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
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 the_o most_o certain_a and_o remarkable_a or_o at_o least_o equal_a to_o any_o that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o history_n as_o the_o early_a and_o universal_a degeneracy_n of_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 and_o the_o final_a ruin_n and_o perdition_n of_o they_o at_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n these_o be_v the_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o i_o shall_v several_o consider_v and_o with_o all_o the_o brevity_n and_o clearness_n i_o can_v endeavour_v to_o return_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o they_o the_o first_o objection_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v more_o general_a be_v this_o if_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_v good_a whence_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n of_o several_a kind_n it_o be_v evident_a beyond_o denial_n that_o evil_a abound_v in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o evil_a say_v st._n john_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lie_v in_o wickedness_n so_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o be_v involve_v in_o sin_n but_o by_o the_o article_n and_o opposition_n st._n john_n seem_v to_o intend_v the_o devil_n we_o know_v say_v he_o that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v subject_a to_o the_o evil_a one_o and_o under_o his_o power_n and_o dominion_n which_o way_n so_o ever_o we_o render_v it_o it_o signify_v that_o evil_a of_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n now_o can_v evil_a come_v from_o a_o good_a god_n out_o of_o the_o same_o mouth_n proceed_v blessing_n and_o curse_v do_v a_o fountain_n send_v forth_o at_o the_o same_o place_n sweet_a water_n and_o bitter_a this_o can_v be_v as_o st._n james_n speak_v in_o another_o case_n but_o all_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n must_v either_o be_v direct_o procure_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n or_o permit_v to_o happen_v and_o next_o to_o the_o cause_v and_o procure_v of_o evil_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o permit_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o help_v and_o hinder_v it_o answer_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a nation_n that_o there_o be_v two_o first_o cause_n or_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o one_o of_o good_a thing_n the_o other_o of_o bad_a which_o among_o the_o persian_n be_v call_v oromasdes_n and_o arimanius_n among_o the_o egyptian_n osiris_n and_o typhon_n among_o the_o chaldean_n good_a or_o bad_a planet_n among_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o plutarch_n express_o say_v that_o the_o good_a principle_n be_v call_v god_n and_o the_o bad_a demon_n or_o the_o devil_n in_o conformity_n to_o which_o ancient_a tradition_n the_o manichee_n a_o sad_a sect_n of_o christian_n set_v up_o two_o principle_n the_o one_o infinite_o good_a which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o good_a that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o infinite_o evil_a to_o which_o they_o ascribe_v all_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o infinite_a evil_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o suppose_v two_o opposite_a principle_n of_o equal_a power_n and_o force_n that_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o infinite_a evil_n be_v a_o contradiction_n will_v be_v very_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o what_o be_v infinite_o evil_a must_v be_v infinite_o imperfect_a and_o consequent_o infinite_o weak_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n though_o never_o so_o mischievous_a and_o malicious_a yet_o be_v infinite_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a and_o foolish_a will_v neither_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o contrive_v mischief_n nor_o to_o execute_v it_o but_o admit_v that_o a_o be_v infinite_o mischievous_a be_v infinite_o cunning_a and_o infinite_o powerful_a yet_o it_o can_v do_v no_o evil_a because_o the_o opposite_a principle_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v also_o infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a they_o will_v tie_v up_o one_o another_o hand_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n will_v signify_v just_a nothing_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o eternal_a opposition_n and_o equality_n of_o these_o two_o principle_n they_o will_v keep_v one_o another_o at_o a_o perpetual_a bay_n and_o be_v a_o equal_a match_n for_o one_o another_o instead_o of_o be_v two_o deity_n they_o will_v be_v two_o idol_n able_a to_o do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a but_o to_o return_v a_o more_o distinct_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n the_o evil_a of_o imperfection_n the_o evil_a of_o affliction_n and_o suffer_v and_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o 1_o st_o for_o the_o evil_a of_o imperfection_n i_o mean_v natural_a imperfection_n these_o be_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o but_o only_o comparative_o evil_a now_o comparative_a evil_n be_v but_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o goodness_n and_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o some_o creature_n shall_v be_v less_o good_a than_o other_o that_o be_v imperfect_a in_o comparison_n of_o they_o nay_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v this_o variety_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o several_a degree_n of_o perfection_n be_v make_v for_o several_a uses_n and_o purpose_v and_o to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o one_o another_o provide_v they_o all_o contribute_v to_o the_o harmony_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o whole_a some_o imperfection_n be_v necessary_o involve_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o creature_n as_o