A26796:597
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.
OF all the Perfections of the Deity, none is more worthy of his Nature, and so peculiarly admirable as his Infinite Purity. 'Tis the most shining Attribute that derives a lustre to all the rest: He is glorious in Holiness. Wisdom degenerates into Craft, Power into Tyranny,1 Mercy loses its nature without Holiness. He swears by it as his Supreme Excellency. Once have I sworn by my Holiness, 2I ⟨p. 310⟩will not lie unto David. 'Tis the most venerable Attribute, in the Praise whereof the Harmony of Heaven agrees. The Angels and Saints above are represented, expressing their ecstasy and ravishment at the beauty of Holiness.3 Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts, the whole Earth is full of his Glory. This He only loves and values in the Creature, being the Impression of his most Divine and amiable Perfection. Inferior Creatures have a resemblance of other Divine Attributes: The Winds and Thunder set forth God's Power, the firmness of the Rocks, and the incorruptibility of the Heavens are an obscure representation of his Unchangeableness; but Holiness, that is the most Orient-Pearl in the Crown of Heaven, only shines in the reasonable Creature. Upon this account Man only is said to be formed after his Image. And in Men there are some appearances of the Deity, that do not entitle to his special Love. In Princes there is a shadow of his Sovereignty, yet they may be the objects of his displeasure; but a likeness to God in Holiness attracts his Eye and Heart, and infinitely endears the Creature to him. Now this Attribute is in a special manner provoked by Mans sin, and we are restored to the favour and friendship of God, in such a manner, as may preserve the Honour of it entire and inviolable.
OF all the Perfections of the Deity, none is more worthy of his Nature, and so peculiarly admirable as his Infinite Purity. 'Tis the most shining Attribute that derives a lustre to all the rest: He is glorious in Holiness. Wisdom degenerates into Craft, Power into Tyranny,1 Mercy loses its nature without Holiness. He swears by it as his Supreme Excellency. Once have I sworn by my Holiness,