A26796:445
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. The Appointment of God, whose Power and Will are to be considered in this transaction.
1. His Power: for 'tis an act of supremacy to admit that the sufferings of another should be effectual to redeem the offender. God doth not in this affair sustain the Person of a Judge, that is the Minister of the Law, and cannot free the guilty by transferring ⟨p. 228⟩the punishment on another, but is to be considered as Governor, who may by pure Jurisdiction dispense in the execution of the Law, upon those considerations which fully answer the ends of Government.
1. His Power: for 'tis an act of supremacy to admit that the sufferings of another should be effectual to redeem the offender. God doth not in this affair sustain the Person of a Judge, that is the Minister of the Law, and cannot free the guilty by transferring ⟨p. 228⟩the punishment on another, but is to be considered as Governour, who may by pure Jurisdiction dispense in the execution of the Law, upon those considerations which fully answer the ends of Government.
The Law is not executed according to the Letter of it, for then no sinner can be saved: but repenting Believers are free from condemnation. Nor is it abrogated, for then no obligation remains as to the duty, or penalty of it: but Men are still bound to obey it, and impenitent Infidels are still under the Curse: The Wrath of God abides upon them. But 'tis relaxed as to the punishment, by the merciful condescension of the Lawgiver.