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§. 69. Of the duty of Gods peculiar people.
THis phrase, they shall be to me a people, doth also imply the disposition of Gods confederates: a minde and disposition answerable to their priviledge: or at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a duty, that they ought to be of such a mind and disposition: Both may stand together, yea both will stand together, because it is their duty, their minde will be correspondent, their mind will be set to do their duty. They whom God takes for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 people, will carry themselves as becomes Gods people. They to whom God saith it is my people, will say, the Lord is my God, Zac. 13. 9. Hos. 2. 23.
When God alters the condition of people in a spiritual respect, he also alters their disposition. He gives them a new heart and a new spirit, Ezek. 36. 26. When God said, seek ye my face: the heart of his confederates say, Thy face Lord, will I seek. Psal. 27. 8.
- 1. This is a matter of tryal, whereby we may know whether God be our God, and we his people. This will be known by our disposition and conversation to∣wards God. Though our disposition be not the cause of Gods affection, yet it is so p•…•…oper an effect, as where the latter is not, the former cannot be presupposed to be. A Sonne bonoureth his Father, and a servant his Master: If then I be a Father, where 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉? and if I be a Master, where is my fear, saith the Lord of Hosts. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1. 6.
- 2. Let this therefore quicken up us, who take the Lord for our God, to carry our sel•…•…es as Gods peculiar people. This is that worthy walking, which is much pres∣sed in Scripture, Col. 1. 10. Eph. 4. 1. for this end God hath chosen us to be his pecu∣liar people, 1 Pet. 2. 9. This God expects: this God will exact, Isa. 5. 4. Luke 13. 6. If answerably we carry our selves, we satisfie Gods expectation: we gain assurance to our own souls, and give assurance to others, that the Lord is our God, and we his people.