world_n which_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a because_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o one_o be_v present_o to_o follow_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o same_o answer_n will_v serve_v they_o both_o and_o it_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n answer_n that_o he_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o rectify_v they_o in_o this_o mistake_n which_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o they_o both_o to_o make_v they_o more_o zealous_a to_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n since_o there_o be_v like_a to_o be_v so_o little_a time_n for_o it_o and_o likewise_o to_o wean_v their_o affection_n from_o this_o world_n which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v so_o near_o a_o end_n one_o thing_n indeed_o our_o saviour_n say_v which_o have_v they_o not_o be_v prepossess_v with_o another_o opinion_n do_v sufficient_o intimate_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o considerable_a space_n of_o time_n betwixt_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o this_o we_o find_v only_o in_o st._n luke_n ch._n 21.24_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n that_o shall_v come_v upon_o the_o jew_n he_o say_v they_o shall_v fall_v by_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o be_v carry_v into_o captivity_n into_o all_o nation_n and_o jerusalem_n shall_v be_v tread_v down_o of_o the_o gentile_n until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v fulfil_v so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o great_a many_o event_n foretell_v betwixt_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o accomplishment_n whereof_o may_v take_v up_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n jerusalem_n be_v at_o this_o day_n still_o tread_v down_o by_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o jew_n still_o continue_v disperse_v over_o the_o world_n but_o the_o disciple_n it_o seem_v do_v not_o much_o mind_n this_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o prejudicate_a conceit_n that_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n will_v happen_v before_o the_o end_n of_o that_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v much_o confirm_v by_o what_o our_o saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n say_v of_o st._n john_n upon_o occasion_n of_o peter_n question_n concern_v he_o john_n 21.21_o 22._o lord_n what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o upon_o which_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v he_o st._n john_n himself_o add_v v._o 23._o then_o go_v this_o say_n abroad_o among_o the_o brethren_n that_o that_o disciple_n shall_v not_o die_v that_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v live_v till_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o then_o be_v take_v up_o with_o he_o into_o heaven_n from_o all_o which_o they_o probable_o as_o they_o think_v conclude_v that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v happen_v before_o the_o end_n of_o that_o age_n whilst_o st._n john_n be_v alive_a but_o st._n john_n who_o write_v last_o of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o and_o live_v till_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o he_o acquaint_v we_o with_o this_o mistake_n which_o be_v currant_n among_o the_o christian_n so_o he_o take_v care_n to_o rectify_v it_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n say_v not_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v but_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o affirm_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v but_o to_o repress_v st_n peter_n curiosity_n he_o say_v if_o it_o be_v my_o pleasure_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v at_o all_o but_o live_v till_o i_o come_v to_o judgement_n what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o and_o st._n peter_n likewise_o or_o whoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o second_o epistle_n or_o at_o least_o of_o this_o three_o chapter_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o new_a epistle_n by_o itself_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o mistake_n about_o the_o nearness_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n as_o that_o which_o give_v occasion_n to_o these_o scoffer_n to_o deride_v the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n among_o the_o christian_n because_o they_o have_v be_v already_o deceive_v about_o the_o time_n of_o it_o and_o this_o the_o scoffer_n twit_v they_o with_o in_o that_o question_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n and_o therefore_o the_o learned_a grotius_n conjecture_n very_o probable_o that_o this_o last_o epistle_n contain_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n be_v write_v after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o time_n fix_v for_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o this_o scoff_n till_o after_o that_o time_n st._n peter_n indeed_o do_v not_o live_v so_o long_o and_o therefore_o grotius_n think_v that_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o simeon_n or_o simon_n who_o be_v successor_n of_o st._n james_n in_o the_o bishopric_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o live_v to_o the_o time_n of_o trajan_n i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o in_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v where_o the_o ground_n and_o force_v of_o this_o scoff_n lie_v namely_o in_o this_o that_o because_o the_o christian_n have_v general_o be_v very_o confident_a that_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n will_v be_v present_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v now_o find_v to_o be_v deceive_v in_o that_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o regard_n to_o be_v have_v at_o all_o to_o their_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n because_o they_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o that_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o but_o herein_o they_o argue_v very_o false_o because_o our_o saviour_n have_v positive_o and_o peremptory_o foretell_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n but_o have_v never_o fix_v and_o determine_v the_o time_n of_o it_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o that_o that_o he_o have_v plain_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o the_o precise_a time_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n god_n have_v reserve_v as_o a_o secret_a to_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v not_o impart_v to_o any_o no_o not_o to_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n nor_o to_o the_o son_n himself_o mark_v 13.32_o 33._o but_o of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n neither_o the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n take_v you_o heed_n watch_n and_o pray_v for_o you_o know_v not_o when_o the_o time_n be_v so_o that_o if_o they_o presume_v to_o make_v any_o conjecture_n about_o the_o time_n when_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v be_v they_o do_v it_o without_o any_o warrant_n from_o our_o lord_n it_o be_v great_a presumption_n in_o they_o to_o determine_v the_o time_n of_o it_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v so_o express_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o father_n have_v reserve_v this_o as_o a_o secret_a which_o he_o have_v never_o communicate_v to_o any_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v mistake_v about_o it_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n but_o their_o mistake_n in_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n clear_a prediction_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n without_o any_o determination_n of_o the_o time_n of_o it_o for_o that_o may_v be_v at_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n distance_n and_o yet_o be_v certain_a for_o