any_o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v you_o so_o also_o do_v you_o and_o we_o continual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n both_o from_o god_n and_o man._n we_o be_v liable_a one_o to_o another_o and_o in_o the_o change_n of_o human_a affair_n we_o may_v be_v all_o subject_n to_o one_o another_o by_o turn_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o one_o another_o pity_n and_o compassion_n and_o we_o must_v expect_v that_o with_o what_o measure_n we_o meet_v to_o other_o with_o the_o same_o it_o shall_v be_v measure_v to_o we_o again_o to_o restrain_v the_o cruelty_n and_o check_v the_o insolence_n of_o man_n god_n have_v so_o order_v in_o his_o providence_n that_o very_o often_o in_o this_o world_n man_n cruelty_n return_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n and_o their_o violent_a deal_n upon_o their_o own_o pate_n bajazet_n meet_v with_o a_o tamerlane_n but_o if_o man_n be_v not_o thus_o liable_a to_o one_o another_o we_o all_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n from_o god_n if_o we_o be_v merciful_a to_o other_o in_o suffer_v and_o forgive_a they_o that_o have_v injure_v we_o god_n will_v be_v so_o to_o we_o he_o will_v pardon_v our_o sin_n to_o we_o prov._n 16.5_o by_o mercy_n and_o truth_n iniquity_n be_v purge_v 2._o sam._n 22.26_o with_o the_o merciful_a thou_o will_v show_v thyself_o merciful_a prov._n 14.21_o he_o that_o have_v mercy_n on_o the_o poor_a happy_a be_v he_o prov._n 21.21_o he_o that_o follow_v after_o mercy_n find_v life_n matth._n 6.14_o if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v you_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o be_v malicious_a and_o revengeful_a and_o implacable_a to_o those_o that_o have_v offend_v we_o and_o inexorable_a to_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v receive_v to_o favour_n and_o cruel_a to_o those_o who_o lie_v at_o our_o mercy_n hard_o heart_v to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o necessity_n what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n will_v leave_v we_o that_o he_o will_v forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o shut_v up_o in_o anger_n his_o tender_a mercy_n mat._n 6.15_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n that_o be_v a_o dreadful_a passage_n s._n james_n 2.13_o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n that_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n how_o angry_a be_v the_o lord_n with_o the_o servant_n who_o be_v so_o inexorable_a to_o his_o fellow_n servant_n after_o he_o have_v forgive_v he_o so_o great_a a_o debt_n as_o you_o find_v in_o the_o parable_n mat._n 18.24_o he_o owe_v he_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n and_o upon_o his_o submission_n and_o entreaty_n to_o have_v patience_n with_o he_o he_o be_v move_v with_o compassion_n and_o loose_v he_o and_o forgive_v he_o all_o but_o no_o soon_o have_v this_o favour_n be_v do_v to_o he_o by_o his_o lord_n but_o go_v forth_o he_o meet_v his_o fellow_n servant_n who_o owe_v he_o a_o small_a inconsiderable_a debt_n a_o hundred_o penny_n he_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o and_o take_v he_o by_o the_o throat_n and_o roundly_o demand_v payment_n of_o he_o he_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o supplication_n that_o he_o have_v use_v to_o his_o lord_n but_o he_o reject_v his_o request_n and_o put_v he_o in_o prison_n now_o what_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o he_o v._o 32_o 33_o 34._o o_o thou_o wicked_a servant_n i_o forgive_v thou_o all_o the_o debt_n because_o thou_o desire_v i_o shall_v not_o thou_o also_o have_v have_v compassion_n on_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n even_o as_o i_o have_v pity_n on_o thou_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o tormentor_n till_o he_o shall_v pay_v all_o that_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o now_o what_o application_n do_v our_o saviour_n make_v of_o this_o v._o 35._o so_o likewise_o shall_v my_o heavenly_a father_n do_v also_o unto_o you_o if_o you_o from_o your_o heart_n forgive_v not_o every_o one_o his_o brother_n their_o trespass_n god_n readiness_n to_o forgive_v we_o shall_v be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o forgive_v other_o the_o great_a injury_n that_o we_o can_v suffer_v from_o man_n if_o we_o compare_v they_o to_o the_o sin_n that_o we_o commit_v against_o god_n they_o bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o they_o neither_o in_o weight_n nor_o number_n they_o be_v but_o as_o a_o hundred_o penny_n to_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n if_o we_o will_v be_v like_o god_n we_o shall_v forgive_v the_o great_a injury_n he_o pardon_v our_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v exceed_o great_a many_o injury_n though_o offence_n be_v renew_v and_o provocation_n multiply_v for_o so_o god_n do_v to_o we_o he_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n ex._n 34.7_o be_v 55.7_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v we_o will_v not_o have_v god_n only_o to_o forgive_v we_o seven_o time_n but_o seventy_o seven_o time_n as_o often_o as_o we_o offend_v he_o so_o shall_v we_o forgive_v our_o brother_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v backward_o to_o this_o work_n god_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v we_o neh._n 9.17_o and_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o hearty_o not_o only_o in_o word_n when_o we_o retain_v malice_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o while_o we_o say_v we_o forgive_v carry_v on_o a_o secret_a design_n in_o our_o heart_n of_o revenge_a ourselves_o when_o we_o have_v opportunity_n but_o we_o shall_v from_o our_o heart_n forgive_v every_o one_o for_o so_o god_n do_v to_o we_o who_o when_o he_o forgive_v we_o cast_v our_o iniquity_n behind_o his_o back_n and_o throw_v they_o into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o blot_v out_o our_o transgression_n so_o as_o to_o remember_v our_o iniquity_n no_o more_o if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v thus_o every_o time_n we_o put_v up_o the_o petition_n to_o god_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v for_o mercy_n but_o for_o judgement_n we_o invoke_v his_o wrath_n and_o do_v not_o put_v up_o a_o prayer_n but_o a_o dreadful_a imprecation_n against_o ourselves_o we_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o our_o own_o condemnation_n and_o importune_v god_n not_o to_o forgive_v we_o use_v 4._o if_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v so_o great_a this_o may_v comfort_v we_o against_o despair_n sinner_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v deject_v when_o they_o consider_v their_o unworthiness_n the_o nature_n and_o number_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o many_o heavy_a aggravation_n of_o they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v with_o cain_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v great_a than_o can_v be_v forgive_v but_o do_v not_o look_v only_o upon_o thy_o sin_n but_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n thou_o can_v not_o be_v too_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o desert_n of_o it_o but_o whilst_o we_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n we_o must_v not_o lessen_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o multitude_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o must_v consider_v also_o the_o multitude_n of_o god_n tender_a mercy_n we_o have_v be_v great_a sinner_n and_o god_n be_v of_o great_a mercy_n we_o have_v multiply_v our_o provocation_n and_o he_o multiply_v to_o pardon_v do_v but_o thou_o put_v thyself_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o mercy_n by_o repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n and_o forsake_v of_o they_o and_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n will_v receive_v thou_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v merciful_a and_o faithful_a to_o forgive_v they_o if_o we_o have_v offend_v man_n as_o we_o have_v do_v god_n we_o may_v despair_v of_o pardon_n but_o it_o be_v god_n and_o not_o man_n that_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o and_o his_o way_n be_v not_o as_o our_o way_n nor_o his_o thought_n as_o our_o thought_n but_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v his_o way_n above_o our_o way_n and_o his_o thought_n above_o our_o thought_n we_o can_v be_v more_o injurious_a to_o god_n than_o by_o hard_a thought_n of_o he_o as_o if_o fury_n be_v in_o he_o and_o when_o we_o have_v provoke_v he_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v appease_v and_o reconcile_v to_o we_o we_o disparage_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n when_o we_o distrust_v those_o gracious_a declaration_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n if_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o he_o do_v hearty_o pity_v and_o compassionate_a sinner_n and_o real_o dedesire_v their_o happiness_n do_v not_o he_o condescend_v so_o low_a as_o to_o represent_v himself_o afflict_v for_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v in_o
good_a earnest_n do_v christ_n weep_v over_o impenitent_a sinner_n because_o they_o will_v not_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o can_v thou_o think_v he_o will_v not_o pardon_v thou_o upon_o thy_o repentance_n be_v he_o grieve_v that_o man_n will_v undo_v themselves_o and_o will_v not_o be_v save_v and_o can_v thou_o think_v that_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o forgive_v we_o can_v honour_v and_o glorify_v god_n more_o than_o by_o entertain_v great_a thought_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o we_o be_v say_v to_o glorify_v god_n by_o our_o repentance_n because_o thereby_o we_o acknowledge_v god_n holiness_n and_o justice_n so_o we_o glorify_v he_o by_o believe_v his_o mercy_n because_o we_o conceive_v a_o right_a opinion_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o truth_n we_o set_v to_o our_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o true_a psal_n 147.11_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n as_o he_o delight_v in_o mercy_n so_o in_o our_o acknowledgement_n of_o it_o that_o sinner_n shall_v conceive_v great_a hope_n of_o it_o and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v provide_v thou_o do_v submit_v to_o the_o term_n of_o god_n mercy_n thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o despair_v of_o it_o and_o he_o that_o think_v that_o his_o sin_n be_v more_o or_o great_a than_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n can_v pardon_v must_v think_v that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o evil_a in_o the_o creature_n than_o there_o be_v goodness_n in_o god_n use_v 5._o by_o way_n of_o caution_n against_o the_o presumptuous_a sinner_n if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o trespass_n upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o presume_v to_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n upon_o the_o hope_n of_o his_o mercy_n let_v such_o know_v that_o god_n be_v just_a as_o well_o as_o merciful_a a_o god_n all_o of_o mercy_n be_v a_o idol_n such_o a_o god_n as_o man_n set_v up_o in_o their_o own_o imagination_n but_o not_o the_o true_a god_n who_o the_o scripture_n describe_v to_o such_o person_n the_o scripture_n describe_v he_o after_o another_o manner_n nah._o 1.2_o god_n be_v jealous_a the_o lord_n revenge_v and_o be_v furious_a the_o lord_n will_v take_v vengeance_n on_o his_o adversary_n and_o reserve_v wrath_n for_o his_o enemy_n if_o any_o man_n abuse_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o wickedness_n and_o bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o add_v drunkeness_n to_o thirst_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o but_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o that_o man_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n shall_v lie_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o will_v blot_v out_o his_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n deut._n 29.19_o 20._o though_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v merciful_a yet_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v regulate_v by_o his_o wisdom_n he_o will_v not_o be_v merciful_a to_o those_o that_o despise_v his_o mercy_n to_o those_o that_o abuse_v it_o to_o those_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n to_o tempt_v his_o mercy_n and_o make_v bold_a to_o say_v let_v we_o sin_v that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n design_n his_o mercy_n for_o those_o that_o be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o be_v 55.7_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o his_o justice_n and_o it_o be_v no_o where_n offer_v to_o countenance_n sin_n but_o to_o convert_v the_o sinner_n and_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o encourage_v our_o impenitency_n but_o our_o repentance_n god_n have_v no_o where_o say_v that_o he_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o those_o who_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v bold_a with_o he_o and_o presume_v to_o offend_v he_o but_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v fear_v but_o not_o that_o he_o may_v be_v despise_v and_o affront_v this_o be_v to_o contradict_v the_o very_a end_n of_o god_n mercy_n which_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n not_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o continue_v in_o they_o take_v heed_n then_o of_o abuse_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n we_o can_v provoke_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n more_o than_o by_o presume_v upon_o his_o mercy_n this_o be_v the_o time_n of_o god_n mercy_n use_v this_o opportunity_n if_o thou_o neglecte_v it_o a_o day_n of_o justice_n and_o vengeance_n be_v come_v rom._n 2.4_o 5._o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n and_o treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n now_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n mercy_n but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n a_o come_n when_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n will_v be_v reveal_v against_o those_o who_o abuse_v his_o mercy_n not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n to_o think_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v intend_v for_o any_o other_o end_n than_o to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o sin_n be_v a_o gross_a and_o affect_a ignorance_n that_o will_v ruin_v we_o and_o they_o who_o draw_v any_o conclusion_n from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o may_v harden_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o be_v 27.11_o a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n therefore_o he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o save_v they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o will_v have_v no_o mercy_n on_o they_o mercy_n itself_o will_v rejoice_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o that_o abuse_v it_o and_o it_o will_v aggravate_v their_o condemnation_n there_o be_v no_o person_n towards_o who_o god_n will_v be_v more_o severe_o just_a than_o towards_o such_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n exasperate_v and_o set_v on_o by_o his_o injure_a and_o abuse_a mercy_n like_o a_o razor_n set_v in_o oil_n will_v have_v the_o keen_a edge_n and_o be_v the_o sharp_a for_o its_o smoothness_n those_o that_o have_v make_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n their_o enemy_n must_v expect_v the_o worst_a his_o justice_n can_v do_v unto_o they_o sermon_n vi_o vii_o vol_n vii_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n 2_o pet._n iii_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long-suffering_a not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n put_v the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n concern_v the_o general_a judgement_n of_o the_o world_n which_o by_o many_o and_o perhaps_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v be_v think_v to_o be_v very_o near_o and_o that_o it_o will_v present_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o before_o that_o there_o will_v arise_v a_o certain_a sect_n or_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o will_v deride_v the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n design_v probable_o the_o carpocratian_o a_o branch_n of_o that_o large_a sect_n of_o the_o gnostic_n of_o who_o st._n austin_n express_o say_v that_o they_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n and_o consequent_o a_o future_a judgement_n these_o st._n peter_n call_v scoffer_n v._o 3_o 4._o know_v this_o first_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o declaration_n in_o general_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o promise_n or_o threaten_v what_o be_v become_v of_o that_o declaration_n of_o christ_n so_o frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a or_o save_v that_o the_o father_n be_v fall_v asleep_o except_o only_o that_o man_n die_v and_o one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o world_n continue_v still_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o
wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o make_v a_o creature_n of_o such_o a_o frame_n as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v its_o obedience_n try_v in_o order_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o such_o a_o creature_n be_v make_v mutable_a and_o by_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o its_o liberty_n capable_a of_o obey_v or_o disobey_v the_o law_n of_o his_o creator_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o sin_v there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n and_o nothing_o but_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n be_v capable_a of_o reward_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o be_v sufficient_o vindicate_v in_o that_o he_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n and_o give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n and_o power_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o end_n and_o it_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n contradict_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o do_v not_o by_o his_o omnipotency_n interpose_v to_o prevent_v our_o sin_n for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o let_v man_n be_v the_o creature_n he_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o his_o own_o free_a choice_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o god_n make_v man_n good_a at_o first_o though_o mutable_a and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o power_n to_o have_v continue_v so_o though_o he_o wilful_o determine_v himself_o to_o evil_a this_o acquit_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o make_v man_n upright_o but_o he_o find_v out_o to_o himself_o many_o invention_n 2._o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v such_o a_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o creature_n as_o have_v be_v in_o their_o nature_n mutable_a there_o have_v be_v no_o place_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n goodness_n in_o a_o way_n of_o mercy_n and_o patience_n so_o that_o though_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o in_o case_n of_o their_o wilful_a transgression_n and_o disobedience_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o sinner_n and_o in_o his_o merciful_a care_n and_o provision_n for_o their_o recovery_n out_o of_o that_o miserable_a state_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o objection_n if_o god_n be_v so_o good_a whence_o then_o come_v evil_a the_o second_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v the_o decree_a the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o eternal_a misery_n and_o torment_n without_o any_o consideration_n or_o respect_n to_o their_o sin_n and_o fault_n this_o seem_v not_o only_o notorious_o to_o contradict_v the_o notion_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n but_o to_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o least_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o goodness_n indeed_o if_o by_o reprobation_n be_v only_o mean_v that_o god_n in_o his_o own_o infinite_a knowledge_n foresee_v the_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o have_v from_o all_o eternity_n determine_v in_o himself_o what_o in_o his_o word_n he_o have_v so_o plain_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v punish_v impenitent_a sinner_n with_o everlasting_a destruction_n or_o if_o by_o reprobation_n be_v mean_v that_o god_n have_v not_o elect_v all_o mankind_n that_o be_v absolute_o decree_v to_o bring_v they_o infallible_o to_o salvation_n neither_o of_o these_o notion_n of_o reprobation_n be_v any_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o he_o may_v foresee_v the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o determine_v to_o punish_v it_o without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o his_o goodness_n he_o may_v be_v very_o good_a to_o all_o and_o yet_o not_o equal_o and_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n if_o god_n please_v to_o bring_v any_o infallible_o to_o salvation_n this_o be_v transcendent_a goodness_n but_o if_o he_o put_v all_o other_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o it_o and_o use_v all_o necessary_a and_o fit_a mean_n to_o make_v they_o happy_a and_o after_o all_o this_o any_o fall_n short_a of_o happiness_n through_o their_o own_o wilful_a fault_n and_o obstinacy_n these_o man_n be_v evil_a and_o cruel_a to_o themselves_o but_o god_n have_v be_v very_o good_a and_o merciful_a to_o they_o but_o if_o by_o reprobation_n be_v mean_v either_o that_o god_n have_v decree_v without_o respect_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n their_o absolute_a ruin_n and_o misery_n or_o that_o he_o have_v decree_v that_o they_o shall_v inevitable_o sin_v and_o perish_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o such_o a_o reprobation_n as_o this_o do_v clear_o overthrow_v all_o possible_a notion_n of_o goodness_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o true_a and_o only_a notion_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o propension_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o communicate_v be_v and_o happiness_n to_o his_o creature_n but_o sure_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o contrary_a to_o a_o disposition_n to_o make_v they_o happy_a than_o a_o absolute_a decree_n and_o a_o peremptory_a resolution_n to_o make_v they_o miserable_a god_n be_v infinite_o better_a than_o the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o yet_o none_o can_v possible_o think_v that_o man_n a_o good_a man_n who_o shall_v absolute_o resolve_v to_o disinherit_v and_o destroy_v his_o child_n without_o the_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o any_o fault_n to_o be_v commit_v by_o they_o we_o may_v talk_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o devise_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n worse_o than_o this_o of_o the_o devil_n but_o it_o be_v say_v reprobation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o sovereignty_n in_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o goodness_n but_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o goodness_n and_o plain_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o we_o must_v not_o attribute_v such_o a_o sovereignty_n to_o god_n as_o contradict_v his_o goodness_n for_o if_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n may_v break_v in_o at_o pleasure_n upon_o his_o other_o attribute_n than_o it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v good_a and_o wise_a and_o just_a if_o his_o sovereignty_n may_v at_o any_o time_n act_v contrary_a to_o these_o perfection_n now_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o stand_v together_o the_o question_n be_v which_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o other_o what_o st._n paul_n determine_v in_o another_o case_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n of_o god_n will_v equal_o hold_v concern_v his_o goodness_n let_v god_n be_v good_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o ever_o i_o can_v find_v and_o there_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o some_o great_a divine_n have_v hold_v this_o doctrine_n not_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o hope_v they_o may_v be_v reconcile_v together_o let_v they_o do_v it_o if_o they_o can_v but_o if_o they_o can_v rather_o let_v the_o school_n of_o the_o great_a divine_n be_v call_v in_o question_n than_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o next_o to_o his_o be_v be_v the_o great_a and_o clear_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n three_o it_o be_v far_a object_v that_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o man_n for_o temporal_a fault_n seem_v hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o that_o excess_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o god_n this_o objection_n i_o have_v full_o answer_v in_o a_o discourse_n upon_o s._n matth._n 25.46_o and_o therefore_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n from_o sundry_a instance_n of_o god_n severity_n to_o mankind_n in_o those_o great_a calamity_n which_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v in_o several_a age_n either_o befall_v mankind_n in_o general_n or_o particular_a nation_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o scripture_n instance_n as_o be_v most_o know_v and_o most_o certain_a and_o remarkable_a or_o at_o least_o equal_o remarkable_a with_o any_o that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o any_o other_o history_n such_o be_v the_o early_a and_o universal_a degeneracy_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o the_o sin_n and_o transgression_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o general_a deluge_n the_o sudden_a and_o terrible_a destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o city_n about_o they_o by_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n from_o heaven_n the_o cruel_a extirpation_n of_o the_o canaanite_n by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o last_o the_o great_a calamity_n which_o befall_v the_o jewish_a nation_n especial_o the_o final_a ruin_n
the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_o magnify_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o speak_v of_o it_o with_o all_o possible_a advantage_n as_o if_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o do_v in_o all_o perfection_n excel_v all_o other_o do_v in_o this_o excel_v itself_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o if_o god_n be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v his_o constant_a exercise_n and_o employment_n so_o that_o in_o comparison_n of_o it_o he_o do_v hardly_o display_v any_o other_o excellency_n psal_n 25.10_o all_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n as_o if_o in_o this_o world_n god_n have_v a_o design_n to_o advance_v his_o mercy_n above_o his_o other_o attribute_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v now_o in_o the_o throne_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o mercy_n and_o god_n do_v display_v it_o many_o time_n with_o a_o seem_a dishonour_n to_o his_o other_o attribute_n his_o justice_n and_o holiness_n and_o truth_n his_o justice_n this_o make_v job_n complain_v of_o the_o long_a life_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a job_n 41.7_o wherefore_o do_v the_o wicked_a live_v yea_o become_v old_a etc._n etc._n his_o holiness_n this_o make_v the_o prophet_n expostulate_v with_o god_n hab._n 1.13_o thou_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v evil_a and_o can_v not_o look_v on_o iniquity_n wherefore_o look_v thou_o upon_o they_o that_o deal_v treacherous_o and_o hold_v thy_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n this_o make_v jonah_n complain_v as_o if_o god_n mercy_n be_v such_o as_o do_v make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o his_o truth_n jon._n 4.2_o but_o that_o we_o may_v have_v more_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o number_n of_o god_n mercy_n i_o will_v distribute_v they_o into_o kind_n and_o rank_v they_o under_o several_a head_n it_o be_v mercy_n to_o prevent_v those_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o be_v mercy_n to_o defer_v those_o evil_n that_o we_o have_v deserve_v or_o to_o mitigate_v they_o it_o be_v mercy_n to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o when_o misery_n be_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v mercy_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o they_o but_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o all_o be_v to_o remit_v the_o evil_a and_o misery_n we_o have_v deserve_v by_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n to_o punishment_n so_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o five_o head_n i._o prevent_v mercy_n many_o evil_n and_o misery_n which_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o god_n prevent_v they_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v towards_o we_o he_o stop_v they_o or_o turn_v they_o another_o way_n the_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o those_o invisible_a guard_n which_o protect_v we_o do_v divert_v many_o evil_n from_o we_o which_o fall_v upon_o other_o we_o seldom_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n prevent_a mercy_n we_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v sensible_a how_o great_a a_o mercy_n it_o be_v to_o be_v free_v from_o those_o strait_n and_o necessity_n those_o pain_n and_o disease_n of_o body_n those_o inward_a rack_n and_o horror_n which_o other_o be_v press_v withal_o and_o labour_v under_o when_o any_o evil_a or_o misery_n be_v upon_o we_o will_v we_o not_o reckon_v it_o a_o mercy_n to_o be_v rescue_v and_o deliver_v from_o it_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a mercy_n that_o we_o never_o feel_v it_o do_v not_o that_o man_n owe_v more_o to_o his_o physician_n who_o prevent_v his_o sickness_n and_o distemper_n than_o he_o who_o after_o the_o weakness_n and_o languish_a the_o pain_n and_o torture_n of_o several_a month_n be_v at_o length_n cure_v by_o he_o ii_o forbear_v mercy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o defer_v or_o moderate_v of_o our_o deserve_a punishment_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n do_v so_o often_o go_v together_o but_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o hereafter_o in_o some_o particular_a discourse_n iii_o comfort_v mercy_n 2_o cor._n 1.3_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n the_o scripture_n represent_v god_n as_o very_o merciful_a in_o comfort_v and_o support_v those_o that_o be_v afflict_v and_o cast_v down_o hence_o be_v those_o expression_n of_o put_v his_o arm_n under_o we_o bear_v we_o up_o speak_v comfortable_o visit_v we_o with_o his_o love_a kindness_n which_o signify_v god_n merciful_a regard_n to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o distress_n iv_o his_o relieve_v mercy_n in_o supply_v those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n and_o deliver_v those_o that_o be_v in_o trouble_n god_n do_v many_o time_n exercise_v man_n with_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n with_o a_o very_a gracious_a and_o merciful_a design_n to_o prevent_v great_a evil_n which_o man_n will_v otherwise_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o affliction_n be_v a_o merciful_a