Man did eat; and herein acting as our representative, thereby involved both himself and us in that curse, which GOD, the righteous judge, had said should be the consequence of his disobedience. But here begins that mystery of godliness, GOD manifested in the flesh. For (sing, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth!) the eternal Father, foreseeing how Satan would bruise the heel of man, had in his eternal counsel provided a means whereby he might bruise that accursed Serpent’s head. Man is permitted to fall, and become subject to death; but JESUS, the only begotten Son of GOD, begotten of the Father before all worlds, Light of light, very GOD of very GOD, offers to die to make an atonement for his transgression, and to fulfil all righteousness in his stead. And because it was impossible for him to do this as he was GOD, and yet since man had offended, it was necessary it should be done in the person of man; rather than we should perish, this everlasting GOD, this Prince of Peace, this Antient of Days, in the fulness of time, had a body prepared for him by the Holy Ghost, and became an infant. In this body he performed a compleat obedience to the law of GOD; whereby he, in our stead, fulfilled the covenant of works, and at last became subject to death, even death upon the cross; that as GOD he might satisfy, as man he might obey and suffer; and being GOD and man in one person, might once more procure a union between GOD and our souls.
And now, What think you of this love of CHRIST? Do not you think it was wondrous great? Especially when you consider, that we were CHRIST’s bitter enemies, and that he would have been infinitely happy in himself, notwithstanding we had perished for ever. Whatever you may think of it, I know the blessed angels, who are not so much concerned in this mystery of godliness as we, think most highly of it. They do, they will desire to look into, and admire it, through all eternity. Why, why O ye sinners, will you not think of this love of CHRIST? Surely it must melt down the most hardened heart. Whilst I am speaking, the thought of this infinite and condescending love fires and warms my soul. I could dwell on it for ever. But it is expedient for you, that I should ask you another question concerning JESUS CHRIST.