of this Mystery Moreover there is the Glory of thâ—s Mystery For it is a Mystery that hath Glory in it Therefore it is called a Glorious Gospel the Glorious Gospel of Christ 2 Cor. 4.4 1 Tim. 1.11 Therefore is its Ministâ—ation moâ—e glorious than the Ministration of the Law 2 Cor. 3 7 8. But if the Ministration of Death written ingraven in stones was glorious so that the Children of Isâ—â—el could not stedfastly behold the face of Moseâ— for the glory of his Countenance which Glory was to be done away How shall not the Ministration of the Spirit which is a Gospel Ministration be rather Glorious This is the Ministration of Righteousness which exceedeth in Glory Vers 9. And here is the excellent Glory Vers. 10. Let us see in what respect and from what Head this Gospel is so Glorious 1. It is Glorious in respect of the Author oâ— the same GOD is the Author of it and all Hiâ— works are Glorious Men nor Angels could never have found out this way of Salvation through a Crucified Saviour But it is GOD'â— VVork and a singular peâ—ce of VVorkmanship of His above all what we see in Scripture Therefore it is called The Glorious Gospel of the Blessed God 1 Tim. 1.11 2. The Gospel is Glorious in respect of the Instruments imployed in Preaching and making known this Mistery GOD the Father made the fiâ—st publication thereof in Paradise wheâ— He said to our Fore-father that the Seed oâ— the Woman should bruise the Head of the Serpent Gen. 3 15 The Son is more especially made use of in this work Heb. 1.2 and 2.3 Thereâ—orâ— câ—lled the Gloriouâ— Gospel of Christ 2 Cor 4 4. Also the Holy Ghost is therein employed But unto us they did minister the thiâ—gs which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the Gospel unâ—â— you with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven 1 Pet. 1.12 The Angels were imployed in this work Luk 2.10 11 12. The great Prophets and Apostles were Messengers of this Gospel 1 Pet. 1.10 11. It was their work to publish this great Salvation So that it must be a glorious woâ—k wherein such glorious Hands were imployed 3. It is Glorious in respect of the way which GOD entered on for the manifesting and making known this Mystery and for confirming us in the same which is held out in short Heb. 2.3 4 How shall we expect if we neglect so great Salvation whiâ—h at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him God also bearing them witness both with Signs and Wonders and with diverse Miracles and Gifts of the Holy Ghost according to His own will 4. It is a Glorious Gospel in respect â—f â—hese who have studied it not only many Râ—ghteous Mat. 13.17 But also many Prophets and Kings Luk. 10.24 1 Pet. 1 10. have desired to see these Mysteries The Prophets enquiâ—ed unto searched diligently after this Salvation And even the Angels themselves have a holy Curiosity to know what iâ— meaneth herefore they are said to look into it or to stoop down with the bowing of the Head and bending of the Neck that they may behold what it is And they come to the knowledge of iâ— by this Gospel 1 Pet. 1.12 Ephes 3 10. This must then be a Glorious Subjâ—ct and there must be some ravishing Glory in this Mystery which engageth these glorâ—fied Creatures to pore and lock into it 5. It cannot be otherways than a Glorious Gospel seeing even the Feet thô suddled with dust of those that bring good Tidings thereof are so beautiful Isa. 52.7 Rom. 10.15 Yea it cannot be expressed how lovely and beautiful they are in the Eyes of those who are sensible of their necessity of Salvation 6. It is a Glorious Gospel in respect that iâ— putteth a singular glorious Beauty on all that it comes near unto Therefore it is the Glory of a Land to enjoy it and where this Gospel is Glory dwelleth in that Land Psal. 85.9 And where this or any outward resemblance of the same is there is Glory Therefore when the Aâ—k was taken by the Philistines the Holy Wife of Phineas the Daughter in Law of Eli cried forth saying Glory is departed from Israel â— Sam. 4 22. Therefore was it that the Glory of the latter House should be greater than the Glory of the former Hag. 2.9 Because Christ should appear