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THE GOODNESS OF GOD
WE cannot form a juster conception of the Deity than from the history of the Israelites. In the mixture of mercy and judgment which is there recorded, we see every one of his perfections displayed in most lively characters [Note: ver. 7]. His dealings with us indeed are less discernible: but, the more they are scrutinized, the more will they appear to be regulated according to the counsels of unerring wisdom and unbounded goodness. The words before us will naturally lead us to a contemplation of this subject: and we shall have abundant evidence of their truth, while we consider his goodness,
I. Generally, as it is in himself—
The “mercy and grace” of our God are chiefly discovered by,
1. His patience in bearing with us—
[Had God been such an one as ourselves, he would long since have broke forth in anger against the whole world, and consumed them in his heavy displausure. But, notwithstanding the multitude of their provocations, he has been long-suffering towards them [Note: 2Pe_3:9.], and has waited to be gracious unto them [Note: Isa_30:18]. He has borne with many vessels of wrath, that have been daily fitting themselves for destruction [Note: Rom_9:22.]: and has kept mercy for thousands [Note: Exo_34:6-7.], who have been continually occupied in casting it away. The description which Nehemiah gives of the divine patience as manifested in his day [Note: Neh_9:16-21.], is no less realized towards the whole world at this very hour.]
2. His mercy in pardoning us—
[God, in infinite compassion, laid our iniquities upon his only dear Son [Note: lsai. 53:6.], and exacted of him our debt [Note: Isa_53:7. Lowth’s Trapslation.], in order that he might exercise mercy towards us consistently with the demands of truth and justice [Note: Rom_3:25-26.]. And, having provided such a remedy, he delights in extending its benefits even to the vilest of the human race [Note: Mic_7:18.]. Thousands that are now glorified in heaven, and thousands too that are yet compassed with infirmities on earth, can attest, that with him is plenteous, redemption [Note: Psa_130:7-8.], and that he is rich in mercy unto all that call upon, him [Note: Rom_10:12-13.].]
Not to dwell on general views of his goodness, let us consider it,
II. Particularly as it manifests itself towards us—
It is here more minutely delineated:
1. In reference to his patience—
[God will “chide” his people for their sins; nor would he act worthy of himself, if he did not manifest his displeasure against the violations of his holy law [Note: Heb_12:6-7.]. But we must all confess that he punishes neither soon—nor long—nor according to our deserts. Not soon; for then he would be “always chiding,” seeing that we give continual occasion for his displeasure to arise. But he is not extreme to mark what is done amiss [Note: Psa_130:3.], well knowing that if he should contend with us for every fault, we could not answer him one of a thousand [Note: Job_9:3.]. Nor will he visit us long; if he hide his face, it is hut for a little moment [Note: Isa_54:7-8.], and if he wound us, it is, for the most part, but a very short time before he binds us up again and heals us [Note: Hos_6:1-2.]. He will not be always wroth, lest our spirits should faint, and fail by reason of his displeasure [Note: Isa_57:16.]. Nor does he at any time “deal with us according to our iniquities,” Where must every one of us have been if he had entered into judgment with us according to the strict tenour of his law [Note: Compare Gal_3:10. with Psa_143:2.]? Whatever trials we may have been called to endure, they have been infinitely less than our iniquities have deserved [Note: Job_11:6.].]
2. In reference to his mercy—
[This has been boundless in its extent. Who can measure the vast expanse of heaven [Note: Jer_31:37.]? Yet such is the mercy of our God, having heights that cannot be explored, and depths that cannot be fathomed [Note: Eph_3:18-19.]. It reaches, not only to all persons, but to the utmost extent of their necessities or desires. It is also tender in its exercise. Can any thing on earth afford us a stronger image of tenderness, than a parent striving to soothe the anguish of his agonizing infant? Yet such is the anxiety which God himself feels to heal our wounded spirits, and comfort us under all our conflicts [Note: Hos_11:8. Jer_31:20.]. It is, moreover, lasting in its effects. Let a straight line be drawn from east to west; and the further it is drawn, the further shall the ends be removed from each other. Thus it is with respect to our sins which he has pardoned: they are put away from us to the remotest distance, never to meet upon our souls again, never to be remembered against us to all eternity [Note: ver. 17. Mic_7:19.].]
Infer—
1. How base is it to sin against such a God!
[Sin, of whatever kind, is really directed against him [Note: Psa_51:4.]. And shall it appear a light matter to us to offend such a God? See this argument urged by Ezra [Note: Ezr_9:13-14, Heb_8:12.]; and let every temptation be repelled with this indignant expression, How shall I do this great wickedness, and sin against God [Note: Gen_39:9.]?]
2. How ought we to fear and love our God!
[It is twice observed in the text, that God’s mercy is displayed “to them that fear him:” and it is manifested on purpose that he may be feared [Note: Psa_130:4.]. Let us therefore not despise the riches of his goodness [Note: Rom_2:4.], but improve them for the confirming of our fear [Note: Hos_3:5.], and the quickening of our love [Note: Psa_116:12; Psa_145:8-9; Psa_145:21.].]