion
           of
           their
           further
           mischief
           and
           greater
           ruine
           ?
           It
           should
           seem
           according
           to
           this
           ,
           that
           it
           would
           be
           much
           greater
           Mercy
           to
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           Sinners
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           patient
           toward
           them
           at
           all
           ;
           but
           instantly
           upon
           the
           first
           occasion
           and
           provocation
           ,
           to
           cut
           them
           off
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           put
           a
           stop
           to
           their
           
           wickedness
           ,
           and
           to
           hinder
           them
           from
           making
           themselves
           more
           miserable
           ,
           by
           increasing
           their
           guilt
           ,
           and
           
             treasuring
             up
             wrath
             to
             themselves
             against
             the
             day
             of
             wrath
             .
          
        
         
           This
           is
           the
           Objection
           ,
           and
           because
           it
           seems
           to
           be
           of
           some
           weight
           ,
           I
           shall
           endeavour
           to
           return
           a
           satisfactory
           answer
           to
           it
           in
           these
           following
           particulars
           .
           And
        
         
           I.
           I
           ask
           the
           Sinner
           if
           he
           will
           stand
           to
           this
           ?
           Art
           thou
           serious
           ,
           and
           wouldest
           thou
           in
           good
           earnest
           have
           God
           to
           deal
           thus
           with
           thee
           ,
           to
           take
           the
           very
           first
           advantage
           to
           destroy
           thee
           or
           turn
           thee
           into
           Hell
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           thee
           miserable
           beyond
           all
           hopes
           of
           recovery
           ?
           Consider
           of
           it
           again
           .
           Dost
           thou
           think
           it
           desirable
           ,
           that
           God
           should
           deal
           thus
           with
           thee
           ,
           and
           let
           fly
           his
           Judgments
           upon
           thee
           so
           soon
           as
           ever
           thou
           hast
           sinned
           ?
           If
           not
           ,
           why
           do
           Men
           trifle
           ,
           and
           make
           an
           Objection
           against
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           they
           would
           be
           very
           loth
           should
           be
           made
           good
           upon
           them
           ?
        
         
           II.
           It
           is
           likewise
           to
           be
           considered
           ,
           that
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           toward
           Sinners
           is
           not
           a
           total
           forbearance
           ;
           it
           is
           usually
           so
           mixt
           with
           Afflictions
           and
           
           Judgments
           of
           one
           kind
           or
           other
           ,
           upon
           our selves
           or
           others
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           a
           sufficient
           warning
           to
           us
           ,
           if
           we
           would
           consider
           and
           lay
           it
           to
           heart
           ,
           to
           
             sin
             no
             more
             ,
             lest
             a
             worse
             thing
             come
             upon
             us
          
           ;
           lest
           that
           Judgment
           which
           we
           saw
           inflicted
           upon
           others
           come
           home
           to
           us
           .
           And
           is
           not
           this
           great
           goodness
           ,
           to
           warn
           us
           when
           he
           might
           destroy
           us
           ,
           to
           leave
           room
           for
           a
           retreat
           ,
           when
           he
           might
           put
           our
           case
           past
           remedy
           ?
        
         
           All
           this
           time
           of
           God's
           Patience
           ,
           he
           threatens
           Sinners
           ,
           to
           awaken
           them
           out
           of
           their
           security
           ;
           he
           punisheth
           them
           gently
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           have
           no
           ground
           to
           hope
           for
           impunity
           ;
           he
           makes
           Examples
           of
           some
           in
           a
           more
           severe
           and
           remarkable
           manner
           ,
           that
           others
           
             may
             hear
             ,
             and
             fear
          
           ,
           and
           be
           afraid
           to
           commit
           the
           like
           sins
           ,
           lest
           the
           like
           punishment
           overtake
           them
           ;
           he
           whips
           some
           Offenders
           before
           our
           Eyes
           ,
           to
           shew
           us
           what
           sin
           deserves
           ,
           and
           what
           we
           also
           may
           justly
           expect
           ,
           if
           we
           do
           the
           same
           things
           ;
           and
           will
           nothing
           be
           a
           warning
           to
           us
           but
           our
           own
           sufferings
           ?
        
         
           Nay
           ,
           God
           doth
           usually
           send
           some
           Judgment
           or
           other
           upon
           every
           Sinner
           in
           this
           life
           ;
           he
           lets
           him
           feel
           the
           Rod
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           know
           that
           it
           is
           
             an
             evil
             
             and
             bitter
             thing
             to
             sin
             against
             him
             .
          
           He
           exerciseth
           Men
           with
           many
           afflictions
           ,
           and
           crosses
           ,
           and
           disappointments
           ,
           which
           their
           own
           consciences
           tell
           them
           are
           the
           just
           recompences
           of
           their
           deeds
           ;
           and
           by
           these
           lighter
           strokes
           ,
           he
           gives
           us
           a
           merciful
           warning
           to
           avoid
           his
           heavier
           blows
           ;
           when
           Mercy
           alone
           will
           not
           work
           upon
           us
           and
           win
           us
           ,
           but
           being
           
             fed
             to
             the
             full
             ,
             we
             grow
             wanton
          
           and
           foolish
           ,
           he
           administers
           Physick
           to
           us
           ,
           by
           affliction
           and
           by
           adversity
           endeavours
           to
           bring
           us
           to
           consideration
           and
           a
           sober
           mind
           ;
           and
           many
           have
           been
           cured
           this
           way
           ,
           and
           the
           Judgments
           of
           God
           have
           done
           them
           that
           good
           ,
           which
           his
           Mercies
           and
           Blessings
           could
           not
           ;
           for
           God
           would
           save
           us
           any
           way
           ,
           by
           his
           Mercy
           or
           by
           his
           Judgment
           ,
           by
           Sickness
           or
           by
           Health
           ,
           by
           Plenty
           or
           by
           Want
           ,
           by
           what
           we
           desire
           or
           by
           what
           we
           dread
           ;
           so
           desirous
           is
           he
           of
           our
           ,
           repentance
           and
           happiness
           ,
           that
           he
           leaves
           no
           method
           unattempted
           that
           may
           probably
           do
           us
           good
           ;
           he
           strikes
           upon
           every
           Passion
           in
           the
           Heart
           of
           Man
           ;
           he
           works
           upon
           our
           Love
           by
           his
           Goodness
           ,
           upon
           our
           Hopes
           by
           his
           Promises
           ,
           and
           upon
           our
           Fears
           ,
           first
           by
           his
           Threatnings
           ,
           
           and
           if
           they
           be
           not
           effectual
           ,
           then
           by
           his
           Judgments
           ;
           he
           tries
           every
           Affection
           and
           takes
           hold
           of
           it
           ,
           if
           by
           any
           means
           he
           may
           draw
           us
           to
           himself
           ;
           and
           will
           nothing
           warn
           us
           ,
           but
           what
           will
           ruine
           us
           ,
           and
           render
           our
           case
           desperate
           and
           past
           hope
           ?
        
         
           And
           if
           any
           Sinner
           be
           free
           from
           outward
           Afflictions
           and
           Sufferings
           ,
           yet
           sin
           never
           fails
           to
           carry
           its
           own
           Punishment
           along
           with
           it
           ;
           there
           is
           a
           secret
           Sting
           and
           Worm
           ,
           a
           divine
           Nemesis
           and
           Revenge
           that
           is
           bred
           in
           the
           Bowels
           of
           every
           Sin
           ,
           and
           makes
           it
           a
           heavy
           Punishment
           to
           it self
           ;
           the
           Conscience
           of
           a
           Sinner
           doth
           frequently
           torment
           him
           ,
           and
           his
           Guilt
           haunts
           and
           dogs
           him
           where-ever
           he
           goes
           ;
           for
           when
           ever
           a
           Man
           commits
           a
           known
           and
           willful
           sin
           ,
           he
           drinks
           down
           Poison
           ,
           which
           tho'
           it
           may
           work
           slowly
           ,
           yet
           it
           will
           give
           him
           many
           a
           Gripe
           ,
           and
           if
           no
           means
           be
           used
           to
           expel
           it
           ,
           will
           destroy
           him
           at
           last
           .
        
         
           So
           that
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           is
           wisely
           ordered
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           such
           a
           mixture
           of
           Judgment
           in
           it
           ,
           as
           is
           sufficient
           to
           awaken
           Sinners
           ,
           and
           much
           more
           apt
           to
           deter
           them
           from
           sin
           ,
           than
           to
           encourage
           them
           to
           go
           on
           and
           continue
           in
           it
           .
        
         
         
           III.
           Nothing
           is
           farther
           from
           the
           intention
           of
           God
           ,
           than
           to
           harden
           Men
           by
           his
           long-suffering
           .
           This
           the
           Scripture
           most
           expresly
           declares
           ,
           2
           Pet.
           3.9
           .
           
             He
             is
             long-suffering
             to
             us-ward
             ,
             not
             willing
             that
             any
             should
             perish
             ,
             but
             that
             all
             should
             come
             to
             repentance
             .
          
           He
           hath
           a
           very
           gracious
           and
           merciful
           design
           in
           his
           Patience
           towards
           Sinners
           ,
           and
           is
           therefore
           good
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           make
           us
           so
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           may
           cease
           to
           do
           evil
           .
           The
           event
           of
           God's
           long-suffering
           may
           ,
           by
           our
           own
           fault
           and
           abuse
           of
           it
           ,
           prove
           our
           ruin
           ;
           but
           the
           design
           and
           intention
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           our
           repentance
           .
           
             He
             winks
             at
             the
             sins
             of
             men
          
           (
           saith
           the
           Son
           of
           
             Syrach
             )
             that
             they
             may
             repent
             .
          
           He
           passeth
           them
           by
           ,
           and
           does
           not
           take
           speedy
           Vengeance
           upon
           Sinners
           for
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           have
           time
           to
           repent
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           
             to
             make
             their
             peace
             with
             him
             ,
             while
             they
             are
             yet
             in
             the
             way
             .
          
        
         
           Nay
           ,
           his
           long-suffering
           doth
           not
           only
           give
           space
           for
           Repentance
           ,
           but
           is
           a
           great
           argument
           and
           encouragement
           to
           it
           .
           That
           he
           is
           so
           loth
           to
           surprize
           Sinners
           ,
           that
           he
           gives
           them
           the
           liberty
           of
           second
           thoughts
           ,
           time
           to
           reflect
           upon
           themselves
           ,
           to
           consider
           
           what
           they
           have
           done
           ,
           and
           to
           retract
           it
           by
           repentance
           ,
           is
           a
           sufficient
           intimation
           that
           he
           hath
           no
           mind
           to
           ruin
           us
           ,
           that
           
             he
             desires
             not
             the
             death
             of
             a
             sinner
             ,
             but
             rather
             that
             he
             should
             turn
             from
             his
             wickedness
             and
             live
             .
          
           And
           should
           not
           this
           goodness
           of
           his
           make
           us
           sorry
           that
           we
           have
           offended
           him
           ?
           Doth
           it
           not
           naturally
           lead
           and
           invite
           us
           to
           repentance
           ?
           What
           other
           interpretation
           can
           we
           make
           of
           his
           Patience
           ,
           what
           other
           use
           in
           reason
           should
           we
           make
           of
           it
           ,
           but
           to
           repent
           and
           return
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           saved
           ?
        
         
           IV.
           There
           is
           nothing
           in
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           is
           in
           truth
           any
           ground
           of
           encouragement
           to
           Men
           in
           any
           evil
           course
           ;
           the
           proper
           and
           natural
           tendency
           of
           
             God's
             goodness
          
           is
           
             to
             lead
             men
             to
             repentance
          
           ,
           and
           by
           repentance
           to
           bring
           them
           to
           happiness
           ;
           Rom.
           2.4
           .
           
             Despisest
             thou
             the
             riches
             of
             his
             goodness
             ,
             and
             patience
             ,
             and
             long-suffering
             ,
             not
             knowing
             that
             the
             goodness
             of
             God
             leadeth
             thee
             to
             repentance
             ?
          
           This
           St.
           Peter
           ,
           with
           relation
           to
           these
           very
           words
           of
           St.
           Paul
           ,
           interprets
           ,
           
             leading
             to
             salvation
          
           ;
           2
           Pet.
           3.15
           .
           
             And
             account
             that
             the
             long-suffering
             of
             our
             Lord
             is
             salvation
             ,
             as
             our
             beloved
             brother
             Paul
             
             also
             hath
             written
             unto
             you
             .
          
           Now
           where
           did
           St.
           Paul
           write
           so
           ,
           unless
           in
           this
           Text
           ;
           
             Not
             knowing
             that
             the
             goodness
             of
             God
             leads
             to
             repentance
             ?
          
           'T
           is
           not
           only
           great
           ignorance
           ,
           and
           a
           very
           gross
           mistake
           ,
           to
           think
           that
           it
           is
           the
           design
           and
           intention
           of
           God's
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           to
           encourage
           Men
           in
           sin
           ;
           but
           likewise
           to
           think
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           thing
           ,
           goodness
           can
           have
           any
           tendency
           to
           make
           Men
           evil
           ;
           
             not
             knowing
             that
             the
             goodness
             of
             God
             leads
             to
             repentance
             .
          
        
         
           V.
           That
           through
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           Sinners
           are
           hardned
           in
           their
           evil
           ways
           ,
           is
           wholly
           to
           be
           ascribed
           to
           their
           abuse
           of
           God's
           goodness
           ;
           't
           is
           neither
           the
           End
           and
           Intention
           ,
           nor
           the
           proper
           and
           natural
           Effect
           of
           the
           thing
           ,
           but
           the
           accidental
           Event
           of
           it
           ,
           through
           our
           own
           fault
           .
           And
           is
           this
           any
           real
           Objection
           against
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ?
           May
           not
           God
           be
           patient
           ,
           tho'
           Sinners
           be
           impenitent
           ?
           May
           not
           he
           be
           good
           ,
           tho'
           we
           be
           so
           foolish
           as
           to
           make
           an
           ill
           use
           of
           his
           goodness
           ?
           Because
           Men
           are
           apt
           to
           abuse
           the
           Mercies
           and
           Favours
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           it
           therefore
           a
           fault
           in
           him
           to
           bestow
           them
           upon
           us
           ?
           Is
           it
           not
           enough
           for
           us
           to
           
           abuse
           them
           ,
           but
           will
           we
           challenge
           God
           also
           of
           unkindness
           in
           giving
           them
           ?
           May
           not
           God
           use
           wise
           and
           fitting
           means
           for
           our
           recovery
           ,
           because
           we
           are
           so
           foolish
           as
           not
           to
           make
           a
           wise
           use
           of
           them
           ?
           And
           must
           he
           be
           charged
           with
           our
           ruin
           ,
           because
           he
           seeks
           by
           all
           means
           to
           prevent
           it
           ?
           Is
           it
           not
           enough
           to
           be
           injurious
           to
           our selves
           ,
           but
           will
           we
           be
           unthankful
           to
           God
           also
           ?
           When
           God
           hath
           laid
           out
           
             the
             riches
             of
             his
             goodness
             and
             patience
          
           upon
           Sinners
           ,
           will
           they
           challenge
           him
           as
           accessory
           to
           their
           ruin
           ?
           As
           if
           a
           foolish
           Heir
           that
           hath
           prodigally
           wasted
           the
           fair
           Estate
           that
           was
           left
           him
           ,
           should
           be
           so
           far
           from
           blaming
           himself
           ,
           as
           to
           charge
           his
           Father
           with
           undoing
           him
           .
           Are
           these
           the
           best
           returns
           which
           the
           infinite
           Mercy
           and
           Patience
           of
           God
           hath
           deserved
           from
           us
           ?
           
             Do
             we
             thus
             requite
             the
             Lord
             ,
             foolish
             people
             and
             unwise
             ?
          
        
         
           God's
           Patience
           would
           save
           Sinners
           ,
           but
           they
           ruin
           themselves
           by
           their
           abuse
           of
           it
           ;
           let
           the
           blame
           then
           lie
           where
           it
           is
           due
           ,
           and
           let
           God
           have
           the
           glory
           of
           his
           Goodness
           ,
           tho'
           Men
           refuse
           the
           benefit
           and
           advantage
           of
           it
           .
        
         
         
           VI.
           And
           Lastly
           ,
           But
           because
           this
           Objection
           pincheth
           hardest
           in
           one
           point
           ;
           viz.
           That
           God
           certainly
           fore-sees
           that
           a
           great
           many
           will
           abuse
           his
           long-suffering
           ,
           to
           the
           increasing
           of
           their
           Guilt
           ,
           and
           the
           aggravating
           of
           their
           Condemnation
           ;
           and
           how
           is
           his
           long-suffering
           any
           Mercy
           and
           Goodness
           to
           those
           ,
           who
           he
           certainly
           fore-knows
           will
           in
           the
           event
           be
           so
           much
           the
           more
           miserable
           ,
           for
           having
           had
           so
           much
           Patience
           extended
           to
           them
           ?
           Therefore
           for
           a
           full
           answer
           ,
           I
           desire
           these
           six
           things
           may
           be
           considered
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           God
           designs
           this
           life
           for
           the
           tryal
           of
           our
           Obedience
           ,
           that
           according
           as
           we
           behave
           our selves
           he
           might
           reward
           or
           punish
           us
           in
           another
           World.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           That
           there
           could
           be
           no
           tryal
           of
           our
           Obedience
           ,
           nor
           any
           capacity
           of
           Rewards
           and
           Punishments
           ,
           but
           upon
           the
           supposition
           of
           freedom
           and
           liberty
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           not
           do
           what
           we
           do
           upon
           force
           and
           necessity
           ,
           but
           upon
           free
           choice
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           That
           God
           ,
           by
           virtue
           of
           the
           infinite
           Perfection
           of
           his
           Knowledge
           ,
           does
           clearly
           and
           certainly
           foresee
           all
           future
           Events
           ,
           even
           those
           which
           are
           
           most
           contingent
           ,
           such
           as
           are
           the
           arbitrary
           actions
           of
           free
           and
           voluntary
           Agents
           .
           This
           I
           know
           hath
           been
           deny'd
           ,
           but
           without
           reason
           ;
           since
           it
           is
           not
           only
           contrary
           to
           the
           common
           apprehensions
           of
           Mankind
           from
           the
           very
           light
           of
           Nature
           ,
           that
           God
           should
           not
           fore-know
           future
           Events
           ,
           but
           to
           clear
           and
           express
           Scripture
           ;
           and
           that
           in
           such
           Instances
           ,
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           which
           they
           deny
           God's
           fore-knowledge
           in
           general
           of
           the
           future
           actions
           of
           free
           and
           voluntary
           Agents
           ,
           I
           mean
           ,
           that
           the
           Scripture
           expresly
           declares
           God's
           determinate
           fore-knowledge
           of
           the
           most
           wicked
           actions
           ;
           as
           the
           Crucifying
           of
           Christ
           ,
           who
           is
           said
           ,
           
             according
             to
             the
             determinate
             counsel
             and
             fore-knowledge
             of
             God
             ,
          
           to
           have
           been
           
             by
             wicked
             hands
             crucified
             and
             slain
             .
          
        
         
           4.
           
           That
           the
           bare
           fore-knowledge
           of
           things
           future
           hath
           no
           more
           influence
           upon
           them
           to
           make
           them
           to
           be
           ,
           than
           the
           sight
           and
           knowledge
           of
           things
           present
           hath
           upon
           them
           to
           make
           them
           to
           be
           present
           .
           I
           may
           see
           or
           know
           that
           the
           Sun
           is
           risen
           ,
           without
           being
           the
           cause
           of
           its
           rising
           ;
           and
           no
           more
           is
           bare
           knowledge
           of
           future
           Events
           the
           cause
           that
           they
           are
           ,
           
           when
           they
           are
           .
           And
           if
           any
           Man
           ask
           how
           God
           can
           certainly
           fore-know
           things
           ,
           which
           depend
           upon
           free
           and
           arbitrary
           causes
           ,
           unless
           he
           do
           some
           way
           decree
           and
           determine
           them
           ?
           I
           answer
           ,
           that
           this
           is
           not
           a
           fair
           and
           reasonable
           demand
           ,
           to
           ask
           of
           Men
           ,
           who
           have
           but
           finite
           Understandings
           ,
           to
           make
           out
           and
           declare
           all
           the
           ways
           that
           infinite
           Knowledge
           hath
           of
           knowing
           and
           of
           fore-seeing
           the
           actions
           of
           free
           Creatures
           ,
           without
           prejudice
           to
           their
           liberty
           and
           freedom
           of
           acting
           .
           However
           ,
           it
           is
           of
           the
           two
           much
           more
           credible
           to
           reason
           ,
           that
           infinite
           Knowledge
           should
           certainly
           fore-know
           things
           ,
           which
           our
           Understandings
           cannot
           imagine
           how
           they
           should
           be
           fore-known
           ,
           than
           that
           God
           should
           any
           ways
           be
           the
           Author
           of
           Sin
           ,
           by
           determining
           and
           decreeing
           the
           wicked
           actions
           of
           Men.
           The
           first
           only
           argues
           the
           imperfection
           of
           our
           Understandings
           ;
           but
           the
           other
           lays
           the
           greatest
           blemish
           and
           imperfection
           that
           can
           be
           upon
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           .
        
         
           So
           that
           this
           difficult
           Controversie
           about
           the
           fore-knowledge
           of
           God
           is
           brought
           to
           this
           point
           ,
           Whether
           a
           Man
           had
           better
           believe
           ,
           that
           infinite
           Knowledge
           
           may
           be
           able
           to
           fore-know
           things
           in
           a
           way
           which
           our
           finite
           understanding
           cannot
           comprehend
           :
           or
           to
           ascribe
           something
           to
           God
           ,
           from
           whence
           it
           would
           unavoidably
           follow
           that
           he
           is
           the
           author
           of
           Sin.
           The
           〈◊〉
           is
           only
           a
           modest
           and
           just
           acknowledgment
           of
           our
           own
           ignorance
           ;
           the
           lost
           is
           the
           utmost
           and
           greatest
           absurdity
           that
           a
           Man
           can
           be
           brought
           to
           ;
           and
           to
           say
           that
           we
           cannot
           believe
           the
           fore-knowledge
           of
           God
           ,
           unless
           we
           can
           make
           out
           the
           particular
           manner
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           more
           unreasonable
           ,
           than
           if
           an
           ignorant
           Man
           should
           deny
           a
           difficult
           proposition
           in
           Euclid
           or
           Archimedes
           to
           be
           demonstrated
           ,
           because
           he
           knows
           not
           how
           to
           demonstrate
           it
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           And
           consequently
           fore-knowledge
           and
           liberty
           may
           very
           well
           consist
           ;
           and
           notwithstanding
           God's
           fore-knowledge
           of
           what
           Men
           will
           do
           ,
           they
           may
           be
           as
           free
           as
           if
           he
           did
           not
           fore-know
           it
           .
           And
           ,
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           That
           God
           doth
           not
           deal
           with
           Men
           according
           to
           his
           fore-knowledge
           of
           the
           good
           or
           bad
           use
           of
           their
           liberty
           ,
           but
           according
           to
           the
           nature
           and
           reason
           of
           things
           ;
           and
           therefore
           if
           he
           be
           long-suffering
           toward
           Sinners
           ,
           
           and
           do
           not
           cut
           them
           off
           upon
           the
           first
           Provocation
           ,
           but
           give
           them
           a
           space
           and
           opportunity
           of
           repentance
           ,
           and
           use
           all
           proper
           means
           and
           arguments
           to
           bring
           them
           to
           repentance
           ,
           and
           be
           ready
           to
           afford
           his
           Grace
           to
           excite
           good
           resolutions
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           second
           and
           assist
           them
           ,
           and
           they
           refuse
           and
           resist
           all
           this
           ;
           their
           wilful
           Obstinacy
           and
           Impenitency
           is
           as
           culpable
           ,
           and
           God's
           Goodness
           and
           Patience
           as
           much
           to
           be
           acknowledged
           ,
           as
           if
           God
           did
           not
           foresee
           the
           abuse
           of
           it
           ;
           because
           his
           fore-sight
           and
           knowledge
           of
           what
           they
           would
           do
           ,
           laid
           no
           necessity
           upon
           them
           to
           do
           what
           they
           did
           .
        
         
           If
           a
           Prince
           had
           the
           priviledge
           of
           fore-knowledge
           as
           God
           hath
           ,
           and
           did
           certainly
           foresee
           ,
           that
           a
           great
           many
           of
           his
           Subjects
           would
           certainly
           incur
           the
           penalty
           of
           his
           Laws
           ,
           and
           that
           others
           would
           abuse
           his
           goodness
           and
           clemency
           to
           them
           ;
           yet
           if
           he
           would
           govern
           them
           like
           free
           and
           reasonable
           Creatures
           ,
           he
           ought
           to
           make
           the
           same
           wise
           Laws
           to
           restrain
           their
           exorbitancy
           ,
           and
           to
           use
           the
           same
           clemency
           in
           all
           cases
           that
           did
           fairly
           admit
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           did
           not
           at
           all
           foresee
           what
           they
           
           would
           do
           ,
           nor
           how
           they
           would
           abuse
           his
           clemency
           ;
           for
           it
           is
           nevertheless
           fit
           to
           make
           wise
           and
           reasonable
           Laws
           ,
           and
           to
           govern
           with
           equity
           and
           clemency
           ,
           tho'
           it
           were
           certainly
           foreseen
           ,
           that
           they
           that
           are
           governed
           would
           act
           very
           foolishly
           and
           unreasonably
           in
           the
           use
           of
           their
           liberty
           .
           It
           is
           great
           goodness
           in
           God
           to
           give
           Men
           the
           means
           and
           opportunity
           of
           being
           saved
           ,
           tho'
           they
           abuse
           this
           goodness
           to
           their
           farther
           ruin
           ;
           and
           he
           may
           be
           heartily
           grieved
           for
           that
           folly
           and
           obstinacy
           in
           Men
           ,
           which
           he
           certainly
           fore-sees
           will
           end
           in
           their
           ruin
           ;
           and
           may
           with
           great
           seriousness
           and
           sincerity
           wish
           they
           would
           do
           otherwise
           ,
           and
           were
           as
           
             wise
             to
             do
             good
          
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           
             wilful
             to
             do
             evil
          
           .
           And
           thus
           he
           is
           represented
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           as
           regretting
           the
           mischief
           which
           Men
           wilfully
           bring
           upon
           themselves
           ;
           
             O
             that
             they
             were
             wise
             ,
             O
             that
             they
             would
             understand
             ,
             and
             consider
             their
             latter
             end
             !
          
        
         
           And
           this
           is
           sufficient
           to
           vindicate
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           in
           his
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           to
           Sinners
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           them
           wholly
           guilty
           of
           all
           that
           befalls
           them
           for
           their
           wilful
           contempt
           and
           abuse
           of
           it
           .
        
         
         
           I
           shall
           draw
           some
           Inferences
           from
           this
           whole
           Discourse
           upon
           this
           Argument
           .
        
         
           I.
           This
           shews
           the
           unreasonableness
           and
           perverse
           disingenuity
           of
           Men
           ,
           who
           take
           occasion
           to
           harden
           and
           encourage
           themselves
           in
           sin
           from
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           above
           all
           things
           in
           the
           World
           should
           melt
           and
           soften
           them
           .
           Thou
           hast
           sinned
           and
           art
           liable
           to
           the
           Justice
           of
           God
           ,
           Sentence
           is
           gone
           forth
           ,
           but
           God
           respites
           the
           execution
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           hath
           granted
           thee
           a
           Reprieve
           ,
           and
           time
           and
           opportunity
           to
           sue
           out
           thy
           Pardon
           .
           Now
           what
           use
           ought
           we
           in
           reason
           to
           make
           of
           this
           Patience
           of
           God
           towards
           us
           ?
           We
           ought
           certainly
           
             to
             break
             off
             our
             sins
             by
          
           a
           speedy
           
             repentance
             ,
             lest
             iniquity
             be
             our
             ruin
          
           ;
           immediately
           to
           sue
           out
           our
           Pardon
           ,
           and
           
             to
             make
             our
             peace
             with
             God
             ,
             while
             we
             are
             yet
             in
             the
             way
             ,
          
           and
           to
           resolve
           ,
           never
           any
           more
           willingly
           to
           offend
           that
           God
           who
           is
           so
           gracious
           and
           merciful
           ,
           so
           long-suffering
           and
           full
           of
           compassion
           .
           But
           what
           use
           do
           Men
           commonly
           make
           of
           it
           ?
           They
           take
           occasion
           to
           confirm
           and
           strengthen
           themselves
           in
           their
           wickedness
           ,
           and
           
           to
           reason
           themselves
           into
           vain
           and
           groundless
           hopes
           of
           impunity
           .
           Now
           what
           a
           folly
           is
           this
           ,
           because
           punishment
           doth
           not
           come
           ,
           therefore
           to
           hasten
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           draw
           it
           down
           upon
           our selves
           ?
           Because
           it
           hath
           not
           yet
           overtaken
           us
           ,
           therefore
           to
           go
           forth
           and
           meet
           it
           ?
           Because
           there
           is
           yet
           a
           possibility
           of
           escaping
           it
           ,
           therefore
           to
           take
           a
           certain
           course
           to
           make
           it
           unavoidable
           ?
           Because
           there
           is
           yet
           hope
           concerning
           us
           ,
           therefore
           to
           make
           our
           case
           desperate
           and
           past
           remedy
           ?
           See
           how
           unreasonably
           Men
           bring
           ruin
           upon
           themselves
           ;
           so
           that
           well
           might
           the
           Psalmist
           ask
           that
           Question
           ,
           
             Have
             all
             the
             workers
             of
             iniquity
             no
             knowledge
             ?
          
        
         
           But
           their
           folly
           and
           unreasonableness
           is
           not
           so
           great
           ,
           but
           their
           perverseness
           and
           disingenuity
           is
           greater
           .
           To
           sin
           ,
           because
           God
           is
           long-suffering
           ,
           is
           
             to
             be
             evil
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             good
             ,
          
           and
           to
           provoke
           him
           ,
           because
           he
           spares
           us
           ;
           it
           is
           
             to
             strive
             with
             God
          
           ,
           and
           to
           contend
           with
           his
           goodness
           ,
           as
           if
           we
           were
           resolved
           to
           try
           the
           utmost
           length
           of
           his
           Patience
           ;
           and
           because
           God
           is
           loth
           to
           punish
           ,
           therefore
           to
           urge
           and
           importune
           him
           to
           that
           which
           is
           so
           contrary
           to
           his
           Inclination
           .
        
         
         
           II.
           This
           may
           serve
           to
           convince
           Men
           of
           the
           great
           evil
           and
           danger
           of
           thus
           abusing
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God.
           It
           is
           a
           provocation
           of
           the
           highest
           nature
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           to
           trample
           upon
           his
           dearest
           Attributes
           ,
           those
           which
           he
           most
           delights
           and
           glories
           in
           ,
           his
           Goodness
           and
           Mercy
           ;
           for
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           is
           his
           Goodness
           to
           the
           guilty
           ,
           and
           his
           Mercy
           to
           those
           who
           deserve
           to
           be
           miserable
           .
        
         
           Nothing
           makes
           our
           ruin
           more
           certain
           ,
           more
           speedy
           ,
           and
           more
           intollerable
           ,
           than
           the
           abuse
           of
           God's
           Goodness
           and
           Patience
           .
           After
           God
           had
           born
           long
           with
           that
           rebellious
           People
           ,
           the
           Children
           of
           Israel
           ,
           and
           notwithstanding
           all
           their
           murmurings
           ,
           all
           their
           infidelity
           and
           impenitency
           ,
           had
           spared
           them
           
             ten
             times
          
           ,
           at
           last
           he
           sets
           his
           Seal
           to
           their
           ruin
           ,
           Heb.
           3.8
           ,
           9.
           
           
             Harden
             not
             your
             hearts
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             provocation
             ,
             in
             the
             day
             of
             temptation
             in
             the
             wilderness
             :
             When
             your
             Fathers
             proved
             me
             ,
             and
             saw
             my
             works
             forty
             years
             .
          
           This
           was
           a
           high
           provocation
           indeed
           ,
           to
           harden
           their
           hearts
           under
           the
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ,
           after
           forty
           Years
           tryal
           and
           experience
           of
           it
           ;
           v.
           10.
           
           
             Wherefore
             I
             was
             grieved
             with
             
             that
             generation
             ,
             and
             said
             ,
             They
             are
             a
             people
             that
             do
             err
             in
             their
             hearts
             ,
             for
             they
             have
             not
             known
             my
             ways
             .
          
           And
           what
           was
           the
           issue
           of
           all
           this
           ?
           Upon
           this
           God
           takes
           up
           a
           fixt
           resolution
           to
           bear
           no
           longer
           with
           them
           ,
           but
           to
           cut
           them
           off
           from
           the
           Blessings
           he
           had
           promised
           to
           bestow
           upon
           them
           ;
           
             He
             sware
             in
             his
             wrath
             ,
             that
             they
             should
             not
             enter
             into
             his
             rest
             .
             To
             whom
             sware
             he
             ,
             that
             they
             should
             not
             enter
             into
             his
             rest
             ,
             but
             to
             them
             that
             believed
             not
             ?
          
           or
           as
           the
           word
           may
           be
           rendred
           ,
           
             to
             them
             that
             were
             disobedient
          
           ?
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           them
           who
           went
           on
           in
           their
           rebellion
           against
           him
           ,
           after
           he
           had
           
             suffered
             their
             manners
             forty
             years
          
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           the
           abuse
           of
           God's
           Patience
           renders
           our
           destruction
           more
           certain
           ,
           so
           more
           speedy
           and
           more
           intollerable
           .
           We
           think
           that
           because
           God
           suffers
           long
           ,
           he
           will
           suffer
           always
           ;
           and
           because
           punishment
           is
           delayed
           ,
           therefore
           it
           will
           never
           come
           ;
           but
           it
           will
           come
           the
           sooner
           for
           this
           :
           So
           our
           Lord
           tells
           us
           ,
           Luke
           12.
           
           When
           
             the
             servant
             said
             ,
             His
             Lord
             delayed
             his
             coming
             ,
             the
             Lord
             of
             that
             servant
             shall
             come
             in
             a
             day
             that
             he
             looks
             not
             for
             him
             ,
             and
             at
             an
             hour
             when
             he
             is
             not
             aware
             ,
             and
             shall
             cut
             him
             in
             sunder
             ,
             and
             appoint
             him
             his
             portion
             with
             
             the
             hypocrites
             .
          
           None
           so
           like
           to
           be
           surprised
           by
           the
           Judgment
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           those
           who
           trespass
           so
           boldly
           upon
           his
           Patience
           .
        
         
           III.
           To
           perswade
           us
           to
           make
           a
           right
           use
           of
           the
           Patience
           and
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           comply
           with
           the
           merciful
           end
           and
           design
           of
           God
           therein
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           It
           is
           the
           design
           of
           God's
           long-suffering
           ,
           to
           give
           us
           a
           space
           of
           repentance
           .
           Were
           it
           not
           that
           God
           had
           this
           design
           and
           reasonable
           expectation
           from
           us
           ,
           he
           would
           not
           reprieve
           a
           sinner
           for
           one
           moment
           ,
           but
           would
           execute
           Judgment
           upon
           him
           so
           soon
           as
           ever
           he
           had
           offended
           :
           This
           our
           Saviour
           declares
           to
           us
           by
           the
           Parable
           of
           the
           Fig-tree
           ,
           Luke
           13.6
           .
           Were
           it
           not
           that
           God
           expects
           from
           us
           the
           fruit
           of
           repentance
           ,
           he
           would
           
             cut
             us
             down
          
           ,
           and
           not
           suffer
           us
           
             to
             cumber
             the
             ground
          
           ;
           after
           he
           had
           
             waited
             three
             years
             ,
             seeking
             fruit
             and
             finding
             none
             ,
             he
             spares
             it
             one
             year
             more
             ,
             to
             see
             if
             it
             would
             bear
             fruit
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           is
           a
           great
           encouragement
           to
           repentance
           .
           We
           see
           by
           his
           Patience
           that
           he
           is
           not
           ready
           to
           take
           advantage
           against
           us
           ;
           that
           he
           spares
           us
           when
           we
           offend
           ,
           is
           a
           
           very
           good
           sign
           that
           he
           will
           forgive
           us
           if
           we
           repent
           .
           Thus
           natural
           Light
           would
           reason
           ,
           and
           so
           the
           King
           of
           Nineveh
           ,
           a
           Heathen
           ,
           reasons
           ,
           
             Who
             can
             tell
             if
             God
             will
             turn
             and
             repent
             ?
          
           But
           we
           are
           fully
           assured
           of
           this
           by
           the
           gracious
           declarations
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           the
           way
           of
           pardon
           and
           forgiveness
           which
           is
           therein
           establisht
           
             through
             faith
             in
             the
             blood
          
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           who
           was
           made
           a
           
             propitiation
             for
             the
             sins
             of
             the
             whole
             world
             .
          
        
         
           Therefore
           the
           long-suffering
           of
           God
           should
           be
           a
           powerful
           argument
           to
           us
           
             to
             break
             off
             our
             sins
             by
             repentance
          
           :
           For
           this
           is
           the
           End
           of
           God's
           Patience
           ;
           
             He
             is
             long-suffering
             to
             us
             ward
             ,
             not
             willing
             that
             any
             should
             perish
             ,
             but
             that
             all
             should
             come
             to
             repentance
             .
             He
             hath
             no
             pleasure
             in
             the
             death
             of
             the
             wicked
             ,
             but
             that
             the
             wicked
             should
             turn
             from
             his
             way
             and
             live
             .
          
           God
           every
           where
           expresseth
           a
           vehement
           desire
           and
           earnest
           expectation
           of
           our
           repentance
           and
           conversion
           ;
           Jer.
           4.14
           .
           
             O
             Jerusalem
             !
             wash
             thy
             heart
             from
             wickedness
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayest
             be
             saved
             .
          
           And
           Chap.
           13.27
           .
           
             Woe
             unto
             thee
             Jerusalem
             !
             wilt
             thou
             not
             be
             made
             clean
             ?
             when
             shall
             it
             once
             be
             ?
          
           He
           who
           is
           so
           patient
           as
           to
           the
           punishment
           of
           our
           sins
           ,
           is
           almost
           impatient
           of
           our
           repentance
           
           for
           them
           ;
           
             Wilt
             thou
             not
             be
             made
             clean
             ?
             when
             shall
             it
             once
             be
             ?
          
           And
           can
           we
           stand
           out
           against
           his
           earnest
           desire
           of
           our
           happiness
           ,
           whom
           we
           have
           so
           often
           and
           so
           long
           provoked
           to
           make
           us
           miserable
           ?
        
         
           Let
           us
           then
           return
           into
           our selves
           ,
           and
           think
           seriously
           what
           our
           case
           and
           condition
           is
           ;
           how
           we
           have
           lived
           ,
           and
           how
           long
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           hath
           
             suffered
             our
             manners
          
           ,
           and
           waited
           for
           our
           repentance
           ,
           and
           how
           inevitable
           and
           intollerable
           the
           misery
           of
           those
           must
           be
           who
           live
           and
           dye
           in
           the
           contempt
           and
           abuse
           of
           it
           ;
           let
           us
           heartily
           repent
           of
           our
           wicked
           lives
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           
             What
             have
             we
             done
          
           ?
           How
           careless
           have
           we
           been
           of
           our
           own
           happiness
           ,
           and
           what
           pains
           have
           we
           taken
           to
           undo
           our selves
           ?
        
         
           Let
           us
           speedily
           set
           about
           this
           Work
           ,
           because
           we
           do
           not
           know
           how
           long
           the
           Patience
           of
           God
           may
           last
           ,
           and
           the
           opportunities
           of
           our
           Salvation
           be
           continued
           to
           us
           .
           This
           day
           of
           God's
           Grace
           and
           Patience
           will
           have
           an
           end
           ,
           therefore
           ,
           as
           the
           Prophet
           exhorts
           ,
           Isa
           .
           55.6
           .
           
             Seek
             the
             Lord
             while
             he
             may
             be
             found
             ,
             and
             call
             upon
             him
             while
             he
             is
             near
             .
          
