A26796:316
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.
2. The freeness of Gods Mercy is evident by considering there was no •ye upon him to dispense it. Grace strictly taken differs from Love: for that may be a Debt, and without injustice not denied. There are inviolable obligations on Children to Love their Parents; and duty lessens desert: the performance of it doth not so much deserve praise, as the neglect merits censure and reproof. But the Love of God to Man is a pure, free, and liberal Affection, no way ⟨p. 151⟩due. The Grace of God, 1and the gift by Grace hath abounded unto many. The Creation was an effusion of goodness, much more Redemption. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive Glory, and Honour, and Power: 2for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and were created. 'Tis Grace that gave being to the Angels, with all the prerogatives that adorn their Natures: 'tis Grace confirmed them in their original integrity. For God owes them nothing, and they are nothing to him. 'Twas Grace that placed Adam in Paradise, and made him as a visible God in the lower World. And if Grace alone dispensed benefits to innocent Creatures, much more to those who are obnoxious to justice: the first was free, but this is merciful. And this leads to the second consideration, which exalts redeeming Love.
2. The freeness of Gods Mercy is evident by considering there was no •ye upon him to dispence it. Grace strictly taken differs from Love: for that may be a Debt, and without injustice not denied. There are inviolable obligations on Children to Love their Parents; and duty lessens desert: the performance of it doth not so much deserve praise, as the neglect merits censure and reproof. But the Love of God to Man is a pure, free, and liberal Affection, no way ⟨p. 151⟩due. The Grace of God, 1and the gift by Grace hath abounded unto many. The Creation was an effusion of goodness, much more Redemption. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive Glory, and Honour, and Power: