CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

2. The wisdom of God is greatly glorified by Christs Mediation for us, 1 Cor. 1.24. We preach Christ the wisdom of God, why so? Because never was the wisdom so discovered as in finding out and procuring such a remedy for undone ⟨p. 115⟩man as he hath through Christ, if you do regard by the remedy it self Christ God and man, the use of this remedy by faith only excluding all works, we may then cry out, Oh the unsearchable depths of the manifold wisdom of God; The Apostle calls it [Greek or Hebrew]; Even as in a curious work of Tapestry, there are several expressions of arts; David is affected with Gods wisdom in making every part of him; Thou didst curiously work me in my Mothers womb, as so much choice Needle-work, Psa. 139.15. but far more wisdom was seen in redeeming and saving, especially the wisdom of God was herein wonderful, that whereas upon man fallen his estate seemed desperate and incurable, on one side Mercy was willing to help and relieve, but on the other side Justice did interpose, and said it could not; Now the wisdom of God found out such an excellent temperament, that mercy might plentifully demonstrate it self, yet Justice be satisfied; so that in mans salvation there was a merciful justice, and a just mercy cooperant together, Solomons wisdom was greatly admired for deciding that hard controversy about the living child, but here was a greater instance of wisdom to find, out a way for our salvation; We read of an excellent temperament found out by one Law-giver, who having made a Law that every adulterer should have both his eyes bored out, it so happened that the Law-givers own Son was taken in Adultery, Now mercy on one side moved the Father to spare him, yet Justice on the other side hindered; The Father therefore commanded one of his Sons eyes should be put out, and yielded that one of his eyes should be put out for the other eye of his Sons. Here the Law and Justice was satisfied, as also the mercy of the Father discovered; This is greatly applauded in histories, though hardly is the fact justifiable, but it is a mere shadow to this excellent temperament the wisdom of God found out, Oh that ever any soul under any perplexity whatsoever should be cast down or say, how can I be delivered in this? how shall this ever tend to my good? for what is it greater then to find out a way to save thee? yet God hath done that.