A26806:65
Sermons upon Psalm CXXX, ver. 4 but there is forgiveness with thee, that thou…
Sermons upon Psalm CXXX, ver. 4 but there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayst be feared / by William Bates.
London: printed by J.D. for Brabazon Aylmer, 1696
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.
Now from hence 'tis evident that all the Persons in the Godhead concur in bestowing this admirable Blessing, the Pardon of our Sins: they all willingly join in this undivided Work, tho with different Operations. The Father pronounces our Pardon from the Throne: ⟨p. 54⟩his Majesty shines without Diminution or Condescension of his Person in forgiving us. The Son purchased our Pardon by the sacred Treasure of his Blood. The Holy Spirit qualifies us, and applies the Pardon of our Sins to us.
3. I now come to the third general Head, that God is abundant in Forgiveness. This God has declared in Words so full and expressive, as may exceedingly satisfy the most tender and fearful Spirits: Let the Wicked forsake his Way, and the unrighteous Man his Thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have Mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my Thoughts are not your Thoughts, neither are your Ways my Ways, saith the Lord. For as the Heavens are higher than the Earth, so are my Ways than your Ways, and my Thoughts than your Thoughts. The Distance is so great between the Heavens and the Earth, that the Sun, so vast a Globe of Light, seems to be of a small Circumference; and the Stars of the first Magnitude, tho many times bigger than the Earth, appear like glittering Points of Light. This Comparison is so convincing, as may assist us in our Contemplation of his Mercy. The Apostle ⟨p. 55⟩saith, God is rich in Mercy. 1'Tis not said, that he is rich in Substance, tho the Earth be the Lord's, and the Fullness thereof. He is rich in his own Perfections, not in external things. 'Tis not said, God is rich in Power, tho he is Almighty; nor in Justice, but in Mercy: This signifies, that of all the Divine Perfections, none do shine so radiantly as his Mercy. This reflects a Lustre upon his other Attributes. His Goodness is the Foundation of his Glory. He pardoned ten thousand Talents to the Servant that was insolvent, and his Treasure is unwasted.