Page:Faith's plea upon God's covenant (2).pdf/18

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before him; that voice that world laughs at, God hath a respect to it. He hath a respect to your blood: "Precious in his sight is the blood of his saints." He hath a respect to your souls; and hence he gave his blood to be a ranson for them: And when your souls languish, he sends his Spirit to restore them; and when you die, he will send his angels to bring them to heaven. He hath a respect to your bodies; you ought, being bought with a price, to glorify him in your souls and bodies, which are his. When your bodies go to the dust, he will take care of that dust, and lose nothing of you, but raise you up at the last day, and make your vile bodies like unto his glorious body, and so shall you be ever with the Lord. He hath a respect to you, such a respect, that he puts honour upon you: "Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable." He hath made you kings and priests to your God. Jacob was crowned a prince on the field of battle, the field of prayer, when he wrestled with the angel, and prevailed. The poor wrestling man is a prince, and the poor wrestling woman a princess in God's sight; this is the honour of all the saints. They have power with God, and therefore, no wonder than they have power over the nations, to rule them with a rod of iron; they judge and torment them that dwell upon the earth, even here; and, "Know you not, that hereafter the saints shall judge the world?" God hath a respect to you, and he will shew it in due time, because he hath a respect to the Covenant, and filled your heart with respect to it also.

4. Hence, see the duty encumbered upon us, in pleading with God for his favour, presence