§. 126. Of Christs bringing others to God.
THe Lord Christ thought it not enough to present himself to his Father, but he brings others also, whom he joyns with himself, by this copulative AND. Thus in that powerfull prayer which at his going out of the world he made to his Father for himself, he joyns those whom his Father had given unto him, and saith, I pray for them which thou hast given me, for they are thine. Neither pray I for these alone (meaning his Disciples) but for them also which shall beleeve on me through their word, &c. Ioh. 17. 9, 20.
For their sake Christ came into the world: For their sake he sanctified himself, Joh. 17. 19. For their sakes he became poor, 2 Cor. 8. 9. For their sakes he did and en∣dured what he did and endured. See §. 83.
Herein Christ manifested his zeal of Gods glory (for the more were brought to God, the more glory redounded to God) and also his good respect to others: for it was a singular benefit, an high honour, to be, by and with Christ, pre∣sented to God. He thus makes them partakers of his own glory, Iohn 14. 3. & 17. 21, &c.
They whose hearts are inflamed with a zeal of Gods glory, and filled with love of their brethren, will be like minded: they will endeavour to lead on others with them in such courses as may bring them to God. Such a Magistrate will say, Behold I AND my subjects: Such a Minister, Behold I AND my people: Such a Father, Behold I AND my children: Such a Master, Behold I AND my servants: Such a Tutor, Behold I AND my pupils: So others that have Charge.
Such, as they honour God and do good unto others, so they do much promote their own glory. For they that be wise shall shine as the brightnesse of the firma∣ment, and they that turn many to righteousnesse, as the starres for ever and ever, Dan. 12. 3.
Of inciting others to go along with us in duty, see The Saints Sacrifice, on Psal. 116. 19. §. 120.