A26796:192
The harmony of the divine attributes in the contrivance and accomplishment of man's redemption…
The harmony of the divine attributes in the contrivance and accomplishment of man's redemption by the Lord Jesus Christ, or, Discourses wherein is showed how the wisdom, mercy, justice, holiness, power, and truth of God are glorified in that great and blessed work / by William Bates.The harmony of the divine attributes in the contrivance and accomplishment of man's redemption by the Lord Jesus Christ, or, Discourses wherein is shewed how the wisdom, mercy, justice, holiness, power, and truth of God are glorified in that great and blessed work / by William Bates.
London: printed by J. Darby for Nathaniel Ranew and Jonathan Robinson and Brabazon Aylmer, 1674
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.
This will be made visible by considering, that all understanding Agents first propound an end, and then choose the means for the obtaining of it. And the more perfect the Understanding is, the more excellent is the end it designs, and the more fit and convenient are the means it makes use of for the acquiring it. Now when God whose Understanding is infinite, (and in comparison of whom the most prudent and advised are but as dark shadows) when he determines to work, especially in a most glorious manner, the end and the means are equally admirable.
First, The end is of the highest Consequence. Were it some low inconsiderable thing, it were unworthy one thought of God for the effecting it. To be curious in the contriving how to accomplish that which is of no importance, exposes to a just imputation of Folly; But when the most excellent Good is the end, and the difficulties which hinder the obtaining of it are insuperable to a finite understanding, it then becomes the only wise God to discover the Divinity of his Wisdom,1 in making a way where he finds none. And such was the end of God in the work of our Redemption. This was declared by the Angels, who were sent Ambassadors extraordinary to bring tidings of peace to the world,2 They praised God, saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth Peace, good Will towards men.
First, The end is of the highest Consequence. Were it some low inconsiderable thing, it were unworthy one thought of God for the effecting it. To be curious in the contriving how to accomplish that which is of no importance, exposes to a just imputation of Folly; But when the most excellent Good is the end, and the difficulties which hinder the obtaining of it are insuperable to a finite understanding, it then becomes the only wise God to discover the Divinity of his Wisdom,1 in making a way where he finds none. And such was the end of God in the work of our Redemption. This was declar'd by the Angels, who were sent Ambassadors extraordinary to bring tidings of peace to the world,