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
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
CHRIST IN BELIEVERS THE Hope of GLORY BEING The Substance of several Sermons Preached By The Learned Laborious and Faithful Servant of Christ Mr. IOHN BROWN Sometime Minister of the Gospel at Wamphray in Annandale Never before Published in English EDINBURGH Printed by Iohn Reid Anno 1694. TO THE READER Christian Reader AMongst the Prejudices wherewith the Hearts of many of the People of this Generation are plagued this is not the smallest or least that they accept of or reject what cometh to the publick view of the World more as they affect or disaffect the Authors then according to the Worth and Merit of the Thing published And are more ready to say As concerning this Sect we know that every where it is spoken against Then to say But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest Or with the Noble Bereans to search the Scriptures daylie whether these Things be so or not But Reader For removing thy Prejudices know that the following Sheets exhibite unto thee several Precious and Excellent TRUTHS not to be found every where so succinctly and yet clearly handled Which if thou hast any Spiritual Senses exercised to discern Good and evil may by the Blessing of GOD prove wholesome Food to thy Soul And if thou hadst known the Reverend and Worthy Author thou could'st not for his sake have had the least ground to be prejudged at any Truth that ever did come from his Pen. And for thy better Knowledge of him he hath left some Monuments behind him of his singular Piety and Learning which if perused would no doubt make him great in thy Esteem And these Monuments are extant in his Writings both in Latine and English in Polemick and Practical Divinity Such as his Book De Causa Dei contra Anti Sabbatorios His Refutation of the Errors of Wolzogius and Velthusius about the Right Interpretation of Scripture and about Church Government And an Manuscript intituled Defensio Ecclesiae Scoticanae c. Which was exhibite to the General Assembly of this Church Anno 1692. And is not yet published but we wait for it and expect that it shall be of the same Accuracie with the rest All these he hath Writen in Latine Moreover he hath written excellently against the Quakers and made evident the dreadful tendency of their pestiferous Errors And for Practical Divinity let the first and second Part of The Life of Faith with his Book intituled CHRIST the Way the Truth and the Life be considered and it shall be evident that he hath done great Service to the Church of GOD particularly in discovering from the Scriptures the right way of making use of CHRIST for sanctification A little Subject handled before him especially in such a plain andclear Method But Christian Reader I would advertise thee not to look for that Accurateness of expression in the following Sheets which may appear in the Authors other Writings For they are only some Notes of Sermons preached in the time of the Authors trouble at Utrecht for the most part in his own Chamber Which after his Death came to the hand of the Reverend Mr. James Koolman Minister of the Gospel at Sluis in Flanders and by him were published in Dutch as an Appendix to the Dutch Translation of the Authors Book intituled CHRIST the Way thâ— Truth and the Life And now are only translated out of Dutch at first intended for the private â—se of some particular Persons but afterward by the Solicitations of some who had the occasion to read them they were diligently compared with the Dutch Translation and committed to the Press the Original not being extant so far as I know that this present Translation may be compared with it and therefore any Defects that may appear in this little Book cannot in Iustice be ascribed to the Author but to the Translators who yet have used very great Diligence and Faithfulness in what they have done And to conclude I am hopeful that the Reader shall find that what pains he shall bestow upon the perusing of them shall not be in vain they containing so many Soul-Solacing Truths so clearly proposed together with many Pathetick Exhortations and Soul-Searching Marks of Christians all founded upon clear Scripture Testimony and when perused he shall say that the Report he hath heard of them was not only true but that the half of what was true of them was not reported CHRIST THE Hope of Glory IN BELIEVERS c. Coloss. 1.27 To whom God would make known what is the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery among the Gentiles which is Christ in you the Hope of Glory THe Apostle having made mention of the Gospel whereof he was made a Minister according to his ordinary Method cannot supeâ—ficially pass it over But as he counted it his Glory to be employed in that Glorious Ambassage of Preaching the Gospel to lost Sinners Rom 1 16. 1 Tim. 1.12 So he falleth out on all occasions in the commenâ—ation of that Noble Ambassage And therefore having made mention of the Gospel vers 23.25 before he proceed further he cannot but in thiâ— and the foregoing verse give it some commendatory or praise worthy Titles to make it more amiable and acceptable What he sayes thâ—reof in this 27 Vers may bâ— summed up in â—hese few Heads 1. That it is a Mystery not easie to be understood by every one 2. That it is meerly the Fruit of freâ— Garce and good Pleasure of God that this Mystery waâ— made known and manifested 3. That whateveâ— outward Discoveries are made thereof unto alâ— within â—he visible Church yet the more speciaâ— Maniâ—estations and Discoveries thereof are reserved for and made manifest unto the Saintâ— 4. That this is a Mystery which hath Glory iâ—â—t 5. That the Glory of this Mystery is not ordinary There is in it The Riches of Glory 6. Thâ—â— this is now made known among the Gentiles 7. Thâ—â— the Quintessence Kiâ—nel or the Riches of thâ— Glory of this Mystery or the very â—nd or aiâ— thereof is Christ in you the Hope of Glory What we have to say upon this Verse we shaâ—â— reduce to these principal Heads First There is a Glory to come whereof somâ— shall be made partakers Secondly There is an Hope of that Glory whicâ— may be attained in time Thirdly The surest ground and most undoubâ—â—d Mark of that Hope is Christ lâ—ving and woâ—â—ing in the Soul Fourthly Here is unfolded a short sum of a the riches of the Glory of the Mystery of the Gospel Christinus the Hope of Glory As to the First Head We see there is a Glory whereof Bâ—lievers here have an Hope and in the expectation whereof they are to live This â—hrough â—he whole Scripture is sufficiently held forth as â—hat which the real Children of God are to meet with And in the beholding whereof they are supported and comforted against all Rancounters â—hey may meet with in a wicked World But who can tell what this Glory is Seeing
pleasant and delectable â—o us here We only shall make mention of the most principal ones As 1 It is a Life of greaâ— Joy and Gladness They shall obtainjoy and gladness Isa. 35.10 and 51 8. Then thâ—s Gladness is great it shall be an unspeakably glorious Joy 1 Pet. 1.8 For then they shall see him seeing the joy which now they have when they love him whom they see not and believe on an unseen Christ is inexpressible and full of Glory How much more inexpressibly full of Glory shall they then be when they come to embrace him whom their Soul loveth whom now they enjoy alone by Faith Spiritual Joy and Gladness in the Holy Ghost is the very beginings of it in time Rom. 14.17 It is here a Fruit of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 It is an exceeding great joy 1 Pet. 4.13 That when his Glory shall be revealed ye may be glad also with exceeding joy It is an everlasting joy â—sa 35.10 and 51.11 The very earnest thereof here enjoyed far surpâ—steth the laughing joy of the wicked Psal. 4 7 It is a peculiar joy a rejoycing in the gâ—adness of his Nation Psal. 106.5 Here is Fulness of joy Psal 16.11 2. It is a Life of clear Sight we shall know no more in part but know even as we are known 1 Cor. 13.12 And We shall see him as he â—s 1 Joh 3.2 Now we see darkly through a Glaâ—s But then face to face 1 Cor. 13.12 In the Light of Glory there is no Daâ—kness The Soul no sooner enters the threshold of Glory but it is delivered from all Damps Mists Clouds and Imperfections and capacitate more fully and distiâ—ctly to receive the Outtings of Light â—verlastingly flowing from that Fountain of Light who dwelleth In the Light which no man can approach unto 1 Tâ—m 6.16 Not that the Soul shall then be in case to behold Gods being whom no man hath seen or caâ— see He remains for ever God Invisible 1 Tim 1.17 And the Believer a finite Creature and sâ— incapable to behold the Being of God whicâ— is Infinite and Invisible But they shall be admitted to such nearness and enjoy such immediate Manifestations and Beams flowing froâ— the Fountain of Glory that it shall be as a seâ—ing of him face to face and a knowing of him as we are known in comparison of what here enjoyed Undoubtedly our Understandinâ— though never so deep shall be there compleaâ—ly satisfied and that is enough and may satisâ—â—â— us 3. That Glory hath a wonderful transforâ—ing vertue as appeareth from 1 Iohn 3.2 〈◊〉 shall be like Him that is like unto Christ 〈◊〉 whom the Apostle speaks there for we shaâ—â— see him as he is The discoveries of God in thâ— Land of Glory shall transform us and iâ— print in the Soul those Heavenly Accompliâ—â—ments which shall make us like unto him Tâ—â— Divine rayes proceeding from that Object 〈◊〉 received by the Soul shall make it so farâ—â— capable conformable to the Object caâ—â—â—ing alongst with them a transforming Poâ—â—â— and Vertue They shall imprint in the Souâ—â— lively Copy of the Glorious Communicaâ—â— Vertues after a more Clear full Heavenly 〈◊〉 visible way and in a far greater measure 〈◊〉 here Though even here the Glory of the Lord being seen as in a Glass changeth the Believer Into the same Image from Glory to Glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord 2 Cor. 3.18 This is a powerful operative Glory a continual refreshing Glory 4. That Glory filleth up the spacious desires and out-stretched uptakings of the Soul so that the Soul living in Glory can complain of no wants but is compleatly satisfied Ps. l7. 