Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

1. His love to his people is as great as his Sovereignty over them. He stands not upon his Dominion with his people so much, as upon his affection to them; He would not be called Baali, my Lord, i. e. he would not be known only by the name of Sovereignty, but Ishi, my Husband, a name of Authority and sweetness together; Hos. 2.16.19. &c. He signifies, that he is not only the Lord of our spirits and bodies, but a Husband by a Marriage knot, admitting us to a nearness to him, and Communion of goods with him. Though he Majestically sits upon a high Throne, yet it is a Throne encircled with a Rainbow; Ezek. 1.28. To show, that his Government of his people, is not only in away of absolute Dominion, but also in a way of federal relation. He seems to own himself their Subject, rather than their Sovereign, when he gives them a Charter to command him in the affairs of his Church; Isa. 45.11. Ask of me things to come, concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command you me. Some read it by way of question, as a corrective of a sauciness; Do you ask of me things to come, and seem to command me concerning the works of my hands, as if you were more careful of my interest among my people, than I am, who have formed them? But if this were the sense, it would seem to discourage an importunity of Prayer for public deliverance; And therefore to take it according to our Translation, 'tis an exhortation to Prayer, and a mighty encouragement in the management and exercise of it. Urge me with my promise, in a way of humble importunity, and you shall find me as willing to perform my word, and gratify your desires, as if I were rather under your Authority, than you under mine; As much as to say, if I be not as good as my word, to satisfy those desires that are according to my promise, implead me at my own Throne, and if I be failing in it, I will give Judgment against my self. Almost like Princes Charters, and gracious grants, we grant such a thing against us, and our heirs, giving the subject power to implead them, if they be not punctually observed by them. How is the love of God seen in his condescension below the Majesty of Earthly Governors!

1. His love to his people is as great as his Soveraignty over them. He stands not upon his Dominion with his people so much, as upon his affection to them; He would not be call'd Baali, my Lord, i. e. he would not be known only by the name of Soveraignty, but Ishi, my Husband, a name of Authority and sweetness together;