A26796:423
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.
1. Sincere and Unfeigned. This declares it self by a care to please Him in all things. If a Man love me, saith our Saviour, he will keep my Commandments. Obedience is the most natural and necessary product of Love. For Love is the spring of Action, and employs all the faculties in the service of the person loved.1 The Apostle expresses the force of it by an emphatical Word, The Love of Christ constrains us: it signifies to have one bound, and so much under power that he cannot move without leave. As the inspired Prophets were carried by the Spirit, and entirely acted by his motions.2 Such an absolute Empire had the Love of Christ over him, ruling all the inclinations of his Heart, and actions of his Life. 'Tis this alone makes Obedience cheerful, and constant. For Love is seated in the Will, and the Obedience that proceeds from it, is out of choice, and purely voluntary. No Commandment is grievous that is performed from Love. 3And it makes Obedience constant: that which is forced from the impression of fear is unsteadfast; but what is mixed with delight is lasting.
1. Sincere and Unfeigned. This declares it self by a care to please Him in all things. If a Man love me, saith our Saviour, he will keep my Commandments. Obedience is the most natural and necessary product of Love. For Love is the spring of Action, and employs all the faculties in the service of the person loved.1 The Apostle expresses the force of it by an emphatical Word, The Love of Christ constrains us: it signifies to have one bound, and so much under power that he cannot move without leave. As the inspired Prophets were carried by the Spirit, and intirely acted by his motions.2 Such an absolute Empire had the Love of Christ over him, ruling all the inclinations of his Heart, and actions of his Life. 'Tis this alone makes Obedience chearful, and constant. For Love is seated in the Will, and the Obedience that proceeds from it, is out of choice, and purely voluntary. No Commandment is grievous that is performed from Love.