           Now
           God
           graciously
           invites
           Sinners
           to
           
           come
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           is
           ready
           to
           receive
           them
           ;
           nay
           ,
           if
           they
           do
           but
           move
           towards
           him
           ,
           he
           is
           ready
           to
           go
           forth
           and
           meet
           them
           half
           way
           ;
           but
           the
           time
           will
           come
           ,
           when
           he
           will
           bid
           them
           
             depart
             from
             him
          
           ,
           when
           they
           shall
           cry
           ,
           
             Lord
             ,
             Lord
             ,
             open
             unto
             us
             ,
          
           and
           
             the
             door
          
           of
           mercy
           
             shall
             be
             shut
          
           against
           them
           .
        
         
           All
           the
           while
           thou
           delayest
           this
           necessary
           work
           ,
           thou
           venturest
           thy
           immortal
           Soul
           ,
           and
           puttest
           thy
           eternal
           Salvation
           upon
           a
           desperate
           hazard
           ,
           and
           should
           God
           snatch
           thee
           suddenly
           away
           in
           an
           impenitent
           state
           ,
           what
           would
           become
           of
           thee
           ?
           Thou
           art
           yet
           in
           the
           way
           ,
           and
           God
           is
           yet
           reconcileable
           ,
           but
           Death
           is
           not
           far
           off
           ,
           and
           perhaps
           much
           nearer
           to
           thee
           than
           thou
           art
           aware
           ;
           at
           the
           best
           thy
           Life
           is
           uncertain
           ,
           and
           Death
           will
           infallibly
           put
           a
           period
           to
           this
           day
           of
           God's
           Grace
           and
           Patience
           .
        
         
           Repentance
           is
           a
           work
           so
           necessary
           ,
           that
           methinks
           no
           Man
           should
           lose
           so
           much
           time
           as
           to
           deliberate
           ,
           whether
           he
           should
           set
           about
           it
           or
           not
           ;
           
             de
             necessariis
             nulla
             est
             deliberatio
             ;
             no
             man
             deliberates
             about
             what
             he
             must
             do
             ,
             or
             be
             undone
             if
             he
             do
             it
             not
             .
          
           'T
           is
           a
           work
           of
           so
           great
           consequence
           and
           concernment
           ,
           
           and
           the
           delay
           of
           it
           so
           infinitely
           dangerous
           ,
           that
           one
           would
           think
           no
           wise
           Man
           could
           entertain
           a
           thought
           of
           deferring
           it
           .
           What
           greater
           folly
           and
           stupidity
           can
           there
           be
           ,
           than
           for
           Men
           to
           venture
           their
           immortal
           Souls
           ,
           and
           to
           run
           an
           apparent
           hazard
           in
           matters
           of
           everlasting
           consequence
           ?
        
         
           This
           day
           of
           God's
           Patience
           is
           the
           great
           opportunity
           of
           our
           Salvation
           ,
           and
           if
           we
           let
           it
           slip
           ,
           it
           is
           never
           to
           be
           recovered
           :
           If
           we
           mis-improve
           this
           time
           of
           our
           life
           ,
           we
           shall
           not
           be
           permitted
           to
           live
           it
           over
           again
           to
           improve
           it
           better
           .
           Our
           state
           of
           tryal
           ends
           with
           this
           life
           ,
           after
           that
           God
           will
           prove
           us
           no
           more
           ;
           then
           we
           shall
           wish
           ,
           
             O
             that
             I
             had
             known
             in
             that
             my
             day
             ,
             the
             things
             which
             belonged
             to
             my
             peace
             ,
             but
             now
             they
             are
             hid
             from
             mine
             eyes
             ;
             therefore
             to
             day
             ,
             whilst
             it
             is
             called
             to
             day
             ,
             harden
             not
             your
             hearts
             ,
             make
             no
             tarrying
             to
             turn
             to
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             put
             not
             off
             from
             day
             to
             day
             ,
             for
             suddenly
             shall
             the
             wrath
             of
             the
             Lord
             break
             forth
             ,
             and
             in
             thy
             security
             thou
             shalt
             be
             destroyed
             ;
             exercise
             repentance
             in
             the
             time
             of
             health
             ,
             and
             defer
             not
             till
             death
             to
             be
             justified
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
         
           SERMON
           X.
           
           The
           Power
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           
             
               
                 PSAL.
                 LXII
                 .
                 11
              
               .
            
             
               God
               hath
               spoken
               once
               ;
               twice
               have
               I
               heard
               this
               ,
               that
               power
               belongeth
               unto
               God.
               
            
          
        
         
           IN
           treating
           of
           the
           Attributes
           of
           God
           ,
           I
           have
           consider'd
           those
           which
           relate
           to
           the
           Divine
           Vnderstanding
           ,
           to
           which
           I
           referr'd
           his
           Knowledge
           and
           Wisdom
           ;
           those
           also
           which
           relate
           to
           the
           Divine
           
             Will
             ;
             viz.
          
           God's
           Justice
           ,
           Truth
           ,
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           Goodness
           ;
           I
           come
           now
           to
           consider
           his
           
             Power
             of
             acting
          
           ,
           which
           is
           his
           Omnipotency
           ;
           this
           I
           shall
           speak
           to
           from
           these
           words
           .
        
         
           In
           the
           beginning
           of
           this
           Psalm
           ,
           David
           declares
           that
           God
           was
           the
           great
           Object
           of
           his
           trust
           and
           confidence
           ,
           
           and
           that
           all
           his
           hopes
           and
           expectation
           of
           safety
           and
           deliverance
           were
           from
           him
           ,
           v.
           1
           ,
           2.
           
           And
           this
           makes
           him
           challenge
           his
           Enemies
           for
           all
           their
           mischievous
           qualities
           and
           devices
           against
           him
           ,
           as
           vain
           attempts
           ,
           v.
           3
           ,
           4.
           
           Hereupon
           he
           chargeth
           himself
           to
           continue
           his
           trust
           and
           confidence
           in
           God
           ,
           from
           whom
           was
           all
           his
           expectation
           ,
           and
           who
           was
           able
           to
           save
           and
           deliver
           him
           ;
           v.
           5
           ,
           6
           ,
           7.
           
           And
           from
           his
           Example
           and
           Experience
           ,
           he
           encourageth
           and
           exhorts
           all
           others
           to
           trust
           in
           God
           ,
           v.
           8.
           and
           that
           from
           two
           Arguments
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Because
           all
           other
           Objects
           of
           our
           trust
           and
           confidence
           are
           vain
           and
           insufficient
           ,
           and
           will
           fail
           those
           that
           rely
           upon
           them
           .
           If
           we
           will
           rely
           upon
           any
           thing
           in
           this
           World
           ,
           it
           must
           either
           be
           Persons
           or
           Things
           ;
           but
           we
           cannot
           safely
           repose
           our
           trust
           in
           either
           of
           these
           .
           Not
           in
           Persons
           :
           They
           may
           be
           reduced
           to
           one
           of
           these
           two
           Heads
           ,
           either
           high
           or
           low
           :
           Those
           that
           are
           of
           a
           mean
           condition
           ,
           it
           would
           be
           in
           vain
           to
           trust
           them
           ;
           they
           that
           cannot
           secure
           themselves
           from
           meanness
           ,
           cannot
           secure
           others
           from
           mischief
           ,
           
             Men
             of
             low
             degree
             are
             vanity
          
           :
           But
           great
           ones
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           they
           
           seem
           to
           promise
           something
           of
           assistance
           and
           security
           to
           us
           ;
           but
           if
           we
           depend
           upon
           them
           ,
           they
           will
           frustrate
           us
           ,
           
             Men
             of
             high
             degree
             are
             a
             lie
             .
          
           As
           for
           the
           Things
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           that
           which
           Men
           usually
           place
           their
           confidence
           in
           ,
           is
           Riches
           ;
           these
           are
           either
           got
           by
           unlawful
           ,
           or
           lawful
           means
           ;
           if
           they
           be
           ill
           gotten
           ,
           by
           Oppression
           or
           Robbery
           ,
           they
           will
           be
           so
           far
           from
           securing
           us
           from
           Evil
           ,
           that
           they
           will
           bring
           it
           upon
           us
           ;
           if
           they
           be
           well
           gotten
           ,
           they
           are
           of
           an
           uncertain
           nature
           ,
           that
           we
           have
           little
           reason
           to
           place
           our
           hopes
           in
           them
           ;
           
             If
             riches
             increase
             ,
             set
             not
             your
             hearts
             upon
             them
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           your
           hope
           ;
           for
           heart
           in
           Scripture
           signifies
           any
           of
           the
           Affections
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Because
           God
           is
           the
           proper
           Object
           of
           our
           trust
           and
           confidence
           .
           We
           may
           safely
           rely
           upon
           any
           one
           ,
           in
           whom
           these
           two
           things
           concur
           ,
           a
           Power
           to
           help
           us
           ,
           and
           Goodness
           to
           incline
           him
           so
           to
           do
           .
           Now
           David
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           both
           these
           are
           eminently
           in
           God
           ,
           and
           do
           in
           a
           peculiar
           manner
           belong
           to
           him
           ;
           
             Power
             ,
             v.
          
           11.
           and
           
             Goodness
             ,
             v.
          
           12.
           
        
         
         
           I
           shall
           speak
           to
           that
           which
           David
           makes
           the
           first
           ground
           of
           our
           confidence
           ,
           
             the
             Power
             of
             God
             ;
             Power
             belongs
             to
             God
          
           :
           For
           which
           he
           brings
           the
           testimony
           of
           God
           himself
           ,
           
             once
             hath
             God
             spoken
             ,
             yea
             twice
             have
             I
             heard
             this
             .
          
           Some
           Interpreters
           trouble
           themselves
           about
           the
           meaning
           of
           this
           Expression
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           did
           refer
           to
           some
           particular
           Revelation
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           then
           again
           they
           are
           troubled
           how
           to
           reconcile
           God's
           speaking
           this
           but
           once
           ,
           with
           
           David's
           hearing
           it
           twice
           ;
           but
           I
           do
           not
           love
           to
           spie
           Mysteries
           in
           these
           Expressions
           which
           are
           capable
           of
           a
           plain
           Sense
           ;
           for
           I
           understand
           no
           more
           by
           it
           but
           this
           ,
           that
           God
           hath
           several
           times
           revealed
           this
           ;
           he
           frequently
           declared
           himself
           by
           this
           Attribute
           ,
           
             once
             ,
             yea
             twice
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           he
           hath
           
             spoken
             it
             often
          
           ,
           and
           David
           had
           
             heard
             it
             often
          
           .
           This
           is
           answerable
           to
           that
           Phrase
           of
           the
           Latins
           ,
           
             Semel
             atque
             iterum
          
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           usual
           in
           all
           Writers
           ,
           to
           use
           a
           certain
           number
           for
           an
           uncertain
           ,
           and
           particularly
           among
           Poets
           ,
           
             Felices
             ter
             &
             amplius
          
           ,
           Hor.
           And
           so
           in
           the
           Poetical
           Writers
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           Job
           5.19
           .
           
             He
             hath
             delivered
             thee
             in
             six
             troubles
             ,
             yea
             ,
             in
             seven
             there
             shall
             no
             evil
             ●ouch
             thee
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           in
           several
           
           and
           various
           troubles
           .
           Eccles
           .
           11.2
           .
           
             Give
             a
             portion
             to
             seven
             and
             also
             to
             eight
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           distribute
           thy
           Charity
           to
           many
           ;
           and
           which
           is
           nearest
           to
           this
           ,
           Job
           40.5
           .
           
             Once
             have
             I
             spoken
             ,
             but
             I
             will
             not
             answer
             :
             yea
             twice
             ,
             but
             I
             will
             proceed
             no
             further
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           I
           have
           had
           several
           Discourses
           with
           my
           Friends
           ;
           and
           33.14
           .
           
             God
             speaketh
             once
             ,
             yea
             twice
             ,
             in
             a
             dream
             ,
             in
             a
             vision
             of
             the
             night
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           God
           reveals
           himself
           in
           several
           ways
           and
           manners
           to
           Men
           ;
           so
           here
           ,
           
             God
             hath
             spoken
             once
             ,
             yea
             twice
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           God
           hath
           often
           declared
           this
           .
           And
           if
           I
           would
           be
           so
           curious
           to
           refer
           to
           a
           particular
           declaration
           of
           God
           ,
           I
           should
           think
           ,
           that
           it
           related
           either
           to
           the
           Preface
           to
           the
           Law
           ,
           
             I
             am
             the
             Lord
             thy
             God
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           great
           and
           powerful
           God
           ,
           
             that
             brought
             thee
             out
             of
             the
             land
             of
             Egypt
          
           ;
           or
           rather
           to
           the
           declaration
           which
           God
           made
           of
           himself
           to
           
             Abraham
             ,
             Isaac
          
           ,
           and
           Jacob
           ,
           by
           the
           name
           of
           
             the
             Almighty
             God
             ,
             Gen.
          
           17.1
           .
           Concerning
           which
           revelation
           of
           God
           ,
           it
           is
           said
           expresly
           ,
           Ex.
           6.3
           .
           
             I
             appeared
             unto
             Abraham
             ,
             and
             Isaac
             ,
             and
             Jacob
             ,
             by
             the
             Name
             of
             God
             Almighty
             ,
             but
             by
             my
             Name
             Jehovah
             ,
             was
             I
             not
             known
             to
             them
             .
          
        
         
         
           But
           that
           which
           I
           design
           to
           speak
           to
           ,
           is
           the
           Proposition
           it self
           ,
           that
           
             Power
             belongs
             to
             God
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           the
           excellency
           of
           Power
           ,
           Power
           in
           its
           highest
           degree
           and
           perfection
           ;
           
             all
             Power
             belongs
             to
             God
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           Omnipotence
           is
           a
           Property
           or
           Perfection
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           .
        
         
           In
           the
           handling
           of
           this
           ,
           I
           shall
           shew
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           What
           we
           are
           to
           understand
           by
           the
           Omnipotence
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           That
           this
           Perfection
           belongs
           to
           God.
           
        
         
           First
           ,
           What
           we
           are
           to
           understand
           by
           the
           Omnipotence
           of
           God.
           And
           this
           I
           shall
           consider
           ,
           
             
               I.
               As
               to
               the
               Principle
               .
               And
               ,
            
             
               II.
               As
               to
               the
               Exercise
               of
               it
               .
            
          
        
         
           I.
           As
           to
           the
           Principle
           ,
           it
           is
           an
           ability
           to
           do
           all
           things
           ;
           the
           doing
           of
           which
           speaks
           Power
           and
           Perfection
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           whatever
           is
           not
           repugnant
           either
           to
           the
           nature
           of
           things
           ,
           or
           of
           God
           ;
           whatever
           does
           not
           imply
           a
           contradiction
           in
           the
           Thing
           ,
           or
           an
           imperfection
           in
           the
           Doer
           ;
           an
           ability
           to
           do
           all
           things
           which
           are
           consistent
           with
           it self
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           divine
           Nature
           and
           Perfection
           ;
           by
           which
           we
           must
           mean
           
           an
           executive
           Power
           ,
           the
           Effect
           whereof
           is
           without
           himself
           ;
           for
           what
           he
           is
           said
           to
           do
           within
           himself
           ,
           the
           acts
           of
           his
           Understanding
           and
           Will
           ,
           as
           we
           conceive
           his
           Will
           to
           be
           distinct
           from
           his
           Power
           ,
           are
           not
           to
           be
           referr'd
           to
           his
           Omnipotence
           .
           To
           have
           a
           right
           conception
           of
           Omnipotence
           ,
           we
           must
           imagine
           the
           most
           perfect
           active
           Principle
           that
           we
           can
           ,
           and
           't
           is
           still
           something
           more
           perfect
           than
           that
           ,
           or
           any
           thing
           we
           can
           imagine
           .
           To
           help
           our
           conception
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           Let
           us
           imagine
           a
           Principle
           from
           which
           all
           other
           power
           is
           derived
           ,
           and
           upon
           which
           it
           depends
           ,
           and
           to
           which
           it
           is
           perfectly
           subject
           and
           subordinate
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           A
           perfect
           active
           Principle
           ,
           which
           can
           do
           ,
           not
           only
           what
           any
           finite
           Being
           or
           Creature
           can
           do
           ,
           but
           what
           all
           Beings
           joyned
           together
           can
           do
           ;
           nay
           more
           and
           greater
           things
           than
           they
           all
           can
           do
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           A
           perfect
           active
           Principle
           ,
           to
           which
           nothing
           can
           make
           any
           considerable
           ,
           much
           less
           effectual
           resistance
           ,
           which
           can
           check
           and
           countermand
           at
           pleasure
           ,
           and
           carry
           down
           before
           it
           ,
           and
           annihilate
           all
           other
           Powers
           that
           
           we
           can
           imagine
           besides
           this
           ;
           because
           we
           cannot
           imagine
           any
           other
           Power
           ,
           that
           is
           not
           derived
           from
           this
           ,
           and
           does
           not
           depend
           upon
           it
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           A
           perfect
           active
           Principle
           ,
           which
           can
           do
           all
           things
           in
           a
           most
           perfect
           manner
           ,
           and
           can
           do
           all
           things
           at
           once
           and
           in
           an
           instant
           ,
           and
           that
           with
           ease
           .
           We
           can
           but
           do
           one
           thing
           at
           once
           ,
           and
           the
           greater
           and
           more
           considerable
           it
           is
           ,
           the
           more
           time
           it
           will
           ask
           us
           to
           do
           it
           ,
           and
           we
           find
           it
           the
           harder
           and
           more
           difficult
           to
           be
           done
           ;
           but
           God
           ,
           to
           whose
           knowledge
           all
           things
           are
           present
           at
           once
           ,
           and
           together
           ;
           and
           the
           acts
           of
           whose
           Will
           are
           as
           quick
           and
           perfect
           as
           of
           his
           Understanding
           ,
           hath
           a
           Power
           answerable
           to
           the
           Perfection
           of
           both
           ,
           and
           therefore
           't
           is
           as
           easie
           to
           him
           to
           do
           all
           things
           ,
           as
           one
           thing
           ,
           at
           once
           ,
           as
           successively
           ,
           and
           in
           time
           ;
           for
           this
           is
           the
           priviledge
           of
           an
           Infinite
           Spirit
           ,
           that
           it
           does
           not
           only
           act
           without
           Hands
           and
           material
           Engines
           or
           Instruments
           ,
           as
           every
           Spirit
           doth
           ,
           but
           without
           motion
           from
           one
           place
           to
           another
           ,
           because
           he
           is
           every
           where
           and
           fills
           all
           places
           ;
           he
           acts
           
             per
             modum
             voluntatis
          
           ,
           as
           if
           his
           actings
           were
           nothing
           else
           but
           a
           willing
           that
           such
           a
           
           thing
           be
           done
           ,
           and
           
             ipso
             facto
          
           every
           thing
           is
           so
           ,
           as
           he
           wills
           it
           should
           be
           ,
           and
           when
           he
           wills
           it
           should
           be
           ;
           as
           if
           things
           did
           start
           up
           into
           Being
           ,
           or
           vanish
           out
           of
           Being
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           did
           break
           forth
           into
           Being
           ,
           and
           sculk
           again
           into
           nothing
           ,
           and
           undergo
           such
           and
           such
           changes
           ,
           
             ad
             nutum
             voluntatis
             ,
             at
             the
             beck
             of
             his
             will.
          
           And
           this
           is
           the
           most
           perfect
           way
           of
           acting
           that
           can
           be
           imagined
           ,
           which
           the
           Scripture
           seems
           to
           express
           to
           us
           ,
           when
           it
           represents
           God
           as
           
             making
             things
             by
             his
             word
             ,
             upholding
             all
             things
             by
             the
             word
             of
             his
             power
          
           ;
           as
           if
           he
           did
           but
           
             speak
             the
             word
          
           ,
           and
           
             say
             ,
             Let
             such
             a
             thing
             be
             ,
             and
             it
             was
             so
          
           ;
           as
           if
           there
           were
           nothing
           more
           required
           to
           the
           doing
           of
           any
           thing
           ,
           but
           an
           
             express
             act
          
           of
           the
           Divine
           Will
           ,
           which
           is
           all
           we
           can
           understand
           by
           God's
           speaking
           ,
           by
           his
           word
           ,
           and
           voice
           ,
           and
           
             saying
             ,
             Let
             things
             be
          
           ;
           but
           the
           least
           that
           it
           can
           signifie
           ,
           is
           the
           quick
           and
           speedy
           manner
           of
           working
           ,
           whereby
           God
           is
           able
           to
           do
           things
           in
           an
           instant
           ,
           as
           soon
           as
           a
           word
           can
           be
           spoken
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           he
           can
           do
           all
           things
           at
           once
           ,
           and
           in
           an
           instant
           ;
           so
           with
           ease
           ,
           without
           any
           pain
           or
           laborious
           endeavour
           ;
           
           for
           what
           is
           it
           can
           object
           any
           difficulty
           to
           him
           ?
           At
           the
           first
           Creation
           of
           things
           there
           was
           nothing
           to
           resist
           him
           ;
           and
           since
           the
           Creation
           ,
           there
           is
           nothing
           but
           what
           was
           made
           by
           him
           ,
           and
           consequently
           all
           whose
           power
           is
           derived
           from
           him
           ,
           and
           depends
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           is
           subject
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           being
           finite
           and
           limited
           ,
           is
           infinitely
           unequal
           to
           the
           infinite
           Power
           of
           God
           ;
           so
           that
           we
           may
           imagine
           ,
           the
           Divine
           Power
           would
           pass
           through
           all
           the
           resistance
           that
           all
           created
           Power
           can
           make
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           difficulties
           it
           can
           object
           to
           it
           ,
           with
           more
           ease
           than
           a
           Bullet
           passeth
           through
           the
           thin
           Air
           ,
           or
           a
           Man
           would
           pass
           through
           a
           Net
           of
           Cobweb
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           The
           most
           perfect
           active
           Principle
           we
           can
           imagine
           ,
           the
           utmost
           bounds
           and
           limits
           of
           whose
           Perfection
           we
           cannot
           imagine
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           when
           we
           have
           imagined
           it
           to
           be
           as
           perfect
           ,
           and
           to
           act
           in
           as
           perfect
           a
           manner
           as
           we
           can
           imagine
           ,
           yet
           we
           have
           not
           reached
           the
           Perfection
           of
           it
           ;
           but
           after
           all
           this
           ,
           that
           it
           can
           do
           many
           things
           more
           than
           we
           can
           imagine
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           manner
           much
           more
           perfect
           than
           we
           can
           imagine
           .
           This
           is
           the
           Omnipotence
           
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           Principle
           ,
           which
           hath
           no
           bounds
           and
           limits
           .
           And
           ,
        
         
           II.
           As
           to
           the
           Exercise
           of
           it
           ,
           it
           is
           only
           limitted
           by
           the
           Divine
           Will
           and
           Wisdom
           .
           The
           Divine
           Will
           determins
           it
           to
           its
           exercise
           ,
           the
           Divine
           Wisdom
           directs
           and
           regulates
           the
           exercise
           of
           it
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           God
           exerciseth
           his
           Power
           willingly
           ,
           and
           not
           by
           necessity
           ,
           and
           in
           such
           manner
           ,
           for
           the
           producing
           such
           Effects
           ,
           and
           in
           order
           to
           such
           Ends
           and
           Purposes
           ,
           as
           seem
           best
           to
           his
           Wisdom
           .
           Hence
           He
           is
           said
           
             to
             act
             all
             things
             according
             to
             his
             good
             pleasure
             ,
          
           and
           
             according
             to
             the
             counsel
             of
             his
             will
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           freely
           and
           wisely
           .
        
         
           As
           to
           the
           Extent
           of
           this
           Power
           ,
           I
           said
           it
           was
           an
           ability
           to
           do
           all
           things
           that
           are
           consistent
           with
           it self
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           Nature
           and
           Perfection
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           are
           consistent
           with
           it self
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           with
           a
           Power
           to
           do
           all
           things
           .
           It
           is
           a
           contradiction
           to
           imagine
           ,
           that
           Omnipotence
           can
           do
           that
           ,
           which
           if
           it
           could
           be
           done
           ,
           would
           render
           all
           Power
           insignificant
           .
           Upon
           this
           account
           ,
           the
           Divine
           Power
           is
           not
           said
           to
           extend
           to
           the
           working
           of
           any
           thing
           which
           implies
           a
           contradiction
           ,
           and
           
           the
           terms
           whereof
           speak
           a
           repugnancy
           to
           one
           another
           ,
           and
           mutually
           destroy
           one
           another
           ,
           and
           the
           doing
           whereof
           is
           contrary
           to
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           thing
           which
           is
           supposed
           to
           be
           done
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           is
           nonsense
           ,
           and
           cannot
           be
           imagined
           to
           be
           .
           For
           Example
           ,
           That
           a
           thing
           should
           be
           ,
           and
           not
           be
           at
           the
           same
           time
           .
           For
           a
           Power
           to
           make
           a
           thing
           to
           be
           ,
           so
           as
           it
           should
           not
           be
           while
           it
           is
           ,
           signifies
           nothing
           ;
           because
           such
           a
           Being
           as
           is
           not
           ,
           is
           nothing
           ;
           and
           to
           make
           such
           a
           Being
           ,
           would
           be
           to
           do
           nothing
           ,
           and
           consequently
           such
           a
           Power
           would
           signifie
           nothing
           .
           So
           likewise
           we
           cannot
           say
           ,
           that
           the
           Divine
           Power
           can
           cause
           that
           the
           same
           thing
           should
           be
           made
           and
           not
           be
           made
           ,
           that
           that
           which
           hath
           been
           ,
           should
           not
           have
           been
           ;
           for
           the
           Power
           which
           makes
           a
           thing
           so
           as
           that
           it
           was
           not
           made
           ,
           and
           causeth
           a
           thing
           to
           have
           been
           ,
           so
           as
           that
           it
           hath
           not
           been
           ,
           does
           nothing
           ;
           and
           consequently
           is
           no
           Power
           .
           Nor
           can
           we
           say
           ,
           that
           the
           Divine
           Power
           can
           effect
           that
           any
           thing
           should
           be
           made
           by
           it self
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           be
           the
           cause
           of
           its
           own
           Being
           ;
           for
           that
           would
           be
           to
           cause
           that
           a
           thing
           should
           be
           before
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           
           be
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           not
           ,
           which
           signifies
           nothing
           .
           We
           cannot
           say
           that
           the
           Divine
           Power
           can
           effect
           ,
           that
           twice
           two
           should
           not
           make
           four
           ;
           for
           that
           would
           be
           to
           cause
           that
           things
           should
           not
           be
           what
           they
           are
           ,
           if
           they
           be
           at
           all
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           cause
           that
           things
           should
           be
           and
           not
           be
           at
           all
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           ,
           which
           amounts
           to
           nothing
           .
        
         
           We
           cannot
           say
           ,
           that
           the
           Divine
           Power
           can
           make
           a
           sound
           to
           be
           seen
           ,
           and
           colour
           to
           be
           heard
           ;
           for
           that
           would
           be
           to
           make
           colour
           and
           sound
           all
           one
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           things
           that
           differ
           ,
           to
           be
           the
           same
           while
           they
           differ
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           make
           colour
           and
           sound
           not
           to
           be
           colour
           and
           sound
           while
           they
           are
           so
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           do
           nothing
           ,
           and
           consequently
           argues
           no
           Power
           .
        
         
           We
           cannot
           say
           the
           Divine
           Power
           can
           make
           that
           which
           is
           intrinsecally
           and
           essentially
           good
           ,
           to
           be
           evil
           ;
           and
           on
           the
           contrary
           :
           Or
           that
           which
           is
           necessarily
           true
           to
           be
           false
           ;
           and
           on
           the
           contrary
           .
           For
           to
           make
           that
           which
           is
           intrinsecally
           and
           essentially
           good
           to
           be
           evil
           ,
           is
           to
           make
           that
           which
           is
           always
           good
           to
           be
           sometimes
           evil
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           be
           evil
           whilst
           it
           is
           good
           ,
           that
           is
           to
           make
           good
           and
           evil
           all
           one
           ;
           which
           
           is
           to
           bring
           two
           things
           together
           ,
           which
           so
           soon
           as
           they
           do
           exist
           ,
           destroy
           one
           another
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           no
           purpose
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           to
           do
           just
           nothing
           ;
           and
           there
           is
           the
           same
           reason
           of
           true
           and
           false
           .
        
         
           We
           cannot
           say
           ,
           that
           the
           Power
           of
           God
           can
           cause
           that
           the
           same
           thing
           should
           be
           hot
           and
           cold
           ,
           dead
           and
           alive
           at
           the
           same
           time
           ;
           because
           these
           destroy
           one
           another
           ,
           and
           if
           they
           were
           both
           ,
           neither
           of
           them
           would
           be
           ,
           and
           so
           the
           effect
           we
           attribute
           to
           this
           Power
           would
           be
           nothing
           .
        
         
           We
           cannot
           say
           ,
           that
           the
           Divine
           Power
           can
           effect
           ,
           that
           the
           same
           impression
           should
           give
           a
           thing
           two
           contrary
           motions
           ,
           upward
           and
           downward
           at
           the
           same
           time
           ;
           that
           the
           same
           Body
           should
           be
           in
           two
           contrary
           postures
           ,
           in
           motion
           and
           at
           rest
           ,
           and
           in
           several
           places
           ,
           which
           are
           the
           contradictions
           of
           Transubstantiation
           ;
           for
           ,
           for
           the
           same
           Body
           to
           be
           at
           the
           same
           time
           in
           two
           several
           places
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           limited
           and
           circumscribed
           by
           each
           of
           these
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           so
           to
           be
           in
           each
           of
           them
           ,
           as
           not
           to
           be
           in
           the
           other
           ,
           or
           in
           any
           other
           ,
           so
           that
           if
           it
           be
           in
           this
           place
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           in
           that
           ,
           nor
           any
           other
           besides
           this
           ;
           if
           it
           be
           in
           that
           place
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           in
           this
           ,
           
           nor
           any
           other
           besides
           that
           ;
           but
           if
           it
           be
           in
           two
           ,
           it
           is
           both
           in
           this
           and
           in
           that
           ,
           and
           therefore
           in
           neither
           of
           them
           ,
           nor
           any
           where
           else
           ;
           so
           that
           a
           Power
           to
           make
           a
           Body
           to
           be
           in
           two
           places
           at
           once
           ,
           is
           a
           Power
           to
           make
           it
           to
           be
           no
           where
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           at
           all
           ,
           which
           is
           no
           Power
           ;
           and
           there
           's
           the
           same
           reason
           of
           the
           same
           Body's
           being
           in
           contrary
           motion
           ,
           or
           in
           motion
           and
           at
           rest
           ,
           or
           in
           two
           contrary
           postures
           at
           the
           same
           time
           .
        
         
           So
           that
           by
           all
           these
           Instances
           it
           appears
           ,
           that
           a
           Power
           to
           do
           any
           thing
           which
           implies
           a
           contradiction
           ,
           and
           is
           repugnant
           to
           the
           nature
           of
           things
           ,
           signifies
           nothing
           ,
           and
           the
           supposed
           Effect
           of
           it
           is
           only
           to
           bring
           terms
           together
           ,
           which
           if
           they
           could
           be
           brought
           together
           ,
           so
           soon
           as
           they
           meet
           ,
           will
           mutually
           take
           away
           and
           destroy
           one
           another
           ,
           which
           would
           be
           vain
           and
           to
           no
           purpose
           .
        
         
           I
           have
           the
           more
           explicitly
           laid
           open
           these
           contradictions
           ,
           with
           relation
           to
           the
           gross
           Doctrine
           of
           Transubstantiation
           ,
           in
           which
           all
           ,
           or
           most
           of
           the
           contradictions
           which
           I
           have
           mentioned
           are
           involved
           .
           I
           know
           they
           stifly
           deny
           ,
           that
           these
           contradictions
           follow
           
           from
           that
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           use
           pitiful
           shifts
           to
           avoid
           them
           ;
           but
           being
           not
           able
           to
           satisfie
           themselves
           that
           way
           ,
           if
           the
           worst
           should
           come
           to
           the
           worst
           ,
           they
           can
           grant
           these
           contradictions
           ,
           but
           then
           they
           flye
           to
           
             the
             Power
             of
             God
          
           ,
           which
           can
           do
           things
           which
           we
           call
           contradictions
           ;
           or
           else
           they
           say
           ,
           there
           are
           as
           many
           contradictions
           in
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Trinity
           ,
           which
           all
           Christians
           believe
           .
           And
           thus
           they
           reproach
           Christianity
           ,
           to
           defend
           Popery
           ;
           and
           if
           they
           cannot
           perswade
           Men
           to
           be
           Papists
           ,
           do
           what
           they
           can
           to
           make
           them
           Atheists
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           ,
           to
           hinder
           them
           from
           being
           Christians
           :
           but
           there
           is
           not
           so
           much
           malice
           in
           this
           Objection
           ,
           but
           there
           is
           as
           little
           strength
           .
           Is
           it
           any
           contradiction
           ,
           that
           the
           same
           thing
           should
           be
           three
           and
           one
           in
           
             several
             respects
          
           ?
           which
           is
           all
           that
           the
           Scripture
           teacheth
           concerning
           the
           Trinity
           :
           but
           if
           Men
           will
           undertake
           to
           explain
           this
           more
           particularly
           than
           God
           thought
           fit
           to
           do
           ,
           and
           do
           it
           in
           such
           a
           manner
           ,
           as
           that
           they
           cannot
           free
           themselves
           from
           contradiction
           ,
           let
           them
           look
           to
           it
           ,
           the
           Christian
           Religion
           is
           not
           at
           all
           concerned
           in
           this
           ,
           further
           than
           to
           censure
           such
           Mens
           boldness
           and
           curiosity
           .
        
         
         
           But
           against
           this
           exemption
           of
           things
           that
           imply
           a
           contradiction
           from
           the
           compass
           and
           extent
           of
           the
           Divine
           Power
           ,
           there
           are
           two
           Objections
           which
           are
           more
           considerable
           ,
           and
           deserve
           to
           be
           taken
           notice
           of
           .
        
         
           I.
           We
           grant
           God's
           fore-knowledge
           of
           future
           Events
           ,
           which
           seem
           to
           us
           to
           be
           impossible
           to
           be
           foreknown
           ;
           now
           why
           may
           we
           not
           as
           well
           grant
           ,
           that
           God
           can
           do
           things
           which
           seem
           to
           us
           impossible
           to
           be
           done
           by
           any
           Power
           ,
           as
           foreknow
           things
           which
           it
           is
           impossible
           for
           any
           Understanding
           to
           know
           ?
           For
           why
           should
           we
           pretend
           to
           know
           the
           utmost
           of
           what
           infinite
           Power
           can
           do
           ,
           any
           more
           than
           the
           utmost
           of
           what
           infinite
           Understanding
           can
           know
           ?
        
         
           Ans
           .
           I
           know
           no
           reason
           but
           that
           the
           Argument
           should
           be
           granted
           ,
           if
           there
           were
           an
           equal
           necessity
           of
           granting
           the
           possibility
           of
           those
           things
           ,
           which
           seem
           to
           us
           impossible
           to
           be
           done
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           of
           granting
           the
           possibility
           of
           fore-knowing
           future
           contingencies
           ,
           tho'
           they
           seem
           to
           us
           impossible
           to
           be
           known
           .
           We
           must
           grant
           the
           possibility
           of
           fore-knowing
           future
           contingencies
           ,
           because
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           
           which
           we
           believe
           to
           be
           a
           Divine
           Revelation
           ,
           expresly
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           God
           doth
           foreknow
           them
           ,
           and
           gives
           us
           Instances
           of
           it
           in
           several
           Prophecies
           and
           Predictions
           .
           Now
           if
           any
           Man
           can
           shew
           me
           as
           express
           Texts
           ,
           which
           say
           ,
           that
           God
           can
           make
           a
           Body
           to
           be
           in
           two
           places
           at
           once
           ,
           I
           would
           believe
           it
           ,
           tho'
           I
           do
           not
           see
           how
           it
           is
           possible
           ;
           because
           it
           is
           reasonable
           I
           should
           believe
           ,
           that
           infinite
           Power
           can
           do
           many
           things
           ,
           the
           possibility
           of
           which
           my
           finite
           Understanding
           cannot
           reach
           .
           Now
           whereas
           the
           Papists
           say
           ,
           the
           Scripture
           hath
           said
           that
           from
           which
           this
           necessarily
           follows
           ,
           
             viz.
             This
             is
             my
             Body
          
           ;
           this
           is
           not
           enough
           ,
           unless
           they
           could
           either
           prove
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           necessary
           to
           understand
           all
           Texts
           of
           Scripture
           in
           a
           rigorous
           and
           strict
           propriety
           of
           the
           Letter
           ,
           without
           admitting
           any
           trope
           or
           figure
           in
           the
           words
           ;
           which
           they
           do
           not
           pretend
           :
           or
           else
           shew
           a
           clear
           reason
           ,
           why
           this
           should
           be
           understood
           so
           ,
           more
           than
           a
           thousand
           others
           ;
           which
           they
           have
           not
           done
           ,
           and
           I
           think
           never
           can
           do
           .
        
         
           But
           if
           it
           be
           further
           argued
           ;
           If
           we
           grant
           in
           one
           case
           ,
           that
           those
           things
           which
           seem
           to
           be
           contradictions
           to
           us
           
           may
           be
           possible
           ,
           why
           not
           in
           all
           cases
           ?
           Unless
           we
           had
           some
           certain
           way
           of
           distinguishing
           between
           seeming
           contradictions
           and
           real
           ones
           .
           And
           if
           we
           grant
           all
           contradictions
           possible
           ,
           then
           there
           is
           no
           reason
           to
           exempt
           these
           from
           the
           extent
           of
           the
           Divine
           Power
           ;
           but
           we
           may
           safely
           say
           ,
           that
           the
           Divine
           Power
           can
           make
           a
           thing
           to
           be
           and
           not
           to
           be
           at
           the
           same
           time
           .
           To
           this
           I
           answer
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           I
           do
           not
           grant
           ,
           that
           any
           thing
           that
           seems
           to
           me
           to
           be
           a
           contradiction
           ,
           ought
           to
           be
           granted
           by
           me
           to
           be
           possible
           ,
           unless
           I
           have
           higher
           assurance
           and
           greater
           reason
           to
           believe
           it
           to
           be
           possible
           ,
           than
           I
           have
           to
           believe
           it
           to
           be
           a
           contradiction
           ;
           for
           Example
           ,
           Suppose
           it
           were
           clearly
           revealed
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           that
           two
           Bodies
           may
           be
           in
           the
           same
           place
           at
           the
           same
           time
           (
           which
           is
           not
           ,
           nor
           any
           thing
           like
           it
           )
           then
           having
           a
           revelation
           for
           this
           ,
           and
           no
           revelation
           that
           it
           is
           not
           a
           contradiction
           ,
           I
           have
           higher
           assurance
           and
           greater
           reason
           to
           believe
           it
           is
           possible
           ,
           than
           that
           it
           is
           a
           contradiction
           ;
           and
           consequently
           I
           have
           reason
           to
           believe
           it
           is
           no
           contradiction
           ,
           and
           that
           from
           thence
           it
           would
           not
           follow
           ,
           that
           the
           
           same
           thing
           may
           be
           ,
           and
           not
           be
           at
           the
           same
           time
           :
           but
           tho'
           in
           case
           of
           Divine
           Revelation
           ,
           I
           may
           believe
           that
           to
           be
           no
           contradiction
           ,
           which
           seems
           to
           me
           to
           be
           a
           contradiction
           ;
           yet
           I
           am
           not
           ,
           without
           great
           necessity
           and
           clear
           evidence
           ,
           to
           offer
           violence
           to
           reason
           ,
           and
           affront
           the
           faculty
           of
           Understading
           which
           God
           hath
           endowed
           me
           withal
           ,
           by
           entertaining
           any
           thing
           which
           seems
           to
           me
           to
           be
           a
           contradiction
           ;
           which
           the
           Papists
           do
           in
           the
           business
           of
           Transubstantiation
           ,
           without
           any
           evidence
           of
           Revelation
           ,
           and
           consequently
           without
           necessity
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           But
           if
           this
           were
           revealed
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           that
           the
           same
           thing
           may
           be
           and
           not
           be
           at
           the
           same
           time
           ,
           I
           could
           have
           no
           reason
           to
           believe
           that
           ,
           because
           I
           could
           have
           no
           assurance
           ,
           if
           that
           were
           true
           ,
           that
           the
           Scriptures
           were
           a
           Divine
           Revelation
           ,
           or
           that
           it
           were
           to
           be
           believed
           if
           it
           were
           ;
           for
           if
           it
           were
           true
           ,
           that
           the
           same
           thing
           may
           be
           and
           not
           be
           ,
           then
           a
           Divine
           Revelation
           may
           be
           no
           Divine
           Revelation
           ,
           and
           when
           I
           am
           bound
           to
           believe
           a
           thing
           ,
           I
           may
           be
           bound
           at
           the
           same
           time
           not
           to
           believe
           it
           ,
           and
           so
           all
           things
           would
           fall
           into
           uncertainty
           ,
           and
           the
           foundation
           
           of
           all
           assurance
           ,
           and
           of
           all
           duty
           and
           obedience
           ,
           both
           of
           Faith
           and
           Practice
           ,
           would
           be
           taken
           away
           .
        
