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Author:
James Smith

e-Sword Version:
9.x - 10.x

Updated to e-Sword Standard Fonts.

Author Note

James Smith (1802—1862) was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841 until 1850. Early on, Smith's readings were even more popular than Spurgeon's!

My object is to lead the mind . . .
from SELF — to Jesus;
from sin — to salvation;
from the troubles of life — to the comforts of the gospel.

My aim is . . .
to humble the sinner — and exalt the Savior;
to strip the creature — and place the crown on the head of God's free grace!
I cannot ascribe too much to Jesus — or too little to man!

Summary

James Smith’s The Attributes of God is a profound theological exploration aimed at illuminating the divine nature and character as revealed in Scripture. Written in the 19th century, the book emphasizes the importance of understanding God's attributes to foster reverence, worship, and a deeper relationship with the Creator.

Smith begins by asserting that God's attributes are essential for comprehending His divine nature. He categorizes these attributes broadly into two groups: Incommunicable Attributes, which are unique to God and distinguish Him from His creatures, and Communicable Attributes, which He shares to some extent with humanity. The core purpose of the work is to explore these attributes in a way that highlights both God's greatness and His accessibility to believers.

One of the foundational themes in the book is the sovereignty of God. Smith emphasizes that God's sovereignty means He rules over all creation with absolute authority. Nothing occurs outside His divine plan or control. This attribute underscores God's supreme power and wisdom, inspiring trust and humility in believers, as they acknowledge that God's purposes are perfect and just.

Next, Smith discusses God's omniscience—His all-knowing nature. God possesses complete knowledge of past, present, and future. This attribute assures believers that God's plans are well-founded, and there is no aspect of life He does not understand. It also comforts believers in times of trouble, knowing that God's knowledge encompasses their circumstances and needs.

The author then explores God's omnipresence, which signifies that God is present everywhere at all times. This attribute dispels fears of divine absence or neglect, affirming that God's presence sustains and sustains His creation continuously. Smith encourages readers to find comfort in the idea that God is always near, watching over them.

God’s immutability, or unchangeableness, is another key attribute examined. Smith emphasizes that God's character, promises, and purposes remain constant throughout eternity. This provides believers with assurance that God's love and faithfulness are unwavering, offering stability amid life's uncertainties.

The work also delves into God's holiness, emphasizing His absolute purity and moral perfection. Smith insists that God's holiness is central to His nature and fundamental to His dealings with creation. Recognizing God's holiness prompts believers to pursue purity and reverence in their own lives.

Additionally, Smith discusses God's justice, which underscores that God is perfectly righteous and fair, punishing evil and rewarding good. This attribute reinforces the moral order of the universe and assures believers that God's justice will ultimately prevail.

The attribute of mercy and grace highlight God's compassionate nature. Smith describes God's readiness to forgive and His benevolence toward sinners, emphasizing that these attributes are vital to understanding God's love and His willingness to save.

Finally, Smith underscores God's love—perhaps the most cherished attribute—portraying Him as loving, compassionate, and desirous of a relationship with His creatures. This love is unconditional, eternal, and self-sacrificial, exemplified supremely in the life and death of Jesus Christ.

Throughout the book, Smith emphasizes that contemplating God's attributes leads believers to greater humility, adoration, and trust. He urges readers to meditate on these divine qualities regularly, fostering a deeper appreciation of God's greatness and goodness. Ultimately, The Attributes of God aims to deepen faith and understanding, encouraging believers to worship a God who is infinitely perfect, loving, and sovereign.

Source Note and Special Thanks

God's servants at http://www.gracegems.org/ updated, revised, and adapted this beautiful material to modern English. They adopted a 'flowing poetic form' for most of the quotes as an aid to reflection and comprehension. http://www.gracegems.../literature.htm Grace Gems Copyright Policy: We frequently get requests asking for permission to use literature from Grace Gems. Since everything on our website is public domain, there is no need to ask permission. We encourage others to use our literature in any way they desire. Forward it to others — add it to your website — put it in your church bulletins — make it into books or booklets for distribution. Also, feel free to add a "link" to http://www.gracegems.org/ on your website — there is no need to ask for permission. (Formatted for e-Sword by Tom Rightmer using e-Sword ToolTip v3.44)