therein with this Glorious Gospel 7. The Gospel is Glorious in respect of 〈◊〉 Suâ—ject and Matter It treats of a maâ—chless and glorious Business of that Fair Amiable and Glorious Branch of the Lord Isa 4.2 Here is the Branch of that Root oâ— Iesse which is every way Glorious Isa. 11.1 2 3 4 5 6. Here is the Revelation of the knowledge of â—he LORD â—he knowledge whereof should fill the Earth in the days of the Gospel as the Waters cover the Sea Isa. 11.9 Hereby is the Riches of the Glory of the Lord made known and therefore it must be a Glorious Business Rom. 9 23. And herâ— behold we the Glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ 2 Cor 4.6 The Gospel is as it were the face of Christ Herein shâ—ned His Glory which the Apostles saw Ioh. 1.14 of Him who therein is the â—rightness of His Father's Glory Heb 1.3 Is â—t not a Glorious Business which bringeth to â—ight Life and Immortality and this is done â—y the Gospel 2 Tim 1.10 It revealeth Grace and so is the Gospel Grace Act. â—0 24 8. It is Glorious in respect that Christ hereby makes His Body and Bride Glorious unto Himâ—elf for it is by this Word that He sanctifiâ—th â—nd cleanseth Ephes 5.26 27. 9. It is a Glorious Gospel in respect of the many several Effâ—cts and Fruits which it bringâ—th sorth being â—he savour of Life unto Life As 1. It is the weapon of our Warfare which is Mighty through God To the pulling down of â—â—rong holds casting down of imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the â—nowledge of God and bringeth into captivity â—very thought to the obedience of Christ 2 Cor 10.4 5. Therefore it is called The power of God â—nto Salvation Rom. 1.16.2 It hath a begetting vertue it bringeth forth Sons anâ— Daughters unto GOD as the Apostle says â— Cor. 4.15 that He had begotten the Corinthianâ— through the Gospel 3. The Gospel containeth the Conditions and Articles of Peace between GOD and the poor Sinner and therefore it is called The Gospel of Peace Ephes 6.15 And it is the Mean whereby the miserable Enemy Man is brought unto another state of Peace and Reconciliation with GOD so that he lays off his enmity against GOD Hiâ— interests and servants so that thereby the Wolf is made to ly with the Lamb. 4. The Gospel hath an ensuring and establishing power establishing the Soul against all Stormâ— and Tentations Therefore saith Paul Now to Him that is of Power to stablish you
Stars Adam if he had â—tood had never appeared with Christ as a glorious Member of Hîs glorified mystical Body Col. 3.4 He haâ— never been partaker of that Glory which Christ bestoweth upon His own which He hath of the Father as the Redeemed now have Ioh. 17.22 He had never been brought to Glory through Christ as the Captain of Salvation made perfect through Suffâ—rings as the Saints are now brought Heb. 2.10 He had never had that relation and interest in Christ as his elder Brother Hâ—ad and Saviour which Believers now have by veâ—tue of the New Covenant He had never sitten with Christ upon His Throne as Christ sitteth upon His Father Throne But this unspeakable Concotenatâ—on of Glory is carried on through the Covenant of Grace The Glory which he should havâ— purchased should have been but a Glory oâ— his own begetting bought with his poor inconsiderable sweating and legal payment but the Glory of the Gospel is a Glory bought witâ— the Life and heart Blood of the Eâ—ernal Son of GOD The other had been but a Glory of Law work and of Law-merit But this is a matchless Glory wholly through and through shining with the Glory of free Grace Here appearâ— incomprehensible Love wonderful free Grace inconceivable Mercy and a wonderful harmony of Mercy and Judgement Adam had not sung that new Song which the Redeemed now sing in Glory So that upon infinite accounts the Glory of the Gospel far surmounteth the Glory of the Covenant of Works That was unsure as the event did manifest This is sure for all the Seed being grounded and firmly bottomed on the Faithfulness established on the Truth ensured through the Righteousness strengthned by the Oaâ—h of GOD and confirmed by the Death of the Testator c. 4. Compare the Gospel