that_o it_o derive_v its_o be_v from_o another_o and_o necessary_o depend_v upon_o it_o and_o be_v behold_v to_o it_o and_o be_v likewise_o of_o necessity_n finite_a and_o limit_v in_o its_o nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o as_o for_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v less_o perfect_a than_o other_o this_o also_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v degree_n of_o perfection_n be_v necessary_a upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o display_v itself_o in_o variety_n of_o creature_n of_o several_a kind_n and_o rank_n for_o though_o compare_v the_o creature_n with_o one_o another_o the_o angelical_a nature_n be_v best_a and_o most_o perfect_a yet_o it_o be_v absolute_o best_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v other_o creature_n beside_o angel_n there_o be_v many_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n which_o be_v rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o by_o we_o conclude_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o imperfect_a as_o some_o noxious_a and_o hurtful_a creature_n which_o yet_o in_o other_o respect_n and_o to_o some_o purpose_n may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o against_o the_o harm_n and_o mischief_n whereof_o we_o be_v sufficient_o arm_v by_o such_o mean_n of_o defence_n and_o such_o antidote_n as_o reason_n and_o experience_n be_v able_a to_o find_v and_o furnish_v we_o withal_o and_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o think_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n as_o rock_n and_o desert_n and_o that_o vast_a wilderness_n of_o the_o sea_n if_o we_o consider_v thing_n well_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o several_a very_o considerable_a purpose_n or_o if_o we_o can_v discern_v no_o other_o use_n of_o they_o they_o serve_v at_o least_o to_o help_v our_o dulness_n and_o to_o make_v we_o more_o attentive_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o admire_v the_o perfection_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o rest_n at_o the_o worst_a they_o may_v serve_v for_o foil_n to_o set_v off_o the_o wise_a order_n and_o contrivance_n of_o other_o thing_n and_o as_o one_o express_v it_o very_o well_o they_o may_v be_v like_o a_o blackmoor_n head_n in_o a_o picture_n which_o give_v the_o great_a beauty_n to_o the_o whole_a piece_n 2_o dly_z for_o the_o evil_n of_o affliction_n and_o suffer_v and_o these_o either_o befall_z brute_n creature_n or_o man_n endow_v with_o reason_n and_o consideration_n 1_o st_o for_o those_o which_o befall_v 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
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
than_o with_o those_o who_o be_v so_o strict_a and_o conscientious_a and_o therefore_o they_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o such_o great_a evil_n in_o sin_n as_o melancholy_a people_n be_v apt_a to_o fancy_v to_o themselves_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o 1._o consider_v serious_o what_o sin_n be_v and_o then_o thou_o will_v see_v reason_n enough_o to_o call_v it_o a_o great_a evil._n to_o sin_n against_o god_n be_v to_o contemn_v the_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o world_n to_o contradict_v the_o great_a holiness_n and_o purity_n to_o abuse_v the_o great_a goodness_n and_o to_o provoke_v almighty_a justice_n to_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o thou_o and_o to_o make_v thou_o as_o miserable_a as_o thou_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v to_o sin_v against_o god_n be_v to_o be_v disobedient_a to_o thy_o sovereign_n and_o unthankful_a to_o thy_o best_a benefactor_n and_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o great_a obligation_n against_o thy_o best_a reason_n and_o true_a interest_n to_o disoblige_v thy_o kind_a friend_n and_o to_o gratify_v thy_o worst_a and_o bitter_a enemy_n it_o be_v to_o disorder_v thyself_o to_o create_v perpetual_a disquiet_n to_o thy_o own_o mind_n and_o to_o do_v the_o great_a mischief_n possible_a to_o thyself_o to_o deprive_v thyself_o of_o the_o great_a happiness_n and_o to_o draw_v down_o upon_o thyself_o extreme_a and_o eternal_a misery_n and_o what_o do_v we_o call_v a_o great_a evil_n if_o this_o be_v not_o which_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o the_o kind_n and_o all_o the_o aggravation_n of_o evil_n that_o can_v be_v and_o have_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o ugliness_n and_o deformity_n in_o it_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v 2._o what_o ever_o sin_n be_v in_o itself_o yet_o from_o hence_o we_o can_v in_o no_o wise_n conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o great_a evil_n because_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o be_v defer_v for_o a_o while_n from_o hence_o indeed_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n be_v very_o good_a in_o defer_v the_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a to_o thou_o for_o thy_o sin_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n that_o sin_n be_v not_o very_a evil._n the_o reprieve_n of_o a_o traitor_n do_v indeed_o argue_v the_o goodness_n and_o clemency_n of_o the_o prince_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o abate_v of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o crime_n for_o which_o he_o be_v sentence_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o sin_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n have_v forbid_v it_o and_o declare_v his_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o it_o and_o threaten_v it_o with_o most_o severe_a and_o direful_a punishment_n but_o that_o god_n respite_v the_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a to_o sin_n and_o do_v not_o immediate_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o sinner_n but_o afford_v they_o a_o space_n and_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o repentance_n this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o