         
           The
           II.
           Objection
           is
           from
           the
           power
           of
           Creation
           ,
           which
           is
           generally
           acknowledged
           to
           be
           a
           making
           of
           something
           out
           of
           nothing
           ;
           now
           say
           the
           Objectors
           ,
           this
           seems
           as
           palpable
           a
           Contradiction
           as
           any
           thing
           else
           .
        
         
           Ans
           .
           To
           us
           indeed
           ,
           who
           converse
           with
           material
           things
           ,
           and
           never
           saw
           any
           thing
           made
           ,
           but
           out
           of
           pre-existent
           matter
           ,
           it
           is
           very
           hard
           to
           conceive
           how
           any
           thing
           should
           be
           created
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           produced
           out
           of
           nothing
           :
           but
           every
           thing
           that
           is
           strange
           is
           not
           a
           contradiction
           .
           It
           is
           strange
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           hard
           to
           conceive
           ,
           that
           there
           should
           be
           such
           a
           thing
           as
           a
           Spirit
           ,
           who
           never
           saw
           ,
           nor
           can
           see
           any
           thing
           but
           matter
           ;
           and
           yet
           we
           grant
           there
           are
           Spirits
           .
           It
           is
           hard
           to
           us
           to
           conceive
           how
           any
           thing
           should
           be
           made
           ,
           but
           out
           of
           matter
           ;
           and
           yet
           Spirit
           ,
           if
           it
           were
           made
           of
           any
           thing
           pre-existent
           ,
           cannot
           be
           made
           of
           matter
           :
           but
           if
           we
           will
           attend
           to
           those
           common
           dictates
           of
           Reason
           ,
           which
           every
           Man
           ,
           whether
           he
           will
           or
           no
           ,
           must
           assent
           to
           ,
           we
           may
           
           easily
           understand
           Creation
           to
           be
           possible
           ,
           and
           free
           from
           contradiction
           .
           For
           the
           clearing
           of
           this
           ,
           I
           will
           proceed
           by
           these
           steps
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           true
           Notion
           of
           Creation
           ,
           is
           the
           bringing
           of
           something
           into
           Being
           ,
           which
           before
           had
           no
           Being
           at
           all
           ;
           for
           the
           Phrase
           of
           making
           something
           out
           of
           nothing
           ,
           or
           out
           of
           no
           pre-existent
           matter
           ,
           does
           mislead
           our
           Understandings
           into
           odd
           Conceits
           ,
           as
           if
           nothing
           could
           be
           the
           material
           cause
           of
           something
           ,
           or
           as
           if
           nothing
           could
           be
           what
           is
           material
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Every
           one
           must
           grant
           ,
           that
           something
           is
           ;
           for
           we
           see
           that
           things
           are
           ,
           however
           they
           came
           to
           be
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Every
           one
           must
           grant
           ,
           that
           something
           is
           of
           it self
           ,
           whether
           matter
           ,
           or
           
             that
             Being
          
           which
           we
           call
           God.
           
        
         
           4.
           
           Every
           one
           must
           grant
           ,
           that
           that
           which
           was
           of
           it self
           was
           always
           ;
           for
           nothing
           can
           begin
           to
           be
           of
           it self
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           It
           is
           much
           more
           easie
           to
           conceive
           how
           a
           thing
           that
           once
           was
           not
           ,
           might
           sometime
           be
           brought
           into
           Being
           by
           another
           ,
           than
           how
           a
           thing
           should
           be
           always
           of
           it self
           ;
           for
           that
           which
           once
           was
           not
           ,
           is
           supposed
           to
           have
           something
           before
           it
           ,
           
             by
             which
          
           it
           
           might
           be
           made
           ,
           though
           not
           
             out
             of
             which
          
           it
           was
           made
           ;
           but
           that
           which
           was
           always
           ,
           neither
           had
           ,
           nor
           could
           have
           any
           thing
           
             by
             which
          
           ,
           or
           
             out
             of
             which
          
           it
           could
           be
           made
           .
           And
           why
           cannot
           a
           thing
           come
           into
           a
           Being
           ,
           when
           there
           was
           nothing
           before
           it
           ,
           out
           of
           which
           it
           was
           made
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           a
           thing
           be
           always
           ,
           when
           there
           could
           not
           be
           any
           thing
           before
           it
           ,
           out
           of
           which
           it
           should
           be
           ?
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           I
           exempt
           those
           things
           from
           the
           Extent
           of
           Omnipotence
           ,
           which
           imply
           Imperfection
           ,
           which
           are
           contrary
           to
           the
           Nature
           and
           Perfection
           of
           God
           ,
           both
           natural
           and
           moral
           imperfections
           ;
           for
           these
           also
           destroy
           Power
           ,
           because
           they
           are
           not
           arguments
           of
           Power
           ,
           but
           of
           Impotence
           .
           Natural
           Imperfections
           ;
           as
           to
           dye
           ,
           to
           be
           sick
           ,
           to
           be
           in
           want
           ,
           to
           eat
           ,
           to
           sleep
           ,
           to
           forget
           ,
           &c.
           
           Moral
           Imperfections
           ,
           those
           which
           contradict
           the
           holiness
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           sin
           and
           vice
           ,
           or
           to
           compel
           any
           to
           sin
           ;
           which
           contradict
           his
           Goodness
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           cruel
           ;
           which
           contradict
           his
           Truth
           ,
           as
           to
           lie
           ,
           to
           deceive
           ,
           to
           break
           his
           promise
           ,
           to
           deny
           himself
           ;
           Tit.
           1.2
           .
           2
           Tim.
           2.13
           .
           Jam.
           1.13
           .
           He
           is
           said
           to
           be
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           .
           Contrary
           to
           the
           
           constancy
           and
           immutability
           of
           his
           Nature
           ,
           as
           to
           change
           his
           decree
           ,
           to
           repent
           ;
           Contrary
           to
           Justice
           and
           Equity
           ,
           as
           for
           ever
           to
           spare
           and
           to
           pardon
           obstinate
           sinners
           ,
           eternally
           to
           punish
           innocent
           and
           good
           Men
           ;
           for
           these
           are
           Moral
           Imperfections
           ,
           and
           contradict
           the
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           Truth
           ,
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           Justice
           ,
           and
           Immutability
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ;
           and
           that
           distinction
           between
           God's
           absolute
           and
           ordinate
           Power
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           God
           hath
           an
           absolute
           Power
           of
           doing
           some
           things
           ,
           which
           yet
           upon
           supposition
           of
           his
           decree
           ,
           or
           promise
           ,
           or
           goodness
           ,
           or
           justice
           ,
           he
           cannot
           do
           ,
           is
           vain
           and
           frivolous
           ,
           unless
           Men
           mean
           by
           it
           only
           this
           ,
           that
           some
           things
           which
           argue
           an
           imperfection
           ,
           do
           not
           imply
           a
           contradiction
           ,
           which
           is
           most
           true
           ;
           but
           both
           these
           are
           absolutely
           and
           equally
           impossible
           to
           God.
           I
           proceed
           to
           the
        
         
           Second
           Thing
           I
           proposed
           ,
           That
           this
           Perfection
           belongs
           to
           God
           ;
           and
           this
           I
           shall
           shew
           ,
        
         
           I.
           From
           the
           dictates
           of
           Natural
           Light.
           
        
         
           II.
           From
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           or
           Divine
           Revelation
           .
        
         
         
           I.
           From
           the
           dictates
           of
           Natural
           Light.
           This
           was
           one
           of
           the
           most
           usual
           Titles
           which
           the
           Heathens
           gave
           to
           their
           Supreme
           Deity
           ,
           
             Optimus
             Maximus
          
           ;
           next
           to
           his
           Goodness
           they
           placed
           his
           Greatness
           ,
           which
           does
           chiefly
           appear
           in
           his
           Power
           ;
           and
           they
           did
           not
           only
           attribute
           a
           great
           Power
           to
           him
           ,
           but
           an
           
             Omnipotence
             .
             Nihil
             est
             quod
             Deus
             efficere
             non
             potest
             ,
          
           saith
           
             Tully
             de
             Div.
          
           Now
           their
           Natural
           Reason
           did
           convince
           them
           ,
           that
           this
           Perfection
           did
           belong
           to
           God
           by
           these
           three
           Arguments
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           From
           those
           two
           great
           Instances
           and
           Expressions
           of
           his
           Power
           ,
           Creation
           and
           Providence
           ;
           for
           the
           Heathens
           did
           generally
           acknowledge
           the
           making
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           Preservation
           and
           Government
           of
           it
           ,
           to
           be
           the
           effects
           of
           Power
           ,
           determined
           by
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           regulated
           by
           Wisdom
           .
           Hence
           they
           gave
           those
           Titles
           to
           God
           of
           
             Opifex
             rerum
          
           ,
           and
           
             Rector
             mundi
          
           .
           I
           say
           generally
           ,
           I
           except
           Aristotle
           ,
           who
           supposed
           the
           World
           not
           to
           have
           been
           made
           ,
           but
           to
           have
           been
           from
           Eternity
           ;
           and
           Epicurus
           with
           his
           followers
           ,
           who
           ascribed
           the
           regular
           and
           orderly
           Frame
           of
           Nature
           to
           a
           
           happy
           casualty
           and
           fortunate
           concourse
           of
           Atoms
           :
           but
           generally
           the
           wiser
           did
           look
           upon
           the
           vast
           Frame
           of
           Nature
           ,
           this
           stately
           Fabrick
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           upholding
           and
           preserving
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           an
           argument
           of
           a
           divine
           and
           invisible
           Power
           .
           And
           so
           the
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           Rom.
           1.20
           .
           that
           by
           the
           Light
           of
           Nature
           ,
           
             the
             invisible
             things
             of
             God
             were
             clearly
             seen
             by
             the
             things
             that
             were
             made
             ,
             even
             his
             eternal
             power
             and
             godhead
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           Because
           all
           other
           Perfections
           without
           this
           would
           be
           insignificant
           and
           ineffectual
           ,
           or
           else
           could
           not
           be
           at
           all
           .
           Without
           this
           Goodness
           would
           be
           an
           empty
           piece
           of
           good
           meaning
           ,
           and
           not
           able
           to
           give
           any
           demonstration
           of
           it self
           ;
           Knowledge
           would
           be
           an
           idle
           speculation
           ;
           and
           Wisdom
           to
           contrive
           things
           ,
           without
           Power
           to
           effect
           them
           ,
           would
           be
           an
           useless
           thing
           .
           There
           would
           be
           no
           such
           thing
           as
           Justice
           ,
           if
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           were
           without
           a
           Power
           to
           reward
           and
           punish
           ;
           no
           such
           thing
           as
           Faithfulness
           ,
           if
           he
           had
           not
           a
           power
           to
           perform
           what
           he
           promises
           ;
           no
           Providence
           ,
           for
           it
           would
           be
           in
           vain
           for
           him
           that
           hath
           no
           power
           ,
           to
           take
           upon
           him
           to
           govern
           and
           to
           
           intermeddle
           in
           the
           Affairs
           of
           the
           World.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           Without
           this
           there
           could
           be
           no
           Religion
           .
           Take
           away
           the
           Power
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           there
           can
           be
           no
           foundation
           of
           Faith
           and
           Trust
           ,
           no
           reason
           for
           fear
           ;
           all
           arguments
           from
           hope
           and
           fear
           would
           be
           taken
           away
           ;
           we
           could
           not
           expect
           any
           good
           ,
           nor
           fear
           any
           harm
           from
           an
           impotent
           Being
           that
           could
           do
           nothing
           .
           The
           sanction
           of
           God's
           Laws
           would
           be
           taken
           away
           .
           To
           give
           authority
           to
           Laws
           ,
           there
           must
           not
           only
           be
           a
           right
           to
           command
           ,
           but
           power
           to
           back
           those
           commands
           ;
           the
           grand
           security
           and
           last
           resort
           of
           all
           Government
           and
           Authority
           is
           Power
           ;
           James
           4.12
           .
           
             There
             is
             one
             Law-giver
             ,
             who
             is
             able
             to
             save
             ,
             and
             to
             destroy
             .
          
           None
           can
           be
           a
           Law-giver
           ,
           but
           he
           that
           hath
           this
           power
           ,
           to
           reward
           and
           punish
           ,
           to
           make
           Men
           happy
           or
           miserable
           ,
           
             to
             save
             ,
             or
             to
             destroy
             .
          
           Men
           would
           not
           pray
           to
           God
           ,
           nor
           make
           any
           address
           to
           him
           ,
           if
           they
           did
           not
           believe
           he
           were
           able
           to
           supply
           their
           wants
           ,
           and
           relieve
           them
           in
           their
           straits
           ;
           
             Nec
             in
             hunc
             furorem
             omnes
             mortales
             consensissent
             alloquendi
             surda
             numina
             &
             inefficaces
             deos
             ,
          
           Sen.
           There
           would
           be
           no
           encouragement
           
           for
           Men
           to
           serve
           God
           ,
           if
           they
           did
           not
           believe
           that
           he
           were
           able
           to
           reward
           them
           ,
           and
           bring
           them
           to
           happiness
           ,
           and
           to
           defend
           them
           against
           all
           the
           Enemies
           of
           their
           welfare
           ,
           so
           that
           it
           should
           not
           be
           in
           the
           power
           of
           the
           most
           malicious
           Spirits
           to
           hinder
           them
           of
           their
           happiness
           .
        
         
           II.
           From
           Scripture
           or
           Divine
           Revelation
           .
           In
           producing
           Texts
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           I
           will
           proceed
           by
           these
           steps
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Take
           notice
           of
           those
           which
           in
           general
           ascribe
           Power
           ,
           and
           Might
           ,
           and
           Strength
           to
           God.
           Psal
           .
           24.8
           .
           
             The
             Lord
             strong
             and
             mighty
          
           .
           So
           
             girt
             with
             power
             ;
             the
             mighty
             God
             ;
             thine
             is
             the
             greatness
             and
             the
             power
             ;
             thine
             is
             the
             kingdom
             ,
             and
             the
             power
             ,
             and
             the
             glory
             .
          
           Of
           the
           same
           nature
           are
           those
           places
           which
           call
           upon
           all
           Creatures
           to
           ascribe
           this
           to
           God
           ;
           
             Give
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ye
             mighty
             ,
             give
             unto
             the
             Lord
             glory
             and
             strength
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           Those
           which
           ascribe
           this
           to
           God
           in
           an
           eminent
           degree
           .
           Job
           9.4
           .
           
             He
             is
             mighty
             in
             strength
             ;
             excellent
             in
             power
             ;
             who
             is
             like
             unto
             him
             ?
             The
             Lord
             Jehovah
             is
             everlasting
             strength
             .
          
        
         
         
           3.
           
           Those
           Texts
           which
           ascribe
           such
           a
           Power
           as
           transcends
           any
           human
           or
           created
           Power
           .
           Such
           as
           those
           which
           express
           all
           the
           power
           which
           Men
           have
           to
           be
           derived
           from
           God
           ;
           John
           19.11
           .
           
             Thou
             couldest
             have
             no
             power
             at
             all
             ,
             except
             it
             were
             given
             thee
             from
             above
             .
          
           And
           those
           which
           advance
           the
           Power
           of
           God
           above
           the
           Power
           of
           Men
           ;
           Luke
           18.27
           .
           
             The
             things
             which
             are
             impossible
             with
             men
             ,
             are
             possible
             with
             God
             ;
             He
             is
             able
             to
             do
             exceeding
             abundantly
             above
             all
             that
             we
             can
             ask
             or
             think
             .
          
           Eph.
           3.20
           .
           2
           Chron.
           20.6
           .
           Job
           9.4
           .
           
             According
             to
             his
             mighty
             power
             ,
             whereby
             he
             is
             able
             to
             subdue
             all
             things
             to
             himself
             ,
          
           Phil.
           3.21
           .
           Dan.
           4.35
           .
           Those
           which
           declare
           all
           things
           to
           be
           equally
           easie
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           nothing
           difficult
           ;
           
             There
             is
             nothing
             too
             hard
             for
             thee
             ,
          
           Jer.
           32.17
           .
           2
           Chron.
           14.11
           .
           1
           Sam.
           14.6
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Those
           which
           ascribe
           all
           Power
           to
           him
           ,
           by
           the
           Titles
           of
           
             Almighty
             ,
             Alsufficient
          
           ,
           Gen.
           17.1
           .
           Rev.
           4.8
           ,
           11.15.3.16.7.19.26
           .
           Job
           .
           42.2
           .
           
             Thou
             canst
             do
             all
             things
          
           .
           Matth.
           19.6
           .
           Mark.
           10.27
           .
           Luke
           1.37
           .
        
         
           I
           have
           dispatch'd
           what
           I
           propos'd
           upon
           this
           Argument
           ,
           give
           me
           leave
           to
           apply
           all
           in
           the
           following
           particulars
           .
        
         
         
           Use
           .
           First
           ,
           The
           consideration
           of
           God's
           Omnipotence
           may
           cause
           terror
           to
           wicked
           Men.
           All
           this
           Power
           which
           I
           have
           described
           ,
           or
           rather
           ,
           which
           is
           so
           great
           that
           I
           cannot
           describe
           it
           ,
           is
           engaged
           against
           Sinners
           ;
           
             His
             power
             and
             his
             wrath
             is
             against
             all
             that
             forsake
             him
             ,
          
           Ezra
           8.22
           .
           And
           who
           knows
           what
           those
           words
           signifie
           ,
           Psal
           .
           99.11
           .
           
             Who
             knoweth
             the
             power
             of
             thine
             anger
             ?
             as
             is
             thy
             fear
             ,
             so
             is
             thy
             wrath
             .
          
           There
           is
           no
           Passion
           in
           the
           Heart
           of
           Man
           more
           infinite
           than
           our
           Fear
           ,
           it
           troubles
           us
           with
           jealousie
           and
           suspicion
           of
           the
           utmost
           that
           may
           happen
           ;
           but
           when
           we
           have
           extended
           our
           Fears
           to
           the
           utmost
           ,
           the
           power
           of
           God's
           wrath
           reacheth
           further
           .
           Whenever
           we
           sin
           ,
           we
           challenge
           the
           Almighty
           ,
           and
           dare
           infinite
           Power
           to
           do
           its
           worst
           to
           us
           ;
           Job
           15.25
           .
           speaking
           of
           the
           wicked
           Man
           ,
           
             He
             stretcheth
             out
             his
             hand
             against
             God
             ,
             and
             strengtheneth
             himself
             against
             the
             Almighty
             .
          
           Whom
           wilt
           thou
           fear
           ,
           if
           not
           him
           who
           can
           make
           thee
           extremely
           happy
           or
           miserable
           for
           ever
           ?
           
             Will
             ye
             provoke
             the
             Lord
             to
             jealousie
             ?
             are
             ye
             stronger
             than
             he
             ?
          
           Because
           he
           doth
           nothing
           against
           thee
           for
           the
           present
           ,
           thinkest
           thou
           he
           can
           do
           nothing
           ?
           
           Nah.
           1.3
           .
           
             He
             is
             slow
             to
             anger
             ,
             and
             great
             in
             power
             ,
             and
             will
             not
             acquit
             the
             wicked
             .
          
           There
           is
           a
           day
           a
           coming
           ,
           when
           
             the
             Son
             of
             man
             shall
             come
             in
             the
             clouds
             of
             heaven
             ,
             with
             power
             and
             great
             glory
             .
          
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           consideration
           of
           God's
           Omnipotence
           should
           check
           the
           Pride
           and
           vain
           Confidence
           of
           Men.
           What
           have
           we
           to
           be
           proud
           of
           ?
           
             What
             have
             we
             that
             we
             have
             not
             received
             ?
             Where
             then
             is
             cause
             of
             boasting
             ?
             Who
             may
             glory
             in
             his
             sight
             ?
          
           Those
           that
           have
           the
           greatest
           Power
           should
           remember
           whence
           it
           is
           derived
           ,
           and
           render
           back
           the
           Glory
           of
           it
           to
           the
           Fountain
           of
           it
           .
           Psal
           .
           29.1
           .
           
             Give
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             O
             ye
             mighty
             ,
             give
             unto
             the
             Lord
             glory
             and
             strength
             .
          
           So
           likewise
           it
           should
           take
           Men
           off
           from
           relying
           upon
           their
           own
           strength
           ,
           which
           at
           the
           best
           is
           but
           
             an
             arm
             of
             flesh
          
           ,
           as
           the
           Scripture
           calls
           it
           ,
           for
           the
           weakness
           of
           it
           .
           Do
           we
           not
           see
           ,
           that
           many
           times
           
             the
             battel
             is
             not
             to
             the
             strong
          
           ?
           That
           things
           are
           not
           done
           
             by
             might
             and
             by
             power
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             the
             Lord.
          
           When
           he
           appears
           against
           the
           most
           potent
           ,
           
             their
             hearts
             melt
             within
             them
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             no
             more
             spirit
             left
             in
             them
             ,
          
           as
           't
           is
           said
           of
           the
           mighty
           Inhabitants
           of
           Canaan
           ,
           Josh
           .
           5.1
           .
        
         
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           We
           should
           make
           this
           Omnipotence
           of
           God
           the
           Object
           of
           our
           trust
           and
           confidence
           .
           This
           is
           the
           most
           proper
           use
           we
           can
           make
           of
           this
           Doctrine
           ,
           as
           David
           does
           in
           this
           Psalm
           ;
           and
           this
           was
           used
           for
           a
           form
           of
           blessing
           the
           People
           in
           the
           Name
           of
           God
           ;
           Psal
           .
           136.3
           .
           
             The
             Lord
             that
             made
             heaven
             and
             earth
             ,
             bless
             thee
             .
          
           And
           David
           ,
           when
           he
           magnifies
           God's
           deliverance
           of
           his
           People
           from
           the
           multitude
           of
           their
           Enemies
           ,
           resolves
           it
           into
           this
           ,
           
             Our
             help
             standeth
             in
             the
             name
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             who
             made
             heaven
             and
             earth
             .
          
           Thus
           did
           the
           great
           Pattern
           and
           Example
           of
           Faith
           incourage
           and
           support
           his
           confidence
           in
           God
           in
           a
           very
           difficult
           tryal
           ;
           he
           staggered
           not
           at
           it
           ,
           because
           
             he
             believed
             God
             who
             quickeneth
             the
             dead
             ,
             and
             calleth
             those
             things
             that
             be
             not
             as
             tho'
             they
             were
             ;
             therefore
             against
             hope
             he
             believed
             in
             hope
             ,
          
           &c.
           Rom.
           4.17
           .
           &c.
           This
           gives
           life
           to
           all
           our
           Devotion
           ,
           to
           be
           perswaded
           ,
           that
           
             God
             is
             able
             to
             do
             for
             us
             exceedingly
             above
             what
             we
             can
             ask
             or
             think
             ,
          
           and
           that
           
             his
             is
             the
             Kingdom
             ,
             the
             Power
             ,
             and
             the
             Glory
             .
          
        
         
           I
           shall
           only
           caution
           two
           things
           as
           to
           our
           relyance
           on
           the
           Power
           of
           God.
           
        
         
         
           I.
           Labour
           to
           be
           such
           Persons
           to
           whom
           God
           hath
           promised
           that
           he
           will
           engage
           and
           imploy
           his
           Omnipotence
           for
           their
           good
           .
           If
           we
           hope
           for
           any
           good
           from
           
             the
             Almighty
          
           ,
           we
           must
           
             walk
             before
             him
             and
             be
             perfect
             ,
          
           as
           he
           said
           to
           Abraham
           .
           Good
           Men
           have
           a
           peculiar
           interest
           in
           God's
           Power
           ;
           hence
           he
           is
           called
           
             the
             strength
             of
          
           Israel
           ,
           and
           
             the
             mighty
             one
             of
          
           Israel
           .
           If
           we
           do
           what
           God
           requires
           of
           us
           ,
           we
           may
           expect
           that
           he
           will
           put
           forth
           his
           Power
           ,
           and
           exert
           his
           Arm
           for
           us
           ;
           but
           if
           we
           disobey
           ,
           we
           must
           expect
           he
           will
           manifest
           his
           Power
           against
           us
           ,
           Ez.
           8.22
           .
           When
           we
           
             do
             well
          
           ,
           we
           may
           
             commit
             the
             keeping
             of
             our
             souls
             to
             him
             ,
          
           1
           Pet.
           4.19
           .
        
         
           II.
           Our
           expectations
           from
           the
           Omnipotence
           of
           God
           must
           be
           with
           submission
           to
           his
           Pleasure
           ,
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           Wisdom
           ;
           we
           must
           not
           expect
           that
           God
           will
           manifest
           his
           Power
           ,
           when
           we
           think
           there
           is
           occasion
           for
           it
           ,
           but
           when
           it
           seems
           best
           to
           him
           ;
           he
           will
           so
           imploy
           his
           Omnipotence
           ,
           as
           to
           manifest
           his
           Goodness
           and
           Wisdom
           .
        
         
           And
           with
           these
           two
           Cautions
           ,
           we
           may
           rely
           upon
           him
           in
           all
           our
           Wants
           ,
           both
           Spiritual
           and
           Temporal
           ;
           for
           his
           
           Divine
           Power
           can
           
             give
             us
             all
             things
             that
             pertain
             to
             life
             and
             godliness
          
           ;
           2
           Pet.
           1.3
           .
           We
           may
           trust
           him
           at
           all
           times
           ,
           for
           the
           Omnipotent
           God
           
             neither
             slumbereth
             nor
             sleepeth
             ,
             the
             Almighty
             fainteth
             not
             ,
             neither
             is
             he
             weary
             ;
             trust
             ye
             in
             the
             Lord
             for
             ever
             ,
             for
             in
             the
             Lord
             Jehovah
             is
             everlasting
             strength
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           SERMON
           XI
           .
           
           The
           Spirituality
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           .
        
         
           
             
               
                 JOHN
                 .
                 IV.
                 24
              
               .
            
             
               God
               is
               a
               Spirit
               ,
               and
               they
               that
               worship
               him
               ,
               must
               worship
               him
               in
               Spirit
               and
               in
               truth
               .
            
          
        
         
           THese
           are
           the
           words
           of
           our
           Saviour
           to
           the
           Woman
           of
           Samaria
           ,
           who
           was
           speaking
           to
           him
           of
           the
           difference
           between
           the
           Samaritans
           and
           the
           Jews
           concerning
           Religion
           ;
           v.
           20.
           
           
             Our
             Fathers
             worshipped
             in
             this
             mountain
             ,
             but
             ye
             say
             ,
             that
             in
             Jerusalem
             is
             the
             place
             where
             men
             ought
             to
             worship
             .
          
           Christ
           tells
           her
           ,
           
             The
             time
             was
             coming
             ,
             when
             the
             worshippers
             of
             God
             should
             neither
          
           be
           confined
           
             to
             that
             mountain
             ,
             
             nor
             to
             Jerusalem
             ;
             but
             men
             should
             worship
             the
             Father
             in
             spirit
             and
             in
             truth
             ,
          
           when
           this
           carnal
           ,
           and
           ceremonial
           ,
           and
           typical
           Worship
           of
           God
           should
           be
           exalted
           into
           a
           more
           spiritual
           ,
           a
           more
           real
           ,
           and
           true
           ,
           and
           substantial
           Religion
           ,
           which
           should
           not
           be
           confined
           to
           one
           Temple
           ,
           but
           should
           be
           universally
           diffused
           through
           the
           World.
           Now
           such
           a
           Worship
           as
           this
           ,
           is
           most
           agreeable
           to
           the
           Nature
           of
           God
           ;
           for
           
             he
             is
             a
             spirit
             ,
             and
             those
             who
             worship
             him
             ,
             must
             worship
             him
             in
             spirit
             and
             in
             truth
             .
          
           In
           the
           words
           we
           have
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           A
           Proposition
           laid
           down
           ,
           
             God
             is
             a
             spirit
          
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           A
           Corollary
           or
           Inference
           deduced
           from
           it
           ,
           
             they
             that
             worship
             him
             ,
             must
             worship
             him
             in
             Spirit
             and
             in
             truth
             .
          
           I
           shall
           speak
           of
           the
           Proposition
           ,
           as
           that
           which
           concerns
           my
           present
           Design
           ;
           and
           afterward
           speak
           something
           to
           the
           Corollary
           or
           Inference
           deduced
           from
           it
           ,
           together
           with
           some
           other
           Inferences
           drawn
           from
           this
           truth
           ,
           by
           way
           of
           Application
           .
        
         
         
           
             First
             ,
             That
             God
             is
             a
             spirit
             .
          
           This
           expression
           is
           singular
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           be
           parallell'd
           again
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ;
           indeed
           we
           have
           often
           mention
           made
           in
           Scripture
           of
           
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
          
           ,
           and
           
             the
             spirit
             of
             the
             Lord
          
           ,
           which
           signifies
           a
           Divine
           Power
           and
           Energy
           ;
           and
           of
           
             the
             holy
             Spirit
          
           ,
           signifying
           the
           third
           Person
           in
           the
           Trinity
           ;
           God
           is
           call'd
           
             the
             God
             of
             the
             Spirits
             of
             all
             flesh
          
           ;
           Numb
           .
           16.22.27.16
           .
           much
           in
           the
           same
           Sense
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           call'd
           
             the
             Father
             of
             Spirits
          
           ,
           Heb.
           12.9
           .
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           Creator
           of
           the
           Souls
           of
           Men
           ;
           but
           we
           no
           where
           meet
           with
           this
           expression
           ,
           or
           any
           other
           equivalent
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           
             God
             is
             a
             spirit
          
           ,
           but
           only
           in
           this
           place
           ;
           nor
           had
           it
           been
           used
           here
           ,
           but
           to
           prove
           that
           the
           best
           Worship
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           which
           is
           most
           proper
           to
           him
           ,
           is
           spiritual
           ;
           so
           that
           the
           thing
           which
           our
           Saviour
           here
           intends
           ,
           is
           not
           to
           prove
           the
           Spiritual
           Nature
           of
           God
           ,
           but
           that
           his
           Worship
           ought
           to
           be
           spiritual
           ;
           nor
           indeed
           is
           there
           any
           necessity
           that
           it
           should
           have
           been
           any
           where
           said
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           that
           
             God
             is
             a
             spirit
          
           ,
           it
           being
           the
           natural
           Notion
           of
           a
           God
           ;
           no
           more
           than
           it
           is
           necessary
           
           that
           it
           should
           be
           told
           us
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           good
           ,
           or
           that
           he
           is
           infinite
           ,
           and
           eternal
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           ;
           or
           that
           the
           Scripture
           should
           prove
           to
           us
           the
           Being
           of
           a
           God.
           All
           these
           are
           manifest
           by
           the
           Light
           of
           Nature
           ,
           and
           if
           the
           Scripture
           mention
           them
           ,
           it
           is
           
             ex
             abundanti
          
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           usually
           in
           order
           to
           some
           further
           purpose
           .
        
         
           For
           we
           are
           to
           know
           ,
           that
           the
           Scripture
           supposeth
           us
           to
           be
           Men
           ,
           and
           to
           partake
           of
           the
           common
           Notions
           of
           Human
           Nature
           ,
           and
           therefore
           doth
           not
           teach
           us
           Philosophy
           ,
           nor
           solicitously
           instruct
           us
           in
           those
           things
           which
           are
           born
           with
           us
           ,
           but
           supposeth
           the
           knowledge
           of
           these
           ,
           and
           makes
           use
           of
           these
           common
           Principles
           and
           Notions
           which
           are
           in
           us
           concerning
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           immortality
           of
           our
           Souls
           ,
           and
           the
           Life
           to
           come
           ,
           to
           excite
           us
           to
           our
           Duty
           ,
           and
           quicken
           our
           Endeavours
           after
           Happiness
           .
           For
           I
           do
           not
           find
           that
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           immortality
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           is
           any
           where
           expresly
           delivered
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           but
           taken
           for
           granted
           ;
           in
           like
           manner
           that
           the
           Scripture
           doth
           not
           solicitously
           instruct
           
           us
           in
           the
           natural
           Notions
           which
           we
           have
           of
           God
           ,
           but
           supposeth
           them
           known
           to
           us
           ;
           and
           if
           it
           mention
           them
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           so
           much
           in
           order
           to
           knowledge
           as
           to
           practice
           ;
           and
           therefore
           we
           need
           not
           wonder
           that
           this
           expression
           ,
           which
           doth
           set
           forth
           to
           us
           the
           Nature
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           but
           once
           used
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           that
           brought
           in
           upon
           occasion
           ,
           and
           for
           another
           purpose
           ;
           because
           it
           is
           a
           thing
           naturally
           known
           .
           Plato
           says
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             without
             Body
          
           .
           In
           like
           manner
           
             Tully
             ,
             Nec
             enim
             deus
             ipse
             qui
             intelligitur
             a
             nobis
             alio
             modo
             intelligi
             potest
             ,
             nisi
             mens
             quaedam
             soluta
             &
             libera
             ,
             segregata
             ab
             omni
             concretione
             mortali
             ;
             we
             cannot
             conceive
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             as
             of
             a
             pure
             Mind
             ,
             intirely
             free
             from
             all
             mortal
             composition
             or
             mixture
             .
          
           And
           Plutarch
           after
           him
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             God
             is
             a
             Mind
             ,
             an
             abstract
             being
             ,
             pure
             from
             all
             matter
             ,
             and
             disintangled
             from
             whatever
             is
             passible
             or
             capable
             of
             suffering
             .
          
           So
           that
           Natural
           Light
           informing
           us
           that
           
             God
             is
             a
             Spirit
          
           ,
           there
           was
           no
           need
           why
           the
           Scripture
           should
           inculcate
           this
           ;
           it
           is
           an
           excellent
           medium
           or
           
           argument
           to
           prove
           that
           the
           Worship
           of
           God
           should
           chiefly
           be
           spiritual
           ;
           and
           altho
           it
           was
           not
           necessary
           that
           it
           should
           have
           been
           mention'd
           for
           it self
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           inform
           us
           of
           a
           thing
           which
           we
           could
           not
           otherwise
           know
           ,
           yet
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           God
           ,
           by
           the
           express
           mention
           of
           this
           ,
           seems
           to
           have
           provided
           against
           an
           Error
           which
           some
           weaker
           and
           grosser
           Spirits
           might
           be
           subject
           to
           .
           You
           know
           God
           is
           pleased
           ,
           by
           way
           of
           condescention
           and
           accommodation
           of
           himself
           to
           our
           capacity
           ,
           to
           represent
           himself
           to
           us
           in
           Scripture
           by
           human
           Imperfections
           ,
           and
           gives
           such
           descriptions
           of
           himself
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           had
           a
           Body
           ,
           and
           bodily
           Members
           ;
           now
           to
           prevent
           any
           error
           or
           mistake
           that
           might
           be
           occasion'd
           hereby
           ,
           it
           seems
           very
           becoming
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           God
           ,
           somewhere
           in
           Scripture
           expresly
           to
           declare
           the
           spiritual
           Nature
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           none
           through
           weakness
           or
           wilfulness
           might
           entertain
           gross
           apprehensions
           of
           him
           .
           In
           speaking
           to
           this
           Proposition
           ,
           I
           shall
           ,
        
         
           I.
           Explain
           what
           is
           meant
           by
           
             a
             Spirit
          
           .
        
         
         
           II.
           Endeavour
           to
           prove
           to
           you
           ,
           that
           
             God
             is
             a
             spirit
          
           .
        
         
           III.
           Answer
           an
           Objection
           or
           two
           .
        
         
           IV.
           Draw
           some
           Inferences
           or
           Corollaries
           from
           the
           whole
           .
        
         
           I.
           For
           the
           explication
           of
           the
           Notion
           of
           
             a
             Spirit
          
           .
           I
           shall
           not
           trouble
           you
           with
           the
           strict
           Philosophical
           Notion
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           that
           it
           is
           such
           a
           substance
           as
           is
           penetrable
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           may
           be
           in
           the
           same
           place
           with
           a
           Body
           ,
           and
           neither
           keep
           out
           the
           Body
           nor
           be
           kept
           out
           by
           it
           ;
           and
           that
           the
           parts
           which
           we
           imagine
           in
           it
           cannot
           be
           divided
           ,
           that
           is
           really
           seperated
           and
           torn
           from
           one
           another
           ,
           as
           the
           parts
           of
           a
           Body
           :
           but
           I
           will
           give
           you
           a
           negative
           description
           of
           it
           .
           A
           Spirit
           is
           not
           Matter
           ,
           it
           doth
           not
           fall
           under
           any
           of
           our
           Senses
           ,
           it
           is
           that
           which
           we
           cannot
           see
           nor
           touch
           ;
           it
           is
           not
           a
           Body
           ,
           not
           Flesh
           ,
           and
           Blood
           ,
           and
           Bones
           ;
           for
           so
           we
           find
           Spirit
           in
           Scripture
           opposed
           to
           Flesh
           and
           Body
           ;
           Isa
           .
           31.3
           .
           
             Their
             horses
             are
             flesh
             ,
             and
             not
             spirit
             .
          
           So
           Luke
           24.
           
           when
           Christ
           appeared
           to
           his
           Disciples
           after
           his
           Resurrection
           ,
           they
           were
           terrified
           ,
           and
           
             supposed
             it
             had
             been
             a
             spirit
             ,
          
           v.
           39.
           
           But
           he
           said
           ,
           
             Behold
             my
             hands
             and
             my
             feet
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             I
             my self
             ;
             handle
             me
             ,
             and
             see
             ,
             for
             a
             spirit
             hath
             not
             flesh
             and
             bones
             ,
             as
             ye
             see
             me
             have
             .
          
           The
           most
           usual
           description
           of
           
             a
             Spirit
          
           is
           by
           these
           Negatives
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           a
           Body
           ,
           hath
           not
           Flesh
           and
           Bones
           ,
           doth
           not
           consist
           of
           Matter
           ,
           or
           of
           any
           thing
           that
           falls
           under
           our
           Senses
           ,
           that
           we
           can
           see
           or
           touch
           .
        