with the formeâ— Administration of the Covenant of Grace before Christ's Incarnation and thô that Administration had its own Glory which nevertheless behoâ—ved to be abolished yet here is a Glory far more excellent A Glory after which in former times the Prophets searched â—nd unto whom it was revealed they Propheâ—ed of this Grace that should come unto you 1 Pet. â— 10 12. The first Dispensation was daâ—k â—s also the Mysteries were vailed with Types â—hadows Ceremonies and Offerings Thereâ—ore Moses put a vail over his face that the Chilâ—ren of Israel should not stedfastly look to the end â—f that which is abolished 2. Cor. 3.13 That Administration in respect of the Administraâ—ion of the New Testament is called the Letâ—er that killeth and the ministration of Death written and engraven on Stones the Ministraâ—ion of Condemnation But this is called the Spirit the Spirit that giveth Life and the Ministration of the Spirit the Ministration of Righteousness So that the Glory of the former Ministration was not once to be compared with the Glory of the latter Ministration That was â—ndeed glorious so that the Children of Israol could not stedâ—â—stly behold the Face of Moses for the Glory of his Countenance but it was a Glory that was to be done away But this is much more glorious and surpasseth far in Gloâ—y For even that which was made glorious had no Glory in this repect by reason of the Glory that excelleth 2 Cor. 3.6 7 8 9 10. Therefore until that that Evangelical Day began to down and clear up and Faith or the great object of Faith Christ Jesus came unto the World The Heirs were kept under the Law shut up unto the Faith as in a prison and held under the strict Discipline of a Pedagogue or School Master Gal. 3.23 24 25. Under the Law they were Children differing nothing from Servants but were in Bondage under the Elements of the World and they were Tutors and Governours Gal. 4.2 3. They were under weak and beggerly Elements Gal. 4.9 But we shall not insist longer here this being sufficiently held forth by the Apostle Paul throughout hiâ— whole Epistle to the Hebrews Secondly Further that there are Riches in the Glory of the Gospel will appear providing we in the next place take notice of the glorious and super-excellent Nature of the same Many things might be brought in for clearing of this but we shall satisfie our selveâ— with some fâ—w As 1. This rich glorious Nature of the Gospel appears while it is called The Power of God unto Salvation to every oâ—â— that believeth to the Jew first and also to the Greek Rom. 1.16 That noble and sharp-fighted Apostle of the Gentiles saw such a Richeâ— of Glory therein that how contempâ—ible so ever it appeared to others whether Iew oâ— Gentile yet with him it had a high esteem he was not ashamed of it that is he gloried in it this being a dimunitive menner of Speech wherein more is understood than is exprest For he descerned it to be the glorious and none-such Instrument of GODs Power to break up Satan's hoof Quarters in the World and so to spread out the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Whereupon he says 2 Cor. 10.4.5 The weapons of our warefare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong Holds casting down Imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Justly then might he magnify his Office whileas he was imployed to carry these Treasures unto the Gentiles Rom. 11.13.2 Its Riches appeareth herein that the Gospel is the Cabinet wherein lyeth and the Field wherein is to be found the most enriching Glory imaginable It hath folded up in it that really enriching Pearl which when the wise Merchant had found sold all that he had and bought it which you may read in that Parable and which is doubled with very litle alteration Mat. 13.44 45 46. Christ the alone enriching Pearl of great Price is the whole Matter the Heart and Marrow of this Gospel It is wholly imployed about Him therefore cannot but contain Glory and Riches of Glory therefore it is called The Word of Christ Col. 3.16.3 It appears herein because it is the offering aâ—d the holding forth of the most enâ—iching and glorious Marriage