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

And this answers an Objection may be made. Did not David expressly choose rather to fall into the Hand of God than Man? 2 Sam. 24. 14. The answer is at hand in the same place, for his Mercies are great. That is David's Reason for it there. And so indeed the difference lies ⟨p. 173⟩in chastising Anger, and avenging Wrath. And David there speaks of God's chastising his Children in this World, but in the World to come you see the case is altered: It is the falling into the Hands of an Avenger, who in that execution professeth to show no Mercy: He that made them, will have no pity on them.

And this answers an Objection may be made. Did not David expresly choose rather to fall into the Hand of God than Man? 2 Sam. 24. 14. The answer is at hand in the same place, for his Mercies are great. That is David's Reason for it there. And so indeed the difference lies ⟨p. 173⟩in chastising Anger, and avenging Wrath. And David there speaks of God's chastising his Children in this World, but in the World to come you see the case is altered: It is the falling into the Hands of an Avenger, who in that execution professeth to shew no Mercy: He that made them, will have no pity on them.

Lastly, consider how Wrath sets all that is in God against a Man, whets and sharpens the whole Activity of every Attribute. What is the reason that in the Text when this dreadful execution is spoken of, the Attribute of the [living God] is mentioned rather than Power? &c. The Life of God speaks the whole of his Attributes. The whole of his Nature and Godhead, as it is active and working: this Life imports. In Hell God draws out all his Forces, all his Attributes into the Field, whereof Wrath is the Leader and General. All his Perfections conspire either to stir up and enkindle Wrath, or to assist him in the Execution. How Power is drawn forth and intended I showed afore. Wisdom, that marshals all into Order, sets both thy Sins in order in the view of thy Conscience,