goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n god_n have_v a_o very_a gracious_a and_o merciful_a design_n in_o his_o patience_n to_o sinner_n he_o be_v good_a that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o so_o and_o that_o his_o goodness_n may_v lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n he_o defer_v punishment_n on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v give_v man_n time_n to_o bethink_v themselves_o and_o to_o return_v to_o a_o better_a mind_n he_o wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v repent_v say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n the_o patience_n of_o god_n aim_v at_o the_o cure_n and_o recovery_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o desperate_o and_o resolute_o wicked_a this_o be_v the_o primary_n end_v and_o intention_n of_o god_n patience_n to_o sinner_n and_o if_o he_o fail_v of_o this_o end_n through_o our_o hardness_n and_o impenitency_n he_o have_v other_o end_n which_o he_o will_v infallible_o attain_v he_o will_v hereby_o glorify_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o vindicate_v the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o justice_n the_o damn_a in_o hell_n shall_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o they_o though_o they_o abuse_v it_o for_o god_n do_v not_o lose_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o patience_n though_o we_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o he_o will_v make_v it_o subvervient_fw-fr to_o his_o justice_n one_o way_n or_o other_o those_o great_a offender_n who_o he_o spare_v after_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o their_o amendment_n he_o many_o time_n make_v use_v of_o as_o instrument_n for_o the_o punish_n of_o other_o as_o rod_n of_o his_o wrath_n for_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o often_o reserve_v those_o who_o be_v incorrigible_o bad_a for_o a_o more_o remarkable_a ruin_n but_o however_o they_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o if_o after_o god_n have_v exercise_v much_o patience_n towards_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n he_o inflict_v punishment_n on_o they_o in_o the_o next_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v most_o just_a for_o what_o can_v he_o do_v less_o than_o to_o condemn_v those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v save_v and_o to_o make_v they_o miserable_a who_o so_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o be_v happy_a before_o i_o come_v to_o apply_v this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o sinner_n i_o must_v remove_v a_o objection_n or_o two_o i._o the_o severity_n of_o god_n to_o some_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n in_o the_o next_o seem_v to_o contradict_v what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a as_o for_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n towards_o impenitent_a sinner_n in_o the_o next_o life_n this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o contradict_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n because_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a do_v suppose_v a_o determinate_a time_n and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o last_v always_o this_o life_n be_v the_o day_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o in_o the_o next_o world_n his_o justice_n and_o severity_n will_v take_v place_n and_o therefore_o the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n in_o another_o world_n after_o god_n have_v try_v they_o in_o this_o and_o expect_v their_o repentance_n be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o his_o patience_n and_o goodness_n and_o very_o agreeable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n for_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o goodness_n to_o see_v itself_o perpetual_o abuse_v it_o be_v not_o patience_n but_o stupidity_n and_o insensibleness_n to_o endure_v to_o be_v always_o trample_v upon_o and_o to_o bear_v to_o have_v his_o holy_a and_o just_a law_n for_o ever_o despise_v and_o contemn_v and_o as_o for_o his_o severity_n to_o some_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n as_o to_o lot_n wife_n to_o the_o israelite_n that_o gather_v stick_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n to_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n to_o vzza_n to_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n and_o to_o herod_n agrippa_n in_o all_o which_o instance_n god_n seem_v to_o have_v make_v quick_a work_n and_o to_o have_v execute_v judgement_n speedy_o to_o these_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o severity_n of_o god_n to_o some_o few_o do_v rather_o magnify_v his_o patience_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n he_o may_v be_v severe_a to_o some_o few_o for_o example_n and_o warning_n to_o many_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o make_v better_a use_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o not_o to_o trespass_v so_o bold_o upon_o it_o and_o perhaps_o he_o have_v exercise_v much_o patience_n already_o towards_o those_o to_o who_o at_o last_o he_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o case_n of_o herod_n and_o it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v in_o most_o of_o the_o other_o instance_n or_o else_o the_o sin_n so_o sudden_o and_o severe_o punish_v be_v very_o heinous_a and_o presumptuous_a of_o a_o contagious_a and_o spread_a nature_n and_o of_o dangerous_a example_n lot_n wife_n sin_v very_o presumptuous_o against_o a_o express_a and_o a_o easy_a command_n and_o whilst_o god_n be_v take_v care_n of_o her_o deliverance_n in_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a manner_n that_o of_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n and_o of_o the_o man_n that_o gather_v stick_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n be_v present_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n in_o which_o case_n great_a severity_n be_v necessary_a and_o that_o of_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n