that ever was heard tell of a A Marriage between the lofâ—ly high holy glorious and matchless King of Kings and Lord of Lords and despicable Sinners pooâ— beggerly Creatures by Nature Heirs of Hell It is the word of Reconciliation containing Articles and Conditions of Peace between the Holy Righteous and Glorious GOD and sinful self-destroying Sinners which is intrusted to the Apostles and their Successors 2 Cor 5.10 20. therefore called the word of Peace Act. 10.36 37.4 The Riches of Glory appears herein because the Gospel is the outward Call of God which when the LORD makes effectual He accompanyeth with an inward powerful irresistable Calling to the most glorious things imaginable It is hereby that the Lord Jesus bringeth many Sons unto Glory Heb. 2.10 Hereby do the Elect obtain the Salvation that is in Christ Iesus with
1. It doâ—h not yet appear what we shall be 1 Ioh. â— 2. And notwithstanding it be much mention'd in Scripture yet is it not as yet seen it is as yet an unseen Glory hidden for the present from the Eyes of those who undoubtedly shall be made partakers of the same 2. It is called a Glory thaâ— shall be revealed 1 Pet. â— 1 And when shall iâ— be revealed Even whâ—n Christâ— Glory shall be revealed then shall Believers be glad with exceeding joy 1 Pet 4.13 When Christ who is our Life shall appear then shall ye aâ—so â—ppear saith the Apostle to the same Colossians Chap. 3 4. with him in Glory 3. It is a Glory which shall be revealed in us Rom. â— 18 So that now it must be an unseen and superâ—xcellent Glory Not an outward show or a borâ—owed Glance but an inward Glory which shall â—e revealed in us 4. It is such a Glory which eye hath not seen â—or ear heard neither hath it entered into the Hâ—art of Man to concâ—ive what this foreordained Glory is Isa. 64 4. 1 Cor 2 9 It were but oâ— small value if Mâ—râ—als by their words could express iâ— yea if creaâ—ed Wisdom could comprehend it or sufficiently understand what it is Leâ— the highest sâ—aring wiâ—s that are propose to themselves the greatest Glory they can imagine and let others come after them and add to theiâ— highest Conceptions and so on until there werâ— none moâ—e to add thereunto And if it were possible the whole Quintâ—ssence of their united Conceptions were molten into one Mass or reduceâ— into one comprehensive Thought it should comâ— short yea very far short of that Mysterious Glory which shall be revealed but hitherto it hath noâ—â—ntered into the Heart of man to conceive How unfiâ— are we then to speak of it being unexpressibly greater than we can imagine Nevertheless let us â—eview some Scriptural Expressions concerning this Glory As 1. Sometimes it is holden forth under thâ— Name of a Kingdom and of a Kingdom bestoweâ— of the Father Luke 12 29 32. A Kingdom appointed by Christ Luke 22.29 And a Heavenlâ— Kingdom whereunto we are preserved 2 Tim. â—â— 18. And what greater Glory can Mortals here eâ—pect then to be Kings and to be Heirs of Kingdoms And O! this a Kingdom of anoâ—hâ—â— kind a Kingdom of Glory wherein there is nothing but pure and unmixed Glory All thâ— Subjects of this Kingdom are Glorious all the Exercises are Glorious all the Air they breath in is Glorious the Meat they feed upon iâ— Glorious all their Garments are Glorious 2. It is called a Crown and a Crown of Glory 1 Pet. 5.4 Kings highly esteem of their Crown and the Rights and Pendicles thereof and will spare no possible means for the defence of the same Though notwithstanding of all their Crowns may fall from their Heads and their Right die out either through their uâ—just Purchase or possessing of the same But this Crown is a Crown of Righteousness 2 Tim. 4.8 A Crown incorruptible 1 Cor 9 25. Kings with all their Crowns more then the Beggar cannot once buy by Deaâ—h Psal. 49.7 8 9. They must return unto the Dust But this is a Crown of Life which preserves from all Deaths and all its Concomitants Revel 2.10 3. They are said to Reign that is really to possess their Kingdom and to enjoy the Glory of their Greatness Earthly Kings may be Titular Kings and no more having the Title without the Kingdom But the Possâ—ssors of this Glory are truly in possession of the Kingdom of Glory They Reign and not only so but they Reign with Christ. 