and the Spirit to help them to pray and Jesus Christ as their Advocate to present their Prayers 4. Such as are Fearers of God God will bestow an Inheritance upon them as a Father doth upon his Son this Inheritance is no less than a Kingdom Luke 12.32 In it are Gates of Pearl Rivers of Pleasure and which is to be noted as a difference between Gods setling an Inheritance on his Children and a Fathers setling an Inheritance a Son cannot enjoy the Inheritance till his Father be dead but every adopted child of God may at once enjoy both the Inheritance and the Father because God is both Father and Inheritance 5. Such as are Fearers of God God will pass by many infirmities That is meant by this expression in the Text I will spare them as a man spareth his own Son What a wonder is this that God did not spare the Angels 2 Pet. 2.4 Nay he did not spare his natural Son Rom. 8.32 Yet he will spare his Adopted Sons I will spare them I will not use extremity as I might but pass by many aberrations Not that the Sins of Gods Children are hid from him but such is his paternal Clemency that he is pleased to bear with many frailties in his Children He spareth them as a Father spareth his Son How often do Gods people grieve his Spirit by the neglect of their Spiritual Watch the loss of their first-love but God spares them Israel provoked God with their murmurings but he used Fatherly Indulgence towards them Psalm 78.38 But he being full of Compassion forgave their Iniquity yea many a time turned he his anger away from them From this word I will spare them as a man spares his Son take Notice that the best need sparing Psalm 130.3 If thou Lord shouldst mark Iniquities Lord who shall stand The Papists speak of Merits but how can we merit when our best services are so defective that we need sparing how can these two stand together our meriting and God's sparing what will become of us without sparing Mercy we had need pray as Nehemiah cap. 13.22 Remember me O my God concerning this and spare me according to the greatness of thy Mercy Let us fly to this Asylum Lord spare us as a Father spares his Son See Gods different dealing with the Godly and the Wicked the Lord will not spare the Wicked Jer. 13.14 I will not Pity nor spare nor have Mercy but destroy them 'T is sad when the Prisoner begs of the Judge to spare him but the Judge will shew him no favour Gods cup of wrath is unmixed Rev. 14.10 Yet it is said to be mixed Psal. 78.5 Gods cup of wrath he gives the Wicked is mixed with all sorts of Plagues but it is a Cup unmixed without the least drop of Mercy in it God for a while Reprieves men but forbearance is no forgiveness Though God spare his Children yet obdurate sinners shall feel the weight of his wrath If the Lord spares his people as a Father doth his Son then they should serve him as a Son doth his Father serve him willingly 1 Chron. 28.9 Know thou the God of thy Fathers and serve him with a willing mind God doth not love to be put to strain Therefore Cains Sacrifice was rejected because he brought it grudgingly and against his Mind it was rather the paying of a tax than a free-will Offering That is the best obedience which is voluntary as that is the best Hony which drops from the Comb. God sometimes accepts of willingness without the Work but never of the work without willingness 2. Serve God Vniversally True obedience is Vniform it observes one command as well as another it sets upon duties difficult and dangerous As the Needle points that way which the Loadstone draws so a Gracious Heart inclines to those things which the word suggests Luke 1.6 'T is the note of an Hypocrite to be partial in Obedience some sin he will indulge some duty he will dispense with his Obedience is lame on one foot 3. Serve God Swiftly Beware of a dull temper of Soul the loveliness of Obedience is in the liveliness we read of two Women Zach. 5.9 The Wind was in their Wings Wings are Swift but Wind in the Wings denotes great Swiftness such Swiftness should be in our Obedience to God If God spares us as a Father doth his Son we should serve him as a Son doth his Father If God Spares us as a Father doth his Son let us imitate God 'T is natural for Children to imitate their Parents look what the Father doth the Child is apt to learn the same Let us imitate God in this one thing as God spares us and passeth by many failures so let us be sparing in our Censures of others let us look upon the Weaknesses and Indiscretions of our Brethren with a more tender compassionate eye Indeed in case of Scandal here we ought not to bear with others but sharply