at_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o first_o publisher_n of_o it_o may_v not_o be_v contemn_v that_o of_o vzza_n be_v upon_o the_o return_n of_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n from_o among_o the_o philistine_n that_o the_o people_n may_v not_o lose_v their_o reverence_n for_o it_o after_o it_o have_v be_v take_v captive_a so_o that_o these_o necessary_a severity_n to_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o many_o that_o be_v warn_v by_o they_o be_v rather_o argument_n of_o god_n patience_n than_o objection_n against_o it_o ii_o it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o god_n do_v not_o desire_v the_o ruin_n of_o sinner_n but_o their_o repentance_n whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o all_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o repentance_n for_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o he_o can_v if_o he_o please_v conquer_v and_o reclaim_v the_o most_o obstinate_a spirit_n he_o be_v able_a out_o of_o stone_n to_o raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n and_o sometime_o he_o exert_v his_o omnipotence_n herein_o as_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o a_o kind_n of_o violent_a and_o irresistible_a manner_n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v do_v this_o to_o all_o and_o we_o see_v plain_o in_o experience_n that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v it_o 2._o god_n may_v very_o well_o be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n when_o he_o do_v on_o his_o part_n what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o that_o end_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o represent_v god_n as_o desire_v the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n deut._n 5.29_o o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o they_o that_o they_o will_v fear_v i_o and_o keep_v all_o my_o commandment_n always_o that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o they_o so_o jer._n 13.27_o o_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 be_v 5.3_o 4._o we_o find_v god_n there_o solemn_o appeal_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n whether_o there_o have_v be_v any_o thing_n want_v on_o his_o part_n that_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o now_o o_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o man_n of_o judah_n judge_n i_o pray_v you_o betwixt_o i_o and_o my_o vineyard_n what_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o to_o my_o vineyard_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v to_o it_o wherefore_o when_o i_o look_v it_o shall_v bring_v forth_o grape_n bring_v it_o forth_o wild_a grape_n god_n may_v just_o look_v for_o the_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n from_o those_o to_o who_o he_o afford_v a_o sufficiency_n of_o mean_n to_o that_o end_n and_o if_o so_o then_o 3._o the_o true_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v not_o repent_v but_o perish_v be_v because_o they_o be_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o repent_v and_o this_o account_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o give_v of_o the_o impenitency_n of_o man_n and_o the_o ruin_n consequent_a upon_o it_o psal_n 81.13_o o_o that_o my_o people_n have_v hearken_v unto_o i_o and_o israel_n have_v walk_v in_o my_o statute_n but_o my_o people_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o voice_n and_o israel_n will_v none_o
will_v be_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n severe_a towards_o those_o who_o take_v encouragement_n from_o his_o mercy_n to_o disbelieve_v and_o despise_v his_o threaten_n and_o this_o god_n have_v as_o plain_o tell_v we_o as_o word_n can_v express_v any_o thing_n deut._n 29.19_o 20._o and_o if_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o he_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o curse_n he_o bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o heart_n to_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o but_o then_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o that_o man_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n shall_v lie_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v blot_v out_o his_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n what_o ever_o right_a and_o power_n god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o about_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o threaten_n he_o have_v plain_o declare_v that_o of_o all_o other_o those_o who_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o sinful_a course_n from_o the_o hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n notwithstanding_o his_o threaten_n shall_v find_v no_o favour_n and_o mercy_n at_o his_o hand_n whatever_o he_o may_v remit_v of_o his_o threaten_n to_o other_o he_o will_v certain_o not_o spare_v those_o who_o believe_v so_o large_o concern_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n not_o with_o a_o mind_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o term_n of_o it_o but_o to_o presume_v so_o much_o the_o more_o upon_o it_o 4._o god_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o show_v some_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o his_o severity_n towards_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n as_o he_o be_v please_v sometime_o to_o give_v good_a man_n some_o fore-tastes_a of_o heaven_n and_o earnest_n of_o their_o future_a happiness_n so_o likewise_o by_o some_o present_a stroke_n to_o let_v sinner_n feel_v what_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v hereafter_o some_o spark_n of_o hell_n do_v now_o and_o then_o fall_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o sinner_n that_o fear_n which_o be_v sometime_o kindle_v in_o man_n conscience_n in_o this_o life_n that_o horrible_a anguish_n and_o those_o unspeakable_a terror_n which_o some_o sinner_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o in_o this_o world_n may_v serve_v to_o forewarn_v we_o of_o the_o wrath_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n by_o the_o worm_n that_o