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

The majesty and ardency of the Expressions testify the truth and vehemency of his desire, so far as the Excellency of his Nature is capable to feel our Affections. And the Reason of it is clear; for the Conversion of a Sinner implies a thorough change in the Will and ⟨p. 211⟩Affections from Sin to Grace, and that is infinitely pleasing to Gods Holiness, and the giving of Life to the converted is most suitable to his Mercy. The Angels who are infinitely inferior to Him in Goodness, rejoice in the Repentance and Salvation of Men; Much more God doth. There is an eminent difference between his inclinations to exercise Mercy, and Justice. He uses expressions of regret when He is constrained to punish.¹ O that my People had hearkened to me, and Israel had walked in my ways. And how shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? mine heart is turned within me: As a merciful Judg, that pities the Man when he condemns the Malefactor. But He dispenses Acts of Grace with pleasure, He pardons Iniquity, ²and passes by transgressions, because He delights in Mercy. 'Tis true, when Sinners are finally obdurate, God is pleased in their Ruin, for the honour of his Justice; yet, tis not in such a manner as in their Conversion and Life. He doth not invite Sinners to transgress, that He may condemn them: He is not pleased when they give occasion for the exercise of his Anger. And above all, we have the clearest and surest discovery of pardoning Mercy in the Death of Christ. For what stronger evidence can there be of God's readiness to pardon, than sending his Son into the World to be a Sacrifice for Sin, that Mercy without prejudice to his other Perfections might upon our Repentance forgive us? And what more rational argument is there, and more congruous to the Breast of a Man, to work in him a serious grief and hearty detestation of Sin, not only as a cursed thing, but as 'tis contrary to the Divine Will, than the belief that God, in whose Power alone ⟨p. 212⟩it is to pardon Sinners, is most desirous to pardon them, if they will return to Obedience? The Prodigal in his extreme distress resolved to go to his Father with penitential acknowledgements and submission: and, to use the words of a devout Writer, His guilty Conscience as desperate asks him, Qua spe, with what hope? He replies to himself, Illa qua Pater est. Ego perdidi quod erat filii; ille quod patris est nn amisit: