Eternal Glory 2 Tim 2.10 By the Gospel the Thessalonians were called to the obtaining of the Glory of our Lord Iesus Christ 2 Thess. 2.14 15. Who can tell what is the hope of this Calling and what is the Glory of this Inheritance of the Saints in light Such as can discern this must have the Eyes of their Understanding opened and enlightned of GOD Ephes. 1.17 18. It is a compleat rich glorious Kingdom whereunto Men are called by the Gospel 1 Thess. 2.12 He calleth unto His Kingdom and Glory 5 It appears herein that it is the means of discovering the most enriching glorious most latent â—nd concerning Secrets What is better and â—ore desireable than Life than true Life and â—mmortality and this is made manifest â—hrough the Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10 One that is â—ondemned to Die should esteem a Reprive of â—he Sentence a rich and glorious Business â—hô ignorant but that he might be taken away within few Hours or Days through some special stroke of GOD upon him How much more infinitly worthy and richly excellent is â—his Life which is Immortality And what Riches of Glory must there be in the Gospel which bringeth thiâ— into light 6. It appears â—erein that the Gospel bringâ— Heaven to the Door of the Soul with all the Glory that is herein And therefore called the Word of â—he Kingdom or the Gospel of the Kingdom Mat. 4.23 and 9 35. and 24.14 And the matter thereof is to preach the Kingdom of God Mark. 1.14 Act 20.25 and 28.31 Luk. 4.43.9.60 So it is also called The Kingdoms of God Luk. 10.9 11. Mark 1.15 and 4.25 And the Kingdom of Heaven in many of the â—arables Mat. 13. and 20.1 and 22.2 c. Thirdly That there are Riches in the Gospel appears from the special rich and glorious Efficacy of the same whereof take these few Proofs 1. The Gospel hath a powerful enlightning vertue so that these that sit in darkness come to see a great light Math. 4.15 16. Therefore Paul was sent to open the Eyes and turn Men from darkness to light Act. 26.11 Where it comes with power it discovers thâ— lamentable estate wherein poor Man is bâ— Nature and discovers the way of escape 2. It hath a propagating and begetting power where it is the savor oâ— Liâ—e unto Life I haâ—â— begotten you through the Gospel saith Paul to thâ— Corinthians 1 Cor. 4.15 Therefore it is calleâ— the Word of Life Phil. 2 16. It quickneth from the Dead through the powerful operation oâ— the Spirit we are born again by this Word 1 Pet 1 23. 3. It hath a nourishing vertue therefore it is called The sincere Milk of thâ— Word whereby we grow even as the Child groweth by the Milk on the Breast 1 Tim. 2 2. 4. Thereby is the Soul brought by Faith â—o lay hold on Christ and so thereby brought into a sure and safe state Therefore it is called The Word of Fâ—ith Rom. 10 8. And the Word of Salvaâ—ion Act 13 26. VVe believe through this word preached by the Apostles and their Successâ—rs Ioh 17.20 5. It hath a washing and cleansing vertue It is by the word that Christ sanctifieth and cleanseth His Church Ephes 5.26 6. It hath a cuâ—â—ing and piercing vertuâ— Paul speaking of the Gospel Heb 4.12 saith That the Word of God is quick and powerfuâ— and sharper than any two edged Sword piercing to the dividing asunder of both Soul and Spirit and of the Ioints and Marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts of the Heart â—n allusion to the Anatomy of Bodies or else â—o the cutting up of the Sacrifices whether â—hese of the Iews or as it was used among the Heathens especially by the Sooth-sayers who â—uriously searched into every inward part as Ezek. 21.21 Look what the Intrals are to a â—harp Sword or Sacrificers Kniâ—e or like Inâ—turments of Anatomâ—zing in a â—kilful Hand â—uch are all the most inward and secret parts of â—he Heart even those which are most difficult to be divided unto this Sword in GOD's Hand when pleased to use it to search the Heart and Reins and to discover and bring â—orth to judgement the secrets of them Not only is it to ungird and stripe off the outward Cloaths of outward and formal Actions and so present the Soul naked as Vers. 13. Nor only to flea off all the Skin and so to see what lyes under