Man is, in his creation, angelical; in his corruption, diabolical; in his renovation, theological; in his translation, majestical.
There were four silver channels in which the chrystal streams of God’s affection ran to man in his creation.
1. In his preparation. 2. In his Assimilation. 3. In his coronation. 4. In his Association.
1. In his preparation. Other creatures received the character of their beings by a simple fiat; but there was a consultation at his forming; not for the difficulty, but for the dignity of the work. The painter is most studious about that which he intends to make his master-piece. The four elements were taken out of their elements to make up the perfection of man’s complexion: the fire was purified, the earth was refined. When man was moulded, heaven and earth was married; a body from the one was espoused to a soul from the other.
2. In his assimilation. Other creatures were made like themselves, but man was made like God, as the wax hath the impression of the seal upon it. It is admirable to behold so fair a picture in such coarse canvas, and so bright a character in so brown paper.
3. In his coronation. He that made man, and all the rest, made man over all the rest; he was a little lord of a great lordship: this king was crowned in his craddle.
4. In his association. Society is the solace of humanity; the world would be a desert, without a comfort.
Most of man’s parts are made in pairs; now he that was double in his perfection, must not be single in his condition.
And the Lord said, &c. These words are like the iron gate that opened to Peter of its own accord, dividing themselves into three parts:—
1. An Introduction: And the Lord God said. 2. An Assertion: It is not good that man should be alone. 3. A Determination: I will make an help-meet for him.