die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v not_o quench_v that_o miraculous_a deluge_n which_o swallow_v up_o the_o old_a world_n that_o hell_n which_o be_v rain_v down_o from_o heaven_n in_o those_o terrible_a shower_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n to_o consume_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n upon_o corah_n and_o his_o seditious_a company_n to_o let_v they_o down_o as_o it_o be_v quick_a into_o hell_n these_o and_o many_o other_o remarkable_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o several_a age_n upon_o particular_a person_n and_o upon_o city_n and_o nation_n may_v satisfy_v we_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v pledge_n to_o assure_v sinner_n of_o the_o insupportable_a misery_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n 5._o the_o argument_n be_v much_o strong_a the_o other_o way_n that_o because_o the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n be_v delay_v so_o long_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v much_o heavy_a and_o severe_a when_o it_o come_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v grow_v all_o this_o while_n and_o as_o we_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o sin_n he_o fill_v the_o vial_n of_o his_o wrath_n rom._n 2.5_o and_o according_a to_o thy_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a heart_n treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n god_n now_o keep_v in_o his_o displeasure_n but_o all_o the_o while_o we_o go_v on_o in_o a_o impenitent_a course_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v continual_o increase_v and_o will_v at_o last_o be_v manifest_v by_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o sinner_n god_n now_o exercise_v and_o display_v his_o mild_a attribute_n his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n but_o these_o will_v not_o always_o hold_v out_o there_o be_v a_o dreadful_a day_n a_o come_n wherein_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v god_n will_v show_v his_o wrath_n and_o make_v his_o power_n know_v after_o he_o have_v endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n all_o this_o long_a time_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o forbearance_n his_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v and_o he_o be_v whet_v his_o glitter_a sword_n and_o make_v sharp_a his_o arrow_n and_o this_o long_a preparation_n do_v portend_v a_o much_o more_o dreadful_a execution_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v reason_v thus_o from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n god_n bear_v with_o we_o and_o spare_v we_o at_o present_a and_o keep_v in_o his_o anger_n therefore_o if_o we_o go_v on_o to_o provoke_v he_o time_n will_v come_v when_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v but_o his_o anger_n will_v flame_v forth_o and_o his_o jealousy_n smoke_n against_o we_o this_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o they_o who_o in_o this_o world_n forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o shall_v forsake_v they_o 4._o another_o false_a conclusion_n which_o man_n draw_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n be_v that_o because_o it_o be_v delay_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a the_o sinner_n escape_v for_o the_o present_a and_o though_o he_o have_v some_o misgiving_n and_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o future_a yet_o he_o hope_v his_o fear_n may_v be_v great_a than_o his_o danger_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a of_o the_o misery_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o another_o world_n as_o if_o it_o be_v present_a and_o we_o lie_v groan_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o this_o will_v not_o only_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o doubt_v but_o even_o for_o that_o which_o we_o proper_o and_o strict_o call_v faith_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v but_o sure_o we_o have_v other_o faculty_n beside_o sense_n to_o judge_v of_o thing_n by_o we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o certain_a of_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v neither_o present_a nor_o sensible_a of_o many_o thing_n past_a and_o future_a upon_o good_a ground_n and_o testimony_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o remembrance_n of_o it_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o shall_v die_v though_o we_o never_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o it_o thing_n may_v be_v certain_a in_o their_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o present_a existence_n if_o the_o cause_n be_v certain_a the_o truth_n of_o god_n who_o have_v declare_v these_o thing_n to_o we_o be_v a_o abundant_a ground_n of_o assurance_n to_o we_o though_o they_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n the_o certainty_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o shake_v by_o our_o waver_a belief_n concern_v they_o beside_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n have_v always_o make_v a_o contrary_a inference_n from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o present_a punishment_n though_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o because_o judgement_n be_v defer_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a yet_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n have_v teach_v man_n to_o reason_n otherwise_o that_o because_o god_n be_v so_o patient_a to_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n therefore_o there_o will_v a_o time_n come_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v that_o because_o this_o life_n be_v a_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o forbearance_n therefore_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o state_n after_o this_o life_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o season_n of_o recompense_n and_o by_o this_o argument_n chief_o it_o be_v that_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a satisfy_v themselves_o concern_v another_o state_n after_o this_o life_n and_o answer_v the_o troublesome_a objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o unequal_a administration_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n so_o visible_a in_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a viz._n that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o state_n that_o will_v adjust_a all_o these_o matter_n and_o set_v they_o straight_o when_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n shall_v receive_v the_o full_a recompense_n of_o their_o deed_n the_o 5_o the_o and_o last_v false_a conclusion_n which_o man_n draw_v from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v however_o probable_o at_o some_o distance_n and_o
