Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

looking still towards, and hovering about the Temple, which was on the East of Jerusalem, as if loath to depart, and abandon the place and people. He walks so leisurely with his Rod in his hand, as if he had a mind rather to fling it away, than use it. His Patience in not pouring out all his Vials, is more remarkable than hi• wrath in pouring out one or two. Thus hath God made his slowness to anger visible to us in the gradual punishment of us; First, the Pestilence on this City, then Firing our Houses, Consumption of Trade, these have not been answered with such a carriage as God expects, therefore a greater is reserved. I dare prognosticate, upon reasons you may gather from what hath been spoke before, if I be not much mistaken, the 40 years of his usual Patience are very near expired, he hath inflicted some, that he might be met with in a way of Repentance, and omit with honour the inflicting the remainder.

looking still towards, and hovering about the Temple, which was on the East of Jerusalem, as if loath to depart, and abandon the place and people. He walkes so leasurely with his Rod in his hand, as if he had a mind rather to fling it away, than use it. His Patience in not pouring out all his Vials, is more remarkable than hi• wrath in pouring out one or two. Thus hath God made his slowness to anger visible to us in the gradual punishment of us; First, the Pestilence on this City, then Firing our Houses, Consumption of Trade, these have not been answered with such a carriage as God expects, therefore a greater is reserved. I dare prognosticate, upon reasons you may gather from what hath been spoke before, if I be not much mistaken, the 40 yeares of his usual Patience are very near expired, he hath inflicted some, that he might be met with in a way of Repentance, and omit with honour the inflicting the remainder.

4. His Patience is manifest, in moderating his judgments, when he sends them. Doth he empty his Quiver of his Arrows, or exhaust his magazines of thunder? No, he could roll one Thunder-bolt successively upon all Mankind; 'Tis as easy with him to Create a perpetual motion of Lightning and Thunder, as of the Sun and Stars, and make the World as terrible by the one, as it is delightful by the other. He opens not all his store, he sends out a light party to skirmish with men, and puts not in array his whole Army, He stirs not up all his wrath,