§. 92. Of the dignity of Abrahams person.
THis example of Abraham is in particular mentioned, not because he alone ob∣tained this reward of his faith, and patience: (for in the eleventh Chapter there is a large Catalogue of other like instances; and many millions more have on like grounds obtained the promise:) But for two speciall reasons is his example pro∣duced.
One is the dignity of his person.
The other is the excellency of his faith. See §. 94.
Conceming his person.
- 1. He was among the Jewes in highest account. They much gloryed in him. They* 1.1 thought that his posterity even according to the flesh, should never be cast off, Matth. 3. 9. They thought that being Abrahams seed, they were the most free of all people: and did hold out this buckler, Abraham is our Father, against all threat∣nings. Iob. 8. 33, 39.
- 2. He is set forth to have the highest place in the Kingdom of heaven, Matth. 8. 11.* 1.2 Yea, the place of deceased Saints rest, is called Abrahams bosome, Luk. 16. 22.
- 3. He was accounted, and called, the Father of all them that believe, Rom. 4. 11. and, they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham, Gal. 3. 7. He is in* 1.3 Scripture stiled, a Prince of God, Gen. 23. 6. The Friend of God, Jam. 2. 23. The Fa∣ther