everr. His reception of the prodigal is an eternal monument of the regard he will shew to every repenting sinner.]
2. Care over them —
[Wherever they go, his eye is upon them for good8. He watches them in order to deliver them from danger*. He watches them in order to comfort them in trouble11. He watches them in order to relieve them in wantx. He watches them in order to exalt them to happiness and honour y.]
3. Delight in them —
[There are none on earth so pleasing to God as broken- hearted sinners. Their sighs and groans are as music in his earsz. Their tears he treasures up in his viala. He dwells with them as his dearest friends b. He rejoices over them as a people in whom he greatly delights c. He saves them here by the unceasing exercise of his power d; and reserves for them hereafter an inheritance in heaven e.]
Nor shall the fewness of such characters render them at all less the objects of God's regard —
[It must be acknowledged that they are but few. But if there were only one in the whole world, God would find him outf. Not all the splendour of heaven, nor all the acclamations of angels, should for a moment divert God's attention from him. Though he were despised by all the human race, yet should he be amiable in the eyes of his Maker. Nor should he want any thing in time or eternity. Never shall that decla- ration in any instance be falsified s — ]
Infer —
1. How should we admire the condescension of God!—
[If we view only the material world we may well stand astonished that God should regard such an insignificant crea- ture as manh. But, if we contemplate the majesty of God, we cannot but exclaim with Solomon1 — Let then the declara- tion in the text lead our thoughts up to God. Let us adore him for so clearly describing the objects of his favour. And let us express our admiration in the words of David k — ]
2. How should we desire to attain the character that is pleasing to God ! —
r Luke xviii. 13, 14. s 2 Chron. xvi. 9. t Ps. xii. 5.
« Ps. cxlvii. 3. x Isai. xli. 17, 18. y 1 Sam. ii. 8.
2 Ps. cii. 19, 20. a Ps. lvi. 8. b Isai. lvii. 15.
■» Zeph. iii. 12, 17. d Ps.xxxiv. 15, 18. e Matt. v. 3.
f " To this man, &c. even to him" &c. e Ps. cxxxviii. 6.
h Ps. viii. 3, 4. > 1 Kings viii. 27. k Ps. cxiii. 5 — 8.