good_a earnest_n do_v christ_n weep_v over_o impenitent_a sinner_n because_o they_o will_v not_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o can_v thou_o think_v he_o will_v not_o pardon_v thou_o upon_o thy_o repentance_n be_v he_o grieve_v that_o man_n will_v undo_v themselves_o and_o will_v not_o be_v save_v and_o can_v thou_o think_v that_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o forgive_v we_o can_v honour_v and_o glorify_v god_n more_o than_o by_o entertain_v great_a thought_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o we_o be_v say_v to_o glorify_v god_n by_o our_o repentance_n because_o thereby_o we_o acknowledge_v god_n holiness_n and_o justice_n so_o we_o glorify_v he_o by_o believe_v his_o mercy_n because_o we_o conceive_v a_o right_a opinion_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o truth_n we_o set_v to_o our_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o true_a psal_n 147.11_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n as_o he_o delight_v in_o mercy_n so_o in_o our_o acknowledgement_n of_o it_o that_o sinner_n shall_v conceive_v great_a hope_n of_o it_o and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v provide_v thou_o do_v submit_v to_o the_o term_n of_o god_n mercy_n thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o despair_v of_o it_o and_o he_o that_o think_v that_o his_o sin_n be_v more_o or_o great_a than_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n can_v pardon_v must_v think_v that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o evil_a in_o the_o creature_n than_o there_o be_v goodness_n in_o god_n use_v 5._o by_o way_n of_o caution_n against_o the_o presumptuous_a sinner_n if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o trespass_n upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o presume_v to_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n upon_o the_o hope_n of_o his_o mercy_n let_v such_o know_v that_o god_n be_v just_a as_o well_o as_o merciful_a a_o god_n all_o of_o mercy_n be_v a_o idol_n such_o a_o god_n as_o man_n set_v up_o in_o their_o own_o imagination_n but_o not_o the_o true_a god_n who_o the_o scripture_n describe_v to_o such_o person_n the_o scripture_n describe_v he_o after_o another_o manner_n nah._o 1.2_o god_n be_v jealous_a the_o lord_n revenge_v and_o be_v furious_a the_o lord_n will_v take_v vengeance_n on_o his_o adversary_n and_o reserve_v wrath_n for_o his_o enemy_n if_o any_o man_n abuse_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o wickedness_n and_o bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o add_v drunkeness_n to_o thirst_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o but_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o that_o man_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n shall_v lie_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o will_v blot_v out_o his_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n deut._n 29.19_o 20._o though_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v merciful_a yet_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v regulate_v by_o his_o wisdom_n he_o will_v not_o be_v merciful_a to_o those_o that_o despise_v his_o mercy_n to_o those_o that_o abuse_v it_o to_o those_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n to_o tempt_v his_o mercy_n and_o make_v bold_a to_o say_v let_v we_o sin_v that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n design_n his_o mercy_n for_o those_o that_o be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o be_v 55.7_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o his_o justice_n and_o it_o be_v no_o where_n offer_v to_o countenance_n sin_n but_o to_o convert_v the_o sinner_n and_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o encourage_v our_o impenitency_n but_o our_o repentance_n god_n have_v no_o where_o say_v that_o he_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o those_o who_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v bold_a with_o he_o and_o presume_v to_o offend_v he_o but_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v fear_v but_o not_o that_o he_o may_v be_v despise_v and_o affront_v this_o be_v to_o contradict_v the_o very_a end_n of_o god_n mercy_n which_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n not_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o continue_v in_o they_o take_v heed_n then_o of_o abuse_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n we_o can_v provoke_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n more_o than_o by_o presume_v upon_o his_o mercy_n this_o be_v the_o time_n of_o god_n mercy_n use_v this_o opportunity_n if_o thou_o neglecte_v it_o a_o day_n of_o justice_n and_o vengeance_n be_v come_v rom._n 2.4_o 5._o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n and_o treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n now_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n mercy_n but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n a_o come_n when_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n will_v be_v reveal_v against_o those_o who_o abuse_v his_o mercy_n not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n to_o think_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v intend_v for_o any_o other_o end_n than_o to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o sin_n be_v a_o gross_a and_o affect_a ignorance_n that_o will_v ruin_v we_o and_o they_o who_o draw_v