reprove them But if through Inadvertency or Passion they commit Indecencies let us Pity and Pray for them How much doth God bear with in us He Spares us and shall not we be Sparing to others perhaps they may be wronged and false things may be laid to their Charge Athanasius was falsely Accused by the Arrians of Adultery Basil of Heresie 'T is usual for the World to misrepresent the People of God therefore let us be sparing in our Censures God spares us and shall not we be sparing towards others Here is Comfort to the Children of God in case of Failings The Lord will not be severe to mark what they have done amiss but will Spare them He passeth by many Infirmities Zeph. 3.17 He will rest in his Love in the Original it is He will be silent in his Love As if the Prophet had said Though the Church had her Failings yet Gods Love was such that it would not suffer him to mention them He will be silent in his Love God winks at many oversights Ezek. 20.17 Mine eye Spared them from destroying them I speak not of presumptuous sins but Failings as vain Thoughts deadness in Duty suddain Surprizals by Temptation these being mourned for God for Christs fake will Spare us as a Father doth his Son This is one of the richest Comforts in the Book of God Who is he that lives and sins not how defective are we in our best Duties how full are our Lives either of Blanks or Blots Were it not for Sparing Mercy we should all goe to Hell but this Text is a standing Cordial if our Hearts are sincere God will Spare us as a Father doth his Son Hosea 11.9 I will not execute the fierceness of mine Anger I know not a greater Rock of Support for a fainting Christian than this God will abate of the Severity of the Law though we come short in our Duty he will not fail of his Mercy but
Ambassage from the God of Heaven This Prophet was so famous that Origen and others though injudiciously supposed him to be an Angel He lived after the building of the second Temple and was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 contemporary with Haggai and Zechariah This blessed Prophet did lift up his voice like a Trumpet and tell the Jewish Nation of their sins and he was the last Trumpet that sounded in the Old Testament In the words of the Text are these parts I. A Character of the Godly 1. In General they were Fearers of God they that feared the Lord. 2. In Special 1 They spake often one to another 2 They thought upon Gods Name II. The Good Effects of their Piety 1. The Lord regarded it he hearkned and heard 2. He recorded it a book of remembrance was written 3. He rewarded it and this reward consisted in three things 1 Gods owning them they shall be mine 2 Gods Honouring them in that day when I make up my Iewels 3 Gods Sparing them I will spare them as a man spareth his own Son that serveth him Before I come to the several parts distinctly here is a connexive particle stands in the front of the Text which may not be omitted namely the word Then Then they that feared the Lord c. Then that is after Israels return from the Babylonish Captivity then when the major part of the people grew corrupt and came worse out of the Furnace than they went in vers 13 14 in this bad juncture of time then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another Hence observe That the Profaneness of the times should not slacken but highthen our zeal The looser others are the stricter we should be In those degenerate times when men were arrived at the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and highth of Impudence and durst speak Treason against Heaven then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another When others were Plaintiffs these were Defendants when others spake against God these spake for God In Noah's dayes all Flesh had corrupted it self the old World was drowned in sin before it was drowned in water now at this time Noah was perfect in his Generation and Noah walked with God Gen. 6.9 He was the Phoenix of his age Athanasius stood up in the defence of the Truth when the World was turned Arrian The more outragious others are in Sin the more couragious we should be for Truth When the Atheists said 't is Vain to serve God Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another Why should we be holiest in evil Times 1. Because of the divine Injunction God chargeth us to be singular Mat. 5.47 to be circumspect Eph. 5.15 to be separate from Idolaters 2 Cor. 6.17 to shine as Lights in the World Philip. 