Two discourses I. of the punishment of sin in hell, demonstrating the wrath of…

Now, 3. The greatness or vast comings in of that Glory, God reckons upon from ⟨p. 145⟩this, may rise up in your view, by these Particulars.

1. Had it not been that in comparison of other works of his, an infinitely exceeding Revenue of Glory would have arisen unto him from this, God would never have set his Heart or Hand to this work of all other: I say it again, He would never have set his Hand to this work of all other. For as he is Creator, he hath a love to all, and hates nothing that he hath made, he loves no such bloody work for it self; nor would have ever embrued his Hands in the Destruction of his Creature, had it not been for an exceeding weight of Glory; and as being justly provoked thereto, it becometh a just Prize, on that Hand presented to him: which he will be sure withal to manage and perform with the utmost Righteousness. It is certain, that this is to him opus alienum, a work strange to his Nature, as the Prophet speaks. He does not naturally, no nor willingly (says the Lamentations) afflict, or grieve the Children of Men. Lament. 3. 33. Mens Quarrellings and Cavils hereabout did put him long since to his Oath, and he hath cleared himself by Oath in Ezekiel, As I live, I will not the Death of a Sinner, that is not simply, as if I delighted in it for it self, ⟨p. 146⟩as a God that is cruel; (which was objected) and therefore I say peremptorily it must be an infinite mass of Glory, after much long-suffering and impenitency of Men, that moves him to it. And if so, then according to the Principles even now mentioned, do you that are impenitent Sinners look to it, for ex vestro cario (I allude to Job's Speech, Skin for Skin) out of the Blood of your Souls, and their Destruction, shall this Tribute and Tax of Glory be raised, according unto what your sinfulness shall be found to have been. And oh then, do you collect how fearful it is like to be! View it in a contrary, and indeed though an Instance far transcending the Proportion of this, yet in respect of holding some likeness to God's proceeding in this, will conduce to heighten our Thoughts about this. It is a Consideration that helps our Faith (and 'tis a great one) that for God to deliver up his own Son to Death, and for himself to bruise him, (you have it all in a short Saying,