An answer to the discourse of Mr. William Sherlock, touching the knowledge of Christ,…

And for the Glimpses of Patience shining out in Works of Providence, which are common even to the poor Pagans, I may well say, that they are little, very little consolations in comparison of those which Christians have: Pagans may see God forbearing, but Christians see him fully satisfied in the Blood of Christ: Pagans see God forbearing, but they ⟨p. 52⟩cannot tell how long he may do so, or how soon his wrath may come dashing down upon them; but Christians know that they are delivered from the wrath to come, and so God's Patience is very sweet to them. But the Author goes on in his charge: The Doctor saith, that the nature and end of God's Patience and Forbearance, is, God's taking a course in his infinite Wisdom and Goodness, that we should not be destroyed notwithstanding our sins; the Justice of God being satisfied, the greatest sins can do us no hurt, we shall escape notwithstanding our sins: But the Gospel instructs us, That without holiness no man shall see God: Thus the Author. To which I answer. Surely we shall escape notwithstanding our sins, or else we cannot escape without pure sinless perfection, and notwithstanding our greatest sins, or else they exceed Gods Mercy and Christ's Merit: But what, without Repentance and Holiness? No, by no means, the Doctor means no such matter, but saith expressly, That the end of Gods patience is, that his Will concerning our Repentance and Salvation may be accomplished, and quotes that of St. Peter, 2 Pet. 3.9. God is long-suffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all ⟨p. 53⟩should come to repentance; and surely where true Repentance is, holiness of Life will follow.

And for the Glimpses of Patience shining out in Works of Providence, which are common even to the poor Pagans, I may well say, that they are little, very little consolations in comparison of those which Christians have: Pagans may see God forbearing, but Christians see him fully satisfied in the Blood of Christ: Pagans see God forbearing, but they ⟨p. 52⟩cannot tell how long he may do so, or how soon his wrath may come dashing down upon them; but Christians know that they are delivered from the wrath to come, and so God's Patience is very sweet to them. But the Author goes on in his charge: The Doctor saith, that the nature and end of God's Patience and Forbearance, is, God's taking a course in his infinite Wisdom and Goodness, that we should not be destroyed notwithstanding our sins; the Justice of God being satisfied, the greatest sins can do us no hurt, we shall escape notwithstanding our sins: But the Gospel instructs us, That without holiness no man shall see God: Thus the Author. To which I answer. Surely we shall escape notwithstanding our sins, or else we cannot escape without pure sinless perfection, and notwithstanding our greatest sins, or else they exceed Gods Mercy and Christ's Merit: But what, without Repentance and Holiness? No, by no means, the Doctor means no such matter, but saith expresly, That the end of Gods patience is, that his Will concerning our Repentance and Salvation may be accomplished, and quotes that of St. Peter,