all_o that_o and_o the_o delay_n of_o it_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n concern_v it_o but_o only_o of_o god_n great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o sinner_n in_o expectation_n of_o their_o repentance_n god_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 to_o us-ward_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o particular_a in_o the_o text_n namely_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o mankind_n 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 and_o for_o this_o st._n peter_n cite_v st._n paul_n v._o 15_o the_o of_o this_o chapter_n and_o account_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v salvation_n that_o be_v that_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o sinner_n be_v that_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o be_v save_v account_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o our_o lord_n be_v salvation_n even_o as_o our_o belove_a brother_n paul_n also_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n give_v unto_o he_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o now_o these_o word_n be_v not_o express_o find_v in_o st._n paul_n write_n but_o the_o sense_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v viz._n in_o rom._n 2.4_o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a not_o know_v that_o the_o
this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o it_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v in_o the_o best_a manner_n that_o can_v be_v his_o wisdom_n direct_v his_o power_n he_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n in_o number_n weight_n and_o measure_n so_o that_o they_o be_v admirable_o fit_v and_o proportion_v to_o one_o another_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o excellent_a contrivance_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o being_n and_o a_o wonderful_a beauty_n and_o harmony_n in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n be_v i_o think_v sufficient_o visible_a to_o every_o discern_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n the_o low_a form_n of_o creature_n i_o mean_v those_o which_o be_v destitute_a of_o sense_n do_v all_o of_o they_o contribute_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o the_o use_n and_o conveniency_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o creature_n above_o they_o which_o be_v endow_v with_o sense_n be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n and_o delight_n of_o they_o which_o be_v so_o palpable_a in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v tho'it_v be_v not_o so_o discernible_a concern_v all_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o when_o we_o survey_v the_o whole_a creation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o several_a part_n we_o may_v well_o cry_v out_o with_o david_n psal_n 104.24_o o_o lord_n how_o manifold_a be_v thy_o work_n in_o wisdom_n have_v thou_o make_v they_o all_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o god_n be_v not_o equal_o good_a to_o all_o of_o they_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v of_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a nature_n and_o to_o which_o he_o have_v communicate_v more_o degree_n of_o perfection_n they_o partake_v more_o of_o his_o goodness_n and_o be_v more_o glorious_a instance_n of_o it_o but_o every_o creature_n partake_v of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n in_o a_o certain_a degree_n and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o capacity_n of_o it_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v have_v make_v nothing_o but_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o he_o can_v have_v make_v as_o many_o of_o these_o as_o there_o be_v individual_a creature_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o wise_a architect_n to_o make_v several_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o being_n and_o to_o display_v his_o power_n and_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o all_o imaginable_a variety_n of_o creature_n all_o which_o shall_v be_v good_a in_o their_o kind_n though_o far_o short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o angel_n and_o immortal_a spirit_n he_o that_o will_v build_v a_o house_n for_o all_o the_o use_n and_o purpose_n of_o which_o a_o house_n be_v capable_a can_v make_v it_o all_o foundation_n and_o great_a beam_n and_o pillar_n must_v not_o so_o contrive_v it_o as_o to_o make_v it_o all_o room_n of_o state_n and_o entertainment_n but_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v in_o it_o mean_a material_n room_n and_o office_n for_o several_a use_n and_o purpose_n which_o however_o inferior_a to_o the_o rest_n in_o dignity_n and_o degree_n do_v yet_o contribute_v to_o the_o beauty_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o in_o this_o great_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v fit_a there_o shall_v be_v variety_n and_o different_a degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o impeachment_n of_o the_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o he_o that_o make_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o both_o for_o the_o mean_a of_o all_o god_n creature_n be_v good_a consider_v the_o nature_n and_o rank_n of_o it_o and_o the_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v design_v and_o we_o can_v imagine_v how_o it_o can_v have_v be_v order_v and_o frame_v better_a though_o we_o can_v easy_o tell_v how_o it_o may_v have_v be_v worse_o and_o that_o if_o this_o or_o that_o have_v be_v want_v or_o have_v be_v otherwise_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o good_a and_o those_o who_o have_v be_v most_o conversant_a in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n have_v be_v most_o ready_a to_o make_v this_o acknowledgement_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n with_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n they_o will_v all_o appear_v to_o be_v very_o good_a and_o notwithstanding_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n of_o creature_n be_v much_o less_o perfect_a than_o another_o and_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a distance_n between_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o worm_n and_o of_o a_o angel_n yet_o consider_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o rank_n and_o order_n which_o it_o have_v in_o the_o creation_n it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o can_v be_v consider_v its_o nature_n and_o use_n and_o the_o place_n allot_v to_o it_o among_o the_o creature_n and_o this_o difference_n in_o the_o work_v of_o god_n between_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a goodness_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o scripture_n be_v very_o careful_a to_o express_v to_o we_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n where_o you_o find_v god_n represent_v as_o first_o look_v upon_o and_o consider_v every_o day_n work_v by_o itself_o and_o approve_v it_o and_o pronounce_v it_o to_o be_v good_a gen._n 1.4_o 10_o 12_o 18_o 21_o 24._o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o day_n work_v it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n see_v it_o and_o it_o be_v good_a but_o then_o when_o all_o be_v finish_v and_o he_o survey_v the_o whole_a together_o it_o be_v say_v v._o 31._o that_o god_n see_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o behold_v it_o be_v very_o good_a very_o good_a that_o be_v the_o best_a the_o hebrew_n have_v no_o other_o superlative_a every_o creature_n of_o god_n by_o itself_o be_v good_a but_o take_v the_o whole_a together_o and_o they_o be_v very_o good_a the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v 3._o the_o universal_a goodness_n of_o god_n further_o appear_v in_o the_o careful_a and_o continual_a preservation_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v his_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v