A26782:179
Considerations of the existence of God and of the immortality of the soul, with…
Considerations of the existence of God and of the immortality of the soul, with the recompenses of the future state for the cure of infidelity, the hectic evil of the times / by William Bates ...Considerations of the existence of God and of the immortality of the soul, with the recompences of the future state for the cure of infidelity, the hectick evil of the times / by William Bates ...
London: printed by J.D. for Brabazon Aylmer, 1676
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
It may be objected, That God's Dominion over the reasonable Creature is absolute: For Man owes to him entirely his Being, and all that his Faculties can produce, so that without reflection on Justice, God may after a course of obedience, annihilate him.
It may be objected, That God's Dominion over the reasonable Creature is absolute: For Man ows to him intirely his Being, and all that his Faculties can produce, so that without reflection on Justice, God may after a course of obedience, annihilate him.
To this I answer. The Sovereign Dominion of God in its exercise towards Men is regulated by his Wisdom, and limited by his Will, that is Holy, Just, and Good. Hence though the Creature can challenge nothing from God as due to its service, yet there is a Justice of condecence that arises from the excellencies of his own Nature, and is perfectly consistent ⟨p. 211⟩with the liberty of his Essence, to bestow the eminent Effects of his Favours on his faithful Servants. His Holiness inclines him to love the image of it in the Creature, and his Goodness to reward it. His Government is paternal, and sweetened by descending Love in many Favours and Rewards to his obedient Children. There is a resemblance of our duty to God, and his rewards to us in the order of Nature among Men. Parents may require of their Children entire obedience, as being the second Causes of their natural Life. And Children may expect from their Parents what is requisite for their welfare. Now God, who is the Father of Men, will be true to his own Rules, and deal with them accordingly, but in a manner worthy of his infinite ⟨p. 212⟩Greatness. There is not the least obligation on him, but his unchangeable Perfections are the strongest Assurances, that none of his shall obey him to their final prejudice. 'Tis a direct contrariety to his Nature, that Men for Conscience of their Duty should part with temporal Happiness in hopes of eternal, and lose both.