the_o most_o reverend_a d_o r._n john_n tillotson_n late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n the_o remain_v discourse_n on_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n viz._n his_o goodness_n his_o mercy_n his_o patience_n his_o long-suffering_a his_o power_n his_o spirituality_n his_o immensity_n his_o eternity_n his_o incomprehensibleness_n god_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n by_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v the_o seven_o volume_n publish_v from_o the_o original_n by_o ralph_n barker_n d._n d._n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n london_n print_v for_o ri._n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o the_o content_n sermon_n i_o two_o iii_o iu_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n page_z 1_o 25_o 51_o 81._o sermon_n v._o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n numb._n fourteen_o 18_o the_o lord_n be_v long-suffering_a and_o of_o great_a mercy_n p._n 145._o sermon_n vi_o 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_o suffer_v 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 p._n 143_o 179._o sermon_n viii_o ix_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n eccles_n viii_o 11_o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o execute_v speedy_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a p._n 193_o 239._o sermon_n x._o the_o power_n of_o god_n psal._n lxii_o 11_o god_n have_v speak_v once_o twice_o have_v i_o hear_v this_o that_o power_n belong_v unto_o god_n p._n 265._o sermon_n xi_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n john_n iu_o 2_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n p._n 299._o sermon_n xii_o the_o immensity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n psal._n cxxxix_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n if_o i_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n behold_v thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o take_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o sea_n even_o there_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v i_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n shall_v hold_v i_o p._n 331_o sermon_n xiii_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n psalm_n xc_o 2_o before_o the_o mountain_n be_v bring_v forth_o or_o ever_o thou_o have_v form_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o world_n even_o from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a thou_o be_v god_n p._n 355_o sermon_n fourteen_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o god_n job_n xi_o 7_o can_v thou_o by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n can_v thou_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n p._n 377_o sermon_n xv._o god_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n rom_n xi_o 36_o for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n p._n 403_o sermon_n i._o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n the_o subject_n which_o i_o have_v now_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o high_a and_o most_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o excellent_a of_o being_n than_o which_o nothing_o deserve_v more_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o nor_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o affect_v we_o more_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o being_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o happiness_n our_o great_a comfort_n and_o our_o fair_a example_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o praise_n and_o admiration_n the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o the_o meditation_n and_o discourse_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o we_o the_o great_a difficulty_n will_v be_v to_o confine_v ourselves_o upon_o so_o copious_a a_o argument_n and_o to_o set_v bound_n to_o that_o which_o be_v of_o so_o vast_a a_o extent_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n which_o word_n be_v a_o argument_n which_o the_o divine_a plalmist_n use_v to_o stir_v up_o himself_o and_o other_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n at_o the_o 3._o v._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o v._o 8._o and_o 9_o from_o those_o property_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o declare_v his_o goodness_n the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o full_a of_o compassion_n slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n where_o you_o have_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n declare_v together_o with_o the_o amplitude_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n second_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o consider_v the_o effect_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o four_o answer_v some_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o contradict_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n first_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n there_o be_v a_o dry_a metaphysical_a notion_n of_o goodness_n which_o only_o signify_v the_o be_v and_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v a_o good_a word_n ill_o bestow_v for_o in_o this_o sense_n every_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v even_o the_o devil_n himself_o be_v good_a and_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a notion_n of_o goodness_n and_o that_o be_v twofold_a 1._o more_o general_a in_o opposition_n to_o all_o moral_a evil_n and_o imperfection_n which_o we_o call_v sin_n and_o vice_n and_o so_o the_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n his_o goodness_n but_o there_o be_v 2._o another_o notion_n of_o moral_a goodness_n which_o be_v more_o particular_a and_o restrain_v and_o than_o it_o denote_v a_o particular_a virtue_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o particular_a vice_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o usual_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n goodness_n and_o the_o best_a description_n i_o can_v give_v of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a propension_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n whereby_o a_o person_n be_v incline_v to_o desire_v and_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v best_o understand_v by_o its_o contrary_n which_o be_v a_o envious_a disposition_n a_o contract_a and_o narrow_a spirit_n which_o will_v confine_v happiness_n to_o itself_o and_o grudge_v that_o other_o shall_v partake_v of_o it_o or_o share_v in_o it_o or_o a_o malicious_a and_o mischievous_a temper_n which_o delight_v in_o the_o harm_n of_o other_o and_o to_o procure_v trouble_n and_o mischief_n to_o they_o to_o communicate_v and_o lay_v out_o ourselves_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o be_v goodness_n and_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n explain_v do_v good_a by_o communicate_v to_o other_o who_o be_v in_o misery_n or_o want_v heb._n 13.16_o but_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v forget_v not_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o a_o righteous_a and_o a_o good_a man_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n allude_v rom._n 5.7_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n will_v one_o die_v yet_o peradventure_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v the_o righteous_a man_n be_v he_o that_o do_v no_o wrong_n to_o other_o and_o the_o good_a man_n he_o who_o be_v not_o only_o not_o injurious_a to_o other_o but_o kind_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o so_o that_o goodness_n be_v a_o readiness_n and_o disposition_n to_o communicate_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o to_o be_v will_v other_o shall_v partake_v of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o goodness_n among_o man_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o god_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o god_n be_v original_o and_o transcendent_o good_a but_o the_o creature_n be_v the_o best_a of_o they_o but_o imperfect_o good_a
perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essential_o belong_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a branch_n of_o god_n goodness_n which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o all_o other_o and_o therefore_o we_o always_o find_v it_o in_o scripture_n in_o the_o company_n of_o god_n mild_a and_o sweet_a attribute_n when_o god_n will_v give_v the_o most_o perfect_a description_n of_o himself_o and_o as_o he_o say_v to_o moses_n make_v all_o his_o glory_n to_o pass_v before_o we_o he_o usual_o do_v it_o by_o those_o attribute_n which_o declare_v his_o goodness_n and_o patience_n be_v always_o one_o of_o they_o exod._n 34.6_o the_o lord_n pass_v by_o before_o moses_n and_o proclaim_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n psal_n 86.15_o but_o thou_o o_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n full_a of_o compassion_n and_o gracious_a long_o suffer_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n and_o truth_n psal_n 103.8_o the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n and_o the_o same_o you_o find_v psal_n 145.8_o jonah_n 4.2_o joel_n 2.13_o sometime_o indeed_o you_o find_v a_o severe_a attribute_n add_v to_o these_o as_o that_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a exod._n 34.7_o but_o it_o be_v always_o put_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n be_v his_o first_o and_o primary_n perfection_n and_o it_o be_v only_o when_o these_o fail_n and_o have_v no_o effect_n upon_o we_o but_o be_v abuse_v by_o we_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o ourselves_o in_o a_o impenitent_a course_n that_o his_o justice_n take_v place_n nay_o even_o among_o man_n it_o be_v esteem_v a_o perfection_n to_o be_v able_a to_o forbear_v and_o to_o restrain_v our_o anger_n passion_n be_v impotency_n and_o folly_n but_o patience_n be_v power_n and_o wisdom_n prov._n 14.29_o he_o that_o be_v hasty_a of_o spirit_n exalt_v folly_n but_o he_o that_o be_v slow_a to_o wrath_n be_v of_o great_a understanding_n prov._n 16.32_o he_o that_o be_v slow_a to_o wrath_n be_v better_a than_o the_o mighty_a and_o he_o that_o rule_v his_o spirit_n than_o he_o that_o conquer_v a_o city_n rom._n 12.21_o be_v not_o overcome_v of_o evil_a but_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a to_o be_v impatient_a be_v to_o be_v overcome_v but_o to_o forbear_v anger_n and_o revenge_n be_v a_o victory_n patience_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o great_a power_n and_o command_v of_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a be_v be_v slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o infinite_a patience_n and_o nothing_o do_v more_o declare_v the_o power_n of_o god_n than_o his_o patience_n that_o when_o he_o be_v provoke_v by_o such_o vile_a and_o despicable_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v he_o can_v withhold_v his_o hand_n from_o destroy_v we_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o moses_n use_v numb_a 14.17_o 18._o that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n do_v so_o eminent_o appear_v in_o his_o patience_n and_o now_o i_o pray_v thou_o let_v the_o power_n of_o my_o lord_n be_v great_a as_o he_o have_v speak_v say_v the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o long-suffering_a and_o yet_o power_n where_o it_o be_v not_o restrain_v by_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o anger_n because_o where_o there_o be_v power_n there_o be_v something_o to_o back_v it_o and_o make_v it_o good_a and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n do_v recommend_v and_o set_v off_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o power_n psal_n 7.11_o god_n be_v strong_a and_o patient_a god_n be_v provoke_v every_o day_n god_n be_v strong_a and_o therefore_o patient_a or_o he_o be_v infinite_o patient_a notwithstanding_o his_o almighty_a power_n to_o revenge_v the_o daily_a provocation_n of_o his_o creature_n among_o man_n anger_n and_o weakness_n common_o go_v together_o but_o they_o be_v ill_o match_v as_o be_v excellent_o observe_v by_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n ecclus._n 10.18_o pride_n be_v not_o make_v for_o man_n nor_o furious_a anger_n for_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n so_o that_o anger_n and_o impatience_n be_v every_o where_o unreasonable_a where_o there_o be_v power_n impatience_n be_v below_o it_o and_o a_o thing_n too_o mean_a for_o omnipotency_n and_o where_o there_o want_v power_n anger_n be_v above_o it_o it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o a_o weak_a and_o impotent_a creature_n to_o be_v angry_a where_o there_o be_v power_n anger_n be_v needless_a and_o of_o no_o use_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o power_n it_o be_v vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n so_o that_o patience_n be_v every_o where_o a_o perfection_n both_o in_o god_n and_o man._n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o 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 and_o this_o will_v evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o how_o man_n deal_v with_o god_n 2._o how_o notwithstanding_o this_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o 1._o how_o man_n deal_v with_o god_n every_o day_n we_o high_o offend_v and_o provoke_v he_o we_o grieve_v and_o weary_v he_o with_o our_o iniquity_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o prophet_n isa_n 43.24_o thou_o have_v make_v i_o to_o serve_v with_o thy_o sin_n thou_o have_v weary_v i_o with_o thy_o iniquity_n every_o sin_n that_o we_o commit_v be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n by_o deny_v submission_n to_o his_o law_n we_o question_v his_o omnipresence_n and_o say_v do_v god_n see_v and_o be_v there_o knowledge_n in_o the_o most_o high_a or_o if_o we_o acknowledge_v his_o omnipresence_n and_o that_o he_o regard_v what_o we_o do_v the_o provocation_n be_v still_o the_o great_a because_o than_o we_o affront_v he_o to_o his_o face_n we_o dare_v his_o justice_n and_o challenge_v his_o omnipotency_n and_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n as_o if_o we_o be_v strong_a than_o he_o be_v not_o god_n patient_a when_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v overspread_v with_o violence_n and_o be_v full_a of_o the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n when_o he_o who_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n and_o be_v so_o high_o offend_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n have_v yet_o the_o patience_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o that_o deal_v treacherous_o and_o to_o hold_v his_o peace_n when_o the_o wicked_a persecute_v and_o devour_v the_o man_n that_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o he_o when_o even_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n do_v by_o their_o vile_a and_o obominable_a life_n blaspheme_v that_o holy_a and_o glorious_a name_n whereby_o they_o be_v call_v every_o moment_n god_n have_v great_a injury_n do_v to_o he_o and_o more_o affront_v put_v upon_o he_o than_o be_v ever_o offer_v to_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o sure_o provocation_n be_v trial_n of_o patience_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v so_o numerous_a and_o so_o heinous_a for_o if_o offence_n rise_v according_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n injure_v and_o the_o meanness_n of_o he_o that_o do_v the_o injury_n than_o no_o offence_n be_v so_o great_a as_o those_o that_o be_v commit_v by_o man_n against_o god_n no_o affront_n like_o to_o those_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o the_o continual_a provocation_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o argument_n of_o god_n