invention_n of_o heaven_n to_o do_v we_o that_o good_a which_o nothing_o else_o can_v they_o awaken_v we_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o to_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o way_n they_o make_v we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n to_o seek_v he_o and_o inquire_v after_o he_o god_n do_v as_o it_o be_v by_o affliction_n throw_v man_n upon_o their_o back_n to_o make_v they_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n hos_n 5.15_o in_o their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v i_o early_o psal_n 78.34_o when_o he_o slay_v they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o they_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n but_o god_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o this_o he_o do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o nor_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n when_o affliction_n have_v accomplish_v their_o work_n and_o obtain_v their_o end_n upon_o we_o god_n be_v very_o ready_a to_o remove_v they_o and_o command_v deliverance_n for_o we_o isa_n 54.7_o 8._o for_o a_o small_a moment_n have_v i_o forsake_v thou_o but_o with_o great_a mercy_n will_v i_o gather_v thou_o in_o a_o little_a wrath_n i_o hide_v my_o face_n from_o thou_o but_o with_o everlasting_a kindness_n will_v i_o have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n thy_o redeemer_n v._o pardon_v mercy_n and_o here_o the_o greatness_n and_o fullness_n of_o god_n mercy_n appear_v because_o our_o sin_n be_v great_a psal_n 78.38_o be_v full_a of_o compassion_n he_o forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o god_n mercy_n because_o our_o sin_n be_v many_o psal_n 51.1_o have_v mercy_n on_o i_o o_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o tender_a mercy_n blot_v out_o my_o transgression_n exod._n 34.7_o he_o be_v say_v to_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n how_o many_o fold_n be_v his_o mercy_n to_o forgive_v all_o our_o sin_n of_o what_o kind_n so_o ever_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o pardon_v our_o sin_n be_v matter_n of_o astonishment_n and_o admiration_n mic._n 7.18_o who_o be_v a_o god_n like_o unto_o thou_o that_o pardon_v iniquity_n but_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v our_o pardon_n be_v procure_v by_o transfer_v our_o guilt_n upon_o the_o most_o innocent_a person_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o make_v he_o to_o bear_v our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o suffer_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v due_a to_o we_o the_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o god_n mercy_n appear_v in_o this_o dispensation_n this_o show_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v at_o so_o much_o cost_n to_o purchase_v our_o pardon_n not_o with_o corruptible_a thing_n as_o silver_n and_o gold_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o his_o own_o son_n eph._n 1.6_o 7._o to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n wherein_o he_o have_v make_v we_o accept_v in_o the_o belove_a in_o who_o we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n have_v dispatch_v the_o three_o particular_n i_o propose_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o use_v we_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o this_o divine_a attribute_n use_v 1_o we_o ought_v with_o thankfulness_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o admire_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o let_v we_o view_v it_o in_o all_o its_o dimension_n the_o height_n and_o length_n and_o breadth_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o variety_n and_o kind_n of_o it_o the_o prevent_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o many_o of_o we_o those_o misery_n that_o lie_v upon_o other_o it_o be_v mercy_n to_o we_o that_o we_o escape_v they_o it_o be_v mercy_n that_o spare_v we_o it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v and_o because_o his_o compassion_n fail_v not_o it_o be_v mercy_n that_o mitigate_v our_o punishment_n and_o make_v it_o fall_v below_o
the_o desert_n of_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v mercy_n that_o comfort_n and_o support_v we_o under_o any_o of_o those_o evil_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o rescue_v and_o deliver_v we_o from_o they_o which_o way_n so_o ever_o we_o look_v we_o be_v encompass_v with_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n they_o compass_v we_o about_o on_o every_o side_n we_o be_v crown_v with_o love_a kindness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n it_o be_v mercy_n that_o feed_v we_o and_o clothes_n we_o and_o that_o preserve_v we_o but_o above_o all_o we_o shall_v thankful_o acknowledge_v and_o admire_v the_o pardon_v mercy_n of_o god_n ps_n 103.1_o 2_o 3._o where_o david_n do_v as_o it_o be_v muster_v up_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o make_v a_o catalogue_n of_o they_o he_o set_v the_o pardon_v mercy_n in_o the_o front_n bless_v you_o the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o praise_v his_o holy_a name_n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n who_o forgive_v all_o thy_o iniquity_n if_o we_o look_v into_o ourselves_o and_o consider_v our_o own_o temper_n and_o disposition_n how_o void_a of_o pity_n and_o bowel_n we_o be_v how_o cruel_a and_o hard_o heart_v and_o insolent_a and_o revengeful_a if_o we_o look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o see_v how_o full_a the_o earth_n be_v of_o the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n we_o shall_v admire_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n more_o and_o think_v ourselves_o more_o beholden_a to_o it_o how_o many_o thing_n must_v concur_v to_o make_v our_o heart_n tender_a and_o melt_v our_o spirit_n and_o stir_v our_o bowel_n to_o make_v we_o pitiful_a and_o compassionate_a we_o seldom_o pity_v any_o unless_o they_o be_v actual_o in_o misery_n nor_o all_o such_o neither_o unless_o the_o misery_n they_o lie_v under_o be_v very_o great_a nor_o then_o neither_o unless_o the_o person_n that_o suffer_v be_v near_o relate_v and_o we_o be_v someways_o concern_v in_o his_o suffering_n yea_o many_o time_n not_o then_o neither_o upon_o a_o generous_a account_n but_o as_o we_o be_v someways_o oblige_v by_o interest_n and_o self-love_n and_o a_o dear_a regard_n to_o ourselves_o when_o we_o have_v suffer_v the_o like_o ourselves_o and_o have_v learn_v to_o pity_v other_o by_o our_o own_o suffering_n or_o when_o in_o danger_n and_o probability_n to_o be_v in_o the_o like_a condition_n ourselves_o so_o many_o motive_n and_o obligation_n be_v necessary_a to_o awaken_v and_o stir_v up_o this_o affection_n in_o we_o but_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o pitiful_a to_o we_o out_o of_o the_o mere_a goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o few_o of_o these_o motive_n and_o consideration_n can_v have_v any_o place_n in_o he_o this_o affection_n of_o pity_n and_o tenderness_n be_v stir_v up_o in_o god_n by_o the_o mere_a presence_n of_o the_o object_n without_o any_o other_o inducement_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n many_o time_n do_v not_o stay_v till_o we_o be_v actual_o miserable_a but_o look_v forward_o a_o great_a way_n and_o pity_v we_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o prevent_v our_o misery_n god_n do_v not_o only_o pity_v we_o in_o great_a calamity_n but_o consider_v those_o lesser_a evil_n that_o be_v upon_o we_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o we_o when_o we_o have_v deserve_v all_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v upon_o we_o and_o far_o great_a when_o we_o be_v less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o his_o mercy_n when_o we_o deserve_v all_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v upon_o we_o and_o have_v with_o violent_a hand_n pull_v it_o upon_o our_o own_o head_n and_o have_v be_v the_o author_n and_o procurer_n of_o it_o to_o ourselves_o though_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o we_o yet_o his_o mercy_n be_v near_o to_o we_o and_o he_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o self-interest_n in_o it_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o want_v or_o injury_n or_o suffer_v he_o be_v secure_a of_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o fullness_n and_o can_v neither_o wish_v the_o enlargement_n nor_o fear_v the_o impairment_n of_o his_o estate_n he_o can_v never_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o pity_n or_o relief_n from_o we_o or_o any_o other_o and_o yet_o he_o pity_v we_o now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o vast_a difference_n of_o this_o affection_n in_o god_n and_o we_o how_o tender_a his_o mercy_n be_v and_o how_o sensible_a his_o bowel_n and_o yet_o we_o who_o have_v so_o many_o argument_n to_o move_v we_o to_o pity_n how_o hard_o our_o heart_n be_v and_o how_o unapt_a to_o relent_v as_o if_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o rock_n and_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o the_o nether_a millstone_n sure_o when_o we_o due_o consider_v this_o we_o can_v but_o admire_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n how_o cruel_a be_v we_o to_o creature_n below_o we_o with_o how_o little_a remorse_n can_v we_o kill_v a_o flea_n or_o tread_v upon_o a_o worm_n partly_o because_o we_o be_v secure_v that_o they_o can_v hurt_v we_o nor_o revenge_v themselves_o upon_o we_o and_o partly_o because_o they_o be_v so_o despicable_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o so_o far_o below_o we_o that_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o pity_n look_v upward_o proud_a man_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o he_o who_o be_v above_o thou_o thou_o do_v not_o make_v the_o creature_n below_o thou_o as_o god_n do_v there_o be_v but_o a_o finite_a distance_n between_o thou_o and_o the_o mean_a creature_n but_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a distance_n between_o thou_o and_o god_n man_n be_v a_o name_n of_o dignity_n when_o we_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o other_o creature_n but_o compare_v to_o god_n we_o be_v worm_n and_o not_o man_n yea_o we_o be_v nothing_o yea_o less_o than_o nothing_o and_o vanity_n how_o great_a then_o be_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o regard_v we_o who_o be_v so_o far_o below_o he_o which_o take_v into_o consideration_n such_o inconsiderable_a nothing_o as_o we_o be_v we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n ps_n 8.4_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v so_o mindful_a of_o he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a he_o and_o with_o job_n 7.17_o what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o shall_v magnify_v he_o and_o that_o thou_o shall_v set_v thy_o heart_n upon_o he_o and_o then_o how_o hard_o do_v we_o find_v it_o to_o forgive_v those_o who_o have_v injure_v we_o if_o any_o one_o have_v offend_v or_o provoke_v we_o how_o hard_o be_v we_o to_o be_v reconcile_v how_o mindful_a of_o a_o injury_n how_o do_v anger_n and_o revenge_n boil_v within_o we_o how_o do_v we_o upbraid_v man_n with_o their_o fault_n what_o vile_a and_o low_a submission_n do_v we_o require_v of_o they_o before_o we_o will_v receive_v they_o into_o favour_n and_o grant_v they_o peace_n and_o if_o we_o forgive_v once_o we_o think_v that_o be_v much_o but_o if_o a_o offence_n and_o provocation_n be_v renew_v often_o we_o be_v inexorable_a even_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n after_o he_o have_v so_o emphatical_o teach_v they_o forgiveness_n in_o the_o petition_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n yet_o they_o have_v very_o narrow_a spirit_n as_o to_o this_o matth._n 18.21_o peter_n come_v to_o he_o and_o ask_v he_o how_o often_o shall_v my_o brother_n sin_n against_o i_o and_o i_o forgive_v he_o till_o seven_o time_n he_o think_v that_o be_v much_o and_o yet_o we_o have_v great_a obligation_n to_o pardon_v and_o forgive_a other_o because_o we_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o we_o shall_v many_o time_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o pardon_n from_o god_n and_o man_n and_o it_o may_v be_v our_o own_o case_n and_o when_o it_o be_v we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o be_v very_o indulgent_a to_o ourselves_o and_o conceive_v good_a hope_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o other_o we_o will_v have_v our_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertency_n and_o mistake_n and_o all_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n and_o provocation_n consider_v and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o upon_o submission_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o fault_n we_o will_v be_v receive_v into_o favour_n but_o god_n who_o be_v not_o at_o all_o liable_a to_o we_o how_o ready_a be_v he_o to_o forgive_v if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o he_o he_o be_v merciful_a to_o forgive_v he_o pardon_n free_o and_o such_o be_v the_o condescension_n of_o his_o mercy_n though_o he_o be_v the_o party_n offend_v yet_o he_o offer_v pardon_n to_o we_o and_o beseech_v we_o to_o be_v reconcile_v if_o we_o do_v but_o come_v towards_o he_o he_o run_v to_o meet_v we_o as_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_n luke_n 15.20_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o then_o thankful_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o admire_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o use_v 2._o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o shall_v