it as the next word Opened doth sometimes signifie but further to cut up and cleave to the Back bone as the word will bear that so all the Inwards may appear And this so curiously divided and laid asunder as to see and view a part what is in each In a word this Sword of the Gospel when rightly handled it not only hath a discerning piercing penetrating power with it to come in on the Heart discovering its Intents and striking at the root of Corrupâ—ions But it will humble the proudest Hearts and quicken the deadest Spirits and peirce through the Soul and Conscience of the most obdured Anatomize anâ— lay open their Thoughts their Security Pride Formality Hypocrisie c. And strike aâ— the root of the Body of Death to kill it and be its death Undoubtedly then their cannoâ— but be a singular Riches oâ— Glory in this Gospel 7. As it hath its arise from free Grace and is the open Proclamation of the Grace of GOD And therefore called The Word of His Grace Act. 20 32. so it builds up such as receive it and carries them on until it fairly land them in Glory for it is able to save Souls Iames 1.21 1 Vse Here we have ground and reason â—o bemoan the state and condition of not a few People and Persons to pity them and from compassion towards them to pray for them As 1. These who never as yet saw this Glory having never as yet heard of this glorious Gospel They may it's true go beyond others in worldly Riches fulness of all things carnal Prudence and Policy and have abundance of Gold Silver and costly Jewels and have much outward Pomp and Flourishes But alas nevertheless when they have never heard of Christ they are but continuing and sitting in darkness The Glory of the Lord hath never as yet shined upon them the Sun of Righteousness is never risen upon them with Healing under His Wings Miserable and lamentable is their Conditions notwithstanding of all their Supeâ—fluities O! let us pray that this glorious Light may once break up amonâ—st them that the Earth may be filled with the Glory of â—he Lord as the Waters cover the Sea 2. We should condole these Nations where the Name and outward Knowledge of the Gospel is and nothing else Nothing of the Power Beauty and Glory of the Gospel of Salvation But alas all is darkned with the fogg and mist of Idolatry and Superstition or of humane Inventions which vails and darkens the singular Beauty which is to be seen in the Ordinances of Jesus Christ according
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
Gospel and that so many undervalue and contemn it seeing there are so few real Saints who alone can see the glory and singulaâ— Excellâ—ncy of this Gospel Oh! it is a sealled 〈◊〉 even unto them who 〈◊〉 hear it 〈…〉 the ouâ—ward â—hâ—ll and 〈…〉 sweet and deliâ—aâ— kirnel 〈◊〉 2 Vse Behold here â—he Touch-stone whereby every one must â—â—â—mine himself and judge of Himself whâ—â—her 〈◊〉 be in the Faith or not This special sight and discovery is alone peculiar to Believeâ—s the Spirit of Light which they have received in the Gospel makes them now see another sight than formerly they could apprehend or understand O the depth of Wisdom Power Love Grace Righteousness and Mercy which we now daily more and more discover O what heavenly and divine Glory shines therein and â—haâ— in the very meanest of all Christ's Precepts Otheâ—s take but a carnal and general look of thâ—se Ordinances and therefore not so tender nor so zealouâ— of them who can bear with the mixtures and Inventions of Men amongst them and can fancy a Beauty Decency and Consistency in these Inventions whereas there is nothing in them but a vile deformity And as for the substance of the Gospel the glad Tydings of Peace Reconcîliation with GOD it is unto them an indifferent business far from being all their Salvation all their desire Their Hearts cannot embrace the Gospel as the glorious Manifestation of the Son of GOD which brings to Light Life and Immortality They see not the Glory of GOD in the Face of Jesus Christ. Wo then to such who have not more knowledge of this Business Then 1. A literal speculative knowledge of this Glory of GOD which pusseth up and filleth the Soul with wind and vanity and never