2 Tim. 2.12 And that for ever and ever Revel 22.5 They sit with Christ on his Throne as He sits with his Father in his Throne Revel 3 21. O who can unfold the Glory that is in this Glory that Believers should not only behold the Glory of Christ Iohn 17 24. But that also they should be made partakers with hâ—m therein That He as the Head and they as thâ— Members should enjoy the same Glory How deep and unexpressible is this Ocean of Glory 4. This Glory is held forth under the Name oâ— an Inheritance to point forth the undoubted right which they have thereto through Grace and thâ— sure possession which they shall have thereof iâ— due time It is an Inheritance amongst all them which are Sanctified Act. 20.22 And 26.18 Aâ— Inheritance of the Saints in Light Coloss. 1.12 Aâ— Inheritance incorruptible undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in Heaven for you 1 Pet. 1 4.5 It is called an Eternal Inheritance Heb 9 15. An Inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God Ephes 5.5 Further let us consider as to this Glory what other Names it getteth in Scripture 1. It is called a Crown of Glory 1 Pet. 5 4. A Crown of Glory that fadeth not away This is far preferrable to the Crowns of yellow Clay 2. It is an Eternal Glory 2 Tim 2.10 1 Pet. 5.10 This is Glory that fadeth not away no wayes bounded nor confined within the narrow or short Marches of time but stretched out through all the Ages of endless Eternity 3. It is a Glory wherewith the Saints shall appear wiâ—h Christ Coloss. 3 4 Iâ— shall be his Livery who is the King of Glory and the Saints their Livery 4. It is a vast weight of Glory therefore the Apostle knows not enough how to express and demonstrate it 2 Cor. 4 17. Calling it a far more exceeding and Eternal weight of Glory But the Original is more Emphatick as if we should thus express it by one Hyberbole added to another the one supperlative expression surpassing the other It is an Eternal weight of Glory O how wonderful A weight of Glory who can poise it An Eternal weight when shall the weight thereof be pondered An transcendant Eternal weight yea not only so but a far more exceeding and transcendant weight of Glory 5. It is called the Glory of Jesus Christ 2 Thess 2.14 For Believers are made joynt Heirs with him Rom. 8.17 It is the Glory which He haâ—h purchased The Glory which he is now in possâ—ssion of The Glory which He prepareth for His own Joh. 14 3. The Glory which He hath gotten from the Father that He may bestow it on them Joh. 17.22 6. It is a Glory which is the Saints portion Ephess 1.18 Coloss. 1.12 Who must be made meet to be partakers of the same For without are Dogs Sorcerers Whoremongers Murderers Idolaters and whosoever loveth and maketh a Lye Revel 22 15. No Whoremonger nor unclean person nor Covetous man who is an Idolater hath Inheritanceâ— in the Kingdom of Christ and of God Ephes 5.5 Therefore must the Hâ—irs of this Glory be prepared thereunto Rom 9.23 seâ— Revel 21.27 7. It is a Glory far surpassing all Sufferings whatsomever they are not once to be laid in tâ—â— ballance or compared with the same Rom. â— 18 For I reckon saith the Apostle
that ye are saved by Hope Rom. 8.24 And that there is an Hope â—aid up for you in Heaven Col. 1.5 Live as those that are begotten again into a lively Hope 1 Pet. 1.3 3. Vse Hereby I do advise all the Godly who are called to this Hope that they so carry themselves before the World how little soever they have in possession as those that are rich in Hope Merchants can boast and hold out a Port as if they had much Money in Cash by reason of the great income of some rich Cargo which they are in expectation of notwithstanding of their being very empty handed â—or the present But as the Riches of Glory far exceed the riches of this World So the expectation and assurance thereof is infinitely far beyond that of worldly Riches O! then carry your selves in all things whatever Gods Dispensations may be towards you so as becometh those who are Expectants of Glory Let the Hope