15 I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness Then shall all the corners of the wide and vastly enlarged Soul be fully satisfied There shall be no Hunger and Thirst there after wants for all shall be enjoyed what the Soul can desire This teacheth us 1 st That all the good to be enjoyed there shall be real and not apparent only and imaginary 2 ly It shall be a most fit and suteable good other wayes it could never satisfy superfluity of Water is satisfying to a Fish because in its Element yet could not be so to man who lives in another Element 3 ly There shall be no scarcity of â—hat suteable and convenient good but a fulness that shall answer all the extended desires of the Soul 4 ly That the Soul shall possess and enjoy this â—ullness that it may be satisfied therewith and get all its wanâ—s filled up thereby 5. In â—hat Glory the Believer is admitted to more close Fellowship with God For there they are admitted to stand before the Throne of God Revel 7.15 There it is that they shall fully possess Him as their Portion and thaâ— familiarly For they â—tand there as Ministers oâ— State attending the Kings own person Then behold they Hâ—s Face and live and do rejoyce iâ— the Light of his Countenance day and nighâ— They are made Pillars in the Temple of God and they shall go no more out Rev. 3.12 Glorâ— is their House and Element They could noâ— live without thâ—t Glory They could noâ— breath without His Company He dwells among them even He that sitteth upon t thâ— Throne Revel 7.15 There the great Tabernacle of God is with men whereof this Tabernacle enjoyed by them in the Church Militanâ— is but a smâ—ll resemblance There it is when that word shaâ—l be made good and lively whicâ— we have Revel 21.3 And I heard a great voicâ— out of Heaven saying Behold the Tabernacle 〈◊〉 God is with men and He will dwell with them anâ— they shall be his People and God himself shall bâ— with them and shall be their God The Believeâ— there lyeth in the Bosome of God there it 〈◊〉 that They shall see his Face and his Name shall bâ— in their Foreheads Revel 22 4. 6. In Glory they shall have near Communioâ— wiâ—h Jesus Christ their Head their Husbanâ— their Brother their Lord and King Then they are with Christ and enjoy Him Phil. 1 23. 2 Cor. 5.8 And â—hat for ever and ever 1 Thess 4.17 He lives with them and feed them The Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne shall feed them and shall lead them Rev. 7 17. They shall sit with him there upon his Throne Revel 3.21 There got they the Morning Star Revel 2.28 There do they eat of the hidden Manna Rev. 2.17 Here the Soul is put to long for nearness with Christ and complain of clouds interrupting the Beams of His Love But there they shall see Him to their Contentment and Satisfaction For they shall be continually with the Lord and follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth Revel 14.4 There shall the Iâ—habitanâ—s of Glory be partakers of the Marriage of the Lamb Revel 19 7 8. 7. In Glory their Work and Imployment shall be to serve God and the Lamb day and night in his Temple Revel 7 15. and 22.3 And to praise
foâ— the Adoption to wit the Redemption of our Body for we are saved by Hope But hope that is seen 〈◊〉 not hope for what a man seâ—th why doth he yeâ— hope for But if we hope for that we see not that do we with Patience wait fâ—r it Rom 8.23.24 25 Glory is purchased for them at a dear raâ—e to wit the Blood of Christ and promised to to them by the GOD of Truth who cannot lie Nevertheless while here in time though now and hâ—â— aâ— the LORD sees good they may geâ— some foretaste of that life of Glory and have bestâ—wed on them the Earnest of the Inheritance even the Holy Spirit of promise by whom they 〈◊〉 sealeâ— Yet they must waiâ— until the Redemâ—tion of the Purchased Possession Ephes 1.13.14 All that is goten here is but the earnest of what is to come and of what is folded up in the promise which they must follow after in Faith and hope Here they wait for that Glory and live in the Faith and expectation of what is to come And now abideth Faith Hope c. 1 Cor 13.13 The Lord sees it good it should bâ— so for wise and weighty reasons we shall offer some few which may satisfie us herein 1 Reason That he may attain the praise of his truth and faithfulness when it is seen that such who are no Fools dare nevertheless adventure their Souls and all their Concernments upon GODs naked word dâ—pend thereupon and Possess their Souls in patience and thus live in hope Yea not only so but Rejoyce in the hope of the Glory of GOD. Rom. 5.2 Though for the present they may have very little or nothing in hand 2. Reason That thereby the several Graces of GODs Spirit may be exercised in them as Faith Patience longing c. Whereof the beliver shall make no use when once in possession of Glory The hope that is seen is no hope that is hope has no more place when the thing hoped for is seen and poâ—sessed And where hope is in exercise there is also a patient waiting all which acknowledge Faith to be the foundation whereon â—hâ—y stand Now is the time and season â—or these Fruits to grow for aâ— soon as the hoped for Inheritance is attained these flowers shall no more bloâ—som in the Garden of the Soul Now must we live by Faiâ—â— and not by Sense 2 Cor. 5.7 Now is it thaâ— they groan earnestly desiring to be cloathâ—â— upon with their House which is from Heaveâ— to wit while they are in this Tabernacle 2 Cor 5.1 2 4. Now abideth Faith Hope 1 Cor. l3. 13 3. Reason That they may be prepared anâ— made meet for â—hat Glory and to be partakers 〈◊〉 the Inheritance of the Saints in Light Col. 1 1â— Glory is no ordinary Life neither shall Sinner find a breathing in that Element they must bâ— changed washed and prepared before theâ— come there The rough stones win out of Natures Womb must be plained and polished before they can be useâ—ull Materials for the higher House Here then must the Expectants of thaâ— Glory through the exercise of Faith Hope Patience c. Be adorned and fitted for thâ—â— glorious Habitation The Children that were 〈◊〉 stand before the King of Babylon were to bâ— taughâ— and â—â—â—â—ished wiâ—h the Kingâ— Meat aâ—â— Wine wâ—ich be Drank for the space of thâ—â—â— years Dan. 1 3 4 5. Far more then are 〈◊〉 Attenders oâ— Glory to be prepared wherebâ— they may be fiâ—ted to stand in the presence oâ— the greaâ— King of Glory and that everlastingly 4. Reason Thâ—â— thereby Glory may be the sweeter aâ—d welcomer unto them when thâ—â— get it a loâ—g expected Crown is the welcomer when oâ—â—â—ined 5. Reason That thereby He may have occasion to evidence the Glory of his Power Truth and Faithfulness in bringing them at last to the Possession of the promised Inheritance after some few years patient waiting and that notwithstanding of many difficulties in the way the deceitfulness of their own Hearts the many discouragements from within and from without wherewith they had to Fight 6. Reason That the ungodly among whom they live may be the more inexcusable who say in effect that there is no God and that he is not to be trusted That Glory and Blessedness is but a meer dream and fancy when they see that Believers among them rest on the Faithful word of God and comfort themselves in the Hope of Glory which shall be revealed and that in the midst of reproaches Persecutions Poverty Difficulties c. And that they will not let go the hope of that Inheritance for all the Profite and Pleasures of the World or condescend to any thing which in the least might prejudge that Hope no not for the greatest of worldly advantages Rom. 8.18 But here take some words of Vse alongst with you 1. For Caution to such who now â—nd then win at some Foretastings of this glorious Life of Glory and sometimes are admitted to the Kings Banqueting-house and filled with the Kisses of his Mouth and Eat of his Aples of Love and so are brought into the very Suburbs of Heaven I would say these things unto them 1. Think not that that life will alwayes continue you may now and then have more then ordinary Dainties and some dayes of Feasting yet remember that thy Life here is by Faith Hope c. And not by Sense But providing that it please thâ— Lord out of his overflowing Goodness foâ— his own Glory to daâ—dle you on his Kneeâ— and to treat you more then ordinary make iâ— welcome Be not puffed up therewith noâ— imagine that it will be your ordinary fare sâ— long as here in time But rather look that therâ— will be a low ebb after such a Spring-flood and that that Table shall yet again be drawn And so prepare your self for your ordinary portion remembring that thy Life here Is Life of Hope grounded upon Faith 2. Whâ—â— of this sort of extraordinary intertainmeâ—â— you also get look but on it as a Pledge or Aâ—les-penny and endeavour to carry your selvâ— as Expectants of Glory looking out into thaâ— which is to come and let your desires growâ— the more to compleat the Harvest since thâ— first Fruits are so sweet be not satisfied wiâ—â— what you receive of that nature as if it weâ—â— your Portion Glory is here not in Hand bâ— in Hope to such 2. Vse To such who are great Strange to the fore-tastings of Sense let them not 〈◊〉 discouraged But 1. Be satisfied though the Lord should with hold from you these more extraordinary Out-lettings of his Favour and deal with thee otherwise then with some Remember that your ordinary way of living is a Life of Hope 2. Make use of this Hope which is your Life to the best advantage Exercise thy Faith and comfort thy self in the Hope of the Glory of God Thus shall you Glorify Him who hath called you to this Hope of his Kingdom knowing
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
