Page:Harmony of the divine attributes displayed in the redemption and salvation of sinners by Jesus Christ.pdf/38

                                 (38) desired God’s dishonour: But now this blessed contrivance of infinte wisdom, lets us see how these two are not only reconciled, but made inseparable. Having set forth Christ to be the propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness in the remission of sins. 3. These seemingly opposite Attributes, meet and kiss each other, that seemingly opposite graces might meet and embrace each other: for example, reverence and confidence; how shall fear and reverence meet together with faith and confidence? Why, Truth and Righteousness are at the meeting, and therefore fear and reverence becomes us; but Mercy and Peace are also on the bench, therefore faith and holy confidence may boldly step in; We have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.

4. These opposite-like Attributes meet and embrace each other, that opposite-like duties may meet together ; Prayer and praise seem opposite duties in some cases ; prayer supposes our wants to be great, otherwise, why should we pray? Praise supposes our enjoyments to be great, otherwise, why should we praise? Well, truth and Righteousness, these awful Attributes, present at the meeting, say, We have nothing in ourselves, therefore we ought to pray; but Mercy and Peace say we have enough in Christ and therefore we ought to praise. Humiliation and gloriation seem opposite duties; but the seemingly opposite Attributes of God meeting together, bring also these duties to meet and embrace each other. Is Truth and Righteousness in the company with mercy and Peace? Then humiliation is our duty; but is Mercy and Peace in company with Truth and Righteousness, then gloriation is our duty : Let him that glories, glory in the Lord. 5. These seemingly opposite Attributes of God meet and embrace each other, that seemingly oppose experiences may meet and embrace each other, and be reconciled, though seemingly irreconcilable. There are sad experiences, and sweet experiences : O ! here is the sad experience of a guilty conscience a powerful corruption, and a conquering temptation ; Can ever that be reconciled with the experience of holy peace, pardon and vice