2.15 He forbids us to symbolize with Sinners or doe as they doe the way to Hell is a beaten road the Lord calls to us to turn out of the road Exod. 23.2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil This is reason enough to keep our selves pure in a time of common Infection As Gods Word is our Rule so his Will is our Warrant 2. To be holiest in evil times is an Indication of the truth of Grace To profess Religion when the times favour it is no Great matter Who almost will not court the Queen of the Gospel when she is hung with Jewels but to own the wayes of God when they are decried and maligned to love a persecuted truth this evidenceth a vital Principle of Goodness Dead Fish swim down the stream living Fish swim against it To swim against the common stream of evil shews Grace to be alive The Prophet Elias continuing zealous for the Lord of Hosts when they had digged down Gods Altars 1 King 19.10 shewed his heart and lips had been touched with a Coal from the Altar 1 Vse See hence how unworthy they are of the Name of Christians who use sinful complyance and cut the Garment of their Religion according to the Mode and fashion of the times They consult not what is best but what is safest Complying spirits can truckle to the humours of others they can bow either to the East or to the Host they prefer a whole Skin before a pure Conscience They can with the Planet Mercury vary their motion they can as the Mariner shift their Sail with every wind and as the Mungril Israelites speak the Language of Canaan and Ashdod These are like the Samaritans of whom Iosephus saith when the Jews flourished they pretended to be a-kin to them and come of the tribe of Ephraim and Manasseh but when the Jews were persecuted they disclaimed Kindred with them The old Serpent hath taught men crooked windings and to be for that Religion not which hath truth on its side but power 2 Vse Let us keep up the vigour of our zeal in times of degeneracy We should by an holy Antiperistasis burn hotter in a frozen age We live in the dregs of time Sin is grown common and impudent 'T is excellent to walk Antipodes to the World Rom. 12.2 Let us be as Lillies and Roses among the Briars Sin is never the better because it is in fashion nor will this plea hold at the last day that we did as the most God will say Seeing you sinned with the Multitude you shall go to Hell with the Multitude O let us keep pure among dregs let us be like Fish that retain their freshness in salt waters and as that Lamp which shined in the smoaking Furnace Gen. 15.17 Consider 1. To be holy in times of General defection is that which God is Greatly pleased with The Lord was much taken with the holy conferences and dialogues of these Saints in the Text. When others were inveighing against the Deity that there should be a parcel of holy Souls speaking of Glory and the Life to come their words were Musick in Gods ears 2. To keep up a spirit of Holiness in an adulterous Generation is a Christians honour This was the glory of the Church of Pergamus that she held fast Christs Name even where Satans seat was Rev. 2.13 The Impiety of the times is a Foyl to set off Grace the more and make it cast a greater lustre Then a Christian is most lovely when he is as Ambrose saith like the Cypresse which keeps its Viridity and freshness in the Winter season Psalm 37.37 Mark the perfect man and behold the Vpright An upright man is always worth beholding but then he is most to be admired when like a bright Star he Shines in the dark and having lost all holds fast his integrity 3. To be Good in a prosligate Age doth much animate weak beginners it Strengthens feeble knees Isa. 35.3 And shores up those Temples of the Holy Ghost which are ready to fall One mans Zeal is a Torch for others to light at How did the Constancy of the Martyrs inflame
the love of many to the Truth Though only Christs blood doth Save yet the blood of Martyrs may strengthen St. Paul's Prison Chain made Converts in Nero's Court two of which were afterwards Martyrs as History relates Mr. Bradford's holy advice and example so confirmed Bishop Farrar that he would not touch with the Roman Pollution 4. How sad will it be for Christians to fall off from their former Profession and espouse a novel Religion Iulian Bathed himself in the blood of Beasts Offered in Sacrifice to the Heathen Gods and so as much as in him lay wash'd off his former Baptism In the time of Iulius Cesar this Prodigy happened after a plentiful Vintage there were wild Grapes appeared upon their Vines which was looked upon as Ominous When men seemed to bring forth the Fruits of Righteousness and afterwards bring forth the Wild Grapes of Impiety it is a sad Omen and Prognostick of