         
           II.
           For
           the
           proof
           of
           this
           Proposition
           ,
           that
           
             God
             is
             a
             spirit
          
           .
           This
           is
           not
           to
           be
           proved
           by
           way
           of
           demonstration
           ,
           for
           there
           is
           nothing
           before
           God
           ,
           or
           which
           can
           be
           a
           cause
           of
           him
           ;
           but
           by
           way
           of
           conviction
           ,
           by
           shewing
           the
           absurdity
           of
           the
           contrary
           .
           The
           first
           and
           most
           natural
           Notion
           that
           we
           have
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           a
           Being
           every
           way
           perfect
           ,
           and
           from
           this
           Notion
           we
           must
           argue
           concerning
           the
           properties
           which
           are
           attributed
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           govern
           all
           our
           Reasonings
           concerning
           God
           by
           this
           ;
           so
           that
           when
           any
           thing
           is
           said
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           best
           
           way
           to
           know
           whether
           it
           be
           to
           be
           attributed
           to
           him
           ,
           is
           to
           enquire
           whether
           it
           be
           a
           Perfection
           or
           not
           ;
           if
           it
           be
           ,
           it
           belongs
           to
           him
           ;
           if
           it
           be
           not
           ,
           it
           is
           to
           be
           removed
           from
           him
           ;
           and
           if
           any
           Man
           ask
           ,
           why
           I
           say
           God
           is
           so
           ,
           or
           so
           ,
           
             a
             Spirit
          
           ,
           or
           Good
           ,
           or
           Just
           ;
           the
           best
           reason
           that
           can
           be
           given
           ,
           is
           ,
           because
           these
           are
           Perfections
           ,
           and
           the
           contrary
           to
           these
           are
           Imperfections
           .
           So
           that
           if
           I
           shew
           that
           it
           would
           be
           an
           Imperfection
           for
           God
           to
           be
           imagined
           to
           be
           a
           Body
           ,
           or
           Matter
           ,
           I
           prove
           that
           he
           is
           
             a
             Spirit
          
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           an
           imperfection
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           an
           absurdity
           to
           imagine
           him
           any
           thing
           else
           .
           To
           imagine
           God
           to
           be
           
             a
             Body
          
           ,
           or
           Matter
           ,
           doth
           evidently
           codtradict
           four
           great
           Perfections
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           1.
           
           His
           Infiniteness
           ,
           or
           the
           immensity
           of
           his
           Being
           .
           Grant
           me
           but
           these
           two
           things
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           something
           in
           the
           World
           besides
           God
           ,
           some
           other
           matter
           ,
           as
           the
           Heavens
           ,
           the
           Air
           ,
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           all
           those
           things
           which
           we
           see
           ;
           and
           grant
           me
           that
           two
           Bodies
           cannot
           be
           in
           the
           same
           place
           at
           once
           ,
           and
           then
           it
           will
           evidently
           follow
           ,
           
           that
           where-ever
           these
           are
           ,
           God
           is
           shut
           out
           ;
           and
           consequently
           God
           should
           not
           be
           infinite
           ,
           nor
           in
           all
           places
           ;
           and
           so
           much
           as
           there
           is
           of
           another
           matter
           in
           the
           World
           besides
           God
           ,
           so
           many
           breaches
           there
           would
           be
           in
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           so
           many
           Hiatus
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Knowledge
           and
           Wisdom
           of
           God.
           It
           cannot
           be
           imagined
           how
           mere
           Matter
           can
           understand
           ,
           how
           it
           can
           distinctly
           comprehend
           such
           variety
           of
           Objects
           ,
           and
           at
           one
           view
           take
           in
           past
           ,
           present
           ,
           and
           to
           come
           .
           Tully
           speaking
           of
           Spirits
           ,
           saith
           ,
           
             Animorum
             nulla
             in
             terris
             origo
             inveniri
             potest
             ;
             their
             original
             cannot
             be
             found
             upon
             Earth
             ;
             for
             ,
          
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             there
             is
             no
             material
             or
             bodily
             thing
             ,
             Quod
             vim
             memoriae
             ,
             mentis
             ,
             cogitationis
             habeat
             ,
             quod
             &
             praeterita
             teneat
             ,
             &
             futura
             provideat
             ,
             &
             complecti
             possit
             praesentia
             ;
             quae
             sola
             divina
             sunt
             ;
             which
             hath
             the
             power
             of
             Memory
             ,
             of
             Vnderstanding
             ,
             of
             Thought
             ;
             which
             can
             retain
             things
             past
             ,
             forsee
             things
             future
             ,
             and
             comprehend
             things
             present
             ;
             all
             which
             Powers
             are
             purely
             Divine
             .
          
        
         
         
           3.
           
           Freedom
           and
           Liberty
           .
           For
           the
           Laws
           of
           matter
           are
           necessary
           ,
           nor
           can
           we
           imagine
           any
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           any
           
             arbitrary
             Principle
          
           in
           it
           .
           This
           puzled
           the
           Epicureans
           ,
           as
           we
           see
           in
           
             Lucretius
             ,
             For
             if
          
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             all
             things
             move
             by
             certain
             and
             necessary
             Laws
             ,
             and
             there
             be
             a
             connexion
             of
             the
             parts
             of
             matter
             unto
             each
             other
             ,
             so
             that
             if
             you
             move
             this
             ,
             that
             must
             necessarily
             be
             moved
             ;
             whence
             ,
          
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             is
             Liberty
             ?
             Vnde
             est
             hec
             inquam
             fatis
             avulsa
             voluntas
             ;
             Whence
             is
             this
             Principle
             of
             Will
             ,
             whose
             motions
             are
             not
             under
             any
             law
             of
             necessity
             .
          
        
         
           4.
           
           Goodness
           .
           This
           follows
           from
           the
           former
           ;
           for
           he
           is
           not
           good
           who
           does
           not
           know
           what
           he
           does
           ,
           nor
           does
           it
           freely
           ;
           so
           that
           take
           away
           Understanding
           and
           Liberty
           ,
           and
           you
           take
           away
           Goodness
           ;
           now
           take
           away
           from
           God
           Infiniteness
           ,
           and
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           Liberty
           ,
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           you
           divest
           him
           of
           his
           Glory
           ;
           you
           take
           away
           his
           most
           essential
           Perfections
           .
           So
           that
           these
           great
           absurdities
           following
           from
           the
           supposing
           of
           God
           to
           be
           mere
           Matter
           or
           Body
           ,
           
           we
           are
           to
           conceive
           of
           him
           as
           another
           kind
           of
           substance
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           a
           Spirit
           .
           So
           that
           I
           wonder
           that
           the
           Author
           of
           the
           Leviathan
           ,
           who
           doth
           more
           than
           once
           expresly
           affirm
           ,
           that
           there
           can
           be
           nothing
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           but
           what
           is
           material
           and
           corporeal
           ,
           did
           not
           see
           that
           the
           necessary
           consequence
           of
           this
           Position
           ,
           is
           to
           banish
           God
           out
           of
           the
           World.
           I
           would
           not
           be
           uncharitable
           ,
           but
           I
           doubt
           he
           did
           see
           it
           ,
           and
           was
           content
           with
           the
           consequence
           ,
           and
           willing
           the
           World
           should
           entertain
           it
           ;
           for
           it
           is
           so
           evident
           ,
           that
           by
           supposing
           the
           Divine
           Essence
           to
           consist
           of
           Matter
           ,
           the
           immensity
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           is
           taken
           away
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           also
           so
           utterly
           unimaginable
           how
           mere
           Matter
           should
           understand
           ,
           and
           be
           endowed
           with
           liberty
           ,
           and
           consequently
           with
           goodness
           ,
           that
           I
           cannot
           but
           vehemently
           suspect
           the
           Man
           who
           denies
           God
           to
           be
           
             a
             Spirit
          
           ,
           either
           to
           have
           a
           gross
           and
           faulty
           understanding
           ,
           or
           a
           very
           ill
           will
           against
           God
           ,
           and
           an
           evil
           design
           to
           root
           out
           of
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men
           the
           belief
           of
           a
           God.
           I
           come
           in
           the
        
         
         
           III.
           Place
           ,
           to
           consider
           the
           Objections
           .
        
         
           1
           Obj.
           Why
           then
           is
           God
           represented
           to
           us
           so
           often
           in
           Scripture
           by
           the
           Parts
           and
           Members
           of
           Mens
           Bodies
           ?
           Ans
           .
           I
           shall
           only
           say
           at
           present
           ,
           that
           all
           these
           descriptions
           and
           representations
           of
           God
           ,
           are
           plainly
           made
           to
           comply
           with
           our
           weakness
           ,
           by
           way
           of
           condescention
           and
           accomodation
           to
           our
           capacities
           .
        
         
           2
           Obj.
           How
           is
           it
           said
           that
           
             Man
             was
             made
             after
             the
             the
             Image
             of
             God
             ,
          
           If
           God
           be
           
             a
             Spirit
          
           ,
           of
           which
           there
           can
           be
           no
           likeness
           nor
           resemblance
           .
           Ans
           .
           Man
           is
           not
           said
           to
           be
           
             made
             after
             the
             image
             of
             God
             ,
          
           in
           respect
           of
           the
           outward
           Shape
           and
           Features
           of
           his
           Body
           ;
           but
           in
           respect
           of
           the
           Qualities
           of
           his
           Mind
           ,
           as
           Holiness
           and
           Righteousness
           ;
           or
           of
           his
           Faculties
           ,
           as
           Understanding
           and
           Will
           ;
           or
           which
           the
           Text
           seems
           most
           to
           favour
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           his
           Dominion
           and
           Soveraignty
           over
           the
           Creatures
           ;
           for
           in
           the
           two
           former
           respects
           the
           Angels
           are
           made
           after
           the
           Image
           of
           God.
           Now
           this
           seems
           to
           be
           spoken
           peculiarly
           
           of
           Men
           ;
           Gen.
           1.26
           .
           
             Let
             us
             make
             man
             in
             our
             own
             image
             ,
             after
             our
             own
             likeness
             ,
             and
             let
             them
             have
             dominion
             over
             the
             fish
             of
             the
             sea
             ,
             and
             the
             fowls
             of
             the
             air
             ,
          
           &c.
           
        
         
           IV.
           I
           come
           now
           to
           draw
           some
           Inferences
           or
           Corollaries
           from
           hence
           ,
           and
           they
           shall
           be
           partly
           speculative
           ,
           partly
           practical
           .
        
         
           
             First
             ,
             Speculative
          
           Inferences
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           God
           is
           invisible
           .
           The
           proper
           Object
           of
           sight
           is
           Colour
           ,
           and
           that
           ariseth
           from
           the
           various
           dispositions
           of
           the
           parts
           of
           Matter
           which
           cause
           several
           reflections
           of
           Light
           ;
           now
           a
           Spirit
           hath
           no
           Parts
           nor
           Matter
           ,
           and
           therefore
           is
           invisible
           ;
           1
           Tim.
           1.17
           .
           
             Vnto
             the
             eternal
             ,
             immortal
             ,
             invisible
             ,
             the
             only
             wise
             God.
          
           Heb.
           11.27
           .
           
             He
             endured
             ,
             as
             seeing
             him
             who
             is
             invisible
          
           ;
           as
           
             seeing
             him
          
           by
           an
           Eye
           of
           Faith
           ,
           who
           is
           invisible
           by
           an
           Eye
           of
           Sense
           .
           1
           Tim.
           6.16
           .
           
             Whom
             no
             Man
             hath
             seen
             ,
             nor
             can
             see
             .
          
        
         
         
           When
           Moses
           and
           the
           Elders
           of
           Israel
           are
           said
           to
           have
           
             seen
             God
          
           ,
           and
           Jacob
           to
           have
           
             seen
             him
             face
             to
             face
          
           ,
           Exod.
           2.9
           .
           Gen.
           32.30
           .
           it
           is
           meant
           of
           an
           Angel
           covered
           with
           divine
           Glory
           and
           Majesty
           ,
           as
           we
           shall
           see
           if
           we
           compare
           these
           with
           other
           Texts
           .
           When
           Moses
           is
           said
           to
           have
           
             spoken
             to
             him
             face
             to
             face
             ,
          
           that
           is
           familiarly
           ;
           and
           so
           Micaiah
           ,
           1
           Kings
           22.19
           .
           is
           said
           to
           have
           
             seen
             God
             upon
             his
             throne
             ,
             and
             all
             Israel
             scattered
             up
             and
             down
          
           ;
           this
           was
           in
           a
           Vision
           .
           And
           it
           is
           promised
           ,
           that
           in
           Heaven
           we
           shall
           
             see
             God
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           have
           a
           more
           perfect
           knowledge
           of
           him
           and
           full
           enjoyment
           ;
           as
           to
           
             see
             good
             days
          
           ,
           is
           to
           enjoy
           them
           .
           Those
           Texts
           where
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           
             No
             man
             can
             see
             God
             and
             live
             ,
          
           Exod.
           33.20
           .
           and
           John
           1.18
           .
           
             No
             man
             hath
             seen
             God
             at
             any
             time
             ,
          
           do
           not
           intimate
           that
           God
           is
           visible
           ,
           tho'
           we
           cannot
           see
           him
           ;
           but
           seeing
           is
           metaphorically
           used
           for
           knowing
           ,
           and
           the
           meaning
           is
           ,
           that
           in
           this
           Life
           we
           are
           not
           capable
           of
           a
           perfect
           knowledge
           of
           God.
           A
           clear
           discovery
           of
           God
           to
           our
           Understanding
           would
           let
           in
           joys
           into
           our
           Souls
           ,
           and
           create
           desires
           in
           
           us
           too
           great
           for
           frail
           Mortality
           to
           bear
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           That
           he
           is
           
             the
             living
             God.
          
           Spirit
           and
           Life
           are
           often
           put
           together
           in
           Scripture
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           That
           God
           is
           immortal
           .
           This
           the
           Scripture
           attributes
           to
           him
           ,
           1
           Tim.
           1.17
           .
           
             To
             the
             King
             immortal
             ,
             invisible
             .
          
           1
           Tim.
           6.16
           .
           
             Who
             only
             hath
             immortality
          
           .
           This
           also
           flows
           from
           God's
           Spirituality
           ;
           a
           Spiritual
           Nature
           hath
           no
           principles
           of
           Corruption
           in
           it
           ,
           nothing
           that
           is
           liable
           to
           perish
           ,
           or
           decay
           ,
           or
           dye
           .
           Now
           this
           doth
           so
           eminently
           agree
           to
           God
           ,
           either
           because
           he
           is
           purely
           spiritual
           ,
           and
           immaterial
           ,
           as
           possibly
           no
           Creature
           is
           ;
           or
           else
           because
           he
           is
           not
           only
           immortal
           in
           his
           own
           Nature
           ,
           but
           is
           not
           liable
           to
           be
           reduced
           to
           nothing
           by
           any
           other
           ,
           because
           he
           hath
           an
           original
           and
           independent
           Immortality
           ,
           and
           therefore
           the
           Apostle
           doth
           attribute
           it
           to
           him
           in
           such
           a
           singular
           and
           peculiar
           manner
           ;
           
             Who
             only
             hath
             Immortality
          
           .
        
         
         
           
             Secondly
             ,
             Practical
          
           Inferences
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           We
           are
           not
           to
           conceive
           of
           God
           as
           having
           a
           Body
           ,
           or
           any
           corporeal
           Shape
           or
           Members
           .
           This
           was
           the
           gross
           conceit
           of
           the
           Anthropomorphites
           of
           old
           ,
           and
           of
           some
           Socinians
           of
           late
           ,
           which
           they
           ground
           upon
           the
           gross
           and
           literal
           Interpretation
           of
           many
           figurative
           Speeches
           in
           Scripture
           concerning
           God
           ,
           as
           where
           it
           speaks
           of
           his
           Face
           ,
           and
           Hand
           ,
           and
           Arm
           ,
           &c.
           
           But
           we
           are
           very
           unthankful
           to
           God
           ,
           who
           condescends
           to
           represent
           himself
           to
           us
           according
           to
           our
           Capacities
           ,
           if
           we
           abuse
           this
           condescention
           to
           the
           blemish
           and
           reproach
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           .
           If
           God
           be
           pleased
           to
           stoop
           to
           our
           weakness
           ,
           we
           must
           not
           therefore
           level
           him
           to
           our
           Infirmities
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           If
           God
           be
           
             a
             Spirit
          
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           to
           worship
           God
           by
           any
           Image
           or
           sensible
           representation
           .
           Because
           
             God
             is
             a
             Spirit
          
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           to
           liken
           him
           to
           any
           thing
           that
           is
           corporeal
           ;
           we
           are
           not
           to
           represent
           him
           by
           
             the
             likeness
             of
             any
             thing
             that
             is
             in
             Heaven
             above
             ,
          
           
           that
           is
           ,
           of
           any
           Birds
           ;
           
             or
             in
             the
             earth
             beneath
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           of
           any
           Beast
           ;
           
             or
             in
             the
             waters
             under
             the
             earth
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           of
           any
           Fish
           ;
           as
           it
           is
           in
           the
           
             second
             Commandment
          
           .
           For
           ,
           as
           the
           Prophet
           tells
           us
           ,
           there
           is
           nothing
           that
           we
           can
           liken
           God
           to
           ;
           Isa
           .
           40
           :
           18.
           
           
             To
             whom
             will
             ye
             liken
             God
             ?
             or
             what
             likeness
             will
             ye
             compare
             to
             him
             ?
          
           We
           debase
           his
           Spiritual
           and
           Incorruptible
           Nature
           ,
           when
           we
           compare
           him
           to
           corruptible
           Creatures
           ;
           Rom.
           1.22
           ,
           23.
           
           Speaking
           of
           the
           Heathen
           Idolatry
           ,
           
             Who
             professing
             themselves
             wise
             ,
             became
             fools
             ,
             and
             changed
             the
             glory
             of
             the
             incorruptible
             God
             into
             an
             image
             made
             like
             to
             corruptible
             man
             ,
             and
             to
             birds
             ,
             and
             to
             fourfooted
             Beasts
             ,
             and
             creeping
             things
             .
          
           They
           
             became
             Fools
          
           ;
           this
           is
           the
           folly
           of
           Idolatry
           ,
           to
           liken
           a
           Spirit
           ,
           which
           hath
           no
           bodily
           shape
           ,
           to
           things
           that
           are
           corporeal
           and
           corruptible
           .
           So
           that
           however
           some
           are
           pleased
           to
           mince
           the
           matter
           ,
           I
           cannot
           see
           how
           the
           Church
           of
           Rome
           ,
           which
           worships
           God
           by
           or
           toward
           some
           Image
           or
           sensible
           representation
           ,
           can
           be
           excused
           from
           Idolatry
           ;
           and
           the
           Church
           of
           England
           doth
           not
           without
           very
           just
           cause
           challenge
           the
           
           Romish
           Church
           with
           it
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           a
           ground
           of
           separation
           from
           her
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           If
           
             God
             be
             a
             Spirit
          
           ,
           then
           we
           should
           
             worship
             him
             in
             spirit
             and
             in
             truth
             .
          
           This
           is
           the
           Inference
           of
           the
           Text
           ,
           and
           therefore
           I
           shall
           speak
           a
           little
           more
           largely
           of
           it
           ;
           only
           I
           must
           explain
           what
           is
           meant
           by
           
             worshiping
             in
             spirit
             and
             in
             truth
             ,
          
           and
           shew
           you
           the
           force
           of
           this
           Consequence
           ,
           how
           it
           follows
           ,
           that
           because
           
             God
             is
             a
             Spirit
          
           ,
           therefore
           he
           must
           be
           
             worship'd
             in
             spirit
             and
             in
             truth
             .
          
        
         
           1
           st
           .
           For
           the
           explication
           of
           it
           .
           This
           word
           Spirit
           is
           sometimes
           apply'd
           to
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           so
           it
           is
           opposed
           to
           Letter
           ,
           by
           which
           Name
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           Moses
           is
           called
           ;
           2
           Cor.
           3.6
           .
           
             Who
             hath
             made
             us
             able
             Ministers
             of
             the
             new
             Testament
             ,
             not
             of
             the
             letter
             ,
             but
             of
             the
             spirit
          
           ;
           not
           of
           the
           Law
           which
           was
           written
           in
           Tables
           of
           Stone
           ,
           but
           which
           Christ
           by
           his
           Spirit
           writes
           in
           the
           Hearts
           of
           Believers
           .
           Sometimes
           to
           the
           worship
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           and
           so
           it
           is
           opposed
           to
           the
           Flesh
           ,
           Gal.
           3.3
           .
           
             Having
             begun
             
             in
             the
             spirit
             ,
             are
             ye
             now
             made
             perfect
             by
             the
             flesh
             ?
          
           that
           is
           by
           the
           works
           of
           the
           ceremonial
           Law
           ,
           which
           is
           therefore
           call'd
           Flesh
           ,
           because
           the
           principal
           ceremony
           of
           it
           ,
           Circumcision
           ,
           was
           made
           in
           the
           Flesh
           ,
           and
           because
           their
           Sacrifices
           ,
           a
           chief
           part
           of
           their
           Worship
           ,
           were
           of
           the
           Flesh
           of
           Beasts
           ;
           and
           because
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           their
           Ordinances
           ,
           as
           washing
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           ,
           related
           to
           
             the
             Body
          
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           the
           Apostle
           calls
           the
           worship
           of
           the
           
             Jews
             ,
             the
             law
             of
             a
             carnal
             commandment
             ,
          
           Heb.
           7.16
           .
           and
           Heb.
           9.10
           .
           
             Carnal
             Ordinances
          
           ,
           speaking
           of
           the
           Service
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           which
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             stood
             in
             meats
             ,
             and
             drinks
             ,
             and
             divers
             washings
             ,
             and
             carnal
             ordinances
             .
          
           Now
           in
           opposition
           to
           this
           carnal
           and
           ceremonial
           Worship
           ,
           we
           are
           to
           
             worship
             God
             in
             the
             Spirit
          
           .
           The
           Worship
           of
           the
           Jews
           was
           most
           
             a
             bodily
             service
          
           ;
           but
           we
           are
           to
           give
           God
           
             a
             reasonable
             service
          
           ,
           to
           serve
           him
           with
           
             the
             spirit
             of
             our
             minds
          
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ;
           instead
           of
           
             offering
             the
             flesh
             of
             bulls
             and
             goats
             ,
          
           we
           are
           to
           
             consecrate
             our selves
          
           to
           the
           service
           of
           God
           ;
           this
           is
           
             a
             holy
             and
             acceptable
             sacrifice
          
           ,
           or
           
             reasonable
             service
          
           .
        
         
         
           And
           
             in
             truth
          
           .
           Either
           in
           opposition
           to
           the
           false
           Worship
           of
           the
           Samaritans
           (
           as
           
             in
             spirit
          
           is
           opposed
           to
           the
           Worship
           of
           the
           Jews
           )
           as
           our
           Saviour
           tells
           the
           Woman
           ,
           that
           
             they
             worship'd
             they
             knew
             not
             what
          
           ;
           or
           (
           which
           I
           rather
           think
           )
           in
           opposition
           to
           
             the
             shadows
          
           of
           the
           Law
           ;
           and
           so
           it
           is
           opposed
           ,
           John
           1.17
           .
           
             The
             Law
             was
             given
             by
             Moses
             :
             but
             grace
             and
             truth
             came
             by
             Jesus
             Christ
             .
          
        
         
           Not
           that
           the
           external
           Service
           of
           God
           is
           here
           excluded
           ,
           not
           that
           we
           are
           to
           show
           no
           outward
           reverence
           to
           him
           :
           but
           that
           as
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           the
           Service
           of
           God
           was
           chiefly
           external
           and
           corporeal
           ,
           so
           now
           it
           should
           chiefly
           be
           inward
           and
           spiritual
           ;
           the
           Worship
           of
           God
           under
           the
           Gospel
           should
           chiefly
           be
           spiritual
           and
           substantial
           ,
           not
           a
           carnal
           ,
           and
           bodily
           ,
           and
           ceremonious
           Devotion
           .
        
         
           2
           dly
           .
           For
           the
           force
           of
           the
           Consequence
           ,
           it
           doth
           not
           lie
           in
           this
           ,
           that
           just
           such
           as
           God
           is
           ,
           such
           must
           our
           Worship
           of
           him
           be
           ;
           for
           this
           would
           exclude
           all
           bodily
           and
           outward
           worship
           ;
           
           our
           Worship
           of
           God
           must
           therefore
           be
           invisible
           ,
           eternal
           ,
           &c.
           for
           so
           is
           he
           ;
           and
           besides
           the
           Will
           of
           God
           seems
           rather
           to
           be
           the
           rule
           of
           his
           Worship
           ,
           than
           his
           Nature
           :
           but
           the
           force
           of
           it
           is
           this
           ,
           God
           is
           of
           a
           spiritual
           Nature
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           to
           be
           supposed
           to
           be
           his
           Will
           ,
           that
           our
           Worship
           should
           be
           as
           agreable
           to
           the
           Object
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           Creature
           who
           is
           to
           give
           it
           will
           bear
           ;
           now
           saith
           Christ
           to
           the
           Woman
           ,
           the
           Jews
           and
           the
           Samaritans
           they
           limit
           their
           Worship
           to
           a
           certain
           place
           ,
           and
           it
           consists
           chiefly
           in
           certain
           carnal
           Rites
           and
           Ordinances
           ;
           but
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           tho'
           God
           have
           permitted
           this
           for
           a
           time
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           carnality
           and
           
             hardness
             of
             their
             hearts
          
           ,
           yet
           the
           time
           is
           coming
           ,
           when
           a
           more
           spiritual
           ,
           and
           solid
           ,
           and
           substantial
           Worship
           of
           God
           is
           to
           be
           introduced
           ,
           which
           will
           be
           free
           from
           all
           particular
           Places
           and
           Rites
           ,
           not
           tyed
           to
           the
           Temple
           ,
           or
           to
           such
           external
           Ceremonies
           ,
           but
           consisting
           in
           the
           devotion
           of
           our
           Spirits
           ,
           even
           the
           inward
           frame
           and
           temper
           of
           our
           Hearts
           ;
           all
           outward
           Circumstances
           (
           excepting
           those
           of
           the
           two
           
           Sacraments
           which
           are
           positive
           )
           being
           left
           by
           the
           Gospel
           to
           as
           great
           a
           liberty
           ,
           as
           natural
           necessity
           and
           decency
           will
           permit
           .
        
         
           We
           must
           worship
           God
           ,
           and
           therefore
           it
           is
           naturally
           necessary
           that
           we
           should
           do
           it
           somewhere
           ,
           in
           some
           place
           ;
           now
           seeing
           some
           body
           must
           determine
           this
           ,
           it
           is
           most
           convenient
           that
           Authority
           should
           determine
           it
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           conveniency
           of
           cohabitation
           .
           We
           must
           not
           be
           rude
           ,
           nor
           do
           any
           thing
           that
           is
           naturally
           undecent
           in
           the
           Worship
           of
           God
           ;
           this
           Authority
           should
           restrain
           ;
           but
           further
           than
           this
           ,
           I
           doubt
           not
           but
           the
           Gospel
           hath
           left
           us
           free
           ;
           and
           to
           this
           end
           ,
           that
           the
           less
           we
           are
           tied
           to
           external
           Observances
           ,
           the
           more
           intent
           we
           should
           be
           upon
           the
           spiritual
           and
           substantial
           parts
           of
           Religion
           ,
           the
           conforming
           of
           our selves
           to
           the
           Mind
           and
           Will
           of
           God
           ,
           endeavouring
           to
           be
           like
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           our
           Souls
           and
           Spirits
           ingaged
           in
           those
           Duties
           we
           perform
           to
           him
           .
           So
           that
           our
           Saviour's
           argument
           is
           this
           ;
           
             God
             is
             a
             Spirit
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           
             the
             most
             excellent
             Nature
             and
             
             Being
             ,
          
           and
           therefore
           must
           be
           served
           with
           
             the
             best
          
           .
           We
           consist
           of
           Body
           and
           Soul
           ,
           't
           is
           true
           ,
           and
           we
           must
           serve
           him
           with
           our
           
             whole
             Man
          
           ;
           but
           principally
           with
           our
           Souls
           ,
           which
           are
           the
           most
           excellent
           Part
           of
           our selves
           ;
           the
           Service
           of
           our
           Mind
           and
           Spirit
           is
           the
           best
           we
           can
           perform
           ,
           and
           therefore
           most
           agreeable
           to
           God
           who
           is
           a
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           the
           best
           and
           most
           perfect
           Being
           .
        
         
           So
           that
           the
           Inference
           is
           this
           ,
           that
           if
           
             God
             be
             a
             Spirit
          
           ,
           we
           must
           
             worship
             him
             in
             spirit
             and
             in
             truth
          
           ;
           our
           Religion
           must
           be
           real
           ,
           and
           inward
           ,
           and
           sincere
           ,
           and
           substantial
           ;
           we
           must
           not
           think
           to
           put
           off
           God
           with
           external
           observances
           ,
           and
           with
           bodily
           reverence
           and
           attendance
           ;
           this
           we
           must
           give
           him
           ,
           but
           we
           must
           principally
           regard
           that
           our
           Service
           of
           him
           be
           reasonable
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           directed
           by
           our
           Understandings
           ,
           and
           accompanied
           with
           our
           Affections
           .
           Our
           Religion
           must
           consist
           principally
           in
           a
           sincere
           love
           and
           affection
           to
           God
           ,
           which
           expresseth
           it self
           in
           a
           real
           conformity
           of
           our
           lives
           and
           actions
           to
           his
           Will
           ;
           and
           when
           
           we
           make
           our
           solemn
           approaches
           to
           him
           ,
           in
           the
           Duties
           of
           his
           Worship
           and
           Service
           ,
           we
           must
           perform
           all
           acts
           of
           outward
           Worship
           to
           God
           with
           a
           pure
           and
           sincere
           Mind
           ;
           whatever
           we
           do
           in
           the
           Service
           of
           God
           ,
           we
           must
           
             do
             it
             heartily
             as
             to
             the
             Lord.
          
           God
           is
           a
           pure
           Spirit
           ,
           present
           to
           our
           Spirits
           ,
           intimate
           to
           our
           Souls
           ,
           and
           conscious
           to
           the
           most
           secret
           and
           retired
           motions
           of
           our
           Hearts
           ;
           now
           because
           we
           serve
           the
           Searcher
           of
           Hearts
           ,
           we
           must
           serve
           him
           with
           our
           Hearts
           .
        
         
           Indeed
           if
           we
           did
           worship
           God
           only
           to
           be
           seen
           of
           Men
           ,
           a
           pompous
           and
           external
           Worship
           would
           be
           very
           suitable
           to
           such
           an
           end
           ;
           but
           Religion
           is
           not
           intended
           to
           please
           Men
           ,
           but
           God
           ,
           and
           therefore
           it
           must
           be
           spiritual
           ,
           and
           inward
           ,
           and
           real
           .
        
         
           And
           where-ever
           the
           external
           part
           of
           Religion
           is
           principally
           regarded
           ,
           and
           Men
           are
           more
           careful
           to
           worship
           God
           with
           outward
           pomp
           and
           ceremony
           ,
           than
           
             in
             spirit
             and
             in
             truth
          
           ,
           Religion
           degenerates
           into
           Superstition
           ,
           and
           Men
           embrace
           the
           shadow
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           let
           go
           the
           substance
           .
           
           And
           this
           the
           Church
           of
           Rome
           hath
           done
           almost
           to
           the
           utter
           ruin
           of
           Christianity
           ;
           she
           hath
           clogged
           Religion
           ,
           and
           the
           Worship
           of
           God
           ,
           with
           so
           many
           Rites
           and
           Ceremonies
           ,
           under
           one
           Pretence
           or
           other
           ,
           that
           the
           Yoke
           of
           Christ
           is
           become
           heavier
           than
           
             that
             of
             Moses
          
           ;
           and
           they
           have
           made
           
             the
             Gospel
          
           a
           more
           carnal
           Commandment
           than
           the
           Law
           ;
           and
           whatever
           Christians
           or
           Churches
           are
           intent
           upon
           external
           Rites
           and
           Observances
           ,
           to
           the
           neglect
           of
           the
           weightier
           Parts
           of
           Religion
           ,
           regarding
           
             meats
             and
             drinks
          
           ,
           &c.
           to
           the
           prejudice
           of
           
             righteousness
             and
             peace
          
           ,
           wherein
           
             the
             kingdom
             of
             God
          
           consists
           ,
           they
           advance
           a
           Religion
           as
           contrary
           to
           the
           Nature
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           as
           unsuitable
           to
           the
           genius
           and
           temper
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           as
           can
           be
           imagined
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           an
           Observation
           of
           Sir
           
             Edwin
             Sands
          
           ,
           that
           as
           Children
           are
           pleas'd
           with
           Toys
           ,
           so
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           pitiful
           and
           childish
           Spirit
           that
           is
           predominant
           in
           the
           contrivers
           and
           zealots
           of
           a
           ceremonious
           Religion
           .
           I
           deny
           not
           but
           that
           very
           honest
           and
           devout
           
           Men
           may
           be
           this
           way
           addicted
           ;
           but
           the
           wiser
           any
           Man
           is
           ,
           the
           better
           he
           understands
           the
           Nature
           of
           God
           and
           of
           Religion
           ,
           the
           further
           he
           will
           be
           from
           this
           temper
           .
        
         
           A
           Religion
           that
           consists
           in
           external
           and
           little
           things
           ,
           doth
           most
           easily
           gain
           upon
           and
           possess
           the
           weakest
           Minds
           ,
           and
           whoever
           entertain
           it
           ,
           it
           will
           enfeeble
           their
           Spirits
           ,
           and
           unfit
           them
           for
           the
           more
           generous
           and
           excellent
           Duties
           of
           Christianity
           .
           We
           have
           but
           a
           finite
           heat
           ,
           and
           zeal
           ,
           and
           activity
           ,
           and
           if
           we
           let
           out
           much
           of
           it
           upon
           small
           things
           ,
           there
           will
           be
           too
           little
           left
           for
           those
           parts
           of
           Religion
           which
           are
           of
           greatest
           moment
           and
           concernment
           ;
           if
           our
           heat
           evaporate
           in
           externals
           ,
           the
           heart
           and
           vitals
           of
           Religion
           will
           insensibly
           cool
           and
           decline
           .
        
         
           How
           should
           we
           blush
           who
           are
           Christians
           ,
           that
           we
           have
           not
           learnt
           this
           easie
           truth
           from
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           which
           even
           the
           Light
           of
           Nature
           taught
           the
           Heathen
           ;
           
             Cultus
             autem
             deorum
             est
             optimus
             itemque
             sanctissimus
             atque
             castissimus
             ,
             
             plenissimusque
             pietatis
             ,
             ut
             eos
             semper
             purâ
             integrâ
             &
             incorruptâ
             mente
             &
             voce
             veneremur
             ,
          
           Tully
           .
           
             The
             best
             ,
             the
             surest
             ,
             the
             most
             chast
             ,
             and
             most
             devout
             worship
             of
             the
             Gods
             ,
             is
             that
             which
             is
             pay'd
             them
             with
             a
             pure
             ,
             sincere
             ,
             and
             uncorrupt
             Mind
             ,
             and
             words
             truly
             representing
             the
             thoughts
             of
             the
             Heart
             .
             Compositum
             jus
             fasque
             animi
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           
             Serve
             God
             with
             a
             pure
             ,
             honest
             ,
             holy
             frame
             of
             Spirit
             ,
             bring
             him
             a
             heart
             that
             is
             but
             generously
             honest
             ,
             and
             he
             will
             accept
             of
             the
             plainest
             Sacrifice
             .
          
        
         
           And
           let
           me
           tell
           you
           ,
           that
           the
           ceremonious
           Worship
           of
           the
           Jews
           was
           never
           a
           thing
           in
           it self
           acceptable
           to
           God
           ,
           or
           which
           he
           did
           delight
           in
           ;
           and
           tho'
           God
           was
           pleased
           with
           their
           obedience
           to
           the
           ceremonial
           Law
           after
           it
           was
           commanded
           ,
           yet
           antecedently
           he
           did
           not
           desire
           it
           ;
           but
           that
           which
           our
           Saviour
           saith
           concerning
           the
           Law
           of
           Divorce
           ,
           is
           true
           likewise
           of
           the
           ceremonial
           ,
           that
           it
           was
           permitted
           to
           the
           
             Jews
             for
             the
             hardness
             of
             their
             hearts
             ,
          
           and
           for
           their
           proneness
           to
           Idolatry
           .
           God
           did
           not
           command
           it
           so
           much
           by
           way
           of
           approbation
           ,
           
           as
           by
           way
           of
           condescension
           to
           their
           weakness
           ;
           it
           was
           because
           of
           
             the
             hardness
          
           of
           
             their
             carnal
             hearts
          
           that
           God
           brought
           them
           under
           
             the
             Law
             of
             a
             carnal
             Commandment
             ,
          
           as
           the
           Apostle
           calls
           it
           .
           See
           Psal
           .
           51.16
           ,
           17.
           
           Jer.
           7.21
           .
        
         
           The
           reason
           why
           I
           have
           insisted
           so
           long
           upon
           this
           ,
           is
           to
           let
           you
           understand
           ,
           what
           is
           the
           true
           nature
           of
           Christ's
           Religion
           ,
           and
           to
           abate
           the
           intemperate
           heat
           and
           zeal
           which
           Men
           are
           apt
           to
           have
           for
           external
           and
           indifferent
           things
           in
           Religion
           .
           The
           Sacrifices
           and
           Rites
           of
           the
           Jews
           were
           very
           unagreeable
           and
           unsuitable
           to
           the
           Nature
           of
           God
           ;
           Psal
           .
           50.13
           .
           
             Will
             I
             eat
             the
             flesh
             of
             bulls
             ,
             or
             drink
             the
             blood
             of
             goats
             ?
          
           Spirits
           neither
           eat
           nor
           drink
           ;
           it
           was
           a
           very
           unsuitable
           way
           of
           service
           to
           kill
           Oxen
           and
           Sheep
           for
           God
           ;
           and
           there
           's
           the
           same
           reason
           of
           all
           other
           Rites
           which
           either
           natural
           necessity
           or
           decency
           doth
           not
           require
           .
           Can
           any
           Man
           in
           earnest
           think
           ,
           that
           God
           who
           is
           a
           Spirit
           is
           pleased
           with
           the
           pompous
           bravery
           and
           pageantry
           which
           affects
           our
           Senses
           ?
           So
           
           little
           doth
           God
           value
           indifferent
           Rites
           ,
           that
           even
           the
           necessary
           external
           Service
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           outward
           Reverence
           ,
           where
           they
           are
           separated
           from
           
             spirit
             and
             truth
          
           ,
           from
           real
           holiness
           and
           obedience
           to
           the
           indispensable
           Laws
           of
           Christ
           ,
           are
           so
           far
           from
           being
           acceptable
           to
           God
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           abominable
           ;
           nay
           ,
           if
           they
           be
           used
           for
           a
           Cloak
           of
           Sin
           ,
           or
           in
           opposition
           to
           real
           Religion
           ,
           and
           with
           a
           design
           to
           undermine
           it
           ,
           God
           accounts
           such
           Service
           in
           the
           number
           of
           the
           most
           heinous
           Sins
           .
        
         
           You
           who
           spend
           the
           strength
           and
           vigour
           of
           your
           Spirits
           about
           external
           things
           ,
           whose
           
             zeal
             for
          
           or
           against
           Ceremonies
           is
           ready
           
             to
             eat
             you
             up
          
           ,
           you
           who
           hate
           and
           persecute
           one
           another
           because
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           and
           break
           the
           necessary
           and
           indispensable
           Commands
           of
           Love
           ,
           as
           an
           indifferent
           and
           unnecessary
           Ceremony
           ,
           
             go
             and
             learn
             what
             that
             means
             ,
             I
             will
             have
             mercy
             ,
             and
             not
             sacrifice
             ,
          
           which
           our
           Saviour
           doth
           so
           often
           inculcate
           ,
           and
           that
           Rom.
           14.17
           .
           
             The
             kingdom
             of
             God
             is
             not
             meat
             and
             
             drink
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           And
           study
           the
           meaning
           of
           this
           ,
           
             God
             is
             a
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             they
             that
             worship
             him
             ,
             must
             worship
             him
             in
             Spirit
             and
             in
             truth
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
         
           SERMON
           XII
           .
           
           The
           Immensity
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           .
        
         
           
             
               
                 PSAL.
                 CXXXIX
                 .
                 7
                 ,
                 8
                 ,
                 9
                 ,
                 10.
                 
