From this we obtain an insight into,
i . The character of God —
[We think of God, for the most part, as a Being of in- finite Majesty, who, unless in matters of very extraordinary moment, does not trouble liimseH" with the concerns ot men : and hence, if a person were to speak of having received an- swers to his prayers, he would be accounted wild, visionary, and presumptuous. But let God be viewed as he is repre- sented in the text : let him be viewed as noticing with the deepest interest the very least and meanest of his children ; as attending to their every cry, and treasuring up in his vials their every tear''. Not so much as a "breathing" of theirs escapes his notice ; or a desire, of which they themselves per- haps are scarcely conscious''. The highest archangel does not more engage his attention, than does a poor despised La- zarus : nor is he less concerned about every individual amongst his people, than if there were but one in the whole universe. This is the true light in which to view his condescension and grace ; of which a mother's feehngs towards her first-born child afford but a slender and very inadequate idea'.]
2. The Christian's state —
[In respect of external appearance, there is no diflTerence between a Child of God and any other person : but in reality, as they are viewed by God, they are widely dissimilar. In the one God beholds his own image : in the other, the image of the wicked one. On the one he looks with pleasure and complacency: the other he views afar off", with utter disdain \ To the one his ears are open, to hear their every request*: "the sacrifices of the other are an abomination to him"." Look at Abraham when interceding for Sodom : there you see the friend of God. Look at those who, merely under the pressure of some ca- lamity, cry and plead for help, whilst yet they have no love to God in their hearts : there you see the contrast ; for God " laughs at their calamity, and mocks at theh fear "." And all this is but a prelude to that which will speedily be accomplished in them; when the one shall be called to his right hand, and be exalted to a throne of glory ; and the other be turned to his left hand, and be cast into the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone. Ungodly men endeavour to persuade themselves that all this is nothing but a vain conceit : but the Jews, not- withstanding all their blindness, could see that this difference did exist : "//^e know" say they, "that God heareth not sinners : but if any man be a worshipper of God, and do his will, him he heareth ^." Do ye then know it : for, whether ye will be- lieve
Pps.lvi.8. 'Ps.cxlv.18,19. Lam.iii.56. "^Isai, xJix. 15.
• Ps. cxxxviii.6. ' Ps. xxxiv. 1 5, 16. " Piov. xv. 8.
" Prov. i. 34—28. '' John ix. 2 1 .