[ 1775] The bountifull goodnesse of God to his Children
IT is said of Cyrus the great Monarch of Persia, that he never sate down at the Table to eat, but whatsoever dish liked him best, he would send part of it to his Friends, or such as deserved best of him, semesos anseres, semesos panes, some∣times the meat off his trencher, and sometime the bread that himself did taste of,* 1.1 with this kind and loving salutation; The King sends you this, because he likes it best himself, and holds it choice and dainty: But God intreats his Friends, his Children and servants after another manner, he makes them eat and drink at his Table, or rather makes himself their meat and drink, who is the bread of life,* 1.2 and Well spring of Salvation; there is nothing so dear to him but they shall have part with him; his own joy, his own secret, his own sweetnesse, his own comfort, his own robe, his own justice, his own cloathing, his own Righteousnesse; nay they shall have his very life and spirit as a seal and pledg of extraordinary Grace and favour.