              
            
             
               Whither
               shall
               I
               go
               from
               thy
               spirit
               ?
               or
               whither
               shall
               I
               flee
               from
               thy
               presence
               ?
               If
               I
               ascend
               up
               into
               heaven
               ,
               thou
               art
               there
               ;
               if
               I
               make
               my
               bed
               in
               hell
               ,
               behold
               ,
               thou
               art
               there
               .
               If
               I
               take
               the
               wings
               of
               the
               morning
               ,
               and
               dwell
               in
               the
               uttermost
               parts
               of
               the
               sea
               ,
               even
               there
               shall
               thy
               hand
               lead
               me
               ,
               and
               thy
               right
               hand
               shall
               hold
               me
               .
            
          
        
         
           THAT
           Attribute
           of
           God
           which
           I
           last
           discours'd
           of
           is
           most
           Absolute
           ,
           and
           declares
           his
           Essence
           most
           immediately
           ;
           
             the
             spirituality
             of
             the
             Divine
             Nature
             .
          
           I
           shall
           in
           the
           next
           place
           speak
           of
           
           those
           which
           relate
           to
           the
           manner
           of
           his
           Being
           ,
           Immensity
           and
           Eternity
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           infiniteness
           of
           his
           Essence
           ,
           both
           in
           respect
           of
           space
           and
           duration
           ;
           that
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           hath
           no
           limits
           of
           its
           Being
           ,
           nor
           bounds
           of
           its
           duration
           .
           I
           shall
           at
           the
           present
           speak
           to
           the
           first
           of
           these
           ,
           his
           Immensity
           ,
           and
           that
           from
           these
           words
           which
           I
           here
           read
           to
           you
           ,
           
             Whither
             shall
             I
             go
             from
             thy
             spirit
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           The
           meaning
           of
           which
           is
           this
           ,
           That
           God
           is
           a
           Spirit
           ,
           infinitely
           diffusing
           himself
           ,
           present
           in
           all
           places
           ,
           so
           that
           wherever
           I
           go
           ,
           God
           is
           there
           ;
           we
           cannot
           flee
           from
           his
           presence
           .
           
             If
             I
             ascend
             into
             heaven
             ,
             he
             is
             there
             ;
             if
             I
             go
             down
             into
             the
             grave
             ,
          
           the
           place
           of
           silence
           and
           obscurity
           ,
           
             he
             is
             there
          
           ;
           (
           for
           that
           is
           the
           meaning
           of
           the
           Expression
           ,
           
             If
             I
             make
             my
             bed
             in
             hell
             .
             )
             If
             I
             take
             the
             wings
             of
             the
             morning
             ,
             and
             dwell
             in
             the
             uttermost
             parts
             of
             the
             sea
             ,
             even
             there
             shall
             thy
             hand
             lead
             me
             ,
             and
             thy
             right
             hand
             shall
             hold
             me
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           if
           my
           motion
           should
           be
           as
           swift
           as
           that
           of
           the
           light
           ,
           which
           when
           the
           Sun
           riseth
           darts
           it self
           in
           an
           instant
           from
           one
           part
           of
           the
           World
           to
           another
           ,
           over
           the
           Earth
           and
           the
           Sea
           ,
           the
           remotest
           
           parts
           of
           the
           World
           which
           are
           unknown
           to
           us
           ,
           yet
           would
           God
           be
           present
           to
           me
           in
           the
           motion
           ,
           and
           all
           along
           as
           I
           go
           must
           I
           be
           led
           and
           upholden
           by
           him
           ;
           so
           that
           all
           these
           Expressions
           do
           but
           signifie
           to
           us
           the
           Immensity
           of
           God's
           Essence
           ,
           that
           his
           Being
           is
           infinitely
           diffused
           and
           present
           in
           all
           Places
           .
        
         
           In
           speaking
           to
           this
           Attribute
           of
           God's
           Immensity
           ,
           I
           shall
           First
           explain
           it
           to
           you
           a
           little
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Prove
           that
           it
           doth
           belong
           to
           him
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Answer
           an
           Objection
           or
           two
           that
           may
           be
           made
           against
           it
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           Draw
           some
           doctrinal
           Inferences
           from
           it
           .
        
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           Make
           some
           use
           and
           improvement
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           For
           the
           explication
           of
           it
           .
           By
           the
           Immensity
           of
           God
           ,
           I
           mean
           that
           his
           Being
           hath
           no
           bounds
           or
           limits
           ,
           
           but
           doth
           every
           way
           spread
           and
           diffuse
           it self
           beyond
           what
           we
           can
           imagine
           ;
           so
           that
           you
           cannot
           define
           the
           presence
           of
           God
           by
           any
           certain
           place
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           say
           here
           he
           is
           ,
           but
           not
           there
           ;
           nor
           by
           any
           limits
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           say
           ,
           thus
           far
           his
           Being
           reacheth
           ,
           and
           no
           further
           ;
           but
           he
           is
           every
           where
           present
           after
           a
           most
           infinite
           manner
           ,
           in
           the
           darkest
           corners
           and
           most
           private
           recesses
           ;
           the
           most
           secret
           Closet
           that
           is
           in
           the
           whole
           World
           ,
           the
           Heart
           of
           Man
           ,
           darkness
           and
           privacy
           cannot
           keep
           him
           out
           ;
           the
           presence
           of
           another
           Being
           ,
           even
           of
           a
           Body
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           grossest
           substance
           ,
           doth
           not
           exclude
           him
           ;
           the
           whole
           World
           doth
           not
           confine
           him
           ;
           but
           he
           fills
           all
           the
           space
           which
           we
           can
           imagine
           beyond
           this
           visible
           World
           ,
           and
           infinitely
           more
           than
           we
           can
           imagine
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           For
           the
           proof
           of
           it
           .
           I
           shall
           attempt
           it
           ,
        
         
           I.
           From
           the
           natural
           Notions
           and
           Dictates
           of
           our
           Minds
           .
        
         
         
           II.
           From
           Scripture
           and
           Divine
           Revelation
           .
        
         
           III.
           From
           the
           inconvenience
           of
           the
           contrary
           .
        
         
           I.
           From
           the
           natural
           Notions
           and
           Dictates
           of
           our
           Minds
           .
           We
           find
           that
           the
           Heathen
           ,
           by
           the
           Light
           of
           Nature
           ,
           did
           attribute
           this
           Perfection
           to
           God.
           Tully
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             De
             Nat.
             deor
          
           .
           That
           Pythagoras
           thought
           ,
           
             Deum
             esse
             animam
             per
             naturam
             rerum
             omnem
             intentum
             &
             commeantem
             ,
             That
             God
             is
             as
             it
             were
             a
             Soul
             passing
             through
             and
             inspiring
             all
             Nature
             .
          
           And
           in
           l.
           2.
           
             de
             leg
          
           .
           that
           this
           was
           Thales
           his
           Opinion
           which
           he
           commends
           ,
           
             Homines
             existimare
             oportere
             deos
             omnia
             cernere
             ,
             deorum
             omnia
             esse
             plena
             ,
             That
             Men
             ought
             to
             believe
             ,
             that
             the
             Gods
             see
             all
             things
             ,
             that
             all
             things
             are
             full
             of
             them
             .
          
           So
           Sen.
           Epist
           .
           95.
           
           
             Vbique
             &
             omnibus
             praesto
             est
             ;
             He
             is
             every
             where
             present
             and
             at
             hand
             .
          
           &
           de
           Benef.
           L.
           4.
           
           
             Quocunque
             te
             flexeris
             ,
             ibi
             illum
             videbis
             occurrentem
             tibi
             ,
             nihil
             ab
             illo
             vacat
             ,
             opus
             suum
             ipse
             implet
             ;
             Which
             way
             soever
             thou
             turnest
             thy self
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             find
             him
             meeting
             thee
             ,
             nothing
             
             is
             without
             him
             ,
             he
             fills
             his
             own
             work
             .
          
           Not
           much
           differing
           from
           the
           Expression
           of
           the
           Psalmist
           here
           .
        
         
           II.
           From
           Scripture
           and
           Divine
           Revelation
           .
           I
           shall
           instance
           in
           some
           remarkable
           places
           ;
           1
           Kings
           8.27
           .
           
             Behold
             ,
             the
             heaven
             ,
             and
             heaven
             of
             heavens
             cannot
             contain
             thee
             .
          
           Job
           .
           11.7
           ,
           8
           ,
           9.
           
           
             Can'st
             thou
             by
             searching
             find
             out
             God
             ?
             canst
             thou
             find
             out
             the
             Almighty
             unto
             perfection
             ?
          
           Isa
           .
           66.1
           .
           
             Thus
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ,
             behold
             ,
             heaven
             is
             my
             throne
             ,
             and
             the
             earth
             is
             my
             foot-stool
             :
             where
             is
             the
             house
             that
             ye
             build
             unto
             me
             ?
             and
             where
             is
             the
             place
             of
             my
             rest
             ?
          
           Jer.
           23.23
           ,
           24.
           
           
             Am
             I
             a
             God
             at
             hand
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             not
             a
             God
             afar
             off
             ?
             Can
             any
             hide
             himself
             in
             secret
             places
             that
             I
             shall
             not
             see
             him
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ?
             do
             not
             I
             fill
             heaven
             and
             earth
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ?
          
           Amos
           9.2
           ,
           3.
           
           
             Tho'
             they
             dig
             into
             hell
             ,
             thence
             shall
             mine
             hand
             take
             them
             ;
             though
             they
             climb
             up
             to
             heaven
             ,
             thence
             will
             I
             bring
             them
             down
             .
             And
             though
             they
             hide
             themselves
             in
             the
             top
             of
             Carmel
             ,
             I
             will
             search
             and
             take
             them
             out
             thence
             :
             and
             tho'
             they
             be
             hid
             from
             my
             sight
             in
             the
             bottom
             of
             the
             sea
             ,
             thence
             will
             I
             command
             
             he
             serpent
             and
             he
             shall
             bite
             them
             .
          
           Acts
           17.27
           ,
           28.
           
           
             Tho
             he
             be
             not
             far
             from
             every
             one
             of
             us
             .
             For
             in
             him
             we
             live
             ,
             and
             move
             ,
             and
             have
             our
             being
             ,
             as
             certain
             also
             of
             your
             own
             Poets
             have
             said
             ,
             For
             we
             are
             also
             his
             off-spring
             .
          
        
         
           III.
           From
           the
           inconveniences
           of
           the
           contrary
           .
           And
           this
           is
           the
           most
           proper
           way
           of
           proving
           any
           of
           God's
           Perfections
           ;
           for
           as
           I
           have
           told
           you
           formerly
           ,
           there
           being
           nothing
           before
           God
           ,
           nor
           any
           cause
           of
           his
           being
           ,
           his
           Perfections
           cannot
           be
           proved
           by
           way
           of
           demonstration
           ,
           but
           of
           conviction
           ,
           by
           shewing
           the
           absurdity
           of
           the
           contrary
           .
           The
           first
           and
           most
           easie
           Notion
           that
           we
           have
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           a
           Being
           which
           hath
           all
           Perfection
           ,
           and
           is
           free
           from
           all
           Imperfection
           ;
           now
           if
           I
           prove
           that
           the
           Immensity
           of
           God's
           Essence
           is
           a
           Perfection
           ,
           or
           which
           is
           the
           same
           ,
           that
           the
           contrary
           is
           an
           Imperfection
           ,
           I
           do
           sufficiently
           prove
           the
           thing
           intended
           .
        
         
           Now
           to
           suppose
           the
           Divine
           Essence
           to
           be
           limited
           ,
           or
           confined
           ,
           and
           his
           presence
           to
           be
           any
           where
           excluded
           ,
           
           doth
           contradict
           both
           this
           necessary
           Perfection
           of
           God
           ,
           his
           universal
           Providence
           ;
           and
           this
           necessary
           Duty
           of
           Creatures
           ,
           to
           worship
           and
           trust
           in
           him
           ;
           and
           the
           voluntary
           manifestation
           and
           appearance
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           the
           Incarnation
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           It
           contradicts
           the
           universal
           Providence
           of
           God.
           The
           universal
           Providence
           of
           God
           supposeth
           many
           Perfections
           ,
           viz.
           infinite
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           infinite
           Power
           ,
           his
           Omniscience
           and
           Omnipotence
           ,
           neither
           of
           which
           can
           be
           imagined
           without
           Omnipresence
           .
           We
           find
           that
           all
           finite
           Beings
           ,
           have
           a
           finite
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           a
           finite
           Power
           ;
           and
           it
           cannot
           be
           conceived
           how
           infinite
           Understanding
           and
           Power
           can
           be
           founded
           any
           where
           else
           than
           in
           an
           infinite
           Essence
           .
           To
           have
           an
           infinite
           Knowledge
           of
           all
           things
           ,
           even
           those
           things
           which
           are
           most
           secret
           and
           hidden
           ,
           to
           be
           able
           to
           do
           all
           things
           ,
           to
           steer
           and
           govern
           the
           Actions
           of
           all
           Creatures
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           a
           perfect
           care
           of
           them
           ,
           seems
           to
           all
           the
           Reason
           of
           Mankind
           to
           require
           immediate
           Presence
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           It
           contradicts
           the
           necessary
           Duty
           of
           the
           Creature
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           worship
           God
           ,
           to
           depend
           upon
           him
           for
           every
           thing
           ,
           and
           in
           every
           thing
           to
           acknowledge
           him
           .
           Now
           all
           Worship
           of
           God
           is
           rendred
           vain
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           uncertain
           ,
           if
           God
           be
           not
           present
           to
           us
           to
           hear
           our
           Prayers
           ,
           to
           take
           notice
           of
           our
           Wants
           ,
           and
           receive
           our
           Acknowledgments
           ;
           it
           will
           much
           abate
           our
           Confidence
           in
           God
           ,
           and
           our
           Fear
           to
           offend
           him
           ,
           if
           we
           be
           uncertain
           whether
           he
           be
           present
           to
           us
           or
           not
           ,
           whether
           he
           sees
           our
           Actions
           or
           not
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           It
           contradicts
           a
           voluntary
           Manifestation
           and
           Appearance
           of
           God
           in
           the
           Incarnation
           of
           Christ
           .
           He
           that
           supposeth
           God
           not
           to
           be
           every
           where
           present
           by
           his
           Essence
           ,
           must
           in
           all
           reason
           confine
           his
           Presence
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           suppose
           him
           to
           be
           present
           elsewhere
           only
           by
           his
           Virtue
           and
           Power
           :
           but
           if
           this
           were
           so
           ,
           how
           could
           the
           Divinity
           be
           essentially
           united
           to
           the
           Humane
           Nature
           of
           Christ
           ,
           which
           was
           here
           upon
           Earth
           ?
           
           How
           is
           
             God
             with
             us
          
           ;
           How
           does
           
             he
             pitch
             his
             Tabernacle
             among
             Men
          
           ;
           if
           his
           essential
           Presence
           be
           confin'd
           to
           Heaven
           ?
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           I
           come
           to
           answer
           Objections
           against
           this
           Doctrine
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           two
           Objections
           against
           this
           .
        
         
           
             1.
             
             From
             Reason
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             From
             Scripture
             .
          
        
         
           1.
           
           Obj.
           Reason
           will
           be
           ready
           to
           suggest
           ,
           that
           this
           is
           a
           disparagement
           to
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           to
           tye
           his
           Presence
           to
           this
           vile
           Dunghil
           of
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           fordid
           Sink
           of
           Hell.
           This
           is
           a
           gross
           Apprehension
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           a
           measuring
           of
           him
           by
           our selves
           .
           Indeed
           if
           we
           look
           upon
           God
           as
           capable
           of
           Injury
           ,
           and
           Suffering
           ,
           and
           Offence
           from
           the
           Contagion
           of
           any
           thing
           here
           below
           ,
           as
           we
           are
           ,
           then
           indeed
           there
           were
           some
           strength
           in
           this
           Objection
           :
           but
           he
           is
           a
           blessed
           and
           pure
           Being
           ,
           
             Mens
             segregata
             ab
             omni
             concretione
             
             mortali
             ,
             A
             Mind
             free
             from
             all
             mortal
             Composition
             or
             Mixture
             .
          
           Tully
           ;
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             disentangled
             from
             every
             thing
             passible
          
           ;
           as
           Plut.
           Those
           things
           that
           are
           nauseous
           to
           our
           Senses
           ,
           do
           not
           affect
           him
           :
           Darkness
           is
           uncomfortable
           to
           us
           ,
           but
           
             the
             Darkness
             and
             the
             Light
             are
             all
             one
             to
             him
             .
          
           Wickedness
           may
           
             hurt
             a
             man
          
           ,
           or
           
             the
             son
             of
             man
          
           ;
           but
           
             if
             we
             multiply
             our
             transgressions
             ,
             we
             do
             nothing
             to
             God
             ,
          
           as
           Elihu
           speaks
           ,
           Job
           35.6
           .
           Nothing
           can
           disquiet
           or
           discompose
           his
           happy
           and
           blessed
           Nature
           ,
           but
           he
           converseth
           here
           in
           this
           dark
           and
           troubled
           World
           with
           less
           danger
           of
           Disturbance
           ,
           or
           any
           impure
           Contagion
           ,
           than
           the
           Sun-beams
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Obj.
           Does
           not
           the
           Scripture
           tell
           us
           ,
           that
           
             God
             sits
             in
             the
             Heavens
          
           ,
           and
           
             dwells
             on
             high
          
           ,
           that
           
             Heaven
             is
             his
             throne
          
           ,
           and
           that
           
             it
             is
             the
             City
             of
             the
             great
             God
             ?
          
           Doth
           not
           the
           Lord's
           Prayer
           teach
           us
           to
           say
           ,
           
             Our
             Father
             which
             art
             in
             heaven
             ?
          
           Is
           he
           not
           said
           to
           
             look
             down
             from
             heaven
          
           ,
           and
           
             to
             hear
             in
             heaven
             his
             dwelling-place
          
           ?
           
           Is
           it
           not
           said
           that
           
             he
             doth
             not
             dwell
             in
             temples
             made
             with
             hands
          
           ?
           And
           does
           not
           Solomon
           ,
           1
           Kings
           8.27
           .
           put
           it
           as
           a
           strange
           question
           ,
           
             will
             God
             indeed
             dwell
             on
             the
             earth
          
           ?
           Is
           he
           not
           said
           to
           
             come
             down
          
           and
           
             draw
             near
          
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           
             afar
             off
             from
             us
          
           ?
           Now
           how
           does
           this
           agree
           with
           his
           Immensity
           and
           Omnipresence
           ?
        
         
           For
           answer
           to
           this
           ,
           I
           must
           distinguish
           the
           Presence
           of
           God.
           There
           is
           ,
           1
           st
           ,
           his
           
             glorious
             Presence
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           such
           a
           Presence
           of
           God
           as
           is
           accompanied
           with
           an
           extraordinary
           manifestation
           of
           his
           Glory
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           especially
           and
           chiefly
           confined
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           which
           it
           is
           called
           his
           Seat
           ,
           and
           Throne
           ,
           and
           
             the
             Habitation
             of
             his
             Glory
          
           .
           Some
           degree
           of
           this
           was
           in
           the
           Temple
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           reason
           of
           
           Solomon's
           Admiration
           ,
           
             will
             God
             indeed
             dwell
             on
             Earth
             ?
          
        
         
           2
           dly
           ,
           There
           is
           his
           
             gracious
             Presence
          
           ,
           which
           discovers
           it self
           by
           miraculous
           effects
           of
           his
           Favour
           ,
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           Assistance
           ,
           and
           thereby
           
           he
           is
           said
           to
           
             dwell
             in
             the
             hearts
             of
          
           good
           Men
           ,
           and
           
             with
             them
             that
             are
             of
             an
             humble
             and
             contrite
             Spirit
             ,
          
           Isa
           .
           57.15
           .
           and
           in
           respect
           of
           this
           he
           is
           said
           to
           
             draw
             near
             to
             us
          
           ,
           to
           
             look
             down
             upon
             us
          
           ;
           and
           in
           respect
           of
           the
           absence
           of
           this
           to
           be
           
             far
             from
             us
          
           .
        
         
           3
           dly
           ,
           There
           is
           his
           
             essential
             Presence
          
           ,
           which
           is
           equally
           and
           alike
           in
           all
           Places
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           not
           excluded
           by
           those
           former
           Expressions
           which
           the
           Scripture
           useth
           to
           denote
           to
           us
           the
           glorious
           and
           gracious
           Presence
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           To
           make
           some
           Inferences
           .
           I
           will
           mention
           only
           such
           as
           the
           Scripture
           here
           takes
           notice
           of
           ,
           speaking
           of
           God's
           Immensity
           .
        
         
           I.
           Inf.
           That
           God
           is
           a
           Spirit
           .
           This
           necessarily
           flows
           from
           his
           Immensity
           ;
           for
           if
           the
           Essence
           of
           God
           be
           every
           where
           diffused
           ,
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           must
           be
           spiritual
           ,
           otherwise
           it
           could
           not
           be
           in
           the
           same
           place
           were
           Body
           and
           Matter
           is
           ,
           but
           must
           be
           shut
           out
           of
           the
           World.
           But
           this
           I
           spoke
           
           more
           largely
           to
           ,
           in
           my
           Discourse
           of
           God's
           being
           
             a
             Spirit
          
           .
           This
           the
           Psalmist
           observes
           here
           ,
           
             Where
             shall
             I
             go
             from
             thy
             Spirit
          
           ?
           If
           he
           were
           not
           
             a
             Spirit
          
           ,
           we
           might
           
             go
             from
             him
          
           ,
           and
           
             hide
             our selves
             from
             his
             Presence
          
           .
        
         
           II.
           Inf.
           That
           God
           is
           Incomprehensible
           .
           That
           which
           is
           infinite
           cannot
           be
           measured
           and
           comprehended
           by
           that
           which
           is
           finite
           ;
           and
           this
           also
           the
           Psalmist
           takes
           notice
           of
           ,
           in
           the
           Verse
           before
           my
           Text
           ,
           
             Such
             knowledge
             is
             too
             wonderful
             for
             me
             ,
             it
             is
             high
             ,
             I
             cannot
             attain
             it
             .
          
        
         
           III.
           Inf.
           That
           God
           is
           Omniscient
           .
           If
           God
           be
           every
           where
           ,
           then
           he
           knows
           all
           things
           ,
           yea
           even
           the
           hidden
           things
           of
           Darkness
           ,
           the
           Secrets
           of
           our
           Hearts
           ;
           nothing
           can
           be
           hid
           from
           an
           infinite
           Eye
           ;
           he
           is
           present
           to
           our
           Thoughts
           ,
           intimate
           to
           our
           Hearts
           and
           Reins
           ;
           this
           the
           Psalmist
           takes
           notice
           of
           ,
           1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3
           ,
           4
           ,
           and
           12
           Verses
           .
        
         
         
           IV.
           Inf.
           That
           God
           is
           Omnipotent
           .
           
             He
             can
             do
             all
             things
          
           .
           Distance
           limits
           the
           Power
           of
           Creatures
           ,
           and
           makes
           
             their
             hands
             short
          
           ;
           but
           God
           is
           every
           where
           ,
           nothing
           is
           out
           of
           his
           reach
           ;
           and
           this
           also
           the
           Psalmist
           intimates
           in
           the
           Text
           ,
           v.
           10.
           
           
             Even
             there
             shall
             thy
             hand
             lead
             me
             ,
             and
             thy
             right
             hand
             hold
             me
             .
          
        
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           The
           Use
           and
           Improvement
           I
           shall
           make
           of
           this
           ,
           shall
           be
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           To
           awaken
           our
           Fear
           of
           him
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           To
           encourage
           our
           Faith
           and
           Confidence
           in
           him
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           To
           awaken
           our
           Fear
           of
           him
           .
           The
           Consideration
           of
           God's
           Presence
           should
           awaken
           in
           us
           a
           Fear
           of
           Reverence
           .
           The
           Presence
           of
           an
           earthly
           Majesty
           will
           awe
           our
           Spirits
           ,
           and
           compose
           us
           to
           Reverence
           ;
           yea
           the
           Presence
           of
           a
           wise
           and
           good
           Man
           ;
           how
           much
           more
           should
           the
           Presence
           of
           the
           great
           and
           glorious
           ,
           the
           wise
           and
           the
           holy
           ,
           and
           the
           just
           
           God
           strike
           an
           awe
           upon
           our
           Spirits
           ?
           Wherever
           we
           are
           God
           is
           with
           us
           ,
           we
           always
           converse
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           live
           continually
           in
           his
           Presence
           ;
           now
           a
           Heathen
           could
           say
           ,
           
             cum
             Diis
             verecunaè
             agendum
             ,
             We
             must
             behave
             our selves
             modestly
             because
             we
             are
             in
             the
             presence
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
           And
           it
           should
           awaken
           in
           us
           a
           Fear
           to
           offend
           God
           ,
           and
           a
           Fear
           of
           the
           divine
           displeasure
           for
           having
           offended
           him
           .
           Fear
           is
           the
           most
           wakeful
           Passion
           in
           the
           Soul
           of
           man
           ,
           and
           is
           the
           first
           Principle
           that
           is
           wrought
           upon
           in
           us
           from
           the
           Apprehensions
           of
           a
           Deity
           ,
           it
           flows
           immediately
           from
           the
           principle
           of
           Self-preservation
           which
           God
           hath
           planted
           in
           every
           Man's
           Nature
           ;
           we
           have
           a
           natural
           Dread
           and
           Horror
           for
           every
           thing
           that
           can
           hurt
           us
           ,
           and
           endanger
           our
           Being
           or
           Happiness
           :
           now
           the
           greatest
           Danger
           is
           from
           the
           greatest
           Power
           ,
           for
           where
           we
           are
           clearly
           over-match'd
           ,
           we
           cannot
           hope
           to
           make
           Opposition
           nor
           Resistance
           with
           security
           and
           success
           ,
           to
           r●bel
           with
           Safety
           :
           now
           
           he
           that
           apprehends
           God
           to
           be
           near
           him
           ,
           and
           present
           to
           him
           ,
           believes
           such
           a
           Being
           to
           stand
           by
           him
           as
           is
           possest
           of
           an
           infinite
           and
           irresistible
           Power
           ,
           and
           will
           vindicate
           all
           Contempt
           of
           the
           Divine
           Majesty
           ,
           and
           Violation
           of
           his
           Laws
           .
           If
           we
           believe
           God
           to
           be
           always
           present
           with
           us
           ,
           
             Fear
             will
             continually
             take
             hold
             of
             us
             ,
          
           and
           we
           shall
           say
           of
           every
           place
           ,
           as
           Jacob
           did
           of
           
             Bethel
             ,
             surely
             God
             is
             in
             this
             place
             ,
             how
             dreadful
             is
             this
             place
             ?
          
           When
           we
           have
           at
           any
           time
           provoked
           God
           ,
           if
           we
           believe
           the
           just
           God
           is
           at
           hand
           to
           revenge
           himself
           ,
           and
           if
           we
           believe
           
             the
             power
             of
             his
             anger
          
           ,
           we
           shall
           say
           with
           David
           ,
           Psa
           .
           76.7
           .
           
             Thou
             even
             thou
             art
             to
             be
             feared
             ,
             and
             who
             may
             stand
             before
             thee
             when
             thou
             art
             angry
             ?
          
           Psa
           .
           119.120
           .
           
             My
             flesh
             trembleth
             because
             of
             thee
             ,
             and
             I
             am
             afraid
             of
             thy
             Judgments
             .
          
        
         
           Sinners
           consider
           this
           ,
           
             It
             is
             a
             fearful
             thing
             to
             fall
             into
             the
             hands
             of
             the
             living
             God
             ,
          
           and
           every
           time
           you
           sin
           ,
           you
           are
           within
           his
           reach
           .
           Let
           then
           the
           consideration
           of
           God's
           Presence
           
           deter
           us
           from
           Sin
           ,
           and
           quicken
           us
           to
           our
           Duty
           .
           The
           Eye
           and
           Presence
           of
           a
           Superior
           will
           lay
           a
           great
           restraint
           upon
           Men
           ;
           the
           Eye
           of
           our
           Prince
           ,
           or
           our
           Master
           ,
           or
           our
           Father
           ,
           will
           make
           us
           afraid
           or
           asham'd
           to
           do
           any
           thing
           that
           is
           foolish
           or
           unseemly
           :
           And
           will
           we
           do
           that
           under
           the
           Eye
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           we
           should
           blush
           to
           do
           before
           a
           grave
           or
           wise
           Person
           ,
           yea
           before
           a
           Child
           or
           a
           Fool
           ?
           Did
           but
           Men
           live
           under
           this
           apprehension
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           present
           to
           them
           ,
           that
           an
           holy
           and
           all-seeing
           Eye
           beholds
           them
           ,
           they
           would
           be
           afraid
           to
           do
           any
           thing
           that
           is
           vile
           and
           wicked
           ,
           to
           profane
           and
           pollute
           God's
           glorious
           name
           ,
           by
           a
           trifling
           use
           of
           it
           in
           customary
           swearing
           and
           cursing
           .
           Whenever
           you
           sin
           ,
           you
           affront
           God
           to
           his
           Face
           ;
           and
           provoke
           the
           omnipotent
           justice
           which
           is
           at
           the
           door
           ,
           and
           ready
           to
           break
           in
           upon
           you
           .
        
         
           And
           the
           consideration
           of
           this
           should
           especially
           deter
           us
           from
           secret
           Sins
           .
           This
           is
           the
           use
           the
           Psalmist
           here
           makes
           of
           it
           .
           If
           we
           believe
           that
           
           
             God
             searcheth
             us
             and
             knows
             us
             ,
          
           that
           
             he
             knows
             our
             down-sitting
             ,
             and
             our
             up-rising
             ,
             and
             understands
             our
             thoughts
             afar
             off
             ,
          
           that
           
             he
             compasseth
             our
             path
          
           ,
           and
           
             our
             lying
             down
             ,
             and
             is
             acquainted
             with
             all
             our
             ways
             ,
          
           that
           
             there
             is
             not
             a
             word
             in
             our
             tongue
             ,
             but
             he
             knows
             it
             altogether
             ,
          
           that
           
             he
             hath
             beset
             us
             behind
             and
             before
             ,
          
           that
           
             the
             darkness
             hideth
             not
             from
             him
             ,
             but
             the
             night
             shineth
             as
             the
             day
             ,
             and
             the
             darkness
             and
             light
             are
             both
             alike
          
           ;
           I
           say
           ,
           if
           we
           believe
           this
           ,
           how
           should
           we
           live
           in
           an
           awful
           sense
           of
           the
           Majesty
           which
           is
           always
           above
           us
           ,
           and
           before
           us
           ,
           and
           about
           us
           ,
           and
           within
           us
           ,
           and
           is
           as
           inseparable
           from
           us
           ,
           as
           we
           are
           from
           our selves
           ,
           whose
           Eye
           is
           upon
           us
           from
           the
           beginning
           of
           our
           Lives
           to
           the
           end
           of
           our
           Days
           ?
           Did
           Men
           believe
           that
           God
           is
           always
           with
           them
           ,
           that
           his
           Eye
           pierceth
           the
           Darkness
           ,
           and
           sees
           through
           all
           those
           Clouds
           with
           which
           they
           hide
           and
           muffle
           themselves
           ,
           and
           pries
           into
           the
           most
           secret
           Recesses
           of
           their
           Hearts
           ,
           how
           would
           this
           check
           and
           restrain
           them
           from
           
             devising
             mischief
             in
             their
             hearts
          
           ,
           or
           
             in
             their
             Bed
             chamber
          
           ?
           
           The
           holy
           Presence
           ,
           and
           the
           pure
           Eye
           of
           God
           would
           be
           to
           us
           a
           thousand
           times
           more
           than
           to
           have
           our
           Father
           ,
           or
           our
           Master
           ,
           or
           our
           Prince
           ,
           or
           him
           whom
           we
           most
           revere
           ,
           to
           stand
           by
           us
           .
           Did
           but
           Men
           
             representare
             sibi
             Deum
             ,
             make
             God
             present
             to
             them
             ,
          
           by
           living
           under
           a
           continual
           sense
           of
           his
           Presence
           ,
           they
           would
           ,
           as
           the
           Expression
           of
           the
           wise
           Man
           is
           ,
           
             be
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             the
             Lord
             all
             day
             .
             Magna
             spes
             peccatorum
             tollitur
             ,
             si
             peccaturis
             testis
             adsistat
             :
             aliquem
             habeat
             animus
             quem
             vereatur
             ,
             cujus
             authoritate
             etiam
             secretum
             suum
             sanctius
             facit
             ;
             The
             main
             hope
             of
             Sinners
             is
             to
             remain
             undiscover'd
             ,
             let
             but
             some
             body
             be
             privy
             to
             their
             designs
             ,
             and
             they
             are
             utterly
             disappointed
             :
             'T
             is
             fit
             for
             the
             Mind
             of
             a
             Man
             to
             have
             an
             awe
             of
             some
             Being
             ,
             whose
             Authority
             may
             render
             even
             its
             privacy
             more
             solemn
             .
          
           This
           is
           the
           Character
           of
           wicked
           Men
           ,
           Psa
           .
           86.14
           .
           that
           
             they
             have
             not
             God
             before
             their
             Eyes
             .
          
           One
           great
           cause
           of
           all
           the
           Wickedness
           ,
           and
           Violence
           ,
           and
           Looseness
           that
           is
           upon
           the
           Earth
           is
           ,
           they
           do
           not
           believe
           
           that
           God
           is
           near
           them
           ,
           and
           stands
           by
           them
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           the
           consideration
           of
           God's
           Presence
           should
           deter
           us
           from
           Sin
           ,
           so
           it
           should
           quicken
           and
           animate
           us
           to
           our
           Duty
           .
           It
           is
           ordinarily
           a
           great
           Encouragement
           to
           Men
           to
           acquit
           themselves
           handsomely
           ,
           to
           have
           the
           Eyes
           of
           Men
           upon
           them
           ,
           especially
           of
           those
           whose
           Applause
           and
           Approbation
           they
           value
           .
           God
           alone
           is
           
             amplum
             Theatrum
          
           ,
           he
           's
           
             a
             greater
             Theater
          
           than
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           it
           should
           be
           more
           to
           us
           that
           he
           stands
           by
           us
           ,
           than
           if
           the
           Eyes
           of
           all
           the
           World
           were
           fix'd
           upon
           us
           .
           Sen.
           adviseth
           it
           as
           an
           excellent
           means
           to
           promote
           Virtue
           ,
           to
           propound
           to
           our selves
           ,
           and
           set
           before
           our
           Eyes
           some
           eminently
           virtuous
           Person
           ,
           as
           Cato
           or
           
             Laelius
             ,
             ut
             sic
             tanquam
             illo
             spectante
             vivamus
             ,
             &
             omnia
             tanquam
             illo
             vidente
             faciamus
             :
             That
             we
             may
             live
             just
             as
             if
             he
             were
             locking
             upon
             us
             ,
             and
             do
             all
             things
             just
             as
             if
             he
             beheld
             us
             .
          
           How
           much
           greater
           incitement
           will
           it
           be
           to
           us
           ,
           to
           think
           that
           God
           looks
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           sees
           us
           ,
           and
           really
           
           stands
           by
           us
           ,
           than
           faintly
           to
           imagine
           the
           Presence
           of
           Laelius
           or
           Cato
           ?
        
         
           This
           should
           have
           an
           Influence
           upon
           all
           the
           Duties
           we
           perform
           ,
           and
           the
           manner
           of
           performing
           them
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           it
           to
           him
           who
           stands
           by
           us
           ,
           and
           is
           familiarly
           acquainted
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           is
           more
           intimate
           to
           us
           than
           we
           are
           to
           our selves
           .
           This
           Cic.
           in
           l.
           2.
           
             de
             leg
          
           .
           looks
           upon
           as
           a
           great
           principle
           of
           Religion
           ,
           
             sit
             igitur
             hoc
             persuasum
             civibus
             ,
             &
             qualis
             quisque
             sit
             ,
             quid
             agat
             ,
             quid
             in
             se
             admittat
             ,
             quâ
             mente
             ,
             quâ
             pietate
             religiones
             colat
             ,
             deos
             intueri
             ,
             &
             piorum
             impiorumque
             rationem
             habere
             :
             Let
             Men
             be
             throughly
             perswaded
             of
             this
             ,
             that
             the
             Gods
             observe
             ,
             both
             the
             disposition
             and
             the
             actions
             of
             every
             particular
             Man
             ,
             what
             he
             consents
             to
             ,
             what
             he
             allows
             himself
             in
             ,
             particularly
             with
             what
             meaning
             ,
             with
             what
             degree
             of
             inward
             Devotion
             he
             performs
             his
             religious
             worship
             ;
             and
             that
             they
             distinguish
             between
             the
             pious
             and
             the
             impious
             .
          
        
         
         
           2.
           
           To
           encourage
           our
           Faith
           and
           Confidence
           in
           him
           .
           When
           we
           are
           in
           Straits
           ,
           and
           Difficulties
           ,
           and
           Dangers
           ,
           God
           is
           with
           us
           ;
           when
           Trouble
           is
           near
           to
           us
           ,
           God
           is
           not
           far
           from
           us
           ;
           where
           ever
           we
           are
           ,
           how
           remote
           soever
           from
           Friends
           and
           Companions
           ,
           we
           cannot
           be
           banisht
           from
           God's
           Presence
           ;
           if
           we
           dwell
           
             beyond
             the
             utmost
             parts
             of
             the
             Sea
             ,
             there
             his
             hand
             leads
             us
             ,
             and
             his
             right
             hand
             holds
             us
             .
          
           Psa
           .
           16.8
           .
           
             I
             have
             set
             the
             Lord
             always
             before
             me
             ;
             because
             he
             is
             at
             my
             right
             hand
             ,
             I
             shall
             not
             be
             moved
             .
          
           The
           consideration
           of
           God's
           Presence
           is
           the
           great
           stay
           and
           support
           of
           our
           Faith
           ,
           Psa
           .
           46.1
           ,
           2.
           
           
             God
             is
             our
             refuge
             and
             strength
             ,
             a
             very
             present
             help
             in
             trouble
             ;
             therefore
             will
             not
             we
             fear
             though
             the
             earth
             be
             removed
             ,
             and
             though
             the
             mountains
             be
             carried
             into
             the
             midst
             of
             the
             Sea.
          
           In
           the
           greatest
           Commotions
           ,
           and
           the
           most
           imminent
           and
           threatning
           Dangers
           ,
           this
           should
           charm
           and
           allay
           our
           Fears
           ,
           that
           
             God
             is
             a
             present
             help
          
           .
        
         
         
           This
           was
           the
           support
           of
           Moses
           his
           Faith
           in
           his
           Sufferings
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           Heb.
           11.27
           .
           
             he
             endured
             ,
             as
             seeing
             him
             who
             is
             invisible
             .
          
        
         
           To
           conclude
           all
           ,
           when
           ever
           we
           are
           under
           any
           Pressure
           or
           Trouble
           ,
           we
           should
           rebuke
           our
           own
           Fears
           ,
           and
           challenge
           our
           anxious
           Thoughts
           ,
           with
           David
           ,
           Psa
           .
           42.11
           .
           
             Why
             art
             thou
             cast
             down
             ,
             O
             my
             soul
             ?
             and
             why
             art
             thou
             so
             disquieted
             within
             me
             ?
             trust
             still
             in
             God
          
           ;
           believe
           that
           God
           is
           with
           thee
           ,
           and
           that
           Omnipotent
           Goodness
           stands
           by
           thee
           ,
           who
           can
           and
           will
           support
           thee
           ,
           and
           relieve
           thee
           ,
           and
           deliver
           thee
           when
           it
           seems
           best
           to
           his
           Wisdom
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           SERMON
           XIII
           .
           
           The
           Eternity
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           
             
               
                 PSALM
                 XC
                 .
                 2
              
               .
            
             
               Before
               the
               mountains
               were
               brought
               forth
               ,
               or
               ever
               thou
               had'st
               formed
               the
               earth
               and
               the
               world
               ,
               even
               from
               everlasting
               to
               everlasting
               thou
               art
               God.
               
            
          
        
         
           THE
           Immensity
           ,
           and
           Eternity
           of
           God
           are
           those
           Attributes
           which
           relate
           to
           his
           Nature
           ,
           or
           manner
           of
           Being
           .
           Having
           spoken
           of
           the
           former
           ,
           I
           proceed
           to
           consider
           the
           latter
           ,
           from
           these
           words
           .
        
