Christ in Believers the Hope of Glory, Part 2

Christ in Believers the Hope of Glory · Part 2

p. 143Of 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 Glo…y in mu… less than that Glory, which shineth forth …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 o… Honour, and such like. Alas! what a poor spectacle is all …he glittering Glory of this World, which hath no reali…y in it, but consists in a meer imagination, and the meer blossomings of a …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 child…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, p. 144that knoweth what real Glory is? What can these ou…ward, borrowed, imaginary Garnishin…s do, to the real amending and felici…ating of a poor immortal Soul? What is here …or quie…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 fors…ke all, and live in darkness eternally? For when he dieth, he shall carry nothing away: his Glory shall no… descend after him. Psal. 49.17. What signifi…h …hen the Glory of his House, how great so…ver it be? What is the Glory of Great Ones, when the Lord kindle…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 grea…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 p. 145he was driven from the …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, …ust that Glory be, which thus dieth out with a fi… 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 th… 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 page missing p. 146singular Glory, wh…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 …his Glory in comparison to that Glory, which shineth in the Gospel: The Flowers springs out of …he Earth, and spreads for…h …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 sha…l they be changed Psal. 102.26. But this Glory, which shines forth in the Gospel, is an eve…lasting Glory: Great was the VVisdom of GOD, which shined forth in creating all things of nothing, but in the G…spel, The manifold Wisdom of God is ma…e known. Ephes. 3, 10.

p. 1473. 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 wi…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 da…kens that, as the rising of the Sun darkeneth the sparkling light of the Stars: Adam if he had …tood, had never appeared with Christ as a glorious Member of Hîs glorified mystical Body Col. 3.4. He ha… 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 Suff…rings, as the Saints are now brought Heb. 2.10 He had never had that relation and interest in Christ, as his elder Brother, H…ad and Saviour, which Believers now have by ve…tue of the New Covenant: He had never sitten with Christ upon p. 148His Throne, as Christ sitteth upon His Father Throne; But this unspeakable Concotenat… on of Glory is carried on through the Covenant of Grace: The Glory which he should hav… purchased, should have been but a Glory o… his own begetting, bought with his poor inconsiderable sweating and legal payment, but the Glory of the Gospel, is a Glory, bought wit… the Life and heart Blood of the E…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 appear… 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 Oa…h of GOD, and confirmed by the Death of the Testator. &c.

4. Compare the Gospel with the forme… Administration of the Covenant of Grace, before Christ's Incarnation, and thô that Administration had its own Glory, which nevertheless p. 149beho…ved to be abolished; yet here is a Glory far more excellent; A Glory after which in former times, the Prophets searched, …nd unto whom it was revealed, they Prophe…ed of this Grace that should come unto you. 1 Pet. ….10, 12. The first Dispensation was da…k, …s also the Mysteries were vailed with Types, …hadows, Ceremonies and Offerings; There…ore Moses put a vail over his face, that the Chil…ren of Israel should not stedfastly look to the end …f that which is abolished. 2. Cor. 3.13. That Administration in respect of the Administra…ion of the New Testament, is called the Let…er that killeth, and the ministration of Death written and engraven on Stones, the Ministra…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 …ndeed glorious, so that the Children of Israol could not sted…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 Glo…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 p. 150Jesus 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 hi… 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 selve… with some f…w. As 1. This rich glorious Nature of the Gospel appears, while it is called, The Power of God unto Salvation, to every o… 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 Riche… of Glory therein, that how contemp…ible so ever it appeared to others, whether Iew o… 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▪ p. 151For 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, a…d the holding forth of the most en…iching and glorious Marriage, that ever was heard tell of a A Marriage between the lof…ly, high, holy, p. 152glorious and matchless King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and despicable Sinners, poo… 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 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 p. 153…nd concerning Secrets: What is better and …ore desireable than Life, than true Life and …mmortality, and this is made manifest …hrough the Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10. One that is …ondemned to Die should esteem a Reprive of …he Sentence, a rich and glorious Business, …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 …his Life, which is Immortality? And what Riches of Glory, must there be in the Gospel which bringeth thi… into light? 6. It appears …erein, that the Gospel bring… Heaven to the Door of the Soul, with all the Glory that is herein; And therefore called the Word of …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 …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 p. 154turn Men from darkness to light Act. 26.11 Where it comes with power, it discovers th… lamentable estate, wherein poor Man is b… Nature, and discovers the way of escape 2. It hath a propagating and begetting power where it is the savor o… Li…e unto Life; I ha… begotten you through the Gospel (saith Paul to th… Corinthians) 1 Cor. 4.15. Therefore it is calle… the Word of Life; Phil. 2 16. It quickneth from the Dead; through the powerful operation o… 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 th… 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 …o lay hold on Christ, and so thereby brought into a sure and safe state; Therefore it is called, The Word of F…ith Rom. 10 8. And the Word of Salva…ion Act 13 26. VVe believe through this word preached by the Apostles and their Success…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 cu…ing and piercing vertu…; Paul speaking of the Gospel (Heb 4.12.) saith, That the Word of God is quick and powerfu…, 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: p. 155…n allusion to the Anatomy of Bodies, or else …o the cutting up of the Sacrifices, whether …hese of the Iews, or as it was used among the Heathens, especially by the Sooth-sayers, who …uriously searched into every inward part as Ezek. 21.21. Look what the Intrals are to a …harp Sword, or Sacrificers Kni…e, or like In…turments of Anatom…zing in a …kilful Hand, …uch are all the most inward and secret parts of …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 …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 Corrup…ions; But it will humble the proudest Hearts▪ and quicken the deadest Spirits, and peirce through the Soul and Conscience p. 156of the most obdured; Anatomize an… lay open their Thoughts, their Security, Pride▪ Formality, Hypocrisie, &c. And strike a… the root of the Body of Death, to kill it, and be its death; Undoubtedly then, their canno… but be a singular Riches o… 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 …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 Supe…fluities. O! let us pray, that this glorious p. 157Light, may once break up amon…st them, that the Earth may be filled with the Glory of …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 o… Men, but a darkning of the glorious Splendour of the Sun of Righteousness, that He may not sh…ne in His native and superexcellent Glory. 3. We should commiserate that People, where His Glory did once shine, bu… seems now to be robbed thereof, through the Godlessness and Wickedness of Men, being Instruments of Satan, in whose Soul, the …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, o… unreasonable Persecution, to banish Christ, His p. 158Servants and Gospel out of the Land. O… wha… 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 fo… such. 4. We should condole such Nation… 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 b… free of Idolatry and Superstition, which ar… open Blots and Spots on this Glory, and th… free of outward Persecution, yet great Strangers unto the Riches of the Glory of this Gospel, S…rangers unto the Power and Operations of the same, having the Name o… Purity▪ and G…spel Truths amongst them, but no more; And so are dying and perishing throug… an inward decay of Life and Power. The… undoub…edly are also to be lamented over.