the_o several_a creature_n in_o be_v in_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o order_n those_o which_o have_v life_n in_o life_n to_o the_o period_n which_o he_o have_v determine_v and_o appoint_v for_o they_o in_o his_o preserve_v the_o whole_a world_n his_o manage_n and_o govern_v this_o vast_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o to_o keep_v it_o from_o run_v into_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n no_o less_o of_o the_o goodness_n than_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n that_o for_o so_o many_o age_n all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o have_v keep_v their_o place_n and_o perform_v the_o office_n and_o work_n for_o which_o nature_n design_v they_o that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o in_o the_o course_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n grow_v old_a and_o weak_a and_o out_o of_o repair_n and_o that_o the_o frame_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o dissolve_v and_o fall_v in_o piece_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o take_v care_n of_o the_o main_a and_o support_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n and_o preserve_v the_o more_o noble_a and_o considerable_a creature_n but_o even_o the_o least_o and_o mean_a of_o they_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v not_o overlook_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v make_v nor_o despise_v any_o of_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n so_o as_o to_o let_v they_o relapse_n and_o fall_v back_o into_o nothing_o through_o neglect_n and_o inadvertency_n as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v he_o take_v care_n of_o they_o all_o psal_n 104.27_o 28._o where_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o creature_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n these_o all_o say_v he_o wait_v upon_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v give_v they_o their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n that_o thou_o give_v they_o they_o gather_v thou_o open_v thy_o hand_n and_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o good_a and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n psal_n 145.15_o 16._o the_o eye_n of_o all_o wait_n upon_o thou_o and_o thou_o give_v they_o their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n thou_o open_v thy_o hand_n and_o satisfie_v the_o desire_n of_o every_o live_a thing_n the_o inanimate_a creature_n which_o be_v without_o sense_n and_o the_o brute_n creature_n which_o though_o they_o have_v sense_n be_v without_o understanding_n and_o so_o can_v have_v no_o end_n and_o design_n of_o self-preservation_n god_n preserve_v they_o no_o less_o than_o man_n who_o be_v endow_v with_o reason_n and_o foresight_n to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o psal_n 36.7_o thou_o preserve_v man_n and_o beast_n and_o psal_n 147.9_o he_o give_v to_o the_o beast_n his_o food_n and_o to_o the_o young_a raven_n when_o they_o cry_v and_o
beginning_n and_o there_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o any_o such_o change_n and_o alteration_n as_o be_v foretell_v to_o this_o he_o answer_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o these_o scoffer_n though_o they_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v wit_n do_v betray_v great_a ignorance_n both_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o talk_v very_o ignorant_o concern_v the_o world_n when_o they_o say_v all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o it_o when_o so_o remarkable_a a_o change_n have_v already_o happen_v as_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o by_o water_n and_o therefore_o the_o prediction_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o it_o by_o fire_n before_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o judgement_n be_v no_o way_n incredible_a and_o they_o show_v themselves_o likewise_o very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o which_o be_v eternal_o the_o same_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o one_o day_n be_v all_o one_o and_o if_o god_n make_v good_a his_o word_n some_o thousand_o of_o year_n hence_o it_o will_v make_v no_o sensible_a difference_n consider_v his_o eternal_a duration_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n when_o a_o duration_n begin_v which_o be_v never_o to_o have_v a_o end_n v._n 8._o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o one_o day_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o one_o day_n this_o it_o seem_v be_v a_o common_a say_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o signify_v that_o to_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n no_o finite_a duration_n bear_v any_o proportion_n and_o therefore_o with_o regard_n to_o eternity_n it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o year_n or_o one_o day_n the_o psalmist_n have_v a_o expression_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n psal_n 90.4_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n in_o thy_o sight_n be_v but_o as_o yesterday_o when_o it_o be_v past_a and_o as_o a_o watch_n in_o the_o night_n and_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n likewise_o ecclus._n 18.10_o as_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o sand_n to_o the_o sea_n shore_n so_o be_v a_o thousand_o year_n to_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n the_o like_a expression_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o heathen_a writer_n to_o the_o god_n no_o time_n be_v long_o say_v pythagoras_n and_o plutarch_n the_o whole_a space_n of_o a_o man_n life_n to_o the_o god_n be_v as_o nothing_o and_o in_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n of_o the_o slowness_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n the_o very_a argument_n st._n peter_n be_v here_o upon_o he_o have_v this_o passage_n that_o a_o thousand_o or_o ten_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o a_o indivisible_a point_n to_o a_o infinite_a duration_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v eternal_a the_o delay_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v for_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v a_o objection_n of_o no_o force_n against_o either_o the_o certainty_n or_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o for_o to_o eternity_n all_o time_n be_v equal_o short_a and_o it_o matter_n not_o when_o the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n begin_v if_o it_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n 2._o but_o because_o the_o distance_n between_o the_o declaration_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o the_o come_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o god_n yet_o it_o seem_v long_o to_o they_o therefore_o he_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o it_o as_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o impeach_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n but_o be_v a_o clear_a argument_n and_o demonstration_n of_o his_o goodness_n admit_v what_o they_o say_v to_o be_v true_a that_o god_n delay_v judgement_n for_o a_o great_a while_n yet_o this_o give_v no_o ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o judgement_n will_v never_o be_v but_o it_o show_v the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n that_o he_o give_v they_o so_o long_o a_o space_n of_o repentace_n that_o so_o they_o may_v prevent_v the_o terror_n of_o that_o day_n whenever_o it_o come_v and_o escape_v that_o dreadful_a ruin_n which_o will_v certain_o overtake_v soon_o or_o late_a all_o impenitent_a sinner_n the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o declaration_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o a_o future_a judgement_n as_o some_o man_n account_v slackness_n that_o be_v as_o if_o the_o delay_n of_o judgement_n be_v a_o argument_n it_o will_v never_o come_v this_o be_v a_o false_a inference_n