Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

5. His Goodness in his Government is evident. In Conversions of Men. Though this Work be wrought by his Power, yet his Power was first solicited by his Goodness. It was his rich Goodness, that he would employ his power to pierce the scales of a heart as hard as those of the Leviathan. It was this that opened the Ears of Men to hear him, and draws them from the hurry of Worldly cares, and the Charms of Sensual Pleasures, and, which is the top of all, the impostures and Cheats of their own hearts. It is this that sends a spark of his wrath into Mens consciences, to put them to a stand in sin, that he might not send down a shower of Brimstone eternally to consume their persons. This it was that first showed you the Excellency of the Redeemer, and brought you to taste the sweetness of his Blood, and find your security in the Agonies of his Death. 'Tis his Goodness to call one man and not another, to turn Paul in his course, and lay hold of no other of his companions. 'Tis his Goodness to call any, when he is not bound to call one.

5. His Goodness in his Government is evident. In Conversions of Men. Though this Work be wrought by his Power, yet his Power was first sollicited by his Goodness. It was his rich Goodness, that he would employ his power to pierce the scales of a heart as hard as those of the Leviathan. It was this that opened the Ears of Men to hear him, and draws them from the hurry of Worldly cares, and the Charms of Sensual Pleasures, and, which is the top of all, the impostures and Cheats of their own hearts. It is this that sends a spark of his wrath into Mens consciencies, to put them to a stand in sin, that he might not send down a shower of Brimstone eternally to consume their persons. This it was that first shewed you the Excellency of the Redeemer, and brought you to taste the sweetness of his Bloud, and find your security in the Agonies of his Death. 'Tis his Goodness to call one man and not another, to turn Paul in his course, and lay hold of no other of his companions. 'Tis his Goodness to call any, when he is not bound to call one.

1. 'Tis his Goodness, To pitch upon mean and despicable Men in the eye of the World. To call this poor Publican, and over-look that proud Pharisee, this Man that sits upon a Dunghill, and neglect him that glisters in his Purple. His Majesty is not enticed by the lofty Titles of Men, nor, which is more worth, by the Learning and Knowledge of Men. Not many Wise; not many Mighty;