FREENESS OF FORGIVENESS. 217 II. This forgiveness is with God, not only so that we may apply ourselves to it if we will, for which he will not be offended with us, but so also that he hath PLACED HIS GREAT GLORY IN THE DECLARATION AND COMMUNICATION OF IT; nor canwe honorhim more than by coming to him to receive it from him. For the most part, we are as it were ready rather to steal forgiveness from God, than to receive from him as one that gives it freely and large- ly. We take it up and lay it down, as though wewould be glad to have it, if God did not see us take it ; for we are afraid he is not willing we should have it indeed. We would steal this fire from heaven, and have a share in God's treasures and riches almost without consent : at least we think that we have it from him with much difficulty ; that he gives it with a kind of unwilling willingness, as we sometimes give alms; and that he loses as much by us as he gives out in pardon. We are apt to think that we areverywilling to have forgiveness, but that God is unwilling to bestow it, and that because he seems to be a loser by it, and to forego the glory of inflicting punishment for our sins. This is the nature of unbelief. But indeed things are quite otherwise. He hath, in this matter, through the Lord Christ, ordered all things, in his dealings with sinners, to the " praise of the glory of his grace." Eph. 1 .: 6. His design in the whole mys- tery of the Gospel is Wmake his grace glorious, or to exalt pardoning mercy. The great fruit and product of his grace is forgiveness; the forgiveness of sinners. By this God will render himself glorious. For this cause he spared the world when sin first entered into it; for this cause did he provide a new covenant when the old was becomeunprofitable; for this cause did he send his Son into the world. We can thenno way so eminently bring or ascribe glory to God, as by our receiving forgiveness from him; he being willing thereunto on account of its Forgiveness. 10
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