from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n and_o a_o ill_a interpretation_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n who_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o and_o delay_n judgement_n on_o purpose_n to_o give_v man_n time_n to_o repent_v and_o by_o repentance_n to_o prevent_v their_o own_o eternal_a ruin_n god_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_o suffer_v 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 in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n god_n be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n second_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o judgement_n be_v no_o just_a ground_n why_o sinner_n shall_v hope_v for_o impunity_n as_o the_o scoffer_n here_o foretell_v by_o the_o apostle_n argue_v that_o because_o our_o lord_n delay_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n so_o long_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o come_v god_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n three_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o mankind_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o give_v 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 first_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n as_o it_o be_v a_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n god_n be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n ii_o that_o this_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n iii_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o mankind_n i._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n the_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v one_o that_o keep_v his_o anger_n long_o or_o that_o be_v long_o before_o he_o be_v angry_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v sometime_o express_v by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v god_n forbearance_n and_o patient_a wait_v for_o our_o repentance_n some_o time_n by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v god_n hold_v in_o his_o wrath_n and_o restrain_v himself_o from_o punish_v and_o sometime_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o extent_n of_o his_o patience_n his_o long-suffering_a and_o forbear_v for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o punishment_n due_a to_o sinner_n so_o that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o sinner_n in_o defer_v or_o moderate_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n the_o defer_v of_o deserve_a punishment_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n which_o if_o it_o be_v extend_v to_o a_o long_a time_n it_o be_v proper_o his_o long-suffering_a and_o the_o moderate_n as_o well_o as_o the_o defer_v of_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o sin_n be_v a_o instance_n likewise_o of_o god_n patience_n and_o not_o only_o the_o defer_v and_o moderate_v of_o temporal_a punishment_n but_o the_o adjourn_v of_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o sinner_n be_v a_o principal_a instance_n of_o god_n patience_n so_o that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n take_v in_o all_o that_o space_n of_o repentance_n which_o god_n afford_v to_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n nay_o all_o temporal_a judgement_n and_o affliction_n which_o befall_v sinner_n in_o this_o life_n and_o be_v short_a of_o cut_v they_o off_o and_o turn_v they_o into_o hell_n be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n whenever_o god_n punish_v it_o be_v of_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o patience_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v and_o because_o his_o compassion_n fail_v not_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o patience_n be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_o due_a to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v due_a to_o the_o
sin_n nor_o reward_v we_o according_a to_o our_o iniquity_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o he_o can_v he_o do_v not_o let_v loose_a the_o fierceness_n of_o his_o anger_n nor_o pour_v forth_o all_o his_o wrath_n psal_n 78.38_o be_v full_a of_o compassion_n he_o forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o destroy_v they_o not_o yea_o many_o a_o time_n turn_v he_o his_o anger_n away_o and_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o all_o his_o wrath_n 6._o after_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o punish_v and_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o work_n he_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v take_v off_o there_o be_v a_o famous_a instance_n of_o this_o 2._o sam._n 24._o when_o god_n have_v send_v three_o day_n pestilence_n upon_o israel_n for_o david_n sin_n in_o number_v the_o people_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o day_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n over_o jerusalem_n to_o destroy_v it_o upon_o the_o prayer_n of_o david_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o say_v to_o the_o angel_n that_o destroy_v it_o be_v enough_o stay_v now_o thy_o hand_n nay_o so_o ready_a be_v god_n to_o be_v take_v off_o from_o this_o work_n that_o he_o set_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n numb_a 25.11_o 12_o 13._o phinehas_n the_o son_n of_o eleazar_n have_v turn_v my_o wrath_n away_o from_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o i_o consume_v they_o not_o in_o my_o jealousy_n wherefore_o behold_v i_o give_v unto_o he_o my_o covenant_n of_o peace_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o because_o he_o be_v zealous_a for_o his_o god_n and_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o which_o god_n value_v in_o this_o action_n of_o phinehas_n next_o to_o his_o zeal_n for_o he_o be_v that_o he_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n and_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n 5._o and_o last_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n will_v yet_o appear_v with_o further_a advantage_n if_o we_o consider_v some_o eminent_a and_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o it_o which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a because_o they_o be_v instance_n not_o only_o of_o god_n patience_n extend_v to_o a_o long_a time_n but_o to_o a_o great_a many_o person_n the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n wait_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o be_v probable_o conjecture_v for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n god_n bear_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n after_o they_o have_v tempt_v he_o ten_o time_n for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n act_v 13.18_o and_o about_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n suffer_v he_o their_o manner_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o this_o instance_n of_o god_n patience_n will_v be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a if_o we_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o great_a impatience_n of_o that_o people_n if_o they_o do_v but_o want_v flesh_n or_o water_n they_o be_v out_o of_o patience_n with_o god_n when_o moses_n be_v in_o the_o mount_n with_o god_n but_o forty_o day_n they_o present_o fall_v to_o make_v new_a god_n they_o have_v not_o the_o patience_n of_o forty_o day_n and_o yet_o god_n bear_v their_o manner_n forty_o year_n god_n have_v spare_v niniveh_n for_o some_o age_n and_o when_o his_o patience_n be_v even_o expire_v and_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v past_o a_o final_a sentence_n upon_o it_o yet_o he_o grant_v a_o reprieve_n for_o forty_o day_n that_o they_o may_v sue_v out_o their_o pardon_n in_o that_o time_n and_o they_o do_v so_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o god_n turn_v from_o the_o evil_n he_o say_v he_o will_v do_v to_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o but_o the_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o god_n long-suffering_a be_v