The saints sacrifice

The persons among whom implicitly he reckons himself, styled Saints, are in the original set out by a word that importeth an especial respect of God towards them. ^cThe root whence that word issueth signifieth mercy. Whereupon the Hebrews have given such ^da name to a stork, which kind among fowls is the most merciful: and that not only the old to their young ones, as most are, but also the young ones to the old, which they use to feed and carry, when through age they are not able to help themselves. This title is attributed to men in a double respect. 1 Passively, in regard of Gods mind and affection to them. 2 Actively, in regard of their mind and affection to others. Gods mercy and kindness is great towards them: and their mercy and kindness is great towards their brethren. They are therefore by a kind of excellency, and property styled ^emen of mercy. In regard of this double acceptation of the word, some translate it, ^fmerciful, tender, or courteous. Others with a periphrase, with many words, because they have not one fit word to express the full sense, thus, ^gThose whom God followeth with bounty, or to whom God extendeth his bounty. ⟨p. 202⟩This latter I take to be the most proper to this place: for the word being passively taken for such as are made partakers of Gods kindness, it showeth the reason of that high account wherein God hath them, even his own grace and favour. We have a word in English that in this passive signification fitly answereth the Hebrew, which is this, favourite.

The persons among whom implicitly he reckons himselfe, stiled Saints, are in the originall set out by a word that importeth an especiall respect of God towards them. ^cThe root whence that word issueth signifieth mercy. Whereupon the Hebrewes have given such