A26796:554
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. Some Afflictions have not the nature of a Punishment, but are intended only for the exercise of their Graces; That the trial of their Faith, 1Patience, and Hope being much more precious than of Gold that perisheth, though it be tried by the fire, might be found unto praise. 2Now these Afflictions are the occasion of their Joy, and in order to their Glory. Of this kind are all the Sufferings that Christians endure for the promotion of the Gospel. Thus the Apostles esteemed themselves dignified, in suffering what was contumelious and reproachful for the Name of Christ.3 And St. Paul interprets it as a special favour, that God called forth the Philippians to the Combat. To you it is given in the behalf of Christ to suffer: Not only the Graces of Faith and Fortitude, but the Affliction was given: So Believers are declared Happy, 4when they are partakers of Christs Sufferings: for the Spirit of Glory rests on them. Now it is evident that Afflictions of this nature are no Punishments. For since 'tis essential to Punishment to be inflicted for a Fault, and every Fault hath a turpitude in it; It necessarily follows, that Punishment which is the brand of a crime must be always attended with infamy, and the Sufferer under shame. But Christians are honourable by their Sufferings for God, as they conform them to the Image of his Son, who was consecrated by Sufferings.
1. Some Afflictions have not the nature of a Punishment, but are intended only for the exercise of their Graces; That the trial of their Faith, 1Patience, and Hope being much more precious than of Gold that perisheth, though it be tried by the fire, might be found unto praise. 2Now these Afflictions are the occasion of their Joy, and in order to their Glory. Of this kind are all the Sufferings that Christians endure for the promotion of the Gospel. Thus the Apostles esteemed themselves dignified, in suffering what was contumelious and reproachful for the Name of Christ.