thereof support your Souls undeâ— all Discouragements Let no Dispensationâ— Loss Cross any wayes abate your Hope 〈◊〉 make you carry unbeseeming such a Gloriouâ— Hope whereunto you are called knowinâ— that none of these things can rob you of thâ—â— great expected Salvation or make you miserâ—able 4. Vse To suches are yâ—t Strangers to thiâ— Hope I have these few things to say 1. Thinâ— more then you do on the Life of the Godly so whatever may be their condition here in time yet they have a Crown and a sure Inheritancâ— and are Expectants of a Life of Glory anâ— have a well grounded Hope thereof So thâ—t their Life however accompanied with 〈◊〉 greatest of outward Calamities yet far preferable to yours 2. Covet long exceeding to be amongst the number of those Foâ— howeveâ— these dews dropings of Consolation which sometime even here they are enjoyinâ— besuch as the ungodly so long as they remain 〈◊〉 can never experimentally understand yet thâ— are infinitely below that which is abiding then in the Hope whereof they are called to livâ— Life Light Joy and all is sown for theâ— and they and they alone have the sure and wâ— grounded Hope thereof 3. Judge who aâ— wisest ye or the Believer ye loss for little rousted Gold worm-eaten Pleasure and vain imaginary Glory this rich Prize Aâ—â— ye live here without Hope whereas they through a most noble Majestick and generous Disposition dispise your silly Feckless Portion a Compound oâ— meer Vanity And look to an Incorruptible and Substantial Glory an incomparable Inheritance and a Crown of Glory Neither will quite their Hope of Glory for all the fancied Satisfaction the Art of man can squeeze out of these imaginary Pleasures Profiâ—s and Glory of this momentary time 4. Behold and be convinced of the reality of Religion For certainly it can be no Dream Fancy or groundless imagination that makes the Believer so cheerfully forsake that which you choose for your Portion and rest satisfied with and makes them resolutely and deliberately undergo Shame Discredit Poverty Persecution Death and Flames rather than Act any thing or cede in the least Punctiâ—ilio â—hat might cut off or maâ—r the Hope of what â—hey are expecting They are Men as well as others by nature as wise and careful of their â—ope and well being as well as others Nevertheless most willing for the Hope that is set before them to turn their back on all these things They are as little Fantastick or Crack-brain'd as others yet the very â—ope and expectation of that Glory which is â—romised will support and bear them up under â—urdens that would crush twenty ungodly bodies â—t will make them sing in the midst of the Fires as Crowned and sitting in their Chair of Statâ— having only in hand the Hope of Glory Now that which is clearly held forth bâ— these words The Hope of Glory is that theâ— really such a thing amongst the Godly as thâ— Hope of Glory It is true the unjust man haâ— a Hope which perisheth Prov. 11.7 Whâ—â— they die their Hope and Expectation perisheâ— with them because it was after the things below and these all pass away And providiâ—â— it be after the things which are above yet beiâ—â— the badly bottomed their Hope is but as the giâ—ing up of the Ghost or puffing out its breath aâ—â— perisheth Iob. 11.20 Even so hath the Hâ—pocrite a Hope but it shall perish Iob 8.13 Aâ— their Trust is as the Spiders Web soon brokâ— down I pray you What is the Hope of the Hâ—pocrite though he hath gained when God taketh â—way his Soul Job 27.8 But the hope of thâ— Believer is solid and real which appears thuâ— First It is bottomed on a sure and nobâ—â—â—oundation As 1. on the Promise and Oaâ—â— of God Heb 6 17 18. Wherein God williâ—â— more abundantly to shew unto the Heirs of Promâ—â— the immulability of his Counsel confirmed it by 〈◊〉 Oath That by two immutable things in which was impossible for God to lye we might have strong Consolation who have fled for refuge to 〈◊〉 â—old upon the Hope set before us c. 2. On thâ— Power of God who made Abraham to Hoâ—â— against Hope Rom 4 17 18 21. He believâ—â—ven God who quickneth â—he dead and calleâ— â—hose which be not as though they were and