In Christ, as MEDIATOR, are reconciled the most opposite and seemingly contradictory characters. Things may be truly and consistently predicated of him, which cannot agree to any other being besides himself. As God-man, divinity and humanity united in one person; the Ancient of Days—yet not but 1760 years old; the everlasting Father—and yet the virgin Son, the child of Mary; the King of kings, and the Lord of lords—and yet the Servant of servants. The highest dignity and glory—and the lowest condescension and humility, meet in him. Here is justice punishing every the least sin—and yet grace to pardon the very greatest of sinners! Here are infinite majesty—and the most transcendent meekness! Here are the deepest reverence toward God—and a full equality with him! Here are infinite worthiness of good—and the most perfect patience under the suffering of evil! Here are a submissive, obedient spirit—and supreme and universal dominion! Here are absolute sovereignty—and humble resignation. Jesus conquers—by falling. Jesus saves others—by dying himself. The blood of his heart—becomes the grand cure for the dying world. In him we see the highest love to God—and in the meantime the greatest love to the enemies of God! In him we see the greatest regard to the divine holiness—and the greatest benevolence to unholy sinners. It would be endless to enumerate all the opposite excellencies and characters that meet and harmonize in Jesus Christ; but these may suffice as a specimen. Thomas Reade
Hosea 4:6. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge
In a short time there will (we have reason to fear) remain but two kinds of persons among us, either those who think not at all, or those whose imaginations are active indeed, but continually evil. Of these latter it may be said, "Their foolish heart was darkened." Of the principles, I do not say of the detail, of political science, a sound theology is the only sure and steady basis. Now we trace the operations by which a destruction so extended in its consequences has been effected. The master-spring of every principle which can permanently secure the stability of a people is the fear and knowledge of Almighty God. The first operation of a principle of atheism, and perhaps one of the most formidable in its consequences, is that which leads political men to conceive of Christianity as a mere auxiliary to the State. Religion was not instituted (in the Divine council I mean) for the purpose of society and government, but society and government for the purposes of religion. As a...
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