A word in season to this present generation, or, A sober and serious discourse…

Ninthly, the Lord doth manifest his favourable, signal, and eminent presence with his People, in their greatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers, by his sympathizing with them in all their troubles, trials, distresses, dangers, as you may clearly see by consulting ⟨p. 54⟩the choice Scriptures in the margin: So Isa. 63. 9. In all their afflictions he was afflicted, and the Angel ¹of his presence saved them, in his love and in his pity he redeemed them, and he bare them and carried them all the days of old. Christ is here in the Hebrew called, The Angel of his face, either because he doth exactly resemble God his Father, or because he appeareth before the face or in the presence of God for us. This Angel took to heart their afflictions, he was himself grieved for them, and with them. This Angel secured and safeguarded them all the way through the Wilderness from Egypt to Canaan. This Angel did not only lead them, but he also lifted them up and took them in his arms, as Parents or Nurses are wont to do with such Children, that are young, and weakly, and in danger. And this Angel carried them, as the Eagle doth her young ones, that are not fully fledged, or that are unable yet to fly on her wings. O the pity, the clemency, the sympathy, and admirable compassion of Christ to his People in their suffering estate! Zach. 2. 8. He that toucheth you, toucheth ²the apple of his eye. The eye is the tenderest piece of the tenderest part; the eye is kept most diligently, and strongly guarded by nature with five tunicles. A man can better bear a thump on the back, the biting of his finger, the cutting of his hand, the pricking of his leg, or a blow upon his arm, than a touch on the eye. O that persecutors would be quiet, and let Gods People alone, and take heed how they meddle with Gods eyes. There is no touching of them, to wrong, or injure them, but you wrong and injure the holy one of Israel, who will certainly revenge himself upon you; they that strike at Gods eyes, do through them strike at God himself, which he will never put up. 'Tis a dangerous thing, to molest and trouble, to afflict or annoy the People of God, for God himself is very sensible of it, and accordingly he will certainly requite it.