being â—ully perswaded that what he had promised he was able also to perform So Heb. 11.18 19. He accounted that God was able to raise him up Isaac even from the dead 3. On the continually and really felt experience of the Goodness of God Rom. 5.3 4. Knowing that Tribulation worketh patience and patience experience and experience hope See also Lam 3.21 4. On the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as a publick person having to the uttermost satisfied Justice and procured a publick Absolviture or Discharge 1 Pet. 1 3. They are begotten again unto a lively Hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead 5. On Christs living in them As here in the Text which is no fancie as we shall afterward make appear Secondly The Hope of the Believer is a real work of God's Spirit in the Soul Therefore He is called the God of Hope Rom 15 13. They abound in Hope through the Power of the Holy Ghost It is God that begetteth us again into this Lively Hope 1 Pet 1 3. And it is He that giveth it 2 Thes 2.16 Thirdly It is a Hope carried on in the Soul through a real work oâ— Grace God giveth us good Hope through Grace 2 Thes 2 16. Fourthly This Hope hath a real Object For Heaven is the Object of their Hope Col 1 5 For the Hope which is laid up for you in Heaven This is the Hope of their calling Ephes 1 1â— and 4 4. Christ is their Hope the Lord Iesâ—â— Christ which is our Hope 1 Tim 1 1. They truâ—â— in the Lord and He is their Hope Ier 17. â— The Psalmist saith Psal 71.5 For Thou anâ— my Hope O Lord Thou art my Trust from my Youth The Lord
in respect of the many glorious and remarkable Effectâ— and Fraâ—s which it hath whereof we shall give these â—ew instaneâ—s 1. By the Gospel there is a Church gathered out of the VVorld which shall stand to the end of the VVorld in dâ—spiâ—e of all â—he Oâ—position Men and Dâ—vils shall make against it VVhat a Mystery oâ— Pâ—wer was here when a few Fishers without the help of Humane Learning and without the â—ssiâ—tance of Humane Advantages through Preaching and continual Suâ—fering carried on the Gospel of Christ So that it was spread throuâ—h the world and continueth to this day noâ—withstanding of all the Oppositions that the Gates of Heâ—l can do against it through Emperors higher Powâ—â—s with inferiour Magistrats corrupt Church-men c. who through Subtility and Violence laboured totally to root out the same 2. By the Gospel Men were brought out of themselves to seek Râ—ghteousness and Justification in another yea in a Crucified and Despised Mediator and made willing directly contrary their Nature and deep rooted Inclination of Heart which is continually looking out for Help and Delivery in themselves to forsâ—ke their own Righteousness and all which formerly they counted Gain and to flâ—e to Christ Jesus for all and to lay hold on Him Faith that only they may be justified in Him 3. This Gospel learns the Soul alone to depend on Christ for Help in every Duty whereunto they aâ—e called and to see their Sâ—rengâ—h only to be in Him and in the Strengâ—h of His Right Arm O! a 〈◊〉 Myâ—â—ery to â—lesh and Blood 4. This Gâ—spel mâ—kes Mâ—n to forsake all Relations and Interests foâ— Chrâ—st Mat 10.37 38. Luk 14 26. VVha◠〈◊〉 Mystery of Pâ—wer must be here 5. This Gâ—sâ—â—l mâ—kes Mâ—n to fâ—rsake their Idâ—ls 〈◊〉 Bosome sins and Evilâ— which formerly â—â—ey loved as their livâ—s and to plâ—ck ouâ—â—heir â—â—ght Eyes and to cut off â—heir right Hands Mat 5. 29 30. Mat. 18 8 9. Mark 9.45.6 Thâ— Gospel makes a Man suffer all things and thâ—â— cheerfully were it even Death is self for Christ and Hâ—s Truths and to forsake all that is deâ—â— unto him yea the world Act. 20 24. Reve. 12.11 1 Vse Certainly the serious pondering 〈◊〉 â—hese Might justly cause us stand astonisheâ— Neither could we forbear from wondering providing we noticed what wonderful Goodness Mercy and infinit Condescendency iâ— herein held forth in the Lord 's bringing to light these Mysteries and His keeping up thâ— fairest and clearest Discoveries thereof for ouâ— days or that orders our time in the worlâ— thus to be when the Sun of Righteousnesâ— with His full and