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

If He, who (but for us and our sakes) needed no deliverance; then how much more lies this upon us, the Persons saved, and unable to save our selves, distinctly to remember both these parts of our Salvation with infinite Praise and Blessing of God's great Name? Bless the Lord, O my Soul; and all that is within me bless his holy Name, and forget not all (that is, not any of) his Benefits, says the Psalmist in his own Person, Psal. 103. 1, 2. And what sort of Benefits were they? it follows ver. 3, 4. Who forgiveth all thine Iniquities; Who redeemeth thy Life from Destruction; there is Salvation from Sin and Hell, the privative part: Who crowneth thee with Loving-kindness and tender Mercies, (over and above deliverance) and satisfieth thy mouth with good things; there you see also is the positive part. You might observe the very same in this 49. Psalm, Thou shalt redeem me, &c. and, Thou shalt receive me.

By all that hath been spoken (although you are saved from it, yet) look down into Hell a little, as it hath been set out to you; And think with your selves, Hath God delivered me from so great a Death, and given me such a deliverance as this, from a death so dreadful and eternal also? How would the Devils and Spirits in Prison prize an escape and deliverance from ⟨p. 253⟩Wrath present and to come, if they could be supposed capable thereof; yea, if they had no more? A Nobleman or Favourite that hath run into great and high Treasons, to have but mere Life given him, how would he value it, though he never saw the Court more, nor were never restored unto his Estate and Dignities, had he but wherewithal to live? If a Man were in danger to be drowned, and a Rope were thrown him and a Crown, and bidden take his choice; with promise, Thou shalt be King of all the World, if thou come to shore safe with the Crown on thy Head: of the two he would in this case take hold of the Rope, and refuse the Crown. And why? because it is Salvation and his Life. But for a Man to be both wasted safe to shore, and then arriving there, to have this Crown besides! how great Salvation would this be valued, stupendous Grace and Love!