A32722:27
A sermon preached
A sermon preached by the late eminent Mr. Steph. Charnock on 2 Cor. V. XIX.
London: printed by Thomas Milbourn for J.K., 1680
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.
Fifthly, All other ways of Reconciliation are Insufficient: To pretend to any other way, is an Injury to the Divine Wisdom; as though his Contrivance were not sufficient for his Creatures Restoration. Divine Mercy will not wrong any of his Attributes, nor dishonour Christ. But if we do not receive this, we deny Christ, the Efficacy of his Priesthood. Men are naturally studious of making God a Compensation for their Wrongs, and a Satisfaction of their own coining: They are unwilling to acquiesce in the Will and Wisdom of God.
Fifthly, All other wayes of Reconciliation are Insufficient: To pretend to any other way, is an Injury to the Divine Wisdom; as though his Contrivance were not sufficient for his Creatures Restauration. Divine Mercy will not wrong any of his Attributes, nor dishonour Christ. But if we do not receive this, we deny Christ, the Efficacy of his Priesthood. Men are naturally studious of making God a Compensation for their VVrongs, and a Satisfaction of their own coining: They are unwilling to acquiesce in the Will and Wisdom of God.
Those Two great Things, that God advances by his Grace, Men oppose; his Wisdom, by their Pride and Reason; his Authority, by the Perverseness of their Wills. But, Do we need Reconciliation, or do we not? If we need it not, How came we to be Friends to God, who were born Enemies? If we need, ⟨p. 18⟩is it not safest to enter into those Terms, that God hath proposed, where-with he is satisfied? rather than stand to failing, and at the best, but uncertain Methods; but are indeed absolutely false and insufficient. The safest way only, is the Choice of wise Men. If other ways would do, 'tis the greatest Wisdom to take that Course that God hath provided; whose Wisdom sees further into its Strength and Sufficiency, than any Creatures can.
Those Two great Things, that God advances by his Grace, Men oppose; his Wisdom, by their Pride and Reason; his Authority, by the Perversness of their Wills. But, Do we need Reconciliation, or do we not? If we need it not, How came we to be Friends to God, who were born Enemies? If we need,