any_o conclusion_n from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o may_v harden_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o be_v 27.11_o a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n therefore_o he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o save_v they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o will_v have_v no_o mercy_n on_o they_o mercy_n itself_o will_v rejoice_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o that_o abuse_v it_o and_o it_o will_v aggravate_v their_o condemnation_n there_o be_v no_o person_n towards_o who_o god_n will_v be_v more_o severe_o just_a than_o towards_o such_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n exasperate_v and_o set_v on_o by_o his_o injure_a and_o abuse_a mercy_n like_o a_o razor_n set_v in_o oil_n will_v have_v the_o keen_a edge_n and_o be_v the_o sharp_a for_o its_o smoothness_n those_o that_o have_v make_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n their_o enemy_n must_v expect_v the_o worst_a his_o justice_n can_v do_v unto_o they_o sermon_n vi_o vii_o vol_n vii_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n 2_o pet._n iii_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long-suffering_a not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n put_v the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n concern_v the_o general_a judgement_n of_o the_o world_n which_o by_o many_o and_o perhaps_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v be_v think_v to_o be_v very_o near_o and_o that_o it_o will_v present_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o before_o that_o there_o will_v arise_v a_o certain_a sect_n or_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o will_v deride_v the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n design_v probable_o the_o carpocratian_o a_o branch_n of_o that_o large_a sect_n of_o the_o gnostic_n of_o who_o st._n austin_n express_o say_v that_o they_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n and_o consequent_o a_o future_a judgement_n these_o st._n peter_n call_v scoffer_n v._o 3_o 4._o know_v this_o first_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o declaration_n in_o general_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o promise_n or_o threaten_v what_o be_v become_v of_o that_o declaration_n of_o christ_n so_o frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a or_o save_v that_o the_o father_n be_v fall_v asleep_o except_o only_o that_o man_n die_v and_o one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o world_n continue_v still_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o
do_v here_o below_o nor_o concern_v himself_o in_o humane_a affair_n sinner_n be_v as_o safe_a and_o free_a to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o many_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o their_o wickedness_n psal_n 64.5_o they_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o evil_a matter_n they_o commune_v of_o lay_v snare_n private_o for_o they_o say_v who_o shall_v see_v they_o and_o more_o express_o psal_n 94.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o how_o long_o shall_v the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n boast_v themselves_o they_o break_v in_o piece_n thy_o people_n o_o lord_n and_o afflict_v thy_o heritage_n and_o slay_v the_o widow_n and_o the_o stranger_n and_o murder_v the_o fatherless_a and_o yet_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n shall_v not_o see_v neither_o shall_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n regard_v it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o well_o may_v they_o encourage_v themselves_o if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o epicurus_n say_v that_o god_n take_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o we_o and_o content_v with_o himself_o and_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o what_o we_o do_v if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o inference_n which_o lucretius_n make_v be_v very_o just_a quare_fw-la relligio_fw-la pedibus_fw-la subjecta_fw-la vicissim_fw-la obteritur_fw-la man_n may_v trample_v religion_n under_o their_o foot_n and_o live_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o it_o but_o let_v we_o see_v how_o they_o infer_v this_o from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n that_o he_o neglect_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v no_o consideration_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n because_o they_o see_v the_o ungodly_a to_o prosper_v in_o the_o world_n equal_o with_o other_o that_o be_v strict_o devout_a and_o virtuous_a yea_o many_o time_n to_o be_v in_o a_o more_o prosperous_a and_o flourish_a condition_n they_o be_v not_o in_o trouble_n like_o other_o man_n neither_o be_v they_o plague_v like_o other_o man_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o seem_v say_v they_o that_o he_o connive_n at_o the_o crime_n of_o man_n and_o look_v on_o upon_o they_o that_o deal_v treacherous_o and_o hold_v his_o peace_n whilst_o the_o wicked_a devour_v the_o man_n that_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o himself_o as_o the_o prophet_n express_v it_o hab._n 1.13_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o give_v this_o reasonable_a and_o credible_a account_n of_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o the_o impunity_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o this_o life_n which_o not_o only_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o but_o the_o heathen_a be_v able_a to_o give_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n namely_o that_o this_o life_n be_v a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n wherein_o god_n suffer_v man_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n without_o any_o visible_a check_n and_o restraint_n and_o do_v not_o usual_o inflict_v present_a and_o remarkable_a punishment_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o evil_a deed_n because_o this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n of_o the_o