their Ruine 2 Pet. 2.21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of Righteousness than after they have known it to turn from the Holy Commandment Let all this make us maintain the power of Holiness in the worst Times Though others wonder we do not sin after the rate that they do yet remember it is better to go to Heaven with a few than to Hell in the Crowd How may we keep up the briskness and fervour of Grace in times of Apostacy 1. Let us beware of having our hearts too much linked to the World The World damps zeal as Earth chokes the fire We are bid to love our Enemies but the World is such an Enemy as we must not love 1 Iohn 2.15 Love not the World The World bewitcheth with her Blandishments and kills with her silver Darts He who is a Demas will be a Iudas a lover of the World will for a piece of Money betray a good Cause and make Shipwrack of a good Conscience 2. Let us be Voluntiers in Religion that is Choose God's service Psal. 119.30 I have chosen the way of truth It is one thing to be good out of Design and another thing to be good out of Choice Hypocrites are good only out of worldly design they embrace the Gospel for secular advantage and these will in time fall away The Chelidonian Stone keeps its Vertue no longer than it is inclosed in Gold take it out of the Gold and it loseth its vertue False Hearts are good no longer than they are inclosed in golden Prosperity take them out of the Gold and they lose all their seeming Goodness But if we would retain our Sanctity in Backsliding times we must serve God purely out of Choice He who is good out of Choice loves holiness for its beauty and adheres to the Gospel when all the Jewels of preferment are pulled off 3. Let us be inlaid with sincerity If a piece of Timber begin to bend it is because it is not sound Why do any bend and comply against their Conscience but because their hearts are not sound Psal. 78.37 Their hearts were not right with him neither were they stedfast Sincerity causeth stability When the Apostle exhorts to stand fast in the evil day among the rest of the Christian armour he bids them put on the Girdle of truth Ephes. 6.19 Stand fast therefore having your loins Girt about with truth The Girdle of Truth is nothing else but sincerity 4. Let us get love to Christ. Love is an holy transport it fires the affections steels the Courage carries a Christian above the love of life and the fear of death Cant. 8.7 Many waters cannot quench Love Love made Christ suffer for us If any one ask what Christ died off it may be answered he died of Love If we love Christ we will own him in the worst times and be like that Virgin Basil speaks of who not accepting deliverance upon sinful terms cried out Let Life and Money go welcome Christ. 5. If we would keep up the sprightly Vigour of Grace in evil times let us harden our Hearts against the taunts and reproaches of the wicked David was the Song of the Drunkards Psal. 69.12 A Christian is never the worse for reproach The Stars are not the less Glorious though they have ugly names given them the Bear the Dragon c. Reproaches are but Assulae Crucis the Chips of the Cross. How will he endure the Stake who cannot bear a Scoff Reproaches for Christ are Ensigns of Honour Badges of Adoption 1 Pet. 4.14 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Let Christians bind these as a Crown about their Head Better have men reproach you for being good than have God Damn you for being wicked Be not laughed out of your Religion If a Lame man laugh at you for going upright will you therefore halt 6. If we would keep up the Vigour of devotion in a General Epilepsy let us beg of God confirming Grace Habitual Grace may flag Peter had habitual Grace yet was foyled he lost a single Battel though not the Victory We need exciting assisting corroborating Grace not onely Grace in us but Grace with us 1 Cor. 15.10 Auxiliary Grace which is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a fresh gale of the Spirit will carry us undauntedly through the Worlds blustering storms Thus shall we be able to keep up our Heroick zeal in corrupt times and be as Mount Zion which cannot be moved CHAP. II. Shewing the Character in general of the Godly and what the Fear of God is 1. HAving done with the frontispiece of the Text I begin 1 with the Character in General of the Godly they are Fearers of God they that feared the Lord. What Fear is meant here 1. Negatively It is not meant 1 of a natural Fear which is a tremor or palpitation of Heart occasioned by the approach of some imminent danger Eccles. 