four-thousandth year, when Daniel’s “seventy weeks” were accomplished,
Justice and Mercy appeared on the hill of Calvary. “Where,” said
Justice, “is the Son of God?” “Behold him,” answered Mercy, “at the foot
of the hill!” And there he came, bearing his own cross, and followed by
his weeping church. Mercy retired, and stood aloof from the scene.
Jesus ascended the hill, like a lamb for the sacrifice. Justice
presented the dreadful bond, saying, “This is the day on which this
article must be cancelled.” The Redeemer took it. What did he do with
it? Tear it in pieces, and scatter it to the winds? No! he nailed it to
his cross, crying, “It is finished!” The Victim ascended the altar.
Justice called on holy fire to come down and consume the sacrifice. Holy
fire replied: “I come! I will consume the sacrifice, and then I will
burn up the world!” It fell upon the Son of God, and rapidly consumed
his humanity; but when it touched his Deity, it expired. Then was there
darkness over the whole land, and an earthquake shook the mountain; but
the heavenly host broke forth in rapturous song—“Glory to God in the
highest! on earth peace! good will to man!” {114}
Thus grace has abounded, and the free gift has come upon all, and the
gospel has gone forth proclaiming redemption to every creature. “By
grace ye are saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the
gift of God; not of works, least any man should boast.” By grace ye are
loved, redeemed and justified. By grace ye are called, converted,
reconciled and sanctified. Salvation is wholly of grace. The plan, the
process, the consummation, are all of grace.
“Grace all the work shall crown,
Through everlasting days;
It lays in heaven the topmost stone,
And well deserves the praise!”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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