The life of faith in three parts, the first is a sermon on Heb.…

2. But the generality of Divines do hold the contrary, and say, that it is natural to God to be the All-sufficient pregnant good; not only able to communicate goodness, but inclined to it, as far as his perfection doth require; but not inclined to communicate in a way of natural constant necessity, as the Sun shineth, but in a way of liberty, when, and in what degrees he pleaseth; which pleasure is guided by his infinite Understanding, which no mortal man can comprehend; and therefore must not ask any further reason of the first reason and will; but stop here, and be satisfied to find that it is indeed Gods Will and Reason, which causeth all things when and what they are, and not otherwise. And that God hath not made the Universe as good in it self, as by his absolute Power he could have made it: But that it is best to be as it is and will be, because it is most suitable to his perfect Will and Wisdom. And this answer seemeth most agreeable to Gods Word.

2. But the generality of Divines do hold the contrary, and say, that it is natural to God to be the Alsufficient pregnant good; not only able to communicate goodness, but inclined to it, as far as his perfection doth require; but not inclined to communicate in a way of natural constant necessity, as the Sun shineth, but in a way of liberty, when, and in what degrees he pleaseth; which pleasure is guided by his infinite Ʋnderstanding, which no mortal man can comprehend; and therefore must not ask any further reason of the first reason and will; but stop here, and be satisfied to find that it is indeed Gods Will and Reason, which causeth all things when and what they are, and not otherwise. And that God hath not made the Universe as good in it self, as by his absolute Power he could have made it: But that it is best to be as it is and will be, because it is most suitable to his perfect Will and Wisdom. And this answer seemeth most agreeable to Gods Word.

And as you must see that your thoughts of Gods Goodness be not false; so also that they be not diminutive and low. As no knowledge is more useful and necessary to us; so nothing is more wonderfully revealed by God, than is his amiable Goodness: For this end he sent his Son into flesh, to declare his Love to the forlorn world, and to call them to behold it, and admire it,