sinketh deep into the Soul 2. A tickling outward Motion with somewhat of acquired knowledge that only affecteth the person as the lovely Song of one that hath a pleasant Voice Ezek. 33.32 Their Ears are tickled with the new Tydings of Salvation and of a Mediator to preserve them from the Wrath of GOD and that is all 3. Who have no more than some small tastings in the time of a Communion or at some oâ—her solemn occasion that takeâ— more on them than ordinary but is instantly suffocate without taking further root 4. Wo also to such that have but some Light that forceth to some half works and to some raw wisheâ— that all might be better some Flashes of Resolutions and hasty Undertakings which occasioneth somewhat that looketh like a change thô â—las their Heart in the interim is cleaving to their Abominations and going out continually after their Covetousness To whom God would make known c. These words may have respect both to the outward manifesting of the Mystery of this Gospel Truth As as also to the making known and discovering of this Truth of the Gospel effectualy on the Heart which is more especially here to be understood because that this Revealed Mystery is calldd Christ in them the Hope of Glory In respect of both these the Words hold forth two thingâ— First That this Revelation is of GOD. Secondly That it is an Act of His free Grace and free Love As to the First to wit The outward making known of the Gospel which we shall pass in a word We see that as this Gospel is alone of GOD Who is the Author thereof so the outward publishing of the same dependeth on His free Grace and Will so that he sends it to whom He will and to whom He will He sends it not see Act. 16.7 The Spirit suffered not Paul and his Companions to go unto Bithynta However Satan and his Instruments may have a hand therein nevertheless we are to look mostly to GOD Who has the chief hand in iâ— Who followeth His own Resolution sending the Gospel where He has any to bring in thereby be it one Soul or moe or to 〈◊〉 one lost Groat or one wandering Shâ—â—p which finding incapacitate either to leâ—d or drive He taketh it on His Shoulders rejâ—ycing Luk 15.5 Christ went oveâ— to the Gâ—daâ—ens â—or one poor Soul Paul 〈◊〉 charged to abide at 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 Gospel of Salvâ—â—ion and thâ—t 〈◊〉 〈…〉 the publishiâ—g of 〈…〉 time and place wâ—er◠〈…〉 Providence of GOD have ou◠〈…〉 That we abase our selves in 〈…〉 be ashamed of our unsuteable 〈…〉 Him Who hath sought us ou◠〈…〉 many Thousands whereas we 〈…〉 as any only thâ—t He 〈◊〉 give â—â—â—vidence of the freeness of His 〈…〉 3. That we walk more 〈…〉 benefit that He 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 when 〈…〉 The consideâ—â—â—ion 〈…〉 as to â—ear 〈…〉 the removâ—â—â— the 〈…〉 us as He 〈…〉 Revel 2.4 Tha◠〈…〉 GOD 's Soveraign tâ— who singularly in this disposeth as He will Our carnal Hearts are sometimes ready to rise against Him and to wonder wherefore He suffers so many rich Nations to be so long without one Word of the Gospel of Salvation and suffers it to remain there where the People iâ— wearied thereof and would willingly be quite of it But His Will should answer all such Objections in us and settle all such Distempers in our Hearts We must be satisfied herein for He doth what He will in Heaven and Earth and gives no account of what He doth As to what relates to the other part which is here principally to be understood we learn First That it is GOD alone Who can make known unto the Soul the Glory and Riches of this Mystery and doâ—h effectually publish and reveal it This requires the revealing of the Arm of the Lord. Isa. 53.1 For Flesh and Blood cannot do it but the Father which is in Heaven Math. 16.17 And the Spirit Ephes. 3.5 The God of our Lord Iesus Christ the Father of Glory must give unto us the Spirit of Wisdom in the knowledge of Him Ephes. 