The Fountain of Life Opened

First, The desertion it self. Divine desertion generally considered §1is Gods withdrawing himself from any, not as to his Essence, that fills Heaven and Earth, and constantly remains the same. But it's the withdrawment of his favour, grace and love. When these are gone, God is said to be gone. And this is done two ways, either absolutely, and wholly,, or respectively and only as to manifestation. In the first sense Devils are forsaken of God. They once were in his favour and love, but they have utterly and finally lost it. God is so withdrawn from them, as that he will never take them into favour any more. In the other sense he sometimes forsakes his dearest Children, (i. e.) he removes all sweet manifestations of his favour and love for a time, and carries it to them as a stranger; though his love be still the same.

And this kind of desertion which is respective, temporary, and only in regard of manifestation, is justly distinguished from the various ends and designs of it, into probational, cautional, castigatory, and penal. Probational desertions are only for the proof and trial of grace. Cautional desertions are designed to prevent sin. Castigatory desertions are Gods rods to chastise his people for sin. Penal desertions are such as are inflicted as the just reward of sin, for the reparation of that wrong sinners have done by their sins. Of this sort was Christs desertion. A part of the curse, and a special part. And his bearing it was no small part of the reparation, or satisfaction he made for our sins.

And this kind of desertion which is respective, temporary, and only in regard of manifestation, is justly distinguished from the various ends and designs of it, into probational, cautional, castigatory, and poenal. Probational desertions are only for the proof and trial of grace. Cautional desertions are designed to prevent sin. Castigatory desertions are Gods rods to chastize his people for sin. Poenal desertions are such as are inflicted as the just reward of sin, for the reparation of that wrong sinners have done by their sins. Of this sort was Christs desertion. A part of the curse, and a special part. And his bearing it was no small part of the reparation, or satisfaction he made for our sins.