to be â—ound neither will they seek it any other where he alone must be the GOD of their Salvation And therefore they wait and look out â—or Him and encourrage themselves with the Hope of a happy Outgate My GOD will hear me They will wait upon the LORD that hideth His Face and will look for Him Isa 8 17. Meditating on that Word Isa 45.22 Look unto me and be ye saved all the ends of the Earth Though they dare not say they have atâ—ained that Lively Hope yet they know that â—hey are at the right Door therefore will not give over but resolves so long as there is Life or Breath in them to hang at the cheeks of GOD's gates come of it what will Thus Hope preseâ—ves the Soul from dispair or givâ—ng over the Cause as desperate and from sayâ—ng with that wicked king 2 King 6.33 This evil is of the LORD why should I wait for â—he LORD any longer 4. Some being enviroâ—ed with temptations and thick clouds may conclude that they are cast off and say in â—heir haste that the LORD hath forgotten â—hem and cast tâ—em off Yea and say roundâ—y that there is no Hope that their Hope is perished from the LORD Lam 3.18 Isa 40.27 Ezek 37.8 And that they are cuâ— off Psal 31.22 And that all Men are lyers Psal 116.10 11 And with Iob Chap 17 15. 19 10 And where is now my Hope Mine Hope hath he removed like a tree Yet notwithstanding of all this they will not quite nor sell their Interest of Christ and Heaven but reckon it their great priviledge that they are out of hell and that GOD renews his Mercys to them day by day this they recall to mind therefore have they Hope Lam 3.21 Vse Since there is such a noble and excellent Grace every way so necessary and profiâ—able Surely it is our great concâ—rnment anâ— interest to try and search narrowly whithâ—â— we have it or not Many phansie they haveâ— true lively Hope and alas it is but a clatch up and imaginary hope they die with a lie iâ— their Right Hand Again others who havâ— really this Hope in their Soul notwithstanding entertaìn suspicious that all is wrong witâ— them and therefore cry out that their Strengtâ— and Hope in GOD is departed Therefor wâ— shall speak a word to both And 1 All havâ— not a True and Lively Hope who say theâ— have it There is a generation that is reallâ— without Hope Eph 2.12 Who yet phansie they have a sure and well grounded Hopeâ— But the hope of many shall â—erish with themselves Pro 11.7 Iob. 18.13.14 Alâ—â— this ill grounded hope will not support the Man that hath it What is the hope of the Hypocrite though he hath gained when God taketh away hisSoul saith Iob. ch 27.8.2 It must be undoubtedly a sad and lamentable Disappoinment of their Expectations many shall meet with when their Hope shall forsake them and sink under them as the broken reed of Egypt And what more lamentable then to credit the stress of their immortal Souls in a rotten â—reed and to phansie when Death shall come to Land in Glory and yet for them and their Hope uâ—â—erly to perish Oh! how shall their former Hope augment their irrecoverable and eternal Misery and rende their condition more lamentable then they had never had such a Hope 3. Shall not this disappointment occasion great confusion of Faces Shall it not fare with them as with the Troops of â—ema and the Companies of Sheba â—o that they shall be ashamed and conâ—ounded becâ—use they had hoped Job 6.19 20. Many pass now for great Christians and have a hope they will not quite with which shall fill their Faces with conâ—usion when they come to see that their Hope hath been but a meer Dream 4. Is it not a terrible plague and judgement to be so far possessed with blindness as not only to be ignorant where we are but to dreaâ— and phansie that we walk on a sure and even ground whereas puffed up with vain presumption we are walking on the very sides of the pit not knowing but every step may land us in Eternity and so in everlasting confusion Alas how lamentable is it to see people feeding upon ashes and turned aside with a deceitful heart so that they cannot deliver their Soul Nor say is there not a lie in my right hand Isa 44.20.5 Providing the mâ—ssing of our hope were of small importance the matter were not so great But to miss and be disappointed of Glory of Eternal Salvation of the Fellowship of GOD Eternally O how dreadful must that be how can such a loss ever be repaired what can man give for the Redemption of his Soul Or what shall hâ— give in exchange thereof what thing imaginable can repair this irrepairable Loss 6. Providing this loss could ever be recovered it were the more supportable But when this one Loss and disappointment can never be again repaired what a terrible bussiness then to rest here in time on a false hope which with them will perish and give up the Ghost their being noâ— returning again to make amendment of by gone miscarriages O! Then should not every Soul â—eriously consider how greatly it is thâ—â— Interest to ponder and narrowly to examine on what ground their Hope resteth Now â—or helping such out of their self deceitfulness who fancy they have the right Hope and are yet strangers thereto And for easing such who cannot be convinced that their Hopâ— is of the right kind I shall in short propose some Marks whereby the one and and the other may try themselveâ— 1. Mark Let every one try how they came by their Hope that Hope which is born with us and hath alwise lodged in us and kept us in peace since we came into the World providing we have no other cannot be of the right stamp For hope is a fruit of the Spirit For we through the Spirit wait for the Hope of Righteousness by Faith Gal 5 5. There is no abounding in hope but through the power of the holy Ghost Rom. 15.13 The strength of nature or edâ—cation cannot help us here Our Lord Jesus Christ himself and GOD even our Fathâ—r must give us good hope through Grace 2 Thes 2.16 This hope is from no natural extraction it is of Divine Extract 2. Mark True and lively Hope is ever grounded upon Christ's Righteousness and Resurrection Therefore it is a waiting For the hope of Righteousness by Faith Gal 5.5 Awaiting for what is hoped for through the Righteousness of â—hrist or only by vertue of that Righteousness of Jesus Christ which is laid hold on by Faith so that the hope of Glory is founded thereon We are begotten again unto a lively hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 1 Pet 1 3. So that the hope which is not upon Christ which is not built on his Deaâ—h and Resurrection and upon his imputed Righteousness but on something within
They must endeavour to lay to heart and renew their dependance on GOD with upâ—ightness of heart and â—o pondeâ—â—he Word and to drink it in for it is through patience and comfort of the Scriptures that we have Hope Rom 15.4 5. The life of Hope will occasion frequent outgoings and renewings of Faith on the Mediator receiving him as offered in the Gospel and embracing of GOD as the alone satisfying and satiating portion in Christ Jesus For Hope groweth out of the stock of Faith neither can it be without it so that whenever the Soul can say the Lord is my portion he may safely conclude therefore will I hope So David charged his Soul to hope in GOD. And why Because he was the health of his countenance and his GOD Psal 42 and 43. 6. They must be much on the thoughts oâ— GODS Favours bestowed on them The thoughts of common mercies being renewed unto them every morning encourageth the Church to Hope Lam 3.22.23 24. Thâ— dispensations of GODS loving kindness revealed in preserving â—hem that they are not consumed and the renewed Fruit of his Compassion continually discovered and seriously considered encourageth to Hope Thus laying up as a rich Treasure the experiences of these Expressions of GODS Love and continually living therein will work up the Soul to Hope For Experience worketh Hope Rom 5 4. It is the nourishment as it were of Hope and when this is a way hope must become sick and weak Whereas the thoughts of GODâ— Mercy discovered through Experiences is a noble Cordial and encouâ—agement to hope Let Israâ—l hope in the Lord saith David Psal 130.7 And why For with the Lord there is mercy and with him is plenteous Redemption That is all the stores of Power choise of Methods plenty of Means abundance of wayes to save his People out of their troubles be what they will are in JEHOVAH Then Hope in Him 7. It were necessary there were in such a submissivenss unto GOD that there be nothing in them of a churlish or crabed disposition against the LORD For this occasions his further withdrawing of himself and indrawing of his Influences and so to leave us in the dark It is good therefore to put our mouths in the dust if so be there may be hope stooping in the dust and putting clay in the mouth for fear that it speak against GODâ— Dispensations Lam 3.29 with Iob. 40.4 5 8. It were necessary and needâ—ul in such an occasion to stand and establish themselves in the Faith of GODS Almighty Power whereby he can work wonders The Faith of this helped Abraham to hope against hope Rom. 4. He looked upon God as one who quickneth the dead and therefore he was not discouraged tho the matter in all humane probability was hopeless and desperate A sight oâ— our difficulties in the way as impossible to be mastered makes uâ— often faint and conclude that there is no hope whereas a right sight of his Power and Al sufficiency is an excellent Antidote against the same Gen 15.1 2. 9. Joy and Peece in believing and cleaving to Christ according to the Gospel as it is a work of the GOD of Peace so it makes way not only for to hope but to abound in hope Rom 15.13 10. It were good for such they were continually laying to heart this great and necessary duty to wit in a constant and continued Tract and way to foresake all other ground of hope besides GOD that providing they could not with confidence say that theiâ— hope was in GOD yet that they could sincerly freely declare that with their will they placeâ— not their Hope and Confidence on any thing within themselves Thus the Soul may have somâ— ground for winding up its Anchor tho eveâ— under the power of dreadful unbelief 11. It were good in such occasions the did not perâ—mptorly and wickedly cast at tâ—â— ground of hope which other wayes they migâ—â— find nor entertain an obstinate prejudicâ— against themselves but raâ—her lay that weâ—â— to heart Heb 10.35 Cast not away therefoâ—â— your confidence The â—hird â—hing which we have to speâ—â— of is the ground of Hope Christ in you Aâ—â— these words may be coâ—siâ—ered three wayes First In themselves as holding forth great priviledge of Believers in a near and inward Vnion with Christ. Secondly In so far as they hold forth the ground of this lively Hope Thirdly In so far as they point out the Riches of the Glory of the Gospel which is now revealed As to the First Christ in you These words hold forth the wonderful rich priviledge of Believers in their Union and Communion with Christ who is in them For Understanding whereof these following things are worthy to be observed As 1. This Union is one of the greatest Mysteries of the Gospel However now we may wonder and admire not being in case to take it up fully or understand the same before we arrive in the Land of Light where that which is imperfect shall be done a way The Apostle calls it a Mystery yea a Great Mystery Eph 5.32 2. Though it be a great Mysterie and so above our uptakings Nevertheless that we may understand so much thereof as is needful for our Comfort and Growth in Grace let us consider that this Vnion in Scripture is held forth under diverse Similitudes 1. Under the Similitude of the Union between Man and Wife in Marriage Ephes 5.31.32 As Man and Wife become on flâ—sh so Christ and the Believer become one Spirit 1. Cor. 6.16 17. Therefore he is spoken of under the name of a Bridegroom and the Church is called his Bride through the whole Song of Solomon and John tells us Chap. 3.29 That he that hath the Bride is the Bridegrâ—â—m So we read Revel 21.9 Of the Bride the Lambs Wife And as this is to express the usefulness and advantageousness of Christ to the Believer and his Right and Interest in him with what is his So it is also to demonstraâ—e as an evidence of the former the near Vnioâ— and Communion that is beâ—ween Christ anâ— them whereby they are made one â— Under the similitude oâ— that Union which is between the Root and the Branches Ioh 15.1 5. I am the Vine ye are the Branches See also Rom 11.17 Which points oâ— thâ— absolute necessity of their depending oâ— him for influences of Life and Strength Anâ— the necessity of their living and abidng in Him by Faith for that end And so to suck 〈◊〉 and sap from Him continually it holds forth also their close and inward Union wiâ—h Him that we in him are one Tree 3 Under the similituâ—e of that Union whicâ— is between the head and the members 1 Coâ— 12.12 Therefore the Head of every Man Christ 1 Cor 11.3 And he is the Head of 〈◊〉 body Eph 4.15 and 5.23 Col 1. 〈◊〉 To shew that all the Influences of Life worâ—ing motion and feeling c. are of him So that we live move and have our
Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name He shall teach you all things So that the Comforter himself as distinguished from his teaching is promised here And Ioh 15.26 He is also promised as contradistinguished from his Operations and testifying oâ— Christ. 4. The Believer is said to have the Spirit So that they belong not to Christ who have not have the Spirit of Christ Rom 8.9 He is said to dwell in them Rom 8.11 1 Cor 3.16 2 Tim 1.14 To be with them Ioh 14.17 And to be in them Rom 8.11 By his Spirit that dwelleth in you 5. Not only doth the Spirit help our infirmities which is through Grace But the Spirit himself is said to make intercession for us with groaninos which cannot be uttered which aÌ„pears to be somewhat other that is given them then the meer Graces of the Spirit And that because there immediately follows And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit Rom 8.27 6. The Believer is said to be sealled with the holy Spirit oâ— promise And he is the earnest of our Inheritance Eph 1.13 14. And given as a seal and Pledge Eph 4.30 The earnest of the Spirit is given in their hearts 2 Cor 1.22 So also 2. Cor 5.5 which seems to hold out more than his Fruits 7. Therefore the Believer is commanded not only not to quench the Spirit Ephes 5. 19. which may have respect to his Operations and Indrawings of Grace in the Soul But also not to grieve the Spirit Ephes 4.30 Which seems to import the dwelling of the Spirit in them 8. It is by vertue of this Union betwixt the Spirit and the believer that their very dust is raised up in the last day so that God by the Spirit that dwelleth in them shall quicken their mortal bodies Rom 8.11 This Spirit then that dwelleth in them must be somewhat else then his Graces for by these the mortal bodies are not quickened And he is called the Spirit of Him that raised up Iesus from the dead 9. He is said to be sent forth into their Heaâ—ts crying Abba Father Gal 4.6 10. David prayeth expresly Psal 51.11 That the LORD would not take his Holy Spirit from him Vse 1. This is a noble point of Truth and full of many grounds oâ— Comfort And how could Believers other wayes then rejoyce providing this Union betwixt Christ and them were believed Did they know that Christ were in them keeping house in them dweling with them with joy and satisfaction would it not make them sing under all adversity And that upon a four fold account 1. Upon the account of the great Honour which iâ— brought to them thereby even to them who formerly were meer cages of unclean spirits and yet still have much coorruption abiding in them That the King of Zion who is King of kings LORD of Lords Heir of all the Brightness oâ— his Fathers Glory and the express Image of his Person Heb 1.3 Who is the Image of the invisible GOD the first borne of every Creature Col 1.15 That he I say should come and loege with them lodge in their Heart within their Soul That he whom the Heaven of heavens cannot contain that is High and Lofty who dwells in Eternity should live with such a One and be united with such O what incomprehensible Honour is this Elizabeth cryed once with great admiration And whence is this to me that the Mother of my Lord should come to me Luke 1.43 And may not the Believer with much more admiration cry out And whence is this to me that my Lord himself should come to me And not only so but come to me and dwell and abide with me 2. Here is great comfort on the account of profit and advantage Have they the Heir of all things so near to them and with them living in them what can they then want For if Christ be theirs all things are theirs life death â—hings present and things to come 1 Cor 3.22 23. Hath GOD given Christ and shall he not with him also freely give us all things Rom â— 32 And what can they lack that have all things what can they want who have Him in them in whom dwells all the fullness of the God head bodily Col 2.9 What want they who have Heaven And can they want Heaven within them who have Christ within them They are compleat in him Col 2.10 Which is â—he Head of all principality and power 3. Here is comfor upon the account of safety Who or what can harm them who have preservation or salvation wiâ—hin them Christ the Author of Eternal Salvation within them O what security for them in whom he is What can tribulation or distress or famine or nâ—kedness or peril or sword do to such can they separate him who is become a Habitation for Christ from the love of GOD which is in Christ Jesus No no can the ship drown wherein Christ is Can fire or water harm a Soul who is a Habitation for Christ What can satan do against Christs lodging Can he or dare he cast it down 4. Here is Comfort upon the account of security and tranquility For who can weaken and endamage their right to Glory that allready have begun Glory in the soul to wit Christ the hope of Glory can satan or the world make such an one miserable No surely greater is He that is in them then he that is in the world 1 Ioh 4.4 What surer pledge of Heaven and Salvation can the soul have then a begun possession What is Heaven other then a life of Communion with GOD in the nearest and strictest degreâ— And 〈◊〉 stricteâ— Union can any have with Christ than to have him in them Vse 2 Unbelievers and strangers â—o Christ may hence gather these princâ—pal Points for their better improvement oâ—â—he â—oresaid Truths 1. Have nâ— mean â—houghâ—s â—f â—he life and state of Bâ—lievâ—rs You sâ—e to what they are â—xâ—lâ—ed hâ—wever contempâ—able in the eyes of â—he World despise you such an incomprehensiâ—le â—â—ch advantage Iâ— is no such despicâ—ble and mean Life as you phansie Have then a higher esteem thereof if you would be truely Wise. 2. Again on the other hand ponder seriously what a fearful and mâ—serable condiâ—ion iâ— is wherâ—in ye are who are strangeâ—s to Christ And in place of Christ in you the Hâ—pe of Glory ye have satan â—n you working thâ— wâ—â—ks of darkness blinding the mind left the light of the glorious Gospel â—f Christ who is the Image of God shouuld shine unto you 2 Cor 4 4. Beâ—ng without Christ â—o ye have no hope strangers from the Covenants â—f promise and without God Ephes 2 21. Without a Leader and Commander Isa 55. Without Protectâ—on or â—oy and wâ—thout â—ll that â—s good 3 Do noâ— only think on it â—ut dwell on the thoughts of it until that your â—earts be wroughâ— up to a real sorrow and â—rief that ye have been so long in such a conâ—ition
is begun in them therefore they shall live the Life of Glory hereafter 9. These that have Christ in them they have received Abundance of Grace and of the Gift of Righteousness through Christ living in them And so shall certainly Reign in Life by Him Rom. 5.17.10 Such who have Christ in them they are quickned together with Him yea they are raised up together in Heavenly places in Christ Iesus Ephes. 2.5 6. Christ takes possession in their Name and they in him as their Head and Agent And so in effect and in respect of legal Certainty they have present possession of Glory so that Christ in them must be the assured hope of Glory For further clearing and confirming hereof observe these following Considerations To wit 1. That Christs being and living in the Soul gives us to know the greatest Love and Respect He hath for that Soul And whom he Loves He Loves unto the end Ioh. 13 1. And what can separate the Soul from his Love Rom. 8.38 39.2 Christs coming into a Soul intimates his union therewith which union is fast and who can loose it And being one with him and united with him so they shall be alwayes with him He hath prayed that they might be with him wherâ— he is that they might behold his Glory Ioh. 17.24 He will not want his Servants For where he is there they must be also Joh 12.26.3 Christs being in the Soul holds forth his protection He â—s in them to own and defend them who can wrong them whom Christ defends Whom Christ defends the Father defends also Joh. 10.27 28 29 30. My sheep hear my voise and I know them and they follow me And I give unto them Eternal Life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand My Father which gave them me is greater then all â—nd no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand I and my Father are one 4. Christ is in them taking possession of them as of his own purchase And who shall or can take his Possession over his head Because greater is He that is in them then he that is in the World 1 Joh. 4.4.5 He is in them as fitting and preparing them for Glory and Sanctifying and cleansing them With the washing of Water by the Word That He might present them to himself a Glorious Church not having spot or wrinckle or any such thing but that they should be Holy and without blemish Ephes. 5.26 27.6 He is in them by his Spirit as the pledge and earnest of Glory Ephes. 1.13 14. 