1.17 see Vers. 9. Therefore the Spirit is promised for that effect Ioh. 14.26.1 Cor. 2.10 11 12. Gal. 1.16 This appears further from the natural state of Mankind who cannot know these Mysteries without a divine powerful Revelation Manifestation of the same in them For 1. Natural Men are by Nature blind without knowledge lying and living in darkness And whaâ— can they then discern â—n these Mâ—steries Revel 3.17 Luk 4.18.1 Pet. 2.9 Act. 26.18 Isa 42.7 They are in darkness and darkness hath blinded their Eyes 1 Ioh. 2 11. They walk in Darkness and ly in Daâ—kness 1 Ioh. â— 6 1 Ioh. 2.9 They are of Darkness 1 Thess. 5.5 They are called Darkness it self Ephes 5.8 Yea under the power of Darkness Col. 1.13 2. Therefore they are under a natural Impotency and Unfiâ—ness to understand the things of GOD. 1 Cor. 2 14. The natural Man receiveth not the things of the â—pirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned 3. Besides this natural Impotency in the Understanding to take up and know these Mysteries there is also an acquired moral
Inability seated in him through misunderstanding and prejudice against the Mysteries of GOD For it is said of the natural Man 1 Cor. 2 14 That he receiveth not the thing of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him Therefore was the Preaching of Christ crucâ—fied unto the Jews a stumbling block and unto the Greeks foolishness 1 Cor. 1.23.4 Yea the carnal Understanding is enmity against GOD It submits not it self to the Law of GOD neither can it Rom. 8.7 8. so that there is also a pravity and impotency in their will Therefore saith Christ that a corrupt Tree cannot bring sorth good Fruit. Math. 7. The Ethiopiaâ— cannoâ— change his Skin Ier. 13 5. There is an acquired habitual aveâ—ssness through the praviâ—y of our Inclinations By Nature People are so wâ—dded and glewed to their Lusts and Idols which they will not â—orsâ—ks which augments their natural Antipathy against the Gospel so that they are Enemies in their Minds by wicked works Col. 1.21.6 Besides all this the Devil who is the god of this World iâ— working in thâ—m Ephes 2.2 who more especially so blinds the Minds of those who do not believe that the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of GOD may not shine unto them 2 Cor. 4.4 This needs no â—uâ—ther evidence being more than manifest by daily experience no preaching will once pick on some yea Christ Himself preached unto many who goâ— no profit thereby The great things of GOD's Law are accounted buâ— a strange thing by some Hos. 8. Many have Eyes and see not Ears and hear not 1 Vse We are hereby called to be established in â—he Faith of this Truth That it is only a Divine Power which can makâ— known unto us and in us the Gospel Truths We by Industry and Education with some ordinary light of the Spirit may win to understand the letter of the Gospel But in respect of the saving Manifestation of this Mystery there is a necessity of a real discriminating special immediate inward and powerful Operation of the Spirit of GOD in the Soul driving away the natural Darkness and received prejudices creating Divine Light in the Mind and Understanding and so forming in the Soul a Spiriâ—ual Patern of the glorious Mysteries of the Gospel For until this enlightning Operation and Revelation of the Spirit come all will be to no purpose 2. Vse So should we have a loathing and aversion of that dreadful Doctrine which says That this Divine Spiritual Enlightning is not needful but alledge that moral perswasion with the outward Revelation is sufficient whereas none who hath any knowledge of his own Heart can be so stupid that he should not see so much of the Darkness of his own Understanding that no less than a Divine Power must be exercised and put forth in order to this his Enlightning And what doth this Opinion else but signally vilifie and palpably deny the Divine Mystery of this Revelation and lamentably blow up the empty Creature with Pride Ambition and a foolish conceit of himself to retain somewhat whereby he may as he â—ancies be the less obliged to GOD and may have ground to thank himself to sacrifice unto his own Net and burn incense unto his own Drag What a ruining and dreadful Enemy is this opinion against the exalting of the Power of GOD's Grace and against Folks carrying therein with subordination and dependency on GOD and against all Prayer unto GOD. 3 Vse However this be only GOD's work and His powerful work nevertheless