CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

Thirdly, There is implied a more peculiar care and attendance to their good then of the whole world besides;¹ For they are said to be given to Christ out of the world that he may keep them; This giving of them to Christ supposeth an Election or choice of such from all others; God is a preserver and keeper of all, Job 7.20. called therefore the preserver of men: Yea Psa. 36.6. he is said to preserve man and beast; God is every where essentiâ, presentiâ, and potentiâ, and thus he cannot but be every where, but he hath a gracious presence with his Children, which is not from his infiniteness or necessity, but from his mere love, so that if God were not infinite and immense (pardon the Supposition) yet his grace and goodness would make him abide and dwell with those that are his; You see by this that Gods keeping extends even to inanimate Creatures, he keepeth the very Sparrows that they fall not to the ground, but there is a more excellent and choice way of preservation to those that are given in special charge to Christ; The eyes of the Lord are said to run to and fro in the behalf of the upright in heart, 2 Chron. 16 9. What can be more comfortable then that expression; Hence the Lords peculiar is compared to a Bird flying over the nest where her young ones are, Isa. 31.5. Only the Bird is silly and weak, hath no power to defend, but she showeth her desire and affection; Thus God is pleased to compare himself, to encourage our Faith, for we are apt to look more at what is against us then for us; We consider the devils Subtlety, the worlds danger, our own corruptions, but do not attend to Gods merciful Preservation.

Thirdly, There is implied a more peculiar care and attendance to their good then of the whole world besides;¹ For they are said to be given to Christ out of the world that he may keep them; This giving of them to Christ supposeth an Election or choice of such from all others; God is a preserver and keeper of all,