Page:Harmony of the divine attributes displayed in the redemption and salvation of sinners by Jesus Christ.pdf/5

name of mercy, truth, righteousness and peace, as If they were really distinct and different things in God; or, as they were really different parties making a formal consultation, in order to their agreement; for God is one, and Cannot be divided, he is one infinite, eternal and unchangeable Being ; there are not distinct and different things in this nature and essence; however his perfections be thus represented to our weak finite capacities which cannot understand the perfections of God, but several parts, as it were By mercy, then here we are to understand God himself, as he is a merciful and gracious God. By truth we are to understand the fame God as he is a true and merciful God. By righteousness we may understand his justice, of God himself, as he is a just and righteous God : and by peace the same God, as he is the God of peace, and a God reconciling the world to himself. So that the whole comes to this, it is the great and eternal God himself, consulting with himself. in a manner becoming his infinite and adorable perfections, how to glorify himself in all his glorious attributes in the way of saving sinners, in and by Jesus Christ. 2. the manner of the meeting; these excellencies and perfections of God meet together, as it were in pairs, ‘ mercy and truth, righteousness and peace ’ going hand in hand into the council-chamber, to concert the matters that concerned their highest glory and honour. 3. The harmony of the meeting, having met together, they kiss and embrace each other; mercy and peace, as it were, express their complacency in truth and righteousness: and truth and righteousness express their complacency mercy and peace, and delight in one another s honour, for not one Attribute of the divine Majesty can, or will be glorified to the dishonour of any other Attribute, but mutually embrace each other in their everlasting arms, supporting honour of each others excellency with compleated inestimable endearments. 4. The strangeness and remarkableness of this meeting, for the agreement of these parties met together is the mere remarkable in regard of their jarring and man and by his knowledge shall my righteous servant