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

Add this to it, which heightens this Argument. That the Apostle specially singleth forth this Attribute of Power: and by way of eminency mentioneth it, in speaking of this Punishment, as that Attribute, whereof God is willing to give fullest Demonstration, in this work, above any other Attribute, or Attributes, in Himself, therein. In all the great works of God, some one special Attribute hath still the Honour given it, as being in a way of eminency put forth; ⟨p. 29⟩as in Man's Salvation, Mercy and Grace, Eph. 2. 9. In Man's Glorification, Riches of Glory and Mercy, as here ver. 23. But look down into Hell, and it is his Power, which (as here in difference from those other) is said to be the predominant Attribute, that he would show forth, and which appeareth, there. And the comparing of these two, Salvation and Damnation, as they stand in an opposite Parallel, this in ver. 22. and the other in ver. 23. doth confirm this Observation; taking in withal that other Passage in 2 Thes. 1. 9. where they are said to be punished from the Glory of his Power, which manifestly gives the Glory unto his Power, in this Work, above any Attribute. His Sovereignty and Authority is seen in Salvation as much (if not more) as it is in Destruction. I [Will] have Mercy on whom [I will,] &c. But his Power or Omnipotency, that is said to be seen in destroying for Sin. Whereof perhaps one reason is, because there is shown in this, a duplicated Power: a contrary Stream of Power running cross and thwart, in its Effects, in this. For at the same instant (and that lengthened out for ever,) God sets Himself by his Power to destroy the Creature, utterly, in respect of its Well-being: Whilst yet again, ⟨p. 30⟩on the other Hand, as great a Power is requisite to uphold it in Being and Sense, and to prevent its sinking into its first nothing, or from failing afore him, in respect of Being to bear it. And in that respect to continue the Creature to be, &c. and to endure the weight of God's Power in Wrath, to be dry Stubble in a Flame never consumed; this is more then for God to create. This puts the great God upon a double expense of Power.

Add this to it, which heightens this Argument. That the Apostle specially singleth forth this Attribute of Power: and by way of eminency mentioneth it, in speaking of this Punishment, as that Attribute, whereof God is willing to give fullest Demonstration, in this work, above any other Attribute, or Attributes, in Himself, therein. In all the great works of God, some one special Attribute hath still the Honour given it, as being in a way of eminency put forth;