lessen_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n but_o be_v rather_o a_o aggravation_n of_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v offend_v and_o provoke_v that_o god_n who_o be_v so_o patient_a and_o long-suffering_a towards_o we_o so_o very_o loath_a to_o bring_v those_o evil_n upon_o we_o which_o we_o be_v so_o rash_a and_o forward_o to_o pull_v down_o upon_o ourselves_o 2._o if_o god_n do_v not_o immediate_o punish_v sin_n upon_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o and_o instant_o let_v fly_v at_o the_o sinner_n this_o they_o will_v construe_v to_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o high_o offend_v and_o provoke_v by_o it_o if_o he_o be_v he_o will_v manifest_v his_o displeasure_n against_o it_o by_o the_o sudden_a and_o violent_a effusion_n of_o his_o wrath._n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o desire_v these_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o word_n every_o where_o plain_o declare_v to_o we_o his_o great_a displeasure_n against_o sin_n psal_n 5.4_o 5._o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o thou_o the_o foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o thy_o sight_n thou_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n the_o word_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o less_o be_v speak_v than_o be_v mean_v and_o intend_v viz._n that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v high_o displease_v at_o they_o and_o bear_v a_o implacable_a hatred_n against_o they_o and_o do_v not_o the_o terrible_a threaten_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v high_o offend_v at_o it_o when_o he_o say_v that_o he_o will_v come_v in_o flame_a fire_n to_o render_v vengeance_n to_o all_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n can_v we_o think_v that_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n and_o all_o those_o direful_a curse_n which_o be_v write_v in_o his_o book_n shall_v return_v empty_a without_o do_v any_o execution_n thou_o that_o now_o flatter_v thyself_o with_o vain_a and_o groundless_a hope_n that_o none_o of_o these_o evil_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o when_o thou_o come_v to_o stand_v before_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o behold_v the_o kill_a frown_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o to_o hear_v those_o bitter_a word_n of_o eternal_a displeasure_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n himself_o depart_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n thou_o will_v then_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v hearty_o angry_a and_o offend_v with_o thou_o for_o thy_o sin_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o that_o day_n that_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n which_o we_o now_o hear_v so_o secure_o and_o without_o terror_n have_v a_o full_a signification_n or_o rather_o that_o no_o word_n can_v convey_v to_o we_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o the_o happiness_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o next_o life_n be_v true_a also_o of_o the_o misery_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n that_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n those_o terrible_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v reserve_v for_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n but_o above_o all_o the_o direful_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o sin_n be_v but_o impute_v to_o he_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o god_n implacable_a hatred_n of_o sin_n for_o that_o rather_o than_o sin_n shall_v go_v unpunished_a god_n be_v please_v to_o subject_v his_o own_o son_n to_o the_o suffering_n due_a to_o it_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o hate_v sin_n as_o much_o as_o he_o love_v his_o own_o son_n but_o 2_o dly_n god_n may_v conceive_v a_o very_a great_a displeasure_n against_o sin_n and_o be_v high_o incense_v and_o provoke_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o suspend_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o defer_v the_o punishment_n of_o it_o for_o a_o great_a while_n and_o to_o imagine_v otherwise_o argue_v a_o gross_a mistake_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o our_o not_o consider_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n in_o conjunction_n and_o consistency_n with_o one_o another_o when_o we_o consider_v one_o attribute_n of_o god_n single_o and_o separate_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n and_o frame_v such_o wide_a and_o large_a apprehension_n of_o it_o as_o to_o exclude_v his_o other_o perfection_n we_o have_v a_o false_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o mistake_n be_v because_o among_o man_n a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o any_o one_o excellency_n do_v common_o shut_v out_o other_o because_o in_o our_o narrow_a and_o finite_a nature_n many_o perfection_n can_v stand_v together_o but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o infinite_a perfection_n all_o perfection_n do_v meet_v and_o consist_v together_o one_o perfection_n do_v not_o hinder_v and_o exclude_v another_o and_o therefore_o in_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n we_o be_v to_o take_v great_a heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o raise_v any_o one_o attribute_n or_o perfection_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o false_a imagination_n of_o god_n when_o we_o so_o attribute_v justice_n or_o anger_n to_o he_o as_o to_o exclude_v his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a for_o god_n be_v not_o impotent_a in_o his_o anger_n as_o we_o be_v every_o thing_n that_o provoke_v he_o do_v not_o present_o put_v he_o out_o of_o patience_n so_o that_o he_o can_v contain_v his_o wrath_n and_o forbear_v immediate_o to_o revenge_v himself_o upon_o sinner_n in_o this_o sense_n god_n say_v of_o himself_o isa_n 27.4_o fury_n be_v not_o in_o i_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