         
         
           The
           Title
           of
           this
           Psalm
           is
           
             the
             Prayer
             of
          
           Moses
           ,
           
             the
             man
             of
             God.
          
           He
           begins
           his
           Prayer
           with
           the
           acknowledgment
           of
           God's
           Providence
           to
           his
           people
           from
           the
           beginning
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           
             Lord
             ,
             thou
             hast
             been
             our
             dwelling
             place
             from
             all
             generations
             ;
             in
             generation
             and
             generation
          
           ;
           so
           the
           Hebrew
           .
           He
           was
           well
           acquainted
           with
           the
           History
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           Providence
           of
           God
           from
           the
           beginning
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           as
           if
           he
           had
           spoken
           too
           little
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           saying
           ,
           that
           his
           Providence
           had
           been
           exercised
           in
           all
           the
           Ages
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           he
           tells
           us
           here
           in
           the
           Text
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           before
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           he
           made
           it
           ,
           he
           was
           from
           all
           Eternity
           ,
           and
           should
           continue
           to
           all
           Eternity
           the
           same
           .
           
             Before
             the
             mountains
             were
             brought
             forth
          
           ;
           the
           most
           firm
           and
           durable
           parts
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           the
           most
           eminent
           and
           conspicuous
           ;
           
             Or
             ever
             thou
             had'st
             formed
             the
             earth
             and
             the
             world
          
           ;
           before
           any
           thing
           was
           created
           ;
           
             from
             everlasting
             to
             everlasting
             thou
             
             art
             God.
          
           In
           speaking
           of
           this
           Attribute
           ,
           I
           shall
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           Give
           you
           the
           Explication
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Endeavour
           to
           prove
           that
           it
           doth
           belong
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           ought
           to
           be
           attributed
           to
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Draw
           some
           Corollaries
           from
           the
           whole
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           For
           the
           Explication
           of
           it
           .
           Eternity
           is
           a
           duration
           without
           bounds
           or
           limits
           :
           Now
           there
           are
           two
           limits
           of
           duration
           ,
           beginning
           and
           ending
           ;
           that
           which
           hath
           always
           been
           is
           without
           beginning
           ;
           that
           which
           always
           shall
           be
           is
           without
           ending
           .
           Now
           we
           may
           conceive
           of
           a
           thing
           always
           to
           have
           been
           ,
           and
           the
           continuance
           of
           its
           being
           now
           to
           cease
           ,
           tho'
           there
           be
           no
           such
           thing
           in
           the
           World
           :
           and
           there
           are
           some
           things
           which
           have
           had
           a
           beginning
           of
           their
           Being
           ,
           but
           shall
           have
           no
           
           end
           ,
           shall
           always
           continue
           ,
           as
           the
           Angels
           ,
           and
           Spirits
           of
           Men.
           The
           first
           of
           these
           the
           Schoolmen
           call
           Eternity
           ,
           
             â
             parte
             ante
          
           ,
           that
           is
           
             duration
             without
             beginning
          
           ;
           the
           latter
           Eternity
           
             â
             parte
             post
             ,
             a
             duration
             without
             ending
          
           :
           but
           Eternity
           absolutely
           taken
           comprehends
           both
           these
           ,
           and
           signifies
           
             an
             infinite
             duration
             which
             had
             no
             beginning
             ,
             nor
             shall
             have
             any
             end
          
           ;
           so
           that
           when
           we
           say
           God
           is
           Eternal
           ,
           we
           mean
           that
           he
           always
           was
           ,
           and
           shall
           be
           for
           ever
           ;
           that
           he
           had
           no
           beginning
           of
           Life
           ,
           nor
           shall
           have
           any
           end
           of
           Days
           ;
           but
           that
           
             he
             is
             from
             everlasting
             to
             everlasting
             ,
          
           as
           it
           is
           here
           in
           the
           Text.
           
        
         
           'T
           is
           true
           indeed
           ,
           that
           as
           to
           God's
           Eternity
           ,
           
             â
             parte
             ante
          
           ,
           as
           to
           his
           
             having
             always
             been
          
           ,
           the
           Scripture
           doth
           not
           give
           us
           any
           solicitous
           account
           of
           it
           ;
           it
           only
           tells
           us
           in
           general
           ,
           that
           God
           was
           
             before
             the
             world
             was
          
           ,
           and
           that
           
             he
             created
             it
          
           ;
           it
           doth
           not
           descend
           to
           gratifie
           our
           curiosity
           ,
           in
           giving
           us
           any
           account
           of
           what
           God
           did
           before
           
           he
           made
           the
           World
           ,
           or
           how
           he
           entertaind
           himself
           from
           all
           Eterninity
           ;
           it
           doth
           not
           give
           us
           any
           distinct
           account
           of
           his
           
             infinite
             duration
          
           ;
           for
           that
           had
           been
           impossible
           for
           our
           finite
           understandings
           to
           comprehend
           ;
           if
           we
           should
           have
           ascended
           upward
           millions
           of
           Ages
           ,
           yet
           we
           should
           never
           have
           ascended
           to
           the
           top
           ,
           never
           have
           arrived
           at
           the
           beginning
           of
           infinity
           ;
           therefore
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           which
           was
           wrote
           to
           instruct
           us
           in
           what
           was
           necessary
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           satisfie
           our
           curiosity
           ,
           tells
           us
           this
           ,
           that
           God
           was
           
             from
             everlasting
             ,
             before
             the
             world
             was
             made
             ,
          
           and
           that
           
             he
             laid
             the
             foundations
             of
             it
             .
          
        
         
           So
           that
           by
           the
           Eternity
           of
           God
           ,
           you
           are
           to
           understand
           
             the
             perpetual
             continuance
             of
             his
             Being
             ,
             without
             beginning
             or
             ending
             .
          
        
         
           I
           shall
           not
           trouble
           you
           with
           the
           inconsistent
           and
           unintelligible
           notions
           of
           the
           Schoolmen
           ;
           that
           it
           is
           
             duratio
             tota
             simul
          
           ,
           in
           which
           we
           are
           not
           to
           conceive
           any
           succession
           ,
           but
           to
           
           imagine
           it
           an
           instant
           .
           We
           may
           as
           well
           conceive
           the
           Immensity
           of
           God
           to
           be
           
             a
             point
          
           ,
           as
           his
           Eternity
           to
           be
           an
           instant
           ;
           and
           as
           according
           to
           our
           manner
           of
           conceiving
           ,
           we
           must
           necessarily
           suppose
           the
           Immensity
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           be
           an
           infinite
           Expansion
           of
           his
           Essence
           ,
           a
           presence
           of
           it
           to
           all
           places
           ,
           and
           imaginable
           space
           ;
           so
           must
           we
           suppose
           the
           Eternity
           of
           God
           to
           be
           a
           perpetual
           continuance
           ,
           coexistent
           to
           all
           imaginable
           succession
           of
           Ages
           .
           Now
           how
           that
           can
           be
           together
           ,
           which
           must
           necessarily
           be
           imagined
           to
           be
           coexistent
           to
           successions
           ,
           let
           them
           that
           can
           conceive
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           For
           the
           proof
           of
           this
           ,
           I
           shall
           attempt
           it
           two
           ways
           .
        
         
           I.
           From
           the
           Dictates
           of
           Natural
           Light
           and
           Reason
           .
        
         
           II.
           From
           Scripture
           and
           Divine
           Revelation
           .
        
         
         
           I.
           From
           the
           Dictates
           of
           Natural
           Reason
           .
           This
           attribute
           of
           God
           is
           of
           all
           other
           least
           disputed
           among
           the
           Philosophers
           ;
           indeed
           all
           agree
           that
           God
           is
           a
           perfect
           and
           happy
           Being
           ,
           but
           wherein
           that
           happiness
           and
           perfection
           consists
           ,
           they
           differ
           exceedingly
           ;
           but
           all
           agree
           that
           God
           is
           Eternal
           ,
           and
           are
           agreed
           what
           Eternity
           is
           ,
           
             viz.
             a
             boundless
             duration
          
           :
           and
           however
           they
           did
           attribute
           a
           beginning
           to
           their
           Heroes
           and
           Demons
           ,
           whence
           come
           the
           Genealogies
           of
           their
           Gods
           ;
           yet
           the
           Supreme
           God
           ,
           they
           look'd
           upon
           as
           without
           beginning
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           a
           good
           evidence
           ,
           that
           this
           perfection
           doth
           clearly
           belong
           to
           God
           ,
           that
           Epicurus
           ,
           who
           had
           the
           lowest
           and
           meanest
           conceptions
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           robbed
           him
           of
           as
           many
           Perfections
           ,
           as
           his
           imperfect
           Reason
           would
           let
           him
           ,
           yet
           is
           forced
           to
           attribute
           this
           to
           him
           .
           
             Tully
             de
             Nat
             Deor.
             l.
          
           1.
           saith
           to
           the
           
             Epicureans
             ,
             ubi
             igitur
             vestrum
             beatum
             &
             aeternum
             quibus
             duobus
             
             verbis
             significatis
             deum
             ?
             Where
             then
             is
             your
             happy
             and
             eternal
             Being
             ,
             by
             which
             two
             Epithets
             you
             express
             God
             ?
          
           And
           Lucretius
           ,
           who
           hath
           undertaken
           to
           represent
           to
           the
           World
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           Epicurus
           ,
           gives
           this
           account
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           
             
               Omnis
               enim
               per
               se
               divûm
               naturae
               necesse
               est
            
             
               Immortali
               aevo
               summa
               cum
               pace
               fruatur
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             'T
             is
             absolutely
             necessary
             to
             the
             nature
             of
             the
             Gods
             ,
             to
             pass
             an
             Eternity
             in
             profound
             peace
             and
             quiet
             .
          
        
         
           The
           Poets
           who
           had
           the
           wildest
           Notions
           of
           God
           ,
           yet
           they
           constantly
           give
           them
           the
           title
           of
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           :
           the
           heathen
           never
           mention
           the
           name
           of
           God
           without
           this
           Attribute
           .
           
             Dii
             immortales
             !
             Immortal
             Gods
          
           !
           was
           their
           ordinary
           exclamation
           ;
           and
           they
           swear
           constantly
           by
           this
           Attribute
           ,
           
             deos
             testor
             immortales
          
           ;
           and
           to
           mention
           no
           more
           ,
           Tully
           saith
           expresly
           ,
           
             Nos
             deum
             nisi
             sempiternum
             intelligere
             quî
             possumus
             ?
             How
             can
             we
             conceive
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             as
             of
             an
             Eternal
             Being
             ?
          
        
         
         
           Now
           the
           Reason
           of
           this
           is
           evident
           ,
           because
           it
           would
           be
           the
           greatest
           imperfection
           we
           could
           attribute
           to
           his
           Being
           ;
           and
           the
           more
           perfect
           his
           Being
           were
           otherwise
           ,
           the
           greater
           imperfection
           would
           it
           be
           for
           such
           a
           Being
           ,
           to
           die
           ;
           so
           excellent
           a
           Nature
           to
           cease
           to
           be
           ;
           it
           would
           be
           an
           infinite
           abasement
           to
           all
           his
           other
           perfections
           ,
           his
           Power
           ,
           and
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           that
           these
           should
           all
           be
           perishing
           .
           Nay
           ,
           it
           would
           hinder
           several
           of
           his
           perfections
           ,
           and
           contradict
           their
           very
           Being
           ;
           his
           self-existence
           ;
           had
           he
           not
           always
           been
           ,
           he
           had
           not
           been
           
             of
             himself
          
           ;
           his
           
             necessary
             existence
          
           ;
           for
           that
           is
           not
           necessarily
           ,
           which
           may
           at
           any
           time
           not
           be
           ,
           or
           cease
           to
           be
           what
           it
           is
           ;
           and
           it
           would
           much
           abate
           the
           duty
           of
           the
           Creature
           ;
           we
           could
           not
           have
           that
           assurance
           of
           his
           promise
           ,
           and
           that
           security
           of
           the
           recompence
           of
           the
           next
           life
           ,
           if
           the
           continuance
           of
           his
           Being
           ,
           who
           should
           be
           the
           dispenser
           of
           them
           ,
           were
           uncertain
           .
        
         
         
           Now
           these
           Absurdities
           and
           inconveniences
           following
           from
           the
           denyal
           of
           this
           Perfection
           to
           God
           ,
           is
           sufficient
           evidence
           that
           it
           belongs
           to
           him
           ;
           for
           I
           told
           you
           the
           Perfections
           of
           God
           cannot
           be
           proved
           by
           way
           of
           demonstration
           ,
           but
           only
           by
           way
           of
           conviction
           ,
           by
           shewing
           the
           Absurdity
           of
           the
           contrary
           .
        
         
           II.
           From
           Scripture
           and
           Divine
           Revelation
           .
           There
           are
           innumerable
           places
           to
           this
           purpose
           which
           speak
           of
           the
           Eternity
           of
           God
           Directly
           ,
           and
           
             by
             Consequence
             :
             By
             Consequence
          
           ,
           those
           words
           ,
           2
           Peter
           3.8
           .
           
             One
             day
             with
             the
             Lord
             is
             as
             a
             thousand
             years
             ,
             and
             a
             thousand
             years
             as
             one
             day
             ,
          
           which
           words
           ,
           however
           Interpreters
           have
           troubled
           themselves
           about
           them
           ,
           being
           afraid
           of
           a
           contradiction
           in
           them
           ,
           yet
           the
           plain
           meaning
           of
           them
           is
           this
           ,
           that
           such
           is
           the
           infinite
           duration
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           all
           measures
           of
           time
           bear
           no
           proportion
           to
           it
           ;
           for
           that
           this
           is
           the
           plain
           meaning
           ,
           appears
           by
           this
           
           90
           Psalm
           ,
           out
           of
           which
           they
           are
           cited
           ,
           
             for
             a
             thousand
             years
             in
             thy
             sight
             are
             but
             as
             yesterday
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             past
             ,
             and
             as
             a
             watch
             in
             the
             night
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           as
           the
           time
           past
           ,
           as
           a
           few
           hours
           slept
           away
           ,
           for
           that
           is
           the
           meaning
           of
           
             a
             watch
             in
             the
             night
          
           ,
           that
           is
           as
           nothing
           ;
           now
           St.
           
           Peter's
           conversion
           of
           the
           words
           ,
           
             one
             day
             is
             as
             a
             thousand
             years
             ,
             and
             a
             thousand
             years
             as
             one
             day
             ,
          
           only
           signifies
           this
           ,
           that
           the
           longest
           duration
           of
           time
           is
           so
           inconsiderable
           to
           God
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           as
           the
           shortest
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           bears
           no
           proportion
           to
           the
           Eternity
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           But
           Directly
           ,
           the
           Scripture
           frequently
           mentions
           this
           attribute
           ,
           He
           's
           called
           the
           
             everlasting
             God
          
           ,
           Gen.
           21.33
           .
           
             The
             Eternal
             God
             ,
             Deut.
          
           33.27
           .
           and
           which
           is
           to
           the
           same
           purpose
           ,
           
             he
             that
             inhabiteth
             Eternity
             ,
             Isa
             .
          
           57.15
           .
           And
           this
           as
           it
           is
           attributed
           to
           him
           in
           respect
           of
           his
           Being
           ,
           so
           in
           respect
           of
           all
           his
           
             other
             Perfections
          
           ,
           Psal
           .
           103.17
           .
           
             the
             mercy
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             from
             everlasting
             ,
             to
             everlasting
             .
          
           Rom.
           1.
           
           20.
           
             his
             eternal
             power
          
           .
           1
           Tim.
           1.17
           .
           
             the
             King
             eternal
          
           .
           Those
           Doxologies
           which
           the
           Scripture
           useth
           ,
           are
           but
           acknowledgments
           of
           this
           Attribute
           ,
           
             Blessed
             be
             the
             Lord
             for
             ever
             and
             ever
             .
          
           Neh.
           9.5
           .
           
             To
             whom
             be
             glory
             ,
             and
             honour
             ,
             and
             dominion
             ,
             for
             ever
             and
             ever
             .
          
           Gal.
           1.5
           .
           and
           in
           many
           other
           places
           .
        
         
           Hither
           we
           may
           refer
           all
           those
           places
           which
           speak
           of
           him
           as
           
             without
             beginning
          
           ;
           Psal
           .
           93.2
           .
           
             Thou
             art
             from
             everlasting
          
           .
           Mich.
           5.2
           .
           
             Whose
             goings
             forth
             have
             been
             from
             everlasting
             .
          
           Hab.
           1.12
           .
           
             Art
             not
             thou
             from
             everlasting
             ?
             O
             Lord
             !
          
           And
           those
           which
           speak
           of
           the
           perpetual
           continuance
           of
           his
           duration
           ;
           Psal
           .
           102.24
           ,
           25
           ,
           26
           ,
           27.
           
           
             Thy
             years
             are
             throughout
             all
             generations
             ;
             of
             old
             thou
             hast
             laid
             the
             foundations
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             the
             heavens
             are
             the
             work
             of
             thy
             hands
             ;
             they
             shall
             perish
             ,
             but
             thou
             shalt
             endure
             ;
             yea
             all
             of
             them
             shall
             wax
             old
             like
             a
             garment
             ,
             and
             as
             a
             vesture
             shalt
             thou
             change
             them
             ,
             and
             they
             shall
             be
             changed
             ;
             
             but
             thou
             art
             the
             same
             ,
             and
             thy
             years
             shall
             have
             no
             end
             .
          
        
         
           And
           those
           which
           speak
           of
           him
           as
           
             the
             first
             and
             the
             last
          
           ;
           Isa
           .
           43.10
           
             Before
             me
             there
             was
             no
             God
             formed
             ,
             neither
             shall
             there
             be
             any
             after
             me
             .
             I
             am
             the
             first
             ,
             and
             I
             am
             the
             last
             ,
             and
             besides
             me
             there
             is
             no
             God.
          
           And
           to
           mention
           no
           more
           ,
           those
           which
           speak
           of
           his
           Being
           ,
           as
           coexistent
           to
           all
           difference
           of
           time
           ,
           past
           ,
           present
           ,
           and
           to
           come
           ,
           Rev.
           1.8
           .
           
             I
             am
             Alpha
             ,
             and
             Omega
             ,
             the
             beginning
             ,
             and
             the
             ending
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             which
             is
             ,
             and
             which
             was
             ,
             and
             which
             is
             to
             come
             .
          
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           I
           shall
           from
           hence
           draw
           ,
           
             
               I.
               Some
               Doctrinal
               Corollaries
               .
            
             
               II.
               Some
               Practical
               Inferences
               .
            
          
        
         
           I.
           Doctrinal
           Corollaries
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           see
           how
           the
           Perfections
           of
           God
           depend
           one
           upon
           another
           ,
           
           and
           may
           be
           deduced
           one
           from
           another
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Corol.
           From
           the
           Eternity
           of
           God
           we
           may
           infer
           that
           he
           is
           
             of
             himself
          
           .
           That
           which
           always
           is
           ,
           can
           have
           nothing
           before
           it
           to
           be
           a
           cause
           of
           its
           Being
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Corol.
           We
           may
           hence
           infer
           the
           necessity
           of
           his
           Being
           .
           'T
           is
           necessary
           every
           thing
           should
           be
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           ;
           now
           that
           which
           is
           always
           ,
           is
           absolutely
           necessary
           ,
           because
           always
           so
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Corol.
           The
           Immutability
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ;
           for
           being
           always
           ,
           he
           is
           necessarily
           ,
           and
           being
           necessarily
           ,
           he
           cannot
           but
           be
           what
           he
           is
           ;
           a
           change
           of
           his
           Being
           is
           as
           impossible
           as
           a
           cessation
           .
           Therefore
           the
           Psalmist
           puts
           his
           Immutability
           and
           Eternity
           together
           .
           Psal
           .
           102.27
           .
           
             But
             thou
             art
             the
             same
             ,
             and
             thy
             years
             shall
             have
             no
             end
             .
          
        
         
           II.
           By
           way
           of
           Practical
           Inference
           or
           Application
           .
        
         
         
           1.
           
           The
           consideration
           of
           God's
           Eternity
           may
           serve
           for
           the
           support
           of
           our
           Faith.
           This
           Moses
           here
           useth
           as
           a
           ground
           of
           his
           Faith
           ;
           
             Lord
             ,
             thou
             hast
             been
             our
             dwelling
             place
             ,
             in
             all
             generations
             ,
             before
             the
             mountains
             were
             brought
             forth
             ,
          
           &c.
           Psal
           .
           62.8
           .
           
             Trust
             in
             him
             at
             all
             times
             ,
             ye
             people
             .
          
           His
           Immensity
           is
           an
           Argument
           why
           all
           should
           trust
           in
           him
           ,
           he
           is
           
             a
             present
             help
          
           to
           all
           ;
           and
           why
           they
           should
           trust
           in
           him
           at
           all
           times
           ,
           
             his
             Eternity
          
           is
           an
           Argument
           ,
           Deut.
           33.27
           .
           
             The
             eternal
             God
             is
             thy
             refuge
             ,
             and
             underneath
             are
             the
             everlasting
             arms
             .
          
           There
           are
           two
           Attributes
           which
           are
           the
           proper
           Objects
           of
           our
           Faith
           and
           Confidence
           ,
           God's
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           his
           Power
           ,
           both
           these
           are
           Eternal
           ;
           
             the
             goodness
             of
             the
             Lord
             endureth
             for
             ever
             ,
          
           as
           it
           is
           frequently
           in
           the
           Psalms
           :
           And
           his
           Power
           is
           Eternal
           ;
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           of
           his
           
             Eternal
             Power
          
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           
             Godhead
             ;
             Rom.
          
           1.20
           .
           Isa
           .
           26.4
           .
           
             Trust
             ye
             in
             the
             Lord
             for
             ever
             ,
             for
             in
             the
             Lord
             Jehovah
             is
             everlasting
             
             strength
             .
          
           Isa
           .
           40.28
           .
           
             The
             everlasting
             God
             ,
             the
             Lord
             ,
             the
             creatour
             of
             the
             ends
             of
             the
             earth
             fainteth
             not
             ,
             neither
             is
             weary
             .
          
        
         
           We
           cannot
           trust
           in
           men
           ,
           because
           there
           is
           nothing
           in
           man
           to
           be
           a
           Foundation
           of
           our
           Confidence
           ;
           his
           good
           will
           towards
           us
           may
           change
           ,
           his
           Power
           may
           faint
           ,
           and
           he
           may
           grow
           weary
           ;
           or
           if
           these
           continue
           ,
           yet
           they
           that
           have
           a
           mind
           and
           a
           power
           to
           help
           us
           ,
           themselves
           may
           fail
           ;
           therefore
           the
           Psalmist
           useth
           this
           consideration
           of
           mens
           mortality
           ,
           to
           take
           us
           off
           from
           confidence
           in
           man
           ,
           Psal
           .
           146.3
           ,
           4.
           
           
             Put
             not
             your
             trust
             in
             Princes
             ,
             nor
             in
             the
             son
             of
             man
             ,
             in
             whom
             there
             is
             no
             help
             ;
             his
             breath
             goeth
             forth
             ,
             he
             returneth
             to
             his
             earth
             ,
             in
             that
             very
             day
             his
             thoughts
             perish
             .
          
           Isa
           .
           2.22
           .
           
             Cease
             ye
             from
             man
             ,
             whose
             breath
             is
             in
             his
             nostrils
             ;
             for
             wherein
             is
             he
             to
             be
             accounted
             of
             ?
          
           The
           greatest
           of
           the
           Sons
           of
           Men
           are
           but
           
             lying
             refuges
          
           to
           the
           
             everlasting
             God
          
           ;
           they
           are
           but
           
             broken
             reeds
          
           to
           the
           
             rock
             of
             Ages
          
           .
        
         
         
           And
           this
           may
           support
           our
           Faith
           ,
           not
           only
           in
           reference
           to
           our
           own
           condition
           for
           the
           future
           ,
           but
           in
           reference
           to
           our
           posterity
           ,
           and
           the
           condition
           of
           God's
           Church
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           World.
           When
           we
           die
           we
           may
           leave
           ours
           and
           the
           Church
           in
           his
           hands
           ,
           who
           
             lives
             for
             ever
          
           ,
           and
           
             reigns
             for
             ever
          
           .
           The
           enemies
           of
           God's
           Church
           ,
           and
           those
           who
           have
           the
           most
           malicious
           designs
           against
           it
           ,
           what
           ever
           share
           they
           may
           have
           in
           the
           affairs
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           they
           can
           but
           domineer
           for
           a
           while
           ,
           they
           must
           die
           ,
           and
           
             that
             very
             day
             their
             thoughts
             perish
          
           :
           But
           
             thy
             throne
             ,
             O
             God
             ,
             is
             for
             ever
             and
             ever
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           For
           the
           encouragement
           of
           our
           obedience
           .
           We
           serve
           the
           God
           who
           can
           give
           us
           an
           everlasting
           reward
           .
           The
           reward
           of
           the
           next
           Life
           is
           called
           
             Eternal
             Life
             ,
             an
             Eternal
             weight
             of
             glory
             ,
          
           2
           Cor.
           4.17
           .
           
             Eternal
             Salvation
          
           ,
           Heb.
           5.9
           ..
           
             an
             Eternal
             Inheritance
          
           ,
           Heb.
           9.15
           .
           That
           place
           where
           good
           Men
           shall
           be
           rewarded
           is
           called
           ,
           
             everlasting
             
             habitations
          
           ,
           Luke
           16.9
           .
           
             a
             house
             Eternal
             in
             the
             heavens
             ,
          
           2
           Cor.
           5.1
           .
           As
           the
           promise
           of
           our
           future
           reward
           is
           founded
           in
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           greatness
           of
           it
           in
           his
           Power
           ,
           so
           the
           duration
           of
           it
           in
           his
           Eternity
           .
           Now
           what
           an
           encouragement
           is
           this
           to
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           serve
           him
           and
           suffer
           for
           him
           who
           
             lives
             for
             ever
          
           ,
           and
           will
           make
           us
           happy
           for
           ever
           ?
           When
           we
           serve
           the
           great
           men
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           tho'
           we
           be
           secure
           of
           their
           affection
           ,
           yet
           we
           are
           uncertain
           of
           their
           lives
           ;
           and
           this
           discourageth
           many
           ,
           and
           makes
           men
           worship
           the
           rising
           Sun
           ,
           and
           many
           times
           takes
           off
           mens
           eyes
           from
           
             the
             King
          
           to
           his
           Successor
           :
           but
           he
           that
           serves
           God
           ,
           serves
           
             the
             King
             everlasting
          
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           calls
           him
           ,
           who
           will
           live
           to
           dispence
           rewards
           to
           all
           those
           who
           are
           faithful
           to
           him
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           For
           the
           terrour
           of
           wicked
           men
           .
           The
           Sentence
           which
           shall
           be
           past
           upon
           men
           at
           the
           day
           of
           judgment
           ,
           is
           call'd
           
             Eternal
             Judgment
             ,
             Heb.
          
           6.2
           .
           because
           it
           decides
           mens
           
           Eternal
           state
           ;
           the
           Punishment
           that
           shall
           follow
           this
           Sentence
           which
           shall
           pass
           upon
           the
           wicked
           ,
           is
           called
           ,
           
             Everlasting
             punishment
          
           ,
           Matt.
           25.46
           .
           
             Everlasting
             fire
          
           .
           Matt.
           25.41
           .
           
             Everlasting
             destruction
          
           ,
           2
           Thes
           .
           2.9
           .
           
             The
             vengeance
             of
             Eternal
             fire
          
           ,
           Jude
           7.
           
           
             The
             smoke
             of
             the
             bottomless
             pit
             ,
          
           is
           said
           
             to
             ascend
             for
             ever
             and
             ever
             ,
          
           Rev.
           14.11
           .
           and
           the
           wicked
           
             to
             be
             tormented
             day
             and
             night
             ,
             for
             ever
             and
             ever
             .
          
           Rev.
           20.10
           .
           Now
           as
           the
           punishment
           of
           wicked
           men
           is
           founded
           in
           the
           Justice
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           the
           greatness
           of
           it
           in
           his
           Power
           ;
           so
           the
           perpetuity
           and
           continuance
           of
           it
           in
           his
           Eternity
           .
           The
           Apostle
           saith
           Heb.
           10.31
           .
           
             It
             is
             a
             fearful
             thing
             to
             fall
             into
             the
             hands
             of
             the
             living
             God
          
           ;
           because
           he
           that
           
             lives
             for
             ever
          
           ,
           can
           
             punish
             for
             ever
          
           ;
           as
           the
           Eternal
           Demerit
           of
           sin
           feeds
           ,
           and
           animates
           ,
           and
           keeps
           alive
           the
           never
           dying
           worm
           ,
           so
           the
           wrath
           of
           the
           Eternal
           God
           blows
           up
           the
           Eternal
           Flame
           .
        
         
           How
           should
           this
           awaken
           in
           us
           a
           fear
           of
           
             the
             Eternal
             God!
          
           Sinners
           ,
           
           what
           a
           folly
           is
           it
           ,
           for
           
             the
             pleasures
             of
             sin
             ,
             which
             are
             but
             for
             a
             season
             ,
          
           to
           incense
           that
           Justice
           which
           will
           Punish
           and
           torment
           you
           
             for
             ever
          
           !
           As
           good
           men
           shall
           have
           
             the
             everlasting
             God
          
           for
           their
           Reward
           ,
           and
           their
           Happiness
           ;
           so
           wicked
           men
           shall
           have
           him
           for
           their
           Judge
           and
           Avenger
           .
        
         
           We
           fear
           the
           wrath
           of
           men
           ,
           whose
           power
           is
           short
           ,
           and
           
             whose
             breath
             is
             in
             their
             nostrils
             ,
          
           who
           can
           afflict
           but
           a
           little
           ,
           and
           for
           a
           little
           while
           .
           Dost
           thou
           fear
           
             man
             that
             shall
             die
             ,
             and
             the
             son
             of
             man
             that
             shall
             be
             made
             as
             grass
             ?
          
           and
           is
           not
           the
           wrath
           of
           
             the
             Eternal
             God
          
           much
           more
           terrible
           ?
           Luke
           12.4
           ,
           5.
           
           
             And
             I
             say
             unto
             you
             ,
             my
             friends
             ,
             be
             not
             afraid
             of
             them
             that
             kill
             the
             body
             ,
             and
             after
             that
             have
             no
             more
             that
             they
             can
             do
             :
             but
             I
             will
             forewarn
             you
             whom
             ye
             shall
             fear
             ;
             fear
             him
             ,
             who
             after
             he
             hath
             kill'd
             ,
             hath
             power
             to
             cast
             into
             hell
             ,
             yea
             I
             say
             unto
             you
             ,
             fear
             him
             .
          
           The
           wrath
           of
           man
           is
           despicable
           ,
           because
           it
           hath
           bounds
           and
           limits
           ;
           the
           fury
           of
           man
           can
           but
           reach
           to
           
             the
             body
          
           ,
           it
           can
           go
           no
           
           further
           ;
           it
           expires
           with
           this
           life
           ,
           it
           cannot
           follow
           us
           beyond
           the
           Grave
           :
           But
           the
           wrath
           of
           
             the
             Eternal
             God
          
           doth
           not
           only
           reach
           
             the
             Body
          
           ,
           but
           
             the
             Soul
          
           ;
           it
           is
           not
           confin'd
           to
           this
           Life
           ,
           but
           pursues
           us
           to
           the
           other
           World
           ,
           and
           extends
           it self
           to
           all
           Eternity
           .
        
         
           
             Fear
             him
             ,
             who
             after
             he
             hath
             kill'd
             ,
             hath
             power
             to
             cast
             into
             hell
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           inflict
           Eternal
           Torments
           ;
           
             Yea
             ,
             I
             say
             unto
             you
             ,
             fear
             him
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
         
           SERMON
           XIV
           .
           
           The
           Incomprehensibleness
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           
             
               
                 JOB
                 XI
                 .
                 7
              
               .
            
             
               Canst
               thou
               by
               searching
               find
               out
               God
               ?
               Canst
               thou
               find
               out
               the
               Almighty
               unto
               perfection
               ?
            
          
        
         
           IN
           treating
           of
           the
           Properties
           and
           Perfections
           of
           God
           ,
           I
           shall
           at
           present
           consider
           that
           which
           results
           from
           the
           infinite
           exellency
           of
           his
           Nature
           and
           Perfection
           ,
           compared
           with
           the
           Imperfection
           of
           our
           understandings
           ,
           which
           is
           commonly
           call'd
           the
           Incomprehensibleness
           of
           God.
           This
           you
           have
           expressed
           here
           
           in
           the
           words
           of
           
             Zophar
             ,
             Canst
             thou
             by
             searching
             find
             out
             God
          
           ?
           &c.
           
        
         
           There
           is
           no
           great
           difficulty
           in
           the
           words
           ;
           
             Canst
             thou
             by
             searching
             find
             out
             God
             ,
             potesne
             pervestigare
             intima
             dei
             ,
          
           so
           Castalio
           Translates
           it
           ,
           Dost
           thou
           know
           God
           intimately
           ,
           and
           throughly
           ,
           within
           and
           without
           ?
           Canst
           thou
           pierce
           into
           the
           center
           of
           his
           Perfections
           ,
           and
           dive
           into
           the
           bottom
           of
           them
           ?
           and
           ,
           
             Canst
             thou
             find
             out
             the
             Almighty
             to
             perfection
          
           ?
           Canst
           thou
           find
           out
           the
           Almighty
           ,
           
             usque
             ad
             ultima
          
           ,
           to
           the
           very
           last
           and
           utmost
           of
           him
           ?
           so
           as
           thou
           canst
           say
           after
           a
           thorough
           search
           and
           enquiry
           ,
           
             There
             is
             no
             Perfection
             in
             God
             beyond
             this
             ,
             There
             is
             nothing
             of
             him
             now
             that
             remains
             to
             be
             known
             ;
             this
             he
             is
             ,
             and
             no
             other
             ;
             that
             he
             is
             ,
             and
             no
             otherwise
             ;
             this
             he
             can
             do
             ,
             and
             no
             more
             ;
             hither
             doth
             his
             Knowledge
             ,
             and
             Power
             ,
             and
             Wisdom
             reach
             ,
             and
             no
             further
             .
          
        
         
         
           
             Canst
             thou
             do
             this
          
           ?
           These
           interrogations
           have
           the
           force
           of
           a
           vehement
           negation
           ;
           as
           if
           he
           had
           said
           ,
           
             no
             ,
             thou
             canst
             not
             ;
             God
             is
             unsearchable
             ,
             he
             is
             Incomprehensible
             .
          
        
         
           The
           two
           Questions
           in
           the
           Text
           seem
           to
           be
           only
           two
           several
           expressions
           of
           the
           same
           thing
           .
           The
           first
           Question
           is
           undoubtedly
           general
           ,
           concerning
           the
           Nature
           and
           Perfections
           of
           God
           in
           general
           ;
           
             Canst
             thou
             by
             searching
             find
             out
             God
             ?
          
           Canst
           thou
           by
           the
           most
           diligent
           search
           and
           enquiry
           come
           to
           a
           perfect
           Knowledge
           and
           Undrestanding
           of
           him
           ?
        
         
           The
           second
           Question
           may
           seem
           to
           be
           a
           particular
           instance
           to
           the
           general
           truth
           implied
           in
           the
           first
           question
           ;
           he
           seems
           to
           instance
           in
           his
           Power
           ;
           as
           if
           he
           had
           said
           ,
           
             God
             is
             unsearchable
          
           ,
           and
           then
           had
           instanced
           in
           a
           particular
           Perfection
           ,
           
             the
             power
             of
             God.
             Canst
             thou
             by
             searching
             find
             out
             God
             ?
          
           Thou
           
           canst
           not
           comprehend
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           and
           Perfections
           in
           general
           ;
           
             Canst
             thou
             find
             out
             the
             Almighty
             to
             Perfection
             ?
          
           Consider
           particularly
           his
           Power
           ,
           and
           see
           if
           thou
           canst
           know
           the
           utmost
           of
           that
           .
           But
           I
           rather
           think
           that
           the
           latter
           Question
           is
           altogether
           the
           same
           in
           sense
           with
           the
           former
           ;
           and
           that
           the
           Attribute
           
             of
             Almighty
          
           ,
           which
           is
           here
           given
           to
           God
           ,
           is
           used
           by
           way
           of
           description
           ,
           and
           not
           intended
           by
           way
           of
           instance
           .
           
             Canst
             thou
             find
             out
             the
             Almighty
             ,
          
           that
           is
           
             God
             ,
             to
             Perfection
          
           ?
           Which
           way
           soever
           we
           take
           the
           Words
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           much
           material
           ;
           we
           may
           ground
           this
           Observation
           upon
           them
           .
        
         
           That
           
             God
             is
             Incomprehensible
          
           .
        
         
           This
           term
           or
           Attribute
           is
           a
           relative
           term
           ,
           and
           speaks
           a
           relation
           between
           an
           Object
           and
           a
           Faculty
           ,
           between
           God
           and
           a
           Created
           Understanding
           ;
           so
           that
           the
           meaning
           of
           it
           is
           plainly
           this
           ,
           That
           no
           Created
           understanding
           
           can
           comprehend
           God
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           have
           a
           perfect
           and
           exact
           knowledge
           of
           him
           ,
           such
           a
           knowledge
           as
           is
           adequate
           to
           the
           Perfection
           of
           the
           Object
           :
           Or
           thus
           ,
           the
           Nature
           and
           Perfections
           of
           God
           are
           above
           the
           understanding
           of
           any
           of
           his
           Creatures
           ;
           it
           is
           only
           his
           own
           infinite
           understanding
           that
           can
           frame
           a
           perfect
           Idea
           of
           his
           own
           Perfection
           .
           God
           knows
           himself
           ,
           his
           own
           understanding
           commprehends
           his
           own
           Perfections
           :
           But
           he
           is
           
             Incomprehensible
             to
             his
             Creatures
          
           .
        
         
           Indeed
           there
           is
           nothing
           more
           obvious
           than
           God
           ;
           for
           
             he
             is
             not
             far
             from
             every
             one
             of
             us
             ,
             in
             him
             we
             live
             ,
             and
             move
             ,
             and
             have
             our
             Being
          
           ;
           there
           need
           no
           great
           search
           to
           find
           out
           that
           there
           is
           a
           God
           ;
           
             An
             eternal
             power
             and
             Deity
             are
             clearly
             seen
             in
             the
             things
             which
             are
             made
             ,
          
           as
           the
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ;
           but
           the
           manner
           of
           the
           Being
           ,
           and
           Proproperties
           ,
           and
           Perfections
           of
           this
           God
           ,
           these
           cannot
           be
           comprehended
           by
           a
           finite
           understanding
           .
           I
           
           shall
           prove
           the
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           then
           apply
           it
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           For
           the
           proof
           of
           it
           .
           I
           will
           attempt
           it
           these
           three
           ways
           .
        
         
           I.
           By
           way
           of
           instance
           ,
           or
           induction
           of
           particulars
           .
        
         
           II.
           By
           way
           of
           conviction
           .
        
         
           III.
           By
           giving
           the
           clear
           reason
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           I.
           By
           way
           of
           instance
           .
           And
           I
           shall
           give
           you
           instances
           both
           on
           the
           part
           of
           the
           Object
           ;
           and
           of
           the
           Subject
           ,
           or
           the
           persons
           who
           are
           capable
           of
           knowing
           God
           in
           any
           degree
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           On
           the
           part
           of
           the
           Object
           .
           The
           Nature
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           Excellency
           and
           Perfection
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           Works
           and
           Ways
           of
           God
           are
           above
           our
           thoughts
           and
           apprehensions
           .
           The
           Nature
           of
           God
           ;
           it
           is
           vast
           and
           infinite
           ,
           Job
           36.26
           .
           
             God
             is
             great
             ,
             and
             we
             know
             him
             not
             .
             Job
          
           37.
           
           23.
           
           
             Touching
             the
             Almighty
             ,
             we
             cannot
             find
             him
             out
             .
          
           Psal
           .
           145.3
           .
           
