II 18- 7)ireElions for vttin anal keeping conuidence. And this would banifh facings and terrour as the Sun difpelleth darknefs and cold. 9. At teal youWouldhence have this advantage,. That the fixed ApprehenfionofGods Goodnefs and merciful Nature, would caufe a fixed apprehenfion of the Probabilityofyour Happinefs, as long as you arewilling to -be Happy in Gods way. For reafon will tell you, that he who is Love it felf, and whole Goodnefs is equal to his Almightinefs, and who bath 1<worn, that he hath no pleafure in the death of a fin ncr, but rather that he repent and live, will not de- firoy a poòr- -foul that lieth in fubmifiïon at his feet, and is fo far from refolved rebellion àgainla him, that it grieveth that it is no better, and can pleafe him no more. z O. However, thefe right apprehenfions of God ivould overcome thofe terrours which.are raifed only by f lfe apprehenfions ofhim : And doubtlefs a very great part of mens caufelefs troubles, are raifed from mifapprehenfions ofGod. for Satan knows that if he can Bringyou to think of Godas acruel Tyrant and blood-thirRy man hater, then he can drive you from him in terrour, and turn all your Love. and cheerful obedience into hatred and flavifh fear. I fay therefore again, Do not only get but alto fik deep in your underlfanding , the higheft thoughts of Gods natural Goodnefs and Gra- cioufnefs that poflïbly you can raife : for when they are at the higheic they come fhort ten thoufand fold. Otjeí . But, Gods Goodnefs lieth not in Mercy to men, as I have read in great Divines : he may be perfe --
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