to_o the_o jew_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o after_o they_o have_v reject_v the_o son_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o miracle_n after_o they_o have_v unjust_o condemn_v and_o cruel_o murder_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n yet_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n respite_v the_o ruin_n of_o that_o people_n forty_o year_n beside_o all_o these_o there_o be_v many_o instance_n of_o god_n patience_n to_o particular_a person_n but_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o enumerate_v these_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v be_v a_o instance_n to_o ourselves_o of_o god_n long-suffering_a i_o shall_v only_o add_v as_o a_o further_a advantage_n to_o set_v off_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n that_o his_o forbearance_n be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o have_v be_v complain_v of_o for_o it_o by_o his_o own_o servant_n job_n who_o be_v so_o patient_a a_o man_n himself_o think_v much_o at_o it_o job_n 21.7_o 8._o wherefore_o do_v the_o wicked_a live_v yea_o become_v old_a their_o seed_n be_v establish_v in_o their_o sight_n and_o their_o posterity_n before_o their_o eye_n jonah_n challenge_v god_n for_o it_o ch._n 4.2_o be_v not_o this_o that_o which_o i_o say_v when_o i_o be_v yet_o in_o my_o own_o country_n and_o therefore_o i_o flee_v before_o unto_o tarshish_n because_o i_o know_v thou_o be_v a_o gracious_a god_n and_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n etc._n etc._n jonah_n have_v observe_v god_n to_o be_v so_o prone_a to_o this_o that_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v send_v upon_o his_o message_n lest_o god_n shall_v discredit_v his_o prophet_n in_o not_o be_v so_o good_a shall_v i_o say_v so_o severe_a as_o his_o word_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o viz._n the_o great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o mankind_n sermon_n vii_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 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 i_o have_v make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o which_o i_o propose_v to_o do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o consider_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n god_n be_v long_o suffer_v to_o us-ward_n second_o to_o show_v that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v no_o just_a ground_n why_o sinner_n shall_v hope_v for_o impunity_n god_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n three_o to_o consider_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o mankind_n 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 i_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v namely_o to_o show_v that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o judgement_n be_v no_o just_a ground_n why_o sinner_n shall_v hope_v for_o impunity_n god_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n that_o be_v as_o the_o scoffer_n here_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n do_v ignorant_o and_o malicious_o reason_n that_o because_o our_o lord_n delay_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n so_o long_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o come_v there_o be_v indeed_o some_o pretence_n for_o this_o objection_n because_o the_o christian_n do_v general_o apprehend_v that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v very_o near_o and_o that_o it_o will_v immediate_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o disciple_n themselves_o be_v of_o that_o persuasion_n before_o our_o saviour_n death_n when_o our_o saviour_n discourse_v to_o they_o of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n they_o put_v these_o two_o question_n to_o he_o mat._n 24.3_o and_o as_o he_o sit_v upon_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n the_o disciple_n come_v unto_o he_o private_o say_v when_o shall_v these_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o sign_n of_o thy_o come_n and_o of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o shall_v these_o thing_n be_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o immediate_o before_o viz._n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v plain_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o question_n to_o which_o they_o subjoin_v another_o and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o sign_n of_o thy_o come_n that_o be_v to_o judgement_n and_o of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o
of_o i_o ezek._n 33.11_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n prov._n 1.29_o 30_o 31._o they_o hate_v knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o will_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n they_o despise_v all_o my_o reproof_n therefore_o shall_v they_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n the_o ruin_n of_o sinner_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n but_o from_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o so_o likewise_o our_o saviour_n every_o where_o charge_v the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n upon_o their_o own_o wilful_a obstinacy_n the_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n shall_v be_v these_o three_o i._o to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a patience_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o notwithstanding_o our_o manifold_a and_o heinous_a provocation_n we_o may_v every_o one_o of_o we_o take_v to_o ourselves_o those_o word_n lam._n 3.22_o it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v because_o his_o compassion_n fail_v not_o they_o be_v renew_v every_o morning_n when_o ever_o we_o sin_v and_o we_o provoke_v god_n every_o day_n it_o be_v of_o his_o patience_n that_o we_o be_v not_o destroy_v and_o when_o we_o sin_v again_o this_o be_v a_o new_a and_o great_a instance_n of_o god_n patience_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n patience_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v number_v than_o our_o sin_n we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n how_o great_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o they_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o spare_v we_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n great_a than_o his_o goodness_n in_o create_v we_o because_o he_o have_v no_o provocation_n not_o to_o make_v we_o but_o we_o provoke_v he_o daily_o to_o destroy_v we_o ii_o let_v we_o propound_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n for_o a_o pattern_n to_o ourselves_o plutarch_n say_v that_o god_n set_v forth_o himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o world_n for_o our_o imitation_n and_o propound_v to_o we_o the_o example_n of_o his_o patience_n to_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o revenge_v injury_n hasty_o upon_o one_o another_o iii_o let_v we_o comply_v with_o the_o design_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o we_o which_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o abuse_v it_o to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a purpose_n to_o the_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o their_o evil_a way_n so_o solomon_n observe_v eccl._n 8.11_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 but_o this_o be_v very_o false_a reason_n for_o the_o patience_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 the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o countenance_v sin_n but_o to_o convert_v the_o sinner_n rom._n 2.4_o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_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 patience_n in_o god_n shall_v produce_v repentance_n in_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o opportunity_n give_v we_o by_o god_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v save_v 2_o pet._n 3.15_o account_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v salvation_n they_o that_o do_v not_o