2 Cor. 1.22.7 In a word that he is in them is begun Glory Glory in the Seed and in the out-sprouting He is in them working the work of Grace and that is the foundation of Glory Here they have begun Communion with him and that shall never be broken off but be carried on to a more immâ—diate sweet full and uninterrupted Fellowship in Glory so that Christ in the Believer can be no other thing then the sure hope of Glory Vse 1. This Truth makes way for confuting 1. Papists who are against assurance of Salvavation and who defend and teach that we are to fear and doubt all the dayes of our Lifâ— For if Christ in us be the assured hope of Glory then undoubtedly some of these in whom Christ dwelleth attain to this assurance For some of them come through Grace to see that Christ dwells and abids in them 2. It is for confutation of Arminians who lay a sure foundation for the doubting of Papists in â—aying that the Saints may fall away and that wholly and finally But providing that were true then Christ should not be the Hope of Glory in the Saints For according to that Doctrine he could be in us to day and not tomorrow and so his being in us could be no hope of Glory 3. It is for confutation of Antimonians who deny Sanctâ—fication to be any evidence of Justification notwithstanding we see that Christ in Believers is a sure and fast ground of the hope of Glory Now his being in them is through the work of Sanctâ—fication 4. For confuâ—ing of poor deceived Souls who build their Hope of Glory on some other thing As 1 Upon an imagination that God is merciful which can afford them no more ground of the hope of Glory then to all living yea then to Devils 2 Who build their hope upon their naked fancy of their good Heart which is most false the Heart being Deceitful above all things and desperately wicked So is it an undoubted token that Christ is not in them For since He iâ— Light so should he discover their deceitfulness unto them So that it can never be a ground of Hope but a sufficient foundation of a real imagination and of a dreadful deceit 3. Who build their hope upon their innocency and freedom from scandalous out-breakings with the Pharisee Luke 18 Yea a Heathen will pretend more then they 4 Who build upon their Civility and Sobriety which readily they may have through a soft nature humor through good education corrupteâ— by ends which may be a ground of self-deceiving though never of the hope of Glory 5. Who buiâ—d on ouâ—ward diligence and carefulness after publick Worship wherein a Pharisee may go beyond them and which at most but holds forth that they have a Name they live and yet are dead Dead and formal Worship is no assured hope of Glory 6 Who build on the forsaking some Lusts and former evil practises to which they were formerly addicted whereas notwithstanding Satan may have a sure and certain Possâ—ssion of their Soul Vse 2. This Truth serves to inform us of these two 1. That the state of these who are yet without Christ is very sad and lamentable For if without Christ they have no hope of Glory And what have they then though they had the World at their disposal and were swiming in Pleasureâ— Alas they want that which might sweeten the want of all other things to wit the hope of Glory 2. That the condition of those who have fled to Christ and have gotten that noble Guest Christ in them is unspeakably happy For let their outward Estate be here in the World what it will they may Sing in the hope of the Glory of God having Christ in them so they have the assuredest hope of Glory imaginable They have Christ who is the whole Covenant whereby Glory is ensured They have him withâ—n their Souls who already hath given them the possession of Glory fitting them to have a Portion in the Inheritance of the Saints in Light And who takes possession of them that he and they may never more be separate Vse 3. This Doctrine contains also in it a Reproof 1. To Unbelievers who notwithstanding they be wholly without Christ and his Spirit nevertheless dreams and imagins that they have an undoubted right unto Glory And so deceives themselves wiâ—h a vain and
a new counsellour a new leaâ—er to lead them in all their wayes they walk now in the strength of the LORD being strong in him and in the power of his might Ephes 6.10 They have new principles and new Motives to their work They go now to their Duties upon another ground and for other ends then formerly aâ—d this is not at some times at starts and siâ—s but in a more serious constant and resolute manner For they walk after the Spirit 13 Mark These who have this Spirit of Christ in them they live by Faith â—nd depend upon him for Grace Strength Iâ—fluences and Life that they may sâ—rve him in their naâ—ural ordinary and civil Conversations as well as in their Christian Life That they may be for him and forâ—his Glory in all their eating drinking sleeping walking wiâ—hin and without house in their ordinary calling work and Imployment as well as in the hearing of the Word and in Prayer The Life which they now live in the flâ—sh is by Faith Galâ— 2.20 14 Mark These that have Christ in them are of a broken and contriâ—e Spirit they dare not arrogantly look up to GOD they lyin the dâ—st and cry guilty glorifying GOD and taking shame unto themselves He dwells with him that is of a contrite humble Spirit Isa 57 15. Such a Heart is his second Throne whereas the proud he sees a far off 15. Mark Who have Christ in them they get something of a publick Spirit That mind is in part in them which also was in Christ Phil 2.5 So that they havâ— a heart to lay out themselves more effectually for Zion then formerly Christs cause and the Suffâ—rings of his people lyes nearer theiâ— heart then their own things From these Marks we may try and see iâ— we have ground to think that Christ is really in us or not Now we come in the Third place to speak of these words Christ in you the Hope of Glory n so farr as they are the riches of the Glory of this Mysterie which is now made manifest among the Gentiles which will lead us to speak of the first part of the verse wherein as we said in the beginning is a praise and high commendation of the Gospel on several accounts As 1. Being a Mysterie 2. A Mystery that hath Glory in it 3. A Mystery that hath the Riches of Glory in it 4. A Mysterie now made manifest among the Gentiles 5. Tho so nevertheless the Riches of the Glory of this Mysterie is not made manifâ—st to all the Gentiles nay not unto all that hear the Gosâ—â—l but to the Saints mentioned verse 26.6 And that according to the good pleasurâ— of GOD Tâ— whom GOD would make known 7. So thâ—â— it is aloâ—e GODâ— work to make known this Mysterie For the opening up of this Businesâ— we shall first speak a word concerning every one of these paâ—ticulars severally And then to all joyntly holding â—his forth To wit that Christ in the Believer is the Hope of Glory First then the Gospel is a Mysterie consider it the Doctrine of the Gospel is a Divine deâ—p Mysterious Truth therefore it is called the Mysterie of the Gospel Ephes 6.19 we may undeâ—stand that it is called a Mysterie in these respects 1. In respect of the first finding of it out â—he Gospel was not at first â—ound out by men 〈◊〉 Angels never could they have fallen upon 〈◊〉 It went far above the reach of their capaciâ—â—es to find out the way how the condemned â—â—nner should again be reconciled unto GOD â—â—is only is the invention of GOD therefore 〈◊〉 is called the Mysterie of his will Ephes 1.9 〈◊〉 Mystery unto which he gave a being out of â—â—s own good will and pleasure He willed it â—nd therefore it was â— The Gospel is a Mystery in respect of the discoâ—ery and making known thereof As no flesh â—ould have found it out so no flesh could have â—allen on such a way until it pleased the LORD â—o make it known flesh and blood hath not â—evealed it Math 16.17 Yea the Angels â—ould not have revealled it for they were strangers thereunto and came to the knowledge â—hereof by the Church Eph 3.10 By the Churc was the manifold wisdom of GOD to wit in the mystery of the Gospel made known unto the Principalites and powers in Heavenly places therefore we hear that the Angels are present in the Assemblies of GODâ— people 1 Cor 11.10 and Peter â—els us 1. Pet 1.12 That â—he Angels are desirouâ— to look into these things Tim 3.16 Seen of Angels giving us to know so much They looked up with desire and satisfaction as seeing something new in Him which formerly they had not seen 3. The Gospel is a Mystery in respect of the way and manner of its manifestation For it was not wholy at once revealed buâ— by degrees the more to hold forth the worth and excelency â—hereof for fiâ—st darkly revealed and maniâ—ested to Adam in this The seed of the woman shall bruise the head of the Serpent Gen 3.14 15 Then 2ly It was a litle more clearly discovâ—red unto Abraham Isaac and Iacob These weâ—e the old stock of Belivers And this was also â—hrough promises when the LORD said unâ—o Abraham â—hat he should be the father of many Nations Gen 15.5 6. And that in hiâ— all families of â—he earth should be blessâ—d Gen 12.3 and 18.18 and 22.18 Such like prâ—mâ—ses we fiâ—d made unto Isaac Gen 26 4 And unto Iacob Gen 28 14. And thâ—â— was the verâ— Gospel as Paul declareth Gal 3.8 And Peter Act. 3.25 3ly It was yet more clearly discovered unto Moses and uâ—to the peoâ—le which Gâ—D then separated for himself in typs shadowes â—ffâ—rings â—â—d â—nd otheâ— figures and legal ceremonies all which held forth the way of Salvaâ—ion through a câ—ucâ—fiâ—d Mediator 4ly Then was â—his business more clearly discoveâ—ed unto David â—o that the good â—hâ—ngs of the Gospel are 〈◊〉 the sure mercies of David Act 13.32 â—3 â—4 compared with Psal. 2 6. Isa 55.3 Psâ—l 16.11.5 After that Christ is now come 〈◊〉 whole business is more fully and distinctly manifested then ever In respect of which clearness the Gospel is now said in a special way to be made manifest and revealed and formerly shut up kept secret Rom 16.25.26 Now to him that is of Power to stablish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Iesut Christ according to the revelation of the Mystery which was kept secret since the world began buâ— now is made manifest see also Ephes 3.3.5 See also the verse that goeth before my text as the subjâ—ct of this present Treatise Col 1.26 4. The Gospel is a Mystery in respâ—ct of the Instruments that reveal iâ— GOD himself first revealed it unto Adam Abraham Isaac and Iacob And men who had immediaâ—e Inspiraions were imployed in this work Now at last his own Son Jesus Christ is imployed in this Embassagâ— Heb 2 3 5. It is a Mystery in respect
