mankind have
rebelled against God, he is more ready to hear their cries, and give
his spirit to sanctify and save them, than the most affectionate
earthly parent to shew kindness to his child.

The gospel is designed as a remedy for human weakness, equally as for
human guile. It is every way adapted to the circumstances of the
creatures to whom it offers salvation. It is a fair tender of pardon
and peace, of life and happiness to all who hear its joyful sound; it
not only opens these blessings to their view, but brings them within
their reach.

5. The divine benevolence is farther evident from the
exercise of forbearance towards ingrates, who neglect and slight
offered salvation. God doth not soon enter into judgment with them,
but waits with much long suffering; repeats his calls and warnings;
urges sinners in various ways, and by various means, to turn and live;
inwardly by the strivings of his Spirit, and warnings of conscience;
outwardly by his word; his providence, and the voice of those whom he
sends "to warn the wicked from their way, and beseech them in Christ's
stead to be reconciled to God."

The reason of all these applications to sinful man, is that mentioned
by St. Peter--"The Lord is long suffering to us ward, not willing that
any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

II. We _are to consider some abuses of the revelation of divine
goodness which is made to mankind_.

There is no gift of God which depravity may not abuse. The belief
of the divine perfections, especially of the divine mercy and benignity
is often made the occasion of sin. Those whose "hearts are turned
away from the Lord, when they hear the words of the curse, are wont to
bless themselves in their hearts, saying, we shall have peace, though
we walk in the imagination of our hearts, to add drunkenness to
thirst." When called to repentance, they banish fear and lull
themselves into security, with the revelation of divine grace and
mercy which they find in the scriptures; making that a favor of death,
which was ordained to be unto life--"With the Lord there is mercy;
with him there is plenteous redemption; with him there is
forgiveness;" not that he should be feared, but that his fear should
be cast off, and his terror not make men afraid to sin--"God hath no
pleasure in the death of sinners--judgment is his strange Work--he
will not enter into judgment--will not destroy the work of his hands."
Thus mercy is made to a