"[I]n every work of God there is
mercy and justice, so, as they presuppose one another. And as in his created
Elements, so in these there is a condensing and rarifying, by which they become
and grow into one another. For often that action which was principally intended
for a work of Justice against one Malefactor, extends it self to an universall
Mercy, by the Example. And the children of God know how to resolve and make
liquid all his Actions. They can spie out and extract Balmes, and Oyles from his
Vinegers; and supple, and cure with his corrosives. Be he what he will, they
will make him most Mercifull, if Mercy be then wholsomest for them. . . . And
in like manner out of his Mercies they can distil Justice, when presumption upon
Mercy needs a corrective" (Essays in Divinity 62-63).
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