The works of George Swinnock, M.A

The moving cause, is his own gracious nature; Men forbear punishing Malefactors, sometimes because they are related to them, sometimes from hope of advantage by them, sometimes because they are afraid of them; but God forbears none upon any such grounds. His goodness is the only string that tieth his hand from striking; Yea, many years didst thou forbear them, for thou art a gracious and a merciful God, Neh. 9. 30, 31.

The moving cause, is his own gracious nature; Men forbear punishing Malefectours, sometimes because they are related to them, sometimes from hope of advantage by them, sometimes because they are afraid of them; but God forbears none upon any such grounds. His goodness is the onely string that tieth his hand from striking; Yea, many years didst thou forbear them, for thou art a gracious and a merciful God, Neh. 9. 30, 31.

The Final Cause is manifold.

1. That he might exalt his great name; Its light straw, that upon the least spark takes fire; The discretion of a man deferreth his anger, and its his glory to pass by infirmities; Mean and low spirits are most peevish and passionate; Sickly and weak persons, are observed to be the most impatient;¹ God makes his power known, when he endureth with much long suffering, the vessels of wrath fitted for destruction; He intendeth the advancement of his praise, in the lengthening of his patience; For my names sake will I defer mine anger; for my ⟨p. 477⟩