stir_v up_o in_o we_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n may_v break_v we_o but_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n mercy_n shall_v rather_o melt_v and_o dissolve_v we_o into_o tear_n luke_n 7.47_o the_o woman_n that_o wash_v christ_n foot_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o her_o hair_n the_o account_n that_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o the_o great_a affection_n that_o she_o express_v to_o he_o be_v she_o love_v much_o because_o much_o be_v forgive_v she_o and_o she_o grieve_v much_o because_o much_o be_v forgive_v she_o especial_o we_o shall_v sorrow_n for_o those_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v commit_v by_o we_o after_o god_n mercy_n receive_v mercy_n after_o sin_n shall_v touch_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o relent_v it_o shall_v grieve_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v offend_v and_o provoke_v a_o god_n so_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a so_o slow_a to_o anger_v and_o so_o ready_a to_o forgive_v but_o sin_n against_o mercy_n and_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v they_o be_v attend_v with_o one_o of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o as_o mercy_n raise_v the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n so_o it_o shall_v raise_v our_o sorrow_n for_o they_o no_o consideration_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o work_v upon_o human_a nature_n than_o that_o of_o kindness_n and_o the_o great_a mercy_n have_v be_v show_v to_o we_o the_o great_a our_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n for_o they_o contrary_n do_v illustrate_v and_o set_v off_o one_o another_o in_o the_o great_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o see_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o our_o sin_n against_o he_o every_o sin_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n but_o sin_n against_o mercy_n have_v ingratitude_n in_o they_o when_o ever_o we_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o rebel_v against_o our_o sovereign_n but_o as_o we_o sin_n against_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n we_o injure_v our_o benefactor_n this_o make_v our_o sin_n to_o be_v horrid_a and_o astonish_v isa_n 1.2_o hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o give_v ear_n o_o earth_n i_o have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n and_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o all_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n 2_o sam._n 12.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o nathan_n say_v to_o david_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n i_o anoint_v thou_o king_n over_o israel_n and_o deliver_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n and_o i_o give_v thou_o thy_o master_n house_n and_o thy_o master_n wife_n into_o thy_o bosom_n and_o give_v thou_o the_o house_n of_o isreal_n and_o of_o judah_n and_o if_o that_o have_v be_v too_o little_a i_o will_v moreover_o have_v give_v thou_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n wherefore_o have_v thou_o despise_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v evil_a in_o his_o sight_n god_n reckon_v up_o all_o his_o mercy_n and_o from_o they_o aggravate_v david_n sin_n 1_o king_n 11.9_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o unkind_a return_n that_o we_o make_v to_o his_o mercy_n and_o it_o be_v the_o worst_a temper_n in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o kindness_n not_o to_o be_v melt_v by_o mercy_n no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o wicked_a heart_n than_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n have_v no_o effect_n upon_o it_o esay_n 26.10_o let_v favour_n be_v show_v to_o the_o wicked_a yet_o will_v he_o not_o learn_v righteousness_n use_v 3_o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n this_o branch_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v very_o proper_a for_o our_o imitation_n the_o general_a exhortation_n of_o our_o saviour_n matt._n 5.48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v more_o particular_o express_v by_o st._n luke_n luke_n 6.30_o be_v you_o therefore_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a man_n affect_v to_o make_v image_n and_o impossible_a representation_n of_o god_n but_o as_o seneca_n say_v crede_fw-la deòs_fw-la cùm_fw-la propitii_fw-la essent_fw-la fictiles_fw-la fuisse_fw-la we_o may_v draw_v this_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n his_o whole_a life_n and_o undertake_n be_v a_o continue_a work_n of_o mercy_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o body_n of_o man_n in_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o recommend_v more_o to_o we_o in_o his_o gospel_n than_o this_o spirit_n and_o temper_n mat._n 5.7_o bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n how_o many_o parable_n do_v he_o use_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o with_o a_o design_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_n of_o the_o good_a samaritan_n of_o the_o servant_n to_o who_o he_o forgive_v 10000_o talent_n we_o shall_v imitate_v god_n in_o this_o in_o be_v tender_a and_o compassionate_a to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o natural_a indispensable_a religion_n to_o which_o positive_a and_o institute_v religion_n must_v give_v way_n amos_n 6.6_o i_o desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v which_o be_v twice_o cite_v and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n micah_n 6.8_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n this_o be_v always_o one_o part_n of_o the_o description_n of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o pity_v the_o misery_n and_o necessity_n of_o other_o psal_n 37.26_o he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v he_o be_v far_o from_o cruelty_n not_o only_o to_o man_n but_o even_o to_o the_o brute_n creature_n prov._n 12.10_o a_o righteous_a man_n regard_v the_o life_n of_o his_o beast_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n than_o a_o cruel_a and_o savage_a disposition_n not_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o misery_n and_o suffering_n of_o other_o how_o unlike_a be_v this_o to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o consolation_n when_o we_o can_v see_v cruelty_n exercise_v and_o our_o bowel_n not_o be_v stir_v within_o we_o nor_o our_o heart_n be_v prick_v how_o unlike_a be_v this_o to_o god_n who_o be_v very_o pitiful_a and_o of_o tender_a mercy_n but_o to_o rejoice_v at_o the_o misery_n of_o other_o this_o be_v inhuman_a and_o barbarous_a hear_v how_o god_n threaten_v edom_n for_o rejoice_v at_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o brother_n jacob_n obadiah_n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o but_o to_o delight_v to_o make_v other_o miserable_a and_o to_o aggravate_v their_o suffering_n this_o be_v devilish_a this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o destroyer_n it_o become_v man_n above_o all_o other_o creature_n to_o be_v merciful_a who_o have_v have_v such_o ample_a and_o happy_a experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o he_o and_o do_v still_o continual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n from_o god_n god_n have_v be_v very_o merciful_a to_o we_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o long_o since_o be_v miserable_a now_o as_o we_o have_v receive_v mercy_n from_o god_n we_o shall_v show_v it_o to_o other_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o want_n because_o we_o have_v have_v such_o experience_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o 1_o john_n 3.16_o 17._o hereby_o perceive_v we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o but_o whoso_o have_v this_o world_n good_n and_o see_v his_o brother_n have_v need_n etc._n etc._n how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o that_o man_n have_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v not_o merciful_a to_o his_o brother_n and_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v forgive_v one_o another_o eph._n 4.32_o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o another_o tender_a heart_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v you_o chap._n 5.1_o be_v you_o therefore_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n col._n 3.12_o 13._o put_v on_o therefore_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n holy_a and_o belove_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o and_o forgive_a one_o another_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o
and_o by_o derivation_n from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o original_n of_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 18.19_o when_o he_o say_v there_o be_v none_o good_a save_o one_o that_o be_v god_n but_o though_o the_o degree_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n be_v infinite_o unequal_a and_o that_o goodness_n which_o be_v in_o we_o be_v so_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a that_o compare_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n it_o do_v not_o deserve_v that_o name_n yet_o the_o essential_a notion_n of_o goodness_n in_o both_o must_v be_v the_o same_o else_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o can_v not_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o at_o all_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o be_v good_a it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o we_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v good_a or_o not_o for_o he_o may_v be_v so_o and_o we_o never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o goodness_n in_o god_n be_v and_o consequent_o when_o he_o be_v so_o and_o when_o not_o beside_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v very_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o imitate_v that_o which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o goodness_n which_o we_o be_v to_o endeavour_v after_o be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v in_o god_n because_o in_o this_o we_o be_v command_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o be_v good_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rate_n and_o condition_n of_o creature_n and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o who_o nature_n be_v imperfect_a be_v capable_a of_o resemble_v the_o divine_a goodness_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o notion_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n it_o be_v a_o propension_n and_o disposition_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o communicate_v be_v and_o happiness_n to_o his_o creature_n second_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o that_o from_o these_o three_o head_n i._o from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o natural_a light_n ii_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n and_o iii_o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i._o from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o natural_a light_n the_o generality_n of_o the_o heathen_a agree_v in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o perfection_n of_o god_n more_o universal_o acknowledge_v by_o they_o i_o always_o except_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o epicurean_o who_o attribute_v nothing_o but_o eternity_n and_o happiness_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o will_v have_v consider_v it_o happiness_n without_o goodness_n be_v impossible_a i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o do_v express_o deny_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n or_o that_o they_o ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o contrary_a but_o they_o clear_o take_v away_o all_o the_o evidence_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n for_o they_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v a_o immortal_a and_o happy_a be_v that_o enjoy_v himself_o and_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o any_o thing_n without_o himself_o that_o neither_o give_v be_v to_o other_o thing_n nor_o concern_v himself_o in_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o any_o of_o they_o so_o that_o their_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v in_o truth_n the_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o idle_a be_v that_o be_v call_v god_n and_o neither_o do_v good_a nor_o evil_a but_o set_v aside_o this_o atheistical_a sect_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o heathen_a do_v unanimous_o affirm_v and_o believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o all_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o praise_n of_o he_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n whosoever_o pray_v to_o god_n must_v have_v a_o persuasion_n or_o good_a hope_n of_o his_o readiness_n to_o do_v he_o good_a and_o to_o praise_n god_n be_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v good_a from_o he_o seneca_n have_v a_o excellent_a passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o say_v he_o that_o deny_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n do_v not_o sure_o consider_v the_o infinite_a number_n of_o prayer_n that_o with_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n be_v put_v up_o to_o god_n both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a which_o certain_o will_v not_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v conspire_v in_o this_o madness_n of_o put_v up_o their_o supplication_n to_o deaf_a and_o impotent_a deity_n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o god_n be_v so_o good_a as_o to_o confer_v benefit_n upon_o those_o who_o pray_v to_o they_o but_o we_o need_v not_o to_o infer_v their_o belief_n of_o god_n goodness_n from_o the_o act_n of_o their_o devotion_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a among_o they_o than_o express_o to_o attribute_v this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n to_o he_o and_o among_o the_o divine_a title_n this_o always_o have_v the_o preeminence_n both_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d deus_fw-la optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la be_v their_o constant_a stile_n and_o in_o our_o language_n the_o name_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v give_v he_o from_o his_o goodness_n i_o may_v produce_v innumerable_a passage_n out_o of_o the_o heathen_a authers_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v that_o remarkable_a one_o out_o of_o seneca_n primus_fw-la deorum_fw-la cultus_fw-la est_fw-la deos_fw-la credere_fw-la deinde_fw-la reddere_fw-la illis_fw-la majestatem_fw-la svam_fw-la reddere_fw-la bonitatem_fw-la sine_fw-la quâ_fw-la nulla_fw-la majestas_fw-la the_o first_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v to_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o next_o to_o ascribe_v majesty_n or_o greatness_n to_o he_o and_o to_o ascribe_v goodness_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o greatness_n ii_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o a_o few_o of_o those_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n exod._n 34.6_o where_o god_n make_v his_o name_n know_v to_o moses_n the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n gracious_a and_o merciful_a long_o suffer_v abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n psal_n 86.5_o thou_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v psal_n 119.68_o thou_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n o_o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v good_a and_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o our_o bless_a saviour_n attribute_n this_o perfection_n to_o god_n in_o so_o peculiar_a and_o transcendent_a a_o manner_n as_o if_o it_o be_v incommunicable_a luke_n 18.19_o there_o be_v none_o good_a save_o one_o that_o be_v god_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o no_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o in_o that_o excellent_a and_o transcendent_a degree_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v possess_v of_o it_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v those_o innumerable_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v god_n to_o be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a and_o long_o suffer_v for_o these_o be_v but_o several_a branch_n of_o his_o goodness_n his_o grace_n be_v the_o freeness_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o deserve_v it_o his_o mercy_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o misery_n his_o patience_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a in_o defer_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o they_o iii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n may_v likewise_o be_v argue_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n these_o two_o way_n 1._o goodness_n be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n 2._o there_o be_v some_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o more_o eminent_o in_o god_n 1._o goodness_n be_v the_o high_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o belong_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a of_o being_n knowledge_n and_o power_n be_v great_a perfection_n but_o separate_v from_o goodness_n they_o will_v be_v great_a imperfection_n nothing_o but_o craft_n and_o violence_n a_o angel_n may_v have_v knowledge_n and_o power_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v a_o devil_n goodness_n be_v so_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o perfection_n that_o without_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o it_o give_v perfection_n to_o all_o other_o excellency_n take_v away_o this_o and_o the_o great_a excellency_n in_o any_o other_o kind_n will_v be_v but_o the_o great_a imperfection_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o
another_o tender_a heart_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v you_o be_v you_o therefore_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o walk_v in_o love_n we_o can_v in_o any_o thing_n resemble_v god_n more_o than_o in_o goodness_n and_o kindness_n and_o mercy_n and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v those_o who_o have_v be_v injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o let_v we_o then_o often_o contemplate_v this_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o represent_v it_o to_o our_o mind_n that_o by_o the_o frequent_a contemplation_n of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v god_n so_o good_a to_o his_o creature_n with_o how_o much_o great_a reason_n shall_v we_o be_v so_o to_o our_o fellow_n creature_n be_v god_n good_a to_o we_o let_v we_o imitate_v his_o universal_a goodness_n by_o endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v of_o the_o whole_a creation_n of_o god_n what_o god_n be_v to_o we_o and_o what_o we_o will_v have_v he_o still_o be_v to_o we_o that_o let_v we_o be_v to_o other_o we_o be_v infinite_o behold_v to_o this_o perfection_n of_o god_n for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v and_o for_o all_o that_o we_o enjoy_v and_o for_o all_o that_o we_o expect_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o admire_v and_o imitate_v it_o let_v this_o pattern_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v continual_o before_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v still_o fashion_v ourselves_o in_o the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n to_o a_o likeness_n and_o conformity_n to_o it_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n shall_v excite_v our_o praise_n and_o thankfulness_n this_o be_v a_o great_a duty_n to_o the_o performance_n whereof_o we_o shall_v summon_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n do_v psal_n 103._o bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o we_o shall_v invite_v all_o other_o to_o the_o same_o work_n as_o the_o same_o devout_a psalmist_n frequent_o do_v psal_n 106._o o_o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o psal_n 107._o o_o that_o man_n will_v therefore_o praise_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o goodness_n and_o for_o his_o wonderful_a work_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v often_o call_v upon_o to_o this_o duty_n to_o which_o we_o have_v a_o peculiar_a backwardness_n necessity_n drive_v we_o to_o prayer_n and_o send_v we_o to_o god_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n but_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v a_o duty_n which_o depend_v upon_o our_o gratitude_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o nothing_o soon_o wear_v off_o than_o the_o sense_n of_o kindness_n and_o benefit_n we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o forget_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n not_o so_o much_o from_o a_o bad_a memory_n as_o from_o a_o bad_a nature_n to_o forget_v the_o great_a blessing_n the_o continuance_n whereof_o shall_v continual_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o they_o the_o blessing_n of_o our_o being_n so_o god_n complain_v of_o his_o people_n deut._n 32._o of_o the_o god_n that_o form_v thou_o thou_o have_v be_v unmindful_a the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o our_o being_n above_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n job_n 35.10_o 11._o none_o say_v where_o be_v god_n my_o maker_n who_o teach_v we_o more_o than_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o make_v we_o wise_a than_o the_o fowl_n of_o heaven_n the_o daily_a comfort_n and_o blessing_n of_o our_o life_n which_o we_o can_v continual_o receive_v without_o almost_o ever_o look_v up_o to_o the_o hand_n that_o give_v they_o so_o god_n complain_v by_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n 2.8_o 9_o she_o know_v not_o that_o i_o give_v her_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o multiply_v her_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o be_v it_o not_o shameful_a to_o see_v how_o at_o the_o most_o plentiful_a table_n the_o give_v of_o god_n thanks_o be_v almost_o grow_v out_o of_o fashion_n as_o if_o man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o from_o whence_o these_o blessing_n come_v when_o thanks_o be_v all_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o can_v we_o not_o afford_v to_o give_v he_o that_o do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o take_v away_o his_o blessing_n from_o we_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o this_o easy_a tribute_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n man_n be_v unfit_a for_o heaven_n when_o they_o be_v backward_o to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o therefore_o as_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o come_v thither_o let_v we_o begin_v this_o work_n here_o and_o inure_v ourselves_o to_o that_o which_o will_v be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o all_o eternity_n let_v we_o with_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n in_o the_o revelation_n fall_v down_o before_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o worship_v he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o cast_v our_o crown_n before_o the_o throne_n that_o be_v cast_v ourselves_o and_o ascribe_v all_o glory_n to_o god_n say_v thou_o be_v worthy_a o_o lord_n to_o receive_v glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n for_o thou_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n and_o for_o thy_o pleasure_n they_o be_v and_o be_v create_v to_o he_o therefore_o the_o infinite_a and_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o goodness_n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o consolation_n who_o give_v we_o such_o excellent_a being_n have_v make_v make_v we_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n and_o crown_v we_o with_o glory_n and_o honour_n who_o have_v be_v please_v to_o stamp_v upon_o we_o the_o image_n of_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o thereby_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n communicate_v to_o we_o not_o only_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o goodness_n but_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o perfection_n itself_o to_o he_o who_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n rich_o to_o enjoy_v which_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n and_o have_v make_v such_o abundant_a provision_n not_o only_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o convenience_n in_o this_o present_a life_n but_o for_o our_o unspeakable_a happiness_n to_o all_o eternity_n to_o he_o who_o design_v this_o happiness_n to_o we_o from_o all_o eternity_n and_o who_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o we_o endure_v for_o ever_o who_o when_o by_o wilful_a transgression_n and_o disobedience_n we_o have_v plunge_v ourselves_o into_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o have_v forfeit_v that_o happiness_n which_o we_o be_v design_v to_o be_v please_v to_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o new_a capacity_n of_o it_o by_o send_v his_o only_a son_n to_o take_v our_o nature_n with_o the_o misery_n and_o infirmity_n of_o it_o to_o live_v among_o we_o and_o to_o die_v for_o we_o in_o a_o word_n to_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_o good_a to_o we_o not_o only_o contrary_a to_o our_o desert_n but_o beyond_o our_o hope_n who_o renew_v his_o mercy_n upon_o we_o every_o morning_n and_o be_v patient_a though_o we_o provoke_v he_o every_o day_n who_o preserve_v and_o provide_v for_o we_o and_o spare_v we_o continual_o who_o be_v always_o willing_a always_o watchful_a and_o never_o weary_a to_o do_v we_o good_a to_o he_o be_v all_o glory_n and_o honour_n adoration_n and_o praise_n love_n and_o obedience_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o sermon_n v._o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n numb._n fourteen_o 18_o the_o lord_n be_v long_o suffer_v and_o of_o great_a mercy_n i_o have_v consider_v god_n goodness_n in_o general_n there_o be_v two_o eminent_a branch_n of_o it_o his_o patience_n and_o mercy_n the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v guilty_a in_o defer_v or_o moderate_v their_o deserve_a punishment_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v miserable_a it_o be_v the_o last_o of_o these_o two_o i_o design_v to_o discourse_v of_o at_o this_o time_n in_o do_v which_o i_o shall_v inquire_v first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n second_o show_v you_o that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o consider_v the_o degree_n of_o it_o that_o god_n be_v of_o great_a mercy_n first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v his_o goodness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o
the_o people_n of_o israel_n walk_v contrary_a to_o i_o and_o if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v by_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v punish_v you_o yet_o seven_o time_n more_o and_o v._o 27._o i_o will_v bring_v seven_o time_n more_o plague_n upon_o you_o according_a to_o your_o sin_n at_o first_o god_n justice_n accuse_v sinner_n but_o after_o a_o long_a time_n of_o patience_n his_o mercy_n come_v in_o against_o we_o and_o instead_o of_o stay_v his_o hand_n add_v weight_n to_o his_o blow_n rom._n 9.22_o what_o if_o god_n willing_a to_o show_v his_o wrath_n and_o to_o make_v his_o power_n know_v endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n they_o upon_o who_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n have_v no_o good_a effect_n be_v vessel_n of_o wrath_n preapr_v and_o fit_v for_o destruction_n if_o ever_o god_n display_v his_o wrath_n and_o make_v his_o anger_n know_v he_o will_v do_v it_o in_o the_o most_o severe_a manner_n upon_o those_o who_o 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gentle_a usage_n he_o that_o be_v not_o wrought_v upon_o neither_o by_o the_o patience_n of_o his_o mercy_n nor_o by_o the_o patience_n of_o his_o judgement_n his_o case_n be_v desperate_a and_o past_a remedy_n consider_v this_o all_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n leave_v his_o patience_n turn_v into_o fury_n for_o god_n be_v not_o slack_a as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o long-suffering_a to_o sinner_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n sermon_n viii_o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n eccles_n viii_o 11_o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o execute_v speedy_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o the_o world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o that_o iniquity_n every_o where_o abound_v and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o god_n will_v not_o acquit_v the_o guilty_a and_o let_v sin_n go_v unpunished_a all_o man_n except_v those_o who_o have_v offer_v notorious_a violence_n to_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o have_v put_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v in_o they_o under_o a_o bushel_n do_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o world_n to_o who_o holy_a nature_n and_o will_n sin_n be_v perfect_o contrary_a who_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n that_o his_o eye_n be_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o man_n and_o he_o see_v all_o his_o go_n that_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o death_n where_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n may_v hide_v themselves_o all_o man_n except_o those_o who_o conscience_n be_v sear_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o one_o whether_o man_n serve_v god_n or_o serve_v he_o not_o do_v well_o or_o live_v wicked_o every_o man_n from_o his_o inward_a sense_n and_o experience_n be_v satisfy_v of_o his_o own_o liberty_n and_o that_o god_n lay_v upon_o man_n no_o necessity_n of_o sin_v but_o that_o when_o ever_o we_o do_v amiss_o it_o be_v our_o own_o act_n and_o we_o choose_v to_o do_v so_o and_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n to_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v give_v all_o imaginable_a discouragement_n to_o it_o by_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o terrible_a threaten_n such_o as_o one_o will_v think_v sufficient_a to_o deter_v man_n for_o ever_o from_o it_o and_o to_o drive_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v his_o threaten_n the_o more_o awful_a and_o effectual_a his_o providence_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o give_v remarkable_a instance_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o severity_n upon_o notorious_a offender_n even_o in_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o man_n do_v and_o will_v sin_v nay_o they_o be_v zealous_o set_v and_o bend_v upon_o it_o now_o here_o be_v the_o wonder_n what_o it_o be_v that_o give_v sinner_n such_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o so_o resolute_a and_o undaunted_a in_o so_o dangerous_a a_o course_n solomon_n give_v we_o this_o account_n of_o it_o because_o the_o punishment_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n follow_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n so_o slow_o and_o be_v long_o before_o they_o overtake_v the_o sinner_n because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o execute_v speedy_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a the_o scope_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n discourse_n be_v this_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o god_n forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o discern_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o other_o man_n this_o life_n be_v the_o day_n of_o god_n patience_n but_o the_o next_o will_v be_v a_o day_n of_o retribution_n and_o recompense_n now_o because_o god_n do_v defer_v and_o moderate_v the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n and_o reserve_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o judgement_n to_o the_o next_o because_o through_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n many_o great_a sinner_n live_v and_o die_v without_o any_o remarkable_a testimony_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o displeasure_n against_o they_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a if_o we_o render_v the_o text_n word_n for_o word_n from_o the_o original_a it_o run_v thus_o because_o nothing_o be_v do_v as_o a_o recompense_n to_o a_o evil_a work_n therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_a in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a that_o be_v because_o man_n be_v not_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v in_o their_o evil_a way_n because_o divine_a justice_n do_v not_o present_o check_v and_o control_v sinner_n because_o sentence_n be_v not_o immediate_o pass_v upon_o they_o and_o judgement_n execute_v therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_a in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a that_o be_v therefore_o man_n grow_v bold_a and_o presumptuous_a in_o sin_n for_o the_o hebrew_n word_n which_o we_o render_v be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o we_o find_v esth_n 7.5_o where_o ahashuerus_n say_v concern_v haman_n who_o be_v he_o and_o where_o be_v he_o that_o dare_v presume_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o do_v so_o who_o heart_n be_v full_a to_o do_v so_o fervet_fw-la in_o iis_fw-la cor_fw-la filiorum_fw-la hominum_fw-la so_o some_o render_v it_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n boil_v with_o wickedness_n be_v so_o full_a of_o it_o that_o it_o work_v over_o man_n be_v resolute_a in_o a_o evil_a course_n their_o heart_n be_v strengthen_v and_o harden_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a so_o other_o translate_v the_o word_n the_o translation_n of_o the_o lxx_o be_v very_o emphatical_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v and_o assure_v to_o do_v evil_a all_o these_o translation_n agree_v in_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o sense_n viz._n that_o sinner_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o presume_v upon_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o to_o abuse_v it_o to_o the_o harden_v and_o encourage_v of_o themselves_o in_o their_o evil_a way_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o brief_o show_v that_o it_o be_v so_o second_o whence_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o upon_o what_o pretence_n and_o colour_n of_o reason_n man_n encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n from_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n three_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v a_o objection_n about_o this_o matter_n first_o that_o man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o abuse_v the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o the_o encourage_n and_o harden_v of_o themselves_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n the_o experience_n of_o
