CONSIDERATION XVI
Of the mercy of God
"Mercy rejoiceth against judgment." S. James ii. 13.
First Point.
Goodness is diffusive in its nature, that is to say, it inclines ever to communicate its goods to others. Now, God Who by nature is infinite goodness has a sovereign desire to communicate His happiness to us; and therefore it is not His nature to punish, but to show mercy to all. As Isaiah says, punishment is opposite to the inclination of Almighty God. " He shall be wroth .... that He may do His work, His strange work." (Isa. xxviii. 21.) And when the Lord chastises in this life, He chastises so that He may show mercy in the next. " Thou hast also been displeased; O turn Thee unto us again." (Ps. lx. I.) He appears to be angry, so that we may repent and detest our sins. " Thou hast showed Thy people heavy things: Thou hast given us a drink of deadly wine." (Ps. be. 3.) And if He sends us any punishment, He sends it because He loves us, and that we may be delivered from eternal punishment. " Thou hast given a token for such as fear Thee: that they may triumph because of the truth. Therefore were Thy beloved delivered." (Ps. lx. 4, 5.)
And how can the mercy be ever admired and praised enough which God shows towards sinners in waiting for them, in calling them, and in receiving them when they return? And, in the first place, Oh, how great is the patience which God exercises towards us in waiting for our repentance! My brother, when
