If thou art thus converted, and become a little child, I welcome thee, in the name of the LORD JESUS, into GOD’s dear family; I welcome thee, in the name of the dear Redeemer, into the company of GOD’s children. O ye dear souls, though the world sees nothing in you, though there be no outward difference between you and others, yet I look upon you in another light, even as so many kings sons and daughters: all hail! in the name of GOD, I wish every one of you joy from my soul, ye sons and daughters of the King of kings. Will not you henceforth exercise a child-like temper? Will not such a thought melt down your hearts, when I tell you, that the great GOD, who might have frowned you to hell for your secret sins, that nobody knew of but GOD and your own souls, and who might have damned you times without number, hath cast the mantle of his love over you; his voice hath been, Let that man, that woman live, for I have found a ransom. O will ye not cry out, Why me, LORD? Was King _George_ to send for any of your children, and were you to hear they were to be his adopted sons, how highly honoured would you think your children to be? What great condescension was it for _Pharaoh_’s daughter to take up _Moses_, a poor child exposed in an ark of bulrushes, and breed him up for her child? But what is that happiness in comparison of thine, who was the other day a child of the devil, but now by converting grace art become a child of GOD? Are ye converted? Are ye become like little children? Then what must ye do? My dear hearers, be obedient to GOD, remember GOD is your father; and as every one of you must know what a dreadful cross it is to have a wicked, disobedient child; if ye do not want your children to be disobedient to you, for CHRIST’s sake be not disobedient to your heavenly parent. If GOD be your father, obey him: if GOD be your father, serve him; love him with all your heart, love him with all your might, with all your soul, and with all your strength. If GOD be your father, fly from every thing that may displease him; and walk worthy of that GOD, who has called you to his kingdom and glory. If ye are converted and become like little children, then behave as little children: they long for the breast, and with it will be contented. Are ye new-born babes? then desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. I do not want that Arminian husks should go down with you; ye are kings sons and daughters, and have a more refined taste; you must have the doctrines of grace; and blessed be GOD that you dwell in a country, where the sincere word is so plainly preached. Are ye children? then grow in grace, and in the knowledge of your LORD and Saviour JESUS CHRIST. Have any of you children that do not grow? do not ye lament these children, and cry over them; do not ye say, my child will never be fit for any thing in the world? Well, doth it grieve you to see a child that will not grow; how much must it grieve the heart of CHRIST to see you grow so little? Will ye be always children? Will ye be always learning the first principles of christianity, and never press forward toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of GOD in CHRIST JESUS? GOD forbid. Let the language of your heart be, “LORD JESUS help me to grow, help me to learn more, learn me to live so as my progress may be known to all!”
Are ye GOD’s children? Are ye converted, and become like little children? Then deal with GOD as your little children do with you; as soon as ever they want any thing, or if any body hurt them, I appeal to yourselves if they do not directly run to their parent. Well, are ye GOD’s children? Doth the devil trouble you? Doth the world trouble you? Go tell your father of it, go directly and complain to GOD. Perhaps you may say, I cannot utter fine words: but do any of you expect fine words from your children? If they come crying, and can speak but half words, do not your hearts yearn over them? And has not GOD unspeakably more pity to you? If ye can only make signs to him; “As a father pitieth his children, so will the LORD pity them that fear him.” I pray you therefore be bold with your father, saying, “Abba, Father,” Satan troubles me, the world troubles me, my own mother’s children are angry with me; heavenly Father, plead my cause! the LORD will then speak for you some way or other.