God's call to England, for thankfulness after gracious deliverances

Mercy disengaged, there can be no binding the hands of Justice, no obstructing its fatal Blows, no stopping the floods of Vengeance, no persuading to spare, no prevailing to stay, no hindering its arrests, no opposing its violence; but destruction will be unavoidable. The highest profession, the richest possessions, ⟨p. 86⟩the strongest fortifications; will be no security; no shelter on earth, can secure from the vengeance of Heaven. The united forces of all Creatures, can no ways impede the actings of their Sovereign Creator. Job 9.12, 13. He taketh away, and none can hinder him. If God will not withhold his anger, the proud helpers must stoop under. However great the Patrons of our Cause may be, whatever Allies may consociate with us, whatever Assistants shall appear for us, yet they can never prosper to protect us, or succeed to deliver us from the hands of resolved Justice. Our helpers must have the assistance of God, or they cannot procure deliverance for us. Had we thousands as strong as that world-bearing Atlas, they could never uphold us: had we a world of Confederates, they could never preserve us, if Justice designs our ruin. The most potent Friends can never deliver those, who have the Omnipotent God to be their enemy. If Mercy will not help us, we must needs be helpless. Job 27.22. God shall cast upon him, and not spare; he would flee out of his hands. •ugere cona•itur, sed non effugiet. He shall strive to get out of his hands, but shall not escape. ⟨p. 87⟩Neither Policy, Power, or Prayer, can prevail with, or succeed against God, when not seconded with the aid of Mercy. Dan. 4.35. There is none can stay his hand. None can deliver from the destroying hands of Justice, but victorious Mercy. What need then is there to be careful, that we disoblige not Mercy? What grateful carriage should we have under Mercies, lest we make them our enemies? And if Mercy be once against us, all things will work against us.

Mercy disengag'd, there can be no binding the hands of Justice, no obstructing its fatal Blows, no stopping the floods of Vengeance, no perswading to spare, no prevailing to stay, no hindering its arrests, no opposing its violence; but destruction will be unavoidable. The highest profession, the richest possessions,