disposition_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v rather_o the_o proper_a season_n of_o patience_n than_o of_o punishment_n and_o reward_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n reserve_v sinner_n for_o a_o solemn_a and_o public_a trial_n at_o the_o great_a assize_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o will_v open_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o justice_n upon_o the_o despiser_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a when_o he_o will_v make_v his_o judgement_n to_o break_v forth_o as_o the_o light_n and_o his_o righteousness_n as_o the_o noon_n day_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n when_o he_o see_v it_o fit_a give_v some_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o his_o justice_n upon_o great_a and_o notorious_a offender_n in_o this_o life_n as_o a_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o these_o sometime_o more_o general_a as_o in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o universal_a deluge_n when_o he_o see_v the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n to_o be_v great_a upon_o the_o earth_n and_o such_o be_v that_o terrible_a vengeance_n which_o be_v pour_v down_o upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o city_n about_o they_o which_o as_o st._n judas_n tell_v we_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o example_n suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n that_o be_v of_o a_o perpetual_a destruction_n by_o fire_n 3_o dly_z another_o gross_a and_o atheistical_a inference_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o be_v pretend_v because_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n of_o man_n difference_v in_o their_o reward_n because_o divine_a justice_n do_v not_o present_o manifest_v itself_o and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n do_v not_o immediate_o receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n therefore_o they_o can_v believe_v that_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v so_o great_a and_o evident_a for_o answer_v to_o this_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o difference_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n sometime_o make_v between_o they_o in_o this_o life_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n whether_o they_o do_v not_o secret_o and_o inward_o acknowledge_v a_o clear_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v not_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n apt_a to_o conceive_v better_a hope_n of_o success_n when_o they_o be_v about_o a_o just_a and_o honest_a undertake_n than_o when_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o wicked_a design_n do_v not_o bad_a man_n feel_v a_o secret_a shame_n and_o horror_n when_o no_o eye_n see_v they_o and_o the_o wickedness_n they_o be_v about_o to_o commit_v do_v not_o fall_v under_o the_o cognisance_n and_o censure_n of_o any_o human_a court_n or_o tribunal_n have_v they_o not_o many_o check_n and_o rebuke_n in_o their_o own_o spirit_n much_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n of_o mind_n when_o they_o be_v enterprise_v a_o wicked_a thing_n and_o do_v not_o this_o plain_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v about_o something_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o most_o man_n be_v more_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o a_o action_n when_o they_o feel_v the_o ill_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o suffer_v the_o punishment_n that_o be_v due_a to_o it_o but_o yet_o the_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v so_o deep_o impress_v upon_o humane_a nature_n that_o i_o think_v no_o man_n remain_v a_o man_n can_v quite_o deface_v and_o blot_v out_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n so_o that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o attend_v to_o the_o natural_a dictate_v and_o suggestion_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n they_o can_v possible_o infer_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n but_o because_o those_o who_o argue_v thus_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n there_o be_v not_o many_o in_o the_o world_n arrive_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o blindness_n and_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o disbelieve_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o i_o think_v none_o have_v attain_v to_o that_o perfect_a conquest_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o have_v lose_v all_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a therefore_o i_o shall_v rather_o insist_v ii_o upon_o those_o kind_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v more_o ordinary_a and_o common_a among_o bad_a man_n and_o whereby_o they_o cheat_v themselves_o into_o everlasting_a perdition_n and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o speedy_o execute_v therefore_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o evil._n 2._o therefore_o god_n be_v not_o so_o high_o offend_v and_o provoke_v by_o it_o or_o 3._o god_n be_v not_o so_o severe_a in_o his_o own_o nature_n as_o he_o be_v common_o represent_v 4._o therefore_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a 5._o or_o however_o it_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o may_v be_v prevent_v time_n enough_o by_o a_o future_a repentance_n in_o our_o old_a age_n or_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n by_o some_o such_o false_a reason_n as_o these_o which_o man_n think_v may_v probable_o be_v collect_v from_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n they_o harden_v and_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n 1._o because_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n be_v defer_v therefore_o they_o conclude_v it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a they_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o it_o at_o present_a all_o thing_n go_v well_o and_o prosperous_o with_o they_o no_o less_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
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