A Body of Practical Divinity

2. We show Honour to our Heavenly Father, by appearing as Advocates in his Cause, and standing up for his Truth in an Adulterous Generation. That Son honours his Father, who stands up in his Defence, and vindicates him when he is calumniated and reproached. Do they honour God who are ashamed of him? John 12.42. Many believed on him, but durst not confess him. They are Bastard Sons, who are ashamed to own their Heavenly Father. Such as are born of God, are steeled with Courage for his Truth: They are like the Rock which no Waves can break; like the Adamant, which no Sword can cut. Basil was a Champion for Truth in the Time of the Emperor Valens; and Athanasius, when the World was Arian, appeared for God.

2. We show Honour to our Heavenly Father, by appearing as Advocates in his Cause, and standing up for his Truth in an Adulterous Generation. That Son honours his Father, who stands up in his Defence, and vindicates him when he is calumniated and reproached. Do they honour God who are ashamed of him? Iohn 12.42. Many believed on him, but durst not confess him. They are Bastard Sons, who are ashamed to own their Heavenly Father. Such as are born of God, are steeled with Courage for his Truth: They are like the Rock which no Waves can break; like the Adamant, which no Sword can cut. Basil was a Champion for Truth in the Time of the Emperor Valens; and Athanasius, when the World was Arrian, appeared for God.

3. We show Honour to our Heavenly Father, by ascribing the Honour of all we do to him. 1 Cor. 15.10. I laboured more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the Grace of God which was in me. If a Christian hath any Assistance in Duty, any strength against Corruption, he rears up a Pillar, and writes upon it, Hitherto the Lord hath helped me. As Joab when he had fought against Rabbah, and had like to have taken it, sent for King David, that he might carry away the Honour of the Victory,