bright Beams shineth in ouâ—â—orizon 2 Vse The Consideration of the Lord opening up these Mysteries in our days caâ—â— for great thankâ—ulness from us O how shoulâ— our Hearts praise and magnify Him who haâ—â— thus brought Life and Immortality into lighâ— The Angels sung when this Evangelick day fiâ—â— brake up and counted it their honour to 〈◊〉 the fiâ—st News thereof to a Company of pooâ— Shepherds Luk. 2.10 11. And the Angel saâ—â— unto them fear not for behold I bring you goâ—â— Tydings of greaâ— joy which shall be to all peopâ—◠〈◊〉 unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. Luk 2.31 whereupon Anna the Prophetess gave Thanks likewise unto the Lord and spake of Him to all that looked for redemption in Jerusalem Mary cried forth said My Soul doth magnify the Lord and my Spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour Luk. 1.46 47. Zacharias when his Tongue was loosed spake and praised God Luk 1 64 And again Vers 68 69. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel â—or He hath visited and redeemed His People And hath raised up a horn of Salvation for us in the house of His Servant David c. 3 Vse This requires that we should lâ—ment and weep over the sad condition of thâ—se 1. That have not so much as the outward Revelations of these Mysteries amongst them who notwithstanding of all this Light sit in Darkness and live in the Land of the shaddow of Death O! Pray for the coming of Christ's Kingdom that the People â—hat wâ—lk iâ— Darkness may see a gâ—eat light and that the light may shine upon thâ—se thaâ— dwell in the Land of the shadow of Death Isa 9 2.2 As also the sad estate of those that hear the outward sound thereof buâ— knows no more of the lively Power and Operation of this Mâ—sterâ— then there were no such thing Whom the God of this World hath blinded lest the light of the Glorious Gospel should shine unto them 2 Cor. 4 4. 4 Vse This Doctâ—ine requires 〈◊〉 we walk sutably under these greaâ— Mâ—â—cies pâ—ovided and purchased unto us and improve thâ—m accordingly And more especially 1. Thâ—â— we esteem and account highly of this unspeakable Favour the Mystery of the Gospel which is the Grace of God and the discovery of Life and Immortality 2. That we be herein tender and watchful that we neither do nor say any thing which may be to the Dishonour of thâ—s Mystery But that in all things we walk woâ—thy of the Gospel 3. That we should be Zealous in standing up for the Defence oâ— this Gospel which is such a Mystery we should be always ready to buy the Truth and upon no account to sell it 4. That we receive the Gospel into our Hearts believing and welcoming the same not judging it enough that we hear the sound thereof without fiâ—ding and experimentally knowing the lively and strong Effects and Operations of the same in the Soul 5. That we in the preâ—ching and ye in the hearing of the Gospel continually look upon it as a Mystery and therefore should beware of judging ourselves in a capacity to reach unto the ground of this so great a Depth or to measure the samâ— by our scrimp natural Understandings or shâ—llow Capacities and so to cast at all we cannot fathom or attempt to cast it in our Câ—lins and Form O! indeed a heavy Sin a bold daring and presumpâ—uouâ— counterfeiâ—ing of â—hâ— King's Coyn and a givâ—ng out of our Counterfeit mixed clipped Mettal instead of the Kâ—ng's true Coyn. 6. That we sâ—eâ—ng it 's a Mystery and so far above the reach of our Capacities should seek unto the LORD alone for Light we should go to Hâ—m as the Author thereof and should go to Christ who is given for a Light that this Sun of Righteousness who is the real substance of this Mystery might clear up our Understanding with the Sun Beams of His light and make us in some measure to know what the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery is and that He might drive away the Clouds of Ignorance and Prejudices whereby this light is keeped from us Hereby we should evidence our believing that this is a Mystery through our faithâ—ul and continual dependence on this Fountain of Light that we may see this Mystery of Light in His Light Of the Glory