The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole…

Thirdly, It denoteth propriety and interest that God hath a right to us, that we are his, and not our own. The house is the owners, he hath the propriety of it; and therefore the Scripture is not content with these similitudes, but useth these that declare a sweeter union, and nearer; as that of a wife to a husband, that of the body to the head: So that by this means, they who are indeed of this building, of this field; they are more happy then all others in the world, for God is in covenant with them. To them only God is their God, and they his people. And when the Psalmist had spoken of all external felicity, saying, Happy are the people that are in such a case; he addeth, Yea, happy are the people whose God is the Lord, Psal. 144.15. So then, we cannot name a greater Prerogative and Privilege, then to be in such a relation, all that God hath, is their's; his wisdom, power, and goodness. Only by the way, take notice, that many are externally of this husbandry this building, that are not internally; and therefore such have not the Promises made good to them in all respects. How hardly can we say of many people, They are Gods building? Yea, they are rather the Devils Den, and his Hell. (But more of this hereafter.)

Thirdly, It denoteth propriety and interest that God hath a right to us, that we are his, and not our own. The house is the owners, he hath the propriety of it; and therefore the Scripture is not content with these similitudes, but useth these that declare a sweeter union, and nearer; as that of a wife to a husband, that of the body to the head: So that by this means, they who are indeed of this building, of this field; they are more happy then all others in the world, for God is in covenant with them. To them only God is their God, and they his people. And when the Psalmist had spoken of all external felicity, saying, Happy are the people that are in such a case; he addeth, Yea, happy are the people whose God is the Lord, Psal. 144.15. So then, we cannot name a greater Prerogative and Priviledge, then to be in such a relation, all that God hath, is their's; his wisdom, power, and goodness. Only by the way, take notice, that many are externally of this husbandry this building, that are not internally; and therefore such have not the Promises made good to them in all respects. How hardly can we say of many people, They are Gods building? Yea, they are rather the Devils Den, and his Hell. (But more of this hereafter.)