is his presence in his ordinances, and with his churches. [See Psalm
Acts 17:27-28; Psalm 33:13-14;
(3.) Vid inclinationis, by giving unto them power of motion; man could neither live nor move unless the Lord were with him;
(4.) Vid observationis, by taking notice of them; he observes and marks both their persons and their actions—he sees who they are, and how they are employed;
(5.) Vid ordinationis, by governing and ruling of them and all their actions, to the service of his glory and the good of his poor people, Acts 4:25-29.
But this is not that presence that we are to discourse of.
2. Secondly, There is a MIRACULOUS presence of Christ, and this some of the prophets of old had, and the apostles and others had in Christ's time; and by virtue of this miraculous presence of Christ with them, they cast out devils, healed diseases, and did many wonderful things, Mat. 7:22; Mark 3:15. But this is not the presence that falls within the compass of that main point we purpose to speak to.
3. Thirdly, There is a RELATIVE presence of Christ, and that is his presence in his ordinances, and with his churches. [See Psalm 46:4-5; Cant. 7:5; Joel 3:21; Zech. 2:10-11, and 8:3; Psalm 135:21.] Of this presence the Scripture speaks very largely. Exod. 20:24, "In all places where I record my name, I will come unto you, and I will bless you." Exod. 25:8, "And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them." Exod. 29:45, "And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God." Lev. 26:11, 12 "And I will set my tabernacle among you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you shall be my people." Psalm 76:1, 2 "In Judah is