of the persons to whom it is openly publâ—shâ—d It must be a mysterious business which Gâ—D will not make known to all the world This doth also hold out the singularity and excellency of the same that not every one can mâ—ke to the knowledge thereof buâ— only some particular persons and Nations GOD revealed the Gospel to few save Abraham family in his dayâ—s And as he revealed it to the posterity of Iacob very few of other Nations wâ—re priviledged with it He sheweth his word unto Jacob his statutes and 〈◊〉 judgements unto Isrâ—el He hath not dealt so wit any Nation Psal. 147 19.20 And so commandeth Christ that for a time his Disciple should not go into the way of the Gentiles noâ— enter into any City of the Samaritans Mat 10 5. In times past GOD suffered all Nations to welâ— in their own wayes Act. 14.16 And eveâ— since the door was opened for the Gentiles the Holy Ghost would not suffâ—r Paul anâ— Timothy to Preach the word in Asia and Bethynia Act. 16.6 7. So there has been iâ— all ages since the dayes of Christ many Nâ—tions living in darkness without the gloriouâ— sun-shine of the Gospel And the present staâ—â— of the Jews and far more then the greatesâ— part of the world gives evidence thereof Foâ— that part of the world this day that is enlightened with the outward administeration of thâ— Gospel is but very inconsiderable in respecâ— of the other parts 6. The Gospel is â— Mystery in respect oâ— the few number of those unto whom it iâ— made known in power and life seeing many are called but â—ew are chosen O! How greaâ— a Mystery is it even unto many who arâ— under the outward administration of the same The Mystery of this Mystery is only made knowâ— unto the Saints as the verse before our â—ext holds sorth and Job 17 6. Vnto the men which â—hou gavest me O How few believe the repâ—rt â—hich is revealed in the Gospel Isa. 5â— 1. 7. The Gospel is a Mystery In respect of thâ—â—ptaking or rather defect of the uptaking of many even of those whoâ— have the reâ—ort thereof sounding in their â—atâ— how many remain ignorant thereof Is it not a â—tumbleing block unto some as it was unto â—he Jewes And foolishness unto others as it â—as unto the Greeks Cor 1.23 Therefore â—e see that not many wise men after the flesh â—ot many mighty not many noble are called But â—OD hath chosen the foolish things of the world â—o confound the wise And GOD hath chosen â—he weak things of the world to confound the things â—hich are mighty And base things of the world â—nd things which are despised â—hath GOD chosen 〈◊〉 and things which are not to bring to nouhge â—hings that are Cor 26.27 â—8 These things â—re hid from the wise and prudent and revealâ—d unto babes Mat 11 2â— 8. It is a Mystery even in respect of those â—ho are savingly enlightened â—or they know â—ut these Mysteriâ—s and prophesie in part 1. â—or 13. they see now but through a glass â—arkly 1. Cor 13.12 So that it remains â— Mystery even to those who see most of it â— It is a Mystery in respect of the Matter 〈◊〉 treats of which will appear if we take it up more Generally or more particuliarly First More generally so it contains a Mystery 1. It is called the Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven Matt 13.11 Mark 4.11 Luk. 8.10 Here is indeed singular Mysteries oâ— state whereof few have knowledge or understanding 2. It is called the Mystery of Christ Ephes 3.4 Because that therein that great Mystery is revealed whereof Paul speakeâ—h 1. Tim. 3.16 great is the Mystery of Godlyness GOD was manifest in the flesh Iustifiyed iâ— the Spirit seen of Angels preached unto the Gentiles believed on in the world received up unto Glory The Mystery of Christs Incarnation and his beâ—ng under the Law and of his conception and Birth of his Nâ—tures and of the uniting the same in one Peâ—son of his Offices fiâ—tedness for and excercise of his Offices of his Life Doctrine sufferings and death with the concomitans oâ— all these all which is revealed and known unto us in the Gospel 3. It is called the Mystery of GOD and of the Father and of Christ Col 2.2 As being the Mystery that was joyntly carried on by the Father and the Son whereof the foundation was laid in that old or fundamental conâ—ract of Covenant of redemption betwixt the father and the Son concerning mans Salvâ—tion And in so 〈◊〉 the Gospel makes known unto us how GOD was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself 2. Cor 5.19 Again we take it up more Particularly and it may be called a Mystery because the great Mysteries are folded up therein and thereby Discovered and brought to Light and that in such a Measure of clearness and Revelation as no where else or by no other means is to be obtained These Mysterysare many we shall bring them to Three Heads The first Principal head is of such Mysteries as chiâ—ly respect men whereof we shall name these following 1. How or on what conditions is it that lost and condemned man an heir of hell by Nature under the Wrath of GOD is again reconciled unto GOD and united to him to wit through Faith in Jesus Christ which therefore is called the Mystery of the Faith 1. Tim 3.9 This is only brought to Light through the Gospel 2. How that the Gentiles who someâ—imes were a far off without Christ Aliens from the common wealth of Israel and strangers from the Covenants of promise having no hope and without GOD in the world are now made nigh by the blood of Christ And now are no more stranger and forreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and of the houshold of GOD Ephes 2 1â—.13.17.18.19 and 3.5.6.3 How justice is satisfyed so that the poor Bankrupts who had Forfeited their Right to Glory and banished from the presence of GOD by Law and Justice by reason of their breaking of the Law in Adam and the Original Corruption of the Heart and because of their dayly transgressions are restored again into a State of Friendship and brought again into the favour of GOD and made Heirs of the Kingdom The Gospel only brings these Mysteries to Light For Life and Immortality are brought to Light through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10 4. How that Sinners by Nature standing under the Senteâ—ce of the Law and guilty before GOD are Justified in the presence of a Righteous GOD and are Cloathed with a Righteousnes which is not their own from any thing in themselves but imputed unto them and received by Faiâ—h This is realy the Mysterie of Faith and of the Grace of God that bringeth Salvation Tit. 2.11 And this is Justification by Faith and through the Grace of GOD which the Gospel maketh known and fully revealeth For therein the Kindness and Love of GOD our Saviour toward man appears Not by works of Righteousness
he is still carrying on â—hâ— work of these Offices untill he hath deliverd up the Kingdom to GOD even the Father Cor 15.24.8 That he for the carring on of this work of Redemption was well satisfyed to endure the Cross dispising the shame Heb 12.2.3 c. To be assaulted with and tempted of the Devil Ma 4.1 2 3 c. Luk 4.2 c. Heb 4.15 to be persecuted unto death yea to the death of the Cross Isa 53.9 10. Yea and to bear the wrath and curse of GOD Almighty which we had deserved Gal 2.13 Luâ— 22 44 Isa 53 5.6 10. How may men anâ— Angels stand astonished at these Mysteries oâ— love that he undertook and all for such unto whom he was never can never be obliged yea even for his enemies Rom 5.10.9 Thaâ— he as a publick person head and Representative of the Elect which were given unto him to be saved after that he had remained undeâ— the power of Death until the third day Act 2.24 25.26 Râ—se again from the dead by hiâ— own Power Joh 10 18 And thereby with poweâ— declared himself to be the Son of GOD Rom 1 4 And that he had satisfied Justice having payed the price and come out of Prison Rom 8.34 Heb 2.14 here are Mysteries full of hope soul consolation 10. That he as head and representing his ransomed Ones should ascend up unto Heaven triumphing over principalites powers leading captivetycaptive to take possession in their Name prepare a place for them Heb 6 20 Ephs 4.8 Joh 14 3 The Apostles stood gazing on him and so do ye lift up your heartâ— to gazâ— on him by faiâ—h and view him in that act as pâ—ssing along unto Heaven as leading sin hell death and devils in triumph at his Charioâ— whâ—els when he ascended up on high he led captivity captive then he led captive all our Spiritual enemies that would have ruined enslâ—ved and captivated us Now leading of captives is alwayes after a compleat Victory And therefore whereas at His Death He had conquered them at His Rising scattered them now at His Ascension He leads them Captive O what a Mystery of Hope and of full Assurance is here 11. That even when exalted to that high state of Honour Power and Mâ—jesty having got a Name which is above every Name Phil. 2.9 And glorified with the Father Himself with â—hat Glory which He had wiâ—h the Father beâ—ore the World was Ioh. 17.8 He should not â—orget His poor Members on Earth but that He daily now appears in the presence of GOD â—or them Heb. 9 12.24 7.25 Rom 8.34 Anâ—wering all the particular Accusations brought â—n against them 1 Ioh. 2 1. Tâ—king care that â—hey and their Performances be accepted â—phes 1.6.1 Pet. 2.5 Revel 8.3 How shall â—e attain unto the knowledge of these Heart-â—omforting Cordials and Soul-strengthening Mysteries but alone through the Gospel 12. That He by His Word and Spirit should make real and effectual Application of the good and great Things that are purchased by giving them Saving Grace Repenâ—ance and Remission of Sins Act. 5.31 and Faith Tit. 3.5 6. Ephes. 2.8 2 Cor. 4.13 Ephes. 1.17 18 19. And His Spirit establishing and strengtheâ—iâ—g their Faith Ioh. 14 16 17 26. And bringing the begun work unto perfection through the continual Iâ—fluences of His Spirit And at lâ—st â—â—owning them with Gâ—ory Psal. 110.1 1 Cor 15.25 Who thô such as the Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither hath it entered into thâ— Heart of Man to take up Isa. 64.4 1. Cor. 2 9 Neither doth it yet appear 1 Ioh. 3.2 Nevertheless is the Revelation of these unknowâ— tranâ—cending Mysteries of Glory only madâ— known to us by the Gospel The Third principal Point is of these Mysteries which the Gospel revealâ— to us of GOD These are also many we shall name but a feâ— of them As 1. His Love and Goodness iâ— finding out a way of Salvation and for thâ— end sending His own Son unto the World Well might Iohn say Chap. 3 16. For God solved the World that He gave His only â—egotten 〈◊〉 that whosoever believeth in Him should not perisâ— but have everlasting Life For who can sayâ— express what sort of Love or how great thâ— Love was Heathens without the Churcâ— may observe and see much of His Love in thâ— common tract of Dispensations and His Gooâ—ness should lead them to Repentance Act 1â— 17. But thereby they can never attain sucâ— length as to see and understand this Lovâ— this everlasting Fountain of Love This Loâ—â— and Goodness oâ— GOD is only manifested uâ—to Men through the Gospel Tit. 3.4.2 Hâ—â— Eternal Purpose and Decree of Saving 〈◊〉 Sinners in a way unspeakably tending to 〈◊〉 Praise of His glorious Attributes especiaâ— of His Justice Mercy and Wisdom Nature â—hereat must sing dumb Nature can discover nothing how He has chosen some of us in Christ before the foundation of the World having predestinated them unto the Adoption of Children by Iesus Christ according to the good pleasure of Hes Will To the Praise of the Glory of His Grace Ephes. 1 4 5 6. Only the Gospâ—l doth this Vers 9. Natuâ—e cannot learn us how the Children unbâ—rn not having as yet donâ— either Good or Evil should hâ—ve it said unto them the Elder serve the Younger That the purpose of God according to Election might stand not of works but of Him that calleth Rom 9 11 12 13 3 His Soveraignity is in this matchless Remedy in choosing oâ— some and not all in undertaking for some and not for others sending the glad Tydings of the Gospel to some and not to others reaching the Heart of some through the Preaching of the Gospel and not of others 4. His Justice in punâ—shing of Sin even in His own Son when standing in the place and room of Sinners which is a greater Demonstration of GOD's Justice than ever could be obtaâ—ned by all the Plagues and Judgements whereby He hath ever punished the greatest of Sinners Rom. 3.21 22 25.26.5 His Mercy in pardoning passing by Sinners according to the satisfaction of Christ and in accepting such as believe as Righteous according to â—he good pleasure of His Will Ephes. 1.6 7 8. Can there be a greater Evidence of Mercy than this A greaâ—â—â— cannot be imagined Therefore the Gospel 〈◊〉 called the Grace of GOD. 6. His infinit Wisdom is herein discovered in so ordering thâ— whole work of our Salvation that Justâ—ce should be fully satisfied and Mercy havâ— place so that Mercy Truth should kâ—ss eaâ—h other This is called His manifold Wâ—sdom â—phes 3.10 All Wisdom Ephes. 1.8.7 Hâ—â— Truth in letting loose all His Threaâ—nings upon the Cautioner when the principal Debter was spared From all which it is more than evident thaâ— the Gospel holds sorth the great Plot of Salvation more clearly and distinctly than all â—he works of Creation and Providence could have done But 10. The Gospel is called a Mysteey
