§. 32. Of Gods speaking to Saints, as to Children.
THis phrase, a 1.1 as unto Children, hath reference to that sweet compellation, b 1.2 My Son, in the following Exhortation.
This giveth an evident instance, that God respecteth Saints as a Father his chil∣dren, Psal. 103. 13. Ier. 3. 19. and 39. 9.* 1.3
- 1. This ariseth from his meer mercy, and free grace. Princes when they grant favours use to render this reason, out of our own speciall grace, and meer motion, we grant this: yet may they have many inducements from their subjects: but God can have nothing out of himself to move him to do what he doth. These therefore be frequent phrases in Scripture: For my own sake, for my names sake, Isa. 48. 9, 11. Grace, Eph. 2. 5. Free gift, Rom. 5. 15. Rich mercy. Great Love, Eph. 2. 6.
- 2. This relation of Children to God, is by vertue of our union with Christ. Christ is his true proper Son: but Saints are one with Christ, members of his body, and in that respect his Children.
- 1. This is the ground of Saints confidence. If God speak to them as to Chil∣dren, they have good ground to fly to God, as to a Father, and in all time of need to ask and seek of him all needfull blessings, Matth. 7. 11. yea and in faith to de∣pend on him for the same, Matth. 6. 31, 32. What usefull thing shall such want? what hurtfull thing need such to fear? If God deal with them as with Children, he will provide for them every good thing, he will protect them from every hurt∣full thing, he will hear their prayers, he will accept their services, he will bear