patience_n that_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n shall_v bear_v such_o multiply_a indignity_n from_o such_o vile_a worm_n that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o former_a of_o all_o thing_n shall_v endure_v his_o own_o creature_n to_o rebel_v against_o he_o and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n to_o strike_v at_o he_o that_o he_o who_o be_v our_o great_a benefactor_n shall_v put_v up_o such_o affront_n from_o those_o who_o depend_v upon_o his_o bounty_n and_o be_v maintain_v at_o his_o charge_n that_o he_o in_o who_o hand_n our_o breath_n be_v shall_v suffer_v man_n to_o breath_n out_o oath_n and_o curse_n and_o blasphemy_n against_o he_o sure_o these_o prove_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n to_o purpose_n and_o be_v equal_o trial_n and_o argument_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o patience_n of_o god_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o he_o be_v patient_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o be_v and_o turn_v the_o wicked_a together_o into_o hell_n with_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n he_o be_v patient_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o
the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_o magnify_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o speak_v of_o it_o with_o all_o possible_a advantage_n as_o if_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o do_v in_o all_o perfection_n excel_v all_o other_o do_v in_o this_o excel_v itself_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o if_o god_n be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v his_o constant_a exercise_n and_o employment_n so_o that_o in_o comparison_n of_o it_o he_o do_v hardly_o display_v any_o other_o excellency_n psal_n 25.10_o all_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n as_o if_o in_o this_o world_n god_n have_v a_o design_n to_o advance_v his_o mercy_n above_o his_o other_o attribute_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v now_o in_o the_o throne_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o mercy_n and_o god_n do_v display_v it_o many_o time_n with_o a_o seem_a dishonour_n to_o his_o other_o attribute_n his_o justice_n and_o holiness_n and_o truth_n his_o justice_n this_o make_v job_n complain_v of_o the_o long_a life_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a job_n 41.7_o wherefore_o do_v the_o wicked_a live_v yea_o become_v old_a etc._n etc._n his_o holiness_n this_o make_v the_o prophet_n expostulate_v with_o god_n hab._n 1.13_o thou_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v evil_a and_o can_v not_o look_v on_o iniquity_n wherefore_o look_v thou_o upon_o they_o that_o deal_v treacherous_o and_o hold_v thy_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n this_o make_v jonah_n complain_v as_o if_o god_n mercy_n be_v such_o as_o do_v make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o his_o truth_n jon._n 4.2_o but_o that_o we_o may_v have_v more_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o number_n of_o god_n mercy_n i_o will_v distribute_v they_o into_o kind_n and_o rank_v they_o under_o several_a head_n it_o be_v mercy_n to_o prevent_v those_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o be_v mercy_n to_o defer_v those_o evil_n that_o we_o have_v deserve_v or_o to_o mitigate_v they_o it_o be_v mercy_n to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o when_o misery_n be_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v mercy_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o they_o but_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o all_o be_v to_o remit_v the_o evil_a and_o misery_n we_o have_v deserve_v by_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n to_o punishment_n so_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o five_o head_n i._o prevent_v mercy_n many_o evil_n and_o misery_n which_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o god_n prevent_v they_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v towards_o we_o he_o stop_v they_o or_o turn_v they_o another_o way_n the_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o those_o invisible_a guard_n which_o protect_v we_o do_v divert_v many_o evil_n from_o we_o which_o fall_v upon_o other_o we_o seldom_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n prevent_a mercy_n we_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v sensible_a how_o great_a a_o mercy_n it_o be_v to_o be_v free_v from_o those_o strait_n and_o necessity_n those_o pain_n and_o disease_n of_o body_n those_o inward_a rack_n and_o horror_n which_o other_o be_v press_v withal_o and_o labour_v under_o when_o any_o evil_a or_o misery_n be_v upon_o we_o will_v we_o not_o reckon_v it_o a_o mercy_n to_o be_v rescue_v and_o deliver_v from_o it_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a mercy_n that_o we_o never_o feel_v it_o do_v not_o that_o man_n owe_v more_o to_o his_o physician_n who_o prevent_v his_o sickness_n and_o distemper_n than_o he_o who_o after_o the_o weakness_n and_o languish_a the_o pain_n and_o torture_n of_o several_a month_n be_v at_o length_n cure_v by_o he_o ii_o forbear_v mercy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o defer_v or_o moderate_v of_o our_o deserve_a punishment_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n do_v so_o often_o go_v together_o but_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o hereafter_o in_o some_o particular_a discourse_n iii_o comfort_v mercy_n 2_o cor._n 1.3_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n the_o scripture_n represent_v god_n as_o very_o merciful_a in_o comfort_v and_o support_v those_o that_o be_v afflict_v and_o cast_v down_o hence_o be_v those_o expression_n of_o put_v his_o arm_n under_o we_o bear_v we_o up_o speak_v comfortable_o visit_v we_o with_o his_o love_a kindness_n which_o signify_v god_n merciful_a regard_n to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o distress_n iv_o his_o relieve_v mercy_n in_o supply_v those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n and_o deliver_v those_o that_o be_v in_o trouble_n god_n do_v many_o time_n exercise_v man_n with_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n with_o a_o very_a gracious_a and_o merciful_a design_n to_o prevent_v great_a evil_n which_o man_n will_v otherwise_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o affliction_n be_v a_o merciful_a invention_n of_o heaven_n to_o do_v we_o that_o good_a which_o nothing_o else_o can_v they_o awaken_v we_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o to_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o way_n they_o make_v we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n to_o seek_v he_o and_o inquire_v after_o he_o god_n do_v as_o it_o be_v by_o affliction_n throw_v man_n upon_o their_o back_n to_o make_v they_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n hos_n 5.15_o in_o their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v i_o early_o psal_n 78.34_o when_o he_o slay_v they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o they_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n but_o god_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o this_o he_o do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o nor_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n when_o affliction_n have_v accomplish_v their_o work_n and_o obtain_v their_o end_n upon_o we_o god_n be_v very_o ready_a to_o remove_v they_o and_o command_v deliverance_n for_o we_o isa_n 54.7_o 8._o for_o a_o small_a moment_n have_v i_o forsake_v thou_o but_o with_o great_a mercy_n will_v i_o gather_v thou_o in_o a_o little_a wrath_n i_o hide_v my_o face_n from_o thou_o but_o with_o everlasting_a kindness_n will_v i_o have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n thy_o redeemer_n v._o pardon_v mercy_n and_o here_o