A09997:540
Remains of that reverend and learned divine, John Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplain in…Remaines of that reverend and learned divine, Iohn Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplaine in…
Remains of that reverend and learned divine, John Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplain in ordinary to his Majesty, master of Emanuel College in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolns-Inn Containing three excellent treatises, namely, Judas's repentance. The saints spiritual strength. Pauls conversion.Remaines of that reverend and learned divine, Iohn Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplaine in ordinary to his Majesty, master of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolnes-Inne Containing three excellent treatises, namely, Iudas's repentance. The saints spirituall strength. Pauls conversion.
London: printed by John Beale for Andrew Crooke, 1634
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The second reason is this, he bears long with wicked men, for the propagation, and increase of 1mankind: for if he should punish men as fast as they offend, and deserve death, how should the Church increase, how should the Church stand, this were to overthrow and weaken his own power; but God is wise and knows better how to turn the evil intentions and deeds of men, for the good of his Church: as for example, if a Captain upon some general fault committed by his soldiers, if he should execute all offenders, this were the way to destroy his Army, and so expose himself unto the hands of his enemies, therefore he takes but a few, here one, and there one, to make the rest to take heed they fall not again: thus doth God, he doth not inflict punishment, that is, present death upon all sinners; but takes here and there one, to make them palpable examples unto the rest; as we see daily, how the Lord meets with the sins of men, then when they least think of sin or God.
The second reason is this, hee beares long with wicked men, for the propagation, and increase of 1mankind: for if hee should punish men as fast as they offend, and deserve death, how should the Church increase, how should the Church stand, this were to overthrow and weaken his owne power; but God is wise and knowes better how to turne the evill intentions and deeds of men, for the good of his Church: as for example, if a Captaine upon some generall fault committed by his souldiers, if hee should execute all offenders, this were the way to destroy his Army, and so expose himselfe unto the hands of his enemies, therefore he takes but a few, here one, and there one, to make the rest to take heed they fall not againe: thus doth God, hee doth not inflict punishment, that is, present death upon all sinners; but takes here and there one, to make them palpable examples unto the rest; as wee see daily, how the Lord meets with the sins of men, then when they least thinke of sinne or God.
- 12. Reason.