Observation 1.
Magistrates must be a Defence to the poor and fa∣therless,
to the afflicted and the needy. They are that
great Tree which must shelter such as are under
them from storms Dan. 4▪ 20, 21, 22. They are
called Gods, and in this they must act like him whose
name they bear. Now 1. Sometimes the poor lie in
deep distress, and then the Lord is a Refuge to them,
Isa. 25. 4. He hears their cry, (Psal. 34. 6. &
69. 33.) whether it be vocal or virtual; for some∣times
the poor mans afflicted condition cryes though
he say nothing, and God hears this cry, Psal 12. 5.
for the oppression of the poor will I arise: though the
oppressed should not Vocally cry, yet their very op∣pression
Virtually cries for help, Iames 5. 4.
2. Sometimes they lie in the dust, and then he
raiseth them (Psal. 113. 7.) they lie amongst the
pots and are sullied with affliction, yet then he makes
them beautifull like a Dove, Psal. 68. 13.
3. Sometimes they are environed with mighty ene∣mies,
and then he rescues them, Iob 5. 15, 16.) by cut∣ting
off their oppressors, and comforting the oppres∣sed,
Iob 36. 6, 15.
4. But specially the godly poor, God is very ten∣der
over these: he that to••cheth them to hurt them,
••oucheth the apple of his eye. These are his Jewels,
his Glory, his Portion, his Pleasant Portion, his In∣heritance,
his Dove, his Spouse, his annointed ones:
and if Kings wrong them, he will rebuke even Kings
for their sakes, saying, Touch not mine anointed, Psal.
105. 15. Amos 2. 6. God visits for such sins.
5. As for the fatherless who are exposed to much
sorrow (and therefore Christ promiseth his Disci∣ples
that he will not leave them Orphans or father∣less,
I••hn 14. 18.) God hath stiled himself a Father
to them, Psal. 68. 5. Hos. 14. 3. 2. He hath made
many Laws for them, Exod. 22. 22 De••t. 16. 11, 14.