the_o greatness_n and_o fullness_n of_o god_n mercy_n appear_v because_o our_o sin_n be_v great_a psal_n 78.38_o be_v full_a of_o compassion_n he_o forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o god_n mercy_n because_o our_o sin_n be_v many_o psal_n 51.1_o have_v mercy_n on_o i_o o_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o tender_a mercy_n blot_v out_o my_o transgression_n exod._n 34.7_o he_o be_v say_v to_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n how_o many_o fold_n be_v his_o mercy_n to_o forgive_v all_o our_o sin_n of_o what_o kind_n so_o ever_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o pardon_v our_o sin_n be_v matter_n of_o astonishment_n and_o admiration_n mic._n 7.18_o who_o be_v a_o god_n like_o unto_o thou_o that_o pardon_v iniquity_n but_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v our_o pardon_n be_v procure_v by_o transfer_v our_o guilt_n upon_o the_o most_o innocent_a person_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o make_v he_o to_o bear_v our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o suffer_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v due_a to_o we_o the_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o god_n mercy_n appear_v in_o this_o dispensation_n this_o show_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v at_o so_o much_o cost_n to_o purchase_v our_o pardon_n not_o with_o corruptible_a thing_n as_o silver_n and_o gold_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o his_o own_o son_n eph._n 1.6_o 7._o to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n wherein_o he_o have_v make_v we_o accept_v in_o the_o belove_a in_o who_o we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n have_v dispatch_v the_o three_o particular_n i_o propose_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o use_v we_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o this_o divine_a attribute_n use_v 1_o we_o ought_v with_o thankfulness_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o admire_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o let_v we_o view_v it_o in_o all_o its_o dimension_n the_o height_n and_o length_n and_o breadth_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o variety_n and_o kind_n of_o it_o the_o prevent_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o many_o of_o we_o those_o misery_n that_o lie_v upon_o other_o it_o be_v mercy_n to_o we_o that_o we_o escape_v they_o it_o be_v mercy_n that_o spare_v we_o it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v and_o because_o his_o compassion_n fail_v not_o it_o be_v mercy_n that_o mitigate_v our_o punishment_n and_o make_v it_o fall_v below_o
stir_v up_o in_o we_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n may_v break_v we_o but_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n mercy_n shall_v rather_o melt_v and_o dissolve_v we_o into_o tear_n luke_n 7.47_o the_o woman_n that_o wash_v christ_n foot_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o her_o hair_n the_o account_n that_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o the_o great_a affection_n that_o she_o express_v to_o he_o be_v she_o love_v much_o because_o much_o be_v forgive_v she_o and_o she_o grieve_v much_o because_o much_o be_v forgive_v she_o especial_o we_o shall_v sorrow_n for_o those_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v commit_v by_o we_o after_o god_n mercy_n receive_v mercy_n after_o sin_n shall_v touch_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o relent_v it_o shall_v grieve_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v offend_v and_o provoke_v a_o god_n so_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a so_o slow_a to_o anger_v and_o so_o ready_a to_o forgive_v but_o sin_n against_o mercy_n and_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v they_o be_v attend_v with_o one_o of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o as_o mercy_n raise_v the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n so_o it_o shall_v raise_v our_o sorrow_n for_o they_o no_o consideration_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o work_v upon_o human_a nature_n than_o that_o of_o kindness_n and_o the_o great_a mercy_n have_v be_v show_v to_o we_o the_o great_a our_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n for_o they_o contrary_n do_v illustrate_v and_o set_v off_o one_o another_o in_o the_o great_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o see_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o our_o sin_n against_o he_o every_o sin_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n but_o sin_n against_o mercy_n have_v ingratitude_n in_o they_o when_o ever_o we_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o rebel_v against_o our_o sovereign_n but_o as_o we_o sin_n against_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n we_o injure_v our_o benefactor_n this_o make_v our_o sin_n to_o be_v horrid_a and_o astonish_v isa_n 1.2_o hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o give_v ear_n o_o earth_n i_o have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n and_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o all_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n 2_o sam._n 12.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o nathan_n say_v to_o david_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n i_o anoint_v thou_o king_n over_o israel_n and_o deliver_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n and_o i_o give_v thou_o thy_o master_n house_n and_o thy_o master_n wife_n into_o thy_o bosom_n and_o give_v thou_o the_o house_n of_o isreal_n and_o of_o judah_n and_o if_o that_o have_v be_v too_o little_a i_o will_v moreover_o have_v give_v thou_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n wherefore_o have_v thou_o despise_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v evil_a in_o his_o sight_n god_n reckon_v up_o all_o his_o mercy_n and_o from_o they_o aggravate_v david_n sin_n 1_o king_n 11.9_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o unkind_a return_n that_o we_o make_v to_o his_o mercy_n and_o it_o be_v the_o worst_a temper_n in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o kindness_n not_o to_o be_v melt_v by_o mercy_n no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o wicked_a heart_n than_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n have_v no_o effect_n upon_o it_o esay_n 26.10_o let_v favour_n be_v show_v to_o the_o wicked_a yet_o will_v he_o not_o learn_v righteousness_n use_v 3_o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n this_o branch_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v very_o proper_a for_o our_o imitation_n the_o general_a exhortation_n of_o our_o saviour_n matt._n 5.48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v more_o particular_o express_v by_o st._n luke_n luke_n 6.30_o be_v you_o therefore_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a man_n affect_v to_o make_v image_n and_o impossible_a representation_n of_o god_n but_o as_o seneca_n say_v crede_fw-la deòs_fw-la cùm_fw-la propitii_fw-la essent_fw-la fictiles_fw-la fuisse_fw-la we_o may_v draw_v this_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n his_o whole_a life_n and_o undertake_n be_v a_o continue_a work_n of_o mercy_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o body_n of_o man_n in_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o recommend_v more_o to_o we_o in_o his_o gospel_n than_o this_o spirit_n and_o temper_n mat._n 5.7_o bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n how_o many_o parable_n do_v he_o use_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o with_o a_o design_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_n of_o the_o good_a samaritan_n of_o the_o servant_n to_o who_o he_o forgive_v 10000_o talent_n we_o shall_v imitate_v god_n in_o this_o in_o be_v