none ought because of his Impotency and natural Ignorance to account himself therefore discharged exeemed or delivered from guilt For 1 Our natural Impotency is our Sin 2 Besides there is ever real opposing and rejecting of this Light in all such as are come to the years of discretion who hear this Gospel and a wilful contemning of this Light which will abundantly stop the Mouths of every one And this often appears either by their neglecting of the Means or by their negligent and sloathful improving of the same and their not using but misusing of the Light which they have c. 4 Vse Notwithstanding this be GOD's work yet we should not cast off the Means for hereby it pleases the Lord to convey Life and to come with that Light and enlighten when and where He will For it pleâ—sed God by the foolishness of preaching to save 1 Cor. 1.21 And Faith comeâ—h by hearing Rom. 10.17 And however the Means in themselves can do nothing yet being ordained by Him as it is our duty so we may have peace in waiting on the â—ree and glorious King where He Commands us to wait and our waiting will sharpen our desires and longings after that blessed Light yea when we are disappointed and cut off in our expectations even this must serve for the further humbling and abasing of our selves and to make us the more earnestly cry out unto Him who is the Fountain of Light that He who has caused the Light to shine out of Darkness would shine in our Hearts in giving us the Light of the knowledge of the Glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 4 6. Our attendance on the Means should be constant because we know not when He may come It is good to sow by all Waters and to sow Morning and Evening and in our Duâ—â—es alone to eye Him knowing that all must come from Him And albeit there may many Discouâ—agements arise to cause us give it over partly from without Saâ—an crying It is in vain to wait any longer and partly from within our Hearts looking on it as a desperat work yet this consideration that this Enlightning is GOD 's working may encourage and set us foreward again For GOD is a Soveraign King free to come when He will so is He gracious and merciful and can and will pass over many Enormities and much opposition yea â—urther for quieting of our Hearts under all Objections whatsomever this may sufficâ— He is GOD Almighâ—y and unresistible in His workings He shall work and who shall hinder it 2 dly Moreover we should learn from hence that GOD maketh known this Glorious Mystery to whom He wiâ—l most freely without Hyre or Price it is an Act of His wonderful free Gâ—ace He would make known c. not by reason of any deserving or worth in us or by vertue of any pliabliness or readiness in those to whom â—his is made known or of any necessary connexion betwixt the preparation in them and His Work But meerly from His free Grace and good Pleasure for He is found of them that sought Him not Isa. 65.1 Therefore it is through Faith that we are saved and Faith is not from our selves It is the Gift of God Ephes 2.8 And not by the works which we have done but accordâ—ng to His Mercy we are saved T it 3.5 1. Vse For Instruction and this should learn us 1. To admire this wonderâ—ul and
that the Suffâ—rings of this present time are not worthy to be compâ—red with the Glory which shall be revealed in us Oâ— Suffâ—rings here are but Light and for a moment How can they then be compared with this Glory in respect of the weightiness thereof seeing in superlative degree it is wholly and exceedinglâ— excellent Or to be compared in respect of iâ— continuance seeing it is Eternal What proportion is there between a moment and Eternity Not so much as between the tenth part of â— drop of Water and the vast Ocean 8. It is a Glory that reacheth both Soul and Body even the very lump of flâ—sh our Bodies shall be raised in Glory 1 Cor. 15.43 And Christ Jesus shall change our vile Bodies that they may be fashioned like unto his Glorious Body Phil. 3.21 But if you should ask the Question what really that Glory is We must acknowledge we cannot answer it it is far yea very far above our Uptakings neither hath it ever entered into the heart of man to