improve_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n to_o their_o own_o salvation_n mistake_v the_o true_a meaning_n and_o intent_n of_o it_o but_o many_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o that_o they_o presume_v upon_o it_o and_o sin_n with_o more_o courage_n and_o confidence_n because_o of_o it_o but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o i_o will_v offer_v these_o two_o or_o three_o consideration_n 1._o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o provoke_v to_o god_n than_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o patience_n god_n patience_n wait_v for_o our_o repentance_n and_o all_o long_a attendance_n even_o of_o inferior_n upon_o their_o superior_n have_v something_o in_o it_o that_o be_v grievous_a how_o much_o more_o grievous_a and_o provoke_a must_v it_o be_v to_o the_o great_a god_n after_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o upon_o we_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o have_v that_o despise_a after_o his_o patience_n have_v wait_v a_o long_a time_n upon_o we_o not_o only_o to_o be_v thrust_v away_o with_o contempt_n but_o to_o have_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n abuse_v into_o a_o encouragement_n to_o continue_v in_o they_o god_n take_v a_o account_n of_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n luke_o 13.7_o behold_v these_o three_o year_n i_o come_v seek_v fruit_n and_o find_v none_o cut_v it_o down_o why_o cumber_v it_o the_o ground_n 2._o consider_v that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n will_v have_v a_o end_n though_o god_n suffer_v long_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v always_o we_o may_v provoke_v god_n so_o long_o till_o he_o can_v forbear_v no_o long_o without_o injury_n and_o dishonour_n to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o holiness_n and_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v one_o attribute_n to_o wrong_v the_o rest_n his_o wisdom_n will_v determine_v the_o length_n of_o his_o patience_n when_o his_o patience_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n when_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o our_o amendment_n his_o wisdom_n will_v then_o put_v a_o period_n to_o it_o then_o the_o patience_n of_o his_o mercy_n will_v determine_v how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v you_o and_o you_o will_v not_o therefore_o your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a and_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n judgement_n will_v then_o determine_v why_o shall_v they_o be_v smite_v any_o more_o they_o will_v revolt_v more_o and_o more_o yea_o patience_n itself_o after_o a_o long_a and_o fruitless_a expectation_n will_v expire_v a_o sinner_n may_v continue_v so_o long_o impenitent_a till_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n as_o i_o may_v say_v grow_v impatient_a and_o then_o our_o ruin_n will_v make_v haste_n and_o destruction_n will_v come_v upon_o we_o in_o a_o moment_n if_o man_n will_v not_o come_v to_o repentance_n the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n after_o the_o text_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v sudden_o surprise_v those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v gain_v by_o his_o patience_n 3._o consider_v that_o nothing_o will_v more_o hasten_v and_o aggravate_v our_o ruin_n than_o the_o abuse_n of_o god_n patience_n all_o this_o time_n of_o god_n patience_n his_o wrath_n be_v come_v towards_o we_o and_o the_o more_o we_o presume_v upon_o it_o the_o soon_o it_o will_v overtake_v we_o luke_o 12.45_o 46._o the_o wicked_a servant_n who_o say_v his_o lord_n delay_v his_o come_n and_o fall_v to_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n of_o that_o servant_n will_v come_v in_o a_o day_n when_o he_o look_v not_o for_o he_o and_o it_o will_v aggravate_v our_o ruin_n the_o long_a punishment_n be_v a_o come_v the_o heavy_a it_o will_v be_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v long_o in_o preparation_n be_v terrible_a in_o execution_n the_o weight_n of_o god_n wrath_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o the_o slowness_n of_o it_o and_o the_o delay_n of_o judgement_n will_v be_v full_o recompense_v in_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o it_o when_o it_o come_v let_v all_o those_o consider_v this_o who_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v deaf_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n patience_n which_o call_v upon_o they_o every_o moment_n of_o their_o life_n there_o be_v a_o day_n of_o vengeance_n a_o come_n upon_o those_o who_o trifle_v away_o this_o day_n of_o god_n patience_n nothing_o will_v soon_o and_o more_o inflame_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n against_o we_o than_o his_o abuse_a patience_n and_o the_o despise_a riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n as_o oil_n though_o it_o be_v soft_a and_o smooth_a yet_o when_o it_o be_v once_o inflame_v burn_v most_o fierce_o so_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v abuse_v turn_v into_o fury_n and_o his_o mild_a attribute_n into_o the_o great_a severity_n and_o if_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n do_v not_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n it_o will_v but_o prepare_v we_o for_o a_o more_o intolerable_a ruin_n after_o god_n have_v keep_v a_o long_a indignation_n in_o his_o breast_n it_o will_v at_o length_n break_v forth_o with_o the_o great_a violence_n the_o patience_n of_o god_n increase_v his_o judgement_n by_o a_o incredible_a kind_n of_o proportion_n levit_fw-la 26.18_o and_o if_o you_o will_v still_o say_v god_n to_o
the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n do_v give_v abundant_a testimony_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o old_a world_n when_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n wait_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n while_o he_o be_v prepare_v a_o ark_n for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n 1_o pet._n 3.20_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n which_o be_v great_a upon_o the_o earth_n a_o general_a deluge_n be_v threaten_v but_o god_n be_v patient_a and_o delay_v his_o judgement_n a_o great_a while_n hereupon_o they_o grow_v secure_a in_o their_o impenitency_n and_o go_v on_o in_o their_o course_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n no_o fear_n of_o the_o judgement_n threaten_v so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 24.38_o 39_o as_o in_o the_o day_n that_o be_v before_o the_o flood_n they_o be_v eat_v and_o drink_v marry_v and_o give_v in_o marriage_n until_o the_o day_n that_o noah_n enter_v into_o the_o ark_n and_o know_v not_o until_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o take_v they_o all_o away_o and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o sodom_n luke_n 17.28_o and_o likewise_o also_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o lot_n they_o eat_v they_o drink_v they_o buy_v they_o sell_v they_o plant_v they_o build_v and_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n even_o thus_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v reveal_v so_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n rom._n 2.4_o 5._o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_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 but_o after_o thy_o hardness_n 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 the_o goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n which_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n be_v to_o many_o a_o occasion_n of_o great_a hardness_n and_o impenitency_n so_o also_o st._n peter_n foretell_v 2_o pet._n 3.3_o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n there_o shall_v come_v scoffer_n who_o shall_v walk_v after_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n and_o we_o see_v in_o daily_a experience_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o