tender_a and_o compassionate_a to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o natural_a indispensable_a religion_n to_o which_o positive_a and_o institute_v religion_n must_v give_v way_n amos_n 6.6_o i_o desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v which_o be_v twice_o cite_v and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n micah_n 6.8_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n this_o be_v always_o one_o part_n of_o the_o description_n of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o pity_v the_o misery_n and_o necessity_n of_o other_o psal_n 37.26_o he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v he_o be_v far_o from_o cruelty_n not_o only_o to_o man_n but_o even_o to_o the_o brute_n creature_n prov._n 12.10_o a_o righteous_a man_n regard_v the_o life_n of_o his_o beast_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n than_o a_o cruel_a and_o savage_a disposition_n not_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o misery_n and_o suffering_n of_o other_o how_o unlike_a be_v this_o to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o consolation_n when_o we_o can_v see_v cruelty_n exercise_v and_o our_o bowel_n not_o be_v stir_v within_o we_o nor_o our_o heart_n be_v prick_v how_o unlike_a be_v this_o to_o god_n who_o be_v very_o pitiful_a and_o of_o tender_a mercy_n but_o to_o rejoice_v at_o the_o misery_n of_o other_o this_o be_v inhuman_a and_o barbarous_a hear_v how_o god_n threaten_v edom_n for_o rejoice_v at_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o brother_n jacob_n obadiah_n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o but_o to_o delight_v to_o make_v other_o miserable_a and_o to_o aggravate_v their_o suffering_n this_o be_v devilish_a this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o destroyer_n it_o become_v man_n above_o all_o other_o creature_n to_o be_v merciful_a who_o have_v have_v such_o ample_a and_o happy_a experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o he_o and_o do_v still_o continual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n from_o god_n god_n have_v be_v very_o merciful_a to_o we_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o long_o since_o be_v miserable_a now_o as_o we_o have_v receive_v mercy_n from_o god_n we_o shall_v show_v it_o to_o other_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o want_n because_o we_o have_v have_v such_o experience_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o 1_o john_n 3.16_o 17._o hereby_o perceive_v we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o but_o whoso_o have_v this_o world_n good_n and_o see_v his_o brother_n have_v need_n etc._n etc._n how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o that_o man_n have_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v not_o merciful_a to_o his_o brother_n and_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v forgive_v one_o another_o eph._n 4.32_o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o another_o tender_a heart_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v you_o chap._n 5.1_o be_v you_o therefore_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n col._n 3.12_o 13._o put_v on_o therefore_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n holy_a and_o belove_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o and_o forgive_a one_o another_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o
any_o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v you_o so_o also_o do_v you_o and_o we_o continual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n both_o from_o god_n and_o man._n we_o be_v liable_a one_o to_o another_o and_o in_o the_o change_n of_o human_a affair_n we_o may_v be_v all_o subject_n to_o one_o another_o by_o turn_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o one_o another_o pity_n and_o compassion_n and_o we_o must_v expect_v that_o with_o what_o measure_n we_o meet_v to_o other_o with_o the_o same_o it_o shall_v be_v measure_v to_o we_o again_o to_o restrain_v the_o cruelty_n and_o check_v the_o insolence_n of_o man_n god_n have_v so_o order_v in_o his_o providence_n that_o very_o often_o in_o this_o world_n man_n cruelty_n return_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n and_o their_o violent_a deal_n upon_o their_o own_o pate_n bajazet_n meet_v with_o a_o tamerlane_n but_o if_o man_n be_v not_o thus_o liable_a to_o one_o another_o we_o all_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n from_o god_n if_o we_o be_v merciful_a to_o other_o in_o suffer_v and_o forgive_a they_o that_o have_v injure_v we_o god_n will_v be_v so_o to_o we_o he_o will_v pardon_v our_o sin_n to_o we_o prov._n 16.5_o by_o mercy_n and_o truth_n iniquity_n be_v purge_v 2._o sam._n 22.26_o with_o the_o merciful_a thou_o will_v show_v thyself_o merciful_a prov._n 14.21_o he_o that_o have_v mercy_n on_o the_o poor_a happy_a be_v he_o prov._n 21.21_o he_o that_o follow_v after_o mercy_n find_v life_n matth._n 6.14_o if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v you_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o be_v malicious_a and_o revengeful_a and_o implacable_a to_o those_o that_o have_v offend_v we_o and_o inexorable_a to_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v receive_v to_o favour_n and_o cruel_a to_o those_o who_o lie_v at_o our_o mercy_n hard_o heart_v to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o necessity_n what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n will_v leave_v we_o that_o he_o will_v forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o shut_v up_o in_o anger_n his_o tender_a mercy_n mat._n 6.15_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n that_o be_v a_o dreadful_a passage_n s._n james_n 2.13_o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n that_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n how_o angry_a be_v the_o lord_n with_o the_o servant_n who_o be_v so_o inexorable_a to_o his_o fellow_n servant_n after_o he_o have_v forgive_v he_o so_o great_a a_o debt_n as_o you_o find_v in_o the_o parable_n mat._n 18.24_o he_o owe_v he_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n and_o upon_o his_o submission_n and_o entreaty_n to_o have_v patience_n with_o he_o he_o be_v move_v with_o compassion_n and_o loose_v he_o and_o forgive_v he_o all_o but_o no_o soon_o have_v this_o favour_n be_v do_v to_o he_o by_o his_o lord_n but_o go_v forth_o he_o meet_v his_o fellow_n servant_n who_o owe_v he_o a_o small_a inconsiderable_a debt_n a_o hundred_o penny_n he_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o and_o take_v he_o by_o the_o throat_n and_o roundly_o demand_v payment_n of_o he_o he_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o supplication_n that_o he_o have_v use_v to_o his_o lord_n but_o he_o reject_v his_o request_n and_o put_v he_o in_o prison_n now_o what_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o he_o v._o 32_o 33_o 34._o o_o thou_o wicked_a servant_n i_o forgive_v thou_o all_o the_o debt_n because_o thou_o desire_v i_o shall_v not_o thou_o also_o have_v have_v compassion_n on_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n even_o as_o i_o have_v pity_n on_o thou_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o tormentor_n till_o he_o shall_v pay_v all_o that_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o now_o what_o application_n do_v our_o saviour_n make_v of_o this_o v._o 35._o so_o likewise_o shall_v my_o heavenly_a father_n do_v also_o unto_o you_o if_o you_o from_o your_o heart_n forgive_v not_o every_o one_o his_o brother_n their_o trespass_n god_n readiness_n to_o forgive_v we_o shall_v be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o forgive_v other_o the_o great_a injury_n that_o we_o can_v suffer_v from_o man_n if_o we_o compare_v they_o to_o the_o sin_n that_o we_o commit_v against_o god_n they_o bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o