according to my Gospel and the preaching of Iesus Christ according to the Revelation of the Mystery which was kept secret since the World began be Glory Rom 16 25 27.5 The Gospel hath a transâ—oâ—ming and changing power cloathing the Heirs of Hell with begun Glory and changing them into the Image of GOD 2 Cor. 3 18. But we all with open face beholding as in â— glass the Glory of the Lord are changed into thâ— same Image from Glory to Glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 6. In a word it is the Instrument of Salvation and therefore called the Gospel of Salvation Ephes 1.13 It is the savour of Life unto Life 2 Cor. 2.16 Before we â—pply this we shall speak a litle to the other part to wit The Riches of Glory Of the Riches of Glory There is not only a Glory to be seen in the Gospel but thereis an exceeding great Excellency of Glory which points forth the singularness and excellency thereof And this will appear First Providing we compare this Glory with other things which either are but such in the esteem of Men or that really have Gloâ—y in muâ—â— less than that Glory which shineth forth â—ere 1. Compare it with that which the Men of this World ordinarly esteem Glorious as greatness of Power and Authority stately Buildings many Servants great and multiplied Titles oâ— Honour and such like Alas what a poor spectacle is all â—he glittering Glory of this World which hath no realiâ—y in it but consists in a meer imagination and the meer blossomings of a â—oving Fancy and fruit of a light and creazie Brain Alas how lean sober and empty is this so called and fancied Glory wherewith the Children of this World are so bewitched taken up with childâ—sh admiration eager gaping and hot pursuing after the same What is it in comparison of this Glory which shineth in the Gospel What is here that should take up the Soul of Man that knoweth what real Glory is What can these ouâ—ward borrowed imaginary Garnishinâ—s do to the real amending and feliciâ—ating of a poor immortal Soul What is here â—or quieâ—ing a raging and disordered Conscience What is here which can make the poor Creature sing when pale Death looks him in the face and when wrestling with the King of Terrors Yea will not the thoughts of all these things wherein the Soul formerly boasted but add to his sorrow and augment his grief now when he seeth he must forsâ—ke all and live in darkness eternally For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away his Glory shall noâ— descend after him Psal. 49.17 What signifiâ—â—h â—hen the Glory of his House how great soâ—ver it be What is the Glory of Great Ones when the Lord kindleâ—h under the same a burning like the burning of a fire Isa. 10.16 Nebuchadnezzar had a Kingdom and Majesty and Glory and Honour so that all People Nations and Languages trembled and fearrd before him whom he would he slew and whom he would he kept alive and whom he would he set up and whom he would be put down Dan 5 18 19. But a poor lamentable Glory was it that could not desend him from the greaâ—est Misery that ever a King or Prince was brought unto Vers. 20 21. But when his heart waes lifted up and his mind hardened in pride he was deposed from his Kingly throne and they took his Glory from him And he was driven from the â—ons of Men and his Heart was made like the Beasts and his dwelling was With thr wild Asses they fed him with gross like Oxen and his Body was wet with the dew of Heaven till he knew that the Most high GOD ruled in the Kingdom of Men and that He appointeth over it whomsoever He will See also Isa. 5.14 Therefore Hell or the Grave hath inlarged hee self and opened her mouth without measure and their glory and their multitude and their pomp and he that rejoiceth shall descend into it How vain and empty then â—ust that Glory be which thus dieth out with a fiâ— by stink How far inferiour to this rich and excellent Glory 2. Compare the Gospel Glory with the great and real Glory of Heaven and Earth this piece of Work of the only wise Creator And it will very far surmount these in Glory The noble Fabrick of Heaven and Earth replinished with such variety of Creatures carries clear evidences of the glorious Wisdom Power of Him who hath made the same out of Nothing and sustaineth them continually by the Word of His Power For He spake and it was done He commanded and it stood fast Psal. 33.9 For the Pillars of thâ— Earth are the Lords and He hath set the World upon them 1 Sam. 2.8 He hath established them Psal 89.2 And formed them Psal 90 2. Who can once look upon this Fabrick being so curious in all its points and proportions without observing singular Glory whâ—ch hold forth the Glory of the great Master Builder Who can look upon the Heavens and observe how admirably they are garnished and indented with so many glorious shining Creatures and not fall a wondering at the rare Building and its excellent Contrivance Who can behold the Sea that terrible and vast Creature the dry Land the Hills the Valleys with their pleasant Rivers and watery Rivolets with all their fair and fruitful Inclosures the spacious vast and bowling VVilderness with all their various different and numerous Inhabitants the VVater with its Fishes the Air above with its Fowls And not behold I say a special ravishing Glory therein But O! what is all â—his Glory in comparison to that Glory which shineth in the Gospel The Flowers springs out of â—he Earth and spreads forâ—h â—ts Glory but suddenly it is cut down and withereth so shall the Heavens and the Earth pass away they shall perish yea all of them shall wax old like a Garment and as a Vesture shaâ—l they be changed Psal. 102.26 But this Glory which shines forth in the Gospel is an eveâ—lasting Glory Great was the VVisdom of GOD which shined forth in creating all things of nothing but in the Gâ—spel The manifold Wisdom of God is maâ—e known Ephes. 3 10. 3. Compare the Glory of the Gospel with the first Covenant made with Adam in the state of Innocency so shall there appear here a singular Glory I confess it was a Glorious Business to see that rational Creature Man in a Covenant of Friendship wiâ—h his Maker For there was wonderful Condescendency on GOD's part in that He came under the Bond of the Covenant and under Obligations of a rich Promise unto the Creature in case of Obedience which otherwayes he was indebted to his Creator by vertue of His Creation And pleasant was it to behold the Wheels of the Soul of Man besmeered with the promise of the rich Recompense of Reward But the Glory of the Gospel Covenant daâ—kens that as the rising of the Sun darkeneth the sparkling light of the
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
to the Simplicity of the Gospel Oh! have compassion on such who hasten Judgement on themselves and love darkness rather than light For what are all the vain Imaginations and Inventions oâ— Men but a darkning of the glorious Splendour of the Sun of Righteousness that He may not shâ—ne in His native and superexcellent Glory 3. We should commiserate that People where His Glory did once shine buâ— seems now to be robbed thereof through the Godlessness and Wickedness of Men being Instruments of Satan in whose Soul the â—ight of this Gospel never shined While Satan hath imployed his Agents to banish the Faithful who carry this Torch of Light and hold up the Glorious Standart of Jesus Christ These ungodly Men do what in them is by their Conclusions Acts and Deeds oâ— unreasonable Persecution to banish Christ His Servants and Gospel out of the Land Oâ— whaâ— a loss is it to be robbed of this Glory providing we have any Tenderness or Sympathie as Christians let us be earnest in Prayer foâ— such 4. We should condole such Nationâ— and Churches that have a Name that they Live and yet are Dead who have only the sound of the Gospel with a bare and naked Offer of Jesus Christ And those thô they bâ— free of Idolatry and Superstition which arâ— open Blots and Spots on this Glory and thâ— free of outward Persecution yet great Strangers unto the Riches of the Glory of this Gospel Sâ—rangers unto the Power and Operations of the same having the Name oâ— Purity and Gâ—spel Truths amongst them but no more And so are dying and perishing througâ— an inward decay of Life and Power Theâ—â— undoubâ—edly are also to be lamented over 2. Vse As on this ground we lament thâ— state of the Churches so may we take up â— Lamentation over the persons who live undeâ— the dew and sun-shine of the Gospel and nevertheless see no Beauty or Glory in the â—ame The Glory theâ—eof is hid from â—heir Eyes anâ— they see no Beauâ—y nor desireableness noâ— Riches of Glory in the same the GOD of thâ—â— World having blinded their Minds 2 Cor 4.4 They look upon the Gospel as an artificiaâ— composed Fable They set no worth nor priâ—â— upon it as they should In place of Glory is a burthen whereof they would willingly be quite Therefore they improve not the occasion which they have for attaining to the knowledge thereof and for having an Interest in this Glory Many are indâ—fferent and Gallio like and in no ways lay the â—â—siness to Heart Others are Heart-enemies to this Glory and the power thereof Many content themselves with the outward Glory without seeking inward Heart knowledge of the