sinner_n grow_v more_o obstinate_a and_o confirm_v in_o their_o wicked_a way_n upon_o account_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o because_o he_o delay_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n let_v we_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n 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 long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o this_o proceed_v from_o our_o ignorance_n and_o inconsiderateness_n and_o from_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n from_o the_o temptation_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n one_o of_o who_o great_a art_n it_o be_v to_o make_v man_n question_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o to_o insinuate_v as_o he_o do_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n either_o that_o he_o have_v not_o denounce_v such_o threaten_n or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o execute_v they_o so_o severe_o all_o these_o cause_n do_v concur_v to_o the_o produce_v this_o monstrous_a effect_n but_o that_o which_o i_o design_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v from_o what_o pretence_n of_o reason_n ground_v upon_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n sinner_n argue_v themselves_o into_o this_o confidence_n and_o presumption_n for_o when_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v that_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 he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o insinuate_v that_o god_n long-suffering_a fill_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n with_o wicked_a design_n and_o resolution_n and_o do_v by_o a_o proper_a and_o direct_a efficacy_n harden_v sinner_n in_o their_o course_n but_o that_o wicked_a man_n upon_o some_o account_n or_o other_o do_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o harden_v themselves_o in_o sin_n they_o draw_v false_a conclusion_n from_o it_o to_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o as_o if_o it_o be_v real_o a_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n they_o think_v they_o see_v something_o in_o the_o forbearance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o delay_n of_o punishment_n which_o make_v they_o hope_v for_o impunity_n in_o a_o evil_a course_n notwithstanding_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o those_o false_a conclusion_n be_v which_o wicked_a man_n draw_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o sophistry_n and_o fallacy_n of_o they_o and_o i_o shall_v rank_v they_o under_o two_o head_n those_o which_o be_v more_o gross_a and_o atheistical_a and_o those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o gross_a but_o yet_o more_o common_a and_o frequent_a i._o those_o conclusion_n which_o be_v more_o gross_a and_o atheistical_a which_o bad_a man_n draw_v to_o the_o harden_v and_o encourage_a of_o themselves_o in_o sin_n from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n which_o we_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n call_v the_o patience_n or_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v these_o three_o either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o if_o there_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil._n i_o shall_v speak_v more_o brief_o of_o these_o because_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o the_o world_n of_o such_o irregular_a and_o besotted_a understanding_n as_o to_o make_v such_o inference_n as_o these_o from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n 1_o st_o from_o hence_o some_o will_v fain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o some_o be_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o reason_v in_o this_o manner_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o psal_n 14.1_o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n they_o be_v corrupt_v and_o have_v do_v abominable_a work_n now_o the_o argument_n that_o these_o man_n frame_v to_o themselves_o be_v this_o god_n do_v not_o take_v a_o speedy_a course_n with_o sinner_n and_o revenge_v himself_o immediate_o upon_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o god_n for_o if_o there_o be_v he_o will_v show_v himself_o and_o not_o bear_v the_o affront_n of_o sinner_n when_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o vindicate_v himself_o by_o a_o swift_a and_o speedy_a vengeance_n thus_o the_o poet_n represent_v the_o atheist_n argue_v nullos_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la inane_fw-la coelum_fw-la affirmat_fw-la selius_n probatque_fw-la quod_fw-la se_fw-la factum_fw-la dum_fw-la negate_fw-la hoc_fw-la videt_fw-la beatum_fw-la selius_n affirm_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o heaven_n be_v a_o empty_a place_n and_o prove_v it_o because_o whilst_o he_o deny_v god_n he_o see_v himself_o in_o a_o very_a happy_a and_o prosperous_a condition_n and_o here_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o notice_n at_o what_o a_o contradictious_a rate_n these_o man_n reason_n first_o they_o will_v have_v no_o god_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v just_a and_o punish_v they_o as_o they_o deserve_v and_o then_o in_o another_o mood_n they_o will_v have_v he_o to_o be_v nothing_o but_o justice_n and_o severity_n lest_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o god_n as_o if_o no_o other_o notion_n can_v be_v frame_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o of_o a_o â—aâ—h_a fury_n and_o impetuous_a revenge_n and_o a_o impotent_a passion_n which_o when_o it_o be_v offend_v and_o provoke_v can_v contain_v itself_o and_o forbear_v punishment_n for_o a_o moment_n justice_n be_v not_o such_o a_o perfection_n as_o do_v necessary_o exclude_v wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o patience_n it_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n contradict_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o bear_v with_o sinner_n in_o expectation_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n or_o if_o god_n foresee_v their_o final_a impenitency_n to_o respite_n their_o punishment_n to_o the_o most_o fit_a and_o convenient_a season_n god_n may_v suffer_v long_o and_o yet_o be_v resolve_v if_o sinner_n persist_v in_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o patience_n to_o execute_v vengeance_n upon_o they_o in_o due_a time_n it_o be_v a_o pitiful_a ground_n of_o atheism_n that_o because_o god_n be_v so_o much_o better_a than_o wicked_a man_n deserve_v they_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v at_o all_o 2_o dly_z other_o infer_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n that_o administer_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o regard_v the_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n of_o men._n for_o though_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o regard_v what_o be_v
