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

First, The Lord is mighty of heart, as to patience and long-sufferance, in bearing with those that are evil. The Lord is infinitely above that patience which consists in the bearing of evil, (though that as was touched before, shows much strength of heart) but he is continually in the exercise of that patience, which consists in bearing with those that are evil. And O how great is the strength and might of Gods heart in this! Some of the Rabbis translate the Original Text,¹ long-suffering. The Prophet Nahum speaks of God, as slow to anger, and great in power, (Chap. 1.3.) It argueth strength of heart indeed, when we can stop and bridle our boisterous and angry passions, towards those that have offended us. The Lord saith unto, or concerning Pharaoh (Exod. 9.16.) And in very deed, for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my power, &c. What power? The Lord showed forth a twofold power in the raising up of Pharaoh: First, the power of his Arm, that he was able to cast down such a mighty Prince. Secondly, The power of his Patience, that he spared him from ruin till he had sent ten messages to him, and poured ten Plagues upon him. The Lord was so provoked by Pharaoh, that he might have crushed him upon the first denial, but he forbore him long; the Lord might well say, I have set thee up that I might show forth my power, my power in forbearing thee long, as well as in destroying thee at last. The Apostle speaks of this power (Rom. 9.22.) What if ⟨p. 185⟩God willing to show his wrath, and make his power known (the Lord will not only show his wrath hereafter in breaking those vessels of destruction, but he shows his power now in suffering them long, and therefore he to make his power known) endured with much long-suffering the Vessels of wrath fitted to destruction. Here's the strength of the Lords heart, he bears long with wicked men.

First, The Lord is mighty of heart, as to patience and long-sufferance, in bearing with those that are evil. The Lord is infinitely above that patience which consists in the bearing of evil, (though that as was toucht before, shews much strength of heart) but he is continually in the exercise of that patience, which consists in bearing with those that are evil. And O how great is the strength and might of Gods heart in this! Some of the Rabbies translate the Original Text,