fathom or take it up How can we then express it O that we had the Faith thereof established in our Hearts We might better tell you what that Glory is not then what it is Let us then consider a little what this Glory doth free the Believer from 1 That Glory shall then freely deliver the Believer from all distress Sorrow Sighing Pains Tortures Stiches Sicknes and Death There is no Death in Glory for it is without end The weight of that Glory is so sweet and satisfying that the Soul that is loaded therewith cannot but rejoyce continually and forget all its Sorrows and Complaints there is no Sighing under that burden Foâ— however it be exceeding weighty yet it is both able to bear it self and support and bear up the Soul loaded therewith And the Ransomed of the Lord shall 〈◊〉 return and come to Zion with Songs and everlasting joy upon their Heads they shall obtain joy and gladness and sorrow and fighing shall flee away Isa. 35.10 In the Heavenly Zion in that place of Glory there is no Mourning to be heard Isa. â—1 11 That Glory cannot admit of the least tear amongst the Inhabitants â—here For the Lord God shall wipe away Tears from off all faces Isa 25.8 Revel 7.17 and 21 4. The Inhabitant of that Land shall not say I am sick Isa 33.24 2. That Glory shall deâ—iver the Believer from all occasions of Sorrow and Sadness no Oppressor nor Persecuter shall breath there no Object of sorrow there no injury shall be done to any there no scorching Sun there the Sun shall not Light upon them nor any heat Revel 7 16. Isa. 49.10 3. That Glory shall deliver the Bâ—liever from all sin the very Fountain of all our Miseries Sin cometh not within the Marches of the new Land of Glory Corruption may pursue and molest a Child of God to the very Ports of Glory buâ— there they part never more to meet There he shall be in case to cry out Victory Victory O Death where is thy Sting O Grave where is thy Victory The sting of Death is Sin but Sin shall have no access there 4. That Glory shâ—ll deliver the Believers from all Temptations to sin whether from within oâ— from without No Devils nor Instruments oâ— Devils there to molest or tempt us no inward stirrings of Corruptions there no Objects to divert there no lusting of the Eye no lusting of the Flesh nor pride of Life shall be there That Glory secures the Soul and seats it beyond the reach of all spiritual Enemiâ—s There shall Believers be as Princes Rulers and Conquerors over the World And there shall Satan wâ—th all his Devices and Instrumenâ—s be utterly routed and eternally shakled under their feet and shall never more be unloosed 5. That Glory shall deliver us from all Anxieties and Tormeâ—ting perplexiâ—ies whereunto here we are made lyable no Hunger Thirst Cold Weariness c. there The Labourer shall Sweat no more there The burden bearer shall cry no more O my back The poor man shall drudge no more for Bread to his Family he shall no more travel over Sea and Land for Back and Belly They shall Hunger no more neither Thirst any more and wherefore For the Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne shall â—eed them and shall lead them into living Fountains of Waters Revel 7.16 17. 6. That Glory shâ—ll deliver them from all Darkness of Judgement about their Duty and doubtings and questionings concerning their State or Frame neither suspecting it as to the present noâ— eveâ—â—earing a change therein as to the future Glory is Light and pure Light neither can it admit of Darkness the Light that is there darkens the Sun For that City of Glory hath no need of the Sun neither of the Moon to shine in it For the Glory of God doth Lighten it and the Lamb is the Light thereof Revel 21.23 There the Bride shineth for her Light is come and the Glory of the Lord is risen upon her Isa 60.1 7. That Glory shall deliver the Believer from all sorrowful and heart-breakiâ—g Ecclipses and interruptions of the Beams of the Love and Favour of God Now Clouds interveens betwixt the Light of Gods Countenance and the poor Soul with many Jealousies Fears and Terrors and sometimes real and sometimes fancied Desertions tormenting the Believer casting him in Feavers and Distempers waging War against