CHAP. XIII. Of GODS Patience, Longsuffering, Holinesse, Kindenesse.
GOd is Patient, Psal. 103. 8. Iob 2. 17. Gods patience is that whereby he bears the reproach of sinners, and defers their punishments; or it is the most bountiful will of God a, whereby he doth long bear with sin which he hateth, sparing sinners, not minding their destruction, but that he might bring them to repentance.
This is aggravated:
- 1. In that sin is an infinite injury offered to him, therefore in the Lords Prayer it is called a Trespasse.
- 2. He is infinitely affected b with this; hence in the Scripture he is said to be grieved with our sins, to be wearied, as a cart full of sheaves; he is said to hate sin, for although he be such a perfect God that none of our sins can hurt him, yet because he is a holy and just God, he cannot but infinitely distaste sinners. Psal. 7. 11, 12,
- 3. He can be avenged immediately, if he please: Men many times are patient perforce, they would be revenged, but they know not how to compasse it. He ap∣prehends at the same time what he hath done for us, and withal our unthankful∣nesse, unkindenesse, and yet endured Cain, Saul, Iudas a long time.
- 4. He beholds the universality of sin, all men injure him, the idolatry of the Heathens blasphemy among Christians, the prophaner sort are full of oathes, adulteries; the better, negligent, lazy, cold. Men make it their businesse to sin a∣gainst him. Ier. 32. 31.
- 5. God not onely not punisheth, but still continues his benefits; the old drun∣kard is still alive.
- 6. He sets up a Ministry to invite us to come in, and we have that many years; Forty years long was I grieved with this generation.
- 7. In Christ patience was visible, there was living patience.
- 8. He afflicts lightly and mercifully to win us; he makes thee sick and poor, to see if it will make thee leave thy sinning.