they_o neither_o in_o weight_n nor_o number_n they_o be_v but_o as_o a_o hundred_o penny_n to_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n if_o we_o will_v be_v like_o god_n we_o shall_v forgive_v the_o great_a injury_n he_o pardon_v our_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v exceed_o great_a many_o injury_n though_o offence_n be_v renew_v and_o provocation_n multiply_v for_o so_o god_n do_v to_o we_o he_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n ex._n 34.7_o be_v 55.7_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v we_o will_v not_o have_v god_n only_o to_o forgive_v we_o seven_o time_n but_o seventy_o seven_o time_n as_o often_o as_o we_o offend_v he_o so_o shall_v we_o forgive_v our_o brother_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v backward_o to_o this_o work_n god_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v we_o neh._n 9.17_o and_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o hearty_o not_o only_o in_o word_n when_o we_o retain_v malice_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o while_o we_o say_v we_o forgive_v carry_v on_o a_o secret_a design_n in_o our_o heart_n of_o revenge_a ourselves_o when_o we_o have_v opportunity_n but_o we_o shall_v from_o our_o heart_n forgive_v every_o one_o for_o so_o god_n do_v to_o we_o who_o when_o he_o forgive_v we_o cast_v our_o iniquity_n behind_o his_o back_n and_o throw_v they_o into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o blot_v out_o our_o transgression_n so_o as_o to_o remember_v our_o iniquity_n no_o more_o if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v thus_o every_o time_n we_o put_v up_o the_o petition_n to_o god_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v for_o mercy_n but_o for_o judgement_n we_o invoke_v his_o wrath_n and_o do_v not_o put_v up_o a_o prayer_n but_o a_o dreadful_a imprecation_n against_o ourselves_o we_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o our_o own_o condemnation_n and_o importune_v god_n not_o to_o forgive_v we_o use_v 4._o if_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v so_o great_a this_o may_v comfort_v we_o against_o despair_n sinner_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v deject_v when_o they_o consider_v their_o unworthiness_n the_o nature_n and_o number_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o many_o heavy_a aggravation_n of_o they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v with_o cain_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v great_a than_o can_v be_v forgive_v but_o do_v not_o look_v only_o upon_o thy_o sin_n but_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n thou_o can_v not_o be_v too_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o desert_n of_o it_o but_o whilst_o we_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n we_o must_v not_o lessen_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o multitude_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o must_v consider_v also_o the_o multitude_n of_o god_n tender_a mercy_n we_o have_v be_v great_a sinner_n and_o god_n be_v of_o great_a mercy_n we_o have_v multiply_v our_o provocation_n and_o he_o multiply_v to_o pardon_v do_v but_o thou_o put_v thyself_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o mercy_n by_o repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n and_o forsake_v of_o they_o and_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n will_v receive_v thou_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v merciful_a and_o faithful_a to_o forgive_v they_o if_o we_o have_v offend_v man_n as_o we_o have_v do_v god_n we_o may_v despair_v of_o pardon_n but_o it_o be_v god_n and_o not_o man_n that_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o and_o his_o way_n be_v not_o as_o our_o way_n nor_o his_o thought_n as_o our_o thought_n but_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v his_o way_n above_o our_o way_n and_o his_o thought_n above_o our_o thought_n we_o can_v be_v more_o injurious_a to_o god_n than_o by_o hard_a thought_n of_o he_o as_o if_o fury_n be_v in_o he_o and_o when_o we_o have_v provoke_v he_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v appease_v and_o reconcile_v to_o we_o we_o disparage_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n when_o we_o distrust_v those_o gracious_a declaration_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n if_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o he_o do_v hearty_o pity_v and_o compassionate_a sinner_n and_o real_o dedesire_v their_o happiness_n do_v not_o he_o condescend_v so_o low_a as_o to_o represent_v himself_o afflict_v for_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v in_o
there_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o rash_a and_o ungoverned_a passion_n in_o the_o wise_a and_o just_a god_n every_o sin_n indeed_o kindle_v his_o anger_n and_o provoke_v his_o displeasure_n against_o we_o and_o by_o our_o repeat_v and_o continue_v offence_n we_o still_o add_v fuel_n to_o his_o wrath_n but_o it_o do_v not_o of_o necessity_n instant_o break_v forth_o like_o a_o consume_a fire_n and_o a_o devour_a flame_n the_o holy_a and_o righteous_a nature_n of_o god_n make_v he_o necessary_o offend_v and_o displease_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n but_o as_o to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o anger_n his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v regulate_v and_o determine_v the_o proper_a time_n and_o circumstance_n of_o punishment_n 3._o from_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o severe_a in_o his_o nature_n as_o he_o be_v common_o represent_v it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v declare_v his_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n and_o threaten_v it_o with_o dreadful_a punishment_n which_o he_o may_v do_v in_o great_a wisdom_n to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o awe_n and_o order_n but_o great_a thing_n be_v likewise_o speak_v of_o his_o mercy_n and_o of_o the_o wonderful_a delight_n he_o take_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o mercy_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o threaten_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o when_o sentence_n come_v to_o be_v past_a and_o judgement_n to_o be_v execute_v god_n will_v remember_v mercy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o mercy_n will_v triumph_v over_o judgement_n and_o that_o as_o now_o his_o patience_n stay_v his_o hand_n and_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n so_o at_o the_o last_o the_o mild_a attribute_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n will_v interpose_v and_o moderate_v the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o of_o this_o his_o great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o sinner_n for_o the_o present_a seem_v to_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n he_o that_o be_v so_o slow_a to_o anger_v and_o so_o loath_a to_o execute_v punishment_n may_v probable_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o his_o own_o pity_n and_o goodness_n to_o remit_v it_o at_o the_o last_o and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o credible_a because_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o no_o person_n be_v oblige_v to_o execute_v his_o threaten_n as_o he_o be_v to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n he_o that_o promise_v pass_v a_o right_a to_o another_o but_o he_o that_o threaten_v keep_v the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o do_v what_o he_o please_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n i_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a more_o full_o to_o this_o because_o it_o be_v almost_o incredible_a how_o much_o man_n bear_v up_o themselves_o upon_o vain_a and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o the_o boundless_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o heart_n say_v they_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n that_o be_v though_o they_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o vice_n and_o add_v one_o degree_n of_o sin_n to_o another_o now_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o 1._o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o a_o bare_a threaten_n do_v not_o necessary_o infer_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o event_n and_o that_o the_o thing_n threaten_v shall_v infallible_o come_v to_o pass_v no_o person_n be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v his_o threaten_n as_o he_o be_v his_o promise_n the_o threaten_n of_o god_n declare_v what_o sin_n deserve_v and_o what_o the_o sinner_n may_v just_o expect_v if_o he_o continue_v impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a but_o then_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o repentance_n be_v the_o only_a condition_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o will_v effectual_o hinder_v the_o execution_n of_o they_o jer._n 18.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o at_o what_o instant_n i_o speak_v say_v god_n concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o pluck_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o nation_n against_o who_o i_o have_v pronounce_v turn_v from_o their_o evil_n i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o i_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o build_v and_o to_o plant_v it_o if_o it_o do_v evil_a in_o my_o sight_n and_o obey_v not_o my_o voice_n then_o will_v i_o repent_v of_o the_o good_a wherewith_o i_o say_v i_o will_v benefit_v they_o now_o if_o when_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o do_v good_a to_o a_o people_n sin_n will_v hinder_v the_o blessing_n promise_v and_o bring_v down_o judgement_n upon_o they_o much_o more_o when_o it_o be_v particular_o threaten_v but_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o final_a impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n god_n that_o he_o may_v strengthen_v his_o threaten_n have_v add_v a_o sign_n of_o immutability_n to_o they_o have_v confirm_v they_o with_o a_o oath_n i_o have_v swear_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o my_o rest_n which_o though_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n apply_v it_o to_o final_a unbelief_n and_o impenitency_n under_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v a_o type_n and_o figure_n now_o though_o god_n may_v remit_v of_o his_o threaten_n yet_o his_o oath_n be_v a_o plain_a declaration_n that_o he_o will_v not_o because_o it_o signify_v the_o firm_a and_o immutable_a determination_n of_o his_o will_n and_o thereby_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n concern_v the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o threaten_n 2._o it_o be_v certain_o much_o the_o wise_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o believe_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n in_o the_o strictness_n and_o rigour_n of_o they_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o tacit_a condition_n evident_o employ_v in_o they_o because_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o and_o the_o thing_n prove_v otherwise_o the_o consequence_n of_o our_o mistake_n be_v fatal_a and_o dreadful_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o god_n by_o his_o threaten_n do_v intend_v to_o keep_v sinner_n in_o awe_n and_o to_o deter_v they_o from_o sin_n but_o if_o he_o have_v any_o where_o reveal_v that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v rigorous_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o threaten_n such_o a_o revelation_n will_v quite_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n and_o terror_n of_o they_o and_o contradict_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o for_o threaten_n signify_v very_o little_a but_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o in_o all_o probability_n they_o will_v be_v execute_v and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v the_o great_a madness_n and_o folly_n in_o the_o world_n to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o it_o 3._o as_o for_o those_o large_a declaration_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v of_o the_o boundless_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n we_o be_v to_o limit_v they_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v do_v to_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o mercy_n which_o be_v this_o life_n and_o while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o mercy_n and_o salvation_n and_o when_o this_o life_n be_v end_v the_o opportunity_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n be_v past_a and_o the_o day_n of_o recompense_n and_o vengeance_n will_v begin_v now_o god_n try_v we_o and_o offer_v mercy_n to_o we_o but_o if_o we_o obstinate_o refuse_v it_o judgement_n will_v take_v hold_n of_o we_o and_o then_o we_o must_v limit_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o offer_v it_o which_o be_v repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n for_o the_o future_a but_o if_o man_n continue_v obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a and_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n from_o the_o mercy_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n this_o be_v not_o a_o case_n that_o admit_v of_o mercy_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a his_o justice_n will_v triumph_v in_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o those_o who_o instead_o of_o embrace_v the_o offer_v of_o his_o mercy_n do_v despise_v and_o abuse_v they_o he_o will_v laugh_v at_o their_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o their_o fear_n come_v when_o their_o fear_n come_v as_o desolation_n and_o their_o destruction_n as_o a_o whirlwind_n when_o distress_n and_o anguish_n come_v upon_o they_o then_o they_o may_v call_v upon_o he_o but_o he_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o may_v seek_v he_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v he_o if_o we_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n he_o know_v how_o to_o handle_v we_o and_o will_v do_v it_o to_o purpose_n with_o the_o froward_a he_o will_v show_v himself_o froward_a and_o
will_v be_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n severe_a towards_o those_o who_o take_v encouragement_n from_o his_o mercy_n to_o disbelieve_v and_o despise_v his_o threaten_n and_o this_o god_n have_v as_o plain_o tell_v we_o as_o word_n can_v express_v any_o thing_n deut._n 29.19_o 20._o and_o if_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o he_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o curse_n he_o bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o heart_n to_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o but_o then_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o that_o man_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n shall_v lie_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v blot_v out_o his_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n what_o ever_o right_a and_o power_n god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o about_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o threaten_n he_o have_v plain_o declare_v that_o of_o all_o other_o those_o who_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o sinful_a course_n from_o the_o hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n notwithstanding_o his_o threaten_n shall_v find_v no_o favour_n and_o mercy_n at_o his_o hand_n whatever_o he_o may_v remit_v of_o his_o threaten_n to_o other_o he_o will_v certain_o not_o spare_v those_o who_o believe_v so_o large_o concern_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n not_o with_o a_o