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

Thirdly, It implieth the gracious presence and power of God among his people. ⟨p. 119⟩An house is the place, where a man dwells and continually resides; and this is one great reason, why God useth this Metaphor to show with what re•t and delight he will take up his habitation in his Church. Thus the Covenant of grace runs from this, when the Apostle 2 Cor. 6. had showed, That there ought to be no agreement between the Temple of God and Idols, he addeth, They are the Temple of the living God; and therefore what he inferreth, I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people, [Greek or Hebrew] and [Greek or Hebrew], As the Apostle to describe the innate power of original sin said, It dwelled in him. So it is here, God to describe how intimate, familiar and gracious his presence is, saith, He will dwell in them. This particular then showeth, there are many in this house, that are not of this house; for how is Gods presence and power manifested in them? Nay, doth not the Devil and sin discover themselves dwelling in them? Do they manifest any thing but the blackness of darkness in their words and works? Glory not then of being in the house of God, if you find not the powerful presence of God in you; which is two ways; by sanctification and consolation. In these two ways God doth discover himself, he fills with grace, and consolation, he sanctifieth and comforts, They are in Christ, and Christ in them.

Thirdly, It implieth the gracious presence and power of God among his people. ⟨p. 119⟩An house is the place, where a man dwels and continually resides; and this is one great reason, why God useth this Metaphor to shew with what re•t and delight he will take up his habitation in his Church. Thus the Covenant of grace runnes from this, when the Apostle 2 Cor. 6. had shewed, That there ought to be no agreement between the Temple of God and Idols, he addeth, They are the Temple of the living God; and therefore what he inferreth, I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people, and , As the Apostle to describe the innate power of original sinne said, It dwelled in him. So it is here, God to describe how intimate, familiar and gracious his presence is, saith, He will dwell in them. This particular then sheweth, there are many in this house, that are not of this house; for how is Gods presence and power manifested in them? Nay, doth not the Devil and sinne discover themselves dwelling in them? Do they manifest any thing but the blacknesse of darknesse in their words and works? Glory not then of being in the house of God, if you find not the powerfull presence of God in you; which is two wayes; by sanctification and consolation. In these two wayes God doth discover himself, he fils with grace, and consolation, he sanctifieth and comforts, They are in Christ, and Christ in them.