A26796:402
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.
'Tis true, God might have bestowed Heaven as an absolute gift upon Man, after a course of obedience; but 'twas not due by the condition of the first Covenant. A natural work can give no title to a supernatural reward. Mans perseverance in his duty, according to the Original Treaty, had been attended with Immortal Happiness upon the Earth; but the blessed Hope is only promised in the Gospel,1 and unspeakably transcends the felicity of Nature in its consummate state.
'Tis true, God might have bestowed Heaven as an absolute gift upon Man, after a course of obedience; but 'twas not due by the condition of the first Covenant. A natural work can give no title to a supernatural reward. Mans perseverance in his duty, according to the Original Treaty, had been attended with Immortal Happiness upon the Earth; but the blessed Hope is only promised in the Gospel,1 and unspeakably transcends the felicity of Nature in its consummat state.
This Reward is answerable to the unvaluable treasure which was laid down for it. The Blood of the Son of God as 'tis a Ransom to redeem us from misery, so 'tis a Price to purchase glory for Believers.1 'Tis called the Blood of the New-Testament, because it conveys a title to the Heavenly Inheritance.2 Our impunity is the effect of his Satisfaction, our positive happiness of his redundant merit. God was so well pleased with his perfect Obedience, which infinitely surpasses that of any mere creature, that he promised to confer upon those who believe in him, all the glorious qualities becoming the Sons of God, and to make them associates with him in his Eternal Kingdom. The complete happiness of the Redeemed, is the Redeemers recompense, in which he is fully satisfied for all his sufferings. Now the transcendent excellency of this above the first state of Man, will more distinctly appear by considering,