             His
             greatness
             is
             unsearchable
          
           .
        
         
           The
           Excellencies
           and
           Perfections
           of
           God
           ;
           his
           Immensity
           ,
           2
           Chron.
           2.6
           .
           
             The
             heaven
             of
             heavens
             cannot
             contain
             him
          
           :
           The
           Eternity
           of
           his
           duration
           ,
           
             from
             everlasting
             to
             everlasting
             he
             is
             God.
          
           We
           cannot
           imagine
           any
           limits
           of
           his
           presence
           ,
           nor
           bounds
           of
           his
           duration
           :
           The
           infiniteness
           of
           his
           knowledge
           ,
           Psal
           .
           147.5
           .
           
             his
             understanding
             is
             infinite
          
           .
           When
           we
           think
           of
           the
           Wisdom
           and
           Knowledge
           of
           God
           ,
           our
           best
           way
           is
           to
           fall
           into
           admiration
           ,
           Rom.
           11.33
           .
           
             O
             the
             depth
             of
             the
             riches
             both
             of
             the
             wisdom
             and
             knowledge
             of
             God!
             
          
        
         
           Where
           the
           Scripture
           speaks
           of
           those
           Perfections
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           the
           Creatures
           do
           in
           some
           measure
           and
           degree
           partake
           of
           ,
           as
           his
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           Power
           ,
           and
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           Immortality
           ,
           it
           attributes
           them
           in
           such
           a
           peculiar
           and
           Divine
           manner
           to
           God
           ,
           as
           doth
           exclude
           and
           shut
           
           out
           the
           Creature
           from
           any
           claim
           or
           share
           or
           title
           to
           them
           ,
           Matt.
           19.16
           ,
           17.
           
           
             Why
             Call'st
             thou
             me
             good
             ;
             there
             's
             none
             good
             but
             one
             ,
             that
             is
             God.
          
           1
           Tim.
           6.15
           ,
           16.
           
           
             Who
             is
             the
             blessed
             and
             only
             potentate
             ,
             who
             only
             hath
             immortality
             .
          
           1
           Tim.
           1.17
           .
           
             The
             only
             wise
             God.
          
           Rev.
           15.4
           .
           
             For
             thou
             only
             art
             holy
          
           .
           In
           so
           inconceivable
           a
           manner
           doth
           God
           possess
           these
           Perfections
           which
           he
           Communicates
           ,
           and
           we
           can
           only
           understand
           them
           as
           he
           Communicates
           them
           ,
           and
           not
           as
           he
           possesses
           them
           ;
           so
           that
           when
           we
           consider
           any
           of
           these
           Divine
           Perfections
           ,
           we
           must
           not
           frame
           Notions
           of
           them
           contrary
           to
           what
           they
           are
           in
           the
           Creature
           ,
           nor
           must
           we
           limit
           them
           by
           what
           they
           are
           in
           the
           Creature
           ,
           but
           say
           ,
           the
           Goodness
           and
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           God
           are
           all
           this
           which
           is
           in
           the
           Creature
           ,
           and
           much
           more
           which
           I
           am
           not
           able
           to
           comprehend
           ;
           the
           transcendent
           degree
           ,
           and
           the
           singularity
           of
           these
           Divine
           Perfections
           ,
           which
           are
           communicable
           ,
           is
           beyond
           what
           we
           are
           able
           to
           conceive
           .
        
         
         
           The
           Works
           of
           God
           ,
           they
           are
           likewise
           unsearchable
           ;
           
             the
             Works
             of
             Creation
          
           and
           of
           Redemption
           .
           Job
           5.9
           .
           
             Which
             doth
             great
             things
             ,
             and
             unsearchable
             ,
             marvelous
             ,
             things
             past
             finding
             out
          
           :
           And
           then
           he
           instanceth
           in
           the
           Works
           of
           God
           ,
           Job
           26.14
           .
           
             Lo
             these
             are
             part
             of
             his
             ways
             :
             But
             how
             little
             a
             portion
             is
             heard
             of
             him
             ?
             and
             the
             thunder
             of
             his
             voice
             who
             can
             understand
             ?
          
           So
           that
           he
           tells
           us
           expresly
           ,
           we
           cannot
           find
           out
           the
           Works
           of
           God
           ,
           we
           do
           but
           know
           part
           of
           them
           .
           The
           question
           which
           he
           puts
           ,
           Job
           37.16
           .
           
             Dost
             thou
             know
             the
             wondrous
             works
             of
             him
             that
             is
             perfect
             in
             knowledge
             ?
          
           can
           only
           be
           answered
           by
           the
           words
           of
           the
           Psalmist
           ,
           Psal
           .
           104.24
           .
           
             O
             Lord
             how
             wonderful
             are
             thy
             works
             !
             in
             wisdom
             hast
             thou
             made
             them
             all
             .
          
           The
           work
           of
           Redemption
           :
           In
           this
           there
           shines
           forth
           such
           Wisdom
           ,
           Mercy
           ,
           and
           Love
           ,
           as
           our
           understandings
           cannot
           reach
           ;
           this
           work
           is
           called
           
             the
             Wisdom
             of
             God
             in
             a
             mystery
             ,
             hidden
             Wisdom
             ,
          
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
           1
           Cor.
           2.7
           .
           The
           Mercy
           ,
           and
           Grace
           ,
           and
           Love
           of
           it
           is
           called
           ,
           
             the
             riches
             of
             Gods
             mercy
             ,
             the
             exceeding
             riches
             of
             his
             grace
             ,
          
           Eph.
           2.4
           ,
           7.
           
           Now
           Riches
           is
           when
           you
           cannot
           tell
           the
           utmost
           of
           them
           ,
           
             pauperis
             est
             numerare
          
           ,
           Eph.
           3.18
           ,
           19.
           
           
             That
             ye
             may
             be
             able
             to
             comprehend
             with
             all
             Saints
             ,
             what
             is
             the
             breadth
             ,
             and
             length
             ,
             and
             depth
             ,
             and
             heighth
             ,
             and
             to
             know
             the
             love
             of
             Christ
             which
             passeth
             knowledge
             .
          
           When
           we
           have
           the
           largest
           apprehensions
           of
           this
           love
           ,
           so
           that
           we
           think
           we
           comprehend
           it
           and
           know
           it
           ,
           
             it
             passeth
             knowledge
          
           ;
           yea
           the
           Effects
           of
           God's
           Power
           and
           Love
           which
           he
           manifests
           in
           believers
           are
           unspeakable
           ;
           for
           
             he
             is
             able
             to
             do
             for
             us
             exceeding
             abundantly
             above
             what
             we
             can
             ask
             or
             think
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             power
             which
             worketh
             in
             us
             ,
          
           Eph.
           3.20
           .
           The
           Peace
           which
           guards
           their
           souls
           
             passeth
             all
             understanding
          
           ,
           Phil.
           4.7
           .
           Those
           Joys
           which
           fill
           their
           hearts
           are
           
             not
             to
             be
             expressed
          
           .
           1
           Pet.
           1.8
           .
           We
           read
           of
           
             Joy
             unspeakable
             and
             full
             of
             glory
             .
          
           The
           Happiness
           which
           
           they
           hope
           for
           is
           inconceivable
           ,
           't
           is
           that
           which
           
             eye
             hath
             not
             seen
             ,
             nor
             ear
             heard
             ,
             nor
             hath
             entred
             into
             the
             heart
             of
             man
             ,
             which
             God
             hath
             laid
             up
             for
             us
             .
          
        
         
           The
           Ways
           of
           God's
           Providence
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           to
           be
           traced
           ,
           Psal
           .
           77.19
           .
           
             Thy
             way
             is
             in
             the
             sea
             ,
             and
             thy
             paths
             in
             the
             great
             waters
             ,
             and
             thy
             footsteps
             are
             not
             known
             .
          
           Eccles
           .
           3.11
           .
           
             No
             man
             can
             find
             out
             the
             work
             that
             God
             maketh
             from
             the
             beginning
             to
             the
             end
             .
          
           We
           are
           but
           
             of
             yesterday
          
           ,
           and
           know
           nothing
           .
           When
           we
           look
           upon
           Gods
           Providence
           ,
           we
           take
           a
           part
           from
           the
           whole
           ,
           and
           consider
           it
           by
           it self
           ,
           without
           relation
           to
           the
           whole
           series
           of
           his
           Dispensation
           ;
           we
           cannot
           see
           the
           whole
           of
           God's
           Providence
           at
           one
           view
           ,
           and
           never
           see
           from
           the
           beginning
           of
           the
           Works
           of
           God
           to
           the
           end
           ;
           therefore
           our
           knowledge
           of
           them
           must
           needs
           be
           very
           imperfect
           ,
           and
           full
           of
           mistakes
           ,
           and
           false
           judgments
           of
           things
           ;
           we
           cannot
           by
           our
           petty
           and
           short-sighted
           
           designs
           ,
           judge
           of
           the
           Works
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Designs
           of
           Providence
           ;
           for
           
             our
             ways
             are
             not
             as
             his
             ways
             ,
             nor
             our
             thoughts
             as
             his
             thoughts
             .
             but
             as
             the
             heavens
             are
             high
             above
             the
             earth
             ,
             so
             are
             his
             ways
             above
             our
             ways
             ,
             and
             his
             thoughts
             above
             our
             thoughts
             ,
          
           Isa
           .
           55.8
           ,
           9.
           
           The
           ways
           of
           God's
           Mercy
           ,
           Psal
           .
           103.
           
           
             As
             the
             heavens
             are
             high
             above
             the
             earth
             ,
             so
             great
             is
             God's
             mercy
             .
          
           Psal
           .
           139.17
           ,
           18.
           
           
             How
             precious
             are
             thy
             thoughts
             unto
             me
             ?
             how
             great
             is
             the
             sum
             of
             them
             ?
             If
             I
             should
             count
             them
             ,
             they
             are
             more
             in
             number
             than
             the
             sand
             .
          
           And
           the
           ways
           of
           God's
           Judgments
           ;
           the
           severity
           and
           greatness
           of
           his
           Judgment
           is
           not
           known
           ,
           Psal
           .
           90.
           
           
             Who
             knoweth
             the
             power
             of
             thy
             anger
             ?
             And
             who
             may
             stand
             before
             thee
             when
             thou
             art
             angry
             ?
          
           And
           the
           Reasons
           of
           his
           Judgments
           are
           unsearchable
           ,
           Psal
           .
           36.6
           .
           
             Thy
             Judgments
             are
             a
             great
             deep
             .
          
           Rom.
           11.35
           .
           
             How
             unsearchable
             are
             his
             Judgments
             ,
             and
             his
             ways
             past
             finding
             out
             !
          
           These
           are
           the
           Instances
           on
           the
           part
           of
           the
           Object
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           On
           the
           part
           of
           the
           Subject
           ,
           or
           the
           persons
           capable
           of
           knowing
           God
           in
           any
           measure
           .
           The
           perfect
           knowledge
           of
           God
           is
           above
           a
           finite
           Creature
           's
           understanding
           .
           Wicked
           men
           they
           are
           ignorant
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           full
           of
           false
           apprehensions
           of
           him
           ;
           the
           Scripture
           gives
           this
           description
           of
           them
           ;
           they
           are
           those
           that
           
             know
             not
             God
          
           ,
           2
           Thess
           .
           1.
           
           Wicked
           men
           are
           so
           far
           from
           knowing
           God
           to
           Perfection
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           hardly
           any
           true
           knowledge
           of
           him
           ;
           for
           as
           the
           man
           himself
           is
           ,
           so
           will
           God
           seem
           to
           be
           to
           him
           ;
           the
           Idea
           and
           Notion
           which
           men
           have
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           but
           the
           picture
           of
           their
           own
           complexion
           .
           To
           a
           true
           knowledge
           there
           is
           required
           likeness
           ;
           a
           Man's
           mind
           must
           be
           like
           the
           thing
           he
           would
           understand
           ;
           therefore
           the
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             the
             natural
          
           ,
           or
           
             animal
             man
             ,
             doth
             not
             receive
             the
             things
             of
             God
             ,
          
           he
           is
           not
           capable
           of
           them
           ,
           because
           his
           mind
           is
           unsuitable
           to
           them
           ,
           he
           is
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             full
             of
             body
          
           ,
           and
           he
           cannot
           relish
           
             spiritual
             things
          
           ▪
           
           even
           those
           Natural
           notions
           which
           wicked
           men
           have
           of
           God
           ,
           they
           are
           strangely
           tinctur'd
           and
           obscured
           by
           the
           temper
           of
           the
           man
           ;
           they
           are
           
             lux
             sepulta
             in
             opacâ
             materiâ
             ,
             light
             buried
             and
             hid
             in
             matter
             and
             darkness
             ,
          
           in
           the
           blackness
           of
           a
           soul
           and
           impure
           heart
           ;
           so
           that
           there
           is
           no
           question
           of
           them
           ,
           whither
           they
           comprehend
           God
           or
           not
           .
        
         
           But
           good
           men
           they
           
             cannot
             find
             out
             God
          
           ,
           they
           have
           some
           false
           apprehensions
           of
           him
           ;
           all
           their
           apprehensions
           are
           dark
           ,
           have
           much
           of
           obscurity
           in
           them
           ;
           they
           know
           God
           to
           Salvation
           ,
           but
           not
           to
           Perfection
           ;
           in
           this
           life
           we
           do
           but
           know
           God
           
             in
             part
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           in
           comparison
           of
           the
           knowledge
           which
           our
           natures
           are
           capable
           of
           .
        
         
           But
           I
           will
           instance
           yet
           higher
           ;
           the
           Angels
           and
           the
           Spirits
           of
           just
           men
           made
           perfect
           ;
           tho'
           they
           have
           true
           apprehensions
           of
           God
           ,
           yet
           they
           do
           not
           arrive
           to
           perfect
           knowledge
           of
           him
           ,
           they
           cannot
           
             pervestigare
             ultima
             ,
             know
             the
             utmost
             of
             God
          
           ;
           the
           Cherubims
           themselves
           
           are
           continually
           looking
           at
           the
           Mercy
           Seat.
           To
           which
           the
           Apostle
           alludes
           ,
           1
           Pet.
           1.12
           .
           when
           he
           tells
           us
           ,
           the
           Mystery
           of
           God's
           mercy
           in
           the
           Gospel
           was
           a
           thing
           
             which
             the
             Angels
             desired
             to
             pry
             into
             .
          
           In
           Heaven
           
             that
             which
             is
             in
             part
             shall
             be
             done
             away
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           our
           knowledge
           shall
           be
           perfect
           as
           our
           Natures
           are
           capable
           ;
           but
           it
           shall
           be
           finite
           .
           When
           we
           shall
           
             see
             God
             face
             to
             face
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           have
           an
           immediate
           vision
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           
             see
             him
             as
             he
             is
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           not
           having
           our
           understandings
           tinctur'd
           by
           any
           lust
           or
           passion
           that
           may
           darken
           our
           mind
           ,
           or
           misrepresent
           the
           Object
           ;
           for
           the
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             we
             shall
             see
             him
             ,
             because
             we
             shall
             be
             like
             him
          
           ;
           yet
           then
           we
           shall
           have
           short
           and
           unadequate
           apprehensions
           of
           him
           ,
           we
           shall
           still
           retain
           our
           limited
           Natures
           and
           finite
           understandings
           .
        
         
           II.
           By
           way
           of
           Conviction
           .
           Dost
           thou
           know
           perfectly
           the
           nature
           of
           a
           finite
           Spirit
           ,
           the
           Perfection
           and
           the
           Power
           of
           an
           Angel
           ,
           how
           being
           immaterial
           they
           can
           act
           upon
           matter
           ,
           and
           move
           that
           which
           can
           make
           no
           resistance
           to
           a
           Spirit
           ?
           
           Dost
           thou
           know
           how
           they
           can
           move
           themselves
           to
           a
           great
           distance
           in
           a
           moment
           ,
           and
           dart
           themselves
           from
           one
           part
           of
           the
           World
           to
           another
           ?
           Dost
           thou
           know
           how
           man
           is
           
             formed
             in
             the
             lowest
             parts
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
          
           as
           the
           Psalmist
           expresseth
           it
           ;
           and
           the
           curious
           Frame
           of
           our
           Bodies
           is
           wrought
           from
           such
           rude
           Principles
           in
           so
           dark
           a
           Shop
           ?
           Canst
           thou
           give
           an
           account
           how
           the
           Soul
           is
           united
           to
           the
           Body
           ,
           by
           what
           bands
           or
           holds
           a
           Spirit
           is
           so
           closely
           and
           intimately
           conjoyned
           to
           Matter
           ?
           Dost
           thou
           know
           how
           thy self
           understandest
           any
           thing
           ,
           and
           canst
           retain
           the
           distinct
           Ideas
           and
           Notions
           of
           so
           many
           Objects
           without
           confusion
           ?
           Dost
           thou
           know
           the
           least
           parts
           of
           Matter
           ,
           how
           they
           are
           knit
           together
           ,
           and
           by
           what
           Cement
           they
           cleave
           so
           fast
           to
           one
           another
           ,
           that
           they
           can
           hardly
           be
           separated
           ?
        
         
           Now
           if
           the
           Creatures
           be
           so
           unsearchable
           ,
           and
           the
           knowledge
           of
           these
           be
           too
           hard
           for
           thee
           ;
           is
           not
           the
           
           Creator
           of
           them
           much
           more
           Incomprehensible
           ,
           who
           possesseth
           all
           these
           Perfections
           which
           he
           communicates
           ,
           and
           many
           which
           cannot
           be
           communicated
           to
           a
           Creature
           ?
           If
           in
           Natural
           and
           Sensible
           Things
           ,
           
             maxima
             pars
             eorum
             quae
             scimus
             ,
             est
             minima
             pars
             eorum
             quae
             nescimus
             ,
          
           how
           much
           more
           is
           it
           true
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           
             our
             ignorance
             is
             more
             than
             our
             knowledge
          
           ;
           when
           the
           whole
           Earth
           and
           all
           the
           Creatures
           bear
           no
           proportion
           to
           him
           ?
           Isa
           .
           40.15
           ,
           17.
           
           
             Behold
             all
             the
             Nations
             of
             the
             earth
             are
             as
             the
             drop
             of
             the
             bucket
             ,
             and
             as
             the
             small
             dust
             of
             the
             ballance
             ;
             all
             nations
             before
             him
             are
             nothing
             ,
             and
             are
             accounted
             to
             him
             less
             than
             nothing
             .
          
        
         
           III.
           By
           shewing
           you
           the
           clear
           Reason
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           is
           this
           ,
           the
           disproportion
           between
           the
           Faculty
           and
           the
           Object
           ,
           the
           finiteness
           of
           our
           understandings
           ,
           and
           the
           Infiniteness
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           and
           Perfections
           .
           
             God
             is
             greater
             than
             our
             hearts
             ,
          
           and
           therefore
           as
           he
           
           knows
           more
           than
           we
           do
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           reasons
           ,
           1
           John
           3.20
           .
           so
           he
           is
           more
           than
           can
           be
           known
           by
           us
           ;
           he
           is
           too
           vast
           an
           Object
           for
           our
           understanding
           to
           entertain
           ,
           for
           our
           minds
           to
           receive
           Thou
           may'st
           as
           well
           mete
           out
           the
           Heaven
           with
           a
           span
           ,
           and
           measure
           the
           Waters
           in
           the
           hollow
           of
           thy
           hand
           ,
           and
           comprehend
           the
           dust
           of
           the
           earth
           in
           a
           little
           Urn
           ,
           and
           weigh
           the
           Mountains
           in
           some
           Scales
           ,
           and
           the
           hills
           in
           a
           little
           Ballance
           ;
           as
           think
           to
           circumscribe
           God
           in
           the
           narrow
           limits
           of
           thy
           thoughts
           ,
           or
           to
           bring
           that
           which
           is
           infinite
           within
           the
           compass
           of
           that
           which
           is
           finite
           .
        
         
           And
           there
           is
           not
           only
           the
           vastness
           and
           greatness
           of
           the
           Object
           ;
           but
           the
           Glory
           and
           Resplendency
           of
           it
           does
           so
           dazle
           our
           sight
           ,
           that
           we
           cannot
           perfectly
           see
           it
           ,
           1
           Tim.
           6.16
           .
           
             He
             dwelleth
             in
             light
             which
             no
             man
             can
             approach
             unto
             ,
             whom
             no
             man
             hath
             seen
             ,
             nor
             can
             see
             .
          
           As
           God
           is
           too
           big
           ,
           so
           he
           is
           too
           bright
           an
           Object
           for
           our
           understandings
           ;
           the
           
           presence
           of
           his
           Glory
           overpowers
           our
           minds
           ,
           and
           bears
           down
           our
           Faculties
           ,
           and
           conquers
           our
           understandings
           .
        
         
           I
           come
           now
           to
           apply
           this
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Incomprehensibleness
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           .
           If
           the
           Nature
           ,
           and
           Perfections
           ,
           and
           Ways
           ,
           and
           Works
           of
           God
           be
           Incomprehensible
           ,
           and
           past
           finding
           out
           ,
        
         
           I.
           It
           calls
           for
           our
           Admiration
           ,
           and
           Veneration
           ,
           and
           Reverence
           .
           These
           are
           the
           best
           apprehensions
           of
           him
           ,
           that
           is
           Incomprehensible
           ;
           a
           silent
           Veneration
           of
           his
           Excellencies
           ,
           is
           the
           best
           acknowledgment
           of
           them
           .
           We
           must
           admire
           what
           we
           cannot
           apprehend
           or
           express
           ,
           Zach.
           9.17
           .
           
             How
             great
             is
             his
             goodness
             ,
             and
             how
             great
             is
             his
             beauty
          
           ?
           The
           best
           way
           to
           celebrate
           the
           praises
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           that
           which
           Nehemiah
           useth
           Nehem.
           9.5
           .
           
             And
             blessed
             be
             thy
             glorious
             name
             ,
             which
             is
             exalted
             above
             all
             blessing
             and
             praise
             .
          
           
           When
           ever
           we
           speak
           or
           think
           of
           God
           ,
           we
           necessarily
           detract
           from
           his
           Perfections
           ;
           but
           even
           this
           necessity
           is
           glorious
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           this
           speaks
           his
           Perfection
           ,
           that
           the
           highest
           finite
           understanding
           must
           have
           imperfect
           thoughts
           of
           him
           .
        
         
           We
           should
           make
           up
           in
           Reverence
           and
           Veneration
           what
           we
           fall
           short
           of
           in
           knowledge
           .
           Reverence
           is
           an
           acknowledgment
           of
           distance
           ;
           by
           our
           reverence
           of
           the
           Divine
           Majesty
           ,
           we
           should
           best
           awe
           our
           hearts
           ,
           in
           a
           sense
           of
           the
           distance
           which
           is
           between
           his
           infinite
           Nature
           and
           Perfection
           ,
           and
           our
           finite
           apprehensions
           .
           Worldly
           greatness
           will
           cause
           wonder
           ,
           the
           thoughts
           of
           Earthly
           Majesty
           will
           compose
           us
           to
           Reverence
           ;
           how
           much
           more
           should
           those
           excellencies
           which
           are
           beyond
           what
           we
           can
           imagine
           !
           Isa
           .
           6.
           you
           have
           there
           God
           represented
           
             sitting
             upon
             his
             throne
          
           ,
           and
           the
           
             Seraphims
             about
             him
          
           ,
           which
           are
           described
           to
           us
           as
           
             having
             each
             six
             wings
             ,
             and
             with
             twain
             they
             cover
             
             their
             faces
             .
          
           Creatures
           of
           the
           brightest
           understanding
           ,
           and
           the
           most
           exalted
           purity
           and
           Holiness
           ,
           
             cover
             their
             faces
          
           in
           the
           presence
           of
           God's
           glory
           ,
           they
           choose
           rather
           to
           venerate
           God
           than
           look
           upon
           him
        
         
           II.
           This
           calls
           for
           humility
           and
           modesty
           .
           The
           consideration
           of
           God's
           unsearchable
           Perfections
           should
           make
           
             the
             haughtiness
             of
             man
             to
             stoop
             ,
             and
             bring
             down
             his
             proud
             looks
             ,
             and
             God
             alone
             should
             be
             exalted
             .
          
           The
           thought
           of
           God's
           Excellency
           should
           abase
           us
           ,
           and
           make
           us
           
             vile
             in
             our
             own
             eyes
          
           ,
           it
           should
           make
           all
           those
           petty
           Excellencies
           that
           we
           pride
           our selves
           in
           to
           vanish
           and
           disappear
           .
           
             Those
             treasures
             of
             wisdom
             and
             knowledge
          
           which
           are
           in
           God
           ,
           should
           
             hide
             pride
             from
             man.
          
           It
           should
           hide
           those
           little
           parts
           and
           gifts
           which
           we
           are
           so
           apt
           to
           glory
           in
           ,
           as
           the
           Sun
           hides
           the
           Stars
           .
           When
           we
           consider
           God
           ,
           we
           should
           be
           so
           far
           from
           admiring
           our selves
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           with
           an
           humble
           thankfulness
           wonder
           
           that
           God
           should
           regard
           such
           inconsiderable
           nothings
           as
           we
           are
           .
           Psal
           .
           8.1
           ,
           3
           ,
           4.
           
           
             O
             Lord
             our
             God
             ,
             how
             excellent
             is
             thy
             name
             in
             all
             the
             earth
             !
             who
             hast
             set
             thy
             glory
             above
             the
             heavens
             .
             When
             I
             consider
             the
             heavens
             ,
             the
             work
             of
             thy
             fingers
             ,
             the
             Moon
             and
             the
             Stars
             which
             thou
             hast
             ordained
             ;
             what
             is
             man
             ,
             that
             thou
             art
             mindful
             of
             him
             ?
             or
             the
             Son
             of
             man
             ,
             that
             thou
             visitest
             him
             ?
          
           He
           that
           considers
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           greatness
           of
           his
           Works
           ,
           will
           think
           so
           meanly
           of
           himself
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           be
           astonisht
           that
           God
           should
           mind
           him
           or
           visit
           him
           .
           This
           is
           a
           noble
           strain
           of
           humility
           in
           David
           ,
           by
           which
           he
           acknowledgeth
           that
           the
           greatest
           King
           of
           the
           Earth
           ,
           how
           considerable
           soever
           he
           may
           be
           in
           respect
           of
           men
           ,
           is
           yet
           but
           a
           pitiful
           thing
           to
           God.
           
        
         
           When
           we
           speak
           to
           God
           ,
           we
           should
           do
           it
           with
           great
           humility
           ,
           Eccles
           .
           5.2
           ,
           3.
           
           
             Let
             thy
             words
             be
             few
             ,
             for
             God
             is
             in
             heaven
             ,
             and
             thou
             upon
             earth
             .
          
           We
           should
           say
           
           to
           God
           ,
           Job
           37.19
           .
           
             Teach
             us
             what
             we
             shall
             say
             unto
             thee
             ,
             for
             we
             cannot
             order
             our
             speech
             by
             reason
             of
             darkness
             .
          
           And
           when
           we
           think
           or
           speak
           of
           him
           ,
           we
           should
           do
           it
           with
           great
           modesty
           ;
           we
           should
           not
           rashly
           pronounce
           or
           determine
           any
           thing
           concerning
           God.
           Simonides
           being
           ask'd
           what
           God
           was
           ,
           desired
           one
           days
           time
           to
           consider
           ,
           then
           he
           desired
           two
           ,
           and
           then
           four
           .
           The
           more
           we
           think
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           less
           peremptory
           shall
           we
           be
           in
           defining
           him
           .
           He
           that
           considers
           that
           God
           is
           Incomprehensible
           ,
           will
           not
           pretend
           to
           know
           all
           the
           ways
           of
           infinite
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           the
           utmost
           of
           infinite
           Power
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           Reasons
           of
           God's
           Ways
           and
           Providences
           .
           He
           that
           rightly
           values
           his
           own
           short
           understanding
           ,
           and
           the
           unlimited
           Perfections
           of
           God
           ,
           will
           not
           be
           apt
           to
           say
           ,
           this
           God
           cannot
           do
           ,
           this
           he
           cannot
           know
           ,
           such
           ways
           are
           not
           agreeable
           to
           his
           wisdom
           .
           He
           that
           knows
           God
           and
           himself
           ,
           will
           be
           modest
           in
           these
           cases
           ,
           he
           will
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           abstain
           from
           all
           
           peremptory
           pronouncing
           in
           these
           matters
           ;
           he
           considers
           that
           one
           man
           many
           times
           differs
           so
           much
           from
           another
           in
           knowledge
           and
           skill
           of
           working
           ,
           that
           he
           can
           do
           those
           things
           which
           another
           believes
           impossible
           :
           but
           we
           have
           pitiful
           thoughts
           of
           God
           ,
           if
           we
           think
           the
           differerce
           between
           one
           man
           and
           another
           ,
           is
           any
           thing
           to
           the
           vast
           distance
           that
           is
           between
           the
           Divine
           Understanding
           and
           our
           ignorance
           ,
           the
           Divine
           Power
           and
           our
           weakness
           ,
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           God
           and
           the
           folly
           of
           men
           .
        
         
           III.
           The
           Incomprehensibleness
           of
           God's
           Perfections
           calls
           for
           the
           highest
           degree
           of
           our
           affection
           .
           How
           should
           we
           fear
           this
           great
           and
           glorious
           God!
           Psal
           .
           90.11
           .
           
             Who
             knoweth
             the
             power
             of
             thine
             anger
             ?
             even
             according
             to
             thy
             fear
             ,
             so
             is
             thy
             wrath
             .
          
           Fear
           is
           the
           most
           infinite
           of
           all
           our
           passions
           ,
           and
           fills
           us
           with
           the
           most
           endless
           jealousie
           and
           suspicions
           ;
           God's
           wrath
           is
           greater
           than
           our
           fear
           ,
           
             according
             to
             thy
             fear
             so
             is
             thy
             wrath
             .
          
        
         
         
           How
           should
           we
           love
           him
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           astonisht
           with
           admiration
           of
           God's
           goodness
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           
             how
             great
             is
             thy
             goodness
             ,
             and
             how
             great
             is
             thy
             beauty
             !
             Behold
             ,
             what
             manner
             of
             love
             the
             father
             hath
             bestowed
             upon
             us
             !
          
           How
           great
           should
           our
           love
           be
           to
           him
           !
           What
           manner
           of
           love
           should
           we
           return
           to
           him
           !
        
         
           This
           calls
           for
           the
           highest
           degree
           of
           our
           Faith.
           With
           what
           confidence
           should
           we
           rely
           upon
           him
           ,
           
             who
             is
             able
             to
             do
             for
             us
             exceeding
             abundantly
             above
             what
             we
             can
             ask
             or
             think
             !
          
        
         
           To
           conclude
           ,
           This
           requires
           the
           highest
           degree
           of
           our
           service
           :
           How
           should
           our
           hearts
           be
           
             enlarged
             to
             run
             the
             ways
             of
             his
             commandments
             ,
          
           who
           hath
           
             laid
             up
             for
             us
          
           such
           things
           ,
           
             that
             eye
          
           hath
           
             not
             seen
             ,
             nor
             ear
             heard
             ,
             nor
             have
             entred
             into
             the
             heart
             of
             man
          
           !
        
      
       
         
         
         
           SERMON
           XV.
           
           God
           the
           first
           Cause
           ,
           and
           last
           End.
           
        
         
           
             
               
                 ROM
                 XI
                 .
                 36
              
               .
            
             
               For
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               through
               him
               ,
               and
               to
               him
               are
               all
               things
               ,
               to
               whom
               be
               Glory
               for
               ever
               .
               Amen
               .
            
          
        
         
           HAving
           consider'd
           the
           more
           Eminent
           and
           Absolute
           Perfections
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           as
           also
           that
           which
           results
           from
           the
           infinite
           Excellency
           and
           Perfection
           of
           God
           ,
           compar'd
           with
           the
           Imperfection
           of
           our
           Understandings
           ,
           I
           come
           in
           the
           last
           place
           to
           treat
           of
           such
           as
           are
           merely
           
           and
           purely
           Relative
           ;
           as
           that
           He
           is
           
             the
             first
             Cause
             ,
             and
             the
             last
             End
          
           of
           all
           things
           ;
           to
           which
           purpose
           I
           have
           chosen
           these
           words
           of
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           for
           the
           Subject
           of
           my
           present
           Discourse
           ;
           
             For
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             through
             him
          
           &c
           ,
        
         
           The
           dependence
           of
           these
           Words
           upon
           the
           former
           is
           briefly
           this
           .
           The
           Apostle
           had
           been
           speaking
           before
           in
           this
           Chapter
           ,
           several
           things
           that
           might
           tend
           to
           raise
           us
           to
           an
           Admiration
           of
           the
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           Mercy
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           the
           dispensation
           of
           his
           Grace
           ,
           for
           the
           Salvation
           of
           men
           ,
           both
           Jews
           and
           Gentiles
           ,
           and
           therefore
           would
           have
           us
           ascribe
           this
           work
           wholly
           to
           God
           ;
           the
           contrivance
           of
           it
           to
           his
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           our
           own
           counsel
           ,
           v.
           34.
           
           
             For
             who
             hath
             known
             the
             mind
             of
             the
             Lord
             ?
             and
             who
             hath
             been
             his
             counsellour
             ?
          
           and
           the
           bestowing
           this
           grace
           ,
           to
           his
           free
           Goodness
           and
           Mercy
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           any
           desert
           of
           ours
           ,
           v.
           35.
           
           
             Or
             who
             hath
             first
             given
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             it
             shall
             be
             recompensed
             to
             him
             
             again
             ?
          
           Yea
           ,
           and
           not
           only
           in
           the
           dispensation
           of
           Grace
           ,
           but
           of
           all
           good
           things
           ;
           not
           only
           in
           this
           work
           of
           Redemption
           ,
           but
           also
           of
           Creation
           ,
           God
           is
           the
           Fountain
           ,
           and
           Original
           ,
           and
           
             first
             Cause
          
           ,
           from
           whence
           every
           thing
           proceeds
           ;
           and
           
             the
             last
             End
          
           ,
           to
           which
           every
           thing
           is
           to
           be
           referr'd
           .
           
             For
             of
             him
          
           ,
           &c.
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             from
             him
          
           ,
           the
           efficient
           Cause
           producing
           all
           things
           ;
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           by
           ,
           or
           
             through
             him
          
           ,
           as
           the
           efficient
           conserving
           Cause
           of
           all
           things
           ;
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             and
             to
             him
          
           ,
           as
           the
           final
           Cause
           of
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           the
           End
           for
           which
           they
           were
           made
           .
        
         
           The
           Proposition
           I
           shall
           speak
           to
           is
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           the
           
             first
             Cause
          
           ,
           and
           
             last
             End.
          
           
        
         
           First
           ,
           I
           shall
           a
           little
           Explain
           the
           Terms
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Confirm
           the
           Proposition
           .
        
         
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Apply
           it
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           For
           the
           Explication
           of
           the
           Terms
           .
        
         
           I.
           That
           God
           is
           the
           
             first
             Cause
          
           signifies
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           Negatively
           ,
           that
           he
           had
           no
           Cause
           ,
           did
           not
           derive
           his
           Being
           from
           any
           other
           ,
           or
           does
           depend
           upon
           any
           other
           Being
           ;
           but
           that
           he
           was
           always
           ,
           and
           eternally
           of
           himself
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Positively
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           
             the
             Cause
          
           of
           all
           things
           besides
           himself
           ,
           the
           Fountain
           and
           Original
           of
           all
           Created
           Beings
           ,
           from
           whom
           all
           things
           proceed
           ,
           and
           upon
           whom
           all
           things
           depend
           ;
           or
           ,
           that
           I
           may
           use
           the
           expression
           of
           Saint
           
             John
             ,
             Joh.
          
           1.3
           .
           which
           I
           know
           is
           appropriated
           to
           the
           Second
           Person
           in
           the
           Trinity
           ,
           
             By
             him
             all
             things
             were
             made
             ,
             and
             without
             him
             was
             nothing
             made
             that
             was
             made
             .
          
           So
           that
           when
           we
           attribute
           to
           God
           ,
           that
           
           he
           is
           the
           first
           ,
           we
           mean
           ,
           that
           there
           was
           nothing
           before
           him
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           was
           before
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           that
           all
           things
           are
           by
           him
           .
        
         
           II.
           
             The
             last
             End
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           all
           things
           refer
           to
           him
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           design
           and
           aim
           of
           all
           things
           that
           are
           made
           ,
           is
           the
           Illustration
           of
           God's
           Glory
           some
           way
           or
           other
           ,
           and
           the
           manifestation
           of
           his
           Perfections
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           For
           the
           Confirmation
           ,
           I
           shall
           briefly
           ,
           according
           to
           my
           usual
           Method
           ,
           attempt
           it
           these
           two
           ways
           .
        
         
           I.
           By
           Natural
           light
           .
           The
           Notion
           of
           a
           God
           contains
           in
           it
           all
           possible
           Perfection
           .
           Now
           the
           utmost
           Perfection
           we
           can
           imagine
           is
           ,
           for
           a
           Being
           to
           be
           always
           of
           it self
           ,
           before
           all
           other
           Beings
           ,
           and
           not
           only
           so
           ,
           but
           to
           be
           the
           Cause
           of
           all
           other
           Beings
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           there
           should
           be
           nothing
           ,
           but
           what
           derives
           its
           Being
           from
           him
           ,
           and
           continually
           depends
           upon
           him
           ;
           
           from
           whence
           follows
           ,
           that
           all
           things
           must
           refer
           to
           him
           ,
           as
           their
           
             last
             End.
          
           For
           every
           wise
           Agent
           acts
           with
           design
           ,
           and
           in
           order
           to
           an
           End.
           Now
           the
           End
           is
           that
           which
           is
           best
           ,
           which
           is
           most
           worthy
           the
           attaining
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           God
           himself
           .
           Now
           his
           Being
           and
           Perfections
           are
           already
           ,
           and
           the
           best
           next
           to
           the
           existence
           of
           his
           Being
           and
           Perfections
           ,
           is
           the
           manifestation
           of
           them
           ,
           which
           is
           called
           God's
           Glory
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           the
           highest
           End
           that
           we
           can
           imagine
           ,
           to
           which
           all
           the
           Effects
           of
           the
           Divine
           Power
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           Wisdom
           do
           refer
           .
        
         
           And
           that
           these
           Titles
           are
           to
           be
           attributed
           to
           God
           ,
           is
           not
           only
           reasonable
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           revealed
           and
           discovered
           ,
           but
           was
           discovered
           by
           the
           Natural
           light
           of
           the
           heathens
           .
           Hence
           it
           was
           that
           Aristotle
           gives
           to
           God
           those
           Titles
           of
           
             the
             first
             Being
             ,
             the
             first
             Cause
             ,
          
           and
           
             the
             first
             Mover
          
           ;
           and
           his
           Master
           Plato
           calls
           God
           
             the
             Author
             ,
             and
             Parent
             of
             all
             things
             ,
             the
             Maker
             and
             Architect
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             
             and
             of
             all
             Creatures
             ;
             the
             Fountain
             and
             Original
             of
             all
             things
             .
             Porphyry
          
           calls
           him
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             the
             first
          
           ,
           from
           whence
           he
           Reasons
           to
           this
           sense
           ,
           that
           
             he
             is
             the
             ultimate
             end
             ,
             and
             that
             all
             things
             move
             towards
             God
             ,
             that
             all
             motions
             center
             in
             him
             ;
             because
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             it
             is
             most
             proper
             and
             natural
             for
             things
             to
             refer
             to
             their
             Original
             ,
             and
             to
             refer
             all
             to
             him
             ,
             from
             whom
             they
             receive
             all
             .
             Antoninus
             ,
          
           the
           Emperour
           and
           Philosopher
           ,
           speaking
           of
           Nature
           (
           which
           with
           the
           Stoicks
           signified
           God
           )
           hath
           these
           words
           ,
           which
           are
           so
           very
           like
           these
           of
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           seem
           to
           be
           taken
           from
           him
           ;
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             Of
             thee
             are
             all
             things
             ,
             in
             thee
             are
             all
             things
             ,
             to
             thee
             are
             all
             things
             .
          
        
         
           II.
           From
           Scripture
           .
           Hither
           belong
           all
           those
           places
           where
           he
           declares
           himself
           to
           be
           
             the
             first
             ,
             and
             the
             last
             ,
          
           Isa
           .
           41.4
           .
           
             Who
             hath
             wrought
             and
             done
             it
             ,
             calling
             the
             generations
             from
             the
             beginning
             ?
             I
             the
             Lord
             ,
             the
             first
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             last
             .
             
             I
             am
             he
             .
          
           Isa
           .
           43.10
           .
           
             Before
             me
             there
             was
             no
             God
             formed
             ,
          
           (
           or
           as
           it
           is
           in
           the
           margin
           )
           
             there
             was
             nothing
             formed
             of
             God
             ,
             neither
             shall
             there
             be
             after
             me
             .
          
           Isa
           .
           44.6
           .
           
             I
             am
             the
             first
             ,
             and
             I
             am
             the
             last
             ,
             and
             besides
             me
             there
             is
             no
             God.
          
           Isa
           .
           48.12
           ,
           13.
           
           
             I
             am
             the
             first
             ,
             I
             also
             am
             the
             last
             ,
             my
             hand
             hath
             laid
             the
             foundation
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
             my
             right
             hand
             hath
             spread
             the
             heavens
          
           ;
           which
           is
           as
           much
           as
           to
           say
           ,
           he
           made
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           was
           
             the
             first
             Cause
          
           of
           all
           things
           .
           Rev.
           1.8
           .
           
             I
             am
             Alpha
             and
             Omega
             ,
             the
             beginning
             and
             the
             end
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ,
             which
             is
             ,
             and
             which
             was
             ,
             and
             which
             is
             to
             come
             .
          
        
         
           But
           more
           expresly
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           8.6
           .
           
             But
             to
             us
             there
             is
             but
             one
             God
             ,
             the
             father
             ,
             of
             whom
             are
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             we
             by
             him
             ,
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             and
             we
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             for
             him
             .
          
           Acts
           17.24
           .
           
             God
             that
             made
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             all
             things
             therein
             .
          
           v.
           25.
           
           
             He
             giveth
             to
             all
             life
             ,
             and
             breath
             ,
             and
             all
             things
             .
          
           v.
           28.
           
           
             In
             him
             we
             live
             ,
             and
             move
             ,
             and
             have
             our
             Being
             .
          
           v.
           29.
           
           
           
             For
             as
             much
             then
             as
             we
             are
             the
             off-spring
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
           Hither
           we
           may
           refer
           those
           Texts
           which
           attribute
           the
           same
           to
           the
           Second
           Person
           in
           the
           Trinity
           ,
           as
           the
           Eternal
           Wisdom
           and
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           whereby
           all
           things
           were
           made
           ,
           Joh.
           1.3
           .
           
             All
             things
             were
             made
             by
             him
             ,
             and
             without
             him
             was
             nothing
             made
             ,
             that
             was
             made
             ,
          
           v.
           10.
           
           
             And
             the
             World
             was
             made
             by
             him
             .
          
           1
           Cor.
           8.6
           .
           
             And
             one
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             by
             whom
             are
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             we
             by
             him
             .
          
           Eph.
           3.9
           .
           
             God
             ,
             who
             Created
             all
             things
             by
             Jesus
             Christ
             .
          
           Col.
           1.16
           .
           
             By
             him
             were
             all
             things
             Created
             that
             are
             in
             heaven
             ,
             and
             that
             are
             in
             earth
             ,
             visible
             and
             invisible
             ,
             whether
             they
             be
             thrones
             ,
             or
             dominions
             ,
             or
             principalities
             ,
             or
             powers
             ,
             all
             things
             were
             Created
             by
             him
             ,
             and
             for
             him
             ,
             and
             he
             is
             before
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             by
             him
             all
             things
             consist
             .
          
           Heb.
           1.2
           .
           
             By
             whom
             also
             he
             made
             the
             Worlds
             .
          
           And
           ,
           v.
           3.
           
           
             Vpholding
             all
             things
             by
             the
             word
             of
             his
             power
             .
          
        
         
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           and
           lastly
           ,
           to
           apply
           this
           Doctrine
           .
        
         
           
             Vse
             .
             First
          
           ,
           If
           God
           be
           the
           
             first
             Cause
          
           of
           all
           things
           ,
           who
           did
           at
           first
           produce
           all
           Creatures
           ,
           and
           does
           since
           Preserve
           them
           and
           Govern
           them
           ,
           and
           disposeth
           of
           all
           their
           concernments
           ,
           and
           orders
           all
           things
           that
           befal
           them
           ,
           from
           hence
           let
           us
           learn
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           With
           Humility
           and
           Thankfullness
           to
           own
           and
           acknowledge
           ,
           and
           admire
           and
           bless
           God
           as
           the
           Author
           and
           Original
           of
           our
           Being
           ,
           as
           the
           Spring
           and
           Fountain
           of
           all
           the
           Blessings
           and
           good
           things
           that
           we
           enjoy
           .
           If
           we
           do
           but
           consider
           what
           these
           words
           signifie
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           
             the
             first
             Cause
          
           of
           all
           things
           ,
           we
           shall
           see
           great
           Reason
           to
           own
           and
           acknowledge
           ,
           to
           adore
           and
           praise
           him
           ,
           and
           that
           with
           the
           greatest
           humility
           ;
           because
           we
           have
           not
           given
           him
           any
           thing
           ,
           but
           have
           received
           all
           
           from
           him
           ;
           he
           is
           the
           Cause
           of
           all
           things
           ,
           who
           did
           freely
           and
           of
           his
           own
           good
           will
           and
           pleasure
           communicate
           Beings
           to
           us
           ,
           without
           any
           constraint
           or
           necessity
           ,
           but
           what
           his
           own
           goodness
           laid
           upon
           him
           ,
           Rev.
           4.11
           .
           
             Thou
             art
             worthy
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             to
             receive
             glory
             ,
             and
             honour
             ,
             and
             power
             ;
             for
             thou
             hast
             Created
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             for
             thy
             pleasure
             they
             are
             and
             were
             Created
             .
          
           We
           could
           not
           ,
           before
           we
           were
           ,
           deserve
           any
           thing
           from
           him
           ,
           or
           move
           him
           by
           any
           Arguments
           ,
           or
           importune
           him
           by
           intreaties
           to
           make
           us
           ;
           but
           he
           freely
           gave
           us
           Being
           ;
           and
           ever
           since
           we
           depend
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           have
           been
           preserved
           by
           him
           ,
           and
           cannot
           subsist
           one
           moment
           without
           the
           continued
           influence
           of
           the
           Power
           and
           Goodness
           which
           first
           called
           us
           out
           of
           nothing
           .
           He
           is
           the
           Author
           of
           all
           the
           good
           ,
           and
           the
           Fountain
           of
           all
           those
           Blessing
           ,
           which
           for
           the
           present
           we
           enjoy
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           future
           hope
           for
           .
        
         
         
           When
           he
           made
           us
           at
           first
           ,
           he
           designed
           us
           for
           Happiness
           ;
           and
           when
           we
           by
           our
           sin
           and
           wilful
           mascarriage
           fell
           short
           of
           the
           Happiness
           which
           he
           design'd
           us
           for
           ,
           he
           sent
           his
           Son
           into
           the
           World
           for
           our
           recovery
           ,
           and
           gave
           his
           life
           for
           the
           Ransom
           of
           our
           Souls
           .
           He
           hath
           not
           only
           admitted
           us
           into
           a
           new
           Covenant
           ,
           wherein
           he
           hath
           promised
           pardon
           ,
           and
           eternal
           life
           to
           us
           ;
           but
           he
           hath
           also
           purchased
           these
           Blessings
           for
           us
           ,
           by
           the
           most
           endearing
           price
           ,
           the
           blood
           of
           his
           own
           Son
           ,
           and
           hath
           saved
           us
           in
           such
           a
           manner
           as
           may
           justly
           astonish
           us
           .
           Upon
           these
           Considerations
           we
           should
           awaken
           our selves
           to
           the
           praise
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           holy
           Psalmist
           ,
           call
           up
           our
           Spirits
           ,
           and
           summon
           all
           the
           Powers
           and
           Faculties
           of
           our
           Souls
           ,
           to
           assist
           us
           in
           this
           Work
           ,
           Psal
           .
           103.1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3
           ,
           4.
           &c.
           
             Bless
             the
             Lord
             ,
             O
             my
             Soul
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             is
             within
             me
             bless
             his
             holy
             name
             ;
             bless
             the
             Lord
             ,
             O
             my
             Soul
             ,
             and
             forget
             not
             all
             his
             benefits
             ;
             who
             forgiveth
             all
             thy
             iniquities
             ,
             who
             
             healeth
             all
             thy
             diseases
             ,
             who
             redeemeth
             thy
             life
             from
             destruction
             ,
             who
             crowneth
             thee
             with
             loving
             kindness
             ,
             and
             tender
             mercies
          
           ;
           't
           is
           he
           that
           
             satisfies
             our
             Souls
             with
             good
             things
             ,
          
           and
           
             crowneth
             us
             with
             tender
             mercies
             ,
             and
             loving
             hindness
          
           ;
           that
           hath
           promised
           Eternal
           Life
           and
           Happiness
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           must
           confer
           and
           bestow
           this
           upon
           us
           ;
           
             Therefore
             our
             Souls
             and
             all
             that
             is
             within
             us
          
           should
           
             bless
             his
             holy
             name
          
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           If
           God
           be
           
             the
             first
             Cause
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           orders
           all
           things
           that
           befall
           us
           ,
           and
           by
           his
           Providence
           disposeth
           of
           all
           our
           concernments
           ,
           this
           should
           teach
           us
           with
           patience
           ,
           and
           quietness
           ,
           to
           submit
           to
           all
           Events
           ,
           to
           all
           evils
           and
           afflictions
           ,
           that
           come
           upon
           us
           ,
           as
           being
           disposed
           by
           his
           wise
           Providence
           ,
           and
           coming
           from
           him
           .
           We
           are
           apt
           to
           attribute
           all
           things
           to
           the
           next
           and
           immediate
           Agent
           ,
           and
           to
           look
           no
           higher
           than
           Second
           Causes
           ;
           not
           considering
           that
           all
           the
           motions
           of
           Natural
           Causes
           are
           directly
           subordinate
           to
           the
           first
           Cause
           ,
           and
           
           all
           the
           actions
           of
           free
           Creatures
           are
           under
           the
           Government
           of
           God's
           wise
           Providence
           ,
           so
           that
           nothing
           happens
           to
           us
           besides
           the
           design
           and
           intention
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           And
           methinks
           this
           is
           one
           particular
           Excellency
           of
           the
           style
           of
           the
           Scripture
           above
           all
           other
           Books
           ,
           that
           the
           constant
           Phrase
           of
           the
           Sacred
           Dialect
           is
           to
           attribute
           all
           Events
           (
           excepting
           sins
           only
           )
           to
           God
           ,
           so
           that
           every
           one
           that
           reads
           it
           cannot
           but
           take
           notice
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           wrote
           with
           a
           more
           attentive
           consideration
           of
           God
           than
           any
           other
           Book
           ,
           as
           appears
           by
           those
           frequent
           and
           express
           acknowledgments
           of
           God
           as
           the
           Cause
           of
           all
           Events
           ;
           so
           that
           what
           in
           other
           Writers
           would
           be
           said
           to
           be
           done
           by
           this
           or
           that
           Person
           ,
           is
           ascribed
           to
           God.
           Therefore
           it
           is
           so
           often
           said
           ,
           that
           
             the
             Lord
             did
          
           this
           ,
           and
           that
           ,
           stirr'd
           up
           such
           an
           Enemy
           ,
           brought
           such
           a
           Judgment
           .
           And
           we
           shall
           find
           that
           holy
           men
           in
           Scripture
           make
           excellent
           use
           of
           this
           consideration
           ,
           to
           argue
           themselves
           into
           patience
           and
           contentedness
           
           in
           every
           condition
           .
           So
           Eli
           ,
           1
           Sam.
           3.18
           .
           
             It
             is
             the
             Lord
             ,
             let
             him
             do
             what
             seemeth
             him
             good
             .
          
           So
           Job
           ,
           he
           did
           not
           so
           consider
           the
           Sabeans
           and
           Chaldeans
           who
           had
           carried
           away
           his
           Oxen
           and
           his
           Camels
           ,
           and
           slain
           his
           Servants
           ;
           nor
           the
           Wind
           which
           had
           thrown
           down
           his
           House
           ,
           and
           kill'd
           his
           Sons
           ,
           and
           his
           Daughters
           ;
           but
           he
           looks
           up
           to
           God
           ,
           the
           great
           Governour
           and
           Disposer
           of
           all
           these
           Events
           ;
           
             The
             Lord
             giveth
             ,
             and
             the
             Lord
             hath
             taken
             away
             ,
             blessed
             be
             the
             name
             of
             the
             Lord.
          
           So
           David
           ,
           Psal
           .
           39.9
           .
           
             I
             was
             dumb
             and
             spake
             not
             a
             word
             ,
             because
             thou
             Lord
             didst
             it
             .
          
           So
           our
           Blessed
           Saviour
           ,
           when
           he
           was
           ready
           to
           suffer
           ,
           he
           did
           not
           consider
           the
           malice
           of
           the
           Jews
           ,
           which
           was
           the
           cause
           of
           his
           death
           ;
           but
           looks
           to
           a
           higher
           hand
           ;
           
             the
             cup
             which
             my
             father
             gives
             me
             to
             drink
             ,
             shall
             not
             I
             drink
             it
          
           ?
        
         
           He
           that
           looks
           upon
           all
           things
           as
           coming
           from
           second
           Causes
           ,
           and
           does
           not
           eye
           the
           first
           Cause
           ,
           the
           good
           and
           wise
           Governour
           ,
           will
           be
           apt
           to
           take
           offence
           at
           every
           cross
           and
           unwelcome
           accident
           .
           Men
           are
           
           apt
           to
           be
           angry
           ,
           when
           one
           flings
           Water
           upon
           them
           as
           they
           pass
           in
           the
           Streets
           ;
           but
           no
           man
           is
           offended
           ,
           if
           he
           is
           wet
           by
           Rain
           from
           Heaven
           .
           When
           we
           look
           upon
           Evils
           as
           coming
           only
           from
           men
           ,
           we
           are
           apt
           to
           be
           impatient
           ,
           and
           know
           not
           how
           to
           bear
           them
           ;
           but
           we
           should
           look
           upon
           all
           things
           as
           under
           the
           Government
           and
           disposal
           of
           the
           first
           Cause
           ,
           and
           the
           Circumstances
           of
           every
           condition
           as
           allotted
           to
           us
           by
           the
           wise
           Providence
           of
           God
           ;
           this
           Consideration
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           hath
           done
           it
           ,
           would
           still
           all
           the
           murmurings
           of
           our
           Spirits
           .
           As
           when
           a
           Seditious
           Multitude
           is
           in
           an
           uproar
           ,
           the
           presence
           of
           a
           grave
           and
           venerable
           person
           will
           hush
           the
           noise
           ,
           and
           quell
           the
           tumult
           ;
           so
           if
           we
           would
           but
           represent
           God
           as
           present
           to
           all
           actions
           ,
           and
           governing
           and
           disposing
           all
           Events
           ,
           this
           would
           still
           and
           appease
           our
           Spirits
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           ready
           to
           riot
           and
           mutiny
           against
           any
           of
           his
           Dispensations
           .
        
         
         
           
             Vse
             the
             Second
          
           .
           If
           God
           be
           
             the
             last
             End
          
           of
           all
           ,
           let
           us
           make
           him
           our
           last
           End
           ,
           and
           refer
           all
           our
           Actions
           to
           his
           glory
           .
           This
           is
           that
           which
           is
           due
           to
           him
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           
             the
             first
             Cause
          
           ,
           and
           therefore
           he
           does
           most
           reasonably
           require
           it
           of
           us
           .
        
         
           And
           herein
           likewise
           the
           Scripture
           doth
           excel
           all
           other
           Books
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           doth
           more
           frequently
           and
           expresly
           mind
           us
           of
           this
           End
           ,
           and
           calls
           upon
           us
           to
           propose
           it
           to
           our selves
           as
           our
           ultimate
           aim
           and
           design
           .
           We
           should
           love
           him
           as
           our
           chief
           End
           ,
           Mat.
           22.37
           .
           
             Thou
             shalt
             love
             the
             Lord
             thy
             God
             with
             all
             thy
             heart
             ,
             and
             with
             all
             thy
             soul
             ,
             and
             with
             all
             thy
             mind
             .
          
           Thus
           to
           love
           God
           is
           that
           which
           ,
           in
           the
           language
           of
           the
           Schools
           ,
           is
           loving
           God
           as
           our
           
             Chief
             End.
          
           So
           likewise
           the
           Apostle
           requires
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           refer
           all
           the
           Actions
           of
           our
           lives
           to
           this
           End
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           10.31
           .
           
             Whether
             ye
             eat
             or
             drink
             ,
             do
             all
             to
             the
             glory
             of
             God
          
           ;
           that
           we
           should
           
             glorifie
             
             him
             in
             our
             souls
             ,
             and
             in
             our
             bodies
             ,
             which
             are
             his
             .
          
           He
           is
           the
           Author
           of
           all
           the
           powers
           that
           we
           have
           ,
           and
           therefore
           we
           should
           use
           them
           for
           him
           ;
           we
           do
           all
           by
           him
           ,
           and
           therefore
           we
           should
           do
           all
           to
           him
           .
        
         
           And
           that
           we
           may
           the
           better
           understand
           our selves
           as
           to
           this
           duty
           ,
           I
           shall
           endeavour
           to
           give
           satisfaction
           to
           a
           Question
           or
           two
           which
           may
           arise
           about
           it
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           Whether
           an
           actual
           intention
           of
           God's
           Glory
           be
           necessary
           to
           make
           every
           Action
           that
           we
           do
           ,
           good
           and
           acceptable
           to
           God
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           1.
           
           It
           is
           necessary
           that
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           either
           Formally
           or
           Virtually
           should
           be
           the
           ultimate
           end
           and
           scope
           of
           our
           lives
           ,
           and
           all
           our
           Actions
           ;
           otherwise
           they
           will
           be
           defective
           in
           that
           which
           in
           moral
           Actions
           is
           most
           considerable
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           
             the
             End.
          
           If
           a
           man
           should
           keep
           all
           the
           Commandments
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           this
           excepted
           of
           making
           God's
           glory
           his
           Supreme
           End
           ,
           only
           
           with
           a
           design
           to
           gain
           reputation
           ,
           or
           some
           other
           advantage
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           this
           very
           thing
           would
           vitiate
           all
           ,
           and
           render
           him
           unacceptable
           to
           God.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           is
           very
           requisite
           and
           convenient
           ,
           as
           a
           good
           sign
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           very
           frequently
           ,
           actually
           think
           upon
           ,
           and
           intend
           this
           End
           ;
           for
           if
           it
           be
           very
           much
           out
           of
           our
           thoughts
           ,
           we
           have
           some
           reason
           to
           be
           jealous
           of
           our selves
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           not
           intend
           it
           at
           all
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           It
           is
           so
           far
           from
           being
           necessary
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           in
           every
           Action
           have
           this
           intention
           of
           God's
           glory
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           not
           morally
           possible
           that
           we
           should
           ;
           no
           more
           than
           it
           is
           possible
           ,
           that
           a
           man
           that
           goes
           a
           Journey
           of
           a
           thousand
           miles
           ,
           should
           every
           step
           he
           takes
           have
           actual
           thoughts
           of
           his
           Journey
           's
           end
           :
           nor
           is
           it
           more
           necessary
           ;
           for
           consideration
           of
           the
           end
           is
           only
           so
           far
           necessary
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           necessary
           to
           guide
           and
           quicken
           us
           in
           the
           use
           of
           means
           ;
           as
           it
           is
           not
           necessary
           for
           a
           man
           to
           think
           of
           
           his
           journey's
           end
           ,
           further
           than
           to
           direct
           and
           excite
           him
           to
           go
           thither
           .
           And
           this
           appears
           further
           by
           the
           contrary
           ;
           it
           is
           not
           necessary
           to
           make
           a
           sinful
           Action
           ,
           that
           a
           man
           should
           Formally
           ,
           much
           less
           Actually
           intend
           God's
           dishonour
           ;
           it
           is
           enough
           to
           constitute
           a
           man
           a
           wicked
           man
           ,
           if
           he
           willingly
           transgress
           God's
           Law
           ,
           the
           doing
           whereof
           does
           by
           consequence
           reflect
           a
           dishonour
           upon
           him
           :
           so
           on
           the
           other
           hand
           ,
           it
           is
           sufficient
           to
           make
           an
           Action
           good
           and
           acceptable
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           conformable
           to
           God's
           Law
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           by
           consequence
           redounds
           to
           God's
           glory
           .
        
         
           Second
           Question
           .
           Whether
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           may
           ,
           or
           ought
           to
           be
           considered
           ,
           as
           an
           End
           separate
           and
           distinct
           from
           our
           own
           Happiness
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           I
           shall
           speak
           but
           briefly
           to
           this
           ,
           because
           I
           have
           elsewhere
           spoken
           to
           it
           ;
           but
           in
           that
           little
           which
           I
           have
           to
           say
           for
           satisfaction
           to
           this
           Question
           ,
           I
           will
           proceed
           by
           these
           steps
           .
        
         
         
           I.
           By
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           we
           mean
           the
           Demonstration
           ,
           or
           Illustration
           ,
           or
           Manifestation
           of
           some
           or
           all
           of
           his
           Perfections
           ,
           more
           especially
           his
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           Mercy
           ,
           and
           Justice
           ,
           and
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           Power
           ,
           and
           Holiness
           .
        
         
           II.
           It
           is
           plain
           that
           the
           manifestation
           of
           some
           of
           these
           Perfections
           is
           a
           thing
           that
           may
           be
           separated
           from
           the
           Happiness
           of
           a
           Creature
           ;
           for
           his
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           Justice
           ,
           and
           Power
           ,
           may
           and
           shall
           be
           manifested
           in
           the
           final
           and
           eternal
           ruin
           of
           impenitent
           sinners
           .
        
         
           III.
           The
           Manifestation
           of
           any
           of
           God's
           Perfections
           ,
           ought
           many
           times
           to
           be
           propounded
           by
           us
           as
           an
           end
           distinct
           and
           separate
           from
           our
           respective
           Happiness
           ;
           such
           a
           Happiness
           ,
           as
           respects
           only
           some
           particulars
           ,
           and
           some
           particular
           duration
           ,
           in
           opposition
           to
           absolute
           and
           Eternal
           Happiness
           .
           In
           this
           sense
           our
           Saviour
           says
           ,
           that
           he
           
             sought
             not
             his
             own
             Glory
             ,
             but
             the
             Glory
             of
             him
             that
             sent
             him
          
           ;
           by
           which
           he
           
           does
           not
           mean
           ,
           that
           he
           quitted
           everlasting
           Glory
           and
           Happiness
           ;
           but
           that
           in
           order
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           he
           did
           for
           a
           time
           lay
           aside
           his
           own
           glory
           ,
           and
           divest
           himself
           of
           it
           while
           he
           was
           in
           this
           World
           ;
           for
           the
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           encouraged
           to
           do
           this
           out
           of
           a
           respect
           to
           a
           greater
           glory
           ,
           Heb.
           12.2
           .
           
             Who
             for
             the
             Joy
             that
             was
             set
             before
             him
             ,
             endured
             the
             Cross
             ,
             despising
             the
             shame
             ,
             and
             is
             set
             down
             at
             the
             right
             hand
             of
             the
             throne
             of
             God.
          
           And
           in
           this
           sense
           ,
           we
           are
           to
           understand
           the
           command
           of
           self-denial
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           with
           reference
           to
           our
           particular
           or
           temporal
           ,
           not
           our
           eternal
           interest
           ;
           and
           that
           it
           is
           no
           more
           ,
           is
           plain
           from
           the
           Argument
           our
           Saviour
           uses
           to
           encourage
           this
           self-denial
           ,
           the
           promise
           of
           a
           far
           greater
           Happiness
           than
           that
           we
           deny
           ;
           no
           man
           that
           
             forsakes
             father
             and
             mother
             for
             my
             sake
             ,
          
           but
           shall
           
             have
             eternal
             life
          
           ;
           And
           proportionably
           we
           are
           to
           understand
           those
           Commands
           of
           loving
           Christ
           more
           than
           our selves
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           more
           than
           any
           temporal
           interest
           ▪
        
         
         
           IV.
           The
           manifestation
           of
           any
           of
           God's
           Perfections
           ,
           neither
           ought
           nor
           can
           reasonably
           be
           propounded
           by
           us
           ,
           as
           an
           End
           separated
           from
           ,
           or
           opposite
           to
           our
           Eternal
           Blessedness
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           we
           cannot
           naturally
           or
           reasonably
           desire
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           should
           be
           advanced
           ,
           tho'
           it
           were
           to
           our
           final
           ruin
           ,
           either
           by
           annihilation
           ,
           or
           
             eternal
             misery
          
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           We
           cannot
           either
           naturally
           ,
           or
           reasonably
           desire
           God
           should
           be
           glorified
           by
           our
           annihilation
           .
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           Not
           naturally
           .
           Because
           such
           a
           desire
           would
           be
           directly
           contrary
           to
           the
           natural
           desire
           of
           self-preservation
           ,
           which
           God
           himself
           hath
           planted
           in
           us
           ,
           and
           is
           most
           intimate
           and
           essential
           to
           our
           Natures
           .
        
         
           (
           2.
           )
           Not
           reasonably
           .
           Because
           it
           is
           utterly
           unimaginable
           ,
           how
           God
           can
           be
           glorified
           by
           the
           annihilation
           of
           a
           Creature
           .
           All
           the
           Attributes
           that
           we
           can
           imagine
           can
           be
           manifested
           herein
           ,
           are
           Power
           and
           Soveraignty
           ;
           his
           Power
           hath
           already
           been
           as
           much
           manifested
           in
           creating
           
           and
           making
           the
           Creature
           out
           of
           nothing
           ,
           as
           it
           can
           be
           by
           reducing
           it
           into
           nothing
           ;
           for
           to
           Create
           is
           the
           very
           same
           demonstration
           of
           Power
           ,
           as
           to
           annihilate
           .
           And
           as
           for
           his
           Soveraignty
           ,
           God
           will
           never
           manifest
           that
           in
           contradiction
           to
           his
           Goodness
           ,
           or
           Wisdom
           ,
           or
           any
           other
           Perfection
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           .
           To
           unmake
           a
           Creature
           ,
           and
           take
           away
           the
           Being
           which
           he
           had
           given
           ,
           would
           argue
           either
           a
           failure
           of
           his
           Goodness
           toward
           the
           Creature
           ,
           or
           that
           he
           did
           repent
           he
           had
           made
           it
           ,
           which
           would
           reflect
           upon
           his
           Wisdom
           and
           Constancy
           .
           I
           do
           not
           say
           ,
           that
           in
           Justice
           God
           cannot
           annihilate
           a
           Creature
           ;
           far
           be
           it
           from
           me
           ;
           for
           what
           he
           gave
           was
           his
           own
           ,
           and
           he
           may
           without
           any
           wrong
           to
           the
           Creature
           take
           it
           again
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Much
           less
           can
           we
           naturally
           desire
           that
           God
           should
           be
           glorified
           in
           our
           
             Eternal
             Misery
          
           .
           The
           Reasons
           which
           I
           gave
           about
           annihilation
           are
           stronger
           here
           ;
           therefore
           we
           cannot
           naturally
           desire
           it
           ;
           nor
           reasonably
           ,
           for
           the
           demonstration
           of
           his
           
           Power
           ,
           or
           Soveraignty
           ,
           or
           Justice
           ,
           or
           Holiness
           ,
           which
           I
           think
           are
           all
           the
           Attributes
           which
           we
           can
           imagine
           to
           be
           glorified
           hereby
           .
           Not
           as
           the
           Manifestation
           of
           his
           Power
           ;
           for
           that
           would
           be
           as
           much
           manifested
           in
           the
           Happiness
           ,
           as
           Misery
           of
           the
           Creature
           :
           Not
           of
           his
           Soveraignty
           ;
           for
           God
           will
           not
           manifest
           that
           in
           contradiction
           to
           his
           Goodness
           ,
           upon
           which
           nothing
           can
           reflect
           more
           ,
           than
           
             merely
             ,
             pro
             arbitrio
             ,
             for
             his
             pleasure
             ,
          
           to
           make
           an
           innocent
           Creature
           for
           ever
           miserable
           :
           Not
           his
           Justice
           ,
           and
           Holiness
           ;
           for
           these
           presuppose
           sin
           and
           demerit
           in
           the
           Creature
           ,
           out
           of
           hatred
           to
           which
           he
           makes
           it
           miserable
           ;
           but
           God
           hath
           declared
           that
           he
           esteems
           himself
           more
           glorified
           by
           the
           Obedience
           and
           Happiness
           of
           his
           Creatures
           ,
           than
           by
           their
           sin
           and
           destruction
           ;
           and
           if
           it
           were
           reasonable
           to
           desire
           the
           Justice
           and
           Holiness
           of
           God
           might
           be
           glorified
           in
           my
           eternal
           ruin
           ,
           which
           I
           have
           deserved
           by
           sin
           ,
           this
           would
           plainly
           follow
           from
           it
           ,
           that
           it
           were
           reasonable
           
             to
             sin
             ,
             that
             Justice
             might
             abound
             ,
          
           which
           of
           the
           two
           is
           a
           greater
           Absurdity
           ,
           than
           that
           which
           the
           Apostle
           
           condemns
           ,
           of
           
             sinning
             that
             grace
             may
             abound
          
           .
        
         
           V.
           There
           is
           a
           strict
           and
           inviolable
           connexion
           between
           the
           greatest
           glory
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           our
           Obedience
           and
           Happiness
           :
           I
           say
           ,
           between
           his
           greatest
           glory
           ;
           because
           he
           esteems
           himself
           more
           glorified
           by
           the
           Obedience
           and
           Happiness
           of
           his
           Creatures
           ,
           than
           by
           their
           ruin
           and
           misery
           ;
           and
           that
           we
           may
           believe
           it
           ,
           we
           have
           his
           Oath
           for
           it
           ,
           
             As
             I
             live
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ,
             I
             delight
             not
             in
             the
             death
             of
             a
             sinner
             ,
             but
             rather
             that
             he
             should
             turn
             ,
             and
             live
             .
          
           And
           it
           is
           observable
           ,
           that
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           in
           1
           Cor.
           10.31
           ,
           32
           ,
           33.
           
           
             Whether
             ye
             eat
             or
             drink
             ,
             or
             whatsoever
             ye
             do
             ,
             do
             all
             to
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
             giving
             none
             offence
             ,
             neither
             to
             the
             Jews
             ,
             nor
             to
             the
             Gentiles
             ,
             nor
             to
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             ;
             even
             as
             I
             please
             all
             men
             ,
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             not
             seeking
             mine
             own
             profit
             ,
             but
             the
             profit
             of
             many
             that
             they
             may
             be
             saved
          
           ;
           explains
           
             the
             glorifying
             of
             God
          
           ,
           by
           
             edifying
             ,
             and
             promoting
             the
             Salvation
             of
             others
             .
          
        
         
           VI.
           We
           may
           consider
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           some
           ways
           distinct
           from
           
           our
           Happiness
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           we
           may
           consider
           the
           manifestation
           of
           his
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           Mercy
           ,
           and
           Wisdom
           ,
           in
           our
           Happiness
           ,
           as
           that
           which
           results
           from
           it
           :
           but
           this
           is
           not
           enough
           to
           make
           it
           a
           distinct
           End
           ,
           but
           the
           same
           diversly
           consider'd
           ;
           as
           the
           publick
           good
           is
           that
           which
           results
           from
           the
           general
           good
           of
           particular
           Persons
           ,
           but
           cannot
           reasonably
           be
           propounded
           by
           any
           man
           ,
           as
           an
           End
           distinct
           from
           the
           general
           Happiness
           of
           particular
           Persons
           ,
           without
           ruining
           and
           destroying
           the
           Notion
           of
           publick
           good
           .
        
         
           VII
           .
           Tho'
           considered
           as
           we
           are
           particular
           Beings
           ,
           we
           can
           have
           no
           greater
           End
           than
           our
           own
           Happiness
           ,
           in
           which
           God
           is
           eminently
           glorified
           ,
           yet
           as
           we
           are
           part
           of
           the
           whole
           Creation
           and
           Workmanship
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           noblest
           consideration
           of
           our selves
           ,
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           which
           results
           from
           the
           manifestation
           of
           all
           his
           Perfections
           in
           and
           about
           his
           Creatures
           ,
           is
           precisely
           our
           ultimate
           End
           ,
           and
           yet
           not
           an
           End
           really
           distinct
           from
           our
           own
           Happiness
           ;
           and
           therefore
           
           it
           is
           most
           proper
           ,
           and
           becoming
           ,
           and
           agreeable
           to
           the
           wise
           style
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           to
           give
           our
           End
           its
           denomination
           ,
           not
           from
           the
           more
           particular
           and
           narrow
           ,
           but
           the
           more
           noble
           consideration
           of
           our selves
           ,
           as
           we
           are
           parts
           of
           the
           whole
           Creation
           and
           Workmanship
           of
           God
           ;
           as
           it
           is
           more
           generous
           and
           becoming
           for
           the
           Members
           of
           a
           Civil
           Society
           to
           mention
           the
           publick
           good
           as
           their
           End
           ,
           than
           their
           private
           Happiness
           and
           Advantage
           ,
           tho'
           that
           be
           so
           really
           and
           effectually
           promoted
           by
           the
           publick
           good
           .
        
         
           Thus
           I
           have
           finish'd
           what
           I
           propos'd
           on
           this
           Argument
           ,
           and
           concerning
           the
           Attributes
           of
           God
           in
           general
           ;
           
             Of
             whom
             ,
             and
             through
             whom
             ,
             and
             to
             whom
             are
             all
             things
             .
             To
             Him
             be
             Glory
             for
             ever
             .
          
           Amen
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           ADVERTISEMENT
           .
        
         
           THE
           Sermons
           concerning
           the
           Divine
           Attributes
           ,
           contained
           in
           this
           ,
           and
           the
           former
           Volume
           ,
           having
           not
           been
           transcrib'd
           ,
           and
           consequently
           not
           printed
           ,
           in
           the
           Order
           in
           which
           they
           were
           preach'd
           ,
           and
           there
           being
           also
           two
           other
           Sermons
           publish'd
           by
           the
           most
           Reverend
           Author
           himself
           ,
           relating
           to
           the
           Divine
           Being
           ;
           It
           may
           not
           be
           unacceptable
           to
           the
           Reader
           ,
           to
           present
           him
           with
           a
           Scheme
           of
           the
           Order
           in
           which
           they
           seem
           to
           have
           been
           design'd
           ;
           viz.
           
        
         
           
             1
             Serm.
             Concerning
             the
             Existence
             of
             God
             ,
             or
             the
             Unreasonableness
             of
             Atheism
             .
             Job
             28.28
             .
          
           
             1
             Serm.
             Concerning
             the
             Unity
             of
             the
             Divine
             Nature
             ,
             and
             the
             B.
             Trinity
             .
             1
             Tim.
             2.15
             .
          
           
             These
             two
             publish'd
             by
             the
             Author
             .
          
        
         
           
             
               These
               following
               from
               the
               Originals
               ,
               by
               Dr.
               Barker
               .
            
             
               
                  
              
               
                 Vol.
                 
              
               
                 pag.
                 
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Perfection
                 of
                 God.
                 2
                 Serm.
                 Matth.
                 5.48
                 .
              
               
                 6
              
               
                 ●
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Happiness
                 of
                 God.
                 1
                 Serm.
                 1
                 Tim.
                 1.11
                 .
              
               
                 6
              
               
                 67
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Unchangeableness
                 of
                 God.
                 1
                 Serm.
                 Jam.
                 1.17
                 .
              
               
                 6
              
               
                 97
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Spirituality
                 of
                 the
                 Divine
                 Nature
                 .
                 1
                 Serm.
                 John
                 4.24
                 .
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 299
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Immensity
                 of
                 the
                 Divine
                 Nature
                 .
                 1
                 Serm.
                 Ps
                 .
                 139.7
                 ,
                 8
                 ,
                 9
                 ,
                 10.
                 
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 331
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Eternity
                 of
                 God.
                 1
                 Serm.
                 Ps
                 .
                 90.2
                 .
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 355
              
            
             
               
                 
                 The
                 Knowledge
                 of
                 God.
                 2
                 Serm.
                 1
                 Sam.
                 2.3
                 .
              
               
                 6
              
               
                 121
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Wisdom
                 of
                 God.
                 1
                 Serm.
                 *
                 Jude
                 25.
                 
              
               
                 6
              
               
                 187
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Wisdom
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 the
                 Creation
                 .
                 1
                 Serm.
                 Ps
                 .
                 104.24
                 .
              
               
                 6
              
               
                 219
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Wisdom
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 his
                 Providence
                 .
                 1
                 Serm.
                 1
                 Pet.
                 5.7
                 .
              
               
                 6
              
               
                 243
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Wisdom
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 the
                 Redemption
                 of
                 Mankind
                 .
                 1
                 Serm.
                 1
                 Cor.
                 1.24
                 .
              
               
                 6
              
               
                 275
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Justice
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 distribution
                 of
                 Rewards
                 and
                 Punishments
                 .
                 1
                 Serm.
                 Gen.
                 18.25
                 .
              
               
                 6
              
               
                 305
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Truth
                 of
                 God.
                 1
                 Serm.
                 Deut.
                 32.4
                 .
              
               
                 6
              
               
                 337
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Holiness
                 of
                 God.
                 1
                 Serm.
                 1
                 Pet.
                 ●
                 .
                 16
                 .
              
               
                 6
              
               
                 369
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Goodness
                 of
                 God.
                 4
                 Serm.
                 Ps
                 .
                 145.9
                 .
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 1
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Mercy
                 of
                 God.
                 1
                 Serm.
                 Numb
                 .
                 14.18
                 .
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 105
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Patience
                 of
                 God.
                 2
                 Serm.
                 2
                 Pet.
                 3.9
                 .
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 143
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Long-Suffering
                 of
                 God.
                 2
                 Serm.
                 Eccl.
                 8.11
                 .
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 193
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Power
                 of
                 God.
                 1
                 Serm.
                 Psal
                 .
                 62.11
                 .
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 265
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Incomprehensibleness
                 of
                 God.
                 1
                 Serm.
                 Job
                 11.7
                 .
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 377
              
            
             
               
                 God
                 the
                 first
                 Cause
                 ,
                 and
                 last
                 End.
                 1
                 Serm.
                 Rom.
                 11.36
                 .
              
               
                 7
              
               
                 403
              
            
          
        
         
      
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A62579-e760
           
             Vol.
             VII
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A62579-e2670
           
             Vol
             VII
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A62579-e4320
           
             Vol.
             VII
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A62579-e6920
           
             Vol.
             VII
             .
          
           
             
               This
               Sermon
               was
               preach'd
               before
               the
               late
               happy
               Revolution
               .
            
          
        
         
           Notes for div A62579-e8470
           
             Vol.
             VII
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A62579-e11320
           
             Vol
             VII
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A62579-e13530
           
             Vol.
             VII
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A62579-e15360
           
             Vol.
             VII
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A62579-e17830
           
             Vol.
             VII
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A62579-e19050
           
             Vol.
             VII·
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A62579-e21650
           
             Vol.
             VII·
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A62579-e24400
           
             Vol.
             VII
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A62579-e26540
           
             Vol.
             VII
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A62579-e28800
           
             Vol.
             VII
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A62579-e30720
           
             Vol.
             VII
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A62579-e32730
           
             *
             [
             
               In
               which
               also
               the
            
             Majesty
             and
             Glory
             ,
             the
             Dominion
             and
             Soveraingty
             
               of
               God
               ,
               are
               treated
               of
               .
            
             ]