mind_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o term_n of_o it_o but_o to_o presume_v so_o much_o the_o more_o upon_o it_o 4._o god_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o show_v some_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o his_o severity_n towards_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n as_o he_o be_v please_v sometime_o to_o give_v good_a man_n some_o fore-tastes_a of_o heaven_n and_o earnest_n of_o their_o future_a happiness_n so_o likewise_o by_o some_o present_a stroke_n to_o let_v sinner_n feel_v what_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v hereafter_o some_o spark_n of_o hell_n do_v now_o and_o then_o fall_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o sinner_n that_o fear_n which_o be_v sometime_o kindle_v in_o man_n conscience_n in_o this_o life_n that_o horrible_a anguish_n and_o those_o unspeakable_a terror_n which_o some_o sinner_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o in_o this_o world_n may_v serve_v to_o forewarn_v we_o of_o the_o wrath_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n by_o the_o worm_n that_o die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v not_o quench_v that_o miraculous_a deluge_n which_o swallow_v up_o the_o old_a world_n that_o hell_n which_o be_v rain_v down_o from_o heaven_n in_o those_o terrible_a shower_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n to_o consume_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n upon_o corah_n and_o his_o seditious_a company_n to_o let_v they_o down_o as_o it_o be_v quick_a into_o hell_n these_o and_o many_o other_o remarkable_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o several_a age_n upon_o particular_a person_n and_o upon_o city_n and_o nation_n may_v satisfy_v we_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v pledge_n to_o assure_v sinner_n of_o the_o insupportable_a misery_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n 5._o the_o argument_n be_v much_o strong_a the_o other_o way_n that_o because_o the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n be_v delay_v so_o long_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v much_o heavy_a and_o severe_a when_o it_o come_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v grow_v all_o this_o while_n and_o as_o we_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o sin_n he_o fill_v the_o vial_n of_o his_o wrath_n rom._n 2.5_o and_o according_a to_o thy_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a heart_n treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n god_n now_o keep_v in_o his_o displeasure_n but_o all_o the_o while_o we_o go_v on_o in_o a_o impenitent_a course_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v continual_o increase_v and_o will_v at_o last_o be_v manifest_v by_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o sinner_n god_n now_o exercise_v and_o display_v his_o mild_a attribute_n his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n but_o these_o will_v not_o always_o hold_v out_o there_o be_v a_o dreadful_a day_n a_o come_n wherein_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v god_n will_v show_v his_o wrath_n and_o make_v his_o power_n know_v after_o he_o have_v endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n all_o this_o long_a time_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o forbearance_n his_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v and_o he_o be_v whet_v his_o glitter_a sword_n and_o make_v sharp_a his_o arrow_n and_o this_o long_a preparation_n do_v portend_v a_o much_o more_o dreadful_a execution_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v reason_v thus_o from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n god_n bear_v with_o we_o and_o spare_v we_o at_o present_a and_o keep_v in_o his_o anger_n therefore_o if_o we_o go_v on_o to_o provoke_v he_o time_n will_v come_v when_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v but_o his_o anger_n will_v flame_v forth_o and_o his_o jealousy_n smoke_n against_o we_o this_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o they_o who_o in_o this_o world_n forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o shall_v forsake_v they_o 4._o another_o false_a conclusion_n which_o man_n draw_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n be_v that_o because_o it_o be_v delay_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a the_o sinner_n escape_v for_o the_o present_a and_o though_o he_o have_v some_o misgiving_n and_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o future_a yet_o he_o hope_v his_o fear_n may_v be_v great_a than_o his_o danger_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a of_o the_o misery_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o another_o world_n as_o if_o it_o be_v present_a and_o we_o lie_v groan_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o this_o will_v not_o only_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o doubt_v but_o even_o for_o that_o which_o we_o proper_o and_o strict_o call_v faith_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v but_o sure_o we_o have_v other_o faculty_n beside_o sense_n to_o judge_v of_o thing_n by_o we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o certain_a of_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v neither_o present_a nor_o sensible_a of_o many_o thing_n past_a and_o future_a upon_o good_a ground_n and_o testimony_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o remembrance_n of_o it_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o shall_v die_v though_o we_o never_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o it_o thing_n may_v be_v certain_a in_o their_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o present_a existence_n if_o the_o cause_n be_v certain_a the_o truth_n of_o god_n who_o have_v declare_v these_o thing_n to_o we_o be_v a_o abundant_a ground_n of_o assurance_n to_o we_o though_o they_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n the_o certainty_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o shake_v by_o our_o waver_a belief_n concern_v they_o beside_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n have_v always_o make_v a_o contrary_a inference_n from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o present_a punishment_n though_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o because_o judgement_n be_v defer_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a yet_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n have_v teach_v man_n to_o reason_n otherwise_o that_o because_o god_n be_v so_o patient_a to_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n therefore_o there_o will_v a_o time_n come_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v that_o because_o this_o life_n be_v a_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o forbearance_n therefore_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o state_n after_o this_o life_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o season_n of_o recompense_n and_o by_o this_o argument_n chief_o it_o be_v that_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a satisfy_v themselves_o concern_v another_o state_n after_o this_o life_n and_o answer_v the_o troublesome_a objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o unequal_a administration_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n so_o visible_a in_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a viz._n that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o state_n that_o will_v adjust_a all_o these_o matter_n and_o set_v they_o straight_o when_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n shall_v receive_v the_o full_a recompense_n of_o their_o deed_n the_o 5_o the_o and_o last_v false_a conclusion_n which_o man_n draw_v from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v however_o probable_o at_o some_o distance_n and_o