EXHORTATION TO BELIEVE. 249 God. I hate curiosity and conjecture in the things of God ; yet I think I may boldly say, that, on account of the interposition of the blood of Christ, there comes more glory to God by saving one sinner in this way of forgiveness, than in giving the reward of blessedness to all the angels in heaven; so seems it to,appear from that solemn representation we have of the ascription of glory to God by the whole creation, Rev. 5 : 9-13. All centres in forgiveness by the blood of the Lamb. I insist the more on this, because it lies so directly against that cursed principle of unbelief which reigns in the hearts of the most, and often disquiets the best. That a poor ungodly sinner, going to God with the guilt of all his sins upon him, to receive forgiveness at his hand, doth bring more glory to him than the obe- dience of an angel, men are not over-ready to think, nor can be prepared for it but by forgiveness itself. And the nature of that unbelief which worketh in con vinced sinners, lies in a refusal to give to God the whole glory of salvation. There are many hurtful con- troversies in religion that are managed in the world. with great noise and clamor ; but this is the greatest and most pernicious of them all, and it is for the most part silently transacted in the souls of men, although . under various forms and pretences. It hath also broken forth in writings and disputations, that is, whether God or man shall have the glory of salvation, or whether it shall be wholly ascribed to God, or man also on one account or other may come in for a share. Now if this be the condition with any of you, that you will rather perish than God should have the glory, what can we say but, Go, ye cursed souls, perish for ever, without the least compassion from God, or any that love him, angels or men. If you shall say, for your part, you are contented with this course, let God have the glory, so you may 11*
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