A supplement to the several discourses upon various divine subjects

2. 'Tis an imitating return for Gods affection. How doth God resent the injuries done to his people as much as those done to himself? Those sins that immediately strike at his glory are not accompanied with such quick judgments, as those that grate upon his Servants. Sharp persecutions that tear the people of God in pieces have fuller vials of judgments here, than Volleys of others sins which rend the name of God. When Cain affronted God by his Sacrifice, God comes not to a reckoning with him, till he had added the murder of his Brother to his former crimes against his maker. A sweeter and more thankful return, and a more affectionate imitation of God there cannot be, than to resent the injuries done to God more than those done to our selves. The pinching of his people doth most pierce his heart; a stab to his honour, in gratitude, should most pierce theirs. The four Kings that came against Sodom, Gen. 14.9, &c. sped well enough in their invasion, gained the victory and had been in a fair way to have enjoyed the spoil, had they not laid their hands upon Lot, which was the occasion of their disgorging their prey. As God engaged himself in the recovery of Lot, so Lot concerned himself in the honour of God; Gods anger is stirred at the Captivity of Lot, and Lots vexation is awakened at the injuries against God. What troubles his Children, raises sensible compassion in him to the sufferer, and revenge upon the persecutor; whatsoever doth blaspheme the name of God, doth at the same time rack a sincere heart. A persecutor cannot injure a believer, but Christ records it as a wrong done to himself; and Christ cannot be dishonoured by men, but a righteous Soul doubles his grief. Here is a mutual return of affection and estimation, which is highly pleasing.

2. 'Tis an imitating return for Gods affection. How doth God resent the injuries done to his people as much as those done to himself? Those sins that immediately strike at his glory are not accompanied with such quick judgments, as those that grate upon his Servants. Sharp persecutions that tear the people of God in pieces have fuller vials of judgments here, than Vollies of others sins which rend the name of God. When Cain affronted God by his Sacrifice, God comes not to a reckoning with him, till he had added the murther of his Brother to his former crimes against his maker. A sweeter and more thankful return, and a more affectionate imitation of God there cannot be, than to resent the injuries done to God more than those done to our selves. The pinching of his people doth most pierce his heart; a stab to his honour, in gratitude, should most pierce theirs. The four Kings that came against Sodom,