The Fountain of Life Opened

First Argument is drawn from the joint interest that both himself, and Father, have in the persons for whom he prays. All mine are thine, and thine are mine. vers. 10. As if he should say, Father, behold and consider the persons I pray for, they are not aliens, but children; yea, they are thy children, as well as mine. The very same on whom thou hast set thy eternal love, and in that love hast given them unto me. So that they are both thine, and mine. Great is our interest in them, and interest draws care, and tenderness. Every one cares for his own, provides for, and secures his own. Propriety (even amongst creatures) is fundamental to our labour, care and watchfulness. They would not so much prize life, health, estates, or children, if they were not their own. Lord these are thine own, by many ties, and titles: O therefore keep, comfort, sanctify and save them, for they are thine. What a mighty plea is this? Surely Christians, your Intercessor is skilful in his work, your Advocate wants no eloquence, or ability to plead for you.

First Argument is drawn from the joint interest that both himself, and Father, have in the persons for whom he prays. All mine are thine, and thine are mine. vers. 10. As if he should say, Father, behold and consider the persons I pray for, they are not aliens, but children; yea, they are thy children, as well as mine. The very same on whom thou hast set thy eternal love, and in that love hast given them unto me. So that they are both thine, and mine. Great is our interest in them, and interest draws care, and tenderness. Every one cares for his own, provides for, and secures his own. Propriety (even amongst creatures) is fundamental to our labour, care and watchfulness. They would not so much prize life, health, estates, or children, if they were not their own. Lord these are thine own, by many ties, and titles: O therefore keep, comfort, sanctifie and save them, for they are thine. What a mighty plea is this? Surely Christians, your Intercessor is skilful in his work, your Advocate wants no eloquence, or ability to plead for you.

The Second Argument, and that a powerful one, treads as I may say upon the very heel of the former, in the next words: And I am glorified in them. q. d. My glory and honour is infinitely dear to thee, I know thy heart is set intently upon the exalting, and glorifying of thy Son; now what glory have I in the world, but what comes from my people? Others neither can, nor will glorify me. Nay, I am daily blasphemed, and dishonoured by them. These are they from whom my active glory and praise in the world must rise. 'Tis true, both thou and I have glory from other creatures objectively, the works that we have made, and imprest our power, wisdom and goodness upon, do so glorifies us. And honour we have from our very enemies, accidentally. Their very wrath shall praise us: but for active and voluntary praise, whence comes this but from the people that were formed for that very purpose. Should these then miscarry and perish where shall my manifestive, and active glory be? And from whom shall I expect it? So that here his propriety, and glory are pleaded with the Father to prevail for those mercies, and they are both great and valuable things with God. What dearer, what nearer to the heart of God?