unto
atheism and unbelief? Certainly that word _Jehovah_ holds forth more to
angels than all the inculcated names and titles of God to us, because we
are dull and slow of heart. Therefore wonder at these two when ye read the
scriptures, God's condescendency to us, and our atheism and unbelief of
him: they are both mysteries, and exceeding broad. There is not a name of
God, but it gives us a name, and that of reproach and dishonour, so that
for every one, some evil may be written down. And it is to this purpose
Moses draws them out in length, that in the glass of his glorious name,
the people might behold their own ugly face. This name is clear, "he is a
God of truth," not only a true God, but truth itself: to note his
excellency and eminency in it. It is Christ's name, "I am the truth," the
substantial truth, in whom all the promises are truth, "are yea and amen."
His truth is his faithfulness in performing his promises, and doing what
his mouth hath spoken: and this is established "in the very heavens,"
Psal. lxxxix. 2. His everlasting purpose is in heaven where he dwells; and
if any man can ascend up to heaven, if any creature can break through the
clouds, then may his truth be shaken. His word comes down among men; nay,
but the foundation of it is in heaven, and there is his purpose
established; and therefore, there is nothing done in time can impair or
hinder it. Ye think this world very sure, the earth hangs unmoveable,
though it hang upon nothing. All the tumults, confusions, and reels which
have been in the world have never moved it to the one side. Heaven goeth
about in one tenour perpetually, keeping still the same distance. Nay, but
his truth is more established than so. Heaven and earth depend but upon a
word of command, he hath said, "Let it be so," and so it is. Nay, but his
word is more established. Of it saith Christ, one jot or tittle of it
cannot fail, though heaven and earth should fail. He may change his
commands as he pleases, but he may not change his promise, this puts an
obligation on him, as he is faithful and true, to perform it, and when an
oath is superadded, O how immutable are these two!--when he promises in his
truth and swears in his holiness. Is there any power in heaven and earth
can break that double cord? Matth. v. 18, Heb. vi. 18. There is no name of
God but it is comfortable to some, and as terrible to others. What comfort
is it to a godly man that trusts in his word, he is a God of tr