The harmony of the divine attributes in the contrivance and accomplishment of man's redemption…

It will further appear that our Salvation comes ⟨p. 154⟩from pure favour, if we consider Man not only as a rebellious enemy to God, but impotent and obstinate, without power to resist Justice, and without affection to desire Mercy. Sometimes the interest of a Prince may induce him to spare the guilty, he may be compelled to pardon, whom he cannot punish. The multitude is the greatest Potentate. The Sons of Zerviah were too strong for David: and then 'tis not pity, but policy to suspend the judgment. But our condition is described by the Apostle, that when we were sinners, ¹and without strength, then Christ dyed for us. Man is a despicable Creature, so weak that he trembles at the appearance of a worm, and yet so wicked that he lifts up his head against Heaven. How unable is he to encounter with offended Omnipotence? How easily can God destroy him, when by his sole Word he made him? if he unclasps his hand that supports all things, they will presently relapse into their first confusion. The whole world of sinners was shut up, utterly unable to repel or avoid his displeasure: And what amazing Love is it to spare Rebels that were under his feet? When a man finds his enemy, ²will he let him go well away? but God when we were all at his Mercy spared and saved us.

It will further appear that our Salvation comes ⟨p. 154⟩from pure favour, if we consider Man not only as a rebellious enemy to God, but impotent and obstinate, without power to resist Justice, and without affection to desire Mercy. Sometimes the interest of a Prince may induce him to spare the guilty, he may be compell'd to pardon, whom he cannot punish. The multitude is the greatest Potentate. The Sons of Zerviah were too strong for David: and then 'tis not pity, but policy to suspend the judgment. But our condition is described by the Apostle, that when we were sinners, ¹and without strength, then Christ dyed for us. Man is a despicable Creature, so weak that he trembles at the appearance of a worm, and yet so wicked that he lifts up his head against Heaven. How unable is he to encounter with offended Omnipotence? How easily can God destroy him, when by his sole Word he made him? if he unclasps his hand that suports all things, they will presently relasp into their first confusion. The whole world of sinners was shut up, utterly unable to repel or avoid his displeasure: And what amazing Love is it to spare Rebels that were under his feet? When a man finds his enemy,