upon_o themselves_o so_o that_o well_o may_v the_o psalmist_n ask_v that_o question_n have_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n no_o knowledge_n but_o their_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o their_o perverseness_n and_o disingenuity_n be_v great_a to_o sin_n because_o god_n be_v long-suffering_a be_v to_o be_v evil_a because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o to_o provoke_v he_o because_o he_o spare_v we_o it_o be_v to_o strive_v with_o god_n and_o to_o contend_v with_o his_o goodness_n as_o if_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o try_v the_o utmost_a length_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o because_o god_n be_v loath_a to_o punish_v therefore_o to_o urge_v and_o importune_v he_o to_o that_o which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o inclination_n ii_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o danger_n of_o thus_o abuse_v the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o provocation_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n because_o it_o be_v to_o trample_v upon_o his_o dear_a attribute_n those_o which_o he_o most_o delight_n and_o glory_n in_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n for_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o the_o guilty_a and_o his_o mercy_n to_o those_o who_o deserve_v to_o be_v miserable_a nothing_o make_v our_o ruin_n more_o certain_a more_o speedy_a and_o more_o intolerable_a than_o the_o abuse_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n after_o god_n have_v bear_v long_o with_o that_o rebellious_a people_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o murmur_n all_o their_o infidelity_n and_o impenitency_n have_v spare_v they_o ten_o time_n at_o last_o he_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o their_o ruin_n heb._n 3.8_o 9_o harden_n not_o your_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o provocation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o your_o father_n prove_v i_o and_o see_v my_o work_n forty_o year_n this_o be_v a_o high_a provocation_n indeed_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n under_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n after_o forty_o year_n trial_n and_o experience_n of_o it_o v._n 10._o wherefore_o i_o be_v grieve_v with_o that_o generation_n and_o say_v they_o be_v a_o people_n that_o do_v err_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o they_o have_v not_o know_v my_o way_n and_o what_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o all_o this_o upon_o this_o god_n take_v up_o a_o fix_a resolution_n to_o bear_v no_o long_o with_o they_o but_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o the_o blessing_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o he_o swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n to_o who_o swear_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v to_o they_o that_o be_v disobedient_a that_o be_v to_o they_o who_o go_v on_o in_o their_o rebellion_n against_o he_o after_o he_o have_v suffer_v their_o manner_n forty_o year_n and_o as_o the_o abuse_n of_o god_n patience_n render_v our_o destruction_n more_o certain_a so_o more_o speedy_a and_o more_o intolerable_a we_o think_v that_o because_o god_n suffer_v long_o he_o will_v suffer_v always_o and_o because_o punishment_n be_v delay_v therefore_o it_o will_v never_o come_v but_o it_o will_v come_v the_o soon_o for_o this_o so_o our_o lord_n tell_v we_o luke_n 12._o when_o the_o servant_n say_v his_o lord_n delay_v his_o come_n the_o lord_n of_o that_o servant_n shall_v come_v in_o a_o day_n that_o he_o look_v not_o for_o he_o and_o at_o a_o hour_n when_o he_o be_v not_o aware_a and_o shall_v cut_v he_o in_o sunder_o and_o appoint_v he_o his_o portion_n with_o the_o hypocrite_n none_o so_o like_a to_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n as_o those_o who_o trespass_n so_o bold_o upon_o his_o patience_n iii_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o merciful_a end_n and_o design_n of_o god_n therein_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n long-suffering_a to_o give_v we_o a_o space_n of_o repentance_n be_v it_o not_o that_o god_n have_v this_o design_n and_o reasonable_a expectation_n from_o we_o he_o will_v not_o reprieve_v a_o sinner_n for_o one_o moment_n but_o will_v execute_v judgement_n upon_o he_o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o have_v offend_v this_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o figtree_n luke_n 13.6_o be_v it_o not_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o the_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n he_o will_v cut_v we_o down_o and_o not_o suffer_v we_o to_o cumber_v the_o ground_n after_o he_o have_v wait_v three_o year_n seek_v fruit_n and_o find_v none_o he_o spare_v it_o one_o year_n more_o to_o see_v if_o it_o will_v bear_v fruit_n 2._o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o repentance_n we_o see_v by_o his_o patience_n that_o he_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o take_v advantage_n against_o we_o that_o he_o spare_v we_o when_o we_o offend_v be_v a_o very_a good_a sign_n that_o he_o will_v forgive_v we_o if_o we_o repent_v thus_o natural_a light_n will_v reason_n and_o so_o the_o king_n of_o nineveh_n a_o heathen_a reason_n who_o can_v tell_v if_o god_n will_v turn_v and_o repent_v but_o we_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o this_o by_o the_o gracious_a declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o way_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n which_o be_v therein_o establish_v through_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n therefore_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n shall_v be_v a_o powerful_a argument_n to_o we_o to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n for_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o god_n patience_n he_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o we_o 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 no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v turn_v from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v god_n every_o where_o express_v a_o vehement_a desire_n and_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o our_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n jer._n 4.14_o o_o jerusalem_n wash_v thy_o heart_n from_o wickedness_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v save_v and_o chap._n 13.27_o woe_n unto_o thou_o jerusalem_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v he_o who_o be_v so_o patient_a as_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v almost_o impatient_a of_o our_o repentance_n for_o they_o will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v and_o can_v we_o stand_v out_o against_o his_o earnest_a desire_n of_o our_o happiness_n who_o we_o have_v so_o often_o and_o so_o long_o provoke_v to_o make_v we_o miserable_a let_v we_o then_o return_v into_o ourselves_o and_o think_v serious_o what_o our_o case_n and_o condition_n be_v how_o we_o have_v live_v and_o how_o long_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n have_v suffer_v our_o manner_n and_o wait_v for_o our_o repentance_n and_o how_o inevitable_a and_o intolerable_a the_o misery_n of_o those_o must_v be_v who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o contempt_n and_o abuse_n of_o it_o let_v we_o hearty_o repent_v of_o our_o wicked_a life_n and_o say_v what_o have_v we_o do_v how_o careless_a have_v we_o be_v of_o our_o own_o happiness_n and_o what_o pain_n have_v we_o take_v to_o undo_v ourselves_o let_v we_o speedy_o set_v about_o this_o work_n because_o we_o do_v not_o know_v how_o long_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n may_v last_v and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v continue_v to_o we_o this_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o patience_n will_v have_v a_o end_n therefore_o as_o the_o prophet_n exhort_v isa_n 55.6_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o now_o god_n gracious_o invite_v sinner_n to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v they_o nay_o if_o they_o do_v but_o move_v towards_o he_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o go_v forth_o and_o meet_v they_o half_a way_n but_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o he_o will_v bid_v they_o depart_v from_o he_o when_o they_o shall_v cry_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o and_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n shall_v be_v shut_v against_o they_o all_o the_o while_o thou_o delay_v this_o necessary_a work_n thou_o venture_v thy_o immortal_a soul_n and_o put_v thy_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o a_o desperate_a hazard_n and_o shall_v god_n snatch_v thou_o sudden_o away_o in_o a_o impenitent_a state_n what_o will_v become_v of_o thou_o thou_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o way_n and_o god_n be_v yet_o reconcileable_a but_o death_n be_v not_o far_o off_o and_o perhaps_o