The pattern of perfection exhibited in Gods image on AdamThe paterne of perfection exhibited in Gods image on Adam

Answ. ¹Because it was the only way to convey an immutable condition to Adam. God had furnished him with all things; nothing was wanting but immutability and constancy. Immutability is an essential property belonging to God, Mal. 3.6. Jam. 1.17. therefore it was impossible that any immutable quality should be put into Adam. If Adam had made use of Gods continual assistance sustaining him, though he were in himself mutable, yet he could never have changed. A glass, though it be brittle, yet hold it in a mans hand continually, it will never break; so, though Adam were brittle, yet if he would have kept him in the hands of Gods assistance, he could not ⟨p. 240⟩change. Adams obedience was an help hereto: had Adam done Gods will, he had pleased God; Gods pleasure is himself, himself is immutable, therefore he must have an immutable assistance. The damned in hell did offend God, and provoke his displeasure, his displeasure was unchangeable; therefore he delivereth them up to the authority of sin, to be unchangeably sinful, and perish everlastingly: so it was here with Adam; Gods pleasure was immutable, therefore he pleasing him, God must reward him answerably.

Answ. ¹Because it was the only way to conveigh an immutable condition to Adam. God had furnished him with all things; nothing was wanting but immutability and constancy. Immutability is an essentiall property belonging to God, Mal. 3.6. Jam. 1.17. therefore it was impossible that any immutable quality should bee put into Adam. If Adam had made use of Gods continuall assistance sustaining him, though hee were in himselfe mutable, yet hee could never have changed. A glasse, though it bee brittle, yet hold it in a mans hand continually, it will never break; so, though Adam were brittle, yet if hee would have kept him in the hands of Gods assistance, he could not ⟨p. 240⟩