As the body, so the soul of man is the work of Gods hand too. His power and wisdom wrought it, and work mightily in it. In regard of bodily substance, the most inferior creatures claim ⟨p. 444⟩kindred of man, and he may be compared to the beast that perisheth. But in regard of the soul, man transcends them all, and may challenge a nearness, if not an equality with the Angels. The body is to the soul, but as a mud wall which imprisons some precious treasure; at best but like a gold ring to a sparkling diamond. If the more unworthy part of man be a work worthy of God, how much more is his more worthy part? There is yet somewhat in man of Gods making, which is better then either of these parts, and is indeed all man. There is somewhat in man more excellent then man. The qualities of a man are superior to his nature: man by his nature differs only from a beast, but some men by their qualities differ from other men: one man hath better qualities then another, but no man hath a better nature then another. As the soul is more excellent then the body, and reason then sense, so inward gifts are more excellent then the soul, and grace then reason. These are the beauty, the gildings and engravings of the inner man. The Assyrians are called, the work of Gods hands, not only in reference to creation, but regeneration in Christ (Isa. 19.25.) Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance. 'Tis a promise of the calling of the Gentiles, when they who were not a people should receive Christ, and be made the spiritual Israel, by the mighty work of God. This also is the work which David intends, when he invites all lands to serve the Lord with gladness, because it is he that hath made us, and not we our selves (Psal. 100.3.) Hence the Apostle calls all believers emphatically, The work of God (Ephes. 2.10.) We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Man is the workmanship of God, as he is fitted for natural and civil works, but he is most of all the workmanship of God, as he is fitted for spiritual and holy works. All is the work of God, but this is curious work, workmanship indeed.
As the body, so the soul of man is the work of Gods hand too. His power and wisdom wrought it, and work mightily in it. In regard of bodily substance, the most inferiour creatures claim ⟨p. 444⟩kindred of man, and he may be compared to the beast that perisheth. But in regard of the soul, man transcends them all, and may challenge a neernesse, if not an equality with the Angels. The body is to the soul, but as a mud wall which imprisons some pretious treasure; at best but like a gold ring to a sparkling diamond. If the more unworthy part of man be a work worthy of God, how much more is his more worthy part? There is yet somewhat in man of Gods making, which is better then either of these parts, and is indeed all man. There is somewhat in man more excellent then man. The qualities of a man are superiour to his nature: man by his nature differs only from a beast, but some men by their qualities differ from other men: one man hath better qualities then another, but no man hath a better nature then another. As the soul is more excellent then the body, and reason then sense, so inward gifts are more excellent then the soul, and grace then reason. These are the beauty, the gildings and engravings of the inner man. The Assyrians are called, the work of Gods hands, not only in reference to creation, but regeneration in Christ (Isa. 19.25.) Blessed be Aegypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance. 'Tis a promise of the calling of the Gentiles, when they who were not a people should receive Christ, and be made the spirituall Israel, by the mighty work of God. This also is the work which David intends, when he invites all lands to serve the Lord with gladnesse, because it is he that hath made us, and not we our selves (Psal. 100.3.) Hence the Apostle cals all believers emphatically, The work of God (Ephes. 2.10.) We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Man is the workmanship of God, as he is fitted for naturall and civil works, but he is most of all the workmanship of God, as he is fitted for spirituall and holy works. All is the work of God, but this is curious work, workmanship indeed.
