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Twenty-four Discourses: On Some of the Important and Interesting Truths, Duties, and Institutions, of the Gospel, and the General Excellency of the Christian Religion; Calculated for the People of God of Every Communion, Particularly for the Benefit of Pious Families, and the Instruction of All in the Things Which Concern Their Salvation — John Shaqi

Religion

Twenty-four Discourses: On Some of the Important and Interesting Truths, Duties, and Institutions, of the Gospel, and the General Excellency of the Christian Religion; Calculated for the People of God of Every Communion, Particularly for the Benefit of Pious Families, and the Instruction of All in the Things Which Concern Their Salvation

Name: Twenty-four Discourses: On Some of the Important and Interesting Truths, Duties, and Institutions, of the Gospel, and the General Excellency of the Christian Religion; Calculated for the People of God of Every Communion, Particularly for the Benefit of Pious Families, and the Instruction of All in the Things Which Concern Their Salvation
Author: Perkins, Nathan

Perkins, Nathan

Christian life -- Early works to 1800; Congregational churches -- Sermons -- Early works to 1800; Sermons, American -- Early works to 1800

2. We infer from the foregoing subject the infinite grace and
condescension of the Deity in making a _revelation_ of his will, and
of the _way of salvation_ to mankind. He was under no obligation to
do it. It would not have been either cruel, or hard, or unrighteous
in him, to have withheld all pity from them, and to have let them die
in their sins. Most justly might a holy and sovereign God have given
them all over to the fatal effects of their own folly. It is no
injustice or partiality in him to take one and leave another, because
he is not obliged to have mercy on any one. If he reveal his will to
any nation or people: or if he sanctify, pardon and save one
individual, it is all of free grace. All the glory is his, when he
sheweth mercy: all the shame and guilt of sin, if we die in our
iniquities, are ours.--_Blessed is the people that know the joyful
sound: they will walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance._

If the great Lord of heaven and earth give his Gospel to one nation
and not to another:--or if he pardon, renew and save one individual
and not another: if he bestow upon one ten, upon another five, upon
another one talent only: if he impart to one a disposition to
improve, by his power and spirit, and not to another--does he do any
wrong?--May he not do what he will with his own? Who can find fault?
If all have forfeited every claim to mercy, who can complain of
either cruelty or injustice on the part of heaven, if it be withheld?
Where shall the vile monster, the impious wretch be found who will
rise up and impeach the holiness, wisdom and benevolence of God,
because he is a sovereign?--Let such if any there be come forward and
make good their charge, for their controversy is with the Almighty.
By him we are told that we are vile, guilty, perishing, and
ill-deserving sinners, that there is no principle in us, while
unrenewed, that is sufficient, duly cultivated, to our salvation.
Such as affirm that there is, must dispute it out, with him whose is
the Universe, whose is the power and glory. That he should condescend
to reveal his will to us--to open a plan of life, of restoration to
his favour, and to holiness, and happiness, is admirable grace, is
such a display of compassion as may well excite within us, every
grateful sentiment.

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