there_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o rash_a and_o ungoverned_a passion_n in_o the_o wise_a and_o just_a god_n every_o sin_n indeed_o kindle_v his_o anger_n and_o provoke_v his_o displeasure_n against_o we_o and_o by_o our_o repeat_v and_o continue_v offence_n we_o still_o add_v fuel_n to_o his_o wrath_n but_o it_o do_v not_o of_o necessity_n instant_o break_v forth_o like_o a_o consume_a fire_n and_o a_o devour_a flame_n the_o holy_a and_o righteous_a nature_n of_o god_n make_v he_o necessary_o offend_v and_o displease_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n but_o as_o to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o anger_n his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v regulate_v and_o determine_v the_o proper_a time_n and_o circumstance_n of_o punishment_n 3._o from_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o severe_a in_o his_o nature_n as_o he_o be_v common_o represent_v it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v declare_v his_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n and_o threaten_v it_o with_o dreadful_a punishment_n which_o he_o may_v do_v in_o great_a wisdom_n to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o awe_n and_o order_n but_o great_a thing_n be_v likewise_o speak_v of_o his_o mercy_n and_o of_o the_o wonderful_a delight_n he_o take_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o mercy_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o threaten_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o when_o sentence_n come_v to_o be_v past_a and_o judgement_n to_o be_v execute_v god_n will_v remember_v mercy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o mercy_n will_v triumph_v over_o judgement_n and_o that_o as_o now_o his_o patience_n stay_v his_o hand_n and_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n so_o at_o the_o last_o the_o mild_a attribute_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n will_v interpose_v and_o moderate_v the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o of_o this_o his_o great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o sinner_n for_o the_o present_a seem_v to_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n he_o that_o be_v so_o slow_a to_o anger_v and_o so_o loath_a to_o execute_v punishment_n may_v probable_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o his_o own_o pity_n and_o goodness_n to_o remit_v it_o at_o the_o last_o and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o credible_a because_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o no_o person_n be_v oblige_v to_o execute_v his_o threaten_n as_o he_o be_v to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n he_o that_o promise_v pass_v a_o right_a to_o another_o but_o he_o that_o threaten_v keep_v the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o do_v what_o he_o please_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n i_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a more_o full_o to_o this_o because_o it_o be_v almost_o incredible_a how_o much_o man_n bear_v up_o themselves_o upon_o vain_a and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o the_o boundless_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o heart_n say_v they_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n that_o be_v though_o they_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o vice_n and_o add_v one_o degree_n of_o sin_n to_o another_o now_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o 1._o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o a_o bare_a threaten_n do_v not_o necessary_o infer_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o event_n and_o that_o the_o thing_n threaten_v shall_v infallible_o come_v to_o pass_v no_o person_n be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v his_o threaten_n as_o he_o be_v his_o promise_n the_o threaten_n of_o god_n declare_v what_o sin_n deserve_v and_o what_o the_o sinner_n may_v just_o expect_v if_o he_o continue_v impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a but_o then_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o repentance_n be_v the_o only_a condition_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o will_v effectual_o hinder_v the_o execution_n of_o they_o jer._n 18.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o at_o what_o instant_n i_o speak_v say_v god_n concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o pluck_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o nation_n against_o who_o i_o have_v pronounce_v turn_v from_o their_o evil_n i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o i_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o build_v and_o to_o plant_v it_o if_o it_o do_v evil_a in_o my_o sight_n and_o obey_v not_o my_o voice_n then_o will_v i_o repent_v of_o the_o good_a wherewith_o i_o say_v i_o will_v benefit_v they_o now_o if_o when_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o do_v good_a to_o a_o people_n sin_n will_v hinder_v the_o blessing_n promise_v and_o bring_v down_o judgement_n upon_o they_o much_o more_o when_o it_o be_v particular_o threaten_v but_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o final_a impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n god_n that_o he_o may_v strengthen_v his_o threaten_n have_v add_v a_o sign_n of_o immutability_n to_o they_o have_v confirm_v they_o with_o a_o oath_n i_o have_v swear_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o my_o rest_n which_o though_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n apply_v it_o to_o final_a unbelief_n and_o impenitency_n under_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v a_o type_n and_o figure_n now_o though_o god_n may_v remit_v of_o his_o threaten_n yet_o his_o oath_n be_v a_o plain_a declaration_n that_o he_o will_v not_o because_o it_o signify_v the_o firm_a and_o immutable_a determination_n of_o his_o will_n and_o thereby_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n concern_v the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o threaten_n 2._o it_o be_v certain_o much_o the_o wise_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o believe_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n in_o the_o strictness_n and_o rigour_n of_o they_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o tacit_a condition_n evident_o employ_v in_o they_o because_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o and_o the_o thing_n prove_v otherwise_o the_o consequence_n of_o our_o mistake_n be_v fatal_a and_o dreadful_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o god_n by_o his_o threaten_n do_v intend_v to_o keep_v sinner_n in_o awe_n and_o to_o deter_v they_o from_o sin_n but_o if_o he_o have_v any_o where_o reveal_v that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v rigorous_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o threaten_n such_o a_o revelation_n will_v quite_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n and_o terror_n of_o they_o and_o contradict_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o for_o threaten_n signify_v very_o little_a but_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o in_o all_o probability_n they_o will_v be_v execute_v and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v the_o great_a madness_n and_o folly_n in_o the_o world_n to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o it_o 3._o as_o for_o those_o large_a declaration_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v of_o the_o boundless_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n we_o be_v to_o limit_v they_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v do_v to_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o mercy_n which_o be_v this_o life_n and_o while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o mercy_n and_o salvation_n and_o when_o this_o life_n be_v end_v the_o opportunity_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n be_v past_a and_o the_o day_n of_o recompense_n and_o vengeance_n will_v begin_v now_o god_n try_v we_o and_o offer_v mercy_n to_o we_o but_o if_o we_o obstinate_o refuse_v it_o judgement_n will_v take_v hold_n of_o we_o and_o then_o we_o must_v limit_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o offer_v it_o which_o be_v repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n for_o the_o future_a but_o if_o man_n continue_v obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a and_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n from_o the_o mercy_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n this_o be_v not_o a_o case_n that_o admit_v of_o mercy_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a his_o justice_n will_v triumph_v in_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o those_o who_o instead_o of_o embrace_v the_o offer_v of_o his_o mercy_n do_v despise_v and_o abuse_v they_o he_o will_v laugh_v at_o their_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o their_o fear_n come_v when_o their_o fear_n come_v as_o desolation_n and_o their_o destruction_n as_o a_o whirlwind_n when_o distress_n and_o anguish_n come_v upon_o they_o then_o they_o may_v call_v upon_o he_o but_o he_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o may_v seek_v he_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v he_o if_o we_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n he_o know_v how_o to_o handle_v we_o and_o will_v do_v it_o to_o purpose_n with_o the_o froward_a he_o will_v show_v himself_o froward_a and_o
will_v be_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n severe_a towards_o those_o who_o take_v encouragement_n from_o his_o mercy_n to_o disbelieve_v and_o despise_v his_o threaten_n and_o this_o god_n have_v as_o plain_o tell_v we_o as_o word_n can_v express_v any_o thing_n deut._n 29.19_o 20._o and_o if_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o he_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o curse_n he_o bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o heart_n to_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o but_o then_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o that_o man_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n shall_v lie_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v blot_v out_o his_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n what_o ever_o right_a and_o power_n god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o about_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o threaten_n he_o have_v plain_o declare_v that_o of_o all_o other_o those_o who_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o sinful_a course_n from_o the_o hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n notwithstanding_o his_o threaten_n shall_v find_v no_o favour_n and_o mercy_n at_o his_o hand_n whatever_o he_o may_v remit_v of_o his_o threaten_n to_o other_o he_o will_v certain_o not_o spare_v those_o who_o believe_v so_o large_o concern_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n not_o with_o a_o mind_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o term_n of_o it_o but_o to_o presume_v so_o much_o the_o more_o upon_o it_o 4._o god_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o show_v some_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o his_o severity_n towards_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n as_o he_o be_v please_v sometime_o to_o give_v good_a man_n some_o fore-tastes_a of_o heaven_n and_o earnest_n of_o their_o future_a happiness_n so_o likewise_o by_o some_o present_a stroke_n to_o let_v sinner_n feel_v what_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v hereafter_o some_o spark_n of_o hell_n do_v now_o and_o then_o fall_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o sinner_n that_o fear_n which_o be_v sometime_o kindle_v in_o man_n conscience_n in_o this_o life_n that_o horrible_a anguish_n and_o those_o unspeakable_a terror_n which_o some_o sinner_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o in_o this_o world_n may_v serve_v to_o forewarn_v we_o of_o the_o wrath_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n by_o the_o worm_n that_o die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v not_o quench_v that_o miraculous_a deluge_n which_o swallow_v up_o the_o old_a world_n that_o hell_n which_o be_v rain_v down_o from_o heaven_n in_o those_o terrible_a shower_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n to_o consume_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n upon_o corah_n and_o his_o seditious_a company_n to_o let_v they_o down_o as_o it_o be_v quick_a into_o hell_n these_o and_o many_o other_o remarkable_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o several_a age_n upon_o particular_a person_n and_o upon_o city_n and_o nation_n may_v satisfy_v we_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v pledge_n to_o assure_v sinner_n of_o the_o insupportable_a misery_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n 5._o the_o argument_n be_v much_o strong_a the_o other_o way_n that_o because_o the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n be_v delay_v so_o long_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v much_o heavy_a and_o severe_a when_o it_o come_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v grow_v all_o this_o while_n and_o as_o we_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o sin_n he_o fill_v the_o vial_n of_o his_o wrath_n rom._n 2.5_o and_o according_a to_o thy_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a heart_n treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n god_n now_o keep_v in_o his_o displeasure_n but_o all_o the_o while_o we_o go_v on_o in_o a_o impenitent_a course_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v continual_o increase_v and_o will_v at_o last_o be_v manifest_v by_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o sinner_n god_n now_o exercise_v and_o display_v his_o mild_a attribute_n his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n but_o these_o will_v not_o always_o hold_v out_o there_o be_v a_o dreadful_a day_n a_o come_n wherein_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v god_n will_v show_v his_o wrath_n and_o make_v his_o power_n know_v after_o he_o have_v endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n all_o this_o long_a time_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o forbearance_n his_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v and_o he_o be_v whet_v his_o glitter_a sword_n and_o make_v sharp_a his_o arrow_n and_o this_o long_a preparation_n do_v portend_v a_o much_o more_o dreadful_a