him so that he looks out into God and the daâ—es of old and he is troubled But there is no Desertion in Glory no Clouds no Night there Revel 21 25. Their Suâ— shall never set no Ecclipses there They shall dwell in the Light of his Countenance and drink in Eternally the Out leâ—tings of Glory from the unmeasurable and Etternally living Fountain of Glory and that without the least interruption They shall everlastingly ly in the bosome of God 8. That Glory shall deliver the Believer from all deadness formaliâ—y sinking under the burden of Duties upsitting through Discouragements and sloathfulness in the wayeâ— of the Lord and from all such Spiritual Distempers They shall serve him there night and day without wearying or upsitting Revel 7 15. All who come to land in Glory they shall mount up with wings as Eagles they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not be faint Isai 40 31 There shall that word be fulfilled He that is feeble among them shall be as David and the house of David shall be as GOD as the Angel of the LORD before them Zech 12 8 Thus we have opened some what of that Negative happiness may we so call it which holds forth some what of this Glory But if you ask what positively iâ— is we lose our selves not being in case to answer it Nevertheless the Scriptures makes use of some expressions whereby we may come to understand somewhat of that Life of Glory However many of them are but borrowed from such enjoyments and exercâ—ses as are most
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
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
not go down over the Prophets nor the day be dark over them Mic. 3.6 And lest He might give us up unto the lusts of our own Heart and give us darkness in place of light for our misprising and undervaluing the Glory and light of the pâ—â—cious Gospel 3. We should be much it Pâ—ayer to hold the Gospel still in its power and purity amonst us that it may shine in the midst of us in its Glory and Beauty as the power of GOD unto Salvation 4. We should endeavour on all occasions greatly to welcome â—he Gospel amongst us and to be ware that we oppose not the Power and Operationâ— of the same O let the Glory thereof shine it our Hâ—arts And for that effâ—ct let us lay opeâ— our selves to the Beams of the same that they may have free entry into our Souls Les us lay aside all prejudices and love to our Idols and receive this Light and Glory in love 5 Let us not be satisfied until that we see and obtaiâ— a more clear discovery of the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery To wit 1 That this Gospel discovers to us our Wreâ—chedness Emptyness Madness Poverty Nakedness and every way Undonâ—nâ—ss 2 That it holds forth unto us the Excellency of Christ in His Person Nature Offices Works and Employments in the World 3 That it draws Hearts to Him and from our selves and from all other Lovers and Vanities wherewith heretofore we have been betwitched 4 That it unites our Souls to Him through Faiâ—h that we may live in Him and He in us and be one in Him 5 That it enclineth our Hearts unto a sweeâ— Union with the Gospel Commanâ—s and to a living by Faith in Christ and to a depending and resting on Him for Salvation through His offeâ—ing of Himself and through His Mediaâ—ory Righteousness offered and holdâ—n forâ—h in the Gospâ—l and impuâ—ed â—o Believers thâ—ough Fâ—ith 6 Tha the Discovery of this Gospel makes us â—â—ll in love with Holiness anâ— to work out our Salvation with Fear and Trembling leaning on Jesus by Faith drawing Life and Power from Him who is given â—or a Covenant unâ—o the People that we might so gâ—ow up and beaâ— Fruâ—t in Him and go from strengâ—h â—o strengâ—h in Him untill we appear beâ—orâ— GOD 〈◊〉 Zion 5 Use. This requires â— selâ—-searching whether or not we havâ— ever attained a savâ—ng siâ—ht of this Glory the Riches of the Glory of â—his Mystery And we may know it by these Markâ— As 1 Mark The light of the Gospel discoverâ— a Fulness a sensible Fulness a Soul-satisfyâ—ng and a Soul-saving Fulness and a free and gracious Fulness in Christ. 