The reasons of the Christian religion the first part, of godliness, proving by natural…

Here note, that it is one thing to say of any Punishment, [This is so deserved, that God may inflict it if he please, without Injustice, yea and thereby demonstrate his Justice;] and another thing to say [This is so due that God must or will inflict it, if he will be just; unless a compensation be made to Justice.] It is of the first sort that I am now speaking: For God may have variety of times, and measures, and kinds of Punishments, which he may use at his own choice, and yet not leave the sin unpunished finally: But whether he properly dispense with any Law, which is determinate as to the penalty, I am not now to speak, it being not pertinent to this place and subject.

§. 3. Therefore God doth in some sort and measure, pardon sin to the generality of mankind, while he remitteth some measure of the deserved punishment.

§. 3. Therefore God doth in some sort and measure, pardon sin to the generality of mankinde, while he remitteth some measure of the deserved punishment.

To remit or forgive the Punishment is so far to forgive the sin; for forgiveness as to execution, is but non punire proceeding from commiseration or mercy. And it is certain by all the Mercy bestowed on them, that God remitteth something of the punishment, which in Law and Justice he might inflict. Though this be not a total pardon, it is not therefore none at all.