A brief declaration and vindication of the doctrine of the Trinity as also of…

1. They say, This is contrary to, and inconsistent with the Love, Grace, Mercy, and Goodness of God, which are so celebrated in the Scripture as the principal properties of his nature, and Acts of his Will, wherein he will be glorified. Especially contrary to the freedom ⟨p. 171⟩of Forgiveness, which we are encouraged to expect, and commanded to believe. And this exception they endeavour to firm by Testimonies, that the Lord is Good and Gracious, and that He doth freely forgive us our sins and trespasses.

Answer: First, I readily grant that whatever is really contrary to the Grace, Goodness and Mercy of God, whatever is Inconsistent with the free Forgiveness of sin, is not to be admitted. For these things are fully revealed in the Scripture, and must have a consistency with whatever else is therein revealed of God, or his Will.

Secondly, As God is Good and Gracious, and Merciful, so also He is Holy, Righteous, True and Faithful. And these things are no less revealed concerning him than the other; and are no less Essential Properties of his Nature than his Goodness and Grace. And as they are all Essentially the same in him, and considered ⟨p. 172⟩only under a different habitude or respect as they are exerted by Acts of his will; so it belongs to his Infinite Wisdom, that the effects of them, though divers, and produced by divers ways, and means, may no way be contrary one to the other, but that Mercy may be exercised, without the prejudice of Justice, or Holiness; and Justice be preserved entire, without any obstruction to the Exercise of Mercy.

Secondly, As God is Good and Gracious, and Merciful, so also He is Holy, Righteous, True and Faithful. And these things are no less revealed concerning him than the other; and are no less Essential Properties of his Nature than his Goodness and Grace. And as they are all Essentially the same in him, and considered