The divine life in three treatises

The Power of God is revealed in the Being and Powers of the Creation. His Wisdom is revealed in their Nature, Order, Offices, Effects, &c. His Goodness is revealed in the Creatures Goodness, its beauty, usefulness and accomplishments. But though all his Image thus appear upon the Creation, yet is it his Omnipotency that principally there appears. The beholding and consideration of the wonderful greatness, activity and excellency of the Sun, the Moon, the Stars, the fire, and other creatures, doth first and chiefly possess us with apprehensions of the Infinite Greatness or Power of the Creator.

In the Holy Word or Laws of God, which is the second glass or seal (more clear and legible to us than the former) there appeareth also all his Image; His power in the narratives, predictions, &c. His Wisdom in the prophesies, precepts, and in all: His Goodness in the promises, and institutions in a special manner. But yet it is his second property, his Wisdom, that most eminently appeareth on this second seal, and is seen in the glass of the holy Law. The discovery of such mysteries; the revelation of so many Truths; the suitableness of all the instituted means; and the admirable fitness of all the holy contrivances of God, and all his precepts, promises and threatenings, for the Government of Mankind, and carrying him on for the attainment of his end, in a way agreeable to his nature, ⟨p. 10⟩these show that wisdom that is most Eminently here revealed, though Power and Goodness be revealed with it; so in the face of Jesus Christ, who is the third and most perfect seal and glass, there is the Image of the Power, and Wisdom and Goodness of the Godhead: But yet it is the Love or Goodness of the Father that is most Eminently revealed in the son: His Power appeared in the incarnation, the conquests over Satan and the world, the Miracles, the Resurrection and the Ascension of Christ. His wisdom appeareth in the admirable mystery of Redemption, and in all the parts of the office, works, and laws of Christ, and in the means appointed in subordination to him; But Love and Goodness shineth most clearly and amiably through the whole; it being the very end of Christ in this blessed work, to reveal God to man in the Richo• of his Love, as giving us the greatest mercies, by the most precious means, in the meetest season and manner for our good; Reconciling us to himself, and treating us as Children, with Fatherly compassions, and bringing us nearer him, and opening to us the everlasting treasure, having brought life and immortality to light in the Gospel.