An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty-fifth, thirty-sixth, and thirty-seventh chapters of…

Thirdly, There must needs be plenty of Justice wi h God, because he knows the spirit and hear• with which every man acts, he knoweth whether a thing be done maliciously, or merely by a surprise of passion (Justice is guided much by that consideration in some cases) The Lo d knows the heart, wherewith every thing is done, and the design or aim of every man in doing it. As he will make manifest the Counsels of the heart, at last to all, so now the Counsels of the heart a e manifest to him; therefore he must needs be plentiful in justice.

Thirdly, There must needs be plenty of Justice wi h God, because he knows the spi•it and hear• with which every man acts, he knoweth whether a thing be done maliciously, or meerly by a surprize of passion (Justice is guided much by that consideration in some cases) The Lo d knows the heart, wherewith every thing is done, and the design or ayme of every man in doing it. As he will make manifest the Councels of the heart, at last to all, so now the Councels of the heart a e manifest to him; therefore he must n•eds be plentiful in justice.

Fourthly, God is clothed wi•h sufficient power to execute justice, therefore wi•h him there is plenty of it. Some have a good mind to do justice, they know the Law & the fact too, yet are ⟨p. 629⟩shortened and straitened in doing justice, because they have not power, or are not able to carry it out against potent offenders, but are forced to forbear the doing of justice, because at present they cannot. The doing of justice requireth strength of hand, as well as strength of Law, and integrity of heart. David had a good mind to do justice upon Joab (though nearly related to him) ••en he had, under a pretence of friendship, slain Abner; but he aw himself under a necessity of forbearance at that time, and therefore said, I am this day weak (though anointed King) and these sons of Zerviah be too hard for me. But there are no sons of Zerviah too hard for the Lord, he can call them to an account at any time: David knew that very well, and therefore he referred Joab to Gods Justice in the close of that verse (2 Sam. 2.39.) The Lord shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness. Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong in the days that I shall deal with thee? saith the Lord by his Prophet (