execution_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v reason_v thus_o from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n god_n bear_v with_o we_o and_o spare_v we_o at_o present_a and_o keep_v in_o his_o anger_n therefore_o if_o we_o go_v on_o to_o provoke_v he_o time_n will_v come_v when_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v but_o his_o anger_n will_v flame_v forth_o and_o his_o jealousy_n smoke_n against_o we_o this_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o they_o who_o in_o this_o world_n forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o shall_v forsake_v they_o 4._o another_o false_a conclusion_n which_o man_n draw_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n be_v that_o because_o it_o be_v delay_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a the_o sinner_n escape_v for_o the_o present_a and_o though_o he_o have_v some_o misgiving_n and_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o future_a yet_o he_o hope_v his_o fear_n may_v be_v great_a than_o his_o danger_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a of_o the_o misery_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o another_o world_n as_o if_o it_o be_v present_a and_o we_o lie_v groan_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o this_o will_v not_o only_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o doubt_v but_o even_o for_o that_o which_o we_o proper_o and_o strict_o call_v faith_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v but_o sure_o we_o have_v other_o faculty_n beside_o sense_n to_o judge_v of_o thing_n by_o we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o certain_a of_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v neither_o present_a nor_o sensible_a of_o many_o thing_n past_a and_o future_a upon_o good_a ground_n and_o testimony_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o remembrance_n of_o it_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o shall_v die_v though_o we_o never_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o it_o thing_n may_v be_v certain_a in_o their_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o present_a existence_n if_o the_o cause_n be_v certain_a the_o truth_n of_o god_n who_o have_v declare_v these_o thing_n to_o we_o be_v a_o abundant_a ground_n of_o assurance_n to_o we_o though_o they_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n the_o certainty_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o shake_v by_o our_o waver_a belief_n concern_v they_o beside_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n have_v always_o make_v a_o contrary_a inference_n from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o present_a punishment_n though_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o because_o judgement_n be_v defer_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a yet_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n have_v teach_v man_n to_o reason_n otherwise_o that_o because_o god_n be_v so_o patient_a to_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n therefore_o there_o will_v a_o time_n come_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v that_o because_o this_o life_n be_v a_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o forbearance_n therefore_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o state_n after_o this_o life_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o season_n of_o recompense_n and_o by_o this_o argument_n chief_o it_o be_v that_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a satisfy_v themselves_o concern_v another_o state_n after_o this_o life_n and_o answer_v the_o troublesome_a objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o unequal_a administration_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n so_o visible_a in_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a viz._n that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o state_n that_o will_v adjust_a all_o these_o matter_n and_o set_v they_o straight_o when_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n shall_v receive_v the_o full_a recompense_n of_o their_o deed_n the_o 5_o the_o and_o last_v false_a conclusion_n which_o man_n draw_v from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v however_o probable_o at_o some_o distance_n and_o
in_o especial_o if_o these_o hope_n be_v give_v they_o by_o a_o grave_a man_n of_o who_o piety_n and_o judgement_n they_o have_v a_o venerable_a opinion_n when_o man_n have_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o themselves_o as_o all_o wicked_a liver_n must_v have_v they_o be_v natural_o apt_a to_o be_v overjoy_v at_o the_o unexpected_a news_n of_o a_o pardon_n to_o speak_v my_o mind_n free_o in_o this_o matter_n i_o have_v no_o great_a opinion_n of_o that_o extraordinary_a comfort_n and_o confidence_n which_o some_o have_v upon_o a_o sudden_a repentance_n for_o great_a and_o flagrant_a crime_n because_o i_o can_v discern_v any_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o it_o i_o think_v great_a humility_n and_o dejection_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o doubtful_a apprehension_n of_o their_o condition_n next_o almost_o to_o despair_v of_o it_o will_v much_o better_o become_v they_o because_o their_o case_n be_v real_o so_o very_o doubtful_a in_o itself_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o the_o repentance_n of_o such_o person_n and_o it_o become_v they_o well_o but_o i_o see_v very_o little_a reason_n for_o their_o great_a comfort_n and_o confidence_n nor_o do_v it_o become_v their_o circumstance_n and_o condition_n let_v they_o excercise_n as_o deep_a a_o repentance_n as_o be_v possible_a and_o bring_v forth_o all_o the_o fruit_n meet_v for_o it_o that_o be_v possible_a in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n let_v they_o humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n and_o pray_v incessant_o to_o he_o day_n and_o night_n for_o mercy_n make_v all_o the_o reparation_n they_o can_v for_o the_o injury_n they_o have_v do_v by_o confession_n and_o acknowledgement_n and_o by_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o party_n injure_v if_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n by_o give_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a by_o warn_v other_o and_o endeavour_v to_o reclaim_v they_o to_o a_o better_a mind_n and_o course_n of_o life_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n humble_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n let_v they_o imitate_v as_o near_o as_o they_o can_v the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o penitent_a thief_n the_o only_a example_n the_o scripture_n have_v leave_v we_o of_o a_o late_a repentance_n that_o prove_v effectual_a who_o give_v the_o great_a testimony_n that_o can_v be_v of_o a_o penitent_a sorrow_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o faith_n in_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o generous_a and_o courageous_a own_n of_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o disgrace_n and_o suffering_n when_o even_o his_o own_o disciple_n have_v deny_v and_o forsake_v he_o but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o he_o any_o sign_n of_o extraordinary_a comfort_n much_o less_o of_o confidence_n but_o he_o humble_o commend_v himself_o to_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o saviour_n say_v lord_n remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n sermon_n ix_o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n eccles_n viii_o 11_o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o execute_v speedy_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a i_o have_v consider_v how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o abuse_v the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o the_o harden_v and_o encourage_v of_o themselves_o in_o sin_n and_o whence_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v where_o i_o consider_v the_o several_a false_a conclusion_n which_o sinner_n draw_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o providence_n or_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o else_o as_o be_v more_o common_o pretend_v that_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a and_o that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o high_o offend_v at_o it_o or_o that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o severe_a as_o he_o be_v represent_v that_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a or_o however_o it_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o may_v be_v prevent_v by_o a_o future_a repentance_n all_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v full_o to_o and_o endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o fallacy_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n i_o propound_v which_o be_v to_o answer_v a_o objection_n to_o which_o this_o discourse_n may_v seem_v liable_a and_o that_o be_v this_o if_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o man_n hardness_n and_o impenitency_n then_o why_o be_v god_n so_o patient_a to_o sinner_n when_o they_o be_v so_o prone_a to_o abuse_v his_o goodness_n and_o patience_n and_o how_o be_v it_o goodness_n in_o god_n to_o forbear_v sinner_n so_o long_o when_o this_o forbearance_n of_o he_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o minister_v to_o they_o a_o occasion_n of_o their_o further_a mischief_n and_o great_a ruin_n it_o shall_v seem_v according_a to_o this_o that_o it_o will_v be_v much_o great_a mercy_n to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o sinner_n not_o to_o be_v patient_a towards_o they_o at_o all_o but_o instant_o upon_o the_o first_o occasion_n and_o provocation_n to_o cut_v they_o off_o and_o so_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o their_o wickedness_n and_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o make_v themselves_o more_o miserable_a by_o increase_v their_o guilt_n and_o treasure_v up_o wrath_n to_o themselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n this_o be_v the_o objection_n and_o because_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o some_o weight_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o return_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o it_o in_o these_o follow_a particular_n and_o i._o i_o ask_v the_o sinner_n if_o he_o will_v stand_v to_o this_o be_v thou_o serious_a and_o will_v thou_o in_o good_a earnest_n have_v god_n to_o deal_v thus_o with_o thou_o to_o take_v the_o very_a first_o advantage_n to_o destroy_v thou_o or_o turn_v thou_o into_o hell_n and_o to_o make_v thou_o miserable_a beyond_o all_o hope_n of_o recovery_n consider_v of_o it_o again_o do_v thou_o think_v it_o desirable_a that_o god_n shall_v deal_v thus_o with_o thou_o and_o let_v fly_v his_o judgement_n upon_o thou_o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o thou_o have_v sin_v if_o not_o why_o do_v man_n trifle_v and_o make_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n which_o they_o will_v be_v very_o loath_a shall_v be_v make_v good_a upon_o they_o ii_o it_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n be_v not_o a_o total_a forbearance_n it_o be_v usual_o so_o mix_v with_o affliction_n and_o judgement_n of_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o upon_o ourselves_o or_o other_o as_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warning_n to_o we_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v and_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n to_o sin_v no_o more_o lest_o a_o worse_a thing_n come_v upon_o we_o lest_o that_o judgement_n which_o we_o see_v inflict_v upon_o other_o come_v home_o to_o we_o and_o be_v not_o this_o great_a goodness_n to_o warn_v we_o when_o he_o may_v destroy_v we_o to_o leave_v room_n for_o a_o retreat_n when_o he_o may_v put_v our_o case_n past_o remedy_n all_o this_o time_n of_o god_n patience_n he_o threaten_v sinner_n to_o awaken_v they_o out_o of_o their_o security_n he_o punish_v they_o gentle_o that_o we_o may_v have_v no_o ground_n to_o hope_v for_o impunity_n he_o make_v example_n of_o some_o in_o a_o more_o severe_a and_o remarkable_a manner_n that_o other_o may_v hear_v and_o fear_v and_o be_v afraid_a to_o commit_v the_o like_a sin_n lest_o the_o like_a punishment_n overtake_v they_o he_o whip_v some_o offender_n before_o our_o eye_n to_o show_v we_o what_o sin_n deserve_v and_o what_o we_o also_o may_v just_o expect_v if_o we_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o will_v nothing_o be_v a_o warning_n to_o we_o but_o our_o own_o suffering_n nay_o god_n do_v usual_o send_v some_o judgement_n or_o other_o upon_o every_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n he_o let_v he_o feel_v the_o rod_n that_o he_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a and_o bitter_a thing_n to_o sin_n against_o he_o he_o exercise_v man_n with_o many_o affliction_n and_o cross_n and_o disappointment_n which_o their_o own_o conscience_n tell_v they_o be_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o their_o deed_n and_o by_o these_o light_a stroke_n he_o give_v we_o a_o merciful_a warning_n to_o avoid_v his_o heavy_a blow_n when_o mercy_n alone_o will_v not_o work_v upon_o we_o and_o win_v we_o but_o be_v feed_v to_o the_o full_a we_o grow_v wanton_a and_o foolish_a he_o administer_v physic_n to_o we_o by_o affliction_n and_o by_o adversity_n endeavour_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o consideration_n and_o a_o sober_a mind_n and_o many_o have_v be_v cure_v this_o way_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n have_v do_v they_o that_o good_a which_o his_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n can_v not_o for_o god_n will_v save_v we_o any_o way_n by_o his_o mercy_n or_o by_o his_o judgement_n by_o sickness_n or_o by_o health_n
