A26796:788
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.
2. The Heathen Priests vehemently obstructed the reception of the Gospel; for their Interest was specially concerned upon the account of their reputation and gain. With great Art they had kept the People in Ignorance for a long time: They persuaded them that their Idolatrous Ceremonies made the gods favourable, and were the supreme Causes of their Prosperity. From this Fountain all Superstition was derived. Now if the Doctrine of Christ (that strictly forbids the Worship of Idols) were received, who would attend to their old Lies? Who would purchase their deceitful Promises? Who would maintain them with prodigal Donatives? Who would esteem them divine Men? They must lose their honour and support, and for their Fables be the scorn of the Multitude. 'Tis no wonder then that their Passions should be edged, and their Endeavours furious in opposing the Truth. And since the People had a reverend regard for their Office, they readily joined with them in their opposition.
2. The Heathen Priests vehemently obstructed the reception of the Gospel; for their Interest was specially concern'd upon the account of their reputation and gain. With great Art they had kept the People in Ignorance for a long time: They perswaded them that their Idolatrous Ceremonies made the gods favourable, and were the supreme Causes of their Prosperity. From this Fountain all Superstition was deriv'd. Now if the Doctrine of Christ (that strictly forbids the Worship of Idols) were received, who would attend to their old Lies? Who would purchase their deceitful Promises? Who would maintain them with prodigal Donatives? Who would esteem them divine Men? They must lose their honour and support, and for their Fables be the scorn of the Multitude. 'Tis no wonder then that their Passions should be edged, and their Endeavours furious in opposing the Tru•h. And since the People had a reverend regard for their Office, they readily joyned with them in their opposition.
3. Princes who were adored by the People, thought themselves obliged to prevent the introduction of a new Religion,1