A26796:705
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.
One plain Sermon that represents Christ as Crucified before our eyes, to obtain Pardon of Sin for us; inflames the Soul with a more ardent Love to God, and vehement hatred of Sin, than all their elegant and sublime Discourses. There is the same difference between their Morals and the Evangelical Institution, as between two Nurses; The one is adorned, and looks lovely to the eye, but wants Milk to nourish the Infant in her Arms; the other is not so amiable in appearance, but hath a living spring of Milk to nourish her Child. Philosophy hath the advantage of artificial beauty, but cannot supply the nourishment that is necessary to maintain the spiritual Life. But the Gospel affords the sincere rational milk to the Soul, that it may grow thereby. 'Tis therefore called the Word of Life, a title that distinguishes it from the Law, and all humane Institutions.
One plain Sermon that represents Christ as Crucified before our eyes, to obtain Pardon of Sin for us; inflames the Soul with a more ardent Love to God, and vehement hatred of Sin, than all their elegant and sublime Discourses. There is the same difference between their Morals and the Evangelical Institution, as between two Nurses; The one is adorned, and looks lovely to the eye, but wants Milk to nourish the Infant in her Arms; the other is not so amiable in appearance, but hath a living spring of Milk to nourish her Child. Philosophy hath the advantage of artificial beauty, but cannot supply the nourishment that is necessary to maintain the spiritual Life. But the Gospel affords the sincere rational milk to the Soul, that it may grow thereby. 'Tis therefore call'd the Word of Life, a title that distinguishes it from the Law, and all humane Institutions.
4. Jesus Christ hath presented the strongest inducements and motives to persuade us to Holiness. The way which he takes to save us, is not by a mere act of Power to raise us above our selves, but he deals with us conveniently to our frame, in making use of our Affections to bring us to himself. And whereas there are three Affections that have a mighty power over the reasonable Nature, and are the inward ⟨p. 380⟩