by_o plenty_n or_o by_o want_n by_o what_o we_o desire_v or_o by_o what_o we_o dread_v so_o desirous_a be_v he_o of_o our_o repentance_n and_o happiness_n that_o he_o leave_v no_o method_n unattempted_a that_o may_v probable_o do_v we_o good_a he_o strike_v upon_o every_o passion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n he_o work_v upon_o our_o love_n by_o his_o goodness_n upon_o our_o hope_n by_o his_o promise_n and_o upon_o our_o fear_n first_o by_o his_o threaten_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o effectual_a then_o by_o his_o judgement_n he_o try_v every_o affection_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o it_o if_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o may_v draw_v we_o to_o himself_o and_o will_v nothing_o warn_v we_o but_o what_o will_v ruin_v we_o and_o render_v our_o case_n desperate_a and_o past_a hope_n and_o if_o any_o sinner_n be_v free_a from_o outward_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n yet_o sin_n never_o fail_v to_o carry_v its_o own_o punishment_n along_o with_o it_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a sting_n and_o worm_n a_o divine_a nemesis_n and_o revenge_n that_o be_v breed_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o make_v it_o a_o heavy_a punishment_n to_o itself_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n do_v frequent_o torment_v he_o and_o his_o gild_n haunt_v and_o dog_n he_o wherever_o he_o go_v for_o when_o ever_o a_o man_n commit_v a_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n he_o drink_v down_o poison_n which_o though_o it_o may_v work_v slow_o yet_o it_o will_v give_v he_o many_o a_o gripe_n and_o if_o no_o mean_n be_v use_v to_o expel_v it_o will_v destroy_v he_o at_o last_o so_o that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v wise_o order_v and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mixture_n of_o judgement_n in_o it_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o awaken_v sinner_n and_o much_o more_o apt_a to_o deter_v they_o from_o sin_n than_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o go_v on_o and_o continue_v in_o it_o iii_o nothing_o be_v far_o from_o the_o intention_n of_o god_n than_o to_o harden_v man_n by_o his_o long-suffering_a this_o the_o scripture_n most_o express_o declare_v 2_o pet._n 3.9_o he_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n he_o have_v a_o very_a gracious_a and_o merciful_a design_n in_o his_o patience_n towards_o sinner_n and_o be_v therefore_o good_a that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o so_o and_o that_o we_o may_v cease_v to_o do_v evil_a the_o event_n of_o god_n long-suffering_a may_v by_o our_o own_o fault_n and_o abuse_n of_o it_o prove_v our_o ruin_n but_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o it_o be_v our_o repentance_n he_o wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n say_v the_o son_n of_o syrach_n that_o they_o may_v repent_v he_o pass_v they_o by_o and_o do_v not_o take_v speedy_a vengeance_n upon_o sinner_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v time_n to_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o to_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o he_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o way_n nay_o his_o long-suffering_a do_v not_o only_o give_v space_n for_o repentance_n but_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o it_o that_o he_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o surprise_v sinner_n that_o he_o give_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o second_o thought_n time_n to_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o to_o retract_v it_o by_o repentance_n be_v a_o sufficient_a intimation_n that_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o ruin_v we_o that_o he_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o live_v and_o shall_v not_o this_o goodness_n of_o his_o make_v we_o sorry_a that_o we_o have_v offend_v he_o do_v it_o not_o natural_o lead_v and_o invite_v we_o to_o repentance_n what_o other_o interpretation_n can_v we_o make_v of_o his_o patience_n what_o other_o use_n in_o reason_n shall_v we_o make_v of_o it_o but_o to_o repent_v and_o return_v that_o we_o may_v be_v save_v iv_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o truth_n any_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n to_o man_n in_o any_o evil_a course_n the_o proper_a and_o natural_a tendency_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o by_o repentance_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n rom._n 2.4_o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n this_o st._n peter_n with_o relation_n to_o these_o very_a word_n of_o st._n paul_n interpret_v lead_v to_o salvation_n 2_o pet._n 3.15_o and_o account_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o our_o lord_n be_v salvation_n as_o our_o belove_a brother_n paul_n also_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o now_o where_o do_v st._n paul_n write_v so_o unless_o in_o this_o text_n not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n it_o be_v not_o only_o great_a ignorance_n and_o a_o very_a gross_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o encourage_v man_n in_o sin_n but_o likewise_o to_o think_v that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n goodness_n can_v have_v any_o tendency_n to_o make_v man_n evil_a not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n v._o that_o through_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n sinner_n be_v harden_v in_o their_o evil_a way_n be_v whole_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o their_o abuse_n of_o god_n goodness_n it_o be_v neither_o the_o end_n and_o intention_n nor_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o accidental_a event_n of_o it_o through_o our_o own_o fault_n and_o be_v this_o any_o real_a objection_n against_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n may_v not_o god_n be_v patient_a though_o sinner_n be_v impenitent_a may_v not_o he_o be_v good_a though_o we_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o his_o goodness_n because_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o abuse_v the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v it_o therefore_o a_o fault_n in_o he_o to_o bestow_v they_o upon_o we_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o abuse_v they_o but_o will_v we_o challenge_v god_n also_o of_o unkindness_n in_o give_v they_o may_v not_o god_n use_v wise_a and_o fit_a mean_n for_o our_o recovery_n because_o we_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o not_o to_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o they_o and_o must_v he_o be_v charge_v with_o our_o ruin_n because_o he_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o prevent_v it_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o be_v injurious_a to_o ourselves_o but_o will_v we_o be_v unthankful_a to_o god_n also_o when_o god_n have_v lay_v out_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o patience_n upon_o sinner_n will_v they_o challenge_v he_o as_o accessary_a to_o their_o ruin_n as_o if_o a_o foolish_a heir_n that_o have_v prodigal_o waste_v the_o fair_a estate_n that_o be_v leave_v he_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o blame_v himself_o as_o to_o charge_v his_o father_n with_o undo_v he_o be_v these_o the_o best_a return_n which_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n have_v deserve_v from_o we_o do_v we_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a god_n patience_n will_v save_v sinner_n but_o they_o ruin_v themselves_o by_o their_o abuse_n of_o it_o let_v the_o blame_v then_o lie_v where_o it_o be_v due_a and_o let_v god_n have_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o goodness_n though_o man_n refuse_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o vi_o and_o last_o but_o because_o this_o objection_n pinch_v hard_a in_o one_o point_n viz._n that_o god_n certain_o fore-sees_a that_o a_o great_a many_o will_v abuse_v his_o long-suffering_a to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o gild_n and_o the_o aggravate_v of_o their_o condemnation_n and_o how_o be_v his_o long-suffering_a any_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o those_o who_o he_o certain_o fore-knows_a will_n in_o the_o event_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o miserable_a for_o have_v have_v so_o much_o patience_n extend_v to_o they_o therefore_o for_o a_o full_a answer_n i_o desire_v these_o six_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o god_n design_n this_o life_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o obedience_n that_o according_a as_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o he_o may_v reward_v or_o punish_v we_o in_o another_o world_n 2._o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o our_o obedience_n nor_o any_o capacity_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n that_o be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o do_v what_o we_o do_v upon_o force_n and_o necessity_n but_o upon_o free_a choice_n 3._o that_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o his_o knowledge_n do_v
and_o have_v be_v preserve_v by_o he_o and_o can_v subsist_v one_o moment_n without_o the_o continue_a influence_n of_o the_o power_n and_o goodness_n which_o first_o call_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o good_a and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o for_o the_o present_a we_o enjoy_v and_o for_o the_o future_a hope_n for_o when_o he_o make_v we_o at_o first_o he_o design_v we_o for_o happiness_n and_o when_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n and_o wilful_a mascarriage_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o happiness_n which_o he_o design_v we_o for_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n for_o our_o recovery_n and_o give_v his_o life_n for_o the_o ransom_n of_o our_o soul_n he_o have_v not_o only_o admit_v we_o into_o a_o new_a covenant_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o we_o but_o he_o have_v also_o purchase_v these_o blessing_n for_o we_o by_o the_o most_o endear_n price_n the_o blood_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o have_v save_v we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v just_o astonish_v we_o upon_o these_o consideration_n we_o shall_v awaken_v ourselves_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n call_v up_o our_o spirit_n and_o summon_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o this_o work_n psal_n 103.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n who_o forgive_v all_o thy_o iniquity_n who_o heal_v all_o thy_o disease_n who_o redeem_v thy_o life_n from_o destruction_n who_o crow_v thou_o with_o love_a kindness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n it_o be_v he_o that_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n with_o good_a thing_n and_o crow_v we_o with_o tender_a mercy_n and_o love_a hindness_n that_o have_v promise_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n to_o we_o and_o must_v confer_v and_o bestow_v this_o upon_o we_o therefore_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o we_o shall_v bless_v his_o holy_a name_n 2._o if_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n that_o be_v order_v all_o thing_n that_o befall_v we_o and_o by_o his_o providence_n dispose_v of_o all_o our_o concernment_n this_o shall_v teach_v we_o with_o patience_n and_o quietness_n to_o submit_v to_o all_o event_n to_o all_o evil_n and_o affliction_n that_o come_v upon_o we_o as_o be_v dispose_v by_o his_o wise_a providence_n and_o come_v from_o he_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o attribute_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a agent_n and_o to_o look_v no_o high_o than_o second_a cause_n not_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o natural_a cause_n be_v direct_o subordinate_a to_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o free_a creature_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o god_n wise_a providence_n so_o that_o nothing_o happen_v to_o we_o beside_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n and_o methinks_v this_o be_v one_o particular_a excellency_n of_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n above_o all_o other_o book_n that_o the_o constant_a phrase_n of_o the_o sacred_a dialect_n be_v to_o attribute_v all_o event_n except_v sin_n only_o to_o god_n so_o that_o every_o one_o that_o read_v it_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v write_v with_o a_o more_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o god_n than_o any_o other_o book_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o frequent_a and_o express_v acknowledgement_n of_o god_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o event_n so_o that_o what_o in_o other_o writer_n will_v be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o this_o or_o that_o person_n be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v so_o often_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v this_o and_o that_o stir_v up_o such_o a_o enemy_n bring_v such_o a_o judgement_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n make_v excellent_a use_n of_o this_o consideration_n to_o argue_v themselves_o into_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n in_o every_o condition_n so_o eli_n 1_o sam._n 3.18_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a so_o job_n he_o do_v not_o so_o consider_v the_o sabean_o and_o chaldean_n who_o have_v carry_v away_o his_o ox_n and_o his_o camel_n and_o slay_v his_o servant_n nor_o the_o wind_n which_o have_v throw_v down_o his_o house_n and_o kill_v his_o son_n and_o his_o daughter_n but_o he_o look_v up_o to_o god_n the_o great_a governor_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o these_o event_n the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o david_n psal_n 39.9_o i_o be_v dumb_a and_o speak_v not_o a_o word_n because_o thou_o lord_n do_v it_o so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v he_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o death_n but_o look_n to_o a_o high_a hand_n the_o cup_n which_o my_o father_n give_v i_o to_o drink_v shall_v not_o i_o drink_v it_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o all_o thing_n as_o come_v from_o second_o cause_n and_o do_v not_o eye_n the_o first_o cause_n the_o good_a and_o wise_a governor_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v offence_n at_o every_o cross_n and_o unwelcome_a accident_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v angry_a when_o one_o fling_v water_n upon_o they_o as_o they_o pass_v in_o the_o street_n but_o no_o man_n be_v offend_v if_o he_o be_v wet_a by_o rain_n from_o heaven_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o evil_n as_o come_v only_o from_o man_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v impatient_a and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o bear_v they_o but_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o all_o thing_n as_o under_o the_o government_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o every_o condition_n as_o allot_v to_o we_o by_o the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n this_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o will_v still_o all_o the_o murmur_n of_o our_o spirit_n as_o when_o a_o seditious_a multitude_n be_v in_o a_o uproar_n the_o presence_n of_o a_o grave_n and_o venerable_a person_n will_v hush_v the_o noise_n and_o quell_v the_o tumult_n so_o if_o we_o will_v but_o represent_v god_n as_o present_v to_o all_o action_n and_o govern_v and_o dispose_v all_o event_n this_o will_v still_o and_o appease_v our_o spirit_n when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o riot_n and_o mutiny_n against_o any_o of_o his_o dispensation_n use_v the_o second_o if_o god_n be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o let_v we_o make_v he_o our_o last_o end_n and_o refer_v all_o our_o action_n to_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v most_o reasonable_o require_v it_o of_o we_o and_o herein_o likewise_o the_o scripture_n do_v excel_v all_o other_o book_n that_o be_v do_v more_o frequent_o and_o express_o mind_v we_o of_o this_o end_n and_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o propose_v it_o to_o ourselves_o as_o our_o ultimate_a aim_n and_o design_n we_o shall_v love_v he_o as_o our_o chief_a end_n mat._n 22.37_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n thus_o to_o love_n god_n be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o school_n be_v love_v god_n as_o our_o chief_a end_n so_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v refer_v all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n to_o this_o end_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o in_o our_o body_n which_o be_v he_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o power_n that_o we_o have_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v use_v they_o for_o he_o we_o do_v all_o by_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o he_o and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v ourselves_o as_o to_o this_o duty_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o a_o question_n or_o two_o which_o may_v arise_v about_o it_o first_o whether_o a_o actual_a intention_n of_o god_n glory_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v every_o action_n that_o we_o do_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o shall_v be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o our_o life_n and_o all_o our_o action_n otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v defective_a in_o that_o which_o in_o moral_a action_n be_v most_o considerable_a and_o that_o be_v the_o end_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v keep_v all_o