Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction, and oppression? He lets his people groan under the yoke of their Enemies, as if he were made up of kindness to his Enemies, and anger against his Friends. This delaying of punishment to evil men, is visible in his suspending the terrifying acts of Conscience, and supporting it only, in its checking, admonishing, and controlling acts. The patience of a Governor is seen in the patient mildness of his Deputy. Davids Conscience did not terrify him, till nine months after his sin of Murder. Should God set open the Mouth of this power within us, not only the Earth, but our own bodies, and Spirits, would be a burden to us. 'Tis long before God puts Scorpions into the hands of mens Consciences, to scourge them. He holds back the rod, waiting for the hour of our return, as if that would be a recompense for our offences, and his forbearance.

Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction, and oppression? He lets his people groan under the yoke of their Enemies, as if he were made up of kindness to his Enemies, and anger against his Friends. This delaying of punishment to evil men, is visible in his suspending the terrifying acts of Conscience, and supporting it only, in its checking, admonishing, and controuling acts. The patience of a Governour is seen in the patient mildness of his Deputy. Davids Conscience did not terrifie him, till nine months after his sin of Murder. Should God set open the Mouth of this power within us, not only the Earth, but our own bodies, and Spirits, would be a burden to us. 'Tis long before God puts Scorpions into the hands of mens Consciences, to scourge them. He holds back the rod, waiting for the hour of our return, as if that would be a recompence for our offences, and his forbearance.

III. His Patience is manifest in his unwillingness to execute his Judgments, when he can delay no longer. He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the Children of Men. Lament. 3.33. Hebr. He doth not afflict from his Heart. He takes no pleasure in it, as he is Creator. The height of mens provocations. and the necessity of the preserving his rights, and vindicating his Laws, obligeth him to it, as he is the Governor of the World. As a Judge may willingly condemn a Malefactor to death out of affection to the Laws, and desire to preserve the order of Government, but unwillingly out of Compassion to the offender himself. When he resolved upon the destruction of the old World, he spake it, as a God grieved with an occasion of punishment,