Page:Harmony of the divine attributes displayed in the redemption and salvation of sinners by Jesus Christ.pdf/11

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(11) that righteousness craves to be magnified, and justice to be glorified in a full satisfaction ; and this is claimed and demanded in the name of the righteous and just judge of the universe; and shall not the judge of all the earth do right! Here is the language of justice. What then? O shall the demand of mercy be utterly run down by these powerful opposing pleas of truth and righteousness is there no friend in this court to take mercy's part ;yea, there is, therefore, 4. Peace immediately steps in with an olive branch in her hand, saying fury is not in me, and may I speak a word in behalf of forlorn mankind ? May I offer a meek answer to the claim of truth and righteousness which they have advanced in opposition to the demand of mercy for a soft answer turneth away wrath. Well, peace being allowed a hearing, proposes a healing overture, saying, O thou God of peace! may not an atonement be made, a reconciliation thought of betwixt thy Majesty and thy creature, may not one be found out to stand in the gap and bear off this wrath, to become surety for this great debtor, to acquit and liberate this poor miserable prisoner and criminal ? may not one be found out that will make up the breach, by vindicating the honour of truth, and satisfying the demand of justice; and so making way for the claim of mercy, and then all difference may be peaceably composed, so as we may harmoniously agree, and kiss one another : O! may not then a peace-maker be found out in whom we may find-all our demands satisfied at once, without prejudicing one another, why, if such an one can be found, surely his name shall be called Wonderful, counsellor, the Prince of peace. Well, the overture and proposal of peace being recorded among the rest of the archives of the glorious court, and if being such a peaceable overture, no member of the meeting could disapprove it; But the great question then is, how it could be effectuate, for if one man sin against another, a man might determine it; but if a man sin against Jehovah, who shall intreat for him ? for when infinite majesty is offended, who among finite creatures is able to satisfy it; or, ' What can counter avail the king’s loss? wherewith then shall he come

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