12.5 Fears shall be in the way 2. It is not meant of a sinful Fear which is twofold 1. A Superstitious Fear An Hare crossing the way is by some more dreaded than an Harlot lying in the Bed 2. A Carnal fear this is the Ague of the Soul which sets it a shaking He who is timorous will be treacherous he will decoy his friend and deny his God Three times in one Chapter Christ cautions us against the fear of Men Mat. 10. Vers. 26 28 31. Aristotle saith the reason why the Camelion turns into so many colours is through excessive fear Fear makes men change their Religion as the Camelion doth her Colours 1. Carnal Fear is discruciating 1 Ioh. 4.18 Fear hath torment in it the Greek word for Torment is sommetimes put for Hell Mat. 25.46 Fear hath Hell in it 2. It is Pernitious 1. It Indisposeth for Duty The Disciples under the power of Fear were fitter to Fly than to Pray Mat. 26.56 2. It puts men upon indirect means to Save themselves Prov. 26.25 The Fear of man bringeth a Snare what made Peter deny Christ and
Law-Courts where there are Indictments against such Malefactours sealed up in a Bag and are produced at the assizes When God shall open his black book wherein mens Names are written and his bag wherein their sins are written then their Hearts will tremble and their knees smite one against another Every Lye a sinner tells every Oath he Swears every drunken bout God writes it down in his book of Remembrance and woe to him if the book be not crossed with the Blood of Christ. 3. See the Mercifulness of God to his Children who blots their sins out of his book of Remembrance and writes their good deeds in his book of Remembrance Isa. 43.25 I even I am he that blotteth out thy Transgressions 't is a Metaphor borrow'd from a Creditor who takes his pen and blots out the debt owing him so saith God I will blot out thy Transgressions Or as the Hebrew carries it I am blotting them out God in forgiving sin passeth an act of Oblivion Jer. 31.34 I will remember your sins no more God will not upbraid his People with their former offences We never read after Peter repented that Christ upbraided him with his denial of him O the Heavenly indulgence and kindness of God to his People he remembers every thing but their sins He writes down their good Thoughts and speeches in a Merciful book of Remembrance but their sins are as if they had never been they are carried into the Land of Oblivion If God records our services then let us record his Mercies let us have our Book of Remembrance A Christian should keep two books alwayes by him one to write his sins in that he may be humble the other to write his Mercies in that he may be thankful David had his book of Remembrance 1 Chron. 16.4 He appointed certain of the Levites to record and thank and praise the Lord God of Israel We should keep a Register-book of Gods Mercies though I think it is hard to get a book big enough to hold them At such a time we were in straits and God supplied us at such a time under sadness of Spirit and God dropped in the Oyl of gladness at such a time near death and God Miraculously restored us If God be mindful of what we do for him shall not we be mindful of what he doth for us Gods mercies like Jewels are too good to be lost get a Book of Remembrance It is Comfort to the Godly 1. In case of friends forgetting them Ioseph did Pharaoh's Butler a kindness yet did not the chief Butler remember Ioseph but forgat him Gen. 40.23 'T is too usual to remember Injuries and forget Friends but God hath a Book of Remembrance where he writes down all his old friends Near Relations may sometimes be forgetful the tender Mother may forget her infant Isa. 49.15 Can a Woman forget her sucking child yea she may but I will not forget thee a Mother may sooner be unnatural than God forgetful Christ our High-priest hath the Names of the Saints written upon his Breast-plate and all their good deeds written in his Book of Memorials Let this be as Bezar stone to revive the Hearts of Gods people though friends may blot you out of their Mind yet God will not blot you out of his Book 2. This is a consolation to the Godly the Lord keeps a Book of Remembrance for this end that he may at the last day make a publick and solemn mention of all the good which his Saints have done God will open his Book of Records and say as Mat. 25.35 I was an hundred and ye gave me meat thirsty and ye gave me drink c. God will make known all the memorable and pious actions of his People before men and Angels he will say here are they who have prayed and wept for Sin here are they who have been Advocates for my Truth here are they who