2 Mark The light of the Gospel discovers I say where this glorious Light comes it discovers selâ— emptiness self deceitfulness and loathsomness 3 Mark It takes the Soul captive instantly to make choise of Christ for all to esteem of Him above all as the chief among ten thousand And to lay hold on Him on His own Terms with Heart and Hand and to accept of Him for all our Wants and for all that we desire and to rest fully satisfied and content with Him 4 Mark It inclines the Soul sweetly to employ Christ in all their Needs to give Him constant employment in all His Offices until He bring them home and land them in Glory 5. Mark It makes the Soul that hath a right discovery thereof fall in love with Holiness and to make Conscience of their ways to walk circuâ—spectly to the Glory of GOD and to the praise and adorning the Gospel Profession to the engaging of Strangers unto the â—eceiving of the Gospel 6. Mark It will give them a high esteem of all even of the smallest Ordinance and Institution of Christ and make them careful â—o keep them pure and to improve them to the right end and will make them help to maintain His Croâ—â— rights and Priviledges â—s King in His owâ—â—â—urch and chief Commander in â—is own House Among the Gentiles These 〈…〉 of Glory 〈…〉 things 1. 〈…〉 â—â—credible in thâ— begâ—â—â—ing of th◠〈…〉 the Gentiles should be 〈…〉 Priviledge and exalâ—ed to 〈…〉 Glory For 1. 〈…〉 oâ— Christ. 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 unto the 〈…〉 ordained 〈…〉 first offâ—â— of the Gâ—spel 〈…〉 to 〈…〉 with an 〈…〉 way of 〈…〉 Mat. 10.5 〈…〉 whoâ— are 〈…〉 Enemies or 〈…〉 couâ—â— not only not tolerate tha◠〈…〉 should be Partakers of that 〈…〉 bad to sprâ—â—â— to 〈…〉 thâ— be saved 1 Thes. 〈…〉 worlâ—â—either 〈…〉 of Heaven 〈…〉 further the Apostles themselves notwithstanding of their ample and large Commission to gâ— and Teach and Baptize all Nations Math. 28 18 19. And notwithstanding they were foâ— that end qualified and furnished with extraordinary Gifts of the Holy Ghost yet could hardly be perswaded to Preach this Word among the Gentiles For we find that Peter wâ—â— examined by the rest of the Apostles for bâ— going unto Cornelius Act. 11.2 3.3 Thâ— Gentiles were looked upon with an ill Eye anâ— contemned therefore called Sinners of thâ— Gentiles Gal. 2.15 And as without Christ so aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel aâ—â— strangers from the Covenants of Promise havinâ— no hope and without God in the World Ephes. 12.4 Yea they were accounted Dogs anâ— unworthy to eat of the Childrens Bread seâ— on that ground Christ seemed to cast off thâ— poor Cananitish Woman to whom He answered I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the House of Israel Math. 15. 2. Notwithstanding of all this the Lorâ— so ordered it that the Gospel got entrancâ— under the Gentiles while He sent His Apostleâ— among them and blessed their Labours amongst them Act. 13.46 and 14.27 aâ—â— 15 3 7.14.15 17 and 18 6 Yea the Ieâ— rejâ—cting of the Gospel occasioned the preaching of the same under the Gentiles Aâ—â— 23 46. and 8.6 and the diâ—â—iâ—â—shing of 〈◊〉 Iews was the Riches of the Gentiles Rom. 11.12 3. Hereby were the Prophecies concerning Christ and His Kingdom fulfilled The Root â—f Iesse must stand for an Ensign to the People and the Gentiles must seek into it Isa. 11.10 and 60.5 His Name must be great among the Gentiles Mal. 1.11 And to such had Christ a Commission to come in an appoinâ—ed time Isa. 42.6.49.6 Act 13.47 Luk. 1.32 So must He bring forth judgement to the Gentiles Isa. 42.1 Math. 12.18 see Rom. 15.9 10 11. 4. And as this was an eminent Evidence of this Mystery of Wisdom Love and free Grace which was long kept bide in the Heart of GOD Ephes. 3.3 4 5 So was iâ— that the Apostles who for a time were unsatisfied therewith at last held their peace and glorified God saying Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted Repentance unto Life Act 11.18 And Paul accounted it his Mercy to preach among the Gentiles Ephes. 3.7 8. And magnâ—fied his Office thereby Rom 11 13. And we find him often glorying therein 1 Tim. 2.7 2 Tim. 1.11 Which as it should stir up our Hearts to admiration over that
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