2. Vse. As on this ground we lament th… state of the Churches, so may we take up … Lamentation over the persons who live unde… the dew and sun-shine of the Gospel, and nevertheless see no Beauty or Glory in the …ame The Glory the…eof is hid from …heir Eyes, an… they see no Beau…y, nor desireableness, no… Riches of Glory in the same, the GOD of th… World having blinded their Minds 2 Cor 4.4. They look upon the Gospel, as an artificia… composed Fable; They set no worth nor pri… upon it as they should; In place of Glory, p. 159is 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 ind…fferent and Gallio like, and in no ways lay the …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 ve…y Name and Profession of the Gospel, and all who adhere to the same, as many do, who (…f possible) would drive it out of the World. O! what aileth them, and offends them at this Gospel, which is so …ull of Glory, and bringeth Glory in it to poor Soul…? 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 p. 160own that, yet their Heart riseth against the Life and Power thereof, wherever they discern it; and as a fi… occasion …ff…rs them, they but laugh and mock at all that is more than an outwar… prof…ssion. Its true there is a Beau…y and Glory to be seen in the very ou…ward Dispensation of the Gospel, when performed in Gospel purity; But the more special Glory, with the Riches of the Glory of the Gospel, l… 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 do…h most signally appear. 4. Such are to be rebuked, who bring stains and shame, through …h…ir scandalous Life upon that gloriou… Gospel, bringing up an evil Report upon th… same; And thereby occasioning Enemies to desp…se and con…emn the same: O! what a da…k Cloud doth the scandalous Lives of Profess…rs, raise over the …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 s…ffer this Glory, once to enter their Souls, who c…st no… up the Door of their Souls, that it may enter in, and call not to the GOD o… Glory, that He. Who commanded the light to shine out of d…rkness, ma… shine into …heir Hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God, in the Face p. 161of 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 Ash…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 fil…hy Rags.

4 Vse. This requires of us sundry Du…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 …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, p. 162who have never a… ye… s…en one blink of Glo…? Providing we could prise a right the worth o… this Treasure, we should see ou… unspeak…ble and great Obligations to Thankfulness, … as we would be forced to cry forth, What shall we render unto the Lord for this Benefi… and infinite Mercy? 2. We should esteem highly of this Gospel, and priz… it much, that our despising thereof provoke not the Lord to remove it; that the Sun might 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 p…cious Gospel. 3. We should be much it P…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 …he Gospel amongst us, and to be ware that we oppose not the Power and Operation… of the same. O let the Glory thereof shine it our H…arts! And for that eff…ct let us lay ope… 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 obtai… a more clear discovery of the Riches of the p. 163Glory of this Mystery. To wit. (1) That this Gospel discovers to us our Wre…chedness, Emptyness, Madness, Poverty, Nakedness and every way Undon…n…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 Fai…h, that we may live in Him, and He in us, and be one in Him. (5) That it enclineth our Hearts, unto a swee… Union with the Gospel Comman…s, and to a living by Faith in Christ, and to a depending and resting on Him for Salvation, through His offe…ing of Himself, and through His Media…ory Righteousness offered and hold…n for…h in the Gosp…l▪ and impu…ed …o Believers th…ough F…ith. (6) Tha the Discovery of this Gospel makes us …ll in love with Holiness, an… to work out our Salvation with Fear and Trembling, leaning on Jesus by Faith, drawing Life and Power from Him, who is given …or a Covenant un…o the People, that we might so g…ow up and bea… Fru…t in Him, and go from streng…h …o streng…h in Him, untill we appear be…or… GOD … Zion

5 Use. This requires … sel…-searching, whether or not we hav… ever attained a sav…ng si…ht of this Glory, the Riches of the Glory of …his p. 164Mystery: And we may know it by these Mark… As 1 Mark. The light of the Gospel discover… a Fulness, a sensible Fulness, a Soul-satisfy…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 sel… ▪ 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 circu…spectly to the Glory of GOD, and to the praise and adorning the Gospel Profession, to the engaging of Strangers unto the …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 …o keep them pure, and to improve them to the right end, and will make them help to p. 165maintain His Cro… rights and Priviledges. …s King in His ow… …urch, and chief Commander in …is own House.