have laid to Heart my dishonours and have mourned for what they could not reform These are my renowned ones my Hephzibahs in whom my Soul delights What a Glorious thing will this be to have God divulge the Encomium of his Saints when Alexander saw the Sepulcher of Achilles he cryed out O happy Achilles who hadst Homer to set forth thy praise what an honour will it be to have the Names and worthy deeds of the Saints mentioned and God himself to be the Herauld to proclaim their praises CHAP. XVI Shewing the Third Good Effect of the Saints Piety 3. THE third Good effect of the Saints Piety was God rewarded it vers 17. And they shall be mine saith the Lord of Hosts in that day when I make up my Iewels The reward is threefold 1. Gods owning them they shall be mine saith the Lord of Hosts where observe 1. The Person speaking the Lord of Hosts 2. The Reward it self they shall be mine 1. The Person speaking the Lord of Hosts This is too great a word to be passed by in silence God is often in Scripture stiled Dominus exercituum the Lord of Hosts Psalm 46.11 Isa. 1.24 That is he is the Supream General and Commander of all Armies and forces and gives Victory to whom he will Why is this Name The Lord of Hosts given to God Not that God needs any Hosts to protect himself or Suppress his enemies Earthly Princes have Armies to defend their Persons from danger but God needs none to help him he can fight without an army God puts strength into all Armies other Captains may give their Soldiers Armour but they cannot give them Strength but God doth Psalm 18.39 Thou hast Girded me with strength unto battel Why then is God said to have Hosts and Armies if he needs them not 1. It is to set forth his Soveraign Power and Grandure all Armies and Regiments are under his command 2. It is to shew us that though God can effect all things by himself yet in his Wisdom he oft useth the Agency of the Creature to bring to pass his will and purpose What are these Hosts or Armies of which God is the Soveraign Lord 1. God hath an Army in Heaven Angels and Arch-angels 1 King 22.19 I saw the Lord sitting on his Throne and all the Host of Heaven standing by him By the Host of Heaven is meant the Angels they being Spirits are a Puissant Army Psalm 103.20 Ye Angels which excell in Strength We read of one Angel who destroy'd in one Night an hundred fourscore and five thousand 2 King 19.35 If one Angel destroy'd such a vast Army what can a Legion of Angels do a Legion consisted of six thousand six hundred sixty six saith Hesychius how many of these Legions go to make up the Heavenly Host 2 The Stars are Gods Army Deut. 4.19 These were set in Battalia and fought against Gods enemies Iudg. 5.20 The Stars in their courses fought against Sisera That is the Stars did charge like an Army raising
goes there this mortal shall put on Immortality Let us labour to be in the number of Gods Jewels that when the Lord shall make up his Jewels he may perfect our Souls and Bodies in Glory How shall we know that we are in the number of Gods Jewels Have we inherent Holiness 1 Cor. 6.11 But ye are washed but ye are Sanctified We are not Jewels by Creation but Regeneration If Holiness sparkle in us it 's a sign we are Jewels and then when God comes to make up his Jewels he will put Glory upon our Souls and Bodies for ever CHAP. XIX The Third part of the Saints Reward Gods sparing them 3. THE Third part of the Saints reward is Gods Sparing them I will spare them as a man spareth his own Son that serveth him The Hebrew word to spare signifies to use Clemency In this Phrase is a Meiosis there is less said and more intended I will spare them that is I will deal with them as a Father doth with his Son the same tenderness that a Father shews to his Child the same will I shew to them that Fear me God will deal with them that Fear him as a Father doth with his Son Two things are in this Proposition 1. That God is a Father He is a Father 1. By Creation he hath given us our Being Mal. 2.10 Have not we all one Father hath not one God created us 2. God is a Father by Election he hath culled out a certain number to be his Children Eph. 1.4 3. God is a Father by special Grace he stamps his impress of Holiness upon men Col. 3.10 All Gods Children resemble him though some are more like him than others 2. That God will deal with them that Fear him as a Father doth with his Son 1. God will accept them as a Father doth his Son If the Child doth but lisp and can hardly speak plain the Father takes all well so God as a Father will accept of what his Children do in sincerity Ezek. 20.40 There