Remains of that excellent minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. Joseph Alleine being a collection…Remaines of that excellent minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. Joseph Alleine being a collection…

(First,) The first fruits, they were the choice of the fruits. And therefore God, that did ever require them to bring the best, would require them to bring the first-fruits of the Creatures. Believers are the first fruits of Gods works. And God sets more value upon this workmanship then upon any thing else beside. Other things they show some footsteps of God: but the new creature that hath the very Image of God, and so is the first fruit of all. The ⟨p. 109⟩first fruits are of a more higher price and esteem than any other. So are you: you are those that he calls his excellent ones. Those whom he binds up amongst •s Jewels. The Saints are the desire of his eyes, and the joy of his heart. Christians, I speak this to you and you must apply it. You are the desire of Christ Psal. 4. 5. 11. He asks no other portion but you, Psal. 2. 8. And you are his delight as well as his desire. Prov. 8. The wisdom of the Father from all eternity, had his delight in the habitable part of the earth. Isaiah 53. He shall see his seed, and he shall see of the Travail of his soul and be satisfied. You are his seed, you are the Travail of his soul. Christ is content and satisfied to have this portion. And as the woman forgets her sorrow when she sees her seed, that a man child is born: so Christ forgets all his pain and trouble, when he sees his seed the travail of his soul.

(First,) The fir•t fruits, they were the choice of the fruits. And therefore God, that did ever require them to bring the best, would require them to bring the fir•t-fruites of the Creatures. Beleivers are the first fruits of Gods works. And God sets more value upon this workmanship then upon any thing else beside. Other things they shew some footsteps of God: but the new cre•ture th•t hath the very Image of God, and so is the fir•t fruit of all. The