Riches of Glory which is to be seen therein 3 Vse This affords ground of Rebuke unto several sort of People As 1. Unto such who darken the Glory of this Gospel with their Errours Superstitions Inventions and false Glosses and all such who in any measure darken and cloud the Simplicity of this Gospel its Glory and singular Beauty 2. Such are to be rebuked who persecute the veâ—y Name and Profession of the Gospel and all who adhere to the same as many do who â—f possible would drive it out of the World O! what aileth them and offends them at this Gospel which is so â—ull of Glory and bringeth Glory in it to poor Soulâ— Surely such Men must be driven on and acted by the Spirit of the Devil who is an unreconcilable Enemy unto this Gospel of Glory 3. It is for rebuke to such who are Enemies to the power and purity of the Gospel who thô they may readily stand for the profession of it and own that yet their Heart riseth against the Life and Power thereof wherever they discern it and as a fiâ— occasion â—ffâ—rs them they but laugh and mock at all that is more than an outwarâ— profâ—ssion It s true there is a Beauâ—y and Glory to be seen in the very ouâ—ward Dispensation of the Gospel when performed in Gospel purity But the more special Glory with the Riches of the Glory of the Gospel lâ—eth in the power thereof upon the Soul leading captive to the obedience of Faith and bringing them unto subjection unto Christ And their Heart riseth against that wherein the Glory and Power of the same doâ—h most signally appear 4. Such are to be rebuked who bring stains and shame through â—hâ—ir scandalous Life upon that gloriouâ— Gospel bringing up an evil Report upon thâ— same And thereby occasioning Enemies to despâ—se and conâ—emn the same O! what a daâ—k Cloud doth the scandalous Lives of Professâ—rs raise over the â—ace of this Sun This is far from adorning the Doctrine of God our Saviour in all things which is required Tit. 2.10 5. Such are to be reproved who will not sâ—ffer this Glory once to enter their Souls who câ—st noâ— up the Door of their Souls that it may enter in and call not to the GOD oâ— Glory that He. Who commanded the light to shine out of dâ—rkness maâ— shine into â—heir Hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Iesus Christ. 2 Cor. 4.6 But on the contrary makes themselves hard against it and refuse to accept of it As appears from the following Particulars 1 They resolve to keep their old way whatever be said unto them they will not alter they will remain the old Men and the old Women still 2 They refuse to subject themselves unto the Righteousness of GOD and endeavour to establish a Righteousness of their own Now herein lyes the Glory of the Gospel that it breaks us off from that Course of self-seeking that we might live and grow up in Him who is the Head in all things 3 They will not submit themselves unto the Conditions of the Gospel Covenant nor receive Christ as He is offered in the Gospel 4 They will not forsake their old Lovers and especially that Ashâ—aroth that prime Dagon and principal Idole Self Now the power of the Gospel appears herein that it makes the Soul put out its right Eye and cut off the right Hand and cast away all its own Righteousness as so many menstruous Cloaths and filâ—hy Rags 4 Vse This requires of us sundry Duâ—ies As 1. We ought then to be very thankful unto GOD that ever it hath pleased Him to tryst us in the time and â—lace of His manifesting this glorious Mystery What are we better than others that have gone before us or than many that live in other places of the World who have never aâ— yeâ— sâ—en one blink of Gloâ—â— Providing we could prise a right the worth oâ— this Treasure we should see ouâ— unspeakâ—ble and great Obligations to Thankfulness 〈◊〉 as we would be forced to cry forth What shall we render unto the Lord for this Benefiâ— and infinite Mercy 2. We should esteem highly of this Gospel and prizâ— it much that our despising thereof provoke not the Lord to remove it that the Sun might
wonderful Love and free Grace of GOD who hath sought after the Gentiles in Clemency and Mercy who had been so long debarred And establâ—shed usiâ—â— the Faith of the great things promsed unto â—ut in â—he Word now 〈…〉 to see the old Prophesies and 〈…〉 were 〈…〉 als◠〈…〉 〈…〉 our unâ—o 〈…〉 pâ—ay for them upon 〈…〉 gâ—ven on their accâ—un◠〈◊〉 the Lord in due time will accomplâ—sh Aâ—d besides it should make us lay to Heart ouâ— Duty in managing aright tâ—â— Priâ—iledge in the thankful acknowledgâ—ment of the Lord 's undeserved Love herein and by hearty embracing and welcoming this Offer and to walk worthy oâ— the same in all holy Conversation to the Glory of GOD. Quâ—st But providing it be asked Wheâ—her all the Gentiles see the Glory and know the Richer of the Glory of this Mystery I Answer No For all have not the pâ—eaching of the Gâ—spel among â—hem If it be â—urther asked If all thâ—se to whom thiâ— Gospel is preached see â—hâ—s Glory I Answer No. But only the Saints among the Gentiles as appâ—arâ— from Vers 26 This is made manifest to the Saints Where we see that it is aâ—â—ne â—he Sainâ—s who have obtained Gâ—ace to beliâ—ve this Gâ—spel and not every one who hears iâ— preached who dâ—scern the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery which is in the Gospel For 1. Unto some he preaching of the glad Tydings of the Gospel is the savor of Death unto Death 2 Cor. 2.16 And unto their corrupâ—ed and prejudicated Understanding it savours as a dead Carion wherein their Souls hath no pleasure yea it is as Dâ—ath so that their rejecting of the Gospel and their averseness from it proves their Death and 〈◊〉 2. Unto some it is but foolishness as it was unto the Greeks 1 Cor. 1.23 And matter of Mocking and Derision as the Doctrine of the Resurrection was unto these of Athens Act. 17.32 Many have no better opâ—nion of the Ambassadours of Christ who are sent to preach the Gospel 〈◊〉 Festâ—s of Paul Act. 26.24 And of the Believers of the Gospel than the Pharisees had of the Multitude Ioh. 7 49.3 Unto some Christ is a Rock of Offence and the preaching of the Gospel of Christ is a stumbling Block unto them even as unto the Iews who stumbled at the stumbling Stone and rock of Offence 1 Cor. 1. â—3 Rom 9.32 33. Even as Christ Himself was for the fall of many so the preaching of the Gosâ—el is the occasion of the ruine of many 4. Many will not hear the Gospel with Faith and therefore it cannot profiâ— them Not being mixed with Faith in thâ—m that heard it Heb. 4.2 Neither will they receive it in Love nor receive the Love of the Trâ—â—h 2 Thess. 2.10 And thereforâ— saâ—â—â—oe 〈◊〉 â—hemselves unto thâ— Righteousness of God held out unto them therein Rom. 10.3 They will not suffer the Word of Instruction to get any room in their Souls but they receive this Grace of GOD in vain and through unbelief they reject it they will not obey this form of Doctrine nor yeild themselves Servants thereunto 5. The GOD of this World hath so blinded the Minds of them which believe not that the Light of the glorious Gospel of of Christ who is the Image of GOD cannot shine unto them So that they can discern nothing of the Glory of the same 2 Cor 4.4 And some blinded by a Judgement from GOD are therefore no Co-partners of this Revelation Math. 11.25.6 Some see a glance some daâ—k half glimmerings of this Glory but discern not the glory of this Mystery they get some sight which may occasion some litle work and operation in them nevertheless they continwe strangers unto the true spiritual Glory thereof For 1 They may see so much therein as may engage them to a profession of the same for a time in a fair day when iâ— is accompanied with no persecution But â—ven as the stony ground having no deepnesâ— of Earth wheâ— persecution comes they immediatly forsake the Gospel and turn their back upon it Math. 13. 2 They may readily see so much in it as makes them willingâ—â— to part with somewhat but not that inâ—â— which will make them willing to forsake 〈◊〉 for Christ The cares of the World doth not only choak all again but creats a mist in their Eyes which totally cloudeth and darkneth this Glory 3 They may see that which may inwardly affect them as Agrippa to be almost Christians Act. 26. and no more 4 They may readily have some general knowledge of the Letter and out-side thereof and may be great Doctors and learned Preachers and nevertheless wholly strangers unto the Power and Life of the same 5 Yea they may attain some resemblance thereof and as it were some glorious sparklings such as the Apostle speaks of Heb 6.4 5. But alone unto True Believers the Lord maketh known and manifesteth this Glory and maketh them to see the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery These see it to whom He discovereth those Secreets which are kept hid from the wise of the World They sâ—e it who see that Glory which changeth the Soul so that thereby they are changed into the same Image from Glory to Glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor. 3.18 But what is that sight they get which others are Strangers unto Ans. 1. They see a special necessary good which deeply affecteth the Heart Others only win at some Conceptions that goeth no further than the Head 2. They see something directly applicable unto to their case and condition and is very sutâ—able unto them whereâ—â— others look on these things aâ— more the concernment oâ— others than themselves 3. They see the good is coâ—pleat all-sufficient necessary and satisfying which is held out in this Gospel and therefore they seek not after more proviâ—ing they obtain that they judge their Lot is faâ—len unto them in pleasant places and that tâ—ey have goodly Heritage 4. They see somewhat of that Soul-ravishing profound Counsel of Redemption wherein all the Persons of the Triâ—ity are engaged to carry on and perfâ—ct the same and â—â—ey see herein such Glory that it makes them long for Heaven that they might obtain a more broad and wide look oâ— that divine mysterious on-carrying of the waâ— of Salvaâ—ion wherein so much of GOD and of His glorious Attributâ—â— in such a lofty way doth appear 5. Th◠〈…〉 that therein 〈◊〉 reache◠〈…〉 Soul aâ—d makeâ—h them that 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 and soul giving their 〈…〉 as beâ—ng alâ—ogether pâ—ecious 〈◊〉 Soul satisfying 6. They see that which makes them 〈◊〉 willing and 〈…〉 all and â—â—ll every thing 〈…〉 once they 〈…〉 invaluable 〈◊〉 7. They seâ— that Light which hath that powâ—â— and force therein that bringeth under their irregular love to the World and all other Vanities together with the strong Corruptions that molest them 1 Vse It needs then be no strange business that there are so â—ew that highly esteem of this