The Blefidnefs f the Peace - makers. q o r they do not forfeit it by their own mifbeha- S'E R M. viour: The title of children leadeth us to XIV. reflect on the character of the fathers, which if it be honourable, deriveth refpedt unto the offspring. The apoffle then had reafon to fay, behold what manner of love the Father bath bellowed on us, that we fhould be called the foes of God ! i john iii. r. What won- derful condefcenfion on his part, what a high advancement and dignity to us ? It is a title of love, and naturally direaeth us to the expeétation of favour. A kind and gra- cious father will furely provide for his houf- hold, he bath them under his proteaion, and fuitably to his own condition will give them an inheritance. This is what the fcrip- ture often teacheth us concerning God's chil- dren, he keepeth them in fafety, watcheth over them with the tendereft care, he in- ftruaeth them, parcicularly, in their duty to himfelf, and giveth them confidence in draw- ing near to him ; for becaufe ye are fons, faith the apoffle, Gal. iv. 6. God bath Pent forth the fpirit of his fon into your hearts, crying abba father; and he bath referved for them a future glorious inheritance; for if we are children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Chrifl, Rom. viii. 17. The inheritance is according to the glory of the Vo L. IV. D d Fa-
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