will I require your Offerings I will accept you with your sweet Savour 2. Such as Fear God he will be full of Bowels to them as a Father is to his Son There are in God 1. Bowels of Compassion 2. Bowels of Complacency 1. Bowels of Compassion A Father Compassionates his Child Sozomen makes mention of a Father who offered to be put to death for his two Sons who were sentenced to dye God hath soundings of Bowels Isa. 63.15 The Compassions of Parents are Steel and Marble compared with Gods Luke 1.78 Through the tender Mercy of our God in the Greek it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Bowels of Mercy these Bowels make God sympathize with his Children in Misery he is touched in their wounds Psal. 103.13 As a Father pitieth his Children so the Lord pitieth them that fear him 2. In God are Bowels of Complacency How dearly did Iacob love Benjamin his life was bound up in him Gen. 44.30 All the Affections of Parents come from God they are but a drop of his Ocean a spark of his flame Gods love is a love that passeth Knowledge Ephes. 3.19 The Saints cannot Love their own Souls so intirely as God loves them In particular 1. God loves the persons of his Children they are the Apple of his Eye Zach. 2.8 He engraves them upon the Palms of his hands Isa. 49.16 It alludes to them who carry about them graven on the Stone of their Ring the Picture of some dear Friend whom they intirely affect 2. God loves the places his Children were born in the better for their sakes Psal. 87.2 God loves the Gates of Sion ver 5. This and that man was born in her i. e. This and that Believer God loves the very ground his Children go upon Why was Iudaea the Ancient seat of Israel called a delightsome Land Mal. 5.12 Not so much delightful for the fruit growing in it as for the Saints living in it 3. God so loves his Children that he chargeth the great ones of the World upon pain of death not to hurt them their persons are sacred Psalm 105.14 He reproved Kings for their sakes saying Touch not mine anointed By anointed are meant such as have the anointing of the Spirit 1 John 2.20 4. God delights in his Childrens company he loves to see their faces Cant. 2.24 Let me see thy Countenance If but two or three of Gods Children meet and pray together God will be sure to make one of the company Mat. 18.20 There am I in the midst of them 5. God so loves his Children that his Eye is never off them Psalm 33.18 The Eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him But is this such a priviledge to have Gods Eye upon his Children Gods Eye is upon the Wicked too Answ. It is one kind of Eye that the Judge casts upon the Malefactor and another that the Prince casts upon his Favourite Gods Eye upon the Wicked is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an Eye of Revenge but his Eye upon his Children is an Eye of Benediction 6. God sets a continual guard about his Children to preserve them from danger He hides them in his Pavilion Psalm 27.5 He covers them with the Golden Feathers of his Protection Psalm 91.4 God preserved Athanasius strangely he put it into his Mind to depart out of the House he was in the night before the Enemies came to search for him No Prince goes so well guarded as Gods Child for he hath a guard of Angels about him The Angels are a numerous guard 2 Kin. 6.17 The Mountain was full of Horses and Chariots of fire those Horses and Chariots of fire were the Angels of God gathered together in the manner of an huge host to defend the Prophet Elisha 7. God puts his Children in rich apparel Psalm 45.13 Her cloathing is of wrought Gold Jacob loved his Son Joseph and gave him a finer Coat to wear than the rest of his brethren Gen. 37.3 He made him a Coat of divers Colours God loves his Children and gives them a finer Coat more curiously Woven a Coat of divers Colours it is partly made of Christs Righteousness and partly made of inherent Holiness 8. Such is Gods love that he thinks nothing too Good for his Children he enricheth them with the upper and nether Springs he gives them the Kidneys of the Wheat and Hony out of the Rock he makes them a feast of fat things Isa. 25.6 He gives them the body and blood of his Son and delights to see his Children spreading themselves as Olive plants round about his Table 3. Such as are Fearers of God he will receive their Petitions from them as a Father doth from his Son they may come boldly to the throne of Grace Heb. 4.16 If they come for pardon of sin strength against Temptation God will not deny them Three things may cause boldness in prayer the Saints have a Father to pray to