MYSTERY OF REDEMPTION
I. FIRST, WE ARE TO MENTION THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE MYSTERY OF REDEMPTION WHICH ARE PROBABLY THE SUBJECT OF ADORING INQUIRY, OR PERHAPS HOLY ASTONISHMENT, TO THE ANGELS OF GOD. 1. The first thing I shall mention is the Incarnation of the Son of God; the union of the Divine and human nature, by the Word's being made flesh. It is probable that this discovery was made to the angels gradually, as it was to men. There is one circumstance in the Incarnation itself, which is certainly as astonishing as any, That He was not only made flesh, but sent "in the likeness of sinful flesh." What so opposite to the nature of God as sin? And what so surprising, as that the Son of God, though without sin, yet should in all respects outwardly be like to sinners? that He should be taken for a sinner, treated as a sinner, and at last crucified as more than ordinary sinner? 2. Another circumstance which must afford matter for adoring inquiry to the celestial spirits, is the substi...