The Harmony of the Divine Attributes in Mans Redemption, Title page – Preface
THE HARMONY OF THE Divine Attributes, IN THE Contrivance and Accomplishment of Man's Redemption by the Lord JESUS CHRIST.
OR DISCOURSES, Wherein is Shewed, How the Wisdom, Mercy, Justice, Holiness, Power and Truth of God are glorified in that Great and Blessed Work.
By William Bates, D. D.
Which things the Angels desire to look into.
1 Pet. 1.12.
Nihil tam dignum Deo, quam salus Hominis.
Tertul.
LONDON, Printed by J. Darby, for Nathaniel Ranew, and Jonathan Robinson, at the Kings Arms, and Golden Lyon in St. Pauls Church-Yard; and Brabazon Aylmer, the at three Pigeons in Cornhil, 1674.
THE PREFACE.
THe Subject of the ensuing Discourses is of that inestimable excellency and importance, that it deserves our deepest reflections, and care to consider and apply it: 'Tis the great Mystery of Godliness, the design of Eternal Wisdom, the chiefest of all Gods Works, that contains the Glorious Wonders of his Mercy and Power, wherein he renders himself most worthy of our Supreme Veneration and Affection. Our most raised Thoughts are infinitely beneath its Dignity. Although the Light of the Gospel hath clearly reveal'd so much of it as is requisit to be known in our earthly state, yet the sublimer parts are still secret, and reserv'd for a full discovery by the brightness of our Saviour's Appearance. Now if the Excellency of things excites our Spirits to be attentive in searching into their nature, this Divine Object should awaken all our Powers, and arrest our Minds, in the serious steady contemplation of it, being alone capable to satisfy their immortal appetite. The Importance of it is correspondent to its excellency: for 'tis no less than the recovery of us from extream and eternal misery, and the Restoring of us to the enjoyment of the Blessed God, a felicity without comparison or end. If we have any regard to Salvation, (and who would be so unhappy as to neglect it for unconcerning frivolous Vanities) it will be delightful to know the means by which we may obtain it; and to employ the flying moments of our short time in those things that are profitable for our last End, that we may not lose Temporal and Eternal Life together.
Many of the Ancient and Modern Divines have written of this noble Argument, from whom I have received benefit in the following composure. But none, as I know, hath considered all the parts together, and presented them in one view. There still remains a rich abundance for the perpetuall exercise of our Spirits. The Eternal Word alone was able to perfect all things by once speaking. Humane words are but an Eccho that answers the Voice of God, and cannot fully express its Power, nor pass so immediately through the sence to the Heart, but they must be repeated. May these Discourses be effectual to inflame us with the most ardent Love to our Saviour, who ransom'd us with the unvaluable price of his own blood, and to perswade us to live for Heaven, the purchase of that Sacred Treasure, I shall for ever acknowledge the Divine Grace, and obtain my utmost aim.
W. B.