To be only exempted from death is a great favour. The grace of a prince is eminent in releasing a condemned person from the punishment of the law: this is sufficient for the mercy of man, but not for the love of God. He pardons and prefers the guilty: he rescues us from hell, and raises us to glory; he bestows eternity upon those who were unworthy of life. The excellency of our condition under the gospel will be set off by comparing it with that of innocent man in paradise. It is true, he was then in a state of holiness and honour, and in perfect possession of that blessedness which was suitable to his nature; yet in many respects our last state transcends our first, and redeeming love exceeds creating.

”